A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 1
Table of Contents
SEEDS OF DISASTER...........................................................2
Miginath’s Motives..........................................................3
Secret Players: Council of Eleven...................................3
Dark Conspiracies............................................................3
Changes from the Year 720.............................................3
THE CHARACTERS..............................................................4
Leading Candidates.........................................................4
Maldan Harabor (Olokand)......................................4
Cheselyne Hosath (née Elendsa)..............................4
Conwan Elendsa (Querina).......................................4
Orsin Firith (Kobing)..................................................4
Erelar Hirnen (Nenda)...............................................5
Troda Dariune (Kiban)...............................................5
Tulath Kaphin (Athelren)..........................................5
Royal Household..............................................................5
Erila Kaphin (Privy Seal)...........................................5
Meliem Elendsa (Chamberlain)................................6
Koris Harabor (Guard Marshal)...............................6
Ruta Inamis (Chief Clerk)..........................................6
Ernell Mered (Royal Physician)................................7
Derwen Verdreth (Shek-Pvar)..................................7
Migray Hosath (Royal Herald).................................7
The Earls............................................................................7
Hemisen Curo (Gardiren).........................................7
Declaen Caldeth (Minarsas)......................................7
Thilisa Meleken (Qualdris)........................................7
The Barons.........................................................................8
Chimin Indama (Getha).............................................8
Tarmas Verdreth (Ternua)........................................8
Kisan Tesla (Esenor)...................................................8
Wevran Ethasiel (Setrew)..........................................8
Churus Londel (Yeged).............................................9
Uthris Pierstel (Tonot)................................................9
Karsin Ubael (Uldien)................................................9
Greon Bastune (Kolorn).............................................9
Arwyn Elorieth (Nubeth)..........................................9
The Sheriffs........................................................................9
Harapa Indama (Bidow)............................................9
Ranal Gybsen (Sirendel)............................................9
Eris Karondal (Shebra).............................................10
Meden Curo (Hutop)...............................................10
The Constables................................................................10
Haldare Venera (Tashal)..........................................10
Garath Ruseller (Pendath).......................................10
Dagald Jendral (Fisen).............................................10
Shernath Mirdarne (Jedes)......................................10
Danyes Bernan (Kyg)...............................................10
Coreth Lothlar (Zoben)............................................10
Eres Tereneth (Baseta)..............................................10
Bereden Pawade (Heru)..........................................11
The Laranian Church.....................................................11
Conwan Elendsa’s Oath..........................................11
Edine Kynn (Caleme)...............................................11
Tyrnal Dariune (Cholas)..........................................12
Ilor Hadan (Abriel)...................................................12
Cerdan Bantire (Ledyne).........................................12
Sheryd Quathis (Brynd)...........................................12
Houla Artona (Whyce)............................................12
Luisan Kelic (Jenkald)..............................................12
Tae Sarela (Yaltako)..................................................13
Mulron Charyn (Vadan)..........................................13
Remiu Valador (Nebulan).......................................13
Clan Elendsa...................................................................13
Lerela Alsar (née Elendsa).......................................13
Arlin Alsar (Nicomen).............................................13
Meliem Elendsa (Tashal).........................................14
Cheselyn Hosath the Younger (Tashal).................14
Merala Hosath (Tashal)...........................................14
Lenera Firith (Caleme).............................................14
Serli Ubael (née Firith).............................................14
Kymen Firith (Qualire)............................................14
Asorn Firith (Tashal)................................................14
Tarkin Hirnen (Tashal)............................................14
Siwen Elendsa (Kiban).............................................14
Raditha Elendsa........................................................14
Korwyn Elendsa (Bromeleon).................................14
Undine Indama (née Elendsa)................................14
Donesyn Dariune (Tashal)......................................14
PRELUDE TO WAR............................................................15
Prewar Factions..............................................................15
The Bastard Faction..................................................15
The Cheselyne Faction.............................................15
The Conwan Faction................................................15
The Firith Faction......................................................15
The Dariune-Laranian Alliance..............................15
Outliers.......................................................................16
Military Dispositions.....................................................16
Standing Armies.......................................................16
Lady of Paladins.......................................................16
Forces of Meselyneshire..........................................17
Forces of Nephshire.................................................17
Forces of Vemionshire.............................................17
Forces of Thelshire....................................................18
Forces of Oselshire...................................................18
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 2
Forces of Balimshire.................................................18
Forces of Semethshire..............................................19
Role of the Player Characters.......................................19
EVENTS OF THE CRISIS....................................................20
Birth of War (Nuzyael, 721 TR)....................................20
The King’s Death (Nuzyael 23-24).........................20
Gwadira’s Plan (719 – 721 TR)................................20
Maldan’s Reaction (Nuzyael 23-28).......................21
The Royal Household (Nuzyael 25-28).................21
Conwan’s Reaction (Nuzyael 23-29)......................22
News in the Kingdom (Nuzyael 23-30).................23
Tulath’s Reaction (Nuzyael 25-30).........................23
The Battle of Heru (Nuzyael 29).............................23
Battle’s Aftermath (Nuzyael 30).............................24
Unfolding War (Peonu, 721 TR)...................................24
Maldan’s Next Moves (Peonu 1-10).......................24
Curo Rouses (Peonu 1-10).......................................25
Dariune Enters the Fray (Peonu 1-10)...................25
Confusion in the South (Peonu 1-10).....................26
Involving the Player Characters.............................26
Further Events (Peonu 11+)....................................26
Possible Future Events..................................................27
THE SHADOW WAR..........................................................28
Gwadira’s Agents...........................................................28
Agents of the Council of Eleven...................................28
Dark Churches................................................................28
Morsindari.......................................................................29
Gargun Invasion.............................................................29
Altering the Scenario.....................................................29
One of the most fascinating stories in Hârnic canon is
the looming succession crisis to the Kaldoric throne. The
published material is intentionally vague on how the
crisis may turn out, leaving it open to interpretation.
This article describes how I intend the crisis to begin in
my p-Hârn. Since I want my campaign to involve both
battle and intrigue, this scenario is designed to start
badly, leading to civil war in 721.
The material in this article is based largely on the
information in Edward Barach’s analysis of the crisis in
Thonahexus #9. I’ve made extensive use of Jonathan
Nicholas’s Great Clans of Kaldor and Kerry Mould’s Lady
of Paladins article. Like those articles, I also relied heavily
on the Kaldor articles from Columbia games and NRC’s
original writings, along with random material from a
multitude of other canon and fanon articles.
Some of the elements of the scenario are my own
interpretation, particularly the origin of Erila Kaphin,
the personality of Edine Kynn and the nature of Conwan
Elendsa’s “inconvenient oath”. The outline below is
written as if the year is 721.
SEEDS OF DISASTER
The foundations of the upcoming succession crisis
were laid many years before, during the reign of King
Torastra. Torastra was a vigorous and militaristic king.
His first son and heir, Haldan, was similar, but his
second son Miginath was of a more frail and intellectual
bent. The young Miginath was also a great romantic,
and at the age of 20 he fell in love with a beautiful
commoner, Lesil Harabor, insisting he would have no
one else for his bride.
Torastra was furious and Miginath was exiled from
Kaldor in 673, along with his lover who was already
heavy with child. Lesil and Miginath travelled abroad
for two years, eventually settling in Cherafir. Lesil’s
second birth went badly and she did not survive. The
distraught Miginath did his best to care for his two
young sons while studying heraldry in Melderyn.
Miginath’s aunt Kethele, wife of the influential Earl
of Balim, worked to reconcile her brother Torastra with
his son Miginath. After Torastra’s victory in the Treasure
War, Kethele was able to arrange a meeting between
father and son in 679 at Jedes keep, which belonged to
her husband. Meetings continued for a few years as the
king and his son warmed up to each other.
In 682, Torastra’s first son died after a riding
accident. Miginath returned from exile and was
designated the royal heir at the age of 30. Torastra
would not grant Miginath permission to acknowledge
his bastard children, but Miginath was allowed to raise
them as nobles. Miginath himself became Constable of
Olokand and continued his studies under the famous
herald, Lady Caniara Dariune. Miginath began suffering
from the ailments that would plague him for the rest his
life, and most expected he would either die before his
father or soon after.
Torastra died in 693 from complications of an old
war wound. In the succession council that followed, the
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 3
21 year old Cheselyne, daughter of Torastra’s first son
Haldan, argued that she should be queen as the eldest in
direct line of succession from the king. There were
precedents for such a transition in Kaldoric history, but
Torastra’s siblings, Kalabin and Kethele, both voted for
Miginath, perhaps expecting the kingship to later pass
on to one of his healthier younger brothers, Brandis or
Merik. Miginath became king at the age of 41.
There was much speculation on possible brides for
the new king. Two years into his reign, Miginath had a
torrid affair with a fiery 16 year old maiden-knight, the
remarkable Erila Kaphin, and she was soon with child.
All chances of marriage were squashed, however, when
a rumor emerged (spread by the embittered Cheselyne)
that Erila was in fact a bastard daughter of Torastra.
Without proof, the church refused to permit a marriage,
but Miginath would not throw aside Erila, and she has
remained his mistress throughout his reign.
Miginath has never formally acknowledged any of
his three bastard sons, though he made sure they are
well provided for and placed in positions of power.
Nominally his younger siblings were Miginath’s heirs,
but each has predeceased him, first Brandis in 699, his
sister Erelora in 716 and both his sister Lenera and his
youngest brother Merik in 719. This leaves no clear line
of succession and an uncertain fate for Kaldor after the
death of Miginath, now approaching his 70s.
Miginath’s Motives
Despite the impractical romanticism of his own love
life, Miginath is dedicated to the prosperity of Kaldor
and does his best to rule wisely and well. While he
wants the best for his children, he is convinced that he
cannot acknowledge his sons without sparking conflict
in the realm. Kaldor’s nobles are quite conservative, and
the current head of the Laranian church, Edine Kynn,
has made it clear he will not support a bastard king
unless no other alternatives are available.
Throughout his reign, Miginath has done nothing to
confirm an heir, letting the line of succession default to
his younger brother Merik. He also did his best to put
his sons in a strong position, so they would have a place
in the kingdom after his passing. Merik’s death a year
and half ago has thrown everything into chaos, and now
Miginath is forced to make a choice. The king is old and
tired. This is one of the most difficult decisions of his
reign, and he is deliberating carefully.
Unfortunately for Kaldor, he will perish before
making his final choice.
A timely bribe to Miginath’s corrupt uncle Kalabin
Elendsa, the Laranian Archbishop at the time, helped
ensure the ascension of the king. Miginath’s physicians
have secretly been Fyvrian Shek-Pvar in the employ of
the Council. The council has even co-opted the king’s
mistress Erila to their cause (more on her later).
The Council’s original plan was to keep Miginath on
the throne for as long as they could, then arrange the
eventual succession of the more intellectually oriented
Conwan Elendsa. Although an oath currently bars
Conwan from taking the throne, the Council expected
Miginath’s younger brother Merik to first become king,
giving them the time they needed to negotiate with the
Laranian church and free Conwan from his oath. Merik’s
recent death has unraveled the Council’s plans, and they
are still adjusting to the new status quo.
Dark Conspiracies
There is another secret player works against the
kingdom of Kaldor: the Gray Mage Dyalne Dulye, also
known as Gwadira. From her stronghold in Gargun
colony of Ejatus, she plans to throw Kaldor into a civil
war that will leave it ripe for conquest.
Unlike the other players in the Kaldoric Succession,
she has no particular concerns over who will ascend to
the throne. She only wants to sow chaos and destruction,
which makes unearthing her plans more difficult. It was
Gwadira that arranged for the deaths of both Lenera and
Merik Elendsa in 719, in preparation for engineering a
genuine crisis and civil war.
Gwadira was able to use magic and poison to make
both deaths look natural. As yet no one suspects her
involvement. She was a member of the Council of
Eleven 18 years ago, and so has a general idea of their
plans, but not the more recent details. Most of the
Council believes Gwadira is dead; only her twin sister
Eilyn thinks otherwise, and even she has no inkling of
Gwadira’s current location or schemes.
Changes from the Year 720
A few things happen in the year 720 that affect the
arrangement of the kingdom in 721:
Rekela Verda Emerel of Brynd has died and was
succeeded by Sheryd Quathis.
Merek Curo, son of the Earl of Neph, was appointed
Sheriff of Osel to replace the king’s deceased brother, in
an (unsuccessful) attempt to placate the Earl over lost
trade from the Silver Way.
Dwyn Elorieth, baron of Nubeth, has died and was
replaced
by his son Arwyn.
Secret Players: Council of Eleven
Houla Artona sent members of both factions within
One hidden player in the Kaldoric succession is the
the Lady of Paladins south to the Solari crusade to try
Council of Eleven in Melderyn. The Council was
distressed over the militarism of Torastra, and wanted to (unsuccessfully) to quiet conflicts within the order.
nudge Kaldor towards a more peaceful monarch. The
Other than the above, the situation in Kaldor in 721
Council worked hard behind the scenes to reconcile
remains more or less the same as described in the
Torastra and Miginath. Though they had nothing to do
published material, though in some cases the passage of
with Haldan’s death, they quickly took advantage of it
a year has had further effects. For example, the Earl of
to groom a king more to their liking.
Osel has now been missing over a year and a half
instead of only a few months.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 4
THE CHARACTERS
This section outlines the major characters in the
struggle for the throne of Kaldor.
Leading Candidates
The following are the most likely contenders for the
throne of Kaldor. When the crisis arises, these are the
individuals that will become the focus of the various
factions for the throne.
Maldan Harabor (Olokand)
The eldest son of king Miginath, Maldan would be
the undisputed heir if he were legitimate. Maldan is an
unacknowledged bastard, however, with no direct claim
to the throne. Maldan understands why he could not be
acknowledged while Torastra lived, but expected to be
named heir after his grandfather’s death. Decades have
passed and nothing has happened. Maldan has done
everything he can think of to prove his worthiness to
rule, to no avail.
Even without acknowledgement, Miginath appointed
Maldan the Sheriff of Meselyneshire and Constable of
Olokand, positions traditionally held by the Royal Heir.
Were he a member of clan Elendsa, the barons of Getha,
Kobing, Nenda and Ternua would owe him fealty.
Maldan demands (and Miginath allows) feudal service
from these lords, but most do so only grudgingly.
Now 47, Maldan still hopes to be acknowledged by
his father before his death. Maldan believes that, unless
he takes the throne, he will be stripped of all his lands
and power. Therefore, Maldan prepares for all other
eventualities, gathering wealth and allies. If he cannot
take the throne as heir, he plans to do so by force.
Motives: Become king no matter what the cost.
older daughter, 17 year old Cheselyne the Younger, to
Scina Dariune, heir to Earl of Balim. Mirild Harabor, son
of Maldan, is also enamored of younger Cheselyne, and
she is playing the field for the greatest advantage.
Cheselyne’s best hope for the throne is a peaceful
transition and a victory in the succession council. When
things turn violent, her position worsens considerably,
and she will be forced to ally herself with another faction
to have a chance at victory. She knows many secrets and
quite a few nobles are in her debt, financially.
Motives: Become queen and destroy the legacy and
children of her hated uncle Miginath.
Conwan Elendsa (Querina)
Nephew of king Miginath, and the eldest son of the
king’s younger brother Brandis, Conwan has the best
claim to the throne by direct male decent from the line of
Torastra, as the eldest male with the Elendsa clan name.
This makes Conwan the most legitimate male candidate.
Unfortunately, he has taken an oath renouncing his
claim to the throne.
Twelve years ago, the 21 year old Conwan wished to
marry a maiden of a minor noble clan, Hesena Inamis,
who was a devout worshipper of Save-K’nor. While
King Miginath understood what it was to marry for
love, Conwan’s great-uncle Kalabin Elendsa, then the
Laranian Serekela (archbishop) of Kaldor, opposed the
match on the grounds that children of a possible heir to
the throne should be raised as Laranians. The impulsive
young Conwan took an oath to Kalabin renouncing his
right to the throne. Soon after, the corrupt Serekela was
assassinated.
Now 33, Conwan is in his uncle Minigath’s favor and
holds the post of the Sheriff of Semethshire. He is
popular with many nobles in the kingdom, who think he
Cheselyne Hosath (née Elendsa)
would make the best successor to Minigath. However,
Niece of king Miginath and eldest daughter of his
the current Laranian Serekela, Edine Kynn, has refused
deceased older brother Haldan, Cheselyne still considers to release Conwan from his oath. Conwan will have a
herself the legitimate heir to the throne. After opposing
hard time taking the throne if opposed by the church.
Miginath in his succession council and then scuttling his
Conwan has some military forces as Sheriff, and is
marriage to Erila through vicious rumors, Miginath has
also
in command of the army of Chelmarch, since the
been careful to ensure Cheselyne herself has never been
deputy
warden Korus Ynel reports to him (nominally
in a position of power. Now 48, she has nevertheless
the Chelmarch Warden is king Miginath, but he
been able to exploit her family connections to gain
delegates to Conwan). He could easily find other allies if
considerable wealth and influence.
he were released from his oath.
Although Cheselyne does not hold a position in
Motives: Have his oath annulled so he can take the
government, she wields considerable “soft power” as the
throne.
In the meantime, keep any potential usurpers off
Grand Dame of the city of Tashal. Long a resident of that
the
throne.
city, her parties set the social calendar for the nobles of
Tashal and by extension throughout Kaldor. Crossing
Orsin Firith (Kobing)
Cheselyne can mean losing important prospects for
The Baron of Kobing, Orsin Firith is another nephew
marriage and business opportunities, and few nobles
of the king, the eldest son of Miginath’s younger sister
want to be on her bad side. The passing of her aunt
Lenera. To date, Firith has expressed no interest in the
Lenera also makes Cheselyne the eldest woman in clan
throne, being focused mainly on improving his own
Elendsa and its de-facto matriarch.
holdings. He is, however, quite ambitious, a proven war
leader and holds power as the Marshal of Oselmarch.
