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Author: Adelyn Belle'rose

Rozen Chalice Publishing, a division of East Arelith Trading

Original Publication: 167 AR "Sencliff: A Forgotten Past"

Revised & Updated Edition: 175 AR "Arelith: A History of Sencliff"

"The Arelith Antiquarian Society is instituted to examine, preserve, and publish all antiquities as connected with the art, language, literature, and history of the Arelith Archipelago. Articles bearing this notation have been selected for conservation regardless of race, faith, alignment, or affiliation. While all efforts have been made to ensure the information within is accurate regarding the subject matter covered, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein, whether such errors or omissions are the result of negligence, accident, or any other cause. If any such errors, inaccuracies, or omissions are discovered please contact the author who will address the issue."

FOREWORD

The island of Sencliff, as I learned over the course of my research, is an anarchistic gathering of souls fixated on existing in the moment. The residents value an attitude of individual freedom which often results in documents of historical significance being misplaced or destroyed. Even more notable, any artwork of antique origins is often stolen or vandalized. While I have assembled what was uncovered in this chronicle, such laissez faire governance has regrettably resulted in most of the island's own history being eradicated from the realm. While lamentable, such is the nature of time.

I. ANTIQUITY

Located to the Northeast of Arelith, off the Bitter Coast, the island of Sencliff was first settled by a cult of Cyric worshipers who constructed the island's oldest edifice, a tall stone tower. At some point the followers of the Black Sun vanished and the pirates arrived around the late 70s AR (Arelith Reckoning) when new shipping lanes allowed for the island's discovery. These new residents continued to build upon the island with their own sense of aesthetics into what we see it as today.

II. THE SENCLIFF INSTITUTE

Little is recorded of this organization, though it appears to have been a cabal of various infamous individuals formed with the purpose of colonizing and subjugating the local populace around 86 AR. Most infamous among them was Archmalefactrix Jel, who would become Lord Governess of Guldorand and leader of Sencliff. This faction would eventually annex Benwick as a vassal city before leading the settlement to ultimate destruction in 88 AR. A glimpse of the institution's goal can be seen in the well-known report titled "Audit of Sencliff: Observations & Summaries" written by Ambassador Damask in the year 86 AR which reads:

"Making the island a little more self-sustaining (the land seems arable enough), introduction of industry (the Malefactrix suggests whaling or similar, with manufacturing facilities in the underdocks), increasing security against those who will inevitably take notice, and playing host to other outcasts and aiding those already on the isle (beneficial contracts, loans, exchanges) would earn the respect and trust of Sencliff. This also lays the groundwork for Sencliff's population to embrace and create the future we bring, willing and voluntarily paving the road of good intentions -straight into our ultimate and direct control. For their own good."

The organization emerged once more at the end of the island's "Rift Crisis" in 89 AR. Collaborating with the renowned monk Amadeo Pnuema in the creation of the Astrolabe. No further information was located after this point and we can safely assume the Sencliff Institute never completed their plans, or at the very least were unable to hold control over the island for much longer.

III. HIGH LORD OF SENCLIFF

Captain Jovanni 'Joron' di Dolcemarea of the galleon Liberator and High Priest of Umberlee ruled Sencliff as High Lord after the Sencliff Institute from 90 AR until his death in Guldorand around 94 AR. Little is recorded of his life or deeds.

IV. HER GRACE, DUCHESS ANN I OF HOUSE THRULE

The island presently known for its free-spirited lifestyle and inability to be managed was at one time governed as a monarchy known as "The Duchy of Sencliff". Such a regime remained for the next thirty odd years, with only a few interruptions.

The first recorded ruler of the Duchy, Her Grace Ann I of House Thrule, would reign the longest. Little is known of her initial arrival and life before Sencliff, though her name appears in Andunor's History of House Xun'viir dated 97 AR. From such, we can reason that her ascension began in Andunor.

"Meanwhile notable humans such as Merovech, Roland Asen, Ann Thrule, and Azuilah had formed an anchor head in the Sharps. Backed into a corner by Drow expansionism and violence, the outcasts were forced to band together and match the Drow in their aggression. The streets often ran red as each party satisfied their bloodlust."

Known for being a skillful negotiator who detested politics, she would leverage her prestige into power and consolidate Sencliff for her own around 100 AR, compelling the island onto the world stage.

  • Coalitions

The Duchy of Sencliff joined the Church of Bane under High Inquisitor Vistigor Torkill (Minmir Sect), Mayor Skyja Steinblad of Wharftown, and 'Hetman' Ilya Popvich leader of the Murom Cossack Host in Coalition around 103 AR against:

Item #1: Gabriel Lance in relation to The Lace Situation.

Item #2: The Blood Pact united under Kharne Riscorve, High Priest of the Black Sun, and Queen Elzi I of the Iron Citadel, the Church of Cyric, the Abyssal Forces, and Malarites.

