LORDS OF THE EARTH CAMPAIGN 54
"LORDS OF THEEURTH"

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MEDARHOS -

North-Western Medarhos -

The Skane Jarldoms -  Ruler - King Madren the Boneless Capital - Vanaheim Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Medahros Spirit Cult Diplomacy - Alqualondë [EA]

The Empire of Edgemoor -
Ruler - King Kraank
Capital - Zaramaka
Dominant Race - Orcs
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

The orcs returned to their mountain fastnesses for some quality brooding (and breeding). They received shipments of foodstuffs and livestock from Ascarlon and far-away Meledrian delivered at the city of Kulan by the Ascar leader Maelek.

The Kingdom of Harkoria-
Ruler - King Athansios
Capital - Cadares
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

While the king sits idle in Cadares, a famine has gripped the land.  People wander the woods looking for food instead of laboring in their dry and barren fields. Princess Elene died in 2927 of the Black Fever. In the absence of centralized government authority, more and more of the men of Nivaan have returned to the old worship of the gods of Woe.

South-Western Medarhos -

The Brythnian Confederation -  Ruler - King Tallos Tiltstep Capital - Tauropolis Dominant Race - Taurid Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail Diplomacy - Gistares [A]

The Brythnians migrated back to the homeland of Tathlann, establishing many nomadic camps of centaurs. Meanwhile, the army gathered at the Great Meadow, six thousand strong under Wilios Redmane.  A smaller force of three thousand allied Riandos gathered in Tathlann.  Both armies watched alertly for any invasion or raids, but none came. Hellenas Springbuck died in 2928 at the age of sixty, passing the command on to Redmane. King Tallos traveled to Gistares and concluded an alliance with that easternmost outpost of Taurids and cemented it by marrying a young noble centaur woman of the region.

Aelissia - Ruler - King Jay Morningsong Capital - The Great Delve Dominant Race - Halfling Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

The halfling army continued to sit in the Harkorian capital, consuming supplies from across the Golden Sea.

Corland - Ruler - King Tancred Capital - Khairais Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

Queen Linet did not long outlive her husband, but did live long enough to see the completion of her personal project, the great Bridge of Remembrance build across the Saronne between Khairais and Esperence. She died of a broken heart in 2926 at the age of forty. Young king Tancred married a noblewoman of Khairais in 2926, but the slip of a girl died in childbirth in 2927, continuing the tragedies of the Corish royal houses. Meanwhile, the outskirts of Khairais had become a vast squatter's camp as the dispossessed from the H'rethek Wars continued to languish on the public dole while the king refused to decide what to do with them.

 

The Sea Empire of Lorraine - Ruler - Queen Gwendolyn Capital - Armorica Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

Good regent Gawain passed control of the realm to Queen Gwendolyn when she passed her sixteenth birthday.  A year later he was dead of consumption at the age of only forty-one.  With his last breath he urged her to marry and get an heir early in life.

The usually reclusive elves of the Whisper Wood went on being reclusive.  A country priest in Menelcandara railed against the presence of "dark forces" in the the countryside.  An evil cult, he said, was slowly but surely drawing good and decent elves into its embrace.

The Neldorean Wood - Ruler - Queen Nereil Capital - Elenuil Dominant Race - Elf Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail Diplomacy - Riftmarch [-]

The Neldorean elves returned to their life of quiet introspection.  The newly reopened homeland continued to see a trickle of settlers break ground on small holdings across Neldorea. Meanwhile, in the city of Eambar, the governor built a grand plaza of crystal plinths and songbirds. In 2929 and 2930, Lord Lossëhelin traveled to the Riftmarch and made a desultory attempt at diplomacy with the colonists, who continued to give their allegiance to the Queen, but showed no real interest in a closer alliance. Elvish missionaries traveled to Halianis in the Llyran Republic.  One of the last bastions of the strange Aeolan faith, the fanatically loyal natives viewed all outside interference, especially non-human interference with a hostility bordering on hatred.

The Exarchate of the Great Crusade - Ruler - Exarch Galen the Lame Capital - Pontezium Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

Perhaps, say the historians, the Exarchate was tired of war.  Tired of the endless killing that had dominated its history since the Great Crusade more than two centuries before.  Whatever the reason, the armies of this rich and fertile land stood still while their great foes from the Pit of Gelorum struck out at last.  A horde of ten thousand hopping, croaking, slithering, shrieking monstrosities carved a black and reeking road into South Akasia, sweeping aside the token resistance it met.  Now this horde sits astride the shortest route between the Exarchate's two greatest cities.

The Shadowed Realm of Ascarlon - Ruler - Baron Gauros the Arisen Capital - Denavine Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - The Dark Court Diplomacy - Averni [NT]

The shadowed realm increased the size and reach of its magistracies, tying the outlying regions into a closer and more permanent bond. Ascar engineers and slaves built a strong stone bridge across the swift-running Sorodae river, connecting the capital to the dense wilderness of the Black Forest. The evil Baron ruled from his high tower at the heart of Denavine where he continued to summon hundreds of undead soldiers into his bloodsoaked legions.  Count Bezhral took command of six thousand light cavalry and loaded them onboard one of the largest transport fleets in Theeurth.  He sailed up across the Hammersea, up the Mistriven and Mandarran rivers to arrive at the hobgoblin capital of Carcaroth, where he joined the allied armies, leaving his transport fleet behind. (See The Great Battle of Gimmilzar, below). Lord Maelek loaded his ships with foodstufffs, then sailed some three thousand miles to Meledrian's port of  Narbyndahl, loaded on a cargo of salted meats and preserved grain, then returned to the Hammersea where he sailed up the Raethalas River

to Kulan to feed the Edgemoor orcs, then up the Sorodae river to the Firefields and thence overland to Gargath to feed the Worldspine orcs. He died of exhaustion in Gargath in 2927.

The Worldspine Orcs -
Ruler - King Orkgoth
Capital - Gargath
Dominant Race - Orc
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

Subtlety and couth were never orcish virtues, nor did they trouble the realm at this time.  Having recently acquired the land of Napoca from their human allies to the north as a gift, the orcs moved in force to slaughter and enslave the inhabitants of Napoca even as they were accepting foodstuffs from the Ascars (and Meledrian elves). King Orkgoth sent the human slaves to labor under the lash in the fields of Vilcea and settled the orcish survivors of Mount Kauroth in Napoca. Hordes of orcish settlers then swarmed north into Ilkmaor, where they slaughtered game in its woods and established a crude town of mud huts and hewn logs on the banks of the Sorodae river.

The hobgoblins recruited more than three thousand troops, more than two thousand of which were elite Emperor's Oathsworn heavy infantry. General Kh'Moth then awaited the arrival of human allies from Annvar and Ascarlon.  These arrived in the form of three thousand elite Annvar Jaegers, six thousand Ascar light cavalry and four thousand mercenaries. In the year 2928, three small forces of hobgoblins, the feudal levies of Jezul, Adhrak and Mendhaur, converged on the land of Junius, uniting some two thousand motley troops under three of the worst commanders in the history of battle. These raided the heavily-fortified dwarven mountains of Khuruk Tor.  The dwarven garrison there completely wiped out the hobgoblin armies and even captured the lord of Jezul.  Several months later, General Kh'Moth launched his assault on Gimmilzar (See The Great Battle of Gimmilzar, below).  When the fighting was over,

General Kh'Moth's army received the news that Emperor Maugroth had died in his sleep at Carcaroth, leaving the empire without an heir.  Some of the troops called for the immediate elevation of Prince Sharvlok, but the prince, it seems, had chosen that very night to drown himself in a well.  The army immediately called for the elevation of General Kh'Moth to the throne.

