Jarinese Resistance

General Overview

Jara's demise

The Jarinese resistance today exists as a patchwork of groups. Each has established its own means of obtaining the final goal - expulsion of the Ivinians - ranging from murdering of purposed Jarin collaborators such as professed by the Cheyn Mhic Cainte to the mystical summoning of dead Jarin heroes attempted by the Jara's Midwifes. To understand this situation one must be aware of the features of Jarin culture as well as the history of Orbaal during the last hundred years.

Before the first invasions started by Ivinians, Jara consisted of 5 petty kingdoms (One had only recently formed through a marriage alliance and when one ruling clan died without an heir, the other ruled both realms, Abaymyr-Penthiel was destined to be a dominant player in Jara but at the time the Vikings struck, not even a name was chosen for the combined realm.) and several minor holds strewn around the Jahl mountains. For about a hundred years the situation had been stable and there was no threat from either sea or land expected. The Jarin were mostly trading amongst themselves and there was little contact with other people except the tribal people to the south, such as the Anoa. Society was basically still segmentary.

Soon after the first attack of Ivinian raiders in 643 TR, Sherwyn was sacked in 652 by a band of pirates, destined to stay for over 60 years. The Jarinese still did not see what the future held in store for them. Soon after, in 653, a bridgehead was established in Thursa by a Seldenbaal clan which the ruling Telly clan wasn't able to prevent or retake. After four years of bitter struggle the kingdom fell, partly because of lacking aid from the other Jarin kingdoms. The rulers of Susyln, now Mul, immediately swore loyalty, an act still considered vilest treachery by proud Jarin. But an uneasy peace was kept until the fall of 671, when clan Gurtak seized the opportunity of a minor incident to take Susyln. Now Mul, the settlement was one of the latest coastal villages to come under Ivinian government.

In the year Zuden fell, 657, a Menglana clan established a bridgehead when conquering Gythryl, renaming it Pyberg. This bridgehead, established rather late in the year, was used to conquer clan Owell, centered in Pentiel, over the next two years. While the fall of the kingdom proved to be a turning point for the Jarinese resistance, it was to late to have an effect here. In fact, the Ivinians had leisure enough to start squabbling about their newly gained possessions among themselves and the settlements changed hands quite a bit until the Jarin rebellion ended in Asax in 703.

Starting 660, Teryff was conquered and the surrounding countryside scorched by clanless raiders. After continual abuse Fythael finally succumbed in 664, which marked the end of the seemingly endless raids but the start of subjugation. To avoid a similar fate of raids, Vithiel (Utera) and Powythys (Utera) swore fealty, which kept the peace until the early seventies, when more pirates needed a home and seized the land. Two more examples that cooperation with the Vikings can only lead to a bad end, as the resistance groups point out.

The most ferocious action during the founding of the Ivinian position on Hârn took place in Ariel. When Lorkin finally fell it had cost many Ivinian and Jarin lifes and it took 2 years of heavy warfare before the fate of eastern Jara was finally settled.

The heart-land of Jara which was to become the heart-land of the Ivinian kingdom Orbaal as well was first attacked in 663 and after four years of intense struggle, Lethwyn finally surrendered. The Taareskelds immediately started to consolidate their position and their ultimate success lead to the founding of Orbaal in 686 when all was taken. But their rule remains a shaky one to this day.

Starting in summer of 670 another kingdom was taken by an Ivinian campaign that lasted for five years into the summer of 674. First to fall along the Vaagesfjord were Loenel (Thrand). Cythael (Pled) had been in Ivinian hands for three years since 665, but this position was never exploited and Pled was actually retaken for a short period starting in the fall of 668 until the Ivinian offensive began in 670.

The last Jarin kingdom to be conquered by the Ivinian to this day remained Beryd, centered in Arathel. In the year 673 a small fleet lead by clan Tursi took the town without bloodshed. It took two more years before the towns Nemeryn and Teslyn were not only subjugated but also renamed and the local nobility replaced.

Jara's Conscience

Starting with the conquest of the first Jarin kingdom and continuing roughly until the declaration of the Kingdom of Orbaal, refugees were wandering through the mainland and in particular landless nobles were seeking havens in settlements which had not yet been ravaged. Most were vanquished in their own land, but some fled to wait for a better day. These were the seeds from which the Jarin resistance has spawned. Most of the fighting power came from children having escaped the pillaging and raping of their fathers' land. They grew and became leaders of independent war-bands.

