Kerdith

[Poseptune]

The second of the nations of my nameless setting. This one isn't as thought out as Tirein and is a rough draft. Kerdith is the first nation I started to work on when I started the setting, but Tirein popped into my head and took over. Thoughts, comments, questions, and suggestions are welcomed.

Kerdith

Capital:
Population: 872,000 (47% Human, 21% Elves, 12% Dwarf, 8%Gnome, 7% Halfling, 4% Half-Elf, 1% other)
Exports: Fish, Ships, Transport services
Languages: Common, Elven, Dwarven, Gnome, Halfling

[spoiler=History]In the early days of Kerdith, fishing was a means of life. The settlers found that the water along the border was teeming with fish and other aquatic life. The thriving settlement greater demands were placed on the fishermen to bring home larger catches.  People started leaving looking for a new more bountiful area. Other villages and towns began to pop up along the shoreline each eventually growing bigger than the fishermen could support. After watching a piece of driftwood some of the early Kerdithians tied pieces of wood together to make the first rafts. Slowly news spread and further exploration into water travel resulted.  These rafts and other small boats allowed the fishermen to fish deeper water and bigger fish. Over time different forms of canoes and boats started to appear, until the bigger boats were invented. These new boats could carry many fishermen and travel farther with their large storerooms.

The peaceful trade and success of each of these villages brought them together. Each was ruled by a wealthy family, usually the one that founded the village so long ago. One of these nobles rose up and united the coastal cities and some of the farming communities further inland. This noble was the very charismatic Kerdief Meruan. He visited each of the nobles of these coastal cities and talked to them about forming a larger nation. He convinced them that it would be for their betterment. Kerdief would become the first king of what would be later named Kerdith. The nobles currently ruling the coastal cities were allowed to keep their seat of power and were required to raise a small armies and navies for the protection of Kerdith. Kerdief also convinced the other races within the borders he was laying out to join their budding nation.

Kerdith has become a nation of the sea. The best ships in the world are built here and they rightfully boast the best navy. Some noble families started to run transport services, transporting anything from goods to people up and down the river systems. Everything was peaceful until a few rogue captains started to attack transport ships looting everything in their cargo hold. Sometimes even taking the ship itself, but most of the time it was easier to sink the ship. These captains and their crew were soon labeled pirates and bounties placed upon their heads and ships.

 During the war with Tirein, the Kerdithian navy controlled the waters the way Tireinâ,¬,,¢s army controlled the land. One lucky day a small Kerdithian fleet came upon a large Tireinan armada. When the smoked settled the only ships afloat displayed the Kerdithian flag.    

A year ago a ship appeared on the horizon that no one had seen in a few years. When they came into port they told stories of new untouched land across the sea. They had been blown off course and sailed across the ocean to a new continent, the ship they were on wasnâ,¬,,¢t meant for such a long and arduous journey. It took the crew a couple of years to modify their boat to make the trip back home. Now Kerdith is in a race with the other nations to colonize this new world.

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[spoiler=Industries:]

Fishing is the oldest and largest industry in Kerdith. The way fish and other aquatic life are caught has changed over the years. Large ships allow fishermen to stay out longer and bring in bigger catches. Some captains have a team of trained dolphins and other creatures to herd fish into their nets. Caravels were the one of earliest ships and are still widely used, mostly by the richer fishing families as deep water fishing boats. Their shallow draft made the ideal for coastal fishing.

Shipbuilding has been around almost as long as fishing.  Kerdith shipbuilders are the best in the world and earn every gold piece on their contracts. Travelers that journey through the coastal cities will see the great skeletons of ships in various stages of development.  Now with the discovery of new land there are too many contracts for the shipbuilders to handle. Some nations have even hired Kerdithian ship designers and builders to build for them in hopes of being the first to conquer this new territory.
 
