Onnwal

Onnwal, also known as the Free State of Onnwal, is a political state of the Flanaess.

Overview

Onnwal is a small realm, located on a large peninsula that extends westward from the Principality of Ahlissa (of the Great Kingdom of Aerdy), dividing the eastern Sea of Gearnat from the Azure Sea. Most of its lands are accessed primarily from the sea, for the neck of the peninsula is choked by The Headlands, which are almost impassable to most traffic. The city-state of Irongate, with its warding walls and fortresses, borders Onnwal in the east and guards the few passes onto the peninsula. These formidable barriers have generally isolated the realm from the affairs and conflicts of the continent.
The lowlands that form the head of the peninsula are covered in rich pastures. These lands are home to clusters of small farms that surround villages connected to each other by a spidery road network spreading out from Scant. Mining of silver and platinum in the western foothills of the Headlands is the primary industry of the nation.
Most Onnwal citizens are an Oeridian-Suel mix, descendants of settlers who displaced the original Flan natives to build farms. Some Flan tribes remain in the region, but they are not considered citizens and live in the hills, herding animals. Many dwarf clans live alongside these Headlanders, and the lot of them owe fealty to no one though remain on friendly terms with the Iron League.

History

After the Aerdi first conquered the lands surrounding the lower Flanmi and founded the kernel of their empire along the Solnor Coast, their ambitions soon turned to the southwest, where great riches awaited. The Flan kingdom of Ahlissa was conquered in the fifth century OR and eventually became the core of mighty South Province. The lands farther south were controlled by the Suel, but a series a brutal wars brought regions such as Idee and Sunndi into the burgeoning Aerdi kingdom (as part of South Province) over the next century. In 598 OR (–46 CY), Onnwal was taken after a long and bloody conflict that ended with the establishment of Irongate and final control of the Headlands for the Aerdi.
The peninsula was awarded as a fief to the herzog of South Province, who constructed the port of Scant in 12 CY to facilitate its colonization by the Aerdi. The port also served as a means by which to share Onnwal’s resources, particularly the silver and platinum being drawn out the hills, with the markets of Prymp and Chathold. The szeks of Onnwal who administered the land were originally appointed by the herzog in Zelradton and were usually favored members of his court.
When the Turmoil Between the Crowns  sowed rebellion and caused widespread division in the Great Kingdom, Onnwal joined the other southern states who broke from the Malachite Throne. The herzog of South Province failed to force them back into line, and Szek Parmus Destron became an independent lord in the aftermath. Rulership of the land henceforth became hereditary. Onnwal and Irongate provided the primary naval support for the Iron League, with the Szek responsible for shuttling league business between the Azure Sea and their allies in Nyrond and the north. For the next century and a half, Destron’s descendants continued to rule the land from their protected capital in Scant.

Geography

Political subdivisions

Royal Lands:

• Duchy of Bergard

Duchies:

• Duchy of the Eastern Marchlands
• Duchy of Gilderond
• Duchy of the Storm Coast

Settlements

Cities

• Kildeer
• Longbridge
• Scant
• Sornhill

Towns and Villages

• Arbend
• Bauldrenn
• Begardbridge
• Death-Fall Quarry (ruined)
• Dunheern
• Easam
• Fallnos
• Garveld
• Gavelenn
• Greenfalls
• Grovehill
• Gullhaven
• Halmarn
• Harlton Hill
• Haylind
• Hosselholt
• Kursand
• Myrhill
• Nerakern (Dwarves)
• Notil
• Obelton
• Ospret
• Pelorbay
• Perlstrand
• Sarakast (Dwarves)
• Silvervale
• Sturnhelm
• Swallowfield
• Tarlesan
• Tessak's Cove
• Vergannin (Dwarves)
• Verwald

Notable locations

• Celestian's Court
• Flannanot
• Gates of Gildenlea
• Obelstone Keep
• Pillar of Azharadian
• Varl's Keep

Founding Date

12 CY

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Feudal state