Aesterwald

History

The Order of Saint Lucien was founded by Jack Rovin and Voron Rovin in Anthos, the predecessors to Aesterwald. In the OSL v Raevir war, the OSL was finally put 'on the map' as they beat back the Raevir at the battle of Savoy fields, and ultimately overthrew King Franz Carrion which ended the Carrion dynasty and began the Chivay Imperium.

Vanderfell, the capital city of Aesterwald

The church nulled the order of its vows and the majority of the OSL, including Voron Rovin, joined the Imperial army. In the Imperial army, Voron Rovin was made 'Baron of Aesterwald', and eventually markgraf (marquis- or border count). The majority of the OSL then left the Imperial army due to internal struggles and decided to focus purely on Aesterwald. The Markgraf grew quickly, having the largest population in Oren at the time, second to Petrus.

A rebellion then occured when Vibius de Sola, who took the remaining Imperial army, overthrew the Chivay Dynasty. The Raevir, Aesterwald's long time enemy, then rallied in support for Vibius, however the Rovins and Aesterwald stayed true to their vows and maintained the defense of their emperor. The event was known as the Crossing of the Nocibur River

The Chivay Emperor fell eventually, leaving Aesterwald alone against the world. Voron Rovin then fell ill and left Jack Rovin, his father, as regent. Jack Rovin continued to chuck rocks at Oren, making it more and more angry. As the war drew closer and closer, Voron Rovin returned and reclaimed the throne peacefully. He witnessed the return of Iblees and took it as a course to re-unify with Oren; however Voron had a second motive. Voron Rovin knew that Oren's electorate system would crumble if Aesterwald entered as the balance would be broken. In most votes, the Raevir would have won, however with the introduction of Aesterwald as a titular kingdom, Aesterwald became a wildcard in most votes, a tie breaker and knew it would lead to civil war eventually.

As Tuvya Carrion declared King Maric a traitor for threatening to vote the Carrions out of power, an open rebellion formed. Voron Rovin rallied Aesterwald to the cause in order to free its people, which caused Polaris to attempt and rebel against Voron for power in a deal made with Oren. Voron Rovin's army beat back Polaris with ease, whilst the severely outnumbered forces of Renatus and Aesterwald, managed to beat back the Raevirs without seemingly any casualties. Freedom was won, and the Empire of Oren fell. Aesterwald and Renatus became independent, with Aesterwald becoming the most populous and powerful.

http://i.imgur.com/A0yO1dl.png Voron Rovin, Konig of Aesterwald Voron Rovin, Konig of Aesterwald

During Athera, Aesterwald masterminded and headed a multi-racial alliance consisting of Dwarves, Orcs, Renatians, and the various Elven nations to coordinate a large-scale campaign against Iblees. Insignia of the Kingdom of Aesterwald Insignia of the Kingdom of Aesterwald

However, the war took its toll. Voron Rovin, now titled "The Hammer",grew ill from a strange disease and died shrotly after the war- having fought literally to the death. His son, Arn Rovin, took control.

Bandits attacked constantly, and Arn initiated a Raevir exclusion act. He then instilled a schism to remove the Raevir church, however the move would cost him dearly in the future. His dwarven allies were not properly fit to fight war, and suffered heavy losses. He once again angered every other nation to fight against him, quickly draining the morale of his troops.

https://i.gyazo.com/404e9b9913ecaef9812b55b76f35fd61.png Insignia of the Kingdom of Aesterwald

https://i.gyazo.com/ab3e59438866ac996a930c933f28656e.jpg Destruction of Vanderfall Destruction of Vanderfall

Aesterwald met its demise when Blood-Mages assaulted the capital of Vanderfell, hoping to sacrifice its citizens. A battle raged on, Arn fleeing the scene. A giant explosion occurred in Aesterwald, destroying the entire capital with its citizens and buildings. It is the largest magical explosion to this date.

Aesterwald eventually is reunited with the Kingdom of Akovia under King Andrik Vydra in 1491, and becomes the Kingdom of Oren. House Rovin is declared traitors and demanded to be brought to trial.

