The Days of Halinard

On the occasion of his royal wedding 5280ey

These are the days of Halinard, the High King of all Westrun and the Free Provinces.

Halinard was born in 5212 the least-favored son of his father, Aleranus II of Bolden. Though he was born into humble circumstances, and not the heir of his house, he quickly made a name for himself as an able administrator and a cunning warrior. When his half-brother was made the King-steward of Bolden Halinard distinguished himself as a soldier and rose quickly from Baron to Count to Duke.

After winning any engagements with the Northruners, "Iron Duke" Halinard caught the eye of Dane II the Learned who had succeeded Aleranus II on the Platinum Throne. When Dane prosecuted a war against the Berserkers of Northrun, he took Halinard as his military advisor, eventually promoting him to Chancellor General.

Dane served his sentence as High King of Westrun for 11 years before he came to an untimely end. In 5261 he choked on his supper after a hunt and he died in the sight of many witnesses.

Then "Iron Duke" Halinard was entrusted with the Stewardship of the High Throne for the Winter of 5261 was particularly harsh and precluded travel from the far corners of the Eight Kingdoms. When the Summer came, the conflict between Saklan and Rath prevented many from travel. These delays continued until early Winter of 5263. During which time it was revealed that Halinard was the rightful monarch of Bolden, though he grasped not at the seat of power.

When justice was served, Halinard was elected unanimously to the High Throne in 5264. 

He was married in 5265 to Brianna of House Fieldstone and produced five daughters. His wife perished in 5273 while giving birth. In 5274 he was married again, this time to Tirese of House Waldron who produced three daughters -- the last one being a simpleton. Her physicians say that Tirese despaired of the love that Halinard still kept for her deceased cousin Brianna, and in a fit of jealous melancholy threw herself from the balcony of her drawing room. Halinard was thus able to be married a third time and did so in 5280. This time to Joana Tarnblen, a lass whose youth was hoped would produce an heir.  He produced both a daughter and a son.  

Halinard remains the High King to this very day.

History of Man -- Book 1: Westrun Part 16

In 5207 Galron of Menea took the High Throne. His sentence was unremarkable save that he was lost at sea in 5229. Neither he nor his ships were seen again.

5230 Aleranus II the Less of Bolden was sentenced to the High Throne. He served at the same time as his brother Anastorin who was elected Patriarch of the Church of Westrun. 

Aleranus II the Less was succeeded in 5250 by Dane III the Learned. 

Dane was from a long-lived people and was a lover of knowledge. He wrote massive endowments to the Bard's College at Ald Ciula where he had once lived as a student. He renovated the High King's Library in Peakshadow and invited the Archmage of the Dweomersecte to place a Chancellor Mage in his court. Dane was expected to serve for many years and his untimely death was a blow to many. During his short reign, he prosecuted the War of the Barbarian Kings through his military advisor -- the so-called Iron Duke of Bolden.

Despite his success, Dane often appeared pale and boyish to those in his court. His physicians prescribed outdoor activities and sports, which proved to be his undoing. He came to an untimely end, choking on his supper at the end of his first organized hunt. 

Dane was succeeded by his appointed Chancellor General Halinard, the so-called Iron Duke, who declared himself Steward of the High Throne. For two years the Council of Monarchs did not meet. Then in 5263 Halinard became High King of all Westrun by the unanimous vote of that august council. His first official act was to appoint his brother as the Steward of Bolden. 

5271 was the year of the Restless Dead in Menea, which was averted by the efforts of the Dweomersecte.

In 5284 the long War of the Northern Marches had been brought to the very Gates of Wanderhalt. A three day seige of that city was broken by Aleyn, the rightful king of Collonia, and his companions. The kingdom was restored, the goblins defeated and Halinard Geldorf recognized Aleyn Rigel and his line as the lawful crown of Collonia.

Halinard Geldorf reigns to this day as High King of all Westrun and the Free Provinces.

