Kaius's III fate [Archive] - Wizards Community

Kaius's III fate [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Identitystolen
07-21-07, 05:43 PM I know that popular supposition has Kaius III thrown into Dreadhold by his great-grandfather Kaius I so that Kaius I could take control over Karrnath (again.) Initially I accepted this, but now I've come up with something a little different. Kaius III is in a nice sunny village in Q'barra or Xen'Drik.

After reading that Kaius I has little love for the Church of the Silver Flame for (among other things) disposing his relative, I thought that was kind of odd considering he tossed out a direct decedent of his. Oh well, I thought, such are the whims of an evil dictator (no matter how peaceful they seem.) Then I read later that it was wildly thought that Kaius III was going to be a weak ruler when he came of age and probably land Karrnath into deeper trouble in the Last War. Also mentioned was that he was rather secluded in the palace and not much was publicly known about him. This being the case, I thought why wouldn't Kaius I offer his great-grandson a chance to step down and allow him to take his place? I mean, up to this point it doesn't seem the Kaius III had any real interest or desire to rule over a worn down nation in the middle of an apparently endless war. So I have it that Kaius III accepted this proposal, went through some cosmetic changes to his appearance (just in case), and now lives in some warmer clime as a wealthy, quiet, secluded Karrnathi gentleman. Most of expenses and guard are indirectly paid for by the Karrnathi crown and in exchange he stays silent on the matter.

Now you may ask 'Then who was thrown into Dreadhold by Kaius? Someone was according to Dragon 344.' Simply put, it was someone who got too close to the truth and threatened (potentially or directly) to expose the whole ruse. Personally I have it as a House Thuranni operative, but someone like a dis-illusioned harem member or nosy adventurer could do the trick.

Thats my thinking, any other thoughts?
Charles Phipps
07-21-07, 05:46 PM I tend to think of King Kaius the First as Darth Vader meets Vlad the Impaler. At heart, King Kaius is a man who wants what's best for Karrnath. He honestly believes in his country and truly will do whatever it takes to ensure that they get the chance for a better world....

.....and his way of doing that is to be a ruthless military dictator. Like all dictators, he's also arrogant as hell that anyone could possibly run the country as good as him.
Fabius Maximus
07-21-07, 06:37 PM Why not pull a Terrence Steadman on him? The 'nice sunny village' idea might work (maybe on some obscure island in the Principalities), but he shouldn't be able to leave house, being effectivly a prisoner, albeit in a golden cage.
Identitystolen
07-21-07, 07:57 PM Why not pull a Terrence Steadman on him? The 'nice sunny village' idea might work (maybe on some obscure island in the Principalities), but he shouldn't be able to leave house, being effectivly a prisoner, albeit in a golden cage.

Well, I'd say he can leave but he'll be monitored and guarded. Also, he is set up well enough and used to being shut in the grounds, I doubt he'd want to leave anyhow.

I tend to think of King Kaius the First as Darth Vader meets Vlad the Impaler. At heart, King Kaius is a man who wants what's best for Karrnath. He honestly believes in his country and truly will do whatever it takes to ensure that they get the chance for a better world....

.....and his way of doing that is to be a ruthless military dictator. Like all dictators, he's also arrogant as hell that anyone could possibly run the country as good as him.

I very much agree with this, but I after reading the Silver Flame relations passage I thought why throw a direct descendant into a dark and dank dungeon? He may well agree to voluntary exile and live out his day (or until he may be needed) in peace and luxury.
Charles Phipps
07-21-07, 08:22 PM I tend to take the "Man in the Iron Mask" view actually. King Kaius the Third isn't going to be killed because he's a member of the Royal Household. Also, he might prove useful some day.

I don't think he's going to be in a village or pleasant town though because if he ever got loose or word got out of him then the Warlords would be able to rally behind him to overthrow Karrnath since he's the legitimate King. It doesn't matter if it's legal gobbledegook or not. It's a PRETEXT for overthrowing Kaius I.

So, I figure that King Kaius the Third is probably in some pretty tower somewhere getting a nice education and surrounded by fanatical Kaius I followers. He probably have a vampire mistress to keep him happy and lots of books.
Dragom
07-21-07, 08:36 PM Kaius III may very well be in dreadhold but I'm sure it's a better then average room and that he's well taken care of.

