Events for the New Alphatian Confederate Empire and the Alatians (except Aegos) for the years AC 1013 and 1014.
Nuwmont 2, AC 1013: Assault on Blackrock
Location: Skyfyr, Blackrock, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: The combined forces of Seashield and Bellissaria, under the direction of Commander in Chief Broderick, invade Blackrock on the Esterhold Peninsula. Numerous troops disembark from submersible galleys in Skyfyr's harbor, while ships disgorge more troops at the outer limits of the city and in other strategic places all around the kingdom. At the same time, the rebels, warned of the incoming assault by Favian Vern, again leave their underground hideouts and participate in the attack with arms supplied by Commander Broderick.
What This Means: With the full military and magical support of all member kingdoms of the New Alphatian Empire, Commander Broderick should swiftly put an end to King Xanthus's oppressive rule in the city of Skyfyr.
Nuwmont 7, AC 1013: Pegataurs Recognized
Location: Floating Ar. KW
Description: King Qissling finally accepts to recognize the pegataurs-winged centaurs-as full citizens of Floating Ar.
What This Means: After many strikes that have prevented most transportation between the floating isles or with the other nations-skyships and magic do not suffice-the government has been forced to accede to the pegataurs' request. The life of most pegataurs will not change much, however, since most of them will continue to serve as transports for hire. Those that are wizards are now nobles, and some adventurous fighters enlist in the so far nearly-nonexistent army of the isles.
Nuwmont 10, AC 1013: Combat in Blackrock
Location: Skyfyr, Blackrock, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: Fighting continues in the streets of Skyfyr.
Despite the ongoing onslaught of the more numerous troops of the
New Alphatian Empire, King Xanthus's loyal troops stand firm-they
were prepared for the invasion.
Though it is not completely repaired, Xanthus's flying man-of-war
participates in the defense of the city and the palace. Part of
the city is no more under his control, however, as is most of
the country outside of Skyfyr.
Nuwmont 14, AC 1013: Xanthus Asks for Help
Location: Faraway, Verdan, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: King Xanthus's top advisor, Bargle, meets King Nicodemus of Verdan. He asks him to commit troops to the defense of Blackrock, for, he says, if Blackrock falls, so will Verdan. King Nicodemus answers he has no troops to spare, since he himself has problems with rebellious Jennites. Moreover, Broderick's troops block all routes between the two countries: Verdan navy is no match for the Alphatian ships and submersibles, and the inland roads are under Broderick's control.
Nuwmont 23, AC 1013: Location for New Capital Chosen
Location: Aquas. KW
Description: The New Alphatian Council decides that they
should have a new capital which is easier to reach for commoners
than Aquas, yet still be a hard place to invade.
After much deliberation, Monster Island is chosen as a likely
spot. The island is inhabited by monsters and rugged terrain,
which makes it hard to invade. As well, the abandoned dwarven
city of Denwarf-Hurgon makes the perfect defensive position. The
location is also agreed upon as it belongs to none of the kingdoms
of the New Alphatian Empire, making it the ideal neutral grounds.
Work forces are ordered to start rebuilding the ruined city and
immediately set out for Sanctuary, the miner-town currently located
on Monster Island.
What This Means: The Alphatians are about to put a more stable force unto the still officialy unclaimed island.
Nuwmont 23, AC 1013: Skyship Produced in Aeria
Location: Aeria, Alatian Islands. KW
Description: The first skyship is launched in the skies of Aeria since it was freed from Thyatian rule. It is a military skyship, something that will be very useful to Commander Broderick in his incoming military campaign in Esterhold.
What This Means: The skyship prototypes constructed by the magical college for the Thyatians these last years had been systematically sabotaged by Alphatian loyalists. Now that Aeria has been granted independence, they have stopped their sabotages, and thanks to the research done under Thyatian's control, the first Aerian skyship can go on her maiden flight today.
Nuwmont 25, AC 1013: Xanthus's Troops Retreat to Palace
Location: Skyfyr, Blackrock, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: The remaining troops loyal to King Xantus, hardpressed by Broderick's, retreat to the royal palace in Skyfyr, the last place they control. The rest of the city is now under Broderick's military control.
