NPC/Unyd Zogg

# Unyd Zogg, the Forge of the Resistance

## Unyd Zogg

**Unyd Zogg** (*aljyyri* - Z'unyd Zogg'arham), the Forge of the Resistance, - is one of the first exiles on Fayers Cove. Unyd Zogg was one of the leaders of the resistance during the War for independence, having set up his forge as the base of operations, hub for the leaders and a refuge for those in need.

Unyd's unwavering determination, courage, and his valorous actions in defending Fayers Cove from the Sultanate during the struggle for independence earned him the status of a revered hero on the island. In the years that followed, his sons would establish a guild called "Unyd's Forge" - headquartered in their father's old smithy.

## Background

### Youth in the Aljyyr Sultanate

Unyd was born in the year 936 A.C. in Haj'daham township in the Northern reaches of the Aljyyr Sultanate. Unyd was a son of Zogg Ymir - local blacksmith and loyal servant of Gond (god of craft, *aljyyri* - Zou'nyd), along with the other villagers.

Unyd was born to Zogg Ymir (*aljyyri -* Y'zogg Ymir'arham), a local blacksmith, and a devout follower of Gond (*aljyyri* - Zou'nyd). In the village of Haj'daham, despite the state's official religion being centered around Khargath (*aljyyri* - Kar'agadd al-jyyr, *common* - Khargath, the All-Seeing), the villagers openly expressed their faith through their craftsmanship. Their dedication to their craft served as a testament to their beliefs.

Although they practiced their faith discreetly, the villagers of Haj'daham subtly incorporated symbols resembling a figure with a square head and six hands, reminiscent of spider legs, into their daily lives. This allowed them to avoid arousing suspicion from passing royal guards and emissaries, who might have taken issue with their "unapproved" beliefs. However, this careful balance was disrupted when a passing emissary noticed dolls made of hay and cloth, all bearing six hands and a square, almost box-like head. Intrigued, he inquired about the name of the dolls, to which a passing child replied, "Zou'nyd (*common* - Gond)! They are all Zou'nyd," Thus, the emissary sought out the village's elder to delve deeper into this peculiar faith observed by the villagers. Following his investigation, the emissary departed the village, only to return two weeks later, accompanied by a contingent of faith militia. Their return marked a harrowing chapter in the village's history.

Upon their arrival, they discovered that only a handful of families remained in Haj'daham. These were individuals who had nowhere else to flee or were unable to escape in time, having caught wind of the unsettling rumors surrounding the advancing faith militia.

Unyd and his wife chose to stay behind to safeguard the forge. The forge held profound significance for them, serving as a sacred place that they were unwilling to abandon. And so, Unyd, his wife, and a few other resolute families were apprehended and subsequently subjected to exile, in accordance with the strict laws of the sultanate. Haj'daham and all the treasured craftsmanship it housed met a grim fate, reduced to ashes and buried beneath the weight of history.

### Years of exile

Upon their arrival in Fayers Cove, Unyd immediately recognized the pressing needs of the exile community. He was determined to contribute in the most meaningful way possible, drawing upon his skills as a blacksmith. It was through this craft that he believed he could make a substantial difference, not through the days and nights in the mines. Together with other craftsmen, they wished to establish a fully functional forge capable of accommodating multiple blacksmiths and craftsmen simultaneously. And so the forge was built, later to be rebuilt to what the township now knows as Forgehall.

During the tumultuous period of the war for independence, Unyd Zogg's role as a blacksmith became even more critical. His skills proved indispensable in crafting essential tools and weaponry for the exiles who had risen up against the Sultanate. Unyd's unique familiarity with the Sultanate's weaponry and armor, gained from his prior experiences as a blacksmith, proved invaluable during the war. Having previously crafted swords and spearheads for the emissary guards, he possessed insights into the military equipment of the enemy that few others did.