Despite her influence, Cheselyne is widely disliked
and she has no access to military power. Her main asset
Orsin’s relationship with his uncle the king is
is her name, and she plans to marry her daughters to
somewhat contentious. Orsin aggressively pursues
important houses to give her the alliances she needs to
conflict with nearby tribes of Pagaelin, having lost an
hold power. Cheselyne is in negotiations to marry her
eye in battle against them three years ago. He has asked
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 5
the king for permission to build a keep at Oselbridge,
with the support of the local Laranian Reblena (Knight
Commander). Miginath does not want to stir up trouble
with the southern barbarians, and has so far refused
Orsin’s request.
At 46, Orsin is the eldest male descendant of Torastra
unencumbered by any oath such as the one binding
Conwan. Orsin is not especially politically astute nor is
he favored by the current king, but would be in an good
position should Miginath die without a clear heir to the
throne. His command of the army of Oselmarch and his
own vassals would given him access to considerable
military force, albeit far from the heart of the kingdom.
Motives: Improve his holdings in southern Kaldor.
Put himself forward for the throne if there is no clear
leading candidate.
Tulath Kaphin (Athelren)
At 24, Tulath is one of the youngest contenders for
the throne, but is very much a dark horse in this race.
The youngest of Minigath’s bastard sons and the child of
king’s mistress Erila Kaphin, he would be the clear heir
if his mother had been able to marry the king. Rumors
that Erila and Miginath were half-siblings prevented
such a marriage.
Tulath is still convinced he will be king someday, as
his father clearly showed him favor by appointing him
Sheriff of Vemionshire. Tulath is too young and naïve to
understand exactly how bad his position is. He has not
yet experienced the decades of helpless waiting that his
half-brother Maldin suffered. Tulath’s only potential ally
is the Earl of Vemion, but Tulath mishandled that
opportunity by favoring the Earl’s son over the father.
Tulath is living beyond his means and now in debt to
Erelar Hirnen (Nenda)
a local mercantyler, Danzys of Cuke. He has made quite
The Baron of Nenda is the eldest son of Miginath’s
youngest sister Erelora, a position similar to Orsin Firith. a few poor decisions, and is only now realizing exactly
Erelar’s claim is inferior to many of the other candidates, how many mistakes he has made. Not even his mother
Erila believes Tulath is ready to be king. Tulath would
however, and he is extremely unpopular due to his
unpleasant personality. Though it is no secret he would have to change his ways quickly to have any chance at
be happy to take the throne, he has no support and will the throne.
only be a minor player in the upcoming struggle.
This is exactly why Tulath will be chosen as the heir.
Motives: Sulk and complain bitterly that no one takes
Motives: Expect to coast easily into the throne. Be
him seriously as a candidate for king.
surprised when that doesn’t happen. Thereafter, either
mature in a trial by fire or collapse into uselessness.
Troda Dariune (Kiban)
The 47 year old Earl of Balim, Troda has a claim to
the throne as the son of Miginath’s aunt Kethele. He has
considerable power and influence as an Earl, but Troda
is happy with his current position and is more interested
expanding the wealth and power of his Earldom. The
Dariunes are old allies of house Elendsa and have long
played kingmakers in Kaldoric politics. Troda is likely to
be no different.
As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Troda holds a great
deal of economic power. He has a vested interested in
maintaining the status quo and a peaceful transition of
power. The other Earls in the kingdom are all rivals and
the Dariunes stand to lose more than they would gain in
a war for the throne.
Once the fighting starts, however, the Earl’s position
may change. If there is no other good candidate for
Troda to prop up, or if the leading candidate is one with
no respect for the Dariunes, then he might press his own
claim. Not only does the Earl command his own vassals,
but he has strong connections to the Laranian church. In
some respects, though, his greatest strength is also a
weakness. The other major Kaldoric nobles would
oppose his ascension simply to avoid concentrating too
much power in the throne.
Motives: Become the man who controls the next ruler
of Kaldor from behind the scenes. Press his own claim
only if someone independent looks like they will take
the throne.
Royal Household
The members of the royal household have the most
influence on the king’s day-to-day life and will be quite
important in the early days of the crisis as the remnants
of the central government. As the crisis proceeds, most
of their power will wain.
Erila Kaphin (Privy Seal)
Note: In my interpretation of this character, the rumors
that she is the king’s half-sibling are not widely known
outside the upper echelons of Kaldoric nobility and the
Laranian church. It is generally known that some scandal
prevented her marriage to the king, but the common folk don’t
know the details.
The 41 year old mistress of the king, Erila is a strong
and energetic woman. Her father Galorad was a minor
Chybisa noble that supported Torastra in the Treasure
War, and was rewarded with the Chybisan barony of
Lerenil. There were rumors, though, that Galorad was
granted the fief to keep quiet an affair between his wife
and King Torastra. Erila was born soon after.
In 687, Chybisa was lost to Kaldor, and Galorad fled
to Tashal with his wife and 8 year daughter. He took a
place in the court of Torastra as a baron-in-exile, but his
wife died in childbirth the following year, the child (a
son) perishing with her. Homeless and with no other
children, Galorad decided to raise Erila to take up his
arms and perhaps one day reclaim his land.
Erila proved an apt pupil, and her exploits amused
and enchanted the royal household. She also caught the
eye of the new king Miginath, who helped advance her
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 6
knightly career. The sudden passion between the 16 year
old and the king caught both of them by surprise. After
a brief and tumultuous affair, Miginath was completely
smitten and declared the now-pregnant Erila would
become his wife and the new queen.
At this point the rumors of the old affair between
Torastra and Erila’s mother resurfaced. Most believed
the source of those rumors were none other than the
king’s jealous niece Cheselyne, recently passed over by
the succession council. Unable to prove Erila’s paternity,
the Laranian church would not officiate over a possibly
incestuous marriage. A few years later Miginath got
revenge by forcing Cheselyne to marry Ralan Hosath, a
minor noble and younger brother of the Royal Herald.
As much a romantic in his middle age as he was in
his youth, Miginath refused to have any bride other than
Erila. Erila’s relationship with the much older man was
complex: she wanted to maintain her independence but
was also attracted to the brilliant mind of the king. They
frequently fought over what path her life would take,
but they always came back together.
After her father Galorad’s death in 705, Erila agreed
to take a post in the royal household as Privy Seal of
Kaldor. Since then, her relationship with the king has
mellowed into a more mature affection, though the
strong opinions of the two lovers still means they fight
on a regular basis.
As she grew older, Erila became more concerned
with her future and that of her son, Tulath. Miginath’s
health was poor, and the fate of the kingdom uncertain.
Nine years ago, Erila was quietly approached by agents
of the Council of Eleven. Though loyal to Miginath, Erila
had no particular affection for Kaldor. In exchange for a
promise of protection after the king’s death and the
means to keep the king alive for as long as possible, Erila
agreed to act as an agent for the Council.
Erila sees no place for herself in Kaldor when
Miginath dies. After helping to arrange a succession that
meets the goals of the Council, Erila expects to retire to
the Melderyn, along with her son.
Motives: Protect her son. Secretly serve Melderyn as
long as that gives her the best hope of future security.
Since that time, Meliem has act as chief lady of the
royal household, as queen in all but name. She controls
who meets with the king and arranges the yearly Royal
Chelebin Tournament in Olokand. Years of living in the
same household as Erila Kaphin has given Meliem a
measure of grudging respect for the woman, but she still
doesn’t trust her.
Recently Meliem has begun to suffer something of a
midlife crisis. At 40, she realizes there is little chance of
her ever marrying and having children. After her uncle
dies, she will have nothing to pass on, and will become
only a footnote in history. Her moodiness has made her
more erratic and irascible, as she seeks something to give
her life purpose again.
Motives: Protect her beloved uncle and his legacy.
Do what she believes is best for Kaldor. Find a place for
herself in the new realm after Miginath’s death.
Koris Harabor (Guard Marshal)
Koris is King Miginath’s middle son and the younger
brother of Maldan Harabor. Although a bastard, Koris is
devoted to his father and has never left his side. After
being knighted, the honorable Koris worked his way up
through the ranks of the royal guard until he achieved
the rank of Marshal in 712.
Koris is quite popular among the common folk of
Tashal, seen as a humble man justly raised to high rank.
Unlike his brother, Koris maintains ties to his mother’s
family, the merchant clan Harabor from Vemionshire.
His close friendship with the Constable of Tashal, the
similarly humble Haldare Venera, is another point in his
favor. If anyone ever learned the two men are lovers, the
public would likely turn against Koris.
Koris’s possible attitude after the death of father is
uncertain. The 45 year old Marshal of the Royal Guard
will be torn between loyalty to his brother and loyalty to
the kingdom. He will likely favor his brother but not at
the cost of bringing the kingdom to ruin. The other
royals guards will be similarly torn in their loyalties
between their commander and their families.
One candidate Koris will find particularly difficult to
stomach is Conwan Elendsa. As Sheriff of Semethshire,
Conwan claims jurisdiction over city of Tashal, and he
has clashed with Marshal Koris on several occasions.
Meliem Elendsa (Chamberlain)
Only the meditation of Constable Venera have kept the
The youngest daughter of Haldin Elendsa, Meliem
men from blows. Sir Koris finds the high-born arrogance
was long an admirer of her uncle Miginath. Unlike her
older sister Cheselyne, Princess Meliem found the king’s of Conwan to be insufferable.
intellectualism a source of strength. She choose to
Motives: Protect his beloved father and his secret
imitate her uncle’s career as student of heraldry and law. lover. Oppose the rule of the arrogant Conwan. Help his
Meliem was appalled, however, by Miginath’s affair brother Maldan and be blind to his corruption.
with Erila. How could her beloved uncle fall under the
Ruta Inamis (Chief Clerk)
sway of a conniving child only 18 months older than
Younger brother of Hesena Inamis, wife of Conwan
herself? The young Meliem privately swore to protect
Elendsa, Ruta is a devoted follower of Save-K’nor like
her uncle from the machinations of Erila and others that his sister and is Chief Chamber Clerk of the kingdom.
would threaten the kingdom. Erila became both a master This makes him chief bureaucrat, and he keeps much of
herald and litigant. When the old Lord Chamberlain
the realm’s paperwork, treaties and legal decrees. Some
died in 706, Meliem convinced her uncle (who was quite believe the 28 year old is a secret agent for Melderyn,
fond of her) that there was no one else better for the
but the young man is nothing other than what he seems.
position.
Motives: Get by and do his job. Help his sister.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 7
Ernell Mered (Royal Physician)
the Curos’ wealth. Although Hemisen married the sister
of the Laranian Serekela, theirs is a loveless marriage
and the Dariune’s enjoy a closer relationship with the
church. In any struggle for the throne, Earl Curo’s first
instinct would be to do whatever it took to undercut the
Dariunes and elevate his own position.
Hemisen is unlikely to press a claim to the throne for
himself, but will support whatever candidate best
advances his own position. Less traditional than other
nobles, Hemisen is unconcerned with questions of
legitimacy or proper lines of succession, except in so far
as those effect a candidate’s chances of success. Hemisen
has several unmarried sons that could be used for forge
alliances with a rising star.
Derwen Verdreth (Shek-Pvar)
Should no good candidate be available, Hemisen
The Master of Esoterica Derwen Verdreth is the
may support the claim of the young grandchildren of his
younger sister of Miginath’s vassal Tarmas Verdreth.
brother-in-law, Chimin Indama, hoping to benefit from a
The 44 year old Lyahvi Shek-Pvar’s primary role is to
long regency. Failing that, Hemisen might press his own
detect and prevent undue magical influence on the royal
claim as a descendent of house Artane, or restore the old
court. Trained in the Tengela chantry in Trierzon, she
kingdom of Serelind in northern Kaldor.
suspects Ernell is also a Shek-Pvar with connections to
Motives: Increase his own power and influence.
Melderyn. It seems his presence in the court is benign,
Destroy his rival, the Earl of Dariune. Play the other
however, so Derwen has taken no action as of yet. She
factions off each other to gain the most advantage.
has no idea of Erila Kaphin’s ties to the Wizard’s Ilse.
Motives: Prevent magical manipulation of Kaldor’s
Declaen Caldeth (Minarsas)
government, particularly from Melderyn. If it comes to
From Minarsas in the east, the 44 year old Declaen is
it, support her brother Tarmas, the baron of Ternua.
clear-headed and calculating, if a bit overly opinionated.
While the Earl of Vemion is loyal to Miginath, he has
Migray Hosath (Royal Herald)
long been frustrated by the king’s unwillingness to
The older brother of Cheselyne the Elder’s deceased
declare an heir. Declaen will follow the king’s wishes if
husband Ralan Hosath, Migray is chief diplomat of
they are known, but absent that information, he must
Kaldor and travels extensively on the king’s behalf. The
make his own choices.
55 year old detests his sister-in-law and is loyal to the
A traditionalist, Declaen has little admiration for the
realm. He is married to Vena Peltrei, daughter of the
king’s
bastard sons. Cheselyne is a conniving witch who
Master Herald of Kaldor, and is well respected
would make a poor queen. Conwan might be a decent
throughout Kaldor and its neighboring kingdoms.
ruler, but even if released from his oath, he showed the
Unknown to anyone, including himself, Migray has
poor judgement to make it in the first place: as king he
been an agent of Gwadira for the last decade. The Gray
would be a pawn of the Laranian church.
Mage used her magic to turn the herald into a sleeper
In Declaen’s eyes, that leaves only one viable choice:
agent, and so far this has remained undetected.
Orsin Firith. Though lacking in charm, Orsin is an
Motives: Eventually become the chief herald of
effective military leader who commands considerable
Kaldor. Undercut the position of Cheselyne the Elder.
forces from a secure base in southern Kaldor. If they
Subconsciously sow chaos as the pawn of Gwadira.
were to ally, Declaen can safely deliver the east and put
them in a firm position to take the throne.
The Earls
The nobles of Kaldor have a long tradition of strong
Rivals in power, Declaen trusts neither Dariune nor
baronial power. Other than Troda Dariune (see above),
Curo, believing they both have aspirations for the
none of the Earls of Kaldor are in line for the throne, but throne. However, the Earldom of Osel is currently in the
they all have a vested interest in the succession and the
hands of his daughter, Thisila. He intends to convince
maintenance of their own power and influence.
her to join him in backing Orsin should the succession
come to war.
Hemisen Curo (Gardiren)
Motives: Protect the holdings of himself and his
From his stronghold at Gardiren, the 51 year old Earl
of Neph has a reputation as a hedonist, but is a talented daughter Thilisa. Encourage Orsin Firith to take the
throne. Keep the transition as peaceful as possible.
and ambitious political intriguer. Although Hemisen is
without ties to the current royal dynasty, he has a
Thilisa Meleken (Qualdris)
distant claim to the throne as the most legitimate
The smallest Kaldoric Earldom, Osel in an a peculiar
descendant of the previous royal house, the Artanes.
situation. Their Earl, Sir Sedris Meleken, is currently
The Curos have long been rivals to the Dariunes. The missing. He left in the summer of 719 in pursuit of a
recent actions of Troda Dariune to divert trade along the murderer, leaving the Earldom in the hands of his new
Silver Way from Gardiren to Kiban have cut deeply into bride Thilisa, daughter of the Earl of Vemion.
Trained in Melderyn, the 52 year old Ernell is the
Royal Physician, and secretly a Fyvrian Shek-Pvar in the
pay of Melderyn. This fact is known only to Erila
Kaphin, though Master of Esoterica Derwen Verdreth
suspects the truth. Ernell is dedicated to the healing arts,
and will not compromise his patient. With the assistance
of the Kaldor-born Royal Alchemist, Ertol Dracayne, the
physician Ernell has kept Miginath alive much longer
than anyone expected.
Motives: Keep the king alive. Serve Melderyn. Aid
Erila Kaphin as long as she also serves Melderyn. Keep
his magical powers secret.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 8
Sedris has a reputation as an honorable knight. Were
he present during the succession, he would support the
king’s proclaimed heir or, if that choice was unavailable,
the candidate with the most legitimate and traditional
claim to the throne (probably Conwan).
While Sedris is missing, the choice falls to his wife
Thilisa. The 24 year old countess wrestles over whether
she should follow what she knows of her husband’s
wishes (Conwan Elendsa), or to follow the choice of her
father (Orsin Firith).
What is unclear, though, is whether the vassals of
Osel will follow Lady Thilisa’s leadership. Despite her
able stewardship, the legitimacy of her own position is
in question. Since she and Sedris have no children, many
in clan Meleken feel that the Earldom should put into a
regency until the Earl returns. Of her vassals, Thilisa can
count only on the Constable of Heru, and he is far
removed. The support of the nearby Baron Elorieth of
Nubeth and other lesser vassals is much less certain.
Motives: Protect her holdings and rule as best she
can. Learn what happened to her husband.
Tarmas’s eldest daughter Ieara is married to the heir
of Curo, a possible alliance. His second daughter Elana
has married the youngest bastard son of the king, Tulath
Kaphin, but the baron thinks little of the young man,
considering him a wastrel. The baron’s loyalty is
effectively for sale to whomever offers him the most
power. Tarmas holds the strategic bridge over the river
Nephen, the main route from south and eastern Kaldor
into the heartland.
Motives: Increase his family’s power, preferably
regaining his family’s Earldom. If it comes to it, support
his sister Derwen, the Master of Esoterica.
Kisan Tesla (Esenor)
Kisan, the 49 year old baron of Esenor is a vassal of
the Earl of Curo, and he is married to the Earl’s eldest
daughter Orella. Kisan and his wife are estranged,
however, poisoning that relationship, and Kisan’s
loyalty to the Earl is questionable. His holding Esenor is
centrally placed and Kisan is well connected to the seats
of power in Kaldor. He is considered by many to be a
cunning and dangerous schemer.
Kisan is playing many forces off one another. He has
The Barons
ties to the Laranian church and is close friends with
A couple of the kingdom’s barons are contenders for
Rekela Tyrnal Dariune, giving him a connection to the
the throne: Orsin Firith and Erelar Hirnen (see above).
nearby Earl of Balim. He is also friends with the king’s
Most barons, however, play a role primarily through
mistress Erila Kaphin who often visits his hunting lodge
their alliances with the greater noble houses.
at Padel manor; some even whisper they are lovers.
