Chapter 30: The Long, Angry Winter

Adventures in the early days of Obsidian Bay.
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setanta14
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Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2005 1:57 pm

Chapter 30: The Long, Angry Winter

Post by setanta14 »

The Governing Council drug on for weeks into the deep of winter, and it eventually became clear that establishing a government for a domain even to the extent the prior local barony had was not achievable. The Lord Holders from the outlying lands grew tired of the endless debate, and five decided to leave the proceedings, seeking to go it alone as they have for the past few years. A few were never committed to forming a government in the first place, as it would mean relinquishing a good measure of their autonomy. Most had only sought to perhaps make alliances for mutual defense at best, and at worst to sow the seeds of dissent to buy time to quietly build their forces and consolidate their own power. The main points of contention leading to the deadlock in debate were between the remaining native lords and the newcomers who arrived after the Griffin’s Guild established their fortified landing. Two factions favored establishing strong ties to various other nations, with most natives favoring Keoland, while many newcomers favoring their various homelands in Iron League states. A third and ever growing faction favored none of these paths, being made up of those who sought out the unclaimed lands of the Pomarj to avoid the political entanglements that they had escaped elsewhere. This sentiment of independence had echoed throughout the region for over a century as many vassal states seceded from their overlords who had become increasingly oppressive. Thus the grandiose plans of a renewed barony or more were set aside, and the more realistic goal of establishing a Charter for a Free City was settled on. The port will be open to all civilized nations and favoring none, as the merchants and tradesman are eager to have their goods available to as wide a market as possible, and the success of the ever growing population of adventurers has led to no shortage of demand for foreign goods.

Meanwhile, the dwarves of Obsidian Bay, in return for providing the deciding votes both in approving the bronze dragon Ragotharn's relocation, and in getting the Charter passed, quietly negotiated their near complete autonomy. Most matters concerning dwarves have been left to their own kind to adjudicate, both within Irontown and beneath it, in what has come to be called the Obsidian Delve. Besides the Uleki dwarves who are primarily of Clan Voldrun, many dwarves from Irongate and the Iron Hills have arrived, being members of clans Grummild and Dorgrimm, both of which are allies from the Griffin’s Guild’s homeland.

Besides the temporal lords debating the Charter, another influential faction lies in Obsidian Bay’s religious community, who were tasked with codifying the laws and legal system. The Church of St. Cuthbert remains the strongest among them, as the followers of Johann the Destroyer who came with the Griffin’s Guild were both many and outspoken. The Church of Zilchus, who also represent the Bank of Irongate, have considerable financial influence, and seek to reverse their set-backs after losing the See of Medegia to the Hextorites a few decades ago when the Naelax came to power in the Great Kingdom. The Churches of Heironeous and Pholtus are both closely aligned with Nyrond, and they have been keen in establishing trade routes to that nation’s southern ports for decent warhorses and well-crafted arms and armor. The Church of Pelor is aligned with the Prelacy of Almor, while the priesthood of the Church of Rao are from Greyhawk, so there are interests tied to many other nations. Many other faiths are represented by adventurers and refugees, including Trithereon, Kord, Olidammara, Joramy, Boccob, Celestian, Ehlonna, and almost assuredly darker powers in secret.


Selected Timeline:

400 Perrenland formally proclaimed independent of Furyondy, March of Bissel created around Thornward to limit the power of the Knights of the Watch

415 Commander Berlikyn of Gran March arrives as new commander of northern Keoish provinces

434 Rise of the Sea Princes, seceding from Keoland

437 Onnwal and Prelacy of Almor gain independence from the Great Kingdom, Turmoil Between Crowns begins

446 Velunese College of Bishops vote to separate from Furyondy, founding current Archclericy of Veluna, Lord Mayor of Irongate imprisoned, given a mock trial, and executed by the Herzog of South Province for Overking's amusement

447 Idee, Irongate, and Onnwal declare independence from the Great Kingdom, they unite to form the Iron League to oppose their former Overking, Ivid from the House of Naelax

448 Lordship of the Isles joins Iron League

450 See of Medegia taken from Church of Zilchus by Ivid I and given to the Church of Hextor, Theocracy of the Pale given independence by Kingdom of Nyrond, Great Council of Rel Mord

455 County of Sunndi becomes independent of Great Kingdom and joins Iron League

460 Yeomanry withdraws from Keoland

461 Principality of Ulek and other Ulek states withdraw from Keoland to gain palatinate status

463 Pomarj secedes from Ulek

464 Battle of Jetsom Island, Sea Prince sunk, peace negotiated with Geoff and given Grand Duchy status

477 Bissel granted palatinate status by Furyondy

481 Iggwilv conquers Perrenland

491 Wild Coast town of Elredd founded as Fort Alrad by the Wolf Nomad Uroch, leader of a mercenary company, Iggwilv overthrown in Perrenland

498 Beginning of Hateful Wars where the elves of Celene aided by elves, dwarves, and men of the Ulek states drive humanoids from the Lortmil Mountains, Ivid III crowned as Overking of Great Kingdom, he exterminates his family and imprisons his children in the Imperial Palace, County of Urnst becomes separate palatinate from the Duchy, Directing Oligarchy of Greyhawk assume political power, abolish title of Landgraf, declare Greyhawk a Free City

510 End of Hateful Wars

513 Humanoids driven from Lortmils invade Pomarj from Suss Forest, Horned Society founded

514 Griffins Guild lands on Pomarj, dwarven sage Jemrek Longsight surveys path of meteor that fell in CY 198

515 Beginning of Obsidian Frontier campaign

516 Charter of Obsidian Bay signed Coldeven 27
setanta14
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Re: Chapter 30: The Long, Angry Winter

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Results of the Governing Council votes, and the members who decide to leave the Council and not participate in the Charter of the Free City of Obsidian Bay

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4Y-e ... kRvbTVkWms
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NukeHavoc
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Re: Chapter 30: The Long, Angry Winter

Post by NukeHavoc »

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I'll try and be a tad more quiet as I desperately struggle to break free -- and save all creation!" -- Doctor Strange
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