History of Baden

THE FIRST AGE

Not much is known about the first age, and much of its knowledge is speculation or legend. What is known is that most of the world of Trastia was ruled by the Aesith Empire, controlled by the Pont Royal Family. There are records that show that powerful magics once filled the world, and that the gods walked among the mortal races. The last records of The First Age detail a great war between the gods for superiority with the mortal races taking different sides, and it's sudden end.

THE SHATTERING

The God Wars, the First Age and the Aesith Empire all came to a sudden end with the cataclysmic event now known as The Shattering. Legends say a large bolt of lightning came from the heavens, striking the center of Trastia. The power of the bolt shook the world, and split the earth. The world divided into five major continents: the cold ice covered Northold, the desert lands of Sah'hra in the west, Baden in the south-west, the wild lands of Allant in the south-east and Jian'ti in the east. The lands around where the bolt struck became a sea filled with thousands of different islands, known together as The Ten Thousand Isles. Along with these new land masses, magic seemed to vanish all together, as did the physical presence of the gods.

THE NEW KINGDOM AND FIRST ORCISH WAR (0-140)

Following the shattering, the people of Mountainstead (now Dramongarde) elected Tarrin Pont, a relative of Baden Pont the last emperor of the Aesith Empire, as their leader. He named collection of towns and villages under his protection ‘Baden’ after the final Emperor. Under Tarrin’s rule, the people of Baden began to redevelop their own society and lived peacefully. The people continued to worship the Aesith Empire’s major god, Dramon, the god of war and honor. They lived peacefully for many years until they came into contact with tribes of hostile orcs under the rule of the demigod Na’Grul, Dramon’s primary enemy in the God Wars. War erupted between Baden and the orcs, culminating the Sack of Mountainstead (22) where the city was destroyed and Tarrin was killed.

The people of Baden rebuilt Mountainstead under Tarrin’s son, Leander Pont. With his father’s sword in hand, Leander continued the war against the orcs, defending against multiple raids on Baden. He would personally lead the defense against the orcs until being killed (24) outside Mountainstead. The leadership of Baden, along with Tarrin’s sword was passed onto Leander’s brother, Halfred (44). Soon after Halfred took the throne, the war against the orcs slowed down. Some small raids continued but large scale invasions had ceased for the time being. Halfred used this time to fortify Baden’s defenses as some orcish tribes began to permanently settle along Baden’s border. The war had seemed to have randomly stopped for a few years until suddenly the orcish attacks resumed. Unbeknownst to the people of Baden, during this time the orcs were having internal power struggles for the position of Warchief.

The orcs launched a large scale attack, pushing Baden’s army back to Mountainstead. The orcs besieged the city and simultaneously attacked the fort at King’s Watch. The siege was beaten away and the Badish army pursued the fleeing orcs. A large battle began when the two armies met. Both sides took heavy losses, including each army’s leader. Halfred now dead, his son Dregan took over at just sixteen years old. Meanwhile the orcs once again began to fight among each other. The tribes along Baden’s border disbanded and left for the Orcish capital of Warmill at the base of Na’Grul’s Peak. Dregan had his armies clear out the surrounding area of any remaining orc tribes. During this campaign, Baden lost its popular general, Roddick Arden who had served since the times of Tarrin. Another momentary time of peace came to Baden, and Dregan used this time make sure his people prospered economically. He created the Royal Council, a collection of talented individuals to aid in the running of the kingdom.

Again the orcish raids resumed, but they were initially repelled again and again. Border skirmishes between Baden and the orcs went on for nearly twenty more years. Then in the year 74, when Dregan’s son Zaid became of age, he joined the Royal Army. Zaid was an exceptional fighter and tactician. He led Baden to victory after victory against their enemy. A year later Dregan passed and the prodigy prince became king (75). Even after taking the throne, Ziad continued to personally lead the armies of Baden to combat the orcs. With King Zaid leading his men, he scored victory over and over again over his orcish foes. Soon he began to push west into the orc's territory. His goal was to take the orcish city Warmill. The orcs were beaten back as the people of Baden began to settle the newly won lands.