Histories of the High Kings of All Westrun: VII - The Modern Era

The Modern Era

5211 Aleranus II of Bolden

5231 Dane III of Saklan

5263 Halinard of Bolden

Procession of the Patriarchs of the Church of Westrun Part II

• 5201 Salan - a largely forgettable Patriarch, Salan was a man widely suspected of indulging carnal desires. He was also the first Patriarch to serve with no record of miracles to his credit.
• 5231 Anastorin - was brother to High King Aleranus II. It is believed by many that his appointment was a political one, and owed nothing to his clerical bonafides.
• 5237 Myrmid the Champion - a one-time Paladin who became a cleric and was eventually elevated to the Patriarchate. He went into battle with the forces of the Iron Duke, though no love was lost between them. He was a popular Warrior-Patriarch and beloved of the people. 
• 5242 Elbar - formally established the first three orders of the Church of Westrun, the Most Learned Brothers of Worthy Planos; the Devout Order of Clerics Regular of the Penitent Knights of Poverty; and the Laboring Order of Worthy Gamasiel.
• 5254 Brod the Diplomat - formally established an order of the Church of Westrun in the Observant Society of Worthy Cronos, he moved the Arcade of Formation from Peakshadow to the Theocracy of Talir and appointed the High Priest Elect as its Prime Docent and Holy Guardian -- titles some consider to be mere wordplay to mollify the latter's ego.
• 5273 Otmar - a somewhat prickly man whose poor disposition and distinctive scowl is credited with beginning something of a rift between the Patriarchate and the Supreme Holy Council of Talir. He was the Patriarch who identified and typefied "the Trials" -- a supreme trial of faith which began to afflict many quarters of the church and is experienced even to the present day.
• 5282 Ulric - an accomplished musician of some regard, and a master of eight languages, Ulric was well-educated on a variety of topics. He also contributed, in his early career, several works on Halflings, Gnomes and Elves. He would serve two years as Patriarch before actually joining himself to combat at the Battle of Wanderhalt. In that conflict he proved himself a powerful miracle-worker and Warrior-Patriarch exceeding the reputation of Myrmid. He formally established an order of the Church of Westrun in the Compassionist Society of Worthy Jerebola. He gave his life in the service of the Church and his God, expending his very life energy in working of his last miracle.
• 5287 Philbert - the present Patriarch of the Church.

The Books of the Archflame of the Infernari vol. 13

• 5211 Baalruh V the Immortal was in league with Vecna of the Dweomersecte, but they two had a falling out over mutual suspicions regarding each others intentions. Since 5250ey, both orders have been in a state of open hostility.

Roll 008

5221    Radoric
Then came Radoric.

5223    Milanov

Then came Milanov.

5285    Radov

Then came Radov.

The Fergus Codex: Law V -- Concerning Crimes Felonious and Petty

Vyrum Law

The crimes of treason and murder are abominable and shall be avenged by the Range in which they occurred. Kinslaying is an abomination which must be punished by the faction which suffers the loss. Save that for all offenses, hallowed ground may offer safe haven to all those who seek its protection. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the crime of harboring those who have committed treason or murder shall be punished in like manner as the abominable crimes. For sanctuary can only be found on hallowed ground by a Priest. 

Law of Fergon 4301

We declare that nothing shall prevent a lord from seeking his own justice, if he is the victim of any abominable crime, regardless of where the crime occurred. Moreover, the crimes of robbery and theft shall be be worthy of maiming on the second offense, and considered abominable only upon the third offense. Moreover, no one who has stolen only food or water shall be guilty of robbery or theft if they have passed at least three towns without receiving any by begging.

Law of Etru 4376

We desire that to the abominable crimes of treason, robbery, murder and theft are to now added the crimes of counterfeiting, forgery and arson upon the second offense. For all abominable crimes a debt of silver may also attach and ransom accepted in lieu of punishment.

Law of Wald 4422

We desire to clarify that crimes can only be committed abominably when exercised against someone of equal or greater station: 

• Treason is the taking of arms by vassal against his lord, or else plotting with others to do the same. 
• Robbery is the unjust taking of property by force of arms, but shall not include the lawful spoils of war. 
• Murder is the unwarranted taking of a man’s life by a person outside of his family, except under a flag of war. 
• Theft is the unjust taking of property by deception, subterfuge or cloak of darkness, 
• Counterfeiting is the attempt to pass some material thing as an item of higher value by concealing its true nature. 
• Forgery is the attempt to pass as legitimate, the illegitimate seal or signature of a lord or noble house. 
• Arson is the burning of property belonging to another, or endangering the property of others by uncontrolled burning. 

Law of Marten 4858
We desire that the protections of forgery be extended to duly chartered companies, orders and factions which are enrolled with either the Devout Order of Clerics Regular of the Penitent Knights of Poverty, or of any of the noble banking houses. 