The Great Kingdom of Annvar - Ruler - Emperor Palestroniax Capital - Varthane Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

The Standard of Annvar

The Emperor permitted farmers, colonists and craftsmen to emigrate to Tusainiai in great numbers, and many small towns were established in that frigid but fertile northeastern province. Meanwhile, General Alfajoriax hired two thousand mercenary infantry and ten companies of mercenary ogres to join his army of three thousand elite jaegers in Carhallas.  He then placed himself under the command of hobgoblin General Kh'Moth and marched to war with the dwarves (See The Great Battle of Gimmilzar, below. A recent rise in crime in Varthane has led to a number of turf wars between rival gangs in the capital city.  For a period in 2928 and 2929, it was not unusual to find dead bodies along the river's edge or in the back alleys of the city every morning.

The Forest Realm of Meledrian -
Ruler - King Eldareth Hammerhand
Capital - Dalariadh
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court
Diplomacy - Nimbreth [+5 YfC], Rainas [+7 YfC]

The mighty elvish nation of Meledrian became truly the successor to its parent nation, Celendor.  It engaged in a campaign of building such as few mortal nations have ever witnessed.  More than forty field forts were erected all across the nation. Colonists were sent into Thuidhel and Annathel, claiming land abandoned by the vanquished in the Elven Civil War.  And a new port city grew up at the confluence of the Celethil and Wolf rivers.  The dark elves named it Tel'Sardoth, the Tower of the Hanged Man. In Dalariadh, Eldareth Hammerhand raised up a vast palace of dark stone that glowed a sinister hue in the moonlight and offered up the blood of captives from the war to wash its paving stones. Aeliniel attempted to move the elves of Mornil and Celethon out of the southern hills to save them from the dragon rumored to live in Bornil, but recent travelers tales of the peaceful and entirely unravaged vales of Bornil dissuaded them from moving.

Aided by the allied lords Rhias and Voronhad, Aelavel Tyrnealyth traveled between Nimbreth and Rainas, arranging relations between the rulers and the ruled.

The Kingdom of Tiringol -
Ruler - King Keriadoc Stormwing
Capital - The Underhalls
Dominant Race - Halfling
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

The halflings of Tiringol continued to build stout redoubts in and around their homeland while establishing more farms and steadings in the land of Bethelas. Priests of the Dark Court railed against laxness or softness under the gaze of the pitiless gods of Woe.  The populace heard and stiffened their dedication to the dark gods. Lord Halagarde used a Vaegor Summoning Stone for the first time, summoning magical beasts of burden and their otherworldly drivers as well as demonic allies from beyond Theeurth to clear farmland, dig canals and ditches, erect hedgerows and in all ways help to order the land of Bethelas to the liking of the halflings there. Princess Lilly ensconced herself in the delves of The Underhalls, studying something she brought back with her from Permanga.

The Conorrian Heartland -

Adorian farmers and frontiersmen cleared the woods of Boenia, bringing it fully under cultivation with olives, apples, citrus and animals of every variety. Emperor Decimus Brutus named his son Gaius to be his heir.  The emperor commanded a force of eight thousand troops at Anicium while Marshal-Vicar Henrikos commanded a further force of eight thousand at Adoria.  Both armies remained alert for invaders. Meanwhile, Lord Pietedras traveled to Faucrion and levied a tribute on it in the name of the Adorian emperor.

The Conorrian Empire - Ruler - Emperor Thandoros XXIV Capital - Echoriath Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail Diplomacy - Eatris [T], Danum [C]

The Conorrians continued to spend lavishly on the Domus Illuminatus, the royal college of mages and on the Collegium Pontifexi, the priests and temples of the Empire. The Emperor took laborious pains to ensure another, more current census of the reduced Empire. His wife, the empress Honoria, died in 2930 of the plague.  She was the daughter of Imperator Secundus Draximus, lord of the Eastern Empire His sister and heir Valenrianna recruited a thousand cataphractii (heavy cavalry) at Echoriath.  She died of the plague in 2929.  Broken hearted, her husband Egleaus died less than a year later. Senators Pikon and Marcus continued their entreaties with the chief men of Eatris, who agreed to support the Empire with their tribute. Senator Bexillius traveled south to Danum and laid claim to the land in the name of the Senate and People. Grain shipments arriving along the via adamos from

the Eastern Empire made the return trip laden with gold and precious metals.

The Imperator Aquilae, the emperor's own adventuring company, recovered the artifact known as the Gold Coin of Ulon from the province of Mynos.  However, it was stolen from their very encampment within days.

The Eastern Conorrian trained their cavalry with great energy, sparing no expense. They spent nearly as much effort training the men who rode the Eastern Empire's giant eagles. Worried that he would die before he had a chance to name his young son as his heir, Emperor Draximus instead named his adult daughter-in-law Prudentia to succeed him.  When his son Fortitudo came of age three years later, the old Emperor was still alive.  Draximus's wife, the empress Vibiasabina Sexta Olivia died of the plague in 2928.  When his daughter (the Conorrian empress) died of the same disease in 2930, the old emperor despaired.  He passed away the same night he received the news of his daughter's death. Senator Gnaeus Marcellus marched north into Dhûnazhar at the head of four thousand sagitarii (light horse archers), and turned over his command to Senator Destinatus.  Marcellus then died of the common cold in 2927. Destinatus worked closely with King Valand II of Dhûnazhar, which turned out to be his undoing. (See The Great Battle of Gimmilzar, below.)

The Dwarven Realm of Dhûnazhar -  Ruler - King Valand II Capital - Khelem Vala Dominant Race - Dwarf Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail Diplomacy - Crisias [FA]

The dwarves of Dhûnazhar built a dozen field forts around their nation, and recruited nearly a thousand King's Elite heavy infantry.  In 2928, Valand II, King Under the Mountain and lord of Dhûnazhar, stood watch in Kiril Zelen with twelve thousand troops, nearly all of whom were highly trained King's Elite heavy infantry. In the spring, they marched to Khuruk Tor after reports of a hobgoblin raid, but returned when it turned out to be so minor that the garrisons of the field forts had defeated the hobgoblins.  Then, in late summer came the reports of an enormous invasion force of men and hobgoblins entering Gimmilzar from the north.  Noble King Valand immediately set out from his mountains to defend his vassals in the hills below. (See The Great Battle of Gimmilzar, below). Princess Valandra continued to treat with the lowland dwarves of Crisias, convincing them to support her brother's reign with troops.

THE GREAT BATTLE OF GIMMILZAR
(Daarlem, 2928)

In 2928, Valand II, King Under the Mountain and lord of Dhûnazhar, stood watch in Kiril Zelen with twelve thousand troops, nearly all of whom were highly trained King's Elite heavy infantry. In this he was aided by human troops from the Eastern Empire, four thousand light cavalry under the command of the hapless general Destinatus. In the spring, they marched to Khuruk Tor after reports of a hobgoblin raid, but returned when it turned out to be so minor that the garrisons of the field forts had defeated the hobgoblins.  Then, in late summer came the reports of an enormous invasion force of men and hobgoblins entering Gimmilzar from the north.  Noble King Valand immediately set out from his mountains to defend his vassals in the hills below.

Meanwhile, Carhallas General Kh'Moth had assembled an army of twenty-five thousand troops, including seven thousand humans and ogres from Annvar and six thousand humans from Ascarlon.  With their blades glowing darkly, this army marched west from Carcaroth into Mendhaur and then south into Gimmilzar, where it was still tracking down local dwarven militias when Valand II's shining army marched up from the southern mountains, their ranks of bronze gleaming with magically-reinforced armor.  Although the dwarves were extremely well-trained and well-suited to fighting in the hills, the Dark Court allies held many advantages, including great commanders, a two to one advantage in numbers and a three to one advantage in cavalry.