Vatermont 1, AC 1013: Hard-Ball Season Canceled
Location: Aquas. KW
Description: The Council of the New Alphatian Empire announces there will be no Hard-Ball season this year because few teams have had time to train, and the Super-Hard-Ball stadium is not ready on Ionace. All member states of the New Alphatian Empire are invited to form teams for the next year.
Vatermont 2, AC 1013: Floating Ar Joins New Alphatian Empire
Location: Floating Ar. KW
Description: King Qissling of Floating Ar reportedly agrees to join the New Alphatian Empire.
What This Means: Floating Ar becomes the 8th country of the New Alphatian Council.
Vatermont 9, AC 1013: Floating Ar Asks for Permission to Move
Location: Aquas. KW
Description: King Qissling of Floating Ar asks the Council for permission to move the floating islands some 350 miles northeastward, right above the unclaimed Yannivey Islands, and use them to grow crops in the forthcoming years. The Council agrees.
What This Means: Since the disappearance of Alphatia, Floating Ar has been almost totally dependent on not-so-nearby states to get supplies-especially food. Realizing the situation could not last forever-and fearing food shortage if a problem were to happen-, the king opted for that solution. The Yanniveys are a lawless land, sparsely inhabited by monsters and brigands.
Vatermont 16, AC 1013: Blackrock Falls
Location: Skyfyr, Blackrock, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: The last of King Xanthus's troops in Skyfyr surrender to Commander Broderick. Xanthus himself escapes to sanctuary in Verdan, where King Nicodemus prepares his own troops for the expected invasion by the New Alphatian forces. Commander Broderick designates Favian Vern as governor of the country for all non-military aspects, until the Alphatian Council elects a new king.
Vatermont 19, AC 1013: A New King for Blackrock
Location: Skyfyr, Blackrock, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: The Alphatian Council names Favian Vern King of Blackrock. As his first official act, King Favian declares all Jennite natives of Esterhold free-no longer are they to be slaves or denied Alphatian citizenship. There is much rejoicing in the streets of Skyfyr. Chaos soon follows as the various strata of Blackrock society adjust to the new order-but King Favian and his appointed government prove themselves equal to each new challenge.
What This Means: King Favian receives financial, as well as military and political, support from the Council.
Flaurmont 22, AC 1013: Alpha Joins New Alphatian Empire
Location: Alpha, Norwold. KW
Description: King Ericall declares Alpha is the 10th member of the Alphatian Council.
What This Means: Ericall thinks this is the best defense against the Heldannic progression. He asks for troops in exchange.
Thaumont 4, AC 1013: Floating Ar Flies North
Location: Floating Ar. KW
Description: Floating Ar begins its long trip north to the Yannivey Islands.
What This Means: This involves much magic, especially air
magic. Wizards from all over the New Alphatian Empire participate,
since it is a great occasion to improve their knowledge of aerial
magic and the way mortal magic interacts with immortal magic (i.e.
the Isles themselves). The magical college of Aeria also throws
in its knowledge, despite the vast amount of ressources plundered
during Thyatian domination.
The trip will not be without a problem, however, since many powerful
wizards of Ar continue their dangerous experiments while their
estates are being moved.
Yarthmont 10, AC 1013: Thothia Joins New Alphatian Empire
Location: Edairo, Thothia, Isle of Dawn. KW
Description: Pharaoh Ramenhotep XXIV of Thothia signs a treaty granting him a seat on the New Alphatian Council and adding Thothia to the New Alphatian Empire. The Pharaoh also declares that East Portage, Ekto, Trikelios and Aeria are now independent from Thothia, but they also join the Empire.
What This Means: The New Alphatian Council has five new members, and gains a firm presence on the Isle of Dawn. The three small kingdoms on the Isle of Dawn are granted financial aid by the Council to help in the rebuilding after the war.
Yarthmont 27, AC 1013: Alpha Gets Extra Troops
Location: Alpha, Norwold. KW
Description: After joining the New Alphatian Empire, King Ericall asked for more troops to help him stand ground against further Heldannic incursions. Commander Broderick dispatches some available units in Alpha.
What This Means: Ericall does not intent to use these troops offensively-he already finds it difficult just defending the few territories that remain loyal to him. He hopes the Heldannic Knights will see this as a sign that the New Alphatian Empire will back him if they should invade.
