The Dales: The Spirit of Independence

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Tracker4502
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The Dales: The Spirit of Independence

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"The quickest way to make a friend in the Dales is to say you hate someone else."

To call the Dales a country or nation would instantly label you a fool to any educated man. In reality, the region is comprised of multiple city states all independent of each other. But such a sentence is slightly misleading, as it fails to convey just how fiercely independent each is. None of the city states trust or work with each other, and government communication between the entities is limited at best. In the past, the only way to get the cooperation of multiple city states on a single endeavor was to present them with a common enemy that threatens them all, but even then such arrangements are extremely short lived.

Ashabenford
Quick Facts:

[Author's Note: The city has been sealed for a great many years, and any attempt from myself or my hired help to enter it has failed. All I can say is that once a year one representative from each Dale city is allowed entry for exactly one week.]

Hillsfar
Quick Facts:
Primary Population(s): Halfling

To call this city a true 'city' would be misleading, as it has a population of only around 1000 citizens. However, even for its small size it has managed to impressively repel invaders from all sides during its history and remain independent.

Recently the city has been troubled by raiders from the North, and as such it has become even more distrusting of outsiders than normal.

Myth Drannor
Quick Facts:
Primary Population(s): Elf

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Myth Drannor is a city that is richly steeped in history. Unfortunately for non-Fey and non-Elves, the city's inhabitants carry a deep disdain for outsiders who they see as usurpers and thieves of their land and talents. As such, most trade and communication with the city is done with magical means and there are no roads leading to this hidden bastion.

Woe to anyone who stumbles upon the city with no means to placate the inhabitants. At best, the traveler will be sent away. At worst, they are never heard from again.

Stories speak of words carrying power in the city. What is meant by this, the rumors do not say.

Scardale
Quick Facts:

Previously called Vesper Tangil, Scardale is the only port city of the Dales. Once a province of Vesperin, it claimed its independence shortly after the Spellplague. Because of this, it is not only the newest city state to emerge in the area but it is also considered the least stable of the Dale cities. While during its infancy it was a bitter minor trading destination compared to Sembia's thriving trade, it emerged as a prominent alternative port of call once Sembia was gripped by war, famine, and crime. However, with Sembia's reemergence the city's trade is starting to dwindle once more. It is unknown what the fate of this young city state will be in the coming years.

Shadowdale
Quick Facts:
Government: Elected Despot
Primary Population(s): Human
Minority Population(s): Halfling, Half-Elf, Elf

Shadowdale shares much of its history with Netheril, as in the past it was part of the ancient empire. Back at Netheril's height, Shadowdale was established as a foothold from which the Empire could exert its influence over the Dales. Due to its geographic significance, the city was never raised as was tradition with the other Netherese cities. This turned out to be its salvation, as this meant it was spared from the ravages of the Day of the Falling Sky. After the fall of Netheril, Shadowdale declared itself independent from the remnants of Netheril and a distinct new political entity. With the reemergence of Netheril, it is unknown whether or not Shadowdale will rejoin its former empire or attempt to retain its independence.

[The reader may notice the lack of Harrowdale, Highmoon, and Tilverton Scar from this entry. As each of these three cities is currently contested by larger countries, they are less nations of the Dale and more points of contention.]
"I will live forever, or die trying!"

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