| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Rivenhelm
Acolyte
32 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Aug 2015 : 08:37:07
|
Cool!! Can't wait to see it. Yes, I want to make 2017 as well. Something to shoot for. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get time off for that.
Don't sweat it, having hair's overrated!
R... |
 |
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2015 : 19:17:40
|
Finally got around to reading your piece on Jergal over on Ed's site. I had assumed I knew most of it already (from other projects), and hence the delay. Also just caught up with this thread since my last post.
Two things:
1) I'd say that 'naturally occurring ' Chardalyn are really Glowstones (from Dwarves Deep), which absorbed the essence of the Spellweavers and became Sstar Gems. Dwarven Glowstones (from Dwarves Deep, not the ones from 3e) absorb magical energy in much the same way iron absorbs magnetism (a counter-force to magic, BTW). On a magically rich world like Toril - with it's Weave - these stones would be fully charged almost all the time. The Disjunction managed to alter their energy-absorbing abilities and grafted the shattered souls of the Spellweavers into them (which may have been a precursor for the Elven Kiira).
2) Not a fan of the Terraseer being manipulated by Jergal - why not just make the Terraseer Jergal? Wouldn't that have been the simplest solution? He had already posed as a Sarrukh earlier (with the Ba'etith), so he could have simply revised his role. My big problem with it is that it makes some of my own fan-lore conflict (regarding The Terraseer and Halaster). On the other hand - since I take whatever you and Eric say as canon - I have figured out a way too reconcile MY lore with YOURS. Since I think Halaster was the Terraseer, and Halaster was Imaskari, then it would make sense if the two were ancient enemies... truly ANCIENT. You see, Halaster was a Creatori (Creator Race) survivor himself - one who could change his form at-will (and be completely undetectable). He would have also been part of the Ba'etith, and been secretly operating at odds with Jergal the whole time. Now, as for WHICH Creator Race he was from... you'd think human, given his penchent for that form, but a Batarchi would make the most sense. Also, the Fey - another group known for changing their forms - seem to have had their home in the Eastern Realms - right around Halaster's old Imaskari stomping grounds. He could be from any of the Creatori... or even something else. I'll leave that bit open-ended... for now.
And a third point, which I had already worked-out before typing this (so not really much of a point anymore). The stuff concerning the Imaskarna being the 3rd set of Nether scrolls (cool idea, BTW... that 3rd set; I had always said there must have been one  ). I wasn't overly found of the Imaskarna being 'lessened' in that fashion, and my own musings point to the fey - the only Creators NOT involved with the Ba'etith - as the ones who first helped the Imaskari on their magical way (because I think 'Sorcerous' traditions actually originated in Zakhara, and with their descendents, the Mujhuri). Sorcery lends itself perfectly to fey magic, as opposed to the study-based, heavily 'lawful', rigid set of rules regarding Arcane Magic.
And then it dawned on me, there are TWO TIERS of Imaskarna. 'greater' and 'lesser', and all was right in the world again. I've already worked out a fix to blend the two fan-lores together on this point. The lesser ones were the ones based on the fey traditions, and then they were able to create the Greater ones using the Nether Scrolls, AND their previous knowledge from The Fey (thus, keeping them unique from the other copies).
Anyhow, keep up the great work. Someone has to keep the Realms alive and breathing.  |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 03 Aug 2015 19:20:50 |
|
|
|
Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6351 Posts |
|
|
Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6351 Posts |
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 07 Aug 2015 : 03:43:36
|
quote:
Originally posted by dazzlerdal
Hi George,
I was wondering about the surname of Ioulaum Halargoth, i was wondering if it had any connection to a familial estate on the edges of the High Moor.
I did use Orogoth as a template re the surname, but wasn't intending to make a connection between the two. The name has no significance other than me wanting to give the guy a surname. Feel free to make any connections you like.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
|
|
|
Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6351 Posts |
|
|
Demzer
Senior Scribe
873 Posts |
Posted - 17 Aug 2015 : 11:49:49
|
Finally had time to re-read your pieces on the Yuirwood, think about them and read your new work on Ilmatari saints.
