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Previously "It's been some time hasn't it?" Marsilia said to us wistfully. The town of Veniera was beautiful in the sunset with its rolling plains of vinyards and the High Ridge Mountains in the background. The first time Ilazio had been there was the day of Marsilia and Ristoro's wedding all those months ago, before the dark times, before my vengeance. It had been a splendid time. Marsilia had returned with my mother for a short time, but it had been a turbulent time. Now, finally there was peace... "Indeed," I replied. "Well, now that I've attended to the dwarven delegation from Highcrag, let's hear your tale my cousin, Salvadore." Salvadore had returned recently from the far off city of Barqa in Kaliphlin. He had missed the assassination of my father and my vengeance and my rise to power as Rego. But his journey home hadn't been entirely straightforward. Salvadore's Tale “Ti l’æ desveggiou? Are you awake?” I heard someone say, my vision fuzzy. What seemed to be a grey bearded sailor and an orc stood over him. Why was he on the ground again? Why was the sun so bright? And what was with the ringing noise in his ears? Once my dizzied state abated, I tried to stand myself upright but fell back to the stone pavement of the quay. Again the figures began to talk. I could barely hear them. Their tongue seemed similar to Varlyrian but somehow different. This was confusing. I remembered being on a ship. Where did the ship come from again? Where am I now? Maybe these weren’t important questions. “It’s a miracle he survived the ocean wearing armor. Only fools swim clad in maile... or dwarves. Should’ve sank,” a man mused, he sounded like an old sailor. “He’s not very good at waking up,” a gruff voice remarked. He sounded like an orc of the wastelands. The orc and sailor watched as the poor lad squirmed beneath them trying to stand up. It was like watching a fish fresh from the net longing for the sea. Except this was a human, and humans generally aren’t suited for aquatic life. “Right, I’ll help him up," the sailor said. "Ye go fetch Valtýr and Marco.” “Right, I’ll help him up," the sailor said. "Ye go fetch Valtýr and Marco.” “Aye, aye capitan!” The orc said, with a mock salute before he departed for the narrow lane beyond the clocktower. I tried to ask where I was now that it was just him and the old sailor. It didn’t come out quite right. Maybe my ears aren’t working? Or maybe they speak a different tongue here? I then tilted his head to get a better view of the place. Everything was so blurry but I could tell it was colourful here. Wherever here was. Everything was so blurry but I could tell it was colourful here. Wherever here was. Several minutes later, Bilg returned with Valtýr, a Kolgarí, traveler, and Marco, a retired sailor. “You kept his armor on?” Marco admonished the old sailor. “Scemmo!” Valtýr checked the man’s vitals and then helped Bilg with removing the armor. “He must have been on a war ship,” Bilg said. “Could’ve been attacked by pirates.” “Well, we all know that Captain Cockatrice has been prowling the waters from here to Abradule,” Marco replied. Salvadore groaned softly as they removed the armor. Why would they do that? What if a battle was about to happen? He’d need it then. “We should get him somewhere to rest,” Valtýr suggested. The rest assented, and they picked him up and carried him off from the quay. <><><><><><>One week later<><><><><><> My eyes slowly opened as I took in my surroundings. The sound of the waves lapping on the quay could be heard all the way from the house upon the hill. The windows were kept open to let in fresh air. Outside was a vineyard on a steep incline overlooking the water. On the bedside table, there was a jug of watered-down wine and some fresh focaccia with olives. I got up from the bed and took a swig of the wine, it was sweet and refreshing. As he began eating, the door opened and a tall orc with sunburn skin entered the room. “Boña giornâ,” the orc greeted in a gruff baritone voice. I guessed that my host was wishing me a good day. “Not to be rude, but who are you and where am I?” “Porto Nascosto. The hidden port. I am Bilg.” “You speak funny,” I blurted. That was perhaps rude. This is why I don't politick unlike you, Ilazio. Bilg simply laughed. “You talk fancy. Far way from Illaryian, we are. Wrong coast!” The orc continued laughing for a few minutes. “Wrong coast?” I stammered. “Of course! We have more Gelato! Much better here methinks.” He paused before continuing. Meanwhile, I was still trying to figure out how I was on the western coast and not the east. “You’re a funny one, scì? You almost make the sunburns hurt less.” Bilg looked behind and saw the older sailor walk into the room. He had an eyepatch on his left eye and a thick grey beard. “Roberto? Come in.” Roberto must be the name of the old sailor. Roberto nodded to the orc and then turned to Salvadore as he closed the door leading to the stone staircase behind himself. “You’re finally awake,” he said with a slight smile. His voice was husky. “I was worried that you wouldn’t make it.” “Where did I come from?” “How should I know? We found you washed up on our quay a week ago,” Roberto responded. “I was going to ask you the same.” “I see.” “What do you remember?” Roberto inquired. “A ship. I was on a ship.” “But not the port?” I thought to myself for a moment, biting my bottom lip. I could remember some sand. Yes, lots of sand but that wasn’t conclusive. Indeed, too many cities had sand outside their gates. “No,” he finally replied. Roberto sighed. “Well, do you at least remember your own name, lad?” “Salvadore," responded. I mean, what fool forgets his own name? Roberto paused. Does he recognise my name? How? We just met. Bilg perked up. He suddenly opened up the drawer in the nightstand and began looking through a stack of letters. That amount of letters would draw fear out of even the most conniving lord in Illaryian. Roberto stood off to the side. But these people wouldn’t blackmail me, would they? He looked over. Bilg was staring in particular for a long moment. Salvadore only now realized how much the tall orc smelled of fish. Fishy indeed! It would be the perfect moment. He had no weapons or armor. He was at their mercy. Maybe being upfront was the best tact. “What are you going to do to me? What letter? You’re not pirates, are you?” “Calm down, lad.” “Of course we’re pirates!” Bilg interjected, looking up from the letter. I looked mortified. Well, this complicates matters, I thought to myself. Pirates, as we all know, in Varlyrio are notorious for their ruthlessness and sadistic tendencies. “Well, if it makes you feel any better we mostly just steal gelato and wine,” Bilg said, trying to calm Salvadore down. “What he means to say is that we shan't hurt you. It’s too much paperwork really and we have a reputation to uphold.” “You sound more like mercenaries than pirates.” Roberto gave a short laugh. “Be that as it may, we received an interesting letter from the Rego the other day. Now, it’s not every day a pirate gets a letter from the Rego you see. The peculiar thing is that it’s addressed to one Sir Salvadore Armando Moccenigo.” “‘Tis my name,” Salvadore said. “I don’t recall ever being knighted by di Carlo or the old fellow, what’s his name?” “Amancio“, Bilg supplied. “Though neither are Rego anymore.” “What? I go away for only a year and we have a new one?” “For now,” Roberto replied. “It’s your cousin at any rate.” “Ilazio?” Salvadore scoffed. “No, my cousin is an architect in Cagliaveri…” “You’ve missed a lot.” “Infatti! Well, I suppose that explains why his sister-in-law told me to return to Varlyrio. Could I read this new letter?” “Be my guest,” he said, passing the letter over to me. I unfolded it, his eye catching a golden seal with the crest of Varlyrio that the pirates must’ve already broken. “Don’t worry, lad. We didn’t read it, only the name on the back.” Cugino, Assuming you received Marsilia’s letter whilst in Barqa, I hope that you are now underway to Illarian. I have several personal matters which I wish to discuss with you upon your arrival. The most pertinent is your promotion to capitan of Il Nuovo Guardie Reale and the protection of my niece Aurelia. Ilazio Although the seal was one I hadn’t seen you, my cousin, use before, the very brief writing style seemed like you. Ilazio, you only write eloquently when trying to earn a contract or for business correspondences. That or you were in a hurry or were in danger! “How did you get a hold of this?” I asked. Brig and Roberto shared an uncomfortable glance at each other. I had a bad feeling that their possession of the letter was due to nefarious means. “Plunder!” Bilg replied more enthusiastically than one would expect of an embarrassed orc. “We were there for the gelato, not the mail,” Roberto said. “What the two were doing on the same ship, I couldn’t say why. We hit ‘er off the southern coast near Ostia, then high tailed it back before the storms.” “But why