The Backstory
Sadly, little of this
applies to the
Gameboy version. I hope to find a Gameboy version instruction manual
and see if there is any relevant story information there.
The tale leading up to the
events in Heroes of Might and Magic has a large emphasis on Lord
Morglin Ironfist.
There
are three other leaders vying for the land that would eventually be
known as Enroth, however, little is known about them. One has the name
of a recurring Villain (really, just an identity stolen by a different
Villain), Lord Alamar. This appearance is co-incidental most likely,
but Enroth seems to be an alternate reality to the other Might and
Magic worlds. Figures and characters that have been either in your
party in old Might and Magic games, or opposed to your party, dot the
land. Lord Ironfist is one of them too. Lord Ironfist is a character in
Might and Magic 1. One of his quests is also to find Lord Kilburn,
another character whom is in this game as well. His starting town in
the campaign is also New Sorpigal. Sorpigal is one of the main and
central cities in the original Might and Magic. The region known as
Varnal Hills implied the world of VARN, which is the world of Might and
Magic 1. It is possible that the
Lord Ironfist and Lord Kilburn characters are the same as those
mentioned earlier, or that these
current versions are merely descendants of the originals. Needless to
say, the story begins with Lord Ironfist, on the run for matters soon
to be appearant. Update:
Cepheus/Dubiel confirmed to me that this Ironfist is indeed not the one
from MM1 (that would be Ragnar) and the Lord Killburn in MM1 is the Son
or Nephew of the Homm1 Killburn.
I now present to you:
Letters from Lord Ironfist
23rd Day of the Month of the
Raven
Common Year 632
To my great and munificent lord, King Ragnar, from his
loyal cousin Lord IronFist - Greetings.
It has been thirty days since I crossed through the mys-
terious gate which opened in the Varnal Hills and thus
found myself in this strange and uncharted land. I wish
my dear lord and cousin, through this missive, to dispel
the ugly rumors about me, which I fear you might believe.
I was deeply shocked, dear cousin, by the attempt of the
wizard Guthbert to slay you. I heard that upon the rack
of pain, shortly after you had his arms torn from their
sockets, that he cried out my name as the one who had
paid him. Dear cousin, it has injured me grievously to hear
that you believed him. You know my loyalty to you is
undying. Even though you took the hand of fair Ewine to
be your queen, though I loved her dearly, still it is wrong
to think I would wish harm upon you. That wretch
Guthbert must have forged my signature to the letter
you found in his chambers. As for the satchel of gold
bearing my mark, I know not how it came to be in
Guthbert’s possession. I believe some dark enemy must
have planted it to cast blame upon me for such a das-
tardly crime.
Please trust me on this.
I was sorely grieved to hear that your barons had set out
to arrest me. I am deeply hurt to hear it being said that I
fled like a coward up into the Varnal Hills to escape your
justice. I was merely going on a hunting expedition, dear
cousin - an innocent trip to escape the heat of summer
accompanied by a few trusted servants. The fact that I
took my family jewels with me was simply to keep them
safe, for there is always the problem of thievery on the
part of servants while the master is away.
How I came into this strange land is still somewhat of a
mystery to me. While wandering in the Hills, I, and my
few retainers, stumbled into a narrow pass on the bor-
ders of your realm. As we walked into the pass, a strange
glowing light engulfed us for a moment. We turned to go
back from whence we came, but an invisible barrier was
now in place. Try as we might, we could not penetrate it.
So we continued on, passing out of the Hills down into a
strange uncharted land. All seemed different in this new
place. The sun is not like the red of our lands, but rather
has a strange yellow hue. It seems that objects do not fall
quite as fast when dropped and the air holds more mois-
ture to it.
We wandered for many days and found no trace of pillars
marking boundaries, no rulers, or any hint of kings and
laws. All was wilderness, untamed, and untouched by the
hands of thinking beings.
Of course, my dear cousin, I immediately realized that
here was an opportunity to extend your realm and win
for you greater honors and treasure. Thus did I erect
boundary markers and raised up your banner to lay claim
to, in your name, all the lands as far as my eyes could see.
Please accept this as a sign of my fealty and family loyal-
ty and ignore any disparaging rumors about earlier
events.
My dear cousin and liege lord, after wandering for many
days I bethought it appropriate to try and return
through the gate and inform you of my great discoveries
in your name. I wished to bring word of my discoveries to
you personally, before other barons tried to do so first.
But my lord, the mysterious gate was still closed and I
could not pass through it. Thus did I erect a pillar next
to it, and shall place there this letter and those that I
will write afterwards, to show my service to you in
extending your realms. I shall keep you informed of my
progress in service to you and your undying glory.
Please extend as well my most humble respects to the
fair, gentle and lovely Queen Ewine. Tell her that out of
my loyalty to you I think of her each morning and night
and wish her happiness at your side. Loyally, Ironfist
Common Year 632
To my great and munificent lord, King Ragnar, from his
loyal cousin Lord IronFist - Greetings.
It has been thirty days since I crossed through the mys-
terious gate which opened in the Varnal Hills and thus
found myself in this strange and uncharted land. I wish
my dear lord and cousin, through this missive, to dispel
the ugly rumors about me, which I fear you might believe.
I was deeply shocked, dear cousin, by the attempt of the
wizard Guthbert to slay you. I heard that upon the rack
of pain, shortly after you had his arms torn from their
sockets, that he cried out my name as the one who had
paid him. Dear cousin, it has injured me grievously to hear
that you believed him. You know my loyalty to you is
undying. Even though you took the hand of fair Ewine to
be your queen, though I loved her dearly, still it is wrong
to think I would wish harm upon you. That wretch
Guthbert must have forged my signature to the letter
you found in his chambers. As for the satchel of gold
bearing my mark, I know not how it came to be in
Guthbert’s possession. I believe some dark enemy must
have planted it to cast blame upon me for such a das-
tardly crime.
Please trust me on this.
