Description
Klydor is a chivalrous nation built on the virtues of truth and justice. It is a staunch enemy of Cthrag Merlo and of any other force Klydorians recognise as evil.
The empire has a strong alliance with the Llewyrr elves and the Indian tribes from the Peaks. Together they are known through the Alliance, or Pact, of Anwar. Klydorians are natural leaders, and their belief in chivalry and moral conduct seems to help ward off the influence of the Dark Lords.
Tales of Klydorian knights are the stuff of legend. Across much of Driax, they are imagined as champions of good in the war against evil.
History
Founded by one of the Great heroes of the 1st Age, Chandrilar Klydor, after the defeat of Razilin-Tera, the strong faith held by his subjects at the time of his death elevated him to the God of Chivalry.
The Klydorians have been instrumental in many of the greatest victories over evil, and their most significant moments include:
Common Races
Humans
Humans are the main population. Klydorians are known as brave, inspiring people who lead through personality, conviction, and belief in what is right and just.
Elves and Half-Elves
Many live in Klydor, especially in the forested south. Most share Llewyrr ancestry and embody the old alliance.
Dwarves
After Ragge the Axe became a Klydorian hero, Nylan dwarves entered Klydor in greater numbers and strengthened trade and smithcraft.
Other Peoples
Nearly all are welcome, though Merlos, Black Orcs, and Dark Elves may face hostility because of their peoples' history with Klydor.
Notable Cities and Settlements
Rashan
The capital of the Klydor empire is famous for the massive statues to Chandrilar and the other heroes of Micronia that form its gates. Rashan is the central hub of Klydor, and its Central Market is one of the largest in Driax.
Chandrex
Situated in a massive and beautiful harbour, Chandrex is home to ships from many nations at all times. The Navy are actually moored several bays away to stop merchants getting nervous, but to keep their might nearby should trouble brew.
Fort Ajaxin
This fortress of stone and steel was built to celebrate the victory over the Merlo army. Built upon a small bluff, it has a massive complex under the earth with both supplies and an armoury sufficient to supply over two thirds of the Klydorian army. It also has both human and elven siege engines to defend itself from attack.
Greydan's Grove
This little town was made famous by a group of adventurers from the town who, upon defeating the Dark Elves in Drasak, returned and built defences for the town, and training facilities for other promising adventurers. It now even has a standing guard of Nylan Dwarves.
Silverton
Originally a Silver Mine, this has become an important strategic settlement as it allows Klydorian trade to bypass the occupied Koryl, and is the closest outpost to Merlo and Dark Elf forces. The Ridge also provides much Silver and Iron.
Fortran
City in the Llewyrr Forest, and the closest to the border of what is still Llewyrr land, although about 100 miles from the border to help ensure no border conflicts. Fortran is the largest human settlement in the forest and has made some attempt by the elves to teach humans to live in harmony with the forest, and blends human architecture, and the elven ways of living in the trees.
Its best-known districts are built around living trunks and stone foundations together: human halls and markets at ground level, with elven walkways, rope bridges, and watch platforms above. Fortran is a natural home for foresters, translators, bowyers, rangers, and nobles trying to prove they can honour both Klydor and the Llewyrr.
Royal
Royal is Klydor's second largest port. It is also home to the Blackstones and the Black Baron uprising.
The city has never entirely escaped that shadow. Its harbour is wealthy, its shipwrights are respected, and its noble quarter is watched closely by the crown. Plays, songs, and tavern tales about Blackstone are discouraged in polite company, which of course makes them very popular everywhere else.
Leyton
Leyton is Klydor's third port city.
It is less grand than Chandrex and less politically haunted than Royal, but that makes it useful. Leyton handles fishing fleets, coastal traders, small military escorts, and the practical work of moving grain, timber, wool, and arms around the coast. Sailors say Leyton is where you go when you need a ship that will leave without asking too many questions.
Anwar
Anwar is a town in the Llewyrr Forest.
It is named for the Pact and serves as a symbolic meeting place for Klydorians, Llewyrr, and Indian allies. Anwar is known for oath-stones, treaty feasts, mixed patrols, and quiet arguments over what mutual defence should mean when Klydor wants caution and younger warriors want action.
Garet
Garet is a town on the coast about halfway between Chandrex and Leyton.
