Jedes

Jédes
:caer. jdes:
Neil Thompson
:jedes:
:asOlRdA.trevedEUla:
J◊des
Asolade Hundred
Kingdom of K–ld‚r
By Neil Thompson
CONTRIBUTORS
Matthias Janssen, Daniel Bell, Tim Falkenberg (Horse Fair)
MAPS
Matthias Janssen, Neil Thompson
Artists
Richard Luschek, Juha Makkonen
EDITORS
Daniel Bell, Daniele Och
THANKS
to Grant Dalgleish
for permission to use the official illustration of
Shernâth alrí Mirdârne from the
‘Kaldor Kingdom Module’ and
to N Robin Crossby for Hârn
Dedication
To: John M (Jack) Thompson
Born: 16 July 1923
Died: 1 July 2006
My Dad
NOTICE
Trademarks
"Hârn" and all compound terms & words containing the word "Hârn",
and all major place names are trademarks of N. Robin Crossby
(Keléstia Productions).
Statement of Derivation
This fanon publication is based upon the original copyright work of
N. Robin Crossby (Keléstia Productions). No challenge to such
intellectual rights as may pertain is intended or implied.
Statement of Complaince
This publication is in compliance with the Keléstia Productions
Fanon Licence as approved by N. Robin Crossby.
This document is available for download free at
http://www.lythia.com
If you have been asked to pay for this document, either as a
download or as a hard copy, you have been robbed!
Copyright Î 2008, N.Robin Crossby. (Kel◊stia Productions)
Original Material Î 2008 Neil Thompson
All rights reserved
Jédes
Jédes Chronology
Location: Asólade Hundred, 603 Jédes is granted to Clan
Óselshire, Kingdom of Dariúnè. Sir Dalman Dariúnè is
Káldôr the first constable.
Government: Sir Shernâth alrí Mirdârne 605 Rebuilding of the keep begins.
Liege: Sir Tróda alrí Dariúnè, 622 Sir Dalman dies. He is replaced
Earl of Bâlim by Sir Mordekar Doulzârn.
Population: 300 (approx.)
625 The rebuilding is completed.
Standing on the east bank of the River 649 Sir Koromyr Doulzârn succeeds
Kald, Jédes Keep is the first major settlement in Káldôr to be seen when his father as constable.
moving upriver. The keep is held by the Earl of Bâlim through his childhood 675 Sir Koromyr dies. He is replaced
friend Constable Shernâth Mirdârne, one of the earl’s most trusted advisors. by Sir Tesmyr Mazerony.
Conscientious and well-organised, Sir Shernâth works extremely hard to
ensure Earl Tróda receives his full due. 677 Prince Miginath makes his first
visit to Jédes.
Jédes is the chief settlement of Asólade Hundred, a renowned centre 689 Sir Tesmyr, and most of his
of horse breeding. Ostler Iriel of Haskew [p17] is the current guildmaster immediate family are killed in an
for eastern Hârn. The Jédes Horse Fair is the largest horse-trading event ambush. Sir Duns Doulzârn is
in Káldôr, drawing ostlers from across the kingdom to trade their finest appointed constable.
horses. 702 On the death of Sir Duns, Sir
Shernâth Mirdârne is appointed
History constable.
“Hârn” and all compound terms & words
containing the word “Hârn”, and all
major place names are trademarks of N.
Construction of the keep began in 350, in what was then the Kingdom of
Robin Crossby (Keléstia Productions).
Pagostra, and took two years to complete. The original building was little
more than a three-storey fortified stone manor house built on low ground This fanon publicaton is based upon
just east of where Whittle Brook enters the Kald. All trace of this building the original copyright work of N. Robin
is now lost as over the last four centuries the keep has been altered, Crossby (Keléstia Productions). No
challenge to such intellectual rights as
expanded, and substantially improved. may pertain is intended or implied.
Fiêrth the Usurper used Jédes as a base of operations during the
Káldôric Civil War. In 375, he had a moat cut across the two sides of
the keep not already protected by water. A primitive drawbridge was also CREDITS
constructed. In 377, after the death of Aidrik II, Fiêrth granted the keep Writer
to one of his most trusted supporters, Travess of Sirv, a vicious, one-eyed Neil Thompson
mercenary. Unfortunately, while Travess was an excellent butcher of men,
he was an incompetent lord; for the next thirty years, the keep was very Contributors
poorly maintained. Matthias Janssen
Daniel Bell
In 407, within a year of the Restoration, Clan Sirv was evicted from Jédes, Tim Falkenberg (Horse Fair)
and for the next two decades the keep was the official residence of the Maps
Sheriff of Óselshire. As the king’s representative in former rebel territory, Neil Thompson
the sheriff spent a considerable sum improving the keep’s defences. He Matthias Janssen
had the walls repaired and made thicker and a fourth storey added. He
rounded up and executed the few surviving supporters of Fiêrth, many of Heraldry
Matthias Janssen
whom had turned to banditry. To impress on the locals that royal justice
was established, the bandits’ corpses were hung in seven gibbets erected Illustrations
as league markers on the road from Jédes to the village of Nicomen. Since Richard Luschek
then the road has been known as the Gibbet Trail. Juha Makkonen
Editors BE
T
VIGILANOch
Daniel Bell, Daniele
v. 1.1 original material © Neil Thompson © 1985–2008, N. Robin Crossby (Keléstia Productions)
Jédes
Jédes Guilds
Cartographer.................................. 8
Clothier..................... Keep (bonded)
Hideworker..................................... 1
Innkeeper..................................... 16
Miller............................................... 4
Mercantyler.................9 [Syndic], 18
Metalsmith..................................... 3
Ostler.. 29, 43 [Syndic, GuildMaster],
.................................. Keep (bonded)
Potter............................................ 19
Weaponcrafter........... Keep (bonded)
Woodcrafter.................................. 11
Asólade Hundred Guilds

Charcoaler.............. Déshìnes, Ôrofal
Clothier............... Ándrake (bonded),
.. Novélim (bonded), Skáist (bonded),
........................... Támorlan (bonded)
Hideworker........ Bôry [Syndic], Yâlen
Innkeeper........... Támorlan, Yeáshim
Metalsmith.......................... Asólade,
..............Bélgìe [Syndic], Brómelèon,
............ Díthend, Kéldkith, Méminast,
.................. Novélim, Skáist, Tâsinald
Miller..............Asólade [Syndic], Bôry,
......Brómelèon, Chéwintin, Déshìnes,
.............Fenéven, Méminast, Mówich,
...............Novélim, Ôrofal, Támorlan,
............................. Tâsinald, Yeáshim
Ostler.... Ándrake, Asólade (bonded),
............................ Fenéven (bonded),
........... Méminast (bonded), Novélim,
.................. Skáist, Yeáshim (bonded)
Salter.....................Ándrake [Syndic],
.............Brómelèon, Cálsite, Fenéven
Timberwright.............Mówich, Ôrofal
Woodcrafter........... Asólade [Syndic],
............... Bélgìe, Brómelèon, Cálsite,
........... Chéwintin, Gémheldon, Yâlen
Itinerant Masters
Six itinerant masters currently ply
their trades across the hundred.
The locals refer to these individuals
as journeymen masters, though this
is incorrect. They often attend the
market at Jédes.
They are:
Apothecary...............Matilda of Faury
Chandler........................Seld of Tarth
Clothier.................. Bryna of Kertnay
Locksmith.....................Lot of Thaly
Jédes Keep Perfumer....................... Elzy of Darll
Weaponcrafter.............. Darik of Sed
(from the Castle Yard) See Asólade Hundred [pp5-6] for
more details of these individuals.
Jédes
Over the following years the Pagáèlin south of the In 603, the civil war was finally over. Haldan the
Ósel River became increasingly bold and began Elder formally stripped the few surviving members
raiding southern Káldôr. In 425, in response to these of Clan Dysarion of all lands and banished
incursions, King Aidrik IV ordered a new keep be them. He then granted Jédes to “those loyal
built at Hútop, which upon completion five servants of the House of Elendsa, Clan
years later became the new seat of the office Dariúnè”. As part of their reward, the
of sheriff. Jédes meanwhile was granted to Dariúnès were granted royal approval to
Sir Dagrath of Dysarion, along with the repair and improve the ruined keep “for
title Baron of Asólade. (Sir Dagrath was the better defence of the realm”—at
rumoured to be an illegitimate son of the their own expense. The clan, flush with
king.) Jédes remained in the hands of booty from the war, were pleased with this
Clan Dysarion for almost 200 years. situation and spent considerable sums of
money upgrading the keep. A mason was
When King Iemald died, in 599, Hegran hired and piles driven into the riverbed. By
of Dysarion was one of the fifteen claimants 625 the keep had taken on its current form,
to the throne. By 602 “King” Hegran and DA
RIUNE a tall D-shaped tower. In the same year, the
his few remaining followers were besieged in wharf was built to service goods regularly
Jédes by forces under the command of Sir Dalman passed upriver, mainly to Tashál and Kibân. For the
Dariúnè, the younger brother of the Earl of Bâlim. Sir next fifty years Jédes returned to relative obscurity, an
Dalman noticed that the north-east corner of the sixty- out-of-the-way backwater famous only for its annual
foot square keep had been partially undermined by the horse fair. Appointing a constable to manage the estate,
Kald River. He ordered six miners to head downstream Clan Dariúnè visited the keep only occasionally in
in a boat under cover of darkness. The miners landed summer months.
and clambered into the undercut, which was barely
deep enough to shelter them from the forces on the King Miginath is known to be fond of Jédes; he spends
battlements. Once in place they began working to further more time visiting it (at the earl’s expense) than any
undermine the keep. other fief except Ólokand. During the years Miginath
spent in Chérafir as prince-in-exile, Earl Scina Dariúnè,
Twice sorties were sent from the keep to stop the father of the current earl, took steps to bring about a
digging, but both times the besieging forces drove them rapprochement between the prince and his father.
back. For three days the miners dug, while supplies Princess Kethele, wife to Earl Scina and sister of King
were rowed to them at night. On the second day a fierce Torastra, was instrumental in arranging meetings
storm broke over Jédes, and torrential rain put the between her brother and her nephew. Jédes was chosen
miners at risk of flooding, but they worked on, and the as the place of the first meeting between father and son
following day the storm passed on up the Kald valley. for years, in 679. The meeting went well; King Torastra
was apparently much taken with a young noblewoman,
On the morning of the fourth day, cracks began to
one of several members of Clan Kaphin in Miginath’s
appear in the keep. Hegran realised that his position
retinue.
was hopeless and sent a herald to negotiate a surrender.
While the talks were underway, however, the river began For the next three years the prince made at least one
to rise rapidly. The undercut, now considerably larger visit per year to Jédes to meet his father. In 682, after
and still holding the miners, flooded. All six men were the death of Prince Haldan, Torastra allowed Miginath to
swept away; four of them drowned, Sir Dalman’s men remain in Káldôr. The frequent royal visits, with retinues
rescued one, and the last miner arrived back at Jédes in train, were quite a strain on the earl’s hospitality, but
almost two days later, having washed ashore, battered he bore it without complaint, working for long-term
and barely breathing, at Chéwintin. political ends. The death of Haldan proved the wisdom
of this politicking.
The miner’s work, combined with the flood waters,
seriously weakened the north-east corner of the tower. After their reconciliation, Miginath and his father
As Hegran’s herald continued with the negotiations, continued to use Jédes as a meeting place on many
the entire rear wall of the keep fell away into the river, occasions. The king remains fond of “the Keep in the
bringing down several floors and the roof with it. Many Kald” and visits as often as possible.
of the keep’s defenders tumbled into the swollen river
and drowned. Hegran, however, survived. The siege was
ended quickly and spectacularly.
Jédes
Hamis of Guinas [30] is the local priest of Peóni. Hamis
Politics is a gossip and is not as discrete with his parishioners’