I was sorely grieved to hear that your barons had set out
to arrest me. I am deeply hurt to hear it being said that I
fled like a coward up into the Varnal Hills to escape your
justice. I was merely going on a hunting expedition, dear
cousin - an innocent trip to escape the heat of summer
accompanied by a few trusted servants. The fact that I
took my family jewels with me was simply to keep them
safe, for there is always the problem of thievery on the
part of servants while the master is away.
How I came into this strange land is still somewhat of a
mystery to me. While wandering in the Hills, I, and my
few retainers, stumbled into a narrow pass on the bor-
ders of your realm. As we walked into the pass, a strange
glowing light engulfed us for a moment. We turned to go
back from whence we came, but an invisible barrier was
now in place. Try as we might, we could not penetrate it.
So we continued on, passing out of the Hills down into a
strange uncharted land. All seemed different in this new
place. The sun is not like the red of our lands, but rather
has a strange yellow hue. It seems that objects do not fall
quite as fast when dropped and the air holds more mois-
ture to it.
We wandered for many days and found no trace of pillars
marking boundaries, no rulers, or any hint of kings and
laws. All was wilderness, untamed, and untouched by the
hands of thinking beings.
Of course, my dear cousin, I immediately realized that
here was an opportunity to extend your realm and win
for you greater honors and treasure. Thus did I erect
boundary markers and raised up your banner to lay claim
to, in your name, all the lands as far as my eyes could see.
Please accept this as a sign of my fealty and family loyal-
ty and ignore any disparaging rumors about earlier
events.
My dear cousin and liege lord, after wandering for many
days I bethought it appropriate to try and return
through the gate and inform you of my great discoveries
in your name. I wished to bring word of my discoveries to
you personally, before other barons tried to do so first.
But my lord, the mysterious gate was still closed and I
could not pass through it. Thus did I erect a pillar next
to it, and shall place there this letter and those that I
will write afterwards, to show my service to you in
extending your realms. I shall keep you informed of my
progress in service to you and your undying glory.
Please extend as well my most humble respects to the
fair, gentle and lovely Queen Ewine. Tell her that out of
my loyalty to you I think of her each morning and night
and wish her happiness at your side. Loyally, Ironfist
4th
Day of the Month of the Dragonfly
Common Year 632
My dear lord, King Ragnar,
It has been more than a month since my last missive was
sent up to where the mysterious gate was located. There,
56my most trusted servant waits in hope that the barrier
preventing our return dissipates and he may deliver my
pronouncements of fidelity and news of your growing
estates here personally. I have moved my headquarters a
dozen leagues down out of the hills and into a fair valley
filled with game, great trees and swift running streams.
It is a curious place and at first I thought the lands were
devoid of all those who walk upright and can speak. For
days I pondered what next to do. I wondered if all around
me was thus. And then on the seventh day after arriving
in the valley, a wandering peasant came through the
woods and I thought, here at last is your first new min-
ion.
I tried to put him to work chopping down trees so that
he might plant grain to make my bread for me, but he
was recalcitrant, as are most peasants. Finally I deemed it
necessary to lower myself to speak to him at length. We
had here a great problem. My retainers, being men of
arms, of course could not be asked to work and our one
peasant refused to labor. Though tempted to kill him I
realized we would starve next winter, if there is a winter
here, if we did not reason with him.
I asked him where were the people and creatures I needed
to serve me. He bargained long and hard for the secret,
something I found distasteful. Finally I agreed to pay him
if he would tell me the secrets of this place and reveal a
way to bring in those who would serve me. He then gave
me this cryptic answer:
“If you build it, they will come.”
I was angry at such a stupid saying and prepared to slay
him and then he explained.
The following day I set the peasant and my men to build-
ing huts. It took some reasoning with my men to convince
them that this was not peasant labor, but rather was
the simple building of shelters in the same way that they
would prepare an encampment. Even with this logical
explanation, many were reluctant to work beneath their
station. I was forced at last to bribe them with some of
my jewels to convince them of the dignity of what they
had to do.
Lo and behold, on the morning after the huts were com-
pleted I awoke to find a deputation of peasants outside
my tent, begging me for the right to occupy the homes
that had been created.
I thought long and hard upon this before lowering myself
to speak to them. I explained to them that by living upon
the land I had claimed and living in the huts I had made
for them, that they owed me the obligation of their liege
lord. They were to cultivate the ground, offer a tithe to
me and that the men were to serve in time of war. In
exchange I would offer them the protection of my sword.
They willingly accepted. Marks were made upon a piece
of parchment and the agreement was struck. The peas-
ants moved in that same day and began to work.
This set my mind to thinking and I asked the crafty peas-
ant for more advice.
Heeding him, the next day I set my men to building huts
of straw and huts of sticks. This cost me more money in
payments, but that was offset in a small amount when I
demanded of the peasants and received rent payments,
even if it was but a few coppers. The huts of straw and
sticks were finally completed and to my utter amazement
58goblins and orcs appeared from out of the woods, willing
to serve me in exchange for the places of dwelling. We
struck the same agreement as I had made with the peas-
ants.
Frankly my lord cousin, these seem to be foolish creatures
who are in need of a leader and hero to provide them with
places to live. They seem not self-reliant at all but expect
some form of liege to provide everything for them. I heard
them exclaim that such a thing was their right and their
ruler should provide to them all things. I gladly gave it to
them and easily convinced them that I am their all-know-
ing leader. Now they are mine to use as I see fit, for they
are fearful of losing what I have given them.
Thus I have started the building of a town, which we are
considering naming after you. My only fear is that it will
not become great enough to be worthy of the name. To
ensure you would not lose faith we have chosen our family
name, so that should the town fail all will think it was
named for your humble servant. It cost much to begin,
but even now a small but steady amount of money is
starting to trickle back, for these creatures do have
pieces of copper in their pockets, though I wonder who
out there is minting the coins.
I will keep building all sorts of structures and I will see
what else will come.
Please extend to Lady Ewine my warmest thoughts and
tell her I have many fond memories of times I spent with
her. She’ll know what I mean.