would Ilazio send his letter from Ostia, it’s not like he knew where I was. I don’t even know if he knew I sent Marsilia a response before leaving Barqa!” "Marsilia had told me the morning she received your response. She does live in our house after all, cugino!" Ilazio interrupted. "I see," said. "Now, no more interuptions!" “Well, maybe he’s employed mages or Kolgari who can read the weather. It’d make sense that your ship got wrecked in the storm we barely escaped from. Must’ve been directed westward.” Salvadore still looked quite baffled. “Well,” said Bilg. “We wasteland orcs have shamans who can read the weather. Every Tuesday they read it in the market at Grahark. There’s only one way to see if weatherkolgari exist too.” With that, Bilg moved towards the window. I suddenly jumped from the bed to avoid being squished by the orc. Leaning out of the window, Bilg seemed to be looking for something or someone? Then, he found it. “Hey parrot elf! I need your help.” “What!?” Valtyr shouted back. It seemed to Salvadore that Valtýr didn’t sound too pleased at being summoned. “Come up!” There was a pause before the Kolgari replied. “Why!?” he replied, exasperatedly. “Just come!” Bilg begged. “I can’t explain while shouting. Hurts me throat.” “Ok,” Valtýr replied, followed by audible curses in the Kolgari language. I got back onto the bed and squeezed his head out next to Bilg’s. The Kolgari was dressed in a green robe and had a colourful blue and gold hued parrot perched on his shoulders. He was walking towards the narrow staircase that led to Bilg’s house above the vineyards. He did not look particularly pleased. Bilg apologized as he squeezed his big head through the window so that he could open the door. The Kolgari walked in briskly as Bilg opened the door with a wave to welcome him into the tiny house. “You really need a bigger house,” he commented sullenly. “Well what did you drag me here for again?” “So, I have an important question: do Kolgari have spells to predict the weather? Valtýr looked confused. “A what? You do realise that I’ve been on a two hundred year long vacation, right? I’m not sure what they do down under anymore.” “So, I take that as a no?” “Sure,” the Kolgari replied before escorting himself out. He slammed the door loudly behind himself “I wonder what he’s so mad ‘bout,” Bilg said. “Let’s go under the hypothesis that there are weatherkolgari Bilg,” Roberto said. I assumed that either Valtýr didn’t know or he was too annoyed to respond. Roberto sent him a glance that said now wasn’t the best time to make a quippy remark. “Well, we could get you a ship chartered to Ostia.“ Bilg offered. „One that would brave storms.” “Oh, I know a captain who’s brave enough,“ replied Roberto. "Her gaze is like an arrow, and can strike fear into the hearts of fierce scallywags the likes of meself!" “Oh, I know a captain who’s brave enough,“ replied Roberto. "Pray, who was the brave captain, Salvadore?" Ilazio asked for the benefit of Marsilia. "Let me see," I replied, thinking to myself. "Ah, yes! It was Captain Cockatrice! Quite dreadful to be quite honest. But I was glad to be on a ship." Ilazio's Tale I stood on the quay in the light of dawn. The early morning breeze whisked through my hair. It had been at least three years since Salvadore had left for Kaliphlin. I was grateful that my adopted cousin had responded to my summons, not out of loyalty to the Rego of Varlyrio, but to family. While I had sent my initial letter after my ascension, it had been several months since before I had received a response. Salvadore was late by one month. Where had he been? I squinted his eyes. Several minutes passed before the ship came further into sight and even more before I could spot a glimpse of Salvadore on the prow of the ship. The caravel bore two flags. One, the yellow and gold banner of Varlyrio. The other, a black flag. Pirates? That was a surprise from Salvadore, who was normally very by the book. When the gangplank was lowered, Salvadore was the first to disembark, followed by the captain of the ship and the crew carrying large crates and barrels of goods. “Ciao Cugino!” Salvadore wasn’t wearing his usual chainmail armor. “Ilazio, it’s good to see you again,” he replied, giving me a bear hug. I’d forgotten how tight his grip was. “Pirates?” “Sì, I’ll explain later. This is Captain Cockatrice of La Sciabola Azzurra. She gave me safe passage from Porto Nascosto.” I raised an eyebrow when he mentioned a name that seemed very Varlyrian. He should have left from Barqa. That would explain some of his delay. “Rego,” she said while offering out her hand. I shook it before returning to the matter at hand. “My friend Roberto found your cousin washed up dead one day while I was in port. Offered him passage and he paid with his sword. Hate to lose him. Aye, well I presume you are the one who ordered all of these swords.” “Indeed,” I replied with a wry smile. Truthfully, I hadn’t ordered any swords. Even if I secretly distrusted the de Fiori family, despite their outward support for my ascension, they did produce quality swords and armaments. Salvadore gave a slight grin. That explained the purchase, but from whom? And how did Salvadore wash up on the other side of Varlyrio? Regardless, I decided quickly to pursue a tactful route in our engagement. “Grazie mille Capitana.” “You’re as dark as a storm cloud as they say.” She frowned. “Rego. I met a fella in La Taverna Sommersa who claimed he was ‘Rego’. Can’t be two of you, right?” “Only one,” I replied. This was really getting out of hand. I was already paranoid that Luca and Arama would reappear out of the dark night from the wasteland. “He has ties to Xari Spadro,” she spat, with visible distaste to the famed pirate’s name. “I’d watch out for him. He sank my first ship. I’ll get that rat if I catch him again!” “If you see this ‘Rego,’ send my regards. Did you catch a name?” A dangerous glint showed in the pirate’s eye. “Amancio. Yes, you know his name. White haired fella. Clad in gaudy red.” While I’d never personally met Supano Amancio, il mio padre had received contracts from the previous Rego. My father had a high opinion of him for the most part, except for his treatment of the Kolgari. I had made sure to renew the alliance between Illaryian and the Sunken City. That was one thing Luca had done right. I was still sorting out my feelings on Luca. On one hand, he hadn’t killed my father like I had formerly believed, but he was madly in love with Arama who had killed both my father and the noble Tiger Prince. Luca had usurped old Amancio, just as I had usurped Luca. It was a cycle. I needed to take great care to avoid that cycle repeating. As long as Arama stays put, things should play out reasonably well for Varlyrio, I assured myself. Even if Amancio craved to regain the throne and his honour, he could be a valuable ally. Or, I reminded myself, he could destroy any chance I had at maintaining peace with the great families. “Sfortunamente, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting old Amancio. I would be curious to learn of his intentions, if you come across him again. However, if you ever perchance meet one Rego Luca di Carli or my ‘friend’ Arama de Cioto, then feel free to ‘send them my deepest regards.” “ I see what you mean. Seems you don’t rule with that peace and justice everyone keeps blathering ‘bout.” “Questa è giustizia,” I assured her. “She has been punished for her crimes.” Unfortunately for Arama, placing her in justice had brought peace… for now. And besides, I hadn’t killed her or Luca. I was starting to regret that but it wouldn’t be right even if it would be very reassuring and convenient. “And yet you let her live?” You fool! How can you rule the realm and not do justice to villains.” “Careful what you say, pirate,” I growled. “Death wasn’t the answer. It only will make things far worse.” “You’re weak. You can’t even threaten me without a dozen guards hiding in the boathouse should I choose to kill you.” “I have no intentions on killing you. It would be improper. And I’m a new man.” “Now,” she said, resuming a business-like posture. “Here are the receipts for the armaments. The first comes from the Kolgarí craftsmen. Círdan sends these in support of your reign and remembers your friendship with the Tiger. The second is from me, and you best pay it now. Shipping heavy crates of weapons and armour ain’t easy.” I pocketed the first receipt from Círdan and signed the second receipt from Captain Cockatrice. “I will see to it that you are lodged in Ostia and that you receive your due payment.” “You better,” she replied, turning to help her crew with the unloading. I sighed. I would need to find a place to store this and people to do the heavy lifting. Salvadore and I walked away from the ship and headed back into town. “Seems Varlyrio is as perilous as ever. You’ve become quite embroiled in political affairs. I’m sorry about Padre, Ilazio. I would have done something if I were here.” “Infatti,” I replied bruskly. “Unfortunately, there’s