Black Thorn Resistance

The Resistance often wears black thorn shaped symbols for recognition and to let others know they do not stand alone. Symbol generated in Midjourney. Image created by midjourney by player of dendum with help by the players of Queatus uploaded by player of dendum.

History

Founded at the end of 5122 as a result of perceived aggression by the human Turamzzyrian Empire when it unexpectedly expanded north and claimed a new barony very close to Wehnimer's Landing, The Landing Resistance, also known as the Black Thorn Resistance, is a collection of individuals who support the continued independence and freedom of the north from foreign powers. A motley crew that generally rallies behind the idea of ongoing democracy and freedoms from feudal control.

Black thorn, a symbol of pain and strife
But in a world of turmoil, it took on a different life
A resistance rose up, with courage so bold
Their stories of struggle, forever to be told

They fought against tyranny, with hearts full of fire
Their voices echoed, never to tire
For justice and freedom, they stood tall
Their resistance, a beacon for all

With every step forward, they faced a new trial
But their strength and resilience, could never be defiled
Their love for their land, kept them going
Their spirits unbroken, forever glowing

Black thorn, a symbol of endurance and might
In a world of darkness, it shone so bright
The resistance lives on, their legacy secure
Their spirit and bravery, forever pure

---

Manifesto

It has come time to recognize the path forward even as we honor the path that brought us here to this place. We are a collection of those desiring Freedom, not bound by blood or ancient rites. We are the manifestation of Freedom in the North.

We declare that the ability to speak freely, unbeholden to titles born of stolen lands or hordes of silver, is necessary for the continuation of Freedom in the North. We do not silence and will rise up to defend against those who would.

We recognize that the Empire to the south is built upon lands stolen and never returned. We recognize that the Krolvin empire is built upon lands stolen and never returned. We believe that land should not be stolen or taken by a government against the will of those who inhabit and defend it. We shall fight any such taking of any lands in the North.

Inside the walls of the Landing and outside the walls, in the Free North, the Resistance does not condone the impediment of any to travel from place to place, shop to shop, or shrine to shrine and will rise up to defend against this. The freedom to travel is necessary for the continuation of life and the spreading of ideas in the North.

Whether it is Illoke, come to kill, or agents of empires, come to drag away a resident to the South for trials without consent, we recognize that freedom from fear is as important as any other. We will rise up to defend those of the North from all such threats.

In all other matters, the Black Thorns are governed as all free souls must be. Let no one voice speak for all. Let all the voices be heard equally and a consensus be reached so that we may reach the end of this road in the same spirit in which we took the first steps.

While our voices are many and varied, these are the core principles by which the Black Thorns stand. Only those who violate these principles need fear us.

Timeline - From a Resistance Perspective

Eoantos 4-5, 5122: The empire declared that it will form a new Barony of Darkstone "The new lands will reach to many edges of the Locksmehr River, and far west to Darkstone Bay. Such landmarks included within the new region will be the Graendlor Pasture, the mountainous ranges of Wehntoph, Sentoph, Zelatoph, and Thanatoph along with Melgorehn's Reach and Darkstone Castle." there is some confusion in the north about the extent of this new Barony but later clarifications says it comes all the way up to the Locksmehr River.

Eoantos 9-10, 5122: Elidal Dhenin is declared the new Baron and ruler of the Barony of Darkstone. Some question his qualifications other than being well connected and a rich merchant's son.

Eoantos 13-14, 5122: Wagons are seen approaching from the south but this turns out to be a trap for trolls and they explode taking many of the trolls with them. Some supplies and settlers arrived by the river instead, the river boats barely able to make the journey are washed away by the river after everyone disembarks.

Eoantos 19-20, 5122: Settlers from across the southern empire's lands pour into the north. They quickly establish a fortified camp.

Eorgaen 22, 5122: The first resistance meeting is held, called to by Wolfloner a free Tehir and he is joined by Urpy, Xanlin, Opalina, Maevie, Ulryka, Ceilia, Falvicar, Aidamo, Fahlo, Queatus, Gutstorm, and Dendum. The aggressive moves by the empire are discussed, it is decided on this first meeting to have no one central leading authority but instead act as independent bands, the idea to call for a vote to end the protectorate is discussed, some call for more physical responses but at this time that is decided against.

