Setrew Keep
LOCATION: Ambarnis Hundred, Meselynehire, Kaldor
STATUS: Seat of Baron Ethasiel, for Earl Hemisen Curo of Gardiren.
POPULATION: 520 (approximately)
GOVERNMENT
Baron Wevran Ethasiel and his son Romlach govern Setrew.
Even though Wevran is the baron he has delegated all military matters to his son.
Romlach, who is a warrior as his grandfather once was, enforces a discipline above the normal.
His warriors equal the royal guard, although they are not as many, and they effectively patrol Setrew and its surroundings. A handful of selected guildsmen informs and helps the baron on economical matters.
ECONOMICS
Setrew lies in the shadow of Olokand and much of the revenue of the area is lost to its more populous neighbor in the south. There are however some trade in salt and copper. The agricultural side of Setrew is different. Wevran Ethasiel is the largest landholding baron in the kingdom and though trade is slow, his fief generates more than enough revenue to the settlement.
TAXES
Property: 6% per annum (residential)
Property: 6% per annum (business)
Hawking: 10% goods value
Bonding: 1% goods value per month
RELIGION
There are no temples in Setrew but the faiths of Larani and Peoni are still very dominant. Other faiths are not discouraged but neither are they supported. Exposed followers of any of the dark deities are taken to the keep. Many of them disappear without a trace…
CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION
Wevran Ethasiel, baron of Setrew, is a vain man, involved in numerous petty intrigues and he is not highly trusted. It is said that any cleverly worded appeal is likely to get a lengthy hearing at the baron’s table. This is very true and Wevran is not a stranger to commit treason as long as he believes it will gain him. He has more than once been reminded by his liege, Earl Curo, that if he sidesteps from his obligations he will feel the wrath from Gardiren. The baron believes the earl is too preoccupied with other matters and takes these types warnings as formal and necessary, but without any real threat in them. Wevran is also weak to the sheriff of Olokand, Sir Maldan Harabor, and has secretly informed him that in an eventual civil war he will support the bastard son of the king. Maldan who thinks Wevran speaks the truth knows the danger this man present and is very careful in not promising him too much. The baron of Setrew has a few non-noble connections with brigands, thieves and other ruffians. Wevran enjoys playing with fire and so far he has succeeded in staying away from the long arm of the king’s law.
1. CAER SETREW
The keep lies on a low 8’ cliff running some 800 yards to the north and west. A thin wall and a gatehouse have been built at the gorge of the cliff to protect the settlement above.
(a) bonded weaponcrafter, (b) granaries, (c) guesthouse, (d) bonded ostler, (e) prison and inquiry, (f) gallows.
2. BURNED VILLAGE
This used to be a fishing village but when the reeve refused to pay raised token tax the baron burned it to the ground and hanged the man. Although the earl of Gardiren disliked the incident, Wevran’s already mean reputation increased even further.
3. THE GALLOWS
When an executed person at the Keep’s gallows begins to decay, the body is moved here. The inhuman sight of the rotting corpse repulses most travelers passing the bridge. An evil rumor, possibly the truth, is that the baron enjoys the thought of how scared travelers must be when passing through Setrew.
4. MILLER (Jonah of Hex)
Size: 6 Quality: *** Prices: High
The local miller is an unscrupulous and dangerous man. Jonah is light built and he is very short, but this does not seem to be of any hindrance to his personality. The miller is the baron’s executioner and torturer, and because of this, Jonah is probably the only one commoner that the baron listens to with both ears. Needless to say, he is feared by the locals who, unfortunately for them, must pay him a visit from time to time...
5. THE PICKED GOOSE INN (Heil of Stord)
Size: 7 Quality: **** Prices: High
The Stords are only the family who has run this inn and the tavern (6) since they were built some eighty years ago. The former inn of Setrew was burned to the ground and although many suspected that it was the Stords who were responsible, no proof were found. The ostler is Heil’s youngest brother Currin.