Chimin Indama (Getha)
Kisan can’t simply ignore the commands of his liege,
A vassal of the king, the 46 year old Chimin holds a
however. In the early days of the conflict, Kisan will
fairly isolated northern keep. He is also the Sheriff of
start off playing it safe and keep close to home, hoping
Neph, but he delegates this function to his son Harapa,
to offer aid at the right time to the winning parties.
who holds Bidow keep in this capacity. The Indamas are
Motives: Avoid risks and manipulate things from
a comparatively powerful baronial clan, but neither
behind the scenes.
Chimin or his son are astute politicians.
Wevran Ethasiel (Setrew)
Harapa is married to a niece of the king, Udine
Another vassal of Earl Curo, the 52 year old Baron
Elendsa, the youngest daughter of the deceased Brandis.
Wevran holds the keep Setrew in the northwest Kaldor.
As such, she and her young children have a potential
At a distance from their lord at Gardiren, clan Ethasiel
claim on the throne, but so distant that no one (except
has few ties to other noble houses in the kingdom.
possibly Harapa) gives it much consideration.
Wevran has become a corrupt and rapacious lord, letting
Indama is loyal to the king, but is also an ally of Earl the Lia-Kavair use his lands as base for smuggling.
Curo, especially in his rivalry to Earl Dariune. Chimin
The nearest great lord, Sheriff Maldan Harabor in
has also been hurt but trade wars along the Silver Way,
Olokand, knows about Wevran’s activities and has
and has made his own power play by garrisoning the
suborned the baron. The two have an understanding
Namion Bridge and setting up a toll.
that if the succession comes to war, the baron will
In the coming crisis, Chimin will follow Curo, giving support Maldan’s move to take the throne. Wevran’s
them a solid hold on northern Kaldor.
Lia-Kavair connections may help both men in that quest,
Motives: Take control of Naniom Bridge. Undercut
though Wevran is an unreliable ally at best.
Earl Dariune. Support Earl Curo as long as his goals are
Wevran’s 28 year old son Romlach is considered one
aligned to the Baron’s.
of the most brutally dangerous knights in the kingdom.
His prowess in combat may be important in the battles
Tarmas Verdreth (Ternua)
for the throne. He and Haldare Venera, the Constable of
The 45 year old baron of Ternua, Tarmas is a heavyCaer Elend and another talented warrior, have long been
set man whose holdings are in the center of Kaldor. He
rivals.
has a reputation for indolence and crassness, but many
believe he is not the fool he pretends to be. Tarmas is
Motives: Increase his wealth. Keep his underworld
ambitious and hopes to elevate his house back to former ties secret. Get out from under Earl Curo.
glories, which puts a strain on his relationship with his
liege, the king. He has quietly been using his wealth to
build a force of mercenaries for the coming conflict.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 9
Churus Londel (Yeged)
Greon Bastune (Kolorn)
The 37 year old Churus, baron of Yeged, is a loyal but
incompetent vassal of Earl Curo. His recently deceased
younger brother was married to the second daughter
Mysena of Earl Curo. The baron himself is married to
Urila Pierstel, a cousin to the nearby baron of Tonot.
Urila effectively runs the barony, as her husband is
obsessed with the arts and other flights of fancy.
The keep Yeged is next door to the castle of Earl
Curo. At the beginning of the coming conflict, the Earl
will simply co-opt the baron’s forces for his own
purposes, and will try to use Churus’s wife to neutralize
the baron of Tonot.
Motives: Be quickly sidelined as a useless twit. Let
his wife Urila take the reigns, as she splits her support
between Earl Curo and her brother Baron Pierstel.
A distant vassal of Earl Caldeth, the 50 year old
baron Greon is a wenching degenerate. His wife Peresta
spends most of her time in Tashal pursuing her own
pleasures. The administration of their estates is mostly in
the hands of their 24 year old son Lyndar.
Unknown to both his liege and his son, Greon is
deeply in debt to Khuzdul clan Rakin. At this point he
can barely afford to make the interest payments on his
debt. If the kingdom collapses into the chaos of war,
Greon won’t be able to keep his secret for long.
His beautiful wife Peresta has secrets of her own.
Two and a half decades ago she had an affair with the
king’s bastard son, Koris Harabor. Lyndar Bastune is in
truth the son of the royal bastard, something known
only to Koris and Peresta. This fact could become
important as the crisis expands.
Motives: Live only for pleasure. Keep his debts a
secret. Suffer fits of apoplexy after learning Lyndar is the
son of another.
Uthris Pierstel (Tonot)
The northernmost keep in Kaldor, Tonot, is held by
the 46 year old baron Uthris from his liege Earl Dariune.
Uthris considers himself to be the warden of northern
Kaldor, and is more interested in hunting and battling
the Taelda than actually ruling his fief. He largely leaves
the administration of his estate to his wife Adel, which
she runs only half-heartedly. This mismanagement has
strained his relationship with the distant Earl Dariune.
The Pierstels have been long-time supporters of clan
Dariune, and the Baron’s sister Olena is the wife of the
Earl. Despite the current tensions, Uthris is unlikely to
turn his back on his liege, especially if it gives him an
opportunity to do what he would like best: to go to war.
Tonot is well positioned to threaten into the heartland of
his liege’s rival Earl Curo, and is thus an important
counterbalance to the strength of Gardiren.
Motives: Seek glory in war. Get led by the nose by
those who are more talented politically.
Karsin Ubael (Uldien)
Another vassal of Earl Dariune, the 48 year old baron
Karsin is honorable and loyal to both his king and his
liege. The keep of Uldien guards the northern reaches of
his lord’s domain. Karsin will undoubtably follow Earl
Dariune’s wishes in the coming crisis.
Karsin’s wife Serli is the younger sister of Orsin Firith
and she encourages her husband to use his influence
with the Earl to further her brother’s claim. Many of
Karsin’s connections in the realm come from his ties to
clan Firith, so he cannot simply ignore his wife’s and
brother-in-law’s wishes.
Colenia Caldeth, older sister of the Earl of Vemion,
was married to Ferin Ubael, a cousin of Karsin. Ferin
was shipwrecked and died on one of the adventures of
Karsin’s younger brother Belsin, a well-known explorer.
Colenia returned to Vemionshire with her two sons, and
there has been a bad blood between the Ubaels and the
Caldeths for the last few years.
Motives: Obey his liege. Don’t alienate the Firiths.
Struggle and fail to repair relations with the Caldeths.
Arwyn Elorieth (Nubeth)
The 35 year old Arwyn became baron of Nubeth after
the death of his father last year. Arwyn is married to
Lenia Meleken, a distant cousin to the missing Earl
Sedris. The Elorieths are loyal to house Meleken, but are
less sure of the rule of his wife Thisila.
Nubeth is the stronghold of the faction of Melekens
that feel the Earldom should be put into regency until
the Earl’s return. Nubeth controls the main road through
eastern Kaldor, giving it some strategic importance.
How they will act during the crisis depends on many
factors, such as the strength of Thisila’s alliances and
whether the fate of Sedris is known.
Motives: Serve clan Meleken. Replace Lady Thisila
with a regent until the true Earl returns.
The Sheriffs
Three of the sheriffs of Kaldor are possible
candidates for the throne: Maldan Harabor, Conwan
Elendsa and Tulath Kaphin. The other sheriffs will be in
a difficult position. Nominally their power is derived
from their appointment by the king. If the king is gone,
the nature of their authority is unclear.
Harapa Indama (Bidow)
The 22 year old Harapa performs the function of
Sheriff of Nephshire on behalf of his father Chimin,
baron of Getha. He will follow his father. See above for
further discussion on their role in the coming crisis.
Motives: Brag that his children could rule Kaldor,
but otherwise follow the wishes of his father.
Ranal Gybsen (Sirendel)
The Sheriff of Thelshire, 29 year old Ranal, is a recent
appointment of the king and has no major connections,
having worked his way up through the royal guard. He
is unmarried and loyal to the king but is otherwise
unpracticed in noble politics. After Miginath’s death, he
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 10
will try to fulfill his liege’s last wishes, but could be coopted by any number of factions.
Motives: Rules as best he can. Find the best
candidate to follow. Earn a place in the future kingdom.
Garath Ruseller (Pendath)
Constable Garath is cousin to his liege the Earl Curo:
his aunt Lysela was the wife of the Earl’s father Melsen.
It is only this family tie and the remoteness of his keep
that has allowed the incompetent constable to keep his
Eris Karondal (Shebra)
post. Garath is a useless drunkard and the day-to-day
The 39 year old Sheriff of Balimshire owes his post to
administration of the fief is in the hands of his equally
the Earl of Balim. With the support of clan Dariune, the
incompetent son Taran. Once any serious fighting starts,
Karondals have been Sheriffs for several generation, and
Earl Curo will try to replace Garath with someone more
Eris hold several manors from the Earl. Eris is a solid but
effective, though this might be difficult if keep Pendath
unimaginative administrator in a peaceful district. He
is surrounded by enemies of the Earl.
will follow Earl Dariune in the coming crisis.
Motives: Be useless until replaced.
Motives: Support Earl Dariune. Protect his family.
Meden Curo (Hutop)
The Sheriff of Oselshire, Meden Curo, was appointed
last year to replace the king’s deceased brother, Merek
Elendsa. For a year, the shire was in the hands of the
deputy sheriff Kodar Maradyne, who was not up the
task. Meden is still trying to clean up the messes left by
his predecessors. This gives him a chance to prove
himself to his father, the Earl of Neph, Hemisen Curo.
The keep would be an unimportant backwater, were
it not for the fact that it controls one of the few silver
mines in Kaldor. That makes it a ripe plum to pick in the
struggle for the throne. Meden is far removed both from
his father’s holdings and the heart of the kingdom, but
will do what he can to support Earl Curo’s goals.
Motives: Clean up his shire. Support his father. Play
it safe unless a good opportunity presents itself.
The Constables
Dagald Jendral (Fisen)
The 62 year old constable Dagald is a landless noble
and married to a distant cousin of his liege, Earl
Dariune. He owes everything to the Dariunes and will
not oppose them.
Motives: Support Earl Dariune.
Shernath Mirdarne (Jedes)
The 45 year old constable Shernath is a childhood
friend of his liege, the Earl Dariune. The Earl’s youngest
son Karison is a squire at the keep. Its isolation make it a
safe holding, but it also far removed both from the Earl’s
other lands and the heart of the kingdom. If the keep
plays a role in the coming conflict, it will likely be a
minor one such as being a neutral meeting ground, as it
was between Miginath and his father Torasta.
Motives: Protect his holding. Support Earl Dariune.
Danyes Bernan (Kyg)
Constable Danyes holds Kyg on behalf of his liege
the Earl of Dariune. The 44 year old knight was only
appointed constable a few years ago, and is exploiting
his holding’s distance from Kiban to defraud his lord.
Danyes used his extensive Lia-Kavair contacts to turn
Haldare Venera (Tashal)
the keep into a center of drug manufacturing.
Of the constables, Haldare Venera of Tashal is
Danyes spends more time in his Tashal townhouse
arguably the most important. Along with Koris Harabor,
than he does in Kyg itself. When the crisis starts, he will
Marshal of the Royal Guard, Haldare protects the seat of
not even be present in his holding.
government at Caer Elend in the city of Tashal. A
Motives: Keep his many secrets. Be sidelined in
landless knight, Haldare won the melee at the Royal
Chelebin Tournament seven years ago. The king was so Tashal. Betray anyone if a better offer comes along.
impressed with his skill that he elevated Haldare to his
Coreth Lothlar (Zoben)
current post.
Constable Coreth is an able administrator and loyal
The city and castle guard adore their commander and to his liege Earl Caldeth. After a display of heroism in
would follow him even after the king perishes. As with
the battles of Oselmarch, the common-born Coreth was
most landless knights, 41 year old Haldare is ambitious knighted by Earl Caldeth. After a few years of service in
and wants to gain a manor for his family. A convincing
the Earl’s household, he was promoted to constable of
offer might win his allegiance, especially if he is allowed Zoben. Despite his war wounds, the 39 year old Coreth
to keep his position at Caer Elend.
is still a component warrior and eager to serve his lord.
Haldare does not want the manor for himself, since
Motives: Support his liege Earl Caldeth.
that would require him to marry, and Haldare is secretly
Eres Tereneth (Baseta)
homosexual. He has been having a quiet affair with
The Tereneths have served clan Caldeth as constables
Koris for the last three years. The two men get along
for
several generations, watching over their holdings in
very well, but Haldare is unsure that Koris’s brother
Meselyneshire.
The current constable, the 48 year old
Maldan is the right man to be king of Kaldor.
Eres, is competent lord. A widower, he is happy with his
Motives: Do what is best for the kingdom. Advance
home and his mistress, and has no greater goals in life.
his family. Keep his sexual preferences secret.
He has the misfortune of living just north of the
Many keeps in Kaldor are held by constables of the
more major lords. Chosen for loyalty, most will follow
the commands of their liege, but not all are in a position
to act effectively.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
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A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 11
conniving Baron of Setrew and the ambitious Sheriff
Maldan in Olokand, far away from the support of his
own liege.
Motives: Live well. Protect his family. Serve his liege.
Fall quickly to more powerful neighbors.
The furious Conwan called his uncle’s bluff and took
the oath. Conwan and Hesena were married in a quiet
ceremony in Caer Elend presided over by priests of both
Larani and Save-K’nor. A few days later Kalabin was
found assassinated at Caleme Abbey.
Kalabin’s murder was never solved, and no one alive
Bereden Pawade (Heru)
knows what his motives were for denying the marriage.
Constable Bereden is the emissary of his liege, the
Kalabin was notoriously corrupt and had many enemies.
Earl Meleken, in central Kaldor. He controls the crossing
Most assumed his assassination had nothing to do with
of the Shem river between Olokand and Tashal. Unlike
the wedding, despite the timing.
many of the Earl’s vassals, Bereden has nothing but
Years later, regretting his youthful recklessness,
admiration for his wife Thisila. He has asked the
Countess permission to mount an expedition to find her Conwan quietly approached the new Serekela, Edine
Kynn to get the oath lifted. Since it had been essentially
husband. So far she has refused, preferring to keep this
a family dispute with a disgraced prelate, Conwan did
loyal retainer in a strategic position.
not expect this to be an issue. He was shocked when his
Motives: Serve Lady Thisila. Learn what happened
request was denied.
to his liege, Earl Meleken.
The Laranian Church
Edine Kynn (Caleme)
Note: The Gardiren article makes Meliara the older sister
of Edine, and the date of Kalabin’s death is given as 708. Their
histories makes more sense to me if Meliara is younger and
Kalabin died in 709, the year of Conwan’s marriage.
The current Serekela of Larani, the 54 year old Edine
Kynn is a charismatic and vigorous reformer. Son of the
bailiff of Trilgen manor, Edine became a rising star in the
church quite early in his career. His prospects were
sufficiently bright that his younger sister Meliara was
able to marry the heir of Earl Curo, though the marriage
ultimately proved less useful than everyone expected.
At 26, Edine Kynn became Serolan (high priest) of
Kiban. He was the spiritual advisor and friend of the
young Troda Dariune. With the support of Curo and
Dariune, Edine because Rekela (bishop) of Nurez in 701
at the age of 35. After the assassination of the corrupt
Serekela Kalabin Elendsa in 709, Edine was put forth as
a compromise candidate who could reform the church.
Since taking power, Edine has replaced all of the
Kaldoric Rekelas with his own appointments. Edine’s
life mission is to bring the Laranian church back to its
position of moral dominance after the abuses of the
previous Serekela.
Edine’s moralizing has indirectly had a large impact
Conwan Elendsa’s Oath
on the Kaldoric succession. His opposition to the bastard
One peculiarity of the imminent succession crisis is
sons of the king has done much to discourage Miginath
the oath of Conwan Elendsa. Twelve years ago, Conwan from acknowledging them. Edine’s refusal to release
wished to marry Hesena Inamis, a minor noble and a
Conwan Elendsa from his oath has hobbled one of the
devotee of Save-K’nor. Such a marriage would not
most legitimate contenders for the throne.
ordinarily be a problem provided the children were
In Conwan’s candidacy, Edine sees (correctly) the
raised as Laranians. Conwan’s great-uncle Kalabin
meddling of Melderyn within Kaldoric politics. He even
objected to the marriage, however. Since Kalabin was
suspects (incorrectly) that Conwan’s wife Hesena is an
the Serekela of Larani, this dispute took on a religious
agent of the Melderyni court. Edine has been using the
dimension.
oath to cement a hold over Conwan, to ensure he will be
Kalabin refused to allow the couple to be married in beholden to the church when he reigns.
the Laranian church. Conwan countered by threatening
Edine wants a Laranian church that is independent of
a K’norrian wedding. Kalabin escalated by promising to Melderyni influence, which he sees as too tied to secular
disown Conwan from the clan. In exasperation, Conwan concerns and Pvarism. The pressure he has received
said “If the throne is all you care about, I will renounce
from the Laranian primate in Thay to release Conwan’s
my claim.” Kalabin angrily declared that that is what it
oath has only confirmed his suspicions.
would take for him to marry a K’norrian.
The Laranian Church has a special position in
Kaldor. Though not a universal religion as Catholicism
was in medieval Europe, it is the most influential church
in the corridors of power. Kaldoric nobles are expected
to be members of the church: to do otherwise is to risk
social ostracism, especially for land-holding nobles.
Laranian ritual is intertwined with noble life. The rite
of knighthood is performed by a Laranian priest. Nobles
are expected to be married in the Laranian church. The
Laranian Serekela (archbishop) traditionally crowns the
new king of Kaldor.
The church also has considerable temporal power.
After the king, it is second largest landholder in Kaldor.
Through its fighting order, the Lady of Paladins, it
controls the largest active military force. The church
does not usually interfere with the succession of the
king, but it is very difficult to become king of Kaldor if
opposed by the Laranian church.
The church is split into two groups: the clerical Order
of the Spear of Shattered Sorrow and its fighter order,
the Lady of Paladins. Nominally, the fighter order is
subordinate to the clerical order, but in practice has
considerable independence.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 12
Edine’s relationship with the Curos has cooled over
the years, in part because of his sister’s problems with
her epicurean husband Hemisen. Edine remains a close
ally of the Dariunes, however, and he believes the
church and the Earl of Balim will form solid block that
can dictate who will be the next ruler of Kaldor.