Eorgaen 30, 5122: : The number in attendance grow, a plan is made to call for the vote to end the protectorate while keeping an eye on the new invasion camp.

[Snippets of Conversation]

  Queatus says, "I was thinking to distribute symbols of resistance."
  Queatus says, "People to wear to show they reject the invaders."
Turamzzyr comes with grasping hand;
It seeks to squeeze our humble land;
From the south, the caravans amble;
Knowing not they enter a bramble;
The bramble pokes and nags and rends;
Drawing blood 'til their invasion ends;
The child cries and the widow mourns;
But the strongest, they become the thorns.
People of the landing, don a black thorn to show the empire they will bleed on this soil.
  Queatus introduces the idea of a black thorn as a symbol for those who resist

Wolfloner darkly says, "The protectorate is a myth.  I cannot remember a time when the Empire defended the Landing."
Speaking to Wolfloner, Aliashyrah says, "Perhaps from itself alone."
Dendum remarks, ""It may be a myth but it is a reason for much of the empires....presumptions on what they can do in the north."
Speaking darkly to Dendum, Wolfloner asks, "What do you propose to bring that about?"
Dendum says, ""The only way to end this status is by demanding it....the only way to demand it is show that a majority wish it so...eventually this plan will have to move out of the shadows for that to happen."

Ceilia offers Leafiara a translucent sapphire card. (The First Card of the Future Scavenger Hunt)
Leafiara accepts Ceilia's sapphire card.
Leafiara takes a moment to observe her sapphire card.
Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Ceilia says, "For release by mail, we were thinking."
Leafiara flashes a wide grin at Ceilia.
Leafiara offers Ceilia a translucent sapphire card.
Leafiara nods approvingly.
Saraphenia says, "I never knew we were a "protectorate" until a few weeks back."
Ceilia accepts Leafiara's sapphire card.
Speaking approvingly to Ceilia, Leafiara says, "I like it."
Queatus asks, "May I have a look?"

Lormesta 8, 5123 : Talmaris, a retired gate guard, is seen at Helga's. He speaks about some citizens having concerns with the way things are going in town.

[Snippets of Conversation]

Talmaris says, "As I was just saying when you arrived, I barely convinced a man beside himself with fear not to begin a campaign."
Talmaris says, "I still have his banner."
Talmaris removes a pole-strung aged linen banner haphazardly painted with the words "Flee Wehnimer's Lost Cause!" from in his ebony cotton knapsack.

Speaking to Queatus, Talmaris says, "I will throw my own support behind your cause if nothing else."

Speaking to Talmaris, Dendum remarks, ""Eh...perhaps there are some deeds left to be done before taking the place next to the fire and telling children about glory of old days."
Tikba gazes in amusement at Kayse.
Speaking to Talmaris, Queatus says, "Spread the word."
Speaking to Dendum, Talmaris says, "There might indeed be. That is why I sought this conversation."
Talmaris grins at Dendum.
Kayse traces the lines of her smoke-hued feathers.
Dendum nods in agreement.
Starletdawn removes a delicate black thorn brooch from in a coal black spidersilk bag.
Talmaris says, "That I cannot join the front lines does not mean I have nothing to offer."

Lormesta early month, 5123: During the early months of Lormesta the Black Thorns travel the city and talk to several organizations and individuals about a call to end the protectorate, some fear reprisal if they sign, others sign on willingly. During this time Saraphenia, Urpy, Ulyrka, Queatus, Dendum, and others reach out to many. It is decided that the majority spoken to are either neutral or anti-protectorate in outlook.

Lormesta 10-11, 5123: Word of the resistance has reached the new soon-to-be Baron, He says he hopes that the Landing will work to squash the movement. This is the first time the resistance is officially called the Black Thorns by outsiders, the name would stick North By Northwest - 2023-01-10 - Hire and Higher Walls (log)

[Snippets of Conversation]

