Lordship of the Isles
The Lordship of the Isles is a wealthy maritime principality that controls vital trade routes through the Tilva Strait, enriching itself through taxation and tariffs. Under the rule of Princess Ronthal III, it maintains a powerful navy, though its longstanding rivalry with the Sea Barons remains a source of conflict.
History
The Lordship of the Isles began as a pirate haven, preying on merchant vessels passing through the Tilva Strait. Over time, the islanders transitioned to a more legalized form of piracy—imposing taxes, tariffs, and duties on passing ships. The Suel first settled these islands during the Great Migrations, joining the native Flan. When the Oeridians established the Kingdom of Aerdy, the Lordship remained a naval power, raiding the southern coasts and dominating the seas.
Aerdy’s control over the Lordship began in 166 CY after a prolonged campaign culminating in the Battle of Ganode Bay. When the southern provinces of the Great Kingdom rebelled, the Lordship aligned with the Iron League in 448 CY, lending naval power and shipping to its allies. However, tensions between the Lordship and the Sea Barons erupted into open conflict, culminating in the Battle of Medegia in 572 CY, where the Sea Barons sank four of the Lordship’s warships and seized three heavily laden merchant vessels before they could reach Pontylver.
Politics and Society
The Lordship of the Isles is a vital transit hub for goods traveling from Hepmonaland to the Great Kingdom and beyond. Its rulers long ago abandoned open piracy in favor of the more lucrative business of taxing trade and controlling the Tilva Strait, ensuring a steady flow of wealth into their coffers.
The principality consists of seven major islands, covered in thick tropical forests surrounding rocky, volcanic peaks. These islands are incredibly fertile, supporting vast sugarcane, pineapple, and coffee plantations that fuel a thriving export economy. The forests teem with exotic plant and animal life, and the mountains are rich in valuable minerals.
Sulward, the ruling island, has adopted many customs of the Suel, but its ports are cosmopolitan, with travelers and merchants from across the world. The islands are also home to Olman and even Touv settlers from Hepmonaland, who have established small enclaves and work in the thriving trade economy.
Despite its economic success, animosity between the Lordship and the Sea Barons remains high, and naval skirmishes are not uncommon.
Religion
The Suel deities dominate religious life in the Lordship, though minor shrines and temples dedicated to Flan and Olman gods can be found in various settlements.
Military
The Lordship maintains a strong navy to defend its waters, enforce its taxation policies, and ensure the safety of its merchant fleet. The fleet consists of swift war galleys, corsairs, and heavily armed merchant vessels that can quickly transform into warships if necessary. Though the Lordship has given up open piracy, it retains the naval prowess and cunning of its piratical past, making it a formidable force in the seas of the Flanaess.
Proper Name: The Lordship of the Isles
Ruler: Princess Ronthal III (human)
Government: Principality, ruling various petty duchies, counties and baronies
Major Settlements: Sulward; Duxchan
Resources: Rare woods, spices, shipbuilding supplies
Population: Human, Elf, Halfling, Dwarf, Gnome, Half-elf, Orc
Law: LN
Allies: Nyrond, Onnwal, Irongate, Idee, Sunndi
Enemies: Great Kingdom, Rel Astra, Sea Baronies, Ahlissa, Aerdiaak, Medegia
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