Transportation is the second largest industry in Kerdith. Though overland caravans are still used from time to time, ships have taken over as the method for transportation. The worldâ,¬,,¢s river systems allow ships to deliver anything that a person or group might want. Just as caravans had to be watchful of raiders, transport ships have to contend with pirates. Many transport companies employ a few soldiers to protect their cargo.

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[spoiler=Life and Society:]

Life in Kerdith is peaceful and easy going. Not all of Kerdith is part of the coastline. Small farmlands can be found further inland and outpost are scattered through out the country side especially along the southern border. Wood cutting and mining towns can also be found inland.

 The king keeps taxes his citizens pay low and allows his people live their lives. Most of the governmentâ,¬,,¢s revenue comes from the taxes of the various industries. Crime is still a problem both in the cities and on the high seas, but no more so than any other nation.  Many of the citizens join the Kerdith military because it pays well. Retiring generals and admirals are given plots of land to do with as they like.  Some citizens enjoy a land bound existence, while others answer the call of the seas.

[/spoiler]
[spoiler=Government and Politics:]

Kerdith is a peaceful kingdom. The people live under the rule of the Meruan family line. Governors rule each of the cities and are kept in line by the king. The governors keep their own armies and if possible navies, by the order of the first king. When called upon they serve as part of the larger Kerdithian military.

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[spoiler=Power Groups:]

Kerdithian Military The Navy is the real powerhouse of Kerdith. Their mastery in ship building has made them a force to be reckoned with on the water. Their ships can usually withstand twice the punishment their opponents take. The Kerdithian navy patrols the shoreline of Kerdith and with some of their shallow bottom boats are able to sail up the river that provides access to much of the interior of the continent. The other nations know the power that controlling the waterways holds and since any aggression toward Kerdith would cut off their trade routes, most nations try to keep good relations with Kerdith. The taxing of river traffic and escort services that the navy provides for noble travelers keeps the Kerdith coffers full and peasant taxes low.

Pirates: Pirates make the already treacherous waters even more dangerous. While some of these scoundrels stick out like a sore thumb, the more successful have taken care to look like any other ship or person. Experienced captains make their crew bathe whenever in port as well as use spells to disguise their ship.

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[spoiler=Religion:]

Donâ,¬,,¢t know yet havenâ,¬,,¢t figured out what I am going to do for the worldâ,¬,,¢s pantheon.
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[spoiler=Major settlements:]

Under construction.
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[spoiler=Important Sites:]

Under construction.
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[spoiler=Notable NPCs:]

King Meruan II (Human Aristocrat 9/ Fighter4) - The king has continued his families work and works hard to keep Kerdith a peaceful nation. He has put bounties on the heads of the pirates that plague the nation. The taxes and other revenue he collects from river travel and trade, allow him to keep the taxes on his citizens low. Currently he is using what surplus he has to fund an expedition to the newly discovered land. Making sure the ships are properly fitted to traverse the ocean both ways.

Grelmich Silvertooth (Human Rogue 5/ Swordsage 7) â,¬' Grelmich may be the smartest pirate that sail Kerdithian waters.   He changes the look of his ship before and after each attack on transport ships, so the Kerdithian navy doesnâ,¬,,¢t have a good description of Grelmichâ,¬,,¢s ship. They also lack a description of Grelmich, because he rarely boards the ship that is under attack. When he does everyone on board is sentenced to death and the ship is sunk.  While exploring the island that serves as his base of operation, he came upon an ancient temple deep within the overgrown forests. In side this temple he found scripts that illustrated a new fighting style. He spent almost a year reading and examining these texts, as well as training those of his crew he knew to be loyal. The Kerdithian navy had believed that Grelmich was dead or retired during this time, but when Grelmich attacked his next ship he told the crew to inform the naval commanders he was back. When the victims had reported the incident none of them could agree on the captains features and no description could be filed yet again. Now Grelmich sails the waters with no real competition. The other pirates donâ,¬,,¢t have skill or the patience to equal Grelmich and his crew.
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[Xathan]

I really like it so far. I wish I could give you more detailed feedback, but my main question is more general:

Where are the conflicts? The inclusion of pirates is fun and interesting, and makes me very happy deep within the pit that is my soul, but are those the only threat? if so, how did Kerdith manage to achieve that level of peace? If not, what other threats exist?