As Zaid continued to push west, the dream of conquering Warmill seamed to be nearing reality. The unthinkable occurred though, as Zaid was betrayed by his close friend and ally, Jarko Ulman, over a common love interest. Deceived by Ulman, Zaid fell into an orcish ambush south of present-day Sarton. Zaid would fall in the ensuing melee and the sword of his ancestors would be lost (78). Still being young and with no children, the throne passed to his uncle, Leander Pont II. Leander II began his reign by capturing Ulman and executing him as Baden's first account of treason. Without the gifted Zaid to continue commanding Baden's army, focus shifted to defending the newly conquered territories.

The War with the orcs continued to rage on, the lands between Mountainstead and Warmill continually changing hands over the years. Baden would find allies in the inhabitants of the city of Kirkwall, which had been standing firm on its own for decades. Though even with the new allies, the fighting between the orcs and Baden remained at a standstill. Time and time again, Leander would attempt to build a city to rival Mountainstead in the west to serve as a bulwark in the defense against the orcs. All attempts would fail, as orcish raids prevented the construction to ever complete. During one of these raids Leander II would become wounded and retire to Mountainstead. The wound would become severely infected and Leander II would pass, leaving the throne to his only child, Queen Livia.

Livia was already a member of the Imperial Council when she became Queen. She had expected the throne to pass to her son, Daveth. Though surprised, she took up the helm of Mountainstead and continued to focus on the defense against orc raids. During this time, the orcs retook the lands in the north, while Baden still controlled the south, mainly due to their ally Kirkwall. Meanwhile, while the war raged in the central lands, Mountainstead prospered greatly. Like her ancestors before her, Livia would fight alongside her army against the orcs. She was very popular among the people for fighting skills and beautiful appearance. She grew ill after successfully reclaiming the lands around Mirfield and killing the Orc War Chief. Some believed she had been cursed. Her health dropped quickly and she soon passed on. Her son Daveth was next to the throne (117).

Daveth, later known as "The Old", was no fighter. His specialties were in domestic affairs. Like his mother before him he was previously a member of the Imperial Council. As the war against the orcs dragged on, more land was lost by Baden. Multiple attempts were made to reclaim the last land, but failed miserably. After many defeats, the orcs drew close to Mountainstead. Suddenly, the orc army left the lands of Baden. The orc War Chief, Baruuk Whitewolf, met with King Daveth and worked out a peace treaty, ending over 100 years of conflict (140). It would later be discovered that a deadly plague was beginning to spread in Warmill and among the clans.

MOMENTARY PEACE (140-148)

It was agreed between Chief Baruuk and King Daveth to end hostilities and that Baden would regain the lands previously taken by them in exchange that Daveth would not take advantage of the plague in Warmill. Upsetting some of his council, Daveth accepted the terms. Daveth immediately set out to watch over the resettlement of the lands. Places such as Mirfield and Edgewood were restored, while construction on the western city resumed.

During this time, many damages were repaired from the century of war. Mountainstead and various forts were upgraded and fortified. Also during this time the Treaty of Kirkwall (143) was signed when the ruling family of Kirkwall had no heir. The treaty brought the city into the Kingdom of Baden. Then in 145, the western city was completed and named Sarton, after Daveth's late wife Lillian Sarton.

In 147, King Daveth passed of old age and his son Yanis took over. Yanis would only last a few months though, while visiting Sarton a suprise orcish raid fell on the city, killing many including the king. This even started the Second Orcish War.

THE SECOND ORCISH WAR AND KING YARLIK THE GREAT (148-170)

Legends say that when Yarlik Pont was a boy, he was playing in the woods south of Sarton and was visited by the ghost of King Zaid. During this encounter, Yarlik would learn the location of the sword of his ancestors. He returned to his father, sword in hang. Yanis believed his son was destined for greatness after this.

