Return of the Cold Rider - Baronies history, description & important persons
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: KaraKres on 01-02-2011, 04:35:49</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Return of the Cold Rider - Baronies history, description &amp; important persons</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 04:35:49</strong>
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				This thread will continue all the history as it is pertinent to the campaign area, the protagonists and antagonists, realms, important organisations, etc.&nbsp; As advised in the OOC thread, the information presented here is a mish-mash of Forgotten Realms and Birthright campaign setting 'fluff'.<br>&nbsp;<br>Please PM me before posting anything in this thread.
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				Title: <strong>History of the Border Kingdoms</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 04:39:05</strong>
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				The Border Kingdoms (or Blackmoore Baronies as they are sometimes called) are troubled lands. A chaotic patchwork of nations, cultures, and religions is scattered throughout the land. Wars and feuds are common; even peaceful lands must vigilantly defend their borders against expansive neighbors and the plots of petty tyrants and would-be-rulers. There can be no lasting peace until the Baronies stand united and end their eternal conflict. <br>&nbsp;<br>Yet even though the history of this part of Faerûn is a tragic one, there are glorious moments too. Strong baronies and rich towns stand from the shores of the Lake of Steam to the great plains of Unther.&nbsp; It would be the labor of a lifetime to create an exhaustive list of the Border Kingdom's divided realms, its towns and villages, and every dark forest or vine-covered ruin; but below is a brief history and some notable details. <br>&nbsp;<br><strong><span class="bbc_u">A brief history of the Border Kingdoms (Blackmoore Baronies)</span></strong><br>&nbsp;<br>For centuries, the humans, elves and dwarves lived peacefully alongside each other on the relatively remote southern coast of the Lake of Steam, because each had its own enemies to fend off – the humanoids of the Iron Peaks.<br>&nbsp;<br>Gnolls, Goblins, and Orcs swarmed through the Border Kingdoms. Creatures of night and darkness, these humanoids lived where the elves and dwarves shunned. Yet they constantly raided, traveling through the dwarven mountains and the elven forests to take treasure and lay siege to the humanoid encampments. Matters continued in this vein for hundreds of years. <br>&nbsp;<br>Little in the way of lasting civilization arose during this time, at least none that are known to human scholars. The elves built slender towers; the dwarves constructed their stone wrought wonders and the humans built their temporary trading villages, but these eventually fell to one marauding humanoid tribe or another. In return, the elves and humans slaughtered villages of gnolls and goblins, while the dwarves drove the orcs deeper and deeper into the recesses of the mountains. It seemed that this stalemate would continue forever, and all sides longed for a way to break it. Had they known what was in store for them, they might have realized that their existence was not so bad after all.<br>&nbsp;<br>Then came the Awnshegh (pronounced ORN-shay); led by a creature known only as The Shadow. The Awnshegh were creatures of living nightmare, inheritors of magic and forces so foul, evil and twisted that the creature's physical forms were corrupted into cruel, almost mocking parodies of their most base instincts or desires.&nbsp; Minor or middling these creatures were not, each one powerful in its own right – possessor of powerful magic or skill at arms as well as other dark powers.&nbsp; They had come with a purpose, but that purpose was veiled from all except the Awnshegh.<br>&nbsp;<br>The wilderness of the Border Kingdoms was thus touched by the hand of the Awnshegh, and would never be the same again.&nbsp; &nbsp;The dwarves, concentrating on holding back the Orc forces, had little time or inclination to investigate or negotiate with the Awnshegh (even has such a notion been possible).<br>&nbsp;<br>The elves, on the other hand, were competing with the humans for land around the Lake of Stream.&nbsp; &nbsp;At first, the elves thought they could live in mutual enjoyment of the forest with the Awnshegh and this arrangement worked for a time. The presence of the Awnshegh drew the attention of the humanoids that constantly raided through the forest and despite the ferocity of the humanoids the Awnshegh quickly subjugated them.&nbsp; The humans however proved to be resourceful and resilient enough to stand fast and eventually the Awnshegh were driven from human lands.&nbsp; The Awnshegh however were not beaten, they were merely bidding their time.