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ip_reference_buildings Reference:_Buildings Blacksmith^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_5000.^__Steward_skills:_Tactics_2,_Trade_3.^A_blacksmith_increases_income_by_5_and_the_prosperity_by_5%.^^Building_Inspectors^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_7000.^__Steward_skills:_Tactics_2,_Spotting_2.^Building_Inspectors_increase_base_income_by_2,_prosperity_by_3%_and_relations_by_1.^^Cathedral^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_20000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_5,_Leadership_5,_Persuasion_6.^A_Cathedral_increases_income_by_20,_prosperity_by_20%_and_relations_by_10.^^Chapel^__Can_build_in:_Castle,_Town._Base_cost:_1000.^__Steward_skills:_Persuasion_3,_Leadership_3.^A_Chapel_increases_income_by_5.^^Church^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_7000.^__Steward_skills:_Persuasion_5,_Engineer_3,_Leadership_5.^A_Church_increases_income_by_5,_prosperity_by_10%_and_relations_by_5._It_will_also_attract_pious_nobles_to_your_cause.^^Civic_Patrols^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_800.^__Steward_skills:_Spotting_2,_Tracking_2,_Tactics_1.^Civic_Patrols_increase_base_income_by_1%,_prosperity_by_2%_and_relations_by_5.^^Court_System^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_8000.^__Steward_skills:_Prisoner_Management_2,_Tactics_4,_Persuasion_5.^A_court_system_increases_income_by_5,_prosperity_by_10%_and_relations_by_5.^^Crop_Rotation^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_5000.^__Steward_skills:_Inventory_4,_Tactics_3.^Crop_Rotation_increases_income_by_20_and_prosperity_by_5%.^^Fire_Brigade^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_3000.^__Steward_skills:_Pathfinding_2,_Spotting_2.^A_Fire_Brigade_increases_prosperity_by_5%_and_relations_by_3.^^Fish_Pond^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_6000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_1,_Spotting_2.^A_fish_pond_increases_base_income_by_10_and_village_prosperity_by_10%.^^Foresters^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_3000.^__Steward_skills:_Tracking_4,_Pathfinding_3.^Foresters_organize_the_gathering_of_resources_and_lumber_that_increase_income_by_5_and_prosperity_by_5%.^^Herbalist^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_5000.^__Steward_skills:_First_Aid_3,_Wound_Treatment_3.^An_herbalist_helps_the_health_of_your_community,_increasing_the_prosperity_by_10%_and_relations_by_5.^^Hospital^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_10000.^__Steward_skills:_Tactics_3,_Surgery_5,_Persuasion_3.^A_hospital_increases_income_by_5,_prosperity_by_10%_and_relations_by_5.^^Hunting_Lodge^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_3000.^__Steward_skills:_Tracking_3,_Pathfinding_3.^A_Hunting_Lodge_sends_out_hunting_parties_that_increase_income_by_5_and_prosperity_by_10%.^^Improved_Roads^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_10000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_3,_Pathfinding_4.^Improved_roads_increase_base_income_by_5,_prosperity_by_20%,_and_relations_by_2.^^Lamplighters^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_1000.^__Steward_skills:_Pathfinding_2.^Lamplighters_increase_prosperity_by_2%_and_relations_by_2.^^Manor^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_8000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_2.^A_manor_lets_you_rest_at_the_village,_increases_prosperity_by_10%_and_increases_base_income_by_10.^^Market^__Can_build_in:_Village,_Castle._Base_cost:_10000.^__Steward_skills:_Persuasion_2,_Trade_5,_Looting_2.^A_market_increases_base_income_by_50_and_prosperity_by_50%.^^Messenger_Post^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_4000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_2,_Pathfinding_2.^A_messenger_post_lets_the_inhabitants_send_you_a_message_whenever_enemies_are_nearby,_even_if_you_are_far_away._It_also_improves_relations_by_5.^^Mine^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_3000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_4,_Tactics_3,_Trade_4.^A_mine_creates_direct_income_based_upon_the_mineral_value_found_during_prospecting_and_increases_prosperity_by_5%.^^Monastery^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_5000.^__Steward_skills:_Persuasion_4,_Trainer_4.^A_Monastery_increases_income_by_5,_prosperity_by_5%_and_relations_by_5.^^Organized_Guilds^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_15000.^__Steward_skills:_Trade_5,_Tactics_5,_Persuasion_5.^Organized_Guilds_increase_base_income_by_50_and_prosperity_by_25%.^^Prison_Tower^__Can_build_in:_Castle,_Town._Base_cost:_7000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_2,_Prisoner_Management_2.^A_prison_tower_reduces_the_chance_of_held_captives_successfully_escaping.^^Prospecting_(special)^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_1000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_1,_Spotting_1.^Hires_and_sends_out_a_group_of_prospectors_to_find_minerals_and_stone_around_the_location.^^Renderers^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_7000.^__Steward_skills:_Inventory_2.^Renderers_increase_direct_income_by_4_and_prosperity_by_4%.^^Sanitation_Standards^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_3000.^__Steward_skills:_Tactics_3,_Engineer_2,_Spotting_2.^Sanitation_Standards_increase_base_income_by_2,_prosperity_by_2%_and_relations_by_5.^^School^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_9000.^__Steward_skills:_Trainer_2.^A_school_increases_the_loyalty_of_the_villagers_to_you_by_+1_every_week.^^Sheriff^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_5000.^__Steward_skills:_Trainer_3,_Tracking_2,_Tactics_3.^This_keeper_of_order_and_the_law_improves_prosperity_by_10%,_relations_by_5,_influences_bandit_spawns_in_the_area_and_sends_out_militia_patrols.^^Shrine^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_3000.^__Steward_skills:_Persuasion_3,_Wound_Treatment_3.^A_shrine_increases_the_prosperity_of_the_location_by_5%_and_relations_by_5._It_will_also_attract_pious_nobles_to_your_cause.^^Skilled_Craftsmen^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_6000.^__Steward_skills:_Persuasion_2,_Tactics_3,_Trade_4.^Skilled_Craftsmen_increases_village_prosperity_by_20%_and_increases_base_income_by_100._They_also_allow_for_independent_weekly_building_repairs.^^Street_Sweepers^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_2000.^__Steward_skills:_Tracking_2.^Street_sweepers_increase_prosperity_by_3%_and_relations_by_3.^^Tax_collector_office^__Can_build_in:_All._Base_cost:_2000.^__Steward_skills:_Looting_3.^A_Tax_collector_office_increases_base_income_at_a_location_by_10,_lowers_prosperity_by_10%_and_lowers_relations_by_2.^^Thieves_Guild^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_10000.^__Steward_skills:_Looting_5,_Tactics_5,_Persuasion_2.^The_Thieves_Guild_brings_the_Red_Brotherhood_into_your_town,_increasing_direct_income_by_20_and_prosperity_by_15%._It_also_reduces_town_relations_by_10.^^Town_Crier^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_500.^__Steward_skills:_Spotting_2.^The_Town_Crier_increases_base_income_by_1,_prosperity_by_2%_and_relations_by_1.^^Training_Grounds^__Can_build_in:_Castle,_Town._Base_cost:_8000.^__Steward_skills:_Trainer_4,_Weapon_Mastery_5.^Training_grounds_increase_the_direct_income_of_a_location_by_3,_allows_additional_training_of_garrison_troops_and_hiring_noble_recruits.^^University^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_10000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_4,_Trainer_5,_Persuasion_4.^A_University_increases_income_by_10,_prosperity_by_10%_and_relations_by_5.^^Warehouse^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_3000.^__Steward_skills:_Inventory_4,_Trade_2.^A_warehouse_increases_income_by_5_and_prosperity_by_5%.^^Watch_Tower^__Can_build_in:_Village._Base_cost:_5000.^__Steward_skills:_Engineer_1,_Spotting_2.^A_watch_tower_lets_the_villagers_raise_the_alarm_earlier._The_time_it_takes_for_enemies_to_loot_the_village_increases_by_25%._It_also_improves_relations_by_5.^^Well_Cleaners^__Can_build_in:_Town._Base_cost:_2500.^__Steward_skills:_Spotting_2.^Well_Cleaners_increase_income_by_2,_prosperity_by_2%_and_relations_by_2.^^Winery^__Can_build_in:_Village,_Castle._Base_cost:_8000.^__Steward_skills:_Persuasion_3,_First_Aid_2,_Tactics_4.^A_Winery_increases_base_income_by_50,_prosperity_by_10%_and_relations_by_3.^^