secrets as he should be, especially after a few cups of
the constable’s finest perry.
Jédes is a very small market town. It is, however,
approximately twice the size of the surrounding manors Anlë of Ornelt [14] is a local fisherwoman and coracle-
and provides many guild services not available anywhere maker. She ostensibly represents the unguilded freemen.
else within a day’s walk. Sir Shernâth has improved the In fact, Anlë is naïvely honest and often asks awkward
roads to Kolôrn and Hútop. questions of the others, a trait that the constable
appreciates.
The town, and to a great extent Asólade Hundred, is
run by the decree of the constable. As Jédes is used Peser of Luren [38] is reeve of Jédes village. An unfree
to ship much of the ore from the two mines in the farmer, Peser is an excellent judge of the views of the
hundred, the constable can also exert some influence local peasantry. In addition, his predictions of the year’s
over the Miner’s Guild. Jédes benefits from extra toll likely harvest are usually very accurate. Peser’s opinions
revenues from the lead and copper mines, and the guild allow Sir Shernâth to judge likely incomes from the
has a contract with Sir Shernâth to provide guards. surrounding fiefs.
The Pelnala of Brómelèon Abbey takes little interest in Regardless of their status, the advisory council are
secular affairs, while the Bailiff of the Hundred, Sir Arrys expected to make their case, whether or not Sir Shernâth
Maradýnè [Asólade Hundred p72], seems happy to do agrees with their viewpoint.
even less than his predecessor, Sir Boroman Maradýnè.
This leaves the constable in effective control.
Government
For many years Earl Tróda Dariúnè has known that
he can rely on prompt delivery of his feudal dues from
his constable. To try to anticipate any problems, once
each month, at Yaelah, the constable holds a feast at
the keep, after which he discusses news, problems, and
policies with his appointed advisors. These advisors, “the
constable’s council”, are an eclectic group. Sir Shernâth
values aptitude and efficiency over birth and right and,
to the annoyance of some local nobles, makes his
appointments accordingly.
At the beginning of 720, the constable’s council

consists of:
Lady Helarn Poulty, Bailiff of Jédes Keep. Lady Helarn

has lived in Asólade Hundred for all of her 56 years and Commoners of Tarwyn
is known and trusted by almost all of the noble families.
She voices the concerns of the local nobility. Uniquely among royal forests, a number of individuals
have grazing rights within the forests of Asólade Hundred.
Coner of Kleve [9] is the most experienced mercantyler These thirty-seven named individuals are the
in the hundred and is chairman of the hundred branch Commoners of Tarwyn, all of whom are resident within
of the Mangai. Coner speaks for the guildsmen of the the hundred. Royal foresters do not patrol within
hundred. Asólade; the commoners carry out this duty, appointing
five Agisters of Tarwyn.
Iriel of Haskew [43] is Guildmaster Ostler of Eastern
Hârn. His influence spreads far beyond Asólade. For more details on the commoners, their history,
The Ostler’s Guild is the most important guild in the organisation, and rights, see Asólade Hundred
hundred; Iriel’s place on the council acknowledges this [pp2-3, 56].
fact.
Jédes
Religion Imports and Exports

Jédes, like the surrounding settlements in Asólade,
is fertile farmland. Jédes is the only settlement with a
As is the case throughout most of Káldôr, temples of
Peóni and Laráni in Jédes are tax-exempt, though the wharf. As the majority of linen and good-quality wool are
only thing in the village resembling a temple is a small imported by barge, as are all metals other than copper
Peónian chapel. The main place of Peónian worship and lead, Jédes market is the focus for almost all trade
for residents of Jedes, and the hundred, is the abbey within the hundred. Local exports of grain (including
at Brómelèon. Most locals attend at least one service a mustard seeds, flour, and oil), the local tarwyn cheese,
month there. and copper and lead from the local mines are all
transported to Jédes for export by barge up the Kald.
The only representatives of the church of Laráni in
Jédes are the keep’s chaplain, one of only three matakea Guilds
in the hundred, and his acolytes.
There are about a dozen guildmasters in Jédes,
Worship of Haléa and Ilvîr is discouraged, but not including the bonded masters. There are some fifty
prohibited. There are only two Haléans in Jédes: the additional masters in the other manors and villages
metalsmith Alen of Asane and the mercantyler Cyrael across Asólade Hundred. The local guildsmen have
of Urnelt. They keep their religion to themselves. The a simple organisation. There is no Mangai Hall in the
worship of Ilvîr is restricted to a few individuals in some hundred; instead, the day after the end of each annual
of the more remote villages. Jédes fair, the guildsmen meet in a “grand session” of
the Mangai. The first event of the grand session is the
Worship of Ágrik, Môrgath, and Navéh is punishable election of a representative to the Mangai Council.
by death.
The Council of the Mangai of Asólade Hundred
Saint Bromel’s Fast consists of seven syndics (or hundred masters—the
most senior master in the hundred). Four are automatic
The proximity of Brómelèon Abbey, and the shrine appointments and held for life; the remaining three
to St. Bromel there, is beneficial to Jédes. St. Bromel’s are voted into post by the assembled masters. These
Fast, a celebration of the saint’s life, takes place on 15 elected councillors serve a three-year term, with one
Savôr, drawing devout Peónians from all over Káldôr. post becoming vacant each year. Only syndics can
Most of these pilgrims travel through Jédes to visit the stand for election.
holy site, often travelling by barge from Tashál, Kibân,
and even Ólokand. Although the pilgrims spend little on The current four permanent members are: Torbrish
the journey to Brómelèon, on their return, the fast over, of Halam, miller of Asólade; Iriel of Haskew, ostler of
many buy food, perry, and keepsakes. Jédes; Gefrin of Garyx, metalsmith of Bélgìe; and Terens
of Tatib, woodcrafter of Asólade.
Economics
The current three elected members are: Coner of
Kleve, mercantyler of Jédes; Orsin of Baralis, hideworker
of Bôry; and Toram of Agrael, salter of Ándrake. Toram’s
term ends this year.
Jédes market is held four times a month, on the 4th,
12th, 20th, and 27th. Most local guildsmen and many At the each grand session, the seven council members
serfs bring produce to sell. Coner of Cleve, as chairman elect a chairman from among their number. Coner of
of the Mangai, is theoretically in charge of the market. Kleve has been chairman since he was first elected to
However, his business interests often take him away and the council five years ago.
he subcontracts the duties to Cyrael of Urnelt [18].
Taxes
Property Tax (Residential).............................. 6%/annum
Property Tax (Business)................................ 4%/annum
Hawking Fee .................................................. 8% value
Bonding Fee . ...................................... 2% value/month
Wharfage . ..................................................... ¾d/ft/day
Jédes
Jédes Horse Fair and Tourney short, hard lives; many nobles see horses of lower value
as expendable, and bad harvests, war, poor veterinary
The Jédes Horse Fair and Tourney takes place from care, and pestilence also take their toll. Good-quality
25 to 30 Kelén, during which time the keep is overrun horseflesh, therefore, can fetch high prices.
with visitors. For a short time, Jédes is transformed from Horse dealers congregate at Jédes days before the
a quiet backwater into a bustling centre of trade. start of the fair. The fairground fills with fences and
pens as horses are herded from across the hundred,
The Horse Fair and much farther afield, to be put up for auction to the
Jédes is justly famous for its annual horse fair. For large numbers of nobility or their agents who usually
centuries horses have grazed on the fertile lands of the attend. Huge quantities of oats and hay are carted
Kald River valley, and wild horses still roam in the forests onto the grounds to feed the beasts, and enterprising
of Asólade. Many are pure Chélni ponies, though there farmers bring extra grain for sale. Despite the obvious
has been some interbreeding with Hodíri and imported opportunity, horse theft is rare; contingents of armed
breeds. Chélni tribesmen regard Asólade horses as men and forbidding penalties discourage most would-
impure. be thieves.
The Jédes Horse Fair is the largest of its kind in Káldôr By law, sales of horses must occur at the fair and must
and attracts top breeders from across the kingdom. be witnessed. In fact, it is illegal to buy, sell, or trade
Although much horseflesh is traded at the great Tashál horses anywhere in Asólade Hundred during the months
fair, the best is found at Jédes, from donkeys and mules of Peónu, Kelén, and Nólus, apart from during the fair.
to the finest steeds. Everything from palfreys to hackneys, Draught horses and other less expensive cart horses,
sumpters to warhorses, farm horses to unbroken colts is donkeys, and mules are auctioned off first, saving the
available at the fair. riding horses and quality warhorses for the last days of
the fair. This gives prospective buyers good opportunity
Demand outstrips supply; this is the driving force to examine and admire the beasts. Gradually the herds
behind the horse trade. An unusually high percentage are winnowed, leaving only a few poor specimens. The
of Jédes steeds are grey or white, the most sought-after buyer has a thirty-day period of grace after any sale:
colours among the Káldôric nobility, who are the largest if at any time during the thirty days the horse shows
market for Asólade ostlers. In addition, most horses live symptoms of any sickness or displays any untoward
Jédes
behaviour, the seller must take it back. This can be the The melee takes place on 29 Kelen. Contestants
cause of many disputes, which in Asólade are decided join one of two sides, red or white, by drawing a scarf
by the Verderers’ Court. This is a lucrative source of from a box. Heralds note the names and colour of all
income for the verderers. participants. Swapping scarves is forbidden.
While horse trading is always the main event, the The last day of the tourney consists of four horse
fair attracts merchants of all sorts. Food and drink in races, which attract a huge amount of gambling. Sir
copious quantities are offered for sale. Entertainers, Shernâth believes in the maxim “don’t outlaw it, tax it”.
cutpurses, and prostitutes roam the fairground, each The year after his appointment, the constable decreed
engaging visitors in the manner best suited to their that all gambling must be licensed. He now issues
occupations, with a mind to filling their own purses. licenses at 10s (120d) per person to any bookmakers.
Ostlers display their tack and saddlery, and noble visitors Any unlicensed bookmakers are fined £1 (240d).
can spend huge sums on riding gear. Local merchants These gambling licenses make a huge profit for the
also sell cattle, hides, sausages, dried fish, furs, and the constable.
local strong, hard Asólade cheese. Asólade nobles and
freemen buy many imported luxury items, such as fine Each race starts outside the Fallen Tower Inn and
dyed cloth, soaps, perfumes and scented candles. finishes at “Ostler’s Well” (the well north of Iriel of
Haskew’s premises [43]). The first two races cover almost
The horse fair was first held by Sir Dagrath of Dysarion, two full circuits of the tourney green, a total distance of
and many Asólade locals still refer to it as Dagrath’s Fair. 10 furlongs. The third race is three circuits, 15 furlongs,
It has been held annually since 430, with the exception of and the fourth is almost four circuits, 20 furlongs. The
the years 603 to 605, after the removal of Clan Dysarion. first race is for nobles only; the others are open to all.
In 679 Earl Scina Dariúnè introduced a tourney to the The nobility rarely participate in the open races, but
fair as a backdrop to the initial reconciliatory meeting many nobles sponsor a rider. Many members of the
between Torastra and Miginath. The added attraction Jédes light horse squadron, as well as several yeomen
of the tournament has since served to draw additional and ostlers, take part in the open races. If someone not
nobles to the fair. Depending upon his health, King already a member of the light horse squadron proves
Miginath and his court try to time their annual visit to to be an exceptional rider, they are likely to be invited to
coincide with the fair. During this time, the great hall is join the squadron.
full of knights, squires, and their retinues.
The Tourney
The tourney consists of several events over the six
days of the fair. It opens at noon on the 25th with an
archery contest. This is open only to freemen, which
severely restricts the number of entrants, but with
thirteen families of yeomen archers within the hundred,
competition for the 60d prize is always fierce.
The archery contest is followed by the inter-village

tug-of-war, which brings the peasants of the hundred
to Jédes in vast numbers. Each village in the hundred,
including the monks of Brómelèon, enter one team.
The only settlement unrepresented is the leper colony at
Poýnter. Last year’s final, between the monks and their
neighbours, the miners of Ôrofal, was an epic struggle.
The miners won.
The joust takes place from the 26th to the 28th. It

is a popular contest and is becoming more so, as
over the last six years a tradition has been established
of awarding the winner a white palfrey bred by Iriel of
Haskew. The master ostler, well-known for the quality
of his warhorses, breeds riding horses famous for their
speed and light colouring. The victor of the joust also
has his blazon hung on the west wall of the great hall
until the following year’s tournament.
Jédes GM Map
Jédes
Local Map Key