Common Year 632
My dear lord, King Ragnar,
It has been more than a month since my last missive was
sent up to where the mysterious gate was located. There,
56my most trusted servant waits in hope that the barrier
preventing our return dissipates and he may deliver my
pronouncements of fidelity and news of your growing
estates here personally. I have moved my headquarters a
dozen leagues down out of the hills and into a fair valley
filled with game, great trees and swift running streams.
It is a curious place and at first I thought the lands were
devoid of all those who walk upright and can speak. For
days I pondered what next to do. I wondered if all around
me was thus. And then on the seventh day after arriving
in the valley, a wandering peasant came through the
woods and I thought, here at last is your first new min-
ion.
I tried to put him to work chopping down trees so that
he might plant grain to make my bread for me, but he
was recalcitrant, as are most peasants. Finally I deemed it
necessary to lower myself to speak to him at length. We
had here a great problem. My retainers, being men of
arms, of course could not be asked to work and our one
peasant refused to labor. Though tempted to kill him I
realized we would starve next winter, if there is a winter
here, if we did not reason with him.
I asked him where were the people and creatures I needed
to serve me. He bargained long and hard for the secret,
something I found distasteful. Finally I agreed to pay him
if he would tell me the secrets of this place and reveal a
way to bring in those who would serve me. He then gave
me this cryptic answer:
“If you build it, they will come.”
I was angry at such a stupid saying and prepared to slay
him and then he explained.
The following day I set the peasant and my men to build-
ing huts. It took some reasoning with my men to convince
them that this was not peasant labor, but rather was
the simple building of shelters in the same way that they
would prepare an encampment. Even with this logical
explanation, many were reluctant to work beneath their
station. I was forced at last to bribe them with some of
my jewels to convince them of the dignity of what they
had to do.
Lo and behold, on the morning after the huts were com-
pleted I awoke to find a deputation of peasants outside
my tent, begging me for the right to occupy the homes
that had been created.
I thought long and hard upon this before lowering myself
to speak to them. I explained to them that by living upon
the land I had claimed and living in the huts I had made
for them, that they owed me the obligation of their liege
lord. They were to cultivate the ground, offer a tithe to
me and that the men were to serve in time of war. In
exchange I would offer them the protection of my sword.
They willingly accepted. Marks were made upon a piece
of parchment and the agreement was struck. The peas-
ants moved in that same day and began to work.
This set my mind to thinking and I asked the crafty peas-
ant for more advice.
Heeding him, the next day I set my men to building huts
of straw and huts of sticks. This cost me more money in
payments, but that was offset in a small amount when I
demanded of the peasants and received rent payments,
even if it was but a few coppers. The huts of straw and
sticks were finally completed and to my utter amazement
58goblins and orcs appeared from out of the woods, willing
to serve me in exchange for the places of dwelling. We
struck the same agreement as I had made with the peas-
ants.
Frankly my lord cousin, these seem to be foolish creatures
who are in need of a leader and hero to provide them with
places to live. They seem not self-reliant at all but expect
some form of liege to provide everything for them. I heard
them exclaim that such a thing was their right and their
ruler should provide to them all things. I gladly gave it to
them and easily convinced them that I am their all-know-
ing leader. Now they are mine to use as I see fit, for they
are fearful of losing what I have given them.
Thus I have started the building of a town, which we are
considering naming after you. My only fear is that it will
not become great enough to be worthy of the name. To
ensure you would not lose faith we have chosen our family
name, so that should the town fail all will think it was
named for your humble servant. It cost much to begin,
but even now a small but steady amount of money is
starting to trickle back, for these creatures do have
pieces of copper in their pockets, though I wonder who
out there is minting the coins.
I will keep building all sorts of structures and I will see
what else will come.
Please extend to Lady Ewine my warmest thoughts and
tell her I have many fond memories of times I spent with
her. She’ll know what I mean.
18th Day of the Month of the Unicorn
Common Year 633
Dear Cousin Ragnar,
It has been nearly a year since my last missive to you, but
I have been preoccupied with many things. I should add
that my messenger reports that the gate is still barred
shut and no one may pass it. After some months he felt it
necessary to cease his vigil. He told me as well that the
last two letters I left for you atop the boundary pillar I
erected have not been taken, but I shall continue to write
you nevertheless.
Through my leadership and strength much has changed in
59this valley which I now control and have named the Valley
of Ragnar in your honor. Where once forest stood, now
there is a thriving town. I continued to build things, using
all my wealth, but I know my lord that you will be pleased
with what I have done to honor you, and that when the
time comes you will pay me back the difference in what I
have spent here so far. A full accounting of the cost is
enclosed. All income has gone to maintenance.
As to the management of my barony, I felt it important
to build the population of the realm first. Therefore, I set
out to construct many different dwellings to bring under
my banner a great host. With the building of a brick
house mighty ogres came to live in the valley. When I
commanded that a bridge be placed over the River
Morglin, I returned there the next day to find a troll
having taken up residence beneath it. As each of these
creatures came I presented them with parchments to
sign, recognizing me as their liege, which they gladly did.
Wolves are always worthy allies and they can scent
trouble from afar, therefore I commanded that dens be
made. The following day massive, intelligent beasts came
out of the woods and offered onto me their service.
Next I sought men of skill. The peasants had spoken of
wizards and such many times. With the digging of a well,
to provide cooling spring water for the tempering of
steel, a blacksmith and then a rank of pikemen came into
my service. A field was then cleared and the grass cut
short. Target butts were set up and archers appeared to
offer their services. A tavern near the bridge was built
and from within its rooms swordsmen drink their fill and
have fun bloodying each other as they argue about dice
and mates.
There are more plans afoot here as well, my lord. Even
now I am building a most curious structure, tiny houses
set up in the trees to rally the fairy sprites to my side.
Cottages near the side of the mountains are being hewn
of stone so that dwarves will serve me, while in the woods
I have been advised to set up targets so that elven
archers may come to try their sport.
Once the elves and dwarves serve me, I am told that they
will help to make such things as great stone circles for
the pleasure of druids, fenced meadows for unicorns and
fearful red towers for the mighty phoenix.