Klarmont 19, AC 1013: Capital Completed
Location: Sanctuary, Monster Island. KW
Description: The new Parliament building, that will from
now on hold the Alphatian Council's meetings, is completed. Several
blocks around the Parliament have also been rebuilt and are ready
for habitation. It is located near the city of old Denwarf-Hurgon,
and most of the Representations and Embassies are still temporary
assigned to buildings in the dwarven city.
The Council has yet to decide on a new name for the capital city.
What This Means: This location has been chosen because many of the buildings of Denwarf-Hurgon remained fully functional despite the sinking of Alphatia and the numerous earthquakes. Upper Denwarf-Hurgon has been freed of monsters, and its buildings may be used by the Council as it sees fit. The construction of the Parliament made heavy use of magic, both to speed up the process and to secure the building from magical scrying, uncontrolled teleportation, and such.
Fyrmont 12, AC 1013: Earthquake in the Alphatian Sea
Location: Alphatian Sea and surrounding countries. KW
Description: A more powerful than usual earthquake in the Alphatian Sea makes some damages in Sanctuary, and doesn't help in the redigging of the Pit on Aegos either.
What This Means: Minor earthquakes happen quite often since the sinking of Alphatia, but it was quite some time since the last major one. Sages still work on discovering when this will end-or at least on predicting the major ones. As Sanctuary is near the epicenter, the earthquake causes important damage there: mnemonic mineral mines collapse, hastily-built buildings in the city of Sanctuary don't resist, but the dwarven-built Denwarf-Hurgon and the most recent official buildings and houses do resist.
What the PCs Can Do: Well-equipped rescue teams are needed-and may well find themselves trapped by further collapses caused by minor earthquakes the following days.
Ambyrmont 3, AC 1013: Floating Ar Drops Anchor
Location: New Floating Ar position, above the Yannivey Islands. KW
Description: Floating Ar has completed its relocation to the Yanniveys. Those who helped are rewarded as promised. King Qissling declares the Yanniveys are now part of Floating Ar; everyone can help in gaining effective control of the land. Those who seize control of land and register to the royal palace are automatically granted that land; if they are name-level spellcasters they also gain a title in the process. Territory seized by troops dispatched by the New Alphatian Empire, or by mercenaries hired by King Qissling, become property of the crown. Commander Broderick recalls some troops from Blackrock for the occasion.
What the PCs Can Do: This is a formidable opportunity for high-level PCs to gain dominions, and titles if they happen to be spellcasters. They will soon discover that they are not viewed as equals by wizards who own an estate on the floating islands. Even if the PCs are low-level, they can find employment as mercenaries.
Nuwmont 7, AC 1014: Karameikos Recognizes New Alphatian Empire
Location: Mirros, Karameikos. KW
Description: King Stefan Karameikos officially announces
his country opens up diplomatic ties with the New Alphatian Empire.
The Karameikan Embassy is to be moved from Aquas to Denwarf-Hurgon.
King Stefan also grants favored trading status to the New Alphatian
Empire.
The Karameikan ambassador refers to the council as a confederation
of kingdoms, which grabs the attention of many of the council
members and diplomats present. They find the word confederation
catchy and meaningful. (See Nu 13, Nu 15, Va 1.)
What This Means: Karameikos is the first country of the Known World to officially recognize the legitimacy of the Council. Since Empress Eriadna recognized Karameikos's independence a few years ago, the two countries have maintained diplomatic ties with each other, but under Zandor's rule this didn't mean much. The two countries have had few trading relations up to now, but this can well change-King Stefan especially hopes it will improve exchanges of magic. The two countries are not likely to become military allies or to suppress tariffs altogether, however, since Karameikos is part of the Western Defense League and as such cannot take such decisions alone-and its allies would probably be more than reluctant, especially Ylaruam.
Nuwmont 13, AC 1014: Qeodhar Joins New Alphatian Empire
Location: Farend, Qeodhar. KW
Description: King Norlan reluctantly agrees to join the New Alphatian Empire. He says to the Council that he can't place his troops under Commander Broderick's command yet, because they are busy repelling many monsters that cross the ice floe thanks to the cold winter. He only accepts to send troops to the Yannivey Islands to help Floating Ar taking over the isles. (See Nu 7; Nu 15, Va 18.)
