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A synopsis of “Where the Faith?” by Gwynn Asserios, Sage of Pandona C.E. 5222
The significance of Pandona as a trade route was established long before 3500’s. The capital of Veluna is the only country bordering the Pass of Liam, the Gateway to the South; it was also build near the shores of the River Natra. This gave the Lords of Pandona the only direct access to the land trade roads of the South, as well as a river route to the serve nearly every kingdom in the North. Only the port city of Distryll could boast the wealth of Pandona, the City of Smokes.
Although the possibilities for wealth at Pandona were always apparent, the city was not constructed for the purpose of trade. Pandona was founded early in the second millenium by the Temple of Ciril, Lady of Light. The Northern lands were still hearing from the Chaos Wars which shattered the glory of the old kingdoms and left the region ruled by barbarians. On the site of Pandona, a traveling band of pilgrims beheld a vision of Ciril while drinking from the clear pool of a natural spring. The Goddess bade them to take the land and build a holy city.
The great vision attracted followers from every corner of the North. Together they built the city of Pandona (named for the first High Priestess of the City) and held it against the barbarians. As the city became known as a peaceful haven, it’s population swelled and the surrounding lands settled. To manage the practical needs of its citizens, the Temporal Council was established.
The Temporal Council set up laws and worked closely with the Temple of Ciril, which still held absolutely power in Veluna. The land was ruled over by five hundred years according to the will and the law of the Lady of Light.
Yet, as other nations became civilized, Pandona became more important as a trade city. Wealth flowed into Veluna and wealth attracted the greedy and ambitious. As the faithful were now a minority, the Temporal Council was no longer drawn strictly from the ranks of Ciril’s followers. The Council soon became more interested in the acquisition of money and power than in the law of Ciril, which demanded nearly equal distribution of the wealth. The Temple was relieved of all its governing power and the Council members set themselves p as hereditary Lords, their position passed down on to those of their House. The history of Pandona since that time has been filled with the struggle of Lords vying for control of the most profitable markets in the city.
There are no formal codes that state what is acceptable practice for the acquisition of market superiority; although the Lords make certain not to go too far lest a vendetta ensue. A vendetta inevitably destroys both parties involved. The only real law is that he who hold the most influence in the marketplace is the Overlord and he controls the public domain.
For nearly two centuries before the Age of Darkness, Pandona was ruled by House Eichon. House Eichon had gained such a powerful control on the trade through Veluna that it seemed as though it would reign forever. Trusting in the strength of the House, the Overlords of 3500’s became complacent. This allowed certain other Houses, House Dracus in particular, to slowly build their own influence.
In 3575 Lord Kityana, Lord of House Dracus, seized control of the silver and spice trade of Baal and Belshazzar. The balance of power was nearly equal. The Overlord, Lord Uramae of House Eichon, panicked, he sent his trained assassins, the Bloodguard, directly against Lord Kityana. But the Bloodguard had become soft and were easily dispatched by Kityana’s elite, the Amita K’un. Lord Kityana retaliated in kind. The reign of House Eichon was ended.
Yet, ruthless as he was, Lord Kityana could not bring himself to completely destroy his enemy. It is believed that the new Overlord was seduced and persuaded by Uramae’s widow to leave the House intact. From this act of mercy came the great vendetta, which, in its own way, helped bring about the Age of Darkness.
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