The battle began under a brilliantly blue sky without a cloud in sight.  Ravens wheeled and screamed in anticipation of the vast feast while dwarves and men and hobgoblins chanted prayers to diverse gods.  The first day favored the dwarves.  Their lines held against the powerful hobgoblin assaults, and their skillful use of the terrain and field forts prevented the thousands of human cavalry from doing too much damage on their flanks, which were also screened by the Conorrian cavalry.  Both sides lost thousands dead, but Dhûnazhar's shield wall held and it was the allies who were forced to withdraw at sunset from the line of dead comrades that lay before their enemy's position. That evening, the Dark Court allies were joined by a small adventuring group known as The Dragon's Hoard.  They provided sorcerous support to the hobgoblins the following day.

The second day was not at all like the first.  It dawned thick with fog, unusual for the summer hillls, and began to rain before the sun was a hand's breadth into the sky.  The Annvarite cavalry had scouted the hills during the night and in the morning were in position to charge the dwarves from their right rear flank.  This broke the dwarven lines for the first time in two days.  Hobgoblins and ogres poured into the breach in the lines, slaughtering dwarves in great numbers. Prince Sharvlok of Carhallas unleashed a sorcery that brought insubstantial phantoms screaming down out of the sky to harass the dwarves and the dwarves, oathsworn or not, broke and began to fall back.  Initially, the dwarves were ably screened in their retreat by the Eastern Conorrian cavalry.  But at this point, General Kh'Moth committed his reserve, the Ascar cavalry.  The Ascars and Conorrians entered a fight that became almost a separate battle, horses and lances churning the rainy fields into a morass of mud and gore.  Pinned by the Annvarite cavalry force in their rear, the dwarves regrouped around the king while the hobgoblins swarmed around them killing with glee.

King Valand's bodyguard cut a bloody path out of the rout for their monarch, who did escape with his life.  Not so Eastern Conorrian general Destinatus, who did indeed meet his destiny in the hills of Gimmilzar, along with all his men. The great dwarven army was no more. The allies left the dwarven dead where they lay and went back to subjugating the province. A great victory, to be sure, but one with a terrible cost.  The Dark Court allies returned to their rapine with just ten thousand of the twenty-five thousand soldiers with which they had started.

The Exarchate of Edledhas -
Ruler - Exarch Voromë 
Capital - Dor Edhel
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - The Lords of the Grail

The elves continued to shape the goodly land of Hydastes to their liking and also added small hill forts along its length. In Dor Edhel, the Exarch married an elf-woman of fine Celendoran noble birth. Devout and well-schooled missionaries for the Exarchate crossed the Esharias river and preached the religion of the Grail to the outpost of hobgoblins in Lederata.  Improbably, a small minority of hobgoblins have begun to accept the new, gentler faith of the south despite their traditional loathing for elves.

The men of the Warded Realm set about strengthening the regional defenses of their war-torn land, building fortifications in Hidden Gate, Abaraxtes and Othona. Pelenduri engineers built a postal road to the Leucomagus border. King Ulfast III married a local noblewoman of Vigilum in a lavish ceremony in 2926, but she died tragically during childbirth in 2929. Ulfast named his cousin Princess Rebecka to his Royal Counsel. Lord Gunther successfully negotiated the allegiance of Keldior to the Warded Realm.  Lord Wilkinson, on the other hand, made such outrageous and insulting demands of the woodmen of Edhel Gorthas that they slew him and mounted his sightless head on a pike on the Naugrias border to deter further fools.

Pelenduri missionaries traveled among the hobgoblins of Vornilos, preaching the gospel of the Grail.  They achieved some small number of converts among the otherwise violent and blood-crazed mountain tribes. Conversely, hobgoblin missionaries from Carhallas entered Othona and found many willing converts back to the Dark Court among the hobgoblins there.

VALES -

North-Western Vales -

The Llyran Republic - Ruler - Constans Albrecht Marova Capital - Tarrentica Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail Diplomacy - Maidhan [A], Caprera [-]

The Republic continued its quest to remain the preeminent sky sailors in all of Theeurth by means of intensive training. Meanwhile, the Llyrans also added to their conventional merchant fleets with ten new cogs. The capital city of Tarrentica, grew in size and complexity, reaching well beyond its old and outdated walls. King Albrecht Marova and Princess Irene Boluscova traveled to the island of Maidhan, bringing more supplies for the eventual cultivation of the entire region. The king also forged a new alliance with the men of the island. Missionaries of the Lords of the Grail, led by Prince Aivars Mistrova converted the great majority of the population of Nova Valis back to the worship of the national gods, reversing the damage done by the followers of Ionnes decades before.

With but a small arm of the Llyran fleet, Admiral Sonja Nemova patrolled the waters around the Republic in the name of the Red Pact of Vales. It was nonetheless one of the larger forces afloat on the Valesian Sea.

Lieutenant Alatriste Ovechkin, a wan and excitable fellow, founded the Llyran University Opera Company. It's opening performance of Andacha's Gorgon River was a smash hit in Tarrentican society.

Quentin Darovos sailed east to the former Conorrian island of Caprera and tried to woo the islanders into an alliance with the Republic.  The Caprerans, inveterate isolationists even in the best of imperial times, told the Llyran senator that he talked funny.

The Holy Matriarchy of Ahuran -  Ruler - Queen Brigitte Lynxpaw Capital - Sedeskan Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Maddari

The capital city of Sedeskan continued to expand, now becoming a true metropolis.  A terrible plague passed through the realm in the summer of 2926. Among its victims were both queen Elizabeth Lynxpaw and her heir, Rowena Montcalm. Princess Brigitte Lynxpaw immediately abandoned her plans and raced back to the capital to assert control.  She was crowned queen within a week. The adventuring company known as the Daughters of the Second Spire battled a band of goblins in the hills of Rarram, finally discovering their ancient temple and destroying it. Landress Fiona of Finnabar spoke with many of the noble leaders of Galoins, trying to convey the benefits of abandoning the ancient worship of the spirits and taking up the worship of the goddess. She had some moderate success.  Much more spectacular was the success of the humble missionaries to Har'Akir, who converted the entire region of Qadras (albeit not the city of Galim) to the worship of Maddari.

Har'akir - Ruler - Sultan Ahmed ibn Qadir Capital - Muzir Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail
	The Akirs concentrated on improving their religious networks, as well as the education of their nobility.  Sultan Ahmed had ordered a great deal of religious activity which unfortunately produced minimal results.  The nobility of many regions proved more dedicated to the Dark Court than was anticipated.  In fact, the only significant changes in Akir religious attitudes occurred when most of the people of Qadras began to worship the Maddari mother goddess.  Large minorities in Awas Fahan also began to gather at Maddari temples. In response to this travesty, the Sultan ordered the completion of a great new work. Craftsmen and artisans from all over the Valesian Sea helped to create the great Temple of the Grail in Har Mekelle.  This marble structure with its great golden dome is one of the jewels of the Grail religion and many young Akirs dedicated themselves to its service after seeing the great edifice. It may be hoped that a future change in Har'Akir's religious fortunes may stem from this great work of architecture. Almost unnoticed amidst the religious turmoil was the fact that the elves and men of Har'akir had lived together for so long that the two had actually become friendly, and not merely tolerant of each other. Prince Falja, one of the leaders of the failed religious movement, died in Har Jadme in 2930.