6. GOOSE FEATHER TAVERN (Ricerd of Stord)
Size: 3 Quality: *** Prices: Low
The tavern offers heady ale and tasty cider at low prices, making the establishment popular with the local population. Ricerd is the second brother of the innkeeper of The Picked Goose Inn.
7. METALSMITH (Ike of Tornar)
Size: 1 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Setrew’s metalsmith is a rather disturbed man having trouble controlling his temper, and he has gotten himself into trouble several times with customers with other views than his. Something his wife Tani has felt many times…
8. CLOTHIER (Halia of Gard)
Size: 2 Quality: ** Prices: Average
The only female guildsman in Setrew is a clothier of mediocre skills. Halia’s business still prospers because she is the only one practicing her trade.
9. HIDEWORKER (Sunhe of Mahgs)
Size: 3 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Hideworker Suhne is extremely plump and is sitting most of the time on his enhanced sturdy chair. His apprentices take care of business under Sunhe's watchful eye.
10. PHYSICIAN (Georgi of Klone)
Size: 1 Quality: **** Prices: High+
Gergo enforces steep prices because many of Olokand’s more richer population travels here because of the incompetence of their own local physician.
11. APOTHECARY (Brock of Olli)
Size: 2 Quality: *** Prices: Low
The local apothecary is an adventurous man searching for herb and flowers in the northern wilderness. He has several times been attacked by irritated Taelda tribesmen, but has somehow managed to escape their wrath to the present day.
12. WOODCRAFTER (Bim of Nular)
Size: 4 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Bim is an ordinary woodcrafter specialized in sturdy chairs.
13. SALTER (Korv of Schin)
Size: 2 Quality: *** Prices: Average
The salter specializes in salted meat and fish.
14. BROTHEL (Subba of Pundar)
Size: 7 Quality: *** Prices: Average
The brothel-mother is a very shabby woman infected by several social diseases. She is also addictive to Fanosel, a drug she purchases secretly from the local apothecary (11). Various men and the baron’s soldiers still, in spite of her, visit the establishment.
15. CHANDLER (Scho of Quistarn)
Size: 1 Quality: *** Prices: High
Scho is a womanizer and has several times bed more than one woman in Setrew. He is in poor terms with the mercantyler (16) whose daughter claim that Scho is the father to her child.
16. MERCANTYLER (Pog of Svald)
Size: 5 Quality: *** Prices: Average
The mercantyler is a very dull man, suffering from Rheumatism, which makes his joints ache uncontrollably. His two daughters help him with the aid of his journeymen and apprentice.
GROUND FLOOR
1. KEEP ENTRANCE
The entrance and soldiers common room is guarded at all times by three men. There are several crates stacked here that contain equipment not fitting elsewhere. The guards number eighteen men all in all and most of them train hard patrol or fight during the day. The baron is quite proud of them and pays them well.
2. THE SERGEANT’S QUARTER
Sergeant Farzoun’s quarters is very luxurious because of the man’s close relationship with the baron and his son. Farzoun hails from the Karejian League, a place he fled after killing a merchant for his money. He arrived in Kaldor six years ago and the baron immediately hired him. Farzoun’s mystical appearance was obviously appealing to Wevran who has made him second in command after his son. Farzoun is a loud man demanding respect from his soldiers and he can often be seen screaming orders at them. Unknown to the baron, Farzoun is a former noble from that empire but his father lost his title and fief due to treachery against the League.
3. STORAGE
The servants above manage the keep’s food and wine storage, which is well stocked even during the winter months.
SECOND FLOOR
4. GREAT HALL
The great hall is where the baron and his men dine. The feasts held here are lavish and often spiced with morbid events, which varies from time to time. Even though they are bit disgusting most of the vassals enjoy the raw form of entertainment. The last time a feast was held here a young beautiful serf woman was forced to please all the lords who wanted her too. The baron’s liege, Earl Curo, has heard of Wevran’s feasts but has not yet said anything about them. There are three arrow slits in the south wall with alcoves for the archers. Their main object is to protect the gate below.
