Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
Are you seeing this? How ridiculous, and in the middle of the gardens, no less. Even some of the Knights are feeling the urge to kneel. The Shadows managed to steal their spines. At least a Hero of your caliber is here to bring sense to the court. I remember how you saved Chiral Valley. Thank you. That area is within my territory, but King Alteon forbade me from participating in any combat because…my father was loyal to King Dethrix I.
Valleys
I am the Lord of House Vaughn, and we are the protectors of the Western Valleys. Our territory is to the North of the Sandsea, whose sands were kept from spreading by my ancestors. Thanks to you, we no longer need to worry about Sek-Duat. Chiral Valley is also within my borders, and you were the one who liberated it from Chaos Lord Escherion. I am completely in your debt. If you're in the area, do visit. We'll give you a royal welcome.
Drakath
I wish I could have been there to greet you in Chiral Valley, but I was under house arrest. Any Noble house that supported the Champion of Chaos' father during Alteon's Rebellion were subject to the same restrictions. He feared that we would betray Greenguard for that *spits* slugling. Drakath's father caused the death of my brothers. If I didn't have responsibilities to take care of, I would have joined you on your crusade against Chaos.
Lightguard
The other Nobles pressured Queen Victoria to fund the Lightguard, and ask them to defend the castle. If I were her, I would have thrown those coddled cowards into the dungeons until they stopped crying about it. Thanks to the Shadows, the Lightguard and their new elemental leader have far too much influence. I'm working with the Seraphic Paladins to limit their power.
After completing the 'Estrangement' quest:
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
The conference was as irritating as I thought it would be. You will have your audience with Queen Victoria eventually. Until then, there are places in Balemorale you and Lady Celestia should see. I've already notified Lady Song, and caught Lord Brentan before he left.
Talk
We may have passed by each other in Swordhaven, but I would like this to be our formal introduction.
Valleys
I am the Lord of House Vaughn, and we are the protectors of the Western Valleys. Our territory is to the North of the Sandsea, whose sands were kept from spreading by my ancestors. Thanks to you, we no longer need to worry about Sek-Duat. Chiral Valley is also within my borders, and you were the one who liberated it from Chaos Lord Escherion. I am completely in your debt. If you're in the area, do visit. We'll give you a royal welcome.
Drakath
I wish I could have been there to greet you in Chiral Valley, but I was under house arrest. Any Noble house that supported the Champion of Chaos' father during Alteon's Rebellion were subject to the same restrictions. He feared that we would betray Greenguard for that *spits* slugling. Drakath's father caused the death of my brothers. If I didn't have responsibilities to take care of, I would have joined you on your crusade against Chaos.
Lightguard
The other Nobles pressured Queen Victoria to fund the Lightguard, and ask them to defend the castle. If I were her, I would have thrown those coddled cowards into the dungeons until they stopped crying about it. Thanks to the Shadows, the Lightguard and their new elemental leader have far too much influence. I'm working with the Seraphic Paladins to limit their power.
- Lord Henry Vaughn III's Quests
After completing the 'Abandoned Cradle' quest:
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
There's some sort of commotion going on. The Warriors from Skye are engaging in combat with the Knights and the Paladins. Have they launched an attack on us? We need to find the Queen as soon as possible.
Talk
We may have passed by each other in Swordhaven, but I would like this to be our formal introduction.
Valleys
I am the Lord of House Vaughn, and we are the protectors of the Western Valleys. Our territory is to the North of the Sandsea, whose sands were kept from spreading by my ancestors. Thanks to you, we no longer need to worry about Sek-Duat. Chiral Valley is also within my borders, and you were the one who liberated it from Chaos Lord Escherion. I am completely in your debt. If you're in the area, do visit. We'll give you a royal welcome.
Drakath
I wish I could have been there to greet you in Chiral Valley, but I was under house arrest. Any Noble house that supported the Champion of Chaos' father during Alteon's Rebellion were subject to the same restrictions. He feared that we would betray Greenguard for that *spits* slugling. Drakath's father caused the death of my brothers. If I didn't have responsibilities to take care of, I would have joined you on your crusade against Chaos.
Lightguard
The other Nobles pressured Queen Victoria to fund the Lightguard, and ask them to defend the castle. If I were her, I would have thrown those coddled cowards into the dungeons until they stopped crying about it. Thanks to the Shadows, the Lightguard and their new elemental leader have far too much influence. I'm working with the Seraphic Paladins to limit their power.
- Lord Henry Vaughn III's Quests
After completing the 'Sleight of Hand' quest:
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
Lorekeeper Muusa explained the situation to me. Skye is attempting to kidnap Queen Victoria. None of the Knights can stop them because Lieber put some sort of curse on her. We need to at least try! Break his hold on the Queen!
