SESSION 40: TRONE AXLAUFF
Trone Axlauff knows that he was fortunate to be born into a strong Chelaxian noble family, even if top-tier Barons are not as powerful as or as wealthy as the loftier peerages. Father (Fighter 3, Noble 3) is 2nd generation Baron and he worked hard to expand the diversity and income of the estate, while Mother (cleric 2, Noble 4, she was a Temple Alter Attendant in training) continually sought not just to look after the spiritual welfare of the family and the families stock, but to aid the political maneuverings to gain advantage against their neighbors.
At a very young age, on one of the innumerable days Trone was dragged to the estates large Temple to Asmodius, he witnessed a compact between the family and a lesser devil, brokered by mother. What price was paid he'd never know, but life seemed somewhat easier thereafter, more opportunities presented themselves for the family, there was prosperity in the Axlauff landhold. Experiencing the full on power and aura of a devil made a great impact upon the young Trone, forever imprinting upon him a deep respect of the infernal, as well as a deep lust for their aid and power.
Growing up was not easy despite being surrounded by relative luxury. The youngest of 4 brothers, Trone seemed to reap the frustrations of his older brothers as their anger flowed downhill one by one. Lessons drubbed into him were retained and utilized later, Trone absolving to never let pass his tutelage at his siblings fists, feet, and swords. Trone did find companionship in the young ruffians of the landhold workers young, and even the occasional salve stock. Roughhousing had it's uses and taught further lessons on how o deal with groups, how to coordinate with allies, and how to take advantage of the enemy when his back was turned. This stood him in good stead when he and his father visited Court. Being of noble birth did no good when you were lower on the social ladder than many of the other noble's kids, eager to vent their spleen or sadism on those they could target. Once again, operating with a group became essential, and Trone found he could lead as well as follow. His piety made him a target, his experiences made him a hard target.
The journey to and from court were eye opening to Trone. Along the way the he and his father stayed at several estates of friends and acquaintances and Trone was able to observe many different managerial styles. Father was a harsh and unforgiving Lord over his lands and stock, Trone witnessing several punishments and executions over the years. But during this travel he saw that the carrot could be used just as well as the stick, though the stick should never be very far away. Even outright reward had its uses in dealing with the slaves and stock. Father did not agree, and several heated conversations and outright arguments were had, especially if Trone attempted to stand up for any of the families' slaves or stock. Father only viewed one way to deal with his lessers, and it was always harshly.
When an ailment laid father low, leaving him too weak to continually run the estate he turned the families' affairs over to Srond, the oldest brother. Srond had never liked Trone, and soon tempers boiled over. When they were young Srond would always tease that he wished Trone had been sacrificed instead of their sister, a sister everyone else assured Trone never existed. And once in power, Srond made no bones about the role Trone would play in the families' affairs: none what so ever. Mother interceded and Trone was given a small endowment and sent on his way.
Now his future is wide open, and Trone heads east to meet a childhood friend, the son of his mother's best friend whom is now a Priest of Asmodius. Rumor of adventure, glory, riches and possible land grants for service in the borderlands drives Trone forward with dreams to build his own dynasty, one not dependent on the whims and capriciousness of his self righteous older brother. Perhaps he can commit deeds glorious enough to attract the attention of one of the nether powers, and maybe he can bind his own pact and the power it contains. It is a good dream, and an attainable one.
Reaching the Keep on the borderlands Trone soon Finds Lothar at The Salty Tusk.
They'll travel to the caves of chaos tomorrow.
DEW
starts his new Amazon army at the top, with an airborne general!