As a respectable leader, I am almost certain, Kaius I has contingency plans for Kaius III taking control of the throne within the week if Kaius I so requires it.

And it's entirely possible Kaius I will want a brief vacation from the rigors of lordship in the comming decades and may well use an Heir of Kaius III to fill the role.

So I'm sure Kaius III is learning how to rule, but I'm also certain he is also currently wed and living with a lesser noble woman who's family knows to keep quiet.
Need_A_Life
07-23-07, 10:45 AM Kaius III may very well be in dreadhold but I'm sure it's a better then average room and that he's well taken care of.

Last time I checked he was in Deep Ward, not Gold Ward.

Deep Ward = Cannot speak to anyone, likely chained to the wall, and absolutely NO visitors.

Gold Ward = Nice quarters, commonroom and probably some luxury goods (like, Aundarian wine). Visitors allowed, provided the people paying for the incarceration permits it.

I tend to think of Deep Ward as the people who officially do. not. exist.

Stone Ward are the "too dangerous to let them even think; too useful to kill"

Gold Ward is a golden cage, but a cage none the less.
Identitystolen
07-23-07, 11:37 AM Last time I checked he was in Deep Ward, not Gold Ward.

That was never officialyl stated, its only assumed. Personally, I wouldn't put Kaius III in Dreadhold's Gold ward either as he could still mingle with other prisoners.

don't think he's going to be in a village or pleasant town though because if he ever got loose or word got out of him then the Warlords would be able to rally behind him to overthrow Karrnath since he's the legitimate King. It doesn't matter if it's legal gobbledegook or not. It's a PRETEXT for overthrowing Kaius I.

And finding out Kaius III is in Dreadhold or some other local wouldn't be?

So, I figure that King Kaius the Third is probably in some pretty tower somewhere getting a nice education and surrounded by fanatical Kaius I followers. He probably have a vampire mistress to keep him happy and lots of books.

Thats what I was going for, but I had it on the outskirts of a small village so procuring supplies wouldn't be such a hassle if the usual supplies routes were somehow discovered and/or disrupted.
yossarius
07-24-07, 12:41 PM I like this idea, but I have a few modifications of my own:

The prisoner in Dreadhold isn't Kaius III, but someone who has information that could lead the PCs to Kaius III. But, it would have to be someone so important that he/she can't simply be quietly executed. So, I high ranking member of a Drgnmrkd House, perhaps House Thuranni as suggested above.

If the PCs are looking for proof that the public Kaius III isn't the real one, they should be lead to believe that the person in Dreadhold is the real deal, only to discover that he's just another link in the chain.

This House Thuranni heir would be all too happy to tell the PCs everything he knows, once they escort him outside Karrnath's borders, of course. His information leads them to this small, remote village (I lean towards Q'barra, rather than Xen'drik). There are three possible candidates in the village as to who could actually be Kaius III. Three Karrns of noble bearing; the first is a quiet, studious man of sickly pallor, the second is an egotistical, overbearing warrior, the third is a drunken fop. The Pcs must determine which one is the real Kaius, get him to admit to it (after all, he would certainly know that returning to Karrnath would be a death sentence), and convince him to go public. Not much combat would be indicated in such a senario, but there would be lots of intense role-playing.
Ellorin
07-25-07, 03:54 AM Very interesting theories, all of them. Of course, we assume that the living Kaius a III is totally innocent...but what if he's not? Suppose, for example, that he was turned to the (official) Emerald Claw cause,and promised to restore them when he would ascend on the throne rejecting Moranna's policy...and then Kaius came.
Charles Phipps
07-25-07, 04:00 AM Very interesting theories, all of them. Of course, we assume that the living Kaius a III is totally innocent...but what if he's not? Suppose, for example, that he was turned to the (official) Emerald Claw cause,and promised to restore them when he would ascend on the throne rejecting Moranna's policy...and then Kaius came.

I actually did that plot in our games. King Kaius III was introduced to the player characters and it was pretty clear a day after he's rescued that he's :censored: up in the head. He would talk to himself, cry himself to sleep, and go off into :rant: left and right.