5. KITCHEN
Five permanent and oppressed servants manage the kitchen. They sleep in the adjacent cold room.
THIRD FLOOR
6. ROMLACH’S ROOM
Romlach, 27, occupy this room which is adorn by the weapons of his fallen opponents. The baron’s son is not as intriguing, nor “intelligent”, as his father but he is nevertheless a very dangerous man. Romlach is considered one of the toughest knights in the kingdom and his massive frame has been in the way of many whom has fought him, might it be in the tournaments or by lethal combat. The knight is very loyal to his father and he is a personal friend of the sergeant who advises the great warrior on many things that he can not comprehend himself.
7. THE BARON’S QUARTER
Baron Wevran Ethasiel is a widower, his wife died in childbirth, and has only one surviving son. Because of this he sleeps alone behind a locked door, trusting his son will take care of any pretending assassins. The bedroom is very luxurious with several expensive tapestries and carpets that adorn the walls and floor of the room.
8. THE STUDY
The baron enjoys to write and read and has bought several valuable tomes which he keeps locked in two chests. Should the any royal official or any other noble find any of the written scrolls here, a charge of treason against Wevran shouldn’t be far away. Amongst his most prized possession is a book about the thirteen rituals of Morgath. Although the baron worships Larani, he can’t help feeling tempted to learn all of the dark book’s secrets…
9. COUNCIL CHAMBER
The Council Chamber is located near the treasury and only the baron, his son and Farzoun knows of its existence. Here the three men discuss most important affairs and while no one can really hear, the baron prefers whispering amongst them. The barrel contains a fine wine bought by the mercantyler (16) and it’s only used in here.
NOTE: While the baron could be considered evil his main “problem” lies in his megalomaniac mind which does not seem capable of understanding his limitations. Setrew could, much due to the baron, be called the most foul place in all of Kaldor, very much like some evil locations in Rethem in eastern Hârn.
STATUS: Seat of Baron Ethasiel, for Earl Hemisen Curo of Gardiren.
POPULATION: 520 (approximately)
GOVERNMENT
Baron Wevran Ethasiel and his son Romlach govern Setrew.
Even though Wevran is the baron he has delegated all military matters to his son.
Romlach, who is a warrior as his grandfather once was, enforces a discipline above the normal.
His warriors equal the royal guard, although they are not as many, and they effectively patrol Setrew and its surroundings. A handful of selected guildsmen informs and helps the baron on economical matters.
ECONOMICS
Setrew lies in the shadow of Olokand and much of the revenue of the area is lost to its more populous neighbor in the south. There are however some trade in salt and copper. The agricultural side of Setrew is different. Wevran Ethasiel is the largest landholding baron in the kingdom and though trade is slow, his fief generates more than enough revenue to the settlement.
TAXES
Property: 6% per annum (residential)
Property: 6% per annum (business)
Hawking: 10% goods value
Bonding: 1% goods value per month
RELIGION
There are no temples in Setrew but the faiths of Larani and Peoni are still very dominant. Other faiths are not discouraged but neither are they supported. Exposed followers of any of the dark deities are taken to the keep. Many of them disappear without a trace…
CURRENT POLITICAL SITUATION
Wevran Ethasiel, baron of Setrew, is a vain man, involved in numerous petty intrigues and he is not highly trusted. It is said that any cleverly worded appeal is likely to get a lengthy hearing at the baron’s table. This is very true and Wevran is not a stranger to commit treason as long as he believes it will gain him. He has more than once been reminded by his liege, Earl Curo, that if he sidesteps from his obligations he will feel the wrath from Gardiren. The baron believes the earl is too preoccupied with other matters and takes these types warnings as formal and necessary, but without any real threat in them. Wevran is also weak to the sheriff of Olokand, Sir Maldan Harabor, and has secretly informed him that in an eventual civil war he will support the bastard son of the king. Maldan who thinks Wevran speaks the truth knows the danger this man present and is very careful in not promising him too much. The baron of Setrew has a few non-noble connections with brigands, thieves and other ruffians. Wevran enjoys playing with fire and so far he has succeeded in staying away from the long arm of the king’s law.
