Threshold_1_DRAFT_v0_6_Optimized

The History of Karameikos

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The History of Karameikos

further destruction in the already devastated their faith in their Immortal patrons - Halav,
Traldar lands. The Vandars pushed deep into Petra and Zirchev – whose stories were kept
Traldar territory, as more and more tribes alive by the oral tradition of the Ballad of
migrated there from the Five Shires (up to King Halav, which told the story of their
BC 910), but their cultural influence was deeds during the Great Beastmen Invasion;
greater in the western half of the country. the veneration of Halav, Petra, and Zirchev
Within a century, the Vandars adopted a became widespread across Traladara during
sedentary lifestyle, and settled as rulers this age, slowly replacing that of the old
among many Traldar clans, even founding or Traldar and Vandar Immortals.
re-founding some towns (like Achelos in BC
900, and Halag in BC 800). During this time This age also saw the arrival of the elves,
the knowledge of iron smelting eventually who suddenly and mysteriously appeared
became widespread in the Traldar lands, in the lands to the east of the Traldars (BC
which definitively entered the iron age. Only 800). They had abandoned their far-away
around BC 800, when the worst effects of homeland, the Sylvan Realm, through the
plagues, famines, and wars began to lessen, magical Rainbow Bridge, under the
did the population begin a very slow leadership of Mealiden Starwatcher. While
recovery. For many decades, the political the main body of the migration passed
situation continued to be troubled by wars through Traladara to settle north of the
and fights between the Traldars and Vandars, Black Peaks mountains (on the site of the
with the latter slowly gaining the upper hand. future Canolbarth Forest), one of their clans
- the Callarii wood elves - chose to split from
After BC 700, when the worst years of the the migration and to settle in the central
Vandar invasion and dominion had passed, forests of modern Karameikos – the
the conquerors began a process of Radlebb Woods, parts of the Dymrak Forest,
intermarriage into Traldar clans, which and the forested hill country between the
ultimately brought about - around BC 500 - Highreach and the Hillfollow Rivers. The
the blending of the two cultures into one. Callarii established friendly relations with
The culture of the Vandar masters imposed the more peaceful human clans and fought
itself over the declining culture of the Traldar against the more warlike ones28.
people, even as it adopted many traits of the
Traldar culture. The most widely used Nevertheless, this age was troubled by
tongue of the country came to be a Vandar- recurring humanoid invasions. Since BC
descended tongue heavily influenced by the 650, the Hins’ successful struggle against
Traldar dialects. The merged people their orcish masters during the Time of
gradually became known as Traladarans, and
their land as Traladara27. Although the 28 GAZ1 says that the Callarii migrate from Alfheim around the
Traladarans were divided into many villages end of the 1st century BC, and this take is followed by some fan
and communities, they were kept united by works, like G. Agosta’s A Karamikos Companion. However, later
canon sources, starting with GAZ5 and Hollow World campaign
in fast and easy plunder but the dwarves and orcs were determined setting, say that the Callarii clans split from Mealiden’s migration
to rule the land as their own.” Thus, before the determination of toward the future site of the Canolbarth Forest and chose to settle
orcs and dwarves, the Vandars eventually left Hindon for the east, in the deep woods of Traladara while their brethen continued
invading the beleaguered Traldar lands in BC 933. north in BC 800. I chose to adopt this second version, also
27 At this point the old Mycenaean-like Traldar culture has given because I could not see why a number of elven clans should have
way to the newer Slavic-like Vandar one. migrated from an idyllic fairy forest to a lands inhabited by
humans and threatened by scores of goblin hordes (like Traladara
was in the 1st century BC).

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The History of Karameikos

Heroes had pushed a significant number of sparsely populated and isolated Callarii
orcs into western Karameikos; many of them settlements which dotted the woodlands;
- like the Blackstone and the Jagged Claw many wood elves decided to retreat to the
tribes - settled in the Cruth Lowlands and secure depths of the Radlebb Woods or to
presented a serious problem for all the the western reaches of the Dymrak Forest
western Traladaran clans. Still another wave (the rest had fallen into the hand of goblin
of invasions and raids descended on the tribes), consolidating their hold on them
Traladarans in BC 491; hordes of bugbears, and abandoning almost all their outlying
goblins, hobgoblins, kobolds, orcs, and settlements.
ogres, fleeing the onslaught suffered against
the dwarves in the Battle of Sardal Pass (BC THE REBIRTH AND THE
492), poured from the north into Traladara.
Some of their tribes, like the Greyslayers orcs CULTURAL UNIFICATION
and numerous ogre families, settled in the
Cruth Mountains and Lowlands area in BC The end of the humanoid invasions also
491, while the rest staged a mass invasion of marked the beginning of the late Dark Ages
central Traladara the following year, again of Traladara. The fall of the Nithian Empire
bringing death and destruction. Although (BC 500) and the disappearance of its
they were initially attacking without a plan, culture from the Known World had no
the humanoids found a new and fierce relevant consequences for Traladara. After
leader in Leptar29, a brutal hobgoblin chief; the slow recovery begun in the 9th century
they accomplished much devastation, the BC had been halted by the events of the 6th
most infamous of which was the destruction and 5th centuries BC, the population began
of the cities of Krakatos and Lavv, last growing again, starting from the 4th century
legacies of the old Traldar civilization in BC. Settlements which had been on the
these lands. The humanoid invasion also verge of collapse began a stable recovery,
brought about a devastating plague which while new settlements were built and
ravaged the whole country. The Traladarans, prospered in coastal and riverside areas.
now strengthened by the Vandar warrior The political landscape became more
tradition, managed to hold off the stable, as the main settlements became the
humanoids; the hordes of Leptar were seat of small principalities called “banates”.
defeated in BC 488 and his humanoid army Toward the end of the first millennium BC,
splintered into a number of small hordes, Marilenev arose to become the major city of
but the war against them continued up until Traladara, followed by Halavos (built near
BC 480. At the end of the war, many bands of the site of old Lavv), Lugsid (a settlement
these creatures had settled in the south- born of the shore of Lake Windrush), and
western woods, in the Dymrak Forest, in the other towns30.
mountains, and in the wilds of Traladara,
where many of them still live today. The 30 Lugsid is a canonic settlement found in the Hail the Heroes
arrival of the humanoids also hit the more adventure. The names of most other settlements are borrowed
from the fan works of G. Agosta (A Karameikos Companion and
29 The mortal story of Leptar has been devised by Marco Dalmonte Lords of the Cruth Lowlands), F. Defferrari (History of
in Hircismus (at The Vaults of Pandius) and further linked with Traladara), J. Guerra (Traladaran Clans), and J. Mishler
Traladaran history by G. Agosta in his A Karameikos Companion. (Thoughts on Darokin).