Talk
We may have passed by each other in Swordhaven, but I would like this to be our formal introduction.
Valleys
I am the Lord of House Vaughn, and we are the protectors of the Western Valleys. Our territory is to the North of the Sandsea, whose sands were kept from spreading by my ancestors. Thanks to you, we no longer need to worry about Sek-Duat. Chiral Valley is also within my borders, and you were the one who liberated it from Chaos Lord Escherion. I am completely in your debt. If you're in the area, do visit. We'll give you a royal welcome.
Drakath
I wish I could have been there to greet you in Chiral Valley, but I was under house arrest. Any Noble house that supported the Champion of Chaos' father during Alteon's Rebellion were subject to the same restrictions. He feared that we would betray Greenguard for that *spits* slugling. Drakath's father caused the death of my brothers. If I didn't have responsibilities to take care of, I would have joined you on your crusade against Chaos.
Lightguard
The other Nobles pressured Queen Victoria to fund the Lightguard, and ask them to defend the castle. If I were her, I would have thrown those coddled cowards into the dungeons until they stopped crying about it. Thanks to the Shadows, the Lightguard and their new elemental leader have far too much influence. I'm working with the Seraphic Paladins to limit their power.
- Lord Henry Vaughn III's Quests
After completing the 'Double Fianchetto' quest:
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
That Hero has saved Greenguard from Chaos and Shadowflame. Now, I owe them an even more personal debt. Skye has kidnapped two individuals adored by the nobility and the common folk. We are to go to war, and I will fight on the frontlines. I do not particularly favor Victoria, but we will make her the Queen of Victory if it means rescuing the person that saved my life.
Talk
We may have passed by each other in Swordhaven, but I would like this to be our formal introduction.
Valleys
I am the Lord of House Vaughn, and we are the protectors of the Western Valleys. Our territory is to the North of the Sandsea, whose sands were kept from spreading by my ancestors. Thanks to you, we no longer need to worry about Sek-Duat. Chiral Valley is also within my borders, and you were the one who liberated it from Chaos Lord Escherion. I am completely in your debt. If you're in the area, do visit. We'll give you a royal welcome.
Drakath
I wish I could have been there to greet you in Chiral Valley, but I was under house arrest. Any Noble house that supported the Champion of Chaos' father during Alteon's Rebellion were subject to the same restrictions. He feared that we would betray Greenguard for that *spits* slugling. Drakath's father caused the death of my brothers. If I didn't have responsibilities to take care of, I would have joined you on your crusade against Chaos.
Lightguard
The other Nobles pressured Queen Victoria to fund the Lightguard, and ask them to defend the castle. If I were her, I would have thrown those coddled cowards into the dungeons until they stopped crying about it. Thanks to the Shadows, the Lightguard and their new elemental leader have far too much influence. I'm working with the Seraphic Paladins to limit their power.
- To Castle Eblana
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
We expected to lay siege, but Skye's Capital has been offered to Queen Victoria on a silver platter. I don't trust it. Lord Granville and his knights have set out to secure the city. I'll be joining him. There are…odd Elementals lurking in the streets. Be careful.
Quiraing
This is the Capital of Skye, known as Quiraing. It's where the rich and powerful Nobles of Queen lona's court reside. I see that in stark contrast to the villages I came across, the Capital's walls are overflowing with gold, food, and even knowledge. Caoimhe - Illaria, I mean - mentioned that only the Nobility and Queen lona's adopted children are given education. "Illegal" schools are shut down when they're found. The common folk are asked to focus on 'desperately needed' labor.
Elementals
The Nobles residing in Quiraing aren't of concern. Their skills in combat are laughable, and the Warriors, Executors, and Cailleach no longer wish to serve them. They're furious over the treatment of the Wardens. That leaves…these odd Elementals to deal with. They look like they're aligned with Energy, but are almost humanoid in shape. They don't attack us on purpose, but lash out and scream in pain. Just what are they?
Sympathies
It must be difficult for you and Queen Victoria. Lord Brentan's loss is fresh, and even if I held resentment against him, I understand what it's like to shoulder responsibility and grief. May victory come swiftly, so you can find the time to let yourself be weak. We've only known each other on a personal level briefly, but I owe you much. The walls of my castle are quite thick. If you and the Queen want to be afforded time alone, I offer my estate, and promise privacy.