It began as a watch and signal town, but has become a useful haven for couriers, naval outriders, pearl divers, and coastal patrols. Its cliff beacons can pass warnings quickly along the shore, and its inns are full of rumours from both great ports.
Organisations and Suggested Characters
The King and the Chandrilar Line
Klydor has the longest unbroken line of any human royal family. The Chandrilar kings can all trace their ancestry back to Chandrilar himself. They are generally calm, stoic, and considered rulers.
A number of prophecies link the fate of Klydor, and often the Llewyrr as well, to the fate of that lineage. Many believe Klydor will win out against evil provided Chandrilar's heirs sit the throne. From the time of Starick, the Klydorian line has been partially elven.
Suggested characters
- Noble heir trying to live up to the Chandrilar ideal.
- Royal envoy negotiating with the Llewyrr or Indian tribes.
- Bodyguard, historian, or sceptic tied to a prophecy of the line.
Council of Defence
The Council began as the legal and inquisitorial side of Klydorian society. It is now also an order dedicated to the defence of Klydor and Driax.
All mages of level 3 or higher living in or travelling through Klydor must register with them. The Council is split between those who want to drive Merlo and Dark Elf forces from Koryl, and those who insist Klydor must remain defensive.
Ranks
- ApprenticeLevel 0 guideline
- AdeptLevel 2 guideline
- WardenLevel 6 guideline
- MagisterSenior role; no fixed level listed
- Guardian, Seer, or InquisitorLevel 8 guideline; branch titles within the Council
- Lord Magister, Lord Inquisitor, High Seer, or Lord GuardianSenior leadership role; no fixed level listed
Suggested characters
- Registered mage under Council scrutiny.
- Warden investigating illicit magic.
- Seer who believes caution will doom Klydor.
- Inquisitor trying not to become what Klydor claims to oppose.
Knight Orders
The knightly orders are the backbone of the Klydorian army and the aspiration of young nobles and squires. The main orders are the Sword, Shield, Rose, and Chandrilar, with the Black Falcon Guard serving as a royal protective subset of the Chandrilar order.
Common ranks
- SquireLevel 0 guideline
- Knight ErrantLevel 2 guideline
- KnightLevel 6 guideline
- ChampionLevel 9 guideline
- Knight CaptainOfficer role; no fixed level listed
- Knight CommanderSenior officer role; no fixed level listed
- Chapter MasterOrder leadership role; no fixed level listed
Order of the Sword
Renowned for martial prowess and battle skill, the Swords are the order most likely to contain crusading knights. Around half of all Knight Errants join the Swords, though some transfer to other orders when they become full knights.
- Crusading Knight Errant.
- Battlefield champion seeking a worthy cause.
- Young noble proving skill before choosing a final order.
Order of the Shield
Renowned for wisdom and its templars, the Shield tends to think before it acts. Its knights die less often and are older on average, earning the nickname "the Greybeards". Their advice carries weight with both the royal family and the Council of Defence.
- Greybeard templar.
- Cautious defender of a border keep.
- Knight whose counsel outranks their title.
Order of the Rose
Renowned for leadership and courage, the Rose command most large Klydorian forces unless a Chandrilar is present. They often lead expeditions to hunt the forces of the Dark Lords.
- Commander of a mixed Klydorian force.
- Expedition leader hunting a dark power.
- Charismatic noble carrying too many expectations.
Order of Chandrilar and the Black Falcon Guard
The elite. All members previously served in another Klydorian order. They are few in number, but arguably the strongest single force of knights in Driax.
The Black Falcon Guard is a subset of this order charged with defending the royal family.
Ranks
- KnightLevel 8 guideline
- ChampionLevel 12 guideline
- Knight CaptainOfficer role; no fixed level listed
- Knight CommanderSenior officer role; no fixed level listed
- Chapter MasterOrder leadership role; no fixed level listed
Night-Watch
Formed by Lando Klydor around five years ago, the Night-Watch trains to kill Dark Elves and is willing to use methods others reject, including captured Dark Elf gear such as NightWing suits and Shadow-walker cloaks.
Most Klydorian units are wary of them because they are far darker than their compatriots.