The Valesian Empire - Ruler - Emperor Dioges Capital - Centauris Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

The Valesian people continued to energetically build farms, smallholds, markets and outposts across the cultivated expanse of their empire, making it one of the more densely populated regions of Theeurth

Luxur - Ruler - Prince Regent Dissyk Capital - Thedelos Dominant Race - Sathla Dominant Religion - Autumna Diplomacy - Keferis [-]

The sathla of Luxur trained incessantly with their small number of mekebele leatherwings for the not-too-distant time when they had enough of the aerial beasts to field a fighting force. Generous to their coreligionists, Luxur sent a train of pack lizards bearing gold and precious metals eastward into Shulaksur. General Tanari died of a painful bout of scale rot in 2928.  Prince Dissyk was elected king in his place. By this time, Dissyk had charted the waters of the Songtide Straits and the Sea of Bells (leaving the region just as the Llyran fleet arrived...), but was unable to chart the wild waters of the Songtide Straits. Speaker Oprhak spent many years poking around in Habu and Merwal, while Captain Tressag traveled to Keferis and attempted unsuccessfully to improve relations with the eastern sathla.

Autumna missionaries converted the sathla of Shenth away from the worship of the Dark Court, and also preached in Nedoor, Kesydon and Hawat.

The Dominion received another large shipment of gold upriver from Luxur.  Meanwhile, a smaller caravan set out from Aldryss and made its way overland to the Weshtayo humans at Tresalet. The Dominion became ever more rigid and inflexible in its religious views, viewing even minor variations from the Autumnan scripture as heresy. Shulaskur missionaries aided those from Luxur in Hawat, but without any real result as a small majority of Hawathans held onto their fanatical beliefs in the glories of the Dark Court. General Vayliss and Princess Elysseth continued their research in the Holy City of Merwal until late in 2930, when they returned to Aldryss with a small caravan of crates. The Company of the Silver Axe returned out of the east bearing something to the Dominex.

The Serpentine of Mykele -
Ruler - Sauressh Zee
Capital - Oroyon
Dominant Race - Sathla
Dominant Religion - Autumna

North-Eastern Vales -

The Kingdom of Thariyya - Ruler - King Iolas Vahdin Capital - Uls Fakhar Dominant Race - Halfling Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail Diplomacy - Ain Hoorahl [EA], Kildaruensis [NT]

The halflings of Thariyya came out of their long isolation with a fury of building.  Settlers built the walled port cities of Val Marden in Iqbazir and Nur Oldeen in Alik. Meanwhile, other settlers built farms and markets in the region of Izbazir. Brave frontiersmen began to cultivate the long-fallow forests of Madegap, Alik and Abin. King Iolas reorganized the extensive Thariyyan fishing fleet to serve the home ports. He also took over command of the entire army and navy. He then granted his lieutenants Vahdin and Marsten the pacified regions of Shood and Madegap as their personal fiefs, thus foisting the problem of the restive regions on his subordinates. Lord Killaden made common cause with the Bersager tribesmen of Ain Hoorahl, while Princess Carmina Vahdin forged a treaty to allow Thariyya to trade with the Eastern Conorrian Empire via Kildaruensis.

The Warlocks of Accolon - Ruler - Emperor Tormak Cuu Capital - Dammarask Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - The Dark Court Diplomacy - Unaagh [-2YfC], Anur-Da [T]

The powerful warlocks of Accolon lavished king's ransoms on the University of Dammarask and on the magistracies that bind their far-flung empire together. The Emperor ruled from his immense and lavish palace high above the muddy banks of the Mulgaunt river.  Once again he fathered no children and there were many who speculated just who might succeed him in the absence of an heir. Lord Kragar Darkfist recruited two thousand cavalry to stiffen the already significant ranks Accolon's army.  He rode down the Road of Dust to Eumana with this large force to overawe any opposition from forces opposed to the spread of the Valesian language in that seaside province, but in the end the populace accepted the new language with equanimity. Prince Nozz "the Dark" Cuu died in the pacified city

of Unaagh in 2927 of complications from a liver complaint. His death in the middle of negotiations with the city fathers set back the Warlocks'  goals in that city by some years.

Princess (and necromancer!) Esarch Ray Cuu spent several years in Dammarask working on a secret project.  Then she traveled to the riparian region of Anur-Da and exacted a tribute for the empire.

Lord Pok Brightsword took over command of the large northern navy based at Agharra and stood out to sea on patrols until his death by drowning in 2930.

It wasn't a particularly successful period for the Accolonite church.  Heavily-funded missionaries failed in their missions to support the church in neighboring Kherouf and to convert the Grail-worshiping Bersager tribesmen in the desert of Habel.

The Empire of Kherouf -   Ruler - Emperor Nepherkeres Capital - Tanthis Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

Under the slaver's lash, laborers continued to clear and cultivate the windswept coastal plains of Chadouf.  Meanwhile, Lord Senedj traveled the nation gathering two thousand light infantry under his command.  He then marched them to the fertile land of Nimru and released the soldiers from their enlistments.  The Emperor had given each soldier a plot of land and the supplies to farm it for several years.  And so the central heartlands grew in population and civilization. The Emperor himself commanded ten thousand soldiers stationed in camps ringing the capital.  His son Sesokhris governed the capital in his father's name and himself fathered a son in 2927. Nynetjer of Chadouf, ally of the Empire, died in 2930. His son quickly traveled to Tanthis and became a close ally of the Emperor like his father before him.

The Emperor named his wife and daughter to his Royal Council, but Queen Manethi died of internal bleeding in 2929.

The Shadowguard of Marador -  
Ruler - Queen Madariel Shadowfoot
Capital - Lantar
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail
Diplomacy - Hecaladon [EA]

Queen Madariel
Having removed the orcish population of Zab-Kin, the elves now established a fortified city on the north bank of the Mulgaunt, and further protected it with a stout stone fortress. They built a bridge between Zab-Kin and Jebelam, though as yet no road ran that way. A road they did build, driving north from Oromardi to the Gaja border. Queen Madariel and Prince Sielvean marched the army back to Lantar, while most of the court returned to Dimbe and continued to pressure the nobility to convert to the Lords of the Grail.  In the end, that pressure came more effectively from below.  The elven missionaries were spectacularly successful, converting the peasantry in just five short years to their old worship.  With the people converted, the nobility quietly followed their example. Meanwhile, Vaeril Fallingwater and Evarear Darkblow forged a treaty of economic alliance between Marador and the region of Hecaladon. A minor palace functionary in Lantar woke up one morning in 2926 to find in his bed a beautiful staff with a lion's head carved on one end.  Attached was a note in neat Avariel (the language of the elves), reading "Please return this to Queen Madariel with our compliments."

South-Western Vales -

The Steaming Kingdom of Drormt -
Ruler - King Hematep
Capital - Breeka
Dominant Race - Saurus
Dominant Religion - Autumna
Diplomacy - Munampt [T]

The sauruses of Drormt began to drive a wide, stable road through the meandering islets and bogs of Ululor towards the Drormt border, no mean architectural feat. Old King Vraaka traveled south to Munampt and negotiated a tribute from the tribes there, cementing the arrangement with a marriage to his son, Prince Hematep.  The trip wore Vraaka out and he died in his sleep in Breeka in 2930 shortly after naming the sixteen year old Hematep as his heir. There was great tension in Drormt, for the young prince was untested and viewed as little more than a boy.  But Drormt narrowly avoided a civil war when general Sluarth backed Hematep as king.

Sendahl - Ruler - King Topo*ko Capital - Nyange Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Valesian Spirit Cult

Seeking a secure southern border as he prepared to expand to the west, King Topo*ko arranged a marriage between his niece Princess Irela and Prince Hariki of Mekeble (brother of the emperor). When his daughter was old enough, he entrusted her to Siro*ko the Dervish, a trusted lieutenant.  Siro*ko rode with the young princess to the Mekebele border in 2930, where they met her young husband to be.  The marriage ceremony was performed by shamans on the cliffs overlooking the Vine Sea. Elsewhere, and despite his name, Giro*ko, Lynx of the Steppes, put to sea from Gorana with three warships and charted the coastlines and shoals of the Mardoin Gulf.