hundred’s six journeymen masters [see Asólade Hundred
p5] will have stalls. The apothecary, Matilda of Faury, never
misses market day. Darik of Sed, the weaponcrafter, only
attends the second and fourth markets, if he attends at
This key includes all the numbered locations on the all. The keep’s bonded weaponcrafter, Barda of Cets,
Jédes local map. has a stall on the first and third market days, where she
Establishments which offer goods or services may be sells arrows, daggers, and other common weapons.
rated for quality and prices:
1 Hideworker  £££
Quality Ratings Price Ratings
Excellent  Very High (≥176%) £££££ Laldyne of Kariune is in her mid forties, is overweight,
Very Good  High (121-175%) ££££ and has a heavy jowl. She has never married. While she
Average  Average (81-120%) £££ is highly respected for the quality of her hides and the
Poor  Low (61-80%) ££ various leather goods she produces, she has problems
Very Poor  Very Low (≤60%) £ with personal cleanliness. Most villagers know, and
avoid, her stench and try to do business with her from a
A Jédes Common (Tourney Field) distance of several feet. The odour is mostly due to the
This large triangular field is available for use as grazing substances she uses to tan her hides.
land by the Commoners of Tarwyn. Local ostlers Brod of Laldyne does not specialise and will turn her hand to
Heriel [29] and Iriel of Haskew [43] are both commoners. tan any hide and manufacture any leather item. Most
Iriel is also a verderer, along with his many other duties. villagers own a pair of her crafted shoes or boots. Many
The three master ostlers of Jédes maintain the land for nobles own carved or burnt leather scabbards she has
the commoners and are allowed to graze horses on the made.
common. Grazing violations are reported to the reeve or Laldyne employs two journeymen, one of whom,
the beadle, and violators are heavily fined. Hadrik, is her nephew. Hadrik’s twin brother, Ferdik,
During the horse fair and tourney the common is works for their grandfather [2]. Laldyne also employs
fairground, market, and tourney field. The central area two apprentices. Her eldest apprentice, 18-year-old
is given over to the tournament and other events; the Jenar, a hard-drinking young woman, is having an affair
horse fair is to the south. As the market place [C] is too with Hadrik.
small to accommodate the more than sixty stalls set up
during the fair, these are placed on the common, to the 2 Ratter/Animal Trainer  ££
south-east. Hectur of Kariune is the uncle of Laldyne [1].
Unkempt, dishevelled, and with a ragged grey beard,
B Jédes Wharf
Hectur walks with a stick. He is bad-tempered and surly,
This small and simple wharf is almost unregulated. and terrifies the local children. Hectur owns and breeds
There is no shipwright and no Seaman’s Guild, and river Tríerzi terriers, which he sells as ratters. He keeps the
traffic is light. The boatman, Uril of Tone [12], is tasked best dogs for himself. His 23-year-old grandson Ferdik
by the constable to keep the wharf in good repair and takes the dogs around the hundred to provide ratting
collect wharfage, from which Uril himself is exempt as services.
payment for these duties. The few other boats using the
wharf are charged a flat rate of ¾d per foot per day. 3 Metalsmith  () ££££
C Jédes Market A tall man in his early thirties, Alen of Asane is
unmarried (but see [12]). He employs a journeyman
The regular market, which takes place four times and two apprentices. Alen buys copper direct from the
a month, is held in this large open area. The market mines and produces good-quality copperware: carved
opens soon after dawn and ends early after noon. Most bowls, cups, and so on. Though his copperwork is
local guildsmen, other than the ostlers, operate stalls very good, the local serfs need someone to make and
at each market. Other regular stallholders include the repair ploughs, spades, and other tools. Alen considers
fisherwoman Anlë of Ornelt [14], Gefrin of Garyx, the himself far too talented for such menial work. In fact, he
metalsmith from Bélgìe, Nyla of Wardle [5], and Cyrael has little talent at ironcraft and repair work. As such, he
of Urnelt [18]. is unpopular with the local peasants.
Guildsmen from across the hundred attend at least Gefryn of Garyx, master metalsmith of the hundred, is
one market a month. Some guilds are organised aware of Alen’s shortcomings. However, being in nearby
enough to divide the market days between themselves; Bélgìe, rather than censure Alen, Gefryn simply travels
the hundred’s four salters each attend one market to Jédes every market day and picks up the work for
each month. On most market days, at least four of the himself.
Jédes 10
4 Miller  £££ Bardon’s wife, Nyla, is an accomplished cook and
baker. She supplements the family’s income by selling
Neldel of Kerelin is 64 years old and has never married. meals and pies on market days. Her honey-damson pie
He employs a journeyman and three apprentices. The is a favourite of the constable.
youngest apprentice, 15-year-old Joshfar, is huge. He
learns little, as the frail, old Neldel uses him as a labourer. Although she has no experience of milling, Nyla is
The journeyman, Hesse of Mardin, is 25 and hopes to a journeyman of the Miller’s Guild, allowing her to sell
soon inherit the franchise. He is looking for a wife, but her baked goods without guild interference. This is an
the choice of freewomen in Jédes is limited. Meanwhile, unusual arrangement, but she was nominated for guild
he pays regular visits to Tryssa and “Long” Laria [17]. membership by her uncle Neldel [4].
It is well known that when Neldel was apprenticed to 6 Yeoman (Medium Foot)
the old miller at Asólade, both he and fellow apprentice
Orbil of Arlia is almost six-and-a-half feet tall and has
Torbrish of Halam, who is now the master miller there,
a long, bushy, salt-and-pepper beard. In his late thirties,
fell in love with the same girl, Glynda. As the story goes,
Orbil is head of his clan, which is the largest in Jédes. His
Neldel’s heart was broken when Torbrish wooed Glynda,
family have been yeomen here for four generations.
and Neldel never looked at another woman. This part of
the tale, however, is untrue. Only the three of them know As the village beadle, Orbil works closely with the reeve
that it was Torbrish, not Glynda, who Neldel loved. [38]. Between them, the two men manage to solve many
disputes without bothering Sir Shernâth. The simple
The mill lies within the castle field, as work on the threat of the constable’s involvement is often enough to
moat and the mill race were combined when the keep allow them to negotiate a settlement. Sir Shernâth likes
was rebuilt. things to run smoothly and he appreciates the men’s
work.
5 Cook/Labourer  £££
Bardon of Wardle is the second son of Grasen [7]. 7 Teamster  £££
Married with two teenage children, he relies on his father
Grasen of Wardle hauls supplies to the mines and
and brother for work. He is often away from home,
brings the metal back to Jédes, where it is stored before
helping his brother and nephews.
being shipped upriver. Now in his sixties and a widower,
Grasen runs the business from home. His eldest son,
Dythen, and Dythen’s three sons, do the heavy work.
The family own two carts, which were both ox-hauled
until last year, when Dythen bought two heavy horses
to run one of the carts. Dythen is a good friend of
the hunter Tes of Eldin [20], and they are often drink
together at the Fallen Tower Inn.
8 Cartographer/Scribe  £££