Apart from those that were to become part of the rebellion of 701, there were still some who were too young at that age or were unable to partake in the riots for other reasons. These and the few that survived the rebellion are now becoming myths and legends fast. "One day they will rise and shatter the evil empire." Brigit of clan Cysemet is just one example of this legendary transformation happening.

The rebellion of 701 started in Lorkin and quickly spread throughout the country. It was most notorious in eastern Orbaal but western Orbaal was not unscathed. When it finally ended with the Surrender of Lorkin, two major points were proven. One was that the Jarinese will for independence had been a force underestimated by the Ivinians. It came to most as a complete surprise and several Vikings revised their view of the Jarin being a cowardly race. Some even went so far as granting their Jarin subjects more rights in order to lessen chances for a second rebellion. The other point was that the Jarin were unable to organize a rebellion just as they were unable to organize a defense of their kingdoms. Several Vikings were convinced in their view of the Jarins as an inferior people and let them feel it.

While King Alegar used the temporary unification of the Orbaalese petty states to attack Thay and make more ambitious plans, these were not met with success. The remaining time before the second decade of this century saw the Ivinians going back to a state of squabbling among themselves after the serious defeat they met at Cape Renda. While the overlords were not looking, the Jarinese licked their wounds but insurrection quickly seeped into their minds again. They did not gather the strength they had during the turn of the century. Too many men skilled in martial arts had died in the failed attempt.

The last decade has seen the ascension of Alegar II to the throne. This man does not rule his vassals with a strong hand, thus not only did tension among the individual Ivinian states arise but some of the Jarin populace think the time to strike at the disorganized Vikings has come once more. One the other hand, the assimilation of the overlords into the Jarin culture is slowly taking place and the bloodletting twenty years ago still isn't overcome.

At this stage opinions among the Jarin subjects about a rebellion vary considerably. Some would take up arms for a just cause anytime, others would even side with the Ivinians against an uprising destined to fail. These positions can be found even within one family and the remaining three Jarin vassals of King Alegar do not have their minds set up either.

The Jarin Lords

Leriel

Since the foundation of Orbaal, clan Marwyn has been loosely involved in intrigue against the Ivinians. Eamonn, the present prince, is adept at using the smouldering Jarin discontent. Eamonn probably wishes to enlarge his power, possibly with a view of declaring independence from Orbaal, or achieving dominance should a future revolt succeed. He sofar has succeeded in leaving no direct traces of his manipulations with the Ivinians. But neither are the various resistance groups impressed by his actions.

Beknyr, the Leriel Trehaen, tries to mediate between the Lord and the common folk. This extends beyond his task of keeper of traditional law, he keeps contact to all underground organisations. Eamonn, his lord, is trying to exert power through him, but he has resisted these attempts rather sternly. Beknyr himself is trying to unify all resistance movements, as he rightly attributes previous Jarin failures to lack of cooperation. Considering his age of 56, he is beginning to lose confidence that he will ever see the fruits of his schemes.

The prince of Leriel keeps a garrison of approximately 40 yeomen. This garrison consists of nobles from the remaining Jarin realms of Orbaal. Most are uneasy living under the rule of King Alegar but some worries are eased by the fact that Geldeheim is far away. These men, most are younger than 30, keep contact with the Aenghysa and sometimes hot heads give Eamonn Marwyn a hard time explaining away their participation in a raid on an Ivinian caravan or two.

Gwaeryn

Symael Aeryn, the lord of Gwaeryn, is a gentle man of 37, who takes a personal interest in his subjects. On the other hand, he has little respect for Jarin fanatics and believes that the Ivinian overlords will eventually be assimilated into Jarin society. He observes the scheming of his prince with reservations, and thinks they will ultimately avail nothing. Many Jarin self-styled patriots believe Lord Aeryn to be more of a hinderance to freedom than any single Ivinian lord.

The lord keeps 10 men-at-arms in his garrison, which are recruited from the surrounding manors. Most would rather fight against the Ivinians, and are considered young fools by the lord. These men try to keep contact with the Aenghysa but are more afraid of their lord who will quickly turn from gentle to stern whenever he hears about "the brigands which are a plight to ourselves alone".

Pethwys

This isolated holding at lake Jariga is ruled by Felan Weymyss. Weymyss was always the most rebellious clan of the three remaining Jarin houses under King Alegar II. Relations loosened up a bit with the marriage between Mythyl Weymyss and King Alegar II in 712, but were totally destroyed by her sudden death in 719. He blames Bryna Telthaal, Alegars latest wife, and plots revenge. He keeps active contacts to all Jarin underground bands but is well aware, that the organization isn't as good as it needs to be.