The Grand Empire of Mekebele - Ruler - Emperor Fuloku Capital - Awayal Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Valesian Spirit Cult Diplomacy - Eura [EA]

Settlers and famers poured in great numbers into the denuded lands of Menrat at the Emperor's behest.  At the emperor's "suggestion", his brother Prince Hariki traveled to the Sendahl border and married the Sendahlese king's niece, Irela.  The two were wed in a large and lavish ceremony on the shores of the Vine Sea, overflown by a flight of mekebele leatherwings. Meanwhile, Emperor Fuloku named his younger brother Makana to his Royal Council and his son Ekwane to be his heir.  Fuloku then traveled to Eura and forged an economic alliance with that jungle province.

South-Eastern Vales -

The Dwarven Realm of Aurdrukar - Ruler - King Dorin Capital - The Brass Tower Dominant Race - Dwarf Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

Banner of Aurdrukar

Banner of Khor-Naland

The dwarves remained in their mountain fastnesses and ignored the outside world.  Rignus of Hikka died in 2927 at the age of one hundred sixty-five.  His heir did not renew the alliance with Aurdrukar.

The Elven Empire of Sengkar - Ruler - Emperor Valoril Greenshield Capital - Ezrand Dominant Race - Elf Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

Shocked by the southern rebellion, the empire of Sengkar begins to take its religion seriously.  Emperor Valoril spent lavishly on training for the priesthood and also broke ground on a temple complex in Sengkar to be called The Temple of Leaves. He let it be known that the Empire would be willing to hear any serious proposal by the Righteous aimed at reintegration. In the north, a royal road connected Sengkar to Marador and the two elven nations enjoyed the increase in trade. In the meantime, Prince Namaril the Hunter recruited three thousand elven archers into his army.  He left four thousand heavy cavalry at Ezrand with his father and then marched to the coast at Phinte with his army of ten thousand (including six thousand heavy cavalry). Discontent was high in Namaril's army and within mere months it had become rebellious.  Suddenly, a rumor passed through the camp that Namaril was secretly in league with Kerendis, and worshiped the goddess Evaless in secret, profane rituals.  The camp exploded like a powderkeg, with soldier fighting soldier and flame spreading through the camp.  A lieutenant in the army named Ashandar of Radhrost spearheaded the mutinous troops and attempted to seize Prince Namaril Seeing that all was lost, Namaril escaped into the night.  Ashandar soon announced his intention to support the Righteous in their struggle against Valoril.  Many of the rebels refused to join him, but many did join and he marched south with three thousand troops to join the rebels.  The survivors of the battle at the Phinte camp dispersed to become masterless elves and mercenaries. Mewanwhile, the army of the Righteous raided into Kirenda Rashaz unopposed and then retired to Ozhayar.

The Righteous of Sengkar - Ruler - Empress Elvadriadne Capital - Bandorian Dominant Race - Elf Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

Unable to pay all the costs of government while sitting in the wilderness, Empress Elvadriadne sacked a great many of her agents and refused to pay upkeep on the postal roads. The Righteous built field forts in Ozhayar and set out to raid north into Kirenda Rashaz.  The troops were shocked to learn that someone had kidnapped the Empress right out of their army encampment and left a note reading: "No one defies the will of the Emperor!" Chaos and confusion reigned and the Righteous nearly faltered in their determination to restore the empire to its old ways.  Talan of Mita knew he still commanded the largest army in Sengkar and raided Kirenda Rashaz anyway.  His raid with thirteen thousand elven archers (more than half of them elite troops)  was highly successful and easily bypassed the tiny garrison and fortress. There was great rejoicing when news arrived of the

mutiny of Namaril's army and the arrival of Ashandar of Radhrost and his three thousand troops.

The Kingdom of Weshtayo - Ruler - Regent Huetzin Capital - Khulank Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Autumna

A caravan arrived from Shulaskur, bringing gold to help the nation. Aut Khaidu died in 2928 during a duel.  King Ometeotl died in 2930 of yellow fever.  The king's son was only four years old and so Lord Huetzin took over as regent.

The Imperial Realm of Zikuyu -
Ruler - Emperor Kiisha
Capital - Ivallkyu
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Valesian Spirit Cult
DIplomacy - Mara [FA]

Zikuyan merchants and craftsmen flocked to New Mhynar, expanding its population and importance to the realm. Meanwhile, hardy frontiersmen at last carved a path for civilization into the wilderness of Triyara.  Farmers followed and soon the region was under full cultivation. Engineers continued to drive a broad, straight road towards the dwarven lands at Kamandi. Lords Moqsis and Kiisha traveled east to the demon-worshiping tribes of Mara, sandwiched between the dwarves of the north, the orcs of the east and the desert tribes of the south.  They convinced the lord of Mara to swear an oath of fealty to the Emperor in exchange for protection from these hostile forces. Emperor Zanwee II died in 2930, leaving the Empire without an heir.  Chaos and war threatened, but calamity was avoided when Lord Kiisha deftly maneuvered (some say bribed) the other lords to recognize him as the legitimate claimant to the throne.

The Valraj -
Ruler - Sultan Jahangeer
Capital - Muddakir
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

The men of The Valraj observed the chaos of the north and quietly decided to build stout walls around their northern city of Hissar. Meanwhile, Sultan Jahangeer permitted many tenant farmers to own land in the homeland for the first time in centuries, which resulted in an immediate increase in the rural population. Lord Jalalud traveled to the forests of Vora and met with the best men of the region (such as they were) and convinced many of them of the advantages to following the state religion.  Meanwhile, Prince Miir converted so many of the nobility of Sartus that the region openly supported the Dark Court.

The Grand Duchy of Meneen -
Ruler - Grand Duke Salene
Capital - Yaz Meneen
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - Valesian Spirit Cult
Diplomacy - Gandar Shab [FA]

The elves of Meneen trained hard to improve the capabilities of their warships and infantry.  Their schools of sorcery received special attention as well. The capital city of Yaz Meneen experienced an influx of population as its wealth increased.  Grand Duke Salene had his engineers expand the city walls to encompass the new districts thus created, and also recruited a thousand new archers and elite infantry to reinforce the city garrison. Prince Emmyn traveled west to Gandar Shab to negotiate a feudal agreement with the Khovars elves.  The elves of Meneen were unpopular with their wild Khovars cousins and the arrangement was a tough sell.  But Emmyn can be quite persuasive when he speaks and the lord of Gandar Shab eventually agreed and swore fealty to the Grand Duke. Meanwhile, the sathla of Rajahdan were busily trying to convert the nobility of Indrata to the alien ways of Autumna.  At the same time, the halflings of Ahum were working hard to ensure the Nuree orthodoxy of the Indrata peasantry.

The Kingdom of Ukanve -
Ruler - King Gene II
Capital - Ukanve
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Valesian Spirit Cult

King Gene II ordered a new temple to be built in the region of Yezhu'u.  Many small communities grew up around the temple in order to support it. The king also named his two lieutenants, Stonaeg and Corgian, to be lords of the restive regions of Nyelru and Aclimea, respectively.  Stonaeg and Corgian swore oaths of fealty to the king and settled in to quiet the dissent in their new lands. The king's son Gene III was named heir in 2929, and a good thing because Gene II died of a heart attack in 2930, leaving his son in command. Lord Shandor marched east through Rhundar into Sominde with the intention of pacifying the whole island.  But unlike their elven counterparts to the west, the men of Sominde fought back fiercely and drove Shandor's army back.  The Ukanvans attacked a second time and were once again repulsed. Shandor lost half his army in the pair of attacks.

  44

The Kingdom of Nikitya -
Ruler - King Erik Ragnarsson
Capital - Vikitana
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Serriku Spirit Cult
Diplomacy - Kachka [F]

King Erik continued to organize the merchants of Vikitana.  He also sent out parties to scout the route for an eventual royal road between Vikitana and Trysavir. Erik went personally to Kachka and offered the hand of his sister Snowmane Ragnarsdottir to Olaf of Kachka, a man more than twice her age. Olaf accepted and died in bed in 2928, a happy man.