The outcome of these alliances remains unknown.

  • Exile

The time between 105 AR to 109 AR saw relations between the city of Cordor and the Duchy of Sencliff, who was a close collaborator with the Reformed Church of Bane located in Minmir, strained. This tension accumulated when Cordor banished all the people of Sencliff from its city and lands. The act was met with public outcry as diplomacy between the two collapsed.

[In Response to the Exile of Sencliff]

"Good day, Cordor. I am Count Rosenkranz III, Chaplain of the Reformed Church of Bane (Minmir Sect), and I serve my suzerain lord, Duchess Ann I of Sencliff of the House Thrule. I am writing here today on behalf of the Duchess, to offer our reply to your challenge."

"You think you can destroy us, hold us at bay like a guttering candle against the dark. You think you can banish us, but even as you read these words it is evident that our hands will not be bound by petty shackles. You hide behind laws, walls, and words so weak that their replacement is an inevitability. Every citizen and friend of Cordor who is hurt, afraid, or dead as a result of our responses is a direct challenge to the viability of your rule."

"When the majority of our members cannot roam freely, you will claim victory, when all you have done is glimpsed the End from a window and closed the curtains. You claim to be the "good of the isle", united and together. As if you cast a light to rival that at Benwick. You need not follow the metaphor long to realize that the brightest light often casts the darkest shadow. Sencliff in not a guild of thieves to be outlawed, anarchists to be killed, or rebels to be suppressed. Sencliff is not the sum of its people or its leaders."

"Sencliff is an idea."

"Sencliff is a parallel society to your own fading, diseased on; we will peel back the scabrous bandages barely concealing your wounds, and let them fester and rot for the world to see. Your self-righteous, hypocritical persecution of warlocks, necromancers, the outcasts, those who never fit in, while tolerating worse individuals that are useful to you is a shameful display of your lack of conviction."

"If you live to expose the truth of this island and its self-proclaimed custodians and guardians, then consider this a call to arms. We invite those who see the rotten core behind the gleaming façade to join us in tearing it down and building something true, something great, and something better upon the ashes."

ORBIS NON SVFFICIT

  • The Great War

In 115 AR war was declared when a former Wharftown official, on the eve of being ousted in election by challenger Roxite, was believed to have fled to Guldorand with the town's treasury. With the start of hostilities, alliances were called upon and the Duchy of Sencliff responded by declaring war on Guldorand to aid her close ally of Wharftown. Guldorand in return called upon the Cordorian Alliance of Myon, Cordor, and Brogendenstein for support. In short order, the land was engulfed in an island wide conflict. A demand was made by Cordor for Wharftown's surrender.

[Cordor Terms for Peace]

1. The Unconditional surrender of Wharftown to Cordor 2. Wharftown must become a vassal of Cordor. 3. The Zhentarim leadership of Wharftown must submit themselves to arrest to be tried for their crimes. 4. Reparation paid to Guldorand for damages done.

Wharftown has one month to deliver their acceptance of these terms if peace is desired. Adalbrandt 11 Day of the 8th Month, 115 AR

The terms for capitulation were refused and War boiled over the isle of Arelith for the next two years.

  • The Second Dominion

With the death of Impreceptor Pelaguis of the House of Castillian, Duke of Minmir, in 112 AR the Reformed Church of Bane's First Chaplain Rosenkranz III of the House of Ezekiel rose into the position as secular leader. This promotion allowed him to focus on personal ambitions by strengthening the ties between the Reformed Church of Bane and The Duchy of Sencliff. The ongoing war with Guldorand also provided the Banite leader many opportunities to win popular support of the people which peaked in 117 AR. Winning the election in Wharftown through violence, reputation, and intimidation the new Lord-Mayor of Wharftown consolidated his power base by countering the Cordorian Alliance with one of his own making. Rosenkranz declared the formation of a confederation called "The Second Dominion" to which Her Grace, Duchess Ann I joined.

[Declaration of a Dominion]

"Citizens & beings of all lands from across these islands,"

"This day marks a turning point, one where war will be put behind us, and we can press on with the enforcement of law, order, and prosperity."

"Therefore I declare THE SECOND DOMINION of NORTHERN ARELITH, incorporating at this time the FREE PORT of WHARFTOWN, the EMIRATE of SIBAYAD, the ARCHDUCHY of MINMIR, and the DUCHY of SENCLIFF under one NATION-STATE, and one SOVEREIGN, HIS GRACE ROSENKRANZ III."

"Each province of The Dominion will be granted a high level of autonomy, with a DIET comprised of Burgermeister Marya Althschuler (Wharftown), Emir Penerith Silaya (Sibayad), and Duchess Ann I of House Thrule (Sencliff) ruling over His provinces, and will be convened on a regular basis to meet to discuss issues of the day."

