Preview: s Realm of Sahûl The average rating for all Military QRs is 5. Each (+) or (-) symbol represents a deviation from this average. Likewise, NSR average is 5, BL 4, RS 4, IR 4. Where listed, numbers indicate actual value.

Military Quality Ratings: C=Cavalry, I=Infantry, S=Siege, N=Naval, A=Air NSR=National Sorcery Rating BL=Bureaucratic Level RS=Religious Strength IR=Intelligence Rating

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Cruenti Dei rules copyright © 1994, 1999, 2007 Thom Ryng. Cruenti Dei: Sahûl copyright © 2007 Thom Ryng. Cruenti Dei, Sahûl and all related properties are trademarks of Sardarthion Press. Malebolge illustration on page 9 by Steven O. Nobles Wenemet illustration on page 28 by Jacqueline Brasfield

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Cruenti Dei Fifth Edition Rules. (v5.0), Preview doc v1.1 Adndar, Imperial Free City Adndar Fact Sheet Tarotist city in the southern reaches of Full Name Imperial Free City of Adndar the Byrrin River Valley, just over a hundred miles from Sardarthion. Located at a wide Capital Adndar (river port city) sandy bend in the river, Adndar is the only Kindred 50% W, 35% S, 15% I ford on the Byrrin. Religion Strongly Tarotist. Since the river here is very shallow, Government City government is a republic merchant ships traditionally unloaded at dominated by Wenemet, Adndar’s Highport or Lowport and paid the though they form barely half city’s powerful Riverman’s Guild to transport of the population. The two goods to the other port for loading onto ships political groups caused by the continuing on the river. Recently, however, canal construction continue to an alliance of Adndar’s other Guilds and sev- struggle for the city’s future. Twenty-five Councillors are eral Cappargarnian merchant houses sought chosen by the city’s powerful to break the political and economic strangle- guilds, which in turn are hold of the Riverman’s Guild over the city. dominated by the city’s clans. They planned to build a canal through the The largely ceremonial city and financed it themselves with the com- Burgrave is hereditary within pliance of a city government they subverted Wenemet Clan Tiribissi. in anticipation of the plan. The execution of Clans City culture and politics is the plan caused no small amount of unrest dominated by six Wenemet and and incurred the wrath of the Rivermen. three Saurian clans, and two Twenty years of intermittent trade war, po- Malebolge hives. litical power plays, and civil unrest consumed Military Primarily designed for defense, the city. In the end, they built the canal, broke the city’s military is dominated the power of the Rivermen, and levelled some by slow-moving infantry. unimportant (read “poverty-stricken”) Sau- Airfleet is legendary. rian and Malebolge neighbourhoods. Adjective Adndari The city has grown rich on trade and is Language Byrrin renowned throughout Sahûl for its glass artisans. C-- I+ S++ N+ A+ NSR- BL-- IR+

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 3 Aradéc, Electoral Kingdom Aradéc Fact Sheet Relatively wealthy Electoral Kingdom, Full Name Electoral Kingdom of Aradéc centered on the ancient town of Darnuldeis in northeastern Sahûl. Aradéc is a predomi- Capital Darnuldeis (port town) nately rural farming State, pastoral and bu- Arms Azure, a dolphin embowed argent colic. Fishing and, in the north, forestry are Kindred 93% W major industries. The mighty Aradécan ce- Religion Iluvarianism dominates, some dar, though nearly extinct, still exists in scat- Urdan in the north. Darnuldeis tered groves throughout northern Aradéc. welcomes all faiths (except Poor in mineral resources, Aradéc imports Yagnarism), but is still 80%+ most of its metals from Golmath. Iluvarian. Surrounded by the sea and hemmed in by Gov’t Aradéc is a centralised Golmath to the west, Aradéc has not had the with strong feudal traditions and opportunities of expansion available to the a history of good government. other Electoral States, though their intrepid has a professional navy has secured numerous small islands and administration at his disposal. A Clanmoot must be called if new “trading stations” as far away as Iathni and taxes or tariffs are to be imposed. Hyrágec. C++ I+ N+ A- NSR- RS+ IR- BL+ King is elected for life from amongst the legitimate heirs of Clan Sansollen by the Clan mothers. Clans Since 1385, Aradéc has been ruled by Clan Sansollen. A handful of other Clans make up the State’s feudal structure, but most are related by blood or marriage and all are of unquestioned loyalty. A number of “Island Clans” in the east are rough, uncultured, and impolite, but their are quick to put their lives on the line for their King. Military Strong navy, small but fierce royal army supplemented by Clan forces of varying worth. Adjective Aradécan Language Eastern

4 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Araxes, Grand Duchy Araxes Fact Sheet Important Urdan coastal State in north Full Name Grand Duchy of Araxes central Sahûl. Primarily inhabited by Wen- emet with large Saurian and Malebolge mi- Capital Pinyerrel (inland city) norities in the highlands. The Grand is Kindred 76% W, 14% I, 10% S Wenemet and is supported by three powerful Religion Urdan. Scattered Yagnarists Wenemet clans on the coast, one powerful and Iluvarians. Malebolge Hive in the south, and a handful Government A classic Wenemet feudal of smaller highland clans. state, long at peace with its The Araxean Clans are devoted to the neighbours. Araxes has, of all Code and a literature of chivalry, courage, the major Realms, incorporated and courtly love has developed in the Araxu the Code of Chivalry most language. perfectly into its government structure. A Parilament The land itself is a fairly fertile broad of nobles and cavaliers, coastal plain between the valleys of the Eka- representing the Clans and tik and Hûrn Rivers. The highlands slope up towns, advises the to the Tothogo mountains and are a broken, and largely sets the agenda of rocky ground conducive to sheep herding government. and not much else. Towns are clustered in Clans Clan Pangku have been Grand the river valleys, although the capital of (and before that, Dukes) Pinyerrel is located inland on the major road of Araxes since 1294. They between the two. are supported by the other I+ N+ IR+ three great clans of Araxes: the Puchalam, Puntha, and Thiuli, as well as the T’chaix Hive in the south. “The Five”, as they are known, dominate Parliament and the cultural and political life of Araxes. Military Clan forces tend to be cavalry, but a strong central army is mostly infantry. The Araxean navy has a proud tradition, and the coastal city of Nigata is one of the premier ship-building ports in Sahûl. Adjective Araxean Language Araxu

