Monday, 21 November 2016

The Start Of Superpowers On Toril

The first Faerunian Empire of humans has apparently been formed, but it's not without it's problems and it's not the only world power. Recent events have sparked tensions, but thanks to a political marriage the nation was enshrined in law and now exists to exert itself. Unfortunately, civil war soon followed along with a denouncement and skirmish like war to the south. Faerun now faces a political upheaval.

The Major Players

The West Faerunian Empire

A loose empire that consists of the former city states and small nations of the Swords Coast, as well as Cormyr and the rest of the Heartlands. It in effect, covers all nations north of Amn and west of Vaasa. Decentralised and with the intention of being respectful of independent national customs, the empire wishes to pool resources in order to account for the threats of the world, and in a world of magic, dragons, and monsters, those are many...

Of the nations of the Faerunian Empire there are 16 supposed nations, each often merely more than a few towns in size and rarely numbering more than 1 million citizens. The Faerunian Empire in it's entirety is home to approximately 20 million people. This gives the Faerunian Empire more people than any other single nation, but with so many small nations, can this population be brought to bare?

Having one of the best trained armies, some of the largest temples, and some of the most powerful elite magical forces on Toril. The West Faerunian Empire is one of the most powerful; potentially the most powerful power on the planet... if it can unite, which at the moment seems unlikely.

The Merchant Republic Of Amn

Fiercely opposed to magic, this country has become more and more intolerant of the incessant use of arcane magic, claiming it's destroying the planet. Their population spans an area the size of the Heartlands and it maintains colonies in Far Maztica and Chult. It's continental population is approximately 12 million, with a further 4 million people living in their colonies. Additionally, Amn has close ties with it's neighbouring countries of Tethyr, Turmish, Calimshan, and the Nelather Isles; all of which rely on Amn for trade and as such follow strict rules concerning Arcane magic. Combines these nations are known as the Lands Of Intrigue and number more that 28 million people including mainland Amn.

Additionally, Amn reaches out further afield if it can. Thanks to ocean trade through the Shining Sea and The Great Sea, nations in the Shining South have become increasingly more reliant of Calimshan and Amn for trade. The two main nations of the area, the dwarven nation of East Rift, and the southern human nation of Dambrath import much of their food and livestock from the Lands Of Intrigue. If a international incident was to occur, these nations would be forced to side with them or face starvation.

Finally. It's rumoured that Amn has developed trans-planar trade. If this is the case Amn may well be the most powerful nation on all of Toril. Only time will tell.

The Thayan Imperium

The Thayan Imperium, or simply Thay, is know for being an oligarchical mageocracy that employs necromancy and slavery to achieve it's aims. On of the most militarily capable nations despite the rather sparse population of only 5 million people. It greatly limits trade in the region known as the Unapproachable East and has earned the vassalage of many nations including Narfell, Thesk, Aglarond, and most recently Damara and Impiltur; though unofficially. They are known to have large disputes with the last dwarven nation of Vaasa who refuses to give in to Thayan demands to share their technology in order to better the standards of living in Thay.

Stand-offish with Amn, these two nations have been in an effective cold war for decades; with Amn claiming that Thay is polluting the world and barbaric in their social order and civil rights laws; while Thay criticises Amn for it capitalistic ventures claiming they are controlling the world through insidious methods via debt, bribery, and blackmail, where as they have true open markets, ownership of labour, and socialised living for all for merely swearing fealty to the Imperium.

Even with the nations they have on side, the entire region numbers only about 13 million people; however the magical capabilities are intense and the control of trade beyond Thay into the Far East nations of Kara-Tur keep Amn from attempting an invasion. Similarly, the Amnian military is far larger preventing the Red Wizards from forcing their will any further beyond the Sea Of Fallen Stars.