little you could have done.” “For starters, I wouldn’t have committed treason, attempted murder, or played at politics and become the Rego. Look, I returned from Kaliphlin for Aurelia and Marsilia. With your intrigue and the threat of this Arama returning from the depths of the wasteland out of the blue. What did you do to anger her so much anyways?” “She murdered Padre, Salvadore!” “For our people that’s quite normal, but in Kaliphlin they have some manners. What actually happened, Ilazio? Also, why am I the new guard captain? What happened to old Aluysio?” “She tricked me. I believed she was my ally, along with Råiden - The Tiger of Illaryian - but she was really a murderer and was in love with di Carlo. I spent a long time preparing to enact my revenge, but I couldn’t kill her. It just wasn’t right. So, instead I fooled her. Made her believe that I was her ally. That in helping me bring di Carlo to justice, she was doing the right thing. In reality, she was still working with Luca. We rallied the populace and great families to my cause and peacefully deposed of di Carlo.” “Peacefully?” “Arama and Luca imprisoned for eternity in the wastelands hardly seems peaceful. Was Luca really all that bad? He at least didn’t enslave Kolgari.” “You’re right, he treated the Kolgari well, something I intend to continue. Arama said that Luca didn’t know about father’s death but he didn’t stop her! He could have!” “I don’t think what you did to Luca was right. He was Arama’s puppet. And you haven’t explained what you did to Edmondo Ziccardi. I know the rivalry between our famiglie is ancient since the days of Anzola Moccenigo and Bastian Ziccardi but is it necessary to achieve justice?” I remembered suddenly that I had Ziccardi’s license revoked and his lands confiscated. What he had done to Aurelia, what he had called her, how he had made her feel, was unforgivable. Additionally, it was within my right as Rego. Ziccardi had made some illegal deals and had stolen my family’s property without legal reason. And the new bridge that he’d designed in Illaryian had collapsed, injuring several citizens. “It was necessary to achieve justice. Even if Luca was innocent at heart, he was unwittingly complicit. And if you care about Aurelia, then it is justice,” I replied firmly. “Will you do as I ask? Will you be the captain of my guard?” Salvadore halted and turned to face me face to face. We were almost to the gates of Villa Moccenigo. “I will,” Salvadore promised. “However, my primary concern is Aurelia and Marsilia. If Ziccardi threatened them, then I believe what you did was just to him but my opinion on Luca remains. Angering every noble in Varlyrio is hardly smart but I’ll remain by your side ‘cause that’s what family does… well, except for your brother.” “I understand. Currently, they are on my side but they have their spies watching my every move. Ristoro tried to kill me, I think, at least according to Marsilia. ” “Well, this is an interesting mess you’ve gotten me into.” “Indeed. I had better see to the pirates affairs. And, I have a meeting with the dwarvish delegation tomorrow in Veniera. After that, we need to pay mother a visit at Marsilia's house." <><><><><><><><><><><><> The town of Veniera loomed on the horizon in the dawn, its many towers casting shadows over the hills speckled with vineyards producing some of Varlyrio's finest vintage. Our visit to Veniera was twofold. My mother had fallen ill. It was a curse placed on her long ago as she and my father had been surveying the site for a new palace in Illaryian. That palazzo still lay unfinished overlooking the sands surrounding the tiger. My second objective was to meet with emissaries from Lord Hammerheart, who I had visited a few weeks prior. "Greetings Ilazio, Rego! Harnik, son of Kuno, at your service" a dwarf with neatly combed and tied grey beard hailed. He bowed deeply, his beard brushing the floor. Two other dwarves with red and blue beards respectively bowed and offered their services as is their custom. "Greetings master dwarf," I said with a short bow. "I'm glad that we were able to arrange this more formal meeting on such short notice." "Indeed," the dwarf replied. "We come bearing our Lord Eddar Hammerheart's seal to formalize this everlasting treaty between the people of the guild of Varlyrio and the dwarves of Highcrag Hall. I shall sign on behalf of my lord as his loyal captain." "Excellent, this treaty will offer favourable trade between our peoples, increased security along the paths from highwaymen and robber barons, protection from any harm suffered to either party by either another party or any of the agreeable parties here today, and stipulations for work in east, helping us to rebuild our Guild together." "This is agreeable to us," Harnik said, whilst pulling out the seal and his personal quill. I passed him the ink. Harnik quickly dipped the quill into the ink and signed his name. Then, he stamped the document with the seal. I took the document and added my own name and the seal of the guild. We shook hands and Harnik patted me on the lower back. Despite my diminutive stature, Harnik was much shorter in stature. "Additionally, Lord Hammerheart expresses his gratitude of entrusting us with your niece's wellbeing and edification. Will she be joining our return party?" "Indeed," I replied After the meeting was finished, I walked out into the evening sky to find Salvadore and Marsilia waiting in the arcades. Marsilia's Tale I came from this town, Veniera. My family had a vineyard not far from the town wall's in the hill country. It hadn't been easy agreeing to Ilazio's reqest to go back to Veniera. My family still didn't know the true nature of Aurelia, that she was my daughter. It was a secret that I'd long kept from them. Why sould I? I love her because she is my daughter! I shouldn't need to feel ashamed. I could now see why Ilazio was always so tense with his many secrets and plots, and now Ristoro too. I hadn't realised it earlier. I had simply survived and tried to keep hold as best I could. My parents had initially been delighted at my marriage to Ristoro, because he came from a well-off family near Illaryian. Their pleasure had waned, when Ilazio and Ristoro had asked for my family to take in their mother Isotta as she suffered from maladies frequently. I had persuaded my parents and they agreed, but they began to be displeased when they heard of Ilazio and his triumvirates' attempt to implicate and assassinate the Rego. Nevertheless, I had persuaded them to let Isotta stay. Last I was here several months ago, she was weak and I still didn't know if she'd survive. She had become quite dear to me, especially as I had become accustomed to her sons frequent antics. While I had loved Ristoro when I met him, I began to reconsider our relationship when it became apparent his womanizing had no end. That's why I had no intention of paying his bail when he had incurred the anger of Eduardo Zicccardi by elopping with his daughter Justinia. He thought so frivolously of me! He ashamed me and our marriage to my parents. I could barely come back without hearing about it constantly. I had believed that he had cared, I wanted to believe so very much, that he would come to love Aurelia as a daughter as I had. To love me, as I had loved him when we'd first met. He'd promised me he'd be a better husband and Aurelia to be a better father. He'd done none of that! All except selling out Ilazio to the Rego, not that I held with Ilazio's policy of vengeance, but it's not like I'd gone behind Ristoro's back or was plotting against my relatives! I knew I wasn't perfect either, but I'd left my life in Veniera with a stable family and income to Porto Cagliaveri, where I had to struggle to survive, although living in a palazzo! Until they lost it of course along with most of the finances that had let my parents agree to our sudden marriage. Since then, I had returned to my parents until Ilazio was Rego. It hadn't been easy. My family could barely stand it. Once Rego, Ilazio had given me ownership of Villa di Moccenigo by using his powers to uncover the Ziccardi's fraud before a court in Porto Cagliaveri. Ristoro wasn't too pleased. He didn't seem happy about much lately. I wanted him to be happy, to be on good relations with his brother, Ilazio, along with the rest of his family and hopefully, my family as well. Perhaps there is still something I could do to save this? But what use is it? Aurelia wouldn't be with Ristoro and I for much longer. Then what remained of our bond to each other through Aurelia would be gone. I knew even now that Ilazio was speaking with the dwarves about furthering my daughters education in architecture in their great halls in the mountains. I understood why Ilazio had arranged this. He couldn't be both the Rego and good uncle, but he did his best, what he believed was right, even if the world thought otherwise. I didn't want to see Aurelia go, although I knew it for the best. Yes, for the best. I would have to survive as