Ranks
- AspirantLevel 2 guideline
- ChampionLevel 12 guideline
- Knight CaptainOfficer role; no fixed level listed
- Knight CommanderSenior officer role; no fixed level listed
- Chapter MasterOrder leadership role; no fixed level listed
Suggested characters
- Night-Watch scout carrying captured Dark Elf gear.
- Former knight torn between chivalry and vengeance.
- Council observer assigned to Lando's force.
Woodsmen
With such a large portion of their empire in the Llewyrr Forest, many Klydorians have become excellent woodsmen, including hunters, rangers and scouts. There are also a reasonable number of Earthmother worshipping druids to be found.
These people are not an Order with formal ranks, but they play an important part in their villages, towns and the fabric of Klydor.
Suggested characters
- Earthmother druid in Klydorian lands.
- Ranger guarding forest roads and borders.
- Hunter raised in the forest settlements.
Warrior Smiths
The forges and armouries of the Klydorians are amongst the largest in Driax. The skill of their smiths has only increased as the number of Nylan Dwarves in Klydor increases.
A great many Nylan Dwarves have been teaching their smithing skills to human apprentices, and often to fully trained smiths as well.
Suggested characters
- Nylan-trained weaponsmith.
- Armourer attached to a knightly chapter.
- Human apprentice learning dwarven methods.
People and Customs
Society
Klydor has a typical medieval feudal structure of royal family, dukes, earls, barons, and knights. It is supported by an almost religious belief in the code of chivalry, which tends to bring out the better side of feudal society.
Nobles are expected to use their privileges to provide for and protect their people. Klydor still has people who fail these ideals, but the source notes that they are a smaller proportion than elsewhere.
King Andurien Klydor II
Andurien is the current king of Klydor, a charismatic leader now in his mid-fifties. He has been staunch in preparing his empire for war, stockpiling supplies and ensuring the army has the best weapons and armour.
He has also been adamant that he will not initiate battle, and will only use his forces to defend Klydor and its allies. Many wish he would march on Koryl and liberate it from the Merlos, but so far he has refused.
Queen Starissa
Legends about Starissa vary: some say she is a druidic princess, some say she is secretly immortal, and some question whether the elves supported her marriage to Andurien.
She has been a powerful force for Klydor, doing much to keep the varying faiths aligned. She has also forged alliances with the druids of Avalon and hopes to strengthen ties to that nation. She spends many months of each year travelling, usually to Avalon.
Prince Declan
Declan is the eldest son and heir. He was the exemplary heir in training, with all the usual Klydorian traits of charisma, leadership, and honour.
He was recently crippled while leading an expedition to a mysterious unmapped island. He lost over half of his left leg and right arm, and his mental state has been shattered. His wounds will not respond to magical healing, creating grave concern for him and for the succession.
Prince Lando
Lando is the younger son: charismatic, naturally gifted with magic, brash, reckless, and carrying the spirit of someone not expected to inherit.
He is already a grand hero who helped lift the Dark Elf darkness from Koryl with the heroes of Greydan's Grove. His first love, the elf maiden Kinsarna, died on that mission. Her death darkened him, making him prone to brooding, vengeance, and unpredictable behaviour.
He formed the Night-Watch and studied tactics extensively with the Duke of Norfolk. Many hope he ends up king; others fear the rage within him.
Duke Norfolk, Lando and the Black Falcon Guard
Few families have been as loyal or as important to Klydor as the Norfolks. The current Duke commands the Klydorian armies and leads the Black Falcon Guard.
He saved a young Queen Starissa from an assassination attempt while she travelled to meet Andurien, and has remained a staunch companion of both monarchs.
Having studied tactics extensively with the Duke of Norfolk, there are many who hope Lando ends up King. Others are concerned by the vengeful rage within him.
Princess Llarissa's Offer
Princess Llarissa first approaches Chandrilar, and offers his people a home, forever entwining the fates of the Llewyrr to that of the Klydorians.
Relations
The Klydorians have formal alliances with the Llewyrr and the Indians, but are also allies with most other races. They are staunch opponents of the Merlos and the Dark Elves.
Clothing
All medieval fashion is popular, particularly tabards and surcoats. None may wear the colour purple, as this is the Royal colour, and only those with a direct lineage to Royalty may wear it.
Women
Chivalry dictates that women be treated well, but protected from harm. While they may not join the standard Armed Forces, many find militant service with the Church or the Council of Defence, and in rare instances, some have even been Knighted.