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;<br>One of the most powerful Awnshegh was a creature calling itself Rhoubhe Manslayer who appeared with an elven countenance, but with a soul blacker than evil itself.&nbsp; Rhoubhe corrupted the elves and soon the humans and elves were engaged in all-out war.&nbsp; Woodcutters and peasants gathering firewood were slain as brutally as the warriors that would-be-rulers sent to conquer the elven lands.&nbsp; To what end this served the Awnshegh's plans no one knows, only that it caused decades of unnecessary bloodshed and misery.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;<br>The fair folk conceded the plains, the hills, and the coasts to the humans, and withdrew to the sanctity of their forests, concentrating their efforts on destroying any human foolish enough to venture there. The only ones who did were those seeking elven knowledge or seeking revenge on the elves for their atrocities. Only rarely did either kind ever return from the woods. <br>&nbsp;<br>For a time, the humans were free to do as they would in this new land. Though there was still the ever-present threat of elven retaliation and humanoid incursion, the humans found themselves mostly unopposed in their efforts. 'Kingdoms' rose and fell as everyone sought to earn the right to rule. It was a vital, dangerous time, when the land was still relatively untouched and it was said anyone with the courage to wield a sword could forge themselves a legend and a kingdom. <br>&nbsp;<br>As the decades passed and melded into centuries, the violence in the Border Kingdoms waned to that of skirmishing.&nbsp; The influence of the Awnshegh disappeared as did the physical presence of the nightmarish creatures.&nbsp; Again, no could explain their disappearance and whether this boded good or ill.<br>The years continued to roll on and the living memory of the Awnshegh slowly faded, becoming nothing more than a legend with which to frighten children at bedtime and to mock those of weak constitution.&nbsp; The area ironically became known as the Border Kingdoms, for on all four borders more vibrant, powerful and influential kingdoms arose; yet when one sought to influence or gain dominion over the area, the other three would unite and resist.&nbsp; It became a battleground for those rulers who did not wish to despoil their own lands.<br>&nbsp;<br>Then a mere 13 years ago came a human man of humble origins, yet so endowed with intellect, wisdom and charm that he swept all before him.&nbsp; This man was Darien Avan, a former Purple Dragon soldier from Cormyr.&nbsp; The Avan family had had to flee the Border Kingdoms several generations prior and Darien was determined to return to claim his birthright. With him was a large band of warriors, priests of various faiths, wizards and other assorted opportunists, mercenaries, rogues and adventurers.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;<br>Around this group he raised a sizable army and soon captured a rich town to which he gave the name of his deceased infant son, Daunton.&nbsp; Ever outward Darien exerted his influence, taking villages and towns with military might, cunning or diplomacy.&nbsp; Yet, he kept very little for himself.&nbsp; Instead, Darien created numerous baronies for those who had served him with fidelity.&nbsp; When an elderly retainer passed, Darien took his surname and gave it to the area he had pacified – the Blackmoore Baronies.<br>&nbsp;<br>Then came the great Battle of Deismaar.&nbsp; Deismaar was a small lumber mill town nestled in between two hillocks and was of no particular importance, but it is where the armies of Blackmoore met the armies of Iron Peak tribes.&nbsp; Hundreds, if not thousands died on this day.&nbsp; To this day, no one knows what caused the fractious Orc, Goblin, Ogre, Gnoll and Hill Giant tribes to unite and invade the Border Kingdoms.&nbsp; The clash on the gentle slopes of Deismaar was an epic battle, man and monster struggling against each other in the vain attempt to triumph. Nonetheless, despite the bravery and skill of the Blackmoore warriors, it seemed certain that the humans would end the day by lying dead on the slopes of Deismaar. <br>&nbsp;<br>It was then that the elves came to the aid of the humans, slaughtering the humanoids and renegade humans who fought with them. The elven generals had seen the threat of the Iron Peaks for what it was, and realized that if the humans fell, then they would be next. <br>&nbsp;<br>The rout of the humanoids had been so complete that many of their leaders had been captured.&nbsp; In the days following the Battle of Deismaar, Darien Avan had each sign the Treaty of Arar (the town of Arar, while no longer in existence was the spiritual home of the Avan family).&nbsp; Lands were demarcated, resources assigned and peaceful relations begun.&nbsp; The treaty was signed but a year ago and already there are cracks beginning to appear…
