The Aleasana Meta-Thread!
- Thread starter Rhialto
- Start date
Sarellion said:
Well, I see it as such--there was a lengthy war 400 years ago, a period of intermittent fighting over the next 400 years, and then Cassant started the war in earnest again in modern times.
And you know, I don't think people have seen the kingdom as dead, exactly--they've just sort of seen it as leaderless. I mean, sure, every city-state's become more and more autonomous, but they're still--Aleasana, damn it...
Rhialto - is my suggested rewrite of Odraani on the previous page, together with the proposed rule change for undead alignment (see the rules thread) acceptable to you? I tried to remove some of the more onerous bits (like the undead liberation theme) while keeping most of the concept intact. If approved, I'll update my post in the main Aleasana thread.
So altered...
Even without long-lived fantasy races, 400 years is well within the range of oral history for many pre-industrilaized civilizations, let alone a more sophisticated one with books, libraries, etc.
As for the last bit about the mountains getting higher... Maybe Aleasana is experiencing a minor ice age? So although the passes themselves aren't really any higher than they used to be, they sure are getting harder to cross. (One of my inspirations to suggest the "Z.G.B." duergar tunnelbuilders.)
Keep in mind that in a mixed population with elves and dwarves, 400 years may indeed still be within an "old-timer's" lifespan. Just not a human old-timer.Sarellion said:
Even without long-lived fantasy races, 400 years is well within the range of oral history for many pre-industrilaized civilizations, let alone a more sophisticated one with books, libraries, etc.
As for the last bit about the mountains getting higher... Maybe Aleasana is experiencing a minor ice age? So although the passes themselves aren't really any higher than they used to be, they sure are getting harder to cross. (One of my inspirations to suggest the "Z.G.B." duergar tunnelbuilders.)
Last edited:
All right, here's a list of every city that's been named with a few facts about them. Faction leaders are CAPITALIZED.
CASSANT--a powerful city-state ruled by 'King' Ralin Valeris, Cassant is the leading faction in the war, but lacks the power to end it. Valeris seems willing to take whatever actions are necessary to win the throne. Cassant was once the de facto capital of the kingdom, where the King kept his summer home.
ALTANIA--headed by the High Enchantress Larisa, they seek to promote a magocratic government. Altania used to be an ally of Cassant's but turned against them when Ralin sought the throne.
Amerah--a city famed for its iron mines. Ownership changes regularly between neighboring city-states. Ruler and alliance are unknown.
CAZAR--ruled by Lord Nithus, this city heads a neutral faction that seeks to negotiate an end to the war. However, Nithus is actually trying to prolong the war, in order to awaken the fallen angel Neroshimon. Hence this faction is shot through with as many evil double-dealers as well-meaning idealists.
DROMAS--headed by a council of Druids, Dromas is opposed to Altania and Cassant. They consider arcane magic an evil, but also consider fey creatures sacred. The council came to power in a revolution. Dromas is against the establishment of a reunited Aleasana by anyone. It is also very intolerant of Dvergar and "corrupted" Shay who have adopted Aleasani and dwarven ways.
Travask--a city ruled by a Northern barbarian and former mercenary named Broken Stone. Travask's nobility includes many Northeners and ex-mercenaries that Broken Stone has enfranchised. Travask is a major player in the war, though it hasn't been made clear who they support.
Karina--the famous Twin Cities, Karina is economically powerful Shay powerbase ruled by a Council of Judges. It is allied with Val-Alen.
Lugan--a city in the East, Lugan is the sight of a 20' pearlescent copper parabolic dish that represents some of the last remaining artifacts from the technology used in the War of Deadly Voices. Its ruler and alliance are unknown.
Barizar--the infamous "Wicked City", Barizar's ruler has not been named, but whoever it is, they are mostly a figurehead for the Vermillion Lotus Society, an criminal guild of kidnappers that pose as a society of apothecary suppliers, wine merchants, and brothelkeepers. Barizar's alliance in the war is unknown.
Glow'Klas--a city famed for its inhabitants thick, virtually incomprehensible accent. Some believe that Glow'Klas labors under a curse--its citizens insist that they labor under being the only ones who speak proper Aleasani. Lord and alliance are not presently known.
Hangende--a Dvergar city (Вися Город in the dwarfs' text) it is called 'the Hanging City' for the manner its buildings extend over the water of the Langerfjord. It was here that the Aleasani first touched foot in the land. Its lord and alliance are unknown, though it has recently seen Asani attacks that have been urged by Dominus Majera Alsea.
