Oð

Old Empire, The Iron Kingdom

Oð

North Coast, Oð, ca. 653 DR


Oð (Nor Kàlas Oð) sits along the northern border of the Old Empire along an area that was once referred to as the Iron Coast. The North Coast state is a cold temperate forested region wedged between the towering Tor’n Evalshat to the west and the Mar Dekàli to the east. Since the Time of Empire, the southern arm of this land has been fractured into a number of coastal kingdoms (e.g., Cladan, Farád Dragult, Ild, Danok, Ensòret, Keshwir).

Government

  • Type – Dekàli Monarchy (Iron Crown) and Merchants’ Guild
  • Ruler(s) – High Lord Edgur Rott the Third of Oð, Hierarchy of Lords
  • Capital – City of Oð
  • Cities – Oð (298,400), Terázya (15,200), Genter (14,630), Erhet (5,340), Tavernton (5,210), Wesridge (4,900), Northaven (4,360)
  • Calendar – Dekàli Reckoning (DR)
  • Festivals – …

People

Trade

  • Currency – Tænār Oðàri
  • Imports – Cheese, gems, produce, raw minerals, textiles, wine, exotic goods from all lands
  • Exports – Ale, armor, furnishings, firearms, gunpowder, metalwork (clocks, locks…), timber, weapons

Regions, Geographic

  • Attyroð Island
  • Aurás Drūden
  • Morén Burdrul
  • Morén Nōdrul. Oð’s southern border is lined with barren foothills known as the Moren Nodrul (i.e., Black Hills). These foothills of the Tor’n Evalshat are believed to be reason why the Cult of Roð settled in this region. The area is so rich with minerals that plowshares cannot part the barren ground. The most common mineral mined in the Morén Nōdrul is oð (i.e., iron). The iron mined here is thought to be the finest in Teréðor. The Yrūn were not the first to mine these hills. Years before the first Yrùn settled along the Nyr Plàtan, the Dwürden tunneled through the hills mining gold, silver, iron, and tin. Centuries of this work has left the hills honeycombed with mines or worse, hollow.
  • The Ghûlwood. Below the buzzing Sulsàdter lies a crooked forest called the Ghûlwood. The forest is littered with stones and earthen mounds which may be the remains of an ancient burial place. Despite it’s quiet, the woodland is a haven for bandits and thieves. The only road connecting Oð with the Elmark passes between the forest’s blackened boles. The woods were torched in 648 DR by Endren’s Seven, in an attempt to rout bandits from the area. The plan worked long enough to win the High Lord’s favor and permission to attack the Theocracy of Danok.
  • Lyrd Telàbra
  • Nar Drūden
  • Scarred Wastes

Regions, Political

Cities, Towns, and Villages

Landmarks

People

Families

  • Ældar. A powerful merchant family (e.g., Ōlànda Ældar)
  • Darálien. An old Kyard family with historic ties to the Crown (rf. Darályn).
  • Socorun. A wealthy family of the Kyard

History

The date of Oð’s founding is something of a mystery, lost within the annals of Kyrm Oryroð and Dekàli pre-history. The first Roðite pilgrims are believed to have arrived in the Platànya around 230 HK. According to Temple history, this migration was led by priests of Roð who had been delivered to the mineral-rich Iron Coast by divine guidance. The Tyrn-Orð pilgrims found an ancient forest surrounded by hills and mountains laden with iron and precious metals. The origin of these pilgrims is unclear, but the two most popular theories suggest that the Tyrn-Orð were Alùrin refugees pushed from the Taldàni region by Empire expansion, or a later Vulmùri invasion following in the example of earlier migrations to the south. The latter theory is given more weight only due to the Roði faith which they brought with them. Other have countered that the Cult of Roð is a variation of the Alùrin storm-god Lorg (who created thunder and lightning with his anvil).

The Tyrn-Orð landed near Irtìðshal in the midst of four tribes. There is no record regarding their first meeting with the Jalbin, though within months the tribe had abandoned their villages and fled into the Morén Burdrul. Historians have named this the Jalbin Massacre, not because of any accounts of the invasion, but because following this event there are no further accounts of the tribe. Individuals claiming to be members or descendants of the tribe appeared throughout the hills for several generations.

