Horned Society

The Horned Society is a ruthless regime of warlords, humanoid legions, and devil-worshiping priests, ruling the lands between the Veng and Ritensa Rivers with an iron fist. Led by the secretive Nine Hierarchs, they pose a dire threat to the Shield Lands and Furyondy, their armies driven by dark magic, infernal worship, and relentless militarism

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History

The lands between the Veng and Ritensa Rivers were once ruled by humanoid tribes and petty nobles, much like the surrounding region. However, in 513 CY, a group of human bandit lords took control of Molag, the former "summer capital" of Iuz, and began consolidating the surrounding lands. Hobgoblins, orcs, and other humanoids flocked to their banner, forming what would become the Horned Society—a brutal regime that rules with an iron fist.

Following the disappearance of Iuz in 505 CY, his empire fractured, allowing these warlords to seize power. The Society swiftly clashed with the Shield Lands, swearing to conquer Admundfort. From 550 to 570 CY, frequent skirmishes along the Ritensa River led to the Shield Lands reinforcing their fortifications, though they could not fully expel the Society’s forces.

Politics and Society

The Horned Society thrives by merging the military might of humanoid legions with the cunning and dark magic of humans, creating a formidable force that threatens the good lands around it. The rulers, known as the Nine Hierarchs, maintain strict secrecy regarding their identities, but are rumored to include a mix of human and hobgoblin leaders:

• A high priest of 18th level dedicated to the infernal powers.
• Three lesser clerics, each powerful in their own right.
• A wizard of at least 12th level, master of dark sorcery.
• A master thief of 13th level, specializing in espionage and subterfuge.
• Three warrior lords, each of 11th level, leading the Society’s armies in battle.

The Horned Society openly worships devils and the archdukes of Hell, and their influence spreads across the central Flanaess. The cult of Nerull, the Reaper, is also strong within their borders. The Society enjoys favorable relations with Iuz and the Bandit Kingdoms, forming an axis of evil that threatens the region. However, they remain bitter enemies of Furyondy and the Shield Lands.

Military

The Horned Society’s military is an efficient and terrifying force. Their strategy relies on ranks of well-organized humanoid troops—especially hobgoblins, orcs, and gnolls—reinforced by elite human officers and warpriests. Their most feared unit is the Elite Death Guard Cavalry, heavily armored lancers who strike terror into their enemies.

Notable Locales

• Molag – The capital and dark heart of the Horned Society, this city is a haven for bandits, mercenaries, and fiend-worshipers. It is rumored that the Museum of Torture in Molag features live demonstrations of its horrific exhibits.
• The Hunting Lands – The northern frontier of the Horned Society, a desolate stretch where roving bands of humanoids hunt both animals and intruders.

The Horned Society remains one of the most insidious and organized threats in the Flanaess, poised to spread terror and domination beyond its cursed borders.

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Proper Name: The Society of the Dread Hierarchs

Ruler: Nine hierarchs (mostly humans and hobgoblins)

Government: Council of 9 hierarchs, ruling over various petty human fiefdoms and bandit leaders, and nonhuman warbands and tribes

Major Settlements: Molag

Resources: None known

Population: Human, Hobgoblin, Orc, Goblin

Law: LE

Allies: Iuz

Enemies: Furyondy, Shield Lands, The Hunting Lands, Bandit Kingdoms (varies)

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