Yarlik was in Mountainstead when his father was killed in the surprise orc attack. He was attending the Mage's College studying military strategy. Upon hearing the news, he rallied the Royal Army in Mountainstead and marched to Sarton to avenge his father. The following battle was a crushing defeat for King Yarlik. The army retreated to Mountainstead, things looking bleak as the orcs pursued. The orcs followed the fleeing army for days, eventually reaching Mountainstead, the city would be under siege. Multiple attempts to rebuff the orcs were made, but all failed. Desperate, Yarlik sneaked out of the city and ascended the Arth Mountains. He prayed to Dramon for help and encountered a golden bear, Dramon's holy symbol. The beast did not attack, but instead Yarlik mounted it and charged down the mountain. Atop the golden bear, Yarlik barrelled into into the orc army, fighting with newfound strength and ferocity. He slayed orc after orc as his men watched from the walls of the city. Upon seeing their king valiantly fighting, the soldiers inside the city flooded out to aid their king. The Army of Baden too fought with new vigor and scored a total victory. The orcs caught off guard fled from the capital. Yarlik credited the victory to Dramon, and as thanks renamed Mountainstead as "Dramongarde". Yarlik led the new army of Dramongarde to pursue the orcs, harassing them along the way. The orcs were pushed back into their own territory and Yarlik held off an invasion until later times. The orcs would attempt again to push into Baden, failing at Yarlik's hand each time. Over the next five years, Yarlik continued his defenses while preparing his invasion.

Before Yarlik could launch his invasion, the influencial Moore family and a large number of followers left Baden and moved north to form their own collection of cities farther north, these cities being Huren, Tenby, and Nearon (153). Being a wealthy merchants, they took with them many supplies from Dramongarde, slowing down Yarlik's invasion even further. He would be forced to delay the invasion even further when an earthquake caused even further disruption in Dramongarde. Yarlik began to worry that Dramon was displeased with him. He ordered the construction of a new grand temple for Dramon in the heart of Dramongarde. It took another two years until the completion of the new Temple of Dramon and with it came a change in fortunes for Yarlik and Baden. A son was born to Yarlik named Tamar, he was the first child born within Dramon's new temple (156). Yarlik soon finished preparations for his invasion.

The armies of Baden march into orcish territory, defeating orcish clans that stood in their way. Yarlik himself led the main army, scoring victory time and time again against the orcs in their own lands. Within a year, the army of Baden had reached the Adez River, the last line of defense between the Baden and the orcish city of Warmill. At this point the orcs fought desperately to beat back the invading army. TO Yarlik's suprise, he was held at bay at the river for months. The orcs never gave and inch, and the Royal Army was beginning to waver. Yarlik once again called upon Dramon for aid, after which he felt a strong presence on the other side of the river. It was that of the orc demi-god Na'Grul. Yarlik changed his plan to that of a slow siege. He would attempt to keep the orcs trapped in the harsh mountainous and wild environment that they called home.

This would last years, as Yarlik stayed on the front commanding his men. In the meantime, the newly expanded lands of Baden would flourish while most the orcish populations were trapped at the base of Na'Grul's Peak. Then one day while Yarlik was leading a patrol around their newly constructed camp Bullmar, a large landslide was seen occuring on the landslide, and the presence of Na'Grul vanished. Seeing this as his opportunity, King Yarlik rallied his loyal soldiers and charged across the river. The orcs finally fell at the might of Baden's army after their Warchief was captured and personally executed by Yarlik (162). The Second Orcish War had ended, and Baden was the victor. Baden would keep the lands previously controlled by the orcs. Meanwhile the orcs would remain in control of the land west of the Adez River. Yarlik returned home for the first time in almost five years and reigned over his newly expanded kingdom.

