Verbobonc, Viscounty and Town of
Verbobonc is a prosperous yet cautious Viscounty, historically significant for its role in defeating the Temple of Elemental Evil, with a strong military presence, a deep faith in St. Cuthbert, and a populace wary of both adventurers and evil cults lurking in the shadows.
History
Originally settled by elves, and later by humans, the Viscounty was officially brought into Veluna and the then-Viceroyalty of Ferrond in 119 CY. Since then, it has prospered in relative obscurity, before the rise of the Temple of Elemental Evil to the southeast. The Viscounty is most noteworthy for its critical role in helping put down the Temple in 569 CY, as many of its troops participated in the Battle of Emridy Meadows, and it was among the leaders tasked with ensuring the Temple did not rise again.
Politics and Society
The Viscount is a willing vassal of the Archclericy of Veluna to the northwest, though on a practical level, the land is ruled as if it were an independent state. The Viscount sits on the advising council of Veluna. Relations with both of these much more powerful states are excellent. The gnomes and elves are well-integrated into the society of Verbobonc, and the gnomes especially contribute greatly to the economic life of the city, bringing in raw goods and finished products for sale in its markets.
Religion
Verbobonc itself is a stronghold of the faith of St. Cuthbert, which is unsurprising given its strong ties to Veluna and Furyondy to the north. Several shrines to the Saint exist within the Viscounty, marking minor events during Cuthbert's mortal life, including the Church of the Holy Cudgel, marking the spot where Cuthbert first cut and hefted the wooden bludgeon for which he would become so famed. Other deities are found here as well, particularly Rao. The Old Faith of the druids is also strongly represented here.
Evil-aligned pilgrims found in Verbobonc will sometimes (25% chance) be seeking the ruins of the Temple of Elemental Evil in the Kron Hills. Otherwise, they may be traveling to some other unholy shrine in the Flanaess, most probably one of the several well-hidden temples of Nerull in Furyondy and Veluna.
Military
The Mayor of the town of Verbobonc proper maintains trained local levies, and the Viscount has personal retainers and command of the militia. The Viscount has a standing force of 150 heavy cavalry, spearmen, and light crossbowmen, and can raise three times that many in but a week if needed. Further, 1,200 militia can be raised in three weeks, at a rate of 400 per week. The militia is under the command of the Lord Mayor, Velysin.
The People of Verbobonc
The people of Verbobonc are friendly yet cautious, often wary that a stranger might be just as likely to harm them as greet them. Their greatest fear is demons, as these creatures have visited the region and left lasting scars. Beneath the surface, numerous evil cults still lurk, hiding in the shadows of everyday life. The people of Verbobonc channel their caution into a strong work ethic.
Although independent, the entire Viscounty is a bishopric devoted to St. Cuthbert and follows the guidance of the Archclericy of Veluna. Adventurers—most of them well-meaning, but all unpredictable and occasionally destructive—make up a surprisingly large portion of Verbobonc’s armed population.
A History of Conflict
This small state would hardly be worth mentioning in a continent-wide work of this nature, despite its riches, except that evil forces chose the area to establish a stronghold. A temple and fortress were constructed in the wooded hills southeast of the town of Verbobonc, not far from the village of Hommlet. Trade was ravaged, the countryside pillaged, and hands of evil humanoids and men were flocking to the gruesome standards raised.
Prompt action was taken when it became apparent that evil had grown strong. The Right Worshipful Mayor of the town called up the trained levies, and the Viscount brought all of his retainers and the militia. These forces were in the forefront of the ensuing battle, which broke the hordes of the Temple.
The Viscounty is a large one, extending from the Velverdyva's south bank some 15 leagues into the Kron Hills, being over 50 leagues in breadth. Verbobonc is situated in the approximate center of its east-west axis.
Proper Name: Viscounty and Town of Verbobonc
Ruler: Viscountess Wilfrick Rejin (human)
Government: Semiindependent territory owing fealty to the Archclericy of Veluna (but virtually autonomous in practice)
Major Settlements: Verbobonc
Resources: Copper, gems (I-IV), lumber
Population: Human, Elf, Half-elf, Gnome, Halfling, Dwarf, Halfelf, Half-orc
Law: LG
Allies: Furyondy (distrusted), Veluna, Knights of the Hart (distrusted)
Enemies: Empire of Iuz, the Pomarj, gnomes of the Kron Hills, assorted evil cults
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