Riven Thrones and Councils¶
The ruling houses and councils of the lesser powers among the Riven Kingdoms in the Fifth Age: the Ozau dynasty of Ozaustein, the Wyrne dynasty of Uthein, the Conclave of the Golden Sun of Athagilion, and the Egeland crown and Erubule of Miydal, with its navy. The great houses of Alghert and Brusau have their own pages, the Tugard Dynasty and the Lorimer Dynasty. Ages and dates below are as reckoned in 704 SM (S319).
Ozau dynasty¶
Ozaustein has been "ruled by the Ozau dynasty since its formation from 3 smaller kingdoms about 60 years ago. Much of the power of the kingdom is dispersed into 3 duchies. In this way it operates a bit more like a republic than a typical feudal kingdom" (S319). Each of the three leading Ozaus commands one of the kingdom's mercenary companies:
| Ruler | Age | Company |
|---|---|---|
| King Ingar Ozau | 31 | the Steel Rain Company: heavy infantry, armoured cavalry, pikemen and longbowmen |
| Duchess Greta Ozau | 43 | the Mountain Star Ranger Company: light mounted scouts, bowmen and spear infantry |
| Duke Oyvind Ozau | 61 | the Blue Flame Company: irregulars, bowmen and spear infantry, hunting monsters and Hollows and keeping patrols and garrisons |
(S319.) The dynasty hires out its strength on one condition: its companies "will refuse to take part in an offensive war against another Riven kingdom, or in a civil conflict. However, in some cases they have been paid by aggressors not to take the field" (S319). That refusal makes Ozaustein "a positive stabilizing force among the Kingdoms" and "a significant thorn in the side of the Imperium" (S319); Ozau mercenaries helped Brusau push back the Nightshade Legions, and by 704 SM the Sancturi were rumoured to be preparing to invade Ozaustein in the spring (S326). The crown is also "a significant patron" of the Brotherhood of the Sun, which keeps its headquarters in Ozau (S152).
Ozau law permits magic but makes "any serious crime committed with magic" a capital offence, welcomes "clerics of all faiths", keeps tight borders with papers required, and "specifically dislikes Orcs" (S319).
Wyrne dynasty¶
Uthein, the largest of the kingdoms, "has been ruled by the Wyrne dynasty for almost 100 years. The recent death of Queen Evette Wyrne has sent the kingdom into turmoil" (S319).
- King Izaak Rowe, "Regent to Prince Morcant. The widower of Queen Evette, he is ruling until his son comes of age. Up until this point in his life, his most used skills have been related to painting, parties and organizing balls."
- Prince Morcant Wyrne, 13, "trying to help his father regain control of the kingdom. While he may have the Queen's intellect and inner strength, he is only 13 years old."
(S319.) The campaign notes are blunter: "Weak King Izaak and the kingdom is at risk of falling apart or into chaos. The Sancturi see an opportunity to split the riven kingdoms apart" (S133). Uthein's laws are "the most liberal around", it keeps open borders, and it "has defensive alliances with many kingdoms and is generally a force for stability" (S319).
Conclave of the Golden Sun¶
Athagilion is "staunchly Kalari, the church is tightly integrated with the kingdom" (S319). Its ruling body is the "Conclave of the Golden Sun: 4 Bishops", seated at the capital, Arkos on Lake Minatona (S179). Its banner is "½ White & Silver + Golden Sun" (S179). The same notes name a High Magistrate, Traian ("older"), Miksa, the "original high magistrate", and a Captain Malor (S179).
Athagilion's knights ride far afield. The notes that describe the Conclave also record twenty-four knights dead after a fight at a ravine and a wounded squire, Nemil, who "witnessed Heresy, Blasphemy, Defile, Desecration, Profane, Sacrilege" (S179), and in the next session "12 knights of Athagilion" are following the Sancturi campaign's party (S180). Against the Imperium the kingdom is gaining: the Sancturi in Faragond "have lost significant ground to Athagilion over the past months" (S319), and the Griffon Legions "lost quite a bit of territory to Athagilion" after their disaster of 700 SM (S326).
Egeland crown and the Erubule of Miydal¶
Miydal "is controlled by King Tobias Egeland and an effective Erubule (council of nobles) which councils and votes on major decisions and matters of succession. The ruling Erubule has been in place for several hundred years, though several dynasties have come and gone" (S319). Where the Lorimers broke the power of their Erubule, Miydal's still governs (see Lorimer Dynasty).
| Member | Age |
|---|---|
| King Tobias Egeland | 47 |
| Queen Hanna Egeland | 39 |
| Crown Prince Magnus Egeland | 21 |
| Prince Vidar Egeland | 17 |
| Princess Tora Egeland | 15 |
(S319.) Miydal forbids "witchcraft, fae magic and hollowcasting" but permits "divine casting, including runecasting", and slavery and the undead are legal; it treats "all Sancturi, Oesterkull and Orcs (including traders and priests) as enemies" who may not enter without a sponsor (S319).
Miydal Navy¶
"What the Miydal navy lacks in numbers they make up for in quality and experience. Their ships are superbly built and operated. The people of Miydal descend from a proud naval lineage and their shipbuilding techniques have been passed down since before the Age of the Dark Sun. Their ships are nearly uncatchable and they will not engage in battles where they will not be the clear victor" (S317). It clashes often with Oesterkull and orc raiders and with Imperium ships (S319).
Riven kings at large¶
The Riven Kings are not always friends to the causes that move through their lands. One of them is funding a plot to kill the dwarven king-in-exile because so many of his dwarves have left to follow him (S134; see Dru'Bazan in Exile). Fallen Riven dynasties leave heirs behind: "last heir to a dead Riven Dynasty" is one of the backgrounds the Sancturi campaign offers its players (S202).
Gap
The sources do not name Athagilion's four bishops or say how the Conclave relates to its High Magistrates, do not name the three duchies of Ozaustein or the dynasties that held Miydal before the Egelands, and give no history for the Wyrne dynasty's rise.