Onnwal, Free State of

Onnwal was originally a lesser fief of the Herzog of South Province, to be granted as he saw fit to his faithful followers. The oppressive rule of the Great Kingdom brought great discontent and instigated open rebellion, the whole of the South Province being in arms. All of the lower portion was lost to the empire when the Iron League was founded in 447 CY. This alliance joined Onnwal with the Free City of Irongate (which barred the Onnwal peninsula), Idee, Sunndi, and the demihumans of the Glorioles and Hestmark Highlands in economic and military alliance.

Onnwal and Irongate supplied the sea power, while the other members furnished troops for land actions — although strong contingents from both of the former places were also sent to battle. Irongate was besieged by Aerdian forces for several months, but in the battle of a Thousand Banners the siege was lifted when a ruse panicked the northerners, and great numbers of them were subsequently slain by a combined host of men and Gray Elves of the League.

While never invaded, Onnwal is subject to periodic sea raids from the Herzog's squadrons. The major port of Scant is exceptionally well fortified because of this fact.

Other than a small force of regulars and her marines, Onnwal relies upon levies in time of war.

The Headlands

The heights of the central portion of the Onnwal Peninsula are known as the Headlands. This spine runs from the city of Irongate along about half of the peninsula, forming cliffs on the Azure Sea coast. They are home to many dwarves (8,000) and some gnomish groups (4,000) as well.

  Headlands Geography: Location: Hills west of Irongate, framing its bay along the Azure Sea, per 1983 set. They mark the isthmus’ western edge, opposite the Iron Hills. Terrain: Steep, rocky hills with sparse vegetation, ideal for coastal watchtowers. Caves may hide smuggler stashes, extending your Iron Hills network. Strategic Value: The Headlands shield Irongate from Onnwal’s threats (allied but tense) and host signal fires to warn of Aerdy ships. History: Pre-Iron League: Likely held by Suel tribes or demi-humans, with minor forts. Less detailed in 1983 than the Iron Hills. Iron League Era: The Headlands serve as Irongate’s western buffer, with gnomish scouts patrolling for Onnwal or Ahlissa incursions. Current (576 CY): Chelor’s raids focus on the Iron Hills, leaving the Headlands as a quieter frontier, though your smuggling routes may cross them. Population and Culture: Sparse: ~1,000 gnomes, ~500 dwarves, and human fishermen (~200). Gnomes dominate, with clans like Wavecarver running coastal burrows. Culture blends sea worship (Procan) and gnomish trickery (Garl Glittergold). Signal fires are a Headlands tradition, lit during Aerdy threats. Economy: Fishing and minor gem mining. Your smuggling routes may use Headlands caves to store ore before reaching Irongate, avoiding Ahlissa patrols. X/Web Insights: Web sources note the Headlands’ role framing Irongate’s bay, with minimal 1983 detail, supporting your freedom to expand. No X posts mention the Headlands, but Canonfire’s Irongate thread suggests gnomish presence, inspiring the Wavecarver clan.

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