The Garden Pamphlet – Edition One

[Stevie 1598]

The Garden Pamphlet

New Edition One

5th of Amber’s Cold, 1498

 

Editor’s Note

The Sixth Sovereign of Petrus

The Pontificate of Cyriaum

The Untamed North

Aeldin, A Faraway Land: The Heartlands

A Day in the Life – Leuvaarden

 

______________________________________________________

 

Editor’s Note

 

The Garden has returned yet again!

 

The Garden Pamphlet is an ongoing newsletter provided for the people of Athera. Written by various sources who may remain unnamed if they so choose, the Garden is a piece of literature that will inform the citizens of the various Realms with everything they need to know. To those that wish to submit articles to the Garden, send word to the Postmaster in Leuvaarden.

 

((If you would like to contribute an article to the Garden, send a PM to this forum account with the submission. It will be reviewed and either approved or denied, with edits being made for any discrepancies. The choice of whether or not you would like to name yourself as the author is at your own decision.))

 

______________________________________________________
 

The Sixth Sovereign of Petrus

 

Andrik Vydra, First of His Name, King of the Reformed Kingdom of Oren and Sovereign of Petrus; Protector of the Heartlands; Fifth Unifier of Humanity; Vanquisher of Aesterwald; and the Anointed of God by His Holiness, has taken his seat as the highest authority of Mankind.

 

King Andrik, upon the conclusion of the Schism War and his official coronation, has established his capital in the Eternal City of Petrus, which has seen a great revival of culture, population, and religion since the Kingdom’s creation. King Andrik is the sixth sovereign lord of Petrus, with his predecessors being Emperor Robert Chivay; Lord Boris Carrion; Emperor Tuvya Carrion; Emperor Aleksandr Carrion; and Lord Godfrey III Horen. The King has united the Heartlands, Akovia, and even smaller factions across the Ebunad river under a single banner. Instating the highest authority at the start of his reign, King Andrik denies inter-realm conflict and has decreed that no kingdom shall ever rise where Aesterwald once stood. He reinforces this decree by establishing a puppet state known as the Northern Commonwealth, and has further goals to expel any further threat from the north permanently. These goals have led to inevitable conflict with the Kingdom of Urguan, whose petty holdings claim some form of dominion and control over the rightful land of Mankind.

 

King Andrik descends from House Vydra, a house stemming from the former Kingdom of Akovia. The bloodline of Vydra holds no history with the greater houses of the past human kingdoms, yet Andrik and his kin have shown their strength, determination, and ambition in both the Schism War and the ongoing conflict in the North. The King, despite his strength, is intelligent enough to surround himself with loyal councillors, whose duties to the Kingdom are unparalleled. Thanks to the Reformed Kingdom of Oren, Mankind is once again setting itself on stable and effective progress.

 

Unfortunately, due to the treachery of the Kingdom’s once proud and longtime allies, King Andrik was assassinated by the vile and dishonorable Silver State of Haelun’or. The great betrayal is an outrage to all of Humanity, and a great vengeance has been called on all Elvenkind.

 

______________________________________________________

 

The Pontificate of Cyriaum

 

The Holy Palatinate of Cyriaum is the seat of His Holiness, High Pontiff Daniel I. Along with the High Pontiff, the Holy See and Curia also reside in the Palatinate, which is the administrative body of the entire Pontificate. The Pontificate of Cyriaum holds the province independently, with High Pontiff Daniel I acting as its sovereign lord.

 

The Pontificate, under the management of the Holy See, has overseen the construction of several wayshrines throughout the Heartlands, dedicated to the Saints of the Faith. Furthermore, the establishment of Prophet’s Peaks has finished its final renovations. The  Peak acts as the first and last place for any pious pilgrim to visit whilst devoting time to God. The Peak is located just north of the Eternal City of Petrus, between the roads of Alderswood and Angren. The Fief of Krinfrid acts as the Peak’s Protector, where Ser Foltest of Aeldin protects any travelers.

 

The province itself is currently sparsely populated, and is capable of accommodating a small number of residents. Under the protection of the Vicar of God and the Holy See, the residents of the Pontificate are considered some of the safest in the Heartlands.