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				Title: <strong>Barony of Avanil</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 05:41:41</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/d/d6/Avanil.jpg)</div>Like the rest of the Border Kingdoms, Avanil's western areas are covered by grasslands.&nbsp; Grains grow here, and cattle roam - but neither product matches the quality of that produced elsewhere in the Borderlands.&nbsp; Avanil's grasslands give way to the hills and mountains of the eastern counties that lead to Unther.&nbsp; Sometimes at night, the lurid glow of the mountain smithies cast an infernal light across the clouds as the miners work to pull forth the earth's precious metals.&nbsp; The common folk whisper that the Spirit World creeps closest on those nights.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>&nbsp; <ul class="bbc_list"><li><em><strong>Regent:</strong> </em>Darien Avan.&nbsp; The middle aged Duke seems well versed in teh uses and abuses of power.&nbsp; He strives for law and moderation in all things, but he has shown that he will sacrifice almost anything to ensure the survival of the Blackmoore Baronies.</li><li><em><strong>Capital:</strong></em> Since before the Blackmoore Baronies gained their name, the capital of Avanil has been Daunton.&nbsp; The city was named after Darien Avan's deceased infant son.</li><li><strong><em>Important Towns:</em></strong> Avarien, Bhrein, Caulnor and Vanilen.</li><li><em><strong>Trade Goods:</strong></em> The main wealth of Avanil arises from the mines in the hills and mountains in the east.&nbsp; Gold, silver, and iron are pulled from the mountains and exported around all of the Southern lands and kingdoms.&nbsp; The smiths of Daunton work these metals into some of the finest jewerly and weaponry produced in the south.</li><li><em><strong>Important Persons:</strong> </em>The best goldsmith in the city of Daunton, Laestier, is a half-elf who has forgone the use of his surname.&nbsp; The big, bald man always proves a font of information and gossip.&nbsp; He makes no claim to the truth of his words, but he seems accurate far more often than not.</li></ul>
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				Title: <strong>Barony of Diemed</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 05:58:54</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/c/c2/Diemed.jpg)</div>Though Diemed, like its neighboring baronies, is composed mostly of rolling grasslands, it rmains uniquely beautiful.&nbsp; Farmers maintain its fields in nearly perfect order across the barony and its orchards and towns seem just as well kept.&nbsp; The strong-willed citizens maintain a tight grip on their emotions.&nbsp; Most keep to themseleves even in times of trial.&nbsp; While not exceptionally loyal to their baron, Marlae Roesone, they revere the office she fills.&nbsp; As long as she rules well, they stay content.<br>&nbsp;<br>The southern area of Diemed seems not so lawful, however, and in the mountains Diemed's true beauty shines through.&nbsp; Anyone climbing the tallest peaks can see storm clouds down below, stretching from Ilien across the plains of Diemed to the barony of Mieres.&nbsp; One also might see the camps of brigands or stumble upon a solitary mage in these forbidding peaks.<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong><em>Regent: </em></strong>Diemed's warrior baroness, Marlae Roesone, is a 2nd cousin to Darien Avan.&nbsp; Those who deal with this canny politician and cunning strategist realise most of her actions have a secret motivation or form part of a trick; sometimes the baroness uses this reputation to her advantage by doing exactly what she claims, and nothing more.&nbsp; For this reason, other barons fear engaging in diplomatic relations with her - they don't know what she intends, and they have few chances to find out before she succeeds.</li><li><strong><em>Capital: </em></strong>The large town of Aerle on the coast is Diemed's temporary capital after the fortified town of Moerel was sacked during the Iron Peak invasion.&nbsp; Rebuilding of the former capital has been slow due to low revenues.</li><li><strong><em>Important Towns:</em></strong> Duene, Tier</li><li><strong><em>Trade Goods: </em></strong>High quality beef forms the backbone of Diemed's economy and more recently a booming fishing industry has grown up around the temporary capital of Aerele, bringing much needed gold to Diemed's depleted baronial coffers.</li><li><strong><em>Important Persons:</em></strong> Lavalan Briesen is the High Prelate of the Orthodox Temple of Tyr and wields a great deal of influence in Diemed's small court.&nbsp; Lady Lasica of Endier (daughter of Guilder Kalien) is a frequent visitor to Diemed and is being courted by Marlae's eldest son Michael - whether this is true love or another of the baroness's machinations no one can tell.</li></ul>
