Difference between revisions of "Bandit Kingdom"

Revision as of 12:21, 30 June 2011

Bandit Kingdom is relatively modern nickname given to the eastern part of Alexia, consisting of the capital city, Nia-Agliare, and the surrounding countryside. The region was once the elven homeland, when a great forest covered the location, sustained by a favorable water table despite the arid conditions. After the first half-elven rebellion and the self-imposed exile of the Sidhe, the forest area was maintained as a depopulated buffer between Odessa and Gildenhome, and the City States were kept disunified for the same reason. This situation existed between the Elven Exile and the advent of the Alexandria. Once she assumed the Omnity and united the City States into Alexia, she gave the forested area to the new nation.

However, as the area was clear-cut over the centuries and the land intensively cultivated, the land turned barren. Over a shockingly quick period, the Valley of Dust was born, destabilizing the region and cutting of the Alexian capital from the economic and cultural urban centers to the East. Eventually (several decades ago) the crisis would prompt Odessa to send in an occupation force - with the Arch-Warden's blessing - to stabilize the region. Due to the potential expense of maintaining an occupying force on the far side of the Valley of Dust, the Odessan crown eventually chartered the Bog Wraith mercenary company to maintain order in East. This has proved a difficult task, however, and the Bog Wraith forces have had difficulty maintaining order beyond the Nia-Agliare's city walls. Thus, the countryside of the Bandit Kingdom is a lawless and dusty frontier controlled by dozens of feuding warlords.

As the only major port in the region, the city of Nia-Agliare remains the cultural and economic center of the region, for what remains in the way of culture or economy.

Factions

• Bog Wraiths
  • • While the Wraiths have always had trouble projecting power outside of the city, as a consequence of the developments of the last 18 months, they are now losing control of the city itself.
  • Commanded by Captain Boran Stanep
  • Primarily (read: only) a power within the walls if Nia-Agliare. Brought into the city several years ago by the Odessan crown to restore order to the region.
  • The job proved difficult, requiring a redeployment from Wydmoor, as well as substantial local recruitment. (This latter is one source of contention in the recent dust-up between Wydmoor and Odessa.)
  • Supplemented by an auxiliary contingent of Odessan soldiers.
  • Since the siege of Wydmoor, they have been cut off from reliable communication and supply. While this should strengthen his position, he is now forced to rely on the Bandit Saint's Honor Guard for supplies.
    • This allows him undue influence there, which often undermines the site commander.
    • Additionally, the Odessan garrison has gone out of command, and now follows Cyriac Drew, the Odessan captain.

• Odessan Garrison
  • Officially under the command of Boran Stanep, the Odessan contingent in Nia-Agliare actually follows the orders of Captain Cyriac Drew, an Odessan man-at-arms.
  • About half the size of the Bog Wraith forces.
  • Mainly patrol and control the wharf, warehouse, and port districts.
  • Withholding taxes, shakedowns, whatevers from the Bog Wraiths and are keeping it for themselves.

• The Cartel
  • An ad hoc collection of thieves, smugglers, and merchants who have banded together for mutual protection.
  • Made up of 11 "houses," representing the spectrum of Nia-Agliare's trading classes.
  • The various "houses" often do not get along, but the violent coercion the thieves' can bring to bear has so far maintained unity.
  • Work closely with all of the various warlords, and have no real power outside of the city.
    • But almost certainly have rock solid contacts, on account of trading with almost all of the bandit tribes.

• Travelers
  • New on the scene. Ordered there specifically by the Arch-Warden.
  • Have come to protect what pilgrim traffic still arrives to the Temporal Authority via Nia-Agliara's ports who are being harassed by the various bandit tribes.
  • Too few to be effective inside, much less outside, of the city.
    • No more than a dozen in total, including support staff.

• The Blue Hand
  • Have moved into the abandoned Rivermouth Village, working to bring back regular river transport.
  • Part of the Hand family of tribes
  • Stereotypically viewed as fences, smugglers, opportunists, and information brokers. Generally seen as one of the less ruthless Hand tribes.

• Countryside Warlords
  • Control the countryside, demanding tribute and offering "protection" to the remaining freeholding and villages.
  • The city acts as a relatively "safe" meeting ground for the various strongmen, although outbreaks of violence are becoming more common now due to the breakdown of order.
  • Control what little natural wealth exists east of the Valley of Dust.