Founded in 278 AR following the fall of the Kingdom of Telum, the Greenwood Republic (often referred to as Greenwood) is made up of the affiliation between five small townships located in and near the western-most part of the Greenwood Forest in central Ashriya; Crossroads, Montero, Keepton, Bastion, and The Gardens. Each township is managed by an elected Governor, and represented in the Republic by an elected Councilor.

Crossroads

Since its founding in 40 AR, Crossroads has been known as a town that ebbs and flows, undergoing periods of great turmoil, followed by years of quiet and peace. Despite its small size, most Ashriyans have heard of Crossroads. This is largely due to the fact that Crossroads rests upon an area known as “the Nexus”.

In simplest terms, the Nexus is a series of mystical caves and tunnels that stretches across Ashriya. Traveling through the Nexus has allowed for people to travel vast distances in incredibly short periods of time; routes that might take weeks or months over land can be accomplished in mere hours or minutes through the power of the Nexus. These caves are not constant, however; some caves may be accessible for weeks at a time, others may be accessible for just a few minutes, or even less. It is generally regarded that many of the caves of the Nexus that can be found across the world seem to connect back to caves around Crossroads; as such, Crossroads often is host to many people from around the world who use the Nexus (intentionally or otherwise). Historically, this has led to Crossroads often being the location of civil meetings between diplomats, as well as a battle site between warring forces.

With each Surge, the tunnels of the Nexus have become increasingly dangerous. These days, Tormentors, Elemental beings, and creatures from across Ashriya are not uncommonly sighted by travelers through the Nexus. All too often, these dangerous creatures will wander out of the caves, and have been known to cause problems for the people of Crossroads in particular. Many of the residents of Crossroads will barricade themselves in their homes during the Rises of Terres, due to the increased activity of Tormentors associated with them.

Crossroads is one of the smallest townships in the Republic, second only to Keepton. The main town is divided into two sections. The northern end of town, referred to as High Town, contains free lodging for residents of Crossroads. The southern end of town, referred to as Low Town, is where most of the citizens of Crossroads live in private residences. In the middle of town resides the sole tavern of Crossroads, the Dragon’s Claw Tavern. A shrine to Death resides within the Tavern, which serves as a place of resurrection for spirits returning from the realm of Death.

Crossroads is the capital of the Republic, solely due to its centralized location. As such, most officials who work for the Republic are located within White Flower, a district of Crossroads located a few hours' travel south of Crossroads proper. Most Council meetings take place within White Flower, though it is not uncommon to meet at the Dragon’s Claw Tavern when convenient.

White Flower also is the location of The Training Hall. Originally established by the state to offer combat training to town guards from any township, the Training Hall has recently begun offering lessons to all residents of the Republic. While they were originally established to teach prospective town guards how to better protect their towns from Tormentor attacks and the like, the scope of the Training Hall has significantly expanded over the years; today, they offer a wide range of combative training, magical tutelage, crafting lessons, and more.

The Bank of Greenwood is also located within White Flower. They offer banking services for all residents of Greenwood as a means of keeping their money safe.

Crossroads is currently Governed by an Elf named Aelar Galanodel, and is represented by Councilor Arlen Blackmont, a Vampyre.

Historically, Crossroads has maintained two positions appointed by the Governor. The role of Magistrate / Tax Collector is currently fulfilled by a Dagon named Barret Dyser. The role of Guard Captain is currently fulfilled by Marcus Vance, a gruff Human.

Montero

Located four days north of Crossroads, this town is located at the northern border of Greenwood. Montero has often served as a major trade center for the rest of Greenwood. Several merchanting organizations have set up shops and warehouses in Montero, and largely operate by running goods from Barulis to Montero. This allows merchants who tend to operate within Greenwood the ability to resupply their wares without needing to travel beyond its borders.

Montero boasts a large number of alchemists in town; specifically distillers and brewers. A fair amount of beer and spirits produced by Montero are sold within Greenwood, though the lion's share of produced alcohol is exported to the nearby city of Singo. As brewers try to get the upper hand on each other, Montero has become locally known for importing fruits, herbs, and spices from all over the world. This has also led to Montero becoming (locally) known for fine dining and cuisines.

Beyond merchanting, there are a variety of small businesses within Montero. The Soaring Boar is a locally renowned restaurant that is most known for serving meals and dishes from around the world. Ingredients are regularly sourced from across Ashriya, and the menu frequently shifts based on what is currently available. The restaurant is owned by Elijah Onson.

Montero is also home to The Melodical, a concert hall which serves as a local church to Baldoria. Each month they host free shows featuring singing talents from around Ashriya, followed by a spirited party featuring brews and spirits donated by local vendors. The showings have become a favored activity each month for residents of Montero. Shows that host particularly popular vocalists can become a weekend-long event, drawing in an audience from the other townships of the Republic, as well as the occasional fans from Barulis and Singo. The Melodical is owned and organized by Croux Hali.