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				Title: <strong>Barony of Mieres</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 10:34:35</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8e/Mieres.jpg)</div>Mieres was the first baronry following the establishment of the Barony of Avanil and with Avanil is one of the two that border the Kingdom of Unther.&nbsp; Most of the baronry is covered in forest, with the remnants of the Deismaar hills to the south.&nbsp; It used to be that the people lived in fear of the Elves who claimed the forests as their own; now locals fear the baron's militia and might even welcome a new conqueror.<br>&nbsp;<br>The river port of Riverward, a hive of scum and villany, seems to harbour not a single reputable person - though residents certainly can put on a good act when they need to.&nbsp; The capital town proves a favourite inland retreat for pirates to sell their ill-gotten wares.&nbsp; It's also <em>the </em>place to pick up any items forbidden in other parts of the Border Kingdoms, the only problem is getting them back into the other baronies unnoticed.<br>&nbsp;<br>Thus far Duke Avan has turned a blind eye to the activities of Vaumel and the immoral baron thinks that his 'business interests' are below the duke's attention.<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong><em>Regent: </em></strong>Aaron Vaumel, a scheming little wretch, seems more interested in personal gain than in serving as Baron of Mieres.&nbsp; Unfortunately for him, his domain lies inland from the coast which prevents him on capitalising on piratical ventures in the Lake of Steam and watery points westward.&nbsp; Vaumel completely controls all trade, guild and black market activity in Mieres.&nbsp; He brooks no competitors for the gold the network brings him; those who try opposing him usually wash up sooner or later on the banks of the barony's many rivers.&nbsp; The baron feels less than concerned about the law; everyone knows that if they try anything, his squad of thugs and swords-for-hire will make examples of them.</li><li><em><strong>Capital:</strong> </em>Riverward</li><li><strong><em>Important Towns:</em></strong> Brenlie and Dhalier</li><li><strong><em>Trade Goods:</em></strong> Much to the chagrin of the Elves, Mieres has begun to export timber to various trading concerns further south.&nbsp; Otherwise Mieres has no appreciable industry and generates its revenue via a booming furs trade.</li><li><strong><em>Important Persons:</em></strong> Besides Vaumel the only other notable figure in Mieres is the hermit wizard Mhistecai.&nbsp; This female human secludes herself in a warded tower in Riverward rarely venturing forth, unless summoned by Darien Avan himself.</li></ul>
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				Title: <strong>Barony of Ilien</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>01-02-2011, 11:09:40</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/b1/Ilien.jpg)</div>Like the terrain of surrounding baronies, Ilien's rolling grasslands and small ranges of hills are extensively farmed.&nbsp; Breeders across the Borderlands prize Ilien's cattle - indeed cattle money has earned the small barony a literal king's fortune.&nbsp; This point has given rise to several common, derogatory remarks about the Ilienese, the kindest of which refers to them as dungslingers.&nbsp; The ranchers of Ilien soothe their wounded pride with the money their commerce brings in.<br>&nbsp;<br>The small town of Aenier on the coast at the mouth of the Spider River caters to wealthy travelers, who wish to enjoy the hot springs north of the town.&nbsp; Aenier is renowned across the southern lands as a scenic place for the elite to gather and relax - unless the fog has rolled in from the Lake of Steam - which has only further increased the coffers of Ilien.<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong><em>Regent:</em></strong> Rogr Aglondier was an exceptional commoner once, a minor wizard, a trusted advisor and apprentice to the previous baron.&nbsp; However, he did not decend from an old bloodline and has struggled to asert his power as ruler of Ilien in the Council of Barons since the very first moring he was awoken and told the old baron had died in his sleep.&nbsp; Rogr rules Ilien wisely and well, doing his best not to make the same mistakes as some of Avan's other barons.&nbsp; Neither ambitious nor proud, he's willing to admit his faults.&nbsp; His people enthusiastically support him, for he keeps their loyalty high and taxes low.</li><li><strong><em>Capital:</em></strong> Free City of Ilien.&nbsp; The wealth of Ilien has allowed a masisve programme of public works which has made the Free City a desired place to call home.&nbsp; However, the city fathers have instituted a severe immigration policy, ensuring that only wealthy individuals obtain property in the city, less affluent immigrants are enouraged to purchased land and dwellings in one of the many small cattle towns that are scattered across Ilien.</li><li><strong><em>Important Towns:</em></strong> None.</li><li><strong><em>Trade Goods:</em></strong> Beef.&nbsp; The finest in all of the Borderlands.&nbsp; Taxes and levies from the resort town of Aenier also add considerable wealth.</li><li><strong><em>Important Persons:</em></strong> Lady Alliene is the High Priestess of the Western Temple of Eldath and Rogr's niece.&nbsp; The guildmaster, el-Hadid, master of the Port of Call Exchange calls Ilien home and has thus far made his activites seem above suspicion.</li></ul>
