Land of the Convocation - From the Gazetteer of Alaethia

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

1 Hex = 5 miles.

Land of the Convocation

Land of the Convocation – Humanity’s First Magocracy

While The Ecumenical Council likes to take credit for leading the movement to oust Prince Zaegra, it was the Magic-Users of The Scarlet Convocation, who first defied the Prince and lit the flames of rebellion.

When the E.C. decided to seize control for themselves, it was The Scarlet Convocation, who first placed themselves in opposition to the Council’s plans.

Already well established in the north  east of Alaethia, The Convocation quickly fortified their position and entered the contest for domination of the region, in earnest. As several lesser powers were obliterated, The Scarlet Convocation found their expansion checked, by the stalwart warriors of Morwynn’s Might.

Soon afterwards, the civil war slowed to a halt and the Humans of Alaethia made a truce, so that they might deal with the Humanoid threat. Scarabus, Adolphus Bedlo, and the mustachioed Erasmus Craven, had established and held, Humanity’s first Magocracy.

 

Population: 43,000

Population Centers

Ormiz – Population 38,000

Blackhome – Population - 500

Wyrms – Population 125

Two-Swords – Population 300

Jazid – Population 600

Fishblood – Population 200

Nawqua – Population 700

Mageduel – Population 300

Moon – Population 900

The Government of The Convocation

A triumvirate runs The Convocation, the government being formed by the heads of The Order of Isis, The Order of Thoth and The Order of Set. Scarabus, still leads The Order of Thoth and Erasmus Craven, remains the head of The Order of Set. Adolphus Bedlo was struck down by Erasmus Craven, in 86 E. R., during a duel in the old village of Daur. Craven placed his old friends head upon a pike, decreeing that it remain in place for three moons. He then renamed the village, Mageduel.

The Triumvirate runs the country from The Tower of the Serpent, an ancient edifice, said to predate humanity. Everyone else is utterly forbidden to approach the Tower, unless invited. It has been suggested, that control of this ancient site is the real reason The Scarlet Convocation sought dominance in northeastern Alaethia. The deceased Adolphus was succeeded by Roxor, a Mage from ancient Nauru, who, for all that he is the head of The Order of Isis, is rumored to be some sort of Undead creature. Or, a slave of Craven’s.

Military Might

3,000 Infantry. 300 Calvary. 100 Mounted Knights.

10 Warships. 400 Naval Personnel.

An unknown number of Magic-Users are available for the defense of the country.

Four Iron Golems are stationed near the town of Moon.

The Mechanism of the Elder Dark, an Artifact, surviving from an ancient empire of Sorcerer-Scientists, is in The Triumvirate’s possession and was used in the last days of the civil war. It is reported to possess the ability to create short lived spheres of non-existence, which are capable of destroying any matter, with which they come into contact.

Industry

Fishing

Mining: Various ores.

Arms & Armor.

Agriculture: Staple crops. Many varieties of fruit.

Timber.

Parchment, scrolls, books and the like.

Misc. household goods & Tools.

Religion & Magic

All Magic-Users in the country are members of The Scarlet Convocation. Though there is no official law, concerning unaffiliated practitioners, it is rumored that any such have a tendency to disappear. Visiting Magi are treated cordially, but will be disinvited if they outstay their welcome.

The three orders of The Convocation are organized in a chain of apprenticeship. Any member knows his immediate superior and his own apprentices, but is forbidden to contact others, unless ordered to do so by The Triumvirate. Only the three heads of The Convocation are exempt from this rule.

The number of members The Convocation has is unknown. The populace and outsiders see one of the three members of The Triumvirate, on occasion, with Erasmus usually filling the role of the public face for the group. But, the other members conduct their business incognito. They dress as normal members of the populace and will not make any displays of magical power, unless it is absolutely necessary. The only exceptions are diplomats, who make their affiliation known and dress the part for the foreign governments they visit and the holder of the Office of the Administrator. This latter personage overseas the lesser operations involved in ruling the country and welcomes foreign visitors and important people, at the official seat of government in Ormiz.

The three Orders within The Convocation, are each dedicated to one of the gods of ancient Nauru. Isis, Thoth, or Set. Each of these Orders have their own area of specialization, as well as their own secrets and rites.

Erasmus Craven, is widely believed to be the most powerful member of The Scarlet Convocation and the real ruler of the country.

Religious tolerance is the rule, save for in the case of the existing E.C. religions, which are forbidden in the Land of the Convocation. Worship of Odin and his pantheon is tolerated, but closely watched.

Most citizens worship Akaleya, or the gods of ancient Nauru. Several lesser known cults, are represented.

Other Areas of Interest

Tower of the Serpent – Built by an ancient race, long forgotten, the Tower is said to be a repository of Occult power and knowledge. Formed of a white stone, in the shape of a coiling serpent, the Tower is occupied by The Triumvirate.

Malice Keep – Once the home of Sir Praedus Mur, an infamous murderer and demon-worshipper, the Keep is said to be haunted. Today, it is abandoned and avoided by the locals.

Crown Forest – Though relatively safe, various curious people and creatures, make their home here and find their way to these woods.