First off: everything is awesome, thanks a lot for your continued contribution to the Realms.
Now on the Yuirwood:
- what was the "behind closed doors" reaction (if there ever was any) of the other Star Elven clans to the Night of Bloodstones and its aftermath?
- do you think the major clans you cited (Lamavarith, Hualarydnym, Marintraal and Ralandraar) survived to the late 1370s or may have been swept away by the nilshai threat or other causes in their 2 millenia long isolation?
- is there someone among elven communities (Evermeet, Sildeyuir, ecc...) who knows how events played out in the Yuirwood of old? Judging by The Simbul's Gift the elves from Evermeet know something about the whole mess, is there someone among the surviving Star Elves that knows about all the treachery? What about descendants of the realm of Larlotha?
- anything you can share about Myth Tarranvar?
- the drows that plagued the Yuirwood are those from Undrek'Thoz or come from other smaller clans/settlements?
On the Ilmatari Saints:
- are there specific monk/knightly orders associated with St. Irimae the Requited and St. Shaleen the Unyielding or just clerics of Ilmater with some special options due to their devotion to these individual saints? Speaking in 3E terms, i can see a sisterhood of Knight-of-the-Chalice-like Ilmatari paladins/monks dedicated to St. Irimae or a special order of Inquisitors worshiping St. Shaleen.
- do you have a name or three to spare for saints of Loviatar, Lurue and Sharess? Any stray backstory or descriptive bit would be treasured.
Thanks! |
|
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2015 : 08:26:46
|
St Persaadon the Seascourge
Symbol: Two blue cresting waves to the sinister with scarlet tips
Center of Worship: Monastery of the Fire Lily
Domain: Tempest
Certainly the most unique of Ilmater's Sacred Sisters, Persaadon was a triton female who chafed against the patriarchal society she was born into. She dreamed of becoming a warrior maiden like the famous Jhimar, the triton founder of the Jhimari Order of the Dukars, but was rebuffed by her male caste elders who would not countenance her training to become a warrior (it should be noted that in ages past all triton Dukars changed their names to end with -r, setting aside the conservative triton naming conventions that required all male triton names to end in -s and all females to end in -n). In her anger and frustration, Persaadon fled the safety of the Vuuvax Protectorate and took to the open waters to the north, encountering other folk of the sea for the first time, notably the enigmatic sharlarin.
As the years passed, Persaadon became a hidden protector of the sharlarin and locathah tribes of the Po'ioa Plateau and east into the Easting Reach and was known to the sharlarin as "Po'Tapal" (or the "protecting tapal" in their tongue). In the Year of Dark Stalking (989 DR) Persaadon ran afoul of the drow of Lyrathil and their vodyanoi servitors and was captured and enslaved by the dark elves. There in the slave dungeons of that dark elf settlement Persaadon met the human priest Elbrathar of Ilmater, who used his spells from the Crying God to heal the tortured and wounded and tend to the needs of the sick and infirm. Elbrathar taught Persaadon to master her emotions and control the fury that rose in her at her captivity, seeing to it that she lived rather than be slain by the cruel drow for her resistance. He instilled in Persaadon the need for endurance, the strength to do so and above all, a sense of duty to protect the weak and to ease the suffering of others. Over time and with the aid and encouragement of the ageing Elbrathar, Persaadon came to the faith of the Broken One and was received into his priesthood.
Some ten or so winters later, the aged Elbrathar was killed by drow overseers for his inability to work in the fungus farms, kelp beds and blackshell pools that fed the community. The devastated Persaadon escaped her captors within a moon, guided by dream visions from the Crying God, and travelled north into the Easting Reach, finding a home in the sea caves near Sarshel. It was there that Persaadon came to the attention of the people of Impiltur who lived in the coastal villages on the western shore of the Easting Reach. She spent her days and nights saving the drowning from shipwrecks, providing warnings when scrag and koalinth raiders were massing and thwarting pirate raiders. Her activities soon brought her renown in the Church of Ilmater and a small beachside shrine to the Crying God was established south of Sarshel where pilgrims could come and worship Ilmater and every full moon receive a homily from the "Blue Lady" as some of the faith came to call her.