ip_reference_orders Reference:_Knighthood_Orders Order_of_the_Dragon^__Conditions:_Player_embraces_the_Ravenstern_Culture_or_in_Rane,_Honor_15,_25000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Rane^__Possible_chapter:_Ravenstern^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Dragon_from_Ravenstern_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Lion^__Conditions:_Player_embraces_the_Sarleon_Culture_or_in_Sarleon,_Honor_10,_30000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Sarleon^__Possible_chapter:_Marleons^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Lion_from_Sarleon_Knights.^^Immortals^__Conditions:_Player_embraces_the_Empire_Culture_or_in_Janos,_Honor_10,_25000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Janos^__Possible_chapter:_Ethos^__Trains_Empire_Immortals_from_Empire_Knights.^^Windriders^__Conditions:_Player_embraces_the_D'Shar_Culture_or_in_Torbah,_Honor_10,_25000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Torbah^__Possible_chapter:_Nal_Tar^__Trains_D'Shar_Windriders_from_D'Shar_Noble_Cavalry.^^Lady_Valkyrie^__Conditions:_Player_embraces_the_Fierdsvain_Culture_or_in_Javiksholm,_Honor_10,_30000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Javiksholm^__Trains_Lady_Valkyries_from_Fierdsvain_Hersirs.^^Order_of_the_Griffon^__Conditions:_Sir_Darlion_of_Pendor_in_party_or_your_character_received_letter_from_father_or_a_Qualis_Gem_if_player_embraces_the_Old_Pendor_Culture,_Honor_20,_25000_denars^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Griffon_from_Pendor_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Falcon^__Conditions:_Madame_Ursula_or_Sir_Rayne_in_party,_Honor_15,_25000_denars^__Possible_chapter:_Falcondark_Castle^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Falcon_from_Maiden_Adventures.^^Order_of_the_Raven_Spear^__Conditions:_Player_owns_Poinsbruk,_Honor_5,_25000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Poinsbruk^__Possible_chapter:_Avendor^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Raven_Spear_from_Ravenstern_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Radiant_Cross^__Conditions:_Player_owns_Ethos,_Honor_20,_25000_denars^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Radiant_Cross_from_Pendor_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Clarion_Call^__Conditions:_Player_embraces_the_Sarleon_Culture_or_owns_Laria,_Honor_10,_25000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Laria^__Trains_Rangers_of_the_Clarion_Call_from_Sarleon_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Dawn^__Conditions:_Player_owns_Valonbray,_Honor_20,_25000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Valonbray^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Dawn_from_Pendor_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Ebony_Gauntlet^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_5,_20000_denars^__Possible_chapter:_Avendor^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Ebony_Gauntlet_from_Pendor_Foot_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Shadow_Legion^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_10,_20000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Cez^__Trains_Shadow_Legion_Centurions_from_Empire_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Silvermist_Rangers^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_20,_20000_denars^__Possible_chapter:_Senderfall^__Trains_Silvermist_Rangers_from_Pendor_Black_Archers.^^Order_of_Eventide^__Conditions:_Sir_Alistair_in_party,_Honor_-20_or_less,_30000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Singal^__Trains_Knights_of_Eventide_from_Pendor_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Phoenix^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_15,_20000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Calendain_Castle_or_Maras_Castle_or_Almerra_Castle^__Trains_Knights_of_the_Phoenix_from_Empire_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Shadow_Wolves^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_10,_20000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Walven_Castle_or_Savador_Castle_or_Oregar_Castle^__Trains_Shadow_Wolves_from_Empire_Knights.^^Order_of_the_Scorpion_Assassins^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_5,_20000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Ishkoman^__Trains_Scorpion_Assassins_from_D'Shar_Noble_Cavalry.^^Order_of_the_Kraken_Riddari^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_15,_20000_denars^__Existing_chapter:_Windholm^__Trains_Kraken_Riddarar_from_Fierdsvain_Hersirs.^^Your_Unique_Knighthood_Order^__Conditions:_A_Qualis_Gem,_Honor_30,_20000_denars^__Trains_Order_Knights_from_Knights_of_your_culture.^^
ip_morale Warband:_Morale Morale_represents_the_ability_and_willingness_of_the_troops_in_a_party_to_summon_up_the_endurance,_bravery,_and_discipline_they_need_to_face_the_stresses_of_battle_and_the_march._It_is_not_the_same_thing_as_the_troops'_happiness._Elite_troops_may_grumble_and_whine_about_the_hardships_of_campaigning_--_but_then_stand_together_as_one_when_the_arrows_start_to_fly._On_the_other_hand,_a_commander_who_gives_his_men_everything_they_want_may_find_that_they_grow_soft,_and_waiver_before_the_enemy's_charge.^^Morale's_greatest_impact_is_on_a_party's_behavior_in_battle,_determining_how_aggressively_troops_engage_the_enemy,_and_how_likely_they_are_to_break_and_run_if_they_perceive_the_tide_of_battle_turning_against_them._Morale_also_affects_a_party's_march_speed,_as_a_less_motivated_party_will_move_more_slowly,_as_the_men_are_not_pushing_themselves_to_their_physical_limit,_and_pause_more_frequently,_as_it_waits_for_stragglers_to_catch_up._Finally,_a_party_with_very_low_morale_will_start_to_suffer_desertions.^^Some_factors_that_affect_morale_are_intuitive._For_example,_a_charismatic_commander_with_a_reputation_for_winning_battles_can_infuse_his_or_her_men_with_a_sense_of_confidence._Leaders_who_give_their_men_well_ample_and_varied_supplies_of_food,_and_pay_them_on_time,_demonstrate_that_they_care_about_their_troops'_welfare,_and_are_less_likely_to_lead_them_into_disaster.^^Other_factors_are_less_intuitive_--_particularly_those_related_to_a_party's_sense_of_group_cohesion._In_a_small_tight-knit_party,_for_example,_men_will_often_fight_hard_against_daunting_odds_to_avoid_showing_cowardice_before_their_comrades-in-arms._A_large_party_on_the_other_hand_may_see_its_cohesion_strained,_as_the_commander_has_less_time_to_supervise_the_men,_listen_to_their_grievances,_and_resolve_their_disputes._Frequent_battles_will_strengthen_the_bonds_between_men,_while_long_periods_without_combat_will_see_the_troops_become_bored_and_quarrelsome.^^The_morale_report,_accessibly_by_hitting_the_'reports'_button_will_give_the_player_a_sense_of_the_factors_affecting_his_or_her_men's_morale.