Motives: Expand the Laranian church’s religious
dominance. Make sure the next ruler is a moral Laranian
and beholden to the church.
caught between the Countess and the Melekens who
think the Earldom should revert to one of their own
until the Earl returns. It has been over a year and a half
since the Earl was last seen, and some say it is time for
the church to declare him lost, so that a replacement can
be chosen.
Motives: Be a good Rekela. Learn what happened to
the Earl of Osel.
Tyrnal Dariune (Cholas)
Sheryd Quathis is the newest Kaldoric Rekela, having
replaced the elderly Verda Emerel in the year 720. Verda
was deeply loved by the Laranians of the diocese, and
the 43 year old Sheryd has difficulty filling his shoes
despite being Serolan of Brynd for the last eight years.
Sheryd adheres closely to the wishes of Serekela
Edine, to shore up his authority. Many local Laranians
pay him little mind, seeing him as a sycophantic puppet
of the Serekela.
Motives: Support the Serekela. Improve his position
in the diocese.
Rekela of Kephrus, the 48 year old Tyrnal is a cousin
of the Earl of Balim and the first appointment of Edine
Kynn. Tyrnal replaced a political crony of the previous
Serekela. His appointment served both to undermine the
old order and to reward Edine’s allies, the Dariunes.
Though he is being groomed as the likely successor
to Edine, Tyrnal is much more worldly than his mentor.
Positioned as he is in the heart of Kaldor, he is a frequent
visitor to the royal court. Tyrnal has been currying favor
with Conwan Elendsa by aiding his subordinate, Korus
Ynel, in his duties to patrol Chelmarch. Some whisper he
is a prelate more in the mold of Kalabin Elendsa.
In the last few years there have been three attempts
on Tyrnal life’s. The reasons for the attacks are unclear;
so far none of the assassins have been caught.
Motives: Become the next Serekela. Support his
cousin the Earl Dariune. Find out who wants him dead.
Sheryd Quathis (Brynd)
Houla Artona (Whyce)
The 49 year old Houla is the senior Reblena (knight
commander) of the Order of the Lady of Paladins in
Kaldor. Nominally Houla is subordinate to the Chabla
(grandmaster) of the order in Melderyn, and must also
obey Serekela Kynn. The Chabla is far away, however,
and Houla has parleyed this ambiguous chain of
command into effective independence.
Ilor Hadan (Abriel)
Another Rekela appointed by Edine Kynn, Ilor
Houla is loyal to Kaldor and wants what is best for
Hadan was originally a member of the Ethelanca (holy
his kingdom. Much of his time is spent in political
office) in Trierzon. After a decade of service, Edine
maneuvering. Houla is deeply worried about the royal
called Ilor home to Kaldor to serve as the Rekela of
succession. He wants to ensure a speedy and peaceful
Nurez in 714. Edine believed Ilor was a like-minded
transition, and will support the strongest contender for
church reformer, but the two men had different visions
the throne. The Reblena is also hiding large divisions
of what would make a strong Laranian church.
within his order, between those who are loyal to the
Now 50, Ilor is a proponent of a Laranian philosophy order’s grandmaster in Melderyn and those who want
called “the Reluctant Way”. This philosophy teaches that an independent Kaldoric order.
the Laranian path is one of prayer and introspection to
Last year Houla sent some of the order’s more vocal
protect the spirit of the people, and that the sword
adherents of the two factions south to participate in the
should only be taken up as a last resort. This is in direct Solori Crusade in Melderyn. This has quieted the conflict
conflict of Edine’s goal of putting the church in a more
but has not resolved it. This has also thinned the ranks
dominant political position.
of the Laranian fighting order.
Maldan Harabor has taken advantage of Ilor’s
Houla believes that the current status quo is best for
teaching to marginalize the Laranian forces of
the order, and gives it the most freedom of action. Were
Meselyneshire. The Sheriff knows the church is unlikely the Kaldoric order to become independent of Melderyn,
to support his aspirations for the throne, so the nonit would likely end up subordinate to the cleric order
interventionist Ilor best fits Maldan’s goals.
and the Serekela of Kaldor.
Motives: Return the Laranian church to its proper
Motives: Maintain the status quo for the order. Keep
place as a moral leader, not a political entity.
politics from tearing the order apart. Make the royal
succession as peaceful as possible.
Cerdan Bantire (Ledyne)
The 39 year old Cerdan is the Rekela of Pagostra and
the youngest Laranian prelate in Kaldor. He was
appointed in the spring of 719, and is still settling into
his role. He is focused primarily on his diocese and
spends little time thinking about Kaldor at large.
He is deeply concerned about the missing Earl,
Sedric Meleken. Though he respects Lady Thilisa, he is
Luisan Kelic (Jenkald)
The 46 year old Luisan Kelic is the Reblena of the
Jenkald chapter house of the Lady of Paladins, and is
tasked with protecting eastern Kaldor and the Silver
Way. He leads the Kaldoric Partriots movement within
the order, seeking an independent order within Kaldor.
Luisan sees the Melderyni grandmaster’s genocidal
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 13
crusade in Solora as a dishonorable use of the knights of
Larani, and feels that Kaldor would be better off
charting its own course.
Luisan is the bastard half-brother of the powerful
baron Indama. He has used his connections to the baron
to push forward his agenda for a Kaldoric branch of the
order. This political debt could pull him into the conflict
for the Kaldoric throne. Houla Artona recently sent
some of Luisan’s men to the Solori Crusade.
Motives: Create an independent Kaldoric branch of
the Lady of Paladins. Support his half-brother, Baron
Indama. Uphold Laranian ideals.
Tae Sarela (Yaltako)
Though known as a devout Laranian, Remiu is also
ambitious. His Rekela is inexperienced, so Remiu charts
is own course. Remiu supports Luisan Kelic’s Patriot
movement, less because he is concerned about the Solori
Crusade and more because he hopes to be named
Chabla of the new Kaldoric order. In the coming crisis,
Remiu will ally himself with men he knows and trusts,
unconcerned with the goals of the church at large.
Motives: Replace Houla Artona as the leader of the
Kaldoric order. Work to increase the order’s power, but
otherwise support his allies.
Clan Elendsa
Excluding the potential heirs, the remainder of clan
Elendsa plays a role mostly as potential electors in the
succession council for the king. They will vote for
inheritors in three positions: the clanhead, the king and
the Earl of Olokand. The expectation is that these three
positions would be filled by the same individual, but
that need not be the case.
The succession council is limited to adults (at least
21) who have 50% Elendsa blood. This includes all those
born with the clan name Elendsa plus the adult children
of female Elendsas married into other clans as well as
bastard children adopted into the Elendsa clan. All of
the legitimate candidates for the throne qualify, but the
king’s bastard sons do not unless they are considered
acknowledged by one of the king’s (forged) wills.
Most of the council consists of direct descendants of
Mulron Charyn (Vadan)
Haldan I, the first king of Clan Elendsa. There are also
Reblena Mulron’s chapter house at Vadan is in the
another dozen or so minor clan members (not listed)
heart of the realm, well positioned to work with the
descended from Haldan’s male relatives, but they are all
Whyce chapter house should war break out. He is a
low-born and considered ineligible to decide anything
close ally of both the Rekela of Kephrus, Tyrnal Dariune, other than the position of clan-head.
and the senior Reblena, Houla Artona. The 48 year old
Mulron was a squire together with Houla in their youth, Lerela Alsar (née Elendsa)
The middle daughter of the king’s older brother
and they have been friends ever since.
Haldan, Lerela supported her sister Cheselyne in the
Recently Mulron’s men have worked with the
council that elected Miginath, though she was too young
warden of Chelmarch, Korus Ynel, patrolling the Salt
Route at the behest of his Rekela. Mulron takes this as a to vote herself. Lerela has come to regret that decision.
Miginath married her to a minor knight, the bailiff of
sign of support for the Sheriff of Semethshire, Conwan
Nicomen manor. Lerela has since lived in quiet isolation
Elendsa, and assumes that clan Dariune favors the
in southern Kaldor. Only having her uncle Merik nearby
candidacy of Conwan, despite his oath against taking
lessened her loneliness, and now even he is gone.
the throne. The politics are deeper than Mulron can
Lerela is 45 and her husband died five years ago. She
follow, but he trusts his friend Houla to guide him.
gave
over management of the manor to her son Arlin a
Motives: Support Houla Artona and the Dariunes.
few
years
ago. She has no intention of making the same
Uphold Laranian ideals.
mistake she did twenty seven years ago: she will only
Remiu Valador (Nebulan)
vote for a candidate that she knows will win the throne.
Note: The canon material (deliberately) gives no clan name
Motives: Keep her vote hidden until she knows for
for Reblena Remiu. I choose to put him in clan Valador to give sure who is going to win, then vote for them.
him a tie to Earl Caldeth.
The 43 year old Remiu is Reblena of Nebulan, and his Arlin Alsar (Nicomen)
The 24 year old bailiff of Nicomen, Arlin is frustrated
chapter house protects the southern border of Kaldor.
that he cannot turn his family connections into a better
He works closely Orsin Firith, and the two men admire
each other’s skill at war. Both men having been pushing position. Although his fief is prosperous and the nearby
the king to establish a keep at Oselbridge, though Orsin hunting is excellent, he would rather be closer to the
center of the kingdom. Unlike his mother, he would
is unaware that Remiu’s plans to have the keep put in
gladly trade is his vote for the promise power.
the hands of his order. Remiu is a cousin to Lady Ialny,
Motives: Use his vote to improve his position.
wife of Earl Caldeth, another man he admires.
The 37 year old Reblena of the northernmost chapter
house of the order, Tae is far removed from the heart of
the diocese of Nurez. He is focused on protecting the
kingdom’s borders, and collaborates closely with Baron
Pierstel of Tonot. Tae is devoted to the hierarchy of the
Order of the Lady of Paladins, and is appalled by the
Kaldoric Patriots attempts to split the order. Tae is
especially antagonistic to Luisan Kelic, the leader of the
Patriots movement.
Tae’s forces, particularly in comparatively peaceful
Meselyneshire, have been pulled away by the senior
Reblena Houla Artona to support the Solori Crusade.
Motives: Keep the Kaldoric branch loyal to the
grandmaster of the order. Support the Serekela.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 14
Meliem Elendsa (Tashal)
Youngest sister of Cheselyne, Meliem is discussed as
part of the Royal Household.
Cheselyn Hosath the Younger (Tashal)
The 17 year old daughter of Cheselyn Elendsa, the
younger Cheselyn was raised in a household where her
mother insisted she was rightfully a royal princess. The
girl learned a great deal from her mother’s political
machinations. Why should the younger Cheselyn settle
for princess when she might be queen?
Cheselyn’s mother has arranged to marry her to
Scina Dariune to cement an alliance to that powerful
house and launch herself onto the throne. Cheselyn
herself is not opposed to that plan, provided she can get
herself or Scina declared the royal heir. She has also
hedged her bets by stringing along Mirild Harabor, son
of the king’s eldest bastard son. The younger Cheselyn
will not hesitate to jump ship if it looks like the Harabors
are in a better position to win the kingdom.
Motives: Marry a powerful man whom she can keep
under her thumb. Cut out her mother and become queen
herself.
Merala Hosath (Tashal)
Younger daughter of Cheselyn Elendsa, the 14 year
old Merela is too young to be anything other than a
pawn in the coming conflict. She is a naïve dreamer, not
yet as treacherous as her mother and sister.
Motives: Be an unaware pawn.
Lenera Firith (Caleme)
Eldest daughter of the king’s sister of the same name,
Lenera is the sister of Baron of Kobing and sister-in-law
of the Baron of Uldien. The 44 year old year Lenera is a
Laranian priestess and keeper of archives at Caleme
Abbey. The Serekela Edine Kynn expects to be able to
influence her vote. He may be surprised.
Motives: Advance her position in the church, but
otherwise support her brother.
Serli Ubael (née Firith)
Twin sister of Lenera, she is an advocate of her older
brother Orsin’s claim to the throne. The 44 year old is
married to Karsin Ubael, baron of Uldien. The baron is
loyal to his liege Troda Dariune, but Serli is trying to
convince him Orsin’s candidacy is best for all concerned.
Motives: Support her husband and brother.
Kymen Firith (Qualire)
The 43 year old Kymen is a firm supporter of his
older brother Orsin, and will follow his lead. He is
currently bailiff of the Qualire manor for his brother.
Motives: Support his brother.
support whomever he believes will be the best ruler of
Kaldor, and currently leans toward Conwan.
Motives: Keep his royal post. Support the best ruler
for Kaldor.
Tarkin Hirnen (Tashal)
Lord Chancellor of Kaldor and deputy to Troda
Dariune as the Chancellor of Exchequer, Tarkin is the
younger son of the king’s sister Erelora, and brother to
the baron of Nenda. The 41 year old career bureaucrat
has no desire to support his uncouth brother, and will
vote to his own best advantage.
Motives: Keep his royal post. Use his vote to retain
or advance his own position.
Siwen Elendsa (Kiban)
The 38 year Peonian high priestess of Kiban is the
older sister of Conwan Elendsa. Siwen would prefer to
stay out of politics. She has enough problems with those
her believe her elevation to high priestess is due only to
her family influence. When it comes time, she will vote
her conscience for what is best for Kaldor.
Motives: Stay out of politics. Promote the Peonian
church. Support the best candidate for the throne.
Raditha Elendsa
Younger sister of Conwan Elendsa, the 32 year old
has proclaimed she is uninterested in the throne and is
currently traveling abroad. An unscrupulous faction
might try to snatch her to tip the vote in their favor.
Motives: Stay away from Kaldor entirely.
Korwyn Elendsa (Bromeleon)
This 31 year Peonian priest is even less interested in
politics than his sister Siwen. He wishes only a quiet life
at the Bromeleon Abbey. He is more inclined to support
his brother Conwan than his older siblings.
Motives: Support his brother but otherwise stay out
of politics. Be appalled at any suggestion he should be
king as a compromise candidate.
Undine Indama (née Elendsa)
The younger sister of Conwan Elendsa is the wife of
the heir to the Barony of Getha. At 21, she is only barely
old enough to vote on the council. Though her husband
Harapa boasts that their children could someday sit on
the throne, Udine is more realistic. She is inclined to
support her brother Conwan. She lives in Bidow with
her husband and two young children.
Motives: Support her brother Conwan unless this
endangers her own family, particularly her children.
Donesyn Dariune (Tashal)
Daughter of the king’s aunt Kethele and sister to the
Earl of Balim, Troda Dariune, the 43 year old Donesyn is
unmarried and lives in Tashal seeing to her clan’s
Asorn Firith (Tashal)
interests. She is a devout Laranian and involved in local
The Lord Advocate of Kaldor and Orsin’s youngest
politics. Donesyn is loyal to her clan and will back her
brother, Asorn is closer to the center of power than his
brother’s play.
siblings and more worldly. He is not opposed to his
brother’s ascension, but his time in court has given him a
Motives: Support her brother the Earl and promote
broader view. The 42 year old master litigant will
the Laranian church.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 15
PRELUDE TO WAR
important. If she can come to an understanding with
Troda, he can use his influence with the church to block
The traditional starting date for a Hârnic campaign is Conwan indefinitely.
the year 720. The succession crisis outlined here will not
Though she has no military power, Cheselyne is
erupt until 721. The year prior can be used to introduce
the player characters to the world of Hârn and the major completely ruthless, is quite wealthy and knows many
of the kingdom’s secrets. She will bribe and blackmail
characters in the crisis to come.
whoever she needs to do gain the throne, though she
A good introductory scenario is the Earl’s Progress by will try not to alienate clan Dariune or the church.
Kerry Mould, or something like it. This campaign
The Conwan Faction
assumes that the player characters are all members of
Among the landed nobility of Kaldor, Conwan is the
the household of Earl Caldeth, either family members or
favored candidate. Were it not for his oath, there would
other retainers.
The section outlines the situation before the crisis and be no contest for the throne. Most of his siblings would
support him in the succession council, and his position
general factors to consider in the coming war.
as Sheriff of Semethshire is solid military base.
Prewar Factions
Conwan has cultivated a strong working relationship
Here is how the country’s leaders are organized prior with the Laranian Reblenas of Whyce and Vadan. He
to the outbreak of war.
originally had an understanding with Earl Meleken, and
believes the Earl’s disappearance was to undermine his
The Bastard Faction
Among the king’s bastard sons, Maldan Harabor has candidacy. He tries to stay on the good side of both Earl
the strongest position militarily. Maldan holds much of Curo and Earl Dariune, but Conwan knows that Dariune
is in a better position to help him with the church.
northwest Kaldor, dominating Meselyneshire. Without
Conwan recognizes that he has no path forward
his father’s recognition, Maldan will have no votes on
without a release from his oath. Since Serekela Kynn has
the succession council. Though he still hopes he will be
proven to be intransigent, he was written letters to the
acknowledged, Maldan has also spent the last decade
Laranian primate in Thay asking for an intervention. He
preparing for war.
Maldan knows the church and kingdom’s nobles will is unaware that he has the secret backing of the kingdom
of Melderyn, largely because Conwan favors the church
not support him, so he has tried to minimize their
influence in his heartland. He has positioned himself as of Save-K’nor due to his wife’s influence.
the champion of the common man, hoping to capitalize The Firith Faction
on the popularity of his brother Koris.
On paper Orsin Firith has a good claim to the throne
as the eldest unencumbered male descendant of clan
The baron of Setrew is in Maldan’s pocket. The
Elendsa. In practice, he expects the next ruler will be
Sheriff has a sizable guard at Olokand and more forces
scattered throughout manors in the shire ready to move either Cheselyne or Conwan. Orsin could count on most
quickly. Without acknowledgement, Maldan knows his of his siblings in the succession council, but no one else.
Though he commands considerable military forces, they
only hope for the throne is swift victory in war. He has
prepared forged documents to give himself the veneer of are far from the heart of the kingdom.
legitimacy. Maldan is also encouraging his brother’s
Orsin’s plan is to extract whatever promises he can
loyalty, but Koris will not discuss the succession while
from the leading candidates, especially permission to
their father is still alive.
expand his holdings to Oselbridge. He is open to a more
aggressive play should the opportunity arise, however.
