### **Basic Information** - **Name:** The Aldori Council - **Alias/Nicknames:** The Swordlord Council, Restov’s Ruling Blades - **Type:** Political Ruling Body, Warrior Council - **Symbol/Emblem:** A crossed pair of Aldori dueling swords over a red field, symbolizing martial tradition and governance. - **Headquarters/Base of Operations:** Restov, Brevoy - **Scale & Reach:** Regional, holding authority over Restov and maintaining influence throughout Rostland. ### **Purpose & Goals** - **Primary Objective:** Preserve Aldori independence, maintain control over Restov, and resist Issian rule. - **Core Ideology:** Strength through discipline, governance through martial prowess, and autonomy from Brevic overlords. - **Methods & Operations:** - Ruling Restov with a council of esteemed Aldori Swordlords. - Training and maintaining elite warriors to defend their autonomy. - Negotiating and leveraging political alliances while preparing for possible conflict with [[House Surtova]]. - Secretly supporting factions opposed to Issian dominance. - **Notable Activities:** - Governing trade, law, and military defense within Restov. - Overseeing the [[Aldori Academy]] and ensuring a steady flow of trained duelists. - Conducting private war councils to strategize against external threats. - Mediating disputes among Rostlandic nobles and warriors. ### **Structure & Leadership** - **Leader(s):** The High Council of Aldori Swordlords, with the **First Blade of Restov** acting as its highest authority. - **Hierarchy & Ranks:** - **First Blade of Restov** – The council’s head and final arbiter in matters of war and diplomacy. - **Swordlord Councilors** – Senior members responsible for governance, defense, and political maneuvering. - **Blademasters** – Influential Swordlords who oversee training and regional security. - **Honor Blades** – Trusted warriors given special assignments and high-risk missions. - **Recruitment & Membership:** By invitation only, consisting of Aldori Swordlords and warriors of proven skill and loyalty. - **Key Figures:** - **Lady Katerin Aldori** – The formidable First Blade, known for her diplomatic acumen and deadly skill. - **Duke Valen Strovsky** – A seasoned councilor advocating for aggressive resistance against Issian rule. - **Master Orlen Vygar** – Oversees internal security, hunting spies and traitors within Restov. ### **Influence & Power** - **Allies & Affiliations:** - **[[The Aldori Academy]]** – Serves as their primary training institution and recruitment pool. - **Rostlandic Nobility** – Many houses still align with the Aldori cause. - **The Free Traders of Restov** – Economic allies who support the city’s autonomy. - **Enemies & Rivalries:** - **[[House Surtova]]** – Their primary opposition, seeking to subjugate Restov. - **The Issian Loyalists** – Local collaborators attempting to undermine Aldori governance. - **The Brevic Crown** – Views the Aldori Council as rebellious upstarts. - **Reputation & Public Perception:** - Seen as both protectors and war hawks, depending on the perspective. - Respected by warriors and traditionalists, but viewed with suspicion by those favoring Issian integration. - Feared by potential traitors due to their strict enforcement of loyalty. - **Military/Magical Strength:** - Commands one of the finest collections of duelists and warriors in Brevoy. - Secretly employs battle magi and diviners to counter threats. - Possesses hidden caches of weapons and war funds in preparation for potential conflict. ### **History & Lore** - **Founding & Origins:** - Established after the fall of the independent Aldori rule, the council was formed to maintain some autonomy within Restov. - **Major Historical Events:** - Led the resistance against Issian occupation, ensuring Restov’s semi-independent status. - Prevented multiple assassination attempts by Issian spies and infiltrators. - Negotiated fragile truces with Brevic leadership to buy time for future conflicts. - **Scandals & Secrets:** - Allegedly funding underground resistance groups operating beyond Restov’s borders. - Secret negotiations with foreign powers to counterbalance Issian dominance. - Internal divisions between pragmatists favoring diplomacy and hardliners pushing for open rebellion. - **Current Struggles:** - Increasing pressure from [[House Surtova]] and Issian loyalists seeking to dissolve their power. - A growing divide within the council regarding the best path forward—diplomacy or outright defiance. - The need to secure greater economic and military strength to maintain Restov’s independence. ### **Culture & Traditions** - **Core Values & Ethics:** - Honor, discipline, and the belief that power must be wielded with skill and wisdom. - **Rituals & Initiations:** - New council members must undergo a ceremonial duel to prove their worth. - The "Oath of the Blade" binds members to the cause, sworn over an Aldori dueling sword. - Annual gatherings where members recount past victories and plan future strategies. - **Notable Sayings/Mottos:** - “A steady blade carves the path of history.” - “Honor cannot be bought, only earned.” - “Steel speaks louder than crowns.” - **Symbols of Authority:** - The **First Blade’s Sigil** – A ceremonial emblem worn by the council leader. - The **Swordlord’s Crest** – A badge denoting rank within the council. - The **Restovian War Banner** – A historical relic unfurled only in times of great conflict. ### **Additional Notes** - **Vibe & Inspirations:** A mix of Renaissance political intrigue, samurai war councils, and knightly orders resisting tyranny. - **Adventure Hooks:** - The party is recruited to uncover a conspiracy aimed at assassinating key council members. - A rogue faction within the council seeks the players’ help in swaying a crucial vote. - The players are asked to retrieve a stolen Aldori artifact before it falls into enemy hands. - A high-ranking councilor secretly offers aid to the party in exchange for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines.