Kingdoms of Anwyn

A dual kingdom with two distinct cultures. One of armored knights in the west and rugged highlanders in the east.

Population: Albian, 1 million. Hibernia, 500,000

Heraldry: The symbol of the greater nation is a pair of Keys, teeth end down pointing outwards, wrapped in a crown.

Racial Breakdown: 75% Human, 15% Dwarven people, 5% Wracked Elves, 5% other.

Government type: Two kingdoms led by separate councils of nobles, both of which answer to a single king whom they believe is awarded the role by divine providence. In Albian the council rotates among the ruling Dukes every 5 years. In Hibernia, a conclave of Clans leaders govern. Both send three nobles to the King’s Council.

Current ruler: High King Antor Lyonesse, Holder of Keys.

Current known alliances: Military and trade alliance with the Dwarves of Bridge City.

Current Wars: Eternal Empire

### Appearance

The Knights of Anwyn are fond of paneled surcoats and helmets. Armor is shiny and very visible. Chain armor is also very common. Hibernian’s often wear kilts and various forms of plaid. They are fond of loose fitting earth tone colors. The bulk of the military dresses like New Empire Hoplites, but normally with paneled clothing and brighter colors of Albian, or Plaids and earth tones for Hibernians.

### The Founding of Anwyn

This ancient kingdom was one of the first created by humans upon their arrival to Bil Hanna. Their Great General Aedan Mac Gabrain, sent out scouts to take the lay of the land. When it was discovered there would be no returning home, and the scouts returned speaking of an isolated, fertile land far away, Gabrain made the decision to lead his people in exodus. Upon arriving at their new home he divided the people into two semi-autonomous regions both of which bent knee to his rule. Then he began building cities, roads, castles, ports, places of learning, and shelters for dark days yet unseen. He protected his people from the terrors of a world unfamiliar to them, defeating many menaces, and negotiating with wisdom and integrity with others. His rule became synonymous with wisdom, justice, and leadership, and other countries, even other races, grew to admire his wisdom.

Folktales say he was called to one great final quest, a geas so powerful he could not resist. As he packed his mount he left words for those he would leave behind. “Rule now, my children, and rule in peace, unity, and strength. For if you do, prosperity will follow,” and on his throne he left his crown. Wrought from the metals of Albian and the gems of Hibernia. “You will know when one is fit to rule you, when his head can hold the weight of this crown.”

At first, there was talk of selecting one noble from one of the two lands to succeed the High King, but none felt they could take his place. His shoes were too big to fill and his crown too heavy. A decade passed before a noble popular and fair enough was chosen to fill the High King’s throne. However, the day would be met with folly when the King fell from his mount during his coronation parade and perished. The crown was returned to the High King’s throne. A score of years later, a possible Queen came to wear the crown. She choked to death on a fishbone during the coronation dinner. The people took this as a sign. No one was worthy; the High King’s throne was to be left empty. It was soon believed anyone unworthy to take the High King’s throne would be cursed. Others whispered that, in true time of need, the High King would come again.

### Geography of Anwyn

Anwyn lies on the coast; this ocean coast defines its Northern and Eastern Borders. Hills, rivers, and less rugged mountains mark its borders to the west between Albian and the Draconic Theocracies. The southern border from southwest Albian all the way to eastern Hibernia is the Great Divide, a massive canyon. The only two ways to cross the Great Divide is at the leave of the Dwarves of Bridge City in south Albian or to travel all the way to the sea in eastern Hibernia.

Of the two regions Albian is the most fertile. Composed of open terrain, ample forests, and rich hills, it is home to the largest portion of Anwyn’s population. Most of these people are simple farmers, tradesmen, or anglers, living in the many organized towns, cities, and villages that dot the Realm.

Hibernia is dominated by highlands and mountains. Weather is changeable, though it tends to be somewhat warmer due to the influence of ocean currents. Settlements in these regions are sparser, and tend to be organized around large Clans. The southern regions have more rivers, plains, and feature lush vegetation due to the frequent rainfall. The inhabitants of the east are less urban than their western counterparts. Fewer large cities and castles are found in the east. The mountains are rich in ore.