In the far off wastelands of Varlyrio...

Despite the chaotic change in power that had characterized Varlyrio for the last several months, things in this corner of Illaryia were looking quiet, a little too quiet… I‘m a bit limited on parts and don’t have any of my Varlyrian minifigs on hand at the moment, but this was fun to build!

The Merchants' Bridge - Il Ponte dei Mercanti - The Merchants Bridge is an old bridge built centuries past along the Zaglio River near the center of Porto Caglaveri. The Zaglio River runs from the High Ridge Mountains and winds its way through the fertile hill country to the coast. Anzola Moccenigo, the grandmother of the famed architect Brabantio Moccenigo, designed the layout of the canals that flow out from the river. The Moccenigo family maintains the story that Anzola also constructed the bridge to replace the rickety old wooden bridge. The Ziccardi family maintains that this is all lies and that Bastian Ziccardi was the actual builder of the bridge. The denizens could care less because it is a nice bridge. In the years since the construction of the bridge, merchants have set up shops along the edge of the bridge, jutting out over the Zaglio River. Indeed, it has become the most popular shopping district in the town, a welcome place where coin is plentiful for the eager bard. In an unlikely collaboration, the rival Ziccardi and Moccenigo families designed the corridor that runs over the shops. Many of the denizens of Porto Caglaveri were surprised that the families were able to cooperate in its construction without any bloodshed. Their astonishment was diminished when they learned that the mayor ordered the project with the hope that it would help the families to put away their vendette permanently. The mayor was disappointed and the citizens baffled at the mayor’s silly - but noble - intentions. Regardless, the mayor and their staff appreciate the direct route to the town hall. Shoppers among the Bridge of Merchants. A local construction worker peruses the selection at the bakery. A dapper, young noble inspects a golden rapier at Jacomo's Oddities. Quite useful for conducting political intrigue and revenge. A Varlyrian dwarf purchases a mace head from Dalyn the blacksmith. With the new Rego’s economic policies and support for the arts, the bridge became a common spot for busking. Of these buskers, none were as popular as one trio of Varlyrians from all across the realm. On the lute and vocals, Zuan Aironetto, a local bard from Porto Cagliaveri. On the flute, Eydis Willowtongue, a traveling Kolgarí minstrel from the Sunken City. On the electric guitar, Gromli Ironlungs, member of the popular dwarven band DEEPAXE. And on vocals, a random guy on the balcony, who has joined the song. Collectively, they have been dubbed the Bridge Troupe, a name with little style or flourish, but great accuracy. A boatsman rows with his goods down the Zaglio River while keeping beet with the troupe's song. The Bridge Troupe Local gossip has it that Zuan met Eydis and Gromli on the bridge whilst stumbling home drunk one evening. He just so happened to have bumped into Gromli while he was getting his guitar fixed by the dwarven blacksmith, Daryn. Then Gromli, who was reportedly also drunk, decided to test his guitar and Zuan joined in the song. Eydis, who was shopping at Jacomo’s Oddities, heard their music and pulled out her flute. Thus, their trio was formed. Of course, that’s just hearsay. Eydis, Zuan, and Gromli performing one evening. Before becoming the locally famous and respected bard, Trovatore del Ponte - Troubadour of the Bridge -, Zuan Aironetto was a fisherman. He gained his epithet Little Heron from his days spent among the fens at the delta of the Zaglio. Although he was a fisherman, he played songs for the merchants in a small tavern above a shop along the bridge. One day, he hoped to open a luthier shop. With the crowning of a new Rego - especially one who had gained power with the support of the masses and un po’ Varlyrian politics (i.e., backstabbing) - Zuan saw his opportunity to trade in his fishing net for the lute permanently. Thus, he journeyed to the capital, Illaryian, to seek an audience with the Rego. At this point, the Rego was well known for his generous patronage of the arts. Zuan made his case before the Rego, who generously promised his patronage. Beyond ecstatic, Zuan travelled back to Porto Caglaveri singing and playing his lute the whole way. This attracted quite the crowd of traveling folk, eager to forget their tired feet and happy to listen to Zuan’s songs. Legend has it that the crowd followed him into the town of Porto Caglaveri to the bridge. Whether this leading of the crowd led him to run into Gromli and Eydis by pure chance or not, no one can recall. Of course, no one is completely sure if this is the real tale of Zuan Aironetto because they were all too drunk to remember it in full. Regardless, he has become quite the popular musician with the bridge feeling quite empty without the echo of his voice underneath the portici of the corridor. Before joining the troupe, Eydis Víðitunga was a member of the Musician's College in the Sunken City of the Kolgarí. She set out on a journey to learn about the local stories and songs in other parts of Varlyrio. Near the end of her journey, she has decided to stay in town for a while before returning to the Sunken City. The people of Porto Caglaveri will miss her song when she departs. Gromli Ironlungs is already famous among the dwarven clans of the High Ridge Mountains and even those of the mainland as the lead guitarist for the band DEEPAXE. He is currently taking a vacation along the coastal regions after their last tour to Mitgardia and Avalonia. Unfortunately, during a tour of Illaryian by gondola, the boat flipped and his precious guitar fell into the canal. Thankfully, he was able to get it repaired by Daryn, a local blacksmith who owns a shop on the Merchant’s Bridge. The evening is young. The bridge is still crowded with shoppers making their last purchases before the stores close. And the minstrels begin to sing and play their instruments.

Greetings! Thanks for stopping by! I would like to present my first varlyrian vignette. It is for the Varlyrio Guild Challenge 1A- Family Affairs- Who's in charge. Sorry, i do not have many bricks, nor skills. I tried to use all the advice you gave me on my other mocs. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mer- ry meet! I am Ein. Take a note on that, because you will hear it in the future, i guarantee! I am a blewe elf. Yes, i am not blue. I live in the blue. Hope it is not too complicated for you. Some others would know my kind as finvolk, or marmennill, or something like that. First of all, excuse my incidental grammatical errors. Your common tongue, is not my strongest skill. Usually, i prefer to pick up just elvish languages. Hope you will understand mer. Let's get started, shall we? Mer father was born in the mernificent polis of Tethys. He swam in the waters of Kalypsō, what sadly, I didn't have the opportunity to do so. Came to this world looong after that dreadful catastrophe. You know which one i am talking about, right? The one that happened in the place you probably know, or heard of as Varlyrio. Mer home is the spectacular underwater city of Thalassa. Would be a fool to tell you the exact location. Keep it a secret for now. About mer birth... What do you think? Are we from eggs or born alive? Like fish, or like humans? I will let you figure it out by yourself, if you can. Good luck with that dryskin! Haha! So, where was i before i've got tidetracked? Oh, yes! Mer father is called Ægir, Protector of the Blewe. Mer mother's name is Rán. Queen of the Blewe. I know, i know. Those titles are not very creative... Just for the record. They are not blue neither! I also have nine sisters- imagine that, but you don't want mer to list their names here. Would be long and boring believe mer, and i don't want you to know their names. You probably not even worthy to lay your beady little dust dweller eyes on mer beauteous sisters anyway. By the way, they have terrible personalities, and i am sure all of them are much older than you. Not to mertion nobody in their right mind would want to be their boyfriends. Not to mertion... husband. Enough of those margygurs! Let's talk about mer, merself, and i. Grew up in the eerie waters of Lorelei Loch. Had an adventurous childhood. The Children of Ceto always stirring up the deep waters yonder. There weren't many boring moments i can tell you that. Fortunately these days, we have less and less problems with them. Guess what? Even befriended a few. Who could have foretell that. I will speak to you about them another time, i promise. If you behave yourself well. Be nice, you hear mer! It is no secret, we are not a fan of your kind. Maybe one day, this will change, but in the mertime i will tell you about mer useless titles. Yes, i have those, like mer parents have. Let's see. I am the Lochagos of the Warriors of Vortex order. Lord of Lorelei Loch. Guardian of Thalassa. Have a few more, but those have no interest to you. Oh, i have one more, which is a "cool one"! Krakenslayer! If you were wondering about the scar around mer left eye. While my dad is somewhere in the great waters of Ōkeanós on some diplomatic mission to contact other finvolk, i am trying to build connections with your kind. That is why i revealed myself to you. Do you want to know more? EinIntro by Erhard Maas, on Flickr - Many- many tides ago, there was Erda. The dust dwellers call it Varlyrio, or was it Valrylio, or Varilyo? Well, it doesn't really matter! Erda it is named in our ancient tongue. Two lands, one with an inland sea, what was known as Kalypsō. That is where our ancestors were born, in the beautiful city of Tethys. The water was crystal clean, and warm. Full of life in it, and in its vicinity. The drylanders didn't bother us much. Our neighbours, and distant relatives the Kolgari lived close by. Sometimes dwarves came to trade goods, and news in return for the fruits and rare treasures of the deep. Other than that no two legged people dared to walk those lands, and swim or sail those waters. Life was good, because the water was good! Then out of the blue, cataclysm hit! Erda quaked, cracked, and shattered, deadly gases leaked from the deepest parts of the underworld into the waters, and up in the air. Soon, Tethys was destroyed. As the ground opened, most of Kalypsō drained. Ran down into a cavern that might wasn't even there before. Many of our volk swam for the last time that day, crashed on the rocks by deadly currents, or swallowed by hazardous maelstroms, engulfed by the abyss. But others survived and just let the flow to take care of them. The water takes, but it always brings. So, they found themselves in this huge new cave, in a subterranean lake fed by underground rivers, and hot springs regularly. Other survivors of the catastrophe arrived too! Even the Kolgari couldn't continue their lives on the surface. They moved into this great cavern, we call Horthol. Those were hard times on them, and on our volk. On everybody, who found refuge there. Magic was used on a daily basis to help establish a new life. The Kolgari built an amazing place, what is known in the legends as Sunken City. We built our new home, the magnificent city of Thalassa, on the bottom of the lake we know as Lorelei Loch. We were lucky. Very lucky to survive. Water is vital for all of the beings. With the new place, came new discoveries. Ones that changed the fate of our volk forever. Found waterways which connected our new home with the vast water Ōkeanós, so some of our brave ancestors departed. Ōkeanós... The final frontier. Those were the longest voyages of our volk. Its continuing mission, to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life, and new civilizations, to boldly swim, where none one has swam before. To find new adventures, to meet never seen distant relatives. We also met new creatures, for example the Children of Ceto emerged from the depths of Lorelei Loch. Some of them were friendly, others are not so much. Water can be wild. Recent times, the surface strollers constantly grew in numbers. Not just in Erda. Don't have much respect towards the land, towards anything! They spill, and drink the waters, even fighting over it! Kill, murder for it! Sometimes they contaminate the wells, springs, rivers, and oceans! Litter the whole world! All that matters to them, is what can they take, what can they destroy! Almost always at war, those dryskins! Want power more, and more. Want everything! It is never enough! They know nothing! Nothing yet... Our volk are everywhere. We are watching. Where water is, there are we. Water is life, so we are! You cannot crush water, so you cannot crush us. We were here before you, and will be after you. We are the Elves of the Blewe! blewelves2 by Erhard Maas, on Flickr More pictures can be found in my Flickr album.

Guest house & residence A town can only flourish if the visitors not only trade but decide to reside there also. The streets are filled with beautiful architecture, no matter how small the house. This particular building represents on the left the guesthouse of the Khaor family (you can see uncle Nar Bilu is visiting) and on the right a small traders house. Sorry no interiors in this build...