Six years of peace would follow, and while Yarlik would keep himself strong and keen, many of his soldiers began to grow lazy. Seemingly out of the blue, orcs began to attack and raid again in the western parts of Baden. Greatly angered, Yarlik led the Royal Amry towards Warmill and demanded from the new Warchief, Fengar Thundercaller, to cease these orcish actions. Fengar would laugh at the King, claiming that the orcish spirit could never die or be contained. Instead of striking down the Warchief where he stood, Yarlik gave him the chance to cease his actions, but warned him of the consequences if they were continue. After the confrontation, orc attacks grew more frequent all across Baden. This would be the beginning of The First Orcish Uprising (168-173). Yarlik would lead his men across his homeland defeating pocket rebellions that continuously popped up. In one such uprising, his young son Tamar would fall under attack but single-handedly killed the attacking orc. Yarlik had Tamar join his army and soon again he marched to Warmill. He would soon find himself once again stuck at the Adez River, as he had years before. Once again he felt the presence of Na'Grul and was cautious to proceed. So yet again bided his time.

Two years passed, as the orcs held firm. The army of Baden tried to cross the river multiple times over those years but never gained any ground. Then one day the unthinkable happened. Na'Grul himself led a charge against the encamped Royal Army. His presence froze Yarlik's men in fear as the orcs decimated his army. Yarlik fought valiantly, slaying many orcs while attempting to rally his men. Baden's army did it's best to move back aginst the orcish onslaught, but Na'Grul chopped down any where they stood. To allow his men and son to escape, Yarlik charged Na'Grul and fought him one on one. Yarlik fought long and bravely, but was no match for the demi-god. He would fall and the orcs would claim victory. Though instead of pushing forward, the orcs returned to Warmill, and Tamar retrieved both the sword of his father, and his body. He was now king.

REIGN OF TAMAR AND EXPANDING THE KINGDOM (170-213)

Following the attack led by Na'Grul and recovering the body of King Yarlik, the Royal Army retreated east. They wet up camp and awaited orders from the new King Tamar. Tamar was only fourteen, but he was as strong as any man. He would leave Warmill be for the time being, returning to the capital. He would strike down the pocket uprisings quickly around the countryside while training his army to strike at Warmill. At the same time he personally trained to fight Na'Grul. After a few years of preparations, the newly expanded Royal Army moved towards Warmill yet again. As soon as they arrive at the Adez River, Tamar ordered a charge and they stormed across. They were quickly met with resistance, but with Tamar at the front of the army cutting down orc after orc, they pressed on to Warmill. The Royal Army quickly broke into the city and the orcs scattered. Tamar ordered the burning of the city while he and his closest warriors would scale the mountain where Na'Grul was rumored to be. Days passed as the army camped in the ruins of Warmill waiting for their King to return. They began to fear that he, like his father, fell to Na'Grul. Tamar would return alone and without his sword. He had been victorious in defeating Na'Grul at the cost of his allies. He solemnly led the victorious army back to Dramongarde (173).

A few years passed as Tamar had focused on the development of Baden. Harvests were good and money was flowing as the kingdom prospered without any orcish threat present. Without Na'Grul present, the orcs blood thirst calmed and they were enslaved by the people of Baden. Some clans of orcs would continue to live free away from villages and cities, but many fell into the forced servitude. Tamar claimed it was divine punishment from Dramon for almost two hundred years of lost lives. The orcs would remain slaves for centuries, even up to the current day.

While Baden was prospering, the south-western parts were beginning to suffer raids from the Lizardfolk in the Wetlands. Tamar warned their leader to cease or else they would meet a swift end. The attacks stopped only for a brief time until they resumed again. Tamar did not instantly stay true to his word. He waited until winter to launch his attack on the cold-blooded Lizardfolk when they were slower and weaker. The Royal Army swept through the Wetlands, subjugating tribe after tribe. It only took months until the leader of the Lizardfolk's Tribal Council officially surrender to Tamar. The Wetlands were incorporated into Baden and the lands south of it and west of Kirkwall soon followed. The kingdom now stretched from the Arth Mountains to the western coast of the continent.

