Gazetteer of Alaethia – Part I: Introduction

(Click the Pic to Download the map. Scale: 1 Hex = 5 miles.)

Current Year: 112 - Ecumenical Council Reckoning (E.R.).

A Brief History of Human Civilization in Alaethia

Humans first settled the lands west of Buhrdom, in  –214 ER. Seeing an opportunity, King Morwynn II of Yuvador, acknowledged by 90% of Humanity as their king, sent his son Alaeth, into the west.

Alaeth was given the mission to treat with the Dwarves of Duarim’s Forge and negotiate a peaceful colonization of the lands surrounding the Duarim Thnog, the mountains housing the Dwarven Nation. Hard pressed by the numerous Humanoid tribes inhabiting the region and in grave need of allies, King Nagthan the Usurper agreed to allow Human colonies to be settled along the coasts of the region.

Alaeth was named Duke of Aing, the name then given to the lands now under Human dominion, as well as that of the city built to serve as the seat of the local government.

In the subsequent years, cities and villages were built along the coastlines and those areas agreed upon by the Dwarfs. Priests and Clerics came to the new lands, to minister to their followers and gain further converts. A group of Druids founded The Circle of the Horned Cabal, to serve nature and those devoted to the Old Ways, in the newly settled territory. The famous Arch-mage Xorimir, built a tower in the north and was imitated by lesser Magi, seeking to create strongholds of their own, amidst the new colonies. Mighty Lords arrived, building keeps and clearing the area of menaces to Humankind.

In –188 E.R., the War of the Serpent’s Strike began, as the Snake-Men, creatures of legend, emerged from their underground lairs and attempted to enslave Humankind. Most scholars believe, that this may have been precipitated by the sudden withdrawal of the Keph*.

In – 270 E.R., the Keph* abandoned their colonies and conquered territories, disappearing from the lands of Human ken. The subsequent power vacuum may have emboldened the Snake-Men, to come out of hiding and once again seek the conquest of Humanity.

In –163 E.R. the Serpent-Men were defeated, but at the cost of King Morwynn’s life. Ruler-ship passed to his eight sons, who believed they could reign as a united council, with each son holding sway over their own territory as Prince-Dukes. Alaeth passed his title on to his son, Morwynn III, who renamed his demesne Alaethia.

In the years following, internecine strife began tearing apart, much of Morwynn’s kingdom. Rule of Alaethia passed to Prince Zaegra in –110 E.R., who officially cut political ties with the rest of King Morwynn’s descendents, declaring Alaethia a sovereign kingdom.

 Prince Zaegra’s many crimes and those of his associates are detailed elsewhere**. He was eventually deposed by his subjects, who were led by various Clerical factions and The Scarlett Convocation, an alliance of three, well-known and puissant magi. The assembled Bishops of the more powerful religious organizations issued their famous Decree of Noble Vacancy, nullifying all claims to noble title in Alaethia. They then attempted to seize control of the region, themselves.

This led to a long period of bloody conflict. The civil war eventually ended, when attacks from the various Humanoid tribes, who had taken this opportunity to replenish themselves and wax strong, forced the various factions to cease their struggles and work together, to drive these creatures back out of Human Territory. By 65 E.R., the former nation of Alaethia had settled into four political divisions.

The Scarlett Convocation seized power in the north, taking the city of Ormiz and its surrounding territory. This area is now referred to as the Land of the Convocation.

A coalition of military commanders occupied the city of Yuermir and took control of as much of the surrounding land as they could. They named their territory Morwynn’s Might.

The Religious leaders who issued the Decree, maintained their control of the central areas of Alaethia and the city of Aing. Today, this land is known as The Fane.

Lastly, an Adventuring Company, led by the Fighting-Man Scyros One-Nut, laid claim to the city of Bruhn and its adjacent locales. They named the area Rhom, reputedly after one of Scyros’ lady friends.

Aside from a few skirmishes, the uneasy truce has endured. Thus far. But, rumors of strange experiments by the Convocation and saber-rattling by the Military Dictatorship of Morwynn’s Might, is casting an uneasy pall, upon the spirits of Alaethia’s inhabitants.

Many sense a Storm upon the horizon. The Humanoids are a constant threat. A strange Forest of Fungi, has sprouted near the center of the region and a new Dungeon Complex has recently been discovered, to cast its shadow in concordance with Stonehell**, Prince Zaegra’s most heinous legacy.

A weird, fey race of creatures, calling themselves Elves have appeared in the Dreamwood, setting up an encampment and making known their desire for diplomatic discussions.

And traders are spreading a tale, that Dwarven Warriors have seen Kith Oqzi Dhul, flying beneath the clouds at night.

 

*The Keph are from Monsters of Myth, a kick-ass Osric supplement, which may be downloaded for free, here.

** Stonehell is, of course, Michael Curtis’ Awesome Mega-Dungeon! The campaign background concerning the deposing of Prince Zaegra and his despicable behavior, owes much to Stonehell and its backstory. Click the links for more info.