Lion's Share Confederacy

The colonial region of the Lion's Share Trading Company is a land conquered by strangers from a land beyond the seas. These foreigners, despite bringing their unusual customs and culture, also brought ideas and modern artifacts that are rapidly changing the isles. Among these innovations are the resilient forged metal armors that the conquerors brought with them, and the smithing techniques required to create them. Additionally, the ability to quickly print paper and pass information has begun to transform part of the isles more deeply exposed to the foreigner’s ways. But none is more prevalent and potentially harmful as the obsession with profit and trade. With no regard for the land and its people, the Confederacy exploits both in its pursuit for progress and profit, seeking to fill their banks with the ancient and virgin riches of the islands. The government of the Confederacy answers directly to the board members of the company who live in a land far away. Their directive is to discover untold riches, magic, and culture to bring back to the mainland. The confederacy then, is composed of workers who mine the jade, harvest the silks, and study the innate magic of the isles. When they arrived twenty years ago upon the gleaming shores of what was once part of the Manzia Expanse the foreigners quickly established trade with the natives. They spoke words of honey, and bestowed among the people many gifts. Once enough infrastructure was in place and the militant arm of the company was in place, the tides shifted, and the foreigners reigned in the gifts, and brought out the swords. It quickly became clear to the natives that these invaders had come to take. Within her stone castle, the newly appointed Countess Dupree has been pushing for an expedited agenda which puts profit above safety, and violence and coercion before diplomacy. The Confederacy now pushes into the Manzia Expanse and smaller nearby islands, hoping to increase their borders and land. She often meets with viceroys and representatives of the isles, but these men and women have only their own agendas at heart and might be willing to hand over the isles for sweet words and a heavy ring of coin. The confederacy´s culture, as known, is very different from all of the other regions of the isles, since they come from far away lands. While the people of the isles don’t know much about the homeland of the confederacy, they know the lands that are bigger than the isles themselves and that the settlers are accustomed to vast stretches of land, where their cities can grow and their farmlands expand. Chivalry, castles, heraldry, looms, engineering, and media are staples of that culture. Powerful horse-riders covered in metal plates and chainmail, forged swords and weapons made of unique materials are the bulk of what represents the confederacy. The other half of the coin, is, ironically, the interest in making profit and expanding their wealth and power. The people of the confederacy came to the isles to work and protect the company’s interests. In general they all knowingly serve the same purpose and aim to fulfill the same goals. But like any people, they can be fickle, and many factions and infighting have already surfaced among the confederacy. Some wish to have a more peaceful relationship with the natives, while others want to rule and take from those that they see as inferior. Natives often see the foreigners as two-faced or deceitful and because of this have issues trusting deals and trade with them. Additionally, the confederacy is generally a lot less appreciative of the land and environment. They have built towns of stone and wood, clearing entire swaths of forest for their industrialization. Their towns are vastly different in design and look than those anywhere else in the empire, and the castles they have built across the land stand imposing upon hills, casting a watchful eye on anyone who draws near.

Military:

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The Lion's Share Confederacy is a powerful faction in the Dragon Isles, and as such, has a formidable military force to defend its borders and interests. The military structure of the Confederacy is divided into several branches, each with its own unique role and responsibilities.
The Confederacy's military force is composed of soldiers and sailors, with a large standing army and navy. The army is primarily composed of infantry and cavalry units, while the navy has both warships and merchant vessels. While its military forces may seem vast, it is theorized that the Lion's Share Trading Company, which is the parent organization of the confederacy, often hires or imports military services from an ally nation back in their homeland of Ayr.
Infantry Units:(The Iron Clads)
The infantry units of the Lion's Share Confederacy are divided into several categories based on their equipment, training, and duties. These include:
-Regulars: The bulk of the army is made up of regular foot soldiers. These soldiers are found in the most quantity, and have general weapons and armor training. They are capable of carrying out basic tactics and are trained to use ranged weapons, such as bows and crossbows, as well as melee weapons like swords, spears, and shields.
-Specialists: Specialist soldiers wear different colored cloaks to designate their skills and abilities.

Green Cloak: Armored leaders, battle medics, and rangers typically wear the green cloaks. These warriors have more advanced tactics training and typically have a simple specialization, be it healing, scouting, or leading a small number of troops. These soldiers typically know a few low-level spells or abilities.

Blue Cloak: Those who wear the blue cloaks are typically mages and spellcasters. These highly specialized officers often lead platoons of soldiers or act as arcane specialists. They are well versed in battle planning and unit management but lack advanced weapon and armor training. The magics these individuals use vary widely depending on purpose and assignment.

Red Cloak: These soldiers are elite and highly effective. Having proved themselves over many years, those who wear the red cloaks wield weapons with deadly intent and precision. Often in small groups, they take on specialized missions or are assigned as backup to other units.

Gold Cloak: Given only to the Leonin, the gold cloak represents the terrifying skill and determination of the Golden Legion. This group of expert Leonin warriors are heavily versed in weapon, magic, and tactic study. They are capable of wielding deadly magics alongside weapons to great effect. It is said that each legionnaire also hones a unique ability.

