The Weight of the Rift
Description
DescriptionDespite being trapped in Valia's political machinations, Caelum remains lord of the Riftlands, and the people of Raven's Rest still look to them for protection and justice. When Farmer Torpsen reports attacks by 'feral dwarves' and tries to appeal to Lord Vervson over Caelum's head, Alfreida—ever loyal—redirects him appropriately and asks for Caelum's orders. It's the first genuine exercise of authority Caelum has experienced since arriving in the capital, a reminder that they have power and responsibility beyond Aurelia's games. Caelum's careful response—sending half the Corvine Guard to investigate without assuming the farmer's story, protecting people while avoiding unnecessary bloodshed—shows the kind of lord they're trying to become. In a city where they feel powerless, the Rift reminds them that they still matter to someone. Session 4 update: Despite drowning in the capital's political machinations, Caelum remains lord of the Riftlands, and when crisis strikes, they must prove worthy of that title. Their measured response to the goblin-orc threat—prioritizing lives over pride, seeking aid despite political cost—transforms Thalara's perception of them and demonstrates the kind of lord they're becoming under pressure. Session 6 update: The orc raids on House Cadir's lands escalate into a genuine crisis. Commander Fairbrook reports many Corvine Guard killed, fields burned to ash, and disturbing accounts of a half-rotten orc leading the attacks. Caelum faces their first true test of leadership—making life-or-death decisions from afar. After consultation with Daria, who offers a sounding board for the young lord's vulnerabilities, Caelum chooses to order withdrawal and wait for reinforcements rather than risk more lives in a potentially disastrous final push. It's a decision that prioritizes caution and preservation of life over immediate resolution or political glory.
Timeline
The Lord's Burden
Caelum receives correspondence from Alfreida about Farmer Torpsen's petition regarding attacks on his goats. The farmer's preference for Lord Vervson over the rightful heir stings, but Caelum responds with thoughtful, measured orders that demonstrate genuine care for their people and careful judgment—their first real act of lordship since arriving in the capital.
Lord of the Rift
Commander Fairbrook's raven brings crisis—goblins and orcs fortified in the mountains, threatening multiple settlements. Caelum convenes their inner circle and makes a mature leadership decision: withdraw to defensive positions, rally neighboring settlements, and inform House Verson despite political cost. Thalara witnesses Caelum choosing lives over pride and offers genuine respect for the first time.
The Weight of Command
Commander Fairbrook's letter brings news of heavy losses and a mysterious half-rotten orc leader; Caelum must make a command decision from hundreds of miles away, choosing caution over glory by ordering withdrawal until reinforcements arrive
A Lord's Testimony
The council meeting finally arrives—the moment Caelum has prepared for throughout the entire season. Despite arriving bloodied and late, despite the accusations and political machinations, the vote splits evenly. But Queen Venia delivers a devastating ruling: Caelum is too young, and the sacred oaths sworn thirteen years ago are annulled. He no longer inherits by blood and legacy alone. He must prove himself worthy and try again in autumn.
Ashes of Ambition
The rejection cuts deeper than simple denial—the annulment of the oaths feels like being severed from his own house, from thirteen years of suffering and struggle. Caelum sits frozen with devastation as the council disperses, unable to process that everything he's fought for has been deferred, questioned, stripped of its foundational certainty. Yet he rises with trembling dignity and walks out, carrying the weight of a lordship promised, then taken away.