The Lands of Warlderia

Belluzcha

The Principality of Belluzcha occupies a heavily fortified position on thecoast of East Warlderia and has long controlled one of the finest natural harbours on the continent. Although modest in size, its strategic position and immense wealth have allowed it to remain independent despite the ambitions of far greater powers. Unlike most cities of the eastern lands, Belluzcha was founded jointly by both the Elves and the Dwarves as a neutral treaty city where merchants, diplomats and craftsmen of the two races could meet in peace. The resulting architecture reflects this unusual heritage. Elegant Elven towers rise above massive Dwarven halls, graceful parks separate broad avenues, and finely worked stone buildings stand beside airy marble structures. To many visitors the city appears strangely disjointed, but to its citizens the contrasting styles are simply part of Belluzcha's unique character. Encircling the city are walls nearly fifty feet high and so broad that local legend claims mounted patrols once rode along their entire length, whilst wagons carried supplies across the battlements during times of siege. Whether true or not, the walls remain amongst the strongest fortifications in all Warlderia and have never been successfully breached.

Only a few years before the outbreak of the Higher Wars, both the Elves and Dwarves quietly withdrew their garrisons, leaving the city in Human hands. Historians still debate the reasons for this decision, though most believe neither race wished to see the treaty city become another battlefield in their growing rivalry. Their decision proved wise. Whilst much of the continent descended into war, Belluzcha's isolated peninsula and formidable defences discouraged all but the most determined attackers. During Kaegor's Revolt the city secretly supplied the Human rebels with food, weapons and volunteers, whilst publicly maintaining its neutrality. When the war ended, Belluzcha emerged largely untouched and prospered by trading with the devastated kingdoms around it. This brought the city immense wealth, though many neighbouring rulers accused it of growing rich from the misfortunes of others.

During the Divine War Belluzcha briefly sided with the True Empire, and one of the final battles of that conflict was fought beneath its walls. When Imperial authority collapsed across the eastern Successor States, the city once again declared itself neutral, reopening its ports to merchants from every nation. Ever since, Belluzcha has carefully maintained profitable trade with both the True Empire and the Successor States alike. Nearly a century ago the Old Emperor appointed his younger brother, Pamarian, as Governor of Belluzcha. An accomplished wizard and capable administrator, Pamarian quickly became popular amongst the city's merchants and craftsmen. During his rule one of the ancient Elven towers was converted into a magnificent Temple of Boccob, reflecting both the Prince's devotion to the god of magic and the city's growing reputation as a centre of learning.

When Pamarian's brother died, relations between Belluzcha and the True Empire deteriorated rapidly. Refusing to surrender the city's independence, Pamarian declared himself Prince of Belluzcha and successfully resisted a four-month Imperial siege. Unable to breach the city's mighty walls and lacking the naval strength to blockade its harbour effectively, the Empire was eventually forced to recognise the city's independence. Since that day Belluzcha has become a refuge for Imperial exiles, disgraced nobles, ambitious scholars and political dissidents fleeing the True Empire. Many arrive seeking safety, others seek fortune, whilst a few openly dream of one day returning home at the head of victorious armies. As a result, the Prince's Court has become one of the most politically dangerous places in eastern Warlderia. Rival nobles, exiled generals, merchants and foreign ambassadors constantly compete for the Prince's favour, knowing that any faction powerful enough to dominate the city would almost certainly provoke immediate intervention from the True Empire.

Prince Titus Targelon has inherited the careful balancing act begun by his predecessors. Diplomatic, pragmatic and politically astute, he offers neither open support nor direct insult to the Empire, preferring instead to maintain Belluzcha's independence through careful diplomacy, profitable trade and the strength of its walls. The people of Belluzcha are rather less interested in politics. They have long learned that princes, nobles and exiles come and go, whilst ships continue to enter the harbour and merchants continue to make their fortunes. To most citizens, prosperity is a far greater concern than Imperial intrigue.

It is often said throughout the eastern lands: "Empires argue. Belluzcha trades."

Iron Crown (Large Town) – Alignment LN, Population 4,200 (70% Human, 15% Dwarven, 10% Half-Elven, 5% Mixed). Authority Figure: Marshal Cassian Varek (Human Fighter).

Iron Crown stands upon a rocky ridge overlooking the only practical road leading from the True Empire into the Principality of Belluzcha. Built shortly after Belluzcha gained its independence from the Empire, the fortress was intended to ensure that no enemy army could ever again march unopposed towards the capital. The position was carefully chosen by Dwarven engineers, who recognised that the surrounding hills, marshes and coastline forced any sizeable army to pass beneath its walls. The fortress itself is an imposing structure of dark grey stone surrounded by a prosperous military town. Massive curtain walls protect the lower settlement whilst a second line of fortifications guards the citadel that crowns the highest point of the ridge. The towers command sweeping views across the surrounding countryside and signal beacons allow messages to be passed rapidly to Belluzcha whenever danger threatens.

The town exists almost entirely to support the garrison. Armourers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, leather workers and merchants all prosper from supplying the soldiers stationed there, whilst numerous inns provide accommodation for the constant stream of merchants travelling between Belluzcha and the True Empire. Every caravan entering the Principality is inspected at Iron Crown, where customs officials collect tariffs and the Prince's agents quietly observe those entering the country. Although Belluzcha has enjoyed peace for many years, the garrison remains one of the best-trained forces in the eastern Successor States. Regular patrols monitor the frontier and extensive watchtowers stretch eastwards towards the Imperial border. The soldiers rarely see battle, but constant training and frequent exercises ensure that they remain ready should the Empire ever attempt another invasion. Marshal Cassian Varek is a veteran commander in his late fifties who has devoted most of his life to the defence of the Principality. Calm, disciplined and highly respected by both his officers and the Prince, he believes that the greatest victory a commander can achieve is preventing a war before it begins. Under his leadership Iron Crown has become as much a symbol of Belluzcha's determination to remain independent as it is a military fortress.

The citizens of Belluzcha often say: "So long as Iron Crown stands, Belluzcha sleeps soundly."