Already I have created a dwelling place for users of magic
and one is now in my service. He is expensive though, my
lord, for to master his spells is a costly process. My
funds have run short and I have made the decision to let
the arcane arts of magic wait. For the price of but one
spell I can marshal a host of peasants. I remember as well
the fool Guthbert, your court magician. He wasn’t worth
very much if memory serves me well.
Speaking of money I should point out to you the tens of
thousands in gold that I have spent so far in this venture,
which was started solely to glorify your name. My pock-
ets are not bottomless, cousin, and though my servants
now bring in some small income, still it is not enough.
Therefore, if you read this letter, I would ask of you to
send more money to me, for after all this has become
quite an expensive proposition. Your flag does not fly
over this realm, cousin, without incurring some obligation
in return.
Oh yes, I should add that I did erect a modest dwelling
place for myself, which I call Morglin’s Keep. I have
tastefully appointed it as befitting the honor of one of
your servants.
Once the spring planting has been finished I plan to take
part of my new host and go adventuring, for I am told
that this land is vast and that if one looks carefully there
are riches to be found and glory to be won. Of course, my
lord, whatever I find shall be for the glory of your name.
Do send my best to Lady Ewine.
Common Year 633
Dear Cousin Ragnar,
It has been nearly a year since my last missive to you, but
I have been preoccupied with many things. I should add
that my messenger reports that the gate is still barred
shut and no one may pass it. After some months he felt it
necessary to cease his vigil. He told me as well that the
last two letters I left for you atop the boundary pillar I
erected have not been taken, but I shall continue to write
you nevertheless.
Through my leadership and strength much has changed in
59this valley which I now control and have named the Valley
of Ragnar in your honor. Where once forest stood, now
there is a thriving town. I continued to build things, using
all my wealth, but I know my lord that you will be pleased
with what I have done to honor you, and that when the
time comes you will pay me back the difference in what I
have spent here so far. A full accounting of the cost is
enclosed. All income has gone to maintenance.
As to the management of my barony, I felt it important
to build the population of the realm first. Therefore, I set
out to construct many different dwellings to bring under
my banner a great host. With the building of a brick
house mighty ogres came to live in the valley. When I
commanded that a bridge be placed over the River
Morglin, I returned there the next day to find a troll
having taken up residence beneath it. As each of these
creatures came I presented them with parchments to
sign, recognizing me as their liege, which they gladly did.
Wolves are always worthy allies and they can scent
trouble from afar, therefore I commanded that dens be
made. The following day massive, intelligent beasts came
out of the woods and offered onto me their service.
Next I sought men of skill. The peasants had spoken of
wizards and such many times. With the digging of a well,
to provide cooling spring water for the tempering of
steel, a blacksmith and then a rank of pikemen came into
my service. A field was then cleared and the grass cut
short. Target butts were set up and archers appeared to
offer their services. A tavern near the bridge was built
and from within its rooms swordsmen drink their fill and
have fun bloodying each other as they argue about dice
and mates.
There are more plans afoot here as well, my lord. Even
now I am building a most curious structure, tiny houses
set up in the trees to rally the fairy sprites to my side.
Cottages near the side of the mountains are being hewn
of stone so that dwarves will serve me, while in the woods
I have been advised to set up targets so that elven
archers may come to try their sport.
Once the elves and dwarves serve me, I am told that they
will help to make such things as great stone circles for
the pleasure of druids, fenced meadows for unicorns and
fearful red towers for the mighty phoenix.
Already I have created a dwelling place for users of magic
and one is now in my service. He is expensive though, my
lord, for to master his spells is a costly process. My
funds have run short and I have made the decision to let
the arcane arts of magic wait. For the price of but one
spell I can marshal a host of peasants. I remember as well
the fool Guthbert, your court magician. He wasn’t worth
very much if memory serves me well.
Speaking of money I should point out to you the tens of
thousands in gold that I have spent so far in this venture,
which was started solely to glorify your name. My pock-
ets are not bottomless, cousin, and though my servants
now bring in some small income, still it is not enough.
Therefore, if you read this letter, I would ask of you to
send more money to me, for after all this has become
quite an expensive proposition. Your flag does not fly
over this realm, cousin, without incurring some obligation
in return.
Oh yes, I should add that I did erect a modest dwelling
place for myself, which I call Morglin’s Keep. I have
tastefully appointed it as befitting the honor of one of
your servants.
Once the spring planting has been finished I plan to take
part of my new host and go adventuring, for I am told
that this land is vast and that if one looks carefully there
are riches to be found and glory to be won. Of course, my
lord, whatever I find shall be for the glory of your name.
Do send my best to Lady Ewine.
29th Day of the Month of the Aardvark
Common Year 635
Cousin,
It has been more than two years since I sent my last mis-
sive up into the hills to be placed near the gate where I
first came through into this world. I am informed that
my previous letters are gone but that no reply was wait-
ing. I am not sure if you or a servant of yours found the
gate and came through, or if thieves violated the bound-
ary pillar placed there.
I embarked on my expedition to explore new lands and
have endured two long and hard years of campaigning. At
62first all was uneventful, though by careful looking I found
occasional deposits of rare metals, burial mounds contain-
ing treasures, and other such things. I also met strange
and terrible creatures. Near an ancient graveyard I did
battle with ghosts. I met wandering beasts with fearsome
skills and bested them in single combat to the glory of my
name.
After wandering for many weeks I came at last upon
another town. As I approached it the inhabitants barred
the gates. They then climbed upon the battlements and
made rude gestures. They made strange noises while
sticking out their tongues and said many coarse and vul-
gar things about your lineage. Of course I attacked them
at once. At first I was thrown back, losing many of my
peasants and some swordsmen. Then I laid siege to the
place, having my men construct engines of war. The cata-
pults I constructed finally cast down the walls of the
town. I was tempted, since my honor had been insulted, to
burn the filthy place to the ground and slay all within.
Before I could give such an order my advisor, formerly the
old peasant and now an honored chamberlain, pointed out
that I could turn the town to my use and wealth.