As always, great stuff, and I'll pick it apart more later on when I'm fully mentally fuctional.

[Poseptune]

That is one of the main reasons I stopped and started on Tirein. The peacefulness was making me sick, but I can't think of a major conflict. The world right now isn't on the brink of war as most major conflicts have been resolved, though M'orkur of Tirein might be contimplating another territorial campaign. Most of the other nations are fixated with a newly discovered land mass which would leave them more vulnerable than normal. Southern Kerdith borders parts of northern Tirein.

As for the peacefulness, Kerdith is a little over half the size of Tirein with most of its population along the coasts with only a few farming communities. Besides pirates, I could think of much to have for a conflict. I could change the king to being a more evil ruler, but I didn't want it similar to Tirein. The discovery of a new unsettled (as far as they know) land business has picked up and the taxes on shipbuilding is keeping the peasants taxes down, which makes them happy.

I may make a ocean based nation that attacks Kerdithian fishing ships that are fising along their border. This area would be one of the most abundant fishing grounds so the fisherman risk it. They also send raiding parties to punish Kerdith for its disrespective fishermen. I haven't decided if I am going to add this or not.

[Xathan]

That is one of the main reasons I stopped and started on Tirein. The peacefulness was making me sick, but I can't think of a major conflict. The world right now isn't on the brink of war as most major conflicts have been resolved, though M'orkur of Tirein might be contimplating another territorial campaign. Most of the other nations are fixated with a newly discovered land mass which would leave them more vulnerable than normal. Southern Kerdith borders parts of northern Tirein.

As for the peacefulness, Kerdith is a little over half the size of Tirein with most of its population along the coasts with only a few farming communities. Besides pirates, I could think of much to have for a conflict. I could change the king to being a more evil ruler, but I didn't want it similar to Tirein. The discovery of a new unsettled (as far as they know) land business has picked up and the taxes on shipbuilding is keeping the peasants taxes down, which makes them happy.

I may make a ocean based nation that attacks Kerdithian fishing ships that are fising along their border. This area would be one of the most abundant fishing grounds so the fisherman risk it. They also send raiding parties to punish Kerdith for its disrespective fishermen. I haven't decided if I am going to add this or not.
[/quote]

I like the ocean nation idea, and I could see a lot of fun with Privateers to be had. I'd say go for it, but that's just my inital impression. Another idea is an undersea race of some sort, the people occasionally getting caught in Kerdithian nets and dying, breeding animosity.

Like I said before, great stuff. There is potential for conflict here, but there is no need for every nation to be on the brink of war at all times. ;)

[Poseptune]

Actually an evil cult was going to be the antangonist for the third nation I am working on. It is an insular nation ruled by a council of wizards and clerics. Some of the mages and clerics of this secretive cult have may their way into postions of power. The only problem is that it sounds too much like the Sith. :(

Though I do have a question. Is there a way to have cannons without having guns?

[CYMRO]

I would stick with just the perpetual thorn of pirates in an otherwise idyllic nation.  

[Tybalt]

Have you ever read "Lord Valentine's Castle"? that's an interesting book in what appears to be a peaceful setting but in fact has a secret coup d'etat, intrigues, and ultimately a war. However until the war happens almost all of the story is about travelling, overcoming obstacles, figuring out puzzling dreams and encountering tests that are more of character and fortitude than combat ability. Anyway, I recommend that, the writings of Ursula K. LeGuin, Elizabeth Lynn, for books where there is definite conflict but not obvious conflict. The average person may not know there is any serious conflict at all.