Persaadon met her end in the Year of the Roaring Tempest (1019 DR) when she shattered the pirate flotilla known as the Brotherhood of Salt and Steel in the coastal seas off Dilpur. Her roused fury at their slaving and pillaging throughout the lands of the Reach over the course of a summer season saw her send six, fully-crewed pirate rakers to the depths but not before fell magic laid her low. Her body was never found, but her unique tapal carved from the thighbone of a merrow washed up on shore near her shrine and was taken up in reverence by Moraun, priest of Ilmater and one of the foremost Hands of Suffering of that day (at that time, the Hands of Suffering were Ilmater's anointed champions, roving the lands of the Inner Sea and the Sword Coast and spreading his teachings to all). When Ilmater sent dream visions to the faithful to pronounce Persaadon's ascension to the ranks of his "blessed", a monastery was built at that site which remains there to this day, the tapal on display in the Scarred Sanctum as her only relic.
Devotion to St Persaadon is strong in the city of Sarshel and the surrounding environs, with many clergy of the Crying God taking her as their patron saint. For many years priests dedicated to St Persaadon have been co-opted into the Warsails of Impiltur, that realm's navy, in recognition of their unique magical ability among the priesthood. The flagship of the Warsails, known colloquially as "Rilaunyr's Warship" for its master, but named more properly as Darthorn's Fist, numbers twelve priests dedicated to Ilmater and St Persaadon among its crew.
-- George Krashos
|
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
Edited by - George Krashos on 09 Jan 2016 12:01:32 |
|
|
|
Duneth Despana
Learned Scribe
Belgium
273 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2015 : 21:44:55
|
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
And yes, the Ilythiiri corrupted many elves ... as you will see ... and a few other races ... as you will also see.
Did we ever see? and if we did where? thanks in advance! |
« There is no overriding « epic » in the Realms, but rather a large number of stories, adventures, and encounters going on all the time. [...]. Each creative mind adds to the base, creating, defining, and making their contribution to the rich diversity of the Realms. [...]. But Ed built the stage upon which all the plays are presented. Thanks Ed. » -FR Comic no.1
|
|
|
|
Steven Schend
Forgotten Realms Designer & Author
USA
1707 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2015 : 19:10:41
|
| George, you've outdone yourself with St. Persaadon. You make me want to go and reread Sea of Fallen Stars to remind myself what I've forgotten from writing it. ;) |
For current projects and general natter, see www.steveneschend.com
|
|
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2015 : 20:00:24
|
quote:
Originally posted by Steven Schend
George, you've outdone yourself with St. Persaadon. You make me want to go and reread Sea of Fallen Stars to remind myself what I've forgotten from writing it. ;)
Thanks Steven. I had to do this write-up to sort out the reference to clerics of Poseidon in FR9 (ick!) and to do a little fix on how triton names are derived. Jhimar the female triton should have been "Jhiman" based on SoFS, but I think my dukar naming angle works fine.
Always loved SoFS - in my view your most amazing FR work. Still so much in there that makes me say "wow"!
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
Edited by - George Krashos on 27 Aug 2015 20:00:57 |
|
|
|
Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 27 Aug 2015 : 21:27:39
|
Great lore, George.
And as for SoFS, I've always looked at it as an under-appreciated 7th 'sub-setting'. Still part of the Greater Realms, but doing its 'own thing'. Those tomes rank right up there with Eric Boyd's 'god books' and Ed's 'Pages/Prayers'. Truly a great era in FR history. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
|
Edited by - Markustay on 27 Aug 2015 21:32:01 |
|
|
|
Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6351 Posts |
|
|
Dante76
Acolyte
2 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2015 : 15:36:58
|
Greetings,
thanks for your highly inspirational and creative ideas of Impiltur so far that being said I do have some questions for you. Any musings are welcomed.
I have been thinking of running a campaign during the Fiend Wars (729-732). Makes the whole concept of Impiltur being a demon-infested pit of vileness infernally more attractive 
I have a rough idea about the specific stages of the campaign. One is to join the crusade when it is proclaimed. You stated that Sarshel called for a crusade to defeat the demon plague and he sailed with a "crusader fleet" to Impiltur. From where would he have left? Chondath? I think I need a realm where the Triad was featured prominently in the Realms and was close to Impiltur, so I do not think that Tethyr is a good choice.
