Careine - Lord Mayor Cowell
Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2022 1:40 pm
Careine, high peaks and small valleys bordering Coeranys and Baruk-Azhik, was already a haven for smugglers and those fleeing persecution (righteous or otherwise) when the Chimaera conquered the realm. The mountains, more fit for dwarfs or orogs than men, allowed many a bandit to set up his own small fief in peace, some even lasting if they made certain to keep their plunders limited, so they were not worth the hassle of being chased down.
It was tried when the Chimaera came too but hiding from a large flying monster capable of magic of a power rarely seen turned out to be far harder than hiding from a sheriff who did not really want to be up in the mountains. The bandits who were willing to fight for their independence mostly died or were used in experiments. Or eaten.
Those who were less willing to fight, ended up following. Lord Mayor Cowell was probably not the first, but he must have made an impression on Lady Danita Kusor somehow - as she actually learned his name, and that he ruled Careine in her name. This turned out to be a problem for his successors....
When Lord Mayor Cowell´s reign was ended in the traditional fashion, by getting stabbed, his wouldbe successor, flush with victory, attended a meeting of the council of leaders, one that the Chimaera herself attended to deliver instructions and as she heard his name she immediately slew him for lying to her. She knew that the one ruling Careine in her name was named Cowell. This was not understood at the time, but it happened again, years later, with a new leader of Careine, and she spoke at length about it to the then council (In truth, more furious ravings, but none there would dare call it anything but eloquent speech).
The next meeting, Careine was represented by Lord Mayor Cowell (II). While Lady Danita Kusor have appeared only rarely, it seems she has no recollection of his appearance, only his name, and this fiction was accepted without comment or reaction. Since, all rulers in Careine have called themselves Lord Cowell when taking over.
Many years have passed, and the current Lord Mayor Cowell (VI), having recently taken over after his predecessor accidentally stabbed himself multiple times in the back (extensive investigations found no foul play) appear to have learned caution from earlier examples, and are both quite friendly, and has a fierce bodyguard that follows him everywhere.
In the main, he seems quite happy taxing smugglers and lording over the small mountain villages.
It was tried when the Chimaera came too but hiding from a large flying monster capable of magic of a power rarely seen turned out to be far harder than hiding from a sheriff who did not really want to be up in the mountains. The bandits who were willing to fight for their independence mostly died or were used in experiments. Or eaten.
Those who were less willing to fight, ended up following. Lord Mayor Cowell was probably not the first, but he must have made an impression on Lady Danita Kusor somehow - as she actually learned his name, and that he ruled Careine in her name. This turned out to be a problem for his successors....
When Lord Mayor Cowell´s reign was ended in the traditional fashion, by getting stabbed, his wouldbe successor, flush with victory, attended a meeting of the council of leaders, one that the Chimaera herself attended to deliver instructions and as she heard his name she immediately slew him for lying to her. She knew that the one ruling Careine in her name was named Cowell. This was not understood at the time, but it happened again, years later, with a new leader of Careine, and she spoke at length about it to the then council (In truth, more furious ravings, but none there would dare call it anything but eloquent speech).
The next meeting, Careine was represented by Lord Mayor Cowell (II). While Lady Danita Kusor have appeared only rarely, it seems she has no recollection of his appearance, only his name, and this fiction was accepted without comment or reaction. Since, all rulers in Careine have called themselves Lord Cowell when taking over.
Many years have passed, and the current Lord Mayor Cowell (VI), having recently taken over after his predecessor accidentally stabbed himself multiple times in the back (extensive investigations found no foul play) appear to have learned caution from earlier examples, and are both quite friendly, and has a fierce bodyguard that follows him everywhere.
In the main, he seems quite happy taxing smugglers and lording over the small mountain villages.