Aslania

[Admin]

[Admin]

Aslania

Aslania is one of the largest cities in all of Grandish, which stands in stark contrast to its location: isolated near the western tip of the island kingdom. For centuries it was the center of power for the kingdom under the Dirigian Empire before the Matoian’s wrested control and moved the capital to Weton. Ever since, it has been a thorn in the side of Weton’s elite and the ruling family, often refusing to send forces to aid in the common defense. Whispers of revolution abound, sometimes causing outright defiance.

Approximately 25,000 citizens reside in Aslania, with far more spread throughout numerous small villages in the area. The city proper is sheltered within a beautiful, protected cove at the end of a long inlet from the sea. As such, the city guards itself from the prying eyes of Matoian’s fleet, though the port remains open to all Grandishian flagged vessels.

Leader: Karog Dirigian, Prince of His Line. Karog continues to use the title of his family’s former glory. In an effort not to inflame already strained relations, King Areke Matoian has allowed this tradition to continue without penalty.

Important Figures:

1. Petyr Yossarian: Cousin to Prince Karog and leader of the city’s defense forces. Petyr is a hard man with years of combat experience against the giant apes that regularly threaten the unwalled city.

2. Mother Vela: Vela is Karog’s mother, matriarch of the remaining Dirigian line. Her offspring are all that remains of the once proud family. She fiercely defends the family’s legacy to protect their place in the history of the kingdom.

3. Arch Prelate Garabed Zuenkoghlanian: The arch prelate of Aslania acts not only to maintain Habbakuk’s flock in this isolated region, but as an intermediary between the Dirigian and Matoian families. He makes the arduous trek to Weton at least once every year in an effort to maintain peaceful relations.


Important Locations:

1. Dirigian Compound: This small island, highly visible as ships enter the harbor, serves as the family compound of the Dirigians. In centuries past, it served as the royal court for all of Grandish.

2. Inner Harbor: The inner harbor of Aslania is a beautiful cove of calm, clear, water suitable for a day of swimming or navigating the largest ships.

3. Harbor Light: Aslania’s tall light burns brightly, as much to ensure the safety of incoming ships as to keep on the lookout for Grandishian naval visits.

4. Aslania’s Marketplace: The city’s market operates subversively without collecting taxes for the king. Occasional raids have occurred when the fleet is in the harbor, but Weton’s elite won’t dare shut it down.

5. Fort Dirigian: Aslania’s large defense force trains at this large, well-appointed fort overlooking the harbor.

6. Gorgog’s Resting Place: This inn is named for the feared leader of a band of apes killed decades ago in a fierce battle that saw fighting rage within the streets of Aslania for weeks. In the end, the people prevailed and Gorgog was killed while raiding the inn’s mead barrels. It is said that 20 spears were thrust into the ape before he breathed his last.

7. Mother Vela’s Orphanage: Most orphans of Aslania find their way to Mother Velas Orphanage. Children are taught reading, writing, history of Grandish, and basic math. As they grow, they are also taught a useful skill and often given a job working for the Dirigians or an ally as they age out around 16. Many grow to be very loyal, hard-working, proud Aslanians.

[Todd]

Mother Vela's Orphanage.
Most orphans of Aslania find their way to Mother Velas Orphanage. Children are taught reading, writing, history of Grandish, and basic math. As they grow they are also taught a useful skill and often given a job working for the Dirigians or an ally as they age out around 16. Many grow to be very loyal, hard working, and proud Aslanians.

Other children that bend the rules or have a habit of breaking the rules are quickly and swiftly dealt with, so as not to “spoil” the rest of the children. For the first three offenses children are spanked their number of years, doubling for each offense and given half rations for one, two, or three weeks. Upon the fourth and final offense children are removed from the orphanage.

When removed from the from the orphanage children are “tested” to see what alternate skills they possess. For those not able to complete these tests children are often taken deep into the jungle where they are left to fend for themselves since they do not adhere to the rules of society. These tests last up to three months and children are assessed on their abilities to quickly act unseen and under pressure. Trainees are placed in questionable situations where survival and instincts take over. Once discovered these skills are enhanced and refined to make the candidate a powerful, loyal, and very useful tool for the Dirigian family. Typical tools include; brutes, bandits, thieves, assassins, smugglers, spies, forgers, and diplomats all developed and refined for the service and advancement of the Dirigians.

[Todd]

1 Toto (May) 1926 – Prince Karog Dirigian and his lovely wife Sibyl are breaking their fast on their balcony enjoying the rising morning sun and the new songs of the waking birds, when suddenly the door barges open. He turns his head to see the reason for this early intrusion, and like most other intrusions he notices his mother walking his way. Rubbing his forehead and rolling his eyes he greets the intruder with a half-smile. “Good morning, Mother; are you upset with the songs of the birds so early?”

Approaching the table, she smacks him in the head before bending down to kiss her first born. “Of course, not my light, we have been blessed for our perseverance and dedication. The prayers of our forefathers have been answered and our time to rise is upon us.” She sits down between the couple and motions for the large and foreboding soldier to approach the table. “Petyr, tell your prince what you told me.”

“Sire, early this morning two brothers approached the gate and said they had important information to relay.”
Raising his hand to interrupt the General of the city’s defense forces. Prince Dirigian says while still chewing “Let me guess cousin, that overweight fool sitting on my throne has choked on a pork rib while pity eating for his kidnaped heir.”
Letting out a small grin General Yossarian says “Unfortunately the King still sits on the throne, however word has it that an Iron fissure has been discovered in the base of the mountains. Two loggers who were cutting near the base of the mountains found a iron deposit that broke open after the earthquake a few days ago.”

Standing up Prince Dirigian smiles and smacks his cousin on the shoulder. Have these brothers show you where this is. Take some men with you and bring someone familiar with mining to assess how much we might have and how best to go about extracting it.” Pulling his cousin close to his face “Ensure these men have told no one, they will be used to clear the area around the deposit. Praise to Habbakuk if this be true. We must be calculating and silent about extracting this ore.” Looking at his mother, “This is truly a blessing and a chance for us to reclaim our throne.” He kisses his mom on the check, and sits back down, while General Yossarian exits the room.

Sibyl leans across the table and passionately kisses her Prince, stopping only when Mother Vela smacks the table and yells “Enough! We have much to talk about and much to plan.”

Wiping off her lip and relishing in her mother in laws uncomfortableness, Sibyl adjusts herself back in her chair like a proper woman of high class. “Yes, mother there is much to discuss and plan. Your Kolohe Jokat (Brute Squad) could help create dissent and discomfort throughout the kingdom. If villages seem like the King cares not for their suffering, that could be used. People who feel forgotten and unseen will likely join us when the time comes to reclaim our. . . excuse me.” Turning to gaze into her husband’s eyes, “Your Kingdom.”