- Speed
- 30 ft
Base attributes
- Charisma
- 14
- Constitution
- 12
- Dexterity
- 17
- Intelligence
- 15
- Strength
- 11
- Wisdom
- 9
- By Right of the Sword
- "You're the ba – ! Oh, me and my big mouth! Well, Your Grace, blessings on you and your subjects. I shall hurr
- Cephal snatches the document from Varn's hands. As he reads it, the old wizard's eyes nearly pop out of his he
- "Great Asmodeus, what did I do to deserve this punishment? Why do I deal with you at all? I should have taken
- The middle-aged man is hastily packing his wares into his cart. His rugged face and sun-bleached hair show him
- Noticing your party, a woman in simple peasant clothes breaks away from the group and throws herself at Maegar
- "You see, Your Grace? They've donned the black robes! Their minds are under the sway of the cyclopes! Please,
- "Do you remember, Your Grace, that unforgettable day of our first acquaintance, when we met those terrible, bu
- "O Asmodeus! Please give me the patience to withstand this nonsense – or take my soul already! Varn, what are
- "We believed we could live alongside people in peace. Have you heard about Trobold in the Shrike Hills? Trolls
- Cue_0016
- "You're the pitiable creature! Now stop fussing and be quiet, I'll explain everything myself!" A woman wearing
- "On the other hand, they could prove most useful in this situation. Think, Maegar! Think! If anyone could help
- "While you, your grace, were drinking wine at the feast, I was busy acquiring a map of Nivakta's Crossing. Loo
- "There you are, two-legged. What do you say now? You tried to make us drop our guard, while your spies got ins
- "Zombie cyclopes... I'd say it's unheard of, but as this young man pointed out, we've already met them once, a
- "So, the uprising of renegades has been quashed? Praise the Master! Your Grace, allow me to pledge my eternal
- "We really did kill the old people... But we had to! We were only defending ourselves!"
- "Oh yes! The cyclopes are the former servants of the Master, and they arise as his heralds. They come to test
- "You will not preach realism to me, you naive boy! Yes, we are bargaining chips to them. That is exactly what
- "Your Grace! We are no villains, and bear no hatred or grudge. We only worship an ancient and wise deity who h
- "Do you hear me, apostates? This is your punishment! You've been betrayed by the very baron whose help you rel
- "There are beasts even among ordinary people. We understand."
- "Have at them, brothers! The baron will help us!"
- "This is true, you have saved us more than once... Apparently in order to valiantly ruin not just a party of m
- "We only stayed here to give our wounded friend a chance to heal. But then guests came. It was probably a bad
- The old man looks at the old woman, then you, and then turns his eyes back to Maegar. "Em... Yes, yes, of cour
- "Why do you keep saying 'us' and 'our'? Do I need to remind you that you're a baron now? That is the differenc
- "To perish at the hand of the unfaithful... Now that the prophecy has come to pass, and the divine gift is clo
- "Listen to me carefully, you three. Yes, Kjerdi, this involves you too. Things are looking bad. First, the lan
- "In ancient times, before the Earthfall, a great cyclopes empire ruled these lands. But they were unworthy of
- "I suspect the cyclopes have nothing to do with this, and our guest just wants to trick us into solving some l
- "Baron? Is this what two-legged call their rulers? Baron, ha! The Nomen tribe has guarded this land for over a
- "An empire will arise in Dunsward again – not of cyclopes, but of people like you and me! Are you prepared to
- "Make sure not to order any meat. I heard it's... strange here."
- "Why do you keep butting in, you rattle-box? You keep quiet. I'm not dumb, I can talk! So, Your Grace, woe has
- "In ancient times, before the Earthfall, a great cyclopes empire ruled these lands. But they were unworthy of
- "Don't listen to him! He wants to feed you to the cyclopes too! I beg you, spare us from this cult! We will wo
- "I hate Restov. Besides, while you were at the ball, another bandit gang slithered into town. – And who would
- "Oh, Your Grace! What an honor it is for you to visit our humble village. I am Zordesh, the headman of this vi
- "How could you say such horrible things?! Why everyone? Not everyone worshi... I mean, not everyone was driven
- "Exactly. Asmodeus is my witness, I know more about deals with devils than you. In fact, I am accustomed to pl
- "There! You see an answer to your blasphemy! I speak the truth: if you renounce the Master, no other god can p
- "For once I will agree with you, Maegar. And you, , do not be so naive. – Jamandi is no friend, not to us. Bre
- "So that is how the baron protects his subjects?"
