Apparently, Ichamur is besieged, and calls for aid. I am summoned into a new campaign by Kramuk Noyan, Marshal of the Khanate. Usually, the steppe bandits settle near the woods byВ Tulbuk, but this time, they stake claim right in the middle of the steppe. Shortly after leaving the capitol, I stumble upon the lair.

I buy a warhorse to match my riding skill, and up my looting and leadership abilities. Once inside the castle, Sanjar Khan tasks me with eliminating a steppe bandit lair, and Chaurka Noyan extends the invitation IвЂ™ve been waiting for to join the Khanate as a mercenary. Things are not looking so good for the Khanate right now. On the way, we pass a besieged (and doomed) Khergit force in defense of Narra. We meet nobody of consequence until we reach Tulga. The war in the steppe has only just begun, so that probably wonвЂ™t happen until we get our fill of blood and glory. He may choose to break faith with the Veigirs and bring the fight to the Rhodoks while theyвЂ™re distracted. Nothing like a bit of Yalen cheese and eggy wegs to sharpen you up for a bit of the old вЂњultraviolence.вЂќДЄs I guessed, the Rhodoks play their hand against Swadia, declaring war and entering into alliance with the Kingdom of Nords. I also pick up supplies for the future campaign. I oblige, and am rewarded with plenty of experience and denars. Far too many ruffians offering to вЂњescortвЂќ travelers in these parts.Д¬ount Gutlans, Lord of Yalen, is eager to pass of the responsibility of protecting his lands to me. And maybe somebody there may be interested in taking out this obnoxious bandit hideout. We head to Yalen, an ideal place to load up on produce, cheese, fish, and butter. We start in the Rhodok highlands, with an intent to join the Khergits soon, but in need of cheap supplies that may not be available on the road for some time. Sieges, battles in the field, protecting allied caravans, even a good old fashioned raid! This will be a rather extended episode, covering what ended up being a rather extended campaign under Khergit command against two enemy factions.

Mount and blade warband sarranid