The City of Order

Ruler: High Administrator Omin

Crannoth is a city of rules, much like Eden-On-The-Rocks. But as well as rules, Crannoth is a city of forms, passes, ledgers, records and regulations. And of course, fees. It is said that to die in Crannoth without first filling in an application for death is difficult, to do it without paying a levy is impossible.

Crannoth itself, much like the volumes of regulations that govern it, started small. It is said that a small settlement was established, guarding the way into the gorgelands which, at the time, were untamed and wild. The settlement was manned by noble and pure followers of Collanus who guarded the way in exchange for nothing but the good will and occasional charity of travelers. But goodwill and charity did not fill empty bellies and one knight began to secretly offer passage in exchange for gold. Laul, lord of conspiracies and secrets, was instantly enamoured. He assisted the knight in his schemes, blessing him with his dark power and fanning his desires, driving him to greater evils. Laul did not count on the susceptibility of men however.

All of the knights quickly become wrapped in the webs of the first knight and constructed a great gate. As the only safe way into the Gorgelands, the knights and those who followed them became rich. The allure of gold and Laul’s dark power convinced them to establish a greater settlement. And with larger size came more people seeking fortune. And with more people came a greater opportunity for betrayal. The knights, old now, crafted a set of rules and regulations for their new city that they might control it and squeeze every last coin from it. Laul’s blessing was in full effect now and the city (for that was it had become) began to turn in on itself.

It would have done so had Ariante and Antallia not passed by. Ariante blessed the city with peace, that its now hopelessly expanding rules and paranoia might be less harmful. And Antallia blessed them with merriment that the city might not turn in on itself and become a black fortress to greed both inside as well as out. The city saved from itself for the moment, it now continues to expand year after year, its numerous tomes of rules ever expanding and the great, stone warren that surrounds that first gate expanding up and out.

Crannoth is an enormous beast of a city, easily one of the largest on Ianis. It acts as a hub between Cantillia and the Gorgelands and is home to some of the finest markets squares in the south. And Crannoth collects a levy from every one. Crannoths main source of income is from the hundreds of tolls and levys and forms it requires to not only conduct business within, but to even pass through the gate to the Gorgelands or Cantillia. Crannoth is viewed as a horrifying necessity, its troops maintaining a strong border against the more fearsome elements of the Gorgelands, but its incredible taxes being nothing but a burden.

Crannoth is also home to possibly the most extravagant festivals in Cantallia with a portion of Crannoths overall budget portioned to lavish festivals. The precise reason for these is unclear, however the 26th volume of laws dictates it must be so.

With a bizzare, frightening comprehension of all 4,572 volumes of laws in Crannoth, High Administrator Omin is the perfect man to run Crannoth. Omin is not a powerful leader, or even a strong man. He does however have an intimate knowledge of the laws of Crannoth and beyond and more than one political opponent has found themselves on the bad end of a Class 46-A-F form in triplicate. Omin sees the entirety of Cantillia as a delicate organism that must be maintained and will do all he can to ensure its smooth operation. Softly-spoken, but wielding great influence, Omin is a gentle, guiding hand in Cantillia.

Art by Jon Pintar
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