- As Kjerdi approaches Varn, a wince crosses her grim face. But she speaks not a word, and instead hands him a d
- "But Varn, my dear friend, would you please be so kind as to explain, what, devil take you, you've been doing?
- "I am Muan, a merchant of Brevoy. I thought I'd seek fortune in the new baronies – but so far I've met only da
- "You are mad! You've no idea the power you've dared to raise your weapons against! Faithful! – Cover my retrea
- "Maegar, Maegar! Of course they're spies! You refused the spy in plain sight – congratulations, well done. Now
- "But that is where you are so wrong! Do you imagine this is a table we can get up from? No! A mercenary comman
- "Agreed. Legends don't spring clear out of the blue. Whatever secret this tomb holds, it may prove useful."
- "As you command, Your Highness! I've sent our best warriors there – if only they'd been here, the uprising wou
- "My friend, to be frank, I hold no stock in ancient artifacts of boundless power. All that grand rubbish sound
- "Your Grace, I realize you're incredibly busy, but please, heed the words of your..."
- "Thank you, Your Grace! Did you hear that, O faithful? Defeat the apostates! When the dust settles, visit the
- "I think I... To a certain extent, I may be partially... responsible for what's going on? Metaphorically speak
- "If you would allow it, baron, we would like to live in your capital. We will maintain our human appearance, a
- "Welcome back, your grace. Did you have fun at the celebration? Have enough to eat? Good, then let's get back
- "We came here in human form as guests. And they drugged us with a sleeping potion and tried to kill us! Those
- The dwarf shrugs and hands him another paper.
- "What about me?"
- The moment the centaurs have left, Cephal sheds his nonchalant mask and turns angrily to Maegar. "What were yo
- "Thank you, Your Grace! There is another problem, though..." The village woman lowers her voice. "These zombie
- "Under control? Far from it! Your Grace, you must save us! This maniac venerates Charon, the Horseman of Death
- "Don't leave us with them! They'll sacrifice us to their... Ermm... I mean, they'll slaughter us all!"
- "This is the Baron! Help! Please!"
- The tiefling lowers his head. "I will not lie to you – we are the children of the Horseman of Death. Our villa
- "Yes, yes, of course! Don't worry about a thing!"
- "Do not become too attached to Varnhold. This is but a stepping stone. Our real prize lies to the west. – But
- "Well said, Maegar. But if you understand this, then why not take the next logical step?"
- "Your Grace! Your hour has come! Err, that didn't sound quite right... I mean, it's your time to shine! To sho
- "I see... So, we've got a revolutionary from Galt on our hands. A tavern keeper writes us. — She saw the revol
- "To arms!"
- "Well, I suppose the drunken bard was just making up tales about this inn. Forgive us for the intrusion! We ar
- Maegar stops, looks over the area and turns to the party. "Everyone listen carefully. I don't trust our new 'f
- "Look at the poor wretches! – The cyclopes stole their minds! The butchery is about to begin! We must save who
- "I did no such thing." Maegar is grim and serious. "Look at them – they're adolescents, silly youths who snuck
- "Such villainy!"
- "Well, that seems to be a lie. Yes, , it appears that you've expose them for something worse than a lack of ho
- "What a story. We've hardly solved our problems with the centaurs, and we've already got a whole new riddle –
- "In no way do we mean to insult you or your tribe, Aecora. Please, hear the reason in the idea, not the boldne
- "We're off!"