It was there that I discovered much about this land. The
town I had thus taken was a barbarian town and was
filled with creatures unique to such a place. There I
brought into my service more orcs, wolves, ogres and
trolls, along with a powerful cyclops. I found out as well
that there are many other towns scattered about the
lands. Some are towns of humans alone. Others are con-
trolled by a sorceress and magical creatures reside there.
A few towns, which are hard to find, are ruled by war-
locks and have within their walls powerful and dreadful
creatures such as minotaurs, gargoyles and even dragons.
I am not yet prepared to deal with such and shall avoid
these boroughs.
I found out as well that there are other kings who lay
claim to all the lands and wage war. They have heroes of
great skills in their service and I am warned now that my
power is considerable, attention will be drawn onto me in
an attempt to block the growth of my strength. It
appears I have no choice but to act against others before
they cause me grievous harm.
I plan now to go forth and seek out these other kingdoms,
63to humble them, and place your standard upon their bat-
tlement walls.
Say hello to Ewine for me and ask her if she still has that
curious birthmark.
Common Year 635
Cousin,
It has been more than two years since I sent my last mis-
sive up into the hills to be placed near the gate where I
first came through into this world. I am informed that
my previous letters are gone but that no reply was wait-
ing. I am not sure if you or a servant of yours found the
gate and came through, or if thieves violated the bound-
ary pillar placed there.
I embarked on my expedition to explore new lands and
have endured two long and hard years of campaigning. At
62first all was uneventful, though by careful looking I found
occasional deposits of rare metals, burial mounds contain-
ing treasures, and other such things. I also met strange
and terrible creatures. Near an ancient graveyard I did
battle with ghosts. I met wandering beasts with fearsome
skills and bested them in single combat to the glory of my
name.
After wandering for many weeks I came at last upon
another town. As I approached it the inhabitants barred
the gates. They then climbed upon the battlements and
made rude gestures. They made strange noises while
sticking out their tongues and said many coarse and vul-
gar things about your lineage. Of course I attacked them
at once. At first I was thrown back, losing many of my
peasants and some swordsmen. Then I laid siege to the
place, having my men construct engines of war. The cata-
pults I constructed finally cast down the walls of the
town. I was tempted, since my honor had been insulted, to
burn the filthy place to the ground and slay all within.
Before I could give such an order my advisor, formerly the
old peasant and now an honored chamberlain, pointed out
that I could turn the town to my use and wealth.
It was there that I discovered much about this land. The
town I had thus taken was a barbarian town and was
filled with creatures unique to such a place. There I
brought into my service more orcs, wolves, ogres and
trolls, along with a powerful cyclops. I found out as well
that there are many other towns scattered about the
lands. Some are towns of humans alone. Others are con-
trolled by a sorceress and magical creatures reside there.
A few towns, which are hard to find, are ruled by war-
locks and have within their walls powerful and dreadful
creatures such as minotaurs, gargoyles and even dragons.
I am not yet prepared to deal with such and shall avoid
these boroughs.
I found out as well that there are other kings who lay
claim to all the lands and wage war. They have heroes of
great skills in their service and I am warned now that my
power is considerable, attention will be drawn onto me in
an attempt to block the growth of my strength. It
appears I have no choice but to act against others before
they cause me grievous harm.
I plan now to go forth and seek out these other kingdoms,
63to humble them, and place your standard upon their bat-
tlement walls.
Say hello to Ewine for me and ask her if she still has that
curious birthmark.
3rd Day of the Month of the Mongoose
Common Year 638
Ragnar,
It has been three years since my last note and I have
heard nothing of you. I wonder if you know of my exis-
tence in this realm and do not wish to reply. The bill for
my initial costs stands and I have a copy attached should
the first have not reached you.
I have fought three long and hard campaigns since last I
wrote. Marching out from the first town I captured, I
wandered across strange lands of mountains, deserts,
swamps and deep woods. There were many creatures to
contend with, some of great strength, some willing to
rally to my banner, some wishing to tear it down. Of
those who stood in my way, their bones now lay bleached
in the sun.
After long weeks of wandering I met an opposing army
that had come to smite me and had a long and difficult
battle with it, losing more than half my host. Finally, I
bested in single combat the hero leading the enemy army
and took him as my prisoner. Shortly afterwards I
received a missive from the hero’s liege lord, offering ran-
som, which I refused, for the amount offered was insult-
ing. I then received another offer, which was far more
munificent. I agreed to accept the ransom payment and
thus refilled my empty coffers. The hero I released parted
from me in good spirits, promising we would meet again,
to which I replied that I prayed it would be so for I would
undoubtedly need more money.
I came onto a town next to an open sea and took it after
difficult battle. There I captured another hero and this
one pledged service to me. Now with this leader to serve
me I made a fateful decision. I split my army, sending half
of it with him. Purchasing boats, my hero took his army
and led them great distances, exploring many strange and
wondrous lands. I received information from him and was
able to draw up maps of all that I thought I now owned,
and was well pleased. Unfortunately my hero met with an
evil magician who destroyed him and my army.
Then came dark and difficult days. The great prince of
another realm sent a powerful army against my capital
city, which you will recall I named after you.
I regret to report that the small garrison I left there was
overwhelmed and the city taken. This created great dif-
ficulties since one of my main sources of income was thus
denied me. It forced me to march back, bringing my
depleted host with me to retake the town. This I suc-
ceeded in, but then I lost the other towns in my posses-
sion as well.
Ragnar, I am fighting a difficult battle here and you have
not helped one bit. Twenty or thirty thousand in gold
would be a great help right now if you wish me to keep
this realm in your name.
By the way, do ask Ewine about the interesting time we
once had and both fondly remember as “the night of mad-
ness.
Common Year 638
Ragnar,
It has been three years since my last note and I have
heard nothing of you. I wonder if you know of my exis-
tence in this realm and do not wish to reply. The bill for
my initial costs stands and I have a copy attached should
the first have not reached you.
I have fought three long and hard campaigns since last I
wrote. Marching out from the first town I captured, I
wandered across strange lands of mountains, deserts,
swamps and deep woods. There were many creatures to
contend with, some of great strength, some willing to
rally to my banner, some wishing to tear it down. Of
those who stood in my way, their bones now lay bleached
in the sun.