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				Title: <strong>Barony of Ghoere</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>11-02-2011, 12:19:42</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/0c/Ghoere.jpg)</div>Though the terrain of Ghoere resembles that of the swamp riddled lands even further to the West, Ghoere possesses a certain brooding feel that can make visitors nervous.&nbsp; The sun shines just as brightly here as elsewhere in the Baronies, the wind blows scents just as soothing, yet the prevailing feel in Ghoere is of a country oppressed.<br>&nbsp;<br>The Barony's western location gives Ghoere easy access to other less-civilised lands - a useful fact for Ghoere's warmongering Baron.&nbsp; Yet it is this western location that has kept Ghoere trapped within its current borders - nearby tribes and would-be-tyrants keep it contained.&nbsp; If Ghoere pursues one neigbour, the others will step in where the borders grow weak.&nbsp; All Ghoere can do is keep his small army maintained, in shape, and ready to roll across multiple borders at a moement's notice.<br>&nbsp;<br>The trade town of Ghieste sits on the edge of the Shadowmere Swamp has a prime position to take advantage of any trade that comes its way down the Maesil River.&nbsp; While some might think that Ghoere would tax anything and everything that comes down or up the Maesil, this is not the case.&nbsp; The Baron's interest lies more in keeping trade flowing than in collecting the few petty coins he could reap from the tax.&nbsp; Better, he reasons, to foster profitable trade than force that trade to operate underground.<br>&nbsp;<ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong>Regent:</strong> Gavin Tael is the indomitable Baron of Ghoere.&nbsp; This ruthless man drives himself to extremes in his quest for power.&nbsp; It remains a point of endless bitterness for him that all of the Barons do not consider him one of the front-runners to replace Darien Avan, but he is determined to gain that respect whatever the cost.&nbsp; Tael, a man in his fifties, has iron-coloured hair and a hard face.&nbsp; He keeps his eyes shuttered against all surprise and emotion, so as to betray nothing of his true feelings.</li><li><strong>Capital:</strong> Ghoere's capital, Bhalaene, is a fortified city in the centre of the Baronry.&nbsp; The Baron's castle Rook's Roost squats in the centre of the city like a promise of strength.</li><li><strong>Important Towns:</strong> Ghieste</li><li><strong>Trade Goods:</strong> Ghoere produces steel, grain and sheep.&nbsp; For a border baronry, the level of roads that cross the land usually surprises most people, and the River Maesil carries an exceptional amount of goods and gold to and from the Baronry.</li><li><strong>Important Persons:</strong> It is said that the mysterious figure known only as the Sword Mage resides in the Shadowmere Swamp and draws additional power from summoning and controlling fiends - while there might be no truth to the rumours, its enough to stop people actively searching for his abode in the swamp.</li></ul>
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				Title: <strong>Baronry of Tuornen</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>15-02-2011, 09:37:13</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/9/94/Tournen.jpg)</div>Once part of the Baronry of Alamie, Tuornen split off during a civil war between two brothers, both claiming to be the rightful heir to the Alamien regency, and both unwilling to step aside.&nbsp; This schism brought war to Alamie, causing one of the most powerful Baronies to fall.<br>&nbsp;<br>The Baronry of Tuornen has healed from the wounds of this war.&nbsp; Still, there are places in the countryside where no living thing will grow, so shattered with magic and soaked with blood was the soil.&nbsp; The prairie in the south gives way to the low hills which are the western most extremity of the Deismaar Range.<br>&nbsp;<br>The inhabitants of Tuornen seem generally friendly, but speak and act rather guardedly.&nbsp; They derive from the same stock as the Alameins, but the rift of the last decade has caused the two peoples to drift apart politically and they still view each other with suspicion and distrust - despite the greater threats that loom on the horizon.&nbsp; The Tuors get somewhat defensive when confronted with the topic of the rebellion, but the also feel proud of their defiance.