Here
are some of the historic organizations known to have existed in the homelands of the
Aluvians. How will these groups - and other groups not written of here - fare in the new
land of Dereth? Your actions will doom some to the dull dust of obscurity, and raise
others to the fiery glow of fame.
The King’s Men
Motto: "King above all."
Background: This is an alliance of some
nobles and commoners who believe the king, as a descendent of High King Pwyll, should do
away with the Aluvian feudal system of government (the Laws of Rulership) and seize direct
control. They believe the king’s wisdom should prevail in all matters.
Current: Though none of the immediate Aluvian
royal family has appeared in the world, believers in the reign of High King Pwyll are
staunch supporters of Queen Elysa Strathelar. Should the King’s Men be re-formed in
Dereth, they would surely fight to bring her reign over the entire island.
Knights of the Golden
Flame
Motto: "Let Justice reign."
Background: This is the old knighthood of
Aluvia. They are trained from an early age to be the judges and caretakers of the kingdom.
Members of this group travel the land and offer their services as impartial judges in
disputes. They also try to help those in need and right what they consider wrong.
Membership is by invitation only.
Current: Queen Elysa Strathelar has made it
known that she wishes the Knights of the Golden Flame to be official knights of her realm.
However, because so few original Knights have arrived in Dereth, how this might become
reality is still in question.
Knights of the Shield
Motto: Unknown
Background: Among the knighthood of Aluvia,
there is a growing faction of those who are dissatisfied with the king’s justice, and
feel that the knights should be given more power, above and beyond the current laws. A few
secretly formed the Knights of the Shield, in order to better render their own justice
upon the land. The Knights of the Golden Flame are officially at war against these
secretive, renegade knights. However, rumors say that some Knights of the Golden Flame are
actually double agents.
Current: What happens with the Knights of the
Shield in Dereth is unknown.
Order of the Gauntlet
Motto: "Justice is bought with
blood."
Background: On the opposite end of the
spectrum from the Knights of the Shield is the Order of the Gauntlet. These knights
believe that no one should be exempt from the king’s justice; the rule of law must be
absolute if order is to be maintained. The justice of the Gauntlet is untempered by mercy
or circumstance, and they spend a great deal of their time hunting down and slaying those
who have committed crimes and escaped what the Order considers sufficient penalty. As
such, the Order is highly secretive.
Current: It is thought the Order – or
something like it - may be resurrected in Dereth, due to the need for harsh and strict
justice. The love of a stern and unyielding justice is not an uncommon trait, after all.
League of Merchants
Motto: "Free and fair trade for
all."
Background: This group was formed to help
protect the merchant class from the nobility. Its primary concern is with the protection
of its members and the making of profit. Members are required to pay a due, and only
people who meet approval can join. The League of Merchants formed a formidable network of
trading partners throughout Aluvia.
Current: Here in Dereth, merchants in general
have been seriously hampered by a lack of customers, dangerous conditions, and low
resources. Still, the new world is a great opportunity for commerce. Should the League
become established in Dereth, surely establishment of safe pathways to other Heritage
Groups’ lands, whether by road or by portal, will become a top priority.
Scholars of Pwyll
Motto: "Knowledge is that which
brings wisdom."
Background: This group of sages and artists
are dedicated to continuing the traditions of scholarly research and artistic exploration
begun by High King Pwyll. They seek to share information among themselves and protect
valuable texts and knowledge. Their exclusive library of mystical knowledge is famous
throughout Aluvia. Prospective members must have a sponsor within the Guild to join.
Current: Now, old magics no longer work, and
few of their old Aluvian texts have made the passage through Portalspace. Perhaps a new
group of Scholars will form and re-create the traditions of their predecessors.
http://www.turbinegames.com/ac/ac_al_factions.htm |