The Fane – From The Gazetteer of Alaethia

For further details on the formation and history of The Fane, see the Introduction to Alaethia, here.  Also, the entry for Rhom, may be found here.

I don’t want to go too far, with the rest of Alaethia. I want to flesh out as much as possible, with the aid of the players, so much of this will be left rather sketchy. Any of it is subject to change, once player input becomes a possibility. Still, I need to know a few things, as well as create a little more info before keying the hexmap. So, back to work on the Gazetteer.

1 Hex = 5 Miles

The Fane

The Fane – No More Kings

By the time Prince Zaegra assumed the throne of Alaethia, the religious landscape of the region had changed considerably from what it was in the early days of Human colonization. While worship of Odin, the All-Father and his associated pantheon was still popular amongst Warrior-Cults and some of the older noble families, newer gods were steadily displacing the traditional ones. Even the powers venerated in ancient Nauru, held little sway in the region and worship of Isis, once the most popular patron of the commoners, had shrank to the point of near invisibility.

Four new faiths and one very old one, began their ascendancy. The Nature Worship of the Old Ways, began to replace the cult of Isis in many of the rural areas of Alaethia. Akaleya, the Lady of the Rose, became the new fashionable deity of Fighting-Men and those nobles who didn’t feel a strong connection with the traditions of their forefathers. The Church of Esh-Na-Vhod, The Self-Determinant and The Shaper of Chaos, had begun to spread rapidly, in the urban areas of the region. Worship of Ahgron the Creator and his Consort, Mayisha, a relatively new faith and one birthed in Alaethia, experienced a rapid growth, becoming one of the most popular religions in Alaethia.  Lastly, the disturbing cult of Omira and her brother Balus (represented by the picture to the left,) became popular amongst the learned class, as well as many of the merchants and common workers of the cities.

While the leaders of most of the various religions represented in the area, took part in The Decree of Noble Vacancy, it was the priests of Esh-Na-Vhod, who pushed hardest for a theocratic government for the region. By the time the dust from the civil war had settled, in 65 E.R., several of the participating religious factions had distanced themselves from the Ecumenical Council. Many had chosen to back the E.C.’s rivals. Some were simply ousted by their fellow priests.

Today, representatives of three religious organizations sit upon the Ecumenical Council: The Church of Esh-Na-Vhod, The Cult of Omira & Balus and The Communion of Ahgron & Mayisha.

Population – Approximately 80,000.

Population Centers

Capital City: The Holy City of Aing – Population: 50,000.

Castle Gavin – Population: 300.

Welcome – Population: 400.

Bothiz – Population: 350.

Deaz – Population: 400.

Storm Castle – Population: 500.

Orchead – Population: 1200.

Javin’s Rest – Population: 25,000.

Dwarf’s Friend – Population: 175.

Heam – Population: 250.

Larm* – Population: 112.

Ogre Keep – Population: 300.

Oin – Population: 1,000.

The Government of The Fane

The Ecumenical Council rules The Fane, with three High Priests from each member religion sitting upon the Council and having equal voting power. Miniature versions of the E.C. council, rule in each population center, though in individual towns & cities each of the three member faiths must have a minimum percentage of followers, before a representative may participate in the local government. The whole set-up is as precarious as one might expect and only the priests desire for power and great need for allies against common enemies, keeps the scheme intact.

Currently, The Fane’s chief worry is Morwynn’s Might, the military dictatorship controlled by a Warrior Cult dedicated to Odin, which lies on her eastern border. While some of the E.C. members would love to turn westward and gobble up Rhom, the necessity of guarding against her enemy in the east, prevents this. Also, the Dwarves have made clear, in no uncertain terms, that they would enter such a fray and on the side of Rhom.

Already certain heresies have arisen, attempting to harmonize the three E.C. faiths. In the centuries to come, a cohesive pantheon will no doubt be formed. If The Fane survives.

Military Might

Standing Army: 5,000 Infantry. 1,000 Calvary. 500 Mounted Knights.

Navy: 30 Warships: 1200 Naval Personnel.

An Additional 5,000 troops may be levied in times of need.

250 leveled Clerics may be called forth to battle, from the combined might of the Ecumenical Council.

Industry

Mining: Gold, Copper, Platinum, Iron. Other metals.

Agriculture: Various & sundry crops.

Fishing.

Various arts & crafts. Major imports include common household goods, wine, various forms of parchment, religious goods and spices.

Magic & Religion in The Fane

While some other forms of religious expression is allowed in the country, there’s definitely an air of second-class citizenship, cast upon those who don’t adhere to one of the religions represented upon the Council.

Certain cults are considered Evil and are forbidden to operate within The Fane. The Circle of the Horned Cabal are considered to be enemies of the E.C., thus practice of the Old Ways are strictly prohibited. Worship of the pantheon of Old Yuvedor, Odin in particular, is also banned. The vast majority of the populace practice one of the three E.C. religions.

Any citizen of The Fane who practices the Magical Arts, must by Law be a member of the Order of Voramir, an E.C. run Magical Society, sworn to its service. Any foreign magi visiting The Fane, must register with an E.C. member Church.

Other Areas of Interest

Danis University – Founded during the reign of Prince Alaeth, Danis University was originally operated by the Circle of the Horned Cabal. Today, it is a religious seminary, of sorts, where the E.C. train their star pupils, the magic-wielding Clerics. The Order of Voramir, also train their Magic-Users, here.

*Larm – is from the supplement, published by Brave Halfing Publishing. It may be purchased, here. I also wrote a review of Larm, as part of this post. The village is part of the Labyrinth Lord Known World, an several modules taking place in and around Larm, have been published.