Phoebian League

The Phoebian League is a loose confederacy of city-states to the north of the Weald, bound by their dedication to the church of Aramon. The League was started when the church gained political control over two cities, Castello and Punta d'Oro. With their leadership united, the two cities were able to exert increasing pressure over the surrounding lands, slowly spreading their influence further and further afield until the whole region was under their indirect control.

The Phoebian League was officially founded with the Treaty of Phobos, an agreement that prevented war between a half dozen cities and territories as long as they allowed the church to have access to the highest levels of power. Cities within the League could maintain their own government and culture, as long as they allow church members into their court, and allow the church to decide on foreign policy. Each city also maintains its own armies, as well as providing conrois of knights proportional to their population to serve in the church's paladin orders.

The Order of the Silver Hand

Representing the right hand of Aramon, the Order of the Silver Hand is the church of Aramon's invading army. The order is the spearhead of the Phoebian League's army when they attempt to spread their borders, and includes many of the League's most devout and skilled knights. The Order of the Silver Hand excels in shock tactics, slamming into their enemies with a zeal that is rarely matched. Their devotion to their cause allows them to channel the might of Aramon, striking opponents with the force of his will.

The Order was initially dispatched to the Weald to gain control of the forest's boundless resources but faced an unexpected degree of push-back. When they first met resistance they battered aside the Weald's natives, destroying Vae'Nolar communes and Hin roundhouses alike. It wasn't until supply lines became an issue that the Order's progress was slowed. The lack of well-trodden roads or opportunities for requisition made marching more difficult, and guerilla-style attacks from the trees cost the lives of many knights. Eventually, the Order's leadership was forced to halt their progress and seek a defensible position from which to sally forth. They settled on the long-abandoned fortress known as Fivespire keep, treating it as a base of operations within the reason.

The leader of the Order of the Silver Hand within the Weald and master of Fivespire castle is Duke Giovanni di Argenti. He holds court within the renovated halls of the castle and decided on the taxes that he charges the settlements within his reach.

Members of the Order are easily spotted within the forest, as their gleaming silvered armour, while impressive, is far from practical in the thick foliage. While impenetrable, their armour also limits their vision, making it even easier for foes to sneak upon them.

### The Brotherhood of the Thumbed Scale

The Brotherhood of the Thumbed Scale is a secretive mercantile cabal, hailing from gnomish quarter of the League city of Punta d'Oro. The brotherhood sees themselves as an amoral force, doing little more than relieving the undeserving of their wealth and returning it to the civilized lands that can use it more effectively. They range far and wide, often employing local guides and translators in order to facilitate trade. Brothers keep their membership a secret, only identifying themselves through a highly coded secret cant that allows them to communicate their intentions while discussing unrelated matters.

While the Brotherhood was initially only open to membership by gnomes, they later opened their doors to members of other races. Some of the most successful Brothers are Vae'Nadas and surface dwarves, who are able to use their ambiguous alliances to belie their intentions.

The Brotherhood of the Thumbed Scale is only permitted to exist because it provides wealth to the **Phoebian League**. Any Brother that gets ideas above their place will face quick and decisive action by the church, who have their own spies and informants to keep tabs on Brotherhood operations.