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The History of Karameikos

magician corrupted by the Immortal Orcus, Elyas came to be highly regarded by these
Trinkla, tricked the Seer into abandoning his elves, and they gave him the opportunity to
hideout and, during his absence, stole the settle in their valley. The wizard built a
Black Opal Eye. She fled to the Blight large tower north of the village of Kota-
Swamp, where she hoped to uncover Hutan. He even developed a new lawful
Zirchev’s secrets. During her experiments, philosophy of contemplation and
she created the magical effect known as the meditation, merging his own lore
Slough of Despair in BC 282. However, a few (gathered along his travels in the world)
years later (BC 276) she died, being buried with elven traditions. This philosophy was
in a hidden dungeon-tomb in the Blight called the Quiet Way and the elves of the
Swamp. The Black Opal Eye was buried with Hantu Valley became its followers (the
her. Siswa, as they were called).

ELYAS AND THE QUIET WAY ELYAS DEATH

Elyas was born in Alphatian-ruled Thyatis Elyas continued to act for the good of the
around BC 150. He was one of the first elves and other forest races. During his
non-Alphatian natives of Thyatis to be adventures, he was noticed by the Seer of
trained as a magic-user by the Alphatian Traldar and was later trained to succeed
wizards because of his arcane potential. He him as the new Seer, which happened in
quickly became a powerful wizard, but his BC 7. Some years later (BC 4), he even
studious character kept him away from braved the dangers of Trinkla’s Tomb in the
politics and human intrigues. Years later, Blight Swamp and managed to recover the
tired of the methods of Alphatian Black Opal Eye. During his time as Seer of
government and of the Thyatians’ intrigues Traldar, Elyas divided his time between his
to regain their freedom, he left his homeland tower in the Hantu Valley (where he kept
and traveled much, at the end heading for the Black Opal Eye) and the Lake of Lost
the remote wilderness of Traladara. Dreams (where he kept the Fire Opal Eye).

There, he became a friend of the forest races Elyas’ deeds, however, again attracted the
and did much to help and defend them from attention of the dark forces. In AC 3, the
monsters, humanoids, dark forces, and Immortal Orcus sent three of his most
outside dangers. In particular he befriended powerful witches, Karelena, Sorolena, and
an isolate elven community whose Trilena, to steal the Black Opal Eye and kill
settlements were found in the small Hantu the Seer. They reached Elyas’ tower and
Valley in the middle of the forested foothills used their power to make a huge mountain
of the Black Peaks range. These wood elves, fall on his tower from the sky; Elyas
whose main village was called Kota-Hutan, managed to draw the three witches’ souls
were Callarii who were left there isolated under his tower, entrapping them, but was
when many of their kins had retreated in the crushed under the mountain, and died.
central forests of Traladara after the arrival
of humanoid tribes. Continued on page 69