Elidal says, "I will never fault a man, woman or child for their voice. There is freedom in that, as there should be."
Alosaka says, "There will always be some people excitedly greeting their worst fears, and proclaiming them to all who will listen."
Speaking politely to Elidal, Tikba agrees, "Yes."
Speaking to Alosaka, Ulfwine says, ""And insisting you share them."
Elidal says, "I just hope...as we work to forge an alliance and a future relationship between our people, that you would work as hard to squash any "black thorn" movement as you have defend our people, protect our caravans, 
and build our towers."
Speaking to Ulfwine, Avalera says, "That's when I stop listening."
Speaking to Alosaka, Mauss agrees, "Folks be wantin' attention. Even if fer alla wrong reasons."
Elidal says, "Rot within is more dangerous than the enemy beyond."
Vaemyr says, "Generally we encourage free thought and speech, the only true ways to quiet the discourse are by showing other paths, they have a right to be afraid of the unknown. But I'll continue to urge caution and 
patience. I think something can be said that there haven't been open attacks so far though."
Tikba mildly asks, "Why?"
Elidal asks, "Why, what?"
Elidal peers quizzically at Tikba.
Dendum remarks, ""Rot from within or fire from without can still destroy the woods."
Tikba asks, "Why do you wish us to squash this movement, if you would not fault them for their voices?"

Elidal says, "They work to unfairly influence the people of Wehnimer's Landing."
Kelfyr asks, "Unfairly?"
Elidal asks, "They are free to their views...but should they sway the minds of others with such...falsehood?"
Elidal asks, "Am I your enemy?"
Elidal peers quizzically at Kelfyr.
Kelfyr asks, "What is unfair about their expression?"

Lormesta 13, 5123: The proclamation is posted on the doors of Moot Hall.

[Call for the Vote]

>read proc In the Common language, it reads:

Wehnimer's Landing is a mixing pot in a world of empires, and it stands for equality. Wehnimer's Landing is civilization brought to wild lands, and it stands for justice. Wehnimer's landing has stood independent for nearly 250 years, and it stands for freedom!

Who protects us from the protectors? On behalf of all free souls of the Landing, the undersigned call for a vote to reject the protectorate status pressed upon us by Turamzzyr!

Meeting Halls:
Dae'randir
Claws of the Drake
Fenog's Irregulars
Northern Regulators

Individuals:
Pookia
Fahlo
Asben
Ceilia
Chamorr
Clarimostica
Dendum
Dexflex
Draelor
Evantyne
Grutak
Gutstorm
Jadedragan
Kelfur
Koul
Lageiros
Lahanna
Leafiara
Lehon
Luxelle
Maevie
Morikun
Nalver
Ntinly
Peynan
Pukk
Queatus
Rakthea
Satrn
Saraphenia
Sharth
Siksa
Starletdawn
Suzette
Tabubu
Talmaris
Tikba
Ulryka
Urpy
Vailwyn
Vandryl
Wakinyan
Wolfloner
Yardie
Ycelacie
Zeriah

RYSK would later remove themselves in the face of fierce opposition though several members remained prominent in the Black Thorns, Council Member Kayse would add her name shortly after it was posted to the door

Lormesta 13-14, 5123: News of the call for a vote for independence reaches the human empire, so shocked are they by the idea of people deciding their own future they immediately ban any signatories from a diplomatic mission from Ta'illistim in Torre.

Lormesta 15-16, 5123: Mayor Thadston, a former knight of the empire and the overseer of the construction of the empire's outpost near the landing summarily rejects any unscheduled vote. North By Northwest - 2023-01-15 - Freepudiation (log)

Lormesta 23, 5123: In an unprecedented move Amos declares that the merchants of the landing will not serve anyone wearing a symbol of the Black Thorns, the reasons for this are not known. His poorly trained guards manage to anger several citizens who just happen to be wearing any type of thorn or even carrying the wrong runestaff.

Lormesta 23, 5123 The Resistance posts a response

[The Response to Thadston & Amos]

<Nailed to the doors of Moot Hall using four black thorns>

People of Wehnimer's Landing,

Let it be known that the ‘Black Thorns’, as we have become known, mean no harm to any who do not threaten the independence of the landing. We simply demand to have a say in how our own town exists within the world. While droves of adventurers flood this way and that at the first sign of something to sink a sword into, we are the ones that man the walls in times of woe and defend our friends and families from harm. We are the farmers, dockworkers, tradespeople, and artisans that make this town vibrant, and we are the ones still here working day in and out when adventurers leave for more grand escapades.