Felan Weymyss keeps a garrison of 20 men-at-arms, which are recruited from the surrounding minor holdings. These men keep an uneasy peace with the Ivinian garrison stationed in Pethwys. The atmosphere in this town is tense and a well planned sabotage may cause a premature revolt. Felan keeps his men under the most tight restrictions possible. But many support the Aenghysa and the mountains surrounding Pethwys has a high fatality rating for Ivinian traders, second only to the long road between Lorkin and Pethwys.

Organizations

There are several underground movements which could be styled organizations. Most are short-lived: either the Ivinians crush them, a leader looses his charisma with his people, or they turn to be more brigands than patriots. An example of the latter is Esobran the pirat, haunting the Anoth delta. Very few know that Esobran is a disillusioned Jarin. Only the following groups are detailed, they comprise the four oldest and most populous groups.

Aenghysa

This band is lead by Mikyl of Callyn and located at Gedan north of Lorkin. It of about 10 families and 40 single men. Mikyl's main concerns are keeping the group together while extending his influence. This group is by far the largest and operates everywhere south of the Jahl mountains and along the east coast. It traces its roots to 689 TR, while it has its present form since 712. The Aenghysa is detailed in the Gedan article.

Cheyn Mhic Cainte

The rebels of this band are lead by Kavyn of Baery and collocated with Aenghysa in Gedan. It consists of about 20 men. Kavyn considers his main objective to uphold tension between Jarin subjects and Ivinian overlords. He justly sees the chances of a revolt diminishing as both people blend into a common Orbaalese people. But for the most part Kavyn is just arrogant. The Cheyn Mhic Cainte operate with the Aenghysa, with an additional action on occasion, which requires "truly dedicated" rebels. The group came into existence in the winter of 702. The Cheyn Mhic Cainte is detailed in the Gedan article.

Jara's Midwifes

After the rebellion was crushed Pjagel did not seem to be able to sport another underground for years to come. But the harsh treatment of Jarins by the head of Clan Baelinsen and the rather lax treatment by the neighbouring clans in Wethom and Arathel lead to a group called Jara's Midwifes. They consist of 5 families and some 20 men who have shown their ability to take up arms against their overlords living a semi-nomadic life in the mild slopes of the mountains south of Pjagel.

In 708 the leadership went to Toruss of Bernden, a religiously talented individual. The Ilvirian sect of "The Bearer of the Loam" rejected him, where he wanted to become an acolyte. He still bears a grudge against these self-righteous priests. He became leader of Jara's Midwifes when he seemingly received aid from Ilvir, concealing his comrades from pursuing Vikings. Toruss claims to have had visions of former Jarin heroes, who will all rise together to vanquish the oppressors. Consequently, the group seems to become more of an Ilvirian sect bent on resurrecting long dead heroes, than shrewdly planning a rebellion which would surely need more than this small band as its heroes of past days.

Recently a minor renegade Shek P'var called Seryn Marad has joined the group. Only Toruss himself is aware of this major aid his group has received. It is not yet clear who is using whom in this constellation; Seryn has suggested that some necromantic powers are at his disposal.

Heroic Jara

Feriac of Skily has grouped around him some 2 families and 12 men which stalk Ivinian characters in the vicinity of Zuden. They change their hide-outs at least every year, sometimes every month. The group is rather small and sports a Robin-Hood-style brigandry, ie. they take away from the rich Ivinians and give to the poor Jarin. This has gained them fame and the group has increased by 50% over the last year, including losses.

The Heroic Jara are still considered just a nuissance by the Ivinian rulers although some wilderness-wise Vikings have noticed the increase of the size of the band. Feriac is a charismatic leader with local noble blood, a very proud Jarin, and an attitude of charity.

Feriacs sees his chances as a man stemming from this land and still having noble blood. One "Brigit Cysemet" is in his ranks, still increasing the legitimacy of his band. While the lords of Zuden, Mul, and Thursa are not aware of what is brooding in their neighbourhood, other Jarin have noticed. Some hope Zuden will become a new Lorkin in a few years.

Churches of Ilvir

The church of Ilvir is the main spiritual factor among the Jarin. Not surprisingly, the word of Ilvirian clerics bear much weight. Interestingly, most orders are aloof with respect to Jarinese resistance. This may be seen as appeasement with the powers that be, or as plain indifference to worldly matters. It is probably both, individual preferences notwithstanding.