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The History of Karameikos

Continued from page 66 Continued from page 68

HOW MANY YEARS AGO? The wood elves of the Hantu Valley
honored Elyas’ sacrifice building the
B1’s background says that the two Temple of the Gray Mountain, devoted to
characters’ disappearance happened the Quiet Way, on the site of the mountain
“some years ago”, but the most recent fall. The three witches’ spirits continued
writings in Zelligar’s diary (found within to be imprisoned in the ruins of Elyas’
the wizard’s closet, in the dungeon) are tower below the temple, as well as the
more than thirty years old. Thus, if the Black Opal Eye. Elyas’ sudden death
adventure takes place in AC 1000, Zelligar’s discontinued the tradition of the Seers of
and Rogahn’s disappearance should have Traldar; there were indeed additional
happened before AC 970. Likely the two Seers after Elyas, but their power never
experienced increasing difficulties with the came close to that of the ancient Seers
Cruth Lowlands’ humanoid and giant before Elyas, as a part of their ancient lore
population, which eventually (after a was lost with Elyas’ death.
couple of decades) convinced them that
the only solution to save Quasqueton Today, the Black Opal Eye is believed lost
would have been fighting directly against or destroyed – actually both it and the
their opponents to destroy them outright. three witches’ spirits are watched under
Unfortunately for them, this adventure was the Gray Mountain by a powerful
far beyond their abilities, and the two snakelike being created by Elyas, called
never returned from their expedition. Ular-Taman. The Fire Opal Eye – or Eye of
When this happened, memory of Traldar, as it is now known – has stayed in
Quasqueton’s precise location had possession of the Seers who succeeded
probably already fallen from common Elyas and who live near the Lake of the
knowledge. More than thirty years later, Lost Dreams.
Quasqueton’s name is associated with
mystery, treasure, and peril - and spinned
around by bards and storytellers.

FROM A number of features in this issue of Threshold carry a
THE VAULTS “From the Vaults of Pandius” tagline. As one of our
OF PANDIUS stated aims is “to promote the Vaults of Pandius and the
material there”, we hope you will enjoy these revised
or extended treasures from that website.

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Karameikos - The Hidden Years

FROM The HIDDEN YEARS
THE VAULTS
OF PANDIUS

A historical timeline of the Karameikos by Demetrios J. Sahlas

family between 901-969 AC

The official history of the Grand Duchy of
Karameikos, as related by Aaron Allston in
GAZ 1: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos,
describes the Thyatian conquest of Traladara
in 900 AC, but skims over the events of the
decades leading up to the arrival of Duke
Stefan Karameikos III in 970 AC. Earlier
material relating to the Grand Duchy
published in AC2: The Treasure of the
Hideous One by David Cook clearly indicates
a ducal presence dating back to the original
conquest. Taken together with a genealogical
table for the Karameikos family published in
Karameikos: Kingdom of Adventure, a
historical timeline may be imagined for the
so-called “Hidden Years” preceding the
arrival of the Duke who would be King.

THE CONQUEST OF surprisingly honest in his political activities,
as well.” The port of Marilenev was renamed
TRALADARA AND REIGN Specularum by the military governor
installed by the victorious Emperor
OF DUKE STEFAN “THE following the brief but successful campaign.

HERMIT” Several of the Thyatian noblemen who
played key roles in the conquest soon began
The Thyatian conquest of Traladara in 900 AC to maneuver for new fiefs. Most notable
occurred during the reign of Emperor among these was Stefan Karameikos, a
Gabronius IV. The general of the campaign younger son of the Karameikos dynasty that
may well have been Flavian Osteropolous. had long ruled the wealthy Duchy of
Upon his return from Traladara he erected a Machetos. With no immediate prospects to
chapel at his estate in Thyatis dedicated to
Vanya, patroness of war and conquest. From
DDA1: Arena of Thyatis we learn that “Flavian
was undoubtedly the Osteropolous most
accomplished in the martial arts, as well as,
the most pious. He seems to have been

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Karameikos - The Hidden Years

inherit land in Thyatis, Stefan married into regarded, and his claim to the Duchy was
the prominent Traladaran family of Marilenev soon approved by the Thyatian Emperor.
and set about restoring the ancestral estate.
It was during the emperor’s first official visit DUKE BORIS
to Specularum in 901 AC that Stefan was
formally invested as Duke of Marilenev, KARAMEIKOS AND THE
renewing a historic Traladaran fiefdom.
According to Karameikos: Kingdom of HOUSE OF VON
Adventure, Jan Vandevic, leader of a band of
mercenaries during the conquest, was also HENDRIKS
rewarded for his loyal service to the Empire
with a fief. Duke Boris increased ties with Thyatis by
arranging for a strategic marriage with
Duke Stefan controlled a strong military Amelia von Hendriks of Hattias. This
presence and constantly sought to expand his triggered a new wave of Thyatian immigrants
territory. Soon after consolidating his hold to the Traladara region, most notably from
on the Duchy of Marilenev, a Colonel Hattias but also from throughout the
Rosentos was sent to explore and lay claim to Empire. One of Amelia’s relatives was
the unknown lands to the west, as described granted the fief of Halag to the west, and
in AC2: The Treasure of the Hideous One. began constructing a fortress to safeguard
Only a single soldier, Captain Fondalus, the populace. Others, such as members of
returned from this expedition, later the prominent Rodemus family of Thyatis
recounting his tale of the doomed mission to City, settled in and around the town of Luln.
a Thyatian scribe. Meanwhile, the provincial
governor of Traladara oversaw construction Boris and Amelia had two sons, naming
of the fortress of Krakatos to the north of them Stefan and Victor. The boys grew up
Specularum as a bulwark against invasion speaking both Traladaran and Thyatian, and
from the humanoid tribes who were were equally at ease in both cultures. They
rumoured to dwell within the interior. were weaned on Traladaran folk tales by
their grandmother, but were also educated
The Duchy of Marilenev soon had cause for by the finest tutors from the Thyatian capital.
celebration, with the birth to the Duke and Both underwent the Traladaran custom of
his wife of a son. However, back in the Duchy shearing, which greatly contributed to
of Machetos, Stefan’s older brother died popularizing its uptake among the early
suddenly, and his fief passed to a daughter. Thyatian settlers.
Her lands did not remain as a dowry for long,
and she was soon married to a scion of the Stefan, the eldest, was widely anticipated to
Korrigan family. Then, for reasons that become Duke after his father , and spent his
remain unclear, Stefan chose to abdicate in youth adventuring throughout the
931 AC. He retired to a monastic community, uncharted wilderness of Traladara. That he
earning him the epithet of Duke Stefan "the could pass as a native Traladaran allowed
Hermit". Fortunately, his son Boris was well him to gain a familiarity with the common
folk, and he often traveled between remote
villages and homesteads, becoming a
famous and much-loved adventurer.