&nbsp; This pride drives them to prove themselves better than the Alameins and excel in whatever they do.<br>&nbsp;<ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong>Regent:</strong> Laela Haensen, a talented bard rules as Baroness of Tuornen.&nbsp; She inherited the baronry from her father Parnien who led the original rebellion.&nbsp; Laela knows that she cannot afford to make a mistake in her political dealings.&nbsp; Her situation has made her young life one filled with tension as she continues to work to ensure that her decisions do not cause her people to suffer.</li><li><strong>Capital:</strong> The capital of Tuornen, Haes, sits astride the Tuor River.&nbsp; The walled city has repelled several Alamein invasions and still bears the scars as proof.&nbsp; The Haesians in particular and Tuors in general, look at these scars and remember the necessity of freedom from Alamein rule.&nbsp; Nevertheless, Haes remains one of the Baronies main cities, bringing traders and visitors from all over to buy, sell, and trade.</li><li><strong>Important Towns:</strong> Alamsreft and Monsedge.</li><li><strong>Trade Goods:</strong> The Tuor River flows past the door of Haes, emptying into the Lake of Steam.&nbsp; The river is Tuornen's made trade route, making the city of Haes a veritable seaport.&nbsp; From the southern hills comes a plethora of goods - lumber, coal, gold and silver - that other parts of the Baronies desperately need. </li><li><strong>Important Persons:</strong> Laela's army commander, Braedonnal Tuare, is an elf who has lived for several centuries and originally served Rhuobhe the Manslayer before seeing the corruption of the Awnshegh for what it was.&nbsp; Braedonnal is a powerful fighter.&nbsp; Baubb the Court Toymaker has become well known among the Baronesses courtiers, by providing all manner of toys to the court's children.</li></ul>
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				Title: <strong>Baronry of Alamie</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>15-02-2011, 09:58:04</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/c/c3/Alamie.jpg)</div>The Baronry of Alamie has been unkindly described as one big flat stretch of grass.&nbsp; Though this picture isn't entirely accurate, it does leap to mind when a traveler reaches the plains.&nbsp; Until he gained the southern hills-cum-mountains, he'd have to call the terrain mostly featureless.&nbsp; Waves of corn surround village after village and the air smells of animal fertiliser.<br><br>Alameins share their Baron's dislike for the Tuors.&nbsp; They resent that the land to their west could be theirs to farm and hold, and they take this anger out on the Tuors they find.&nbsp; The people of Alamie's capital, Lofton, see themselves as more rational than their country counterparts, but they still harbour a lingering dislike for Tuornen.&nbsp; Alameins can be friendly and affable, though, as long as no one broaches the subject of their enemies to the west.<br><br>Alamie holds one of the most unenviable positions among the Baronies.&nbsp; To its south are the Orc tribes of the Five Peaks, lead by the mysterious wizard known only as the Eyeless One.&nbsp; Abutting the hilltop forts of the Orcs are the lowland camps of the Mhor, a half-elf who has sworn a blood feud with the Baron of Alamie.&nbsp; The bandits and brigands of the Mhor have shown a remarkable skill in avoiding the punative raids the Baron sends against them and rumours persist that the Mhor has some ability to access the Shadow World in which to hide his desperados.<br><br><ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong>Regent:</strong>Carilon Alam rules here.&nbsp; This greedy, avaricious man cares nothing for his realm - he hopes instead to take the rulership of Blackmoore from Darien Avan or at least make the history scrolls as a great stateman.&nbsp; He has little chance of either.&nbsp; Carilon has been lobby Duke Avan hard for the past year, trying to illicit his support for another attack on Tuornen.&nbsp; The Duke isn't convinced that Alamie subsuming Tuornen is a good thing and he certainly doesn't trust Carilon Alam.&nbsp; For the time, he entertains the Baron when necessary, but has is trying to build support in the Council of Barons to have Carilon ousted.</li><li><strong>Capital:</strong>Lofton, like its sister city Haes sports giant walls with many towers.&nbsp; Its as if the city already feels itself under seige.</li><li><strong>Important Towns:</strong>Sorentier (home to the Iron Guard of Alamie - a knightly order that isn't very knightly)</li><li><strong>Trade Goods:</strong>Corn, lots and lots of corn.&nbsp; Fat corn, thin corn, clean corn, dirty corn, tall corn, short corn, black corn, brown corn, yellow corn...even smelly corn.</li><li><strong>Important Persons:</strong> Besides the Baron's two cousins who fill the offices of Sheriff and Chamberlain, the only other person of note in Alamie is the guildmaster Kalien.&nbsp; This half-elf owns much of the trade in Alamie.&nbsp; The guilder has made it clear that the southern parts of Alamie belong to him; when the law steps in to remove any of Kalien's operations, people wind up dead.&nbsp; Many suspect that Kalien is in cahoots with the Mhor.</li></ul>