Farm’s Market The downside to these large settlements along the coast of Varlyrio, is that all the food, except fish, has to be bought. Kashgar is no different. Farmland is far beyond the gate. This does not mean it is hard to get by food. The Farm’s market offer a continues flow of goods like livestock, fruit and other exotic products. No men should live unfed. As a side note: It’s a small build, but it had to fit my view of the city. HSS: REQ Agriculture, Farm’s Market (because Kashgar has no direct farms along its borders

Drunken Imp Inn When the streets and canals of Kashgar were flooding with merchants from all directions, the urge to keep them in the town began to grow. They needed a place to negotiate along with the pleasure to grab a drink as well as a place to crash after a long journey. On different locations in town taverns and inns popped up. The one that stood out, was the Drunken Imp Inn. A little shady and the sleeping lodges were not the most comfortable, but the money flowed. As it is told. Black market trading, agreements were signed and some say even kill contracts are a common goods that cross the tables. HSS: REQ Hospitality, Inn

Note: This is the first of what will be 1-2 more builds showing the D'Gatto family. The next one will be "Extended" and, if necessary, another will follow as "Known Associates". Abelia D'Gatto is the head of the D'Gatto family, which traditionally passes power down matrilineally (common practice among Varlyrian Catfolk). Her mother left her with the family business: artifacts and antiquities and her father left her with vexing familial connections out west, including various debts, secrets, and obligations. She married an artist, seeking to expand the family business into art collection, patronage, and sales but so far this has been an uphill battle. Abelia is refined, but ruthless and has a famous temper. She makes it a point to attend major social events in Illaryian and the more important eastern Varlyrian cities and maintains a reputation for cold poise and withering wit, though she must also pretend not to hear the japes and judgments offered behind her back, or a half a moment before she is fully out of earshot. Abelia is the kind of mother that presents a different face, a different style of mothering, to each of her three children. Who she really is remains a mystery even to those closest to her, though Fel suspects it is reserved for herself --not that she appreciates it. Fel is Abelia's heir and she saves her greatest reserves of attention and disapproval for her. Pardo D'Gatto (formerly Sivaelurus) is from a prominent military family that is based in the borderlands between the two sides of the Varlyrian coin. They staunchly disapprove of "that woman" due to her family's connections to scoundrel catfolk that "give all of us a bad name". For his part, Pardo relishes his family's disapproval and often courts it. He grew up under the shadow of older brothers and sisters who followed the family trade of soldiering for the Rego. Pardo isn't a pacifist, but he prefers the life of the mind and isn't shy about it. He insisted on his children receiving educations that included an appreciation for the arts of painting, music, sculpture and dance. Fel was the greatest of his pupils, but it's Kass who has the spark of his father's talent. Pardo leaves most of the direct parenting to Abelia and has long since taken a step back to let his grown children figure their own lives out. Something of a recluse, Pardo doesn't emerge from the D'Gatto atelier for days at a time, which has proven a poor habit for an artist disinterested in the art community of Varlyrio and who is considered a middling talent on top of it. His marriage to Abelia seems to have been out of both love (for him) and status (for her) as well as an opportunity for both to step out of the long shadows cast by their families. Stena D'Gatto is the "black cat" in the family, having chosen a life of religious observance and militant service over all other pursuits. Stern and fiercely moral, Stena has officially cut ties with her immediate family, though unofficially that is not so simple. Stena has risen to the rank of Knight-Sergeant and her commitment to the Order of Sana Argenta means she can not inherit the family affairs from Abelia when the time comes. This made Fel the heir, a thing which caused a bitter rift between the sisters. They were once close, though opposites, but that closeness has largely become a memory that neither will admit pains them dearly. Stena lives in Illaryian but prefers to be out in the field, accepting missions and commands that draw her out into battle. She is also closer to the Sivaelurus family, some of whom are also knights of Sana Argenta or other friendly orders. Though Stena seems stiff and unyielding, she hides a romantic and gentle side which recalls her father. Abelia tends to treat her with coldness and distance, while Pardo is both repelled and attracted by her similarities to him and his own family, as if she could someday repair the rift between D'Gatto and Sivaelurus. Kass D'Gatto would be most families' "black cat" in that he is an infamous carouser and scoundrel. He prefers the company of his mother's cousins, the Diamantos, a family of grifters many of whom travel about Varlyrio in caravans. The Diamantos have a poor reputation among common Varlyrians, but some are considered akin to folk heroes in the seedier parts of the island. Kass prides himself on being utterly useless to his mother and father but he adores his sisters. Though his associations and behavior cause them both a lot of grief, they also have a lot of affection for him. Kass, though he hides it, is something of an artistic prodigy and has never tried a medium of art or music that he couldn't almost immediately master. He squanders these gifts, however, and instead tries to perfect the "art" of betting on horse racing while being drunk as a Mitgardian lord. Pardo puts more effort into trying to reign Kass than he does with the other children, though Abelia counters it by indulging and doting on her "baby boy". Kass is happy to take their money and sleep off his wilder nights under their roof, keeping them both just far enough at bay that they don't quite give up on him. But that's been going on for years and, as Fel is fond of telling him, it can't go on forever. Builder's Notes:

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Home. The smell of salt water brought a strange peace to me. The sound, too, was one of peace. It was one I had not heard in years. But I was back in Varlyrio, and this time I would not allow myself a quiet exile. The story of my life had not been a happy one. Born the illegitimate son of a Trading Company leader who needed no scandal, I was shuffled off to live with humble folk. Lord Raxus refused my mother aid as she died, refusing to even tell me where she was buried when I finally found out the truth. With plenty of years now insulating him from the fear that any would use me or my mother against him, he had me trained in the art of single combat. He used me as a Ranger, his eyes and ears where he needed them But I crossed a line. Succession in the Company would go to he who married his daughter, as he had no legitimate son. When I told him I would burn in the tallest towers of the Black Spire before I married a half-sister, he sent me into exile. And there I had remained. Until now. The Aarinstahrr, as the leader of the Black Lodge Trading Company was called, had died. And I had been summoned back. I felt, rather than saw the Guard behind me. "Well?" "You are Raxus Orsen Waythe?" "I am." "Then you must come. You have been appointed Aarinstahrr." I smiled. It was good to be back.

Previously... Illyrian Docks, Varlyrio The docks of Illyrian are a busy place with barges, canal boats, and small watercraft coming and going constantly and at all hours. Larger ships dock further out in the bay, ferrying passengers to the city. Sometimes a passenger who wants to avoid attention might head to the busiest parts of the port quarter, where all the hustle and bustle can keep them from being noticed. Even in the rougher areas, the streets are paved with cobblestone and guards make an appearance even if they aren't planning on looking at anything too carefully. Recently statues of Baiamontes (which were erected in Varlyrio's darker recent history) have been replaced with other public artwork, including statues of Sana Argenta of the Sword and Cup. Sometimes statues of her hold a cup as well as a sword, depending on the sculptor*. Minotaurs aren't a common sight in the more urbane streets of Illyrian, but common enough on the docks where their great strength is well compensated by those needing laborers or guards. Dock workers have a reputation for taking frequent breaks and being quick to avert disaster. It may not look it, but that crane hook weighs a lot! Being Illyrian, even the most rundown waterfront buildings have balconies that soar over the busy streets. It is common for shipping offices to be fronts for smuggling operations, piracy, and worse. Many of the oldest and poorest families in Eastern Varlyrio own buildings up and down the waterfront, either using them for their own schemes and "business" ventures... ...or renting them out to locals, especially rich ones, looking to take in the local color. The warehouse is even busier than the streets, with cargo coming in and going out in a never-ending tide. Goods come in from everywhere in Historica, and even some places beyond... ...and to be honest, a lot of it is moved without a record (if you know what I mean). Including people like Lady Tisha of Delmitra and her bodyguard, Arrea of Bandari. Fel D'Gatto has been arguing with them for days since discovering them renting out a modest berth on her ship home... "C'mon Fel, it'll be fun!" "Don't you have anything to say about this, Arrea?" "Not really, no." "I said I would help you and that's what we're here to do!" "But you're a child. I don't know if I can be responsible for a child in Illyrian. I can barely wrap my head around it." "What are you talking about, Fel? There's a kid over there playing with a butterfly." "No there is not." "...there is, actually." "Sigh..." "Don't worry about it. Arrea can protect me!" "Where we're going, I don't know if that's going to be enough." "Hey, you said 'we're'. That means I'm going! Wait, where are we going?" "Lady Tisha, have you ever heard of the 'Sunken City'?" "Let me think... Sunken City... not the 'Sinking City', that's in Nocturnus... Help me out here, Arrea." "There's a 'Forgotten City' in Mwamba." "There's a 'Forgotten City' every dang place." "Well it must be here in Varlyrio! Sounds exciting." "That's one way to put it." "Oooooh is it scary?" "..." "..." "..." "Hee. I bet it's so scary." "This is already going well." Builder's Notes and Bonus Pics:

