History of Vesper and Other Information (20th August 2002) 
           by Angelus Moon 

Vesper has its origins as a small shipping port, established shortly after the Cataclysm following the fall of Fawn, and over time, gradually proved to be one of the most innovative and crucial centres for exploration in the whole of Britannia. It was the Vesperians who rediscovered the lost Moon Isle’s order of Magi, and it was the Vesperians who first made contact with the settlers on the rich isle of Magnicia. Since its very beginnings, the township of Vesper has been associated with the shipping industry... and a desire for profits, it would seem as well. 

Vesper’s progress was not easy, and it has seen its fair share of hardships, especially in the early days of its origins. The hoardes lead by the Ogre Yavituck and the ensuing earthquakes and floods that lead to the temporary abandonment of the City centre proved a difficult start for the fair-skinned folk who settled there. Fortune smiled upon them when Mount Kendall in neighbouring Minoc erupted, leading to the formation of the fertile river-deltas which are now the primary foundations of the city. Undeterred, and perhaps made more ruthless and vigorous by the adversity placed before them, the Vesperians quickly took to becoming artisans and merchants, and newly renewed, the merchants rapidly set about founding the ultimate maritime trading power throughout Britannia. Acquiring vast profits, as well as a reputation as shrewd and amoral traders, the ‘Ministry of Merchantiles’ which reigned in Vesper prospered for some years, until Magincia closed its borders to all realms. Dependent on the commodities of others, Vesper now faced a period of political upheaval unparalleled in most other cities in Britannia. The election of Justicar Tarsen of the Ministry of Merchantiles greatly suppressed these uprisings, so great was his victory that he eventually brought about the first coinage used in Britannia. Facing another war from outside its borders, much of Vesper’s monies were depleted, and as such they were powerless to prevent Minoc from falling under loyalist jurisdiction. Subsequently, and unsurprisingly, the then Justicar of Vesper, Hellios, rejected the ‘Treaty of Unification’ offered by Lord British. 

Since then, Vesper has been beset upon more than once. In the period of turmoil following Lord British’s departure and prior to the birth of the new regency, Xel’Naga, a court noble, set about reclaiming Vesper in it’s weakened state. This act spawned the Crown of Thorns wars; a vicious, brutal conflict for independence and supremacy. Shortly after that, the War of the Barbed Leash was brought about by a group of Cultists, the Outcasts of Eldamar, and a dangerous force of Drow known only in Vesper as ‘the Brotherhood’. After a brief period of occupancy in the Southern Islands, the Drow and Cultists were eventually ejected. During the aftermath that followed, a small tribe of Orcs, known as the Clobb’d t’Death tribe, continued to harass Vesperian shores, as well as pirate guilds hailing from Buccaneer’s Den and several other forces of Drow. 

In the present days, Vesper appears to the casual onlooker to be much the same as it always has. The picturesque small islands of the river delta and simple wooden bridges support one of the most successful trade spots in the lands (barring Britain), acquiring an influx of goods from both overland Minoc and Cove, and overseas from the major islands. Because of the multitude of trade routes, the citizenry of Vesper has become multicultural and multiracial, and as such Vesper readily accepts most races – or at least those that will not disturb the hive of trade and services that Vesper depends upon. The city streets bustle with the exchange of goods and services, some of which are more moral than others. People say that ‘anything that can be bought, can be bought in Vesper… for a price.’ 

On closer inspection, the artistic frippery and mindless frivolity that were once Vesper’s trademarks have been replaced with the air of rebellion. It seems that ever since the eruption of Kendall, the Vesperian culture has harboured a great resistance to authority, and this rebellious streak has only grown stronger as time has progressed. Vesper has become a haven for dissidents and freedom fighters, criminals and pirates, ruthless opportunists and, on occasion, intellectuals and free thinkers contemptuous of ‘noble’ authority. It is this rebellious stance that has brought Vesper into contact with the Loyalist forces, especially those of Trinsic, more than once, and this situation persists even now. Rumours are abound of a group of woodsmen bandits who plague wealthy passers-by for gold, and of criminal groups and cultists sheltering in the city since the time of the ‘Burning of the Harvest’. 

Characteristics of Populace – 
Being one of the two townships (along with Britain) that are readily accepting of people regardless of race or status (with the notable exception of the Drow), Vesperians are quite varied in terms of characteristics and culture. However, all of them tend to harbour a wild, radical streak, with a lack of respect for authority figures. Firebrands, agitators and liberal revolutionaries all seem to work their way towards Vesper, though seldom do they appear to be outright anarchists (who feel more at home in Buccaneer’s Den). Typically though, we can also see traits such as pragmatism, rigorous determination and a need to be active amongst the peoples that litter the streets. The native persons, and the ones from which the culture is primarily composed from, are fair of skin, with typically brown/blond hair. The current trend is to appear unshaven and slightly unkempt, with ill matching clothes which are often of maroon/red hues and creams. 

