Lina entered the world amidst the rolling hills just beyond the eastern outskirts of Krimlond. Her family, hailing from a long line of wanderers, traversed from one city to another, showcasing their merchandise while regaling audiences with enchanting melodies, choreographed dances, and the mystic arts of Tarot and palmistry. As a result of their itinerant lifestyle, their speech bore the cadence of the places they visited. While they possessed the ability to communicate with ethereal beings, this extraordinary gift was misconstrued as necromancy. This perilous accusation could result in execution or imprisonment in the cavernous confines of the dungeons.
As the female elf, dressed in her distinctive seafaring attire, stepped onto the docks of Nuri’Fon, her presence commanded attention. Her slender figure was adorned in a captain's military coat, strikingly black with bold red trims that highlighted her authority as the baroness of Krimlond. The coat, accented with elegant touches of gold, spoke of her noble lineage and status.
The iron golem, resembling a faceless doorman, stood stoically beside her, a testament to her esteemed position. It held out her silver short swords, symbolizing her readiness for any challenge that might cross her path.
"Thank you, Doorman," she said with a sweet traveler's accent that carried a hint of authority softened by charm. Her voice, though gentle, hinted at the determination and experience of someone who had navigated the seas and commanded ships with skill.
Her captain's hat, matching the coat in its black and red hues, sat proudly atop her head, completing her ensemble as she surveyed the bustling docks of Nuri’Fon with a mix of curiosity and familiarity. This baroness of Krimlond had arrived, ready to engage with whatever awaited her in this new port city.
After donning her captain's coat and securing her silver short swords, Krimlond's baroness turned to address her crew. They moved efficiently, unloading cargo under her watchful eye. She instructed them with a firm yet graceful demeanor, "I will be at the embassy. Meet me there when you are done."
In unison, her crew responded, "Aye, baroness," showing their respect and understanding of her command.
The crew of Baroness Lina's ship comprised a unique blend of individuals, reflecting the diversity and strength of Krimlond's maritime prowess. Six of her crew members hailed directly from the barony, each distinguished by their unwavering loyalty and expertise in their respective roles. These individuals formed the backbone of her operations, their skills honed through years of service and dedication to their baroness.
Complementing these living members were numerous mindless golems, meticulously controlled and directed by Lina and her trusted aides. Though lacking in consciousness, these golems played a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of the ship's operations, carrying out tasks with mechanical precision alongside their human counterparts.
Beyond the ship's day-to-day operations, Lina and her crew adhered to a compelling tradition—the monthly meeting at the kingdom's capital. This gathering, known as the Calling of the Heroic Soul, held profound significance. Nobles, knights, adventurers, and those drawn to the mystical energies convened to exchange knowledge, forge alliances, and bolster defenses against the myriad threats that plagued the land.
Central to these gatherings was the collective effort to combat monstrous creatures such as orcs, goblins, and drakes, whose presence threatened the kingdom's safety and stability. The baroness and her crew, seasoned in maritime and terrestrial challenges, contributed their skills and resources to these communal efforts, reinforcing Krimlond's reputation as stalwart defenders of the kingdom.
As they navigated the waters and lands under their stewardship, Baroness Lina and her crew exemplified unity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to protecting their homeland and its people from the perils that lurked beyond the horizon.
As the baroness made her way towards the embassy, her mind likely occupied with the diplomatic intricacies ahead, she was also attuned to the deeper currents of magic and history that intertwined with her role as a leader and protector of Krimlond's interests.
Leaving the docks behind, Lina makes her way to the embassy, a small keep on the city's edge. Each baron's embassy is strategically placed at the opposite ends of the city, reflecting the balance of power. The baronies each have their district where their nobles reside. The embassy is a unique and mysterious place decorated with numerous seafaring trinkets. With the group only having seven individuals, each person has their own room and working plumbing, which Gauge Widdershins invented.
The Barony itself has six members. Hoat Yewsae, the champion of the barony of Krimlond and Lina's trusted second-in-command, had a remarkable origin and journey to his current role. Originally belonging to a monkey-like species, Hoat's early life was defined by his exceptional prowess in martial skills. He won a festival tournament remarkably young, cementing his reputation as a prodigious fighter.
One of Hoat's most celebrated achievements was his victory over Merlot Nurison in a tournament setting—an accomplishment that set him apart and earned him widespread recognition across the realm.