The Elven Isles

The island nations of Evermeet, Lantan, Nimbral, and the Moonshae are hard to reach. Navigating the Trackless Sea is particularly difficult. As such these Elven powers have little influence on the mainland. At odds with both Amn and Faerun, they have little trade. Relying on Elven High Magic they're seen as the height of decadence to Amn, however they're no friend to the Faerunian Empire either, believing the entire region to be rightfully the property of the elven settlers who originally lived there. They're believed to number more than 25 million across all these islands, and possess magics that could outperform even Thay, but their insistence on isolation make them less of a major power and more of a sleeping giant that could awaken at any time.

Returned Abeir / Laerakond

The dragonborn homelands are south of the continent of Faerun, and only newly entered the world stage, however with a population far higher than any other region, numbering more than 37 million, and all the nations united under a single union; this is a power waiting to be realised. Potentially offering the Shining South an alternative to Amn for trade, and opening up trade with the Utter East, Red Lands, and Kara-Tur; the Dragonborn have become a true challenge for economic dominance for Amn. Where their political ideals will fall remains to be seen, but they are likely to become a power player in the politics of Toril.

Friday, 8 July 2016

The State Of Faerun

Faerun is a region at war. Recently a narrow miss from a comet and a planar invasion by aberrant creatures has caused panic amongst many of the city states and nations in Faerun.

The Swords Coast

Fearful that another disaster will come along and wipe out the progress of mankind again, Lord Piergieron, the lord protector of Waterdeep has announced his intention on forming a Faerunian Empire, naming himself as Emperor. His claims are that for humanity to survive they have to pool their resources and develop technology and magic that can stop things like future spellplagues, world shattering earthquakes, planar invasions, or destruction at the hands of elder dragons. Given the history of Faerun, many people agree with him and with most of his subjects seeing the Lord as a fair and just Lord; the armies from most of the nearby city states and people throughout Delimbiyr Vale are now prepared to follow him as Emperor.

The Silver Marches

A loose collection of city states, the response to Lord Piergieron is mixed. Commoner paranoia is taking hold in some areas, with many claiming that the Lords proclamation is an indication that the next apocalypse is on it's way, others are using it as an excuse to search the Elven ruins of the region knowing people will now pay a lot for relics of the last empire for a multitude of reasons. There is a lot of talk coming from Silverymoon that the Marches are not opposed to the idea of a Faerunian Empire, but are instead looking to find the true heir to Tel-Quassir, the ancient elven empire. It would be 15 generations or more, since the empire existed; but there are people claiming the rightful heir has been found. This could mark a race war as elves attempt to reclaim land that has since been settled by humans and used by them for more than a dozen generations.

Nentir Vale

Being very close to Waterdeep, opinions on this claim of Lord Piergieron as Emperor are high spirited. Most support his claim but their support comes with a price. Nentir Vale is an extremely fertile and magically empowered region. Many rare herbs and magical plants grow here easily and it's caused the area to become quite rich. However, the people are particularly puritanical about their region. They don't want to invite disaster and as such innately magical or plane touched races are treated with hostility, as are half-orc who are seen as a sign that an orc raiding party or warband aren't far. Tieflings, Eladrin, and Half-Orcs are usually refused service at inns here; and barely tolerated even in market areas. The most worrying trend from Nentir Vale though is the regular reports of Lycanthrope in the area, with sightings of Werewolves having increased 3 fold in the last few months.

Cormyr

The Kingdom Of Cormyr is responding very poorly to these claims by both Lord Peirgieron and others as the Emperor of the region. Many in the nation are perceiving it as a concerted attack on the nations sovereignty and as such they're preparing for war. Considering Cormyr has been at war for 2 decades with the Netheril, a nation of extra-planar wizards using the inately magical Anauroch Desert as their base of operations; they're used to preparing for conflicts. With the Purple Dragon Knights and War Wizards based out of Cormyr, even with the backing of multiple regions; Cormyr will not come quietly.