Guided by the promise of riches, the Tyrn-Orð appear to have moved from the Platànya to the Iron Coast highlands. In addition to hundreds of abandoned Dwürden mines and communities, they discovered the tribal Vullin. Unlike the Jalbin, the Vullin appear to have resisted the Tyrn-Orð for many months, hiding in old tunnels and using the rugged landscape for cover. The Ummòni historian Dorom the Elder, made mention of the “black ruins” of Vullin towns almost 200 years later. It is believed that rather than hunt down the tribe, the Tyrn-Orð destroyed their homes. Temple records make mention of mass conversions among the Vullin, and the executions of those that refused.

With the Jalbin and Vullin tribes dispersed or converted, the Luzoc surrendered to the Tyrn-Orð in the Spring of 231 HK. The situation must have seemed dire for the surrounded Ezira, whose City of Ezir stood at the mouths of the rivers Run Dul and Run Merdus. The origin of the Ezira seems to be tied to the Alùrin Invasions of Taldàna in the 1st century AR. Some have suggested that several of invading ships were blown off course and shipwrecked along the Iron Coast. Finding a wealth of resources, and natives that offered little threat, they established the City of Ezir upon the Kre Dùlnar. The Ezira defended the City of Ezir for two years before the Tyrn-Orð were able to overwhelm them. There is evidence in the ancient accounts that the Tyrn-Orð received reinforcements during this time, but no mention of where they came from. The outnumbered Ezira abandoned their City in 233 DR, cementing the Tyrn-Orð hold over the Iron Coast. More than thirty ships escaped to the sea. For years it was thought that the Ezira became lost at sea, but later scholars believe they may have landed at Avahrlyn or the Coast of the Lost.

Having conquered the natives, the first duty of the Tyrn-Orð was to build a Temple to their deity. A priest named Tuszum II, the earliest named official of the Cult of Roð, directed the people in its construction. Building began in earnest, most completed upon the backs of enslaved tribesmen. The wood structure was erected on the site of the ancient Temple of the Red Stag, a place still sacred to the tribes people though it had not stood for over 400 years. The purported site of the Temple of the Red Stag was later (i.e., 7th century HK) discovered to be a ruse when the actual ruins were uncovered in the Valley of Bones (i.e., Deephold). The First Temple burned to the ground before it was completed. Dozens of tribesmen were executed for the fire though the actual cause of the blaze was never learned. A few years later, construction began on the Second Temple. The Second Temple was built from stone and timber and is believed to have been visible above the surrounding tree line until 244 HK when an earthquake destroyed the building. The Third Temple, begun in 245 HK, would become Kyrm Oryroð.

According to the Skorū Dyazan, a record compiled by the historian Dorom the Elder, the Empire first arrived at Oð in 412 HK, having heard tales of a mountain of iron being built there.

“The iron mountain stands at the center of this north city, dwarfing all buildings scattered at its base. The people of the city work tirelessly on its construction, hauling massive iron sheet and beams up the long wooden ramps with the aid of large oxen. Each piece is set in place with a prayer. The roads leading from the surrounding hills are lined with ore-laden wagons carrying an endless supply of materials to the builders of this wonder. It is my guess that they will level every hill before their mountain is half-built.”

These emissaries were greeted by a High Priest, whose name has been removed from the history. The ambassadors met with representatives of the Temple and being amazed by the works they found, offered on behalf of the High King that Oð be accepted into the Empire. The High Priest is recorded to have refused this “offer” as it would require the establishment of a government centered around a High Lord, removing power from the Temple. The ambassadors left and the Temple prepared for war.

The remaining history is difficult to distill from the accounts of Dorom the Elder. Dorom was a historian, assigned to the armies of Rûn, so his accounts often drift into exaggeration. This problem is compounded by the fact that the original history is guarded by the priests of Īrul-Rûn somewhere at the heart of Wyrthyr Tor in Ummon. The accounts of Dorom the Elder are considered sacred by that cult. Dorom describes several exchanges of fighting between the landed army and the followers of Roð. The fighting does not end by his accounts until Rûn’s army marched north from Taldàna and captured the City of Oð. Important to the Irul-Rûn faith, is the mention that Rûn did not accept the surrender of the High Priest when it was later offered preferring instead to continue fighting until the priest and his officers were captured or killed. Each minor priest of the Roðyr faith was taken to an area South of the city. There they were given the choice of accepting the new faith or perishing by dagger point. Those that would not pledge allegiance to the Empire and new faith were stabbed and thrown to the shoreline rocks below. This place came to be known as Dagger Peninsula. A stone still stands at this spot commemorating the acceptance of Roð into the Dekàlan pantheon, and his ascendancy to greater status. The entire affair seems pointless in retrospect as the priests were being asked to accept their own God. The only difference being that the head of their Temple would be answerable to the Council of Lanàdus and High King under the new order.