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Karameikos - The Hidden Years

Victor, on the other hand, developed deep repelled the marauding humanoids, and
friendships among the demi-human races, subsequently sought rulership of the Duchy
most notably the horse-riding Calarii elves. of Marilenev. His claim was not recognized
He wished to make his own way in the world by Emperor Gabronius V, who was
and so traveled eastward, eventually preoccupied with the war. In fact, there was
becoming a forester in Thyatis. He later dissent among the powerful Traladaran
married his cousin, Amanda Korrigan, the families, and the Traladara region was torn
wealthy heiress of Machetos, and so apart by further conflict.
ultimately brought about a renewal of the
Karameikos dynasty. Andreas von Hendriks, the Baron of Halag,
chose to invade the wealthy Duchy of
DUKE STEFAN Marilenev. Leading an attack against Valor’s
forces, a faction of the baron’s Traladaran
KARAMEIKOS II subjects betrayed him and he was captured
and executed. His wife Bretonia Korrigan,
Upon the death of his father, Stefan and their young son Ludwig, were able to
Karameikos II became the third Duke of escape to seek asylum with relatives in
Marilenev. During this time, economic ties Thyatis.
were being strengthened between the
Traladara region and both the Empire of DUKE STEFAN
Thyatis and the more distant Emirates of
Ylaruam, with the development of a new KARAMEIKOS III
trade route across a southern spur of the
Altan Tepe mountains. Construction was Meanwhile, in the nearby Duchy of
initiated on a fortified keep in the foothills of Machetos, Victor Karameikos and Amanda
the mountains to protect and shelter Korrigan had given birth to a son in 948,
merchant caravans on their way to whom they named Stefan after his uncle.
Specularum from the Barony of Biazzan, and Tragically, the young Stefan Karameikos III
a castellan was installed to oversee its lost his mother at the age of 9. His aunt
operations. Bretonia, wife of the late Baron Andreas von
Hendriks, introduced Stefan to his cousin
Unfortunately, the prosperity which followed Ludwig when the boys were 14 years-old.
inevitably triggered an increasing number of
humanoid raids, culminating in the siege and Together with various companions,
destruction of Krakatos in 959 AC. These including those who were to play a role in
events coincided with the Alphatian invasion the history of the Grand Duchy of
of the Isle of Dawn, limiting what military Karameikos in years to come, the young heir
assistance the Empire could provide. Worse, to the Duchy of Machetos came to know
Duke Stephan Karameikos II was slain, former gladiator Thrainkell Thorson, the
plunging the small Duchy of Marilenev into a man destined to become the future emperor
succession crisis. Thincol I of Thyatis. Stefan Karameikos III
became the Duke of Machetos at the age of
In the chaos which followed, Valor Marilenev, 20, upon his father's untimely death. Within
an uncle of Duke Stefan II, successfully two years, however, he traded his ancestral

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Karameikos - The Hidden Years

lands to the Emperor in exchange for the it Fort Doom as a stark reminder to those
entire Traladara region (and autonomy families whose members had betrayed his
thereafter). Moreover, Stefan possessed a father. Stefan’s Thyatian peers Desmond
valid claim to the Duchy of Marilenev, and Kelvin and Philip Vorloi were also granted
while Machetos was rich, it was a rather dull fiefs. Lord Arturus Penhaligon was among
place by comparison. the first of the Thyatian nobles to immigrate
to the Grand Duchy. Finally, Merrik
The young Duke Stefan led a military force Halaran’s brother Sherlane agreed to
into Specularum and asserted his claim as become patriarch of the church in
Duke Stephan III of Karameikos, which Karameikos. Sherlane later adopted Merrik’s
included the Estate of Marilenev. He was daughter Aleena after she was orphaned.
joined by several of his companions, and also
had the support of the Calarii elves, in The remainder of the history of the Grand
acknowledgemnt of the bond forged years Duchy of Karameikos to the present day is
ago by his father. Valor Marilenev led the well known. However, the motivations of
subsequent Traladaran uprising and was many, including both the Duke himself and
killed. his cousin Ludwig von Hendriks, can
perhaps be better understood in light of past
Duke Stefan awarded fiefs to those who had events. Knowledge of these “hidden years” is
accompanied him to Traladara. His cousin intended to spur additional creativity in
Ludwig was awarded the Barony of Halag, constructing the backstory for your own
which he renamed the Black Eagle Barony. memorable campaign set in Karameikos.
Ludwig reconquered the town and renamed

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Thorn s Mystara

is a column
outlining the community’s changes
to the D&D Known World. In each
installment, a different take on
Mystara will be explored by a
different member of the community.