However, fate took an unexpected turn for Hoat when he transformed; during one of Teric Astrus's experiments, a magical accident occurred while Hoat was asleep, altering his physical form. The magic inadvertently changed him from his original monkey-like appearance into a human—a transition that surprised him upon waking. Despite rumors suggesting he didn't realize the change due to the absence of his former dense coat of hair, Hoat maintained that he recognized his transformation immediately, citing the sudden chill he felt without his previous fur covering.
Hoat Yewsae's journey from a skilled warrior of a unique species to becoming the champion and trusted aide of the baroness of Krimlond underscored his adaptability, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his duties and comrades. His story stood as a testament to the unpredictable nature of magic and the unexpected paths it could lead individuals down in their lives.
Scarlet Dupree is a human from an upper-class family. They are from another kingdom in the Far East, across the ocean. They are diplomats and merchants. Scarlet is one of the diplomats trained to negotiate and barter. It took Lina a lot of persuading to have her join the barony. She is the only none kingdom citizen who has ever joined a barony after a while; Lina allowed her to join them in their acts of piracy. She loved being a pirate so much that she made it her whole personality. Adopting the motto, what would a pirate do? She became ruthless on the open sea. She chooses to use a living crew rather than golems; She likes to have conflict and chaos within her crew for fun. She goes through the crew rather quickly. But she always has people waiting to join her crew because she lets the crew keep the bounty as their pay.
Once she is on dry land, Scarlet's personality, demeanor, and Wardrobe change. She goes from a ruthless pirate to a Well-behaved Noble lady.
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Harley Keel's life began in the aftermath of a tragic shipwreck that claimed the life of the last baron of Krimlond over a decade ago. Found as a survivor on the beach with no memory of her previous existence, she was taken in and raised aboard the ship of Krimlond, her parents having been crew members. Despite starting with a blank slate, some speculated she was initially a street urchin due to the absence of prior memories. Over time, Harley proved herself aboard the ship, rising through the ranks until she eventually earned a place among Krimlond's Barony.
Harley's reputation for brutality at sea and on land became legendary. Her prowess and fearlessness in navigating the treacherous waters and political landmines were well-known among allies and enemies. Many hesitated to cross her path, fearing her swift and uncompromising retribution for any perceived slight or challenge.
Her ascent to the ranks of the barony was a testament to her skill, determination, and unwavering loyalty to Krimlond. Despite her enigmatic past and formidable reputation, Harley's presence in the barony served as a constant reminder of both the peril and strength that defined life within the realm of Krimlond.
Gauge Widdershins, the ingenious gnome inventor and master artificer of Krimlond, was a revered and exasperating figure within the barony. Renowned for his skill in crafting magical weapons and other marvels, Gauge's creations not only bolstered the strength of Krimlond's members but also captured the attention of Baroness Lina herself.
Despite his pivotal role as the court healer and primary supplier of magical armaments, Gauge's personality often led him into amusing and sometimes troublesome situations. His penchant for lightheartedness and a desire to bring joy to those around him frequently clashed with the seriousness of baronial affairs, occasionally drawing the ire of Lina and the other baronies. However, beneath his playful exterior lay a gnome burdened by the unintended mantle of leadership thrust upon him by his family, the esteemed Widdershins clan, who viewed him as their de facto leader despite his reluctance.
Gauge's passion lay not in administrative duties or leadership demands but in sharing adventures and camaraderie with his friends. His inventions, borne of his creativity and boundless curiosity, were a testament to his intellect and a means to connect with others through wonder and laughter.
For Baroness Lina, Gauge Widdershins embodied a unique blend of brilliance and mischief that fascinated and occasionally exasperated her. Yet, his inventive spirit and ability to inspire ultimately earned his place among Krimlond's esteemed members, forging bonds that transcended the boundaries of duty and family expectations.
Flynn Bramble, a remnant of the old Barony predating Baroness Lina's tenure, stood out starkly among the members of Krimlond. His contentious nature and frequent clashes with Lina and other baronial members painted him as an outlier within their ranks. Known for his stubborn independence, Flynn often circumvented Lina's authority by reporting directly to the Duke of their lands, exacerbating tensions within the barony.
One of Flynn's most significant points of conflict with his peers stemmed from his zealous pursuit of justice, mainly targeting Scarlet and Harley for their acts of piracy. His relentless efforts resulted in their frequent arrests, creating ongoing friction within Krimlond.
