Elswick

Capital: Elysium
Population:
Government: Waring Dukedom
Religions: The 6 Pillars
Imports: Various food stuffs, Wood and Timber
Export: Wines, Textiles, Pottery, and Fruits and Vegatables
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

The Lands of Elswick were once a thriving monarchy 300 years ago.  The king at the time perished without any heirs to carry on his line.  This had never happened before and with no rules to govern the starting of a new royal bloodline the 8 Dukes of the time began to fight and scheme to make sure their bloodline would take over.  Through the years the bitter battle for the crown has continued much to the detriment of the people of the lands.  As time went by more and more of the magic of the lands faded away.  Races once prominent left or went into seclusion.  Spellcasting and the use of magic has mostly been lost to the people of Elswick. Many believe that the great King died due to the Kingdoms misuse of magic, what remains is looked at with fear and suspicion throughout the kingdom  Six Duchies remain each having its own laws and customs.  The constant battle for control has turned this once thriving country into a lawless land full of mercenaries and bounty hunters.  With no crown to issue and uphold the law many wanted folks find their ways to Elswick in order to hide.

Life and Society

Life in any of the six dutchies can be hard for the common person.  The Dukes via for power and the merchants and nobles are in a constant power struggle.  Much of the population is actually in one form or another of serfdom to their Lord, Baron, or Duke.  They work tirelessly to pay off a debt that can never be worked off.  Certain Dukes also allow the sale and trade of slave labor.

Days Of The Week

  • Heirday: (Monday) Named after Heirlon, the Prosperous Merchant.
  • Aresday: (Tuesday) In honor of Aresius, the Mighty Warlord.
  • Lumday: (Wednesday) Named after Lumina, the Guardian Sentinel.
  • Pomday: (Thursday) Inspired by Pomona, the Harvest Matron.
  • Gromday: (Friday) Dedicated to Grom, the Master Artisan.
  • Valday: (Saturday) In tribute to Valoran, the Noble Knight.
  • Solday: (Sunday) A day of rest and reflection, worshiping all six gods collectively.

Major Geographical Features
Dellrun River (Local Name) – .

The Forgotten Wood –

Important Sites

ElysiumThe former capital city of Elswick a empty and hollow husk of its former self.

Rothchester Duchy: Located in the northern reaches of Elswick, Rothchester is known for its strategic position and formidable defenses. Its lands span vast forests and rugged mountains, attracting resilient warriors and skilled hunters. Rothchester’s ruling Duke or Duchess is recognized for their martial prowess and focus on military strength.

Conwyn Duchy: Situated on the northeast edge of the kingdom, Conwyn borders the Misty Peaks mountain range, serving as a natural barrier to the next kingdom beyond. Despite being landlocked, Conwyn is a land of diverse landscapes, ranging from fertile plains to dense forests. Once renowned for its magical heritage, Conwyn has experienced a significant loss in mystical power due to the curse. Its current ruler, Duke Edward, has focused on wealth accumulation and maintaining influence through cunning political maneuvering.

Ruwith Duchy: Nestled along the western border of the kingdom, Ruwith is a Duchy defined by its rolling hills and vast meadows. Its lands are crisscrossed by the majestic Dellrun River, a lifeline for trade and transportation within Elswick. Ruwith is known for its flourishing agricultural practices and the production of high-quality crops. The ruling family of Ruwith has managed to maintain a delicate balance between economic prosperity and political control.

Amberworth Duchy: Located in the southern part of Elswick, Amberworth is a Duchy renowned for its fertile plains and lush farmlands. The Dellrun River meanders through its territories, providing a source of irrigation and facilitating trade. Amberworth specializes in agriculture, with a focus on cultivating abundant crops and vineyards. The ruling Duke or Duchess of Amberworth holds a deep connection to the land and its bountiful harvests.

Stoneshire Duchy: Occupying the eastern territories of Elswick, Stoneshire is known for its rugged terrain, rocky cliffs, and expansive mines. The Dellrun River runs through its lands, providing a vital water source for both mining and agriculture. The Duchy has turned its focus to mineral wealth and craftsmanship, producing exquisite stonework, jewelry, and weapons. The ruling family of Stoneshire prides itself on their strong ties to the land and their mastery of craftsmanship.

Langston Duchy: Situated in the central plains of Elswick, Langston is a Duchy known for its vast grasslands and equestrian traditions. The Dellrun River flows through its territories, offering sustenance to the fertile plains. It is a land of skilled horse breeders, renowned knights, and chivalrous traditions. The ruling Duke or Duchess of Langston upholds a strict code of honor and knighthood, symbolizing the ancient virtues of Elswick.

City Name (Type, Population)
Coming soon…

Regional History

Fall of the Old Gods: Long ago, the old gods, in their infinite wisdom and power, had become corrupted and driven by their own selfish desires. They grew arrogant and indifferent to the plight of mortals, abusing their divine authority for personal gain.  Through their folly the King of Elswick and all in his line died sending the lands into turmoil.   Witnessing the suffering and injustice caused by these gods, the six benevolent entities who would become the new gods emerged from the depths of the spiritual realm.

These six entities, representatives of higher cosmic forces, took pity on the mortal realm and saw the need for true guardians and protectors. They waged a great cosmic battle against the old gods, defeating and banishing them, thereby liberating the land from their tyrannical rule. The new gods, born from compassion and righteousness, promised to watch over the land, guiding and safeguarding its inhabitants with their divine blessings.

