Hickland For Hicks

    Hickland for Hicks 🔗

    A radical anti-monarchist organization advocating for the return of Hickland (Erkirgral) to its original inhabitants. The group has gained notoriety for its militant stance against the Seneran Crown and its aristocracy.

    Overview 🔗

    Hickland for Hicks represents a growing movement that seeks to reclaim what they view as their ancestral lands from the "aristocrat pigs of Senera" and the descendants of Kalassarian interlopers. Their ideology centers on the belief that the current noble class has been exploiting the common people of the Hicklands for generations.

    Names and Identity 🔗

    While publicly known as "Hickland for Hicks" - a deliberately accessible name chosen for recruitment and wider recognition - members internally refer to themselves as Erkirgral. This internal name serves as both an identifier of true membership and a connection to their perceived ancestral heritage. Most modern Senerans, even those sympathetic to the cause, would not recognize this term.

    The organization strategically employs both names: "Hickland for Hicks" for public discourse and propaganda, making their anti-aristocratic stance immediately clear to potential supporters, while Erkirgral functions as a password of sorts among committed members, used in private meetings and secret correspondence.

    Etymology and Language 🔗

    The organization claims Erkirgral derives from Early Hickic elements (er- "one who" + kir "chest" + gral "land"). However, linguistic scholars note several issues with this construction. The agentive marker 'er was historically used as a suffix, not a prefix, and the actual Early Hickic term for "person" was 'al, with ma'al serving as its collective form.

    Members refer to each other individually as erkir, reflecting their misunderstanding of Early Hickic grammar but establishing a consistent internal terminology. This practice has become deeply embedded in their organizational culture, with phrases like "true erkir" marking someone as a trusted member.

    This imperfect scholarship reveals much about the organization: while they maintain deep passion for their heritage and have acquired some knowledge of Early Hickic, their understanding remains incomplete. Nevertheless, they continue to pepper their communications with what they believe to be "pure" Hickic terms.

    The term "Hick" itself is embraced by the movement, transformed from a Kalassarian pejorative into a badge of pride in public discourse, while maintaining their "purer" linguistic identity within the organization - even if that identity isn't quite as historically accurate as they believe.

    Activities and Operations 🔗

    Political Violence 🔗

    The organization has claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks, including three assassination attempts on the King of Senera:

    1. A crossbow attack during a tournament at Rannekford
    2. An attempted infiltration of the King's ship cabin
    3. A poisoning attempt in the Maltrek Highlands

    Base of Operations 🔗

    The group maintains a significant presence in The Narrows, particularly operating from The Lazy Hick, a dilapidated wooden longhouse that serves as neutral ground for various criminal elements. This establishment is directly run by the organization.

    Alliances and Connections 🔗

    Recent intelligence suggests possible connections between Hickland for Hicks and Apgarian privateers, particularly La Camaraderie de la Mer. This alliance is currently under investigation by the Treaty of Turain Organization and the Admiralty.

    Ideology 🔗

    The group's core beliefs include:

    • Opposition to the Seneran monarchy
    • Rejection of Kalassarian-derived nobility
    • Advocacy for traditional Hickic culture and identity
    • Support for common people's rights
    • Resistance against aristocratic control

    Current Activities 🔗

    The organization appears to be expanding its influence, particularly in The Narrows and the rest of the Brams River Valley. There are indications they may be involved with:

    • Underground maritime operations
    • Alternative commerce networks
    • Information trading
    • Resistance activities against crown authority

    Notable Locations 🔗

    The Lazy Hick 🔗

    Their primary known establishment in The Narrows, serving as both a meeting point and operational center.

    Vortex Cove 🔗

    A hidden harbor rumored to house ships belonging to Hickland separatists, accessed through secret paths near Malthren Manor.

    Historical Context 🔗

    The movement has gained additional momentum in recent years, partially due to the current king's initial attempts to appease them through the revival of Hickic culture. However, this cultural revival appears to have backfired, instead strengthening the separatist movement's resolve.