Thursday, February 3, 2011

History: The Fall of House Varanath

Varanath was a powerful House after the War of the Gods, especially with two of the Chosen within her walls. The Gods themselves continued to use House Varanath as a safe haven and as a repository for magical artifacts and Knowledge. A lot of the lost culture of Tayke, a very magical culture, was brought to the library of Varanath.

Because of this, the Black Wizards coveted the knowledge and power. Many in Varanath became Mage-Knights, or Mage Lords, to better protect the library. But even they could not protect against betrayal. The husband of an older aunt wanted more power and helped the renegade Black Wizard (Mathanos) conquer Varanath and kill all of the Varanath line, or so they thought. This happened about 65 years before the High King's Sword novels.

But the library was protected by a curse which only the blood of Varanath would open the path. So Mathanos lingered hoping to find a solution even as none of the other Houses moved to recover Varanath for Tridon. Eventually, around 18 years later, Sebastion Blackthorn, Noshi Bluecrystal, and the Snowbird twins retook Varanath, Noshi having the blood of Varanath flowing through her veins.

So for your game play, if you want to play in the time before Mathanos takes Varanath, your players could be Mage-Knights, though I wouldn't allow them to be in direct line for the throne of Varanath, unless they have a very good reason. I would do these characters as multi-classed characters, mage/fighter or if your campaign rules allow for a mage/cavalier or knight like character, allow that. No bonuses, other then they can cast in heavier armor (with what ever minuses this causes in your rule set) and same negatives any multi-classed character might have.
Tomorrow: Magic Item

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