Author Topic: The Tyrant of Vernik  (Read 942 times)

Strigoi

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The Tyrant of Vernik
« on: July 18, 2020, 01:16:54 PM »
(A map of Barovia showing the location of Vernik)



Far to the south along the forlorn border rest the hamlet of Vernik, a small village tucked within the southern Bloodfang hills. A tall keep stands adjacent to the village acting as a watch tower, allowing it's ruler to survey his granted fiefdom. Ruled by a ruthless Boyar Lord stemming from the von Zarovich Dynasty, Zladko sits upon a troubled throne. Peasants and serfs are attacked daily by bands of Goblyns invading from the Northern borders of Forlorn, but it is not the creatures they fear...

Zladko's reputation as a Tyrant Mage in the Count's Court is known all to well, often leaving his fief to do his Lord's bidding. He rules with an iron fist, sentencing men and woman alike to enter the southern woods as a form of execution; to be torn apart and devoured by the invading creatures that plague his lands. The men he enlists as malitia are the wurst to be found. Criminals, tigians, and even murderers... all those willing to enforce his heavy handed rule. The average Barovian living in Vernik is seldom seen, trafficing the fields in the morning and returning in the evening. During the course of the day, Vernik resembles that of a ghost town. With the ocassional dog bark, or mother's call being the only signs of life...






As merchants travel northbound from the small hamlet, rumors begin to circulate. Vallaki peasants and shopkeepers begin to share words, whispering the name of the Tyrant of Vernik. A fear begins to build and swell within the social construct of Vallaki. Some witnesses claim to have seen men on horseback traveling toward Vallaki, bearing the von Zarovich coat of arms...