Post by David on Dec 13, 2005 20:28:57 GMT -5
Here're the details on Chendl. I'll start general and get specific, so everyone can have all of the same info.
GENERAL BACKGROUND
Furyondy is the "Paladin Nation" -- a kingdom which broke away from the Great Kingdom over three centuries ago and which, while ruled by a King, follows the religious lead of Veluna. Thus, the ruling council of seven families and various nobles are non-ecclesiastical, but they largely conform to the judges and direction set by the Pope in Veluna (Furyondy's western neighbor and closest ally). In fact, nearly a third of all of Furyondy's kings have been paladins in their own right, usually Angellian, although also Cuthbertian and even one Athenian (contrary to Gygax's books, Rao not only doesn't make sense, but wasn't even publish in a TSR product for nearly 20 years!).
Furyondy is the greatest kingdom on Oerth (or so its citizens would claim). Rich with people, places, and possibilities, Furyondy is a sterling bastion of good on the world of Oerth. Furyondy stretches across the western half of the Flanaess, from the Nyr Dyv in the east, the mighty Velverdyva River in the south and west, north to the Vesve Forest and the shores of Whyestil Lake. The Kingdom is divided into smaller provinces, each ruled by a noble house. These include the County of Crystalreach (the only region with numerous, unrelated rulers and home to Amberwood, Angel's Rock, Graystone, Silverdale, Grabford, the Valley of Nine, and Oakenshire) and the Barony of Kalinstren in the North, both bastions of defense against Iuz; the Viscounty of the March, Furyondy's breadbasket; the Barony of Littleberg, the most diverse province; the rich Gold County, the Duchy of the Reach, and the Barony of Willip in the south. Chendl is the capital and the seat of royal power. Furyondy's major port and the seat of her Navy is on the Nyr Dyv in the city of Willip.
KING NATHAN
The current King, Nathan, received the throne when his aunt, Arch-Duchess Damelia St Karlon abdicated in his favor approximately 16 years ago (in the Common Year 600). Nathan was young when he took the throne (only 16) but has done fairly well since. He has matured into a fine ruler and decent statesman. Nathan has historically relied heavily on a group of personal councilors -- his Aunt (Damelia), the Arch-Bishop of Chendl (Roland), the Ambassador of Veluna (Gildenstein), the paladin and commander of Furyondy's armies (Exvyn), (recently) a Kara-Turian wizardess (Chastity), and others. Nathan is not a stubborn or unwise man, but does struggle under the weight of his crown. Although now a man in his thirties, Nathan never expected the throne nor did he ever really train for it or adventure. As a result, he often feels out of his depth when dealing with adventurers or those who've really "lived" (faced death on the battlefield or in a dungeon). Nathan is first and foremost a diplomat and bureaucrat (in the good sense), not a military commander or war-leader.
THE STATE OF THE NATION
Just prior to the beginning of the Apocalypse, Iuz invaded all of the northern regions of Furyondy as well as Highfolk and the Shield Lands. Basically all of Kalinstren fell within a few days to a combined horde of orcs, goblins, trolls, ogres, giants, and undead (mostly skeletons, ghouls, shadows, and vampires!). Although western Crystalreach also fell, amazingly the eastern fiefs (the new ones, created after the Rebellion, Mind Flayer wars, and Invasion from the Horned Society) stood strong, despite being closer to the Horned Society. This is due, most likely, to the fact that the goblinoid forces did not seem to be led by their queen (Fanggrabber) but rather by clerics of Old Wicked. Also, the major invading force for this region was shattered, with losses of approximately 95%, at the Battle of Dragondale in the fief of Amberwood.
As the chaos of the Apocalypse began, three of the greatest cities of North were either in Iuz' hands (Chendl and Crockport, the secondary capitol) or under siege and failing quickly (Grabford). Now, cut off from divine aid, many of the pockets of resistance quickly fell to the orcish invaders as well. There was a second, limited offensive at Amberwood, which was turned back harshly; eastern Crystalreach may be within reach of Iuz but clearly out of his grasp.