As a mercantyler and caravan master, Kanosh of
Aphria came to appreciate the value of good, accurate
maps. During his many travels throughout southern
Hârn, he collected a vast number of maps, some of
them costing a fortune. Three years ago, while he was
away on business, his house in Tashál burnt to the
ground. Kanosh lost his family and most of his wealth in
the tragedy. The only thing he had left was his parent’s
small home in Jédes. He decided to leave the merchant
business and draw maps instead, something he had
always done as a pastime.
Kanosh is thin and sallow-faced with a constantly
mournful expression. He is a skilled cartographer and
his maps are quite accurate, especially those of the Salt
Route and its surrounds. However, Kanosh cannot make
a living from his new trade, especially in remote Jédes.
To scrape by, he also works as a scribe at the keep.
Jédes 11
9 Mercantyler  £££ life in rural Jédes and is bored during her husband’s long
absences. She has begun an affair with the metalsmith
A widely travelled merchant, Coner of Kleve desperately [3].
tries to harness Jédes’s proximity to the Salt Route. He
has appealed to the Mangai on several occasions about
this matter, but all of his pleas have been futile—until
now. Coner has heard rumours that Earl Dariúnè is
interested in bridging the Kald at Jédes. He has recently
hired the hunter Tes of Eldin [20] to scout a new path to
Jédes from the Salt Route. Tes is, of course, happy to
take his money.
Coner imports many luxury goods into the hundred.
He is a regular visitor to the manor houses and provides
fine cloth and wines to most noble households. Coner
travels to the market in Tashál each year, leaving the
business in the care of his journeyman, Heriber of Hass.
Coner also employs two apprentices. He is married with
three young children 13 Fisherman
10 Longshoreman Clan Arlia have fished the Kald for generations. In
his fifties, he can no longer support his wife, two sons,
Grath of Dant is a large, simple man with a strong daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren. He is trying to
back, no knowledge of agriculture, and an obsession arrange for his younger son, Zarial, to marry Anlë of
with counting things. His main employment comes Ornelt [14]. Neither is keen on the match, especially as
from Uril of Tone [12], but he is always on hand to Zarial hates fishing and the river.
help load and unload any boat that docks at the wharf.
Often he simply begins working without asking if help is 14 Fisherwoman
needed. The local fishermen sometimes allow Grath to Anlë of Ornelt is the daughter of a fisher-girl and
help unload their catches in return for some fish. a harper. Her father met her mother, Aldyne, while
travelling through Jédes. Five years and four children
11 Woodcrafter  £££ later, however, Aldyne died in childbirth. Anlë’s father
The younger brother of the beadle, and one of only left his children in the care of her uncle Jan, to seek
eight woodcrafters in the hundred, Hogarth of Arlia is his fortune. He has not been seen since. In her youth,
a busy man. His main business is cooper and furniture Anlë dreamt of her father returning to take them to live
maker, but he will turn his hand to any commission. in a fine townhouse. Now 26, she expects never to see
Hogarth’s eldest son is an apprentice in Tashál; his her father again. She is a member of the constable’s
younger has recently left home to serve under Terens of council.
Tatib at Asólade. Anlë is the best coracle-maker and repairer in the
Hogarth currently has one journeyman and an hundred. Several serfs in the surrounding villages barter
apprentice. The journeyman, Corris of Relt, is an food in return for her work. Anlë, her uncle, and her
adequate, though unremarkable carpenter from Hútop. three brothers range far up and down the Kald when
He is, however, an enthusiastic experimenter and on fishing trips. They know the river intimately, but
produces an excellent varnish and two good consistent take them more than half a league from it and they are
wood stains. completely lost.
15 Fisherman
12 Boatman  £££
Hadrik of Arlia is the younger brother of Zubain [13].
Uril of Tone is a kind and gullible man in his early
He fishes with his son Neman. His wife, Arila, and two
fifties. Uril owns a talbar and transports copper and lead
teenage daughters gut, dry, and smoke fish. Arila’s
ingots up the Kald to Tashál and sometimes farther. This
elderly mother also lives with them.
dense, heavy cargo means that he can usually make
room for other goods that are lightweight but bulky. He Neman has been friends with Anlë since they were
and his crew are often away for several days at a time. young. He is four years younger than Anlë and regards
her as an elder sister. He has recently begun to ask
Uril’s wife, Hana, is over twenty years his junior and a
her for advice on women, as he is looking for a wife.
former barmaid at the Garb and Flail tavern in Tashál.
Anlë would like him to realise that she is female, and
They have been married for seven years. Hana hates her
available.
Jédes 12
Jastrin of Dyrl, Ealfric of Lysten, Hamis of Guinas, “Long” Laria, Hesse of Mardin, Tryssa of Dryt
16 Inn: The Fallen Tower  ££££
Jédes’s only inn gets its name from the fall of the keep Jastrin employs a journeyman, 22-year-old Halir of
about 120 years ago. The sign above the door shows Densar, who lusts after Shalya. Halir has mistaken her
a tower collapsing into a river. Stone reclaimed from open friendship for sexual interest. Jastrin’s only other
the ruined keep was used to build the inn, which was full-time employee is 15-year-old Ealfric of Lysten, son
extended twenty-five years ago. The Fallen Tower sees a of the innkeeper of Yeáshim. Ealfric is nervous and
huge difference in trade over the year; by far the busiest shy—not the best traits for an innkeeper. The locals take
time is during the horse fair. every opportunity to embarrass him.
The innkeeper, Jastrin of Dyrl, is in his mid thirties. During the fair Jastrin usually takes on three or four
He is easy-going and hard-working, with a remarkable additional members of staff, usually the wives of local
memory for names and faces. Jastrin is the guildmaster freemen. Jastrin always tries to employ mature women
of Asólade, but as there are only three inns, and no rather than young girls.
taverns, in the hundred this is not an onerous task.
The guildmaster brews and sells: Haniale, a traditional
Jastrin’s wife, Shalya, is ten years his junior. She is piney, nut brown ale common across Káldôr; Jastrin’s
friendly and gregarious with long black hair and pale, Dark, a dark mild beer; and Asólade Perry, made to his
freckled skin. Shalya and Jastrin have three young own recipe from local pears. Jastrin also distils a strong
children, all of whom work in the kitchen with their pear liqueur. He buys imported wines and mead at the
mother. beginning of the horse fair, and charges premium prices
Jédes 13
for them. Whatever remains after the fair is usually the adjacent area, which he shares with Ealfric and his
heavily discounted, as locals rarely buy “foreign” drinks. master’s two sons: Bodwyn, aged 5, and Aneuryn, aged
Jastrin charges standard prices (¼d per pint) for his 2.
ale, beer, and perry. His measures, however, are always
17 Brothel  ££
short; he can sell nine of his pints from a true gallon.
Jastrin himself drinks only sparingly. Erissa of Dryt arrived in Jédes almost twenty years
ago with her friend Ennyfa of Aters. Somehow the two
Food provided at the inn—locally caught trout
became the owners of this former labourer’s cottage,
and sometimes other fish, local sausages, ham, and
which they ran as a brothel for a number of years, with
bacon—is usually of a reasonable quality. During the
themselves as the sole employees. Four years ago
horse fair there is always a pig roasting on a spit.
they were joined by Erissa’s daughter, Tryssa (father
unknown). Two years ago Ennyfa died suddenly, leaving
just mother and daughter until last year’s fair, when
Laria, who claims to be from Thârda, arrived. Since
then, Erissa has effectively retired.
The buxom, brown-haired Tryssa is 19, plain, short,
and plump. “Long” Laria is almost six feet tall. She is
a skinny and fairly attractive dark blonde in her mid
twenties. Business is poor, except for market days and
when a miner’s wagon arrives.
18 Mercantyler  ££££
Cyrael of Urnelt is a striking beauty in her early thirties.
She is the eldest daughter of Sendalyn [28]. When
she was 16 a Tashálan merchant, Barayn of Hendel,
arrived for the horse fair and was taken her beauty. The
merchant, a cousin of one of Tashál’s aldermen, bought
her freedom from Sir Shernâth and took her back to
Tashál as his apprentice. Cyrael learned a lot from him,
though unfortunately not much about trading. When
Barayn was killed in a brawl two years ago, Cyrael
returned home to set up her own business. She joined
the church of Haléa in Tashál and remains a devout
Haléan, though she has enough sense not to broadcast
this. Cyrael has no qualms about seducing her business
[1] Common Room contacts to make up for her otherwise rather limited
trading skill.
The large common room is full and busy on market
days, but at other times the inn can be very quiet. Even
19 Potter  ££££
on market days it is rare for all the bedrooms to be
occupied. This all changes during the horse fair and in Ulstin of Darion was
the days before St. Bromel’s Fast, when finding even a born and raised in north-
patch of floor in common room is difficult. west Káldôr. He arrived as
[2] Kitchen a journeyman, married his
master’s daughter, Clariss,
Like the common room, this can be a busy place on and eventually inherited
market days. Locals often barter meat for ale, so meat the franchise. The couple
stew of one sort or another is often on the menu on have two young children
market days. At most other times the kitchen caters only at home, while their eldest
for the staff. Food is plain, but usually plentiful; trout, son is an apprentice in
pottage, bread, and cheese are always available. Hútop.
[3] Staff Quarters Ulstin employs a journey-
Jastrin and Shalya sleep in the small private room, man and an apprentice.
which they currently share with their six-month-old baby The journeyman, Eadwin of Vaben, is a better salesman
daughter, Julyen. Halir sleeps in one of the bunks in than potter. Ulstin often sends him around the hundred
with a handcart full of pots for sale.
Jédes 14
Clariss is an experienced potter, but is uninterested 23 Labourer
in basic manufacture. She is fascinated by glazes
and glazing techniques. Her husband allows her to Jeris of Nid is the younger brother of Sen the thatcher
experiment with one or two items per firing, and she [44]. He works only when he must, to the annoyance of
recently produced a fine glazed cup in a lustrous blue wife Valeran, who nags him constantly. Jeris gets some
with white and yellow daisies around the rim. Ulstin work from his brother, but this is more an act of charity
wisely donated it to the Pelnala at Brómelèon, where it is as Jeris is a slow and lazy worker. To try to make ends
now used in services. The next firing will contain a dozen meet Valeran takes on almost any work. If she is not at
similar cups, which Ulstin hopes to sell to pilgrims. home sewing or spinning, she will be at the wash rocks
on the Whittle Brook washing clothes. Wherever she is,
20 Hunter/Trapper  £££ she will be complaining about her husband.
Tes of Eldin traps small game and assists Johan of 24 Labourer
Kerem, Sir Shernâth’s huntsman. It is widely known
that Tes crosses the River Kald to hunt. As the northern Gunart of Barlis and his family are simple, hard-
bank of the river is in Sémethshire, and also in Kath working folk. He and his two sons have strong backs
territory, this is a dangerous but fertile hunting ground. and are always looking for work. For much of the year
Over the years Tes has built up a good relationship with they are employed in the demesne fields, looking after
the some of local Kath, and he is reasonably fluent in the constable’s crops. They are the first people the reeve
their language. Coner of Kleve [9] has paid Tes to scout [38] looks to when extra labour is required. Gunart has
a road through Kath territory. Tes knows the Kath will been offered his own land as a half-villein but prefers to
not allow a new road, but he intends to take another retain his freedom.
payment before telling Coner. Gunart’s wife, Mala, and her daughters-in-law take in
laundry work. They will accept cash payments but prefer
payment in kind. However they are paid they insist on
also receiving a “good portion” of wood ash, which they
use to make a basic detergent.
25 Servant
Elarit of Veris and her three daughters work as
domestic servants in Jédes Keep. Her husband left her
when their third daughter was born, because he thought
she would never bear him a son.
26 Tutor/Scribe  ££££
21 Gong Farmer Josith of Aphria is cousin to Kanosh [8]. He taught
both of the constable’s sons to read and write, and
Kymond of Tebesty acts as dung-man for the town. He
also the basics of mathematics. He does the same for
collects night soil from many of the free households—
children of many of the guildsmen. He is fluent in
most of the unfree know the true value of their waste, and
Járinese and knows both the Runic and Lakíse alphabets.
retain it for their own use. Kymond also collects manure
These skills are little needed in Jédes. Josith spends one
from the stables and sells it. He does not charge the
day in three acting as a scribe for Sir Shernâth. He used
ostlers for this; if they knew how much he makes from
to work two days in three for the constable, but gave half
his business, they would probably charge him.
of this work to Kanosh.
22 Labourer
The eldest grandson of Hectur [2], Elkar of Kariune
is 23 with long, jet black hair. His wife of six months,
Merela, almost six years his junior, has hair of identical
hue and length. The eldest daughter of Sen the thatcher
[44], Merela suspects she is pregnant but has yet to tell
her husband.
The energetic Elkar finds work wherever he can. He
currently spends much of his time at Bôry, labouring
for the masons building the new manor house. Merela
sometimes travels to Bôry with her husband, leaving
this property empty.
Jédes 15
27 Half-Villein Peóni’s bounty, so drinking a beer or two must be seen
as an act of worship.
Edras of Dyrl is the younger brother of Jastrin [16]
and was an apprentice ostler. However, during his The chapel is a simple stone building, whitewashed
apprenticeship he was thrown from a horse and broke both inside and out. The inside is decorated with the
both legs. Since then he has been afraid of horses. Once villager’s crude paintings. Hamis lives in the attached
healed he chose the life of an unfree peasant farmer, cottage. He rarely eats there, preferring to visit one of
much to the disappointment of his clan. his flock at meal times.
28 Villein 31 Herder
Although in his seventies, Sendalyn is still head of Clan Burdil of Meriel is in his late fifties. Running to fat,
Urnelt. His stead holds almost all of his extended family: he wheezes through his iron-grey walrus moustache
his wife, two sons, two daughters-in-law, and seven after any exercise. Fortunately, he has a large family
grandchildren. A third son, Kabir [32], is a half-villein who are all younger and fitter than he is. He is charged
with his own land. His eldest daughter married Kymond with controlling all livestock, other than the constable’s
the gong farmer [21], who paid for her freedom; she was geese. These days it is his eldest son, Alarn, and Alarn’s
adopted by her husband’s clan. His youngest daughter, children who carry out this duty.
Cyrael [18], also had her freedom bought.
32 Half-Villein
29 Ostler  ££££ Kabir of Urnelt’s daughter is married to Fortil of
Brod of Heriel does not like to be thought of as Kyngen [35]. As clans Urnelt and Kyngen have been
“the other ostler in Jédes”, but he finds it difficult to feuding with each other for as long as anyone in Jédes
compete with Iriel. Nevertheless, Brod produces fine can remember, Kabir has disowned her. Unknown to
horses. Ferot of Cets, the bonded ostler at the keep Kabir, his wife Melandre often visits her daughter and
has recently purchased six of his palfreys for the Jédes grandchildren.
light horse. While his rival breeds horses that are faster
over the furlong, Brod’s are faster over the day. One of 33 Half-Villein
the Commoners of Tarwyn, he also breeds and sells The youngest of Sholas’s [47] three sons, Terlin of
ponies. Kyngen is married with two sons, both in their early
Brod is a tousle-haired, bearded middle-aged man. teens.
Surly and taciturn, he is assisted in his work by his wife,
who is much more talkative. The remaining residents
are his youngest son, Meliren, a journeyman, Harrath of
Meim, and two apprentices. His eldest son, Sadrah, is a
bonded ostler in the service of Clan Katair in Nedian.
30 Chapel: Peóni
34 Woodward
Hamis of Guinas is a pious and devout Peónian.
His only vice is his habit of finishing a hard day’s work Lean and fair-haired with a close-cropped beard, Jorin
with an ale or two, or three, at the inn. Over the years of Merek is married with four children. An excellent
people have grown accustomed to seeing the reslava woodsman, he ensures that the constable’s woods are
at the inn, not the chapel, after sunset. Hamis tells well maintained. He is also something of an expert on
folk that ale is simply “liquid bread”: the ingredients edible fungi. Jorin’s eldest child, 19-year-old daughter
are almost identical; only the proportions and method Helva, is a stunningly attractive, willowy brunette. Jorin’s
of preparation are different. And as bread is certainly wife tries to keep a careful eye on her.
Jédes 16
The bonded ostler at Asólade has recently begun Peser’s wife, Tenal, is jolly, plump, and dark-haired.
paying court to Helva. Her parents are keen on the They have two sons, aged 24 and 19, and four daughters,
match, as he is a wealthy and hard-working freeman, aged 18, 13, 10, and 5. The eldest son married two
but Helva finds him rather boring. years ago and now has his own land [48]. Four of the
remaining five children live at home. The other, 13-year-
old Yma, lives and works in the castle field as the “goose
girl”.
39 Cottar
Hurdir of Kerelin is the youngest son of Dabrath [46].
He is an unkempt young peasant in patched, ragged
clothes. Aged 24, he has a 3-year-old daughter, Yrigeth.
His wife died in childbirth. Hurdir now shares his house
with his friend and old drinking companion Odins of
Merek. The two young men are the talk of the village.
Once regarded as wild young tearaways, they both now
are extremely hard-working and dote upon little Yrigeth.
While the two men are scruffy, Hurdir’s daughter is
always clean, well dressed, and well looked after.
35 CottAr 40 Villein
Carevic of Merek is a widower. He still runs the farm,
Fortil of Kyngen is the second son of Sholas [47]. He
but his eldest son and his daughter-in-law now carry
left home when his father didn’t agree to his marriage to
out most of the work. The couple have a son, aged 6.
the daughter of Kabir of Urnelt [32]. Fortil married her
Carevic was estranged from his younger son, Odins
anyway. The couple have four children, the eldest just
[39], several years ago, after constant fines for drunken
10. Because of the lack of much support from either
and rowdy behaviour. The two are now slowly moving
clan, the family often go hungry.
toward a rapprochement.
36 Yeoman (Light Foot) 41 Yeoman (Shortbow)
Mytel of Gwyfid and his brother Roras [42] are Jarin
Tornyn of Ornelt, 36, lives
refugees from Lorkin in Orbáal. Having been involved
with his aging father (also
in the Jarin rebellion, they had to flee seventeen years
named Tornyn), his wife, and
ago. Mytel married into Clan Arlia and retained his free
his two children, a boy of 10
status thanks to the influence of his wife’s clan. Mytel
and a girl of 5. A good shot with
has two teenage daughters and an 8-year-old son. He
the shortbow, Tornyn is also
has a good life and has no wish to return to the strife in
an excellent fletcher. He will,
the north.
however, only sell his arrows
37 Cottar to Barda, the weaponcrafter
at the keep. Barda resells the
Goris of Ornelt is the uncle of Tornyn [41]. He is the arrows and provides Tornyn
poorest member of, and unpopular with, his clan. Anlë with arrow heads as part of
[14] occasionally takes pity on him and his family and their arrangement. Tornyn’s
provides them with the odd fresh fish. Goris lives with brother, Straken, is Ármólarin
his wife, their 37-year-old son Haldan and his wife and (sergeant-at-arms) of the
their two children. Unfortunately, Haldan is an even Jédes medium footmen.
worse farmer than his father. Haldan spends a lot of
time hanging round the docks, looking for labouring 42 Villein
work to supplement their meagre income.
Roras of Gwyfid is the younger brother of Myter [36].
38 Reeve He is the quicker-tempered of the two, never having
forgotten their fight for a free Jâra. Unlike his older
Peser of Luren is in his mid forties, almost six feet tall, brother, who is content with his new life, Roras still talks
and of average build. He is bald but otherwise plain- about returning to Jâra to join the Aenghysa. He has
featured. Unusually for a reeve, he was suggested for occasionally worked as a tracker for Sir Shernâth.
the post by Sir Shernâth, who had made many enquiries
as to the most skilled farmer in Jédes.
Jédes 17
The guildmaster and his family live in a sturdy, well-
maintained stone and wood house, which has a tiled
roof and glazed windows. The upper, wooden walls are
plastered and whitewashed. Iriel’s prosperity is obvious.
44 Thatcher  £££