ip_economy Warband:_Economy Towns_and_villages_in_Pendor_need_a_wide_variety_of_goods_for_their_populations_to_remain_healthy_and_productive._First_in_importance_is_food._Grain_is_the_staple_crop_of_Pendor,_but_people_also_need_fat_and_protein_in_the_form_of_meat,_fish,_or_cheese._It_takes_almost_as_much_work_to_preserve_meat_as_to_produce_it_in_the_first_place,_so_salt_is_also_in_high_demand._After_food_comes_clothing:_heavy_wool,_lighter_linens,_or_luxurious_velvet._Finally,_people_need_the_tools_of_their_trade:_ironware,_pottery,_leatherware,_and,_of_course,_arms,_armor,_and_horses_for_war.^^Most_agricultural_products_are_produced_in_the_villages,_while_artisans_in_the_towns_specialize_in_manufactured_or_artisanal_goods_like_fabrics_or_ironware._Also,_different_resources_can_be_found_in_different_parts_of_the_country._Consequently,_the_key_to_prosperity_in_Pendor_is_trade_--_both_between_the_villages_and_the_towns,_and_between_the_major_towns_themselves.^^When_trade_flows,_goods_will_be_available_and_affordable,_the_population_of_a_center_will_be_healthy_and_energetic,_and_migrants_will_flock_from_the_nearby_regions._The_center_will_produce_more,_consume_more,_and_be_able_to_contribute_more_in_taxes_to_their_lords._When_trade_dries_up,_towns_and_villages_will_see_their_workers_flee_to_seek_work_elsewhere,_and_economic_activity_will_drift_to_a_stand-still._Thus,_it_is_in_the_interests_of_rulers_to_protect_trade_routes_from_the_hazards_of_war_and_banditry._A_smart_merchant,_however,_may_want_to_seek_out_towns_which_have_become_isolated_from_the_rest_of_the_land,_as_he_or_she_may_be_able_to_turn_a_tidy_profit_from_the_resulting_price_imbalances.^^Because_villagers_usually_plan_to_take_their_goods_to_market_in_towns,_village_markets_will_be_rather_quiet_places,_and_villagers_will_buy_cheap_and_sell_dear._Serious_merchants_will_stick_to_the_towns_to_make_a_profit,_although_some_parties_may_decide_to_make_a_quick_stop_in_a_village_to_acquire_supplies.^^A_player_who_wants_to_know_about_the_factors_affecting_a_region's_prosperity_can_speak_to_the_guildmaster_of_the_local_town._Other_information_can_be_gleaned_from_passers-by,_although_they_might_not_know_very_much_outside_of_their_own_particular_trade.
ip_courtship Warband:_Courtship Players_may_wish_to_marry_into_one_of_Pendor's_noble_families._Marriage_is_not_necessary_for_a_player_to_rise_in_power_and_stature,_but_it_does_provide_players_with_an_opportunity_to_improve_their_relation_with_lords_and_establish_a_claim_to_the_throne.^^Marriage_requirements_will_be_different_for_males_and_females._A_male_character_will_usually_need_to_pursue_a_traditional_path_of_courtship._He_should_establish_a_reputation_in_Pendorian_aristocratic_society,_get_on_good_terms_with_his_bride's_parents_or_guardians,_and_then_woo_the_lady_according_to_local_custom._If_a_player_grows_impatient,_he_may_attempt_to_take_a_shortcut_--_but_there_will_be_consequences_in_his_relations_with_other_lords.^^A_male_character_should_keep_in_mind_that_other_lords_will_be_competing_with_him_for_the_affections_of_the_kingdom's_ladies._Also,_a_lady's_tastes_are_unpredictable,_and_a_player_may_also_find_that_the_object_of_his_love_does_not_love_him_in_return._Romance,_in_Pendor_as_elsewhere,_does_not_always_prosper._Of_course,_a_player_may_resort_to_other,_less_gentlemanly_means_of_winning_a_lady's_heart,_but_again,_that_will_have_a_serious_impact_on_his_reputation.^^To_get_started_on_the_path_of_courtship,_a_male_player_should_try_to_get_involved_in_the_social_life_of_the_Pendorian_aristocracy,_attending_feasts_and_tournaments._Also,_wandering_troubadours_and_poets_can_serve_as_a_useful_repository_of_information_on_courtship,_and_keep_the_player_up_to_date_about_the_latest_gossip.^^Female_characters_can_also_marry_--_but_they_should_keep_in_mind_that_Pendorian_society_is_very_traditional,_and,_as_adventurers,_they_have_chosen_a_very_unconventional_path_for_a_woman._A_female_character_may_have_to_look_for_a_while_to_find_a_lord_who_is_open-minded_enough_to_marry_her.^^On_the_bright_side,_a_female_character_does_not_have_to_go_through_the_elaborate_rituals_of_courtship,_and_she_also_may_gain_more_from_a_marriage_than_her_male_counterpart._For_a_woman_adventurer,_marriage_can_be_a_quick_path_to_power_--_and_an_unscrupulous_character_may_be_able_to_use_her_husband_as_a_tool_of_her_political_ambitions.
ip_politics Warband:_Politics The_realms_of_Pendor,_although_they_represent_different_cultures,_all_adhere_to_the_same_basic_political_system:_feudalism._Feudalism_is_based_on_the_relationships_between_individuals:_the_oaths_of_loyalty_given_by_a_vassal_to_his_or_her_liege._In_exchange_for_this_oath,_the_vassal_will_usually_receive_a_fief,_a_parcel_of_land_whose_income_will_be_used_by_the_vassal_to_raise_troops_to_support_the_liege_in_time_of_war._A_liege_also_has_an_obligation_to_protect_his_vassals,_and_to_treat_them_justly.^^This_is_how_it_works_in_theory,_anyway._In_practice,_vassals_will_not_always_work_in_their_factions'_interests,_particular_as_they_are_often_quarreling_with_one_another._Nobles_have_different_personalities,_and_sometimes_those_personalities_clash._Or,_perhaps_two_nobles_were_once_friends,_but_fell_out_over_in_the_aftermath_of_a_setback_or_a_defeat_--_or_because_they_both_were_wooing_the_same_lady._Jealousies_will_also_surface_as_they_vie_for_the_favor_of_the_king_--_perhaps_over_newly_conquered_lands,_or_over_who_will_be_given_the_coveted_office_of_marshal,_the_lord_in_charge_of_organizing_large-scale_campaigns.^^When_one_realm_in_Pendor_makes_war_on_another,_the_political_unity_of_the_each_kingdom_is_as_important_as_the_quality_or_number_of_its_soldiers_in_determining_the_outcome._In_a_cohesive_kingdom,_nobles_will_join_together_in_a_large_force_to_sweep_their_opponents_before_them._In_a_kingdom_divided_by_petty_quarrels,_lords_will_fail_to_respond_to_the_marshal's_summons,_or_drift_away_to_attend_to_their_own_business_if_a_campaign_is_not_going_well._A_faction's_political_cohesion_will_also_impact_warfare_when_campaigns_are_not_in_progress._In_a_divided_faction,_lords_will_be_less_likely_to_join_together_on_raids_and_patrols,_and_come_to_each_other's_defense.^^If_it_seems_self-defeating_for_nobles_to_bicker_and_quarrel_when_the_enemy_is_just_over_the_horizon,_keep_this_in_mind_--_ultimately,_a_noble's_loyalty_goes_not_to_a_particular_faction_or_culture,_but_to_himself_and_to_his_family._If_a_noble_fears_that_his_faction_is_collapsing,_or_if_he_is_being_neglected_by_his_liege,_he_can_usually_find_a_reason_to_withdraw_his_oath_of_allegiance,_and_change_sides._Players_should_keep_this_in_mind,_as_they_may_find_that_there_are_opportunities_to_turn_discontented_former_enemies_into_allies.
ip_character_backgrounds Warband:_Character_Backgrounds A_player_character_in_Pendor_may_choose_to_come_from_a_variety_of_social_backgrounds._This_choice_will_affect_not_just_his_or_her_starting_skills_and_equipment,_but_also_the_course_of_his_or_her_career_as_an_adventurer.^^War_and_politics_in_Pendor_are_traditionally_dominated_by_male_aristocrats._A_noble_player_character_may_find_that_he_is_invited_into_this_'old_boys'_club'_fairly_quickly,_but_commoners_may_face_a_few_extra_hurdles_on_the_way._If_you_choose_to_start_the_game_as_a_noble,_you_can_think_of_it_as_the_'easy'_setting._Starting_as_a_commoner_is_somewhat_more_difficult^^However,_women_have_some_starting_advantages._It_is_traditionally_easier_for_a_woman_to_marry_up_the_social_ladder_than_it_is_for_a_man,_and_a_woman_may_find_she_can_gain_more_from_a_strategic_marital_alliance_than_her_male_counterpart.^^Finally,_keep_in_mind_that_the_game_does_not_place_any_limits_on_the_upward_mobility_of_characters_based_on_their_background._Noble_or_common,_male_or_female,_married_or_unmarried_--_anyone_can_rise_to_become_ruler_of_all_Pendor,_if_they_are_sufficiently_brave,_lucky,_or_resourceful.