While some exiles feared the conflict, dubbing the Aljyyri soldiers as "snakes," Unyd stood resolute, setting an example of unwavering courage and determination. His ceaseless work and his absence of fear in the face of adversity bolstered the spirits of those around him, and as the conflict escalated, Unyd took on a leadership role within the resistance movement, eventually earning the moniker "The Forge of the Resistance." In this capacity, he organized teams, allocated resources, oversaw weapon distribution, and personally crafted the necessary tools and armaments. He also played a vital role in the repair and maintenance of equipment, tirelessly working to restore the weaponry and gear salvaged from the pirates who remained in Fayers Cove. Unyd's contributions went beyond the confines of his forge; he became a symbol of strength and resilience for the entire movement.

> *"In his forge, the leader of the resistance - Unyd Zogg worked tirelessly to repurpose nearly all available farming and mining equipment into formidable tools of war. Simple farm tools were transformed into deadly scythes, capable of slicing through the leather padded jackets worn by the Sultanate's forces."*
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Following the successful revolution and the lifting of the Sultanate's blockade, Unyd's dedication to his forge never waned. It was said that the rhythmic sounds of his smithing hammer striking the anvil could be heard almost continuously, day and night. Unyd tirelessly manufactured tools for both crafting and warfare, ensuring that the island's residents were always well-equipped. In the later years of his life, and up until his passing, Unyd Zogg focused his efforts on creating essential farming and mining implements, as well as crafting swords and spears for the Grey Cloaks militia. Some locals even believe that he drew his last breath with a hammer in his hand, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his community.

Upon his passing, Unyd was laid to rest in the old burial grounds near the Southern Cliffs, marking the end of an era but leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication that would be remembered for generations to come through his tools, his sons and Unyd's Forge guild.

## Unyd's Forge

*\* This section mirrors Unyd's Forge's segment "History".*

### First exiles

In its earliest incarnation, during the arrival of the first exiles and Unyd's initial steps onto Fayers Cove, the forge was a modest affair. Little more than a makeshift smithy comprised of rough-hewn logs and salvaged materials, it stood as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the island's first inhabitants. Within these humble walls, these exiles forged their own simple tools and... destinies. Their sweat and toil created the foundation for what was to come.

### War for independence

As the islanders rallied together during the first blockade, the forge underwent a profound transformation. It evolved from a place of simple craftsmanship to a crucible of rebellion and ingenuity. The original forge became a hub of activity, teeming with laborers and blacksmiths who worked tirelessly to craft weapons, armor, and tools that would enable them to withstand the might of the Sultanate. It was during this turbulent time that Unyd Zogg emerged as a leader, his unwavering commitment to the forge and its cause elevating him to hero status. The forge's role extended beyond mere metalwork; it became a symbol of hope and defiance, a beacon for the islanders' unyielding spirit.

In his forge, Unyd worked tirelessly to repurpose nearly all available farming and mining equipment into formidable tools of war. Simple farm tools were transformed into deadly scythes, capable of slicing through the leather jackets worn by the Sultanate's forces. His forge was also instrumental in refitting scavenged armor to protect the frontline of the exiles, as well as smelting ammunition to replace the cannonballs used by the surviving cannons from the Blackhand's fleet. The forge itself has also become the base of operations, the hub of the leadership among all the parties involved, and the refuge to all those who needed it.

### Years of creation

The passing of years brought about the final stage in the forge's evolution, thanks to the dedication of Unyd's sons already after his passing away. The small, makeshift structures gave way to a more permanent establishment, culminating in the construction of the renowned Forgehall. This sprawling structure stands as a testament to the guild's enduring legacy and a nod to the skilled artisans who had breathed life into the forge's fires. Within the Forgehall's walls, the traditions of excellence were upheld, and the union's guiding principles were etched into each hammer blow and anvil strike. The forge, now a fully-fledged institution, stands as a symbol of the island's resilience, craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit that continues to shape its history.