[Poseptune]

Can't say I've even heard of the book.


I may leave Kerdith the idyllic nation for now, something may spring to mind while I am working on the other nations. I don't know. I am going to take another look at Kerdith tonight and hopefully clean up and expand some of the sections.

[Poseptune]

Added Kerdith Navy to the power groups section.

Still asking the question How to represent cannons without gunpowder? I want to stay away from gunpowder and guns for now. Should I stick with deck mounted Bastillas?

[Poseptune]

Added two notably NPCs at the bottom of the nation.

[the_taken]

Still asking the question How to represent cannons without gunpowder? I want to stay away from gunpowder and guns for now. Should I stick with deck mounted Bastillas?

You could have the navy hire a spell caster and give him a wand. With such a large population, there should be enough wizards and sorcerers to have atleast one with the ability to use a wand of Fireball or Empowered Scroching Ray for each ship. If you're following the NPC generation guidelines in the DMG that is.

I'm not sure if an arrow can meaningfully damage the hull of a ship. Unless a balista has the force to blast a hole thru the hull after going thru a few feat of water. I think it gets stuck like an arrow.

[Poseptune]

Most ships will have wizards for the sole purpose of slinging spells.

The Bastilla and Catapult are options given in Stormwrack, which also describes Bombards, but I don't know if I want to include gunpowder.

[the_taken]

The Bastilla and Catapult are options given in Stormwrack, which also describes Bombards, but I don't know if I want to include gunpowder.

Do you know what the craft DC for black powder is?

[Xathan]

Though I do have a question. Is there a way to have cannons without having guns?

A bit late, but here are some thoughts:

1) Normal gunpowerder cannons, but just change the nature of gunpowder - it is either too unstable or requires a large amount to be present, making guns impractical.

2) Massive springs provide the energy behind the cannonballs. Eventually, someone would figure out how to make handheld spring guns, but for the inital time, people might believe that only such a large spring would work to make guns impossible.

3) Propelled ammunition: Maybe most cannon ammunition is actually propelled by a propellant in the ammunition itself, which shoots flame out the back, making handguns too dangerous to be used.

4) Magic! perhaps cannons are powered by runs inscribed on the cannon, and the runes required are too numerous to be pratically written on a handheld gun.

Just some inital thoughts, but it can be done. I'll look over the other new stuff later, and I look forward to it greatly!

[Poseptune]

Do you know what the craft DC for black powder is?

I'll look again, but I don't think Stromwrack says. It says that a character with 9 ranks in Craft(Alchemy) can make a more expensive version of gunpowder for DM that don't want to make gunpowder readily availible.

1) Normal gunpowerder cannons, but just change the nature of gunpowder - it is either too unstable or requires a large amount to be present, making guns impractical.

Eh I though about that, but I decided I didn't want gunpowder to exist. With the existence of gunpowder the PC's would want to make versions of the arquebus.

2) Massive springs provide the energy behind the cannonballs. Eventually, someone would figure out how to make handheld spring guns, but for the inital time, people might believe that only such a large spring would work to make guns impossible.

This is an option. When I first read it though, I thought of them getting the tension of the spring wrong and the cannonball just rolling out the end. :)

3) Propelled ammunition: Maybe most cannon ammunition is actually propelled by a propellant in the ammunition itself, which shoots flame out the back, making handguns too dangerous to be used.

Hee then you'd have sailors with LAW's and mortars. I will think about this one further.

4) Magic! perhaps cannons are powered by runs inscribed on the cannon, and the runes required are too numerous to be pratically written on a handheld gun.

This is the most likely route, but I want to be able to describe it well and will have to come up with the creation rules.

The last option I have is just make a sidebar that gives various options for ship to ship and port to ship arsenals and leave the weapons out of descriptions.

Just some inital thoughts, but it can be done. I'll look over the other new stuff later, and I look forward to it greatly!

Well, I wait with much anticipation.