The Chelon Rose

Act 2: the Invasion

State of Affairs

During the past year much as happened in the world of Erden. The most significant is that which has taken place in Hemro. King Archidor has taken the throne and has made several major changes, the greatest being the brokering of peace with Belondale over the mines. As it stands now the territory surrounding the mines has been declared a Trade Free Zone and is totally neutral with regards to the politics of Hemro and Belondale. Its security is assured by a mixed garrison of Hemro and Belondale troops, under a council made up of two barons and two generals, half from each country. The mines and merchants are free to trade with anyone under one simple proviso, which is that any ore mined or smelted is taxed and that tax is divided equally between Hemro and Belondale. At present the arrangement is working out to both parties satisfaction and the independent government of the mines is stable.

Another surprising change initiated by the new King is to provide a full rebate on the "Ore Tax" for any ore purchased by the businesses of Hemro. At first thought to be the act of a madman, it has borne fruit, in that basically the bulk of this year's ore mined has found its way into Hemro. In doing so it has made the local businesses that survived the dark time of the Usurper to prosper and drawn back many traders that had been driven away from Hemro. The taxes lost from giving the rebate have been recollected in double from the now thriving economy. Palace is now once again a major trade city in the world of Erden and many still can't believe it possible after what it had been but one year ago.

With regards to the internal politics of Hemro another significant change took place and one not well received by the nobles. The King decreed that all nobles were to disband their armies leaving only a contingent of no more than 500 men to act as the house guard. All discharged soldiers would be accepted into the King's army without prejudice against which house they had served previously. A few minor rebellions had to be put down after the decree but all in all the nobles resigned themselves to the fact that the King was right in decreeing so, as it would put an end to anymore power plays. As of now the King's standing army numbers close to 15,000 soldiers, most of which have already seen battle on either side in the wars of the previous year.

With Belondale no longer focusing on the Castle Crag Mine territory, their attention turned inwards and many rumours abound that a major struggle is occurring between the nobles and monarchy. Some nobles are upset that peace was made with Hemro and that all the lucrative ore mines are no longer in their grasp. Apparently the struggle takes place behind many a closed door and in dark alleys away from prying eyes, at this stage any sign of a coup if there is to be one, seems like it will be quite a bloodless one.

The most notable event of the past year and one that affects the world is the massive explosion in the far north of Erden. Tremors were reported felt as far south as Indigo and a huge amount of dust and ash has been thrown into the atmosphere. Scholars believe that either a heavenly body of significant size (perhaps a star) has crashed into Erden or a very large volcano has erupted. Whatever the cause many of the more god-fearing public have taken to attending daily mass and prays and it is not uncommon to see a Soothsayer of Doom espousing the end of the world being nigh on a street corner or travelling the roads between towns. Whatever the cause and result, one can't miss the blood red sunrise and sunset that has been occurring every day since the event. As of this day it has been 7 months since the explosion and still no one is 100% sure what caused it or what it signals if anything.

Other noteworthy news is that peace has not lasted long in the country of Hemro or the new state of Castle Crag Mines. Although outright war has not broken out, many significant border skirmishes and raids have taken place in the mountains bordering on Tull and the Northern Wilderlands. The main attackers seem to be large war bands of organised (well they seem to have a plan of attack on their raids, instead of the usual charge in kill what you can and take what you can and runaway) Orcs, Goblins and the occasional Hobgoblin. Both states are not overly worried as yet as this type of thing occurs every few years, however to be safe an extra battalion has been sent to strengthen the Hemro borders.

News and rumours have come east with merchants and caravans, telling that the town of Ripperdark is back under tight control by a large mercenary band. The renewed order has allowed prospectors and the new influx of fortune hunters to open up large tracts of the jungle for exploration. Not a month goes by without reports coming back saying that various Ripperdark era buildings have been uncovered.

Act 2: Intro | Hal's Intro (cont'd) | Night 1 - After | Night 2 - After ...

created: 14 February 1998 | Last Updated: May 17, 2003

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