During the fall of Silsour and deterioration of the northern portion of Silidor many small kingdoms and nations were founded even though only a few of those remain today. It was during this time that a large band of elves foresaw what was to come of their kingdom and made the decision to live apart from their nation. Led by a charismatic captain these men made a bond to serve one another unto death and together they formed the Band of the Blue Blade. Since that time the Band of the Blue Blade has patrolled the western portion of the Dragons Maw region hiring themselves out as a mercenaries. Elves of the region look upon the band with disdain feeling as if they abandoned their own race during their kingdom’s most trying time. Still the band has a pristine reputation despite the cost to hire them.

Mostly comprised of elves the Band of the Blue Blade numbers well over one hundred men and women. Over the years they have refused several contracts because of conflicting morals or beliefs. Members pay tribute to a wide variety of deities but they do not condone the worship of any evil gods. That being said the group has worked for several nefarious employers over the years leading to some speculation as to where the group draws the line on issues of morality, religion, right, and wrong.

Joining the band is easy enough though new members operate on a trial basis for some time. Wages are good for those willing to get their hands dirty though slackers and thugs are not tolerated. Members of the band are expected to operate within the rules set forth by their leaders. Several prominent men and women have gone on to become famous adventurers after serving with the mercenary group increasing the reputation and popularity in the region. Currently the band is thought to be operating in Silidor helping to quell rebellions in the city of Italis.

Deep in the shadows of the southern peeks of the Bladeback Mountains resides the holy order of the yellow rose. Devoted to destroying all that is evil they have been a strong religious force in Ateria for hundreds of years. The order is made up of monks who devote their lives to destroying the dark, chaotic, and evil forces in Ateria. Those who live here come at a young age and many speak of visions and dreams that guide them to the monastery. Others are brought as orphans by those who do not possess the will to care for them believing they will have a better life in service to the order.

The monastery is located in southern Eiris yet they recognize no government as their leaders. Altruistic to the extreme the monks believe in a greater good above man and government, only answering to their god of choice, Sendaria. Each monk that comes to the order must follow their own path and while they are there food and training is provided but no direction for how to lead their lives. Choices must be made individually and many monks never leave the monastery, finding peace and solitude in a dark world. Others feel a call early on and once the time is right they set out to do good, as best as they see fit.

While serving at the monastery each man or woman is required to maintain the grounds and the buildings that they live in while providing service for their brothers or sisters as needed. Over the years there have been long stretches were no one has lived at the monastery but always the yellow roses bloom and eventually a new monk arrives to pick up where the others left off. No one is certain if the order possess a greater goal other than fostering peace and love. There are whispers that the order is a small offshoot of a much larger secret organization but no one has ever been able to verify such tales.

Founded at the end of a bloody civil war the Knights of Eiris are a powerful organization charged with keeping order and protecting the citizens who are unable to defend themselves. The knights operate independently of the Eiran army although at times of war they can be called on to defend the kingdom. The knighthood is a regimented and orderly body where rank and honor are held in the highest regard. Men who wish to enter the knighthood must petition the order and undergo several trials to prove their worth. Getting accepted is not an easy task and the list of those who failed is long indeed. Acceptance is only first step. Pledges must successfully perform several tasks and quests in order to become a full-fledged knight. Difficult petitioners are often given the hardest tasks to complete in order to test their mettle.

Spread across Eiris the knights do their best to keep the lines of communication open between members. The chain of command must be followed at all times and to defy a knight who outranks you is akin to treason. Tasks of a typical knight include defending a town or city, protecting an important individual, delivering sensitive missives, and questing to destroy great evil. All knights hold the rank of “knight” given to them by the king of Eiris, in essence they are knighted when they become inducted into the order. The title of knight grants members of the order land and a monthly stipend along with several other benefits. Knights are held to a higher standard than most people and they are expected to act accordingly, in fact there is a strict code of ethics each member of the order must adhere too. Failure to follow the code is cause for immediate expulsion from the order. To date only seven men have been expunged from the Knights of Eiris.

Renowned throughout Silidor the Verris City Jugglers consist of nearly fifty men and women who travel the kingdom performing acrobatics, tumbling, and juggling. Working closely with town officials the jongleurs crisscross the countryside performing their act to the great delight of the people. Currently their circuit consists of an irregular schedule and the group attempts to perform at as many festivals that it is asked to attend. On occasion they take an extend break to incorporate a new act or replace performers. At each venue the jongleurs perform a unique act, taking great pride to not only involve the locals but also to use the city or town itself in an innovative and creative performance. Among the acts of daring and bravery the jongleurs perform are tumbling, tightrope walking, juggling dangerous items, catching arrows shot from a bow or crossbow, and much more. Some speculate the group uses magic in their performances but no proof has even been provided to suggest those claims to be true.

High demand has meant much travel and in the last century the group has expanded their route by traveling as far north as the Free Cities and once over the Green Sea to Eiris. The jongleurs work mainly for tips from the people but recently they have begun negotiating appearance fees, especially when asked to travel a great distance to perform. Three years ago they performed for the king of Silidor and it was whispered that the price the group demanded was a kingly ransom. This caused great anger as the country was suffering great financial hardship from the war. Two days later the jongleurs performed in the bowels of Italis and at the end of their show they showered the crowd with coins of gold and silver. The act won the favor of the people while simultaneously angering the king. Currently the group is performing abroad and no one is sure when or where they will turn up next.