First outlined by David Cook in the 1981 by Robert Nuttman (RobJN)
Expert Set and adventure module X1: Isle
of Dread, the Known World was MY MYSTARA
expanded by Frank Mentzer in the 1984
Expert Set’s revision. Bruce Heard became — known on the web and the Piazza forums
the setting’s shepherd throughout the late as “Thorn’s Mystara,” is a spin on the
80s and 90s, overseeing development Known World incorporating elements from
(and writing a couple) of the Gazetteer several d20 products. Thorn’s Mystara may
line, giving readers in-depth view of not be for everyone. Many of the more
countries of the Known World. These “whimsical” features have been ignored
were followed by the Dawn of the (rather, they have yet to be addressed), and
Emperors and Hollow World boxed sets, the picture that has been developing over
expanding from a single continent to the the past five years has been one of a much
entire planet, inside and out. Bruce also darker world, haunted by the long shadow
developed Mystara through the Voyage of cast by Blackmoor’s ruin. Sorry, no gnomish
the Princess Ark and Known World biplanes, and no tropical resorts on Ierendi.
Grimoire articles published in Dragon
Magazine between 1990 and 1993. Much It began with rethinking the cause of the
of that work was compiled into 1993’s Great Rain of Fire. Rather than the canonical
Champions of Mystara boxed set. The “Blackmoor devices” exploding, my
setting was further revised and brought Mystara’s Great Rain of Fire was started by
over to AD&D 2nd Edition as the Blackmoor devices — one device, in
“Mystara” line in 1994. Official TSR particular, the Planar Disjunction Device,
support in-print of the setting ended in dubbed by the developers as Andahar’s
1995. Engine.

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CHERRY PICKING: Magic users took care of the rest.

Ideas too good to pass up from Reckless summoning by beast men and Afridhi over
later editions (or, How I Learned the course of three wars and two crusades left a
to Stop Worrying and Love the plague of demons infesting the planet, their
d20) numbers becoming more and more difficult and
costly for the Blackmoor Empire to fight off.
I blame much of this on Keith Blackmoor’s greatest minds at the University
Baker and his setting-search- devised the Planar Disjunction Device, which would
winning Eberron Campaign sever the demons’ conduit between the Prime and
Setting. There was much in that their home plane, destroying their ability to
setting that evoked much of the physically manifest. A second pulse from the Device
same “pulp and sorcery” feel I get was supposed to force the demons’ ethereal
from Mystara. Magewrights and essences back across the ethereal boundary.
artificers make perfect fits for
dwarven or gnomish subclasses, The secondary pulse, a planet-wide tidal wave, not
with their penchant for of water, but of pure Radiance, did not burn the
technomagical tinkerings. demons away, as expected. Rather, it absorbed the
demons’ essences, as it would the soul of one failing
The rules for demonic possession an attempt to attain Immortality. The increase in
made for fantastic ideas for volume spilled over into the planet’s natural
villains, as well as a delightfully magical fields, tainting the source for “regular”
sinister origin for magical (non-Radiant) magic as well. The more magic a
weapons in a world where “Magic” wizard used, the faster the rot and decay
is a lost art. Not only that, I was accumulated, eventually driving them mad.
never satisfied with the “trading
in” of weaponry for bigger and It was in this madness that the magic users brought
better plusses. A demon housed in down mountains, sent seas rushing across the
a blade could be bargained with to lands, remade continents and coastlines, and
provide whichever power might wrenched the very stars across the sky.
be necessary for a given fight
against any manner of foes, Magic was not entirely lost, though. Clerical spells
making for some fun role-playing still work without any ill effects on its users, and
opportunities. Or it could be druidic magics have been found to weaken the
boiled down to a “battle of wills” lingering demons’ hold on the land itself. Magic
contest resolved with a few dice from the Old World can be made to work, if the user
rolls. can find the rare, ancient texts. The madness can
even be staved off, if the mage is foolish enough to
The following of the Silver Flame forge a pact with one of the demonic entities
was also carried over. It is not suffusing the Radiance, or with one brought over
“native” to Mystara, having been from the Ethereal Plane.
brought over by the Alphatians.
The Radiance is not the only source of magical
power on Mystara. It was simply the most

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Unveiling the Radu Clan

directing the efforts of the Veiled Society, Relations: Pieter and Cartha are thoroughly
which he views as a tool to help undermine complicit in their plots to take over the
Thyatian interests in his homeland. While his Veiled Society, which is perhaps why Anton
outlook on the function of the Society may had him stationed in Kelvin. Though he is
differ from that of Cartha, one opinion both determined to establish control over the
men share is that the Veiled Society- and the city, he is well aware that it is a fool’s errand;
Radu clan- are better off in the hands of their the lack of any real criminal underground
side of the family than in Anton’s. and Baron Kelvin’s militant followers make
any such plans all but impossible. He knows
Appearance: Pieter is short, even by that Cartha is his true father, and works with
Traladaran standards. Though barely 26, the the man to undermine Anton’s authority
ease of his station has caused his formerly while still manipulating his ties to Zweis, but
wiry build to turn to pudginess. That, he feels little affection towards any member
combined with his soft features and smile, of the Radu clan.
give him an almost fatherly appeal. He is
never seen in public without his robes of
office.