ip_military_campaigns Warband:_Military_Campaigns When_kingdoms_in_Pendor_go_to_war,_their_armies_have_two_basic_offensive_options._They_can_try_to_attack_villages_and_lay_waste_to_the_countryside,_damaging_their_enemy's_prestige_and_economy._Or,_they_can_try_to_seize_and_hold_castles_or_towns,_taking_territory_This_second_option_can_involve_long,_bloody_sieges,_but_will_yield_more_decisive_results.^^It_is_important_to_note_that_the_realms_of_Pendor_do_not_field_standing_armies,_which_remain_in_the_field_as_long_as_the_ruler_desires._Rather,_Pendorian_realms_are_protected_by_feudal_levies_comprised_of_the_major_nobles_and_their_individual_retinues._Sometimes,_these_nobles_launch_their_own_private_attacks_into_enemy_territory,_but_the_most_decisive_events_will_usually_take_place_when_the_great_hosts_are_assembled._The_kingdom's_marshal,_a_noble_appointed_by_the_king,_will_summon_the_host_before_the_campaign_and_lead_them_out_to_battle._However,_he_should_be_careful_not_to_keep_them_in_the_field_too_long._Otherwise,_the_host_will_begin_to_disintegrate,_as_the_vassals_drift_off_to_pursue_their_own_business,_and_the_army_will_be_vulnerable_to_a_counter-attack.^^For_this_reason,_the_rhythm_of_wars_in_Pendor_often_resemble_the_rhythm_of_a_duel_between_two_individual_combatants._One_side_will_gather_its_strength_and_seek_to_land_a_blow_against_the_enemy's_territory._If_the_marshal_spends_too_little_time_gathering_the_vassals,_he_may_not_be_able_to_do_any_real_damage._If_he_spends_too_much_time,_then_the_campaign_may_end_before_it_has_even_begun._A_large_realm_will_have_an_advantage_over_a_smaller_one,_just_as_a_brawny_combatant_has_an_edge_over_a_smaller_foe,_but_a_realm's_political_cohesion_can_also_be_a_factor,_just_as_a_fighter_with_great_stamina_can_outlast_her_opponent._Sometimes,_the_armies_of_two_realms_will_meet_head_on,_resulting_in_a_major_battle_in_which_both_numbers_and_morale_will_decide_the_outcome.^^Kingdoms_will_have_imperfect_intelligence_about_their_enemies._Attacking_lords_will_need_to_frequently_scout_enemy_territory_to_determine_which_fortresses_may_be_vulnerable._An_army_defending_its_homeland_will_benefit_from_the_alarms_raised_by_castles_and_towns,_which_broadcast_intelligence_about_enemy_movements_in_the_area._Such_intelligence_will_be_imprecise,_however,_particularly_when_it_comes_to_numbers._A_defending_force_which_sets_out_to_raise_a_siege_or_rescue_a_village_may_be_able_to_overwhelm_an_unprepared_attacker_--_or_it_may_miscalculate,_and_find_that_it_is_the_one_to_be_overwhelmed._Attackers,_in_turn,_must_be_careful_how_far_they_advance_into_enemy_territory,_with_aggressive_marshals_venturing_further_than_cautious_ones.^^Players_will_be_expected_to_join_in_their_faction's_military_campaign,_either_by_joining_the_host,_or_by_scouting_ahead_into_enemy_territory._Some_players_may_find_that_their_realm's_marshal_is_too_cautious,_or_too_aggressive,_for_their_tastes._In_this_case,_they_can_intrigue_with_other_lords_to_try_to_replace_the_marshal,_or_build_support_to_become_the_marshal_themselves.^^Most_wars_are_of_limited_duration._A_king_who_goes_to_war_will,_for_the_sake_of_honor,_feel_obligated_to_pursue_the_conflict_for_a_short_while._However,_unless_he_is_soundly_beating_his_enemy._he_may_soon_start_looking_for_a_way_out_of_the_conflict,_lest_he_leave_himself_vulnerable_to_an_attack_by_a_third_party._Pendor's_rulers_are_keenly_aware_that_today's_ally_may_be_tomorrow's_enemy,_and_vice_versa.
ip_pendor_history Pendor:_The_History Almost_a_Millennium_ago^^The_war_of_the_Titans_laid_the_foundation_for_the_ascension_of_Man._A_terrible_war,_between_ancient_elder_races_left_the_world_stripped_of_magic,_and_those_magnificent_mythical_people,_once_so_powerful,_were_now_only_the_stuff_of_folklore_and_legends._Only_the_reclusive_Noldor,_remain_from_those_times,_and_their_once_great_cities_are_all_destroyed_save_perhaps_one.^^Three_hundred_fifty_four_years_ago_-_the_Founding_of_Pendor.^^It_is_the_time_of_Man._The_story_centers_on_the_fertile_lands_of_Pendor_and_the_struggles_of_the_peoples,_their_leaders_and_their_destiny._Several_hundred_years_ago,_a_single_Kingdom_was_forged_by_sword_and_fire._A_peace_was_maintained_and_prosperity_came_to_the_kingdom_and_it_flourished._Five_generations_of_Pendorian_Kings_sat_on_the_Silver_Throne_in_Sarleon_and_for_nearly_two_hundred_years_they_guided_the_destiny_of_their_land_and_its_subjects.^^From_the_Founding_of_Pendor_-_the_year_is_198^^The_downfall_of_the_Kingdom_was_as_swift_as_it_was_vile._A_single_month,_thirty_days,_and_the_empire_was_in_tatters._The_irony_was_it_was_not_by_the_sword_in_battle,_nor_by_some_dark_magic_that_caused_the_deaths_of_the_King_and_his_family._But_by_an_unseen_killer,_a_disease,_the_red_plague_that_ravaged_the_land_and_cut_down_the_peoples_of_the_Kingdom,_great_and_small,_like_an_assassin_in_the_night.^The_royal_family_had_perished,_and_there_was_no_King_to_rule_the_land._Then_came_the_invasions_that_seemed_to_shatter_the_once_proud_kingdom_into_slivers_and_the_glory_that_was_once_the_Kingdom_of_Pendor,_was_now_itself_the_stuff_of_legend.^With_the_death_of_the_King_and_his_heirs,_there_was_chaos._Multiple_lords_laid_claim_to_the_throne_and_nearly_every_noble_of_the_land_began_squabbling_over_succession.