Author: Adelyn Belle'rose
Rozen Chalice Publishing, a division of East Arelith Trading
Original Publication: 167 AR "The Second Dominion"
Revised & Updated Edition: 175 AR "Arelith: The Second Dominion"
"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."
Contents
I. EXORDIUM
The early-100s AR (Arelith Reckoning) saw relations between Cordor and the Duchy of Sencliff, who was a close collaborator with the Reformed Church of Bane located in Minmir, strained. This tension culminated with the banishment of all the inhabitants of Sencliff from the city of Cordor and its lands. This act was met with public outcry as diplomacy between the two powers continued to collapse.
[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"
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 the man to focus on his ambitions by strengthening the ties between the Reformed Church of Bane and The Duchy of Sencliff.
II. THE GREAT WAR
In 115 AR war was declared when a former Wharftown official, on the eve of being ousted in an election by challenger Roxite, was believed to have fled to Guldorand with the town's treasury. With the start of hostilities between the two settlements alliances were called upon and the Duchy of Sencliff responded by declaring war on Guldorand.
[Reformed Church of Bane's Response to Sencliff's Declaration of War]
"Dear Seneschal Asen:"
"I have resolved to instruct the Courtiers of my Household to notify the Incumbent of Guldorand Government of the beginning of a state of war between the Duchy of Sencliff and Guldorand. I command you, therefore, to publish the enclosed manifesto throughout the archipelago."
"TO MY PEOPLES! It was my fervent wish to consecrate the years which, by the omniscience of the Ever tyrant, still remain to me, to the works of enforced peace and to protect His peoples from heavy sacrifices and burdens of war. Providence, in her wisdom, has otherwise decreed. The intrigues of a traitorous apostate compel me, in the defense of the honor of Wharftown and her fledgling stability, for the protection of its dignity and its position as a power, for the security of its possessions, to grasp the sword after mere minutes of peace."
"A halt must be called to these intolerable proceedings and an end must be put to the incessant provocations of Perfidious Guldorand. Thus I bid the varied and vexatious forces arrayed at my command to arm and grid yourselves, for a just, defensive war must be waged that the survival of Wharftown, a town for which I, in my paternal affection, extend the fullest of confidence in assuring victory."
<>The tract is sealed with wax, the seal depicting a stylized letter 'R' within an archducal coronet.<>
ROSENKRANZ Manu propria Wharftown, Flamerule 26 115 AR
With Wharftown's new allies fielding fresh forces, Guldorand called upon the Cordorian Alliance of Myon, Cordor, and Brogendenstein for aid. In short order the land was engulfed in another 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 of the 8th, 115 AR
The terms for capitulation were refused and war rolled over the isle of Arelith for the next two years. During this time, the Reformed Church of Bane made the below declaration.
[What is Wharftown Worth?]
"5,454,110 gold sovereigns. As of the date of writing, that is the worth of Wharftown, incorporating her bullion, her buildings, her stockpiles, her agglomerated wealth and furnishings, and her citizens in general. This year, a war is being waged which has been ongoing for over a year by now, between the free state of Wharftown and her ally, the Duchy of Sencliff, versus Guldorand and her allies, Cordor, Brogendenstein, and Myon."
"If gold alone could cease this war, the many banks of Arelith would have had their holds plundered nine fold to see it come to a rapid close. As it stands, as of the present date, neither side holds the key to victory. No end is in sight. The banks remain safe."
"War was declared when a former Wharftown official, on the eve of her being ousted, was believed to have fled to Guldorand with the town's treasury. The fact that she did not do so was not verified by Guldorand for many months, and war was already in full swing. It is evident that the casus belli (cause for war) is an irrelevancy, now. Both sides - the Wharftown-Sencliff Dominion, and the Cordorian Alliance - remain locked in bitter conflict. With the point of the war null and void, for what do they fight?"
"The right to exist."
"'Nonsense', the cry returns, 'you fight for territory! You fight for greed, for the fun of it! We know well the deeds of Sencliff and those that willing associate with her!'. It is true that we have attained a certain reputation that I cannot deny. And yet I think, I feel. I am a rational human being, and not a monster-made-flesh. What mortal truly wishes unceasing war without end? Only the anarchist, the nihilist, and the renouncer would seek such, and though we salt the earth, we do so to build foundations anew. The arrayed deities worshiped in or castle are those that seek civilization, purpose, and the rule of law."