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Strolojca and Draconius

FROM Noble Houses
THE VAULTS of Karameikos
OF PANDIUS

Strolojca and Draconius

The government of Karameikos relies on a social class of aristocrats who, having been
invested with fiefs by the Duke, perform the role of local administration in remote regions,
helping in the task of moving the Grand Duchy from a sparsely populated wilderness to a
modern nation state.

While the grand vassals, such as the Barons, enjoy most of the spotlight at court, there are
many other noble families, both Thyatian and Traladaran in ethnicity.

In this article, we introduce the noble houses of Strolojca and Draconius. The former is a
long-standing Traladaran clan from the south-western coast, whereas the latter is a
Thyatian clan that was recently given lands along the Eastron Road.

HOUSE STROLOJCA,

The Strolojca family rose to prominence The Strolojca family's claim to historical fame
during the Rebirth of Traladara, the time however, dates thirty years later when Boris'
after the Vandar invasion and settlement, grandson, Vassily Strolojca, took part in the
when the Banates assumed a stable form Second Traladaran War. Where the First War
under a feudal organization. was a defensive battle against the invading
armies of the neighbouring Kingdom of
The first known ancestor, whose records Darokin, the Second Traladaran War was a
date to the first Traladaran written civil war, caused by the consolidation of
documents after the introduction of literacy Traladaran religious hierarchies in the area.
by Thyatian missionaries, is Boris iz This war was sparked by quarrels that ensued
Strolojca. He appears to have lived in the V between the Church of Traladara, which
century, when he was lord (Zhupa) of the dominated the central and south-eastern
village of Strolojca and a vassal of the Veliki regions of the country, and "heretical" cults
Zhupa (Count, in Thyatian terms) of Svoga, fostered by the nobles of Halag to the west
who in turn was a vassal of the Banate of and Vaion to the north-east. While the north-
Halag, the regional power that held at that eastern heresies were mostly inspired by
time on the western coast of Traladara. Boris Entropic Immortals of the Dark Triad -- and
is mentioned in a list of captains of the Halag primarily Orcus -- the western cults were
army at the end of the First Traladaran War. centered on the same Traldar hero-worship

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tradition that informed the beliefs of the Church of Genealogy of the
Traladara, but were also influenced by the House of Strolojca
patriarchal Vandar customs -- the Vandar influence
was much stronger in the west, since Halag had been Boris I ???-416 First known Zhupa
the first and foremost Vandar settlement -- and thus of Strolojca, died in battle in the
focused on the worship of Halav as the god-king, First Traladaran War.
relegating Petra and Zirchev to lesser roles. The
Church of Halav, centered in Halag, was also more Vlastimir 416-439 Killed by a
militant than the Church of Traladara, with its werewolf while travelling to the
Knights forming the élite ranks of the western marriage of the son of the Zhupa
armies, and therefore wielded significant political of Ourosco.
power. This led to increasing frictions with the
central states, which resented the missionary Vassily I 439-465 Fought in the
attempts of the Church of Halav at a time when they Second Traladaran War, switching
were confronted with the growing cults of Orcus. sides to Marilenev in the Battle of
The political rivalries in the region pushed things to Stolos Ford.
overt war, culminating in the Battle of Stolos Ford,
when the forces of the Ban of Halag tried a last-ditch Boris II 465-487 Known only from
defense against those of Marilenev. documents regarding his son
Anton.
During the Battle of Stolos' Ford, Vassily Strolojca
and his followers, all vassals of Halag, passed to Anton I 487-493 Died in battle
Marilenev's side, leading to the defeat of the against Mithras V of Darokin in the
"heretics", and the destruction of Old Svoga. Thanks Third Traladaran War.
to his key role in the war, Vassily widely improved
the family fortunes, gaining his successors a seat at Vassily II 493-502 Killed by a
the Diet of Marilenev and allowing them to take part wereboar during a hunting party.
in the Traladaran League as autonomous lords.
Anton II 502-549 "Anton II the
Strolojca lords such as Anton I and Vassily II fought Young", succeeded his father at
in two successive wars. Later members of the age 15.
dynasty increased the political relevance of the
family, culminating in the historical speech by Boris Boris III 549-581 "Boris III
III at the Diet of Marilenev which led the lord of Chrysostomos", great politician
Strolojca to be selected as the League’s ambassador and orator at the Diet of
in a mission to Harbortown to solicit help against the Marilenev, is considered the most
Darokinian-backed King Demara. prominent member of the family.

With the dissolution of the League at the beginning Spassoje I 581-613 First Baron of
of the VII century, the lords of Strolojca were once Strolojca.
more reduced to vassals of the Duchy of Halag, with
the rank of Barons, which they held until the defeat Viacheslav 613-635
of the army of the Duke of Halag at the hands of the
Imperial Legate, Stefan Karameikos I (Stefan the Petr I 635-677 "Petr I the Elder",
Viacheslav's brother, died at the
age of 88.

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Hermit, the great-grandfather of the current Spassoje II 677-685 Murdered by
Duke) in 900 AC. a vampire.