After completing the 'Vow of Misery' quest:
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
I heard what happened from Queen Victoria. We're evacuating the capital city, and taking anyone we can find with us. Lord Granville and the other Nobles will lead the march. There's little we can do against the…thing that's growing from the castle. If you and the Queen know of a way to combat this mockery of an Avatar, then my Knights and I will escort you. More than the throne is at stake now. The weight of that monstrosity is breaking Skye.
Quiraing
This is the Capital of Skye, known as Quiraing. It's where the rich and powerful Nobles of Queen lona's court reside. I see that in stark contrast to the villages I came across, the Capital's walls are overflowing with gold, food, and even knowledge. Caoimhe - Illaria, I mean - mentioned that only the Nobility and Queen lona's adopted children are given education. "Illegal" schools are shut down when they're found. The common folk are asked to focus on 'desperately needed' labor.
Elementals
The Nobles residing in Quiraing aren't of concern. Their skills in combat are laughable, and the Warriors, Executors, and Cailleach no longer wish to serve them. They're furious over the treatment of the Wardens. That leaves…these odd Elementals to deal with. They look like they're aligned with Energy, but are almost humanoid in shape. They don't attack us on purpose, but lash out and scream in pain. Just what are they?
Sympathies
It must be difficult for you and Queen Victoria. Lord Brentan's loss is fresh, and even if I held resentment against him, I understand what it's like to shoulder responsibility and grief. May victory come swiftly, so you can find the time to let yourself be weak. We've only known each other on a personal level briefly, but I owe you much. The walls of my castle are quite thick. If you and the Queen want to be afforded time alone, I offer my estate, and promise privacy.
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
This gala was meant to be a spot of respite for you, and a chance for Chiral Valley's artists to put their talents and skills on display. I knew the ancestral lands of House Vaughn could affect art, but it has never been this severe. One of the artist's paintings came to life and escaped its canvas. It's lurking in the courtyard, and I need help…laying him to rest. It's a living depiction of the King in the Dark - my ancestor's adopted father.
Talk
You've been troubled by so many of Greenguard's woes. My apologies for being the cause of another. I will make this up to you. That's a promise.
Exhibition
Chiral Valley is on the road to recovery. We've worked tirelessly to untwist most of the damage Escherion did, and my Knights are weary from fighting in Skye. I organized an art gala to raise everyone's spirits, but these lands can bring one's imagination to life in more ways than one. A painting of my ancestor's father was brought to life. Luckily, we escorted the civilians inside. I need to stay here to defend them in case things go further awry.
Origins
House Vaughn's…condition has been the subject of many rumors. Few know what it actually is, but the story of our lineage's founding is popular among Chiral Valley's artists. The first Lord Vaughn was a Changeling orphan, given to a monster who lurked in mystery and the unknown. He was known as the King of the Dark. You can hear the full story from Lady Muusa, as well as her interpretation of the old tale.
Dark Ages
The King of the Dark is only tangentially related to the element of Darkness. What his name refers to is an era when magic was still largely unknown to humankind. The world was vast, dark, and full of danger. The people of yore didn't understand how to use the magic in their veins yet, and relied on stones, sticks, and teeth to survive. According to written history, this predates any contact with the Elemental Avatars.
- Lord Henry Vaughn III's Quests
- Castle Whistler Spoils
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
Well, well, well - A decorated adventurer with many stories. I commend the royal family for welcoming you into the castle. Should you ever find yourself in the Western Valleys, or even in need of gold, the Vaughns' vaults are open to you as well. It's the warriors that change history, and I'd be happy to aid you on your way to greatness! If the royal family would actually let me. Tch…
Vaughns
The Vaughns have protected the Western territories of Greenguard for time immemorial. If it were not for us, the Sandsea's desert would have spilled into the Capital a long time ago. But we couldn't have achieved that without the support of a good Ruler or the efforts of fine warriors like yourself. We haven't had a good King in a long while, not even now. But, perhaps I'm looking at a future candidate…
Collateral
Before the rumors reach you, allow me to tell you the truth. My father supported the previous tyrant King during the rebellion. He and two of my brothers were slain by Sir Valen. The new royal family showed me mercy, but took collateral to guarantee my loyalty. They gave custody of my younger brother to the Neverglades' Lord. I heard they raised him well, until he passed away from a supposed illness.
Monarchy
Greenguard used to be powerful, but that was long before King Alteon or the rulers before him. My ancestors fought alongside warrior Kings, conquering far off lands and their gods. That golden age is long gone, along with my father and brothers. These days, it's the adventurers that gather in Battleon that show the most promise. And you…if you do aim for a Crown one day, I think you'd have powerful supporters.
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
My apologies for leaving battle without warning you. I saw Caoimhe take the staff you found in Naoise' Grave, and flee East. She donned garb that resembled those of the other Wardens of Skye…but I believe those aren't her true colors. Come, I'll row you across the water.