### The Coming of the Chosen One and founding of the Knightly Orders:

Three hundred years ago a Cult arose among the most poor and desperate, spreading to serfs and other lower class individuals. This following sprouted up, speaking of a Chosen one, who would unify all, and bring fairness to the oppressed, and an end to suffering. And just like that, he appeared, moving from town to town, spreading his message to the masses. Many believed that he held the Mantle of The Adjudicator: The Judge (Old Deck) and the people called him thus. He spoke greatly of the injustice of those who were poor, and how he would lead them to a new existence of plenty, where all their needs would be taken care of. Soon, this movement turned dark and began to look to achieving this paradise by taking what was needed. Both sides of the realm saw a mixture of religious and civil war flare up. The leaders of this cult sought to destroy all classes above them, and seize all wealth and property for fair distribution. Voices of dissent were violently and publicly quieted. The result led to the abolition of serfdom, many reforms of noble powers, and other changes.

When the movement finally reached the Regent council’s capital city of Badden, an old man exited the council chambers to meet the revolutionaries. Clenching a fat roll of burning stinkleaf in his teeth, he declared Chosen one, not to be the Judge, but instead the Mob, the reverse of the Adjudicator, and dared the man to refute. But the Mob found it could not lie in the face of this man, old and bent, leaning heavily on his cane. The Mob motioned for its followers to attack the old man, but none could move. The old man simply walked forward and lifted his cane and with a single stroke, faster than the eye could see, skewered the Mob through the chest. The Mob staggered back, recognition in his eyes and said, “This wasn’t my fault, it is what the people wanted.” The old man replied, “No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.” No one ever learned the Mob’s actual name. But the Mob knew the old man. Saint George of Berns, the Ascendant of Oblivion, known as the Ferryman, (Old Deck) slowly walked through the crowd, and started his long journey back to the Necropolis of Myr.

Afterwards, the nobles (especially in Albian) sought to see that no such thing occurred again. Many reforms were put in place to curb the worst abuses. Duty to the people became not just words, but a necessity to holding power. New orders of Knights were created, to see that real Justice prevailed, the needs of the people were seen to, charity and mercy given when needed, and that people would not turn to a false promise of salvation again. Many written limits on noble power were codified into law, agreed upon by assembled councils of all nobles in Anwyn, with guarantees of certain rights, and establishment of courts of low justice, while reserving high justice for the nobility. A strong bias against overzealous spirituality developed, especially in the nobility. While personal religious beliefs were not discouraged, they were to be kept just that, personal. Nobles in all of Anwyn were reminded of their obligation to adhere to ideals of their legendary High King. Those who abused their titles and privilege would soon find themselves challenged by questing knights, and brought to face trial by combat.

### The Knights of Anwyn

The Knightly Orders are secular in nature, devoted to a chivalric code of virtues and honor. Knowledge, learning, reasoned thinking are values to be praised, not fanatical religious zealotry. While in the eastern areas this took form in different means (individualized learning, poetry, music), the belief in personal honor, loyalty, and duty to clan and family became hallmarks of not just nobles, but in all aspects of society. The Knightly Orders are not a branch of government; they are independent organizations, but are supported by both the nobility and the common folk. Membership is open not just to nobles, but by those who show bravery in deed and in character. These orders do not pledge loyalty to any religious cause or power; at most, many note their devotion to studying or pursuing a specific cause. These orders, in times of need, will take to the field in battle for Anwyn itself. While some Knights may serve a particular noble, a Knight of one of the Orders serves the Kingdom of Anwyn itself.

The notable exception is the Knights of Ore, an order of knights raised from orphans to keep the countryside free of the menace of witches and warlocks (Will magic users). While like all knightly orders they help keep the countryside free of monsters, in the pursuit of witches or warlocks they carry the full weight of the crown.