The coastal nobles, under the lead of Petros, Petr II 685-710 "Petr II the
Count of Ourosco, tried a last ditch defense, but Avenger", led a vampire hunt to
were finally defeated, and forced to surrender, by avenge his father.
auxiliary troops under the leadership of Jan
Vandevic, a mercenary captain of Glantrian origins Marek I 710-755 Succeeded to his
who took a large part of the lands that once were father while a child, was under the
part of the Barony of Strolojca and the County of regency of his mother Roxana until
Ourosco. With Traladara reduced to a Thyatian 724 AC.
province, the local nobles were summarily
demoted to the rank of landed lords -- the lowest Boris IV 755-783 Died during the
rank in the Thyatian system, though they were destruction of Castle Koriszegy.
allowed to retain part of their ancestral lands. In
the ensuing chaos, the firstborn line of the Vladimir 783-806 Second son of
Strolojca clan was severely weakened, leading to Boris, inherited the family lands
its extinction in 952 with the death of Lord Barris. when several of his relatives died
Following the extinction of the firstborn branch, in Castle Koriszegy. Had three
sons, Iovan, Boris, and Petr. All
living Strolojca male-line
descendants are members of cadet
branches descended from Boris
(Borisian branch) and Petr
(Petrine branch), as the senior line
was estinguished with Barris
Strolojca in 952.

Iovan 806-813 A retainer of the
Duke of Halag, Uidar the Quick,
disappeared mysteriously with his
liege during a hunting trip in the
Cruth Lowlands.

Petr III 813-885 "Petr III the Long-
lived", was one year old when his
father Iovan disappeared, and
remained under the regency of his
uncle Boris “the Seneschal” up to
828 AC.

Vladislav 885-900 Died in battle
against Stefan Karameikos I,
without issue.

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the cadet Borisian branch, descended from a son of Anton III 900-900 Vladislav's
Vladimir Strolojca who had been Seneschal to his brother, last Baron of Strolojca,
nephew Lord Petr III in the IX century, took over the died in battle against Jan
title and lands. Vandevic’s mercenaries.

As Stefan Karameikos III took over Traladara, the Marek II 900-937 Lord of
noble houses of Halag and Demiatic were destroyed, Strolojca, murdered by unknown
but the leaders of the Strolojca, Ourosco, and hand at age 46; was under the
Moubotka clans swore fealty to the new ruler, regency of his mother Katerina up
maintaining their rank and lands. In the case of to 906 AC.
House Strolojca, this event was facilitated by the
transition to the Borisian branch under Marek III, Barris 937-945 Marek II's
which was considered nearer to the Thyatian younger brother, was of feeble
interests, as Marek’s father, Anton, had served in the health and had no offsprings. He
Thyatian military. abdicated in favor of his nearest
heir, Marek III, the senior member
Lord Marius Strolojca, of the Borisian cadet branch. Died
landed lord of Strolojca (NM, L). in 952 of natural causes.

Marius is slightly over 60 years old. He is a typical Marek III 945-961 "Marek III the
Traladaran gentleman, pale and gaunt, and very Meek". Son of Sir Anton Strolojca,
soft-spoken -- the elderly people in Strolojca say he Knight of the Thyatian Empire (b.
and his brother, Anton, both bear a great 885 d. 944). A descendant of Boris
resemblance to their late father, Marek the Meek, “the Seneschal”, through his son
both in visage and bearing. Marius was trained as an Vladimir (d. 865), his grandson
administrator rather than a warrior, and is relatively Spassoje (d. 889) and his great-
competent at managing his fief. He was married grandson Marek (d. 904), Anton’s
early in his life to a noblewoman of House Moubotka father.
-- Marek III was trying to strengthen his family ties
with the other major clans of the area -- but his wife Marius 961-current Son of Marek
died in childbirth, and Marius never remarried. III, has no offsprings. Has
Marius is a bit of a recluse -- most visitors to designated his nephew Marek as
Strolojca, except nobles, will more likely meet his his heir.
nephew and heir, Lord Marek.

Lord Anton Strolojca,
court lord (NM, L).

Almost a younger twin of Marius, Anton sought
employment in the Karameikan government, since
he had similar inclinations to Marius but no chance
of inheriting the fief. He therefore moved to
Specularum with his wife Avdotya, a member of the

