Centers of global power in Yerengal
In our current update, we will discuss the most important centers of power in Yerengal that may directly or indirectly affect the plot of Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness:
- Northern Isilmerald (ruled by King Velianrick, his Court is located in the capity city of Isilbright)
- Southern Isilmerald (governed by a rebel Council of Nobles from the city of Deron-Guld)
- The Northern Realm (governed by the twin cities of Freynagar and Riznagar)
- The Eastern Empires (many semi-autonomous nations controlled by Elenuator, a demigod)
Northern Isilmerald
The kingdom of Isilmerald is currently torn in half due to the civil war that erupted in the wake of the Curse of Greed. The northern half is governed from the capitol, Isilbright, by the rightful ruler King Velianrick. While he is supported by most of the nobility, the rest of the populace does not think so highly of him. The commoners of Isilbright are becoming ever more displeased by the luxurious lifestyles led by the lords and ladies at the expense of their own well-being. Isilbright currently holds the upper hand in terms of military power, but their resources are dwindling, and a drawn out conflict could surely tip the scales in favor of the rebels in the south.
King Velianrick tries to maintain his image as the absolute ruler of Isilmerald, refusing to acknowledge the souther rebellion as a valid threat to the kingdom. He treats the Rillow traders of the east as harshly as ever - hoping to stabilize the economy through their heavy taxation -, and maintains neutral diplomacy with the Northern Realm.
Southern Isilmerald
Southern Isilmerald is ruled over by a rebellious group of nobles, under the military leadership of the War Council. The Council consists of the nine strongest lords and ladies of the south, but many other have joined the fight against the king. The rebellion is coordinated from Deron-Guld, a prosperous mining city surrounded by the mountain ranges marking the southern border of Isilmerald. While currently the fighting forces of Deron-Guld are less organized and well-equipped than the soldiers of Isilbright, time is on their side. The mines and land they took hold of will support the war effort for possibly years to come. All would seem well for the rebellion, if not for the surprisingly potent illness that started decimating the people of Deron-Guld.
The War Council tries to show an open and cooperative attitude towards the neighbors of the kingdom. They maintain a steady trading relationship with the Rillows of the Eastern Empires.
The Northern Realm
The Northern Realm is a narrow slice of land consisting of boreal forests and snowy mountains, situated between the Kingdom of Isilmerald and the frozen, inhospitable wastes roamed by the Jotnar. It is the home of humans, dwarves and white elves alike. The Realm is governed from the twin cities of Freynagar and Riznagar, their rulers traditionally working together in upkeeping peace an order in their territory. The current pair of rulers however, have had long lasting grudges against one another. Their disputes have worsened to the point where armed conflict wasn't out of the question anymore. That was when the Keeper of the Peaceful Winter stepped in. This ancient, mighty being keeps his watch over the Northern Realm and its peoples, ensuring that peace and order stands. The lord of Freynagar was the one who overstepped the line in the end, and for that, the Keeper erected an immense dome of magical ice over the port city, sealing it from the outside world.
By to the Keeper of the Peaceful Winter's will, the Northern Realm maintains relatively neutral relations with the other nations of Yerengal. Most of their trade routes lead into Isilbright and the Lands of Zida-Suda.
The Eastern Empires
The Eastern Empires - called so by the people of Isilmerald - are a vast set of semi-autonomous nations among the deserts to the east of Isilmerald. They are lorded over by a powerful Djinni by the name of Elenuator. The westernmost nation among them, inhabited by the Rillows, plays an important role in the conflict in the uprising in Isilmerald. Their great trading road, the Tarq Al'azim spans many lands, and opened way for system of trading never seen before. The both sides of the conflict in Isilmerald might end up depending on their seemingly endless resources, and the Rillow will provide these resources gladly for either. It's just a question of gold.
Their military force is said to be immense either, and both factions have interests in trying to win the Rillow over to their sides. If these rumors are true, the Rillows could become the deciding factor in the civil war. However, they did their best to stay neutral so far. Might this change in the times to come?
