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Revan
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Sith'ari, Chosen Heart of the Force
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| Joined: 04 Dec 2006 |
| Posts: 1552 |
| Location: Korriban |
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Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 10:26 pm Post subject: Campaign Notes: The Iron Isles |
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The Iron Isles
The Iron Isles are a volcanic archipelago sitting roughly in the centre of the Firannos Sea. Equidistant from the shores of Arcania, Selentia, Elenia, and Lysea, the Isles have always been a hotbed of piracy, intrigue, trade, and various scheming. The faction that can gain control of the Iron Isles will gain a massive advantage in any war that takes place between the Alliance powers bordering the Firannos.
The Ironborn, as the inhabitants of the Isles are known, have always been a fiercely independent people. For centuries, the navies of the High Captains kept the Isles free of foreign influence, regularly preying on foreign vessels that do not pay tribute to the Lords of the Isles. Historically, attempts by any of the Firannos Powers to launch a military incursion against the Isles were always decisively defeated by alliances between the various pirate fleets.
All this changed two hundred years ago when King Gerrard the Wise of Elenia cut a deal with a minor pirate lord, Captain Gerrin Kasra. With the aid of Captain Kasra's fleet, an invasion force of Elenians was able to safely land on the Iron Isles. When the Ironborn fleets were eventually subdued, the Elenian King elevated Gerrin Kasra to the rank of Duke, and transformed his fortress, Storm's Keep, and the surrounding town of Bastion, into the capital of the new Duchy of Bastion. In return, Elenian ships and troops in the Isles prevented Lysea, Selentia, and Arcania from expanding their spheres of influence onto Elenian shores and beyond.
With the fall of Elenia the current Duke of Bastion, Thorin Kasra, seized the opportunity and declared the Iron Isles independent of Elenia and all other foreign influence. The Ironborn fleets legitimized their independence when they repulsed a major assault by rogue Githyanki airships weeks after Duke Thorin's declaration. Elenian refugees were welcomed, but any attempts by exiled Elenian lords to call for an Elenian restoration and government-in-exile were quashed.
The Alliance nations bordering the Firannos have yet to make a decisive reaction to the Duchy of Bastion's newly independent status. Representatives from Arcania, Lysea, and Selentia have been allowed to set up embassies, and these are becoming a nexus for schemes, plots, and diplomatic ploys designed to influence the Kasras. Lord Thorin himself has appeared to be more than up to the challenge, skillfully maneuvering his fledgling state away from having to commit to the various offers of its neighbors. However, the Duke's health is failing, and his only heir is his young grandson, Talon Kasra von Hiregaard. The Duke's death may become the trigger for a war that may finally shatter the Alliance as the Firannos powers try to seize control over the Isles.
Coming soon: Personalities of the Iron Isles.
_________________
Words are the only bullets in truth's bandolier. And poets are the snipers.
-George Wu (The Hyperion Cantos, Dan Simmons) |
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Revan
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Sith'ari, Chosen Heart of the Force
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| Joined: 04 Dec 2006 |
| Posts: 1552 |
| Location: Korriban |
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Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:36 pm Post subject: |
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Copy of a document found inside a scrollcase recovered from the fallen pirate Gith astral brig.
Selentine Empire Intelligence Secretariat
FROM: Analyst Kerrick
TO: -----
RE: The Iron Isles
Clearance Level: Obscurum Tertius
Copy: 3/6
Thought for the Day: Knowledge is power. Hide it well.
Diplomatic Relations:
Traditionally a vassal of the now defunct Kingdom of Elenia, the Iron Isles should by all rights now owe their allegiance to the Selentine Empire, but so far, old Lord Thorin Kasra, Head of House Kasra, has managed to avoid formally swearing allegiance to Selentia, and maintains a precarious independence. Arcania also claims the Iron Isles, and played a decisive role in the defense of Storm Keep, the archipelago capital, during a fierce series of Githyanki assaults during the war. The Lysean Republic has always been a staunch trading partner of the Kasras, and recent activity by Lysean spies may indicate that the Republic wishes to strengthen its presence in the Firannos Sea. High Speaker Erisi L’Aeral of the Elves has also sent a new ambassador to Storm Keep, in an attempt to keep the peace.