- "Well, General, here's your first order. Talk to Kjerdi and pick three of our lads as your brothers in arms. I
- "There is! It's Kjerdi!" Maegar smiles proudly. "However, in her eyes I'm an insolent greenhorn who hasn't eve
- "Ha! Didn't I tell you, Cephal? There's something wrong here!"
- "I... understand."
- "Well, you're the General. –- You go and deal with it. Talk to the tavern keeper, find out where to look for t
- Maegar looks down and smiles faintly for a moment. "Yes. Because who needs an empty house, where your only com
- "A fair reproach. I feel ashamed!"
- "Really? Well then, forgive us for the intrusion, dear hosts. Thank you for your hospitality. We have to go."
- "In that case, the picture is complete." Maegar draws his sword.
- "I'll lead a party personally. , choose the best of the Varnling Host. We march at once! The others will remai
- "I don't have the strength to resist the pressure of my two closest friends and advisors. Not now, when Varnho
- Maegar smiles. "You're right. Anyway, we'll have plenty of time to discuss the respective merits of tents and
- "I understand why this woman lied to us, and I've no wish to punish her, or any who've renounced Charon. As fo
- Maegar leans forward, and kisses you like there will be no tomorrow. Then he turns away sharply and dashes int
- "We should... But let them explain themselves first. Hey, headman! Is this true?"
- "Oh my... Cephal, that was some speech! But do you really think the Dark Prince would hand you, of all people,
- "If you know this, then why would you kowtow to her? You may be an old fox, but she's no little sheep. You thi
- "Have you finished your business? While we put off dealing with the tomb, our subjects are suffering the horro
- "Well, I trust your decision. To arms!"
- Maegar follows him with his eyes for a time, then scoffs. "That went well! Of course, the lad is lying through
- "Won-der-ful. This couldn't get any better. We've barely begun the barony, and already we're on the verge of a
- "If we left it to you, we'd slaughter every potentially dangerous or willful or just plain independent person
- "I... understand. Still I was hoping for a different outcome. This is a failure for both of us, General – we e
- Maegar turns to you and winks surreptitiously. "Cephal and I will remain here just in case, to keep an eye on
- "Let me dwell on this a little before the situation becomes irreversible!" Maegar shakes his head. "Just think
- A tense silence hangs in the air. Maegar doesn't speak, either pondering his thoughts, or awaiting a reaction
- "We didn't want it in the first place. Aecora, listen, we can still..."
- Maegar turns to you and Cephal. "What do you say?"
- Maegar smiles warmly at the stranger, and extends his hand in friendship, as to an equal. He also stands in su
- "We're out of time! The citizens of the town can still be saved, but we must act at once. However, we cannot g
- "Fruits?! I've been busy guarding these fruits from Brevoy's incessant fruit moths! But I'm a baron now. We fi
- "A fair reproach. Let me introduce myself: Maegar Varn, baron of these lands. I've been called here to help –
- "Cephal, keen foresight as ever. Good job! Kjerdi, report on the situation in Varnhold."
- "So be it. When I return to the capital, I'll see to it that you have a roof over your head and a job. Here in
- "First you make me strike an alliance with the daemon worshippers, and now you ask me to commit betrayal? I be
- "I don't want to make deals with these cultists... But there's a whiff of sense in your words. , what do you s
- "Right! Well, we'll try to get used to soft feather-beds, warmth, and a roof over our heads that doesn't leak!
- "Sacrifice you to who? What are you still hiding?"
- "I admit, this inn does look rather suspicious, but without hard evidence I can't accuse these people of anyth
- Maegar raises his hand, quieting the angry whispers in the ranks of the centaurs. "Lady Aecora, I assume? I am
- "What in hell is going on here?! I am Maegar Varn, the baron of these lands, and your sovereign! I came to hel
- "I'm surprised. You and the General present a united front! Fine, I will heed your advice. Do you hear, Sir Pa
- "Forgive me, but I don't understand why you're trying to protect them. These creatures are murderers, as clear
- "I still don't understand why you're defending these monsters, but your reasoning is sound. Fine, I'll give th
- "I don't have the strength to argue, my friend. I'll just say I'm willing to rely on those who have guarded th
- "Easy, Cephal. is right."