"I will not insult Cordor by claiming they are bloodthirsty warmongers, nor the intelligence of the reader by stooping so low. They, too, seek the triumph of their own civilization, of their own purpose, and of their own rule of law. This is, simply put, the sticking point. Two vastly opposing ideologies are here arrayed against one another. A simple conflict over a disappearing pile of gold has turned into a war of ideas, with a death toll surpassing many wars in living memory. It is a sad fact that the honored dead of both sides were ill-informed of the why, truly, they were fighting."
"The means by which Cordor rules are of no concern to Wharftown, but vice-versa is so. Cordor trembles whenever power transfers to anyone not beholden to that southern hegemony, or at least isn't harmless enough to not be worth bothering with. The moment any with vision - and I speak not aggrandizing of one's own side, but factually; that is to say any Mayor possessed of vision or drive of purpose beyond 'the Waymen are a nice idea this week' - takes power in Wharftown, Cordor stirs. Cordor is unhappy. She snaps at the heels of Wharftown. Only this time, Wharftown declared war on an ally of Cordor first. We have already established that the war was just, based on the facts at the time. It was not until Guldorand had called her allies to arms that the fact the money was never in Guldorand, was discovered. By then, it was too late."
"Wharftown has been unfairly painted as an aggressor, and a malevolent neighbor, too close to Cordor for comfort. Zhents run the place, they cry (the Banites of Arelith reject the Zhentilar Communion), Sencliff controls it (Roxite, not a member of that Castle, is adamant the town be independent, sovereign state without religious interference). What other HARD FACTUAL problems can be produced? The townsfolk are treated fairly. The laws are simple, and common-sense. The only problem that can be brought up is with the personal leadership of the town, and with the overall ideology and philosophies followed by those in power."
"Conversely, Cordor's actions under the reprehensible Administrator Provine, in addition to a self-professed desire to see Wharftown come into the Pax Cordoria to ensure the Mayor is favorable to Cordor, is indicative of a disturbing attitude. Cordorian hegemony, buoyed by their alliances with the largely inactive states of Brogendenstein and Myon, and with the recently transferred Guldorand leadership to those rejected from Cordor, is enforced by her foreign policy and the sword. It is evident, now, that the Amnians are perfectly willing to lend themselves to Cordor in this War. The 'heir' business being little but a cover-up."
"This conflict is centered around the self-declared 'right' of Cordor to administrate Arelith entire!"
"Fortifications springing up at the present borders (and beyond) operate under false names. Docks are built by the Amnians for Guldorand, and so Guldorand is entirely indebted to Cordor and her own puppeteer, Amn." "These are facts. Hard facts that cannot be denied."
"You may not like us. You may despise us for who we are, for who we worship, for what we do. But understand this: we are the only thing standing between the Arelith of today, and an island entirely under the banner of Cordor."
"What is Wharftown worth?"
"Physically, nothing. Mere coin. Mere stone. Mere flesh, blood."
"And yet? Everything."
Rosenkranz Ezekiel Wharftown, 8th Flamerule, 116 AR
III. OPPORTUNITY
Elections in Wharftown were called after current Mayor Roxite's departure in 117 AR. Sensing opportunity Impreceptor Rosenkranz quickly stepped in to fill the void by declaring himself the next Mayor by degree.
[Rosenkranz Declaration of Running for Mayor of Wharftown]
"Elections have been called in Wharftown. Do not be deceived, however, by the illusions of oligarchic democracy from the south. Warftown will have the glory of becoming the newest province in my demesne, and will continue to enjoy the autonomy it has thus far."
"Likely more, in fact, with the departure of Roxite and the retirement of Asvokar. My people have fought and bled to defend your freedom from the southern hegemon, to ward off the predatory Provine and his attack dogs."
"Thus, I declare that I will be installed as the Lord-Mayor of Wharftown by the end of this pretend at being a republic. Any who think to stand against me with support of "the people" (certain stringed instrumentalist, you are welcome) will find themselves executed without regard for sanctuary, jurisdiction, or peace processes."
SAECULA SAECULORUM
<>The tract is sealed with wax, the seal depicting a stylized letter 'R' within an archducal coronet.<>
ROSENKRANZ Manu propria 7 -27-117 AR
IV. THE SECOND DOMINION
Winning the election through violence and intimidation, the new Lord-Mayor of Wharftown consolidated his power base and countered the Cordorian Alliance by declaring the formation of a confederation called "The Second Dominion".