It was a nice set up that they should seek the throne for themselves.
Yakman
07-25-07, 02:23 PM Kaius III = http://www.blisshouse.com/prisoner compilation.jpg

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Identitystolen 07-21-07, 05:43 PM	I know that popular supposition has Kaius III thrown into Dreadhold by his great-grandfather Kaius I so that Kaius I could take control over Karrnath (again.) Initially I accepted this, but now I've come up with something a little different. Kaius III is in a nice sunny village in Q'barra or Xen'Drik. After reading that Kaius I has little love for the Church of the Silver Flame for (among other things) disposing his relative, I thought that was kind of odd considering he tossed out a direct decedent of his. Oh well, I thought, such are the whims of an evil dictator (no matter how peaceful they seem.) Then I read later that it was wildly thought that Kaius III was going to be a weak ruler when he came of age and probably land Karrnath into deeper trouble in the Last War. Also mentioned was that he was rather secluded in the palace and not much was publicly known about him. This being the case, I thought why wouldn't Kaius I offer his great-grandson a chance to step down and allow him to take his place? I mean, up to this point it doesn't seem the Kaius III had any real interest or desire to rule over a worn down nation in the middle of an apparently endless war. So I have it that Kaius III accepted this proposal, went through some cosmetic changes to his appearance (just in case), and now lives in some warmer clime as a wealthy, quiet, secluded Karrnathi gentleman. Most of expenses and guard are indirectly paid for by the Karrnathi crown and in exchange he stays silent on the matter. Now you may ask 'Then who was thrown into Dreadhold by Kaius? Someone was according to Dragon 344.' Simply put, it was someone who got too close to the truth and threatened (potentially or directly) to expose the whole ruse. Personally I have it as a House Thuranni operative, but someone like a dis-illusioned harem member or nosy adventurer could do the trick. Thats my thinking, any other thoughts?
Charles Phipps 07-21-07, 05:46 PM	I tend to think of King Kaius the First as Darth Vader meets Vlad the Impaler. At heart, King Kaius is a man who wants what's best for Karrnath. He honestly believes in his country and truly will do whatever it takes to ensure that they get the chance for a better world.... .....and his way of doing that is to be a ruthless military dictator. Like all dictators, he's also arrogant as hell that anyone could possibly run the country as good as him.
Fabius Maximus 07-21-07, 06:37 PM	Why not pull a Terrence Steadman on him? The 'nice sunny village' idea might work (maybe on some obscure island in the Principalities), but he shouldn't be able to leave house, being effectivly a prisoner, albeit in a golden cage.
Identitystolen 07-21-07, 07:57 PM	Why not pull a Terrence Steadman on him? The 'nice sunny village' idea might work (maybe on some obscure island in the Principalities), but he shouldn't be able to leave house, being effectivly a prisoner, albeit in a golden cage. Well, I'd say he can leave but he'll be monitored and guarded. Also, he is set up well enough and used to being shut in the grounds, I doubt he'd want to leave anyhow. I tend to think of King Kaius the First as Darth Vader meets Vlad the Impaler. At heart, King Kaius is a man who wants what's best for Karrnath. He honestly believes in his country and truly will do whatever it takes to ensure that they get the chance for a better world.... .....and his way of doing that is to be a ruthless military dictator. Like all dictators, he's also arrogant as hell that anyone could possibly run the country as good as him. I very much agree with this, but I after reading the Silver Flame relations passage I thought why throw a direct descendant into a dark and dank dungeon? He may well agree to voluntary exile and live out his day (or until he may be needed) in peace and luxury.
Charles Phipps 07-21-07, 08:22 PM	I tend to take the "Man in the Iron Mask" view actually. King Kaius the Third isn't going to be killed because he's a member of the Royal Household. Also, he might prove useful some day. I don't think he's going to be in a village or pleasant town though because if he ever got loose or word got out of him then the Warlords would be able to rally behind him to overthrow Karrnath since he's the legitimate King. It doesn't matter if it's legal gobbledegook or not. It's a PRETEXT for overthrowing Kaius I. So, I figure that King Kaius the Third is probably in some pretty tower somewhere getting a nice education and surrounded by fanatical Kaius I followers. He probably have a vampire mistress to keep him happy and lots of books.