Khaor guard tower Briefly after the successes of the Khaor family in Kashgar, the usual suspects came lurking around the corner. Thieves, smugglers and even murderers. The Khaor hired a group of soldiers to insure their personal safety. In the midst of town a high tower oversees the traffic and guards the business and the family of Khaor. The personal guard of the Khaor distinguish themselves by the high quality dragon scale armor and their versatile range of weaponry they carry. Led by commander and chief Yorth, these guards are top of the bill. HSS: REQ Military, Guard Tower

Temple of Daïnna After the first settlers of Kashgar built the first homes through the maze of canals of Kashgar the community requested a temple to pray to their deity of choice. The Temple keeper Perrish assists his flock of Kashgar residents and outsiders, preaching to numerous deities needed to favor the hunt, production or trade important to the Varlyrians. The Temple was named after Daïnna, an Avalonian Half-God Huntress who was praised for her skills in tracking and archery and the deity the Khaor family draws much energy from. Daïnna’s arrows are blessed with flight and accuracy. Her followers are believed to be given a sharp vision and strong sense to aid in the hunt. A secret lore even suggest that she hunted more than just animals and mythical creatures and that she shed royal blood. HSS: Religious

Golden Wing Leather Workshop When Joseph Khaor first set foot on Varlyrio he arrived in a small hamlet in the eastern bay, which he called Kashgar. Hamlet was still too much to call the collective of small houses. Joseph thought it would be a great spot to settle and he started to build his home and workshop. At first it functioned as a tailorshop until the majority of the product shifted from cloth to leather, armors in particular. Generations later the building was still standing, although the residential purpose was moved to a larger location. On the bottom floor a shop allows the customers to do business and pick up their order. The second floor holds the workshop of the craftsmen making the armors and other leatherwork specialty orders. The top floor is the drying area for the stock of furs and leather that they acquired from their tannery further up the canal. HSS: Craftsmen Armorer

Khaor Family Joseph Khaor an Avalonian tailor travelled in his early years to the traders island of Varlyrio to expand his business. At first his business flourished, until cloth garments were replaced by armor. His firstborn son Abrahan used his hobby hunting and skinning to produce the first line of leather armors which became famous all over Historica. Family Tree Abrahan Khaor Lineage The descendants of Abrahan are the leather workers and traders of the family. Throll in his study inside Khaor Manor Throll Khaor The recent passing of Rashgrall Khaor pushed Throll to the throne. He is a ruthless craftsman and trader, trained by his father he became known for being the one who will do everything to satisfy his customers. Throll was always at his father’s side, learning everything there is to know about crafting leather and pushing customers to pay the price for the high quality the Khaor is famous for. Still working under his father, Throll was able to stretch their business to the farthest corner of Historica, which also meant that the requests for rare materials changed. His specialty of trade became creating the most enchanting and mythical leather armors. Skin of demons, scales of dragons and mammoth hide armors, with or without magical treats are within the scope of his skills and fame. LouLou in her skinning workshop Anna Louise Khaor (LouLou) The younger sibling of Throll, also known as LouLou. She is a master skinner, which in the trade of the rare skins the Khaor process can be a real challenge. Nothing is harder to transform into workable leather, without damaging the traits, than for instance hydra lizard scales. LouLou mainly works within the walls of Kashgar, leading a life of luxury when she washed off the blood stains of her hard day’s work. Before she was old enough to join the family business, LouLou was the spoiled brat, the queen kid who always got what she wanted, which makes her still a pain in the @#&% to work with if no gain is in it for her. Josephine brewing potions in the woods outside Kashgar Josephine Livenea Is the not so secret bastard child of Abrhan. Although her mother was send to the mainland Nocturnus, Rashgrall had a soft spot for this beautiful half-sister. Josephine is as mysterious as her mother. Studied in Nocturnus to become part of a witch coven and to learn the mystical arts of enchantment and brewing potions of all sorts. When the power struggle of Nocturnus started she reached out to her half-brother, who happily took the opportunity to become close to his sibling. Josephine set up shop in Kashgar, blessing the armors of the Khaor family with an aura of unknown powers and strengths. Or at least gives the wearer that assumption, it is never proven. From left to right: Marlowe, Bran and Grogk (Bran's hunting party) Abrahan Khaor II (Bran) The children of Abygail Khaor were raised in Avalonia, along their farther Lord Nar Bilu of Hemresa. Bran, the oldest of three, was expected to step in his father’s footsteps and become a military man. He endured a fast training as a tracker, marksman and strategist. After a long year facing the dangers of the Historica continent he returned to Avalonia to seal his fate and pledge loyalty to the new royals. Not long after returning he was summoned by his nephew Throll to join the Khaor family on Varlyrio. His skills in hunting were a welcome addition to contribute to the growing demand of rare materials. He himself thought it was too early still to get the responsibility to become Lord, so a different challenge was a welcome path to gain more experience. Bran was to form a team of skilled hunters to track down rare animal and mystical creatures for their scales, fur or other material their skin was made up to make the finest armor in all of Historica and beyond. Bran’s hunting party (Marlowe & Grogk) When Throll summoned for Bran, revealing part of the assignment, Bran decided to take his longtime friend Marlowe along for the quest. Marlowe is a renown Kaliphlin Lionell tracker from Barqa and an excellent diplomat, speaking most of the uncommon Historica languages from the number of journeys across the mainland. Besides that, he was a Kaliphlin army regiment commander for several years. Both men travelled from Barqa to their new home Varlyrio. Shortly after the details of their mission was explained by Throll, Bran found it necessary to add a local to his party. One that was familiar with the area as well as the basics of their mission. Throll suggested to meet up with Grogk, a supplier of hides from the Wastelands. He masters hunting and survival in these rough lands and he knows how to skin them. Secondly he knows the orcish culture, being one himself. After meeting up with him in The Drunken Imp, they team seems to hit it off, ready for their first assignment. Moss Khaor Lineage The descendants of Moss are the cloth traders of the family. Christopher in front of a slik spinning cabinet, just outside one of his farms Christopher Khaor The unwedded and childless uncle of the family is a strange one. He is a farmer and extraordinary tradesman, one that takes so much care in his product that any competitor is jealous. He owns a number of farms just outside the skirts of Kashgar and he manages a few in the Wastelands. Silk and cotton are his main trade. He knows and acts orcish traditions, which enables him to exploit and trade with this savage race. They grow his silk, process it to Kashmir alike fabric in return for access to Varlyrian products and recognition. Joseph (left) and his father Jullian standing in their clothing shop, ready to take your order Jullian & Joseph Khaor II Jullian owns a workshop and a shop in Kashgar. His specialty is tailoring. Kings, queens and other nobles travel from afar to be dressed by this artist for every occasion. Jullian is the most quiet one in the family. He keeps to his business, buying mostly from his brother Christopher and selling to everyone entering his shop the most legitimate way possible. Jullian is father of three children, all still learning the skills to take over the business in time. Joseph II is at age to fulfill his duty. Joseph now is responsible for collecting and reworking the trinkets and details on the clothing they sell. The two daughters are schooled by their mother and will be ready in time.