Stereotypes – 
Trinsicians regard Vesperians as uncouth, dishonourable and stupid (largely due to the blunderings of the local Baron and his brother, the Twothumbs). Moonglow citizens tend to find them wild, too roguish and lacking any true moral/ethical/spiritual guidance. 

Guilds in locality – 
The Vesper Militia, established by Justicar Sagonari under considerable pressure from the Ministry of Merchantiles shortly after the rise of the ‘Loyalists’, have gradually suppressed and taken over the Merchant guilds that had previously enjoyed unquestioned authority of the area. The Militia have their origins in the battles with Yavituck and his successor Brou Nath Ka, which lead to the infamous ‘Glittering River War’, but it was under the Leadership of Falconer that the Militia became a force of rabble-rousers that opposed the so-called ‘tyranny of the acting Regent.’ The Barbed Leash wars and the aftermath that followed weakened the Militia considerably, however, under the newly appointed Barony of Kain Twothumb and Tancred, the Militia became strong enough to fend off the ‘Severed Heads Orcs’, a more numerous and successful tribe than the others, and the dark clad Judges. At present, Vesper is united with the Kaldorans and, strangely enough, the forces of Kha, their long-time enemies of the Crown of Thorns days, the various factions rallied together under the banner of freedom. The ‘City State of Vesper’, as Baron Kain Twothumb dubiously refers to it, is at present isolating itself to deal with the vast increase in criminal activity. 

Vesper is also home to an order of monastic Templar Knights who come from lands afar, and a group of intellectuals, whose exact purpose is unknown. Criminal elements are said to be taking rise in the city, but the exact names and location of the guilds are, as yet, unconfirmed. 

Affinity with – 
Minoc and Nujel’m are traditionally closely tied with Vesperian interests (though relations have diminished recently, see Nujel’m). The City State tends to clash with those Cities with a strong Loyalist presence, most notably Trinsic and Britain. 

Climate and temperature – 
Cool, sea breezes and temperate climate. No single culture prevails here, so people from all races and origins have shaped the culture. 

Appearance – 
Attractive, located on the eastern coasts, dozens of small islands in the river delta entertwined by wooden bridges. While picturesque, many visitors from other communities find the culture both vulgar and lacking substance. Various buildings around the place bear tell-tale scorch mark signs, especially the Counsellors Guild Hall, a legacy of the Decadanti cultists which beleaguered the City during the Crown of Thorns period, or so we are lead to believe.


Last edited by Kain Twothumb , Baron of Vesper 
Olof Twothumb , Veteran soldier of Vesper 
Eloise Twothumb , Battle Bard of Vesper 
Hawkster , Veteran soldier of Vesper 
Etc...on 21st September 2002 at 16:15

Town Open Hours!
These are the offical open times for Vesper as a city.
During these times you should be able to find us in town doing various chores.
(due to events we might not be in town but as a general rule we should be in town)

1900-2200
GMT

2000-2300
CET

Geography

Vesper is located on the eastern coast of Britannia, the northernmost city on said coast. Its positioning almost makes it more a part of the culture of the Feudal Lords or Magincia, as it serves as a major trade port for the north part of the sea. Vesper is a city of shallow waterways and canals. These canals are largely man-made, but are rough-hewn and seem quasi-natural. Although the climate in this region ranges from the temperate to the cold, Vesper is a city of strong stonework and wide open spaces that serve as breezeways. The stonework is all done by local artists and artisans and has earned Vesper a reputation as a beautiful city. The building of bridges has become an art form in Vesper. Stonework is most common, with granite slabs used everywhere. Carvings and statues appear atop columns and at cornices.

Vesper has the latest of everything, thanks to its position as both trading leader and as the main export center for inventions coming out of Minoc. The shops here carry gadgets from the useful to the inane.

The Guilds and Events that has taken place in the City

Crown of Thorns Wars.

* * * * * * * *

CoT invasion - act of loyalist noble Xel'Naga.

In the period of chaos which followed Lord Brit's disappearance, Xel'Naga decided it was his duty to claim Vesper.

Xel'Naga's forces occupied Vesper, and began taxation of the Ministry of Merchantiles.

Merchant leaders incite (force) Sagonari to rally citizens together as Free Vesper Militia.

Xel'Naga forms his own private army, dubbed the 'Lord British Loyalists'.

Warring breaks out, using both physical and political battlegrounds.