The Cheselyne Faction
Though Cheselyne believes she is the most legitimate Lately he has received some interesting overtures from
clan Caldeth.
candidate, she recognizes she cannot win the throne
without allies. She has been cultivating the powerful
The Dariune-Laranian Alliance
clan Dariune with the promise of marrying her daughter
Clan Dariune and the leaders of the Laranian church
to Scina and effectively making him the next king. She
have been close allies for over a decade. Together they
has also used her wealth and influence to get as many
intend to play kingmakers. Ostensibly their plan is to
nobles in her debt as possible.
milk Conwan Elendsa for all the concessions they can
before releasing him from his oath. Their dominant
Cheselyne knows her best chance for the throne is a
position angers the other Earls, particularly Earl Curo.
victory in the succession council. She believes she can
count on the votes of her sisters and the Dariunes, and
This alliance is more fragile than it looks, however.
has been cultivating the Firiths with a promise to help
Troda Dariune realizes that if his son Scina marries
Orsin expand his holdings to Oselbridge.
Cheselyne the Younger, a Dariune could end up heir to
the throne. Given Cheselyne’s lack of popularity, a quick
Cheselyne sees Conwan to be her greatest rival. She
succession may not be hard to arrange. Backstabbing the
lives in fear of him being released from his oath, which
church would be risky, but Troda believes he can
would immediately make him the favorite for the
throne. She knows the church is quietly negotiating with smooth things over; failing that he could arrange for his
Conwan, which is why her alliance to the Dariune’s is so cousin Tyrnal to become Serekela.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 16
Troda is worried, though, that he does not know who mostly light foot with some archers and medium foot. It
is trying to assassinate Tyrnal and fears a power play by follows Kerry Mould’s Lady of Paladins article in that each of
another of the Earls, most probably Curo.
the five major Laranian chapter houses normally have 50 men,
but assumes that the rest of the order’s forces are represented
Outliers
by the church’s feudal levy. Most knights (Laranian or
The other nobles of Kaldor do not have direct
otherwise) also have a squire. For brevity, squires are usually
influence on the royal succession, but should not be
omitted in the accounting below.
discounted. Their power, particularly military power,
will be important when the crisis devolves into war. The Standing Armies
attitudes of the Earls is particularly important. Earl Curo
As noted, there are four groups resembling standing
especially intends to overthrow the status quo.
armies in Kaldor. The three secular armies are:
The Royal Guard (40 knights and 80 medium foot):
Military Dispositions
This
force protects the king and his household. Without
Most of Kaldor’s active military is in the form of keep
the
king,
its function is less clear. The Marshal of the
and castle guards. There are only four forces resembling
Royal
Guard
is Koris Harabor, and he is well liked by
armies: the Royal Guard, the Army of Chelmarch, the
most
of
his
men.
As long as the guard believes Koris is
Army of Oselmarch and the Laranian Order of the Lady
following
a
legitimate
path, they will probably follow
of Paladins, the last being the largest by far.
him. The knights of the Royal Guard includes many
These forces are supplemented by feudal levies of
scions of different noble houses, however, who might
knights and yeoman from vassal manors. The feudal
put family loyalty first.
service of these vassals is limited, though, typically from
Army of Chelmarch (80 soldiers): The army of
60 to 90 days a year. As such, their lieges can only use
Chelmarch
is mainly responsible for patrolling the Salt
these forces part time. During peace time, most lords
Route and keep the path to Western Hârn free from
rotate their feudal levies to have a small but constant
number of troops patrolling their lands. During war, the brigandage. Nominally the Warden of Chelmarch is the
lords call in all their obligations at once to maximize the king himself. In practice the command of the army is in
the hands of Conwan Elendsa as Sheriff of Semethshire.
size of their force.
The day-to-day command of the army is under Korus
The result is that the pace of war is focused around
Ynel, deputy warden of Chelmarch. The army is based
the “fighting season”, mostly in the summer, where the at Kathane manor west of the River Kald. At the
weather is best and yeoman farmer-soldiers have time
outbreak of hostilities, most of this army will be out
between spring planting and fall harvest. Lords might
patrolling the wilds of Chelmarch.
pay their vassals to fight longer, but this is expensive
Army of Oselmarch (80 soldiers): The army of
and could strain the resources of even the wealthiest
Oselmarch
protects the southern border of Kaldor. The
lord. As part-time soldiers, much of the levy is less
Pagaelin
barbarians
are much more warlike than the
skilled then the lord’s household troops.
barbarians on Kaldor’s other borders, making this a
Another complexity of feudal levies is that lord’s
more dangerous posting than Chelmarch. Orsin Firith
vassals are never concentrated in a single region. To
commands in his role as Warden of Oselmarch. This
make it difficult for nobles to rebel, most lords have
army is battle-hardened and quite formidable. It is,
vassals scattered throughout the kingdom. This not only however, far from the center of the kingdom.
makes it harder for a lord to gather his forces in one
Lady of Paladins
place, it also means vassals of his enemies may live
The Laranian Order of the Lady of Paladins controls
nearby and pose more immediate threat.
150 knights, a like number of squires and another 300
As a supplement to feudal forces, there are a many
men-at-arms. They also have quite a few retired knights
mercenary companies in both Kaldor and elsewhere in
and soldiers that could be called back into service at
Hârn. Most companies survive as caravan escorts or in
great need. If these forces were concentrated in one
brief military campaigns in various places on the island.
place, they would dominate the field of battle.
A civil war in Kaldor would be a bonanza for mercenary
The Laranian forces are scattered throughout the
companies throughout Hârn, who would flock to the
region looking to serve with whomever could pay them. kingdom, however. About a tenth of their men traveled
south last year to support the Solori Crusade at the
Finally, there are several hundred independent
command of the order’s grandmaster. Kaldoric forces
knight-bachelors in Kaldor. Many landless knights serve
are mainly concentrated in several chapter houses under
in the household of one lord or another, but others, the
the five senior Reblenas (knight commanders) of the
youngest sons of landed knights or members of families
order. The remainder serve as guards for temples and
in decline, have not yet found a firm place. They too can
church officials, or as bailiffs and protectors for the
swell the ranks of the various militaries. Many will
manors held by the order.
follow the allegiances of their families, but others will
The frontier chapter houses of Yatalko, Jenkald and
seek the opportunity to gain lands of their own.
Nebulan normally hold about 50 men each, but they are
Note: The military numbers below are derived from the
currently reduced to 40 because of soldiers sent to fight
Kaldor (v2) article, with the assumption that each manor
the Solori. The Whyce and Vadan chapter houses are at
yields one knight and roughly one yeomen per 400 acres,
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 17
the full strength of 50 men, but the Rekela of Kephrus
sends half the forces of Vadan to aid the Army of
Chelmarch each year. Nominally the knights of Whyce
should also be patrolling the Fur Road, but Maldan
Harabor has refused this service.
Most other holdings of the order are small, with no
more than a dozen men. There is, however, a full
company of Laranians in Tashal protecting the temples
of Larani and Peoni, a company protecting each of the
Rekelas and two companies in Caleme protecting the
Serekela. In Abriel, however, the order’s forces are
mostly relegated to the chapter house at Iversen, since
Rekela Ilor Hadan has refused their protection.
Forces of Meselyneshire
The strongest noble in Meselyneshire is Sheriff
Maldan Harabor. Harabor commands 60 guards at
Olokand to protect the king’s household, but he has
ensured they are loyal to him personally. Harabor has
hired another 40 mercenaries, nominally to patrol the
Fur Road, but in practice to supplement his own forces.
Maldan’s ally Wevran Ethasiel has another company
of guard further enforced by a company of mercenaries.
The loyalty of Wevran’s men is surprisingly good, and
they are skillfully led by his militaristic son Romlach.
The brutal Romlach indulges his men’s excesses.
The constable of Baseta has a mere company of
guards, and is isolated from his liege in Vemionshire.
There should be an active company of Laranians spread
between Abriel Abbey and Iversen manor, but their
numbers have been reduced in the last few years from
fighting local bandits.
The breakdown of forces in Meselyneshire is as
follows, with official forces sizes (mostly from the
Kaldor article) in parenthesis:
Liege
Acres
Guards
Knights
Yeomen
Baseta
22,000
20
13
55
Kiban
7,000
0
4
17
Laranians 19,000
15 (20)
8
45
Olokand
58,000
100 (60)
34
145
Qualdris
4,000
0
3
10
Setrew
33,000
40 (20)
20
80
Legally Tonot and Yeged are part of Meselyneshire,
but geographically they are closer to Nephshire, so their
forces will be considered there. The manors Antiven and
Tullar, both fiefs of Heru across the Kald river, are
counted with the forces of that keep in Semethshire.
Assuming Maldan and his allies leave half their
forces in Meselyneshire as garrison, he can muster 70
guards and mercenaries plus a feudal levy of 27 knights,
27 squires and 111 yeoman (235 total). Maldan knows
this army will only be useful if he can strike swiftly.
Forces of Nephshire
The strongest noble in Nephshire is Earl Curo. He
will quickly take control of his vassal’s forces in Yeged,
giving him access to 60 guards, 33 knights and 130
yeoman. His ally Chimin Indama, Sheriff of Neph and
Baron of Getha, can draw on another 40 guards, 20
knights and 85 yeoman. The Earl can also quickly hire a
company or two of mercenaries away from the caravans
of the Silver Way.
The Earl’s forces are counterbalanced by the baron of
Tonot, vassal of his rival, the Earl Dariune. The Order of
the Lady of Paladins has a close working relationship
with the baron, and the church is also allied with clan
Dariune. Between them, they can muster a force of 80
experienced soldiers, and a feudal levy of 29 knights
with squires and 135 yeoman. The Earl cannot move out
of Nephshire without first neutralizing these opponents.
There is another complement of Laranians at the
Jenkald. Their Reblena, Luisan Kelic, is half-brother to
the baron of Getha and a rival of the Reblena at Yaltako.
He can likely be persuaded to work with Earl Curo.
The breakdown of forces in Nephshire is:
Liege
Acres
Guards
Knights
Yeomen
Bidow
28,000
20
15
70
Gardiren
32,000
60 (40)
22
80
Getha
6,000
20
5
15
Heru
4,500
0
2
10
Laranians 34,000
40
16
85
Jenkald 5,500
40
4
15
Olokand
8,000
0
4
20
Setrew
4,000
0
3
10
Tonot
21,000
40
13
50
Uldien
5,500
0
3
13
Yeged
20,000
20
11
50
The holdings of Meselyneshire near the Shem river
are included in the counts above for the geographically
adjacent Nephshire. The remote Ascur manor is instead
counted among the nearer Laranian forces of Balimshire.
The ambiguously allied Laranian forces of Jenkald are
noted separately.
Forces of Vemionshire
Earl Caldeth is the undisputed master of
Vemionshire. The shire has a number of keeps held by
vassals of other lords, but they are isolated and generally
incompetent, posing little threat to the Earl. This gives
him more freedom to deploy his own forces.
Between the Earl and his vassal at Zoben, he can
command 60 guards, 33 knights and 165 yeomen. It is
likely the Earl will, at least initially, work with Tulath
Kaphin, Sheriff of Vemion, who commands another 40
guards, 14 knights and 55 yeomen. The baron of Nenda
can be placated, and the constable of Kyg and Pendeth
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 18
are not much of a threat at the beginning of the war. The Forces of Oselshire
constables may be replaced with competent leaders if
Oselshire is dominated by the forces of baron of
the war drags on, however.
Kobing, Orsin Firith. The baron’s own holding is not
especially strong, but he leads the army of Oselmarch
Liege
Acres
Guards
Knights Yeomen
and is a close ally of the Laranians at Nebulan. Between
Minarsas 44,000
40
22
110
his guard, the army and the Laranians he can call on 120
of the most battle-hardened soldiers in the kingdom,
Zoben
18,500
20
11
45
along with a feudal levy of another 40 guards, 21 knights
Athelren 23,000
40
14
55
and 105 yeoman. His only weakness is the distance his
troops are from the center of the kingdom.
Nenda
19,000
40
11
45
The Countess of Osel has a strong holding in the
Getha
6,000
0
4
15
shire. Ordinarily she could easily call on her vassals in
Thelshire, but there are the difficulties arising from her
Kyg
22,000
20
12
55
missing husband and his disgruntled clan members. The
Larani
17,000
0
9
40
Sheriff of Osel in Hutop also commands a sizable force,
but he is far removed from his father, Earl Curo, and his
Pendeth 8,000
20
14
20
vassals are disorganized from years of mismanagement.
Kiban
5,000
0
4
12
The constable of Jedes in the western part of the shire
Kobing
5,000
0
3
12
is loyal to his distant liege the Earl Dariune, and could
The manors Chesel and Lachel, both fiefs of Nubeth, strike north or east. More likely, though, he will hold
this corner of the kingdom until he is called on to act.
are counted among the forces of Thelshire instead.
The breakdown of forces in Oselshire is:
Forces of Thelshire
The strongest lord in Thelshire is the Sheriff of Thel,
Ranal Gybsen. The keep of Sirendel only has a small
guard of 20 men, but the feudal levy owed to the sheriff
is an impressive 40 knights with squires and 110
yeomen. The sheriff has no allegiances to any of the
factions in the succession crisis, and will be slow to act
until he knows who has the proper claim to throne.
The eastern part of the shire is dominated by the
Baron of Nubeth, a vassal of clan Meleken, though not
necessarily an ally of the current Countess of Osel. The
western part should be dominated by the baron of
Kolorn, but the baron cares more for his pleasures than
politics. The baron’s son Lyndar would answer the call
of his liege, the Earl Caldeth, but the 24 year old is not
particularly experienced.
The baron Ternua has a number of vassals in the
northwestern part of the shire, and can easily move
forces back and force across the river Nephen. The few
active Laranian forces in the shire are centered around
Ledyne, the politically-unattached diocese seat.
The breakdown of forces in Thelshire is:
Liege
Acres
Guards
Knights
Yeomen
Esenor
11,000
0
5
25
Kobing
1,500
0
1
4
Kolorn
33,000
20
17
80
Laranians 29,000
20
14
70
Minarsas 3,000
0
2
7
Nubeth
27,000
20
16
65
Qualdris
10,000
0
6
25
Sirendel
66,000
20
40
110
Ternua
12,500
0
6
30
Liege
Acres
Guards
Knights
Yeomen
Army of Oselmarch
80
–
–
Hutop
44,000
20
23
110
Jedes
23,000
20
14
55
Kiban
2,000
0
1
5
Kobing
24,000
40
12
60
Laranians 19,000
40
9
45
Minarsas 2,000
0
1
5
Nubeth
3,500
0
2
8
Peonians
3,000
0
1
6
Qualdris
33,000
40
17
80
Forces of Balimshire
Balimshire is the heart of the realm, and many lords
hold a manor or two in the region. The shire is largely
controlled by the Earl Dariune and his allies in the
Laranian church. The Sheriff of Shebra also owes his
post to the Earl and is loyal. Between his own holdings
at Kiban and his vassals at Fisen and Uldien, the Earl
commands 120 guards, 60 knights and 195 yeoman.
The church has a force of 50 soldiers at Vadan and
another 60 guarding the Rekela of Kephrus and the
Serekela Edine Kynn, along with a feudal levy of 20
knights with squires and 110 yeomen. However, half of
the forces of Vadan are patrolling Chelmarch at the
beginning of the crisis, and the church will not commit
its temple-guards unless this situation is quite dire.
In theory, the Baron of Esenor could threaten the
Earl’s flank. The baron is nominally a vassal of the Earl
Curo, but the wily Kisan Tesla will sit out the conflict in
his keep until he can use his political connections to his
best advantage.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 19
Liege
Acres
Guards
Knights
Yeomen
Liege
Esenor
16,500
20
8
40
Fisen
14,000
20
10
Gardiren
2,000
0
Getha
6,000
Heru
Acres
Guards
Knights
Yeomen
Royal Guard
120
–
–
35
Tashal City Guard
40
–
–
1
5
Army of Chelmarch
105 (80)
–
–
0
4
15
Esenor
4,000
0
2
10
4,000
0
1
10
Heru
19,000
40
9
45
Kiban
25,000
60
13
60
Kiban
10,000
0
5
25
Qualdris
2,000
0
2
5
Laranians 29,000
70
10
70
Laranians 43,500
85 (110)
20
110
Minarsas 10,000
0
5
25
Shebra
28,000
20
28
70
Peonians
3,000
0
0
6
Ternua
3,000
0
2
7
Querina
59,000
40
27
145
Uldien
12,000
20
9
30
Ternua
18,000
60 (40)
9
45
Given it location, Ascur manor is included in the
Role of the Player Characters
Laranian forces above. Conwan Elendsa’s fiefs, Etoss
The events outlined in this campaign assume that the
and its subordinate holdings, are instead counted among player characters are members of the household of the
his forces at Querina in Semethshire.
Earl of Vemion. Earl Caldeth makes for an interesting
party in this conflict, not directly in line for the throne
Forces of Semethshire
Western Semethshire holds the heart of the Kaldoric and with a relatively safe stronghold. He is therefore
government: Caer Elend in the city of Tashal. When the inclined to negotiate with most of the other factions in
king is in the city, the castle is held by the Royal Guard: the succession conflict, which is a good excuse for the
player characters to wander all over the field of battle.
120 men under the command of the king’s bastard son,
Koris Harabor. The castle’s constable Haldare Venera
In the outline of events below, the conflict will begin
leads one company of these Royal Guard, along with the in the second month of the year 721 TR. The campaign
city watch of 24 light foot.
should actually starts in the year 720 TR (as is usual for
Hârnic campaigns). This will give the player characters
The Sheriff of Semeth, Conwan Elendsa, also has a
dozen men in the city. He commands a further 40 guard time to familiarize themselves with the kingdom and the
at the keep Querina, and a feudal levy of 27 knights and major contenders for the throne.