The Principalities of Korondor -
Ruler - King Tolan
Capital - Nikkildûn
Dominant Race - Dwarf
Dominant Religion - The Lords of the Grail
Diplomacy - Tyuin [A]

The dwarves of Korondor continued their long history of obsessive, nearly paranoid, building of defensive works.  Woe to any invader who tries to storm the Principalities! Every hilltop is hollowed into a strongpoint or bears a strong tower at its summit.  Every city groans beneath the weight of some of the most massive walls in Theeurth. Every region is darkened by the shadow of a vast and impregnable castle. King Tolan named his son Durm to be his heir and named his daughter Toli to his Royal Council. Tolan guarded the passes of Innikuch while Durm ruled the nation in his name.  Between the two of them, they commanded thirteen thousand dwarves. Lords Bolan, Talon and Korin traveled west to Tyuin, where they made alliance with the lord of the western hills.

The Targary tribes rode about and eyed the wealth lands to the north and to the southwest.

The Saa'vend Confederation -
Ruler - King Nassessh
Capital - Envekal
Dominant Race - Saurus
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

The Saa'vend Confederation raided several surrounding hill regions for slaves, but the hill tribes were difficult to pin down.  The raiders came away with a few miserable hobgoblins and a bag of onions. Also, most of the leaders of the expeditions died of various camp diseases.  Prince Boaz succumbed in 2927 while Lord Vipren of Prvisht and Lord Mass'T of Barsine succumbed in 2928. On the plus side, the nation celebrated the birth of two girls to the wife of Crown Prince Sthor. Also, a shipment of gold arrived from across the Argabazos river.  It was gold from Shanatar intended to show the favor of the god-emperor.

The Shanatar Empire -
Ruler - God-Emperor Tsephares
Capital - Feroe
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - The God-Emperor

The great empire recruited five thousand cavalry at a single time, bringing it's total strength to more than eighteen thousand standing troops. At the same time, the god-emperor settled three tribes within his borders, founding the cities of Maoundis, Yamakhar and Al Mehta.  Elsewhere, the regions of Shanatar saw the building of canals, markets, small towns and monasteries. The northeastern region of Rachif was home to a great commotion as the immense bronze statue known as the Colossus of Talena Triumphant was raised to commemorate the victory of the god-emperor over the kingdom of the ghouls.  This incredible feat of engineering swelled the pride of every one of the god-emperor's adherents.

The Farmuz Emirates - Ruler - Sultan Kazad Capital - Azhkatûm Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Lords of the Grail

The Emirates took a five-year voyage of inner self-discovery. Lord Masket died of boredom in 2929.

 

The Kingdom of Vaudan - Ruler - Queen Noushin Capital - Chegamum Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Orithia

King Khosrow died in 2926, leaving no heir.  His wife, a formidable young woman named Noushin, seized power in no uncertain terms.

 

The Faithful of Gardagos - Ruler - King Moresko Capital - Rakuen Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Orithia Diplomacy - Mitampe [NT]

King Olizo settled his Kasadir refugees in the villages spread across the tall grass of Imbalab, in the new capital of Rakuen and sent a third group to found an outpost in Mitampe, which they named Olizaki in his honor.  He then traveled to Mitampe himself and preached the truths of Orithia to the local nobility before passing away peacefully in the night in 2928. Lord Moresko, who later became King Moresko, convinced the Imbalab tribes of Mitampe to allow the city settlement and also to allow the Faithful to move troops through their land. The helpful elves of Mainos sent a vast shipment of grains, wine, and preserved game meat, which saved the Faithful from a terrible famine.

The United Clans of Mainos -
Ruler - King Kaedhrol Greyfeather
Capital - Badmira
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - Orithia

The helpful elves of Mainos sent a vast shipment of grains, wine, and preserved game meat to the Faithful of Gardagos, which saved the Faithful from a terrible famine. King Khaedrol Greyfeather and his court tried to reason with the obstinate humans of Okumiye, who, while they reluctantly agreed to send tribute to the elves, refused to have anything to do with the government of the hated Orithians. Elvish engineers laboriously laid a wide and stable roadbed through the forest of Aydu.

The Dragon's Reach -

The Kingdom of Uheju -
Ruler - King Maggor
Capital - Shkomyemri
Dominant Race - Hobgoblin
Dominant Religion - Falesian (Heretical Orithia)

The hobgoblins of Uheju did not enter the pages of history for this time period, save to note that Lord Kizil died in 2928. Human Falesian priests from Kasadir completed the conversion of Kannguheju.

 

The Heavenly Kingdom of Kasadir - Ruler - King Maejirth Capital - Tamiyot Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Falesian (Heretical Orithia) Diplomacy - Tanuan [A}

Kasadir experienced a period of extreme religious fervor, and sent waves of missionaries north to convert the Orithian hobgoblins of Kannguheju to the Falesian faith.  King Maejirth created the "King's Order of Morals", an body of inquisitors with extraordinary powers to arrest and question anyone they wish.  The Order of Morals is charged with uncovering religious laxity or Orithian sympathies and punishing them with heavy fines, imprisonment or death. The intensively cultivated region of Kasadir attracted a large number of landless farmers to work the great farms of the nobility.

 

The Kingdom of Ahandu - Ruler - King Tehecuaq Capital - Zathurrin Dominant Race - Saurus Dominant Religion - Orithia Diplomacy - Diangam [F]

The sauruses of Ahandu built a road through Menetah to the Kheleni river, opposite to where the Diangam road also met the river.  Elsewhere, the slow cultivation of Chojde continued. Princess Tzazlat continued her efforts to convert the nobility of the capital back to orthodox Orithia, while missionaries preached the same in the streets. Princess Tzazless and Lord Quetkrox completed the reconversion of the Jembahuan nobility and the official religion of the region was once again orthodox Orithia. Most of the peasantry still practiced the Falesian ways in small and secret ceremonies, however.

The Empire of Mogodor -
Ruler - Queen Lysistrana
Capital - Aone
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Orithia
Diplomacy - Tekkur [F]

The Empire recruited fifteen hundred elite Mogodor Dragon Knights, as well as conscripting a thousand peasants into the army at Venil. Lords Obi and Meilin traveled to the city of Tekkur and granted the residents full citizenship.  They also arranged the marriage of crown prince Shi to a daughter of one of the city's chief magistrates. Lord Xuan Li traveled across the sea towards the Necropolis, but was driven back by ships crewed by dead sailors.  He and his own crew barely managed to escape. Rumors abounded in Aone that a citadel deep in Heblaa contained the last known location of the ancient sword Deepreaver.

The Kingdom of Suhanir -
Ruler - King Valiel Sunlord
Capital - Kaonayu
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - Orithia
Diplomacy - Kimmaktu [F]

The lords of the eastern forests gave thought to their defenses, building strongholds throughout Sunahm, Menmanga, Adairda and Kaste.  Lord Cerelindor trained two thousand elven archers, bringing his force at Kaste to four thousand, while the emperor commanded further ten thousand at Kaonayu, a city which grew larger to serve the needs of the large army encamped there. The elves added four new warships to their fleet on the Dragon's Reach. Lady Halath traveled to Kimmaktu on the coast and offered the elves full citizenship.  They gladly gave their oath to the great King of the Wood.

