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A handout given in the first session of EchoesofOblivion to the players as a description of the game area. This represents several standard spy reports and information via contacts rolled into one:

Spelling and grammer as handed out. These are by no means correct but are an accurate representation of what I hand out in role-playing games. Therefore I propose it be left uncorrected as example of my glorious language skills. - Edith

Andalusite: An Overview

A reasonably large Cynis-held satrapy to the southeast. One of the most distant and isolated Satrapies held by realm forces.

Location and Geography:
The geography of the kingdom is shown on the attached map. Over the years it has been poorly mapped and large sections of it have been visited by relatively few expeditions in the history of the Scarlet Dynasty. Key trade routes, population centers and several areas of military significance are reasonably well mapped. However the sections between such areas are all but unknown to all but the locals (should there be any). Local military commanders have been reluctant to allow maps of the kingdom to be made, tours of duty for commanding officers are usually wide ranging and most of the local forces are familiar enough with the terrain to make maps a liability.

The surrounding area varies. In large parts the boarder between the kingdom and the wild jungles is arbitrary, various barbarian tribes have been known to encroach upon the kingdom and have been successfully fought off by the local militias. There are a resident set of barbarians to the north of the central lake and an informal truce exists between them and the kingdom, although raids on fishing and shipping villages are a regular occurance.

South of the lake are a series of mountains which have recently been crossed to reveal a series of small towns and villages, currently independent, although a series of interests are working to alter this state of affairs.

To the north of the kingdom around the Maine River lies the smaller Mnemnon satrapy of Carparum. Build around a first age city this has been a Mnemnon outpost for several centuries. It is understood that Mnemnon was somewhat displeased when the kingdom to the south fell into Cynis hands rather than her own. Carparum is currently home to the 2nd legion, seconded to the Wyld hunt, one of three such legions still in the threshold. It is holds a large monetary and serves as home to a number of immaculate missions.

To the south the kingdom stretches some distance along the river, petering out into the wilderness at a series of ever smaller towns.

The kingdom suffers frequent earthquakes and a number of volcanoes are known to be active in the area, it is believed the uncivilised area to the north of the lake is much worse.

Major settlements:
Rutile: On the far side of the mountains of the river, the historic capital of the satrapy sits by the shores of the lake. Well guarded and headquarters for a legion of private troops, along with a navy, used to fight infrequent incursions into the kingdom's territory by barbarian hoards.

Ima: Possibly the true capital of the Kingdom, certainly it's major trading port. From here it links to the major guild trading routes down river to Nexus and the rest of creation. Ima is a market city, crime is kept relatively low here through the stationing of a second legion and navy to protect trade along the Maine river, in recent years this has been bolstered to counter the effects of the increase in piracy and smuggling in the area. Ima is also home to the guild's headquarters for the kingdom and the trading area of choice for the airships of Skira, making use of recently renovated first age docking stations to load and unload goods.

Tulas: Formerly known as Anam. Recently renamed after house Cynis' hero of the moment (see: Cynis Wisel Tulas, see: Lookshy, see: ...). The Satrapy's southern capital, mainly a center for trading in various agricultural products and slaves. Although the jade trade from Yirna passes through the city on its way to The Gorge. Tulas is also base to another legion of Andalusite troops although most of these are spread over the southern kingdom, providing support at various boarder points along the crossing such as Fort Kaard

The Gorge: A first age trading city which forms a barrage over the Maine river. The city has been degraded over several years to the extent that what remains is the rebuilt centre with the surrounding city in a state of collapse. Ruled by the moral prince of the kingdom, Cynis Nimil Hovius, the city is home to another dragon of troops and a smaller navy used to patrol the southern river.

Lelan: The private retreat of the Royal family. Built upon a volcanic island approximaly 20 miles from the  coast, this is a managed and cultivated paradise for the royals and their guests, the island is also heavy fortified in places and is suspected to be the Royal bolthole in the event of an invasion of the kingdom.

Eras: One of the most run-down cities in the entire kingdom and a pirates haven. Run by the former senator Cynis Wisel Nagata, this city is a hive of scum and villainy. Unfortunetally for Queen Asha, she is unable to act against the powerful Nagata who is blatantly in the pay of the pirates, smugglers, bandits and worse who operate from this city.

Lind and Fort Catz: To the east of the lake lie a number of settlements which provide the bread on which the economy marches in Andalusite. Two of note is the distant Fort Catz, close to the unofficial boarder and headquarters to the legion in charge of maintaining the barbarian boarder and Port Lind, the major port of the area and home to the breeders of the local beast of burden and of war, giant tortoises.

First Age Rumours:
There are a number of fabled cities in the area and it is believed that several of these are remnants of the first age kingdom of five hundred rivers. Specifically:

The underground city of Yirna, otherwise known as The City of Jade. The city was identified in the first age as a major jade supply, legends speak of entire buildings carved from jade, caverns which glitter with a thousand miners lamps, excavating the precious substance. Recently an independent city in the mountains has been identified and has begun trading with the guild under the name of Yirna. The city is underground and is a major supplier of jade, however previous legends of the city remain unconfirmed.

The city of Skira, set in a mountain and home to various first age wonders including a fleet of air going war galleons. Again, in recent years this too has emerged as an independent province, trading with the guild at the central city of Ima a series of air ships, loaded with precious metals and gems have been known docking at old docking stations and trading. The location of the city of Skira is still unknown, however it is believed to be south of the lake, on a plateau of some kind.

The city of Nicosa, supposedly the headquarters of the old army of the kingdom of five hundred rivers and home to numerous first age wonders and war machines. This remains lost, although rumours persist.