The precarious balance may be about to collapse totally. Lord Thorin Kasra is ill, and the day-to-day administration is now being handled by his grandson, Talon Kasra von Hiregaard. The young lordling is still an untested wild card in the game of thrones, and his coming ascension to the throne of the Iron Isles may signal fresh dangers…and opportunities.
Persons of Note:
Thorin Kasra
Duke of Bastion, Castellan of Storm's Keep, and aging Lord of the Iron Isles. Duke Thorin is a skilled politician and administrator who has successfully preserved his duchy's fledgling independence and steered the Iron Isles to a period of relative economic prosperity after the Githyanki wars and the fall of the Kingdom of Elenia. Aging and bed-ridden, his passing may mark the end of the fragile peace.
Talon Kasra von Hiregaard
Lord Thorin's grandson and heir. The only son of Lord Thorin's daughter and Tristan von Hiregaard, young Talon Kasra became the heir to the duchy when Thorin's sons perished at the Siege of Bastion during the Githyanki war. Barely sixteen years of age, it is unclear whether Talon has inherited his grandfather's canny diplomatic genius or his father's impetuous courage in battle. Once thought to be the sole heir to House Kasra, the reappearance of Sir Tristan von Hiregaard after the Gith war has raised questions concerning Talon's eligibility and whether he may also inherit the Hiregaard which his father gave up when he joined the Knights of the Silver Dragon.
Untried in the political arena, Talon has shown far better talent at military matters. His participation in a recent battles against renegade Gith pirates led to the rescue of an elven trading vessel under assault by the Legacy of Torment. Well tutored in both war and politics, Talon Kasra von Hiregaard may play a decisive role in the Iron Isles in the coming years.
Praetor Aleksandr Lykurgos
Selentine envoy to the Iron Isles. A Selentine officer of the old vir militaris (Military Man) tradition, Lykurgos is more known for his bluntness than his diplomatic sense. A stern but fair officer and nobleman, his inflexibility may prove to be a problem, and his appointment was opposed by Senator Mortifer, who preferred a more smooth-tongued diplomat.
Lykurgos’ presence is intended to send two messages to House Kasra. One, Emperor Marius views the question of the Iron Isles’ status as a critically important situation, and is sending his mentor and former commander in order to make sure that it turns out favorably for the Empire. Second, Lykurgos is a firm proponent of the “stick” side of the “carrot-and-stick” diplomatic theory. Expect the Praetor to deliver not only greetings from the Emperor, but also an ultimatum to House Kasra.
Countess Yisanne Liandri
Lysean envoy. A distant cousin of Lysea’s reigning Consul Leonidas, and member of the wealthy House Liandri, Countess Yisanne is a slick negotiator, and her sharp mind, combined with her stunning looks, can often catch negotiators off guard. Might she have orders to seduce the young lordling? Possibly so, and such a move would definitely fit with Consul Leonidas’ manipulative style. She bears watching.
Magister Kai’Gkul Axom
Arcanian envoy. Magister Kai’Gkul Axom is frankly, a cipher. Little is known about this illithid’s actions during the Githyanki war, save that he served as an advisor to Emperor Ghaerleth Axom, first of his name, before the illithid emperor was betrayed by the current Arcanian Emperor, Vran Targaryen, first of his name. Whether he still bears a grudge is uncertain, but it would be unusual to send an untrustworthy ambassador to such an important post.
The mind flayer could prove exceedingly dangerous. Arcania may attempt to mentally dominate the next Lord of the Isles, eliminating the need for messy negotiations. Perhaps Magister Axom might meet an unfortunate accident. The Firannos Sea can be a dangerous place, I’m told.