"Any self-governing territories or settlements who wish to join our confederation is invited to contact His Grace or His Court."

SAECULA SAECULORUM

<>The tract is sealed with wax, the seal depicting a stylized letter 'R' within an archducal coronet.<>

ROSENKRANZ Manu propria Wharftown, 1 Anno Imperii / Eleint 117 AR (Day 12 Month 9 117 AR)

By the end of 118 AR, tired of warfare and financial loss, the Cordorian Alliance agreed to talks of peace. Within a short time both sides met and agreed to the following treaty.

[Wharftown & Guldorand Peace Talks]

  • Attending Delegates*

Cordor: Councilor Twiggy Gallowmere Former Councilor Rin (Standing in for Councilor Adalbrandt)

Guldorand: Lady Protector Storm Harthglen Teu'aerron Mayor Aspirant Rannos Susidian

Myon: Ophelia Councilor Maeralya

Sencliff: Duchess Ann of House Thrule, on behalf of the Province of Sencliff. Commander of the Waymen, Grand Marshall of the Dominion. Seneschal Roland Asen of Castle Sencliff, personal aide to His Grace and Emissary Sinister to Andunor

Wharftown: His Grace, Rosenkranz Ezekiel, Lord over the Free Port of Wharftown, Vassal-Liege of the Duchy of Sencliff, Protector of Sibayad, Count of the Unterwald, Voice of the inheritor and Defender of the Faith. Heir Apparent to The Seat of Minmir and Sovereign over The Dominion

Marya Althschuler Marsland, scribe and assistant to Althschuler

SUMMARY "All representatives arrived at the Myart Shrine, in addition to representatives from Sencliff. Adalbrandt objected on the basis that Sencliff was not originally included. Additional delegates from Myon arrived. Adalbrandt departed when Sencliff delegates declined to leave."

"Ezekiel proposed terms, which were amended by Myon to exclude Drow on Myon lands from the peace. Myon requested Clarity on the terms, which was provided by delegates from Guldorand, Sencliff, and Wharftown. Agreement was taken by show of hands, and verified by the scribe."

"Wharftown and Guldorand are to immediately cease hostilities. A grace period of one year is to follow, and extend to all allies and interests of both settlements. This is to include Cordor, Guldorand, Myon, Sencliff, and Wharftown. Cessations includes electoral interference by these settlements and their allies. As requested by Myon, Drow caught within Myon's borders are not subject to this peace."

In Agreement: Cordor: Gallowmere, Rin Guldorand: Teu'aerron, Susidian Myon: Maeralya, Ophelia Sencliff: Thrule Wharftown: Ezekiel, Althschuler

Dissenting: Sencliff: Asen

Abstaining: Cordor: Adalbrandt

All delegates left in peace.

In the period after the war, approximately 123 AR, Rosenkranz dissolved the Second Dominion and left the region with the Damkianna Azuilah Misotho of Sibayad. It is speculated that 'The Second Dominion' was a foundational interest, or testbed, for a larger project concerning the reclamation and restoration of the lands of northern Minmir, once held by the Lost Kingdom of Kohlingen. Ultimately Rosenkranz's efforts were unsuccessful. The former Sovereign and his followers elected to depart the island after their full momentum had fallen away, rather than wait for another cycle of intrigue to re-found the Dominion.

Duchess Ann I of House Thrule was soon persuaded, after the Dominions dissolution, to relocate and serve as the Captain of Cordor's city guard. Eventually she would leave the island of Arelith altogether and return to her place of birth.

V. HER GRACE, DUCHESS ARIANNE DE FLUER

Captain Arianne, a Cormyrean ex-soldier mercenary, arrived on the island and managed an outfit called the Hellebore Company. Conversely, she was secretly a cultist of the Black Strategarch Bel and raised a coven in plain sight. However, after taking a mercenary contract in Andunor, Captain Arianne ultimately lost the Hellebore Company's components. The business below frightened too many of her rank-and-file members. Captain Arianne would re-branded herself, with considerably more success, as a military advisor and counsel for hire. She flitted from faction to faction, aiding in this conflict or that, above or below, and made a considerable hoard of wealth in the process. She later ousted the then-owner of the Sencliff Estate and based her operations from Manor. Effectively in 125 AR, Arianne was the first to take up the mantle of Duchess after Thrule. Under her guidance Sencliff prospered in peace, as no one dared targeted her for the aid she lent during Arelith's various conflicts. Then in 127 AR, Duchess Arianne de Fleur sold her holdings in Sencliff to one Sydney Harrow and retired from Arelith with her accumulated wealth.

VI. HER GRACE, DUCHESS SARINE DRAGONSONG

Installed as de facto Duchess in 127 AR by the Estates new owner, she ruled for the next seven years. Upon Sydney Harrow's return to Sencliff, Lady Dragonsong relinquished her title of Duchess, handing over control of the isle. This action thus ended the legacy of Sencliff as a Duchy.

