The halls of the Collsung are a grand thing in their own right. Not more than two stories, it sweeps wide over the hill, with walls of burnished wood providing a stout defense. The stables of the hall nearly equal it in size, and you see herds of horses being ushered between the stables and fields.
Your horse snickers beneath you. He was brought here and trained by the Collsung's finest horselords to bear the Voldrung;s lord. You brush his neck, and smile to yourself.
In contrast to the fickle Adairn, the Collsung have greeted you with an honor guard, their famed Death Riders trotting out to greet you and escort you to the side of their lord. While their settlement is not nearly as large as the city of the Adairn or your own, they are a people dedicated to the horse.
You are ushered quickly through the halls, tapestries covering the walls and fire providing some warmth from the faint bite of chill in the air.
A roaring fire silhouettes the lord of the Collsung. A tall man, Edal Collsung turns and gives a respectful before you. His face is a hard one, with golden eyes like those of a hawk. Grey streaks course through his red hair and beard.
"Rise," You tell him, smile on your face. Here you finally get the respect you are owed.
"My lord," he replies. "Welcome to Highfield. We are at your disposal."
Later that evening, a grand feast is held. Your retinue fills the halls, intermingling with the Collsung's warriors and courtiers. You feast and drink in equal measure, for a time forgetting about the stresses of your rule.
Edal proves himself an able host. He is popular with his men, though somewhat reserved. He touches on his raids and battles, but he goes long on the minutia of the breeding of his prized horses, and the development of his lands to support the herds of horse and cattle. In his part he asks what interests you most, to which you reply-
A. The development of your warband. From training to leading into battle, you have several ideas from the armies and legions of the past and modern day you would like to see implemented. Word: War
B. Combat: From studying martial treaties from across the Dominion and surrounding nations, you devote much of your time to training and study. Before your ascension you were the First Sword for your mother, and many feared your blade. Word: Blade+
C. Wonders: The great ruins of old, flying ships and castles, artifacts of doom and grandeur. These have always fascinated you, and as a Dark Lord you finally will have the resources to make your own. Word:
D. History: You always had a passion for learning more about the history of the Dominion, and even delved a few ruins in your time. Some say you've spent too much time in the library, but those who say such are fools, what do they know in comparison to you? Word: Knowledge
E. Something else? Wrapped up in your talk with the lord Collsung, you hardly notice the giant of a man slam his fist into the table in front of you. His face is flushed red with drink and anger. A hush falls across the hall.
"You are no true lord. The true Volsung leads her army, with her crown claimed in battle and the Ironsworn at her side. You will only lead us to doom and death."
No one speaks a word as they all wait to see what you will do.
You reach and pick up your goblet, filled with a dark red wine.
"I would ask my First Sword why this man still draws breathe," you ask before taking a sip.
Things happen fast. There's shouting, Sevus leaps forward with sword ready. and the detractor's own weapon was only half drawn before his head was separated from his shoulders by a well struck blow. His body collapses, headless to the ground, and Sevus stands perfectly poised, taut and eager for a fight.
No one takes him up on it, instead raising a cheer from the assembled warriors. The tension breaks, and several men and women come up to Sevus, admiring looks in their eyes and drinks in hand.
Collsung leans back.
"Well, with that out of the way, lets get to business. You have our support, of course, but times are tense right now on our border with the Adairn. It can't leave my land undefended from raids and Adairn warbands."
What arrangement do you make with the Collsung horselord?
A. That will do. Take a small warband worth of riders with you.
B.I can make promises of some land from the feckless Adairn. Receive a notable amount of riders.
C. You will receive great tracts of land from the Adairn in return for your loyalty. Collsung will become the largest clan via amount of land at the expense of the Adairn, and in return he himself will ride with you and many warriors.
D. The Adairn will be wiped out, and you will receive their lands if you join with me. Promises the land of the Adairn to them, in return the Collsung devote nearly all their warriors to you.
E.Something else?Note: A and B will allow you more room for promises if you decide to approach other clans.
Author
Topic: Lord of the Dark Dominion (SG) (Read 3601 times)