Kendra--the Dragon Alshoon claimed rule of this Shay city at the beginning of the war, but had to step down when the Draconic Council of Elements ruled this a violation of its laws. Its present lord is unknown. It is allied with Val-Alen.
Volg--a large sprawl among the northern highlands of Aleasana, and a constant target for Northener attack, Volg is ruled by the Margrave Olshek Travain, a battle-hardened veteren. One-third Volg's population are Dvergur, who are afforded equal treatment under the law, the Burgrave of Kurtsburg being a dwarf. Volg has remained neutral throughout the war, occasionally allying with one faction or the other to make certain trade routes remain open--however, many of the Dvergur wish to oppose radical pro-Aleasani forces such as Bandesh-Thar, though the Margrave has yet to give into their demands.
Annit--ruled by Lord Morg, Annit is an ally of Cassant that is serving as a prison during the course of the war. Its conditions are horrible, and Cassant's enemies dub the place "the Living Hell".
BANDESH-THAR--holy city of the faith of Dar, Bandesh-Thar is ruled by the Dominus Majera Alsea, who is also head of the faith. Majera has the strongest claim of any for the throne, but her politics have made her unpalatable to most Aleasani. Her supporters are rabildy pro-Aleasani and and persecute most nonhumans, Northeners, and arcane spellcasters.
VAL-ALEN--a sacred site for the Shay, Val-Alen is a large cosmopolitan city ruled by Duke Kail Illendus. Duke Kail is presently courting elven support in his bid for the throne, but is seen as a political opportunist by many.
Kallizar--a Shay military power famed for its mithral mines. Allied with Val-Alen. Rulership unknown.
VIRGON--site of the Aleasani Seat, traditional castle of the King, rumored to be haunted. Its ruler is High General Alasa Kitama, a major contender for the throne. Virgon is theocratic, controlled by the priests of Kitea.
Agreion--supporter of Bandesh-Thar, a sprawling city in a crater, known for its iron mines and siege engines. Its lord has not been named.
Kahl-Rihan--a small, lakeside Shay, human, and half-Shay city in the east. Allied with Dromas.
Toubach--a human settlement in the valley north of Dromas, its ally.
Grevym Pass--a human and Dvergar city at the mountain pass to Toubach. Allied with Dromas.
Saedros Martol--a large human city in the same valley as Dromas. An uneasy ally of Bandesh-Thar that is insisting upon autonomy.
Vindarr--a Dvergar city controlling the main pass out of that valley. A very uneasy, tenuous ally of Bandesh-Thar that is also insisting on autonomy. Majera is perfectly willing to allow Vindarr to be destroyed fighting Dromas.
Jovin--a valley city, allied to its close neighbor Virgon. Ruler unknown.
Therestra--a valley city, allied to its close neighbor Virgon, Ruler unknown.
Secret Societies--
BOLD is for groups playing a major part in the struggle. CAPITAL is for groups merely seeking their own ends. Note that this is not a measure of power.
BLEAK ASCENSION--a group of necromancers attempting to achieve apotheosis through undeath. A small reclusive group, seeking its own ends.
REVOLUTIONIST CONCORDAT--a group of anarchists attempting to overthrow Aleasana's government systems. They are affiliated with Dromas, and control a small group of towns and villages in Eastern Aleasana.
BLACK ORRERY--a sizable cult dedicated to the aligning Aleasana with the Outer Planes so that a half-machine demon lord can invade. Members turn themselves into twisted blends of machine and man, in order to be part of the infernal engine that will allow this alignment to occur.
NIHILUS SOLUTION--a large cult dedicated to the destruction of the world, so that another, better world can take its place. It is headed by Lord Nithus of Cazar, though its members don't realize this.
NIGHTSHADE CABAL--a highly secretive group of death merchants seeking to prolong the war. Like the Nihilus Solution, it is secretly controlled by Lord Nithus of Cazar. Presently, the Grey Seers are attempting to place a spy in its ranks.
IRON HAMMER--a cult of Dvergar that wish to see the humans "thrown back out into the sea". Centered in Hengarde.
GREY SEERS--a secretive cult of Shay wizards and druids that seeks the prosperity of the Elven race. Presently, many of them are for prolonging the war.
VERMILLION LOTUS SOCIETY--thieves guild in the service of Nara, the Hell Queen of Rogues, a secretive claiment for the throne.