Sen of Nid is the hundred’s only thatcher. Some serfs
choose to do their own thatching and most manors are
roofed with tiles or, more commonly, lead, but there
is still more than enough business in the hundred for
him.
45 Yeoman (Light Horse)
Jethal of Arlia is the younger brother of the beadle
[6]. Although he is shorter than his brother, Jethal still
stands over six feet tall. He apprenticed as an ostler and
still holds journeyman status in the guild. Jethal loves
Jédes. He served his apprenticeship in Sirendel, but
43 Ostler  £££££ could not bear to be away from his home village. On
returning home he served in the keep’s garrison for ten
Iriel of Haskew is the guildmaster ostler for all of years. When he married, he was granted land and his
eastern Hârn. He is tall, quiet, and even tempered. His current position. He counts himself a lucky man.
long hair is greying at the sides. Often away on guild
business, Iriel is assisted by his two sons, his daughter, 46 Villein
a journeyman, and three apprentices. Dabrath of Kerelin lives with his frail wife, eldest son,
Iriel’s eldest son, Erdar, is a self-important young man. daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, both of whom
The apprentices despise him, as Erdar likes to “make are under 10. His younger son, Hurdir [39], was always
sure they know who is in charge” when his father is in trouble as a youth. Dabrath eventually turned him out,
absent. Unfortunately for them, Iriel is away often. unwilling to pay the fines for his rowdiness and brawling.
Hurdir settled when he married and sobered when he
Jédes’s horses, especially those bred by Iriel, are became a father. Dabrath and Hurdir are now close.
famous throughout Káldôr. It is not unusual for visitors
from Chybísa, the Thârdic Republic, and even Kandáy
47 Half-Villein
to attend the horse fair in search of a fine warhorse or Sholas of Kyngen has severed all ties with his son
palfrey. Iriel keeps an astonishingly complex record of the Fortil [35]. Fortil’s crime was to marry the daughter of
bloodline of his horses in a locked chest in his bedroom. “that bastard Kabir” [32]. Sholas’s wife died the year
His records now cover over forty years of breeding and that Fortil married, “of a broken heart” according to
use a recording system taught to him by the heralds of Sholas. Sholas lives with his eldest son Faran, Faran’s
Tashál. As a gift of thanks, Iriel provides the Acorn King wife Maryss, and their daughters.
of Arms a warhorse every five years. Even after forty
years, some heralds remain unhappy that their record 48 Villein
system is used by a commoner to record the birth and Medrek of Luren is the eldest son of the reeve [38].
death of mere beasts. Very much his father’s son, Medrek is a skilled farmer
and continues to learn from his father. Medrek is married
In addition to his many other duties, Iriel is a commoner to Aoife, the eldest daughter of Carevic of Merek [40].
and verderer of Tarwyn. He uses this office to act as The couple have a 4-year-old son, and Aoife is halfway
a pony broker for many of the commoners. Although through another pregnancy.
Iriel delegates many of his duties to Erdar, for the past
two years all aspects of his duties as commoner and 49 Beggar
verderer have been carried out by his daughter Hylda.
Like his brother Grath [10], Lorin of Dant is a large and
Hylda is tall, flat-chested, and gangling with light brown
simple man. He is, however, much more argumentative
hair and a long, narrow nose. She is often mistaken
than his brother and sometimes simply disagrees with
for a boy, something which has only recently started to
people just to see their reaction. A bully of threatening
bother her. Now in her late teens, she has been riding
appearance, Lorin seems to demand money rather than
since she could walk and loves the forest ponies above
beg for it. Lorin lives with his mother, apparently the only
all other beasts.
woman he respects.
Jédes 18
Jédes Keep Residents

Upon receiving his knighthood, Shernâth became a
household retainer in the service of Tróda’s father, Earl
Scina Dariúnè, at Kibân. Sir Shernâth impressed his
new lord and, in 702, was rewarded with the post of
constable of Jédes, made vacant by the death of Sir
Duns Doulzârn.
Sir Shernâth is a careful, conscientious administrator

who, importantly, knows when to delegate. He reputedly
shows no favours, but appoints the best man, or woman,
to the job. Many local clans would, however, dispute this,
as they have seen lucrative posts handed to relatives of
the constable and his wife. Nevertheless, incompetence
will usually lead to swift dismissal. Sir Shernâth delivers
his feudal dues, and often more, on time, keeps the local
yeomen well-trained, and has improved the Kolôrn and
Hútop roads. Earl Tróda values his friend very highly.
The earl and his constable meet only two or three

times a year. The earl confides in his friend and can
rely on him to give an honest opinion, regardless of the
earl’s feelings. While the men never argue, they are often
blunt to the point of rudeness. Some of Earl Tróda’s
Sir Shernâth alrí Mirdârne, vassal’s, after witnessing such discussions, assume Sir
Constable of Jédes Shernâth’s position is less secure than it actually is.
Sir Shernâth is a clean-shaven man in his mid forties. In addition to managing the earl’s lands in Asólade,
He stands a couple of inches under six feet in height Sir Shernâth is often given other tasks. He is currently
and is slightly overweight. His once dark hair is now grey working on an estimate of expected revenues from Kyg,
at the temples. as the earl is concerned about his income from that part
of his holdings. Sir Shernâth has been sent copies of the
The constable is an old and trusted friend of the Earl revenues and receipts that the Constable of Kyg sent to
Dariúnè. They met in 682, when the young Tróda was Kibân. He suspects that his liege is being swindled, but
fostered at the court of King Torastra at Ólokand and as yet lacks any proof. He intends to send a small group
Shernâth’s father was a member of the king’s guard. of trusted investigators to Kyg.
The two have been firm friends ever since.
4-2123212-5
73-p = 0-3u
i-2123212-o
Jédes 19
Lady Helarn Poulty,

Chancellor of the Keep
Lady Helarn, 52, is the widow of Jenya’s uncle and
sister to Sir Garith Kaphin, bailiff of Skáist. Helarn acts
as bailiff for the estates and is one of the constable’s
Lady Jenya Mirdârne, most trusted advisors. Pragmatic and intelligent, she
Lady of the Keep works closely with Sir Jassyff and Sir Callam checking
the revenues received from the estates subinfeudated
Three years after his arrival in Jédes, Sir Shernâth to Jédes. She ignores Sir Tamys, and frequently advises
married Jenya, only daughter of the Poulty clanhead. her niece to do the same.
Lady Jenya is friendly, caring, and fond of young children,
though she has a sharp tongue and occasionally a Lady Helarn is a distant cousin of Lady Erila Kaphin, the
fiery temper. She is 5’4”, more stocky than she was in Lord Privy Seal and the king’s mistress. The two women
her youth, and her once vivid red hair is beginning to were once close but fell out over Lady Erila’s son, Tulath,
grey. Nevertheless, the lady of the keep remains fit and who tried to borrow money from the Asólade branch of
active. the clan. Helarn regards Tulath as weak, vacillating, and
incompetent. It was, however, an error of judgement to
Sir Shernâth and Lady Jenya have two sons. The inform Lady Erila of her opinion.
eldest, Jannath, was sent at age 10 to study heraldry in
the Enclave of the Holy Oak. Now 16, he is a squire in Sir Callam Mirdârne, Steward
the household of Earl Tróda. Jannath is besotted with
Merela, the 14-year-old daughter of Princess Cheselyne, Sir Callam assists Lady Helarn in assessing the revenue
and when in Tashál he neglects his duties to be with her. from the surrounding manors. He is the oldest son of
His parents have recently been made aware of this. Lady the constable’s brother, Sir Osric, captain of the Jédes
Jenya regards Merela as a scheming minx, as dangerous guard. Callam is a short, frail 25-year-old. Protruding
as her mother, and worries that Jannath is being led upper teeth and a large beak-like nose interrupt his
astray. She intends to pay her eldest son a visit. otherwise plain features. No warrior, he spent his youth
being bullied by larger and stronger men. Sir Callam
The second son, Sumael, 13, is a squire at Bôry, the is proving to be a keen and capable administrator, and
manor of his mother’s family. Lady Jenya visits him as many of the local knights now wish that they had been
often as she can. [See Asólade Hundred p22 for the Clan a little more friendly toward the man who now assesses
Mirdârne family tree.] their feudal payments.
Jédes 20
Sir Tamys Poulty, Chamberlain Lady Bethan Poulty, Lady-in-Waiting

Sir Tamys is 37 years old and the youngest brother Lady Bethan, the 33-year-old wife of Sir Tamys, is
of Lady Jenya. He had few prospects until his sister stocky and round-faced, with plain features and blonde
married and persuaded her husband to employ Tamys hair. She was born and raised in the village of Yâlen, which
as chamberlain. Unfortunately, Tamys is disorganised is only a thirty minute walk from Jédes. Her father, Sir
and inefficient. On several occasions Sir Shernâth has Danard, died over the winter and her only brother, Alarn,
been close to dismissing his chamberlain. Tamys has is making many changes to the fief he has inherited.
kept his position only through the protection of his Lady Bethan disagrees with these changes and relations
sister and the ability of his wife, Bethan, to cover for her between the siblings are strained.
husband’s lapses. He is well aware of his shortcomings
Lady Bethan is lady-in-waiting to her sister-in-law, with
and is extremely grateful to his sister and beloved wife.
whom she gets on well. Forthright and practical, with
Sir Tamys is 5’7” and has the characteristic Poulty red a good head for figures, Bethan is under no illusions
hair, though it is thinning. He is untidy and forgetful, about her husband’s competence and oversees his
often muttering under his breath the names or details every action to correct any errors.
he must remember. The chamberlain is usually the first
noble to meet any visitors. Making a good impression
Sarali & Willem Poulty
on Sir Tamys can make a huge difference to how visitors Lady Sarali, 14, and Willem, 8, are the children of
are introduced into the constable’s presence. Tamys and Bethan. Like her mother, Sarali is lady-in-
waiting to Lady Jenya.
Sarali is plump and round-faced, with ginger hair. She
is a hopeless, if rather gothic, romantic, who can see
star-crossed lovers, tragedy, and unfulfilled desire all
around her. She is convinced that there are a number
of illicit liaisons taking place within the keep. She is
convinced that the herald, Sir Jassyff, is conducting a
discrete affair and is trying to discover the object of his
affections.
Willem is arrogant and self-important. He talks down
to anyone not of noble birth, making him unpopular with
the keep’s servants and garrison. Willem sometimes fails
to recognise important visitors for who they are, which
on occasion has gotten him into trouble.
Jédes 21
Matakea Narrath Yarquane,
Chaplain
Narrath, 49, is one of only three
Laránian priests in the hundred,
the other two being at Fenéven
and Novélim manors. Given who
he ministers to, Narrath regards
himself as the principal of the three priests, but the
others do not acknowledge his supremacy.
Matakea Narrath is extremely honest and devout.

