Ibonost

Location:	Eastern Kanday
Status:	Keep
Government:	King of Kanday
Population:	470

Built in 497 as a Corani Empire fortress, it is most famous as the first major settlement taken by Andasin I, who seized it from its Tekhosian governor in 589. In 663, the battle for the Teb Marshes ended in Kandian defeat and the loss of the keep to the Thardic League.

However, in 666 Ibonost was returned to Kanday in the Treaty of Quivum. Despite its proximity to the Thardic Republic, it is a favourite summer residence for Andasin IV.

Who Rules

Ibonost is ruled by the constable Sir Burdas of Kanday, a distance relative of the King. He holds three nearby manors in his own right.

The constable is 47, has a wife Isabelle (42), three sons and two daughters. The eldest son Geoffry leads the garrison here.

Who Really Rules

The constable is in charge, though takes equal counsul from both his wife and the Priest of Larani, Kerolin.

Military

The keep has been refortified several times over the years, and is currently in good condition. There are nine knights based here permanently, and will be either on patrol or manning the keep.

The garrison is led by Sir Geoffry, the constable's eldest son.

Religion

There are three religions which have an influence here. The most powerful is the Church of Larani, because of its influence with the Earl and also because there is a small group of Checkered Shield knights here. Second, is Peoni, because she is the religion of the common people. There is also a church of Halea. This mainly serves the caravans which come through, rather than the indignious people.

The Red On White Shield

This is a temple to Larani. There are two priests here, as well as three Knights of the Checkered Shield. They have barracks within the temple, though are often out on patrol along the river.

The high priest (Serolan) is Kerolin. He is quite old, and hasn't left Ibonost for several years. He mind is still quite active however, and he sees that the constable doesn't forget him, being very outspoken in airing his own views.

About a third of the common folk worship here, the rest prefer to stick with Peoni since she is more representative of their own needs. Kerolin finds it hard sometimes to relate to those not of noble or martial status.

Church of St Ferin

This is a temple of Peoni. The Pelnala here is Harald. He has a single acoloyte to aid him. St Ferin is the patron saint of Masons, and Harald tries to stress the importance of building a society from solid foundations (faith in Peoni, truth and love towards others).

The holy day of St Ferin is 26th Nolus. Typically, a large festival is held on that day, paid for equally by the church and the constable.

House of Silken Ladies

The House of Silken Ladies is a temple to Halea, acting as a brothel, trade centre and temple. There are three priestesses here, though one is only an acoloyte. Most of those who visit the Temple are travellers, though a few at Ibonost do visit here, though the place is looked on with distaste by those who follow Peoni and Larani.

The Temple is a glorified town house, with a chapel dedicated to religious ceremonies on one side, rooms dedicated to business and trade on the other, and a brothel on the first floor. In need, there is space in the chapel to lay out tables and chairs for afeast if necessary.

Inns and Taverns

The Dancing Kelpie

The Dancing Kelpie is a large inn built to cater for caravans passing through. It is the only decent establishment for many days travel, so practically any caravan coming through stops here.

The inn is run by Jacob (m40) and his wife Elsi (f39). They have two unmarried daughters who also work in the inn. The inn has a common room with 18 beds, plus three private rooms each with 4 beds. Cost of a bed for the night, plus a hot meal and beer is 1d. If a private room is wanted, then it is an extra 10d per room.

Women who do not wish to pay the private room rates, and yet don't want to sleep in the common room with men, may sleep up in the loft with the two daughters. There's room for two or three extra people here, depending on how cosy people want to be. If business is good, the daughters may sleep in their parent's room.

If the inn is really busy, then people can sleep on the floor of the main room. This isn't any cheaper, however.

A bath is available for 1f, or a hot bath for 1d.

Rumours and Gossip

If travellers stay around for any length of time, especially at the inn, then they are sure to hear about some of the gossip and stories that relate to Ibonost.

Dryad in the Woods

In the woods to the south is said to be the grove of a dryad who the villagers call Jeniena. Many men have gone looking for her over the years, and those that have found her have returned years later, thinking only a few days had passed.

Sorcerous Servants

There's a wierd bloke living out in the woods. Moved in last summer. Said to be a wizard of some kind. Sends a woman into town to pick up supplies every week.

The servant is Kathryn, a 27 year old woman from Shiran. She was a poor townsperson, in a marriage to a mason. She was taken in by the charms of the sorcerer, and now serves him. She cleans, shops, cooks and keeps his bed warm.

The sorcerer is a Shek-Pvar named Batik. He is 36, and quite good looking. He studies Peleahn and Lyahvi. Except for Kathryn he is a loner, and has little interest in seeing others. He came here in order to further his studies of Earthmaster lore. He believes there is an Earthmaster artifact, used to enhance the powers of Peleahn, somewhere near here.

Batik has permission from the constable to be here, something he obtained for a large one-off sum of money.

Border Patrols

Thardic patrols are getting more frequent along the border. There might be war soon between Kanday and Tharda.

Nasty, Brutish and Short

Gargun have been seen in the area. Haven't been seen round here for years.