 

Notable Clergy in the Pontificate:

High Pontiff Daniel I

Vice Chancellor Hectorius of Aeldin

Abbott Jude of Petrus

Bishop Kristoff of Hanseti

Bishop Humbert of Bar (nee Humbert)

Father Branaford of Cavan

 

______________________________________________________

 

The Untamed North

 

The land beyond the Ebunad river is colloquially referred to as “The North”, and it is synonymous with wilderness, counter-civilization, and rampant paganism. The once stalwart Kingdom of Aesterwald was situated on the northern bank of the Ebunad, and due to the North’s corrupting agents, it quickly fell to thoughts of heresy that would lead to the Schism War. The land itself is wild and unforgiving; countless petty factions vie for control of a few acres of land, and the chaotic nature of the region appeals to the deviants and ne’erdowells of Athera, making the North a tangled mess of rebels and rejects.

 

Meanwhile, though, while the insignificant bands battle on the roads, two larger factions lay their claim on dominion of the North: the Reformed Kingdom of Oren and the Kingdom of Urguan. Both nations have strategic holdings in the region, and are reluctant to give each other any advantageous ground. The focus of the most recent Orenic-Dwarven war has shifted from the mainland of Athera into the rowdy and disorderly lands of the North; and its people, as uncivilized as they are, become ever-involved in the growing conflict. The Holding of Nerezza, a strategic castle located in the center of the North, has been the site of the most recent conflicts between Oren and Urguan. The holding itself has changed sides numerous times in the war, yet it seems it has finally placed its stake with Urguan. The Northern Commonwealth – a conglomerate puppet of city-states in the northeastern quadrant – have supported Oren in their conquests, and seek to further their own dominion over the North.

 

Several battles have already taken place throughout the region, yet two stand out as truly significant:

 

The Siege of Hiebenhall

The Siege of Hiebenhall was an offensive maneuver planned by the Reformed Kingdom of Oren. The intent was to dismantle the Holding of the Grandaxe clan, and with it a significant blow to Dwarven power in the North. Unfortunately, though, due to a complete lack of leadership, the Orenic forces were commanded by incompetent and overly-ambitious commanders whose knowledge of stratagem and tactics were as learned as a newborn babe. Foolish commands led the bulk of the Orenic force around the curtain walls of the holding, all while under the constant fire from Dwarven missiles. Only when the commanders had realized their folly was it truly too late. Yet despite this, the order for an advance was given still, and many soldiers fell to the repeating volleys of Dwarven bows. The Orenic forces were beaten back that day, the Kingdom of Urguan successfully repelling Mankind’s assault.

 

The Siege of Drakenburgh

The Siege of Drakenburgh was an offensive maneuver coordinated by the Kingdom of Urguan and a contingent of Orcish clans who pledged their support. The Dwarves, inspired by their recent victory at Hiebenhall, had the intent to cripple the Northern Commonwealth’s power by striking at the heart of their military installations. Preparations were made, and under the cover of nightfall the Dwarven vanguard established a siege camp. By daybreak, several trebuchets, trenches, barricades and towers had been erected and the siege was underway. Yet the construction had not gone unnoticed, and several messages were sent to the Heartlands in request for aid. And so, on the same morning the Dwarven engineers had finished their construction, a massive force of Orenic reinforcements had rallied to the south of the castle. As soon as the first salvoes of Dwarven trebuchets had hit the walls of Drakenburgh, the Orenic forces were already upon them. A lightning charge across the fields followed by a sally from the defenders crashed into the Dwarven camp, swarming and overwhelming the besiegers. Within minutes, the Dwarven lines were broken and in utter rout. The Kingdom of Urguan was repelled and the former inspiration from their past victory lost under the crushing boot of the Kingdom of Oren.

______________________________________________________

 

 

Aeldin, A Faraway Land: The Heartlands

 

The first people encountered by those of the Exodus were known as the Heartlanders. Of average height and hosting a mild complexion, the Heartlanders were, besides the Agathorians, one of the most relatable of the people to the Imperials that landed. The Heartlands was the first Imperial province established by the Emperor Horen, and the Heartlander Campaign, led by the now Emperor Peter Chivay, was an easily won victory over a people who quickly realized their soon-to-be Imperial overlords were just and righteous in their cause. Sharing a common distaste for nonhumans, the Imperials and Heartlanders signed a peace agreement two years into the campaign, with the entirety of the Heartlands swearing under the crown of the Empire. This segment will describe a small portion of the Heartlander Campaign:

 

The Heartlander Wars by Julianus the Younger

 

Page 348, The King’s Word

 

The King had called his commanders to his tent for a final time, finding this long siege unwanted and unneeded for a war that was already so far won. For ninety-seven days the siege had dragged on, the Barons of Valtian defiant in their acceptance of their new Empire. The walls were formidable and made of ancient and towering flagstones, but even now they had begun to buckle under the combined might of the Heartlander-Imperial force, whose siege engines constantly battered the walls in an endless harassment. An assault was soon coming, and the entire camp began to prepare.

