Clockwork Canton
Origins & History
The @Clockwork Canton began as the private enterprise of Soryk Deyadlus, a wealthy Hlaalu merchant and inventive tinkerer, in 2E 380. By hiring adventurers to recover Dwemer relics from Morrowind’s ruins, Soryk reverse-engineered fragments of their lost technology, producing weapons and devices that won him rapid success. His small guild of engineers and merchants grew steadily, and by 2E 492 the Deyadlus family had consolidated enough influence to sever ties with House Hlaalu, declaring the Canton an independent power.
The real turning point came in 2E 510, when the Clockwork Apostle Kryssa Beltyr returned from @Sotha Sil 's @The Clockwork City , She carried with her the secrets of forging mithril, an alloy of brass and ebony that mimicked Dwemer metals and proved uniquely suited for binding magic to machine. With this breakthrough, the Canton advanced beyond mere replicas of Dwemer design, creating autonomous constructs— @Factotums, @Mithril Guardsman , and other wonders—that rivaled those of the vanished Dwarves.
In 2E 583, leadership rests with Prime Factor @Viiran Deyadlus , whose authority extends over every gear and ledger of the Canton. For two centuries, the Deyadlus line has remained at the helm, maintaining the Canton’s independence while entrenching its influence in Balmora and across Vvardenfell.
Ranks & Hierarchy
The @Clockwork Canton is structured less like a noble house and more like a corporation. Its ranks blend mercantile, military, and mechanical authority:
Prime Factor – The leader of the Canton, functioning as the supreme executive. They oversee contracts, declare policies, and negotiate with other factions. Current Prime Factor: @Viiran Deyadlus .
Magnates – Senior administrators who oversee the Canton’s major divisions—production, finance, logistics, and contracts—from the upper offices of the @The Clockspire. They act as ministers and directors, setting policy, securing trade deals, and managing the flow of resources and information across Brasshaven. Each Magnate commands immense bureaucratic power, answering only to the Prime Factor and the bottom line. Established Magnates: @Gilsea Lloryn , @Shadas Tunnith .
Prefects – Militant wardens who safeguard the Canton’s assets, enforce its edicts, and oversee order within its workshops and foundries. They combine the authority of foremen and officers, commanding both workers and guards alike. Prefects are the iron backbone of the Canton’s discipline, ensuring that every spark, gear, and contract serves the machine’s purpose without disruption. Established Prefects: @Azazel Norvayne protects the @The Dwarfkin Arsenal , and @Varili Vadur protects the @The Ebony Exchange .
Scriptorians – Arcane @Artificer s who fuse soul gem energies and enchanted runes with the Canton’s mechanical designs, using mithril to bridge the gap between magic and machine. They are responsible for animating Factotums, empowering the Mithril Guardsmen, and advancing the Canton’s most experimental work. Established Scriptorians: @Kersvyl Vedraan
Gearwrights – Master craftsmen and engineers who design, build, and maintain the brass-and-steam machinery that powers Brasshaven. They specialize in forges, valves, pumps, and engines—everyday mechanisms that keep the city alive. Established Gearwrights: @Hlaris Velothan .
Functionaries – Clerks, merchants, and record-keepers who handle trade ledgers, contracts, and negotiation logistics.
Character & Identity
The @Clockwork Canton is not a noble house but a contractual guild-state, governed by written obligations, ledgers, and codes rather than bloodlines or tradition. Membership is earned through service, contracts, or employment.
Philosophy: Progress through precision, order, and contract. Where the Great Houses cling to bloodline and temple, the Canton demands only results.
Culture: Its language is mercantile and mechanical—failures are “breaches,” leaders are “Magnates,” and loyalty is “obligation.”
Symbols: Brass gears, stylized spiders, and weighted scales. These represent machinery, @Sotha Sil 's influence, and the balance of profit and obligation.
Attitude to Outsiders – Anyone can trade with the Canton if they can pay. But only those bound by contract may claim the title of “Cantonite.”
Role in @Balmora
The @Clockwork Canton dominates the western bank of the Odai River, a district now known as @Brasshaven , whose boulevards, towers, and clockwork marvels are built on its industry. Factories, workshops, and markets all flow from the Canton’s coffers, giving Brasshaven a gleaming prosperity unmatched elsewhere on Vvardenfell.
Across the river lies @Geargrave , the poorer district, where the Canton’s castoffs and forgotten citizens scrape by. While officially outside Canton jurisdiction, the shadow of Brasshaven looms across the water. Bridges serve as choke points, checkpoints, and pressure valves, linking wealth and poverty in a daily cycle of trade, resentment, and dependence.
To @House Hlaalu , the Canton is a rival/ally—profitable, but dangerously independent.
To the @Ebonheart Pact , it is a useful supplier of weapons, viewed with suspicion.
To the @Tribunal Temple , it is tolerated as the lingering hand of @Sotha Sil , though whispers of heresy persist.
In Balmora, the Canton is both patron and oppressor, its machines running the city even as its profit-driven ethos fuels resentment.
Narrative Tensions
Profit vs. Allegiance: The Canton arms the @Ebonheart Pact today, but its loyalty is to profit, not politics. A lucrative offer from the @Daggerfall Covenant or @Aldmeri Dominion could test its neutrality.
Industrial Ethics: Rumors abound of soul gem experiments, weapons tested on prisoners, and forbidden Dwemer relics hoarded within the Arsenal. How far has the Canton pushed Sotha Sil’s gift?
Political Independence: The Great Houses resent Canton autonomy. Hlaalu would subsume it, Redoran would restrain it, Indoril would outlaw it—but the Canton’s utility keeps it untouchable.
Faith vs. Heresy: The Temple endorses the Canton as Sotha Sil’s legacy, but Ordinators whisper it is Dwemer heresy wearing a Tribunal mask. A single decree could turn blessing to damnation.
Balmora’s Divide: @Brasshaven thrives in mechanical light while @Geargrave burns in scavenged fire. The Canton built this divide; can it be bridged, or will it erupt into open conflict?