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 5 Atuburrk, Electoral Grand Duchy Atuburrk Fact Sheet A resource-poor Electoral Grand Duchy Full Name Electoral Grand Duchy of covering the southern two-thirds of the is- Atuburrk land of the same name in northern Sahûl. Capital Inh Odol (port town) Atuburrk’s population is concentrated in the well-governed coastal plains, while the Arms Sable, a rat saltant argent interior highlands are wilder and largely in (Note that assorted privateers the hands of warring sub-clans and bandits. and pirates also use this basic colour scheme). Fishing, trading, and privateering are major industries, although mining, forestry, and Kindred 81% W, 15% I raiding sustain the troubled interior Clans. Religion Yagnarism dominates, Atuburrk has thus far been unable to scattered communities of other unite the entire island under their flag for faiths tolerated or dominated. more than a few weeks at a time. Government Atuburrk is almost two different countries: a strong Atuburrk Island centralised monarchy on the Large island in the northern reaches of coast and a lawless highland the Gulf of Iphil, north of the Sahûl main- interior subject to arbitrary violence and warring sub- land. Dominated in the south by Wenemet clans. Clans beholden to the Elector of Atuburrk at Inh Odol, and on the wild mountainous Grand Duke is elected for life northern coast by indomitable Malebolge from amongst the legitimate Hives. The extreme north east corner of the heirs of Clan Adhanggar by island, known as “the Wild Coast”, is a law- the Clan mothers. Clan symbol is the Atuburrkan Blackberry less medley of all three Kindreds. Tree. Most of the population of the island are Yagnarist, but there are communities of all Clans Atuburrk is ruled by Clan Adhanggar. A patchwork faiths scattered about, particularly on the of other Clans make up the northern coast. State’s feudal structure. Those The interior highlands, nominally part of on the coast are cultured and the Electorate, are inhabited by a bewilder- relatively peaceful, while the ing patchwork of warring clans mostly given interior clans are a bunch of to thuggery. hooligans. The climate is warm with mild winters, Military Strong navy, elite marines. though the interior can get downright hot Small Clan armies exist mostly during the long summer months. to maintain the peace (such as N++ A+ IR+ it is). Adjective Atuburrkan Language Byrrin

6 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Averon, Electoral Grand Duchy Averon Fact Sheet Geographically and culturally diverse Full Name Electoral Grand Duchy of Electoral Grand Duchy located in the high- Averon lands of northwest Sahûl. The flat, central Capital Kongros (river port city) plains, including the valley of the Ooran River and the coasts of Lake Muleen and the Arms Or, a dragon segreant gules, Bay of Duhrl, are inhabited by two ancient armed sable nations of Saurians, the Daridans and the Kindred 60% S, 40% I Averese. The mountainous reaches to the Religion Iluvarian. Scattered Urdan north and south are inhabited by Malebolge. villages, some Tarotists in the Those to the north are a fierce, Tok-speaking north people who form the flinty core of the Ilu- Government Averon is four separate varian Church Militant. Those in the south, countries stitched together by contrast, are an easy-going Nexitl-speak- through personal loyalty to ing people related to the Pexiki. Clan Drax and a strong central Clan Drax claims to have ruled from government that works in three languages. The Northern Kongros since the days of the First Empire, March, an area not contiguous though in truth they were a relatively minor with the rest of the Grand Clan until they married into the much more Duchy, is under the firm control powerful Clan Morrett of Darida in the of Hive Tishrak. thirteenth century. The Clan has certainly produced more than its fair share of capable Grand Dukes are hereditary with absolute primogeniture. and visionary leaders. While they have kept a weather eye on the doings of the Imperial Clans The aristocratic and venerable Court, the Electors have nevertheless consis- Clan Drax is related to most of the other Saurian clans of the tently declined to become terribly involved. Grand Duchy by marriage. A C+ N- A+ BL+ scattering of Malebolge hives in the north and south are loyal to the Drax; the most important is Hive Tishrak. Military Averon’s military has always relied on speed and is heavy in both cavalry and airships. The forces of the Northern March are mostly Malebolge infantry. Adjective Averese Language West Saurian, Tok, Nexitl

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 7 Cappargarnia, City Cappargarnia Fact Sheet Capital and chief city of the Electorate of Full Name Electoral Republic of the same name. By and large, the multi-ra- Cappargarnia cial Tarotist city is well-ordered and peace- Capital Cappargarnia (river port city) able, but violence and looting is common during the election of the . Arms Argent, an Owl gules Located in the lower reaches of the Byr- Kindred 50% W, 35% S, 15% I rin River Valley, Cappargarnia is partially on Religion Tarotistism dominates the western bank of the river and partially Government Cappargarnia is an aristocratic, on the large island of Onalkal, giving rise to mercantile republic. The Senate one of its many nicknames “City of Bridges”. (65 Senators from the City, These bridges were the original source of 16 from the “Hinterlands”) Cappargarnia’s vast wealth; trade caravans represents the merchants, from west and east meet in the city, and ships guilds, and clans. The Senate from her ports ply the river from Lake Sar- advises the Electoral Prince dath to the sea. and performs the legislative function, though the Electoral The name “Cappargarnia” was coined Prince has veto powers that are from the Ancient Saurian, meaning “city of frequently invoked. wonders” when the city became an Elector- ate. Prior to 1390 the city was known by its Upon the death of the Prince, original name, Erphan. the Senate chooses a Collegium of 15 members. The Collegium Cappargarnia, Electoral Republic votes in secret for the new Prince, who must have at least Rich mercantile Electoral Republic, cen- 11 votes. Elections are long, tered on the city of Cappargarnia in the Byr- involved, and often lead to rin River Valley. Cappargarnia’s traders and street-fighting between factions. navy dominate the Byrrin River and Lake Sardath. By Imperial Charter, they enjoy By tradition and law, the free right of passage through Sardarthion. members of the Collegium must be female; the Electoral Prince C- I++ N+ IR+ male. Senators can be either. Clans Six Wenemet and two Saurian Clans dominate Cappargarnia. Oddly, a clan member of one of these eight are always elected Prince. The next runner-up has often been elected Pontiff at Golluz, but this is surely the merest coincidence. Military Strong navy, technologically advanced but relatively small army, impressive air forces. Adjective Cappargarnian, Erphani (rare) Language Byrrin