145 yeomen. Conwan is also the de-facto commander of
The campaign could start with an introductory
the Army of Chelmarch. Unfortunately, its 80 men are
adventure in the spring of 720 to introduce Vemionshire,
on the other side of the Kald patrolling Chelmarch along the Earl’s household and sheriff Tulath Kaphin, a major
with 25 Laranian soldiers from Vadan.
figure in the events to follow. This can be followed by
Kerry Mould’s Earl’s Progress adventure available on
The church of Larani has a significant presence in
Semethshire. Its chief chapter house, Whyce, is less than lythia.com; if you use that adventure, you may want to
a day from Tashal, with a full complement of 50 soldiers. leave the question of who is behind the assassination
attempts against the Earl unresolved for later use in the
There are 20 temple guards in the city itself, and the
church has a feudal levy of 10 knights and 70 yeomen in campaign. Player characters could then either rest
through the winter or have another short adventure
the shire.
The Constable of Heru, Bereden Pawade, controls the before leading into the succession crisis itself.
Once the crisis begins, the player characters should
strategic crossing of the river Shem. Unlike many of her
be in a position to influence the events as they unfold.
other vassals, Bereden is loyal to the Countess of Osel,
but will be forced to make his own decisions until he can This means that there is a limit to how much of the crisis
can be planned in advance. The outline of events below
contact her. Similarly, the Baron of Ternua controls the
only cover the beginning of the crisis, after which things
crossing of Nephen. He is more independent minded
become too unpredictable.
and will play the situation to his best advantage, with
easy access to his vassals in Thelshire to bolster his
forces. He has recently hired a company of mercenaries
to supplement his already sizable castle guard.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 20
EVENTS OF THE CRISIS
shepherd our son to his rightful place as King of
Kaldor.”
This section outlines how the crisis and civil war may
The room is in a uproar. Erila again insists she has
unfold, up to the point where the actions of the player
not
seen this document before today, but that she
characters make future events too unpredictable.
recognizes Miginath’s handwriting. She goes on, saying:
“This situation is most strange. Let us leave the office of
Birth of War (Nuzyael, 721 TR)
Events at the end of the month of Nuzyael initiate the Chamberlain in the hands of Princess Meliem until the
truth behind this document can be uncovered. In any
crisis that leads to civil war in Kaldor.
case, it will upon the succession council to name the next
The King’s Death (Nuzyael 23-24)
king, not I or this will.”
Miginath dies in Caer Elend on the morning of the 23
A messenger is sent to Caer Elend for more of the
of Nuzyael in the year 721, nearly a month before his
king’s documents for comparison. Mirald Alkinil slips
usual departure to Olokand for the summer months. A
out and sends a message to his sister Areta in Olokand,
castle servant saw the king staggering in a daze at the
the wife of Maldan Harabor.
top of the stairs near his bedroom. The king stumbled
and fell down the stairs. The servant shrieked and the
Gwadira’s Plan (719 – 721 TR)
king’s physician was sent for, but by the time he arrived
These events are unfolding according to the plans of
it was too late: the king had breathed his last.
the Gray Mage Gwadira. Through her agents in Kaldor,
she has a good understanding of its political situation.
The castle is stunned by the sudden violence of the
king’s death. Koris Harabor questions the servants, and She engineered this scenario as the one she believes most
determines no one was close enough to have pushed the likely to plunge the kingdom into civil war. Gwadira
does not care who takes the throne: she wants to weaken
king. He quietly asks the physician, Ernell Mered, to
and destabilize the kingdom, making it vulnerable to the
look into the king’s food from the preceding evening.
next phase of her plan.
The king is laid to rest in the castle’s crypt.
In 719, Gwadira quietly had both Lenera and Merik
Throughout the day messages are dispatched to the
Elendsa
poisoned, taking care to make them look like
great lords around the kingdom. Rumors fly though the
natural deaths. This eliminated the expected successors
city. In the evening, the Royal Herald, Migray Hosath,
to Kaldor’s throne. Gwadira believed (correctly) that the
formally announces the king’s death in Kald Square,
death of both his siblings would sufficiently shock king
though without giving any details.
Miginath that it would be some time before he could
The following morning, Kaldor’s chief herald, the
arrange a new successor to the throne.
aged Archebal Peltrei, calls the royal court to the
Soon after killing the Elendsas, Gwadira used her
Enclave of the Holy Oak for a private meeting. The
meeting is attended by Princess Meliem Elendsa, Migray puppet, Migray Hosath, to forge a new will for the king.
Through her magic, she temporarily gave Migray the
Hosath, Tarkin Hirnen, Erila Kaphin, Mirald Alkinil,
Koris Harabor and Haldare Venera. Archebal presents a king’s handwriting, and Migray was easily able to access
the king’s seal. Migray’s only tie to the royal succession
sealed document that he describes as the royal will.
is his sister-in-law Cheselyne, whom he despises, so
Archebal tells a strange tale:
none would suspect his involvement, doubly so after
“Fifteen months ago, not long after the death of his
Gwadira erased his memory.
highness’s brother, prince Merik, I was visited by a
Gwadira herself delivered the will, using her magic
cloaked woman late in the evening. She gave me this
document, claiming it was the last will and testament of to cloud the mind of Archebal Peltrei, lulling his
suspicions and dulling his memory. Gwadira knows that
his highness, King Miginath. I inspected the royal seal
the choice of Tulath Kaphin will infuriate both the great
and it was indeed valid. The woman refused to tell me
houses of Kaldor and his older half-brothers. Erila
more, even her identity, saying only that the will was a
Kaphin is a convenient scape-goat for her machinations.
caution against the kingdom’s future, and should only
be revealed in the event of the king’s death.”
Gwadira is not aware that Erila herself is an agent for
the Council of Eleven, and more resourceful than the
The gathering immediately accuses Erila Kaphin of
Gray Mage knows. This is the only flaw in Gwadira’s
delivering the document. She denies this, saying she
plan, however: the false will is enough to spark war in
knew nothing of it. The normally lucid Archebal seems
Kaldor.
confused about the event: it was late, he was tired, and
he cannot recall much about the woman herself. The will
When the king failed to pass away on his own,
is opened and read by Archebal.
Gwadira intervened a second time to arrange the death
“I, Miginath Elendsa son of Torastra, king of Kaldor, of the king. She used her magic to get into his chambers,
weakened the king’s body with poison, and befuddled
Earl of Meselyn and of Chybisa, Marshal of Chelmarch
his mind to get him to fall down the stairs. This plan is
and Lord of the Realm, do declare this my last will and
more blatant that Gwadira’s usual approach, but she
testament. I declare that Tulath Kaphin is my son and
deemed the risk worth the reward, since delaying
heir, Prince of the Realm. In the event of my death, I
further risked having her plans unravelling.
appoint his mother, my love, Erila Kaphin, Lord High
Chamberlain and executor of my will, that she may
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 21
Maldan’s Reaction (Nuzyael 23-28)
The Royal Household (Nuzyael 25-28)
A rider arrives in Olokand well after sundown on the
day of the king’s death. The household is roused out of
bed for the shocking news. Maldan and his wife Areta
stay up nearly until dawn wrestling with what to do
next. On the morning of the 24th, Maldan’s sends word
to his vassals of the kings death, but given the peculiar
circumstances of the king’s passing, asks them to
prepare for muster.
On the afternoon of the 25th, another rider arrives,
this one with news of the king’s will. Maldan is enraged.
It is as if the king’s choice of his younger half-brother
Tulath as heir was deliberately engineered to insult him
(it was). Maldan and Areta summon their herald and
retrieve their own forged will, long prepared against this
day. Ironically, this will legitimizes all three bastard sons
of the king: Maldan, Koris and Tulath. Maldan and
Areta decide to leave Tulath in the will, as it increases
the verisimilitude of the document.
On the 26th, Maldan calls all of his vassals to muster,
saying only that the king was murdered and swift action
is needed to defend the realm. He calls his secret ally,
the Baron of Setrew, Wevran Ethasiel, to Olokand. As
Wevran and Maldan confer, Wevran’s son Romlach
rides with half of Maldan’s guard to Baseta.
By this point, the Constable of Baseta, Eres Tereneth,
has received word of the king’s death but nothing more.
When Maldan’s men arrive, he assumes they bring
further news, and lets the guard captain and Romlach
into the keep. He is shocked when they announce the
king’s murder, and that Maldan is the true heir to the
king. Eres refuses their demands for aid, saying he will
await word from his liege.
Exchanging glances, the captain holds open the
keep’s door, while the mighty Romlach single handedly
sweeps aside the unprepared guards in Baseta’s hall.
Maldan’s men storm and quickly take the keep: four
guards are killed, one of Maldan’s and three from
Baseta. They leave a company to hold the keep and take
Eres’s son as a hostage back to Olokand. Maldan orders
the Elendsa Bridge across the Kald closed to prevent
news of this act from reaching Tashal too quickly.
On the 27th, the vassals of Harabor and Ethasiel
gather in Olokand along with the mercenaries hired by
the two lords. Word is sent to Maldan’s brother Koris in
the capital to prepare for their arrival. The vastly
outnumbered Laranians of Iversen and the vassals of
other lords are tasked with “protecting the shire” during
the Sheriff’s absence.
On the 28th, in Mycepris Square in Olokand, Maldan
presents the forged will and announces that he is the
rightful heir of the king. He goes on to say that Erila and
Tulath Kaphin have conspired to take the throne and
murdered king Miginath. Maldan rides to “avenge” the
king leading a force of 27 knights and their squires, 70
guards and 110 yeoman south to Tashal, leaving the
other half of his forces to garrison Meselyneshire. If
nothing stands in their way, they will arrive in 2 days.
The Laranian Soratir (lay mass) on the 25th focuses
on the king’s death and prays for the protection of the
nation. The royal council agrees to keep the king’s will
secret for a few days to verify the document. The Lord
High Chamberlain Meriel Elendsa demands that Erila be
imprisoned on suspicion of treason, but Koris will not
do so without further proof.
Erila and the Chief Clerk Ruta Inamis search the
king’s papers for his previous will from five years ago.
Erila knows that this will does not declare an heir, but it
may provide some guidance on the situation. However,
the Old Will is missing (it was stolen by Migray Hosath
over a year ago). In the evening, Erila quietly arranges a
message to be sent to her son Tulath warning him of the
situation, telling him to stay in Athelren until things
calm down. She urges Tulath to seek the council of Earl
Caldeth and follow the older man’s advice.
Migray, Archebal and the other chief heralds of the
Enclave of the Holy Oak pour over Miginath’s will and
can find no sign that it is anything other than genuine
(Gwadira’s forgery is masterful). The Lord Advocate
Asorn Firith also examines the will. The physician Ernell
Mered, using Fyvrian magic, finds signs of poison in the
king’s blood. Not knowing who is responsible, he keeps
this a secret from the royal household, though he does
send word to Melderyn. Koris demands Ernell’s report
on the king’s death: Ernell says he can find no sign of
foul play. The mage Derwen Verdreth also finds no
signs of witchcraft (Gwadira hid her magic well). That
evening, embalmers prepare the king for burial.
By the 26th, rumors of the king’s fall down a staircase
reach the public. Through her contacts (Tarkin Hirnen),
Cheselyne the Elder learns of the king’s secret will and
its contents. She immediately begins a whispering
campaign that the king was murdered and conspirators
plan to usurp the throne. She sends a message to Troda
Dariune with the truth of the king’s will, and prepares to
travel to Kiban to negotiate directly with the Earl.
Messages are exchanged with Serekela Edine Kynn in
Caleme to prepare for a succession council; the previous
council from nearly thirty years ago was also held at the
Caleme Abbey.
On the 27th, Cheselyne’s whispering campaign bears
fruit. Citizens of the city mutter among themselves at the
shocking news. Constable Haldare Venera learns of the
rumors in the street through the city watch. That
evening he and Koris Harabor stand in Kald Square to
address the public. They say that a council is being
called to determine the succession and until then, the
protection of the city remains in their hands. Seeing
these two men together calms the people for now.
For her part, Cheselyne rides out of the city that
afternoon headed towards Kiban, to finalize Cheselyne
the Younger’s betrothal to Scina Dariune so that she can
cement her position in the succession council and
undercut Conwan. She arranges for her daughters to
follow a few days later with the rest of the household.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 22
Early on the 28th, Maldan’s messenger sneaks into
Caer Elend. He meet with Koris who is together with
Haldare. Koris insists the constable can also hear his
brother’s message. The messenger claims that Maldan
holds the true will of the king, naming Maldan as heir
and legitimizing all of his sons. The Tashal Will must be
false, part of a conspiracy to steal the throne.
Koris and Haldare argue. Haldare reminds Koris that
there were no signs that the king was murdered or that
his will was falsified. Koris vacillates, but his brother’s
message fits his own preconceptions too well. Koris asks
his lover to support him and his brother. Haldare cannot
agree. The two men part.
Haldare sends a royal page to warn Lady Erila, and
another to summon the city watch and Sheriff Conwan’s
men in the city to his aid. He then goes to the company
of the Low Guard under his direct command.
Koris calls the rest of the Royal Guard to Great Hall.
He announces there is a will in Olokand legitimizing
both him and his brother, but there is also a conspiracy
to usurp the throne on the part of Erila Kaphin and her
son Tulath (the contents of the Tashal Will are still
secret). He further states that the king may have been
murdered, and orders the arrest of Lady Erila and
Constable Haldare. The last command shocks his men,
but they trust Koris and reluctantly obey.
Koris’s and Haldare’s men clash inside the entrance
to the castle. Haldare is the better fighter, but he is vastly
outnumbered. Haldare kills two guardsmen but is
overwhelmed; five other guards die in fighting. Koris
takes Haldare alive, and has him thrown into the castle’s
dungeons. He then orders his men to bring him Erila.
Forewarned an hour earlier, Erila has changed into
breeches and strapped on the sword she has not born in
years. She then goes to the chambers of Princess Meliem
to warn her as well. The two women argue; Meliem has
no love for Erila. In exasperation, Erila tells Meliem that
the princess can either leave with her or chance the
mercy of Maldan Harabor. Hearing fighting downstairs,
Meliem relents. The two women flee upstairs and out
the secret exit in the king’s chambers, known only to
Erila now that the king is dead. Erila takes the privy seal,
a purse of silver and a bundle of usurer’s notes.
Frustrated in his search for Lady Erila, Koris meets
the city watch at the entrance to Caer Elend. He
announces the existence of the Olokand Will and that
Lady Erila has conspired with Constable Haldare to
seize the throne. Koris takes command of the city watch,
issues an arrest warrant for Lady Erila and orders the
gates sealed to prevent her escape, not knowing she and
Princess Meliem are already out of the city. Conwan
Elendsa’s men quietly slip away into the night.
The heralds of the Enclave of the Holy Oak overhear
Koris’s speech. Archebal Peltrei quietly orders a young
herald, Herik Curo, to take the Tashal Will and hide it.
Herik does not go far, secreting the will with the priests
of Save-K’nor in the neighboring temple. He then sneaks
to the townhouse of his father the Earl to hide himself.
The city awaits the arrival of the first army.
Conwan’s Reaction (Nuzyael 23-29)
Conwan learns of his uncle’s death by messenger on
the evening of the 23rd. He consults with his wife
Hesena and prays to both Larani and Save-K’nor for
guidance. The following morning, he decides he is out of
time for negotiating with the Serekela. He has at most a
month to get his oath nullified before the succession
council begins. He sends a message to Serekela Edine
Kynn in Caleme begging for an audience.
Edine, also aware of the king’s death, knows what
this message means. Pleased, Edine responds that he
cannot grant an audience until after the Soratir on the
25th; the circumstances are such that the Serekela
himself must lead the prayers of the nation after the
death of the king. On the 26th, the Serekela delays again,
saying he has received word from the capital that the
succession council must be arranged. He finally agrees
to meet with Conwan on the 27th.
Fuming, Conwan meets with the Serekela just after
noon. Edine drives a hard bargain. To be released from
his oath, not only must Conwan’s children be raised as
Laranians, but his wife Hesena must renounced SaveK’nor and join the church of Larani. Conwan must also
recognize the church’s eternal right to crown the king of
Kaldor, effectively giving the church veto power over
future kings’ ascensions: this is Edine’s true goal.
As Conwan struggles to swallow this bitter pill,
another messenger bursts into the room with urgent
news. Conwan’s spy in Olokand informs him that
Sheriff Maldan began a muster of his vassals on the
previous day; it can only mean the king’s bastard son
plans to march on Tashal.
Conwan sweeps out of the Serekela’s chambers,
saying “Before we can decide who sets the crown on the
king’s head, we must first save the throne for him to sit
in.” Conwan rides back to Querina to call up his own
vassals. He also sends word to both Vadan and Whyce
to call up the Order of the Lady of Paladins, knowing
they are the most readily available forces near the city.
Vadan begins to mobilize on the 28th, but Serekela
Kynn insists Reblena Houla Artona of Whyce consult
with him first before joining Conwan. The Serekela
harangues the Reblena about Conwan’s disrespect of the
church, saying the Sheriff hopes to legitimize himself in
the eyes of the people through war when he cannot do
so before the gods. Houla does not yet have clear reports
of Harabor’s actions, so he and the Serekela waste time
arguing over the best approach to take.
By the 29th, barely half of Conwan’s feudal levy has
arrived in Querina. That morning word arrives that
Koris Harabor has taken Tashal. Conwan is out of time:
if he cannot stop Maldan at the Heru bridge, the two
brothers will unite their forces. Conwan rides forth
leaving only skeleton guard at his keep, but still only has
30 guard, 12 knights and 60 yeomen to face Maldan.
Conwan departs for Heru, hoping the Laranians will
join him in time to stop Maldan.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 23
News in the Kingdom (Nuzyael 23-30)
Word of Miginath’s death begins to spread through
the kingdom almost immediately. All of Semethshire
and much of Balimshire knows by end of the first day.
News reaches the Earls Curo and Dariune on the 24th.
By the end of the 25th, nearly all major nobles in the
kingdom know their king is gone.
In the south, the Countess of Osel, Lady Thisila takes
the news calmly. Now is not the time for her to act. The
Baron Orsin Firith is out along the Genin Trail. Riders
don’t find him until the 28th, and he is not back to his
holding until the 30th.