VII. THE SENCLIFF ESTATE

Based out of the Sencliff Estate, the famed 'Witch of Lies' Sydney Harrow turned the isle from a Duchy to one of free market enterprise in 134 AR. While few transcriptions remain of their activities, her reign can be summarized by the following flier posted across Arelith during the time.

"TO THOSE SCOUNDRELS, SAILORS, EXILES, OPPORTUNISTS, AGENTS, MAGI, SCHOLARS, KILLERS, THIEVES, WORSHIPPERS, DENIERS, MERCENARIES, LAWYERS, ET AL: "WELCOME" TO SENCLIFF"

"We are the SENCLIFF ESTATE, and ours is the industry of Brokerage and Facilitation. Ours is this island's oldest continuous legacy, and thus we oblige ourselves to your SERVICE."

"We are buyers and sellers of all things, foremost knowledge, power, and opportunity, with those willing to seek us for PROFIT."

"We are sponsors of new residents to this island to ensure its collective growth, consolidation, and means to relation and ASSEMBLY."

"We are the gracious machinery of influence, wealth, access, secrets, and connections, and shall assure the promise of OPPORTUNITY."

"Interested parties should contact named Associates of the SENCLIFF ESTATE for consultations and trafficking."

"For all affairs on Sencliff, Sibayad, Andunor, & Arelith, seek:" AM. SYDNEY HARROW EM. ALRIK EZEKIEL EM. GWYNYVERE MORGENSTERN ADJUTANT CRESIL

<>SYDNEY HARROW<> <>THE SENCLIFF ESTATE<>

By 139 AR, Sencliff had made a name among the various ne'er-do-wells and brigands of the region. As a result, the small isle was flooded with criminal inhabitants and vagabonds. Any sense of a well-organized community collapsed under the influx. Sydney Harrow, the last ruler of Sencliff, soon departed to aid the establishment of 'The Erudite Arcanum' in Andunor. Her loss marked the end of any structured leadership in Sencliff. Without direction the isle's more momentous history fell into obscurity.

AFTERWORD

Various attempts by one Dread Pirate or another over the years to rule the island have met with limited success. Most such individuals are quickly dispatched by the various militaries of Arelith's major surface settlements before reaching any level of success; or their cause of unity is dismantled from within by the island's own inhabitants under the slogan of individual freedom.

Yet the 'Great Reform' of 174 AR has seen a revitalization of Sencliff thanks to an unidentified investor funding the reconstruction of the island's many facilities. With these improvements, a new heavy warship can now be moored at Sencliff's docks to rival the flagship of any current major settlement. Along with this change came the abolishment of Angie "The Carver" Yonner's slave trade, construction of a modern bank with vaults, additional shops, and a direct ferry from the atoll to the Free Port of Guldorand's Fortress City. Combined with the building of several large barracks to house the island's crews and the recent innovations in naval technology, one can undeniably see the early stages of a new age for Sencliff. Though what future the inhabitants will make of this opportunity is yet to be perceived.

FIN


BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • Book(s):

[1] Ambassador Damask, The Sencliff Institute, "Audit of Sencliff: Observations & Summaries"

[2] Princess May'riina Xun'viir, "History of House Xun'viir Part 1: Founding"

[3] Elanor Shortwick, "Rifts: Interview with Amadeo Pnuema"


  • Interview:

[1] Sydney Harrow, Retainer to Duchess Ann of House Thrule


  • Written Documents:

[1] Rosenkranz, "In Response to the Exile of Sencliff"

[2] Adalbrandt, "Cordor Terms for Peace"

[3] Rosenkranz, "Declaration of a Dominion"

[4] Rosenkranz, "Wharftown & Guldorand Peace Talks"

[5] Ilya Popovich, "Cossack Circle Minutes"


  • On Sight Investigations:

[1] Belle'rose, Adelyn


  • Special Thanks:

Lilian Williams, "Proofreading and Data Collection"


  • Dedication:

"This book is dedicated to the people of Sencliff. May you never forget your history and the power such knowledge brings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

[The modest portrait of a young vermilion-haired lady with pallid flesh is positioned next to the paragraph below. Her emerald gaze looks intently at the reader, betraying the aspect's alluring facade with callous indifference. The suggestion of a predatory smile appears hidden within the corners of full upturned lips.]

"The Vampire Adelyn Belle'rose has been charming readers with her historical works upon the island of Arelith for years. As the former curator of the Cordor's Museum, she helped bring the past to life through exhibits and displays. Later, as a member of Andunor's Erudite Arcanum, she would lead the research team to investigate Shadow Wharftown's Third Iteration. Through the founding of the Arelith Antiquarian Society and the East Arelith Trading Company, she continues to advocate for the preservation of knowledge across the archipelago."

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