The Republic of Erimir
Current Leader/Government: Grand Sheriff Beryl Moss (Elective Republic)
Settlements Owned: 3
Provinces Owned: 1
Population: 179,000
Population Happiness: 80%
Imports: Lumber, Iron
Exports: Cattle, Gunpowder, Superior Firearms, Conventional Weapons
Wealth: Average
Alliances:
Trade Pacts: Kingdom of Asax, Kingdom of Belmorn, Kingdom of Scharweilt, Kingdom of Elslen
Cease Fires: Kingdom of Elslen
Army Cards
The Army of ErimirCurrent General: Marshal Tommen
Location: Marching to assist Belmorn
- <Erimir Infantry>/<450>/<Morale 85%>/<Shields; agile>
- <Republic Musketeers>/<500>/<Morale 95%>/<Gunpowder weaponry>
The Deputies of the ShiresCurrent General: High Sheriff Beryl Moss
Location: Defending Erimir.
- <Provincial Militia>/<1300>/<90%>/<Poorly trained>
Halflings MarchThe professional soldiers of Erimir, the infantry and the musketeers, have continued on toward Fengarde. While battered and bruised, these nine-hundred and fifty halflings are the best Erimir has to offer. The infantry may not be capable of standing toe-to-toe with lizardmen, but they are well versed in flanking maneuvers and are ready to assist the humans of Belmorn however they can. The musketeers come bearing their potent firearms. Under the command of Marshal Tommen, these halflings believe they may provide just enough punch to save their friends. Marshal Tommen has made it clear that while he will do his best to work with the generals of Belmorn's armies, he is more than capable of commanding his unit effectively once battle has begun.
For her part, High Sheriff Beryl Moss is returning to Erimir with the militia to determine how the nation should proceed. Rumors suggest that she wants to form an official alliance with Belmorn and bring a larger number of soldiers to assist them in their present war, but it is well known such a decision requires the approval of the Senate. Without such approval, there can be no alliance, and no militia can be sent to assist the nation of Belmorn. Such is the price of being a republic.
Weapons of WarMeanwhile, the existence of the Thunderers, a new sort of firearm, has been confirmed in Erimir. While the weapons are still prototypes, they are considered highly effective weapons that can be put to use immediately. These weapons don't have as long a range as the traditional musket but pack much, much more firepower at short ranges. The Thunderer is also considerably smaller than a musket, and is thus also lighter of weight; this makes it easier to handle and maneuver with. Finally, its unique qualities make it a perfect candidate to have a pistol made from it.
The Thunderer is now in production in Elmshire. The halflings hope to have soldiers trained in its use within two or three weeks.
The iron and lumber coming into the province have also led to blacksmiths being able to produce more conventional weaponry. While simple slings and stones are still being gathered for use in the coming wars, halfling smiths are now able to produce more short swords than usual. Daggers and long spears are being made for use by Erimir's militia, and soon they may be more than just rabble wielding farming implements.
The first of the orcish drill instructors from Elslen have also begun to arrive. They have begun training would-be recruits for Erimir's military, but the effort is slow and the results are not yet evident.
Choosing Your Friends"There are several feuding clans among the orcs of Dara," Ambassador Tallfellow explained to Armand and Jan, his hands cupped around a large goblet of icy water. "It's a bloodbath there. We had to fight off a number of their warriors ourselves. Kipp managed to keep us out of some nasty scrapes, though. He has a keen sense of where to hide."
Kipp stood beside Jan, his hands nervously tucked into his pockets. He was still wearing his leather armor; and truth be told, he didn't feel safe without it. He scratched at the bowl-shaped straw blonde hair on his head. "I just did what I was taught to do," he offered meekly.
"You did more than that," countered Armand, the old halfling smiling just a tad. "You did well, my boy. But, more importantly, you came back alive... and you say there is a clan among these feuding factions that deserves special attention?" Armand glanced back over at the ambassador.
"Its name is Clan Gnashing," Tallfellow explained, tucking his arms behind his back. "Their leader, Chief Agamar, possesses not only strength of the body, but strength of the heart. He is a virtuous man, and a very religious fellow as well, but most importantly wants to protect the weaker clans. He has no actual claim to the throne, but isn't fighting for conquest. He's simply trying to preserve the lives of his people and of the clans that can't defend themselves."
From what Kipp had seen, that description was more or less true. Chief Agamar had personally fought off the raiders attacking the party, then fed and resupplied them for their journey. He had told them of his plight, and there were certainly no shortage of homeless orcs in his camp. His own armor was ragged and worn, but he seemed as proud as any king, at least the few kings Kipp had seen... well, the one. The massive axe on his shoulder might have helped with that.
"Interesting," Janson mused, dabbing at his forehead with a handkerchief. "But I do not see how this helps us."
"It helps us because we need friends, and so does this Chief Agamar," Armand said simply, pacing along the floor. "If we can help him secure control of Dara, we would have a friend... and the orcs of Dara would have a ruler that would respect their rights as living beings, and a ruler who will not wantonly wage war across the borders."
"But from what you have told me, this chief is fighting a losing battle," Jan interjected. "He is trying to protect a large number of refugees, yes? And all around him are other warlords? Do we even have the soldiers necessary to bring him victory?"
"Perhaps not," admitted Ambassador Tallfellow, "but I believe if we are to support anyone, Chief Agamar of Clan Gnashing is the moral choice, and our best potential ally should he be victorious."
Armand and Jan considered for a time, each musing over the issue. They debated a while longer, but Kipp simply couldn't listen anymore. He walked out of the room and strode out from the fort's interior and onto the battlements. A cool, wet breeze met him as stepped out into the summer air. It felt nice on his skin.
Lakewatch was one of two forts built by the Empire during Erimir's time as a vassal province. Like its sister fort, Fort Andal, Lakewatch was large and placed in a very defensive position. The mangonels situated on the towers of Lakewatch could fire upon enemy armies before they got catapults in range, though trebuchets could still strike the fort without any real difficulty. Given the lake's size, the only way to the fort was a direct assault at its gates, and the enemy would be at a severe disadvantage. Only the amphibious lizardfolk might be able to sneak up on the fort by swimming through its waters, but even then...
It was a very secure place. Kipp felt a little safer in Lakewatch, though his nerves were still on high alert after several near death experiences in Dara. The air was gentle, though, practically kissing his cheeks, and the summer heat wasn't as hot as it usually was. Perhaps the lake was to blame for the pleasant weather.
Kipp started to relax against the stone when he saw Ambassador Tallfellow coming toward him. He straightened up a little, nodding at his superior. "What news, sir?"
"We're leaving in the morning," the taller halfling explained. "We're to deliver a weapon shipment to Clan Gnashing. The old men say they're going to talk to the Senate about passing a bill to allow us to actually join the fight on Chief Agamar's side."
Kipp gulped.
Not again.