- "And you would prefer to slaughter them all and be done with it? Until we discover their motives and learn the
- "And why, pray tell, would you and Cephal drag me into an alliance with daemon worshipers, if now we're going
- Maegar curses. "When? I've half a mind to tell you about watching your children, but the truth is I was once y
- "And why, pray tell, would you and Cephal drag me into an alliance with daemon worshipers, if now we're going
- "It's an amazing place, my barony. Even the bandits here are surprisingly polite and well-spoken." Maegar seem
- "A serious accusation. What evidence is this?"
- "I can't believe my ears. Must the history of our country begin with such villainy? Oh, Cephal, Cephal... Ah w
- "I honor my duties to my subjects. What has happened?"
- "If I treated all my subjects that way, I'd soon rule a kingdom of flies and rats. Of course we'll help them!
- "I don't need to be talked into anything. Of course we're going to help them!"
- "What is this? Where did he go? Cephal, what can you tell us?"
- "My mercenary gut! Nine times out of ten, when my gut tells me to keep my eyes peeled, the situation is about
- "Now let's go. We have a lot of work to do."
- Having finished laughing, he looks at you. "As for potential marriage, I humbly hope it may resemble a loyal a
- Maegar makes a wry face but nods. "So what did you want to tell me?"
- "Very well, good-bye then. Personally I'm in no mood for trade. , Cephal, if you need anything, go ahead and b
- "Let's go to the tomb."
- "Quiet!"
- "As blood-thirsty as ever! I must say, the more I hear, the less I like. Lies, cults, revolts... Headman – wha
- "What? You meant to say 'worship'? Worships who?"
- Maegar frowns. "So what, we just let them rob people, even on somebody else's lands?"
- "Don't you feel vaguely unsatisfied? I do. A little sad. – We could have fought a dragon but didn't..."
- Maegar looks down quietly at the dead centaur bodies. "This could have been avoided. I hope all their kin aren
- Maegar turns pale. "When?! Damn it, I only just promised the centaurs that none of us would set foot in the to
- Maegar nods in approval. "That's right. We walk under the same moon, stranger."
- ", you tiger! We barely saved the lad, and you're already sinking your claws into him!"
- "Whatever this means, we can't turn back now. This dungeon may be even more mysterious than we supposed, but w
- Maegar makes a wry face. "That's enough flattery. You say you know why the cyclopes rose, and how to stop them
- "Allies? You mean – vassals! Jamandi keeps singing about freedom and independence, but that's only because it'
- Maegar follows him with his eyes for a time, then turns to you. ", what got into you? You only made it more di
- "This adds up in a very strange way... It sounds impossible but..." Maegar gives the old couple a severe look.
- Maegar glances over the document and his face brightens. "Ah-ha... I see you've included everything, just as I
- "We are here with the express aim of protecting the city. It's all right, Kjerdi. Wait for us here. and Cephal
- As the bandit sets out his ideas, Maegar grows darker and darker. There's little doubt – he's preparing to ord
- "Forgive me, Sir Polite Dragon, but I don't trust you. And I will sleep better at night, knowing that you won'
- "Sweetie?" echoes Maegar. His eyes make Willas shiver.
- "Abhorrent!" Maegar barely keeps from spitting on the floor. "A trial will determine your guilt, and what puni
- "That's only circumstantial evidence. Can you back up your accusation with any other findings?"
- "Forgive my lack of tact. What were we talking about?"
- "I know there's gloom in the air. – That's why we're here. To whom do I have the honor of speaking?"
- "Great! Let's hear what my people managed to find out!"
- Maegar lingers a bit longer, to do what he has never forgotten, over all the years you've known him: to smile
- "It is a pleasure to see that my barony attracts such educated people. And it is most regrettable that they mu
- "Enough! Put your weapons away. No one is killing anyone. Forgive my companion, sir!"
- Maegar laughs softly. "General, don't swallow him whole right away. Leave a few pieces for the rest of us!"
