85. Politics of Khorvaire Report

General Summary

16th Sypheros, 999 YK

• They continue their conversation with Flamewind. She is frustatingly evasive, and doesn't seem interested in helping more than providing the information she already has. Dax' Athla calls her a coward, but she doesn't seem to care. Flamewind is on her own side, and is pursuing her own agenda.
• They have a brief (mental) discussion about what they learned. They don't trust Flamewind.
• They spend some time searching the library for information.
• Dax' Athla reads a paper by Dorius Alyre ir'Korran of Korranberg, which theorises the existence of archfiends he calls "Na-Vakhti". The paper is dated 3000 years ago, long before the existence of Bel Shalor, the Shadow in the Flame was confirmed in Thrane (and indeed, before Thrane was a thing)
• Dorius theorises that these archfiends are connected to the demiplanes within Khyber, of which there are potentially an infinite number.
• Dax thinks she could probably find more information in Korranberg or Flamekeep.
• Warden reads about the Daughters of Sora Kell, and receives a summary of the information presented in their individual articles: Sora Katra, Sora Maenya, and Sora Teraza.
• He also reads about Sora Kell, who doesn't yet have her own article. There are hundreds of stories of her, and many contradict each other. It's possible she is an alias of The Traveler, or an agent of them. Obviously, she's had at least 3 children, though the father is unknown. There have been no confirmed sightings of her in the last century.
• Dax' Athla also looks for more information of the Sacred Bell of Saint Cassia. She doesn't learn anything new, it disappears and seems to find it's way into the hands of heroes who need it.
• Dax then tries to find as much as she can about the current political situation in Khorvaire. She reads about each of the Thronehold nations and what their governments are like. Summarised below.
• They then go and discuss Lozaal Daashor being an Heir of Dhakaan. He never hid it, but didn't explicitly say it either. They have a heartfelt discussion about the way they all treat each other, and Lozaal expresses that they turn on him too quickly when he or they misunderstand something.
• "'cause we're family, dickhead!" - Dax
• Lozaal explains what happened to Droaam in the days of Dhakaan. The whole region (including much of western Breland) was once blanketed in Jungle, and the Graywall Mountains and Great Crag didn't exist, there were no mountains there. This is alarming.
• Lozaal explains that the Dhakaani devastated the jungle and ruined the land in their conflict with the Daelkyr Avassh, the Twister of Roots. Avassh turned any and all plant life against them, and fungal spores could reanimate fallen soldiers, they have no choice but to destroy the jungle. Orlassk, the Lord of Stone, is likely responsible for the mountains.
• With new context on why Lozaal wants Karg's sword, they begin to formulate a plan to get it back. Warden and Kalshana try to find more information on Karg, but nobody will speak to them about him. Regardless, Warden tries to tell them they should be nicer to Karg, he's smart.
• Dax' Athla scopes out the dorms, and notes the balconies that can be used to gain entry to various levels of the residential tower in Morgrave University. She also notes that the rooms are likely too small for a creature of Karg's size, if he's staying there it must be uncomfortable.
• Lozaal writes a primer to Dhakaani history, presumably to give to Karg, writing down some of the legends that the duur'kala tell.
• They stay in Clifftop Adventurer's Guild overnight, paying 5 sp each for the rooms.

17th Sypheros, 999 YK

• Today, they get that sword back!

   

Summary of the Thronehold Nations

Aundair

Semi-feudal society, ruled by a monarchy and a noble class. Current queen is Aurala ir'Wynarn.  

Breland

A parliamentary monarchy, Boranel ir'Wynarn rules the country but most of the actual policy making is done by an elected parliament consisting of a commons and nobles chamber. Boranel used his executive powers to create New Cyre, which was controversial.  

Darguun

Led by the Lhesh Haruuc Shaarat'kor, who united the Ghaal'dar Clans and convinced them to betray Cyre and take the land. He's not a king, and seems to be holding the nation together through his charisma and force of personality. He has declared no successor and there are concerns about what will happen when he dies, as he is getting old. At the moment, it seems that it will fall to a democratic vote amongst the Ghaal'dar Clans.  

Eldeen Reaches

Used to be part of Aundair, seceded during the war as they were neglected by the crown and banditry became rampant. The Wardens of the Wood took over, and went to war with Aundair. Technically, the head of government is a tree.  

Karrnath

A traditional monarchy ruled by King Kaius ir'Wynarn III, with the land split between warlords who govern their local areas. Early during the war, Karrnath was hit by famine and plague and couldn't feed it's people and also fight a war, which led to them turning to the Blood of Vol. The country is home to many Mabaran manifest zones, which makes growing crops difficult.   Despite having a heavily martial culture, Kaius (and by extension, Karrnath) was one of the largest supporters of the Treaty of Thronehold and ending the war. This was an unpopular move amongst his people, who thought that Karrnath would win the war. To further secure peace, Kaius suggested a political hostage exchange, sending his sister Haydith ir'Wynarn to Breland and his brother Gaius ir'Wynarn to Thrane, where he became a priest. Boranel sent one of his own sons to Karrnath.  

Lhazaar Principalities

The Lhazaar Principalities has no central government, and is actually a number of independent principalities. It was represented by Ryger ir'Wynarn at Thronehold, but he doesn't rule the region.  

Mror Holds

A feudal society, led by the 12 ruling clans, who together form the Iron Council. Clan Mroranon is the largest clan, and heads the council. They seceded from Karrnath during the war, and Karrnath was unable to take the land back.  

Q'barra

Q'barra is home to three government: the Masvirik'uala, New Galifar, and the Trothlorsvek. New Galifar and the Trothlorsvek were represented at Thronehold, but the Masvirik'uala were not. New Galifar is ruled by King Sebastes ir'Kesslan.  

Talenta Plains

The Talenta Plains has no formal government, and is composed mostly of nomadic tribes of halflings. It only has a single permanent settlement, Gatherhold, where the tribes gather once a year. The various tribes chose Lathon Halpum of the Abramam tribe to represent them at Thronehold. They fundamentally disagree with the idea of land ownership.  

Thrane

Thrane is a theocracy run by the Church of the Silver Flame. Though Keeper Jaela Daran is technically the head of state, the actual ruling is currently handled by the Council of Cardinals and High Cardinal Krozen. Thrane still has it's Monarchy, but Queen Diani is no more than a figurehead.  

Valenar

Valenar is ruled by High King Shaeras Vadallia, who contests the title. They keep breaking the terms of the Treaty of Thronehold, and continue to raid their neighbours. Most of the actual governing seems to be done by House Lyrandar, a clear breach of the Korth Edicts.  

Zilargo

A democracy led by a Triumvirate, elected representatives from the major cities of Korranberg, Trolanport and Zolanberg. Has a law enforcement agency called The Trust, and the lowest crime rate in Khorvaire (0%). Stories of the Trust are exaggerated and ridiculous, which makes it hard to find out anything real. They somehow gained their independence from Breland diplomatically, without bloodshed.