Heroes marshaled, mainly Knights of the Hart, the champions of the kingdom, to fight off the invaders. One group lifted the siege at Grabford and slaughtered the orcish forces in the vicinity, establishing a thin corridor free of Iuz' influence and connecting Grabford to Amberwood, Silverdale, Angel's Rock, and Oakenshire. A second group entered Chendl itself and slew the vampire-lord-mage in command, throwing the occupying forces into disarray (well, what do you call it when several dozen vampire vassals suddenly regain their own freewill and decide to settle scores and/or follow their chaotic nature?). These heroes managed to liberate the city, but it still remains surrounded by enemy forces on ALL sides. To the north, west, and east are occupied lands while to the south there are 30 miles of enemy forces before reaching "free" Furyondy.
THE STATE OF THE CITY
By the end of May 616 CY, humans have limited control of Chendl. There is a "skeleton crew" of normal humans and men-at-arms supporting the city -- a population of less than four dozen souls. In addition, under orders from Nathan, Chastity (and Kara) have assembled the Knights of the Hart to defend the capitol. These include: Rhom, Anastasia, Solinane, Mina, Tony, Amanda, Xena, and Chastity plus Corvin, Ian, Kiro, and Kee'O (Caeleia needs to cover her own fief and Garlok's in charge of Grabford). Quite honestly, this is Helm's Deep (LOTR: TT) all over again, but there are no ENT armies on the horizon (fuckin' Steve Jackson...!).
Arrayed all around the city are vast forces. True, food is becoming scarce, but ogres, trolls, and (to a limited degree) giants aren't at all picky about their meals; there are plenty of dead humans (and orcs, goblins, bugbear, etc) to munch. And undead don't eat or sleep. The only redeeming grace for the heroes is that Iuz' demons seem VERY cowardly of late, NEVER pressing combat too sharply and rarely attempting to teleport. This more than anything has kept the city safe.
As for the size of the orcish army, well, it's not as big as the force that went after Gondor (LOTR: ROK), but probably numbers well above 4000, with a high concentration of ogres, trolls, and giants, plus another 1000 or so skeletons. The invaders no longer have any siege engines, thanks to Chastity, Rhom, Solinane, Kee'O, and Kiro, but they DO have giants (all the power of a trebuche, but with better mobility than infantry!).
The heroes are exhausted from fighting a defensive war for weeks. Although a small band of heroes (the New Heroes) have arrived recently, the enemy forces' attacks have begun to become more fierce and sharp. If this continues, it's only a matter of time before the city falls again...
GENERAL BACKGROUND
Furyondy is the "Paladin Nation" -- a kingdom which broke away from the Great Kingdom over three centuries ago and which, while ruled by a King, follows the religious lead of Veluna. Thus, the ruling council of seven families and various nobles are non-ecclesiastical, but they largely conform to the judges and direction set by the Pope in Veluna (Furyondy's western neighbor and closest ally). In fact, nearly a third of all of Furyondy's kings have been paladins in their own right, usually Angellian, although also Cuthbertian and even one Athenian (contrary to Gygax's books, Rao not only doesn't make sense, but wasn't even publish in a TSR product for nearly 20 years!).
Furyondy is the greatest kingdom on Oerth (or so its citizens would claim). Rich with people, places, and possibilities, Furyondy is a sterling bastion of good on the world of Oerth. Furyondy stretches across the western half of the Flanaess, from the Nyr Dyv in the east, the mighty Velverdyva River in the south and west, north to the Vesve Forest and the shores of Whyestil Lake. The Kingdom is divided into smaller provinces, each ruled by a noble house. These include the County of Crystalreach (the only region with numerous, unrelated rulers and home to Amberwood, Angel's Rock, Graystone, Silverdale, Grabford, the Valley of Nine, and Oakenshire) and the Barony of Kalinstren in the North, both bastions of defense against Iuz; the Viscounty of the March, Furyondy's breadbasket; the Barony of Littleberg, the most diverse province; the rich Gold County, the Duchy of the Reach, and the Barony of Willip in the south. Chendl is the capital and the seat of royal power. Furyondy's major port and the seat of her Navy is on the Nyr Dyv in the city of Willip.
