Session 095 - Killing Your Betrothed

General Summary

2^nd to 4^th of Nuzyael (Spring) 722TR

The story so far

Athena commands a mercenary army from the Lythian Continent, fighting on the side of the rebels in the Tormau Rebellion. She has launched a surprise attack capturing the Ithiko Castle and killing the Earl of Ithiko, Herrin Barzak. Can she avenge her dead family?

The continuation of Session 63 - Some Things Should Be Keep Hidden.

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Location - Earldom of Ithiko in the Kingdom of Rethem.

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Part 1 - Consolidation of Ithiko

Although the Castle of Ithiko is looted and Earl Barzak is killed, Athena stops her army from abusing the settlement's peasants. She then quickly establishes order.

Priestess Yiolya, art by Artbreeder

The Temple of Agrik (Order of Hepra the Mace) has been abandoned, however one of the Priestesses from the nearby Shrine of Morgath, the Shrine of Aekluhaya asks to meet with her. Khala-Gekesa Yiolya seems friendly enough congratulating Athena on her achievements. She assures Athena that the Temple will not interfere in any way with her management of the settlement. She also asks to have access to the dead bodies from the current conflict offering to honor and dispose of them. Athena refuses and orders that the bodies be cremated, according to the Kingdom's laws and Agrikian tradition.

Part 2 - Quick Victories

The next day, Athena meets with Sir Geyal Barzak, the former Earl's son. He says this father has imprisoned him for the last five years in Ithiko castle dungeon for treason. Athena later learns that he was not guilty of this crime; this was a rumor started by his father's rival, the Earl of Tormau. He agrees to help Athena convince the garrisons in the nearby settlements to stand down.

The former Barazak forces at the manors of Benik and Fardeth plus the Clasdy hamlet comply with even some of the men of arms willing to join Athena's Army. The pompous Lord of Munt decides to stay in his manor.

Part 3 - Counter Attacks

However, scouts show that that the remaining Royal forces have consolidated at the Keep of Emeter under the Deputy Sheriff and at the Hamlens Keep at Deya. The Deputy Sheriff hastily assembles forces, reinforced by Lemior and Karvu manors approach Ithiko Castle. Athena moves her forces to intercept, attempting an ambush, which is only partially effective.

The Army's meet and Athena's mercenaries are too numerous, well trained, and are quickly victorious. Several knights are captured and the manors at Emeter, Karvu, and Lemior quickly surrender.

Athena learns that part of the reason for her success was that the Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer based at nearby Ithicus Castle launched a successful attack on the outlying manor of Cedury and captured it. These medium Knights and Light Calvary reinforces Athena's Army.

Part 4 - Killing Your Betrothed

The Hamlen's have withdrawn all of their forces into their secure, moated Keep at Deya. This looks very defensible and is led by Gerharn Hamlen, Athena's former betrothed and betrayer. He was part of the conspiracy to kill her family, marry her, and steal her lands. After this, he was planning on disposing of her.

Gerhan Hamlen, art by Artbreeder

Athena's revenge is not to denied. She wants Gerhan dead and challenges him to a fight to the death. With little choice and risking being accused of cowardice, Gerhan accepts, fully expecting that he would be the superior warrior. He is wrong. They fight, and although Gerhan proved to be a very able knight, Athena is too strong. As he starts to show fear, he is decapitated. The Garrison at Deya Keep peacefully surrenders.

Over the next few Days, the Barony of Ithiko is secured. The Earl of Tormau arrives and thanks Athena for her effort. He immediately restores to her, her family estate of Avonel, and promises more in the future. Athena is named the Constable of Ithiko.

To be continued.....

NPC Interactions

Sir Geyal Barzak - First Son of the Earl of Ithiko.

Challenges Overcome

Athena Captures the entire Ithiko Barony.

Killing of Gerharn Hamlen.

Created Content

Yiolya, Priestess of Morgath.

Shrine of Aekluhaya (Temple of Morgath).

Related Reports

Gerharn Hamlen - Updated.

Earldom of Ithiko.

Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer.

Earl of Tormau.

Order of the Lord of Chaos - Updated.

Players Character Status

Athena the Banshee - Level 15 Paladin of Vengeance.

Campaign

The Uncivil War - Campaign Complete

Protagonists

Athena

Report Date

06 Aug 2020

Athena's Army

Iron Legion

Iron Legion, art by Attacus

3 Companies strong. Good quality disciplined medium infantry, former members of the Azeryani Legions, led by Captain Eanfrith.

White Tigers

White Tigers, art by Attacus

5 Companies strong. Good quality marines and archers, from the Karejian City-States, led by Captain Athved. This Company has a Warship armed with Ballistas.

Breva's Raiders

Breva's Raiders, art by Attacus

3 Companies strong. Tough Viking Raiders led by Captain Breva.

Knife Cultists.

1/2 a Company. Fast and mobile shock infantry (and occasionally demon summoners) from the Southern Coast Hepekeria. Also skilled in Assassination.

Mercenaries

2 Companies strong. This is a ragtag collection of warriors of varying fighting skills and abilities.

New Additions

Crimson Dancer Calvery

by Columbia Games

1 Company of Medium Knights and 1 Company of Light Calvary.

Garrison

1 Company of Medium Infantry. Recruited from the local militia.