8 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Chi’tixi, Electoral Queendom Chi’tixi Fact Sheet The oldest and most powerful Malebolge Full Name Chi’tixi Tirrix Ki, Electoral Realm in Sahûl, the Chi’tixi Hive surren- Queendom of the Great Hive of dered to Paharnes the Great without a single Capital Chi’tixi (river port city) sword being drawn. In return, the recognized the Chi’tixi borders on a map Arms Argent, a Monkey sejant erect provided by the Hive Queen Xant’ki I, even azure though the actual extent of the Realm at the Kindred 95% I time was not quite half of what was deptict- Religion Yagnarist, with some random ed. Under Imperial auspices, Xant’ki and her Tarotist bits successors quickly made up the difference. Government Political structure is absolutist I++ BL+ and centralized. Dissent is not tolerated except in the highest councils of government, and then only behind closed doors and within specific parameters. The Electorate runs like a well- oiled machine. The few Saurian villages have been totally subsumed into the Hive cultural model and government forms. Clans Tirrix Hive has ruled Chi’tixi since the founding of the Second Empire. Military Chi’tixi’s well-organized and disciplined infantry armies are renowned throughout Sahûl. Adjective Chi’tixi (also Chi’tix, archaic) Language Chi’tixi

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 9 Duedhyn, Duedhyn Fact Sheet Saurian Principality to the west of Lake Full Name Principality of Duedhyn Sardath and encompassing the whole of the Darriow riverlands. The area now known Capital Pareis (port city) as Duedhyn emerged from the interregnum Kindred 85% S as a hodge-podge collection of constantly Religion Dominated by the Urdan sect squabbling Saurian baronies united only by of the Order of the Raven. an emerging language and cultural identity. Relations with the Church In the ninth century, with the simultane- Universal and Triumphant ous rise of the powerful and militant Yagnar- verge on the hostile, though this is more of a matter of politics ist state of Colledhu to the east, and the ap- than faith, as Urdan relations pearance of a new Empire to the north, the within the Principality are Duedhyni clans met at Pareis and chose a perfectly cordial. young scion of Clan Morvoren as their King, Government Though Duedhyn began as a Dalleth. federation of clans, in the last Dalleth forged the clans into a country, centuries it has been molded defeating the invading Colledhu armies and into a strong central monarchy taking the fight into their own lands. In 831 supported by politically weak a mighty battle was fought on the shores of but culturally important feudal Lake Sardath near Fair Belsûnd. Though clans. the Yagnarist forces were utterly defeated, Clans Clan Dhanos dominates the cost was high. When Paharnes the Great Duedhyn. War, interrmarriage, and his Imperial armies appeared at the walls and time have reduced the of Pareis in the next year, there was nothing original thirty-three clans of Dalleth could do but accept Imperial rule. By the Principality to the thirteen virtue of his vast Realm and his reputation, that exist today. Of these, the most important are Hebask and Dalleth was created a Prince of the Empire, Wydhenn. a held by his successors since. The fortunes of the Principality have Military The army, though strong, has suffered much in the on-again waxed and waned over the years, but the off-again war with Kommolek have always had a place of honour in that has preoccupied it for the the Empire. By the time of the Golden Edict, last forty years. the Princes were not nearly so powerful as Adjective Duedhyni once they were, and it was no surprise that they did not aquire an Electoral title. Language Sardic C+ N- NSR+ RS++ IR+

10 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Elphárec, Duchy Elphárec Fact Sheet Powerful Wenemet State north of the Full Name The Most Sanguine Duchy of Obogir River and encompassing the mines of Elphárec the Munggar Mountains south of Hyrágec. Capital Epadh (inland city) Elphárec has a strong magical tradition, which has culminated in a situation where Kindred 96% W there are nearly as many sorcerers as cava- Religion Iluvarian. Pockets of Urdan liers leading clans. clans in the north and east Over the past centuries, Elphárec has control much of the mining grown from a small, unregarded barony to riches of the Duchy. the powerful state it is today thanks to the Government Strong central government long and wise leadership of Clan Eparreb. with numerous small clan holdings. C+ I+ S- N-- A+ BL+ NSR++ Clans Clan Eparreb is the Ducal House. The only other major clan of note is the Ilkurr, which control the important Barony of Mungg. Military Strong army and airfleet. Adjective Elphári Language Byrrin

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 11 Golmath, Electoral Grand Duchy Golmath Fact Sheet Large but disunited Electoral State, cen- Full Name Electoral Grand Duchy of tered on the town of Golmath in eastern Golmath Sahûl. Dominating eastern Sahûl between Capital Golmath (river port town) Aradéc and Urdraháhn, Golmath contains numerous feuding feudal dependencies of Arms Or, a Raven sable various faiths. How they manage to hold it Kindred 94% W all together is something of a mystery. Many Religion Tarotist in the central and suspect spies, ninjas, and the constant threat eastern regions, Urdan in the of military force. north and east, Yagnarist in the northeast, small smatterings Golmath, Town of Iluvarianism in the east. Tarotist Wenemet river port town on Officially, the State is “Tarotist, the Kalurrir, capital of the Electoral Grand with complete liberty of worship for all subjects”, but in Duchy of the same name and seat of Clan practice an individual’s religion Walarri. The town is a tightly-packed cha- is determined by geography. otic warren of neighbourhoods, the richest of There is a strong but subtle which are walled off from the poorer ones. Yagnarist faction at court. I+ N+ A+ IR+ Government Golmath is a feudal monarchy with strong subclans. Justice is somewhat arbitrary, based on the mosaic of conflicting clan law and State decrees. The Grand Duke rules with the advice of a council made up of representatives of the strongest clans. Clans Clan Walarri rules Golmath. The lands of five other powerful Clans make up the remainder of the State. Civil war seems to occur every generation or two, and the Walarri keep the peace through force. Military A small navy and large and powerful Clan armies supplement a dedicated professional State army. Use of spies and assassins form a major part of Golmathi strategic thinking. Adjective Golmathi Language Eastern