After the influential Moore family left Baden during the reign of King Yarlik, they built three new cities and formed the Council of Moores where the three brothers made decisions regarding their cities and people with each other. They continued this until a member of the merchant Black merchant family pushed his way into power and took full control over one of the cities. This man was Laventa Black. He disregarded the council and made his city of Nearon an absolute monarchy, with him as king. With bribery and mercenaries, Laventa would later take the city of Tenby, while Huren would resist for years. Over the years Laventa's sister Morta arose to power and eventually Huren too fell. Morta would soon pass and her son Ernests would rule over the three cities. Ernests would build a new city along the Northern coast of Baden, naming it Moores to mock the fallen family. Controlling the entire Northwest of the continent was not enough of Lord Black though. He soon set his eyes south and launched a surprise invasion at Baden.

Moores attack on Baden would find quick success, as multiple of the northern villages fell. The success would be short lived, as King Tamar rallied the Royal Army and within weeks had the villages reclaimed and was pushing into Moores' lands. Ernests didn't think much of it while he was safe in his capital in the north. Huren and Nearon were simultaneously under a siege that would last over a year. Once the cities fell Tamar began to march towards the city of Moores. Ernests Black attempted to flee the city but was captured on his way to Tenby. During the following peace negotiations, Ernests returned power to a member of the Moore family (Sigurd Moore) and Huren was handed over to Baden. Ernests would be exiled, but soon seen again. Relations soon improved between Moores and Baden and open trade was established. Both kingdoms benefited greatly and tensions were calmed.

This would not last long though, as Sigurd would be assassinated and Ernests Black would find himself in power again. Trade would cease between the kingdoms and hostilities would resume. Years of tension followed, but no war broke out. Ernests still desired to control both kingdoms and sent a group of assassins after King Tamar. Tamar would fight off the assassins and learn of Ernests treachery. He would declare war on Moores and lead his army north. Nearon would quickly fall again to Tamar, but before he could push at the capital of Moores he learned that a traitorous general, Sir Bryce Allen, had taken control of Sarton. Tamar led his army back south to deal with the traitor while being harassed by the army of Moores. Northern villages were lost again as Tamar easily defeated Allen and moved back north, reclaiming the lost villages and Nearon yet again. The siege of Moores lasted a long time though until eventually breaking. Ernests would be captured and executed and the kingdom of Moores would fall fully under the control of Baden (211).

By the end of the war had aged and suffered many wounds over his years of fighting. He would peacefully reign over the kingdom he had over doubled in size during his life until passing surrounded by his family in Dramongarde. His oldest son Adrian would become king the same day (213). Not long after Adrian became king, the crowned prince of the eastern kingdom of Ashton, Macleod Vespian, would kill his father and then declare on many of the kingdoms across the continent. Macleod possessed something not seen in decades that paved the way for him to wipe through his enemies. Magic.

MACLEOD'S WAR (213-237)

The Kingdom of Ashton was founded about the same time as Baden after The Shattering. The powerful wizard Mordecai Vespian protected the city of Ashton from the blast caused by the Shattering. Though his magic vanished after the great event, he was chosen to lead the people of Ashton in the new world. Over the next two hundred plus years, their influence spread and they controlled most of the central-northern parts of the continent. Ashton's expansion stopped as most weaker opponents were defeated and the only remaining kingdoms were powerful ones such as Moores and Gilmadoore.

After The Northern War (211) concluded and Baden controlled the entire west, Ashton's nobles began to grow weary of their new powerful neighbor. In 214, Loke Vespian was King of Ashton, he had lived a long life and was nearing the end of his reign. Loke and his closest advisers favored integrating into Baden after seeing their might and prosperity. There was some who opposed this in Loke's court, the biggest opponent being Loke's own son, Macleod. Macleod was a prodigy as a child and grew up to be a capable young man, able to best many in both wits and might. After the death of King Tamar Pont, Macleod believed he could defeat Baden in war. His father refused.