Thadston Andrews and Amos tell you that they know better, that we don’t deserve a voice for this made-up reason and that. But we ask, why do an Imperial knight and Imperial merchant that we hardly know deserve voices more than those who have lived, breathed, and toiled here since birth? Why must we trust their opinions on this current issue? They are both aligned so clearly with the banners that now camp outside our town that they appear prepared to unlatch our gates under cover of night.

We will continue to voice our right to displeasure as the Empire plots “phase two” of whatever it has planned for us. The Landing and the North as a whole are places of freedom and will not bow in subservience to an Empire known for taking things away from people to fuel their ever-expanding growth. There are many good people within the Empire, and they are welcome among us, just as they always would have been. Their banners and their ruling nobility are not. Their shifting borders are the enemy of freedom, not any action the common settler may take. We wish to be left alone and not have our forests torn down and resources stolen out from under us under a fancy banner of servitude.

We are the Black Thorns, and a thorn will only draw blood when stepped upon.

To Sir Thadston Andrews of Hendor,

You call out those of us who wish to have a voice in the Empire’s potential annexation of the Landing as lurkers in the shadows, but many of us have been citizens for far longer than you have been involved in the town. Your involvement began only under Imperial banners. We’ve bled for children taken by monsters of the dark, we’ve saved family memories and bride’s dowries through the local guild. We’ve provided raw materials and other goods to some of our merchants while investing our silvers right back into others. Our fear isn’t that the Empire is amongst us, but of losing everything the Landing has stood for to appease an Empire that doesn’t care for a huge swath of the citizens of the Landing. Nor will it give those citizens a voice if we bend more of a knee than already done through the protectorate. We’re not asking to war with the Empire or any of its citizens, nor do we wish to displace people looking for a home around the Landing. We only demand that our voice is heard.

Perhaps you stand so high on the “highest peak of Wehnimer's Landing” that your perceptions are horribly askew and your ears deafened by the approaching march of Imperial soldiers setting up camps surrounding our town. You say your ears reach farmers, but have Reiver farmers who sell their produce in our markets consented to falling under an Imperial banner? Do you align so deeply with merchants who come and go like the wind that you wake up in the morning next to Amos? Have you not seen the difficulties of dockworkers without work as Imperial captains recklessly fire upon us and scare trade away from our port, and Imperial encroachment drives Gnul to hurl boulders at incoming trade ships? You speak of a content population, but what families are so content when their children are catapulted back at them over the walls due to our new southern bedfellow? You say all of these peoples demand protection, but your blind allegiances and acceptance of Imperial encroachment brings about our suffering and doom. It seems to be YOU tossing around words from both sides of your mouth, and not those you blame for simply wishing a vote be called.

You call us the bellowing tiny mouths of a small rabble that lacks affiliation with the Landing, neglecting our voices here as you neglect us daily in your duties as mayor. Well then, prove us so insignificant with the vote we demand. If we are as you say, our pitiful turnout will prove you correct.

You have shown yourself to be a puppet of the Empire and an enemy to the free people of the North.

To Amos, the man so ready to flee in the night that he has never ever graced us with even a last name,

Let it be known that you do not speak for all merchants, as we count many traders among our ranks that feel the sting of the Empire on the horizon. You must be speaking of merchants like yourself who swoop in to make silvers off the back of this town, always able to fly away to greener pastures and newer ventures while the town burns, walking away with pockets full of silvers and not a scratch upon you.

You neglect to mention the multitudes of people that don’t move from town to town making money off the backs of others. The local woodcutters are suddenly pushed out of service by Imperial logging camps. The dockworkers are seeing half-shifts if they are lucky as the threat of the reckless Imperial captain Bodal out on Darkstone Bay keeps the ships away. So many citizens of this town are making sacrifices to share food with settlers during this devastating winter. The Empire floods us with people, who they neither supply nor adequately protect from the dark forces they have bought out against us. We shoulder the burden with compassion, but we’re facing the most dire winter these lands have seen in generations. Will you open your pockets to help these poor souls or keep hoarding your piles of growing wealth? Singular people in Shantytown have shared and offered more to these people than you.