Territory and Nobility

https://i.gyazo.com/10ce3222ac7014351dcd7fc475230693.jpg Jack Rovin, with the citizens of Aesterwald Jack Rovin, with the citizens of Aesterwald

The Kingdom of Aesterwald had two Duchy titles underneath it, the Duchy of Aesterwald and the Duchy of Hanseti. Underneath the Duchy of Aesterwald, there were the Counties of Ayr, Vanderfell, and Nerezza. Originally, there was a third Duchy known as Polaris, however, it was destroyed and reformed as a territory. The Duchy of Hanseti was given to the Waldenians after the disbandment of the Teutonic Order, after which the main Teutonic castle in the area was abandoned and the populace dispersed. Arn Rovin took great measure in re-populating the area in two attempts, the latter of which finally succeeding. The county of Nerezza and Duchy of Polaris were both at war with Aesterwald at one time, having helped the Carrion Kingdom of Oren during the Renatian Rebellion. After the rebellion's triumph over the Carrion, the two states re-affirmed their vassalage and were not further punished. The Faolain people of Nerezza became great friends with the Waldenian people, and were the most loyal and efficient vassals in the nation. The County of Polaris, once a Duchy, continuously plotted against th e Kingdom, and revolted twice. Twice, the Duchy was put down through military force. Despite this, Arn Rovin was merciful and refused to severely punish the Polarians, and with internal forces pushing for its complete destruction, he opted more to try reforming the Polarian infrastructure. The County of Ayr was formed after the city of Ayr was founded on the west coast of the city of Vanderfell, upon the river Piscatorus as a port city. It would later incorporate land along the coast that was once part of the territory of Polaris.

http://i.imgur.com/FuZkxhY.jpg Barony of Nerezza Barony of Nerezza

Underneath the various counties, two baronies were established. The Barony of Blackwood under Lord Arhadir von Roke was established to secure a secret void crystal found in the ground underneath the Kingdom's crownlands. The Barony of Berserksyrr was established under Lord Thorvandir to secure another mountaintop in Nerezzan territory.

https://i.gyazo.com/bd1c5031dce706ebd7a16000bd18d8eb.jpg Eagle's Nest, the Royal Palace of Aesterwald Eagle's Nest, the Royal Palace of Aesterwald

Of the various counties, Aesterwald hosted six noble houses and four gentry lines. House Winter was granted honorary nobility in the Crownlands, and built their own expansion onto the Eagles' Nest, the Royal Palace of Aesterwald. The Winters acted as strong administrative courtiers, and complemented the new blood brought in by the Waldenians with the experienced administrators of the first Orenian Empire. House Revandir was founded by Holy Ser Rosencrantz Revandir and his brother, Guildenstern. After serving as Marshal under Jack and Voron Rovin, Rosencrantz was given the title of "Hochsouveran", equivalent to a ruling title. Though it was originally planned for Rosencrantz to rule the Kingdom, Arn Rovin claimed his title of King, and the duo shared relatively equal power in the palace. House Roke, formed by Arhadir Roke, were the rulers of the Barony of Blackwood, an important barony to the east of the County of Vanderfell. House Bonehill was the ruling family over the County of Nerezza, led by Darren Bonehill. Underneath them was House Faolain, the renown heathen warriors of the North and barons of Berserksyrr. House Armahynk, the last house of Aesterwald, was the most rebellious and troublesome house. It was only spared by the kindness of Arn Rovin.

Of the gentry lines, House Mallory under Thomas Mallory grew to be a line of important officers in the Order of the Black Eagle. Thomas Mallory was the most senior Sergeant-at-Arms in the Order of Saint Lucien, and like many old Lucienist officers, his title was transferred from that of the Church to a de jure realm title. This is the same with Saeros of Vesalius, Liam of McLeod, and Rymuel of Elendil. The gentry of Aesterwald were exeptional in the human realms, as they represent the relative acceptance of other cultures and races that Aesterwald is known for: House Vesalius was a High Elfen house and Houses McLeod and Elendil were Adunian.