Furyondy, Kingdom of

Once a vassal of the Great Kingdom, Furyondy has long stood as a beacon of nobility and strength, defending against the growing menace of Iuz and the Horned Society. Though powerful, the kingdom faces ongoing struggles—both against external threats and the ambitions of its own noble families.

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History

In 100 CY, the Viceroyalty of Ferrond was established by the Great Kingdom of Aerdy, intended as a powerful western satrapy from which further conquests could be launched. Initially, the viceroyalty stretched from the Lortmils in the south to the Clatspur Mountains in the west, from Whyestil Lake in the north to the Nyr Dyv in the east. However, as the influence of the Malachite Throne in Rauxes weakened over time, the viceroys of Ferrond began to rule with increasing autonomy.

By 356 CY, Viceroy Stinvri's heir was crowned as King Thrommel I of Furyondy in the great city of Dyvers, which had been a strong proponent of the push for independence. At the time, Thrommel I held numerous titles, including Prince of Veluna, Provost of the Northern Marches, Warden General of the Vesve Forest, Marshal of the Shield Lands, and Lord of Dyvers. Over time, many of these territories gained their own independence, but the central core of Furyondy remained strong and viable.

It speaks to the confidence of Furyondy’s leaders that these territorial losses did not cause alarm. Instead, they embraced the idea that a friendly neighbor was better than a resentful vassal. This philosophy contributed to Furyondy’s reputation as an enlightened and noble land.

In 479 CY, the cambion Iuz began his rise to power in the north, and by 490 CY, Furyondy recognized him as a growing threat. King Avras III, who had previously focused on annexing the Shield Lands, was forced to divert his attention to defending Furyondy’s northern borders. This led to a split within the kingdom, with the Great Lords of the south resisting higher taxes, while the Marcher Lords of the north, supported by the Order of the Hart, demanded greater military focus against Iuz. The political divide weakened the monarchy until Iuz mysteriously disappeared, temporarily relieving the pressure from the north.

Avras’ son, Belvor III, proved a skilled politician, successfully integrating the Order of the Hart into the royal faction. Upon ascending the throne, he reasserted royal authority over the Great Lords. His sudden death in 537 CY (which the Hierarchs of the Horned Society falsely claim credit for) left the kingdom in the hands of the regent Lord Throstin, until Belvor IV came of age five years later. The regency period saw resistance from southern lords, who refused to fund fortifications on the northern border, believing Iuz to be gone forever.

Furyondy’s belief that threats primarily stemmed from the south was reinforced when the kingdom joined the Battle of Emridy Meadows in 569 CY to destroy the Temple of Elemental Evil. However, shortly thereafter, Prince Thrommel, heir to the throne, mysteriously disappeared. His fate remains unknown, and his loss was deeply felt when, in 570 CY, Iuz returned to the world. Many believe these events were not a coincidence.

Politics and Society

Furyondy’s political system is dominated by six major noble families, each controlling a province of the kingdom:

• Barony of Kalinstren
• County of Crystalreach
• Viscounty of the March
• Barony of Littleberg
• Duchy of the Reach
• The Gold County
• Barony of Willip

The king rules from Chendl, but has no personal lands outside the capital, relying on alliances and political maneuvering to maintain control. The Knightly Conclave, composed of noble lords, guild representatives, and priesthoods, advises and must approve royal decrees. The Knights of the Hart wield significant influence within this assembly.

King Belvor IV has faced numerous challenges in maintaining his authority. His aggressive stance against Iuz and the Horned Society has weakened the unity forged by his father, with the old noble factions (known as the Seven Families) still harboring ambitions of greater autonomy. Lord Throstin, the former regent, has solidified his control over the Order of the Hart, reducing it as a political tool for the monarchy.

Furyondy maintains close alliances with Veluna, with ongoing discussions about a possible reunification. Relations with the Shield Lands are tense, as its leaders suspect Furyondy still harbors ambitions of annexation. Trade with Perrenland remains strong, despite mutual distrust.

Laws and Justice

Civil offenses are often settled by dueling, with professional champions available for hire. The god Heironeous is said to ensure that justice prevails in such contests. Criminal cases, particularly those involving Grievous Crimes (murder, sedition, treason), are judged by three magistrates, with magical truth-finding employed in the most serious cases.

Military

Furyondy’s standing army numbers 6,000, but in times of war, noble and militia forces swell the total to over 20,000. However, the king can only demand service for two months before he must begin paying the nobles for extended campaigns. Each province specializes in different types of troops:

• Barony of Kalinstren: Heavy missile infantry (bows and crossbows).
• County of Crystalreach: Skilled archers.
• Viscounty of the March: Renowned knights (lance, sword, and axe).
• Barony of Littleberg: Excellent light infantry.
• Duchy of the Reach: The Bootmen, light infantry known for endurance.
• The Gold County: Home to the Greenjerkins, skilled ranger-archers.
• Barony of Willip: Naval forces supporting the Nyr Dyv fleet.
• Chendl: The House Regiment, 150 elite heavy cavalry.

Furyondy is famed for its belled heavy cavalry and light infantry woodsmen from the Vesve Forest. The Whyestil Lake war fleet, based in Crockport, ensures Furyondian dominance of the waters, while a squadron based in Willip patrols the Nyr Dyv.

Religion

Furyondy is predominantly good-aligned, with major faiths including Heironeous, Rao, and St. Cuthbert. Other deities such as Trithereon and Zilchus also hold influence. The Temple of Myhriss in Willip is renowned for its lavish noble weddings, drawing pilgrims from across the Flanaess.

Notable Locales

• Chendl, the royal capital, is famous for its sculpture gardens, featuring masterpieces by artists such as Yvin Patro, Jerrold Chargas, and Rogar.
• The Temple of Myhriss in Willip is a renowned site of devotion and extravagant noble weddings.
• The city of Dyvers, while no longer part of Furyondy, remains a significant cultural and economic hub in the region.

Conclusion

Furyondy remains a strong and noble kingdom, standing as one of the few major bulwarks against the forces of Iuz and the Horned Society. However, internal divisions, the loss of Prince Thrommel, and ongoing external threats continue to test the resilience of the realm.

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Proper Name: Kingdom of Furyondy

Ruler: King Belvor IV (human)

Government: Feudal monarchy, hereditary kingship (no current heir) limited by Noble Council

Major Settlements: Chendl; Crockport, Gorsend, Grabford, Littleberg, Redoubt, Willip

Resources: Foodstuffs, cloth, gold, wines, fish, shipbuilding supplies

Population: Human, Elf, Halfling, Dwarf, Gnome, Half-elf, Orc

Law: LG

Allies: Veluna, Shield Lands, Highfolk, Ulek States, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Knights of the Hart

Enemies: Empire of Iuz, Horned Society, Bandit Kingdoms

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