Note: This first build for Book 3 was actually in construction before I found out about the launch of Book 3. It was going to be for Summer Joust, then after the announcement I was leaning toward joining Kali... then Varlyrio was confirmed! So this one has been a roller-coaster. Thanks for looking. The Duchy of Delmitra, Kaliphlin (East of Barqa) Small but wealthy due to control of a prosperous githril mine, the Duchy of Delmitra has only recently stabilized under the reign of its child-duchess, the Lady Elatisha Darya (Tisha for short). During the upheavals of the Kaliphlin civil war, her father and eldest brother were killed and Lady Tisha was forced to supply githril arms to first one side and then the other as Barqa's shifting loyalties caused ripple effects in the region. There's usually a lot of comings and goings at Delmitra due to its location along the Oil Road. Today we can see a Goldpike mercenary passing through on her way to some battle. A more peaceful scene transpires close by as a young centaur woman gathers cactus flowers. On the far side of the wall, a massive desert dewback tries to scare off a snake. But which one is the trespasser? On the walls, one archer looks on nervously as he realizes that the dewback is nearly big enough to climb over the wall itself! He hopes no one ever thinks to use the docile herbivores as weapons of war. Meanwhile, his younger companion is delighted by the sight of the dewback-rider coaxing the animal forward using nothing but a bushel of greens. Traffic makes its way into the city as well, greeted by the bright ringing sound of a githril-smith hard at work. Delmitra's audience hall is located near the entrance of the city and is open to all whenever the Lady Tisha is present. Her house guard is primarily Delmitraean Myrmidons, who watch the passersby with keen eyes. All kinds of people come through the castle, including hunters, fruitsellers, and laborers, often refugees, from as far off as Nocturnus. The rooftop of the audience hall is open to the public. All kinds of people spend time up there, and it's even used for storage! Known as the Blue Seat, the great chair of the Duchy stands in the audience hall where visitors can marvel at its githril inlay. Today, the Lady Tisha is entertaining a particular interesting visitor. Her regent, Lord Sasaram, looks on in horror as the Lady considers giving a priceless heirloom to a complete stranger. Meanwhile Tisha's bodyguard, Arrea of Bandari, tries to hide her amusement. "This is what you want? Just this little thing?" "Lady Elatisha! You mustn't think of it!" "Yes, that's the Lion's Eye. I came here hoping to recover it." "That's so strange. It's just a stone. Not even pretty." "But it's been in the Darya family for generations, Lady!" "Oh hush, Regent Sasaram." "Heh." "So Fel --Can I call you Fel?-- why do you want this stone anyway?" "Well, it's part of a pair. This map will take me to the other one. I need them for evidence." "Intriguing! Evidence of what?" "I believe there was once a seafaring empire of catfolk --lionells-- and these stones can help prove it." "Foolishness!" "Hush, I said. Fel, how can this prove your theory?" "There are records of a legend: ages ago, a brother and sister inherited the empire and split it across the sea, each taking a piece of an ancestral stone fashioned to look like an eye. One Lion's Eye was kept in Kaliphlin, the other in Varlyrio. Yours, I think. A gift for some noble a century ago." "So if you get the stones, you can prove the legend is true and there really was once one big empire?" "Exactly!" "Excuse me, but there are catfolk all over. Including some in my own homeland. Are you saying they are all related?" "I don't know, but I want to find out. If we all share a common history, shouldn't everyone know it?" "I think so! I've decided you should have the stone!" "Oh dear... what are they going to think about this in Petraea?" "Those stuffy old scholars can... they can... go eat their own beards!" "Haha. Yeah!" "I love my job." ... ... ...but wait... there's more going on in bustling Delmitra... ... On the rooftops, a meeting is taking place between Goldhorn, called by some the "Minotaur of Means", and a shady desert mummy. "I don't know, this seems like an awful lot of money just to follow some cat-girl around." "Never mind that, Garm. You know from personal experience that my coin spends." "That it does, Mr. Goldhorn. That it does." "Then you'll take the job." "Follow the girl, steal these Eye stones or whatever, and make sure no one finds out. Yeah, seems like my kind of thing." "Quite." ... ... Builder's Notes:

Although the streets of Kashgar are poorly accessible for carriages and horsemen, at the far end of Kashgar near the docks is a small stable. The Avalonian owner, Quill, of the Flying Pony rents out and sells horses and other ridable animals for short journeys and light packings. Quill owns a small breeding range just outside the borders of Kashgar, where he get his constant supply of mini horses. HSS: REQ Agriculture, Lifestock Ranch

Close to the seaport, the Khaor family build their home and headquarters. The head of the family, in this case Throll and his wife, together with a few staff members, hold residence here. Once a month the department heads of the family come together to report and discuss how business is flourishing and how to expand their influence in Varlyrio and beyond.

Previously... The Crescent Bounty Public House, Illyrian Reluctantly allowing the Lady Tisha and her bodyguard to accompany her, Fel heads to the meeting that she had set before ever heading off to Kaliphlin. When one plans a trip to the Sunken City, it pays to have a guide... "You're... not what I expected." "What were you expectin', a Deep Elf? Fah!" guide1close by mccoyed, on Flickr Before them was a gnome and while it was true that many gnomes called the Sunken City and its cavernous surroundings home, Fel had never seen one with quite so crazy a look in his eye. "I think he's neat!" "That's 'cause I am neat! Name's Fizzum and there's no kids allowed in the Sunken City!" "That's silly. What about gnome kids!?" "Fah!" "Anyway, what guarantee do we have that you know the way to the ruins I described in my letter?" "I'm here, ain't I? Good luck finding anygnome else to take you that far out." "Hardly a guarantee, Fizzum." "Well what guarantee have I that you won't call your cousins to mug me, Ms. D'Gatto? Yeah I knows who you really are. I knows people!" "But that's not really a sec--" "Further, what guarantee have I that this child won't wander down the wrong tunnel to pee or chase lizards somewhere she oughtn't?" "Grumpy." "I'll thank you not to speak to her that way, Master Gnome." "Well, lookin' at you at least we'll have some protection from the dangers of the deep place. That's something." "Thanks?" "I can handle myself too." "Fah!" "Is that 'Fah yes I'll take you' or 'Fah no forget it'?" "I been paid, ain't I? No Fizzum's ever gone back on a contract and I won't be the first. Here, spit-shake on it!" "Ew." With the bargain struck, Tisha and Arrea took their leave while Fel spent some time thinking and drinking. "Hmm, someone else I didn't expect." "I'm always a surprise. A pleasant surprise!" "I'm sure that's what you tell yourself. And everyone else." "I missed you too, Felissa!" "Don't call me that!" "Sorry, sorry. I've been hearing that name all afternoon and it's hard to shake off." "Ugh. I was hoping I could slip out of Illaryian without her knowing." "I get that but what about me, dear sister? Had you spared no thought for dear Kassaro?" "I was planning on stopping in when I came back..." "I'm touched. But you'd better go see her before she sends Stena." "Pfft. As if Stena would set foot in here." "Haha! She'd tear the place apart." "I suppose I shouldn't keep mother waiting if I plan to leave in the morning." "Where are you headed this time anyway, sister?" "It's fascinating, actually! There are these artifacts, but they're really one piece, and if I can find both I can prove--" "Ugghghghghgghghgghggh! I'm sorry I asked." "--fine. I won't tell you then. See you around, Kass." It had been months since Fel had last seen their mother and she wasn't looking forward to the meeting. The same old lecture... Builder's Notes:

Previously... D'Gatto Family Estate, Illyrian Kass decided to tag along and entertain Fel's group of unlikely companions. Not for the first or last time, it didn't occur to anyone to look up and spy the spy that watched them from the very rooftop of the D'Gatto family house in Illyrian. "So I know it's not much to look at but you try being D'Gattos in Eastern Varlyrio and we'll see where you wind up living." "Fah! No thanks." "Let's just go inside, Kass. I can practically feel mother's eyes on me." "It's... sort of roomy inside?" "Well it was originally built for gnomes..." "She's not a gnome!" "Well, I could be a gnome." "A human child? What's Fel doing carting a human child around Illyrian?" "If she didn't tell you, I'm sure you'll understand if we keep our business to ourselves." "Sure, sure. Anyway, I'll show you around. The D'Gattos deal in antiques. Well, some of us do. Here are some." "Oooh. What are they?" "I don't know what they are." "Can I pick up the statue thing?" "Sure, why not?" Meanwhile, Fel was face to face with Abelia D'Gatto, her mother. An imposing, infuriating woman. "Felissa." "Mother." "Did you really think you could slip through Illyrian without me knowing?" "You know, for a minute there, I kind of did." "Have you learned nothing? Your father and I always know where you are." "Don't bring him into this, I know he doesn't approve of you tracking your own children." "Be that as it may, he understands what this family needs and right now it needs you to stop these foolish games and return home." "Mother, we've been over this before. You have your interests and I have mine." "I swear, when I was your age my mother would have slapped my bottom and married me off for such insubordination." "Mother!" "Sigh. Very well, Felissa. If you won't listen to me, then at the very least you need to be able to protect yourself while robbing the dead or whatever it is you're doing. Follow me." Abelia led her daughter to an adjacent gallery. Armor and weapons were displayed there, equipment that Fel had not seen in years... "This is... great-grandmother's." "I had the tunic and armor resized for you, dear." "But... I can't take this." "Oh don't give me that. Your grandmother taught you how to use these weapons very much against my wishes. You may as well shake the dust off them." "Mother... this is..." "Don't lose your composure, Felissa. Stand straight now. You're a D'Gatto and I'll have you comport yourself as one." "... sniff..." ... ... ...sometime later... "I don't know, Abelia. Goldhorn is paying me a lot of money." "But Goldhorn is not Varlyrian, much as he wishes to be. If you wish to stop scuttling along the rooftops and walk out in plain sight, you know who you should really be serving." "Not that I care, but you'd really do this to your own daughter?" "She must learn her place, Garm. You wouldn't understand the duties of a mother." "Heh. You're a cold woman, Abelia." "Do as I ask you and you'll find me a lot warmer in the future." ... ... Builder's Notes:

Deep in the dry fields of the Wastelands a selection of skilled hunters started to build a settlement, not far from their native towns. The Sand Orcs decided to make a trading post, which they call Grahark, near the road connecting the mountains on the east with the Gnomish towns on the west coast. Walls of stone and wood, tents, housing, chicken farms and storage, all which is needed to successfully build a tribe. The Khaor family and Bran’s old friend Jacob Nion invested in this settlement by supplying knowledge and materials as well as a helping hand to speed up the process. Throll is dedicated to open up this post by the end of summer, so the new natives can inhabit their homes before the cold winter nights fall.