It is unknown how or when, but soon after this event, Macleod sold his soul to the Goddess of Undeath, Sen, for the power to defeat his enemies. Macleod returned to the court of Ashton and killed his father and his supporters. Those who were kept alive were shocked to see the prinmce using powerful magics not seen in centuries. With the powerful magic in his hand and an army of undead soldiers at his disposal, Macleod declared himself King of Ashton. He then mobilized his army east and attacked the Symbearne Elves. Caught by suprise, the elves had no chance against the powerful invaders. The elvish kingdom was wiped out and Macleod ordered the extermination of its people, killing off almost all of the Symbearne Elves.

Seeing the threat that Ashton and Macleod had suddenly become, the Lord of Gilmadoore, Vindrel Wester, contacted the other kingdoms to join together and defeat Macleod. Seeing the near genocide of the elvish people, most kingdoms joined forces against Macleod. In this coalition included the kingdoms of Gilmadoore, Baden, the Dwarves of Dungannon, the holy Elysian City, Darkwell, and Riverhold. Their combined armies greatly outnumbered that of Ashton. The army of Baden under King Adrian marched into Ashton, while the army of Gilmadoore waited to combine forces with the other kingdoms.

With Baden moving into Ashton, Macleod's fears came true. He turned his men west to meet the invaders. Macleod himself rode out first in the front of his army. With a wave of his hand a blast of fire leveled a large portion of Baden's army, and with the wave of the other the slain soldiers rose and fought for the King of Ashton. Macleod rode off as the Royal Army began to fight for their lives. Baden suffered many casualties, including their King. The army retreated and brought the body of Adrian to Dramongarde. Adrian's younger brother Aron was then crowned King (216).

King Aron regrouped his defeated army for a defense, but Macleod had to turn his forces back east as the army of Gilmadoore began to move. With Macleod gone, Aron moved quickly to try to take the city of Nort. Nort being the closest of Ashton's cities to Baden, it was quickly reached and siege began. The city held firm before Aron's attack for many months. The siege lasted too long as Macleod's main army came to its aid after defeating Gilmadoore. Aron ordered the retreat back to Tenby and Macleod's army sat in Nort. Multiple skirmishes followed along the border but neither force pushed.

The army of Gilmadoore, now boosted by the other kingdoms again marched north into Ashton. Aron used this as his chance to again strike at Nort. Macleod split his army, sending the bulk of it to Nort while going with his undead Horde to meet the combined force. Once against a long siege began. Both sides took heavy losses during this time. The Royal Army was rebuffed time and time again. Once again, Macleod had defeated the army of Gilmadoore and was approaching the besieged city. Fortune would have it so that Macleod had to turn his course east to fight the army of Elysian City, followers of Elysia, the Goddess of Life and Death. With extra time, the Royal Army finally broke through and captured Nort. Many prisoners were taken and Ashton's head general, Waldemar Vogel, was killed. Macleod turned again to Baden.

Throughout the course of the war, Macleod Vespian's mental state was deteriorating, believed to be the influence of Sen. The once cool, collected prince was no more. Now a raving mad man, Macleod led his army to retake Nort, despite Elysian City's advances. Upon arriving, he sent a massive fireball into the walls of the city. The walls crumbled and his army poured in killing all inside. Aron ordered a hasty retreat. They quickly fled to Tenby, Macleod quick in persuit. Tenby soon suffered the same fate. His march would have continued to Dramongarde, but word arrived the the city of Ashton itself was under attack from the Elysian forces. He pulled away and left Baden reeling. Soon the army of Elysia was defeted and driven back.