Plots and Rumors
In the Kingdom of Elswick, six remaining Duchies stand as fragmented remnants of a once-great realm, each vying for dominance and striving to overcome the curse that has drained the magic from their lands. The struggle for power, wealth, and the search for a resolution to the curse continues to shape the destiny of Elswick and its people.

Leader
Former King / Alric “The Wise” Elowen, Male, Human (maybe half elven) (Class Level)

300 years ago, the Kingdom of Elswick was ruled by King Alric the Wise, a revered monarch known for his deep connection to the magical energies that coursed through the realm. King Alric possessed a profound understanding of the arcane arts and had dedicated his life to studying and preserving the magical heritage of Elswick.

Under King Alric’s rule, the kingdom flourished, and magic was a vibrant and integral part of everyday life. Wizards, sorcerers, and magical creatures thrived, and Elswick was renowned throughout the realm for its enchantments, spellcraft, and mystical wonders.

However, tragedy struck when King Alric met an untimely demise under mysterious circumstances. His sudden and unexplained death sent shockwaves through the kingdom, plunging Elswick into a state of mourning and uncertainty. It marked the beginning of a dark era for the kingdom, as the magical energies that once flowed freely began to wane, gradually fading from the land.  This tragedy began a war of succession between the 8 Dukes of the kingdom.

The circumstances surrounding King Alric’s death remained shrouded in secrecy, fueling rumors and speculation. Some whispered of foul play, suggesting that dark forces were at work, orchestrating the downfall of the beloved monarch. Others believed it to be a natural event, a consequence of the immense power the king had wielded.

Regardless of the cause, King Alric’s death had a profound impact on the kingdom. The once vibrant and flourishing magical community dwindled, as practitioners found their powers diminished or altogether lost. Spells became weaker, enchantments faltered, and magical creatures withdrew from the realm, seeking refuge in other lands.

The loss of the King and the subsequent decline of magic cast a pall over Elswick. The once-luminous kingdom became a shadow of its former self, its people yearning for the days when magic was abundant and its wonders were woven into the very fabric of society.

To this day, the memory of King Alric the Wise lingers in the hearts and minds of the people of Elswick. He is remembered as a visionary ruler, a protector of magic, and a beacon of wisdom. His mysterious death serves as a haunting reminder of the fragile nature of power and the unpredictable forces that can shape the destiny of a kingdom.

Deities of Elswick

Dorin Copperbrew

“It’s not ready yet…”

Character Name: Dorin Copperbrew aka “Copper”
Player: Jason Tweberg
Sex: M
Race: Hill Dwarf
Class: Cleric
Size: Small
Age: 132
Height: Short, I’m a dwarf for Lorphen’s sake
Weight: Thick
Hair: Brown, long
Eyes: Amber

Description:

“Copper” to his friends.

Dorin, a middle aged dwarven cleric, served at an abbey in Orgden Hamlet. Serving the deity Lorphen. His love for ale and brewing ale, he believes, was a gift from Lorphen, for what better way to come to peace than to share a cold mug of ale.

The priests tolerated his brewing since they enjoyed it as well. The fresh water from the Cerian Mountains made for a crisp and flavorful ale, but Dorin perhaps enjoyed his ale a bit too much, he’d been found sleeping through many of his chores or sometime sneaking away to brew instead of praying. He did pray while he brewed he figured that counted. Eventually the priests got fed up and kicked him out of the abbey.

Now Dorin, with his chin held high, believed this to be yet another gift from Lorphen. He often said, “Lorphen’s Gift”, when something bad or good happened. Anyway, Dorin always wanted to try the hops out in the East. So he packed up his brewing supplies, grabbed his old mace, gathered as much wonderful Cerian Mountain Water he could carry and headed to Westgate. There he bought passage with some hilarious Rendarians who quite enjoyed his ale which helped supplement the cost.

Now in the Republic he allows Lorphen to lead him to his next opportunity…

 

Character Sheet:

 

 

Journals:

October 11th, 2020 – Entry 1: How’d it go so wrong?

November 16th, 2020 – A Little Perspective

November 17th, 2020 – Entry 2: Dorin’s Fall

January 24th, 2022 – Entry 3: Death and Resurrection 

Nerrisan Starbirch

Character Name: Nerrisan Starbirch
Player: Duke
Sex: Male
Race: High (Sun) Elf
Class: Wizard 
Size: Medium
Age: 115
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 145
Hair: Pale blonde
Eyes: Silver Gray

Description: Nerrisan, Nerris to his companions, has a regal bearing. Pale blonde, almost white, hair touches his shoulders and frames gray eyes that have a near metallic sheen. Sharp cheek bones top a wiry frame. While rambunctious for an elf, he still takes time to assess situations with logic. He has left his studies and research in the Lollen’del, but still approaches most things with the curiosity of a sage. He is ever on the look out for knowledge and items that might enhance his magical arts.

Character Link:

Leveling Progression: Wizard (Abjuration)

Character History:

By elvish standards, Nerrisan is impatient. He feels he has done his time under his mentor studying and researching. The books he has read on human mages mastering aspects of the art in as little as 50 years has him wanting to head out into the world and advance his studies through hands on experience.
To the dismay of his prim and proper family, he has packed his things and taken his leave with promises of returning to show what he has learned.

Homeland: Forest of Lollen’del

Other Notes:
Nerrisan’s Journal