Free Vesper Militia reclaims Vesper, replacing the abdicated guards with native Vesperians. The loyalists do however manage to sever the trading ports links with the rest of Britannia, thus crippling Vesper.

Treaty was signed at Spiritwood Tavern between Xel'Naga and Sylis Larpt for mutual benefit- stating that though Vesper would remain independent, it would entertain the presence of Lord British’s soldiers and set about disbanding revolutionary movement. Both parties saw this as a way of buying time.

Minax invasion- fleeing the inevitable battle, both the Vesperians and the Loyalists relocated in the lands of the Trammel facet.

Together, both Loyalists and Vesperians set about enacting a dimensional banishment on Minax, as each wanted to reclaim their older Feluccan cities. Various lore was recovered.

Shortly before the Dimensional Banishment takes place, Knights and Mages of Kha attack, their reasons unclear (suspected greed). Kha had at one point protected Cove from Orcs, and were believed honourable until now.

Stronger forces of Kha siege Vesper, which both Loyalists and Militia have fortified. Due to sea supremacy, Vesper eventually wins the conflict, at considerable cost.

Short period of prosperity.

A year later, murder takes place in Moonglow, the prime suspect being Tanq Sibris, someone of high status in the Vesper Militia.
Loyalists attempt to arrest Tanq under direction from the Yew Court, Militia resist. Eventually both forces agree to a trial, Tanq is detained in Vesper for the meantime.

Following the Trial, Tanq Sibris flees, killing the guards. (Historians debate whether this was planned by the Militia or not). Despite the bounty on his head, Tanq Sibris vanishes.

Forces of Kha disregard treaty; begin new small-scale raids on Vesper, caravans and suchlike. Loyalists were occupied with disposing of various evil cults, the most notable of which was the Decadanti.

Tanq Sibris is discovered to have joined the Decadanti. Decadanti kidnap a Militiaman and brought about his possession by a Demon- Alash Traagh, brother of Balchoth. Loyalists are tricked by the possessed Militiaman, led to an ambush.

During Kha's continued assault on Vesper, a joint force of Militiamen and Decadanti repelled them. Loyalists renounce Vesper as treasonous for harbouring Decadanti, prepare to invade.

Vesper, allied with the Crimson Rogues and the Morning Star Patrol, set about organising a defence. Meanwhile, the Loyalists arrange for a meeting in Serpent's Hold, mustering assistance from a Mercenary group, the Kha forces and the Children of the Light.*** They decide on a three-pronged attack.

The attack commenced, but aggressors were badly organised. The premature northern strike was quickly repelled, and the defenders reinforced their exposed Southern and Western flanks. A special spear-formation attack broke through the Southern region, and so the final battle was fought in the West of Vesper. Though the outcome was close, Vesper's forces reigned triumphant once again.

The Decadanti were repelled from the Cities borders, the Vesper Militia savoured their new freedom.

However, the Decadanti were not so easily repelled. The Decadanti used ambush tactics and caused (lasting) damage to several Vesperian buildings. The forces of Kha and the Children of Light were unable to capitalise on this- each had lost a lot of supplies in the conflict and in subsequent raids from the Crimson Rogues. The Mercenaries were already setting in a small hamlet nearby Cove, and were thus occupied.

A temporary arms down agreement was signed shortly after as a result of this, and the Vesperians united with their erstwhile enemies to repulse the Decadanti, finally. It was then that the Decadanti found a place in Jhelom, though they were eventually discovered and destroyed by the local militocracy.

Under the instruction of the regent***, the Loyalists become officially known as the Britannian Guards, and prepared for a final invasion. When the Vesperians had grown lax and resumed their trading, the Loyalists struck. Atrocities were committed on both sides- the burning of the Vesper Counsellors Hall, the makeshift hospital by LB being one of the most notable amongst Vesperians.

The final encounter, which would become known as the Battle of West-Bridge Feint, took place between the Militia and the Guards, the Kha forces unable to reach Vesper in time.

Using a revolutionary strategy, the Vesper forces under the command of Marc, in Slow's stead, feigned a retreat towards the uppermost island across the Western Bridge. The Guard pursued, reckoning for an easy victory, and were ambushed by ranks of archers positioned around the area.

Vesper once again was victorious, securing their position as an independent nation.

* * * * * * * *

The War of the Barbed Leash.

Of the various cult groups active in Vesper, most dwindled. Decadanti itself was believed destroyed upon moving to Jhelom. However, the Outcasts of Eldamar still travelled back and forth to the City of Bridges.