- "Yes, this goes beyond mere coincidence! Will you confess, or shall I give you to my friend Cephal?"
- "I suppose so. , what say you?"
- "I can't accuse these people of anything without sufficient evidence."
- "They are noble, it's true. But it's the nobility of Brevoy's aristocracy. – Whether they're Issian or Rostlan
- Maegar fakes a friendly smirk. "Sir Pale Yan, I'm sure this rehearsed speech is very impressive, but I'm afrai
- "All the problems of my subjects are my problems! Doubly so here, since they're infighting because of the cycl
- "I've little doubt they have something to say! But why do you think we should listen to their excuses, or beli
- "You know what I wonder? If the ones who locked this cyclops tyrant in his tomb didn't want him to get back ou
- "Well, have you looked around? Have you found anything?"
- "Quiet, Cephal, and you, . I think we can – and must – try to come to some kind of agreement. But of course, w
- "With all due respect, Cephal, I'm still the military leader here. You've called me hot-tempered and reckless
- "Alas, there is no other choice."
- "I wouldn't mind talking to their warrior priestess. She might know more than these daemon worshipers. But if
- "So, the drunken bard wasn't making it up after all – they really do murder guests here. I would have liked to
- "Well, now this cyclops is much more polite, isn't he?" Maegar falls quiet for a moment, allowing you to add a
- "I know, I wouldn't be trusting in you if I thought anything else."
- "I'm afraid it's not enough to accuse him of anything."
- "I'm in a generous mood, so I'll heed the General. Sir Polite Dragon, what is this artifact you require?"
- "Listen to me, Aecora. The cyclopes have already awakened. They're already lurking in the area. That means tha
- "First, because I'm not about ready to leave the city without its guard. And second – unless we act at once, I
- "Don't take too long!"
- "Under normal circumstances, I would reproach you for insubordination, General. But right now I don't feel the
- Maegar raises his hand in a powerful gesture, drawing everyone's attention. "What is it you want from these pe
- Maegar bends in half in laughter, either at your words or at the indignant expression on Cephal's face. "What
- "That alone doesn't prove anything. Such a serious accusation requires serious proof!"
- "Really? What makes you think that?"
- "You should have gone with us. You would have liked it!"
- "Really... What sort of monster is capable of murdering people and stealing their faces?"
- "Oh, I'm dying of fear. , what say you?"
- "What else should I consider them? Cephal, have you grown foggy in your old age? I can hardly recognize you. Y
- "It's unlikely, I know. Unless they're here to reclaim that bracelet, ha ha! But calm down, the cyclopes are o
- "How horrible! With such evidence we needn't look any further. You've caught them red-handed!"
- "No we won't. I'm not prepared to slaughter parents in front of their children – not even if you and Cephal co
- Maegar casts a grateful look at you. Soft and almost tender. "Your support means the world to me." He turns ba
- "Greetings to you too, Sir Polite Dragon. What ill fate brings you to my dominions?"
- "In any case, this tomb is worth checking out. And for now it's our only lead on solving the dead cyclopes pro
- "Keep your weapons and spells at the ready. We don't know what awaits us inside."
- "I sent some much-needed aid to our neighbors in the Shrike Hills. They're our only possible allies in the com
- "Right! To arms!"
- "Then I suppose you won't mind if my people take a look around your inn? By the way, I forgot to introduce mys
- "Good afternoon! Am I interrupting something?"
- Maegar approaches and pats the lad on the shoulder, gently taking the bracelet from Willas' hands before he ca
- "Quiet, you two! I want to hear what they have to say."
- Then he turns to you and speaks very quietly, so that only you two hear it. "I will be waiting for you at the
- He looks into your eyes and lowers his voice to a whisper. "Forgive me for my doubts. You are my heart and sou
- "This is suspicious, but doesn't form sufficient grounds for an arrest. Do you have any other evidence against
- "That is a rough decision... But you are right. Sometimes one has to resort to harsh measures. To arms!"
