Medegia, See of

Medegia is a theocratic state ruled by the ruthless Holy Censor Starvik Jerel, who enforces the worship of Hextor with an iron fist while growing ever more independent from the Great Kingdom. Rumors persist that his power is bolstered by pacts with archdevils, as his mercenary forces wage war on neighboring lands, expanding his oppressive rule.

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History

Medegia was originally the clerical fief of the spiritual head of the Great Kingdom, encompassing lands from Rel Astra to Pontylver, including a portion of the Grandwood Forest. With the establishment of the Kingdom of Nyrond in CY 356, the reaction in the remaining lands loyal to the Malachite Throne was one of repression and coercion. The Herzog and the clergy imposed harsh taxes and forced the peasantry into the worship of Hextor, the Scourge of Battle. This drove many non-human inhabitants—elves, dwarves, and gnomes—into hiding in the forests and hills.

As the Great Kingdom declined, the Holy Censor’s power grew, until today Medegia is independent in all but name. Though still a supposed vassal of the Overking, Starvik Jerel’s ambitions and ruthless governance have made the Holy See a force unto itself.

Politics and Society

While the Holy Censor swears fealty to the Great Kingdom, it is largely symbolic, as he rules Medegia with total authority. His position as an advisor to the Overking remains intact, but his true focus lies in expanding his dominion and accumulating wealth and power. The nobles and clergy flourish in decadence, growing rich off oppressive taxation, while the common people suffer under relentless tithes and harsh rule.

The Medegian military, largely composed of mercenaries and conscripted levies, harasses the non-human inhabitants of the Grandwood and raids into the Glorioles and Hestmark Highlands. Recent campaigns have seen Medegian forces pushing beyond their borders, launching incursions into Nulbish and Torrich, expanding north along the Thelly River, and even claiming disputed territories in Ahlissa. These conquests and pillaging raids have further enriched the nobility while leaving the peasantry impoverished.

Despite its grim nature, Medegia remains a hub of culture in one regard: Pontylver is home to the three most acclaimed painters of the age. Their works are sought after by rulers across the Flanaess, and even paintings by their apprentices sell for exorbitant sums.

Religion

The state religion of Medegia is the worship of Hextor, whose brutal doctrines justify the Censor’s oppressive rule. The Blood Chapel in Pontylver is a site of great reverence for the faithful, said to be the very place where Hextor manifested upon Oerth in CY 570. The Cathedral of Hextor in Rauxes, though grand, is considered secondary in prestige—a fact that has not escaped the Overking’s notice.

While Hextor’s faith dominates Medegia, other dark-aligned deities are tolerated. A significant temple and scriptorium dedicated to Wee Jas thrives in Pontylver, attracting scholars and necromancers alike.

Military

Medegia’s army is a formidable mix of mercenaries, levies, and monstrous forces. Its ranks include heavy and light cavalry, disciplined infantry, and thousands of orcs and goblins who can be summoned for service. The Holy Censor’s forces are brutal and relentless, engaging in raids and skirmishes to expand their domain and secure more resources.

Notable Locales

• Pontylver – The capital of Medegia, a bustling trade port at the mouth of the Flanmi River. It is famed for its painters, its rich markets, and the ominous Blood Chapel of Hextor.
• The Grandwood Forest – Once part of Medegia’s domain, it is now home to elves and rebels resisting the Holy Censor’s rule. Medegian forces frequently launch incursions into its depths.
• The Hestmark Highlands – A contested region where Medegia battles dwarves and gnomes for control, seizing mineral-rich lands to fund its war machine.

Under Starvik Jerel, Medegia is a land of oppression, war, and dark ambition, where power is paramount and faith in Hextor is enforced at swordpoint.

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Proper Name: See of Medegia

Ruler: Holy Censor Starvik Jerel (human)

Government: Theocracy; government by a single religious leader appointed by the Overking

Major Settlements: Pontylver, Barrish, Dornelan, Mentrey, Montesser, Strinken

Resources: Foodstuffs, Cloth

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

Law: LE

Allies: Great Kingdom, Rel Astra, Sea Baronies, Ahlissa, Aerdiaak (political rivals)

Enemies: Free Folk of the Grandwood, Dwarves and Gnomes of the Hestmark, Sunndi, Lordship of the Isles

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