What This Means: Baron Norlan had always considered Zandor's
petty empire as no threat to him, and he thought it would be the
same with the New Alphatian Empire. But the offensive on Blackrock
and the arrival of Floating Ar above the Yannivey Islands made
him realize he was one of the last territories of now-sunken Alphatia
that was still independent from the Empire. They may well decide
to remove him if he continued to ignore their diplomats. After
all, the New Alphatian Empire seems to be military and magic rich
despite the disappearance of Alphatia.
Norlan doesn't want to lose his time attending the Council meetings,
however, but what he doesn't know is that this will prevent him
from discovering Alphatia's survival within the Hollow World-something
that could also have explained his wife's disappearance. Norlan
is currently trying to devise a way to keep his army under his
sole control; he particularly doesn't want his troops to help
in overthrowing the kings of Esterhold.
Vatermont 1, AC 1014: Opening of Hard-Ball Season
Location: Sanctuary, Monster Island. KW
Description: The Council of the New Alphatian Empire declares the Hard-Ball season open. Inscription of teams is closed today. For two months, the different teams meet each other; only one per country shall remain for the Super-Hard-Ball in the month of Flaurmont (matches between teams from different countries are friendly, mostly exhibitions). The Council also announces that Karameikos is invited to participate in the event. (See Nu 7; Th 17, Fl 1.)
What This Means: All nations of the New Alphatian Empire have made an effort so that they all have at least one team that participates this year, and the stadium has been completed in Sanctuary. Master Terari has made his best for years to develop Hard-Ball in Karameikos; he is responsible for the participation of the country in the tournament-as well as for the good relations the Kingdom maintains with the confederation.
Vatermont 1, AC 1014: The NACE?
Location: Sanctuary, Monster Island, NACE. KW
Description: During the declarations of the new Hard-Ball teams, Commander Broderick referred to the New Alphatian Confederate Empire as the NACE. The term is quickly picked up by the merchants and commoners, despite the obvious distaste for it by rulers and members of the Council. (See Nu 13, Nu 15, Va 1; Va 18, Ya 11.)
What This Means: As a military man, Broderick is used to
short terms and acronyms. He and his men have since developped
the word NACE to represent the New Alphatian Confederate Empire.
He accidently used the word, which to him has become second nature,
and most of the commoners found it easier to say as well.
The rulers and Council members of the NACE dislike the term as
it removes all the perceived grandeur of the real name for their
nations. Still, they are unable to control what will become public
slang, and must soon learn to live with being referred to as the
NACE.
Vatermont 15, AC 1014: Capital Named
Location: Sanctuary, Monster Island, NACE. KW
Description: After much deliberation, the Alphatian Council
decides upon a name for the new capital and meeting grounds for
the Council. They rename Monster Island into Ionace, as an acronym
for Isle Of the NACE, and the capital city is to bear the same
name.
A section of Old Denwarf-Hurgon (including the new Parliament)
therefore becomes Ionace, while the border mining town remains
known as Sanctuary. (See Nu 15, Va 1; Ya 11, Ya 23.)
What This Means: The idea was mostly pushed by Commander Broderick and Favian Vern, who both have rather unusual likes compared to most Alphatians. Since the Council could not decide/agree on any other name, Ionace was eventually accepted for lack of a better solution.
Vatermont 18, AC 1014: Qeodharian Troops Land on the Yanniveys
Location: Yannivey Islands, NACE. KW
Description: The few troops Baron Norlan sent to assist Floating Ar arrive and place themselves under the command of the general of Floating Ar-himself appointed by Commander Broderick. (See Nu 7, Nu 15; Va 21.)
What This Means: It is only a token help, most of Norlan's troops stayed at home. Moreover, the conquest of the Yanniveys is already almost over.
Vatermont 21, AC 1014: King Norlan Reorganizes his Army
Location: Farend, Qeodhar, NACE. KW
Description: Baron Norlan splits up his army into three
distinct bodies: the Army, the Watch and the Special Force.
The Army represents 60% of the total numbers, and is placed under
the jurisdiction of Commander in Chief Broderick of the NACE.
The Watch represents 30% of the old army, an is in charge of patrolling
the cities, arresting people and similar duties. Although watchmen
can use arms and armors, they are not considered an armed force
and as such remain under Norlan's control.
