Appalachian Alliance

Domain Summary

From legitimate mining, crafting, and construction businesses in Appalachia proper, to shady criminal dealings of the Second City, the Appalachian Alliance is a domain founded on the entrepreneurial spirit. Pursuing their ideals of industrialism and criminal enterprise has led to the Appalachian Alliance becoming one of the wealthiest and most prosperous domains in Dischordia, recognized even by High King Balor in naming them the Imperial Treasury.

Dominant Races

Fae, Vampires, Wraiths, few Shifters and Mages

Domain Advantages

Emerald City - Devil Anse Hatfield maintains one of the most profitable and important businesses of mining for minerals that store magical energy. Those who work for Devil Anse find that they have access to the kingdom's wealth of raw materials. Characters who choose this advantage begin the game with the Hoard background at 5.

Imperial Treasury - The machinations of the Boggan Princess, Alice Hatfield (MacGregor), earned her the title of Imperial Treasurer. Appalachia itself gained considerable wealth as a result, which it reinvests in the business ventures of its various nobles. Characters who choose this advantage gain the Resources background at 5.

Second City - A haven for organized crime, the Second City boasts a truly impressive criminal underworld network, unmatched by any other domain in Dischordia. Those in service to one of the Second City’s crime bosses find the seedy underbelly of crime open to them. Characters who choose this advantage begin the game with Larcenous influence at 5, which may be in any Dischordian domain (chosen at character creation)

Domain Disadvantage

Light Sensitive 5 Point Flaw - Be it from spending too much time in the Emerald City mines, or the gritty underworld of the Second City, all nobles of the Appalachian Alliance develop a particular sensitivity to light. Even the faint light given off by the black sun is overwhelming to them and enough to trigger their sensitivity. Each member of Appalachia begins the game with the 5 point Light Sensitive flaw

Politics & NPCs

Prior to the Court of Empires, the Hatfields were the undisputed lords of Appalachia. After the War of Aether left Devil Anse Hatfield severely injured, Syler Veselov, the last McCoy, saw an opportunity to seize power from the rival Hatfields. Though his coup was bloodless, with Devil Anse allowing Syler to take the Domain Lord seat, not all of Devil Anse’s followers have accepted the transition willingly. Following Sylar's assassination during a brief war with Imperial Bermuda, Devil Anse Hatfield has reclaimed his seat as Domain Lord.

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Allies

Bermuda, Wolves of the North

Enemies

Empyrean Dysambigua, Sultanate of Glass

Kingdom Views

Appalachia’s my land, its people my family. We keep well enough to ourselves, but you mean to interfere in our business, or do harm to my family, we will rain hell upon you ‘till our last breath. I will not give one more drop of this family’s blood or one more ounce of our gold from our mountains. - ‘Devil Anse’ Hatfield

Dischordia

Bermuda - Appalacha has had a complicated relationship with Aranta-Shadur, Archive, and the Devil's Triangle. They have, at times, been our staunchest allies and most troublesome enemies. The Winters-Rose have been loyal friends throughout, and with their rise as the new ruling family, our domains are allied once again. - Alice Hatfield

Empyrean Dysambigua - They got theyselves all up in arms again’ us, but Bistri an’ his ilk ain’t got no idea whats ‘at mean. Hatfields an’ McCoys been feudin’ fer generations. Famous fer killin’ t’other. Wrongs compoundin’ wrongs, ‘till both sides git filled with the righteous spirit o’ war. It’s in the blood o’ th’ Appalachian people, an’ they ain’t prepared fer what’s in store fer ‘em if I catch ‘em in my crosshairs. An’ wut a stupid name. - ‘Cap’ Hatfield

Imperials - Devil Anse rode alongside Balor as his squire, and the High King will know no more loyal vassals than the Hatfields and Appalachia. None understand the coming Winter better than a Redcap, and his vassals. - Alice Hatfield