^^From_the_Founding_of_Pendor_-_the_year_is_199^^The_carefully_laid_agreements,_truces_and_alliances_with_neighboring_powers_became_suspect._In_the_North,_the_mountain_tribesmen_began_raiding_the_heartlands_of_Pendor._Embolden_by_their_success_and_the_lack_of_response_from_the_Knights_of_the_Realm,_they_struck_even_deeper_and_soon_this_led_to_the_siege_to_Rane._The_Earl_of_Rane_sought_help_from_the_nobles_of_the_land,_but_the_schemes_of_the_powerful_found_reasons_not_to_come_to_his_aid._Many_Northern_Lords,_banded_together_and_formed_a_small_army_that_marched_to_defend_the_city_from_the_onslaught_of_the_northern_Mystmountain_warriors.._The_battle_was_bloody_and_fierce,_and_in_the_end,_the_siege_was_lifted,_and_the_barbarian_tribesmen_and_their_shaman_leaders,_routed_back_to_their_mountain_homes._The_Northern_Lords,_who_fought_so_valiantly_that_day,_decided_to_establish_a_knighthood_order,_the_Order_of_the_Dragon,_comprised_of_the_valiant_warriors_who_defended_the_city._News_of_this_new_order_was_not_well_received_by_other_knighthood_orders_or_by_the_nobility_to_the_South._They_demanded_that_the_Order_of_the_Dragon_be_disbanded_which_in_the_minds_of_the_proud_warriors_of_the_North,_was_an_unforgivable_insult_to_their_valor._The_scorn_of_other_established_knighthood_and_the_lack_of_support_to_route_the_invaders_from_Rane_prompted_the_Northern_Lords_to_break_ties_with_the_southern_lords_and_declared_themselves_an_independent_Kingdom:_The_Kingdom_of_Ravenstern.^Reeling_from_the_succession_of_the_Northern_cities_and_lords,_the_remaining_Pendorian_nobility_were_not_prepared_to_meet_the_next_challenge_that_followed_within_a_few_short_years.^^From_the_Founding_of_Pendor_-_the_year_is_202^^From_the_South,_over_the_southern_sea,_the_great_Baccus_empire_launched_an_invasion_fleet_and_landed_a_powerful_army_on_the_shores_of_Pendor_led_by_the_war_hardened_General_Oasar._He_drove_inland_conquering_cities_and_castles,_and_seemed_unstoppable._Ironically,_within_a_few_short_months_of_campaigning,_the_general_received_by_messenger_that_the_great_Baccus_Empire_itself_was_in_civil_war_and_that_the_Emperor_had_been_assassinated._After_receiving_this_shocking_news,_Oasar_established_himself,_with_the_support_of_several_Pendor_Lords,_as_Overlord_of_Janos_and_officially_broke_away_from_what_was_left_of_the_Baccus_Empire._The_great_Baccus_Empire_convoluted_and_fragmented_into_dozens_of_principalities,_city-states_and_kingdoms._The_greatest_and_most_powerful_is_the_under_the_dominion_of_the_priesthood_of_the_serpent:_a_powerful_and_seemingly_mystical_religion_of_warrior_priests_who_worship_the_unnamed_goddess_of_darkness_who_manifests_herself_in_the_form_of_a_snake.^For_the_once_great_kingdom_of_Pendor,_that_meant_that_a_large_portion_of_its_Southern_lands,_cities_and_nobility_were_now_either_dead_or_sworn_to_service_under_this_upstart_general_who_calls_himself_Overlord.^^From_the_Founding_of_Pendor_-_the_year_is_204^^After_the_establishment_of_the_Northern_Kingdom_of_Ravenstern_and_the_invasion_of_Oasar,_the_powerful_Lord_Alfred,_Duke_of_Sarleon,_consolidated_the_remaining_lords_of_Pendor_and_declared_himself_King_of_Sarleon._For_ten_years_a_measure_of_peace_was_maintained.^^From_the_Founding_of_Pendor_-_the_year_is_213^^To_the_far_north,_across_the_seas_lived_the_hearty_warriors_of_the_Vanskerry._Segmented_into_Jarldoms,_they_were_raiders_and_traders._With_the_Baccus_Empire_gone,_many_of_the_Vanskerry_mercenaries_in_their_employ_were_free_to_return_home_to_the_frosty_shores_of_their_fathers._A_wise_man's_musings_in_the_reaches_of_Vanskerry_goes_'Death_is_found_in_the_blade_of_your_enemy_and_trouble_when_a_warrior_has_nothing_to_do.'__When_word_came_to_the_North_of_the_troubles_of_Pendor,_it_was_greeted_with_a_call_to_arms_and_promises_of_plunder_and_women._Soon,_raiding_ships_found_the_shores_of_Pendor_a_ripe_land_full_of_gold_and_wealth._Their_well-armed_and_hearty_warriors_began_raiding_the_towns_and_villages_along_the_coast_and_met_very_little_resistance._The_Knights_of_the_Lion_and_Lords_of_Sarleon_responded_by_patrolling_the_coastal_shores._Yet,_still_the_crafty_Vanskerry_raiders_managed_to_sack_village_after_village._With_so_little_ability_to_defend_themselves,_the_merchant_lords_of_the_Pendorian_coastal_provinces_sent_delegations_to_the_Jarldoms_to_seek_alliances_and_protection._At_first_they_were_rejected,_but_in_time_as_offers_included_titles_and_lands_many_Jarls_and_their_huscarls_began_to_listen._The_lands_of_Vanskerry_are_rugged_and_cold,_compared_with_the_lush_and_rich_pastures_of_Pendor._The_lure_of_good_weather,_and_the_chance_to_become_a_Lord_of_a_castle,_or_even_a_well-located_mayor_of_a_village,_appealed_to_many_of_the_Jarls._Soon,_many_Vanskerry_households_left_the_shores_of_their_fathers_and_sought_fortune_and_prosperity_along_the_coast_of_Pendor._Some_entered_into_the_service_of_the_Pendorian_lords,_others_married_into_the_noble_families._This_changed_many_things_in_the_Kingdom,_as_the_warrior_culture_and_attitudes_of_Vanskerry_were_brought_into_the_noble_houses_of_the_coastal_lords._Within_a_generation_the_culture_gap_was_so_great_that_the_coastal_nobles_broke_away_from_the_King_of_Sarleon_and_formed_a_rough_alliance_of_city-states_called_collectively_the_Fierdsvain.^^From_the_Founding_of_Pendor_-_the_year_is_204_to_245^^The_story_continues_about_detailed_intrigues,_war_and_heroic_actions_as_well_as_the_great_villains_of_the_land._There_were_stories_of_the_Jatu_tribesmen_and_their_flight_from_the_Empire_and_General_Oasar,_becoming_nomads_in_the_Eastern_prairies_of_Pendor._There_are_the_detailed_accounts_of_the_Order_of_the_Lion,_a_knighthood_order_of_Pendor,_and_their_history_and_their_betrayal_by_one_of_their_own_which_had_the_order_declared_outlaw_for_years_until_their_redemption_under_the_current_King_of_Sarleon._Chapters_were_dedicated_to_the_D'Shar,_a_nomadic_peoples_who_are_evolving_into_a_military_and_economic_force_only_to_find_that_their_own_worst_enemy_is_themselves._Just_as_fascinating_was_the_references_to_the_encounters_with_the_ancient_Noldor_and_their_powerful_weapons_and_enchantments_that_changed_the_life_of_more_than_one_adventurer._I_was_especially_drawn_to_the_story_of_Madigan,_a_wandering_mystic_who_prophesized_the_coming_of_a_hero_who_would_unite_the_lords_of_the_Pendor_and_reunite_the_old_kingdom._His_saga_touched_me_as_a_hero_himself,_trying_to_speak_the_truth_and_being_condemned_to_death_for_his_beliefs.