Politics and people:
Andalusite has existed for 700 years in it's current form, ruled by a series of short mortal dynastys. House Cynis achieved direct control of the satrapy approximately 40 years ago when the Dynast Cynis Falen Nimil married the young queen Asha and was proclaimed king of the province. However Cynis had been slowly subverting the kingdom for over a century before this. In the intervening years a small dynasty has built up around the royal family. The Household of Cynis Nimil is wealthy and respected (although they do suffer from a slight provincial bias) and have been able to manage one of the better satrapies of the realm. Tributes are still regular and the kingdom is a major source of income for the wider house Cynis.

It is widely recognised that King Cynis Falen Nimil would have trouble outwitting a five year old child. The king has been in nominal charge of Andalusite for almost four decades and has done little but hunt, fight and breed during his entire tenure. His wife, the mortal Queen Cynis Nimil Asha on the other hand was a fourteen year old child when she married and has been outwitting her husband ever since. It is widely recognised that Asha is the true power in Andalusite, politicking and scheming for the betterment of her family and her kingdom, she has also managed to spawn an entire dynasty of offspring with a surprising number of dragonbloods considering her own stock.

Cynis Nimil Ellen: 16 and already exalted, Ellen is suspected to be her mother's choice successor. Keen, intelligent and a capable politician. Has been marked as potentially softhearted.

Cynis Nimil Timi: Nimil's younger brother, originally thought to have been too much like his brother to keep on the realm and was formally adopted into Nimil's household some time ago. However Timi has turned out to be a great asset to the kingdom. A rouge and adventurer at heart he is suspected of being Asha's agent, scouting and roaming the country, bringing it further under her control.

Cynis Nimil Alma: Dragonblooded daughter to Asha and very much her mother's daughter. It is not known what has caused relations between the two to deteriorate but the two are barely on speaking terms. Alma manages much of the southern kingdom as Governor of Tulas.

Cynis Nimil Hovius: Mortal and ruthless son of the royals. Hovius is the head of a large business concern in the satrapy and through various ruthless business practices has managed to become Duke of The Gorge, which he is slowly rebuilding to it former glory. Hovius is power hungry and is believed to despise not having exalted himself. However he has taken various steps to ensure his own family's power, including sirring as many offspring as possible. As a result he now has three dragonblooded children, two of whom have recently arrived back from education in the realm.

Eras Lynn: An embarrassment to Asha, her younger sister who now runs Fort Kaard. A poor leader who is running the risk of being overthrown.

Cynis Nagata Lesi: Son of Nagata, Cynis “adventurer” known slave aquirer, currently operating in the wilder parts of Andalusite.

Prince Jade: Guild prince based in Ima, responsible for Guild operations in the area, a known rival of Asha and a historic rivalry with The Admiral. Aging, currently looking for a successor.

The Admiral: Guild prince responsible for the Andalusite – Nexus route. A historic rivalry with prince Jade

Prince Zed: currently expanding guild operations in the independent regions south of the lake. A risk taker but not a stupid one.

Prince Karl: Jade's favoured successor, runs operations in the north of the kingdom, long established and wealthy.

Prince Nina: Up and coming guild prince, has run the southern Andalusite caravan for years but has recently seen an increase in her operations due to economic developments in the south. Potentially a rival of Karl, although it is believed her enemies are mainly in her own caravan than outside it.

General Leadaal Alice: Commanding officer of the Wyld Hunt, came out of retirement to lead the hunt, motivation: unknown. Has a grandson wandering Andalusite making maps and investigating ruins.

Mnemnon Kela: Spiritual Leader of the Wyld Hunt at Carparum, a known fanatic.

Quatermaster Mimi: Eye liaison officer, mortal.

Col. Cynis Inial: Officer ruined by arrogance and drink, currently looking to make good in the Wyld Hunt.

Cp. Mnemnon Taal: Young Dynast looking for glory and a good marriage

Lt. V'neef Valis: Dynast, volunteered for Wyld hunt, suspected fanatic.

Major Mnemnon Arakia: Poorly borne exalt, sponsored by Menmnon into the Hunt. Currently looking for glory and a good pension. Two children.

Cp. Elinas Rih: Mortal. “Hard Bastard”

Mnemnon Kiroto: Prefect of Carparum. Was the Dragonblood Asha chose not to marry 40 years ago. Runs his satrapy with an iron fist. Plotting against the Cynis to the south

Mnemnon Kiroto Jadine: Daughter of Kiroto, spy master, formerly betrothed to a Tepet officer, killed in the Northern campaigns. Suspected of looking for a new betrothed.

Mnemnon Kiroto Lemal: Son of Kiroto, recently returned from the realm, supposedly taught sorcery by Mnemnon herself. Also looking to marry.

Economics:
Major exports include precious and raw metals, jade, gemstones, numerous agricultural products (wine, qat, silk) along with several southern specialties including specialist flora and fauna. House Cynis also use the area to farm hearthstones from the local manses and the royal family hold several valuable contracts to steward some of the more important manses for the distant hearthstone holders.
Major imports are principally slaves and manufactured goods.

In recent years a large expansion has occurred to the south of the kingdom, for various economic reasons trade to the south has become more profitable as has an expansion to the currently independent regions of the area. This has lead to the usual friction as verious established interests vie against each other and newly rising interests, attempting to gain control of the resources newly available.

Trade is handled mostly through the guild, although several independent ships along with Cynis trade consortiums ply the Maine river. In recent years piracy and smuggling have been on the increase, it is believed that this is backed by several factions, including the Guild and house Mnemnon. This is possibly an attempt both to make money and destablise the Cynis hold on Andalusite.



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Last edited October 26, 2003 11:19 pm (viewing revision 1, which is the newest) (diff)
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