Hi there! Would like to present my third (already?) moc for the Varlyrio Guild Challenge. It is for 2E: Varlyrio Scenery - Sunken City. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ah, it's you again! How do you blewe? You are becoming kind of a regular in these waters. Float a little bit closer, and i am going to share a secret with you! Can you keep a secret? Of course you cannot! However, it is imperative that i fin you in. Sooner or later, you would notice it anyway. Are you ready? Once upon a tide, long after mer folk moved into Lorelei Loch, they discovered something that completely changed our fate. They found a mersterious pond, filled with magic. In all likelihood, it is a consequence of centuries of magic used to make Horthol, the Sunken City liveable. All the preternatural powers the kolgari and others casted into the environs, somehow cumulated and made this supernatural pool. We named it "Brunnen der Veränderung" in our tongue- the "Well of Transformation" or something like that is the direct translation, but you mer friend can just simply call it the "Spring of Styx" on your common drylander language. Styx was the name of the mergygur who swam across it first. I mean a female finvolk. A nixe. A male is called a nix by the way. WoT01 by Erhard Maas, on Flickr Okay, okay, i won't swim around the kelp anymore! The place can transmute mervolk into surface strollers, and back. All hail Pontus! Now, what do you say about that?! I might add, mer folk weren't very enthusiastic to go dry, but it was too great of an opportunity to just ignore it. It was a small step for mer, one giant leap for merkind. The kolgari helped us a lot to acclimate, and we had the chance to meet a lot of other dust dwellers, who lived in- and around the Sunken City. I mean, we knew these people before, but now it was from a totally different perspective. Mer folk, the mervolk stood on two legs. It wasn't easy at first, but we learned a lot, and gained not less. We looking at the drylanders differently. I know, i know, we still don't fancy them. But it was worse in the past. Let mer hear your questions! I can see it in your eyes, you have some. No, it seems it won't work on other beings. Some kolgari, and non- elves jumped into the well before, but nothing happened, except they became wet. Don't have the slightest idea, why it is only working on us. I can tell you fish don't grow legs neither, if we carry them through. Who? Children of Ceto? They didn't try it yet, as far as i know. Wanted to persuade Octavia to give it a shot, but she wasn't so eager, so i let it go. Where is the well? Well, it can be found in an extraordinary place called Eventide Forest by the Kolgari. Huge dread ash, and midnight maple trees. Dread ashes with their dark red leafs, and orangish flowers. It has also a yellow fruit, the curvy finger. I like it very much, but the webbed winged filcher- which is a smaller flying animal- usually steals most of them. Oh, i saw some different dryland animals too! Well, partially dryland. There was the sun anuran- a very rare frog, and the mavros ophidian. Be careful with that sneaky serpent! Oh, and the drop skorp! That is especially a nasty one, when jumps from the tree into your hair! Lunacy! There were other animals too, like bugs! Big, ugly bugs! When i first saw them, i almost went back underwater immediately... WoT04 by Erhard Maas, on Flickr But we intend to stay above ground with this conversation for a bit more! Be nice now, because i would like you to meet a friend of mine. She is mer "link". Traditionally, when a marmennill, or margygur enters the surface world for the first time, the kolgari assign an aid/ guide to the new fin on the block. We call this person "link". A connection with the surface world. Her name is Coventina, and she is a kolgari circe- a sorceress, so do not offend her because you might find yourself in the shape of any aforemertioned creepy- crawly... May the water flow with you! WoTWP by Erhard Maas, on Flickr ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More pictures can be found in my Flickr album.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Business Since the death of the last Aarinstahrr, the Black Lodge Trading Company had suffered. We operated out of the wastelands of Varlyrio, and as such needed a firm grip to keep the trade routes open. But even with my return, funds were simply insufficient. When this happens, options start to shrink. I was told that I needed to sell the company. I had no intention of doing so. Instead, I started a protection business. If we could morph the company from a mere shipping enterprise into the true muscle of the region, our power would only grow. And it was this that had me on the one road through the rocky narrows, a pathway through what had become barren country, unfit for travel, or residence. I needed to make clear why protection from the Company was necessary. Three travelers, unwary of a road they should have been wary of, proved an opportune beginning. They looked shocked when my lancers surrounded them. "What is the meaning of this?" The Goblin looked furious. "You carry much, travelers. But you carry it with little protection." The human girl, from Kaliphlin by the look of it, appeared stricken. She looked back at the lone soldier, carrying nothing more than a crossbow. It would do little against the spears and shields of my troops. "Do you have any idea how much I paid to have safe passage through these parts? Any idea, human?" "Your folly. But I'm not here for your money, goblin. My name is Orsen Waythe, and I take it you intend to see your goods to a city. I need you to carry a message with them. You see deep into the trees?" "I see bodies, strung up like cattle." "Marauders. They've ruled the wastelands for as long as I can remember. And I want you to tell everyone you meet that I and my men killed them, and are willing to offer safe passage to anyone and anything through these lands....for much less than the marauders demand. For far too long, the Marauders have been a thorn in the side of the Black Lodge Trading Company and the good citizens of Varlyrio. No longer." "That's it?" The goblin looked shocked. "Tell them you just butchered the biggest bullies in the business?" "Oh, it's my business now, Goblin. Make sure they know the mark of the Dragon means death to any Marauder who interferes with my shipping routes again. And let the people know they need not fear these masked terrorists any longer." "So be it, Orsen Waythe. I will take your message."

Previously... <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Raven Fernwood was a bigger man than I had thought. I had expected a meeting with one of the heads of the Trading conglomerates, or perhaps their representative. Instead, tucked in an alley in the town of Gromm, the Governor of the Wastelands was staring past me. We were standing outside of a monastery of some kind, or at least I assumed a monastery. This was it. This was my chance. Refusing to look at me, the Governor cleared his throat. "I understand you know Raven Fernwood." "Perhaps I do." He opened his mouth, then closed it. Struggling, he managed, "So you are the survivor of the civil war inside the Marauders we have to deal with." A fire welled up inside me. All forethought left me. I slammed my helmet on the cobblestone street. "I'm no Marauder. I am Aarinstahrr of the Black Lodge, Raxus Orsen Waythe, warrior of the wastelands. You didn't get a new band of Marauders. The Marauders are dead and gone, in the ash heap of history as far as I'm concerned. And I was the one that broke them." Where disgust had once been, intrigue replaced it. "Why?" And then my speech came to me. "Perhaps you haven't realized, Governor, but a Queen sits on the throne of Historica. For many a year, we have had freedom in our affairs, with no one to rule these lands. And we have flourished. Gromm was once a hut and a well, and now it sits as the crystal in the rocks of the wasteland. But the Queen has acted, taking from one mouth to give to another." "For the good of those starving," he replied, slowly. I smiled. A wolfish smile. I could see it unnerved him. "Sure, of course. For the good of the people. And then, Governor, for the good of the people she will move our troops to borders more important to her. And then for the good of the people, she will take our wealth, which we bleed for, and give it to those who can't pull themselves out of a bottle. She will create charters, without which it will be illegal to trade as we have. And we will be powerless to stop her." "She is a good woman." "So were many, before they felt the power in their hands. I know not her heart, but I have seen the lust of Kings, and I assure you she is not immune from it. None are." "Then we are once again under a..." The Governor looked at me. "Unless we act now. I am no refined gentleman, but I am not a barbarian. Where the Marauders brought chaos, I can bring order. Order necessary to maintain a free Varlyrio. Order necessary to see our fruits continue to mature. You and I, we will check each other. As long as we stand united, Varlyrio shall bow to no grant Queen. But if I am to be an agent of order, I need a seal." "What do you need?" And here came the money part. I was gambling, gambling more than I ever had. What I was asking was not just a risk to myself, but to Varlyrio. But I needed it. "I need to appointed Judge." "The Wastelands haven't had a Judge since Revolwold," The Governor murmured. "Nonetheless it is what I require. Think, Governor. The return of the Judge would mean trade routes would be even safer than they were, more open to commerce. And more to the point, Queen's edicts would be under my purview to enforce. But as the Judge's code states, my duty is to enforce just laws, and just laws only." "I am taking an awful risk, Orsen Waythe. If I am to do this, I must have one question answered. Why did you leave your leader, at a moment your aid would have been indispensable." Unexpected, but bitter all the same. In the end, it was a small price to pay, but I still hated paying it. "I was his son, not his 'adopted son'. He wished me to marry my half-sister, and she wished the same. He told me I would do it, or die. So I left." "Oh that our secrets will remain better hidden," The governor said, with genuine weariness. "You shall have your warrant. I will bring back the position of Judge of the Wastelands."

Although the Khaor family thinks that anything cultural is a waste of precious time, they can't let the golden city of Kashgar live without the grandeur of a theater. Every seventh day of the week a small group of actors perform a comedy play. In this case a Kaliphlin soldier who has to fight an evil witch. This way, the Khaor can contol the entertainment in the city. Circus and other artists have to audience before Throll first before allowed in the city. *HSS - Entertainment The open air theater is also suited for my MOC of Kashgar