Nyrond, Kingdom of

Nyrond, a powerful and prosperous kingdom, stands as a bastion of learning, culture, and military strength against the lingering threats of the Great Kingdom. Under the rule of King Dunstan I, the realm has expanded its influence, securing alliances and recently occupying portions of the Bone March alongside Almor.

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History

After breaking away from the ever-waning Great Kingdom of Aerdi in 356 CY, Nyrond entered a period of aggressive expansion, conquering the Pale, Almor, and Urnst. However, King Dustan I, called "the Crafty," recognized the folly of these policies and convened the Great Council of Rel Mord. This resulted in Urnst, Almor, and the Pale regaining their independence, with firm treaties and alliances securing Nyrond's borders. These diplomatic maneuvers established Nyrond as a beacon of good and justice, fostering a network of strong allies rather than resentful subjects.

In recent years, Nyrondese and Almorian forces launched a campaign into the Bone March, capturing Knurl and securing territory that had long been dominated by nonhuman tribes. While this marks a strategic victory, the occupation has led to increased tensions along Nyrond’s northeastern frontier.

Politics and Society

Nyrond is widely regarded as a bulwark against the evils of the Great Kingdom, enjoying trade and military alliances with its neighbors while providing financial aid to support their defenses. It is famed for its art, learning, and scholarship, attracting wizards, sages, and artisans from across the Flanaess. The kingdom's culture flourishes under a court that values refinement and intellect, yet it remains ever-vigilant against external threats.

The power of the monarchy is nearly absolute, reinforced by the king’s ability to strip nobles of their lands at will. This has prevented serious rebellions, as few dare to challenge the crown. The Sagacious Society, a network of scholars and sages, plays a vital role in advising the kingdom and preserving knowledge.

Religion

The Oeridian pantheon dominates Nyrondese worship. The most popular deities include Heironeous, Beory, Rao, and Pelor, reflecting the kingdom’s ideals of valor, wisdom, and compassion. Pholtus has a large following, particularly in the north, while Zilchus, the god of commerce, is widely revered by merchants and nobles.

Military

Nyrond maintains a powerful and well-disciplined military, consisting of heavy cavalry, armored foot regiments, and specialized demihuman scouting forces. The kingdom’s military structure ensures it can respond quickly to threats, with garrisons placed strategically to defend both its own lands and those of its allies.

Nyrond’s army is divided into two primary forces:

• The Main Army (based in Rel Mord, commanded by King Dustan I) includes 10,000 cavalry, 12,000 infantry, and 3,500 light bowmen, with an additional 9,000 peasant levies available when needed.
• The Mobile Strike Force (stationed in Innspa, under the command of Earl Harhing) consists of 2,000 heavy cavalry, 7,000 infantry, and 2,000 bowmen, with 4,500 levies as reinforcements.

Additionally, Nyrond's navy, based in Oldred and Mithat, dominates Relmor Bay and the Sea of Gearnat, thwarting the ambitions of the Herzog of South Province and ensuring the safety of its coastal trade routes.

Strategic Alliances and Threats

Nyrond remains committed to supporting its allies. It provides military aid to the Urnst states against the Bandit Kingdoms, while its navy actively patrols the Iron League’s waters.

However, threats continue to mount:

• To the east, tensions persist with Aerdiaak (North Province) and the remnants of the Great Kingdom.
• To the north, the nonhuman tribes of the Bone March pose an ongoing menace, despite the recent capture of Knurl.
• To the west, the independent communities of the Gamboge Forest and Flinty Hills remain wary of Nyrondese influence, despite past alliances.

Notable Locales

• Rel Mord, the capital, is home to the Royal Museum, the Brick Palace, and the Royal Library, which boasts one of the largest collections of books in the Flanaess.
• Darkshelf Quarry, located on the southern coast, is infamous for its dark past and is detailed in the adventure Against the Slave Lords.
• The Flinty Hills and Gamboge Forest, once considered allies of Nyrond, now contain fiercely independent communities that distrust both Nyrond and the Theocracy of the Pale.

Conclusion

Nyrond remains one of the most powerful and principled nations in the Flanaess, standing as a defender of good and civilization. Yet, it faces numerous challenges—rival nations, encroaching nonhuman forces, and restless allies—requiring constant vigilance to maintain its position as the bastion of the West.

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Proper Name: Kingdom of Nyrond

Ruler: King Dunstan I (human)

Government: Hereditary feudal monarchy

Major Settlements: Rel Mord; Beetu, Borneven, Curtulenn, Hammensend, Hendrenn Halgood, Midmeadow, Mithat, Mowbrenn, Oldred, Womtham, Woodwych, Wragby

Resources: Foodstuffs, cloth, copper, silver, gems (I, II)

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

Law: LN

Allies: Duchy of Urnst, County of Urnst, Greyhawk, Idee, Onnwal, Iron Hills, Irongate, Lordship of the Isles, Sunndi, Tenh, Theocracy of the Pale (strained)

Enemies: Empire of Iuz, Bandit Kingdoms, Great Kingdom, Aerdiaak, Ahlissa, Bone March

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