Category Archives: DnD

Vanished Iosan Gods

Though I generally consider the presence of Iosans and Rhul-folk (Elves and Dwarves, respectively) to be unnecessary hold-overs from traditional Dungeons & Dragons, sacred cows that few d20 publishers are willing to disturb, they do have somewhat interesting implementations in the Iron Kingdoms setting from Privateer Press. In keeping with high fantasy tradition, the Dwarves are excellent stoneworkers that worship a variety of foundry, forge, and masonry-related deities that are considered the great grand-pappies of their species.

Also in keeping with tradition, the Elves are an ancient, noble, refined, and slowly dying race that has outlived its usefulness in the world. Towards in end, the pantheon of the Iosan Elves consists largely of deities that simply no longer exist. They vanished a few hundred years ago, with only one surviving, though sickly, and possibly comatose, tended to by a worried flock. This ailing survivor, Scyrah, is pretty well-described in the published material, but the others, being effectively defunct, have received little official treatment. The following descriptions are courtesy of Douglas Seacat, Privateer Press writer, on an unofficial basis (any details here are subject to change later on).
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Midfast

The Shield of Ord, Midfast is a city truly vital to the security of its nation. Situated at the most navigable pass between Merin and Khador, Midfast has spent centuries as a vital byway of trade and a critical choke-point denying northern aggression. This city has been the scene of numerous seiges, the most famous of which culminated with the ascencion of Markus, the Morrowan patron ascendant of soldiers. To this day, national defense is the primary concern of Midfast.

[Midfast & Environs]
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Ord – Handy Facts

[Welcome to Ord]File under “Ordic National Board of Tourism”

Nestled between Cygnar, Khador, and the Sea of a Thousand Souls, Ord has ever had a fine naval tradition. What many do not know, though, is the pastoral splendor of our inland valleys, hills, and moors. Though not endowed with the rich mineral deposits of some other lands, Ord is a country steeped in history and culture.

The six Gravs of Ord are ruled by Baird Cathor II, the Bandit King. He has led our country with a skillful hand for over thirty years now, navigating the treacherous waters of international diplomacy and internal politicking with grace and cunning. It is his tact, wit, and guile that have kept Ord both strong and well-clear of the conflicts that presently embroil the other nations of Immorren. Three Lord Castellans and three Moorgraves govern the Gravs of Ord directly, setting local policies as they see fit, with interference from the throne only when necessary.

It is said that the law has a different meaning in Ord, with a storied history of brigandry and piracy going back since before the Orgoth invasion. It could be said that Ordic folk treasure their freedom perhaps a bit too much. From Grav to Grav, and even from town to town, law enforcement varies greatly with the dilligence, competance, and corruption of its leaders. The city of Five Fingers is particularly noted for its lack of governmental oversight and prosperous black market, while the city of Midfast sees very little crime with its preponderance of military personnel. Justice is served by three-judge panels that convict by unanimous vote. Those accused of crimes are considered guilty unless they can prove otherwise, and judges are given a great deal of discretion regarding punishments, which often involves some degree of flogging, or forced labor. Capital crimes are traditionally dealt with by hanging, drowning, or gibbeting.

Ord is the site of several significant religious centers, including the monastery and tomb of Ascendant Markus, Ascendant Gordenn’s tomb, and the Mor Cathedral, built on the site where Ascendant Doleth is said to have departed on his last sea voyage. The church of Morrow is highly active in Ord, though a minority of folk still worship Menoth here.

Ocean trade is the life-blood of Ord on an international scale, with her fleets of skilled sailors and canny merchants. Trade gives rise to currency, and Ord mints its own in accordance with the Corvis Treaties:

  • The Blackpenny is roughly equivalent in value to the Cygnaran Farthing, and is struck in copper, and are thusly named due to the minting process leaving them darker in hue than other similar coins.
  • A Half-galleon is equal in value to five Blackpennies, and is literally a silver Galleon cut in half. Blackpennies and Half-galleons are the most commonly-used currency amongst the commoners of Ord.
  • The Galleon is struck in silver and is roughly the same in value as a Cygnaran Shield. The Galleon’s obverse has a vertical crease that makes chopping it in half quite easy.
  • A Silverweight is a large coin struck in silver, and worth two full Galleons.
  • The Royal is a coin struck in gold, equivalent to the Khadoran Talon or Cygnaran Crown.

Ordic coin has been plagued by a reputation for shaving, underweight castings, impurities, and counterfeiting, and as a result many merchants prefer Cygnaran currency for moderate and large-scale trade.