After long weeks of wandering I met an opposing army
that had come to smite me and had a long and difficult
battle with it, losing more than half my host. Finally, I
bested in single combat the hero leading the enemy army
and took him as my prisoner. Shortly afterwards I
received a missive from the hero’s liege lord, offering ran-
som, which I refused, for the amount offered was insult-
ing. I then received another offer, which was far more
munificent. I agreed to accept the ransom payment and
thus refilled my empty coffers. The hero I released parted
from me in good spirits, promising we would meet again,
to which I replied that I prayed it would be so for I would
undoubtedly need more money.
I came onto a town next to an open sea and took it after
difficult battle. There I captured another hero and this
one pledged service to me. Now with this leader to serve
me I made a fateful decision. I split my army, sending half
of it with him. Purchasing boats, my hero took his army
and led them great distances, exploring many strange and
wondrous lands. I received information from him and was
able to draw up maps of all that I thought I now owned,
and was well pleased. Unfortunately my hero met with an
evil magician who destroyed him and my army.
Then came dark and difficult days. The great prince of
another realm sent a powerful army against my capital
city, which you will recall I named after you.
I regret to report that the small garrison I left there was
overwhelmed and the city taken. This created great dif-
ficulties since one of my main sources of income was thus
denied me. It forced me to march back, bringing my
depleted host with me to retake the town. This I suc-
ceeded in, but then I lost the other towns in my posses-
sion as well.
Ragnar, I am fighting a difficult battle here and you have
not helped one bit. Twenty or thirty thousand in gold
would be a great help right now if you wish me to keep
this realm in your name.
By the way, do ask Ewine about the interesting time we
once had and both fondly remember as “the night of mad-
ness.
11th Day of the Month of the Lizard
Common Year 641
Ragnar,
I have survived the last three years, no thanks to you. I
thought for a time that all was lost. I had but one town,
my capital, that the residents insist on calling Ironfist
Keep. Twice I was besieged and twice I repelled the
attacks.
Both times I captured the hero leading the attacking
hosts. The first of these heroes was the same one I had
captured before. Thinking that I could gain great wealth I
held him for ransom. I received a paltry offer the first
time and reasoned that I had but to hold out and his mas-
ter would offer a great sum. I never heard from that skin
flint of a king again. I asked the hero to then serve me
but he refused. I was bound by the code of royal blood and
could not execute him and thus had to let him go. I had
lost a hero and had no ransom money to show for my
effort.
The second time I was wiser and upon capturing the hero
of the next attacking host I immediately made an offer
to him and he gladly accepted the right to serve me. He
has become a powerful ally. While still protecting the
source of my power I sent him out and he recaptured the
town I once held to the south. I built my wealth up,
investing in yet more structures to bring various crea-
tures and brave warriors into my service. I had found
that moving forward aggressively at the start of things
might win great glory and honor, but also left one vulner-
able to attack from the rear.
The next time I was attacked I repulsed it easily, driving
my enemies before me and hearing the lamentations of
their loved ones.
At great expense I built jousting arenas to attract great
and powerful knights into my service and then at even
greater expense I erected a holy cathedral so that
mighty paladins would rally to my banner.
I did not neglect the realms of magic either, for it was
due to a weakness in such spells and powers that I had
nearly been bested the first time I ventured out into the
broad and dangerous world. Though they are expensive to
develop, they are worth the investment.
The powers of those who wield magic are many. They
have mastered arts here that your useless court magi-
cians can barely imagine. There are various spells of pro-
tection and attack. There are spells that can burn an
opponent into cinders or turn them into ice. My magic
users have spells that can enchant and spells that can
block the strikes of swords and spears, while there are
yet other spells than can aid greatly in the difficult art
of siege craft.
At great expense I commissioned my magic users to mas-
ter such subtle arcane arts as the ability to turn undead,
to provide protection against the magic of others, to
cure, to bless my warriors so that their strength
increased, and to blind my opponents so that they could
not see where to attack.
I think I should add here that the pathetic wizard,
Guthbert, who caused me so much trouble in your realm
with his loose tongue and could not strike a mouse dead,
would have been burnt to a crisp by the rivals he would
face here.
I also developed my contacts with the thieves’ guilds and
thus learned many secrets from them to help me in the
campaigns I now planned.
After thus consolidating my powers I set out on an expe-
dition that brought another hero into my service. I now
had three armies. One, under the command of a trust-
worthy hero, I left to protect my homeland. The other I
sent south to sweep back down to the sea, while I
marched eastward across broad open plains.
My hero in the south reached the coast where I had
first marched years before, and taking a town there, he
greatly strengthened it. A lighthouse was constructed to
aid in the sailing of ships. I commanded him to move upon
the flowing waters with caution for there were many
dangerous creatures, brigands, and rival heroes upon the
sea.
He guided his ships up the coast, taking the town of a
sorceress and thus did my power wax greatly. Islands
were next taken and their wealth added into my coffers,
denying at the same time such wealth to rivals.
And then disaster struck yet again. A shower of great
stones, trailing fire, plummeted from the heavens, smiting
down the host of my hero. It seemed as well that as I
grew more powerful an alliance was formed between the
rival kings to turn their combined strength against me.
As a result all that I won in the south was lost.
I knew that if I stayed on the defensive the enemy would
march to my gates. Therefore, I set out to meet the new
threat. But this time I did not make the foolish move of
stripping my capital and the towns close to it of their
defenses. My reasoning was proper, for through some
great and powerful magic an enemy army appeared,
materializing out of thin air, near my capital. They were
repulsed but at great loss of the city’s warriors, wizards,
and wealth.
I now realize as well that I had neglected to build up
strength with the great and dark creatures such as
Gargoyles, Minotaurs, Hydras and the dreaded king of
68all, the Dragons. Thus I set out to bring the towns of
warlocks under my control.
I found that though a Paladin was indeed a mighty war-
rior he was, as they say, ‘burnt toast’ when confronting
an army with dragons. I shall work hard in these areas
and then all shall tremble before me.