12 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Hyrágec, Kingdom Hyrágec Fact Sheet Moderately prosperous Wenemet Urdan Full Name Kingdom of Hyrágec Kingdom in north central Sahûl between the Munggar Mountains and the Gulf of Iphil. Capital Pahasar (river port city) Founded in the early Interregnum, Hyrágec Kindred 93% W was responsible for the unification of the Religion Urdan. Some Iluvarians and Second Empire under its King Paharnes the Yagnarists. Tarotism actively Great. discouraged. Once a great economic and military Government Feudal monarchy with strong, power, the beginning of Hyrágec’s decline independent Clans. Original can be definitively dated to the Hyrágecan center of the cult of chivalry, Crusade of the late 11th Century. Hyrágec it remains the central ordering was mercilessly pillaged during the conflict, principle of the kingdom. and many of its towns were sacked. Portions Clans Dozens. The eight most of the country still have not regained their powerful control almost all the pre-Crusade population levels nearly four wealth of the kingdom. The ruling clan, the Irrjir, are but hundred years later. one of these eight. C++ I- N- Military The most entrenched feudal system on Sahûl supports the most powerful cavalry on Sahûl. Adjective Hyrágecan Language Byrrin

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 13 Ingazi, Anti- of Ingazi Fact Sheet In 1079 the First Matriarch at Urdraháhn Full Name County Palatine of Ingazi declared Emperor Tashnes II deposed. For the next century, a series of increasingly Capital Ingazi (river port city) powerless “” ruled from Ingazi Kindred 55% W, 35% S, 10% I with the support of the Church Universal Religion Urdan. and Triumphant. Government Central monarchy, with the When the Church finally withdrew their Palatine advised by support in 1213, the last of the so-called “Anti- Council of Ministers. The Kings” swore fealty to Emperor Rhazahan I. Council runs the country, and Since then, he and his successors have bourne the is left to the title of Count Palatine. They are Urdan perform the ceremonial duties Wenemet. of state, which traditionally include drinking himself to The “Emperors” at Ingazi death at a relatively young age. Clans The ancient and decrepit Clan Name Reigned Gwariva reigns but does not Lanharnes (III), the Proud 1079-1118 rule. Trememeres 1118-1135 Military A strong airfleet and the Paharnes (V), the Fat 1137-1160 indifference of her neighbours has kept Ingazi free. Musdathes I, the Fierce 1160-1169 Adjective Ingazi Musdathes II, the Gentle 1170-1180 Language Eastern, Ingazi Razhim, the Indifferent 1179-1213 Ingazi, City Small mixed-Kindred Urdan city in northeastern Sahûl, former home of the Ingazi Anti-Kings and current seat of the Count Palatine of Ingazi. An ancient city of majestic monuments and large open park- lands, Ingazi was largely untouched by the ravages of the Interregnum. Ingazi, County Palatine Small mixed-Kindred State in northeast- ern Sahûl. Dominated by the Church Uni- versal and Triumphant through the office of the Prioress of Dinkumbi, Ingazi is a poor agricultural country ruled by a simpering Wenemet Clan that once claimed the Impe- rial throne. Completely harmless with delu- sions of grandeur. A+ RS+ IR+

14 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Itaxik, Electoral Grand Duchy Kachar, County Relatively young Urdan Malebolge state Island County of Urdan Malebolge in in southwestern Sahûl, Itaxik is the largest southwestern Sahûl, a remnant state of the remnant of the old Mictian Federation. It is old Mictian Federation. A powerful navy and centered on the broad plains surrounding the the disinterest of their neighbours keeps them Xos River, from the Tepetel mountains to the independent. They have a reputation for be- Sea of Endeel. ing shrewd merchants. C+ BL- C-- I+ N+ Itaxik Fact Sheet Kachar Fact Sheet Full Name Electoral Grand Duchy of Full Name County of Kachar Itaxik Capital Tchantli (port city) Capital Itaxik (river port city) Kindred 96% I Arms Argent, a Beetle sable Religion Urdan. Kindred 92% I Government Each of the three major hives Religion Urdan. Scatterings of chooses three ministers to Iluvarians in south and east and advise the Countess. Much day- Yagnarists in north. Tarotist to-day government remains preaching forbidden by law. in the hands of the individual Government Relatively loose monarchy for a hives, but loyalty to the Malebolge Realm. Many Hives, Countess is firm. especially in the highlands, only Clans The Yolcatl and Zayolin Hives, barely affiliated. on Aocatl and Colit’atl Islands Clans The Tis’chok Hive rules from respectively, are the chief the city of Itaxik. Their main supporters of the Countess, rival is the T’inim in Akassa. who is herself from the Calpolli Hive. The three have been Military Hives in virtually every Region allied since the twelfth century. maintain their own forces. The Electoral military spends much Military While their land forces are of its time fending off desert barely adequate, Kachar has a raiders. much admired navy. Adjective Itaxi Adjective Kachari Language Nexitl Language Sakkar

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 15 Kicitchat, County Kicitchat Fact Sheet Yagnarist Malebolge state in central Full Name County of Kicitchat Sahûl north and west of the Byrrin River Valley. In the First Empire, this area was Capital Tchac’at (port city) known as the of Artier. In the Kindred 85% I, 12% W Interregnum, it was overrun by Malebolge, Religion Yagnarist. Some Urdans in the who created there the Kicitchat Hive. interior and Tarotists in the Conquered by Paharnes the Great, Kic- south. itchat became a County and the first feudal Government Absolute monarchy with a thin dependency of the Second Empire. veneer of in support Rich and fertile farmland, the land is of the local Wenemet. located between two rich river valleys, the Clans The Kicitchat Hive, after Byrrin and the Ekatik. Bordering the Sea on whom the County is named, the northeast, the land gently rises in a series rules without consultation or of rolling hills until is stretches away into the dissent. A smattering of minor Western Steppelands to the southwest. Wenemet clans are quite loyal. Kicitchat has been fought over many Military A large army for its size, and times, and the people there have a reputation some of the finest infantry to be for fierceness. Wenemet fishing villages near found. the mouths of both major rivers are ruled by Adjective Kicitchat loyal minor clans that have sworn fealty to Language Kicitchat the Countess. C- I++ S+ A- BL- RS+