Dragom 07-21-07, 08:36 PM	Kaius III may very well be in dreadhold but I'm sure it's a better then average room and that he's well taken care of. As a respectable leader, I am almost certain, Kaius I has contingency plans for Kaius III taking control of the throne within the week if Kaius I so requires it. And it's entirely possible Kaius I will want a brief vacation from the rigors of lordship in the comming decades and may well use an Heir of Kaius III to fill the role. So I'm sure Kaius III is learning how to rule, but I'm also certain he is also currently wed and living with a lesser noble woman who's family knows to keep quiet.
Need_A_Life 07-23-07, 10:45 AM	Kaius III may very well be in dreadhold but I'm sure it's a better then average room and that he's well taken care of. Last time I checked he was in Deep Ward, not Gold Ward. Deep Ward = Cannot speak to anyone, likely chained to the wall, and absolutely NO visitors. Gold Ward = Nice quarters, commonroom and probably some luxury goods (like, Aundarian wine). Visitors allowed, provided the people paying for the incarceration permits it. I tend to think of Deep Ward as the people who officially do. not. exist. Stone Ward are the "too dangerous to let them even think; too useful to kill" Gold Ward is a golden cage, but a cage none the less.
Identitystolen 07-23-07, 11:37 AM	Last time I checked he was in Deep Ward, not Gold Ward. That was never officialyl stated, its only assumed. Personally, I wouldn't put Kaius III in Dreadhold's Gold ward either as he could still mingle with other prisoners. don't think he's going to be in a village or pleasant town though because if he ever got loose or word got out of him then the Warlords would be able to rally behind him to overthrow Karrnath since he's the legitimate King. It doesn't matter if it's legal gobbledegook or not. It's a PRETEXT for overthrowing Kaius I. And finding out Kaius III is in Dreadhold or some other local wouldn't be? So, I figure that King Kaius the Third is probably in some pretty tower somewhere getting a nice education and surrounded by fanatical Kaius I followers. He probably have a vampire mistress to keep him happy and lots of books. Thats what I was going for, but I had it on the outskirts of a small village so procuring supplies wouldn't be such a hassle if the usual supplies routes were somehow discovered and/or disrupted.
yossarius 07-24-07, 12:41 PM	I like this idea, but I have a few modifications of my own: The prisoner in Dreadhold isn't Kaius III, but someone who has information that could lead the PCs to Kaius III. But, it would have to be someone so important that he/she can't simply be quietly executed. So, I high ranking member of a Drgnmrkd House, perhaps House Thuranni as suggested above. If the PCs are looking for proof that the public Kaius III isn't the real one, they should be lead to believe that the person in Dreadhold is the real deal, only to discover that he's just another link in the chain. This House Thuranni heir would be all too happy to tell the PCs everything he knows, once they escort him outside Karrnath's borders, of course. His information leads them to this small, remote village (I lean towards Q'barra, rather than Xen'drik). There are three possible candidates in the village as to who could actually be Kaius III. Three Karrns of noble bearing; the first is a quiet, studious man of sickly pallor, the second is an egotistical, overbearing warrior, the third is a drunken fop. The Pcs must determine which one is the real Kaius, get him to admit to it (after all, he would certainly know that returning to Karrnath would be a death sentence), and convince him to go public. Not much combat would be indicated in such a senario, but there would be lots of intense role-playing.
Ellorin 07-25-07, 03:54 AM	Very interesting theories, all of them. Of course, we assume that the living Kaius a III is totally innocent...but what if he's not? Suppose, for example, that he was turned to the (official) Emerald Claw cause,and promised to restore them when he would ascend on the throne rejecting Moranna's policy...and then Kaius came.
Charles Phipps 07-25-07, 04:00 AM	Very interesting theories, all of them. Of course, we assume that the living Kaius a III is totally innocent...but what if he's not? Suppose, for example, that he was turned to the (official) Emerald Claw cause,and promised to restore them when he would ascend on the throne rejecting Moranna's policy...and then Kaius came. I actually did that plot in our games. King Kaius III was introduced to the player characters and it was pretty clear a day after he's rescued that he's :censored: up in the head. He would talk to himself, cry himself to sleep, and go off into :rant: left and right. It was a nice set up that they should seek the throne for themselves.
Yakman 07-25-07, 02:23 PM	Kaius III = http://www.blisshouse.com/prisoner compilation.jpg