Ice
The Hill of Lia was surrounded by a wall of ice, but according to Lord Granville's men, it melted all of a sudden. The timing lines up with the moment you emerged from Naoise's Grave. These snowstorms and ice formations aren't natural. I have a theory. Someone is manipulating the weather to guide us down a specific path. Are they on lona's side? If so, why did they keep us at Naoise' Grave until you found that staff? There has to be an ulterior motive to this.
Caoimhe
Kieran's loss reminds me of my own. That's why I chased after Caoimhe. Felix spoke of the three Wardens of Skye, and the only one left unaccounted for was Illaria of the South…until now. That has to be Caoimhe's true identity. The Fianna and Kieran cared for her, and those feelings are clearly returned. There's no denying that she was a spy, but either came to believe in the rebel's cause, or already harbored those feelings. We could swing her back to our side.
Hill
I believe that's the Hill of Lia Tara in the middle of the lake. While I was chasing after Caoimhe, I noticed that lightning strikes the top of that hill every so often. In fact, it seems to twitch and move. Of course, it's not doing that right now, but I saw it. The water rippled each time it stirred. You say the Hill is actually the corpse of a dead god? Let's hope they stay that way. I don't think they'd show benevolence to invaders, regardless of our reasons for trampling on their grave.
After completing the 'Changeling' quest:
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
Lord Brentan…I was very pointed about avoiding eye contact. How ironic. Now that he's dead, it will be impossible to ignore him. I understand that he was your friend, and close to the Queen…but his family took my youngest brother from me on the grounds that it would keep former Dethix I loyalists from acting out. The way Kieran feels about lona is the same way I feel about Brentan. That said, if your heart aches, then I mourn for your sorrow, and only your sorrow.
Ice
The Hill of Lia was surrounded by a wall of ice, but according to Lord Granville's men, it melted all of a sudden. The timing lines up with the moment you emerged from Naoise's Grave. These snowstorms and ice formations aren't natural. I have a theory. Someone is manipulating the weather to guide us down a specific path. Are they on lona's side? If so, why did they keep us at Naoise' Grave until you found that staff? There has to be an ulterior motive to this.
Caoimhe
Kieran's loss reminds me of my own. That's why I chased after Caoimhe. Felix spoke of the three Wardens of Skye, and the only one left unaccounted for was Illaria of the South…until now. That has to be Caoimhe's true identity. The Fianna and Kieran cared for her, and those feelings are clearly returned. There's no denying that she was a spy, but either came to believe in the rebel's cause, or already harbored those feelings. We could swing her back to our side.
Hill
I believe that's the Hill of Lia Tara in the middle of the lake. While I was chasing after Caoimhe, I noticed that lightning strikes the top of that hill every so often. In fact, it seems to twitch and move. Of course, it's not doing that right now, but I saw it. The water rippled each time it stirred. You say the Hill is actually the corpse of a dead god? Let's hope they stay that way. I don't think they'd show benevolence to invaders, regardless of our reasons for trampling on their grave.
Lord Protector of the Western Valleys
You look busy, but I hope you're well. It seems like everyone in Greenguard has business in House Noelle's territory, which is to be expected. The legendary Magnum Opus Forges relit themselves after centuries of dormancy, and the opportunists came flooding in. I came to support Lady Song, and help her, the Dwarves, and the Drow arrange trade partnerships with other factions. Having some muscle present keeps the other Nobles in line.
Visit
Lady Song is a capable and reliable friend. Her induction into Greenguard's nobility is a happy thing, but she hasn't had much time to rest. House Noelle's territory is being slammed by a flood of visitors because the Magnum Opus Forges were relit. Lady Song doesn't have enough knights to keep order. I came to lend her my support. Chuckles Having me standing menacingly nearby keeps unwanted suitors away as well.
Adreanna
Lady Adreanna Noelle returned from her exile, adopted a foreigner, and died at the bottom of the ocean. It was all the nobles could talk about. I'm sure there was true affection between her and Lady Song. It's just…somewhat calculated. Adreanna had no heirs. Her mother is alive, but old and ill. She doesn't know Adreanna has passed. Song is keeping her dream alive. I…feel for her circumstances.
Seraphs
My Seraphic associate just went inside. She has a meeting with the Blacksmith's Guild to commission new weapons. I hope she's rested enough to negotiate. I overheard her practicing out in the woods, and then she began venting to herself. "The pretty boys in white and gold are just too squeamish about the splatter-stains. Remember when I said that? Good job willing them into existence, idiot." I've been there before. Still there, in fact.