The Special Force is a secret service, mostly spies and assassins,
who are basically the most able 10% of the old army. They don't
have any official existence, and their actions are always covert
ones-few people know that force exists. (See Nu 15, Va 18.)
What This Means: Baron Norlan didn't want to lose the power his army brought him. Thanks to that trick he keeps control of almost half of it-and even creates a secret service. The rest (i.e. the Army) is now under Broderick's control.
Thaumont 6, AC 1014: Favian Tries Diplomacy
Location: Faraway, Verdan, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: King Favian Vern sends diplomats to discuss
with King Nicodemus of Verdan of a way to avoid a useless war
between their two kingdoms. Favian's messengers affirm King Nicodemus
and ex-King Xanthus will be allowed to leave freely, with all
who want to go with them and with all treasure they want, if he
accepts to relinquish all claims to Verdan.
King Nicodemus has them arrested and executed. (See Th 20, Th
25.)
What This Means: Nicodemus is confident in his army. He has always stopped Jennite invasions coming from the wild east, and has crushed all slave unrests easily. He knows the rebels are not as well organized here as they were in Blackrock. He has prepared his army for the event, which has been reinforced last year by the remains of Xanthus's, including the now-repaired flying man-of-war.
What the PCs Can Do: The PCs can be the messengers sent by King Favian. If they are convincing enough, they may even prevent a bloody war and be well rewarded-or they will have to devise a plan to escape from Faraway's dungeons before they get executed.
Thaumont 17, AC 1014: Hard-Ball Stadium Completed
Location: Ionace, NACE. KW
Description: The Stadium that will host the Super-Hard-Ball matches in Flaurmont is completed just in time on Ionace. (See Va 1; Fl 1, Fl 28.)
What This Means: The Council declared the season opened the first day of Vatermont, although the stadium was not yet completed at the time. Magic has been used to speed it up.
Thaumont 20, AC 1014: Assault on Verdan
Location: Verdan, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: Although he has troops stationed in Alpha
and the Yanniveys, Commander Broderick decides for the invasion
of Verdan. Knowing his submersible galleys will be no surprise,
Broderick decides to attack from different directions at the same
time. Of course, he puts his submersibles and ships into position
on the Verdan coast and Faraway's harbor, with marines pouring
out of them, but he also leads infantry through the woods of Esterhold
from the port cities of Anchorage to the west and Rock Harbor
to the south. At the same time, some Jennite tribes lead skirmishes
on the eastern forts-thanks to Broderick's gold. The Jennite slaves
in Faraway, hoping at the sight of the foreign troops, cause some
trouble within the city-although they are largely disorganized.
King Nicodemus didn't expect such an all-out assault, and finds
it difficult to battle on all fronts at the same time. The undefended
interior land quickly falls to Broderick's marching troops; only
the capital and the three eastern forts remain uncaptured, though
they become isolated from each other. (See Th 6; Th 25, Fl 7.)
Thaumont 25, AC 1014: Faraway Besieged
Location: Faraway, Verdan, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: Surprised by the way things turned out, King
Nicodemus decides to throw all of his forces into the battle.
His divisions have been more or less able to keep the Alphatian
armies at bay so far, although the rest of the land is probably
no more his-except perhaps the eastern forts. He fears an uprising
of the Jennite slaves, however, and he knows he would have a hard
time fighting it with all his troops busy repelling the Confederate
Army. So he decides to strike with Xanthus's man-of-war, and delights
in the sight of the ship blasting squads of attackers trying to
break through.
Suddenly, three more skyships appear in the sky, and shoot at
the man-of-war. The ship soon crashes to the ground, damaged beyond
repair. The Jennite slaves cheer at the sight of the crashing
ship, and seize the opportunity to rebel again.
Attacked from sea, air, land, and from inside the city, the Verdan
troops find themselves overwhelmed and must retreat to the palace
where they rally. By the end of the day, most of the city has
been conquered. Many Verdan masters are assassinated by their
rebelling slaves, and small groups of loyalist troops that find
themselves surrounded by rebels are butchered-the Verdan soldiers
do the same with the groups of rebels they encounter. (See Th
6, Th 20; Fl 7, Fl 18.)