I am curious to know, is Ewine’s breath as disgusting as I
now remember it to be?
Common Year 641
Ragnar,
I have survived the last three years, no thanks to you. I
thought for a time that all was lost. I had but one town,
my capital, that the residents insist on calling Ironfist
Keep. Twice I was besieged and twice I repelled the
attacks.
Both times I captured the hero leading the attacking
hosts. The first of these heroes was the same one I had
captured before. Thinking that I could gain great wealth I
held him for ransom. I received a paltry offer the first
time and reasoned that I had but to hold out and his mas-
ter would offer a great sum. I never heard from that skin
flint of a king again. I asked the hero to then serve me
but he refused. I was bound by the code of royal blood and
could not execute him and thus had to let him go. I had
lost a hero and had no ransom money to show for my
effort.
The second time I was wiser and upon capturing the hero
of the next attacking host I immediately made an offer
to him and he gladly accepted the right to serve me. He
has become a powerful ally. While still protecting the
source of my power I sent him out and he recaptured the
town I once held to the south. I built my wealth up,
investing in yet more structures to bring various crea-
tures and brave warriors into my service. I had found
that moving forward aggressively at the start of things
might win great glory and honor, but also left one vulner-
able to attack from the rear.
The next time I was attacked I repulsed it easily, driving
my enemies before me and hearing the lamentations of
their loved ones.
At great expense I built jousting arenas to attract great
and powerful knights into my service and then at even
greater expense I erected a holy cathedral so that
mighty paladins would rally to my banner.
I did not neglect the realms of magic either, for it was
due to a weakness in such spells and powers that I had
nearly been bested the first time I ventured out into the
broad and dangerous world. Though they are expensive to
develop, they are worth the investment.
The powers of those who wield magic are many. They
have mastered arts here that your useless court magi-
cians can barely imagine. There are various spells of pro-
tection and attack. There are spells that can burn an
opponent into cinders or turn them into ice. My magic
users have spells that can enchant and spells that can
block the strikes of swords and spears, while there are
yet other spells than can aid greatly in the difficult art
of siege craft.
At great expense I commissioned my magic users to mas-
ter such subtle arcane arts as the ability to turn undead,
to provide protection against the magic of others, to
cure, to bless my warriors so that their strength
increased, and to blind my opponents so that they could
not see where to attack.
I think I should add here that the pathetic wizard,
Guthbert, who caused me so much trouble in your realm
with his loose tongue and could not strike a mouse dead,
would have been burnt to a crisp by the rivals he would
face here.
I also developed my contacts with the thieves’ guilds and
thus learned many secrets from them to help me in the
campaigns I now planned.
After thus consolidating my powers I set out on an expe-
dition that brought another hero into my service. I now
had three armies. One, under the command of a trust-
worthy hero, I left to protect my homeland. The other I
sent south to sweep back down to the sea, while I
marched eastward across broad open plains.
My hero in the south reached the coast where I had
first marched years before, and taking a town there, he
greatly strengthened it. A lighthouse was constructed to
aid in the sailing of ships. I commanded him to move upon
the flowing waters with caution for there were many
dangerous creatures, brigands, and rival heroes upon the
sea.
He guided his ships up the coast, taking the town of a
sorceress and thus did my power wax greatly. Islands
were next taken and their wealth added into my coffers,
denying at the same time such wealth to rivals.
And then disaster struck yet again. A shower of great
stones, trailing fire, plummeted from the heavens, smiting
down the host of my hero. It seemed as well that as I
grew more powerful an alliance was formed between the
rival kings to turn their combined strength against me.
As a result all that I won in the south was lost.
I knew that if I stayed on the defensive the enemy would
march to my gates. Therefore, I set out to meet the new
threat. But this time I did not make the foolish move of
stripping my capital and the towns close to it of their
defenses. My reasoning was proper, for through some
great and powerful magic an enemy army appeared,
materializing out of thin air, near my capital. They were
repulsed but at great loss of the city’s warriors, wizards,
and wealth.
I now realize as well that I had neglected to build up
strength with the great and dark creatures such as
Gargoyles, Minotaurs, Hydras and the dreaded king of
68all, the Dragons. Thus I set out to bring the towns of
warlocks under my control.
I found that though a Paladin was indeed a mighty war-
rior he was, as they say, ‘burnt toast’ when confronting
an army with dragons. I shall work hard in these areas
and then all shall tremble before me.
I am curious to know, is Ewine’s breath as disgusting as I
now remember it to be?
21st Day of the Month of the Rat
Year One of the New Age
Ragnar the Usurper,
It has been five years since my last missive. I can imagine
how things must fare you there, sitting fat and blotted
like a corrupt spider upon your cheap web of a throne,
which you wrongfully assumed and which you have wrong-
fully held.
My strength here has indeed risen like a phoenix from
its earlier ruin. Many and great battles have I fought.
Citadels have I cast down, cities have I taken and raised
MY banner over. Heroes aplenty now flock to my cause.
I wonder what you have done of late, sitting safely behind
your castle walls. While bards shall sing of my name, your
memory will be nothing more than sayings and drawings
about you and your so-called queen carved on latrine
walls.
After long years of consolidating my strength in all areas,
raising levees of peasants and pikemen, mounting warriors
on horse, legions of ogres, goblins and trolls, marshaling
the strengths of magic users and placing in the van the
great creatures such as hydras and dragons, I set forth to
sweep all before me.
Three of the high kings of this realm united against me.
They laid cunning traps for me and placed great
strengths in their cities. Many were the heroes they
arrayed against me so that at one time I faced six differ-
ent armies closing in upon me from all points of the com-
pass.
It was then that the great investment I made in magic
was rewarded. Twice I was able to teleport entire armies
clear across my empire, placing them behind the advanc-
ing foes to crush them. I was able to control an Oracle
and through her and by way of the thieves’ guilds I
learned the secrets and intentions of my enemies. This
was no small thing, for it enabled me to place my armies
to parry their thrusts, and throw my armies into lands
where they were weak.
The cost of such campaigns was great. I spent in a month
what but a short time ago I would have believed to be
undreamed of wealth. But if one wishes all, they must risk
all.