He is renowned throughout the hundred for his strict
adherence to church dogma and complete absence
of a sense of humour. Narrath sends regular reports
to Cerdan Bantire, the Rekela of Pagostra, but can find
little to complain about.
Ashesa
Narrath has two ashesa (acolytes) to assist him.

Arbogar Kayn is a cheeky and cheerful 19-year-old
with dark hair, pale skin, and a pox-marked, though still
attractive, face. He is fit, active, healthy, and hardworking
Sir Jassyff Mazerony, Herald but his cheerfulness and humour grate upon Narrath,
so Arbogar is constantly in trouble.
The herald of Jédes is Sir Jassyff of Mazerony, a tall
man in his mid thirties and the younger brother of the Krayg Smadyn is 21, thick-set, and round-faced.
Lord of Ándrake. He was a famous jouster until seven Gruff and unfriendly, Krayg is dismissive of anyone he
years ago, when he received a severe blow to the head considers beneath him. He is pompous and almost as
at the Royal Chélebin Tournament. He appeared to humourless as Narrath. Consequently, Narrath forgives
make a full recovery but ever since has been plagued his many mistakes, because Krayg has “the right
with severe headaches, dizzy spells, and occasional fits. attitude”.
Educated and literate, he became herald to Sir Shernâth
five years ago. Lady Esme Mirdârne, Lady-in-Waiting
Sir Jassyff remains fascinated by arms and armour. The short, slender, and frail Lady Esme is married to
In his spare time he is writing a history of the joust in Sir Osric, the captain of the guard. Her husband dotes
Káldôr, concentrating on the developments in armour on her and, even after twenty-six years of marriage,
and weaponry. He often consults the weaponcrafter still calls her his precious flower. Another of Jenya’s
Barda of Cets, with whom he has struck up a close ladies-in-waiting, Esme is a fluttering, vacuous woman,
platonic friendship. Sergeant Straken, of the Jédes interested in little else but fashion and perfume. The
militia, was one of Sir Jassyff’s retinue in his jousting practical Lady Jenya has little time for her. Lady Esme is,
days and remains loyal to his old lord. however, a formidable gossip who often hears rumours
of which even Helarn is unaware. Esme tells her husband
everything, and he in turn tells his brother.
Squires
Aelstor Kaphin
The senior of Sir Shernâth’s two squires, Aelstor is

17 and the youngest son of the bailiff of Skáist. Aelstor
has been the constable’s squire for five years and can
now anticipate most of his lord’s needs. He is a keen,
efficient aide. Lady Helarn is fond of her nephew and is
on the lookout for a post for him once he is knighted.
Jédes 22
Aelstor is athletic, charming, witty, and good-looking.
Unlike many young men his age, he is at ease in the
company of women of all ages. At any social gathering
he is surrounded by all the eligible young ladies of the
hundred; Aelstor is also popular with the servant-girls.
As a consequence, most of the local squires dislike him.
His closest friend is Eldaen Katair, squire to Sir Jarrak
Vaen, Lord of Fenéven.
Karison Dariúnè
The junior squire, Karison, is the youngest son of the

Earl of Bâlim. When Karison arrived at Jédes he was
an overweight, sullen, and arrogant 12-year-old. He
regarded himself as much more important than the
“local riff-raff”. He has since matured considerably,
though several of the servants still harbour a dislike for
the lad. After a rocky beginning to their relationship,
Karison now tolerates Aelstor.
Goose Girl
As he approaches his fifteenth birthday, Karison is only
a couple of inches under 6’ tall and still growing. He Yma of Luren is the 13-year-old daughter of the
has thick, greasy black hair and is now burly rather than reeve [p16] and the keep’s goose girl. She sleeps in the
fat. Karison is intensely competitive. He and his good goose house, a small circular wattle-and-daub building
friend Sumael Mirdârne keep a running score of their between the stables and the river.
achievements. Karison is undoubtedly the physically
Sir Shernâth has no great love of hunting and dislikes
stronger and the better horseman. Sumael is more
dogs. While many local manors allow dogs to roam free
agile, a better archer, and a much faster swimmer. With
at night, the constable keeps geese. He likes to break
sword and shield the boys are evenly matched.
his fast each morning with a goose egg or two and is
Bonded Ostler fond of roast goose. He often enquires as to the health
of his birds. As a consequence Yma can often be seen
Ferot of Cets is a thin, wiry man of average height with in conversation with the constable. This sets her apart
jet black hair. Ferot is in his late twenties. His father was from the other village children. Yma is the only unfree
ostler before him, but was killed falling from his horse resident of Jédes allowed the run of the keep. Neither
during last year’s race. Ferot had been travelling as a the guards nor the servants ever stop or question her. If
journeyman at the time, but returned to take over the she wishes to speak to the constable, he will make time
franchise, bringing his wife, Barda, with him. for her; she is intelligent enough not to interrupt any
important discussions, especially between nobles.
Bonded Weaponcrafter
All of the geese have had their wings clipped. They
Barda of Cets is a weaponcrafter of some skill. Soon are fiercely territorial and are kept in the goose house
after her arrival Sir Shernâth dismissed the previous when important visitors are expected. Yma is tasked
bonded weaponcrafter, Darik of Sed. Darik has been with keeping the flock in order and getting them back
reduced to a wandering journeyman, and harbours a into the yard each night, a job she has been carrying
lasting grudge against both Barda and her husband, out successfully for three years. Yma is an excellent
Ferot. He rarely returns to Jédes, but spreads cruel lies swimmer and sometimes swims across the Kald to
against the couple throughout the region [see Asólade collect a wayward bird. She used to swim naked, but
Hundred p6]. as she is maturing her father has insisted that she be
clothed; she does not always obey. Yma can usually be
Barda is an attractive woman with long dark hair.
found in the vicinity of the keep, her willow goose wand
Sergeant Straken describes her as “well proportioned,
in her hands.
but not to scale”. She stands eight inches taller than
her husband and is much stronger than he. Barda
has an explosive temper and is likely to throw things,
preferably large and heavy, if provoked. Fortunately, she
is fairly inaccurate. She rarely loses her temper with her
husband, and even when she does he has a knack for
quickly and rationally calming her down.
Jédes 23
Military
The Jédes permanent garrison consists
of a squadron of light horse and a decad of
medium foot. This unusual arrangement
(most keeps are garrisoned by a company
of footmen) is due to the prevelance of
horsemen in the Hundred. The guard wear
distinctive blazoned surcoats. The badge,
formerly just the thistle of Clan Dariúnè,
was amended ten years ago following the constable’s
suggestion to the earl to include an unadorned helm. As
Sir Shernâth’s blazon incorporates three helms, this was
correctly taken by most of the locals as a signal that the
new constable had the earl’s full support.
The Ten-Day Muster

In addition to their normal feudal duties, all yeomen
in the manors under Sir Shernâth’s control must arrive
in Jédes no later than dusk on 21 Kelen. The next three
days are spent in drills, before the fair commences on Héthrin (Captain) Osric Mirdârne
the 25th. The yeomen are free to return home on 1 Héthrin Osric, 43, commands the permanent garrison.
Nólus. More headstrong than his brother, Osric would rather
fight than negotiate. He is, however, fiercely loyal to
During this ten-day muster the yeomen are incorporated his brother and to the earl. Fed and housed by Clan
into the standing forces at Jédes, giving a force of one Dariúnè for over twenty years, Sir Osric appreciates his
(full strength) decad of light foot, three decads (twenty- good fortune.
two men) of medium foot, two decads (fourteen men)
of archers, and two squadrons (seventeen men) of light Hùlhûrin (Lieutenant) Blyra Poúlty
horse. Hùlhûrin Blyra is second-in-command and leads the
squadron of light horse. She is tall, sturdily built, and
During the ten-day muster five years ago, a band of a
plain-featured. Now in her late twenties, Lady Blyra, the
dozen outlaws took the opportunity to raid Mówich. The daughter of Lady Helarn, joined the Church of Laráni as
tourney was delayed as some forty men-at-arms and a an ashesa at age 14. By age 16, however, she decided to
similar number of knights took part in a manhunt. The join the Order of the Lady of Paladins, preferring to ride
outlaws scattered but eight were tracked down. Their and fight. Five years ago she left the order to take up her
remains still hang on the gibbet road from Cálsite to current post. Lady Blyra is reputed to be the finest rider
seven leagues west. in the hundred. The ten horsemen and women under
her command are all freemen, not nobles.
Hùlhûrin (Lieutenant) Stok Mirdârne
Osric’s second son, Sir Stok, was 21 last year. He
commands the medium foot. This duty, which many
knights regard as menial, has always been taken
seriously by both the constable and the captain, who
have impressed on Sir Stok its importance. In addition
to the medium foot, Sir Stok is responsible for the
training and supervision of the yeomen of the hundred
who attend the ten-day muster.
Sir Stok is tall and burly, like his father. He spent much
of his childhood being bullied as the “little” brother of
feeble Callam. He learnt to be a brawler at an early age,
and he still defends his brother. Despite their physical
differences, the brothers are close; Sir Stok jokes that
together they make a perfect knight. He often asks
Callam for advice.
Jédes 24
The Light Horse Squadron The Medium Foot Decad
The Jédes squadron is split into two mani, each The decad of footmen are issued with a quilt cowl, a
consisting of a non-commissioned officer and four leather long cowl, a plate nasal half-helm, a ring long
mólak (privates). The members of the squadron, each hauberk with long sleeves, leather knee boots, leather
a skilled and experienced rider, are mainly drawn from gauntlets, kurbul greaves, and a cloth surcoat blazoned
the local families of light horse yeomen. The squadron with the helm and thistle. They are armed with spear,
pride themselves on the speed and precision of their
falchion, and roundshield. Although it is not official
riding. They are used as messengers; any one of the
issue, all also carry a dagger.
riders can reach Kibân in less than two days.
The constable insists on uniform equipment for First Manus
his troops. The light horse squadron are issued with
Ármólarin (sergeant-at-arms) Straken of Ornelt (see
a quilt cowl, a studded leather halfhelm, a quilt long-
Cellar for details).
sleeved aketon, leather riding breeches, calf boots, and
Lillith of Abrall, the only female in the medium foot,
riding gloves, and a cloth surcoat blazoned with the
helm and thistle. They all carry spear, shortsword, and is the 23-year-old daughter of a yeoman from Asólade
roundshield. manor.
Abelard of Hestin, a tall and surly 26-year-old, is from
The mani have a fixed roster of duties, which they both Chéwintin.
swap every five days. One manus patrols the hundred. Dorrin of Lyne, 23, is a jovial, friendly man from
Their orders are to visit all of the earl’s holdings, but they Skáist.
often turn back at Gémheldon without visiting Chéwintin Hellard of Calas, a fleet-footed 24-year-old from
or Kéldkith, as they have never been made welcome Cálsite, is always the first to catch a fleeing felon. Tall,
there. Hùlhûrin Blyra has only recently become aware of slim, and taciturn, Hellard is completely unlike his
this and intends to make visits to Chéwintin mandatory. brother.
The patrol visits Brómelèon but, like most residents of
the hundred, avoids Poýnter. The troop also checks on Second Manus
the two mines; the Miner’s Guild has a contract with the
constable to provide guards, a duty that the light horse Mélbrin (corporal) Janreth of Ardin, 35, is from
undertake. Díthend. His nephew is in the second manus of the light
horse squadron.
The First Manus
Ferdik of Veris, 37, is the tallest of the footmen,
Mólarin (sergeant) Chastyn of Arwyn is the senior NCO standing a few inches over 6 feet. He is the elder brother
of the squadron. He is 33 years old and now putting of Nesten, the master timberwright at Mówich [see
on weight. Chastyn joined the squadron after winning Asólade Hundred p32]. Ferdik had courted Porla before
two of the horse races in 705. He claims to be from she married Nesten, but she spurned him because of his
Minârsas. vicious temper. A big burly bully, Ferdik is nevertheless
Slayne of Dalgath is originally from Fenéven, where easily cowed by his sergeant and any noble.
his eldest brother is a yeoman. He is the same age as Padrig of Lunn, a tall, black-haired, handsome 26-
Chastyn, with whom he is very close. year-old from Skáist, is a ladies’ man.
Rubart of Karlis, 20, is the son of Oldros, a yeoman in Marek of Ursen, a 16-year-old from Yeáshim, is terrified
Novélim. His brother is also in the squadron. of Ferdik.
Vyra of Dalgath is 22 and one of two female riders. Chulin of Saleris is the latest recruit to the decad. He
Also from Fenéven she is Slayne’s niece. claims to have been a mercenary on the Salt Route, but
Eriel of Snew is only 16. Slender, lithe, and light, she
in fact was an enforcer for Halime of Falesh in Tashál.
won two of last year’s races, one by a large margin. She
After killing a militia man in a brawl, Chulin was forced
is still adjusting to life in the barracks. Her brother is also
to leave town. Chulin has made friends with Ferdik.
in the squadron.
The Second Manus
Arkálin (lance corporal) Arbogar of Torelin is 45 years
old. He is not as fast as he once was, but he is an
experienced rider and warrior. Arbogar acts as trainer
for the squadron.
Derk of Karlis is the 18-year-old brother of Rubart.
Andásin of Snew is the 24-year-old brother of Eriel.
Nills of Ardin, 25, is from Díthend, where his father is
the metalsmith.
Sarrak of Serel, 45, is from Mówich.
Jédes 25
Jédes Keep
The tall and imposing Jédes Keep often hosts
important visitors. Earl Tróda visits at least once a year
to inspect his southern holdings. He often brings a large
retinue of knights from his household, looking for quality
warhorses. He usually times his visit for the annual horse
fair, though in the last few years the pressures of his
work as Exchequer Royal have delayed his arrival.
King Miginath also likes to return to Jédes. As the king

