Sandal
 | |
|---|---|
| Founded | c. 550 TA |
| Size | Major Kingdom |
| Ruler | Valdemar |
Sandal is the southernmost kingdom in the Reaches. Although largely unexplored during the First and Second Ages, a number of small ports date back to those periods. The capital city of Durcheinander lies on the southern coast of the peninsula near a large natural harbor. It is a major port of call for most of the Realm's major shipping operations.
The current government in Sandal was established in the mid-sixth century TA during the War of Stone Rain (see War of Stone Rain) which pitted the Large Folk living in the country's interior against the coastal dwelling humans. From this conflict, a truce was negotiated by Valdemar, a wizard of black renown. Valdemar became ruler of Sandal and has sat on throne ever since.
During the reign of Valdemar, Sandal has prospered as a nation. The country began an aggressive build up of naval forces, forging a strong alliance with the ratmen of the Tang Empire. Their strategic location halfway between the Western Empire and the Wilderlands has made Sandal a port of call for most of the Realm's major shipping operations. Under the negotiated peace with the Large Folk, the humans of Sandal have cleared thousands of acres of wood from the Forbidden Forest and the Tangles and established thriving farming and ranching communities. The northern hills and interior swamplands are now the exclusive realm of the Large Folk with a strong clan organization in service to Valdemar.
Sandal is not without its dark side. While keeping the outward appearances of a shipping and trading hub, the ruling class in Sandal is rumored to be heavily immersed in the worship of the Dark Powers, a pantheon of chaotic demons bent towards sinister domination of "lesser" men. While the daily operation of the ports of Sandal have been left to governors, the true power lies in Valdemar's castle. Extensive guilds of thieves and assassins operate in all the cities and towns of Sandal, oftentimes tied to the local governors and leaders. Deep in the swamps surrounding Castle Valdemar, the Army of Sandal trains constantly. The army is a small, brutish force of men, Large Folk, and fantastic beasts all tied to the service of Valdemar. Several attempts have been made during the last two centuries by Valdemar to invade the Western Reaches to the north. All of these failed.
Nearby Areas of Interest
For three hundred years, the kingdom of Sandal has been united under the banner of Valdemar, a black wizard of renown. As such, there are no formal minor kingdoms within its borders. However, several small pockets of independent creatures do exist within its confines, although these are closely watched by the ruling class.
Giantshome
This small island off the northern coast of Sandal was once home to an evil race of giants, known as the Darksouls. The giants were thought to be descendants of a race of Sea Giants that were marooned on the the island centuries ago. Rumor holds that in 820 TA, the Darksouls discovered two strange artifacts, Earthsheart and Tophet's Demise. The former was a gem that could create powerful magic, and the latter was an onyx coffin holding the remains of a long-banished Moon Demon. In 828 TA, a small coven of female mages left their home in the Forbidden Forest to travel to Giantshome forming an alliance with the giants in the hopes of opening the coffin and triggering the ceremony of the Battle of the Wills. In opposition, King Gregory the Evenhanded sent an expedition led by Sir Zachary, Knight of Teufeldorf, to capture the gem and coffin. The forces of good were victorious, although Sir Zachary was killed. The items were returned to Teufeldorf but are now lost.
Today, the island is populated by dim-witted hill giants ruled over by larger and more fearsome stone giants. It is rumored that Valdemar often trades for hill giants to populate his army, although what he gives the ruling stone giant population in return is a mystery. Giants are also common in the Dead Hills in northeastern Sandal.
Ogre Fens
The low hills in the northwest of Sandal are home to a large ogre population. The ogres are granted an independent status, allowing them to live independently of the monarchy. However, in return, all ogres from the Fen are required to serve for a period of four years in Valdemar's army. The ogres do not allow humans to move through their lands.
Spindrift Isles
The islands west of Sandal are the Spindrifts, extending some 100 leagues west of the Forbidden Forest coast. Exact information is not available, as the Tang sailors have never report upon them. Here are tales the elves dwell in the Spindrifts, and the reason that the Tang never reports about them is because the elves capture and imprison any sailor so bold as to enter their domain. The isle furthest to the west was once ruled by a mighty wizard, one Eldrick, according to the stories.
The Spindrifts are really divided into two parts: the eastern islands of the elves and the single western Eldrick Isle. There are no reported towns or villages in the eastern islands and seclusion is all these elves seem to require. Eldrick Isle, on the other hand, has much trade with the Tang and pays a liberal sum to local pirates to pass without incident. This immunity has been ignored on occasion by an enterprising pirate who is then later exterminated, whether by an agent of Eldrick or someone else is unknown. Eldrick Isle is named for the arch-mage who founded it, but tales of him and the fellowship he brought to the Spindrifts are all but lost.
Tangle Trolls
The southern trolls of Sandal are commonly referred to as Tangle Trolls, as they seldom venture far from the seclusion of the Tangles. These very large, very agressive creatures form a loose tribal society similar to orcs. It is rumored that humans convicted of crimes against Sandal are oftentimes traded to the Tangle Trolls for food. In exchange, the Army of Sandal sometimes uses trolls in its army, although their nasty disposition makes the use of large numbers of trolls difficult.
Windswept Isles
This scattered principality stretches over seven major islands off the southern coast of Sandal. This islands are rich and fertile, and enjoy the benefits of their strategic location. They profit hugely from cargoes of goods that use the Straights in commerce. The rulers gave up piracy in favor of more lucrative methods of extracting money from merchants. There is particular enmity between the Isles and the pirates, for obvious reasons.