KING NATHAN
The current King, Nathan, received the throne when his aunt, Arch-Duchess Damelia St Karlon abdicated in his favor approximately 16 years ago (in the Common Year 600). Nathan was young when he took the throne (only 16) but has done fairly well since. He has matured into a fine ruler and decent statesman. Nathan has historically relied heavily on a group of personal councilors -- his Aunt (Damelia), the Arch-Bishop of Chendl (Roland), the Ambassador of Veluna (Gildenstein), the paladin and commander of Furyondy's armies (Exvyn), (recently) a Kara-Turian wizardess (Chastity), and others. Nathan is not a stubborn or unwise man, but does struggle under the weight of his crown. Although now a man in his thirties, Nathan never expected the throne nor did he ever really train for it or adventure. As a result, he often feels out of his depth when dealing with adventurers or those who've really "lived" (faced death on the battlefield or in a dungeon). Nathan is first and foremost a diplomat and bureaucrat (in the good sense), not a military commander or war-leader.
THE STATE OF THE NATION
Just prior to the beginning of the Apocalypse, Iuz invaded all of the northern regions of Furyondy as well as Highfolk and the Shield Lands. Basically all of Kalinstren fell within a few days to a combined horde of orcs, goblins, trolls, ogres, giants, and undead (mostly skeletons, ghouls, shadows, and vampires!). Although western Crystalreach also fell, amazingly the eastern fiefs (the new ones, created after the Rebellion, Mind Flayer wars, and Invasion from the Horned Society) stood strong, despite being closer to the Horned Society. This is due, most likely, to the fact that the goblinoid forces did not seem to be led by their queen (Fanggrabber) but rather by clerics of Old Wicked. Also, the major invading force for this region was shattered, with losses of approximately 95%, at the Battle of Dragondale in the fief of Amberwood.
As the chaos of the Apocalypse began, three of the greatest cities of North were either in Iuz' hands (Chendl and Crockport, the secondary capitol) or under siege and failing quickly (Grabford). Now, cut off from divine aid, many of the pockets of resistance quickly fell to the orcish invaders as well. There was a second, limited offensive at Amberwood, which was turned back harshly; eastern Crystalreach may be within reach of Iuz but clearly out of his grasp.
Heroes marshaled, mainly Knights of the Hart, the champions of the kingdom, to fight off the invaders. One group lifted the siege at Grabford and slaughtered the orcish forces in the vicinity, establishing a thin corridor free of Iuz' influence and connecting Grabford to Amberwood, Silverdale, Angel's Rock, and Oakenshire. A second group entered Chendl itself and slew the vampire-lord-mage in command, throwing the occupying forces into disarray (well, what do you call it when several dozen vampire vassals suddenly regain their own freewill and decide to settle scores and/or follow their chaotic nature?). These heroes managed to liberate the city, but it still remains surrounded by enemy forces on ALL sides. To the north, west, and east are occupied lands while to the south there are 30 miles of enemy forces before reaching "free" Furyondy.
THE STATE OF THE CITY
By the end of May 616 CY, humans have limited control of Chendl. There is a "skeleton crew" of normal humans and men-at-arms supporting the city -- a population of less than four dozen souls. In addition, under orders from Nathan, Chastity (and Kara) have assembled the Knights of the Hart to defend the capitol. These include: Rhom, Anastasia, Solinane, Mina, Tony, Amanda, Xena, and Chastity plus Corvin, Ian, Kiro, and Kee'O (Caeleia needs to cover her own fief and Garlok's in charge of Grabford). Quite honestly, this is Helm's Deep (LOTR: TT) all over again, but there are no ENT armies on the horizon (fuckin' Steve Jackson...!).
Arrayed all around the city are vast forces. True, food is becoming scarce, but ogres, trolls, and (to a limited degree) giants aren't at all picky about their meals; there are plenty of dead humans (and orcs, goblins, bugbear, etc) to munch. And undead don't eat or sleep. The only redeeming grace for the heroes is that Iuz' demons seem VERY cowardly of late, NEVER pressing combat too sharply and rarely attempting to teleport. This more than anything has kept the city safe.
As for the size of the orcish army, well, it's not as big as the force that went after Gondor (LOTR: ROK), but probably numbers well above 4000, with a high concentration of ogres, trolls, and giants, plus another 1000 or so skeletons. The invaders no longer have any siege engines, thanks to Chastity, Rhom, Solinane, Kee'O, and Kiro, but they DO have giants (all the power of a trebuche, but with better mobility than infantry!).
The heroes are exhausted from fighting a defensive war for weeks. Although a small band of heroes (the New Heroes) have arrived recently, the enemy forces' attacks have begun to become more fierce and sharp. If this continues, it's only a matter of time before the city falls again...