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				Title: <strong>Duke Darien Avan</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>15-02-2011, 11:05:19</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/b/ba/Darien_Avan.jpg)</div>Darien Avan, raised within the sight of Suzail in the Kingdom of Cormyr, has believed all his life that he would one day reunite the shattered lands now known as the Blackmoore Baronies.&nbsp; His father sent him to study in Baldur's Gate where he became adept at swordplay; in Cormyr, where he mastered military strategy; and in Zhentil Keep where he learned to use politics to manipulate people.<br><br>Now in his middle years, Avan at last has his dream within sight.&nbsp; Though he rules his own lands with a firm hand, he takes a more relaxed stance with the other Barons who have supported his endeavour with gold, troops and political favours.&nbsp; All the common folk support him and Avan courts them as shamelessly as he does their Barons.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Baron Gavin Tael</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 10:58:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/4/46/Man_117.jpg)</div>The ruthless Baron of Ghoere took over the rulership of the Barony a little over two years ago and has turned it from a collection of small villages prone to being raided to a powerful realm, resounding in strength and unity.&nbsp; Tael was a senior commander in Darien Avan's army that conquered the initial part of the Baronies that became the Barony of Avanil. <br><br>Darien Avan had just appointed one of his old retainers as the Baron of the newly formed Barony of Ghoere and sent Gavin Tael to assist with the pacification of the area.&nbsp; The Barony was still in chaos with the old retainer died and Gavin Tael was elevated to the title of Baron.&nbsp; <br><br>Gavin Tael first formed the Iron Guard, a combination police force and army, before he took power.&nbsp; Tael further surrounded himself with trusted men and women who had distinguished themselves in campaigns that Tael had commanded.&nbsp; He wanted only those he could trust close to his banner.&nbsp; Gavin Tael has been very pro-active in developing his own minor aristocracy, anointing many baronets, knights and county squires, each who rules over a small parcel of lands.<br><br>Gavin Tael uses survival and fear as motivators. Cross him, and you won’t survive. Serve him well, and you have nothing to fear. He uses the law of his land to protect those who do not oppose him— and to motivate people who may wish to stand aside. Gavin Tael’s strategies can be summarized as follows:<br><br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Be patient—put yourself in the right position, and then wait.<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Direct action speaks louder than words. <br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You have to trust someone. <br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Control your own Barony before you try to control another. <br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. <br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A show of strength provokes a show of its own. <br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brutality can be efficient, but it costs as well. <br><br>Gavin Tael prefers to lead from the front. He generally sets up a battle and waits to see how it develops, sometimes getting close to the front to rally troops. Once he identifies a weak point on the enemy side, he leads the Iron Guard to that spot to break them. From then on he is generally in combat. He favours his Morningstar, <em>Warstar</em>, and concentrates on the tougher foes. He has no code of single combat, and uses his companions to help him bring down the most stalwart defenders. <br><br>He recently married Laurel Tuor a 2nd cousin to Laela Haensen, Baroness of Tuornen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Guilder Kalien</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 10:58:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/d/da/Elrond.jpg)</div>Kalien is the founder and director of the Heartlands Outfitters. The infamous Zhentil Keep-raised Half-elf guilder was a former adviser to the Lords of that infamous city.&nbsp; Kalien came to know Darien Avan when the Duke was an assistant to Cormyr's ambassador to Zhentil Keep.