Dirllar
Dirllar was part of the Korchi Empire until the year 1852AK [386SA]. Its city, Dirlla, is more than 1500 years old. In the year 1852AK [386SA] they rebelled from A'Korchu. In this war (1852 - 1884AK [386-418SA]) Dirllar won its independence (due largely to their victory in the Battle of Smras Fen in the year 1884AK [418SA]). Free Dirllar was ruled by an inefficient and corrupt Council of Mages who nearly ruined the nation. In the year 1954AK [488SA] one of their number (Nilgeranthrib) liquidated the other members and made himself the Dictator of Dirllar. His reign was a time of terror, evil rites and blood. It was ended by a major civil war and Fomorian intervention. To this day, the people of Dirllar fear magic and those who practice it.
From 95 - 295DI [513-713SA] Dirllar was controlled by the King of the Islands, serving him in exchange for a promise of eventual freedom. Toward the end of this period (284 - 295DI [702-713SA]) twelve years of civil unrest in Dirllar made this promise a fact. During the years 295 - 332DI [713-750SA] Dirllar had 23 different dictators. In the year 332DI [750SA], A'Korchu invaded. The Korchi threat stabilized the nation and caused the formation of the Merchant's Council. The council ruled, after defeating A'Korchu (335DI [753SA]), until its reorganization into the Council of Thirteen (387DI [805SA]). From 387 - 482DI [805-900SA] the Council stabilized Dirllar. From 482 - 495DI [900-913SA] Dirllar fought a major war in the forest against three Fierazi tribes (to open a road to the Kaz). Since their victory, Dirllar has been a major trading nation and the endpoint of one of the world's most lucrative trade routes.
Population
The city of Dirlla (38,000) controls a nation with 120,000 civilized citizens and parts of three barbarian tribes. The tribes are the Gralana (5,000), the Esda (10,000) and the Riala (6,000). (The tribal populations listed are the members of the tribe who live within Dirllar's borders.) The total population of the nation is 141,000.
Dirllar's army is divided into three groups. The Army of the Thirteen (controlled by the Council) contains 800 barbarian mercenaries, 400 footmen and 400 cavalry. The Constabulary (controlled by the Duke of Dirllar) contains 400 constables, 200 elite mounted constables and 200 elite swamp patrolmen. The Militia (based around the city and fortresses) consists of 4,800 trained infantry who can only be activated in time of war with the approval of the Council of Thirteen. In addition to these forces, Dirllar can raise a force of 3,200 Fierazi tribesmen. Dirllar minimizes its use of the Fierazi because they are considered to be undependable.
Dirllar's fleet is controlled by the Duke. It consists of 12 fast warships. Its purpose is to patrol the coast and protect Dirllar's smugglers and merchants from attack.
Economy
Dirllar produces salt, luxury goods, timber and food. They import metals, finished goods and fine stone. Their sea trade depends on their ability to outrun Korchi blockaders. It is very dangerous. Dirllar depends on the road east and the blockade runners for its survival.
NOTE - Dirlla depends highly on the surrounding tribes to hunt, fish and grow food to support its urban population.
Religion
The people of Dirllar seek protection from the supernatural from their gods. They also worship gods who aid in the pursuit of wealth. The chief gods of Dirllar are Sarameya, Bes and Arathron.
Personality
Dirllarans have a deep-seated distrust, fear and hatred of magic. Use of magic in public is guaranteed to cause a riot and could mean death for the magic-user. People in Dirllar are dedicated to personal honor and gambling, on both a physical and a monetary level. Duelling is an honored tradition in this land. Nothing excites the people more than situations that contain a chance of profit and an element of danger.
NOTE - A great deal of ritual is part of the dueling system. It requires formal challenges, seconds and meeting at an appointed place and time. (There is a large area in the northeastern part of the city, called the Field of Death that is often used for this purpose.) To fight on the spot, without due ritual and the necessary formalities, is considered to be both gauche and barbaric. No civilized Dirllaran would do so.
Legal System
Dirllar is ruled by thirteen representatives, each elected to an eight-year term, and a Duke who is elected for life. The representatives are the Council of Thirteen. They are usually merchants or wealthy men. The Duke is usually a military officer or blockade runner. In a war the Duke is the Dictator of Dirllar. During peace, he is the non-voting chairman of the council and the Chief Justice of Dirlla. (A major part of his duties, in this regard, is to suppress magic.)
NOTE - Any citizen with a station of ONE or higher who pays a 1SC polltax can vote. Each voter selects 13 names from the 2d10+30 candidates who run. The 13 who get the most votes form the council. (The votes are counted by the reigning Duke and a panel of six men who were appointed by the outgoing council.) Council members may be elected to consecutive terms. The salary for being a Council member is 5 GC per month. The Duke receives 3 GC per month in peace and 12 GC per month in war.
Dirllar's justice system has a standard range of penalties for each crime. The judge decides which penalty is appropriate and can often be bribed to select a lesser one. Many citizens fail to report crimes. They prefer to take care of it themselves. Dirllar, especially the city, is beset with vendettas and vigilante activity. Duels are commonplace. It is a chaotic land whose constables have all they can do to maintain what little order there is. A stranger alone seldom lasts long in Dirlla.
NOTE - The rural parts of Dirllar are quieter than the city. The same basic attitudes apply but life is not nearly as violent as it is in the city. Rural citizens are much less likely to take advantage of a passing stranger.
Allies
Dirllar has strong ties with the Goidanese, especially the Lagin and the Mumani. They trade with the Fierazi and the Kolari. They have a defense treaty with Treaus aimed at A'Korchu.
Enemies
A'Korchu is the enemy. At the best of times, a hostile truce exists between these nations.
Language
| Dirlla | ||
| Korchi | 5% | |
| Fomorian | 10% | |
| No'reas | 10% | |
| Djani | 10% | |
| Caldan | 15% | |
| Trean | 10% | |
| So'reas | 40% | |
| Kazi | 10% | |
| Goidanese | 20% |
Basic Characteristics
| Height | 66" | |
| Weight | 125lbs |
Common Weapons
Swords, Daggers, Bows
Ancestry
The Dirllar have been strongly influenced by the Korchi, although they are not native Korchi stock. They have the basic appearance of a Korchi except they are more robust and their complexion is more of a flesh tone.
Calendar (Solar)
After their victory in the Battle of Smras Fen, the wizards of Dirllar saw the need for a symbol to mark the independence of their land. The Dirllaran calendar was created to fill this need. It is the year 682 in this calendar.
Population Details
Dirlla is supported by 15 towns (average population of 2,580). There are also 3 fortress towns (average population 2,500). Total town population is 46,400.
There are 233 villages in the civilized areas (average population of 155). Total civilized villiage population is 35,600.
There are 67 family groups (average population of 75) in Gralana lands, 158 family groups (average population of 65) in Esda lands and 99 family groups (average population of 60) in Riala lands.