Notes on the Volsaxings

From: Jeff Richard <richaje_at_ajf6m7uQ3CQgCQO-NQKNwpB8kPX2PgxtagoFhXbYcc7Pyq0jINE2kJtgd8hewNNhOJJJ>
Date: Sat, 17 Feb 2007 17:19:23 -0000


After a period of brainstorming and collaberation, I have discovered much more information about some of the petty kings and tribal kings of the Volsaxing confederation circa 1618. I thought I'd share some of what I've discovered.

First the tribal kings - these are kings of long-standing tribes with a guardian wyter and true regalia:

King Hroar of Darsleap (Bacofi tribe). King Hroar the Good is the acclaimed king of the Bacofi tribe, descendants of the Orvantes tribe. The Bacofi were long rivals of the Volsaxar for control of Whitewall and once ruled the Northvale and Ramsleap as well as the Finovan Hills and the Upper Marzeel Vale. Many of the holy sites of Sen Senrenen are within the territory of the Bacofi and the tribe is known to bushwhack pilgrims and parties who travel without first obtaining the tribe's protection. The Bacofi number approximately 3500.

Notes on Darsrest:
Sometimes called Long Falls, this picturesque town runs along the terraced slopes beside the Marzeel River, where Dar once rested for seven days and nights. The Long Falls are 100' wide and fall over 600' in a series of terraces, the highest drop being the 60' Moss Glen Falls. The city runs on both banks of the river and on the rocky islands in between. Countless wooden bridges cross the Marzeel. Some are rickety rope bridges, most are wood, and those leading to the market and the king's hall are built of stone. The common folk live in timber longhouses little different from their kinfolk's in the hills. Some of them are built right on the bigger bridges. The Bacofi king lives in a tall broch of unmortared stone.

King Hantra of the Sylangi tribe. The Sylangi tribe dominate the Markdale and are known as the "Bow Tribe" as they are famed for their archery. The Lunars took many hostages from the Sylangi when they invaded Hendrikiland in 1605. The Sylangi are reluctant to antagonize the Empire - nonetheless, they supported King Broyan who has many kinsmen in the Markdale. They number about 4000 members.

King Garnathorl of Two Top (Kultain tribe). The Kultain are a small tribe centered on Twotop, a double Vingkotling hill fort on a tall peak of Destor's Hills, visible from Whitewall and protected by three rows of ditch-and-bank defenses. The Kultain are herders and famed as rustlers and bandits. They number about 3000 members.

Queen Fererneralda of Vorda's Hill (Curtali tribe). The Curtali tribe were refugees from the brutal rule of Governor Vostarhendrik and settled the Dreven Vale seeking peace and survival. They found it in the shadow of Vorda Hill. The Curtali are a "peace tribe" and traditionally ruled by the Queen and High Priestess of Vorda's Hill. They number about 3000 members.

The VOLSAXINGS. The Volsaxing Confederation includes several petty kings who are little more than important chiefs that collect tribute from other clans and/or control important locations. The Volsaxing number about 120,000 and have about 32,000 adult males between the age of 14 and 65. Looking at grand total numbers, theoretically the Volsaxings could muster: 320 elite warriors (thanes); 960 mercenary warriors (huscarls, Humakti, adventurers, and specialist clans); and 6400 competent fyrdmen.

King Tarkalor of Smithstone. Tarkalor was acclaimed king by the guilds and clans of Smithstone. He is not a true tribal king - but his responsibilities are very similar to that of a tribal king. His responsibilities are military, judicial and ceremonial - but he is said to take no action without the support of the redsmith guild.

Smithstone is the wealthiest city of the Volsaxi - the hub of Volsaxiland and an important trading center between Heortland and Sartar. The city has some 6000 residents. King Tarkalor is a sub-king of the Volsaxing tribe and is a strong and loyal support of High King Broyan.

King Daransen of Ramsleap. Ramsleap is a small Volsaxing city bordering Bacofi lands. It is the only crossing place on the Marzeel River between Smithstone and Darsrest. The local chieftain - Darensen - collects tribute from the local clans (as well as from travelers) and has acclaimed himself a "king".

King Berenvenos of Ranulf's Tor. Ranulf's Tor is a rocky granite outcrop atop a hill overlooking the Solthi River and sacred to the Garanvuli and Hendrikings. It is the weathered remnants of a Vingkotling hillfort and protected by ancient magic. From within its granite walls, the Second Age Hendriking hero, Ranulf of the Orshanti, launched his raids against the EWF in the valleys to the west. A village and regional market is within the ancient walls. The chieftain of the village, Berenvenos has recently acclaimed himself "king" of Ranulf's Tor.

King Orldaran Sixfires. Orldaran accounts himself a "king" but is little more than the chief of a war clan that collects tribute from the clans around the Destor Hills. He contests control of the hills with the Kultain tribe.

Darlast, High Priest of the Volsaxings. Darlast supervises all sacrifices at Whitewall and presides over those sacrifices when the High King is not present. He is the chief augur at Whitewall and is chief of all priests of the Volsaxings. He is appointed by the High King and must defer to the king (as per the Rex cult). He is a very important religious figure - and, as he is responsible for acquisition of livestock and other items for sacrifice, very wealthy and very influential with the local farmers, herders and merchants.            

Powered by hypermail