Almor, Prelacy of

A former clerical fiefdom of the Great Kingdom, Almor won its independence during the Turmoil Between Crowns and evolved into a land of faith, freedom, and justice. Governed by a ruling council of priests, it maintains strong ties with Nyrond, serving as both an ally and a buffer against Aerdian aggression, while its people thrive in a land of rich fields, flowing rivers, and sacred sites.

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History

Originally a clerical fiefdom of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy, Almor was comparable to the See of Medegia, where the worship of Heironeous' hated brother Hextor predominates. However, as the power and righteousness of Aerdy waned, Almor broke away and became an independent state during the Turmoil Between Crowns in CY 448, gaining full sovereignty by CY 450. Over time, it evolved into a state committed to freedom and justice based on religious precepts, though it remains only loosely organized administratively.

Geography

Almor lies between the Kingdom of Nyrond and the western Great Kingdom, featuring the Harp, Flessern, and Lyre Rivers. The Harp River enters Relmor Bay near Chathold, Almor’s capital. To the east, a large swath of the Adri Forest covers much of the land, extending to the Flinty Hills in the north and the Bone March on Almor’s northeastern border.

Notable locations include:

• Innspa, a city within the Adri Forest’s western fringe, renowned as a luxurious resort town catering to Almor’s elite and visitors from surrounding regions.
• Narsel Mendred, Almor’s second-largest city, situated at the confluence of the Flessern and Harp Rivers, midway between Chathold and Innspa.
• The fertile plains and copper-rich hills along the southern coast, with the Thelwood marking Almor’s southern boundary.

Politics and Society

The Prelacy is loosely governed but maintains a strong sense of unity through shared religious values. The ruling council consists mainly of followers of Pholtus, Pelor, and Heironeous, and the reigning Prelate—usually a high priest—holds both spiritual and political authority. The various petty nobles and the Lord Mayor of Innspa, including Xanther Klimstyn, swear fealty to the Prelate.

The people of Almor have strong Oeridian backgrounds with a mixture of Suel and Flan, forming a culture that is both diverse and welcoming to outsiders. The majority of Almorians are farmers, herdsmen, fishers, and miners, and their land is known for its rich, arable fields, fast-flowing rivers, and ore-laden hills.

Military and Alliances

Almor is a faithful ally of Nyrond, which sees it not only as a fellow force for good in the region but also as a crucial buffer against the Great Kingdom. Nyrond provides financial support to maintain Almor’s military, which consists of approximately 5,000 horse and foot troops, supplemented by the personal forces of the nobility and petty lords.

The militia is well-armed, with soldiers wielding:

• Crossbows, spears, fauchards, or glaives in the south.
• Longbows or battleaxes in the north.

Almor also maintains a highly effective spy network within the Great Kingdom, keeping a watchful eye on its eastern neighbor. Recently, joint Almorian-Nyrondese forces captured Knurl in the Blemu Hills, provoking the ire of Herzog Grenell of Aerdy.

Religion

The state religion of Almor is the worship of Heironeous, with the Prelate serving as head of state. However, the worship of other good-aligned deities such as Pelor and Pholtus is also widespread.

Notable religious sites include:

• The Cathedral of Chivalry in Chathold, famous for its exquisite stained glass and a major pilgrimage destination.
• Heironeous-by-the-Sea, a coastal temple renowned for its miraculous healing powers.
• The Seven Shrines of Lirr in Innspa, which host biannual festivals of poetry, song, and art during Growfest and Needfest. Legend holds that Lirr Herself occasionally appears, her presence marked by supernatural performances.

Notable Locales

• Innspa: Famous for its hot springs and baths, some believed to have healing properties. Over the years, the town’s entire economy has centered around its resort culture, attracting wealthy patrons from across the northeastern Flanaess.
• Chathold: The capital of Almor and home to the Cathedral of Chivalry.
• Narsel Mendred: A major trade and river port with strategic importance.

Conclusion

A land of faith, freedom, and resilience, Almor stands as a beacon of light against the encroaching darkness of the Great Kingdom. Bound by religious unity and a deep sense of justice, it remains a stalwart ally of Nyrond and a formidable opponent to Aerdian aggression.

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Proper Name: Prelacy of Almor

Ruler: Prelate Xanther Klimstyn (human)

Government: Prelacy; government by council of clerics who select a prelate to lead

Major Settlements: Chathold; Flessern, Harskern, Innspa, Millennium, Narsel Mendred, Silverwat, Tirian

Resources: Foodstuffs, Cloth, Copper, Timber

Population: Human, Halfling, Elf, Gnome

Law: LG

Allies: Nyrond, Ruling families of Rel Deven, Iron League (Irongate, Onnwal, Idee, Sunndi, Lordship of the Isles)

Enemies: Great Kingdom, Ahlissa, Aerdiaak

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