<br><br>He was born somewhere in the Moonsea area – he never says exactly where. He tends to discourage anyone from prying into his past too closely – forcefully and permanently. Most folks know he’d tired of life in the Moonsea lands, but they aren’t certain if he left of his own volition or someone else’s. <br><br>Kalien came to the Blackmoore Baronies over 5 years ago with a small force of mercenaries and several ships loaded with trade goods. Immediately popular for bringing needed trade to the economically depressed region and for defying the pirates and other brigands who ran the countryside, Duke Darien Avan adopted Kalien as one of his lieutenants.<br><br>As Kalien (who had by now adopted the title “Guilder”) fought the bandits and curbed the corruption of the City of Daunton's seedy underworld, the Baronies have become a traders’ haven.&nbsp; Daunton will soon rival Ilien as a mercantile city. Most of the profit flows to Kalien’s pockets, and he uses it to ensure his people’s loyalty – and to take good care of himself, too (as evidenced by the precise coif of his dark hair and his selection of expensive circlets). As cunning as a serpent, the half-elf has a snake-like face to match. One can’t trust this blue-eyed merchant, and he can tell an enemy when he sees one. <br><br>Kalien's Palace-like residence is renowned for its splendid celebrations, its glittering balls, and its fabulous feasts. Kalien always has time at these affairs for diplomacy, as that’s what pulls in the money – what’s a small investment for so huge a return?&nbsp; The guilder works hard to put others in his debt and constantly hatches new schemes to wring the most benefits from any situation. He likes playing two sides against each other, preferably in such a way that neither can spot his influence. He’s always in the market for information and his spies cover the land to bring him the most up-to-date details they can find. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Baroness Marlae Roesone</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 10:59:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/2/27/Arabian_nights_32.jpg)</div>Marlae Roesone is the Baroness of Diemed and the great-granddaughter of the Black Baron, Daen Roesone (a mercenary captain who carved out a small realm in the area now known as the Blackmoore Baronies).&nbsp; She is the daughter of the late Parnein Roesone and Misoele Tuor. Her brother is Daenal Roesone. <br><br>Marlae grew up hearing how her grandfather, Morghan Roesone, may have slain Daen Roesone, his own father and founder of the short-lived Empire of Roesone.&nbsp; She shares more than a few of Morghan’s traits, but her nature is tempered by a touch of compassion and mercy.&nbsp; Though a stern ruler, the baroness knows what the people need.&nbsp; Her fair yet unyielding justice applies equally to both commoner and noble. Her people have yet to feel any great love for her, but so far they have not shown any rebellious inclinations and appear willing to grant her a chance to prove herself. <br><br>Dark in appearance and mood, Marlae resembles her ancestors, tall with an unruly mane of thick black hair, rich brown eyes and a quick temper. She is confident of her abilities and considers herself more than capable of running her Barony without a husband or even a lieutenant, although rumours have scandously linked her romantically to Avani, the mayoress of Aerele (and junior Cleric of Lathander).
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Sword Mage - UNDER CONSTRUCTION</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>KaraKres</strong> on <strong>16-02-2011, 10:59:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8e/Swamp_Mage.jpg)</div>Duriene Peracain (also known as the Sword Mage) is the wizard who controls the magical sources of the Shadowmere Swamp. <br><br>Once the court wizard of Duke Gerold Moergen, Lord of Tantras, Duriene was a skilled illusionist who used his powers to great effect when Gerold's most trusted lieutenant, Jaison Raenech, deposed the Duke in a palace coup.&nbsp; Duriene created an illusory image of himself to protest Jaison's actions during the coup and when Jaison attacked the illusion, Duriene staged his own death by providing a convincing death, including his body's rapid corruption into dust, then blown away by an arcane breeze. Jaison remains convinced he killed Duriene. Duriene's old rival at court, Archwizard Jourdain Leonidan, suspected otherwise. <br><br>Duriene was court wizard to the Duke, but Jourdain was the Swamp Mage, an independent wizard who also worked with the Duke as necessary for Jourdain's own interests. When Jaison Raenech deposed Gerold Moergen, Duriene supported Gerold's son, William Moergen, while Jourdain supported the usurper. Rivals before, they became mortal enemies.<br><br>Most recently, William Moergen was captured by means of a betrayal and was subsequently executed in the People's Square in Tantras.&nbsp; Duriene escaped by the narrowest of margins and knowing that the rebellion against Jaison Raenech had failed, fled south.&nbsp; After travelling for several months, Duriene found himself standing before Duke Darien Avan<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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