1. CAER SETREW
The keep lies on a low 8’ cliff running some 800 yards to the north and west. A thin wall and a gatehouse have been built at the gorge of the cliff to protect the settlement above.
(a) bonded weaponcrafter, (b) granaries, (c) guesthouse, (d) bonded ostler, (e) prison and inquiry, (f) gallows.
2. BURNED VILLAGE
This used to be a fishing village but when the reeve refused to pay raised token tax the baron burned it to the ground and hanged the man. Although the earl of Gardiren disliked the incident, Wevran’s already mean reputation increased even further.
3. THE GALLOWS
When an executed person at the Keep’s gallows begins to decay, the body is moved here. The inhuman sight of the rotting corpse repulses most travelers passing the bridge. An evil rumor, possibly the truth, is that the baron enjoys the thought of how scared travelers must be when passing through Setrew.
4. MILLER (Jonah of Hex)
Size: 6 Quality: *** Prices: High
The local miller is an unscrupulous and dangerous man. Jonah is light built and he is very short, but this does not seem to be of any hindrance to his personality. The miller is the baron’s executioner and torturer, and because of this, Jonah is probably the only one commoner that the baron listens to with both ears. Needless to say, he is feared by the locals who, unfortunately for them, must pay him a visit from time to time...
5. THE PICKED GOOSE INN (Heil of Stord)
Size: 7 Quality: **** Prices: High
The Stords are only the family who has run this inn and the tavern (6) since they were built some eighty years ago. The former inn of Setrew was burned to the ground and although many suspected that it was the Stords who were responsible, no proof were found. The ostler is Heil’s youngest brother Currin.
6. GOOSE FEATHER TAVERN (Ricerd of Stord)
Size: 3 Quality: *** Prices: Low
The tavern offers heady ale and tasty cider at low prices, making the establishment popular with the local population. Ricerd is the second brother of the innkeeper of The Picked Goose Inn.
7. METALSMITH (Ike of Tornar)
Size: 1 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Setrew’s metalsmith is a rather disturbed man having trouble controlling his temper, and he has gotten himself into trouble several times with customers with other views than his. Something his wife Tani has felt many times…
8. CLOTHIER (Halia of Gard)
Size: 2 Quality: ** Prices: Average
The only female guildsman in Setrew is a clothier of mediocre skills. Halia’s business still prospers because she is the only one practicing her trade.
9. HIDEWORKER (Sunhe of Mahgs)
Size: 3 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Hideworker Suhne is extremely plump and is sitting most of the time on his enhanced sturdy chair. His apprentices take care of business under Sunhe's watchful eye.
10. PHYSICIAN (Georgi of Klone)
Size: 1 Quality: **** Prices: High+
Gergo enforces steep prices because many of Olokand’s more richer population travels here because of the incompetence of their own local physician.
11. APOTHECARY (Brock of Olli)
Size: 2 Quality: *** Prices: Low
The local apothecary is an adventurous man searching for herb and flowers in the northern wilderness. He has several times been attacked by irritated Taelda tribesmen, but has somehow managed to escape their wrath to the present day.
Show spoiler
E' lo stesso uomo visto girovagare in cerca di erbe durante il viaggio da Gardiren a Olokand
12. WOODCRAFTER (Bim of Nular)
Size: 4 Quality: *** Prices: Average
Bim is an ordinary woodcrafter specialized in sturdy chairs.
13. SALTER (Korv of Schin)
Size: 2 Quality: *** Prices: Average
The salter specializes in salted meat and fish.
14. BROTHEL (Subba of Pundar)
Size: 7 Quality: *** Prices: Average
The brothel-mother is a very shabby woman infected by several social diseases. She is also addictive to Fanosel, a drug she purchases secretly from the local apothecary (11). Various men and the baron’s soldiers still, in spite of her, visit the establishment.
