Shellbay
A Frontier of Conflict
Shellbay, while originally inhabited by the Kaban, has no records prior to its discovery by the human Saltkrigere fleets during Strand-Blood War. The beaches of Shellbay were among the first territories traversed by humans beyond the Snow Rock Isles. Quickly settled and usurped from the Kaban and their god incarnate, Kadelkonatl, the familiar beach environments served as a beachhead against humans who had settled further south amongst the reptilian folk. While other human settlers eventually filtered into Shellbay, it was ruled for nearly 80 years by Saltkrigere General Hamish Troutlung, who kept a strong grip on the lives of his people and prevented territorial expansion to spite his contemporaries. After Troutlung's death, expeditions began spreading further north, eventually growing the official settlements of Shellbay and leading to the founding of Fjordstrond. Growing in strength for centuries, Shellbay eventually faced near destruction during Ettermiddag before bursting into a new era of authority with the formation of the Saltkrigere Paladins. Upon the dark era's fade, Shellbay would form the Saltkrigere Empire, conquering Trinen in opposition to the newly formed Eldurgrund Empire. After a successful military campaign, the Saltkrigere Empire conquered all of Trinen and ceased its position as the capital city in favor of Saint's Maar's central location. While the Saltkrigere Empire successfully reigned from Saint's Maar from 1201HN to 1479MG, it ultimately fell at the hands of the Augury and its accompanying forces, falling back behind the borders of Shellbay. To appease its predecessors, the Augury deemed Shellbay's associated territories as a separatist barony, enjoying decreased taxes and full religious autonomy.United by Faith
Unlike the other human baronies, Shellbay's faith rests entirely in one god: Bailum. While other entities recognized as Ohdaufeen are present in the Book of Bailum, none of them are viewed as divine entities. Rather than assigning domains to gods for each and every facet of reality, the monotheistic faith presents dichotomous ideals of good and evil: ideals presented by Bailum and Milin Orphi, respectively.
Given that the uniquely monotheistic faith has persevered through empires, migrations, and the dark era, many believe that the faith of Bailum will persist far longer than the barony itself. Such persistence relies on the survival of the Bailum Consilium, which serves as the central organization regulating the barony's faith. At present, the Consilium is scarcely permitted to establish beyond Shellbay, only extending shortly into the Fjordstrond border.
Comments