16 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Kommolek, Barony Kommolek Fact Sheet Mixed Kindred Yagnarist state south of Full Name Barony of Fell Kommolek Lake Sardath, centered on the city of Fair Belsûnd. The history of these lands is cha- Capital Treskaw (town) otic in the extreme. Among the first areas to Kindred 65% S, 25% W, 10% I support Yagnarism, four states have existed Religion Yagnarist. No other religion is over the centuries where the of Kom- officially tolerated. molek now rules. Government Clan-based monarchy. Ruling The Kingdom of Fair Belsûnd was found- is a delicate balancing act. The ed by the eunuch Andelkar while the First ancient city of Fair Belsûnd Empire still stood. The theory of succession is ruled personally by the by assassination ended the Kingdom only a Baron under the advice of the century after the Shatterment, and it was venerable local priesthood. succeeded by the relatively sedate Priest- Clans Six major Saurian and two hood of Kembra. By the eighth century, the major Wenemet clans fight militant Principality of Colledhu had come to for the scraps left by the Wenemet Clan Goesek. All are power. It was badly mauled in 831 during the scheming to become Baron, and invasion of Urdan lands to the northwest, they are kept in line through and entered into a long period of decline. In intimidation and the threat or 1086 the last Colledhu Prince was murdered use of military force. in his bed, and Clan Korflann established the Military Strong Baronial army and Lordship of Sardath. Iluvarians to the east airfleet keeps the clans (and invaded during the Seventy Years’ War, but Duedhyn) in line. were repulsed by hordes of undead. Adjective Kommolek, Kommoleki (rare) The last of Clan Korflann was over- Language Sardic thrown in 1374 by a young Wenemet swords- man named Goesek Terthynn, who founded the Lordship of Kommolek. Kommolek was raised to a Barony in 1404. I+ A+ BL-

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 17 Murali, County Murali Fact Sheet Bucolic woodland Realm of Tarotist Full Name County of Murali Wenemet on the eastern coast of Sahûl. Wedged between the sea and the Murredawa Capital Karrka (inland town) Mountains, Murali enjoys a cool but pleas- Kindred 88% W, 12% S ant climate and a high annual precipitation. Religion Tarotist. Numerous small Long in the economic shadow of Sarsis, villages of inconspicuous Murali remains dependent on logging and Urdans dwell in the mountains. mining. Government Feudal monarchy with weak Located in the ancient province of Mura- clans and a strong tradition of lis, Clan Kilyara rose to power in the tenth local autonomy. century, becoming of Karrka in 1008. Clans Literally dozens of minor clans, They were elevated to Count by Emperor but no major ones except Clan Dronex only in 1390. Kilyara. Due to its vast trackless backcountry, Military Murali longbowmen are justly Murali retains much of the flavour of a wild famous throughout eastern frontier. Fortune-seekers from all over the Sahûl, and they form the core east come to Murali looking to carve a future of the small but fierce army. from the wilderness. Some succeed. Small but very professional navy guards the coast. C- I+ N+ BL- Adjective Murali Language Eastern

18 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Pexiki, County Runazar, County Yagnarist Malebolge Realm in western Small County of Tarotist Wenemet, locat- Sahûl, centered on the Cochmikki River. A ed in the southeast corner of Sahûl. Runazar lush and pleasant country that over the cen- is a land of forbidding coastlines and rocky, turies has developed a bustling economy and inhospitable terrain. The land has made the a tradition of learning and magic. inhabitants tough, taciturn, and frugal. Sur- Long a fractuous land of competing Sor- rounded by Yagnarists and practically in the ceress Hive Queens barely reined in by the shadow of Yarni-Za, the Runazarians have Countess at Amoxcali, with the rise of the earned the grudging admiration of their Xinite heresy things have gone from bad to neighbours by their mere survival. worse. Roughly a third of Pexiki’s territory The of Clan Volpel have a reputa- has rebelled, and the heresy appears to be tion for cunning unmatched in the south. spreading through the remaining western C- I+ S+ A- NSR- IR++ territories. C- I- N+ NSR++ RS- IR+ Runazar Fact Sheet Full Name County of Runazar Pexiki Fact Sheet Capital Callam (river port town) Full Name County of Pexiki and Kuxun Kindred 75% W, 25% S Capital Amoxcali (port city) Religion Tarotist. The few random Kindred 94% I Yagnarists keep their heads Religion Yagnarist, of a particularly laid down and out of trouble. back sort. Government Clan-based monarchy with Government More of a federation than a an unswerving (for Tarotists) monarcy, the Countess directly loyalty to the Count. rules very little. Clans Clan Volpel is the largest and Clans Every Prefecture has its own organized of the clans. Of the ruling Hive, many of whom twenty or so that make up the rival the Coactoka Countess in Realm, only Harret and Duich power and prestige. could be considered major. Military Decent navy and a small, Military The clan armies are tough poorly equipped army are both defensive forces, and the substantially supported by clan country is dotted with various forces and sorceresses. strongholds, , and keeps. Adjective Pexiki Adjective Runazarian Language Nexitl Language Zarkhu