Would you say that other non-evil faiths send there priests, warriors, paladins etc. to join the crusade? Or was it a Triad matter?
Any other musings, thoughts, ideas concerning this time period would be gladly appreciated. Thanks in advance and...
cheers,
Dante
|
|
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 06 Oct 2015 : 13:41:11
|
quote:
Originally posted by Dante76
Greetings,
thanks for your highly inspirational and creative ideas of Impiltur so far that being said I do have some questions for you. Any musings are welcomed.
I have been thinking of running a campaign during the Fiend Wars (729-732). Makes the whole concept of Impiltur being a demon-infested pit of vileness infernally more attractive
I have a rough idea about the specific stages of the campaign. One is to join the crusade when it is proclaimed. You stated that Sarshel called for a crusade to defeat the demon plague and he sailed with a "crusader fleet" to Impiltur. From where would he have left? Chondath? I think I need a realm where the Triad was featured prominently in the Realms and was close to Impiltur, so I do not think that Tethyr is a good choice.
Would you say that other non-evil faiths send there priests, warriors, paladins etc. to join the crusade? Or was it a Triad matter?
Any other musings, thoughts, ideas concerning this time period would be gladly appreciated. Thanks in advance and...
cheers,
Dante
The call of the Triad Crusade went out in the Year of the Purloined Throne (727 DR), seeing many paladins and holy warriors gather in traditional strongholds of the faith throughout Tethyr and the Vilhon Reach. Through 729 DR these paladins individually, in groups and even small armies travelled west and north to Cormyr and Chondathan respectively. King Draxius of Cormyr sped them on their way, providing shipping and mounts (some say in return for even more longevity magics) and similarly, Triad gold saw more ships found in the Sembian ports to transport the host across the Dragonreach to first Procampur, then Tsurlagol and then the coast on the western fringes of Impiltur. The crusaders gathered troops and supplies along the way, especially at their last two stops, and by the time they arrived in Impiltur proper, the army numbered somewhere in the order of 8000 swords.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
|
|
|
Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6351 Posts |
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 07 Oct 2015 : 03:40:15
|
| Good stuff, friend Krash! I particularly like Soargar Steelorm, and the two Cliff Ways. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
|
|
|
Lukas Kain
Seeker
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - 09 Oct 2015 : 02:01:43
|
| Again I am floored George. All I initially wanted was just a few little factoids about the four cities because I wanted my players to appreciate them more than they do most cities. Thank you George; it's stuff like this that keeps what I loved about the Realms alive. |
|
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 09 Oct 2015 : 10:00:00
|
I need to be encouraged Lukas, and you do a fine job of it. Sarshel in the works. Hopefully it won't be too long. The Realms is what we make it.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
|
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2015 : 06:23:20
|
I posted this in another thread but thought it should have a home here as well.
With the re-establishment of Impiltur, the Heltharn ruling family of the kingdom occupies the top tier of the nobility. After that there are several ranks of noble titles as set out below.
Title (in common) - Title (in Damaran)
King/Queen - Riar/Riara
Prince/Princess - Thilas/Thilassa
Duke/Duchess - Hertar/Hertala
Marquess/Marchioness - Vaerar/Vaerala
Count/Countess - Serdar/Serdassa
Baron/Baroness - Edlar/Edlassa
Knight - Orn (pl. Ornar)
Regent - Ranal
Consort - Add prefix “Al”
Queen Regent - Riaranal
Lord/Lady - Dar/Darla
Only the direct succession of the Heltharn family (i.e. Sambryl, daughter of Rilimbrar and Imbrar II from the line of Verimlaun, son of Imphras II) use the titles of king/queen and prince/princess.
The remainder of the Heltharn royal family use the duke/duchess title exclusively for members of the Lords of Imphras II and “heads” of the various Heltharn lines (i.e. the patriarchs/matriarchs of those families descended from that monarch).