Construction ceased on the Third Temple for the remainder of the First Expansion. All efforts were concentrated instead on the construction of weapons and warships. When High King Lordrun I died in 432 HK, the people of Oð returned to the holy work of completing the Third Temple. In 744 AR, the High Queen sailed to Oð to be present for the Temple’s completion. This would be the first and last High King or Queen to visit the northern city-state in that capacity.

By the end of the 6th century AR, Oð had become a busy trading port doing extensive business with merchants from all reaches of Acèntyra and the formidable northlands. The city became very prosperous in the years to follow and attracted many merchants and craftsmen from overseas. In 680 HK, the High Priest Durün decreed that no apprenticeships should be granted except to the Temple faithful. Furthermore, all skilled labors were holy observances, and any non-faithful found practicing these pursuits within the city were to be charged with heresy. The High Lord of Oð readily enforced this decree, which had answered the growing concern that many skilled artisans were returning to their non-Dekàlan homelands armed with valuable knowledge. In Vulūne 680 HK, further killings were held at the Dagger Peninsula where a prison had been erected circa 480 HK. News of the massacre spread swiftly along the shipping lanes, but ambassadors arriving in Oð and Lanàdus were turned away. Word soon reached the Eylfāe Leyrdryel that several of their brethren had been killed at Oð for not accepting the Human god, Roð. Human merchants were rounded up in all Eylfāri towns and ports for slaughter. Newly crowned King Endmun IV of Oð (cr 681-703 HK) retaliated with the Order of Avàhrlyn in 681 HK which sent a small fleet of Dekàli warships to the small trading port. The soldiers burned the town to the ground and dozens more Eylfāe were killed. Oð was soon embroiled in the three year Oðeylfi War. The Eylfāe suffered terrible loses, losing foothold back to the Run Telabra. The Eylfāe refused to surrender the river border, fighting to defend the line at great cost.

There are many questions surrounding this early war. Many historians and scholars do not believe the Oðári army had the ability to confront the Eylfāe alone. Although there is no record of assistance from Ummon or other city-states during the conflict, it is possible that the Eylfāe strategies and defenses were supplied by the Dwürden. The Dwürden were old enemies of the Eylfāe, and knew much about their strongholds and weaknesses. Though no records exist to suggest that the Dwürden provided troops to the cause, it is widely believed that they offered strategic assistance against their old enemies. Regardless, having reached the Run Tèlabra the Dekàlyr ceased their campaign against the Eylfāe and began the long work of establishing new defenses. The next years were spent constructing borderland keeps, and eventually Durün’s Wall. The loss of the Northwoods area would not be forgotten by the Eylfāe. This early precursory war gave the Eylfāe valuable insight into Dekàli magic and military. They would not engage the Empire so blindly again. Modern scholars credit the Eylfāri lessons in defeat from this early war with the victory over Dekàlas during the End War (circa 1246 HK), some five centuries later.

Following the End War, the City of Oð underwent a series of major changes. One of only three Dekàli cities to suffer occupation by enemy forces, Oð was stripped of much of its history. Statues and memorials were torn down and minor temples were destroyed. The Iron Temple was never taken however, its priests and some faithful survived within its dark interior for 46 years. In 12 DR, the High Priest Nazèrus (i.e., Vdr. Nazèrus the Builder) claimed that Roð had visited him and told of a great project that must be begun. The resulting “Machine” was activated on Eren 6, 28 DR and has been running ever since. On that holy day, the Wheel formed above Oð, and the midday sun never shone on the streets again.