ORDER OF THE JUST--society that chases down criminals who try to use the conflict between the various factions to escape justice. Officially neutral on the war.
CASSANT--a powerful city-state ruled by 'King' Ralin Valeris, Cassant is the leading faction in the war, but lacks the power to end it. Valeris seems willing to take whatever actions are necessary to win the throne. Cassant was once the de facto capital of the kingdom, where the King kept his summer home.
ALTANIA--headed by the High Enchantress Larisa, they seek to promote a magocratic government. Altania used to be an ally of Cassant's but turned against them when Ralin sought the throne.
Amerah--a city famed for its iron mines. Ownership changes regularly between neighboring city-states. Ruler and alliance are unknown.
CAZAR--ruled by Lord Nithus, this city heads a neutral faction that seeks to negotiate an end to the war. However, Nithus is actually trying to prolong the war, in order to awaken the fallen angel Neroshimon. Hence this faction is shot through with as many evil double-dealers as well-meaning idealists.
DROMAS--headed by a council of Druids, Dromas is opposed to Altania and Cassant. They consider arcane magic an evil, but also consider fey creatures sacred. The council came to power in a revolution. Dromas is against the establishment of a reunited Aleasana by anyone. It is also very intolerant of Dvergar and "corrupted" Shay who have adopted Aleasani and dwarven ways.
Travask--a city ruled by a Northern barbarian and former mercenary named Broken Stone. Travask's nobility includes many Northeners and ex-mercenaries that Broken Stone has enfranchised. Travask is a major player in the war, though it hasn't been made clear who they support.
Karina--the famous Twin Cities, Karina is economically powerful Shay powerbase ruled by a Council of Judges. It is allied with Val-Alen.
Lugan--a city in the East, Lugan is the sight of a 20' pearlescent copper parabolic dish that represents some of the last remaining artifacts from the technology used in the War of Deadly Voices. Its ruler and alliance are unknown.
Barizar--the infamous "Wicked City", Barizar's ruler has not been named, but whoever it is, they are mostly a figurehead for the Vermillion Lotus Society, an criminal guild of kidnappers that pose as a society of apothecary suppliers, wine merchants, and brothelkeepers. Barizar's alliance in the war is unknown.
Glow'Klas--a city famed for its inhabitants thick, virtually incomprehensible accent. Some believe that Glow'Klas labors under a curse--its citizens insist that they labor under being the only ones who speak proper Aleasani. Lord and alliance are not presently known.
Hangende--a Dvergar city (Вися Город in the dwarfs' text) it is called 'the Hanging City' for the manner its buildings extend over the water of the Langerfjord. It was here that the Aleasani first touched foot in the land. Its lord and alliance are unknown, though it has recently seen Asani attacks that have been urged by Dominus Majera Alsea.
Kendra--the Dragon Alshoon claimed rule of this Shay city at the beginning of the war, but had to step down when the Draconic Council of Elements ruled this a violation of its laws. Its present lord is unknown. It is allied with Val-Alen.
Volg--a large sprawl among the northern highlands of Aleasana, and a constant target for Northener attack, Volg is ruled by the Margrave Olshek Travain, a battle-hardened veteren. One-third Volg's population are Dvergur, who are afforded equal treatment under the law, the Burgrave of Kurtsburg being a dwarf. Volg has remained neutral throughout the war, occasionally allying with one faction or the other to make certain trade routes remain open--however, many of the Dvergur wish to oppose radical pro-Aleasani forces such as Bandesh-Thar, though the Margrave has yet to give into their demands.
Annit--ruled by Lord Morg, Annit is an ally of Cassant that is serving as a prison during the course of the war. Its conditions are horrible, and Cassant's enemies dub the place "the Living Hell".
BANDESH-THAR--holy city of the faith of Dar, Bandesh-Thar is ruled by the Dominus Majera Alsea, who is also head of the faith. Majera has the strongest claim of any for the throne, but her politics have made her unpalatable to most Aleasani. Her supporters are rabildy pro-Aleasani and and persecute most nonhumans, Northeners, and arcane spellcasters.
VAL-ALEN--a sacred site for the Shay, Val-Alen is a large cosmopolitan city ruled by Duke Kail Illendus. Duke Kail is presently courting elven support in his bid for the throne, but is seen as a political opportunist by many.