The most senior (in terms of age and/or influence) noble families in Impiltur use the title marquess/marchioness on ceremonial or formal occasions. Their holdings are known generally as “marches” and depending on the size of the area can come to denote a region of the realm. The families that hold such a title are noted as the “old guard” families in the list below.
The less senior noble families use the title count/countess on ceremonial or formal occasions. Their holdings are known generally as “counties” and depending on the size of the area can come to denote a region of the realm.
Those individuals that are raised to the nobility but not granted a hereditary title to be passed on to their progeny use the title baron/baroness on ceremonial or formal occasions. The term “barony” is used for their holdings but very rarely used as a geographic descriptor for Impiltur.
Knighthoods in Impiltur are granted to individuals and are not hereditary. If an individual with an existing noble title that is not a baronetcy (i.e. a marquess or count) is made a knight, then they are differentiated by use of the title “orn” [“saer” in common] instead of their normal noble title. Non-noble individuals granted a knighthood are known as “loyal knights” [“elorn”/”elornar” (pl.)] but commonly use the “orn” title save on ceremonial occasions or for specific legal reasons.
For all spouses and children of the nobility and spouses of loyal knights, the term of address is simply lord/lady.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
|
|
|
Lukas Kain
Seeker
USA
60 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2015 : 03:41:49
|
| Very interesting George. I appreciate how you go through and explain things about each set of titles as well. I actually wanted to ask about something like this seemingly years ago, but I didn't know how to phrase it and apparently moved on to other things. |
|
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2015 : 05:17:23
|
quote:
Originally posted by Lukas Kain
Very interesting George. I appreciate how you go through and explain things about each set of titles as well. I actually wanted to ask about something like this seemingly years ago, but I didn't know how to phrase it and apparently moved on to other things.
Well, you seem to be my audience of one Lukas so I'm glad that it's useful.
Sarshel soon.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
|
|
|
xaeyruudh
Master of Realmslore
USA
1853 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2015 : 08:25:56
|
Audience of one, ha. There's at least two of us.
I read, I said "Yes!" and started gleefully adding it to my hoard, and then I saw something out of the corner of my eye... ooh, shiny... ooh, shiny... and the trail led away, marching and chanting with dwarves, baking cookies with halflings, and so forth. This happens every time I read your lore... I see it, I love it, I follow it, and I forget to comment on it. Could it be true that the best writers are cursed to rarely receive much-deserved praise? Or maybe it's my ADHD. In any case, thank you, and here's hoping that every realm gets similarly devoted fans! |
|
|
|
Gary Dallison
Great Reader
United Kingdom
6351 Posts |
|
|
Demzer
Senior Scribe
873 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2015 : 17:54:28
|
| Your "Answers from ..." file is the second biggest on my PC (with Mr. Greenwood a distant first) and i treasure every word you type. Life has me in "lurking mode" right now, with barely enough time to keep up with the posts here, but i look forward to anything your creativity brews. |
|
|
|
Eilserus
Master of Realmslore
USA
1446 Posts |
Posted - 17 Nov 2015 : 19:48:07
|
You're an awesome loremaster George and one of my favorites! I'm not well versed in Impiltur, but I can talk dwarf shop all day! In fact, the other day I was thinking about Telantiwar, its fall and the dwarves reclaiming the Great Rift area. Even with the drow scattering, there had to be some outrageous campaigns of fighting between the Stout Folk and the Dark Ones and quite a bit of untold history.
Dwarves Deep mentions drow kingdoms rising and falling several times, so I imagine it's been an ongoing issue in one form or another. And where are all these drow coming from that entire kingdoms of them can rise and fall (escapees from Llurth Dreier?)? Maybe a portion of Telantiwar has survived somewhere deep? Just a few things I've been bouncing around in my head. Of course since this happened so long ago, maybe that's why it was never developed more. Taark Shanat and his crusade, and the history of Shanatar (wars with Guallidurth, the Deepspawn wars, the loss of Clan Duergar etc.) would good fun one too.