Ordo Trismegistus - As a domain that has built itself on a foundation of arcane pursuits, the Ordo is always in need of magical components... which the mines of Appalachia are always more than happy to provide at a fair and reasonable price. - Alice Hatfield

Sultanate of Glass - The blades they bring to bear in combating the darkness are formidable weapons. The smiths of Appalachia would pay handsomely for the secret to crafting such weapons, but the Riders of the Wind refuse to negotiate. - Alice Hatfield

Wolves of the North - At one time, our two domains could have easily become enemies. Despite our differences, we were united by common purpose against threats, both internal and external. Now, our smiths provide them blades, and they provide Appalachia with materials of bygone origin. - Valravn of Ravensholt

Other Kingdoms

Aether - The threat of Endless Winter pales in comparison to the dangers of the Abyss. Winter giving way to spring and summer, a return of the cycle of balance, is our only hope for the future of Dreams. - Syler Veselov

Avalon - Ain’ nothin’ worse than a Sidhe, ‘cept a Sidhe who thinks he’s better’n all t'other Sidhe. House Danann fancies 'emselves ruler of the Sidhe, but th’ gates of Arcadia fell ‘fore us, an’ we laid it t’ waste. It won't be long afore he gets hisself in a tizzy an’ comes a callin’ on Dischordia for revenge. - Devil Anse

Aztlan - We protect our own, treat ‘em like family. Them south o’ th’ border cut out th’ hearts o’ their own people. They hold a grudge ag’inst Pascal of Empyrean, but th’ enemy o’ my enemy most definitely ain’t my friend. We took one o’ their cities a while back, Juarez, stripped it bare. I reckon they might be lookin’ fer payback. - ‘Cap’ Hatfield

Diamond Congo - The wealth of raw materials they possess - both in gems and lumber - interests us. Rumors that their gems are cursed just means we shouldn’t use them ourselves, but doesn’t change the value they may represent to others... - Alice Hatfield

German Free States - Them free states may not seem like much now, but Dischordia started th’ same way a few hundred years ago, an’ now th’ most powerful empire. Keep a watch on them fellas... ‘Devil Anse’

Iron Lotus - Them bastards callin’ ‘emselves thieves, an’ sayin’ magic needs t’ be released an’ not trapped in items o’ power. Sayin’ it’s necessary t’ spin some fuckin’ wheel an’ shit. What a load o’ horseshit. They ain’t got th’ first clue ‘bout winter. Worse‘n Empyrean Dysambigua, them fellas.

Jade Empire - The first Voice of Balor brought our two kingdoms together as unlikely allies, and enforced the importance of etiquette among our courts. His influence has shaped Dischordia more than some would care to admit, and, in recognition of that impact, we respect the alliance he forged. - Alice Hatfield

Jukurrpa - All ‘at growth, an’ no industry to log it, an’ I reckon some mighty fine ore t’ be found ‘round them parts. It’d be mighty profitable fer Appalachia if’n we could get us’selves ahold of it. Don’t care much ‘bout th’ land, but th’ industry rights an’ some workers... - ‘Devil Anse’ Hatfield

Stygian Alliance - Lazarus done built his kingdom on th’ house an’ legacy of a dead god, an’ rode that horse all th’ way t’ becoming a god hisself. Ain’t that just beat all... All manner o’ gods come back this age, an’ he done bought into his own hype. But when th’ age turns ag’in, ain’t no speck o’ belief in that god gonna survive. - ‘Devil Anse’ Hatfield

Ukhu Amarumaya - There’s profit t’be had, from them mighty fine mines and forests down yonder... but’n we’d have t’ deal with ‘em savages what don’t deal in money, an’ they don’t seem t’ like Dischordia much right now. ‘Cap’ Hatfield

Vechnyy Uzhas - The Nightmare Lands have a long and sordid history with Dischordia, as does their lord, Rasputin. Only time will tell what opportunities they will present to us - Alice Hatfield

Historical Information

When Balor returned from the Dreaming, at the time a mere Knight, Devil Anse Hatfield rode beside him as his Squire. With his return, Devil Anse was able to see his vision to fruition. Unimpeded by the McCoys, he reclaimed his mountains, which he knew better than any living soul.