However, despite his disruptive tendencies, Flynn Bramble possessed an invaluable skill set that rendered him indispensable to the barony: his unparalleled scout expertise and mastery of druidic magics. Flynn became renowned as the kingdom's greatest scout through his dedicated study and application of druidic teachings fused with military tactics. His ability to navigate the dense forests and wilderness with precision and cunning gave Krimlond vital intelligence and strategic advantages.
A distinctive aspect of Flynn's character was his adherence to druidic principles, which forbade him from relying on magical items. Instead, he honed his physical prowess and instincts, emphasizing a reliance on his abilities rather than external magical aids—a testament to his disciplined training and unwavering dedication to his craft.
Despite the persistent discord he stirred within Krimlond, Flynn Bramble's unmatched skills and unwavering commitment to his duties ensured that, begrudgingly, his presence remained irreplaceable within the barony's ranks. His dual identity as a thorn in Lina's side and an essential asset underscored the complex dynamics that defined Krimlond's inner circle.
Teric Astrus, a remarkably young gnome whose brilliance in the arcane arts surpassed many adults, stood as a prodigy within the kingdom. Despite his tender age, Teric was celebrated as the Kingdom's most extraordinary mind, renowned for inventing and executing rituals that outshone those of any other practitioner. His lineage added weight to his reputation, as he was the grandson of the esteemed last High Wizard of the Kingdom.
Despite his prodigious talents, Teric maintained a humble routine: attending school under the guidance of his grandfather every day. Few could match his intellect, and those who attempted often found themselves reevaluating their careers. His collaboration with Gauge Widdershins, the master artificer, was particularly notable. Together, they devoted their formidable talents to crafting defensive golems for the embassy and pioneering magical augmentations.
One of their groundbreaking discoveries was the development of magical augmentations akin to Red’s Eye, a mysterious enhancement that tapped into the moon's magical energies. By binding these lunar forces to individuals, they bestowed unprecedented magical prowess, elevating Krimlond to the status of the strongest barony within the kingdom.
Teric's contributions to magical theory and practice were academic and practical, influencing the fabric of Krimlond's defense and strategic capabilities. His partnership with Gauge epitomized innovation and ingenuity, ensuring their barony stood at the forefront of magical innovation and military preparedness.
Lina eventually makes it to her Embassy. Upon entering, she reserves word from her spies at Ffair’fon. The letter reads.
Dear baroness Lina
We have uncovered something of dire Importance. We have seen sightings of the Lords of necromancy within Ffair’fon. At the same time, we might see one or two during the All Hallows festival. We have cited all eight Lords. Something has brought them here, and we believe it is Mah’nethotep himself. We have also confirmed that his moon has indeed been destroyed.
Sincerely grave news.
Apologies for the pun.
Lina reads the letter and sighs, rubbing her head. “We can't Catch a break. It's always something around here. I can't wait to go on vacation,” she says to one of the housekeepers' servants. Walking into her room, she removes her swords, sits at her desk, and begins writing orders and giving each member a mission.
The orders are as follows.
Teric’s orders for the battle of the baronies.
Mr Teric, I will require that you augment all members with the Fire imbuement. During the feast, we will be seen with the ice imbuement. When the Feast ends, you will start imbuing every member with fire. Once the members are imbued with fire, they are not allowed to leave the embassy until the battle of the baronies.
Gauge’s orders for the battle of the baronies.
Make silver weapons for each member—no imbuements for the battle. We do not want anyone to have an advantage over us. Each item you make will require healing spells stored within. Only hand out these weapons right before the battle.
Flynn’s orders for the battle of the baronies.
Find out where the battle will be held. Once you find the parameters, get acquainted with the land and place traps throughout the area. Create a map of the area and place false trap markers on it. Have someone get their hands on the map. Ensure to get robbed or killed to ensure another barony gets their hands on it.
Scarlet and Harley order for the battle of the baronies.
Create as many poisons as you can. You will lore people toward traps that Flynn sets. Then, you will poison them and go to the other traps to reapply the poisons to remove the enemies from the fight.
Hoat orders for the battle of the baronies.
You will do your best to kill off the healers and Issue battle commands. I will also ask you not to attend the feast. I have a hunch our Embassy will be a Target during the feast.
Lina finishes the letters and hand-delivers them to each member, ordering them to burn them after reading. Once her other duties are handled, she begins getting ready for the feast. She wears a corset and a saree, skillfully hiding potions, a dagger, and a teleportation ritual within her clothes, a standard practice among nobles.
