The Council of the Gylder was a clandestine assembly of baronial representatives from Rivermond, dedicated to resisting the oppressive control of the Silver Dominion. Its formation and activities spanned a significant period during Rivermond's struggle for autonomy, but it met a tragic end in the year 100 of the Fourth Age when the Dominion Church discovered and dismantled it.
History
The Council of the Gylder was born out of a need for unity among the baronies of Rivermond during a time of increasing Dominion encroachment. Named after the mighty Gylder River, which served as the kingdom's lifeline and unifying force, the Council's roots can be traced back to the immediate aftermath of the betrayal by King Malachi Rivers and the subsequent annexation of Rivermond by the Silver Dominion.
After Malachi's death in the year 42 of the Second Age, the kingdom was left in a state of persistent unrest. Over the centuries, the baronies of Greenfield, Redmond, and Bellmond each found ways to subtly resist Dominion policies while upholding Rivermond's cultural traditions. However, the formation of the Council of the Gylder provided a more organized and concerted effort to reclaim autonomy.
The Council's exact date of formation is uncertain, shrouded in secrecy and legend. It likely began as informal gatherings of disaffected nobles and barons, sharing a common goal of liberation from Dominion control. By the early Fourth Age, these meetings had coalesced into a structured body known as the Council of the Gylder.
The Council operated in utmost secrecy, employing covert communication methods and meeting in hidden locations. Its activities ranged from organizing uprisings to disseminating anti-Dominion propaganda and coordinating acts of defiance. The Council's existence and efforts, however, came to an abrupt and tragic end in the year 100 when the Dominion Church discovered its existence. In a brutal move to crush dissent, the Church publicly executed the members of the Council, effectively dismantling the organization and isolating the baronies further.
Abilities
The Council of the Gylder comprised some of the most capable and resourceful individuals in Rivermond. These included military strategists, skilled diplomats, and cunning spies who adeptly navigated the perilous landscape of Dominion-occupied Rivermond. The Council's members were adept at covert operations, able to organize and execute plans without drawing attention to their activities.
One of the Council's significant abilities was its talent for unifying disparate baronies with a common cause. Despite geographical and political differences, the Council fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual support among Greenfield, Redmond, and Bellmond. This unity was crucial in sustaining morale and resistance efforts across Rivermond.
Hierarchy
The Council of the Gylder operated with a relatively flat hierarchical structure, reflecting its emphasis on equality and collaboration among the baronies. At its core were representatives from each barony, chosen for their leadership qualities and commitment to Rivermond's independence. These representatives formed the central governing body of the Council, responsible for decision-making and strategic planning.
The Council did not have a single leader; instead, it functioned through collective leadership and consensus-building. Decisions were made through discussions and votes, ensuring that each barony's interests and perspectives were considered. This approach fostered a sense of shared responsibility and prevented any one individual from gaining too much power.
Beliefs and Goals
The Council of the Gylder was driven by a steadfast belief in Rivermond's right to self-governance and the preservation of its cultural identity. Its primary goal was to liberate Rivermond from the oppressive rule of the Silver Dominion and restore autonomy to the kingdom. The Council sought to achieve this through a combination of military resistance, diplomatic efforts, and fostering a sense of unity among the baronies.
The Council also upheld the values of freedom of worship and cultural diversity, in direct opposition to the Dominion's attempts to impose a singular faith and cultural uniformity. The Council members were committed to protecting the rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs that defined Rivermond.
Rules
The Council of the Gylder operated under a strict code of conduct to ensure its secrecy and effectiveness. Members were required to maintain the utmost discretion regarding the Council's activities and their involvement. Communication was conducted through coded messages and trusted intermediaries to avoid detection by Dominion spies.
Trust and loyalty were paramount within the Council. Members were expected to prioritize the collective goals of the Council over personal ambitions. Betrayal or any actions that jeopardized the Council's mission were met with severe consequences, including expulsion or, in extreme cases, execution. Meetings were held in secure, undisclosed locations, often rotating to avoid patterns that could be tracked by the Dominion. Attendance was mandatory, and members had to swear oaths of secrecy and loyalty to Rivermond's cause.