15. CHANDLER (Scho of Quistarn)
Size: 1 Quality: *** Prices: High
Scho is a womanizer and has several times bed more than one woman in Setrew. He is in poor terms with the mercantyler (16) whose daughter claim that Scho is the father to her child.
16. MERCANTYLER (Pog of Svald)
Size: 5 Quality: *** Prices: Average
The mercantyler is a very dull man, suffering from Rheumatism, which makes his joints ache uncontrollably. His two daughters help him with the aid of his journeymen and apprentice.
GROUND FLOOR
1. KEEP ENTRANCE
The entrance and soldiers common room is guarded at all times by three men. There are several crates stacked here that contain equipment not fitting elsewhere. The guards number eighteen men all in all and most of them train hard patrol or fight during the day. The baron is quite proud of them and pays them well.
2. THE SERGEANT’S QUARTER
Sergeant Farzoun’s quarters is very luxurious because of the man’s close relationship with the baron and his son. Farzoun hails from the Karejian League, a place he fled after killing a merchant for his money. He arrived in Kaldor six years ago and the baron immediately hired him. Farzoun’s mystical appearance was obviously appealing to Wevran who has made him second in command after his son. Farzoun is a loud man demanding respect from his soldiers and he can often be seen screaming orders at them. Unknown to the baron, Farzoun is a former noble from that empire but his father lost his title and fief due to treachery against the League.
3. STORAGE
The servants above manage the keep’s food and wine storage, which is well stocked even during the winter months.
SECOND FLOOR
4. GREAT HALL
The great hall is where the baron and his men dine. The feasts held here are lavish and often spiced with morbid events, which varies from time to time. Even though they are bit disgusting most of the vassals enjoy the raw form of entertainment. The last time a feast was held here a young beautiful serf woman was forced to please all the lords who wanted her too. The baron’s liege, Earl Curo, has heard of Wevran’s feasts but has not yet said anything about them. There are three arrow slits in the south wall with alcoves for the archers. Their main object is to protect the gate below.
5. KITCHEN
Five permanent and oppressed servants manage the kitchen. They sleep in the adjacent cold room.
THIRD FLOOR
6. ROMLACH’S ROOM
Romlach, 27, occupy this room which is adorn by the weapons of his fallen opponents. The baron’s son is not as intriguing, nor “intelligent”, as his father but he is nevertheless a very dangerous man. Romlach is considered one of the toughest knights in the kingdom and his massive frame has been in the way of many whom has fought him, might it be in the tournaments or by lethal combat. The knight is very loyal to his father and he is a personal friend of the sergeant who advises the great warrior on many things that he can not comprehend himself.
7. THE BARON’S QUARTER
Baron Wevran Ethasiel is a widower, his wife died in childbirth, and has only one surviving son. Because of this he sleeps alone behind a locked door, trusting his son will take care of any pretending assassins. The bedroom is very luxurious with several expensive tapestries and carpets that adorn the walls and floor of the room.
8. THE STUDY
The baron enjoys to write and read and has bought several valuable tomes which he keeps locked in two chests. Should the any royal official or any other noble find any of the written scrolls here, a charge of treason against Wevran shouldn’t be far away. Amongst his most prized possession is a book about the thirteen rituals of Morgath. Although the baron worships Larani, he can’t help feeling tempted to learn all of the dark book’s secrets…
9. COUNCIL CHAMBER
The Council Chamber is located near the treasury and only the baron, his son and Farzoun knows of its existence. Here the three men discuss most important affairs and while no one can really hear, the baron prefers whispering amongst them. The barrel contains a fine wine bought by the mercantyler (16) and it’s only used in here.
NOTE: While the baron could be considered evil his main “problem” lies in his megalomaniac mind which does not seem capable of understanding his limitations. Setrew could, much due to the baron, be called the most foul place in all of Kaldor, very much like some evil locations in Rethem in eastern Hârn.
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