On the north edge of Montero is the Found Mare, a stable that buys, sells, rents, and provides temporary housing for horses for those wishing to enter Greenwood, as most horses are too skittish to enter. The business is owned by Philip Lee.

Montero is currently Governed by Bodger Rondar, a Haroc, and is represented by Councilor Sylvan Desair, a Dagon.

Keepton

Keepton is located about one day to the east and a little south of downtown Crossroads along the crossing road. Many of the buildings in the town, especially those towards its center, were constructed out of the remnants of the keep that once stood on these grounds. Keepton is the most densely populated area of Greenwood, though this is more of a testament to the compactness of the township than the size of their populace.

There are several small businesses that operate out of Keepton. One of the most notable and popular buildings is the Codex’s local chapter, run by Gilly Fulson. Maintained by Gilly and a handful of scribes, they carry scrolls and tomes on a wide variety of subjects. While they might not have the most in-depth knowledge on-hand, they are often able to help researchers get started when investigating more intensive subjects. For a fee, they are willing to reach out to the main Codex Library in Barulis to look for more information on particular subjects.

There is a Rangers Guild based out of Keepton. The Ranger Guildmaster, Eldin Sangborn, has made arrangements with the local Glibben Courts that allow him and other rangers to venture from Keepton further east into the forest than most people are able to. Members of the Rangers Guild are known to do a significant amount of hunting and foraging in the woods.

There is also a small Mages Guild based out of Keepton, although due to recent misfortunes, its number of members has dwindled. The Guildmaster (and sole member) is Jatara Raxa, a Deer Wyldling.

Keepton is currently Governed by Devran Grell, a Ghoul, and is represented by Councilor Jatara Raxa.

Bastion

Located three days south of Crossroads, Bastion is a small settlement situated at the southern-end of the Greenwood Road. Originally called "The Outpost," most of the original town and its citizens fell at the hands of Tormentors following the First Surge. It wasn't until the Dunvaig occupation that Fort Bastion was built to better defend against Tormentors and raiders from the south that the town was reestablished.

Over time, Fort Bastion has evolved into an intimidating stone and wooden fortress. The undercroft of the fort extends for several levels, with enough space to be able to give sanctuary to all inhabitants of Bastion during times of crisis. To enter or exit Greenwood from the south requires you to pass by the Fort. Bastion is entirely surrounded by a tall wooden palisade, with a gate at the north and south to allow passage into or out of Greenwood. Within the fenced perimeter are the Fort, as well as residential buildings and most of the storefronts within Bastion.

There is a blacksmith shop known as Hammer’s Drop, run by Gron Baruv.

There is a general store, known as Slim’s Pickings, which is run by John “Slim” Jonson, which carries a variety of goods, usually in short supply.

On the southern edge of Bastion is the Lost Mare, a stable that buys, sells, rents, and provides temporary housing for horses for those wishing to enter Greenwood, as most horses are too skittish to enter. The business is owned by Philip Lee.

The Last Stand is a popular pub owned by Odrin Kaed, known locally for its high level of privacy.

Bastion is currently Governed by Gene Jaegerson, a Human, and is represented by Councilor Corin Raits, a Lyche.

The Gardens

Located approximately a day west of Crossroads for those who travel through the woods, or several days for those who are unwilling to brave the Garden Path, a narrow winding path through the woods between Crossroads and the Gardens. Locals who frequent the Path urge caution to those using it; they generally recommend using it only during the daytime, and strongly urge, "do not walk off the Path, even if you're sure it's leading you in the wrong direction; it's not."

The Gardens is located within the woods, surrounded by forest on all sides. When the town was originally founded, it was located on the western edge of the forest. Following the First Surge and the return of the Greenwood Forest, the forest expanded further west. Miraculously, the area of The Gardens was not overgrown with forest. Their ability to travel was hampered, though the Garden Path continued to exist, and some residents of the Gardens have since been able to negotiate dealings with the local Glibben to be able to pass through the forest to the western edge of the Republic. No one is sure why The Gardens was spared by the reforestation, unlike so many other places across Ashriya.

The land within the Gardens is lush and fertile with acres of arable soil. It is by far the most populated township of the Republic. The majority of the Garden’s citizens live on homesteads within a wide radius of the Garden’s center, known as the Garden Square. The Square consists of a timber wall circling a relatively large fortified building with some smaller dwellings and a tavern, the Cornucopia, in the area around it and a large open area that is sufficient for a decent sized market. In the event of emergencies, farmers can retreat from their homesteads to the Square for additional protection.