What This Means: Broderick knew of Xanthus's ship, so he
hired all the skyships that Floaing Ar could spare, as well as
the one recently produced in Aeria. He didn't put them to work
immediately, however, rather preferring to surprise Nicodemus
and Xanthus.
His tactic proved successful, because the destruction of the two
kings' ace caused their armies' rout. Broderick himself is surprised
by the rapidity with which he has taken most of the land, and
hopes this will not cause Thyatis to react with hostility. Broderick
now does his best to prevent the rebels from murdering everyone
of Alphatian descent they see-he knows the surrender of the palace
and the forts is only a matter of time now.
Flaurmont 1, AC 1014: Super-Hard-Ball Tournament Begins
Location: Ionace, NACE. KW
Description: All teams that have qualified arrive on Ionace today. The 17 teams will meet each other in the Super-Hard-Ball stadium; the final will be held on Flaurmont 28 between the two best teams. (See Va 1, Th 17; Fl 28.)
What This Means: When the Super-Hard-Ball tournament was created, there has been some arguing within the Council as to whether it was to be held in a different member state each year or on Ionace. It was decided that there were too many member states to use the round-robin method, and that tourism could help developing Ionace.
Flaurmont 7, AC 1014: Forts Surrender
Location: Eastern forts, Verdan, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: The commanders of the forts protecting Verdan from the Jennite tribes, now under siege by Alphatian troops for more than two weeks, decide to surrender. Since the Jennite tribes have been driven active in the region-thanks to Broderick himself, who didn't think this would be useless-the forts remain manned as usual, though authority passes to the Alphatians. Most of the men that are no more needed here are sent north to Faraway to help in the taking of the city. (See Th 20, Th 25; Fl 18, Ya 11.)
Flaurmont 18, AC 1014: Verdan Surrenders
Location: Faraway, Verdan, Esterhold Peninsula. KW
Description: The troops pinned in the royal palace in Faraway discover that King Nicodemus has fled the palace by an unknown mean, probably magic or a secret exit. Without their leader, and with their supplies running low, they decide to surrender to Commander Broderick. (See Th 25, Fl 7; Ya 11, Ya 23.)
What This Means: Broderick has neutralized all pockets
of resistance in the meanwhile, and this surrender means he is
in complete control of the land. He sends most of his troops back
home, to their respective countries.
Nicodemus is on the run, and no one knows what happened to Xanthus
when his skyship crashed, or even if he was on board.
Flaurmont 28, AC 1014: Super-Hard-Ball Final
Location: Ionace, NACE. KW
Description: All teams, including that from Karameikos (the Mirros Knights), fought great matches during the whole month. All Council members and ambassadors, as well as many nobles and commoners alike, assist today to the final of the Super-Hard-Ball between the teams of the Aquas Dolphins and the Coppertown Red Skins of Dawnrim. After a long, disputed match, the Dolphins prevail. (See Th 17, Fl 1.)
What This Means: This first season of Hard-Ball was a real success.
Yarthmont 11, AC 1014: Council Discusses on Verdan's Future
Location: Ionace, NACE. KW
Description: The Council of the New Alphatian Confederate
Empire discusses on the future of Verdan. They think they should
name a Jennite king to rule the country, since an Alphatian would
probably be viewed with suspicion, or even hostility by the natives.
Unfortunately, the rebels have never been much organized there,
and there is no obvious strong leader.
King Favian of Blackrock then comes up with an interesting, though
unusual, alternative: He proposes to regroup all of the territories
of the Esterhold Peninsula into a single state, the Republic of
Esterhold, which would be governed by an elected ruler. Modeled
somewhat after the Minaean goverment to the south-east, it would
be composed of provinces, each with an elected governor, who elect
the president. Elections could occur every six years; when there
is a tie for the naming of the president, the Council decides.
The governor would be the ruler of his own province, and the president
would decide on matters concerning the republic as a whole, or
for events involving more than one province, the Council or territories
outside the provinces. The Council decides to take the time ponder
this proposal, and decide during another meeting. (See Fl 7, Fl
18; Ya 23.)