has aged, these visits have become less frequent, but
Sir Shernâth has been sent word that the king intends
to visit this year. Sir Shernâth is concerned that the king empty. Until last year this room was the chambers of the
will be unable to manage the stairs to his usual room. bonded weaponcrafter. As the current weaponcrafter is
He has sent a long, carefully worded letter to Princess the ostler’s wife, it is no longer needed for this purpose.
Meliem, the Lord High Chamberlain, in an attempt to
ensure that he can accommodate the king’s needs. 3 Weaponcrafter’s Workshop
The Castle Field 4 Ostler’s Workshop
A four-foot-high stone wall encloses a clearing adjacent Ferot and Barda share the three rooms adjacent to
to the keep known as the castle field. Although the wall the stables.
will not stop a determined trespasser, the combination 5 Bunkroom
of brambles along the outside, rose bushes along the
inside, and fiercely territorial geese running free in the The first manus of the light horse squadron are
yard make trespassing uncomfortable. quartered here. Mólarin Chastyn has the bed by the
door.
A large L-shaped stone-and-wooden building stands
within the castle field, to the east of the keep. For 6 Bunkroom
practical reasons, and also because the keep is not large
enough to house all the staff, the light horse squadron, The second manus of the light horse squadron are
the bonded ostler, and the bonded weaponcrafter are quartered here. Arkálin Arbogar has the bed by the
quartered here. This building also houses the stables. door.
1 The Stables 7 Guard Commander’s Quarters
The constable keeps eight palfreys, six heavy This room is shared by the two noble Hùlhûrin.
warhorses, and ten light warhorses for the light horse Recently appointed, Sir Stok is uncomfortable about
squadron. This is more than the fourteen stalls can hold, sharing sleeping quarters with Lady Blyra. She seems
so the stables are always full and busy. A half-squadron unconcerned by the arrangement.
of light horse regularly patrol the hundred, keeping five
or six horses away for three days at a time and easing the
pressure on the stables. The light horse squadron are
responsible for their own mounts, which also reduces
Ferot’s otherwise heavy workload. The horses are put
out to pasture each morning.
The stable lass, brown-haired, 17-year-old Jaythe of

Tannis, sleeps in the loft. Aelstor Kaphin often pays her
visits at night.
2 Common Room
The light horse squadron breakfast and socialise in

this room but eat their main meals in the great hall with
the other keep staff. It is sparsely furnished and often
Jédes 26
The Keep
The keep is a D-shaped tower made from local
granite. At its highest point it stands some 100 feet
above the river, commanding outstanding views of the
surrounding countryside.
When the keep was repaired, between 605 and 625,

Clan Dariúnè had the collapsed rear wall rebuilt into a
semi-circle. The mason overseeing the reconstruction,
Egbert of Noss, convinced the earl that the original
keep’s rectangular shape had contributed to its collapse
once undermined by the river. Egbert had a temporary
dam erected, the water pumped out, and the river gravel
excavated down to bedrock. The rear wall of the keep
now stands on solid rock.
The main entrance is via a drawbridge over a narrow

moat, which cuts across a man-made slope leading
up to the keep. This entrance is further protected by a
set of double doors, a corridor through the wall, and a
second iron-bound and barred door. A second, smaller
postern door, which only the servants use, is accessed
via a narrow removable wooden bridge. From dawn to
dusk one guard always patrols between the two doors.
Plans to add a portcullis have been drawn up. The

portcullis, and alterations to the postern gate, could
be implemented under the written instructions of Earl
Dariúnè “at the discretion of the constable, in the event
of any future civil unrest”.
Kitchen
Ground Floor The kitchen is a busy place and by far the warmest
room in the keep. Warm in winter, it can be unbearable
The ground floor of the keep contains the kitchen, in the summer. The cook, Hedric of Aven, once served
larder, barracks, and main entrance chamber, known to in the kitchens of Earl Cûro in Gardîren. He was
residents as “the small hall”. dismissed because, while a good cook, his menus were
too conservative for Earl Cûro. He is thick-set, grey-
Small Hall
haired, and in his early forties. His wife, Margryth, is the
At least one guard is always on duty in the small hall, head kitchen maid and the sister of Sergeant Straken
which is used as a waiting area for visitors. Any commoner of Ornelt. The couple share a bed in the curtained-
trying to enter the keep without an appointment will be off area. There are nine other kitchen maids, all local
held here by the guards. If they have a good reason girls, mostly from Jédes. Seven of them sleep in the
for their visit Sir Shernâth will, eventually, have them kitchen; the other two, daughters of Elarit of Veris, live
escorted upstairs into the main hall. in a cottage in the village.
Barracks Haeri of Halam is the castle baker. He is tall, dark-

haired, and in his mid thirties, with a jutting chin and
The barracks are sleeping quarters for the two mani of long straight nose. He is unmarried, and many of the
medium footmen. serving girls avoid him. Haeri sleeps in the great hall and
is the first at work every morning. He uses the southern
oven for his baking.
Jédes 27
Cellar Oubliette
The cellar is the keep’s general storeroom. Meat, As part of Egbert’s reconstruction work, an oubliette
grain, and other foodstuffs are kept in the large vaulted was created beneath the cellar. Cold, dank, and fetid, it
chamber, which is fairly dry and always cold. Barrels at has never been cleaned. Prisoners are stripped naked
the bottom of the postern stairs contain ale and imported and lowered into the chamber on the end of a rope,
wine. The keep’s only well is also here. A small section of unless they struggle, in which case they are simply
the cellar is walled off and is used as the keep’s brewery thrown down twenty feet onto solid bedrock. Prisoners
and buttery. are fed and watered at the discretion of the guards, that
is, infrequently. Over the years a few recalcitrant prisoners
have been left to die. The presence of decaying human
remains only adds to the evil atmosphere in the pit. The
constable and his men usually find that a night or two in
this pitch dark and forbidding room, where the only exit
is through a trapdoor in the centre of the ceiling, brings
most minor miscreants to their senses.
Ármólarin (sergeant-at-Arms) Straken of Ornelt
The Ármólarin of the keep is Straken of Ornelt, who has been at

the keep for five years. He joined the garrison at the same time that
his former master, Sir Jassyff, became herald. Within the year Straken
had been promoted and had married the keep’s alewife and brewer,
Karissa, a buxom, earthy woman with a coarse sense of humour.
Straken, the brother of the yeoman Tornyn [41], is clever and capable.
Unusually for a common-born career soldier, he is literate, having been
taught to read and write by Jassyff. If Straken has a weakness it is
his pride in this achievement; he loves to display his skill by reading
publicly.
The sergeant and his wife share a bed in the cellar.
Jédes 28
easily accommodated
within the hall. During the
Horse Fair and Tourney the
ladies dine on the gallery.
The head chambermaid,

Cralla of Aven, the 21-
year-old daughter of
the cook, sleeps in the
great hall along with six
other chambermaids, all
women from Jédes and
the surrounding villages.
Two scribes, Torbris and
Eldaen of Aphria, and two
apprentice clothiers also
sleep here. Four other servants, Elarit of Veris and her
daughters, live in a cottage in the village.
Cralla is fastidious about her work. She is usually quiet

and reserved, but she pours scorn on the man-at-arms
Padrig of Lunn, who is conducting affairs with two of the
young chambermaids. The two maids, Brenna of Selis
and Yritha of Tannis, vie for his affections. Both giggle
and flirt when he approaches. Cralla was Padrig’s first
The Great Hall conquest when he arrived at the keep. She was dumped
two years ago for a prettier girl and now hates her former
The great hall is huge but simply decorated. Thick red
lover with a venom.
velvet curtains hang alongside the windows. They are
closed only in the winter months, to reduce draughts. A The hall is furnished with simple trestle tables and
huge shield bearing the blazon of Earl Dariúnè, actually benches, all made from local timber. The tables can
a six-foot-high wooden frame with embroidered cloth be moved to one side to provide accommodation for
stretched over it, hangs on the wall high above the visitors. As the king always brings a large retinue to
fireplace. Jédes, a great many knights are quartered here during
the annual horse fair and tourney.
The blazons of the local landholding clans—Doulzârn,
Ercamber, Erwyne, Mazerony, Orteyan, There are three ornately carved chairs in
Poúlty, and Vaén—hang along the curved the room. One chair, carved with Jarin
northern wall. The arms of the bailiff knotwork, is used by Sir Shernâth; a
clans—Halgalen, Kaphin, and Lartyne— second, carved with hunting scenes, is
hang from the balcony. The wooden used by Sir Tamys. The third, which is
shield bearing the arms of Lartyne kept next to the fireplace and covered
was freshly painted over the winter, Sir with an embroidered blanket, is ornately
Krisagon having only recently arrived in carved with dragons and wyverns and
Chéwintin, and it stands out from the made from Býrian dark hardwood. This
others. Clan Mirdârne’s blazon hangs chair was a present to King Miginath
from the central pillar. The sole blazon from Lady Erila Kaphin, and reserved
on the wall opposite the fireplace is that exclusively for his use; Sir Shernâth is
of Sir Laban of Tyart, winner of last year’s its guardian. The constable recently had
tourney. All of these blazons are painted TYART
one of the servant girls, Brenna of Selis,
onto wooden knight shields. whipped and placed in the oubliette for four
days because she sat in it when she thought that no-
The great hall is an echoing, empty room. The
one was looking. Brenna still has nightmares about the
keep’s residents, including the bonded masters and the
experience. Most of the keep staff were surprised by the
garrison, eat two meals a day here. For most of the year
severity of the punishment, as Sir Shernâth is normally
the ladies eat with the men. Their presence makes for
more merciful in his dispensation of justice.
forty or more folk, filling seven or eight tables, a number
Jédes 29
Ladies’ Gallery and Solar Third Floor