The Kingdom of Amantai -
Ruler - Shogun Marubeni the Younger
Capital - Mahlish
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Orithia
Diplomacy - Seklebatu [F]

A wave of religious fundamentalism swept through Amantai, a furious reaction to the spread of heresy throughout Uheju and Kasadir.  The Shogun's efforts to strengthen the priesthood in Amantai met with overwhelming success as the population brimmed with hatred for the Falesians to the west.  Many demanded the execution of all those who refused to publicly adhere to the faith of Orithia. Kin Shomo and Prince Atsutane traveled to Seklebatu and offered to marry a Seklebatan woman to the Shougun in exchange for the loyalty of that wealthy eastern region.

The Kingdom of Nuitai -
Ruler - King Jae Hwan
Capital - Temanom
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Orithia

For the first time in years, the Kingdom of Nuitai failed to pay the tribute to Erdiyek. Everyone waited to see what the Lich-King's response would be. In the meantime, Princess Chintana and Lord Rhee both passed away of natural causes.

The Lichdom of Erdiyek -
Ruler - Kuan Li Jiang
Capital - The Necropolis
Dominant Race - The Undead
Dominant Religion - None

Kuan Li Jiang summoned more undead monsters to serve him and fumed over the late tribute from Nuitai.

The Kingdom of Choran -
Ruler -  Councillor Sing Sao
Capital - Choran
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Serikku Spirit Cult

Choran engineers surveyed and cleared the land that would one day form the three hundred mile royal road between the cities of Coran and Munh. Councillor Sing Sao rearranged trade on the Choran shipping routes to favor the long-haul route to distant Lulipayat. Councillor Phopheng died in the middle of a Council meeting in 2926 of a disharmony between the liver and blood (as any decent doctor knows, the liver controls the tendons and eyes and Phopheng's eyes had been bothering him for months.) Councillor Daxai died of a stagnation of Qi in 2927.

The Empire of Tekume -
Ruler - Emperor Go-Bitron
Capital - Suru'or
Dominant Race - Giants
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court
Diplomacy - Mei [F]

The giants braced for an attack that never came.  Go-Bitron and his giant fleet were never challenged on land or sea. Lord Ul-Kador thoroughly impressed the Mei hobgoblins with his noble bearing and immense strength.  They chose to become part of the giant nation.

The Kolyut Isthmus -

The Sylvan Realm of Hecadia -
Ruler - King Mardeis
Capital - Belgramma
Dominant Race - Halfling
Dominant Religion - Orithia
Diplomacy - Ateside [T]

The Hecadians continued to grade and pave a fine broad road north towards Shanatar and the fabulous wealth of Feroe.  Meanwhile, the port of Serah Harbor benefited from cross-Chamir trade, resulting in an expanding population in and around the small city. Thane Rourke traveled north to Ateside and through patient negotiation convinced the Ateside humans to pay tribute to Belgramma. Thane Loren left half the army with Thane H'rak at Sharpreef and marched the other half north to Tetomo.  He caught a fever on the march and died within a week of arriving at the Rumavat city. National attention began to focus on a remarkable halfling living in Salman and going by the name of Halagarde.  Perhaps one of the most incredible minds of any race in any century, Halagarde was a painter, inventor, mystical adept and philosopher of unparalleled talents.  So deep were his insights and so clear his vision that few years went by when a major work of art or science did not flow from his pen, albeit in guarded prose and secretive, ciphered texts.  Even so, the small scraps of brilliance which he casually let loose from his workshop began to transform Hecadian civilization.  In the five years from 2926 to 2930, Hecadian science and magic advanced by more than it would have otherwise in generations.

The Kingdom of Kerendis - Ruler - King Alstan Capital - Orbelain Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - The Dark Court Diplomacy - Orbelain [+11YfC]

The men of Kerendis completed the cultivation of Rabiate and Iganchi simultaneously, vastly increasing the arable land available to be farmed. King Laoghaire the Pious died in 2926 when poisoned by a pet wyvern.  His son Alstan took over the realm in a lavish ceremony amidst the sacrifice of many strange and wondrous beasts. Alstan married in that same year, but his second wife died in childbirth in 2928. Lord Girvan continued the slow mollification of the mob in Orbelain.  Meanwhile, King Alstan arranged a marriage between his cousin Conandil to Lord Kinnel of Iganchi.  By this stroke he gained Kinnel as a prince of the realm and gained control of the region. King Alstan hired the mercenary adventurer Derand the Quick.

The Kingdom of Threns -
Ruler - King Elviand
Capital - Vaayil
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court
Diplomacy - Patsuma [A]

King Roberton laid the plans for a grand new temple forum in the city of Vaayil, but didn't live to see the population and economic growth that resulted.  He died of ill humors in 2926, leaving his son Elviand on the throne. Lord Puchonormium treated with Lord Cardo of Patsuma, hunting and hawking and slowly bringing him into a closer alliance with the monarchy. A spirit of lax and easy corruption ran through the nation and greedy officials stole much of the nation's infrastructure. Throughout the summer of 2927, Ruanach's Admiral Gestentes freely raided Kapa, Sukan, Emanaba and Bendraj, practically without opposition.

The Kolyut Hegemony -
Ruler - Hegemon Belav the Oily
Capital - Ketarid
Dominant Race - Hobgoblin
Dominant Religion - The Dark Court

The Hegemony started its recovery small.  It began a road out of Nistha and also encouraged settlers in Kuwasha and Iratush. King Vekkhad died childless in 2929.  After the recent wars, the hobgoblins had no stomach for a further civil war and the election settled quickly on Belav the Oily to be the new Hegemon.  Belav is widowed and has a twin son and daughter.

The Free Cities of Ruanach - Ruler - King Gestentes Capital - Fashanru Dominant Race - Human Dominant Religion - Changshai Spirit Cult Diplomacy - Viramar [T]

Ruanach engineers began roads leading out from the cities of Fashanru and Kaasra, but as yet these roads leads anywhere but to the surrounding countryside. A small caravan of halfling wagons from Ahum arrived, bearing gold and precious metals for the support of Ruanach. King Histro and Lady Kirra rode east to move the Hathan tribesmen of Viramar towards a more intimate relationship with Fashanru, but Histo died of pneumonia nearly as soon as he'd arrived.  Word was sent back to his son, Edmor, who took over the throne.  Meanwhile, Kirra managed to use the artifact known as the Badge of Barbaric Confabulation to levy a tribute on the Viramarans. While Aric the Red guarded the land approaches to Fashanru with four thousand infantry, Admiral Gestentes put to sea with a fleet of forty ships, a third of them elite Ruanach Blacksails. He attempted to disguise these ships with paint and seaweed and illusions, but there was no mistaking the huge and sleek blacksails.  They raided without hindrance throughout the Hecadian Straits, bringing fire and rapine to Kapa, Sukan and Emanaba, where they carted off livestock, grain, temple treasures and the contents of local farms. Seeing that he was a war hero with a huge fleet and Edmor was a mewling fool with no troops at all, Gestentes decided that everyone would be better off with a real man for a king, and decided to tell Edmor so, just before he killed him.  And that is precisely what he did, spilling the young monarch's blood on the floor of his own hall and daring anyone to challenge him for the kingship.  None did, but many of the country regions revolted, including Asatul, Davashu, Mairtho, Navarya, Pridvar, Sankama, Sepapan, Sudhris and Viramar. Gestentes vowed that they'd all bow before him in short order and set about methodically but quietly strangling Edmor's wife and children.

The Delves of Ahum - Ruler - King Tedo Applebarrel Capital - Saumya Dominant Race - Halfling Dominant Religion - Nuree

The halflings of Ahum built up the walls around each of their cities until they had achieved a uniform and formidable defense for each urban area. Clever halfling engineers were also hard at work building roads, and the Rusilam road pushed north into the region of Ahum. King Tedo sent a caravan north to bring a much-need infusion of cash to his ally in Ruanach. Halfling missionaries in Ongkiji Suzu failed to impress any of the elves. Other missionaries in Indrata found that it was the nobility (to whom they had no access), not the peasantry, who were at risk of apostasy. The folk of Saumya watched in horror as the royal family of Ruanach was butchered by one of it's own retainers, and watched in fascination at the genius of the Hecadian, Halagarde.