Thoronel Elennar
High Elven envoy. A favored cousin of High Speaker Erisi L’Aeral, the half-elf Thoronel has proven himself as an able diplomat, agent, and troubleshooter, and is often referred to as ‘the Queen’s Hand’. His position should closely match the Elf Queen’s policy of conciliation and will attempt to forge stronger trading and diplomatic relations between Alliance partners. The Queen and her Hand refuse to accept the fact that the Alliance is doomed to fall soon, without a common threat to unite our disparate nations.
_________________
Words are the only bullets in truth's bandolier. And poets are the snipers.
-George Wu (The Hyperion Cantos, Dan Simmons) |
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Xtian
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Goderator
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| Joined: 30 Nov 2006 |
| Posts: 3259 |
| Location: Avernus |
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Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 4:48 pm Post subject: |
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How do you find time writing all these stuff?  |
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Revan
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Sith'ari, Chosen Heart of the Force
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| Joined: 04 Dec 2006 |
| Posts: 1552 |
| Location: Korriban |
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Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 12:25 am Post subject: |
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By not doing my homework  .
Seriously though, the personalities list is just a rehash of an old NPC list I wrote up something like a year ago.
Back to the Selentine Empire Intelligence Secretariat:
Captain Ix
Commander of the Bastion Guards. The half-dragon known only as Ix is effectively commander of the military forces of the Iron Isles while Lord Thorin lies bedridden. The first known mention of this half-silver was at the height of the Siege of Bastion, when a mysterious half-dragon commandeered a captured Gith airship and used it to break the blockade surrounding Bastion, providing the defenders much needed food, supplies, and reinforcement. Since that time, Ix has proven his worth as a soldier time and again to House Kasra. The new political situation has proved troubling to the guard commander however, as each move by the Kasras and the Bastion Guards is minutely scrutinized for any political implications by observers from the Firannos powers. Ix is a soldier, not a politician; a stern, fair, but in the end, simple man. Perhaps this can be used to our advantage?
Lady Nymeria Brightflame
Diviner and advisor to the Kasras. Lady Nymeria Brightflame cuts an unusually stunning figure for a mage, given her half-elven appearance and a head of bright red hair. Apparently aware of the effect she can have on some, Lady Nymeria nevertheless maintains a professional and proper façade, only occasionally marred by a dry joke or a biting wit, usually at the expense of potential suitors. Her eidetic memory and her magical skills make her a valuable asset to the Kasra’s inner council. She runs a small apothecarion and magic shop in Bastion town, below Storm Keep, with the aid of Corwin Gryphon, her apprentice. She also serves as tutor to Talon Kasra and other highborn in Storm Keep.
Lady Nymeria appears to be researching mysterious fluctuations in magical power in the aftermath of the gith war. We will send word should she discover any useful information. Knowledge is power, and we intend to use it well.
Corwin Gryphon
Mage apprenticed to Nymeria Brightflame. A short, sickly, and bespectacled youth, young Corwing Gryphon nevertheless bears the trust and confidence of Nymeria Brightflame, as well as a keen mind and an aptitude for magic. Corwin can usually be found manning the front desk of Nymeria’s shop, ‘the Sign of the Dragon’, while his mistress is busy tutoring highborn or meeting with the council. A generalist mage, we’ve received no reports concerning his actual repertoire of spells, though we assume them to be of relatively low level. Corwin was seriously wounded during the siege of Storm Keep ten years ago, and has never fully recovered from his injuries, stunting his growth. Corwin is also a sometime companion/friend/rival of Talon Kasra, despite (or because of?) the gulf between the highborn heir and baseborn mage (Gryphon is a usename in the Iron Isles for an unacknowledged bastard), and may therefore be doubly useful in an intelligence operation, having access to both Lady Nymeria and Talon Kasra. However, his devotion to his mistress would be a difficult obstacle to sidestep. He may be a valuable asset, if he can be turned.
_________________
Words are the only bullets in truth's bandolier. And poets are the snipers.
-George Wu (The Hyperion Cantos, Dan Simmons) |
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