ip_pendor_present Pendor:_The_Present From_the_Founding_of_Pendor_-_the_year_is_354_-_The_Prophesy_has_awakened.^^The_North_-_Ravenstern_and_the_Mystmountain_Barbarians^^To_the_North,_the_Kingdom_of_Ravenstern_sits_on_the_southern_slopes_of_the_impassible_Cloudmist_Mountains._They_are_a_hearty,_proud_peoples_having_adapted_to_the_harsh_Northern_climate._The_ruler_of_Ravenstern_is_King_Gregory_IV,_the_great_grandson_of_King_Gregory_I,_who_led_the_final_charge_that_drove_the_shaman_of_the_northern_barbarians_back_into_their_homes_in_the_Cloudmist_Mountains._Every_since_that_battle,_Ravenstern_has_been_tested_by_constant_raids_and_sorties_from_these_bloodthirsty_clansmen._The_Lords_of_Ravenstern_are_fearsome_warriors,_yet_they_are_quite_proud_and_very_individualistic._There_is_a_strong_underlying_culture_of_competition_among_these_peoples_that_makes_them_outstanding_individual_warriors,_though_in_groups_they_tend_to_be_undisciplined._The_Knights_of_the_Order_of_the_Dragon,_the_cream_of_the_Ravenstern_nobility,_are_to_be_feared_in_combat._Like_most_of_the_other_Knighthood_Orders_in_the_realm,_these_Knights_do_not_swear_allegiance_to_any_noble,_but_rather_travel_with_the_Lords_of_the_realm_when_it_suits_them.^^The_West_-_The_Fierdsvain_and_the_raiders_of_Vanskerry^^Along_the_coast_to_the_West_is_Fierdsvain,_where_some_of_the_Jarls_of_Vanskerry_have_intermingled_and_intermarried_with_the_old_Kingdom_to_form_a_unique_warrior_culture._Most_of_the_former_mercenary_Jarls_of_Vanskerry_who_went_to_war_on_behalf_of_the_Emperor_of_the_Baccus_Empire_had_difficulty_in_returning_to_the_cold_barren_shores_of_the_North._When_the_emissaries_from_the_coastal_lords_of_Pendor_arrived,_many_jumped_at_the_chance_to_establish_themselves_in_better_climates._However,_there_were_many_in_Vanskerry_who_looked_upon_these_mercenary_Jarls_as_turncoats_to_the_code_of_the_North_and_have_sworn_to_make_it_a_point_to_plunder_the_lands_held_by_these_traitors._Regardless,_infused_with_new_blood,_strong_warriors_and_an_appetite_for_both_battle_and_trade,_the_Fierdsvain_have_flourished_and_have_become_as_powerful_as_Sarleon_itself.^^The_ashes_of_Pendor_-_The_Kingdom_of_Sarleon^^The_Kingdom_of_Sarleon_dominates_the_center_of_the_game_map._The_current_King,_Ulric_of_Sarleon,_is_the_descendent_of_King_Alfred_I,_former_Duke_Alfred_of_Sarleon._Once_King_Alfred_established_the_Kingdom_of_Sarleon,_most_of_the_Knighthood_orders_charged_with_defending_Pendor_were_outlawed._The_most_famous_of_the_outlawed_orders_was_the_Order_of_the_Griffon:_the_guardians_of_the_royal_line_of_Pendor._Today_only_one_order,_the_Order_of_the_Lion_still_exists_in_Sarleon._This_noble_order_backed_Alfred's_claim_to_rule._The_Order_of_the_Lion_since_that_time_has_had_a_murky_past,_and_for_a_score_of_years_they_also_were_outlawed._Today_they_have_been_vindicated_and_are_now_in_the_good_graces_of_King_Ulric_of_Sarleon_and_are_the_guardians_of_the_realm.^^The_Southern_Steppes_-_The_D'Shar_Nomads^^The_South,_along_the_Shavanir_Desert_is_the_Principality_of_D'Shar_made_of_dozens_of_separate_individual_tribes._At_the_height_of_the_founding_of_the_Kingdom_of_Pendor_several_tribes_supported_the_peace_and_prosperity_that_the_Kings_of_Pendor_offered_them_for_a_treaty_of_peace._The_peace_turned_into_an_alliance_and_these_tribes_began_trading_with_the_Northern_Kingdoms._The_makeshift_tents_and_stalls_that_they_set_up_in_the_plains_of_D'Shar_over_several_generations_became_small-fortified_towns_and_villages._No_longer_were_they_nomadic,_but_settled_down,_built_homes_and_planted_crops._Their_prosperity_quickly_propelled_these_tribes_into_prominence_in_the_D'Shar_plains._Yet,_those_tribes_who_were_staunchly_tied_to_the_old_ways,_remain_nomadic_and_have_rejected_the_'city_dwellers'_completely._Recently_they_have_reverted_to_raiding_the_many_caravans_coming_into_and_out_of_these_towns._This_has_caused_a_great_deal_of_tension_between_the_cities_and_the_tribal_nomads_closer_to_the_great_desert.^^The_Southeast_-_The_Empire_and_the_Snake_Cult^^The_remnants_in_and_on_Pendor_of_the_Great_Baccus_Empire_are_now_called_just_'The_Empire'._However,_some_portion_of_the_old_Baccus_Republic_(Pre-Empire_by_several_hundred_years)_must_have_had_profound_influence_on_General_Oasar,_as_he_decreed_that_a_democratic_council_of_Lords_selects_each_new_'Overlord'_when_either_the_existing_ruler_dies_or_reaches_the_age_of_sixty._The_strong_military_of_the_Empire_could_have_long_ago_swept_Northwards_into_the_Pendor_heartland_and_conquered_the_interior_towns,_but_for_the_ties_that_the_Empire_has_from_their_homeland_across_the_Southern_Sea,_which_have_plagued_them_to_no_end._The_Serpent_Cult_has_been_a_constant_threat,_both_politically_and_empirically_to_the_Empire_as_they_almost_successfully_corrupted_the_Empire_ruling_class_from_within._It_did_not_help_that_the_many_civilians_and_nobles_were_until_recently_openly_in_support_of_the_path_of_the_Serpent._All_this_has_changed._The_current_Emperor,_Marius_I,_has_been_successful_in_banning_the_Priests_and_temples_from_the_cities_of_the_Empire._This_diplomatic_feat_has_resulted_in_more_of_an_all_out_war_between_the_priesthood_and_the_Empire_and_battles_in_and_around_Empire_towns_and_castles_are_common._The_Serpent_worshipers_in_Pendor_have_gone_underground,_and_receive_help_from_across_the_Southern_Sea_where_the_heart_of_the_Serpent_resides._Marius_I,_has_deftly_turned_the_tables_on_the_priesthood_and_has_shown_to_the_peoples_of_the_Empire_the_depths_of_their_unholy_depravity._Escaping_the_death_kiss_of_a_Priestess_of_the_Serpent_is_strong_motivation_for_the_average_citizen_to_help_their_emperor_in_this_task.^^East_-_the_Jatu_tribesmen^^Along_the_Eastern_plains_of_Pendor_are_the_steppes_of_the_Jatu._The_original_Jatu_lived_across_the_Southern_Sea_in_a_land_of_vast_plains._They_were_a_fiercely_independent_nomadic_people,_well_versed_with_bow_and_spear._The_Jatu_are_skillful_horsemen_and_boys_at_an_early_age_learn_how_to_fight_from_horseback._After_years_of_conflict,_the_Baccus_Empire_brokered_an_agreement_with_the_leaders_the_Jatu_that_in_exchange_for_peace._The_Jatu_would_provide_mercenaries_to_the_Empire_to_conquer_other_lands._When_General_Oasar_invaded_Pendor,_his_main_compliment_of_cavalry_was_the_Jatu_Horse_Lords._When_word_came_that_the_Great_Baccus_Empire_was_in_tatters_and_that_the_Emperor_was_dead,_the_War_leaders_of_the_Jatu_had_no_way_to_return_to_their_homeland._Instead,_they_left_the_service_of_Oasar,_raided_dozens_of_villages_for_women_folk,_and_traveled_northwards_to_establish_a_new_homeland_for_their_peoples._A_closed_society_that_refuses_trade_and_diplomatic_overtures,_these_warriors_will_attack_anyone_in_their_domain.^^Everywhere_-_at-large_-_those_with_weapons_and_the_will_to_use_them^^Once_the_Empire's_armies_began_to_stand_down_and_call_Southern_Pendor_their_own,_the_more_unsavory_elements,_to_which_the_old_Baccus_Empire_was_famous_for,_began_to_emerge._The_Red_Brotherhood_is_a_confederation_of_secret_societies_that_crossed_borders_all_across_Pendor._They_are_bandits,_thieves,_slavers,_and_they_deal_in_unsavory_plans_and_sell_whatever_they_can_get_their_hands_on._You_will_find_them_at_times,_helpful,_and_at_times,_they_will_be_glad_to_relieve_you_of_your_possessions_and_perhaps_your_life._Town_Militia_and_various_lords_try_to_wipe_them_out_when_found,_but_rooting_them_out_of_the_various_cities_is_like_trying_to_kill_rat_infestation_with_a_stick._You_never_seem_to_get_them_all._Note_that_the_various_gangs_of_Red_Brotherhood_operate_independently_of_one_another.^^While_there_are_many_hazards_in_Pendor_to_be_wary_of,_perhaps_one_of_the_most_dangerous_are_the_various_Renegade_Knights_who_wander_the_countryside._These_knights_are_of_various_origins,_some_are_from_outlawed_knighthood_orders,_others_are_twisted_by_the_wild_magic_of_the_items_which_they_carry,_and_some_are_just_bent_on_the_destruction_of_any_who_cross_their_path._One_thing_if_for_certain,_they_are_deadly.^^There_are_many_religions_and_faiths_in_the_lands_of_Pendor._Most_of_them_are_benevolent,_and_maintain_a_doctrine_that_is_the_bridge_between_life_and_death_with_a_code_of_conduct_that_paves_the_way_for_a__pleasant_hereafter._A_few_of_the_non-benevolent_religions_are_bent_upon_destruction_and_hatred._These_followers_are_termed_heretics_by_the_other_faiths,_and_are_looked_upon_as_something_to_be_stamped_out._Heretics_often_are_believers_in_human_sacrifice,_and_other_dark_rituals_and_are_unsavory_at_best._At_worse,_they_bring_the_stuff_from_your_worst_nightmares_to_life.^^In_your_travels_you_will_find_adventurer_companies._These_groups_of_adventurers_are_from_varied_backgrounds_and_have_many_different_goals._Some_are_on_missions_for_various_lords,_some_are_bounty_hunters,_and_still_others_are_explorers_of_the_ancient_cities_destroyed_long_ago._If_they_happen_to_take_an_interest_in_you,_be_prepared_for_anything_as_it_is_these_self-styled_heroes_that_turn_up_in_the_most_improbable_places,_with_the_most_unreal_equipment_and_do_the_impossible._^^To_the_far_East,_the_Noldor.^^The_last_known_remaining_trace_of_the_elder_races_are_the_Noldor._The_war_of_the_Titans_was_horrific,_and_the_once_graceful_cities_of_these_folks_have_long_since_been_destroyed._Only_this_one_place,_hidden_from_outsiders,_remains_of_their_civilization._The_Noldor_were_once_wondrous_workers_of_magic,_but_one_of_the_results_of_the_great_conflict_was_that_they_were_no_longer_able_to_invoke_the_cantrips_and_spells_that_were_so_central_to_their_lives._Still,_some_of_their_lesser_enchantments_are_still_working_as_evidenced_by_their_almost_supernatural_abilities_on_the_battlefield._None_who_cross_the_paths_of_the_Noldor_near_their_home,_come_away_unscathed.