I cast down two of my great rivals and finally there was
but the great Lord Alamar to face my powers. Ragnar,
you are but a groveling beggar compared to such as he.
Long we struggled. He launched one attack that swept
all the way into the heartland of my realm, forcing me to
teleport back to deal with the threat.
Finally I was before his great and wondrous capital city.
My siege engines smashed down his high towers.
Dragons struggled in the air overhead. Hydras wrestled
upon the ground. Great legions of swordsmen, archers,
dwarves, orcs, and peasant levees gave battle so that the
ground was covered with the slain. With my magic
welders about me I gained the wall and there did I fight
with spells, fire and sword against the great Lord
Alamar, and his wizards that has already become a myth
told by peasants around camp fires. He was cunning,
mighty was his sword arm, great his magic, and brilliant
his strategies. But they availed him for naught, for in the
end I cast him down and my only disappointment was
that he was able to flee into distant realms.
So now, Ragnar the pig, I own all this land of Heroes. All
creatures within it acknowledge me as the rightful king. I
shall rule it with justice and wisdom. I shall guard its bor-
ders well for I have heard yet more rumors of wars in dis-
tant lands, and evil kings that plot their return to over-
throw me.
Let me add here that I view it as fortunate now that the
fool Guthbert failed so miserably in his attempt on your
life. If the plot had succeeded I would have but been a
petty lord, in a petty realm, which is all that you now
have. Your father murdered his brother, my father, to
take the throne and you then took it from him. I was
forced to flee, with but a handful of retainers into
unknown lands, and here in the realm of Heroes I have
carved out an empire to which a few paltry counties pale
in comparison. To those who risk all, all may come as the
reward. This shall be the last of the letters I will post at
the gate. If you hear from me again it will be because the
gate has opened and I shall come through it, sword in
hand, seeking justice.
Farewell Ragnar.
PS. If Ewine is still with you tell her
I have married and am quite content.
My companion has all the attribut-
es that she did not, trustworthiness,
intelligence, beauty and kindness.
Beyond that, she bathes more than
once a year and is not surrounded by
a cloud of flies, something I find to be
most refreshing after having known
Ewine.
Year One of the New Age
Ragnar the Usurper,
It has been five years since my last missive. I can imagine
how things must fare you there, sitting fat and blotted
like a corrupt spider upon your cheap web of a throne,
which you wrongfully assumed and which you have wrong-
fully held.
My strength here has indeed risen like a phoenix from
its earlier ruin. Many and great battles have I fought.
Citadels have I cast down, cities have I taken and raised
MY banner over. Heroes aplenty now flock to my cause.
I wonder what you have done of late, sitting safely behind
your castle walls. While bards shall sing of my name, your
memory will be nothing more than sayings and drawings
about you and your so-called queen carved on latrine
walls.
After long years of consolidating my strength in all areas,
raising levees of peasants and pikemen, mounting warriors
on horse, legions of ogres, goblins and trolls, marshaling
the strengths of magic users and placing in the van the
great creatures such as hydras and dragons, I set forth to
sweep all before me.
Three of the high kings of this realm united against me.
They laid cunning traps for me and placed great
strengths in their cities. Many were the heroes they
arrayed against me so that at one time I faced six differ-
ent armies closing in upon me from all points of the com-
pass.
It was then that the great investment I made in magic
was rewarded. Twice I was able to teleport entire armies
clear across my empire, placing them behind the advanc-
ing foes to crush them. I was able to control an Oracle
and through her and by way of the thieves’ guilds I
learned the secrets and intentions of my enemies. This
was no small thing, for it enabled me to place my armies
to parry their thrusts, and throw my armies into lands
where they were weak.
The cost of such campaigns was great. I spent in a month
what but a short time ago I would have believed to be
undreamed of wealth. But if one wishes all, they must risk
all.
I cast down two of my great rivals and finally there was
but the great Lord Alamar to face my powers. Ragnar,
you are but a groveling beggar compared to such as he.
Long we struggled. He launched one attack that swept
all the way into the heartland of my realm, forcing me to
teleport back to deal with the threat.
Finally I was before his great and wondrous capital city.
My siege engines smashed down his high towers.
Dragons struggled in the air overhead. Hydras wrestled
upon the ground. Great legions of swordsmen, archers,
dwarves, orcs, and peasant levees gave battle so that the
ground was covered with the slain. With my magic
welders about me I gained the wall and there did I fight
with spells, fire and sword against the great Lord
Alamar, and his wizards that has already become a myth
told by peasants around camp fires. He was cunning,
mighty was his sword arm, great his magic, and brilliant
his strategies. But they availed him for naught, for in the
end I cast him down and my only disappointment was
that he was able to flee into distant realms.
So now, Ragnar the pig, I own all this land of Heroes. All
creatures within it acknowledge me as the rightful king. I
shall rule it with justice and wisdom. I shall guard its bor-
ders well for I have heard yet more rumors of wars in dis-
tant lands, and evil kings that plot their return to over-
throw me.
Let me add here that I view it as fortunate now that the
fool Guthbert failed so miserably in his attempt on your
life. If the plot had succeeded I would have but been a
petty lord, in a petty realm, which is all that you now
have. Your father murdered his brother, my father, to
take the throne and you then took it from him. I was
forced to flee, with but a handful of retainers into
unknown lands, and here in the realm of Heroes I have
carved out an empire to which a few paltry counties pale
in comparison. To those who risk all, all may come as the
reward. This shall be the last of the letters I will post at
the gate. If you hear from me again it will be because the
gate has opened and I shall come through it, sword in
hand, seeking justice.
Farewell Ragnar.
PS. If Ewine is still with you tell her
I have married and am quite content.
My companion has all the attribut-
es that she did not, trustworthiness,
intelligence, beauty and kindness.
Beyond that, she bathes more than
once a year and is not surrounded by
a cloud of flies, something I find to be
most refreshing after having known
Ewine.
It is therefor implied
that this Lord Ironfist is the Cousin of the Lord Ironfist on Varn.
May the best Faction Win
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