Black Thorn Resistance
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.
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.
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 Helgas. He speaks about some citizens having concerns with the way things are going in town.
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 a 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)
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.
>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, 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 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)
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)
Invasion Maps
Here are the proposed borders of the new Barony of Darkstone, land now claimed by the Turamzzyrian Empire.