The Orcish Raj of Virityal -
Ruler - Raja Tolax
Capital - Chharit
Dominant Race - Orc
Dominant Religion - Nuree

Raj Storog named his second dauther Hroxa to his royal council and dispatched colonists to settle a trading city on the shores of Hilakav.  The city grew up from a collection of mud and wattle huts on the shores of the Sudev sea to become the nation's premier southern port. From there, orcish ships plied harbors as far away as Wayahapta and Ukanve. Orcish slaves continued to intensively cultivate the region of Randar, following the example of their coreligionists across the Sudaran Sea. Storog died of old age in 2928, leaving his recently-married daughter Tolax in firm possession of the throne. Tole the Bold died in that same year, stabbed to death by his wife during a heated argument.

The Empire of Rajahdan-
Ruler - Emperor Zlatec Of The Jungles
Capital - Jalahl
Dominant Race - Sathla
Dominant Religion - Autumna
Diplomacy - Tulkish [EA]

The vast population of Rajahdan continued to swell the great cities of Tanjahd and Amanal to ever larger metropolises.  Meanwhile, Emperor Gortoc the Cold-Blooded recruited two thousand more elite sathran archers to help maintain order in the teeming cities. Missionaries and a great many of the Empire's nobility descended on the human region of Asurjan on the northeastern island of Manjeet. These worked to convince both the nobility and the peasantry to give up Nuree and follow the scaled god instead.  They received many converts among both groups. Prince Zlatec of the Jungles concluded an important treaty with the province of Tulkish by marrying an noblewoman of that western jungle realm.  By the time he returned to Jalahl, his father had died at the age of forty nine.  Zlatec was crowned the new Rajad emperor. Lord Zzzsx sought to sway the elven nobility of Indrata in Meneen to the worship of the scaled god. Some of the more corrupt elf lords tried on this new worship out of boredom and thrill-seeking, but most rejected it out of hand as alien to their culture.

Anku Elevya -
Ruler - Emperor Zao Yang II
Capital - Jinguir
Dominant Race - Saurus
Dominant Religion - Zaoism

In 2928 and 2929, enormous wildfires afflicted the forests of Pekesedun, destroying all in their path and casting a vast pall of smoke over the land.

The Celestial Empire of Shen'xi -
Ruler - Emperor Mei Shu
Capital - Wu Lan
Dominant Race - Human
Dominant Religion - Kifan
Diplomacy - Xiluan [A]

The Empire directed its peasants to build towns and villages in the underpopulated homeland of Lian. Lord Xan Ming collected together the disparate and expensive garrisons of the Empire and brought them to the capital, placing fifteen thousand of them under the emperor's direct command. Prince Feng Huan and lords Xan Mizhe and Ming Chu traveled to Xiluan and made a close ally of the lord of that wealthy region. Most of the imperial court was quite elderly, and nearly all expired before 2930. The priests of Kifan used the artifact known as The Ineffable Icon of Malcanth to awe the populace and increase religious interest throughout the realm.

The Lulipayat Empire -
Ruler - Emperor Hussa
Capital - Kelakuan
Dominant Race - Sathla
Dominant Religion - Autumna

On both banks of the Maharimi river, the sathla of Lulipayat built a series of strongholds, watchtowers and redoubts. Meanwhile, the reshaping and intensive cultivation of Bukuturru continued at a steady pace. Through a poor understanding of human culture, Autumna missionaries in Mukarma grossly offended the peasant population in their zeal for converts.  However, Princess Terysa, Lord Saphyn and Lord Slihan converted the majority of the human nobility, who then imposed the scaled god on their subjects through force and law. Many of the wealthiest families in the Empire began to have concern about the financial stability of Lulipayat and so stopped lending money or did so only at usurious rates, causing a crisis of confidence and of currency that caused a serious economic recession.

 

The Serenity of Wayahapta - Ruler - King Kuan Ti Capital - Keluan Dominant Race - Halfling Dominant Religion - Changshai Spirit Cult Diplomacy - Azuika [T]

The Wayahaptans settled significant numbers of landless second sons and sturdy farmers in the cultivated region of Haykuwa and began a postal road leading east into the region of Hawhu. Queen Alvya had several key noblemen arrested for opposing her choice as successor, and then again nominated Kuan Ti to be her heir and successor.  This time it stuck, and good thing, too.  Alvya passed away in 2927 of a heart attack.  Although the nobility supported Kuan Ti, the commoners were angry about the change in dynasty and republican movements erupted into the public squares and alehouses all across the Serenity. In the end, Kuan Ti was crowned and the republicans seethed in their meetings, but little came of the whole affair. Much of the court traveled east to Azuika, claiming the land and imposing a tribute in the name of the king.

The Dwarven Realm of Khudukan -
Ruler - King Boril
Capital - Nodo-Xan
Dominant Race - Dwarf
Dominant Religion - Kifan
Diplomacy - Hidekida [EA], Nodo-Xan [+10 YfC]

The dwarves of Khudukan sent an army of workers into the terraced fields of Tomarom to build markets, farms, thorps, hamlets and villages. Stout hillside dwellings and structures sprang up all around the hilly region. King Sirom Stiffbeard died of kidney ailments in 2930.  His distant cousin Boril was acknowledged as king. Earlier, Lord Boril had negotiated an economic treaty with the dwarves of Hidekida while Isok Okori had continued to mollify the ugly mob in Nodo-Xan. In 2928 and for the next two years, a terrible plague of locusts swept back and forth across the hills of Khudukan, consuming all in its path and leaving almost nothing for the poor and starving dwarves.

The Empire of the Pearl -
Ruler - Emperor Sakurako Hideyoshi
Capital - Kuemas
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - Kifan
Diplomacy - Habuti [FA], Karinoy [-]

Ever patient, the sophisticated elves of the Pearl Empire once again rebuilt the ancient cities of Hitotome and Komotsu, the new buildings incorporating wherever possible the ruins of the beloved old. Small shrines and villages were reinhabited in Kumidor after the ravages of the war with Akagekku. While the Emperor and his priests invoked the blessings of nature on the land, The Empress and other members of the court moved about the Empire, rebuilding its political ties.  The Empress herself negotiated a feudal oath of allegiance from the city fathers of far eastern Habuti, while Takahiro Naruto continued his lengthy negotiations with the rural lords of Karinoy.

The Emerald Realm of Lekandi -
Ruler - King Galens Eagleheart
Capital - Suwelho
Dominant Race - Elf
Dominant Religion - Ukele Spirit Cult
Diplomacy - Kiakamba [F]

While watchful scouts stood guard at the Mogrys river, the elves of Lekandi recruited two thousand siege engineers and fifteen hundred elite elven archers and demanded that their sathla neighbors return Prince Bloodspear and his son. Vallirion Sharpeye traveled southeast to the jungles of Kiakamba and won over the local Lindarie tribes to full citizenship in the Emerald Realm.

 

The Scaled Realm of Korodan - Ruler - Azz'tak the Wise Capital - Khorlaine Dominant Race - Sathla Dominant Religion - Autumna

After their brief burst of organizational activity, the Korodan tribes reveled in their newfound power for several years.

 

The Yalimiko Tribes - Ruler - King Mongok Capital - Okana Dominant Race - Sathla Dominant Religion - Autumna Diplomacy - Kiaeka [F]

The Yalimiko tribes built villages and farms in their homeland.  Meanwhile, King Mongok sent his entire court to Kiaeka to negotiate the inclusion of that province into his realm.

From the "Because I Can" Files:

The Fifteen Largest Populations in Theeurth:

Page Completed 30 September, 2009