### Invasion of the Eternal Empire

These developments stood Anwyn in good stead for what came next: the invasion by the Empire. The sudden onslaught came just years after a harsh winter and plague had weakened the Twin Kingdoms. For too long Anwyn had relied on distance to protect them. The Eternal Empire had the resources to reach Anwyn, and stories of its bountiful lands had not been forgotten. Albian fell, its territory less defensible in the surprise assault. The highlands of Hibernia were more difficult. The Hibernians fought a bloody guerilla war that the Eternal Empire was never able to completely suppress.

In Albian, peace was made and cooperation seemed to flourish. Sons of nobles and knights studied in the finest of the Empire’s schools. Still, the need for a sustained military presence in the East required more development. The network of roads in Anwyn was substantially increased and improved, along with vast improvements to the ancient ports on the coast. The skilled ambassadors from Anywn to the Senate secured investments and development in the Western Kingdom. There was prosperity for generations.

But all turned to disaster for the Empire. The Empire escalated their war of conquest against the Draconic Theocracies, spending huge amounts of money, losing many troops, then spending more to develop regions closer to the front. Money poured out of Anwyn as taxes went from reasonable to confiscatory. Soon there were rebels in the forest and the hills became rife with bandits. They always struck where it was least expected. Entire villages would be taken overnight, apparently wiped out. (It turned out they were relocating to the East, temporarily). The Empire cut off support to Anwyn during a difficult offensive to slay a Dragon-King. The garrisons were ordered to build a wall between the Albian and Hibernia, then told to endure until relief could be sent, taking what they needed from the populace of Albian. Unfortunately, for the Empire, the garrison units had been stationed there for decades. Most had family, and saw themselves as residents of Anwyn. After the death of the Emperor, Albian declared their independence. Immediately, before he could even be crowned, the Emperor’s youngest child, Apis, marched forward with the Legion he had been training with, to retake Albian for the Empire.

This force was greeted with a rude surprise. They were greeted by the massed might of Albian, organized around new heavy units of the Knightly Orders supported by the very garrison they left, plus the Clans and armies of Hibernia, the Twin Kingdoms united.  All were well organized and equipped, having traveled on roads the Empire had built, each led by generals the empire had trained, organized by officers, sergeants, and centurions who had served with the Legions, wielding weapons and armor produced in foundries paid for by funds from the Empire. They saw siege engines and weapons surpassing those to be found in the empire. The quality of steel, the design of the armor decades ahead of the stagnant designs of the Empire, thanks to the ever inquisitive minds of the Knightly Orders. The Empire’s army was not just defeated, it was humiliated. In flight the shattered legions of the Empire tried to cross the Great Divide by traveling through Bridge City, only to find the gates closed to them. The last of these legions were crushed, Apis barely escaping with this life.

### Anwyn Today

Travelers from Anwyn are more common now. An interest in the world has been awakened. Questing Knights travel through Bil’Hanna seeking adventure. Clan warriors seek family members captured and taken to the Empire. There are reports of source tainted horrors rising from the caves in Hibernia’s highlands, beasts of many eyes and limbs who scramble forth with gibbering maws to attack in the dead of night. A Legion of the Twin Kingdoms military patrols the hills, but casualties are high as it seems as soon as one such beast is slain another appears.

### Notable People

High King Antor Lyonesse, Holder of Keys

Legend has it that in the year of Entfall a babe was found along a river that separates Albian and Hibernia. Taken in by a retired Albian questing knight and her Hibernian clan leader husband, the child grew at astounding speed, reaching the size of manhood by the age of eight. He learned just as quickly. Becoming adept at poetry, dance, and swordplay as easily as breathing. Antor mystified his parents who showered him with love and affection. And while rumor spread of this miraculous child from village to village, this childhood of bliss was not to last.

