Crorefell

Crorefell, City of Fools

Languages:

Common

Allied with...

Kharsaga

In Conflict with...

Arshakan Empire

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“Better a fool than a coward”
-The Eighth, First Among Equals​

Mocked for its delusional defiance during the Unification Wars, Crorefell has since cast off the chains of the Empire and become a thriving mercenary-state among the Free Cities. Crorefell is home to a swath of sellswords, spellhands, and soldiers-for-hire. Most of whom have banded into larger companies more commonly known as Cadres. The largest and most storied of these groups represent the city’s true powers. Many a ruler and aspirant have come to Crorefell seeking the finest fighters that money can buy.

Government​

The Steel Rabble​

A representative parliament that is composed of various Cadres and other assorted groups within the city. To have at least one voice within the Rabble, the organization must have at least ten members. The more members one has, the louder their collective voice. It should be noted that certain numerical checks are in place to curb the influence of the larger cadres.​

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The Rabble gathers four times per year though emergency assemblies can be called to deliberate matters of great import. General topics of discussion include the assignment of major contracts, election of key city positions, and mediation of disputes between cadres.​

The Scriveny​

There are some tasks that the typical shit-for-brains sellsword is not equipped to handle. The Rabble may make important decisions regarding the city but someone actually needs to see them through. Thus the Scriveny is responsible for the day-to-day administration of Crorefell. Most of the mid to lower-level positions are held by unaffiliated or ‘neutral’ citizens. The singular posts are elected by the Rabble.​

Military and Order​

A city of mercenaries, Crorefell has no traditional standing military or city guard. For the latter, a cadre is contracted by the Rabble to maintain public safety. Considering the occupation of most inhabitants, this contract is not assigned lightly.​

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The sanctity of the city’s independence has always been paramount among Crorefell’s citizens. When under threat, cadres put aside their differences as they did during the Unification Wars to defend the city. There have, of course, been exceptions over the years. Rare is a mercenary who hasn’t calculated the cost of betrayal.​

Culture​

All who come to Crorefell seek profit in their own right, most for coin and others for fame. History has taught these fools that greater riches cannot be achieved alone, so they banded together. Cadres. These groups are usually nothing more than simple mercenary companies but they are as diverse as there are many.

Among these cadres stand five notables, The Storied, whose inception hearkens back to the initial defense of the city during the Unification Wars. Their names are known within the Free Cities and beyond.

The Storied​

The First and Last​

A former Khastri with a fondness for the City of Fools defected with seven of her subordinates. When the Empire finally turned its hungry eyes to the city, she knew the city would need time to organize if they were to stand any chance. Familiar with the Legion's tactics, they harried their foe with singular purpose. Each using individual talents in a desperate gambit to create an opening. One fell, then another, until finally only the former Khastri remained. And where the rest failed, she succeeded. Thus the Eighth became the First, and Last.​

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The Eight are hired just as often by their peers as they are directly contracted by clients. Other cadres may seek a member's skills, expertise, or even leadership. To have the First and Last among your retinue is to have legitimacy, their name synonymous with Crorefell itself.​

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• Unique among the others as they only ever have eight members
• Due to their limited numbers, they have standing relationships with other cadres
• They cast off their names when they join and are simply referred to by their rank: The First to the The Eighth
• They may refer to each other as ‘Brother Second’ or ‘Sister Third’ for example or more casually as ‘Third’ or ‘Sister’’
• There is no formal hierarchy but the Eighth has historically been considered the ‘first among equals’
• The First is often known as the ‘Greatest Fool’, a term of endearment and respect.
• Generally comprised of unwanted scions of noble houses in keeping with their founding legacy
• Despite their small number, the First’s voice is always heard within the Steel Rabble

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Members:​

• The First played by Tipsy
• The Second reserved by Feryke
• The Third is [Open]
• The Fourth played by Karken
• The Fifth is [Open]
• The Sixth played by Nino
• The Seventh is played by Frankatronx
• The Eighth - NPC

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Emberic Cabal​

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‘Swords play but spells pay’ or so the members of the Cabal say. Outwardly the cadre maintains a consummate air of professionalism but their origins are anything but. Formed by a motley crew of quickhands and hedge wizards in the city’s pleasure district, they were better at cheating fools of their coin than war. That spark of recklessness runs deep in the cadre’s veins to this day.​

• Weavers represent a relative minority among the city’s numbers. Thus the Cabal is often considered Crorefell’s only true magecadre.
• Named after the city’s ‘Ember District’ where they formed and still reside
• Usually dispatched in pairs or trios known as ‘Hands’

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The Boneknitters​

Turns out healers enjoy gambling, whoring, and drinking just as much as any sellsword. A good mender is hard to come by and the Knitters know it. However the exorbitant prices they command are met with little complaint. They’ve paid in blood and sweat, time and time again. In a city where one’s ability to swing a sword is their very life, an arm saved is a debt not taken lightly.​

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Operating closer to a guild than a standard cadre, its rare for them to mobilize in large numbers. Usually other groups, including Storied, hire out a Knitter to augment their own forces. Few, if any, in the city have the temerity to mess with the Boneknitters. Partly because they are seen as a necessity but also simply because they are not to be trifled with. Ask the Empire about the 'Painted Ward.'​

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Members:​

• Moina Iasis

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The Storied #4​

[Open]​

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The Storied #5​

[Open]​

Major Landmarks​

Armory Hall​

Located at the heart of the city the ‘Armory’ as it’s typically referred to represents the core of the city’s administration. As the name suggests, it was once home to Crorefell’s arsenal. Thus its design lacks ostentation or ornament. A large chamber sits within where the Steel Rabble holds their assemblies, various cadre liveries can be seen adorning the hall. The rest of the Armory is composed of offices, hosting a majority of the Scriveny.

Ember District​

Vice and debauchery are the core tenants of Corefell’s eastern quarter. Some of South Illica’s most notorious brothels and gambling dens can be found here. Pleasure abounds as coin flows from one hand to the next. A variety of other stalls and obscure merchantry also set up shop in the district. The Storied Emberic Cabal either owns or has an interest in most of the area’s establishments.

The Painted Ward​

Home to the city’s menders, cutters, herbweavers, and everyone otherwise medicinally related. Various clinics and apothecaries can be found in this southern district of Crorefell. The origin of the name is twofold as blood ran red on its walls during the initial defense of the city; both from patients and the Empire’s soldiers. This is where members of the Storied Boneknitters can be found.

Murderer’s Row​

Crorefell has never been famed for smithing but weapons aplenty can always be found. Running from the city’s north gate all the way to the Armory, residents and visitors alike are spoiled for choice. There is no type of blade, bludgeon, or harm-causing tool that cannot be found. You’ll not find named masterworks here but there’s no shortage of honest dependable steel.

History​

• The original moniker was given due to their initial defiance of the Old Empire
• Now it is looked upon with pride. “Better a fool than a coward”
• Crorefell loosely translates to ‘Ten Million Mistakes’