Order of Chuclean Wheelwright

This order is the only exception in that it has definitely sided with the Jarinese, in particular with the Aenghysa. Tymas of Basuhyl leads 16 clerics in some catacombs of Gedan. He also has contacted the Guild of Arcane lore in Cherafir. For details see the Gedan article.

Order of Sudelrhynn Bearer of the Loam

This order has numerous temples throughout Orbaal, the ones in Leriel, Gwaeryn, and Pethwys being the largest. The temple in Pethwys is the most secretive of these major temples and some would hope for aid from this mystical temple more than the others, in particular Jara's Midwifes and Toryss of Bernden, if he were to put down his resentments against the order.

Llastefan of Trythe is the nearest to a Harnic primate of the Ilvirian church and thus deals more with Harnic politics than the prince of Leriel imagines. On the other hand, Ilvirianism is not centralized at all, so keeping up to date and handling all pilgrims is enough for the old man. He does not worry or care too much about a rebellion and consequently does not worry about his subsidiary temples swaying either way. On the other hand, he is a good friend of the Leriel Trehaen. Aenghysa or other messengers are sometimes seen wearing clerical robes and Llastefan has reluctantly turned a blind eye.

Order of Meryan, The Childlike Wind

This order is centered in Tawheim, where they may work freely. Of all Ilvirian orders, this has the most friendly attitude. It considers Ivashu to be in a childlike, non-fertile state, from which they would emerge, if they would ever become adult. But never has an Ivashu been encountered that could truly be considered "grown up". Thus, especially children are protected by Ilvir until the coming of age.

The church is headed by Semerin of Tawheim and uses the freedom granted by the Ivinian lord quite extensively to further Jarin resistance groups logistically. Envoys of the Aenghysa and Heroic Jara have had meetings under his roof. Semerin is aware of how far he can go with his actions. Interestingly, the local Jarin are not very resistance-friendly due to the freedom their lord grants them.

The Enclave of the Verdant pool is an odd group that considers the actions of Semerin and the Order of the Childlike Wind not enough. It has contacts with Jara's Midwifes (which Semerin doesn't have) and seems to have summoned some feel beast. The Enclave is endangering the friendly relations between Jarin and Vikings in these corners, which is supported by the Aenghysa and the Cheyn Mhic Cainte, but not Semerin. He has not yet found out about the support the Enclave is getting from three sides, or he seriously would try to put an end to these action imperiling his peaceful parish.

Contacts

Most villages have some contact with the resistance one way or the other. The main characters in each Orbaalese holding are described briefly, they could be known to certain members of resistance groups or rumoured to be members by King Alegars Jarin subjects. The Jarin held towns are omitted, contacts with rebels is easily established and little cover is needed. In fact, when the Ivinian garrison is not immediately present, talk is rather open. This is somewhat dangerous to th rebels themselves, Ivinian agents would probably start their infiltration work in these towns.

Annwyn: Jolak of Testyr, a crazy old hermit, keeps the order of Chuchlean Wheelwright and the Aenghysa informed. Associated are 4 brigands, which like to style themselves part of the Jarin resistance and do some odd jobs for Jolak.

Aaldem (Mathwyn): Recently two fruitless attacks were made on Ivinian holds in the vicinity of Aaldem. It is unclear who committed them, put apparently they were not from the region. Duryn Held has contacted friends in Pethwys, who have friends with the Aenghysa to find out, what is going on. He is willing to aid with intelligence, as other locals are to increase the effectiveness of such attacks.

Antir (Symys): The village Trehaen was recently executed for insurrection. This was an apparent political maneuver by a would-be successor of Arlaas Fydael. Coincidently, the Trehaen was a contact to the Heroic Jara. The local Jarin are infuriated but lack a leader. A new Trehaen is soon to be decided upon.

Arathel: This fief sports several contacts to the Jara's Midwifes scattered throughout the island. The main character is Karolyn of Loratoric. The Jara's Midwifes are based on the mainland, but Karolyn has quite a net going on. He considers exploiting it with the Lia Kaviar. He started by yielding shelter to those rebels that came across the sea. Few do, since the Vikings are undisputed masters of the waters. But mist can go a long way to hiding and on an island is the last place the Vikings expect to find rebels.

Geldeheim (Lethwyn): Bontam of Mynja is a pedlar and has a bad reputation among Jarin for trading with the Ivinians. He actually deals with the Aenghysa also. He considers information a commodity to sell but has "special" prices for the rebels from Gedan.

