Boldhome Heroes

After the communal rituals of Sacred Time, the people of Boldhome throw themselves into preparations for the agricultural year. People reconvene in the halls of their steadings to plan planting schedules and settle disputes held over from the winter. Merchants reopen their stalls in the central market, filling the air with the sounds of bargaining and the scent of fresh bread, goat cheese, and early wildflowers.

Warriors and adventurers gather at the city's bustling inns and training grounds. Rumors swirl about raids to the north and Lunar incursions. Young hopefuls eager to prove themselves offer pledges of service to Argrath, King of Sartar, or his key thanes.

Sea Season’s rains bring life back to the valley. Early blooms push through the thawing earth, and the trees along the terraced streets begin to bud. The rivers swell, flooding lower fields but ensuring fertile lands for the barley and wheat sowing to come. Despite the warmth, cold mountain breezes still drift into the city, carrying the sharp bite of ice and snow from the heights of the Quivin Mountains.

Though it is a time of hope, Sea Season is not without challenges. The melting snow can lead to dangerous landslides in the steep mountain passes, threatening supply lines and travelers. The rising rivers sometimes overflow, causing minor floods in the lower districts. Additionally, tensions simmer in the wake of Sacred Time, as prophecies or visions received during the holy period are now debated in public forums. Not all omens are welcome, and many whisper of Lunar spies and threats to the fragile freedom of the kingdom.

In Boldhome, however, resilience is woven into the stones of the city itself. As the season unfolds, its people prepare for the trials ahead with the courage of those who dwell under Orlanth's sky and Ernalda's earth, ever mindful of their gods and their duty to the future of Sartar.

Money Matters
Newcomer Ararg and Groom Torben both borrowed money from the moneylenders.

Lt Warlord Garoor, Hundred-thane Baroness Ivarenna, and Warlord Baron Rufus all had debts that were settled.

Lt Warlord Grumbold liquidated his shop, calming customers with his intention to open a larger one. Ararg signed up for the discount promised by Grumbold.

Bringing Julian Back
When a heroquester like Ten-thane Julian becomes lost on the Heroplane, the community and temple must act swiftly to rescue his soul and restore balance. This situation is grave, for a lost heroquester can imperil not only themselves but also the community's connection to the gods. The ceremonies to retrieve Julian involved a mix of spiritual, communal, and martial elements, drawing on the powers of Orlanth, Mastakos, and other associated deities.

Assistant Priest Quatlu asked the temple of Orlanth to contribute to the required sacrifices, but they would not. Julian’s lover, Harmeleenrios, contributed 75 Lunars. Warlords Afur and Quatlu, Lt Warlord Erik, Baroness Ivarenna, and Baron Rufus also contributed.

The priests of Orlanth and Mastakos gathered to interpret the signs and determine where Julian's soul might have gone astray. Orlanth's Storm Voices and Mastakos's Wind Lenders analyzed the nature of the Arming Orlanth myth he was enacting. Participants, including Julian’s companions and kin, underwent ritual purification. They fasted, bathed in sacred waters, and wore blessed garments. Offerings of incense, food, and fine goods are made to Mastakos, the Herald and Guide, to open paths to the lost.

The priests invoked Mastakos directly in the temple of Orlanth. Chanting his epithets ("Pathfinder," "Lord of Swift Roads," "The Storm's Rider"), they begged him to reveal the way to Julian.

Assistant Priest Quatlu stepped forward to act as the “Seeker” who would enter the Heroplane.

A sacred chariot was paraded through the temple.

Worshippers chanted songs of travel, movement, and swift escape, aiming to open a symbolic pathway for Julian's return. The air was filled with the sound of drums, horns, and the stomping of feet to mimic the sound of galloping hooves.

Offerings of air-silver (finely wrought silver artifacts symbolizing the winds) and wind-horses (crafted symbols of Mastakos' mythical steeds) were cast into a blazing fire, believed to burn open a path to the Heroplane.

The community re-enacted the myth Julian was performing, following it step by step to “align” the mortal plane with the Heroplane. The participants acted out the role of Mastakos, Orlanth, and allies, retracing the steps of the quest and calling for Julian at key moments. And finally he is found and brought back.

Julian was weak and disoriented, requiring grounding ceremonies. These included feasting, the touch of sacred relics, and songs of praise to Mastakos and Orlanth for their aid.

A great communal sacrifice was made, of livestock and rare goods, to thank the gods for Julian’s return and to restore balance between the mortal and divine realms.

Titles, Appointments and Cult Promotions
King Argrath decided to bestow Lt Warlord Erik the title of drighten. He is invited to the royal feast in conjunction with the royal Wintertop envoy, the first week of 1632 - 3 (Late Sea Season). Quatlu was not granted the same honour.

Warlord Fionn was appointed Adjutant of the 1st Army, and Quatlu Adjutant of the 3rd Army.

Garoor was not promoted to assistant rune lord or god-talker of Storm Bull. Rune lord Erinestra promoted God-talker Grumbold to assistant rune lord of Issaries. Baroness Ivarenna was promoted to rune lord of Orlanth.

Inns and Consumption
Ararg became a regular at Fantarn’s, Harold at The Scribbled Scroll.

Erik, Baroness Ivarenna, and Torben engaged in conspicuous consumption.

Week 1
Warlord Baron Rufus allowed Ararg into Mularik’s Company. Ararg purchased the rank of thane. Warlord Fionn allowed Torben into the Free Philosophers. Torben purchased the rank of ten-thane. He was given a horse by the warlord who purchased a new one for himself.