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Ourosco clan. He is currently an intendant of Father Barris Strolojca, priest of the
the Ministry of Trade, working with Minister Church of Traladara (C5, L). Where Marek
Bartran Cordelius. Anton tries to advance the continues the family looks, Barris is often
interests of the south-eastern fiefs, but has thought of as “more an Ourosco than a
not yet managed to obtain funding for the Strolojca”, for his jolly, rubicund face and
project he champions, the construction of a chubby physique take more after his
paved coastal road from Specularum to maternal side. Not aiming at a political
Vandevic and Strolojca. Anton and Avdotya career, but still more at ease with intellectual
have four sons and one daughter. Anton is a than martial pursuits, Barris entered the
meek but determined bureaucrat, and can be priesthood of the Church of Traladara. He is
easily met by characters interested in currently the assistant librarian of the
developing trade with the south-eastern fiefs. patriarchate of Marilenev. Thus, he lives in
Specularum, taking advantage of his father’s
Lord Marek Strolojca, mansion. Barris is a friendly and outgoing
court lord & Seneschal of Strolojca (NM, L). sort, and is likely to be encountered by
Traladarans looking for information on the
Marek is a man in his history of Traladara or the Church itself.
thirties, thin and Barris is unmarried and, not being expected
somewhat sickly. to inherit the family fortune, uninterested in
Like his father and getting married. He does, however, have
uncle, he favors numerous female friends -- the Church of
intellectual pursuits Traladara takes a very relaxed stance on
and is a competent personal relations, and Barris takes
administrator, maximum advantage of this, which does not
trained at the make him very popular with the prudish
Scriveners’ Guild. He scholars of the Church of Karameikos he
currently resides in sometimes deals with professionally.
Strolojca, where he
has all but taken over Lady Avdotya Strolojca, court lady (MU 1,
the day-to-day rulership of the fief from his L). The only daughter of Anton Strolojca,
aging uncle. He is as of yet unmarried, but is this thirty-year old woman served as a lady in
considering several prospective brides -- waiting to Lady Selena Vandevic for several
however, he has procrastinated marrying years, a typical occupation for young
until now becauses he aims at unifying the noblewomen who are not Sheared. She
Strolojca lands with those of the Vandevic picked up some passing knowledge of
clan by marrying the Vandevic heir, who is arcane magic from Lord Gustav and his
still an infant. Lord Marek is the most likely apprentices, until Lady Selena discovered it,
person to be met by those interested in the had a furious quarrel with her husband for
government of Strolojca. His demeanor is teaching dangerous and unladylike magics
polite, but business-like. to her lady-in-waiting, and finally sent
Avdotya back to her family in Specularum.

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She now lives with her family in Specularum. Sir Hugo Strolojca, Knight of Karameikos
She is considering asking to be Sheared, (F9, N). This scion of the Strolojca line is an
although it is rather late at this point in her arrogant nobleman in his late twenties. A
life, and joining the Magicians’ Guild. good swordsman and duelist (Expert in the
However, she lacks experience of the outside long sword), Strolojca figures himself a
world and her reclusive temper, not unlike dashing figure and a ladies’ man – though he
that of her uncle Marius, has prevented her rarely wins any favor due to his arrogance
from actually making any step in this and outright brutality. Sir Hugo gained his
direction. Her parents are considering trying title after a short but brilliant service in the
to marry her off to some nobleman -- military at Rugalov Keep. While a lieutenant,
although she is a bit old by now (by their and a promising candidate for a captaincy,
standards), a middle-aged widower like Sir he made an enemy of the Minister of War,
Ulric Brezovo could be a good match for her. Admiral Lucius Hyraksos, and was forced to
resign his commission -- although he was

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awarded the knightly title. He stands no Lord Spassoje Strolojca, court lord (F5, N).
chance to be named for a fief, so he is looking The youngest son of Anton Strolojca,
for an advantageous marriage which will Spassoje is a successful adventurer in his
enable him to inherit one. Hugo usually mid twenties. With no chance to inherit the
resides in the Specularum mansion his father family fortune, no interest in a clerical
owns, since it allows him to take part to the career, and little aptitude except for the
social life of the Traladaran aristocracy. He is sword and shield, Spassoje looks to build a
likely to be met at parties, where his arrogant reputation with the Church and the
demeanor may lead to altercations or even a government as a reliable troubleshooter and
duel. a loyal Karameikan. He plans to obtain a
knightly title and a fief from Duke Stefan.

HISTORY OF HOUSE DRACONIUS

FAMILY HISTORY IN THYATIS the offspring of Jovilios’ blue dragon.
Savirariash continued to be the dragon
The Draconius family is a quite old Thyatian mount of Xentarion’s descendants, many of
gens which has been traditionally associated whom won the title of Lord or Knight, and
with the Empire’s airborne military orders, who were all members of the Knights of the
the Retebius Air Fleet and the Knights of the Air. After serving five Draconius riders,
Air. Family history holds that the original Savirariash died together with the last
family head, Jovilios, was a simple mountain descendant of the Draconius’ main branch,
boy born in a village in the Altan Tepes range, Dracolytus (AC 278-316), in battle against
an orphan who had lived in the company of a the Alphatians on the Isle of Dawn during
blue dragon cub he had found in the the Thyatian Civil War (AC 313-320), by
wilderness. According to this story, Jovilios crashing – on the verge of death - against the
was noticed by Retebius, the founder of the enemy’s flying airship and destroying it.
Thyatian Air Corps, and later trained by him
to become the first Thyatian blue The family’s two minor branches, descended
dragonrider. Since then, Jovilios’ from Xentarion’s lesser brothers, followed
descendants adopted the family name of two different paths. The junior branch,
Draconius (Draconia for females). which later (around the beginning of the 5th
century AC) changed their family name to
In the following centuries members of the Drakonion, settled in the countryside of
Draconius family held important military Thyatis City, followed a more canonical
positions and were often soldiers and officers military path (in the imperial navy and army,
in the Retebius Air Fleet. Among the most even if some of them indeed became Knights
famous is Xentarion (AC 119-184), who took of the Air), became quite wealthy
part as blue dragonrider to the Empire’s landowners, and had even some of its
Alasyian campaigns of AC 148-150 and whose members elected to the Senate.
blue dragon Savirariash is said to have been

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