By 46 DR, the Eylfāe left the City of Oð to its own destruction. Most desired to return to their forest and mountain homes rather than serve endlessly in a police capacity. All attempts to infiltrate the Iron Temple had failed, causing more death than the Eylfāe had stomach for. The remaining troops were Acèntyri, but their hold on the city would not last. In 47 DR the High Priestess Vulándra II named Dryryn Zyan the High Lord of Oð, initiating the two hundred year Zyan dynasty. Dryryn Zyan with a group of loyal followers sailed to Lanàdus where they were accepted and received instruction. The group adventured for eight years before finding Katulð, and luring the young drake to Oð. Returning to Oð, High Lord Dryryn Zyan raised a partisan army and began launching attacks against Acèntyri neighborhoods and guardhouses. Soon, riots grew throughout the city culminating in the Fire of Dægwùrdunjun and the release of its political and criminal inmates. The ruin of Dægwùrdunjun is credited with the formation of Genter, and the Southswall nuroma. Any believed to be Acèntyryr were dragged into the streets and beaten to death with cobblestones. Some Acèntyryr fled into the Elder Wood seeking help from the Eylfāe. There was no support for continued warfare among the Eylfāe however, as too many had died and grown terribly ill from their recent occupation of the befouled city. The High Lord Dryryn Zyan claimed the Iron Throne in 55 DR, at the time of his coronation the halls of Kryr Shùrulm were thick with the dead of his enemies and supporters. The sanguine stain of those dead remains today.

Time Line

(Oð) The Migrations, ca. 790-500 AR

  • ca. 790 AR, 3/4592 ER; (Oð) Jalbin settlements first appear at Platànya
  • ca. 510 AR, 4/48 ER; (Oð) Ezira settlements appear near Daráda
  • 509 AR, 4/49 ER; (Oð) First battle between Ezira and Jalbin near Gibbet Hill
  • 503 AR, 4/55 ER; (Oð) Temple of the Red Stag erected
  • bf. 500 AR, bf. 4/58 ER; (Oð) First Graves of Darad erected

(Oð) Urdàri-Yrūn Wars, ca. 360-300 AR

  • ca. 360 AR, ca. 4/198 ER; (Oð) Nar Drūden Ezira settlements torched by Urdar
  • ca. 360 AR, ca. 4/198 ER; (Oð) Ezira-Jalbin alliance seek and burn Urdàri villages
  • 355 AR, 4/203 ER; (Oð) Battle of the Well (Ez)
  • 352 AR, 4/206 ER; (Oð) Battle of Gurgin Ridge (Ez)
  • 352 AR, 4/206 ER; (Oð) Crowning of the Urgr hag Gnot Argrot
  • 352 AR, 4/206 ER; (Oð) First Battle of Alusus Hamor (Ur)
  • 352 AR, 4/206 ER; (Oð) Daradya, last of the Darads, is killed, Urdar hide body
  • 344 AR, 4/214 ER; (Oð) Second Battle of Alusus Hamor (Ur)
  • 312 AR, 4/246 ER; (Oð) Third Battle of Alusus Hamor (Ez), Daradya’s bones claimed
  • 308 AR, 4/250 ER; (Oð) Tomb of Daradya completed
  • 300 AR, 4/258 ER; (Oð) Treaty of Undra Enduun ends Urdàri-Yrūn War
  • ca. 260 AR, ca. 4/298 ER; (Oð) Vullin tribes settle throughout Oðári highlands
  • 198 AR, 4/360 ER; (Oð) Earthquake and fire ruins Temple of the Red Stag
  • ca. 180 AR, ca. 4/378 ER; (Oð) Luzoc appear along Run Dul
  • ca. 160 AR, ca. 4/398 ER; (Oð) Luzoc settle near Jarant
  • 136 AR, 4/422 ER; (Oð) Luzoc establish Pullom (now Dreg’s Brewery)
  • 120 AR, 4/438 ER; (Oð) Dwürden complete Kry Moradem

(Dek) Time of War, 120-1 AR

  • 115 HK, 4/673 ER; (Oð) Luzoc priest Kelzerak and followers settle at Kry Moradem
  • 117 HK, 4/675 ER; (Oð) Kelzerak and Heedar slaughter followers