ip_pendor_orders Pendor:_The_Knighthood_Orders History_of_the_Pendorian_Knighthood_orders_as_researched_and_scribed_by_Hubris_deAelswid_of_Sarleon,_Scholar_of_the_third_order_and_keeper_of_the_Seal_of_Sarleon.^^The_founding_of_Pendor_was_accomplished_by_a_figure_of_legendary_renown:__Cavalas_of_Valonbray,_the_son_of_a_renowned_knight_who,_depending_on_which_historian_you_reference,_either_8th_or_12th_in_line_to_the_throne_of_Valonbray._Regardless,_through_exploit_and_adventure_Cavalas_brought_together_the_various_noble_lords_and_founded_the_Kingdom_of_Pendor_and_established_the_Silver_Throne_in_Sarleon.^^It_is_generally_regarded_as_fact_that_King_Cavalas,_in_his_adventuring_days_formed_the_Order_of_the_Griffin,_which_is_considered_the_first_Knighthood_order_of_the_Pendorian_Kingdom.^^Soon_after_his_coronation,_Cavalas_drafted_the_Validus_Charta,_and_it_was_signed_by_the_various_noble_lords_of_the_realm_and_through_this_document_established_the_binding_charter_and_legal_grounds_for_the_existence_of_a_body_of_knights_to_form_an_organized_order_that_had_recognized_coat_of_arms._It_is_generally_argued_that_this_was_a_condition_by_some_Lords_to_support_King_Cavalas_in_the_establishment_of_Pendor._This_claim_cannot_be_verified_as_no_documents_are_known_to_exist_that_substantiate_this_theory.^^Regardless,_within_several_years_a_plethora_of_knighthood_orders_sprung_up_in_Sarleon_and_other_cities_and_castles._Few_of_course_lasted_more_than_the_lifetime_of_the_founder,_and_this_document_shall_confine_its_scope_only_to_those_orders_that_have_survived_in_some_form,_to_this_day,_the_12th_of_April,_354,_with_one_notable_exception:_that_of_the_Order_of_the_Griffon.^^The_Order_of_the_Lion_-_Established_in_the_82nd_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor_by_Sir._Roderick_the_Red._Colors:_Red_Rampant_Lion_on_a_silver_field._The_Order_of_the_Lion_is_one_of_the_largest_and_most_renowned_orders_of_Knights_in_the_land._The_charter_of_the_order_is_strict_in_it's_chivalrous_by-laws._It_is_the_oldest_knighthood_order_that_still_has_members_in_Pendor._After_the_untimely_deaths_of_the_royal_family_in_198,_the_order_was_instrumental,_along_with_the_Order_of_the_Griffon,_in_establishing_and_maintaining_order_in_the_realm_and_preventing_an_all_out_war_between_rival_factions_contending_for_the_throne_of_Pendor.^^After_the_succession_of_the_Northern_Lords,_and_the_war_with_the_Greater_Baccus_Empire,_the_order_backed_and_supported_Duke_Alfred_of_Sarleon_in_assuming_the_throne_and_declaring_a_himself_the_King_of_Sarleon.^^In_the_298th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor,_the_Order_was_outlawed._All_texts_and_reference_to_the_reasons_and_history_surrounding_this_event_have_been_destroyed_by_the_order_of_our_King,_Ulric_I_of_Sarleon,_himself_now_a_prominent_member_of_this_Knighthood_Order._In_the_346th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor,_the_Order_was_restored_by_the_order_of_King_Ulric_I_of_Sarleon_and_all_references_to_the_events_and_histories_since_298_were_destroyed.^Scholars_note:_King_Ulric_was_coroneted_in_346.^^The_Order_of_the_Radiant_Cross._This_Knighthood_Order_was_established_in_the_113th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor_by_Baron_Jorn_of_Dunglave._Colors:_White_Cross_on_a_Black_Field.^Scholars_note:_Dunglave_was_renamed_to_Janos_after_the_occupation_of_the_city_by_General_Oasar_in_the_203rd_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor.^The_order_was_one_of_the_prominent_forces_to_battle_the_invasion_by_the_Greater_Baccus_Empire_in_the_202nd_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor._Overwhelmed_in_the_battle_of_Sagent_Glade,_they_were_all_but_destroyed_by_the_legions_under_General_Oasar._When_General_Oasar_became_'Overlord',_and_after_the_desertion_by_the_Jatu,_he_incorporated_the_order_colors_to_form_the_identifying_marks_of_his_elite_cavalry_units._While_these_Cavalrymen_are_not_true_Knights_by_any_stretch_of_the_imagination,_and_they_do_not_operate_under_the_Validus_Charta,_the_colors_survive_and_the_citizens_of_the_empire_often_refer_to_these_mounted_soldiers_as_the_remnant_of_that_once_noble_order_of_Knights.^^The_Order_of_the_Dragon_-_Established_in_the_199th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor_by_Earl_Klovis_of_Rane._Colors:_Red_Dragon_on_a_field_of_Azure._There_are_some_accounts_that_the_order_was_actually_ordained_on_the_field_of_battle_during_the_siege_of_Rane._Other_accounts_point_out_that_the_order_actually_came_into_existence_when_the_documents_were_ratified_and_signed_several_weeks_later_by_the_traitorous_lords_of_the_Northern_borders._I_shall_leave_that_debate_in_the_hands_of_other_brothers_to_determine,_if_indeed_it_shall_be_settled_in_my_lifetime.^^The_Order_of_the_Dragon_was_created_to_honor_the_noble_warriors_who_stood_and_routed_the_armies_of_the_Mystmountain_Tribes_during_the_siege_of_Rane._It_is_a_rogue_order,_with_no_charter_under_the_Validus_Charta.^^The_Order_of_the_Falcon_-_Established_in_94th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor._Colors:_Black_Falcon_on_a_yellow_field._This_order_has_the_notable_distinction_of_allowing_females_into_it's_ranks._The_original_charter_allowed_for_this_as_one_of_the_five_founding_members_was_a_woman_warrior_by_the_name_of_Valera_who_was_of_no_little_prowess_on_the_battlefield._This_Order_originated_as_a_very_successful_adventuring_company_in_the_early_years_of_the_Kingdom_that_later_transformed_itself_under_the_Validus_Charta.^^The_Order_fragmented_after_the_breaking_up_of_the_Kingdom_and_over_the_years_have_declined_to_the_point_of_extinction._The_order_was_outlawed_in_Ravenstern_in_the_349th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor_by_King_Gregory_IV._Most_of_the_order_either_retired_or_fled_to_other_lands.