The Lands Of Intrigue

The countries south of the Swords Coast, namely Amn, Tethyr, Calimshan, and Turmish are using this political manoeuvring by the northern powers as an excuse to push their own agendas. Being the area hit hardest by the Spellplague, all of these nations have heavy restrictions on the use of arcane magic, with Amn particularly making it outright illegal. Their belief is that magic, particularly Arcane magic is tapping into the life-force of the plane and disturbing it. Considering these nations lost more than half of their population when the Spellplague hit only 50 years ago, they're understandably cautious. Many of the people in charge in these countries where children at the height of the plague so fear of it happening again is profound. Currently the population of Amn in particular are is support of their government, the elected Council Of Six, to take over the entirety of Faerun and impose restrictions on the Arcane in all corners of the world. Considering Amn is the most expansive nation, with colonies in the Jungles Of Chult as well as in far off continents like Maztica it's a genuine contender for a power play; especially as the rest of the Lands Of Intrigue, would oppose a northern Emperor with no respect for the dangers of the Arcane far more than a council of elders elected by the respected merchants guilds of Amn.

The Cold Lands

In the North East, there's little alarm from these issues. The Dwarven Kingdom of Vaasa considers any claims on their land to be a joke and has openly said they would use their far superior technology to destroy any would-be conqueror without a second thought. The refined gunpowder, paraffin engines, and clockwords of the Dwarves means their weapons of war, firearms, and siege weapons are by far the best in the world. Other nations in the area beyond Vaasa, such as Impiltur and Narfell are far less worried about the Swords Coast who they consider misguided but ultimately good hearted; and more worried about the Thayans.

The Thayan Enclave

The Thayan Enclave is a terrifying nation. Fascist and extremely corrupt the nation is ruled by the Archmage Szass Tam, a Lich who has been ruling for almost 400 years. Believing himself to be near Godlike it's his intention to rule the world as a Tyrant. It's only though the life of luxury and a general lack of motivation that he's not make moves to invade sooner, but with so many people making political power plays the Necromancer King may well look to increase his influence once again. With a nation that embraces slavery, the powerful Red Wizards and an undead army at his disposal; Thay man prove to be one of the more powerful nations in Faerun. Considering rumours are brewing that Szass Tam has been working to bind, control, or manipulate an Elder Dragon into his service, things can only get worse for Faerun if the Thayan Enclave decides to make it's move.

Returned Abeir (Laerakond)

The small continent to the south of Faerun may only be less than a quarter the size of Faerun but it's influence is getting stronger every year. The homeland of the Dragonborn, a race of humanoid half-dragons; many worry that the time of Elves, Humans, and Dwarves is over and the future belongs to the Dragonborn. Larger, stronger and with faster reaction times; as well as possessing a natural talent with the Arcane, many of the other races find the Dragonborn intimidating. What makes Abeir a true force to be reckoned with though is that the continent has recently been unified. The four nations that make up the continent now refer to themselves as Laerakond, a union of nations that works as one unit to forge stronger trade and develop more influence. Unlike Thay which is rumoured to have the an Elder Dragon involved, Laerakond is undoubtedly lead by an Elder Dragon; Bahamut, the Kingmaker. So powerful that he is worshipped as a living embodiment of their God in many places. Bahamut is one of the most capable beings on the plane and could have a profound effect on the future of Faerun. Thanfully Bahamut has no desire to take over Faerun... so far.



And that marks the current political state of Faerun. As the old proverb and curse goes, "May you live in interesting times". Well if you're living in Faerun you most certainly are; and it may just get you killed... or worse.

The commoners feel powerless to change anything, the nobility are aware they're pawns in the worst possible game of chess ever, and the rulers are paranoid, manipulative, or just plain power-mad. For the adventurer this spells opportunity. Will you respond out of duty? Will you manipulate the situation to your own ends? Will you act out of idealism? Will you try to end the fighting and corruption? Or will you use these uncertain times to make your fortune? Faerun is a powder-keg waiting to explode; a potential 5-way battle for the right to be Emperor of a multitude of nations with vastly different outlooks and ideals. War is inevitable here now...