[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)
Rosenkranz enacted several policies, one of which was the 'Anno Imperii" an attempt to restructure history and dictate the configuration of its retelling by phasing in a new dating system. It did not persist. Rosenkranz's other notable action was to vassal the Duchy of Sencliff to Wharftown while de-escalating and eventually ending the war that had been waged for the better part of three years by this point. His newfound rule was not without issues however.
The new Sovereign dispatched an armed expedition to Andunor in 117 AR to assist allies against the Cult of Tiamat whose figurehead, Achuakiejir Stormwind, was Tyrant of the Sharps District. The conflict began when the blue wyrm Zeshyrr'kalik'straza, a dragon in human form and member of the cult, murdered a legionnaire of the Dominion. In response, Rosenkranz led his military from the surface to Andunor, killing those encountered along the way until reaching the city's center. There, within the Hub of Andunor, the High Priest Tyrael of the Cult of Tiamat was found and crucified. The nails were driven in by a young warrior who recently arrived on the isle by the name of Sydney Harrow. The display was left as an example before the Dominion forces withdrew.
Rosenkranz also had Sir Rannos hanged outside the settlement's walls before another election was called in Wharftown the following year, to which he replied in public postings.
[Day of Dissent]
"Citizens & beings of Wharftown, the day of dissent has once again cast a black sun across our lands. Do not be deceived by this shadow of 'elections', my people. Have you not prospered under my rule? Has peace not been arrived at, with Wharftown in a far stronger position than she has been in a decade or more?"
"Some may come crawling out of the woodwork, prophets of doom, anarchists, the spineless agents of foreign powers - foreign powers who would bombard you with artillery in their own name. You remember what happened, and need only consult the cenotaph to see what chaos brings to town."
"As last year, the following edict is in effect: anyone who dares stand against my rightful rule, who would challenge me for this town which I have defended and whose people I dearly love and cherish as I would my own household; any such being who 'stands' for 'election' in that peculiar, Cordorian fashion, shall find themselves executed without regard for sanctuary, jurisdiction, or peace treaties."
SAECULA SAECULORUM
<>The tract is sealed with wax, the seal depicting a stylized letter 'R' within an archducal coronet.<>
ROSENKRANZ Manu propria Wharftown, 2 Anno Imperii (118 AR)
[Day of Dissent II: Events Going Forward]
"Dissent Month has concluded with the status quo being upheld and utterly unchallenged, giving me a supreme mandate to work from. The IMPERIAL DIET will be convened to discuss matters of state, thus do I call Burgermeister Marya Althschuler (Wharftown) and Duchess Ann I of House Thrule (Sencliff) to meet with me in WHARFTOWN in one week's time, to counsel me on affairs of the day and advise me accordingly. Topics to be discussed include:"
- The vacant Emirate of Sibayad - Methods of raising revenue - Queries/requests from the public - And anything else the estates of the realm, and I, deem worthy.
"ALL are WELCOME to attend, but priority for speech will be given to known citizens of The Dominion, then foreign diplomats and leadership, the unknowns."
"This shall also be named a FEAST DAY, the FEAST OF PERPETUITY, celebrating the start of the THIRD YEAR of my reign and signing of PEACE, to include wine, boar, and merriment."
SAECULA SAECULORUM
<>The tract is sealed with wax, the seal depicting a stylized letter 'R' within an archducal coronet.<>
ROSENKRANZ Manu propria Wharftown, The Lighthouse 2 Anno Imperii (118 AR)
Winning re-election, a final peace was signed. The Wharftown & Guldorand War finally came to an end with the below agreement.
[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.
V. DENOUEMENT
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.
FIN
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Interview:
[1] Sydney Harrow, Retainer to Duchess Ann of House Thrule
- Written Documents:
[1] Rosenkranz, "In Response to the Exile of Sencliff"
[2] Rosenkranz, "Reformed Church of Bane's Response to Sencliff's Declaration of War"
[3] Adalbrandt, "Cordor Terms for Peace"
[4] Rosenkranz, "What is Wharftown Worth?"
[5] Rosenkranz, "Rosenkranz Declaration of Running for Mayor of Wharftown"
[6] Rosenkranz, "Declaration of a Dominion"
[7] Rosenkranz, "Day of Dissent"
[8] Rosenkranz, "Day of Dissent II: Events Going Forward"
[9] Rosenkranz, "Wharftown & Guldorand Peace Talks"
- Special Thanks:
Lilian Williams, "Proofreading and Data Collection"
- Dedication:
"This book is dedicated to Misa Aers, the spider in human form. Never stop spinning your web."
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."