In the north, Earl Hemisen Curo is unsurprised by
the news, but frustrated that once again that Dariune
seems to hold all the cards. He sees no clear way to turn
the king’s death to his advantage. He sends word to
Undine Elendsa in Bidow with condolences for the loss
of her uncle, and also to her father-in-law the Baron of
Getha suggesting they “hold the north safe” during the
transition.
Troda Dariune is the first of the Earls to learn of the
Tashal Will of the king: Cheselyne the Elder’s news
arrives on the 27th. Cheselyne herself arrives two days
later. As the two old conspirators discuss what the
king’s unexpected will means to their plans, they are
shocked by the news that Tashal has fallen to Koris
Harabor. Neither thought that the Marshal of the Royal
Guard would be so bold. There is no word on the fate of
Cheselyne’s daughters.
Earl Curo learns of the Tashal Will by the evening of
the 27th through his contacts in the Enclave of the Holy
Oak. As yet he is unsure how he can use this to his
advantage, but he dispatches his herald to far off
Athelren offering his congratulations to Sheriff Tulath.
Two days later he learns of the fall of Tashal, and
realizes that this year is likely to be very interesting
indeed.
News of Tashal’s fall filters out to the edges of the
kingdom by the 30th, greeting Orsin Firith as he returns
to his keep. He quickly calls in the Army of Oselmarch
and sends word to Reblena Remiu at Nebulan.
Earl Declaen Caldeth is the last to hear of the fall of
Tashal, but he is already busy with the “king to be”
Tulath in Vemionshire.
Tulath’s Reaction (Nuzyael 25-30)
Word of the king’s death reaches Athelren on the
25th. Tulath is genuinely distraught at the passing of his
father, whom he loved dearly. He receives condolences
from Earl Declaen Caldeth the next day, as Tulath and
his wife prepare to travel to Tashal for the funeral.
On the 27th, Tulath receives a strange message from
his mother. The king had a secret will hidden at the
Enclave of the Holy Oak which named Tulath the king’s
son and heir. Erila emphasizes that she knew nothing of
this will, and urges Tulath to remain in Athelren and
consult with Earl Caldeth until things become clearer.
Tulath wants to ride immediately for Tashal, but his
wife Elana presses him to follow his mother’s advice. He
grudgingly agrees to visit Minarsas with the letter on the
following day. The Earl finds the entire affair puzzling.
Were he to have received this news independently, he
would assume the Tashal Will to be a forgery. Reading
Erila’s letter directly, it seems her ignorance of the will is
genuine, and that she fears for her son’s safety. Declaen
agrees with Erila that until they know more, it is best to
stay put.
Tulath disagrees: “I cannot miss my father’s funeral,
and I must take up the reigns of the kingdom.” Declaen
points out that even if the king’s will has named him
heir, there will be a succession council and it will have
the final word. Tulath answers: “All the more reason for
me to hurry to Tashal to press my claim.”
The Earl cannot dissuade him. Declaen gives Tulath
an escort to supplement the Sheriff’s own guards. Tulath
leaves for the capital with his wife late on the 29th. Earl
Curo’s herald arrives on the 30th, but it is too late: the
Sheriff is already on his way west. News of the fall of
Tashal also passes Tulath and his escort on the road;
they know nothing of that disaster.
The Battle of Heru (Nuzyael 29)
Confused news of the king’s death has already
passed through Heru, followed quickly by rumors of his
possible murder. There has been much traffic along the
road, and Constable Bereden Pawade longs for
instructions from the Countess of Osel. There has been a
light rain for the last few days, but yesterday’s sun has
dried out the road.
On the morning of the 29th news arrives that Marshal
Koris Harabor has arrested Haldare Venera and accused
him and Lady Erila of conspiring to seize the throne,
which apparently belongs to the king’s eldest bastard
son Maldan. Shortly after noon a rider arrives from the
Sheriff Conwan Elendsa claiming that the Harabor’s
themselves seek to usurp the throne, and demanding for
Bereden to close the bridge to Sheriff Maldan.
As Bereden tries to puzzle out what to do, one of his
guards rushes in, claiming an army of over a hundred
horsemen are riding towards the bridge. Looking out the
window and with less than a minute before the horses
arrive, Bereden makes a snap judgement. It is unlikely
he can hold the bridge against such a large force. Even if
he could, his vassals on the other side of the river would
be helpless; there is no time to bring them across.
Bereden chooses to parley, meeting the army at the
bridge’s gates.
Sheriff Maldan Harabor approaches, along with
Baron Wevran Ethasiel and his son Romlach. The Sheriff
has commandeered many of the horses in Meselyneshire
to get his men here as quickly as possible. Wevran
declares Maldan to be the rightful heir of the king, riding
to Tashal to avenge the murder of his father at the hands
of Lady Erila. He demands Bereden’s fealty.
Bereden equivocates: “I am a humble man, and the
understanding of such things is beyond me. Prince
Maldan is welcome to pass through my Lady’s lands,
and I will see him again when he is crowned king.”
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 24
This isn’t exactly an oath of fealty, but Maldan is
willing to accept it. His horsemen cross the bridge. They
water the horses and re-provision as they wait for the
infantry to catch up. The battering ram they planned to
use against the bridge gate is left behind in the forest.
Maldan considers his next move. He now knows his
brother has taken Tashal. He needs to hold Heru’s
bridge, but cannot afford either to leave men behind or
to alienate another Earldom by attacking the keep. He
also knows that Conwan Elendsa is moving somewhere
to intercept his forces.
For his part, Conwan is a league east of Heru, having
swung wide around Tashal in the hopes of finding the
soldiers of Vadan. The Laranians are nowhere to be
seen. He does not have the men to challenge Maldan,
and it seems he will not get help from the Constable of
Heru. He gnashes his teeth as his scouts inform him of
the arrival of Maldan’s infantry. Then some good news:
the Laranians of Whyce are riding up the road in full
force along with the Senior Reblena himself, Houla
Artona. This is still not enough to match Maldan’s
forces, but with an ambush they might win the day.
The Laranians and Conwan quickly set up on either
side of the road to Tashal in a small wood near Touvant
manor. Unfortunately, they have lingered too long, and
the scouts of wily Wevran Ethasiel have reported their
movements back to Maldan. The Sheriff decides he must
risk leaving Heru unclaimed behind him, and pushes
south to face the immediate threat.
Maldan uses his superior numbers to drive a wedge
between the opposing forces, with Conwan forced to the
west side of road and the Laranians to the east. The
burly Romlach dominates the battle field, wounding
Houla Artona himself. Maldan’s numerous archers
wreak havoc on Conwan’s flanks, and he is forced to
flee. Conwan and most of his knights escape, but half his
guard and most of his yeoman are lost.
The more disciplined Laranians are able to retreat in
better order. Their knights draw off their pursuers while
their footman flee north. These men-at-arm eventually
connect with the Laranian forces of Vadan, who have
been searching for Conwan on the back roads of
Semethshire. The Laranians suffer only a few casualties.
Maldan orders his men to let the Laranians go; he does
not want to alienate the church more than he has to.
Maldan has lost nearly a company himself, but it is a
small price to pay for annihilating Conwan’s forces and
clearing the road to Tashal.
Battle’s Aftermath (Nuzyael 30)
The following day Maldan rides into Tashal at the
head of a column of victorious men. He declares his
intention to restore order and punish the murderers of
the king. The common people greet him with acclaim.
Houla quickly rides south in a futile attempt to
convince the Serekela to move further away from
Maldan’s forces in Tashal. Conwan limps back to
Querina, where he is surprised to meet none other than
his older cousin Princess Meliem and Lady Erila.
Princess Meliem has convinced the doubtful Erila
that Conwan is an honorable man and the first person
they must speak too. The Princess quickly explains what
has happened in the capital: the Tashal Will, Koris
Harabor’s treachery, and the daring escape of the two
ladies from Caer Elend.
Conwan listens quietly, and when they are done
immediately orders the arrest of Lady Erila. “We will
sort out who is and is not treasonous when all this is
done” he proclaims. Meliem protests Erila’s innocence,
but Conwan will hear none of it. The royal seal is no
longer on Erila’s person, however. The crafty knight has
hidden it somewhere along the road.
As Erila is settled in Querina’s dungeon, Conwan
sends a warrant for the arrest of Tulath Kaphin to Sheriff
Ranal in Sirendel. It arrives that evening. Sheriff Ranal
has already received a similar warrant in the morning
from Tashal. The young Sheriff Ranal is not sure who he
should answer to, but everyone seems to agree that
Tulath Kaphin should be arrested.
Ranal sends a company of soldiers east hoping to
negotiate with Earl Caldeth for help against Kaphin.
Ranal’s soldiers head directly towards Tulath’s party,
who are unaware (probably) of the events in the western
side of the kingdom.
Unfolding War (Peonu, 721 TR)
From this point forward, the outlined events becomes
increasingly speculative. This campaign assumes that
the PCs will be among the escort of Tulath Kaphin along
the road to Tashal. They can’t convince Tulath to stay
home but with some effort the characters may learn of
Tashal’s fall along the road. Even if they don’t, they can
make the difference on whether Tulath is captured.
The actions of the PCs will probably have a large
effect on how things play out in the south and east of the
kingdom. Events elsewhere will likely proceed more or
less as outlined here, but the ripple effects of the PC’s
actions will grow over time.
Maldan’s Next Moves (Peonu 1-10)
On the 1st of Peonu, “Prince” Maldan addresses the
city of Tashal. He announces the funeral of his father for
the 3rd of Peonu, and that he will protect the city from
those who would do it harm. Maldan calls on citizens of
the city to join an “honor guard” for the king’s funeral
and afterwards. This guard swells his forces in the city
by another 100 men, though most are inexperienced. He
also hires another two mercenary companies (40 men),
including the men of Rathbar of Marby.
Maldan quietly sends his own men throughout the
city to collect members of noble families and bring them
to Caer Elend “for their protection”. Some escape into
hiding, but his real prize is the daughters of Cheselyne
the Elder, trapped in the city when Koris closed the
gates to capture Erila Kaphin.
Superficially, the Harabors’ position looks good: they
hold the capital along with its treasury. However, they
desperately need allies: they cannot face the rest of the
kingdom alone. Prince Maldan sends messages south to
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 25
Ternua, east to Kiban and north to Gardiren. He also
sends five men west to Tharda, promising a knighthood
and a manor for each one who brings back of company
of Thardic mercenaries (whom he promises double pay
for the campaign season). He sends a similar group
north seeking Orbaalese mercenaries with less grandiose
promises.
On the 2nd, Maldan sends 50 men back to Heru to
secure the bridge to the north. By this point Constable
Bereden has received word from the Countess of Osel:
he is not to surrender the keep, but is otherwise not to
risk his people until he is reinforced. The bridge gate is
not designed to be defended from the south. Bereden
reluctantly cedes control of the bridge to Maldan’s men,
though he does not give them access to the keep. A tense
peace settles on Heru. With the road secure, Maldan’s
wife, Lady Areta, slips into Tashal.
The king’s funeral on the 3rd is a spectacle for the
masses. The Laranian Serolan Deni Trochi reluctantly
leads a public service in Kald square, but the people of
the city are touched by Maldan’s honor for his father.
The city can no longer remained closed, as food prices
are already rising. Traffic resumes through the gates,
though carefully watched.
After the funeral, Maldan wants to execute Constable
Haldare, but Koris argues against the death of his secret
lover: “Haldare was only doing what he believed was
just, and he is a popular man. His death could turn the
city against you.” Maldan reluctantly lets Haldare live.
Maldan names his brother-in-law Mirald Alkinil the
acting Exchequer Royal and his wife Lady Areta acting
Lord Chamberlain “until Lady Meliem returns”. Since
the royal seal is missing, he orders another one cast. For
now, the rest of the royal court retains their posts, at
least in name.
Maldan quietly demands that the “forged” Tashal
Will be delivered to Caer Elend. The chief herald
Archebal Peltrei counters that the Olokand Will should
instead be brought to the Enclave of the Holy Oak so
that “its veracity can be proven beyond a doubt.”
Maldan knows his forgery cannot survive the same
scrutiny given to the Tashal Will, and delays: “The road
from Olokand is not yet secure.” He sets a watch on the
Enclave, but cannot risk breaching its neutrality. He can,
however, keep the existence of the Tashal Will secret.
Maldan has done all he can to establish his claim. He
must now wait for responses to his messages and for the
moves of his enemies. Maldan is not surprised when his
emissary to Kiban is imprisoned, but he receives more
hopeful responses from Gardiren and Ternua. It is
something to build on.
Curo Rouses (Peonu 1-10)
Earl Hemisen Curo’s herald Serys Curo (a distant
cousin) arrived in Athelren on the 30th of Nuzyael only
to learn that Tulath Kaphin had already left. News also
arrives that Tashal has fallen to Koris Harabor. He urges
that a rider be sent to catch Tulath on the road. On the
1st of Peonu, the herald goes to visit Earl Caldeth.
For his part, Earl Caldeth has received word both of
Tashal’s fall and Maldan’s overthrow of his vassal in
Baseta, the latter from brave serf who travelled the north
roads of the kingdom. Furious, there is little the Earl can
do to relieve Constable Eres. When Earl Curo’s herald
Serys learns this news, he proposes an alliance between
Curo and Caldeth: perhaps the Earl of Neph can aid
Caldeth’s vassal. Earl Caldeth does not trust Curo, but
sees no alternative. He agrees to a tentative alliance.
Serys rides back to Gardiren, arriving on the 4th, at
the same time as Maldan’s emissaries to Earl Curo. The
Earl weighs his options. Hemisen knows the Elendsas
will be in Dariune’s pocket. His best options are to back
either Orsin Firith (whose commitments are unknown)
or one of the king’s bastards. Caldeth’s offer of alliance
is too good to pass up, but Hemisen doesn’t yet want to
commit himself.
Baron Chimin Indama visits Gardiren, and the two
men quickly hatch a plan. They send word to the Baron
of Tonot, ostensibly from Harapa Indama in Bidow, that
the Sheriff’s forces will be moving south to join Conwan
and relieve Tashal. The message from “Harapa” asks
Uthris Pierstel, along with the Laranians of Yaltako, to
flank Maldan in Meselyneshire and relieve Baseta.
Uthris takes the bait. On the 7th he takes a force of
120 men (including 50 Laranians) east along the road to
Olokand. The bridge over the Kald is held against them,
so they sack Tentru manor, Maldan’s personal holding.
They then ride north to lay siege to Baseta.
Meanwhile, Hemisen sends a message to Maldan in
Tashal naming his price for support. Hemisen asks for a
new vassal barony, one of his sons to be named Sheriff
of Semethshire, his youngest daughter to marry one of
Maldan’s sons and himself to be named Exchequer
Royal. For Baron Indama, he asks that a crenelation
license be granted for Naniom Bridge and that one of the
baron’s relatives be named to the royal court. These
demands are steep but not unreasonable and Hemisen
awaits Maldan’s reply.
In the meantime, Hemisen begins to marshal his own
troops. He urges his spies to learn more about events
elsewhere in the kingdom: reliable news is getting
difficult to come by.
Dariune Enters the Fray (Peonu 1-10)
Earl Troda Dariune’s plans for an orderly succession
have unravelled quickly. For now, he shunts aside a
frantic Cheselyne the Elder, who is demanding the
rescue of her daughters from Tashal. Word comes of
Conwan’s defeat south of Heru. As much as Troda hates
the idea, he must take direct action.
Troda calls up his vassals and also asks for counsel
from the church. It takes until the 4th for all to arrive.
Houla is recuperating in Caleme where he can be close
to the Serekela. He sends his deputy Aubis along with
Reblena Mulron of Vadan. Rekelas Tyrnal Dariune and
Sheryd Quathis represent the Laranian clergy. Dariune’s
vassals Baron Uldien and Constable Dagald Jendral of
Fisen also attend, as well as the sheriffs Conwan Elendsa
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 26
and Eris Karondal (of Shebra). Cheselyne the Elder tries
to worm her way into the council, but fails.
Between them these men control a huge force from
the relatively safe stronghold of Balimshire. Even with
Conwan’s losses, they command 150 guards, another 150
soldiers of the Lady of Paladins, 120 knights and 500
yeomen within Semethshire and Balimshire. Even if they
leave a third in garrison, this gives them 600 men they
can quickly field against Maldan. They believe they can
also command the army of Chelmarch, with another 100
men, to squeeze Tashal from the west. They estimate
that Maldan and his brother Koris have only a few
hundred men in Tashal.
They cannot simply sack the capital, however, and
even if they take the city, Caer Elend will be a tough nut
to crack. “We must draw him out” Mulron suggests.
The men agree to break the connection between
Olokand and Tashal. They will send a third of their
forces to take the Heru bridge. If Maldan responds, the
remainder will sweep in and take Tashal, hopefully
without too much bloodshed. They order siege ladders
and rams prepared for the assault on the city.
At this point, they turn to the question of succession.
Conwan argues they will have an easier time rallying
the rest of the kingdom if the heir to the throne is clear:
he asks again for his oath to be lifted. Troda is evasive:
“The situation is still delicate, and your desertion of the
Serekela during the negotiations did not help matters.
Let me smooth things over with His Grace.” Conwan
fumes. For his part, Earl Dariune still hopes he can make
a better deal from Cheselyne.
At this insistence of the Laranians, the men agree not
to blockade trade to Tashal as of yet. Their forces gather
in two groups: the Laranians and Conwan’s men at
Querina and the larger force of Earl Dariune and his
vassals at Kiban. Supplies for this sizable army will be a
problem, with the kingdom’s serfs still busy planting the
spring grains.
As the troops prepare, Troda returns to negotiating
with Cheselyne the Elder. Without her daughters,
Cheselyne has little to offer other than the Elendsa name.
Nevertheless, Troda feels that Conwan has proven to be
a weak leader, and wants an alternative. He says that to
win his support, not only must Cheselyne’s oldest
daughter marry Troda’s heir Scina, but her younger
daughter Merala will be betrothed to the man of Troda’s
choosing. Troda will name the members of Cheselyne’s
court, effectively making Cheselyne a puppet queen. She
is no position to disagree.