Forgotten Realms - Backgrounds & History

The continent know as Faerun has a long history, but it is not one where we find the region prosperous and well off at the end but rather rebuilding and besieged. Over 1000 years ago, the region was home to many nations; most of which where far grander than the nations of today.



Tel-Quessir the elven empire in the north west spread from the Swords Coast to The Moonsea, and as far south as The Dragonmere. It was a leading force in magical knowledge particularly Druidic magic. For a long time the elves where considered the paragon of the humanoid races and history tells us it's from the elves that humans learned to harness magic, and develop cities. It is widely agreed that elves and humans where once one race, which explains why they're able to interbreed, and why the half-elf is still possible today. Sadly for the elves, this empire was destroyed in one of the most famous wars; when the Dragons and Elves fought. Legend has it that only six elder dragons opposed Tel-Quessir, and yet the elves still lost handedly. Still to this day no empire has come close to it's size in Faerun. The reminiscences of the elven empire can be seen across the north to this day. The Silver Marches region is littered with Elven Ruins, and the city of Silverymoon still stands. In the east of what was the empire, the last of the elves on the mainland have formed the nation of Cormanthor. Ultimately though the land has fallen into chaos as multiple kingdoms, mainly human moved in to fill the vacuum left after the war. The kingdoms of Sembia and Cormyr formed first, and smaller city states still make up most of the rest of this area. Rich in history the Swords Coast has rebuilt on the sites on many of the old elven cities, and adventurers regularly go in search of relics. Old magic knowledge lost to time, or technologies yet to be rediscovered.

Map Of Faerun - 800 Years Ago; 200 years after the fall of Tel-Quessir.

Of the human nations of old, Chondath and Chessenta; both along the south of the Sea Of Fallen Stars, where two of the richer and more enlightened. With vast cities, growing populations, and by being pioneers in social reform, art, and the sciences; these two nations became the centre of human culture. Such was their influence, that the Chondathan and Chessentan languages are still two of the most widely spoken in Faerun despite neither nation surviving. In the east of Faerun a third human nation, Thay, was becoming a reasonable regional power, later becoming the leading authority on arcane magic amongst the humans. Today, Thay is the only one of these great nations still to exist and many claim that fascism and corruption has destroyed it after all; so none of the great human nations still exist. The main culprits for the downfall of these nations was the earthquake that caused the formation of Underchasm and the spellplague that followed, creating massive issues with wild magic and killing 1/3rd of the population of Faerun in a single generation. While the history of humanity isn't as devastated as the elves, much of the great history of humanity has been lost, leaving plenty of space for adventurers to discover.

In the south, the dwarven kingdoms of Halruaa, Luiren and Dambrath where leading forces in trade and technology, developing leaps forward such as the discovery of gunpowder, the invention of the glass lens, and pioneering better methods of forging steel and other alloys. Together these three kingdoms became known as the Southern Union; a political power second only to Tel-Quessir. While the south was the lands of the dwarf, other dwarven kingdoms did exist. In the north the kingdom of Vaasa was a smaller but powerful dwarven nation; today it is the only remaining dwarven kingdom after natural disasters and orcish and gnoll invasions have destroyed much of the dwarves history. The southern kingdoms where devastated by the great earthquake and many cities physically fell into underchasm while others found themselves swallowed by the rising seas. Though parts of Dambrath still exist it is a shadow of it's former self, and Vaasa has a shrinking population besieged by orcs and trolls. It's clear the dwarves have little left on Faerun and many wonder if this is the beginning of the end for the noble race.

Map Of Faerun - Present Day



Many lament that Faerun is slipping backwards. That war, tribalism, disasters, corruption, and the monstrous prevent greatness. That all three of the humanoid races; Elves, Humans, and Dwarves; have already seen the peaks of their achievements and are now waining... waiting to be replaced by something better. Others see it as merely a dark age that needs to be fought against, a chance for adventurers and explorers to rediscover what is lost and help rebuild the world better than before.