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 19 Sakkar, Barony Sakkar Fact Sheet Small woodland Iluvarian Malebolge Full Name Iluvarian Barony of Sakkar Realm located in southwestern Sahûl. The land is bleak and the winters are harsh. A Capital Yeyectin (port city) scattering of conifer forests provide almost Kindred 85%I, 15% S the only green. Religion Iluvarian. The Sakkari are The lands now occupied by the Barony pious and devout. were once part of the Mictian Federation. As Government A compact central monarchy. Winter brought an end to the feeble Taro- The institutions of government tist states along the southern coast, hordes remain essentially unchanged of refugees flooded the area, seeking the from those established by the warmer north. Into this time of chaos came a Prophet Nenepil. wandering Saurian Prophet named Nenepil, Clans A handful of small Saurian preaching the word of Iluvar. Gathering Clans and Malebolge Hives about him a core of converts, Nenepil estab- are clearly subordinate to the lished a theocratic state centered on the town Nelhuayotl Hive. of Yeyectin. He taught the Malebolge and Military Small army and decent navy Saurians who stayed behind, and together are enough to maintain they forged a new society. Sakkar’s independence for anyone foolish enough to covet Upon his death in 1219, the Barony of their land. Sakkar was erected under the leadership of the Nelhuayotl Hive. Many of the Saurian Adjective Sakkari inhabitants joined the Yax’te adventure in Language Sakkar the late fourteenth century, leaving the Bar- ony predominently Malebolge. N+ BL- RS+

20 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Taneki, Duchy Taneki Fact Sheet Rich Yagnarist Malebolge Realm on the Full Name Duchy of Taneki of the northwestern coast of Sahûl. The land is a Uttmost West thin strip between the great Annaket Moun- Capital Akeltl (port city) tains and the sea. Well-watered by numerous rivers and blessed with abundant rainfall, the Kindred 92% I, 8% S Taneki coast is lush and bountiful. Religion Yagnarist, although it might Bunch of coffee-swilling slackers, really, be more correct to say that except for the Equerries, who obey a par- the dominant religions are ticularly strict, exacting, and ascetic form of Yagnarist Indifferentism and Taneki Chivalry. the cult of chivalry. S+ BL- IR+ Government A small but efficient Court structure oversees a strict feudal monarchy. The Court, cenetered on the Duchess, is given to subtle (but extremely polite) intrigue. Clans Hive Talkeltik rules a complicated interlocking pyramid of six major hives, and dozens of minor hives (and two minor Saurian clans) in a bewlidering maze of feudal obligations and loyalties. Somehow, this all seems to work, though nobody can really disentangle it enough to chart it out. Military Extremely strong feudal forces supplement a small, professional army. The navy, however, is the pride of the Duchess. It is a large fleet, proud of its traditions. Adjective Taneki Language Tok

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 21 Thace son, Brannis. This did not sit well with the Large region in north western Sahûl, , who insisted on following the fe- defined by the Thacian Plain. Home of both male line. In the end, Biard’s nephew became the Electoral County Palatine and Duchy of Duke Biard VIII, while his son was accorded that name. Thace was once united as a single the title “Count of Thace” and some lands Realm under Saurian Clan Goshtikka, but it around the ancient city of Snamarthis. split into two lines in the twelfth century. After the death of Duke Biard VII in 1167, Ducal Thace, as it must now be called, Thace, Duchy began a long, slow decline. By 1300, it had Ancient but much diminished Urdan Sau- been eclipsed by the County in both size rian Duchy located in the Thacian Plains. and wealth. The nadir came under Duke Thace was one of the larger states to develop Biard XIII, who attempted to sell the right to during the Interregnum, and Duke Biard I the title in 1410 to his distant cousin the Count was a strong supporter of the Reestablish- in order to settle some gambling debts. An ment. Thace was prosperous and strong, and uprising ensued, and the Duke was retired to in its heyday in the ninth through eleventh an estate in favour of his young grand-neph- centuries it was the largest and most pow- ew, who became Duke Willor IV. Under the erful of the Second Empire’s constituent energetic and intelligent Willor, the Duchy Realms. began the long climb back to respectability. Under constant threat by the Horseclans C- I- N- BL- and sharing a long border with Yagnarist Chi’tixi, Thace built its military prowess at Thace (Ducal) Fact Sheet the expense of development and advance- Full Name Duchy of Thace ment. These forces were called upon by Capital Ourane (river port city) Emperor Tashnes II during the Hyrágecan Kindred 88% S, 11% I Crusade, and they aquitted themselves well. Casualties, however, were enormous. The Religion Urdan. Some Yagnarists in the Duchy had not really recovered by the time highlands. of the Seventy Years’ War. Government Utterly disorganized. Duke Following the death of Emperor Frethnes Willor is the government at the Pious in 1146, Duke Biard VII pressed his the moment. In theory and by tradition a central monarchy. claim to the Imperial throne through the un- proven legend that Biard I had been prom- Clans Clan Goshtikka-Ourane is large ised in 841 that if Paharnes’ (Wenemet) line and unwieldy, but they are the only major clan remaining ever ended, the Imperial crown would pass within the Duchy. to Biard’s (Saurian) descendents. For twenty years, the Duke’s armies attempted to make Military Antiquated but rapidly improving. good on his claim. In the end, his battered army was destroyed on the field of battle at Adjective Thacian (Ducal) Golluz in 1167. So great was the slughter, that Language Thaich, West Saurian, Chi’tixi the Duke’s mutilated body was only later identified by virtue of his distinctive boots. Prior to his campaigns, Biard had ar- ranged for the succession of his lands to his

22 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Thace, Electoral County Palatine Thace (Electoral) Fact Sheet Powerful Urdan Saurian state located in Full Name Electoral County Palatine of the Thacian Plains, primarily in the vales of Thace the lower Hûrn valley. For its early history, Capital Snamarthis (river port city) see Thace, Duchy. The first Count of Thace, Brannis I, set Arms Gules, a horse salient argent the mold into which all of his successors Kindred 85% S, 12% I, 3% W have fit: cagey (some would say secretive), Religion Urdan. Other religions exist bold, unexpected, and brilliant. During the in small scattered communities course of his reign (1167-1194), he expanded and are generally tolerated the County from some meagre holdings if they behave. Significant around Snamarthis to something approach- Iluvarian settlement in ing respectability. As Ducal Thace declined, Snamarthis. the County grew and prospered. By the Government Electoral Thace is a strong time Basodir II was invested as Count Pala- central monarchy with an tine by Emperor Rhazahan III in 1295, his overworked bureaucracy. little Realm had achieved parity with Ducal Clans Clan Goshtikka-Coddet Thace. By the mid-1300s, it surpassed them. rules. While there are many The unexpected support of Count Ebalo- merchant clans and some small landowners, there is no other ndrir I for the Tarotist Dronex of Capparga- clan approaching major status. rnia in the election of 1386 was decisive, and led to the County becoming an Electorate in Military Powerful cavalry is the backbone of the Electorate’s 1387. Count Ebalondrir II reigned as Em- military. peror from 1421 to 1439. C+ NSR+ BL- IR+ Adjective Thacian (Electoral), or Snamarthan, rarely. Language Thaich, Chi’tixi, Araxu