Cities
These are generally classic medieval settlements with an inner wall of stone or wood, with most cities divided into quarters. Most cities have a central keep or castle for when they are attacked.
Trade
The Klydorians have strong relations with many other nations, and this has allowed them to develop strong trade relations.
Exports
Wool and Textiles, grain and agriculture, metalwork and weapons, timber and lumber, ale and mead, herbs and medicinal plants. Bows (particularly Longbows)
Imports
Silks and exotic fabrics, spices, gems and precious metals, fine wines and spirits.
Arms
Klydorians favour knightly weapons such as longswords and maces, while Chain and Plate mail are the armours of choice. Most warriors can use a shield. Klydorian Longbows, and their longbowman are famous across Driax.
Language
The Klydorians have their own language and the common tongue. Many also speak Llewyrr. Reading and writing is more common here than in many empires.
Religion and Magick
As the founder of their empire, most people revere Chandrilar, but the worship of all good Gods is openly welcomed in Klydor. Within the Llewyrr forests worship of the Earthmother is strong.
The Council of Defence also openly recruits and encourages the development of magickal skills and has exchange programs established with many of the Ashar Colleges and other magickal orders on Driax.
The Council is wary of providing anything to the Ashar that may assist the Merlos in a war between the nations however.
Klydor Lore Points
The Pact of Anwar
This sacred agreement unites Klydor, Llewyrr and a significant number of Indian tribes into an alliance of mutual defence.
Forged by a young Prince Starick Klydor, and the Llewyrr Princess Alyssa, this alliance saved Klydor and saw reinforcements from the Llewyrr and Indians arrive just in time for a massive defeat of the mighty Merlo host on the Plains of Victory.
To commemorate the victory, and to make it more difficult for any future attacks, the massive Fort Ajaxin was built.
Lotese Roads
While the Lotese maintain and patrol the main trade roads all over Driax, Klydor will not allow their troops into Klydorian borders so on these sections of the roads the Klydorians maintain patrols.
The War
The war with the Merlos is forever on the minds of many Klydorians. Their forces fight regularly in Silverton Ridge, and the Klydorians support the resistance movements both within Koryl and all across the western shores of the Sea of Tranquility. Most assume it is only a matter of time before hostilities are rejoined in full.
Tournaments
The highlight of the calendar is the large jousting tournaments held at the end of each season around Klydor culminating in the one at the end of summer in Rashan. There is also sword-fighting, Archery and Magic Tournaments.
The Black Knight
The legend of the Black Knight is that this mysterious warrior appears only at the moments of greatest peril to the Klydorian Royal Family, and his empire. When the King fell in the first Merlo War, it was the Black Knight who supposedly rescued his son from an overrun position to ensure an heir remained, and for generations those plotting against the throne have been killed by a silent figure in Black armour.
The legends cover a period too long for this to be one man, but the most common theories are it is the spirit of Chandrilar, or perhaps the spirits of fallen Knights, sent back to serve their Lord one last time.
A small number of Knights have established an Order of the Black Knight, where all the members take an Oath of Silence, colour their armour Black, and become crusading Knights, serving Klydor as they see fit. Many are supposedly once disgraced Knights, who seek the opportunity for anonymity and redemption.
The Black Baron
During the 1st Merlo War, one of the Barons, Blackstone, rose up against the King and actually killed the Crown Prince. While he was eventually killed, it is said his spirit lingers still in this world and periodically possesses other nobles to continue his quest against their King.
It is unknown if this story is true, or if simply traitors use this story to cover their behaviour.
Player Hooks
- You are a squire or Knight Errant choosing between the Sword, Shield, Rose, and Chandrilar traditions.
- You are a registered mage watched by the Council of Defence, with reason to fear both Merlo agents and your own inquisitors.
- You are a Llewyrr-descended elf or half-elf living between forest tradition and Klydorian citizenship.
- You are a Nylan-trained smith whose work may decide whether Klydor is ready for war.
- You served at Silverton Ridge and know the war is already hotter than the court admits.
- You were saved, judged, or hunted by a silent knight in black armour.
- You are tied to Prince Declan's failed expedition to the unmapped island.
- You are a Night-Watch recruit deciding how much darkness can be used in the service of good.