During the Founders Era, the Hatfields remained Balor’s staunchest allies. Alice MacGregor, Appalachia’s most prominent noble, elevated the domain to dominate the courts. With her leadership, and the King's backing, Appalachia became a political powerhouse.

Second City Joins Appalachia

Nobles of the Second City worked to establish a cross-continental railroad. They planned to use it as a means to spread their criminal empire into every domain in the kingdom. Yet others saw far more business potential in their plan.

Plague of Nightmares

An enemy, the Crimson Weaver, spread a plague of nightmares throughout Dischordia. The domains of Dischordia came together to combat this powerful threat.

The War of Nightmares

Four Dischordian armies, each led by one of Balor's lords, marched against the Nightmare Lands of Greenland. They were met on the field of battle by Aitu, the Crimson Weaver, and his own cadre of generals.

When the call to war went out, Odin awoke from the Odinsleep, and the Wolves of the North fell in line. They had waited long enough, and were eager for battle against their enemies. They marched to battle in silent unison, with crows devouring all in their wake. The Wolves faced the armies of Sargon of Akkad. As Odin and Sargon fought, each shrugged off blows that could shatter mountains. Yet Odin's soldiers lacked his godlike resilience. When he led them into the thick of battle, many of his men fell in the assault.

Lord Devil Anse Hatfield of Appalachia, faced the spectral Queen Amytis. Even the the Spectre's corpus was no match for the Redcap's jaws. One taste was all he needed, and Devil Anse would sniff her out from across the battlefield. His relentless pursuit exhausted even the rage of the Spectre of Despair, until she fell to his teeth.

Bartholomew Roberts, Warlord of Bermuda and Aranta-Shadur, inspired his soldiers into battle. He, the Herald of Poseidon faced Mangora, the Drowned Mage of Mu. Bart's armies appeared from the shadows, and the oceans themselves fought at his side. Nothing slowed the archmage. Mangora's wounds healed faster than Bart could inflicted them. Reality twisted at Mangora's whim. Raw magical power overwhelmed the Bermudan lord, encasing him in an metallic prison.

The countryside was alternately incinerated and frozen with magic. The Praenomen, mysterious domain lord of Archive, faced Shokar, the Immolator of Pompeii. The Praenomen, the most magically adept of Balor's generals, called ice down upon his foe. Shokar summoned the fires of his own rage. The magics they wielded destroyed swaths of the battlefield, and armies with it. Neither could best the other. Yet, Shokar surrendered, hoping the Praenomen's icy magic could cool his tormenting flames. Shokar was returned to Dischordia in cold iron chains.

Dischordia had defeated the Crimson Weaver, and his generals had fallen or fled. The Dischordian armies returned to their kingdom, bloody but victorious. They knew, however, that they could not defeat the nightmares forever. They would thrive in this era of fear and darkness, and Dischordia could only weather the storm.

Archive Joins Appalachia

The harsh and forbidding nature of life in the mountains attracted few nobles to the Archive. Despite their many allies, the domain could not sustain on its own. Both Appalachia and the New Faith approached their allies with invitations to merge. The Praenomen, opened negotiations with Radu Bistri of the New Faith. After weeks of deliberation, the Archive agreed to join under the New Faith's banner. Yet, when it came time to sign the agreement, the Praenomen snubbed the New Faith.

Surveyor's Court

During the Surveyor’s Court, Appalachia conquered very little territory. They focused inward, and relied on the reputation of their predecessors. Yet they lost much of the courtly favor they had accumulated during the Founder's Era. Many of their courtiers lacked the political finesse of their predecessors. They provoked war over minor disagreements, and offended enemies and strained alliances.