Kallizar--a Shay military power famed for its mithral mines. Allied with Val-Alen. Rulership unknown.
VIRGON--site of the Aleasani Seat, traditional castle of the King, rumored to be haunted. Its ruler is High General Alasa Kitama, a major contender for the throne. Virgon is theocratic, controlled by the priests of Kitea.
Agreion--supporter of Bandesh-Thar, a sprawling city in a crater, known for its iron mines and siege engines. Its lord has not been named.
Kahl-Rihan--a small, lakeside Shay, human, and half-Shay city in the east. Allied with Dromas.
Toubach--a human settlement in the valley north of Dromas, its ally.
Grevym Pass--a human and Dvergar city at the mountain pass to Toubach. Allied with Dromas.
Saedros Martol--a large human city in the same valley as Dromas. An uneasy ally of Bandesh-Thar that is insisting upon autonomy.
Vindarr--a Dvergar city controlling the main pass out of that valley. A very uneasy, tenuous ally of Bandesh-Thar that is also insisting on autonomy. Majera is perfectly willing to allow Vindarr to be destroyed fighting Dromas.
Jovin--a valley city, allied to its close neighbor Virgon. Ruler unknown.
Therestra--a valley city, allied to its close neighbor Virgon, Ruler unknown.
Secret Societies--
BOLD is for groups playing a major part in the struggle. CAPITAL is for groups merely seeking their own ends. Note that this is not a measure of power.
BLEAK ASCENSION--a group of necromancers attempting to achieve apotheosis through undeath. A small reclusive group, seeking its own ends.
REVOLUTIONIST CONCORDAT--a group of anarchists attempting to overthrow Aleasana's government systems. They are affiliated with Dromas, and control a small group of towns and villages in Eastern Aleasana.
BLACK ORRERY--a sizable cult dedicated to the aligning Aleasana with the Outer Planes so that a half-machine demon lord can invade. Members turn themselves into twisted blends of machine and man, in order to be part of the infernal engine that will allow this alignment to occur.
NIHILUS SOLUTION--a large cult dedicated to the destruction of the world, so that another, better world can take its place. It is headed by Lord Nithus of Cazar, though its members don't realize this.
NIGHTSHADE CABAL--a highly secretive group of death merchants seeking to prolong the war. Like the Nihilus Solution, it is secretly controlled by Lord Nithus of Cazar. Presently, the Grey Seers are attempting to place a spy in its ranks.
IRON HAMMER--a cult of Dvergar that wish to see the humans "thrown back out into the sea". Centered in Hengarde.
GREY SEERS--a secretive cult of Shay wizards and druids that seeks the prosperity of the Elven race. Presently, many of them are for prolonging the war.
VERMILLION LOTUS SOCIETY--thieves guild in the service of Nara, the Hell Queen of Rogues, a secretive claiment for the throne.
ORDER OF THE JUST--society that chases down criminals who try to use the conflict between the various factions to escape justice. Officially neutral on the war.
Last edited:
Just a little side note.
Amerah is not necessarily a city. When I wrote the post I just used it as the name of the site or the mines. Doesn´t mean that it has to be something different, just wanted to point out that it is not fixated yet.
Virgon seems to be the name of a mountain range where the castle is situated. The royal castle´s name is Black Spire
Amerah is not necessarily a city. When I wrote the post I just used it as the name of the site or the mines. Doesn´t mean that it has to be something different, just wanted to point out that it is not fixated yet.
Virgon seems to be the name of a mountain range where the castle is situated. The royal castle´s name is Black Spire
I had originally intended Virgon to be a neighboring country to Vassant. Opens up a lot of interesting political possibilities if it is inside a territory that is controlled by someone who is *not* one of the major contenders.Sarellion said:
Then again, this is not exactly nailed down very tightly yet, so it's still up for change if someone thinks it would be more interesting if Virgon was a mountain range...
PS: don't forget about the Odraani Imperium in you list of countries!
These are just parts of Aleasana proper.
And I noticed that Amerah and Virgon may not have been cities, but I decided to err on the side of caution, and abundance.
I'd also like to note that between Dromas and the Revolutionist Concordat, we now have D&D communists to balance off the D&D nazis.
And I noticed that Amerah and Virgon may not have been cities, but I decided to err on the side of caution, and abundance.
I'd also like to note that between Dromas and the Revolutionist Concordat, we now have D&D communists to balance off the D&D nazis.
Last edited:
Similar Threads
