the Realms of Ferrond
Regional Primer
The rolling hills and farmland surrounding the Velverdyva west of the Nyr Dyv belong to the allied nations of Furyondy, Veluna, and Verbobonc. Taken together, they paint an emblematic picture of knightly chivalry and valor. The centuries since their departure from the Great Kingdom of Aerdy, however, have seen each of these realms develop very differently. When choosing your starting banner, consider how the ethos of your chosen realm might color your backstory.
The Kingdom of Furyondy
Proudly touting the ideals of honor, valor, and virtue, the people of Furyondy look to their king and his court for inspiration and protection from the looming threats beyond their borders.
Hereditary Monarchy
While Furyondy dissolved its connection to the tyrannical Great Kingdom of Aerdy hundreds of years ago, it maintains some of the monarchal traditions inherited from the empire they abandoned.
King Belvor IV holds the throne in the capital city of Chendl. Prince Thrommel, his heir apparent, was set to take on Belvor’s responsibilities years ago, but when the prince went missing and threw succession into uncertainty, King Belvor turned to his councils to maintain the faith of their people. Now he does not make decisions or put laws into effect without leave of The Seven Families of the Noble Council, and they do not make decisions without the input of the Knightly Enclave.
The Seven Families oversee the seven provinces surrounding Chendyl. They are powerful voices in the court of the king and among other things have a lot to say about how their taxes should be used.
The Knightly Enclave is an advisory body made up of lesser nobles and other notable figures who have the Council’s ear. While a number of individuals from outside the nobility have been invited to this group over the years, including warmasters and priests of renown, it is most commonly comprised of landowners responsible for the maintenance and taxation of their holdings.
Military Might
From the College of War in Chendl, to the frontlines on the border of the Horned Society, to the naval shipyards of Willip- the powerful forces protecting the realm are on full display throughout Furyondy. The Knights of Furyondy (the largest branch of the Knights of the Hart which stands in opposition of Iuz) are recognizable for their bright livery and snapping banners, but the kingdom also boasts the region’s most formidable standing army and a sizable naval presence on both the Nyr Dyv and Whyestil Lake.
Roads and River Barges
Perhaps the most important contribution Furyondy has made to the region are the trade roads, planned and paid for by the crown. They are widely considered the best mapped and maintained anywhere. Coaches offer safe passage throughout the realm for a small fee, communication and packages are delivered with unparalleled speed by the king’s letter service, and secure trade along the roads and rivers make Furyondy a vital artery between the major powers on all sides.
The Archclericy of Veluna
Sometimes called the “Vale of Luna” due to the history of local pagans’ reverence for the greater moon before the Church of Rao rose to prominence, Veluna declared its independence from the Kingdom of Furyondy more than a century ago. The Archclericy of Veluna is still aligned with Furyondy in principle and are the kingdom’s foremost ally, but it has its own ideas about how a country should be run.
Matters of Church and State
The Canon of Veluna is the head of both the state and the Church of Rao. While its seven dioceses are each cogoverned by a Bishop and a noble, The Canon is the primary of the executive branch seated in Veluna City. He is advised by the College of Clerics and the Celestial Order of the Moons.
The College of Clerics includes the seven Bishops of the diocese as well as representatives of each of the major churches. It is the governing body which oversees religious matters.
The Celestial Order of the Moons is a group of fifteen nobles representing the secular interests of Veluna: two from each diocese and a representative from Verbobonc who functions only as an adviser. Lady Jolene, the scion of her house and well respected by her people, assumed the role of Supreme Mistress rather young by traditional standards and has become a powerful voice for the order.
Scholars and Dreamers
While Veluna City is a pilgrimage site for many of the Rao faith, the worship of other gods is permitted and there are a great many diverse temples throughout the land.
Secular scholars of all stripes find their way to the libraries and universities of Mitrik, Veluna’s capital city. Anyone seeking enlightenment is generally met with open arms.
Meanwhile, outside of the bustling cities, the countryside is pastoral. The culture has largely homogenized between the humans, elves, and gnomes who inhabit the villages and visitors turn homeward with a sense of neighborly goodwill.
For Richer or for Poorer
Though Veluna separated from Furyondy, they are staunch allies with a long history of mutual aid. Each has sworn to stand with the other in the event of evasion by an enemy, and their economies are thoroughly tied to each other. Recently, there was a possibility to tie the lands together even further through the marriage of Prince Thrommel of Furyondy, and Lady Jolene. Hope for this union was all but dashed, however, when Thrommel vanished without a trace several years ago and most presumed him dead.
The Viscounty of Verbobonc
Bordered by the Kron Hills to the south, the Gnarly Forest to the east, and the Velverdyva to the north, the Viscounty and the city from which it takes its name are situated on some of the most fertile farmland in the region. A common saying among them is “Hard work keeps the demons away,” and given the events of the last decade, they should know.
Vassalage
A complicated history of conflicts in the surrounding lands led to Verbobonc separating from Veluna and establishing itself as a semi-independent vassel state. While still a willing trade partner which maintains an advisory seat on the Celestial Order of the Moons, the Viscounty largely runs itself under the direction of Viscountess Wilfrik Rejjin and the landowners under her.
The Free City of Verbobonc is the second largest riverport on the Velverdyva and an important trade hub between Veluna and the east. The Viscountess maintains an office there and manages diplomatic relations with foreign powers, but functions more as an ambassador than an administrative overseer of the city, which is in turn managed by a burgomeister.
Swords to Plowshares
The devastation of the Temple of Elemental Evil’s rise to power cannot be overstated. Culminating in the Battle of Emridy Meadows, a terrible price was paid to root out the cultists who had been terrorizing the locals for several years. Crops and villages throughout the region were decimated. Many good folk died, were gravely injured, or lost their homes and loved ones. But the people of Verbobonc are strong of heart. Through it all they refused to lose hope and in spite of the odds against them they overcame the forces of evil, scattering them to the winds and trapping the greatest threat of all beneath the ruins of the Temple itself. Now they continue the work of rebuilding in spite of every threat to the tenuous peace they fought so hard to keep.