(Oð) The Tyrn-Orth Invasions, 230-233 HK

  • 230 HK, 4/788 ER; (Oð) Tyrn-Orð pilgrims settle Platànya
  • 230 HK, 4/788 ER; (Oð) Jalbin Massacre (Tyr); Jalbin displaced to Morén Burdrul
  • 230 HK, 4/788 ER; (Oð) Vullin tribe defeated (Tyr), conversions and executions to follow
  • 231 HK, 4/789 ER; (Oð) Luzoc chieftain converts to Roðite faith
  • 233 HK, 4/791 ER: (Oð) After years of conflict, Ezira tribe abandons Kre Dùlnar (Tyr)
  • 233 HK, 4/791 ER; (Oð) Ezir renamed Oð, “The Iron City”

(Oð) The First Construction, 233-236 HK

  • 233 HK, 4/791 ER; (Oð) High Priest Tuszum II orders Construction of the First Temple
  • bf. 236 HK, bf. 4/794 ER; (Oð) First Temple burns

(Oð) The Second Construction, 236-244 HK

  • ca. 236 HK, ca. 4/794 ER; (Oð) Construction of the Second Temple is begun
  • 244 HK, 4/802 ER; (Oð) Earthquake destroys Oð, incomplete Temple destroyed

(Oð) The Third Construction, 245-745 HK

  • 245 HK, 4/803 ER; (Oð) Construction of the Third Temple is begun

(Dek) The Sha’al War, 265-269 HK

  • 330 HK, 4/888 ER; (Oð) Pryr Roð adopt Luzoc god Ættràkar
  • 411 HK, 4/969 ER; (Oð/Tal) Dekàli army fights northward from Taldàna
  • 415 HK, 4/973 ER; (Oð) Oð conquered by Dekàli armies
  • 418 HK, 4/976 ER; (Oð) Oð becomes city-state of Dekàlas
  • 418 HK, 4/976 ER; (Oð) First Oðári House of Jurn begins First Oðári Dynasty
  • 480 HK, 4/1038 ER; (Oð) Dægwùrdunjun completed
  • 506 HK, 4/1064 ER; (Oð) First Oðári House of Kar-ðàrûn begins Second Oðári Dynasty
  • 600 HK, 4/1158 ER; (Oð) Oð becomes busiest port of northern Teréðor
  • 629 HK; 4/1187 ER; (Oð) Outbreak of Shedding Plague in Oð; King Ædrā II dies
  • 630 HK, 4/1188 ER; (Oð) First Oðári House of Skarçard begins Third Oðári Dynasty
  • 680 HK, 4/1238 ER; (Oð) Decree of Durün

(Dek) The Eylfāe-Oðàri War, 681-683 HK

  • 681 HK, 4/1239 ER; (Dek/Urd) Battle of Cladð Gnat (Dek)
  • 682 HK, 4/1240 ER; (Dek/Eyl) Battle of Cladð Doril (Dek)
  • 682 HK, 4/1240 ER; (Oð) Construction begins on Duruun’s Wall
  • 683 HK, 4/1241 ER; (Dek/Eyl) Battle of Cladð Eldgoð (Dek)
  • 683 HK, 4/1241 ER; Eylfāe-Oðàri War extends Oðári claim to Run Telábra
  • 686 HK, 4/1244 ER; Duruun’s Wall completed
  • 692 HK, 4/1250 ER; Treaty of Evalshat; Oð and Taldàna cede claims to Tor’n Evalshat in exchange for Dwürden road connecting states

(Dek) Time of Splendors, 720-1244 HK

  • 728 HK, 4/1286 ER; Dwürden complete construction of the [Old] Taldàni Road

(Dek) The Dekàlan Invasions, 730-788 HK

  • 745 HK, 4/1303 ER; High Queen arrives in Oð for Kyrm Oryroð‘s 500 year completion, dedication

(Dek) Time of Steel (Uren), 835 HK

  • 835 HK, 4/1393 ER; Pryr Roðyr present Steel-lore to the Dragul Throne

(Dek) The Second Acèntyri-Dekàli War, 1244-1246 HK

  • 1123 HK, 4/1681 ER; (Oð) First House of Darályn begins Fourth Oðári Dynasty
  • 1245 HK, 4/1803 ER; (Ace/Dek) First Battle of Avahrlyn (Dek)
  • 1246 HK, 4/1804 ER; (Ace/Dek) Second Battle of Avahrlyn (Ace)
  • 1246 HK, 4/1804 ER; (Ace/Dek) Battle of Duruun’s Wall (Ace)
  • 1246 HK, 4/1804 ER; (Ace/Dek) Battle of Platànya [Naval] (Dek)
  • 1246 HK, 4/1804 ER; (Ace/Dek) Battle of Oð (Ace)