Cavalry Units: (The Blade Calvary)
The cavalry units of the Lion's Share Confederacy are composed of skilled riders who specialize in mounted combat. These units are divided into several categories based on their equipment and training, including:
-Knights: The knights of the Confederacy are heavily armored and mounted on powerful warhorses. They are skilled in the use of lances and other heavy weapons, and are capable of charging into enemy lines with devastating force.
-Light Cavalry: Light cavalry units are composed of fast-moving riders who are armed with lighter weapons, such as bows and javelins. They are used for reconnaissance and harassing enemy forces, and can also be used to chase down fleeing enemies.
Navy:(The Fleet)
The navy of the Lion's Share Confederacy is composed of warships and merchant vessels, which are used to defend the Confederacy's shores and protect its shipping interests. The navy is divided into several categories based on the size and role of the ships, including:
-War Galleys: These are the largest and most heavily armed warships in the navy, capable of carrying dozens of soldiers and equipped with powerful weapons like ballistae and catapults.
-Patrol Boats: Patrol boats are smaller vessels used for reconnaissance and patrol duties. They are typically armed with lighter weapons, such as bows and crossbows.
-Merchant Vessels: The Lion's Share Trading Company is closely tied to the Confederacy, and often hires or imports military services from an ally back in their homeland of Ayr. These merchant vessels are used to transport goods and personnel to and from Ayr, and are often guarded by Confederacy naval vessels.
Air Division:(The Skyfury)
In addition to ground troops, the Lion's Share Confederacy also boasts an aerial division consisting of griffon and hippogriff riders. These highly trained soldiers are adept at aerial combat and reconnaissance, and their mounts provide them with a significant tactical advantage on the battlefield. The aerial division is typically deployed in support of ground forces, providing air cover and reconnaissance support during battles. The griffon and hippogriff riders are highly respected within the Lion's Share Confederacy and are considered to be some of the most skilled and elite soldiers in the military.

Fortifications:

Fortifications are a crucial aspect of the Lion's Share Confederacy's military strategy on the Dragon Isles. The Confederacy has established a number of forts, castles, and walls to protect its territories and maintain its hold on the land.
One of the key challenges faced by the Confederacy's engineers is the unique geography and landscape of the Dragon Isles. The islands are characterized by rugged coastlines, steep cliffs, and dense forests, making it difficult to construct traditional fortifications. In some areas, the Confederacy has been forced to rely on natural features, such as rocky outcroppings and narrow passes, to defend its territories.
In areas where it has been possible to build fortifications, the Confederacy has relied heavily on skilled artisans and engineers to construct walls, towers, and other structures. Many of these artisans have magical abilities that allow them to quickly create structures or reinforce existing ones with enchanted materials.
The Confederacy's military fortifications are typically constructed using stone, timber, and other materials found on the islands. In some cases, magical materials such as enchanted metal or stone may be used to reinforce walls or create defensive barriers.
The forts and castles of the Lion's Share Confederacy are often designed with multiple layers of defense. This might include outer walls to slow down or funnel attackers, as well as inner walls to provide a last line of defense. Towers and gatehouses are also common, providing vantage points for archers and allowing defenders to rain down arrows or spells on attacking forces.
When the Confederacy's forces are outside of their core settlement area, they will often construct small temporary structures out of timber and other local materials, and thus each expeditionary force includes a group of engineers and builders.

Communication:

The Lion's Share Confederacy has a well-developed communications infrastructure that enables them to quickly and efficiently transmit messages across the Dragon Isles. The Confederacy utilizes a variety of methods to send messages, ranging from traditional paper letters to magical means. One of the most unique aspects of the Lion's Share's communication infrastructure is the use of familiars. Wizards and sorcerers in the Confederacy often use their familiars, such as cats, owls, and even ravens, to deliver messages quickly and discreetly. These familiars are often enchanted with magical spells that enable them to carry messages long distances or to locations that are difficult to reach.
In addition to familiars, the Lion's Share also employs a network of skilled griffon and hippogriff riders to deliver messages and communications across the Dragon Isles. These aerial units are trained to navigate the treacherous terrain of the Dragon Isles, and can deliver messages quickly and efficiently to even the most remote locations.
Another method of communication utilized by the Lion's Share is the use of sending stones. These magical stones are enchanted with a spell that enables them to transmit messages over long distances. The Confederacy has established a network of sending stones across the Dragon Isles, allowing messages to be transmitted quickly and efficiently.
Skilled artisans and mages in the Lion's Share have also developed a system of magically enhanced signal flares that can be used to transmit messages across long distances. These flares are visible for miles, and can be used to signal for help, to indicate the location of a military encampment, or to warn of approaching danger.
Finally, the Lion's Share maintains a network of trained messengers who are skilled in navigating the Dragon Isles' treacherous terrain. These messengers use a combination of magical means and traditional travel methods, such as horses and boats, to deliver messages across the Isles.
Overall, the Lion's Share Confederacy's communication infrastructure is well-developed and highly efficient, utilizing a variety of methods ranging from traditional means to advanced magical technologies. This infrastructure is a key component of the Confederacy's success, enabling them to quickly and efficiently coordinate their efforts across the Dragon Isles.

