Mud Vipers (criminal order of Richfield)

Posted on August 3, 2023 in Steel-Realms

The Mud Vipers are a known “gang” of Richfield – so they are perceived, not as a large criminal organization. Really, the gang is just a cover for an expanding larger organization that is rumored to have ties from West River Run to Bar-Innis. They are specialized, and specifically known to be masters at finding their way along The Black Shore of Dwindor Swamp and having routes in and out of Tarmysia. With this, they have a reputation for being masterful trap makers. They secure their smuggling stashes and hideouts with sophisticated traps instead of man-power. They are even known to have water and mud traps that can easily grab and drown a victim. They have a motto that’s basically “one good trap is worth three bad men”.

They promote the knowledge they are centered in Richfield – this makes an impression that they are smaller than they actually are. They have a smuggling network from Karolak of the North Merchant Cities, through Cabella, Tarmysia, West River Run, and Bar-Innis of Dunstrand. They have been severely rebuffed by the halflings of Loamwold and Umbakian authorities.

It is said that most of the leaders of the Mud Vipers in Richfield are Runel Rats.

Lekam (sect of Malek)

Posted on August 3, 2023 in Steel-Realms

(lay-cham) The sect of Lekam has sprung up in the late CY 8900’s in the Southern Merchant Cities. It is often referred to as “rehabilitated Malek”. Malek has in some ways resumed some of his previous aspects that are no longer commonly associated with him. The whisperer of Secrets has become the deal-maker. He is the god of the bargain, the hustle, the deal, intrigue, profit on mercantilism. In practice, this aspect of his principle is known to be venerated by fixer, thieves, fences, and pick pockets. It is also understood that the clergy has a

The says of the sect are often “All is temporary” and “all is for sale at the right moment in time”.

The Underground River: Is a reference to the literal criminal underground. The clergy of Lekam is said to have dealings with many smugglers and fences of large urban settlements (cities and large towns) in The Merchant Cities (mostly south). The sect is often known to promote and work hand in hand with the followers of Irrigi (the Red Hoarders – dwellers in the sewers). Rumors speak to Wererats and shape-shifting priests of the sect also crossing between the two gods, making dark bargains for power.

Culture, Education & Traditions of the Riverdans

Posted on July 25, 2023 in Steel-Realms

The Culture, Education & Traditions of the Riverdans is mostly a mono-culture from more ancient days. The Riverland Culture is based on ancient eastern traditions and have merged some newer ones over time. The Riverdans of Dunstrand have incorporated many elements of the culture of the duchy at large.

Granted Rulership: The Riverdans have their own ancient laws and each ruler has, by Ducal decree from the founding days, authority in their own fief; Each small territory has its own hereditary ruling family – a fiefdom where the ruler has absolute, near autonomous control (unlike the official ‘counties’ and smaller peer titles of the Duchy). Where the hereditary families still rule, these lords are addressed as Barons by outsiders, otherwise ‘Liege-Steward’ or ‘Lord-Steward’ with a family name; All rulers are knighted by the Duke or one of his senior heralds, and as is to be addressed as ‘Sir’ or ‘Lady’ at a minimum by other peer nobles of the duchy.

Self-Sufficiency: Given the politics arrayed against them, the river land folk try and be self sufficient locally. The river-side territories on the south are mostly lush flood plain lands. The river rarely floods any more, and all settlements are built on rises above the river levels, but when it does, it deposits silt and nutrients; orchards and grasses are plentiful and there is more than enough for all. Rare raids by descendants of the Pine Tribesmen (no longer barbarians of the north, but tame hill men) still living in isolated pockets for fruit and grain do occur.

Trade and Barter: The silver crown is accepted currency everywhere, but many transactions between those who live here are on a barter system due to the monetary poverty of the fiefs. When dealing over long distances and with other fiefs and large institutions, the rulers of the western river lands look to Silver Lining Lenders; This organization is also present for all manner of individual and small business services.

Free From House Malor: The practitioners of mystical arts are EXEMPT from the famous Malorian Prohibitions the govern the use of the mystical arts within the boundaries of the Grand Duchy of Dunstrand.

Places, Locales, and Features of Monaides (Riverdan)

Posted on July 25, 2023 in Steel-Realms

There are many Places, Locales and Features of Monaides cover the notable territorial and geographical areas of the Riverdan. Most were built for much larger populations, though now settlements are small and have ruins or areas left uninhabited. There are ruins to explore, though most have been so many times before and little remains in the way of “plunder” or loot that is not dangerously precarious or buried.

Common Experience

Characters coming of age in/from this locale will shape their perspective to the primary experience of Cultural Experience of the Riverdans.