(Oð) The Occupation, 1-55 DR

  • 1 DR, 4/1805 ER; (Oð) Eylfāe governor rules the City of Oð
  • 12 DR, 4/1816 ER; (Oð) Roð visitations to Nazerus, grants plans for the Machine
  • 28 DR, 4/1832 ER; (Oð) The Wheel appears and remains over the City of Oð
  • 46 DR, 4/1850 ER; (Oð) Occupying Eylfāe leave the City of Oð
  • 47 DR, 4/1851 ER; [(Oð) Second House of Zyan begins Fifth Oðári Dynasty
  • 55 DR, 4/1859 ER; (Oð) Occupying Acentyryr are killed, banished, or imprisoned
  • 55 DR, 4/1859 ER; (Oð) Fire of Dægwùrdunjun, thousands of Acentyri prisoners killed

(Oð) The First Reconstruction, 55-129 DR

  • 55 DR, 4/1859 ER; (Oð) City of Oð rebuilt from half century of Occupation

(Oð) The First Renaissance, 130-209 DR

  • 167 DR, 4/1971 ER; (Oð) Egrum’s The Oðári Word supports Old Oðic as proper evolution of Dekàlic, evidence of pride in Imperial heritage
  • 198 DR, 4/2002 ER; (Oð) Jzar the Mad dies
  • ca. 200 DR, ca. 4/2567 ER; (Oð) Oðári sirkūlī raze the Tower of Jzar

(Dek) Time of Calamities, 211-240 DR

  • 221 DR, 4/2025 ER; (Oð) Earthquake hits Oð, diverting Run Dul into crevice from Temple Gate to the Kre Dulnar
  • 221 DR, 4/2025 ER; (Oð) Krygènter crumbles into sea following earthquake

(Oð) The Second Reconstruction, 221-390 DR

  • 222 DR, 4/2026 ER; (Oð) Reconstruction of Oð begins, again
  • 238 DR, 4/2042 ER; (Oð) Zyan Dynasty ends in Oð
  • 243 DR, 4/2047 ER; (Oð) High Lady Hela (the First) of Rott crowned; First House of Rott begins Sixth Oðári Dynasty
  • 274 DR, 4/2078 ER; (Oð) Movable-type constructed, first newspaper produced

(Dek) The Second Renaissance, 391-509 DR

  • 403 DR, 4/2207 ER; (Oð) Priests of Pæð visit Oð and are granted access to Iron Library, initiating lore exchange

(Oð) Time of Shadows, 510-653 DR

  • 510 DR, 4/2314 ER; (Oð) Eylfāe spy found in Oð, tortured and executed
  • 637 DR, 4/2441 ER; (Oð) Kūdom War re-establishes Crown’s rule of Oð
  • 648 DR, 4/2452 ER; (Oð) Nar Drūden Urdàri armies begin long series of attacks
  • 652 DR, 4/2456 ER; (Oð) Aren Zarad found in Oð, tortured and executed by Foulstern
  • 652 DR, 4/2456 ER; (Oð) High Lord Edgur III musters Army of Nor Kàlas Oð

(Dek) The Empire War, 653-present DR

  • 653 DR, 4/2457 ER; (Oð/Urd) Battle of the Nar Drūden (Oð), Urdàri forced into hills
  • 653 DR, 4/2457 ER; (Eyl/Oð) Third Battle of Avahrlyn

Dynasties

Dekàlas

  1. First Oðári House of Jurn (418 HK – 504 HK)
  2. First Oðári House of Kar-ðàrûn (506 HK – 629 HK)
  3. First Oðári House of Skarçard (630 HK – 1121 HK)
  4. First Oðári House of Darályn (1124 HK – 1246 HK)

Occupation

  1. Governors of the Oðári Occupation (1 DR – 55 DR)

Post-Dekàlas

  1. First Oðári House of Zyan (55 DR – 238 DR)
  2. First Oðári House of Rott (243 DR – present)

Nomenclature: Oth Dekàlic: Oð (place), Oðári (pertaining to), Oðyn (resident), Oðyr (people), Oðic (language)