The Gardens is the predominant food supplier for all of the Republic, supplying livestock as well as fruits and vegetables. A contingent of farmers has been known to bring their produce and livestock to Crossroads in a mid-week farmers market to sell to merchants from other regions. Surplus food is often sold in bulk to the neighboring cities of Barulis and Krasslig.

The Gardens is currently Governed Art Fangsworth, and is represented by Councilor Jacob Fangsworth. These Elven twins have been reelected every term for nearly two decades, and are highly regarded by the people of The Gardens.

Government

Per the Republic, each township is required to have a minimum of two elected positions; a Governor, and a Council Member. Elections in each township must be held at least once every two years.

The Governor serves as the leader of the township, and is responsible for handling affairs of the town, including ensuring the safety and security of their citizens, as well as ensuring the enforcement of the laws. Usually, the Governor will create additional roles and positions within their town in order to help them maintain order and peace, though some townships have opted to have such roles fulfilled by election rather than by appointment.

A Council Member serves as the representative of their township during Council Meetings, during which laws and policies affecting the entirety of the Republic can be enacted, rescinded, or altered with a majority vote. Duties of Council Members include attending Council Meetings in order to vote on any changes to the laws, the appointment of individuals to federal positions, and handling foreign affairs should they arise. Additionally, the Council may veto any laws enacted by a Governor in their township with a majority vote. In turn, the Governors of the Republic may veto any decision made by the Council with a majority vote, though this veto power has rarely been exercised.

Additionally, there are a number of positions at the federal level that are appointed by the Council, including a General, Knights, Ambassadors, Financial Advisors, Minister of Records, and High Magistrate.

Each township is responsible for managing their own town guard in order to maintain order and protect their citizens. This is usually instrumented by the Governor, or an appointee thereof.

Knights may be appointed by the Council to serve as enforcers of the law and protectors of the people, granting them jurisdiction in all townships of the Republic. Knights are overseen by appointed High Magistrate Avalone Ohlen, a Bird Wyldling.

While the Republic does not maintain a standing army, they do maintain a General appointed by the Council, who is granted control over each town’s guard, as well as any active Knights. The position is currently filled by General Bradley Heimbold, a Human.

Laws of the Greenwood Republic

History of Nation

The nation currently known as the Greenwood Republic has a long and turbulent history. The region was first settled in 40 AR by a trader named Ezgart, who decided to set up a tavern and trading post in what would become Crossroads. No one is really sure why the Glibben allowed the town to stand in the woods (known as the "Glibben Wood" at the time). In the year 51 AR, the Glibben Wood and the settlement of Crossroads were seized by and incorporated as an independent state into the Barulan Empire.

In the year 56 AR, one of the Council Members, Derrick Calpol, rebelled against the Empire and established the Kingdom of Derrickham, naming himself as King.

In 61 AR, King Derrick gives up the throne to defend against the impending Kriddick threat. Highlord Kenton Sorrenson-Calpol takes over as King after being adopted by Derrick to be his formal heir. In the year 65 AR, King Sorrenson-Calpol marries Highlord Peruna Fulgora.

With the fall of the Mists of Durasis during the Breaking of 65 AR, Derrickham found itself on the frontline of a war against the Lords of the Eastern nations. Under the leadership of Queen Peruna Fulgora-Calpol, Derrickham spearheaded the Midland Alliance offensive against the leader of the Eastern Lords, Dark Lord Fiddus Flanstrom of Pindust. Lord Flanstrom was defeated in 69 AR, and tenuous peace was established in central Ashriya after the Empire of Syrranak, led by Lord Lorander Azuroth, assumed control of Pindust and Lachindor.

In the year 70 AR, the nation of Errid officially became a part of Derrickham, which re-establishes itself as the Derrickham Empire.

In 77 AR, following the war against the Empire of Syrranak and the defeat of Lord Lorander Azuroth, Empress Fulgora-Calpol assumed control of the territories of Lachindor, Pindust, and Syrranak. The Derrickham Empire controls the territories between the Glibben Wood in central Ashriya, spanning up to Errid on the Eastern Sea.

In 85 AR, Prince Roland marries Meera Flanstrom, an heir of the late Fiddus spared by his mother during the war. Once married, the two are appointed to rule over the Eastern part of the Empire, taking the titles King and Queen. Under the rule of Roland and Meera there is prosperity in the East with trade and alliances spreading beyond the Empire's borders.

In 121 AR, Empress Peruna Fulgora-Calpol passed away peacefully in her sleep. Emperor Roland Fulgora-Calpol returned home to rule from the Capital, leaving his two heirs, Roland II and Miryn, to lead in the East.