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 23 Tiryowglas, County Tiryowglas Fact Sheet Mixed Wenemet and Saurian Iluvarian Full Name County of Tiryowglas state south of the Obogir River and east of Lake Sardath. The lands now ruled by the Capital Alhwedh (river port city) Saurian Counts were overrun many times Kindred 55% W, 45% S during the Interregnum, and many minor Religion Iluvarian. The cult of chivalry states rose and fell. During the early Second is quite strong here, and the Empire, these lands were consolidated into Counts feel it part of their duty the Baronies of Mengleth and Bronnow, the to protect the Pontiff at nearby Lordship of Bodraháhn, and the Patriarchy Sistrameides. of Sistrameides. Government Classic feudal monarchy. The These four ruled in relative peace until the power of the Counts has waxed coming of the Tylda in the first years of the and waned over the centuries, and is now once again strong. thirteenth century. The Tylda were a group of Saurian Horseclans, emboldened by the Clans Five Wenemet and Five ongoing Seventy Years War, that united the Saurian clans dominate Tiryowglas, though they Eastern Steppes with the intention of looting mostly jockey for position the richer agricultural lands. For fourteen amongst themselves rather years they looted with near impunity, de- than set their sights higher. The stroying Bodraháhn and bringing Bronnow wealthy Wenemet Clan Brogh to its knees. Finally, in 1215 the Pontiff of still rules Bronnow as Baron. Sistrameides called for a council of the Im- Military Strong clan armies, particularly perial Clans to elect a new Emperor. Many those from the Wenemet north, Clans journeyed to the city, and nearly all of threaten to overshadow the them were armed. Following the election of Count’s state forces. Cavalry is Emperor Rhazahan I, the united Clan armies very much the favoured arm annihilated the Tylda at the Second Battle of amongst the Realm’s chivalry. Bodraháhn. Most of the clans then left with Adjective Tiryowi, Tiri (informal) the Emperor on his expedition to capture the Language Sardic. Byrrin is a common Imperial Capital. To secure the conquered second language in the north. territories, the Emperor appointed the Sau- rian Baron of Mengleth, Kwilkyn Lefans as Count of Tiryowglas, a territory he held to include Bronnow and Bodraháhn. Clan Kwilkyn has ruled since. Numerous wars against whichever Yag- narist faction was in control to the west have been inconclusive at best, as the Counts have had to keep most of the army stationed on the Steppe frontier. C+ N- NSR-

24 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Tokatl, County resulted in stalemate for a century, culminat- Tarotist Malebogle Realm in the north- ing in the disasterous slaughter called the western corner of Sahûl. Tokatl was one Battle of Tribulations in 1259. The borders of the earliest distinct Malebolge cultures. established by the armistace that followed There is some indication that they were have held to this day. Baroness Taxah XIII originally a group of cultural and religious was elevated to Countess Taxah I of Tokatl separatists in what is now western Chi’tixi in 1390. in the century following the Shatterment. C- I+ N+ A+ NSR+ BL- RS- Their legends speak of following a mysteri- Tokatl Fact Sheet ous Prophet known as Tz’a’aktah for years across northwestern Sahûl while she taught Full Name County of Tokatl them the ways of the Tarot and molded Capital Ahnupat (port city) them into a people. Under her guidance, Kindred 98% I they slaughtered the Saurians of what was then Anabreis Province and settled around Religion Tarotist. The ruling Countesses count Card IX: the Hermit as a craggy hill, upon which they built their their patron. temple. This settlement eventually grew into the city of Tz’a’aktes. Government Militarized central monarchy. The Successors of the Prophet ruled the Clans Hive Ahtaxaj rules with an expanding Tokatl until the sixth century, iron fist. Although there are when a plague claimed their hive. Under the dozens of minor hives, none could remotely be considered as final Successor, Utz’a’aktesen VI, Tokatl was major. at its height, ruling the Ch’ahch’ Peninsula and the western coast as far south as the Sea Military The army is the state. of Endeel. Civil war and strife followed the Adjective Tokatl death of the last Successor, and by the time Language Tok of the Reestablishment, Tokatl was much reduced and the ruling Tarotist Priesthood nearly discredited. The Chi’tixi allies of Paharnes the Great occupied the area and appointed a based in Tz’a’aktes. By 930, the Chi’tixi were tired of the constant rebellions tying down their forces (better spent in richer lands), and so withdrew. The region quickly descended into chaos, which only ended with the rise of Hive Ahtaxaj in the late eleventh century. Centered on the Barony of Takohn at the very tip of the peninsula, the Ahtaxaj Realm took Tz’a’aktes by siege in 1137. Baroness Taxah II moved her court there and began a systematic conquest of Tokatl’s lost lands. A series of wars with the emerging Taneki