- "So long as they don't ask me to sit for a portrait!" Maegar laughs infectiously. "I was born to a noble famil
- "Not alone. I will go with you."
- Maegar nods. "Listen, stranger. We cannot simply leave this land. But if your tribe will stop threatening the
- "As you say, but don't be long! The dead cyclopes aren't standing idle!"
- "I am not a sage, but I've learned one thing in my life: if a horrible danger is hiding in your cellar, the st
- "Isn't it time we go home?"
- For a few moments, Maegar watches Cephal and Kjerdi go away, then looks at you. There's a mischievous twinkle
- "This makes no sense. Was the tomb's creator unable to afford real zombie guards, so he created illusions inst
- "If you say so. To baroning! Here's my first order. I shall appoint you, Kjerdi, as Treasurer. You, Cephal, wi
- "Keep your eyes peeled – any evidence might be important!"
- "Great work, ! You got to the bottom of this complicated story, as if you've been doing it all your life. Well
- Maegar looks over the team and sighs. "Listen to me, everyone. We've come here for the sake of Varnhold and ou
- With grim thoroughness, Maegar wipes his sword and sheathes it. "It is done. More needless carnage for a noble
- "Listening to you is disgusting! Did we claw away our own piece of land only to keep toiling away for all thos
- "I wouldn't like to resort to such radical measures. However, if you really believe there's no other way..." M
- "No! We can still come to an agreement."
- "I've always thought it a good sign when hostile parties begin with conversation, rather than an arrow in the
- "Thank you for the warning. We'll do whatever it takes to help your village. , Cephal! Are you ready?"
- "In this case, we'll kill the cultists and leave the apostates be. To arms!"
- Maegar frowns at you, as if you were ruining his game. Then he turns serious and looks at the traveler. "Sir W
- "Well for one thing, that's low. By accepting Restov's handouts, we're taking on certain obligations. I know y
- "Cephal is right. Such carelessness is unbecoming of a General. There is unrest on our lands, and unrest must
- Maegar reaches for his blade. "I've no wish to cross steel with my subjects... But if their minds have been st
- "Well, Cephal? Has your magic worked? It doesn't look like anything changed."
- "A valid point. Then please bear my bluntness as well. Most rulers wouldn't want an unknown dragon in their do
- "To hell with you. Take it, and fly away."
- "Sweetie?" Maegar speaks very calmly, but the sound of his voice makes Willas shiver. After holding a pause, M
- Maegar looks at Cephal, then at you, then back at Cephal again. "A unified front, huh! I don't like this, but
- "That's my most loyal companion! – No idle talk, right to business." Maegar chuckles, though he looks a little
- "I don't believe in daemon gifts, but I say this tomb is worth checking. And for now it's our only lead on sol
- "I could fall in love with you right now, if I hadn't already... Ahem, all right. Not in public!"
- "So, what did you manage to find out?"
- "Meanwhile the confessions of this scumbag have revealed much of interest, haven't they?"
- "Captain Varn has spent most of his life fighting bandits and murderers. I wouldn't want Baron Varn to commenc
- "Are you sure you're all right?"
- "There's no way we're talking to monsters!"
- Maegar hesitates, but then nods. "So, these are lycanthropes... What else did you manage to find out?"
- "There is reason in this... But still, it's not enough to believe in the innocence of these human-eating lycan
- "You think so? Then let's not act rashly! First we must get to the bottom of this."
- Maegar arches his eyebrow, surprised, and looks at you with slight disapproval.
- "Fine, that's enough idle talk. Let's go!"
- "It won't be my hot temper that ruins us. It'll be your cunning and greed. In any game, the most important thi
- "A keen nose and an eagle eye!" Maegar pats you on the shoulder in approval. "I hope that dead cyclops is the
- "Get out of my sight, Cephal. Get out! Never would the name of Maegar Varn be tarred with such abominable vill
- Maegar nods. "Well, lycanthropes, what's your next move? I'm sorry your first attempt at living peacefully alo
- Varn shakes his head, astonished. "I can't believe my ears... Well! No matter how unbelievable it seems, I mus