Appalachia Claims Juarez

Existing hostilities with Aztlan were further provoked during the Surveyor's Court. Appalachian seized the city of Juarez, not knowing that it belonged to Xibalba. Their nobles took the city by force, killing thousands. They seized a Node powered by the hearts and blood of Xibalban citizens. In doing so, they severed the flow of sacrificial power to Xipe Totec, one of Aztlan's Death Gods. Though weakened by these defeats, Aztlan remained quite dangerous. They were more certain than ever that Balor and his kingdom were their enemy.

Archive's Coup

Growing unrest among the Archive’s nobles, and waning faith in the Praenomen, culminated in a coup. At the end of the surveyor's era, nobles of Archive and the Devil's Triangle conspired in rebellion. Calamity of Archive and Doc of Casablanca, ambushed and killed the Praenomen. Taking the mask that held his power and his soul, they shattered it. Calamity gifted the broken mask to Radu Bistri, to end the hostility between the two domains.

War of Aether

When the Kingdom of Aether attacked, many battles took place upon Appalachia's doorstep. Countless Fae were unwoven by abyssal banality during the siege of the Emerald City. It was in this battle that Devil Anse Hatfield lost his jaw while attempting to devour Nul's general. The Imperial Smith replaced it with a new jaw crafted of cold iron, the Aether showed that none were safe.

Hatfields & McCoys

During the early months of the Court of Empires, Appalachia's representation dwindled. Many wondered what had befallen the once-great domain. Some sized it up for conquest, as Appalachia themselves had done in years past.

The Real McCoy

Persistent disagreements between nobles aggravated tensions between Appalachia and Bermuda. The final straw took place when Conchobhra Mac Carthaigh summoned help from beyond. He struck a deal with Nul which would have threatened Bermudan territory. In response to this, Bermuda declared war on Appalachia. Within minutes, Doc had slain their domain lord, Syler Veselov, and declared the war concluded. In the aftermath, Devil Anse Hatfield reclaimed the Domain Lord's seat of Appalachia. Each side considered the other's debts repaid.

War of Maelstrom's Rebuke

During the Court of Empires, diplomatic relations between Dischordia and Lazarus' Kingdom failed. Dischordian nobles learned of a dark ritual planned by the Prince Alyosha Buljiev. In response, Dischordia launched a coordinated attack on Buljiev's domain of Carpathia. Their attack, seen by Lazarus' Empire as unprovoked, precipitated the conflict. The hostility between the two kingdoms erupted into the War of Maelstrom's Rebuke.

Reclaiming of Juarez

When Lazarus declared war on Dischordia, Aztlan saw their chance to strike. Their city of Juarez, taken by Appalachia during the Surveyor’s Court, was not guarded. Appalachia cared little for the city, and had already stripped anything of value from it. With their enemy distracted, Aztlan attacked and reclaimed it. One of Appalachia's nobles, Conchobhra Mac Carthaigh, retaliated.

The Sublime Cataclysm

The tides of the war began to turn to their enemy’s favor. The Dischordian lords of prepared a spectacular attack to bring a swift end to the conflict. Sultan Suleiman, a master of spirit magic, led the largest ritual the kingdom had ever seen. New Faith ritualists, students of the Arcane Academy, and a million occultists gathered from all domains aided him. The sky itself bled with the power they summoned. Chunks torn from the spirit realms themselves bombarded Lazarus’ Empire. As each realm struck, it laid waste to thousands of miles of Lazarus' territory. Millions perished in an instant, as the realms destroyed immense swaths of land.

Treaty of Maelstrom's Rebuke

The war ended one year, to the day, after the events which marked its beginning. Delegates from Dischordia and Lazarus met to solidify a treaty and bring the war to a close. Every kingdom sent diplomats to witness the signing, but each had ulterior motives. Each hoped to see their kingdom's goals reflected in the final document. The Treaty detailed terms of ceasefire, such as returning prisoners and withdrawing troops. Yet it also contained several initiatives which advanced specific agendas.