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 25 Yax’te, Icemark Yax’te Fact Sheet Small, mostly Saurian Realm in the ex- Full Name Icemark of Yax’te treme southwest of Sahûl. Sometimes called “the Great Adventure”, Yax’te is the first Capital Yoltet (port town) Realm established in the southern lands after Kindred 85% S, 15% I the coming of Winter. In the late fourteenth Religion Iluvarian. The Yax’te are century, most of the Saurian population of extremely pious and plain. Not Sakkar, led by Sarmöe the Fridgid, left the quite puritan, but tending in Barony with the intention of taking what that direction. they’d learned about living in the cold and Government A theocracy organized on recolonizing the long abandoned lands of the military principles. Choloa River. Clans Given the unique nature of Originally envisioned by its founders as a Yax’te’s founding, clan and Military Order, the Icemark retains a mili- hive allegiance is much less tary structure, even though the idea of an intense than in other parts of Order proved unworkable in practice. Sar- Sahûl. Many, many small clans and hive holdings. The ruling möe’s nephew Kerr’tic was created a Lord Clan Gorrne consists of nine of the Empire in 1419, giving the Icemark members. official status. Military Well-organized, if small. C+ N+ A- NSR- BL- RS++ Adjective Yax Language Choloak

26 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms Zarkhandu, Electoral Kingdom Zarkhandu Fact Sheet Powerful and compact Saurian Yagnarist Full Name Electoral Kingdom of Realm in southeastern Sahûl. In the shadow Zarkhandu of the mysterious mountain Yarni-Za, the Capital Zarkhandu (river port city) origins of Zarkhandu are lost in the tumul- tuous history of the final days of the First Arms Azure, a lion passant or Empire. Kindred 95% S Zarkhandu was one of a dozen minor Religion Yagnarist, of a particularly Realms in the orbit of the Fell Kingdom of cruel and elegant variety. The Hrazec in the early Interregnum. As Winter nearby Runazar sometimes advanced, one by one these Realms fell to refer to it as the “psychotic crop failure and internal strife, culminating bastard religion”. finally in the fall of Hrazec itself in the fifth Government Central monarchy with strong century. Under these pressures, Zarkhandu feudal elements. Extremely strangely thrived. Each new crisis made the traditionalist in terms of roles Zarkhandu harder and crueller. “Our his- and prerogatives. tory,” explained King Onin Tachg during Clans Fifteen important clans, several his coronation in 1430, “has honed us to a of which have held their fiefs scythe”. for more than a thousand years. Clan Sakath has been the C+ A+ NSR+ RS+ royal house since 515. Military Strong central military supplemented by a long magical tradition. Adjective Zarkhandu, Zarkha (archaic), Zark (derogatory) Language Zarkhu

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 27 Religious Primacies

Church Universal & Triumphant The Urdan Church is based in Urdaháhn in eastern Sahûl. They own Cathedrals and other religious sites clear across the conti- nent. Under the rule of the First Matriarch at the fabled city of Urdraháhn, the Church Universal and Triumphant (usually just “the Church” or “Urdraháhn”) is by far the most powerful religious organization in Sahûl, but it is also the most diverse, dispersed, and dis- organized. The Church is hierarchical and is orga- nized into made of Prefectures made of Parishes. These units are similar to, but not identical with, the Imperial adminis- trative units of the same name. The priestesses and priests of Urda are organized into Monastic Orders. There are many, many Monastic Orders, some of which Iluvarian Orthodox Church are politically or magically powerful, most of The Orthodox Pontiff administers Sis- which aren’t. trameides and a number of Cathedrals and The Church is headed by the First Ma- other religious sites in central Sahûl. triarch. She is typically chosen by prophecy, Located in central and southern Sahûl, and the position is for life. this oldest of the Iluvarian Churches is cen- Assisting her is the First Prophet or Sibyl. tered in the Holy City of Sistrameides. It uses This position is also for life, except in certain the Scales of Justice as its primary symbol. cases where the Prophet loses the gift of C+ NSR+ BL+ RS+ prophecy. They generally ’t last long in any case. Church of the Illimitable Despite the veneer of hierarchy, the Tarotism is fractured, with hundreds of Church is entirely too large and unwieldy to tiny churches often operating at cross-pur- be governed effectively. After thousands of poses. In several places, large established years of precedent and exception, the Matri- Churches have evolved. The most powerful archs usually find even the smallest tasks im- of these is in the rich Byrrin River Valley and possibly bound in red tape, lethargy, or con- is patronised by several powerful Clans and voluted ecclesiastical politics. When asked Realms, including the Electoral Republic of “so, how many people work in Church?” one Cappargarnia. Matriarch was reported to have replied in Ruled by a Pontiff from the Imperial Free exasperation, “about half.” City of Golluz, the Church of the Illimitable C- I+ S+ NSR+ BL++ RS+ IR+

28 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms is independent, rich, and a powerful political ate with the “ races” are viewed as force in north-central Sahûl. traitors, and Urdans who fraternize with S+ N- RS++ IR+ followers of the “new gods” are denounced as heretics. The Church Militant The sect is confined to a small number The Iluvarian Western Primate rules the of Saurian nomads in the Western Steppe- ancient town of Tikata. They own a smatter- lands. ing of Cathedrals and Abbeys and are served by the Military Order of the Sword of Iluvar, C++ I- S- N0 A-- NSR- BL-- RS8 IR- based in the Fortress of Ta’chitix. The Church Militant is active in far west- ern Sahûl, where it is centered in the ancient town of Tikata. It uses the Sword of Righ- teousness as its primary symbol. C+ I+ S+ RS+

Miscellaneous

Tigers of Urda The Saurians of Sahûl once ruled the con- tinent, and there are few of them who have forgotten it. Some Saurians, however, have taken this to the extreme, forming raiding bands and even terrorist organizations dedi- cated to obliterating the Younger Kindreds and/or the “New” (non-Urdan) Religions. Although these extremists are clearly a small minority, they have taken over large sections of the otherwise uninhabited deserts and steppes of Sahûl, and they remain a con- stant source of worry to the more “civilized” Saurians who fear a Wenemet or Malebolge backlash. Many of these groups are little more than bandits, preying on trade cara- vans and outlying settlements. The Tigers of Urda are both a band of desert cutthroats and the name of the radi- cal sect they follow. The sect preaches that balance can only be restored to nature, and Winter can only be turned back, if Sahûl is itself returned to the order of the First Em- pire: one Kindred (Saurian) worshipping one Religion (Urdanism). Saurians who cooper-

Cruenti Dei: Sahûl 29 30 Encyclopædia Preview: Realms