It is common for the ladies to eat in the great hall with 1 The Upper Hall
the men-folk. During the king’s visit and at the horse
fair, however, protocols are strictly observed. On these The upper hall contains three curtained-off areas.
occasions the women of the keep and any visiting noble These are the sleeping quarters for: the clothier; the
ladies dine in the gallery. There are two carved chairs in huntsman, Johan of Kerem, a short, sturdy young man
the ladies’ gallery, one for Lady Jenya and one for Lady with a surprisingly high-pitched voice; and the falconer,
Helarn. This annoys Lady Esme. the tall, weather-beaten, and swarthy Faraq mah Moohd.
Faraq, a recent addition to the constable’s staff, claims
The ladies’ gallery contains three south-facing glazed to be from Ázeryàn. His predecessor was dismissed for
windows that reach from floor to ceiling, making it repeatedly allowing his birds to frighten the geese, an
the lightest room in the keep. The stone walls are incident that proved to everyone in the keep that Yma
whitewashed to add to the light. The gallery, which is the goose girl has more influence over the constable
also used as a sewing room and solar, is the favourite than a mere falconer. The constable keeps three falcons
room of the bonded clothier, Julan of Padek. A tall, thin, and two kestrels in a small mews on the roof.
softly spoken, and
effeminate man The garderobe to the west is the one servants use to
in his mid forties, empty the chamber pots. The outer wall of the keep is
Julan is a friend and slick with excrement at this location. The garderobe to
confidante of the the east was originally built as a bartizan, to defend the
noble ladies. He has postern gate. It still fulfils that purpose in addition to
a fine eye for detail its other use. The servants know to keep an eye on the
and is an excellent bartizan when using the postern door.
embroiderer. Julan 2 The Steward and the Herald
does much of his
work in this room, Sir Callam and Sir Jassyff share this room. The steward
which has led most is fastidiously tidy, and the main part of the room is
of the men-at-arms always neat. The herald is less fussy; he refuses to let
to refer to him as the servants into his part of the room, the curtained-off
“Lady Julan”. corner. Against the south wall, scrolls and parchments
are beginning to spill out under the curtain.
Jédes 30
Sir Callam also uses this room as an office and spends
much of his day checking and re-checking accounts.
The chest contains papers on the income from local
manors. Sir Jassyff is rarely in the room. He prefers to
work in the solar, or the great hall if the solar is busy with
women’s chatter.
3 The Chancellor
Considering Lady Helarn’s reputation as a sour-faced,

humourless, and dispassionate old woman, many
people would be surprised at the number of mementos
of her husband that she keeps in one of the chests in
this room. On the wall between the two windows hangs
the remains of a broken jousting pole, around which
is tied a faded silk ribbon. Lady Helarn found it in her
husband’s effects after he died, and recognised it as the
favour she gave him when they first met at Dagrath’s
Fair. Other than this one item, the walls are unadorned.
Lady Helarn insists that Cralla clean this room, not one
of “those giddy young things”. The chancellor often
works in her room, and by talking with Cralla she can
pick up servants’ gossip, which she occasionally passes
on to Sir Shernâth.
4 The Chaplain Fourth Floor
There is no doubting that this room is occupied by a 1 The Constable
priest. There are many fine paintings and illuminated
manuscripts around the walls. A pair of rude bunks Sir Shernâth and Lady Jenya’s room is sparsely
provide accommodation for the two ashesa, while the furnished. The room is warm, comfortable, and well
matakea has a fine bed hung with curtains embroidered appointed. The large four-poster bed has a mattress
with various views of Dolithor. and pillows stuffed with goose down. The bunks near
the door are where their sons slept. Though neither boy
5 The Chamberlain lives at the keep, Lady Jenya insists that things remain
Sir Tamys and his family share this large room. Sarali just as they are for “when the boys visit”. Sir Shernâth
sleeps in the bed next to her parents. The chest contains knows better than to disagree with his wife where their
two books of poetry, several items of embroidery, spare sons are concerned.
clothing, and, hidden at the bottom, an old broken doll. Sir Shernâth’s arms and armour are kept in the chest
Willem’s bed, next to the fire, is always covered in carved in the north-east corner; they are taken out, cleaned,
soldiers; a wooden sword and shield usually lie on the and checked once a season. After the last check of his
floor. Lady Bethan tries to keep the room is tidy, but the chainmail, Sir Shernâth asked Barda of Cets to add
rest of her family conspire against her. extra girth, dryly telling her that the mail “must have
shrunk”. Within the keep the constable is armed only
with a dagger. When visiting the local fiefs, he usually
carries a fine Kúzhan broadsword, a present from Earl
Tróda.
ASSSSD The constable keeps copies of every report he has sent

to Earl Tróda in a locked chest in this room. Only his wife
FGGGGH
is aware of this. On occasion, Sir Shernâth has allowed
servants to see him opening and emptying the chest, so
that everyone in the keep knows that the chest contains
ZXXXXC
“some old papers”, and not “valuable treasure”. To the
earl’s enemies, of course, the contents of the chest are
valuable treasure indeed.
Jédes 31
2 The Royal Chamber
This well-appointed and lavishly furnished room is

used by Earl Tróda or King Miginath on their infrequent
visits to Jédes. The royal chamber is cleaned regularly.
If an important guest arrives unexpectedly, Sir Shernâth
is always ready to host them. Other than the king and
the earl, the only other person to have regularly used
this room over the years is the late sheriff of Ósel, Prince
Merik Elendsa. If, as often happens during the horse fair,
both king and earl are present, Sir Shernâth gives up his
room, with consequent effects on the other nobles.
3 The Chapel
This small but well-appointed chamber is the only

chapel to Laráni in Asólade Hundred. Of the hundred’s
sixteen manors, only three are not held by Laránians:
Brómelèon and Poýnter are church lands held by Peonian
Priests and the bailiff of Poynter openly worships Sávè-
k’nôr. The lords and ladies of the hundred regularly
attend the services at Jédes chapel. The congregation
at the monthly mass averages fifty souls, but sometimes
there are well over eighty in attendance. In addition to
the local noble families several yeomen and many of the
keep’s garrison regularly attend the services.
Matakea Narrath keeps a careful note of who attends

his services. Any noble who misses three in a row will
receive a visit from the priest.
Roof and Towers

At eighty feet above the river, the keep’s battlements
give a good view of the surrounding countryside. One
man-at-arms is stationed on the roof from dawn until
dusk.
The towers rise another twenty feet above the keep’s

roof. The view from the top is spectacular. The “ten
pound” tower at Yeáshim is clearly visible, as is most of the
farmed part of the hundred. The forests of Sémethshire
to the north are a riot of colour in the autumn. The Kald
river valley cuts a swathe from north-east to south-west.
The Tâmora gap, between the Taniran and the Daynôra
hills is visible to the east.
The west tower houses the mews, home to Sir

Shernâth’s three falcons and two kestrels. Faraq often
flies the birds from the tower for exercise. If he is not out
on the hunt, he spends much of his day here.
Jédes 32
Routine Within the Keep Annual Events

25–30 Kelen: Jédes Horse Fair and Tourney. This is
Daily Routine when Jédes is most crowded. Merchants and nobles
The working day begins before dawn, when the baker begin to arrive from 20 Kelen. By the 24th, the Fallen
rises and starts the first bake. Soon after dawn, the rest Tower Inn is packed to bursting. The other two inns
of the keep wakes. The trestle tables are set out in the in Asólade Hundred—the Yeásford Inn at Yeáshim
main hall and the residents break their fast with bread and the Crown Posada at Támorlan [Asólade Hundred
and small beer, plus butter and fruit in season and, in pp55, 60]—are over two leagues away. Even travelling
the winter months, oatmeal porridge. by horse, this is a considerable distance, an hour’s ride
and close to two hours’ walk. Nevertheless, some lesser
The household servants then begin cleaning, while nobles choose to stay at these inns rather than camp
the kitchen servants begin preparing the main meal. on the common. However, these inns see most of their
The noble ladies retire to the solar or take the air. The trade in the days leading up to the fair.
constable’s staff begin their duties. The main meal
of the day usually begins before noon. After the meal 17 Halánè: Blood-day. This is the traditional day for
work continues until a little before dusk, when supper is slaughtering animals before the winter. A feast for all
prepared. Most folk retire soon after dusk. villagers is held on the Castle field, or in the keep if the
weather is inclement.
Guard Duties 10–15 Savôr: St. Bromel’s Fast. Jédes is usually busy
The men-at-arms have a strict rotation of duties. The five days before the fast and five days after. During the
drawbridge is open from dawn until dusk, and a guard fast days the pilgrims are at Brómelèon, and Jédes is
patrols between the drawbridge and the postern gate quiet. The market on 20 Savôr is almost as busy as
during this time. A guard is always on duty in the small the horse fair, with locals selling keepsakes to returning
hall, regardless of the time of day. Similarly, there is pilgrims and the usual collection of charlatans and
always a guard on the battlements. When one manus rogues peddling relics and artefacts.
is on duty within the keep, the other is on patrol across
the hundred.
Monthly Routine
Sir Shernâth holds his vassals’ court on the 12th
of each month. The court is open to the manor lords
and bailiffs holding fealty from Earl Tróda Dariúnè, any
freemen in these holdings, and all residents of Jédes.
On the 25th of each month Sir Shernâth holds a feast

for his vassals. The lords of Ándrake, Bôry, Fenéven, and
Yâlen regularly attend, as do the bailiffs of Bélgìe, Cálsite,
Skáist, and Támorlan. The new bailiff of Chéwintin is
yet to attend. The constable also invites the Pelnala of
Brómelèon, the hundred bailiff, and the Miner’s Guild
masters. Only the hundred bailiff attends with any
regularity. This feast occurs on the last Soratir of the
month. The nobles who attend the feast also attend the
Laránian mass, making this the best-attended Soratir
each month.
Seasonal Events
On the fourth day of each season the constable holds a
feast for the Council of the Mangai of Asólade Hundred.
All seven councillors and their families are invited. While
attendance is not compulsory, it is unusual for any of
the councillors to miss the feast.
Player Map Jédes 33
Jédes
Jédes is the largest settlement in Asolade Hundred. Consisting

of only 49 households, plus the imposing keep, Jedes lies in the
south western edge of Oselshire. This article details all of the
households. The 30 page article includes interior plans of the
keep and its’ outbuildings, the inn, and the local Peonian temple;
plus illustrations by Richard Luschek and Juha Makkonen.
Jédes is remote from the politics of central Kaldor. With the

majority of settlements run by a constable for the Earl of
Balim, this is one of the Earl’s most important holdings. It is
also a favourite of King Miginath.
Jédes is not a rough frontier settlement, but the last remnant

of the ancient Kingdom of Tarwyn. A land of fertile fields, fat
cattle, and sturdy forest ponies, Jedes and the region is a re-
nowned centre of horse breeding.

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Jédes

Asólade Hundred Guilds

Politics is a gossip and is not as discrete with his parishioners’

At the beginning of 720, the constable’s council

Lady Helarn Poulty, Bailiff of Jédes Keep. Lady Helarn

Religion Imports and Exports

The archery contest is followed by the inter-village

The joust takes place from the 26th to the 28th. It

Local Map Key

8 Cartographer/Scribe  £££

44 Thatcher  £££

Jédes Keep Residents

Sir Shernâth is a careful, conscientious administrator

The earl and his constable meet only two or three

Lady Helarn Poulty,

Sir Tamys Poulty, Chamberlain Lady Bethan Poulty, Lady-in-Waiting

Matakea Narrath is extremely honest and devout.

Narrath has two ashesa (acolytes) to assist him.

The senior of Sir Shernâth’s two squires, Aelstor is

The junior squire, Karison, is the youngest son of the

The Ten-Day Muster

King Miginath also likes to return to Jédes. As the king

The Castle Field 4 Ostler’s Workshop

1 The Stables 7 Guard Commander’s Quarters

The stable lass, brown-haired, 17-year-old Jaythe of

The light horse squadron breakfast and socialise in

When the keep was repaired, between 605 and 625,

The main entrance is via a drawbridge over a narrow

Plans to add a portcullis have been drawn up. The

Barracks Haeri of Halam is the castle baker. He is tall, dark-

Ármólarin (sergeant-at-Arms) Straken of Ornelt

The Ármólarin of the keep is Straken of Ornelt, who has been at

The sergeant and his wife share a bed in the cellar.

The head chambermaid,

Cralla is fastidious about her work. She is usually quiet

Ladies’ Gallery and Solar Third Floor

Considering Lady Helarn’s reputation as a sour-faced,

ASSSSD The constable keeps copies of every report he has sent

This well-appointed and lavishly furnished room is

This small but well-appointed chamber is the only

Matakea Narrath keeps a careful note of who attends

Roof and Towers

The towers rise another twenty feet above the keep’s

The west tower houses the mews, home to Sir

Routine Within the Keep Annual Events

On the 25th of each month Sir Shernâth holds a feast

Jédes is the largest settlement in Asolade Hundred. Consisting

Jédes is remote from the politics of central Kaldor. With the

Jédes is not a rough frontier settlement, but the last remnant

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