^Scholars_note:_The_order_may_have_survived_in_a_form_with_the_Valkyrie_in_Fierdsvain_as_they_wear_the_orders_emblem_upon_their_breasts._No_documents_survive_that_speak_of_this,_and_the_initiation_rites_of_the_Valkyrie_are_not_well_documented_nor_understood._Though_I_daresay_that_I_doubt_that_any_of_my_scholarly_brothers_would_want_to_risk_their_manhood_by_too_closely_examining_the_breasts_of_these_female_warriors._^^The_Order_of_the_Griffon_-_Established_prior_to_the_founding_of_Pendor._Colors:_Gold_Griffon_on_a_field_of_brown._This_prestigious_order_of_knights_were_the_royal_guards_of_the_line_of_Cavalas._The_plague_of_198_wiped_out_a_large_amount_of_the_Order_Knights_as_well_as_the_Royal_family.^After_the_plague,_they_put_aside_their_differences_and_worked_with_the_Order_of_the_Lion_to_maintain_order_in_the_land._In_the_203rd_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor,_in_the_forests_of_Laria_the_order_made_it's_last_stand_against_a_small_army_of_the_Jatu_who_were_moving_into_the_Larian_farmlands._While_successful_in_defending_Laria_from_being_plundered_by_the_Jatu,_not_a_single_Knight_of_this_once_proud_order_survived._The_great_hall_of_the_Griffon_Knights_in_Sarleon_stood_empty_for_many_years_until_being_converted_into_an_abbey._Scholars_note:_There_is_some_reference_in_the_recorded_histories_of_the_Order_of_the_Lion_that_prospective_knights_applying_to_resurrect_the_Order_of_the_Griffin_were_discouraged_from_achieving_their_goal._This_will_have_to_be_researched_further.^^Order_of_the_Rose_-_Founded_in_the_125th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor._Colors:_White_Rose_on_a_green_field._This_order_was_founded_by_Sir_Rhys_of_Avendor_and_during_his_lifetime_was_a_prominent_order_of_gallant_knights._After_his_death_in_the_158th_year_after_the_founding_of_Pendor,_his_successor_turned_the_order_away_from_martial_pursuits_and_more_towards_scholarly_ones._Since_that_time_the_order_has_degenerated_into_an_elite_club_for_the_sons_of_the_Sarleon_nobility_to_enjoy_fine_wine,_and_intellectual_diatribe._I_list_it_as_it_still_does_exist_in_the_taverns_and_back_rooms_of_Avendor.^^By_my_hand_and_no_other..^^Hubris_de_Aelswid_of_Sarleon,^Scholar_of_the_third_order^Keeper_of_the_Seal_of_Sarleon.
ip_pendor_althea Pendor:_Althea_and_Qualis The_storm_raged_against_the_cold_stone_walls_of_the_castle.^^Echoes_of_thunder_rumbled_down_cheerless_corridors_and_into_the_great_hall,_where_reveling_shadows_danced_across_rough_stone_walls_to_the_silent_music_of_flickering_torches.^^Althea_sat_alone_beside_the_pool,_clutching_a_finely-patterned_wool_shawl_to_ward_off_the_damp_chill.^^'I_hear_you,_Qualis,'_she_said_simply._She_looked_up_into_the_high_rafters_where_the_shadows_deepened,_untouched_by_the_torchlight.^^Above_her,_the_snap_and_whirr_of_leathery_wings_announced_the_descent_of_a_small_dragon._It_touched_down_beside_her,_its_sharp,_curved_claws_scraping_against_the_flagstones.^^'Why_do_you_not_rest?'_rasped_Qualis.^^'The_storm_keeps_me_wakeful._It_reminds_me_of_the_night_we_lost_our_father,_my_brother_and_I,'_said_Althea,_as_she_turned_her_gaze_from_the_dragon_back_to_the_still_water_of_the_pool.^^The_meredragon_regarded_her_silently,_as_she_drifted_into_memories_of_her_past._The_pain_of_her_sacrifice_was_still_fresh,_and_as_she_thought_back_on_all_she'd_given_up,_a_solitary_tear_slid_down_her_cheek.^^The_dragon_watched_her_grief_in_bewilderment._He_had_lived_with_this_elf-woman_for_years_and_still_she_remained_an_enigma._He_could_not_comprehend_her_strong_ties_to_her_own_kind,_particularly_her_unbreakable_link_to_her_hatch-brother._He_knew_of_the_mysteries_and_the_will._He_understood_the_loose_kinship_of_his_kind,_love_of_the_hunt,_the_need_every_twenty_winters_to_seek_out_a_mate,_but_Althea's_behavior_was_inexplicable.^^He_wondered,_and_not_for_the_first_time,_if_she_was_mentally_defective_or_had_a_disease_which_caused_a_sickness_of_spirit.^^He_felt_a_familiar_touch_upon_his_mind_then,_a_gentle_shifting_of_perception,_and_knew_that_the_Oracle_was_again_coming_to_inhabit_his_consciousness._He_had_long_ago_ceased_fighting_this_inner_interloper._For_centuries_he_had_struggled_against_this_possession,_and_always_in_vain._The_futility_of_this_resistance_was_at_last_borne_upon_him,_and_he_discovered_that_cooperation_was_of_mutual_benefit.^^Now,_out_of_habit,_he_simply_relaxed_and_cleared_his_mind.^^'Althea,_you_are_in_pain,'_rasped_the_Oracle_through_Qualis.^^Althea_started,_as_she_always_did_when_the_Oracle_took_control_of_the_dragon's_body_without_warning.^^'Yes',_she_began,_'I_suppose_I_am._The_storm_has_brought_back_so_many_sorrowful_memories.'^^'I_know_that_it_is_still_difficult_for_you,_however_willingly_your_choice_was_made._Yet_poor_Qualis_does_not_understand,_and_is_disturbed_by_your_grief,'_the_Oracle_said.^^She_felt_the_warm,_familiar_touch_in_her_mind,_and_let_the_Oracle_enter_her_consciousness._The_room_began_to_fade_around_her,_and_she_slipped_peacefully_into_the_black.^^When_she_opened_her_eyes_again,_it_was_morning._The_storm_had_passed,_and_brilliant_sunlight_had_banished_the_torch_shadows_from_the_great_hall._The_air_smelled_fresh_and_clean,_with_a_hint_of_the_rain_still_lingering.^^Sitting_on_his_haunches_and_surrounded_by_glittering,_sapphire-hued_gems_was_Qualis,_perched_with_wings_folded_back_and_forearms_resting_upon_his_knees._'I_am_going_release_Qualis_to_himself_now._Please_be_gentle_with_him,_as_he_is_deeply_distressed.'_said_the_Oracle.^^Althea_looked_at_the_Oracle-Qualis_in_confusion._'Why_is_he_distressed?_And_what_are_these._'_she_asked,_as_she_indicated_the_dozens_of_glowing_gems,_scattered_like_shimmering_raindrops_about_the_room.^^'I_allowed_Qualis_to_experience_your_sorrow,_Althea._Dragons,_even_clever_meredragons,_are_incapable_of_understanding_elven_emotion._Their_needs_are_simple,_and_they_lack_the_emotive_expression_of_your_kind._These_gems_are_the_tears_that_Qualis_shed_when_he_experienced_your_pain.^^Still_confused,_Althea_said,_'Dragons_feel_no_sorrow,_nor_do_they_shed_tears!'^^'Do_not_and_can_not_are_worlds_apart,_my_dear._For_last_night,_this_little_dragon_did._Once_Qualis_is_more_composed,_he_will_undoubtedly_slink_off_to_sulk,_so_please_pick_up_this_litter_of_gems._I_believe_that_they_just_may_be_useful_one_day.'