Law of Gelder 5011
We desire that Treason also be defined so as to include murderous threats breathed against any King, and affirmation of the same either by word or silence. 

Law of Thelstan 5108

We decide that the following offenses may only be punished as petty crimes in accordance with local customs: 

• Any abominable crime committed against someone of lesser station. 
• Assault 
• Bastardy 
• Bigamy 
• Excessive Indebtedness 
• Disturbing the Peace 
• Drunkenness 
• Riotous assembly 
• Oath-breaking 
• Poaching 
• Rape 
• Slander 
• Slave-dealing 
• Tax avoidance 
• Trafficking stolen property 
• Vagrancy 
• Witchcraft 

Law of Halinard 5285

Because Bounty Hunting is a dangerous profession, but one that is necessary for the good order of all societies and the protection of nobility everywhere, we therefore, bind ourselves to the institution and protection of the articles instituted by the Bounty Hunters Guild.

The Tandis Lists: List XXI

The Tandis Lists are the compiled lists of all of the Old Bears since the First Gathering of Rangers in 3278ey. They are kept by Tandis of Peakshadow -- a well-respected historian of the Fraternity.

In the 52nd century there was:

5208 Ealrif
5238 Vykander Halfelven 

5268 Coll Jons of Balduren who lost Harminia to the hordes. 

5278 Feren of Saklan
5288 Gray Woodcutter

Battle Song of the Fell

The Urgamesh were a tribe who apparently worshipped the elemental powers of one they called Mother Earth, along with her sons, Wind and Fire. Their unnerving repetitious chant was heard by all at the Battle of the Black Princes in 3012ey. However, it was preserved as nothing more than a beat or cadence with nonsensical grunts by the Northruner skalds who were there. Those skalds passed it down in their oral histories -- mostly to bring color and fear to their audiences at the appropriate time.

Apparently the Urok had a greater audience than anyone suspected. The song was also adapted by several goblin hordes. In 4224ey, animated with a religious fervor, goblin armies returned with the so-called Chanters' War. They believed that the endless repetition of the chant rendered them all but invulnerable. 

Again at the Battle of Wanderhalt 5284ey, Northruners fought alongside of Westruners against goblins. Over a period of six days, this song was heard time and again. The skalds were dumbfounded to hear the same battle cadence they had preserved, and when it was over, had the lyrics translated. Learned Westrun sages gave them the true words and their meaning from the Fell Speech.

In practice, the first two verses are sung by lonely voices in their vast horde. Perhaps one in one hundred are singing, while the rest are quiet. The third verse is joined by all and at the conclusion of it, the horde surges forward attacking. The final chants are made until the battle is won or they are beaten off.

A Song of Urgamesh: a chant of Earth, Wind and Fire.

Behold the battle before us
Behold the mighty wind
Behold the raging fire
They will be with us bringing death
Returning ash and blood to earth

See how the gods will fight with us?
See how we win the spoils of kings?
Ride all the wind and fire
True warriors bring earth its due
Leave all the ash and blood behind us

We attack screaming like true heroes
We fight the foes who stand before us
Ride all the wind and fire
The gods go with us and are pleased
Feel their power of blade and brand

Ride all the wind and fire
Ride all the wind and fire
Ride all the wind and fire
Ride all the wind and fire

The White Council

The White Council is believed to be a subset of the Dweomersecte and is supposedly composed of those wizards motivated by law and goodness. Working in concert, these wizards allegedly want to see the advancement and betterment of all mankind.

It was formed in 5271 -- the so-called Year of the Restless Dead in Menea. The White Council was able to reverse the curse which afflicted that Kingdom.

Members are said to have taken oaths to uphold what they call the Sevenfold Laws of their Council:

• The 1st Law prohibits the killing of humans with spells, unless it be for self-defense.
• The 2nd Law prohibits the polymorphing of others without permission.
• The 3rd Law prohibits the violation of someone else mental integrity with domination, charm or ESP for personal gain.
• The 4th Law prohibits the use of illusions and phantasms in transactions, contracts or in the conduct of business.
• The 5th Law prohibits the creation, summoning or exploitation of the dead.
• The 6th Law prohibits the use of time travel.
• The 7th Law prohibits trafficking and communicating with extra-planar creatures.

