OF MISTVALE
Some 70 years ago, Mistvale was attacked by Caldaron. For Caldaron, it was a holy war against witches, warlocks and sorcery, with many hidden opportunities. For Mistvale, it was war against their way of life. Caldaron easily annexed the surrounding baronies, some even without a sword drawn. Then, they laid siege at Mistvale city gates. As stones shattered the walls and buildings, so did the political will and spirit break. Just when everything seemed lost, and the gates were opened for the invaders, Harold a commander of Mistvale’s 7th Red garrison raised his spear in defiance and everyone followed. Soldiers, merchants, and peasants all fought their invaders. Mistvale lost the war but won one battle, a battle that allowed them to keep their city.
Mistvale lost the war, devolving from a country made out of several baronies to a city-state. The city is still trying to find its proper footing and to establish order. There are many small-time criminal groups, cults and various political fractions trying to shape the city in their image.
But so far Mistvale has managed to turn all of these things to its strength. As a city-state Mistvale is rather wealthy and is using its coin wisely in attracting foreigners and improving the lives of locals. The concept of free-thinking and open exchange of ideas has attracted many scholars and inventors to Mistvale, making it years, if not decades, ahead of other nations in experimental technology and alchemy. The racial and cultural liberties have also created an echo, with both good and bad vibrations. This led to the creation of various gangs, guilds, and cults but also the first place on a continent where everyone is welcome and all can learn from one another.
NOTABLE FACTIONS:
The Arcane Brotherhood
A group of people, mostly mages, providing teaching and control over magic and all things arcane. Recently, they have also expanded themselves to provide militaristic and city security assistance.
The Rats
The biggest criminal gang in the city. The rats had a noble origin, helping the city during the Caldaron siege by smuggling food, medicine, and weapons under the noses of the invaders. They mark themselves with rat-like symbols, tattoos, body modifications, charms, and trinkets. Their criminal activities range from petty cutpurse thefts to sophisticated political blackmails.
The Apothecary Society
It started as a program at the university, now the Society is a guild that has members all over the world. Their dedication is the research of all kinds, mainly alchemy. They have solved many problems in Mistvale, from early signs of post-war-plague to growing more crops every year. This has attracted funding from political circles as well, and gave The Apothecary Society power to expand their influence.
The Ruling council
Mistvale has a king, King Harold. The name and the title is passed down from father to son, ever since commander Harold rallied last of Mistvale's troops and its free people and stopped Caldaron at the city gates.
The King has the power to overthrow any ruling or decision of a governing city council but he doesn’t take active leadership.
This lies in the hands of Zirs and Zylas, the most influential lords and ladies in the city. Currently, there are four Zirs and two Zylas that take active leadership roles. This title can be granted to or taken from any noble in the city by a council vote or by the King’s decision.
A land made up of valleys, hills, and forests. Perpetually shrouded in mist.
Many think of Mistvale weak for letting a much younger country (Caldaron) divide its baronies. Many think it lacking for not having long-standing traditions and clans. Many think of it as chaotic for being liberal and a home for all. And in a way, it is all true.
BEYOND THE MIST
ILLIRIEN
Illirien is all about the trade. Wealthy merchant families and clans rule the cities. They are at constant war with each other, forming alliances and betraying one another is the game they all play. Most of the time it’s for profit, other times for some idealistic or entirely personal reasons.
Illirien is still a lawful country, ruled by a political council of 7 members, governors of major cities. Of course, these people have close ties with powerful merchant families, often coming from them. These politicians pass laws, keep the peace and try to lead the country to a better future. Slavery is illegal, as are most drugs and even some weapons. This doesn’t stop unlawful trade or its usage. Dozens of islands are used just for those purposes.
Religion is an off thought in Illirien with an exception to the wind goddess, the tide herself, Lunna. In olden times when the elves ruled all, Lunna was revered as a moon spirit, centuries later she is worshiped as a goddess.
West of Mistvale is Illirien. A country with the longest shore, cutting into two seas, and a cluster of countless islands. It is home to merchants, pirates, travelers, exotic cultures and people, powerful clans and most conniving and clever criminals in the world.
RHU
North of Mistvale is Rhu. To commoners of all other nations, Rhu must seem as the most alien and terrible country to live in. It’s deadly cold, organized religion is outlawed, slavery is a social standard and, not to mention, pricey. Still, Rhuans wouldn’t have it any other way.
CALDARON
Rhuan wealth standard is double that of Mistvale and most other countries, with the quality to match. Weapons and armors are masterfully crafted, clothing is resistant, intricate and made to last. Their domesticated beasts of burden, grukots, are worth 4 horses anywhere in the world. What troubles Rhu is a lack of food and it’s diversity, and Rhuan neighbors know this. Rhuans pay a lot of coins for foreign fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Personal wealth is very important in Rhu. It’s the quickest way to a high social standard. The northerners wear their most expensive clothes and jewels on most common days, just to set themselves apart from the lower class.
Many families sell their youngest members into slavery just so they could raise themselves a notch or two in the eyes of others or gather initial funds to start a business. It may sound terrible and vain but the reasoning is much deeper. With high social standing comes greater social responsibility, and Rhuans are not selfish in times of war and need. Wealthy citizens are expected to arm the soldiers, feed the poor and invest in construction and trade.
Many think Rhu a godless matriarchy. Rhuans believe they have freed themselves from gods and afterlife. In place of religion, they have three revered castes that offer physical, creative and intellectual challenges to their people. Top members of these castes are heroes and inspiration in the eyes of most Rhuans.
Rhu has been ruled by Queens for the past few centuries but it is not a rule. Call it a strange string of events but Rhuan kings have rarely lived long enough to establish a name for themselves for the past several generations. First Rhuan queen that out shined her king was Lady Eira, who outlawed church of the Holy Mother, almost a millennia ago.
After Rhu outlawed religion, pious folk left the country. They followed the river Spine south and eventually settled in the windy hills east of Mistvale. There, with the local tribes, they started building larger settlements that grew into towns and later on, in metropolitan, knightly cities.
Caldaron’s know history is just under 500 years old but for that time they’ve built roads, castles, and cathedrals, other countries can only be envious of.
People of Caldaron are hardy, god-fearing, hard-working folk. They possess the most advanced military and they utilize it to challenge their neighbors and better the standing of their nation.
The discipline and order of Caldaron is currently their strength and weakness. It keeps their streets clean from filth and crime but also leaves their impressive roads barely traveled. The nation is seen as too xenophobic, too strict to welcome foreign merchants and visitors. While the country can sustain itself, the commoners are becoming restless and weary of the constant watchful eyes of the law and the church.
BEHIND THE SCREEN
If I’m not mistaken, the first ideas of Mistvale were created in 2009, as a game setting for my tabletop RPG group. We played countless adventures there and some I even published as adventure modules. You can find them on my Gumroad page!
Since then, I’ve worked on it bit by bit. Naturally, it went through many stages. In the beginning, the basic concept was a low fantasy setting with dark scientific elements. Later on, it was more of a gothic fantasy. Now, it’s a home away from home, and as my taste for fantasy has changed, so has Mistvale.
The latest version of Mistvale was born out of two things. The Night Company, and a 1 on 1 dnd game I ran for my partner, Nina. The character Francis (who will appear in the comic) is Nina's character in the game, and the first explorer of my erotic fueled fantasy adventures. The Night Company was a group that would often help Francis in his quests and other way around. If it wasn’t for Francis and stories Nina and I created, The Night Company wouldn’t exist.
Welcome to The Nigh Company! A fantasy adventure comic.