Yarthmont 13, AC 1014: Gaity in Chaos
Location: Gaity, Alatian Islands. KW
Description: Gaity goes into a complete state of chaos, as most of the petty baron compete for more land, and eventually for the kingship of the island. There is much political intrigue, assassinations attempts, wars, and more between the ex-Thyatian dominion rulers. Neither Thyatis-which has troops stationed on nearby Aegos-nor the New Alphatian Confederate Empire, intervene.
What This Means: Since the island has been granted independence from both Thyatis and Alphatia by the Isle of Dawn Treaty, the country has always been in a state of chaos. Escalation happens today, as a baron military attacks his neighbors and declares himself king.
What the PCs Can Do: If the PCs have been granted dominion on the island when it was part of the Thyatian Empire, they can't avoid being involved in the events. They can even become the undisputed leaders of Gaity, but that shouldn't happen before they lead their armies to successful wars.
Yarthmont 23, AC 1014: Council Decides on Esterhold's Future
Location: Ionace, NACE. KW
Description: The Alphatian Council approves King Favian's
proposition concerning the Esterhold Peninsula. The Peninsula
becomes the Republic of Esterhold, with a full seat at the Council.
It is composed of five provinces: The Province of Anchorage (provincial
capital: Anchorage), the Province of Blackrock (provincial capital:
Skyfyr), the Province of Marlin (provincial capital: Port Marlin),
the Province of Southrock (provincial capital: Rock Harbor), and
the Province of Verdan (provincial capital: Faraway). The central
region, composed mainly of desert, broken lands and other badlands,
is under the direct administration of the President.
Favian Vern is named President of Esterhold until elections can
be organized, i.e. until the situation is stabilized. He is charged
with appointing temporary governors until the elections. (See
Fl 18, Ya 11; Fy 26, Am 21.)
What This Means: Once more, the New Alphatian Council has agreed to try out one of Favian's strange ideas. The first had to do with naming a city, and now they are trying his methods of politics. How he will organize elections in this vast land remains to be seen, however.
Fyrmont 26, AC 1014: Ne'er-do-well Reaffirms its Independence
Location: Ne'er-do-well, Alatian Islands. KW
Description: King Koryn the Harpist sends messengers to Ionace, informing the Council that Ne'er-do-well is an independent nation but friendly with the world, and that ships from all over the Confederation are welcome to make use of the ports just as any other mercantile nation may. (See Ya 23; Am 21, Am 22.)
What This Means: Ne'er-do-well intends to remain independent from both Thyatis and the NACE, while trading with both-and preying upon both nations' ships too. Commander Broderick has better to do with his troops than invading the isles.
Ambyrmont 21, AC 1014: Helskir Contacts the NACE
Location: Ionace, NACE. HW
Description: Messengers from King Eruul Zaar and Queen Asteriela Torion of Helskir ask for an audience between the Alphatian Council and their King and Queen. A meeting is called for the following day. (See Ya 23, Fy 26; Am 22, Ei 12.)
Ambyrmont 22, AC 1014: Helskir Meets the Council
Location: Ionace, NACE. KW
Description: King Eruul Zaar and Queen Asteriela Torion teleport to the Parliament on Ionace, where they meet with the kings of the Alphatian Confederation. Queen Asteriela first informs the Council that she knows about the survival of Alphatia and Empress Eriadna within the Hollow World-the crew of the Flying Fish told her so four years ago-, so they can discuss freely about the future of the region. She tells that now that Zandor has been deposed, the situation may only better-but unfortunately Helskir has agreed to become part of the Thyatian Empire before the event happened, and cannot leave it for the NACE without provoking her brother's wrath and destabilizing the relative stability on the Isle of Dawn. However, Helskir has kept its status of Kingdom and as such can establish diplomatic ties with the Confederation. This would be a way of communicating between the two empires, and maybe preventing tensions or even wars. The Council agrees to open up diplomatic ties with Helskir. (See Fy 26, Am 21; Ei 12.)
Eirmont 12, AC 1014: Dunadale Contacts the NACE
Location: Province of Dunadale, Isle of Dawn. KW
Description: The Thyatian Province of Dunadale, whose citizens are mostly of Alphatian descent, declares it will open up diplomatic ties with the New Alphatian Confederate Empire, like Helskir the previous month. (See Am 21, Am 22.)
What This Means: The Thyatian governor of the province did this to please his citizens, as he was fearing an uprising. He hopes this won't upset Emperor Eusebius.