 

______________________________________________________

 

 

A Day in the Life – Leuvaarden

 

Written by Augustus Fournier

 

The City of Leuvaarden, presided over by the shrewd Count Guy de Bar, serves as the de facto capital for the Duchy of Savoy, and is by some stretch the largest city to be found in the current lands of Oren. Taking the guise of a weary traveller, one of our most trusted reporters pays a visit:

 

Upon entry to the city via means of the road connecting to Cloud Temple, it is clear the city is normally tranquil. Streams of water cut through the fertile soil and the occasional peasant hovel can be seen, rising from the hard-baked earth. Entering further, signs of life can be seen - farmers harvesting the wheat, and men conducting trade near the marketplace One of the spectacles of the city is the field of fabled ‘Crosses of Leuvaarden’, upon which heretics are hung.

 

As the road rises, there is the newly-constructed industrial areas to the right. Complete with a multitude of apparatus for each of the many crafts that are available to citizens of Athera, it offers a public position to both meet with fellow citizens and practise your skills. A return to the main path brings the entrant past the large crane employed for construction work, along with the ‘Avenese Bank’ and a large catapult - supposedly the one used to bring down the Ordium.

 

Climbing the short steps into the main street allows the first sight of the Leuvaarden Keep, a prevalent structure from which the local nobles, led by the Count, pass edicts pertaining to the burgeoning city. The sounds of clashing iron can be heard, and never seem to stop, from ‘Leuvaarden Steel’ as the smiths work tirelessly to create arms and armour for the men of Savoy.

 

Anyone who longs for a drink or a morsel to eat after a tiring journey may stop in the ‘Grand Master’s Tavern’ and engage in both a delicious meal from the fields of Savoy and insightful conversation with the locals. For those that decide to delve deeper into the tavern, the smoky gambling den awaits below - the prospect of much money to be won available to entice those that seek to turn a profit or enjoy the competition. Passing further through the streets, past the rarely-used gallows and towards the grand cathedral it is possible to catch a glimpse of Guy de Bar upon business or talking to the local people.  

 

Halting before the cathedral it is advisable to enter and listen to the zealous tones of the Bishop Humbert giving mass or a sermon to the gathered small-folk. After taking part in such the road leads down towards the crowded docks. Climbing down the path it quickly turns into the midst of bustling farm homes, accompanied by small gardens.

 

Stepping down towards the dock your view is dominated by the very same warships that destroyed the dwarven ‘steam’ navy merely a year ago. To those that are quick upon their feet is it possible to clamber upon such vessels and see the deck where our soldiers grappled bravely with the stouts.

 

Taking the path back and past the cathedral reveals a fledgling vineyard, workers carefully picking grapes from the vines and scuttling over the various equipment that constitutes the making of some of the famous Leuvaarden vintages: ‘Richard’s Red’, ‘Savoyard Champagne’ and more. Once finished the sight of courtiers fills the yard, quickly lifting up the full bottles and carrying them back to the castle.

 

The patrolling of St. Amyas order-men is a regular site amongst the city, pausing citizens to ensure they are safe and dealing with any disturbances in the peace. The dealing of the burghers is protected by them, as they count out their coins and swap goods. Occasionally the sight of Guy de Bar and Augustus Fournier can be seen, administrating the city and granting alms to the poor.

[_Stigwig 1510]

Augustus smiles thinly as he unfolds the pamphlet, glancing over the article he had written and giving a light nod of satisfaction before placing it back down - pleased he had displayed Leuvaarden in an accurate manner. 

[thesmellypocket 1859]

"Surely the king may count himself remembered in the most prestigious annuls of history, but why our mighty sovereign is king and not emperor is clear. His humble begins, it is known." Adolf comments, smirking Savoyardily "So long as the rights of the nobles and barons of the realm are respected, we may think ourselves under a good sovereign. And with prosperity....and wealth and good piety and prestige."

[TeaLulu 1783]

A paladin tucks away her copy of the most fine frequent publication in all of Athera, eagerly awaiting the next issue.

[Heero 4092]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.