There are three members of the White Council: Melf, Serten and Leomund.

The Trials of the Holy Men of Westrun, a pronouncement of the Patriarch

Whereas, we have undertaken a thorough study of a phenomenon which has lately come to afflict our holy brothers in this Land, and in all the others where they might be found;

And whereas we hope to dispel any fears that the faithful might hold with respect to the integrity and fidelity of those who labor along side of them;

And whereas, it would seem to please the great God to bestow upon some of the most highly ranked and greatly esteemed members of his clergy, a puzzling affliction;

We, Brod of Peakshadow, by the grace of God, Patriarch of His Holy Faith do declare the following findings with respect to that which is known as the Divine Abandonment, or in the common speech, the Trials:

• One, that it is known that many of the Shepherds and Cloistered are no longer given favor sufficient to work the miracles that the faithful have come to expect of them. Instead, they must labor without any power, but the trappings of office to sustain them.
• Two, that this should not be assumed to be a curse, nor an indication of judgment against such men and women; who are afflicted. For arguing against this possibility are the impeccable reputations of those most often afflicted.
• Three, that as the old temple of the imposter gods is finally defeated and destroyed, it may be that the great God wishes to teach men obedience and consistency without the working of signs and miracles among mortal men.
• Four, that in no case should a worker of miracles, who is as yet untouched by the affliction be given pre-eminence over the brothers who are so afflicted. For it is well known that not all gifts are given equally and where some are strong, others are weak, but this should not affect the spheres established by our Worthy predecessors.

So set I my signature, this 19th day of the Second Mon of Summer, in the year 5269 as the elves reckon time. 

Observant Society of Wr. Cronos

Wr. Cronos served as a Cardinal Prefect in 5140 and was put in charge of codifying The Canons, as well as establishing the Scriptoriums which saw to their production. He was a holy man and a worker of miracles besides.

The Society of St. Cronos was established in 5202 by priests who felt that others had become too soft in regards to the teaching of the Church. Members of the Society are extremely devout and adhere to the highest standards of personal holiness, while also taking great pains to study the Canons, even committing large portions of them to memory. Cronosians often preside at juridical functions and in matters where the letter of the law is needed.

They are sometimes at odds with the Planosians.

Their symbol is that of a ram.

Sage Hewen

a biography by Edwir

A recognized scholar and Druid, Sage Hewen has spent many years writing and revising his work so that each version is complete and accurate. He is a gnome that resides in the Old City of Pisat in the Free Provinces of Westrun.

In addition to transmitting the authoritative recipe for walnut ink, he has long been the authority on the Realms of Demi-Humans.

He is believed to be in near constant contact with all of the demi human Kingdoms and maintains constant contact with them. In this work, he persists after his teacher, Marlet who kept the work in his time from his teacher, and so on.

Hewen's expertise is widely sought on these matters.

The Books of the Archmagi of the Dweomersecte vol. 15

5000 Balakarde the Generous - Twice great grandsire of Balakarde the Young aka Bucknard, his time at the Dweomersecte was marred by a recurring affliction of Dreadnestle Pox. This not only marred his visage, but later in life also deeply effected his ability to remember and cast spells. Balakarde is best known for signing the first three Articles of the Censure between himself and High King Gregory of Rath and for successfully defeated the Pyromancers in the conflicts known as the Wars of Cinder and Silence that he inherited from his predecessor.

5058 Vecna the Undying - a human wizard obsessed with eternal life, Vecna claimed to have unlocked the secret of immortality. He managed to broker a peace with the Fire Mages and their Archflame Qurnath IV. His expertise in prolonging life was offered to Qurnath, but not accepted until he was replaced by Baalruh the Immortal. The peace would not long last as the Archflame grew distrustful of Vecna's intentions.

After 230 years as the Archmage, he also aroused suspiscion among the Magisters of the Dwemoersecte and was eventually revealed to have become undead.

Vecna claimed that extreme steps were necessary to keep the Pretender gods from quitting their exile and returning to enslave humanity. He undertook great experimentation in time travel and used his newfound arts to go back and assume the identity of Seleseer the Uniter which he held for almost a century before being caught and banished by the Dweomersecte of that time.

Vecna was slain by the minions and henchmen of Aya, a young witch who was hungry for power and desired a shortcut to leadership of the Dweomersecte.

5287