Having been shown much disrespect by the Militia, Valura gathered together her followers for an assault on Vesper. She also managed to manipulate a newly surfaced group of Drow, known as 'The Brotherhood', into aiding her cause. She inspired them to conflict, promising them slaves and tribute.

Lacking the support of the Loyalist forces, Vesper stood alone against the tide of Drow and cultists which stormed the city. After a prolonged occupation of the weaker southern isles, the invaders were eventually ousted. Because of this, despite Vesperians being a naturally unprejudiced peoples when it comes to race or ethnicity, they retain a great hatred for Drow.

* * * * * * * *

Aftermath.

Several months passed, and the Drow and Outcasts re-emerged, began once again to harry Vesper, despite the war having ended.

This time they were more successful, so Vesperians sought out their northern relatives to aid them, the 'Vesper Woodfolk'. Despite this reinforcement, Vesper drew a vast variety of would-be conquerors, including the 'Clobb'd t'death Orcs' and various pirates from Buccaneer's Den. Bridge tollings, skirmishes and full-scale battles were almost a daily occurrence.

Vesper fell into decline. Justicar Elliot abandoned the sinking ship, and Commander Slow regained his position. Like his namesake, Slow was an inactive commander, and many veterans abandoned the Milita at this time.

* * * * * * * *

Rekindling the Flame.

Olof Twothumb wrested the command of the Militia from Slow, and began work on rebuilding the tattered armies of Vesper.

The City once again fell under heavy assault, this time from a stronger and older tribe of Orcs - the Severed Heads Clan. Their attacks stirred the sleeping beast that was Vesper's army, and were eventually warded off.

Following on from this, the threat of the Judges reared its head in Vesper. Initially a small group of tyrants, their ranks swelled until Kain Twothumb, Cousin of Olof and the more dominant of the two, claimed leadership of the Militia under the title of 'Baron'.
He quickly mustered aid from various Mercenaries and the Templars which frequented Vesper. This was enough to fend off the combined army of Orcs and Judges.

Tancred proclaims himself a Baron, Twothumb and Tancred decide that Vesper should be a city state, divided into different regions/baronies. Trouble brews with the 'true' nobility of Trinsic.

Vesper, allegedly, makes moves to reclaim 'Western Barony' of Minoc and the 'Southern Barony' of Cove.

Aggressive new army appears- the Kaldorans. Kaldorans raid Vesper, Vesper returns the favour. War breaks out.

* * * * * * * *

Revolution!

During this time, the Loyalist nobles of Trinsic take an opportunity to publically snub Vesper by denying them an invite to a banquet.

Under-the-table politics become increasingly active, Vesper 'claims' Ikus outright loathes Vesper and is poisoning the regent against them.

Vesper takes offence to the Trinsic trade agreement which depicts them as criminals.

Skirmishes take place. Rumours spread of Vesper's 'plans' to occupy Minoc.

Trinsic supposedly dispatches spies to Vesper. With aid from the dissenter General Volchak, various Trinsicians are rooted out from Vesper.

Baron Kain gives propaganda speeches, inferring the Regent is callous and uncaring due to his being unable to support Cove and Minoc during the Orc and Savage attacks.

Spiritwood signs non-aggression agreement with Vesper, claiming neutrality (re: Switzerland).

An attempt is made on the Regent's life under dubious circumstances. Vesper is suspected.

Talks of war.

Subpoint: Winter of Discontent.

Shortly before this time, the harvests are burned in the woodland and the villages raided by bandits, keen to survive the winter.

Criminal activity increases, this is compounded by the trade embargos Vesper faces. The problem spreads into Vesper itself, criminality element rises considerably.

Revolution! (continued)

Vesper, lacking the might to defend itself from the Loyalists, is forced to permit investigators into their borders.

During this time, it is discovered that the Kaldorans and Vesperians share a common history- before Vesper was even built, the Kaldorans had occupied a small village just off the outskirts of Fawn. When Fawn was destroyed in the Cataclysm, the Kaldorans were instrumental in aiding Vesper. With the uprising of the Ministry of Merchantiles, Kaldor had disappeared (been subjugated) momentarily.

The Kha forces resurfaced at this point, and strangely offered their aid to Vesper, despite being a long-time foe. Vesper is now run by the 'council of four', the Vesperians, their woodfolk kin, the Kaldorans and the Knights and Mages of Kha.

Recent.

Tension between Nujel'm and Vesper since Vesperians were freely attacked by Orcs in Nujel'm borders with the Vizier's consent.

Nujel'm raid Vesper with the help of Mercenaries (Vesperians cite various other allies- demons, Drow, etc.).

Peace agreement signed.

Vesper has now isolated itself somewhat to deal with the growing criminal element- a legacy of the Burning of the Harvests.