Believing (incorrectly) that Cheselyne is safely taken
care of, Troda turns to planning the assault on Tashal.
On the 9th, he receives word of Uthris Pierstel’s attacks
in Meselyneshire. Troda is unnerved. This puts pressure
on Maldan, but it also leaves Earl Curo free to move
from the north. He sends a strongly worded letter to
Gardiren warning Earl Curo to stay in the north while
Troda and the Laranians deal with Maldan. Troda fails
to see how this letter could backfire.
For her part, Cheselyne sends messages to the lords
who are secretly in her debt through her mercantyler
contacts. She refuses to be sidelined by Earl Dariune in
what will be her own kingdom.
Confusion in the South (Peonu 1-10)
Events in the south are more difficult to predict, since
they depend heavily on whether or not Tulath Kaphin is
captured by Sheriff Ranal Gybsen, and how those events
are handled. Even if Tulath remains free, a brutal fight
against Ranal’s men will likely push that Sheriff into
Conwan’s camp.
Earl Declaen Caldeth does not particularly want to be
allied with either Tulath or Earl Curo; it is only these
odd circumstances that has forced him to do so. The Earl
sends word to his daughter Thisila to work with Orsin
Firith to bring a better option to the table. Declaen still
hopes to resolve the conflict quickly so that the kingship
can be determined peacefully by a succession council.
In Oselshire, Thisila has her hands full with her own
vassals. Clan Meleken is unhappy that the Countess is
calling them to war. Thisila argues that they cannot
leave the Constable of Heru to the mercy of the forces
surrounding him. The Melekens still want a regent.
For his part, Baron Orsin Firith is a wily campaigner
who recognizes the issue is likely be decided by war. He
opens negotiations with the Countess of Osel and the
Earl of Caldeth. He hopes Maldan and Earl Dariune will
exhaust each other, so that Orsin can sweep in with the
other Earls (possibly even Curo) to take the throne.
In Ternua, Baron Tarmas Verdreth happily accepts
Maldan’s offer of an Earldom and a new vassal keep
from among Maldan’s fallen enemies. Although his
daughter is married to Tulath Kaphin, Tarmas doesn’t
think much of the young man or his chances for the
throne. Tarmas prepares to pressure Dariune and the
forces of the church from the south, as well as holding
the bridge across the Nephen should the southern lords
move against Maldan.
Involving the Player Characters
As members of Earl Caldeth’s household, the player
characters will accompany Tulath Kaphin as he rides
west to towards Tashal on the 29th of Nuzyael. They
will leave before word of Tashal’s fall reaches them, and
will be riding towards the Sheriff Ranal Gybsen’s who
have orders to arrest Tulath.
Their actions along the road and how they handle
Sheriff Ranal will have a major impact on the unfolding
conflict. It is important to keep the player characters in
the center of the story, so their choices has interesting
ripple effects on the expanding war.
Further Events (Peonu 11+)
From this point forward, events are unpredictable,
but might unfold as follows.
War starts in earnest around the city of Tashal
between Maldan and the combined forces of Conwan,
Dariune and the church. Maldan will be forced to fight
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 27
defensively until either his allies commit or he gets
reinforcements from Thardic and Orbaalese mercenaries.
Troda Dariune’s letter to Earl Curo has the opposite
of its intended effect. Hemisen Curo will put pressure on
Dariune from the north to keep his rival from winning
the day. As the casus belli, Curo uses the attacks on the
“legitimate” heir Tulath and his mother Erila as an
excuse to invade Dariune’s lands.
Conwan’s position may improve through an alliance
with other Sheriffs; events in Thelshire may push Ranal
Gybsen into his camp. Cheselyne also schemes to get out
from under Earl Dariune.
Earl Curo’s move against Dariune may alienate Earl
Caldeth, unravelling their nascent alliance. If so, Osel
and Vemion will likely back Tulath (as the named heir)
or Orsin (as the best man on the field). This in turn could
push Hemisen Curo further into Maldan’s camp, though
the wily Curo will play all sides as best he can.
Outside Kaldor, word will arrive in Orbaal and
Melderyn of the unfolding civil war just as caravans
prepare to depart for the Tashal Summer Fair. Most
merchants will choose to remain home, but some will
brave the danger hoping for amazing profits. They will
be accompanied by larger than normal contingents of
mercenaries hoping to be hired by one of the factions. In
Tharda, the caravan from Coranan blissfully heads east,
unaware they may be headed into a warzone.
Possible Future Events
Here is a collection of interesting events that may
occur in the now unpredictable future. The war itself
should proceed in a way that gives no one side a clear
advantage, so that heroics by the player characters can
still sway events.
Tashal: A propaganda counter-campaign is launched
(by Conwan or Cheselyne) to undermine Maldan’s
popular support in the city.
Tashal: Various parties learn that the Tashal Will is
no longer in Enclave of the Holy Oak. There is a mad
search through the city to destroy or preserve the will.
Tashal: Derwen Verdreth, now in Maldan’s camp
along with her brother, uncovers messages in Erila
Kaphin’s room linking her to Melderyn. Derwen puts
two-and-two together, and tells Maldan and Koris that
the king’s physician Ernell Mered and Lady Erila are
agents of the Wizard’s Ilse. They use this to build a case
against the Tashal Will as a magically-engineered plot of
Melderyn. This is almost true while at the same time
being completely wrong.
Tashal: Cheselyne the Younger gets cozy with Mirild
Harabor. A quick wedding is scheduled.
Tashal: A daring rescue of Haldare Venera (or
another prisoner in Caer Elend) is planned, perhaps
using the king’s secret passage.
Tashal: Even if the city is not specifically besieged,
the disruptions to trade will make food increasingly
expensive and scarce in the city. The poor especially will
get desperate and dangerous. If the city is besieged, LiaKavair smuggling may be all that keeps it alive.
Tashal: If the war goes badly for Maldan, he will
threaten his hostages to slow down his enemies.
Querina: Erila Kaphin is too interesting a character
leave locked in a dungeon and should escape, perhaps
with the help of Princess Meliem. She will recover the
royal seal and is also one of only two people who knows
the secret way into Caer Elend (Meliem is the other, but
she knows less).
Olokand: An attempt to break in and steal the
Olokand Will make things interesting.
Baseta: The fight to relieve Baseta will be
complicated when Earl Curo moves against Earl
Dariune.
Gardiren: The dwarves will be hesitant to travel
down the Silver Way with war brewing. Earl Curo offers
to buy all the Khuzdul weapons they can bring using his
stockpiled gold, which is technically illegal to spend.
Naniom Bridge: Baron Indama sweeps out the
mercantylers and captures the bridge for his allies.
Uldien: When Earl Curo and Baron Indama move
against Earl Dariune, Uldien will probably be their first
target. The oddly constructed keep will be easier than
most to capture. Curo and Indama will have to move
carefully, though, because they don’t want to harm the
Baron of Uldien’s wife Serli, who is the sister of Orsin
Firith and a possible future ally.
Kyg and Pendeth: Someone competent and loyal is
sent to replace these constables, making Vemionshire
more dangerous for Earl Caldeth.
Minarsas: With trade and travel interrupted, the
Khuzdul mercantyler clan Rakin sends emissaries to
Minarsas to collect the debts of Greon Bastune, Baron of
Kolorn. Earl Caldeth is not pleased to learn of his
vassal’s extravagant debts.
Minarsas: Someone is still trying to kill Earl Caldeth.
Qualdris: Clan Meleken has the Earl declared dead
and calls a succession council of their own.
Qualdris: The Earl Meleken returns unexpectedly.
Cholas: Someone is still trying to kill Rekela Dariune.
Caleme: Edine Kynn learns of Dariune’s backroom
dealings with Cheselyne. He hastily moves to cut a deal
with Conwan while he still has influence. Conwan’s
reputation is in tatters, though, and he may no longer be
the frontrunner for the throne he once was. This also
weakens the alliance between the church and Dariune.
Caleme: A succession council is called, despite the
ongoing war, to pick a king. Many important figures will
be concentrated in one place. Given the tempting targets,
Maldan may risk an attack on the nearby abbey.
Kiban: Migray Hosath is sent to Kiban as a neutral
emissary that no one would arrest to negotiate a truce.
Unfortunately, as a secret pawn of Gwadira, Migray
sows further discord to keep the war going.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 28
THE SHADOW WAR
Since she was once a member of the Council of
Eleven, Gwadira has a broad understanding of its goals,
One of the premises of this campaign is that the civil but her information is nearly two decades out of date. In
war in Kaldor is due to the machinations of the Gray
particular, Gwadira is not aware that her scapegoat for
Mage Gwadira as part of a larger plot to engineer the
the war, Erila Kaphin, also happens to be an agent for
dominance of Melderyn over all of Hârn. The events
the Council. Erila Kaphin knows that the Tashal Will
above make little reference to Gwadira, however. From
was not created by her and that it is uncharacteristic of
the perspective of the public, the civil war may not
King Miginath. She will share that information with the
involve any fantastic elements at all.
Council. This might be enough for them to start piecing
If the mundane events of the campaign are enough to together Gwadira’s plot.
occupy the players and they show no particular interest
Agents of the Council of Eleven
in this secret war, Gwadira’s schemes can be omitted.
At the beginning of the war, the Council of Eleven
Perhaps her plans are uncovered by Melderyn and a
strike team of the White Hand takes her out. Or perhaps will be playing defense. They are caught off guard by
the Tashal Will and the violent reactions to it. Before
she was never really involved in the first place, and an
this, their goal was to have Conwan Elendsa ascend to
aging and addled King Miginath really thought Tulath
the throne, where his Save-K’norrian sympathies would
was the best candidate to rule after him.
produce a government to Melderyn’s liking. They have
If, however, the player characters want to look into
been assuming that the major obstacle to their success
the dark conspiracies behind the war, they have a chance
was Serekela Edine Kynn, and have been quietly
to uncover the machinations of Gwadira, the council of
pressuring him to release Conwan from his oath.
Eleven and other supernatural actors.
After the war starts, the Council’s primary goal will
If the players characters do fight in the secret war, it
be to stop the fighting and stabilize Kaldor. Their
is very important that the drama of ordinary human
motives are not entirely altruistic: Kaldor is central to
actions not be overshadowed. Neither Gwadira nor the
trade and economics on the island, and an extended war
Council of Eleven are omnipotent or omniscient. Once
will hurt Melderyn as well. It could also produce a more
the war starts, their influence will be limited. Even if
militarized Kaldor, also to Melderyn’s detriment.
Gwadira and all of her agents are beheaded, the war
Despite their great resources, Melderyn’s ability to
won’t suddenly stop.
control events in Kaldor is limited. There are simply too
Gwadira’s Agents
many parties involved in the war to influence directly.
Gwadira will not directly participate in Kaldor’s war. The position of their chosen candidate Conwan is
She is busy preparing her Gargun legions: see the Nasty, undermined early in the war, and most other candidates
Brutish and Short module from further details. She will,
are more aggressive than Melderyn wants.
however, have a number of skilled and magically
Melderyn will push for a formal succession council.
brainwashed agents within the kingdom.
In the long term, a peaceful selection of a legitimate king
One of these agents, Migray Hosath, is mentioned
will better serve Melderyn’s interests than one seizing
above. As Royal Herald, Migray has travelled the
the throne in battle. Their best chance of arranging this is
kingdom working on the king’s behalf, and continues to by pressure via the Laranian primate, Kerthede Talvail,
do so on behalf of the royal court after the king’s death. though the Thay-based church leader has proven timid
He will be in a position to nudge events in the direction politically in the past.
of complete chaos in service to Gwadira.
With the information provided by Erila Kaphin and
Her other agents in the kingdom are unspecified for
Ernell Mered, the Council of Eleven knows enough to
now, so they can be placed in situations where they can realize some other party is manipulating events in
cross the paths of the PCs. The nature of her magical
Kaldor, having arranged the king’s death and possibly
control is such that it works best on those who are
other events as well. The Council may provide this
religiously devout (in Migray’s case, she used his
information to parties in Kaldor already investigating
devotion to Kaldor itself). Possible agents include:
(e.g. the PCs) or may take matters into their own hands
(if Gwadira needs to be taken out off-screen).
• A highly placed member of the Laranian church.
Melderyn’s best placed agent in Kaldor, Erila Kaphin,
• A Navehan assassin.
is now on the run herself. Melderyn has other agents
• A mad Ilvirin priest with many Ivashu servants.
they can use, such as Lady Bresyn Risai in Tashal. Like
• Another Shek-Pvar brought into her schemes.
Gwadira’s pawns, it best to leave them unspecified so
Gwadira’s agents know nothing of each other or her they can appear where needed to move the plot forward.
broader goals. The nature of her control is such that it is
very difficult to detect. All of her agents will work to
Dark Churches
continue the war for as long as possible by undercutting
Even leaving aside the machinations of Gwadira and
whichever side seems to be doing the best and blocking the Council of Eleven, other supernatural forces may
any possible truce or peace.
involve themselves in Kaldor’s war. Although they did
not engineer the situation, the dark churches may choose
to take advantage of it.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld
A KALDORIC SUCCESSION CRISIS 29
The church of Naveh already has a presence in
Kaldor, and the uncertainty of war gives them many
opportunities to eliminate those that may threaten the
church. Koris Harabor is one possible target, but they
may attack any political figure, either because they were
paid to do so or simply to spread terror. They may also
choose this time to establish Navehan cells elsewhere in
the kingdom.
The mission of the church of Morgath is to spread
chaos on behalf of their mad god, and the war in Kaldor
is an excellent opportunity for them to get a foothold in
that kingdom. The Gurim of Golotha may send agents to
Kaldor both to foment further upheaval and to establish
secret enclaves of Gulmorvrin against the day when
their dark lord rises.
If you don’t want to involve Gwadira in your
campaign, the church of Morgath may be the secret
instigators of the entire crisis. Perhaps they offered
Miginath immortality as an Amorvrin in exchange for
naming Tulath heir and plunging Kaldor into war.
The church of Agrik is unlikely to become directly
involved in a war in far off Kaldor, but some Agrikans
may participate in the war as mercenaries.
Morsindari
Another possible supernatural participant in the war
are the Morsindari. If Gwadira is your secret villain,
including the Morsindari as well is probably overkill.
However, the Morsindari can replace Gwadira as the
secret instigators of the war, especially if the player
characters have ties to the Sindarin.
If the Morsindari are behind the bloodshed, events
still play out as outlined above, but the Gwadira is
replaced by the Morsindari leader, Gwydriel. The nature
of the Morsindari’s servants also changes: rather than
magically controlled sleeper agents, the Morsindari use
changelings placed among various Kaldoric households.
Migray Hosath is one such changeling.
Unlike Gwadira’s plan to eventually conquer Kaldor,
the Morsindari are simply motivated by hatred of
mankind. They want to splinter Kaldor into a number of
smaller of kingdoms that can be pitted against each
other in constant war, much like the violence of western
Hârn. As such, they will try to manipulate characters
like Curo, Caldeth and Orsin Firith to form new nations
out of the chaos.
Gargun Invasion
Assume you keep Gwadira as the secret villain, one
logical follow-up to the succession crisis is an invasion of
Kaldor by an army of Gargun. As discussed in the
Ejatus article, Gwadira has been working to take control
of a number of Gargun tribes. The war in Kaldor would
give her enough time to finalize her plans and give her
the opportunity to conquer Kaldor for herself.
Just as the civil war seems to be winding down to
some kind of resolution, Gwadira can show up at the
head of an army of 5,000 gargun sweeping in from the
north. A force like this hasn’t been seen since the time of
Lothrim. It would certainly be a great challenge for the
new king. If you are feeling especially cruel, the invasion
can take in the middle of the war instead of its end.
Altering the Scenario
The events outlined here are only one of a multitude
of possible scenarios arising from the succession crisis in
Kaldor. This scenario can be changed in a variety of
ways depending on you own view of Kaldor. Edward
Barach’s article from Thonahexus #9 is particularly useful
for alternate ideas.
This scenario assumes the player characters are in
service to the Earl Caldeth, but they could instead serve
any of the major parties in the war. Being in service to
Earl Curo, Earl Dariune or Maldan Harabor could throw
them into the thick of things much more quickly.
The personalities and motivations of any of the
characters can be altered to better suit your views. Small
changes can have a big impact on how events unfold.
In the scenario outlined here, Maldan Harabor is
mostly cast in a villainous role, though his motives for
action are perfectly reasonable. If, however, Maldan’s
will is actually genuine and not a forgery, he becomes
the true heir and switches from villain to an underdog
hero. One interesting possibility is that Miginath secretly
married Lesel Harabor in Melderyne while in exile,
making both Maldan and Koris his legitimate sons. Sir
Orbert from the Fortified Manor article on lythia.com
gives one way to introduce this idea.
Erila Kaphin is mostly portrayed heroically, largely
because I really like that character, but that also doesn’t
have to be the case. She could just as easily be a sly
manipulator, playing king Miginath and Melderyne off
each other in the hopes of arranging her son to become
king. If so, she would push the legitimacy of the Tashal
Will even harder, and may even have been involved in
its creation. Her biggest ally would likely be Baron Tesla
of Esenor, but she would work hard to bring any of the
Earls over to the side of her son. This option works
especially well if you eliminate the supernatural origin
of the conflict, replacing Gwadira with Erila.
Changing any of the other characters can have a big
impact on how things play out. Dariune could be a true
Kaldoric patriot aiming for the best of the kingdom, or
he could a conniving schemer aiming to place himself or
one of his children on the throne. Kynne’s personality
could be exaggerated into that of a Laranian zealot
working towards a Laranian theocracy or relaxed to a
more reasonable aim of teaching Conwan a moral
lesson, quickly releasing him from his oath once Kynne
sees the kingdom swinging towards war.
Even if you throw out the entire scenario and start
from scratch, there are pieces you may find useful. The
list of major characters probably remains relevant, even
if you change their personalities. The section on the
military disposition of the kingdom is also likely to be
useful not matter what the scenario is, as long as your
version of the succession crisis leads to war.
© 2016, Paul Strack, N. Robin Crossby & Columbia Games, Inc.
HârnWorld