O'Par
The Duchy of O'Par (population 520,000) was part of
the Kalamaran Empire until only 83 years ago. The Duke
at that time, Ukadoran II of the noble House of Asalate,
decided to ignore the Emperor and not participate in a joint
assault with the Duchy of Dodera against Tharggy. Thus,
O'Par slipped away from the weak Emperor and declared its
independence, with no retaliation from Kalamar.
Today, O'Par is ruled by Duke Gadadik I, a direct
descendant of Ukadoran II. The Grand Duke is a devious,
scheming ruler. Gadadik knows that O'Par is neither rich
nor powerful and, therefore, to ensure her survival, he plays
a game of politics and intrigue with his neighbors.
Although surrounded by the warring nations of Paru'Bor, Shynabyth, Pekal, Tokis, Tharggy and Dodera, Duke
Gadadik has declared complete neutrality. He remains
neutral so that he may play both ends against the middle,
and serve as a trading post for the fighting countries. Gadadik allows all nations to send their troops and merchants through his small dukedom; this gives him the
opportunity to collect tithes and tax goods from all of his
neighbors.
Due to O'Par's neutral status, it has a very small
standing army. Foreign raiders and armies often pass
through unhindered. However, because their rulers give
them strict orders CO cause no harm to O'Par, these foreign
troops rarely bother the locals. Not only do they not
damage the land, but Gadadik charges their rulers a tithe
for each soldier that is allowed to pass as well.
The northern Kakapela hills provide decent grazing
land, but O'Par has few valuable resources. O'Par's greatest
export is her spies. Duke Gadadik has an extraordinary spy
network, arguably the best on TeIlene. It is said that
Gadadik has posted at least one spy within every foreign
government. Thus, he knows about every war, treaty, tax
increase and alliance before it occurs.
Because he has infiltrated the governments of each of
the nearby countries, Gadadik is able to sell information to
both the Empire and its enemies. The information that the
Duke sells is not necessarily the truth, and is often used to
incite or prolong conflict. He does this without remorse, as
he profits from the warfare. Gadadik sells this information
with great care, especially with respect to the Empire, for he
does not wish to anger Emperor Kabori enough to see
O'Par once again in the hands of the Bakar dynasty.
Most religions have churches in O'Par. The most
prevalent are: the Home Foundation, the Theater of the
Arts, the Parish of the Prolific Coin, the Order of the
Passionate One, the Courts of Inequity, the House of
Knives, the Church of Chance and the Impostors.
Castle P'Adis, located in the northern Kakapela Hills,
serves as the home of the Duke. Surrounding P'Adis is the
small capital city of Bet Bireli. This unremarkable city is
home mostly to shepherds and farmers. Bet Bireli is famous
only for being a town where knowledge may be purchased
and spies can he trained. All races are permitted within the
Duchy of O'Par. Indeed, demi-humans often make excellent
infiltrators.
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State
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