One moonless night Hibernian horrors slid into their small city, tentacled monstrosities around two feet tall with a singular eye and a dozen limbs. Nearly a hundred people were strangled silently in their beds. He awoke when one of these beasts crawled over the edge of his bed and tried to do the same to him. It is said Antor wrestled free from the beast and killed it in his bedroom with a candlestick. It was then he discovered he was too late to save his adopted parents. With his fallen father’s sword he marshaled up every person he could then went home to home and destroyed as many of the beasts as they could find.

The next day he rode to Badden to speak to the council of nobles. Upon arrival he demanded to be seen immediately but was denied and told to come back in a month when grievances from the public would be heard. Not one to take no for an answer, he scaled the wall of the great hall and entered through an upper window and descended into the great council’s presence. Loudly he tried to speak his case but was opposed by threats, angry shouts, and eventually drawn steel. It was apparent that the council members were more upset with his presence than the news he had to share. As the guards advanced on him, he calmly reached down to the throne at the end of the table, picked up the King of King’s crown, and laid it on his head.

Silence enveloped the room. No one could speak for the audacity of it. And they waited. Held in place as if at sword point, they waited for the tragedy that became all those who were deemed unworthy by the crown. They waited a day and a night. Yet, the boy still lived. All the while he spoke of the virtues of Anwyn he learned from his mother and father. Spoke of honor and integrity. Spoke for protecting the weak. Spoke of how politics should not get in the way of doing good and of how if only the nobles of Anwyn could open their eyes, they could be more than just a nation at war with the Empire. They could be a beacon of hope for humans all across Bil’Hanna.

By dawn of the next day, every member of the council had bent the knee. By noon the next day an order of questing Knights rode west with him at their head, to hunt down the last of the one eyed beasts. When he returned, he was crowned the High King Antor Lyonesse, Holder of Keys.

### Stereotypical views of the Twin Kingdoms of Anwyn

#### Refugees/Neppen

“There is a chance for greatness here. Also a chance for great evil. Sometimes it is the same thing.”

#### Truefolk

“A side effect of Imperial Greed. This is the perfect example of what being under the Emperor’s rule does to a people.”

#### Dwarven Peoples of Bridge City

“These people have found their soul again. We are proud to call them brothers in arms.”

#### First Elves

“A tragic people. Strife is just as important as joy to make a person strong.  Fading away your mistakes dooms you to repeat them.”

#### Wracked Elves

“I call many of these short lived men and women, brothers. Their lives may be short but they seem to live them twice as passionately.”

#### The Eternal Empire

“The greedy bully that thinks all toys in the sand pit are his just because he was fortunate enough to have a mother who was willing to over feed him.”

#### The Tribes of Tarabuth

“They offered aid during our liberation but we refused. We had to learn this for ourselves. But there is honor among them. They are chained by a code that is linked to their very flesh. If ever there were a race of people meant to breed Heroes, it would be them.”

#### The Necropolis of Myr

“Neutral almost to a fault. But you cannot begrudge that what they contain in their walls, the definition of history itself on Bil’Hanna, must be protected at all costs. Should Myr raise a banner for its defense, I know of several Orders of Knights who would answer the call.”

#### Dragonic Theocracies

“Scapegoats. We were new to this land, they did not know if we were good men or evil men. It turns out we were the villains. Every account I have heard says the Dragons Kings rule their subjects with fairness, if not always mercy. Can one really ask for much more?”

#### Slegorains

“They have even offered to fight for us against their own kin who are fighting for the Empire. War for one’s homeland is not a thing that should be done by strangers. We trade heavily with them for oils and rare goods from all over the world. It seems that the government itself isn’t involved in the War at all, but the young who must go to war to prove their vigor before they are allowed to take a wife? It is more complicated than that but frankly none of our business.”

#### City of Vrosa

“A den of sin and debauchery. The suffering of the weak is ignored while the rich placate themselves with games of wine and blood. This is the depth to which the Truefolk have fallen. So wicked is the city that an Order of Knights has taken up residence and attempts in some small way to bring order to the streets and succor to the poor. Alas, misfortune dogs their every step.”

#### City State of Winegorge

“We know very little about these Truefolk, or if they are any different from those of Vrosa.”