It seems inaction has been your forte unless helping the Empire with the Gnul threat that they themselves birthed by coming this far North. Indeed, your formidable ships sat silently at the docks while an Imperial captain rained terror upon us with reckless abandon. Will you continue to sit by idly as the Empire takes what it wishes during its next “phase” of incursion. If you sit on your hands and keep playing both sides for your own financial gain long enough, more and more people will see you as the fortune-seeking opportunist that you’ve continually proven yourself to be. You care nothing for this town beyond the silvers that it can put in your pockets. How long will it be until the Empire clamps down on your merchant gains and sends you fleeing off to a town further down the line? Are your bags packed for Icemule yet?

You threaten us with “lack of silvers” because it is all you know. Continue to deny the will of the people and squeeze the thorns, and you will know pain.

Lormesta 27, 5123: Mother shows up to a meeting of the resistance, peace between the Black Thorns and the Rooks is established for now. Mother invites any to join her as she takes a stand against the empire. North By Northwest - 2023-01-27 - Word to Your Mother (log)

Lormesta 27-28, 5123 : The rich merchant's son and Baron to be requests a meeting with the Black Thorns, oddly enough both sides seem to think the other desired to speak with them and both seemed to think they were being the better party by showing up. Queatus, Jadedragon, Ceilia, and Tikba speak to the Baron, Vaemyr also speaks. North By Northwest - 2023-01-27 - Thornabout is Their Way (log)

[Meeting with Baron]

Queatus says, "The settlers, they are welcome, as settlers always are here. Even the nobles, like you, Elidal, are welcome here.... what is not welcome is your banners, your borders, and your Imperial authority."
Queatus says, "The North is free. That's what this is about."
Queatus says, "This world is full of empires. Places where kings and nobles rule and some are placed before others because of their birth."
Ceilia adds her name to the ivory parchment list.
Kezoku says, "I hope people can hold their questions if they didn't get on the list."
Queatus says, "The parts of this world where free men elect their leaders and live in equality is vanishingly small, and you are making it smaller."
Queatus says, "And this cannot be allowed."
Queatus says, "That's all there is."

Lormesta 28-29, 5123: Eddric Jovery, the Northern Sentinel of the Human Empire, sends words clarifying the status of the protectorate. He claims the empire has a final say on all trade, internal laws, and which foreign powers may set up near the landing. The empire claims the right to extradite anyone they wish for trial in the south. North By Northwest - 2023-01-28 - The Earl Unfurls (log)

Fashanos 27 5123: Members of the Resistance release The Free North News to provide information to the townspeople of the landing that was not controlled by the imperial authorities. Black Thorn Resistance/Free North News Issue 1

Black Thorn Resistance/Free North News Issue 2 Black Thorn Resistance/Free North News Issue 4 Black Thorn Resistance/Free North News Issue 5 Black Thorn Resistance/Free North News Issue 6

Lumnea 5123 : Jadedagan, a member of the Resistance, kills Drazinoth on top of the eastern guard tower. Drazinoth was an Arachne priest constantly attacking the town with spider creations.

Ivastaen 8-9, 5123: The Empire Strikes - Sir Thadston equipped with information from Proto-Baron Elidal conducts a raid on the Rooks, another resistance group in the landing. Members who are found are immediately executed, they get better, and then it is stated a trial would happen after the fact. It is also discovered the Imperial Merchant Amos had planted a spy in the Rooks. After this attack the Black Thorn's sent an offer of aid if needed to their fellow resistance group by way of Pukk. Rook activity died off afterwards being limited to minor skirmishes.

Sir Thadston would quickly lose the election following this incident.

Phoenatos 5123: Members of the Resistance track down rogue Imperial Captain Bodohal in the woods around the Landing. In an attempt to stop elements of the empire from rescuing him and helping him escape justice he was killed while attempting to flee the northern lands.

Phoenatos 10, 5123: Rumored Black Thorn Saraphenia is elected onto the town council with overwhelming numbers. A long tradition of the town choosing leaders who do not wish to be under the heel of the empire continues.

Invasion Maps

Here are the proposed borders of the new Barony of Darkstone, the land now claimed by the Turamzzyrian Empire.

Barony of Darkstone, created by GM Kenstrom.

Parts of the Barony of Darkstone rendered on an in game map created by Tsoran, created by the player of Dendum.

See Also

• North by Northwest
• Black Thorn Resistance/A Guide to Playing in the Resistance

https://discord.gg/n3szeXpe (Black Thorn Discord Link)