Ahlissa - South Province
Ahlissa, once a powerful province of the Great Kingdom, now stands at a crossroads under the rule of Seprenna Calyn, who seeks to reclaim lost territories and restore her land’s former glory. With a formidable army and a bold vision, she prepares for a final gambit against the Iron League, knowing that failure could spell ruin.
History
The history of Ahlissa is deeply intertwined with that of the Iron League, which has long resisted the yoke of the Great Kingdom. Once a prosperous and expansive province, Ahlissa's fortunes have steadily declined due to the cruelty and mismanagement of its rulers. Once the dominant power in the southwest of the Flanaess, the province has lost much of its former lands, including Onnwal, Irongate, Idee, and Sunndi, to rebellion. These losses have drastically reduced its wealth and influence, and its rulers seek desperately to reclaim them. Several military campaigns have already failed, but the drive to regain lost territories remains strong.
Politics and Society
The current ruler, Seprenna Calyn, bears the title of Herzog of Ahlissa and rules from the capital of Kalstrand. Her holdings include the fief of Ahlissa and surrounding lands near Hexpools and the Thelly River. However, even these domains are contested, with the Holy Censor of Medegia encroaching upon her territory, eager to exploit her weakened position.
Once a favored province of the Overking in Rauxes, Ahlissa has now fallen into disfavor. Seprenna's repeated failures to reconquer the rebellious territories have tarnished her reputation, and rivals within the Great Kingdom see her as weak. Desperate to restore her standing, the Herzog has wagered her entire personal fortune on a final military campaign, hoping to shatter the Iron League and reclaim the lost lands. The risk is immense—success would restore her favor and bring vast wealth, but failure would leave her vulnerable to political ruin or outright rebellion.
Religion
The dominant faith in Ahlissa is the worship of Zilchus, the god of wealth, power, and influence. His followers hold great sway over the province’s political and economic affairs, and the Grand Cathedral of Zilchus in Kalstrand stands as a testament to his influence, its golden decorations a display of both devotion and opulence.
Many followers of Trithereon, the god of liberty and retribution, also make pilgrimages to the Free Falls at the headwaters of the Gray Flood in Hexpools. However, their presence is often seen as an ideological challenge to Ahlissa's authoritarian rule. Other Oeridian deities are worshiped among the populace, but their influence is secondary to that of Zilchus.
Military
Ahlissa's military is composed of two major forces:
- The Glorioles Army: Once drawing its ranks from the Glorioles Hills, this force now consists of well-trained heavy and light cavalry, supported by disciplined infantry. About 20% of its troops are humanoid mercenaries, including orcs and goblinoids. The infantry is a mix of archers, pikemen, and foot soldiers, with levied peasants forming a less reliable auxiliary force.
- The Army of the South: Primarily based in Ahlissa, this force is better suited for skirmish tactics. Its ranks contain fewer humanoid troops than the Glorioles Army, and it relies heavily on the renowned heavy cavalry of Ahlissa, which is considered among the finest in the region. Mercenary men-at-arms, well-equipped and disciplined, bolster the strength of this army.
The Herzog also maintains a naval force based in Prymp and Shargallen, which frequently clashes with Nyrond’s fleet over control of Relmor Bay.
Despite their numerical strength, local levies are generally unreliable, forcing Ahlissa to rely on noble contingents, professional soldiers, and mercenaries to maintain its military power.
The Looming Conflict
With Seprenna Calyn staking everything on a final campaign against the Iron League, war appears inevitable. If she moves against the League, Nyrond and Almor are certain to intervene, turning the conflict into a larger regional war. Ahlissa’s success or failure in this endeavor could determine its future—either restoring its lost glory or leading to its ultimate decline.
Proper Name: Viceroyalty of the South Province of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy
Ruler: Herzogin Seprenna Calyn (human)
Government: Viceroyal appointment by Overking, owed fealty by various lesser nobles within the province
Major Settlements: Zelradton; Benkend, Hexpools, Prymp, Shargallen, Trennenport
Resources: Foodstuffs, silver
Population: Human, Halfling, Orc, Goblin, Elf, Dwarf, Gnome
Law: LE
Allies: Great Kingdom, Aerdiaak, Rel Astra, Medegia, Sea Baronies (all political rivals)
Enemies: Nyrond, Almor, Onnwal, Irongate, Iron Hills, Idee, Sunndi, Lordship of the Isles
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