140 AR marks the beginning of the fall of the Derrickham Empire. In 140 AR, Emperor Roland is killed by The Faceless while traveling East to visit his children. In the following year, Empress Meera dies in her sleep, many believing that grief took her before her time. In 143 AR, Emperor Roland II died in battle, one of the few leaders who would frequently travel to the front lines to fight alongside his soldiers. Without an heir of his own, his sister Miryn is left to rule the Empire. In 147 AR, Empress Miryn died in childbirth. Her heir does not survive.

Without a living Fulgora heir, Errid secedes from the Derrickham Empire. With the loss of leaders and the attacks from The Faceless ongoing, communication with the Eastern Territories breaks down, and the territories begin to call for seceding from the Empire. Over the next several years, the territories of Lachindor, Pindust and Syrranak would each declare their independence. Derrickham, not being in any position of strength to oppose them following the attacks of the Faceless, is forced to accept.

In 148 AR, the current Lord of Crossroads, Hariman Goriah, assumed control of the territory of Derrickham, casting off the illusion of being an Empire and reestablishing the territory as a Kingdom. There is much contention from the Lords and Ladies of the other townships of Derrickham. In 149 AR, King Goriah was assassinated. Folca Sharpin, the Lady of the Outpost, assumed the mantle of Queen of Derrickham, but was opposed by Eliza Breckenridge, Lady of Montero. Both Folca and Eliza were met with untimely deaths within a year's time.

In 150 AR, Crossroads seceded from the Kingdom of Derrickham and established itself as an independent city. The other townships of The Gardens, Montero and The Outpost quickly follow suit. This is marked as the official end of Derrickham.

In 161 AR, the Greenwood Forest returned overnight in its entirety. Many homes that had been built where the original forest had been cleared away are destroyed. The Gardens was surrounded by the emerging forests, but was not destroyed. The Spring and Autumn Courts were discovered shortly thereafter.

In 172 AR, the nation of Dunvaig invaded the Glibben Wood and seized control over the townships and incorporated them into their fledgling Empire as a single state known as Greenwood.

In 187 AR, Viskan Galloway of Crossroads called for reunification of the townships of Greenwood in order to fight back against Dunvaigian leadership. They are successful in being able to drive Dunvaig out of the territory. The townships form the Council of Greenwood.

In 224 AR, the Council of Greenwood was invaded and seized by the Empire of Syrranak, renaming them the state Telum. Emperor Urias II (“Urias the Mad”) was a ruthless tyrant, hellbent on destroying the Glibben. He inflicted various atrocities on Glibben and anyone who sympathized with them.

In 244 AR, Victus Galanodel, the Lightbringer of Syrranak, leads an insurgency against Syrranak and kills Emperor Urias the Mad, ending his reign of tyranny.

In 245 AR, Victus Galanodel, who had been named Steward of Syrranak until the heirs of the Empire came of age, accepted Telum’s declaration of independence, and the Kingdom of Telum was established under the rule of King Errim Farawen.

In 278 AR, citing a dereliction of duty for abandoning his people during the Fourth Surge, the people of the Kingdom of Telum rebelled against King Errim II, and the Greenwood Republic was founded in its place.

Glibben Relations

The territories of the Republic often encounter one of four Courts within their borders; the Spring Court, Summer Court, Autumn Court, and Winter Court, which are collectively referred to as “The Seasonal Courts”. The Summer and Winter Courts are considered to be the oldest Glibben Courts in Ashriya, as they were the only known Courts prior to the Surges.

Glibben of the Seasonal Courts are a common sight within Greenwood. Most residents tend to ignore Glibben who are not paying them mind, and vice versa. Though it is not uncommon for a curious Glibben to interact with outsiders. When this happens, most residents advise showing kindness; that, or a readiness to flee with great haste. Some people have been known to make deals or agreements with the local Glibben, though most would caution against it.

The presence of the local Glibben Courts varies with the seasons. The Summer and Winter Courts have a longstanding custom that involves the changing of prominence of their Courts during each Glibben holiday. During Vercindium, the Glibben holiday marked by the second rising of Terres each year, the Summer Court assumes control over the Greenwood Forest from the Winter Court. During Quellsvart, marked by the last rising of Terres each year, the Winter Court assumes control from the Summer Court. The Spring and Autumn Courts also seem to have their own shifting of prominence between each other, though there is no known holiday associated with their transitioning.

There are also Glibben that do not seem to belong to any of the Seasonal Courts, but appear to have some kind of relation to the Nexus. The most common of these are known as Greshnak, identifiable by their ape-like visage with sharp, jagged teeth. While the shifting of the Nexus caves is seemingly random, people have been known to make deals with Greshnak in order to open up specific pathways to facilitate travel.

Tormentors are a common threat throughout Greenwood. The primary role of the town guards is to fend off against Tormentors that wander into the townships and threaten the safety of the populace.