Unique Advantages:

The Lion's Share Confederacy has a number of unique technological and magical advantages over the other inhabitants of the Dragon Isles. Some of these include:

• Advanced Metallurgy: The Lion's Share Confederacy has access to advanced metallurgical techniques that allow them to craft weapons and armor that are far superior to those used by their enemies. They are able to create alloys that are stronger, lighter, and more durable than traditional metals, and they have developed techniques for tempering and treating metal that make their weapons and armor nearly indestructible.
• Alchemy: The Confederacy also has a strong tradition of alchemy, and their alchemists are able to create a wide range of potions, elixirs, and other compounds that can enhance their physical abilities, heal their wounds, or grant them other magical powers. They have also developed a number of alchemical weapons and devices, including bombs that can create fire or acid, and smoke grenades that can obscure their movements.
• Magi-tech Devices: The Lion's Share Confederacy is also skilled in the creation and use of magi-tech devices, which combine magical and technological elements to create powerful and versatile tools. One example of this is the "arcane repeater", a device that allows them to amplify and broadcast magical signals over long distances, making it possible for them to communicate over great distances. They have also developed a number of magi-tech weapons, including crossbows that fire bolts of lightning, and swords that can channel magical energy.
• Magical Item Creation: The Confederacy is known for its skilled artisans and enchanters, who are able to create a wide variety of magical items. They are able to imbue weapons, armor, and other items with magical properties that make them more effective in combat. They have also developed a number of unique magical items, such as "sky lanterns" that allow their soldiers to see in the dark, and "wind boots" that allow them to move quickly and silently across difficult terrain.
• Familiar Communication: As previously mentioned, the Confederacy has a tradition of using familiars as messengers and scouts. They are able to communicate with their familiars over long distances, allowing them to coordinate their movements and keep in touch with each other even in the most remote locations.

Leaders/Notable Characters:

• Commander Melga Dupree, Master of War: Melga Dupree is a veteran soldier and naval officer who has served in the Confederacy's military for many years. She is a skilled strategist and tactician, and is known for her imposing martial prowess and battlefield presence. She is fiercely loyal to the Countess and the Confederacy, and is a respected and feared leader among the troops under her command.
• Lieutenant Commander Gideon Maccoy, Naval Officer: Gideon Maccoy is a skilled naval officer who serves as the commander of the Confederacy's flagship, the LS Lionheart. He is a charismatic and confident leader, and is known for his ability to inspire his crew and keep them focused and disciplined even in the face of adversity. He is fiercely protective of his ship and crew, and is not afraid to take risks to achieve his objectives.
• Sergeant Ria Redwood, Infantry Officer: Ria Redwood is a tough and experienced infantry officer who serves as the commander of the Confederacy's elite Redwood Company. She is known for her courage and determination in battle, and for her ability to inspire her troops to greater feats of bravery. She is respected and admired by her soldiers, and is known for leading from the front and never asking her troops to do anything she wouldn't do herself.
• Master Alchemist Roland Ember, Alchemy Specialist: Roland Ember is a master alchemist and artificer who serves as the chief alchemist of the Confederacy's military. He is responsible for developing new alchemical compounds and devices to aid the troops in battle, and is known for his innovative and unconventional approaches to problem-solving. He is a bit of a recluse, and prefers to work alone in his laboratory, but his contributions to the Confederacy's military are invaluable.
• Captain Arianna Stone, Aerial Division Commander: Arianna Stone is a skilled griffon and hippogriff rider who serves as the commander of the Confederacy's Aerial Division. She is known for her mastery of the skies and her ability to lead her riders into battle with precision and skill. She is also a skilled diplomat and negotiator, and has used her aerial division to great effect in reconnaissance and diplomatic missions.
• Commander Lirien Sunmane: Lirien Sunmane is the leader of the Golden Legion, a band of Leonin warriors with the gold cloaks who serve as the elite shock troops of the Lion's Share Confederacy. She is a veteran warrior and a master of close combat, and is known for her fearlessness and unshakable determination. She is also an excellent strategist and tactician, and is often called upon to lead important missions and campaigns for the Confederacy.

For Hearth and Home

Founding Date

630 DF

Type

Geopolitical, Colony

Capital

Shoretown

Alternative Names

The Confederacy, Foreigner's Port

Head of State

Countess Lana Dupree

Head of Government

Council of Gold

Government System

Democracy, Parliamentary

Power Structure

Confederation

Economic System

Market economy

Parent Organization

Lion's Share Trading Company

Neighboring Nations

• Manzia Expanse

Notable Members

• Council of Gold
• Countess Lana Dupree