Lorkin: Taumbone of Jamyne lives as a trapper and acts as a spy for the Aenghysa. While he is the only "official" rebel contact, many other Jarin know the general whereabouts of Gedan and that it serves as a base for a group of resistance fighters. In fact, a few Ivinians know as well, but to muster a force to drive them down is not possible due to the presence of Gargun and Anoa.

Marby (Pentiel): Moire L'Seanna is a member of the Aenghysa, trying to destabilize the region through random killings. She presently considers to reduce her contacts to the Cheyn Mhic Cainte only.

Mul (Susyln): The local Trehaen Vunsyl is very suspicious of any Jarin rebels. However, he is a very good friend of Illunys an elderly priest of Ilvir. Illunys lives north of Zuden in apparent isolation since he was forbidden to preach and hold services three years ago. He lives from alms and is the main contact for the Heroic Jara today. Vunsyl values his friendship more than he rejects the resistance.

Noron: Eneyje of Surilye (Sursyl Aeryn) is a former member of the Cheyn Mhic Cainte. He has broken all ties with them and hides here. He still knows about Gedan and the major leaders of the resistance.

Quimen: The holding of the Crimson dancers is devoid of active resistance. Anything remotely resembling a rebel is soon imprisoned, never to be freed. On the other hand, any aid possible is given to foreign agents, mostly from Heroic Jara.

Sherwyn: Hamuss of Theel is actually mostly a member of the Lia-Kaviar and has the opposite career as Esobran. He sees the resistance as a tool to further his own ends but has augmented his ethics with a few rebel characteristics recently.

Tawheim (Merylom): Maryk of Mulit is a rich peasant on a manor a few miles from Tawheim. Known to the Aenghysa, he organizes training camps for young men willing to become rebels. The groups train beyond the mountains. This is a very dangerous occupation and he is a respected man among the Aenghysa, even with the Cheyn Mhic Cainte, but he is very cautious with strangers. His lord, a cousin of Dagaas Zwaiga, seems not to have detected anything yet - he receives a good portion of his income from Induran.

Thoen: There is no active resistance in Thoen. There is neither any passive movement against the invaders. Considering the remoteness and its small size, this is no wonder. There isn't any place to run and hide for freedom fighters. (Or they would have had to be better seamen than the local Vikings.)

Thursa (Clymyn): Induran is a villein in the vicinity of Thursa. He is constantly scheming for its own sake. His ends are unclear and the rebels are just a pawn in his misty visions. Whatever the motifs of this seemingly insane man are, he outwardly behaves as a normal serf. He provides the Heroic Jara with old Ivinian weapons he is able to gather and has given shelter to a few rebels. But he also sells information to the Ivinians and deals in all kinds of intrigues a serf can get involved in.

Vold (Nemeryn): This hold, along with Pjagel, is the favourite ground for Jara's Midwifes rebels. Tynran of Testyn is not a member but serves as information base. Given that Jara's Midwifes do not favor martial activity of late and the investigations from his Ivinian masters have ceased, Tynran considers himself secure. He also deals with some Ivinian smugglers.

Wethom: Lorin of Theel can be considered a member of the Jara's Midwifes, although he gets along with his lord quite well. He wishes that the general Jarin populace has more impact on vital decisions, just as in the "good old days", whether it be under Ivinian or Jarin lords. He discourages most martial actions and inner rebel circles are about to declare him a collaborator.

Zuden (Abaymyr): The local Trehaen Morac of Abaymyr is in contact with Heroic Jara. However, he is very suspicious and will trust almost no-one. He doesn't use his full name in presence of Ivinians. He tries to keep traditional law alive and not upset the overlords. Something that many Trehaens failed in, which is why he reluctantly deals with the Heroic Jara. The Aenghysa would probably have him marked traitor.

Barbarians

Barbarian tribes of the Anoa people are sometimes used as auxiliary troops when attacking caravans by the Aona. Or they are used as scape goats. In fact, the Anoa are not aware of the fact that they represent a pawn in the Jarin struggle for independence. On the other hand, they could care less. Neither Ivinian nor Jarin presence hinders their life along the Anoth river. The occasional caravan or a smaller group of travelers present no threat, only a supplement to their more natural subsistence factors.

The Ymodi range between Wethom and Leriel, and are engaged with Gargun and the Equani. The continual strife for bare survival leaves them little thought for problems of their generally peaceful eastern and western neighbours. But they have been approached by both Ivinian lords, who look for settlers in Morvin bay and allies against the Equani, and by Jarin lords, who promise desperately needed free land and military assistance in exchange for troops in a potential rebellion. Neither offer has been considered seriously yet, although at least the Ivinian offer was made in earnest.

Michael Jung