Love the Keep, so many of our favorite designers frequent here. And like many others I look forward to anything you create. WotC should be paying you guys and buying the lore you create to so its put into print form. |
|
|
|
JPDeed
Acolyte
Australia
15 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2015 : 13:50:17
|
I'm generally quiet, but I listen well. Your consistency and logical placement of history and facts in a world that could so easily go mad with ludicrous nonsense in the hands of a lesser able craftsperson is appreciated.
Plus, you're in Australia. I have recently moved from Perth to Singapore and miss the blue skies and 9 month summer. But I still have a game to Dm here now and use Pathfinder nowadays to mould the realms - and your info fits into any system neatly. |
|
|
|
TBeholder
Great Reader
2382 Posts |
Posted - 25 Nov 2015 : 17:29:42
|
quote:
Originally posted by Eilserus
In fact, the other day I was thinking about Telantiwar, its fall and the dwarves reclaiming the Great Rift area. Even with the drow scattering, there had to be some outrageous campaigns of fighting between the Stout Folk and the Dark Ones and quite a bit of untold history.
I, also, am interested as to what our loremaster have to say on the ensuing shenanigans, but won't expect great wars.
Think about it. Sure, immediately after the fall, there had to be surviving "strays" - caravans, long-range patrols and suchlike, but they had their own problems and most probably tried to reach the unaffected drow settlements. There had to be some scavenging, but beyond that...
It's quite likely that the dwarves returned while the bulk of survivors (that is, "exodus" drow) were still busy securing (externally and internally!) their new domains.
And once all the dust settled, it was down to the usual skirmishes. |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
|
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11690 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2015 : 15:15:28
|
quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
quote:
Originally posted by Lukas Kain
Very interesting George. I appreciate how you go through and explain things about each set of titles as well. I actually wanted to ask about something like this seemingly years ago, but I didn't know how to phrase it and apparently moved on to other things.
Well, you seem to be my audience of one Lukas so I'm glad that it's useful.
Sarshel soon.
-- George Krashos
Make that two. thank you. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6643 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2015 : 05:18:02
|
Just posted this is another thread and thought it should have a home here as well:
Just to clarify, Impiltur is not a feudal realm. The ownership of all lands by the Crown and their selected nobles was abandoned with the fall of the kingdom in the Fiend Wars. To attract population in the aftermath of that horrendous affair, King Sarshel granted land to non-nobles and new nobles alike and much of the Uplands was available to be claimed by those simply strong enough to hold it - as long as they gave due deference to the throne. Individuals such as Arbarras "the Lord of the Greenfields" and the self-styled "Highmaster" Lamanter Bowthorn found out swiftly that the kingdom of Impiltur was still just that, and their attempts to dominate the Uplands and carve out quasi-realms of their own with "Lyrabar far away" were met with swift action by the Elethlims.
The references to "marches", "counties" and "baronies" reflects some old world terminology but describe only the actual lands owned by that particular noble family. No nobles rule anything unless they are also a Royal Constable or Royal Herald of the realm. Occasionally, senior nobles can be pressed into such service at the behest of the Lords of Imphras II (for example if an area is declared to be under "daggerbond" [our equivalent of "martial law"]) but this is rare. They often function as advisers to the local authorities however.
Local government as we know it doesn't really exist in Impiltur as there are roving Constables and Heralds who do a set circuit (i.e. the village of Harland in the foothills of the Earthspurs, southeast of Tower Ithfell has a visit from the Royal Constable every month or so, usually with a Royal Herald in tow - the husband and wife team Gelimbrar "the Darksword" Olim and Alarna Olim are one such roving Constable and Herald combination, whose area encompasses the villages from the shores of Bluefang Water north and west to the mountains near the High Pass into Damara) and check in to settlements to ensure that the peace is being kept and disputes dealt with. Most settlements do have an elder or head man/woman who people naturally defer to if a decision affecting the community needs to be made (i.e. assisting with harvests, dealing with blight or animal sickness quarantines, fighting bandits/raiders, etc.) but they wield no legal authority. However the smarter roving Royal Constables and Heralds have a network of such elders/ head people they communicate with regularly so as not to cause any friction or personality clashes.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Questions for George Krashos