Harold caroused alone at the Scribbled Scroll while his lover was at Tarkala’s Love Feast. Fionn assisted at the Military Academy. Erinestra tended to her shop.

Tarkala’s Love Feast
The Royal Love Feast hosted by Tarkala the Lover in early Sea Season at Sartar’s Palace in Boldhome was a radiant and joyous affair, blending the celebration of love, renewal, and community. As one of King Argrath's court, Tarkala is renowned for her charisma and devotion to Ernalda, the Earth Goddess, and her feast reflected her dedication to fostering harmony and abundance among the people of Sartar.

Among the guests were Sod with Afur, Yealla with Erik, Terdis with Garoor, Oneldna with Grumbold, Silast with Baroness Ivarenna, Darra with Quatlu, and Daraea with Baron Rufus.

There were two special events at the feast. Firstly, King Argrath granted Erik the title of Baron. “Enjoy this. You won’t be a baron for long.”

Secondly, Quatlu (now sporting a beard) proposed to Darra. He presented her with a fine gold ring, a band formed of intricate knots, with a solitaire stone setting consisting of a Color Me New stone, an octagonal gem that shifts colors and shades. Darra accepted, and there was much rejoicing.

Tarkala spent time having a private conversation with Afur and Sod. Afterwards, Sod seems to shine with a newfound radiance. It’s subtle yet undeniable—the way her laughter rings out clearer, the way her eyes catch the firelight, the way heads turn when she moves. She hasn’t changed, not really, but it’s as though Tarkala’s words unlocked something within her, allowing her beauty—her true self—to shine unfiltered.

Week 2
Ararg joined the cult of Orlanth as a lay member.

Garoor spent the week practicing the broadsword at the Thieves’ Arm barracks.

Afur with Sod, Fionn, Harold with Yeoth, and Quatlu with Darra participated in a ceremony at the temple of Orlanth. Harold and Quatlu showed conspicuous piety, and Quatlu offered prayers of thanks to Orlanth for the successful heroquest just completed in Sacred Time, and for all the god’s blessings in his life.

Erinestra brought Arng to the library of Lhankor Mhy where they participated in a ceremony. Baroness Ivarenna participated in a ceremony at the temple of Ernalda.

Baron Erik and Baron Rufus enrolled in a course at the Military Academy.

Grumbold re-opened Silk & Sapphire as a deluxe boutique.

Week 3
Barons Erik and Rufus continued their studies at the Military Academy.

Garoor had planned to spend the week practicing the broadsword at the Thieves’ Arm barracks, but was brought to the temple of Storm Bull to participate in a ceremony as part of his cult duties as an initiate.

Grumbold tended to his shop. Fionn assisted at the Military Academy.

Afur participated in a ceremony at the temple of Ernalda. Erinestra brought Arng to a ceremony at the temple of Issaries.

Assistant Priest Quatlu brought Darra to the temple of Orlanth where he led a ceremony. He gave thanks to Orlanth for the return of Initiate Julian from the Heroplane. Among the participants were Lay Member Ararg, Rune Lord Baroness Ivarenna with her husband Silast, and Initiate Torben.

Duel at the Temple of Orlanth
Ararg challenged Quatlu to a duel, as Quatlu’s societal standing challenged the birth right of the noble.

Ararg lounged out, but Quatlu riposted, drawing first blood. Quatlu followed up, but his attack was blocked by Ararg. Quatlu pushed on, landing a definite hit that left Ararg off balance. In spite of this, Ararg blocked Quatlu’s next attack, and placed him in a disadvantageous position. Quatlu quickly regained his balance, but Ararg blocked again. Now Ararg got an attack in, landing his first hit on Quatlu, and it was a definite one that left Quatlu off balance. Ararg followed up with another definite hit, but then Quatlu managed to block. Both duellists then maneuvered for position but neither gained an advantage. Quatlu was the one who first found an opportunity to attack, but Ararg blocked and placed Quatlu in a disadvantageous position. Ararg then landed a definite hit that left Quatlu off balance. In spite of this, Quatlu riposted Ararg’s next attack, at which point Ararg surrendered.

Week 4
Ararg spent the week worshiping at the temple of Uleria, getting intimate companionship. Erinestra tended to her shop.

Garoor had planned to spend also this week practicing the broadsword, but was brought to the temple of Storm Bull to participate in a ceremony.

Baron Erik brought Yealla to the temple of Orlanth where he led a ceremony. He gave eulogy for Ondurga and vowed to put up a memorial stone to her in the garden of his small mansion, Queensgift House. Quatlu also offered prayers to honor the late Initiate Ondurga, who fell during the heroquest.

Baron Erik praised all of the heroquesters, but singled out Torben for special praise. He pointed out that Torben bravely volunteered for the heroquest whilst only an initiate of Orlanth, but all heroes are seen by the storm lord. Baron Erik made sure to greet all of the worshippers and thanked them for attending.

Among the participants were Afur, Fionn, Baroness Ivarenna, Quatlu, Baron Rufus, and Torben. Baron Erik and Baroness Ivarenna showed conspicuous piety.

Mid Spring
Yealla’s, Daraea’s, and Silast’s charisma increased thanks to Baron Erik’s, Baron Rufus’, and Baroness Ivarenna’s achievements. Oneldna, Grumbold’s lover, was revealed to be pregnant.

King Argrath announced that all tribal levies and volunteers will be deployed in Snakepipe Hollow (against Chaos) in 1632-3 (Late Sea Season).