His original enemy being Baden in his mind, Macleod turned back west and looked to eradicate the kingdom. Aron asked Gilmadoore to attack once again, but they were too weak to make any attempt. Desperate, Aron led his army in a last ditch effort to defend his Kingdom. His army fortified themselves at Silver Keep. As the army of both undead and man approached, moral in the keep was horribly low. But, before Macleod's army rode out a lone soldier. He challenged Macleod to a duel. Finding the situation humorous, Macleod accepted. When the fight began, Macleod's magic left him, as did his other blessing from Sen. The soldier cut down the suddenly weakened Macleod and his undead army crumbled. The remainder of Ashton's army fled in fear. Awestruck, Aron ordered a charge and killed many of the fleeing army. The lone soldier was Vane Lightsbane, a man with hair dark as night and red eyes. After the war he disappeared.

Word quickly spread of Macleod's death. Gilmadoore and Elysian City both quickly marched into Ashton. One of the few surviving members of the Vespian family after Macleod killed off most, Voren Vespian II, was made king. With three armies marching on him, he surrendered quickly. Ashoton was split between Baden, taking the northern half, and Gilmadoore taking the southern. Elysian City desired no territory. Following the peace, the worship of Sen was outlawed by all the participating kingdoms. Macleod's body was thrown into the Darkwell, a magic cavern created by debris from the Shattering. And so Macleod's War ended (237).

TENSIONS AND WAR WITH GILMADOORE (237-250)


After war with Ashton had concluded, peace reigned over both Baden and continent itself. In the peace the followed, King Aron began to grow restless and discontent with his daily life. He developed a short temper, and harshly punished those who angered him. He had many children, all daughters from multiple wives. He greatly desired a son and began to heavily drink as this appeared to never happen. These new developments led to various issues inside the kingdom. Aron lost the respect of many in his court and military. His new attitude also hurt Baden’s relations with the other kingdoms, regularly insulting the other rulers and taking the credit for the victory over Macleod. The kingdom also began to suffer from financial issues caused by hundreds of years of near constant war.

The ones most greatly disturbed by King Aron’s actions were the Westers in Gilmadoore. Lord Vindrel’s reign was coming to end as his health deteriorated. His son, Subran, who had aided in war effort against Ashton had begun running the kingdom while Vindrel was still King. He was an opinionated man who often clashed with King Aron on political matters. In 242 when Vindrel passed and Subran officially became Lord of Gilmadoore, relations between Gilmadoore and Baden quickly worsened. A year later the two kingdoms had hardly any contact at all. Tensions were high between the kingdoms and the citizens feared another war was on the horizon.

These fears would be realized in 244. Subran had never liked the terms of the treaty after Macleod’s War. He desired for a way to the South Seas and had tried to broker terms so that Gilmadoore would control all the Great River and the lands east of it. They were rejected by those present, and he resented it since. Subran attempted to contact Baden and made offer to purchase the lands east of the Great River from King Aron. The amount offered was enough to solve Baden’s financial woes and Gilmadoore would receive the desired lands.

King Aron was offended by the offer. He saw that it was land that he rightfully owned for defeating the evil Macleod. He began to believe all the lands previously owned by Ashton should be his, for it was a member of his army that struck down the prince. King Aron had the messenger beheaded and sent it back to Lord Subran. In response Subran raised an army and planned to take the lands by force. His army swept through the eastern lands of Baden, seizing control of the city of Doveport and the Great River.

Infuriated, King Aron assembled his army and rode forth to retake his land. The forces of Gilmadoore had fortified along the Great River, allowing no chance for Baden’s Royal Army to cross and fight. Any attempt was met with a rain of arrows. Having stuck him in his own land, Lord Subran called for a peace to which Aron drunkenly rejected. King Aron had his army march nonstop south along the Great River, all the way to Dramongarde and around to come from the south of Gilmadoore. The Royal Army grew exhausted and the hard march slowed. They were forced to rest once they returned to the capital, while Gilmadoore continued it fortified positions.

By the time the Royal Army was ready to move again, King Aron had begun to sober himself, swearing off any alcohol until the war was over. His army marched again, going south into the territory controlled by Darkwell. He attacked the villages and fortresses south of Gilmadoore’s capital. He won multiple battles, and subdued the southern regions. From there he tried to surround the city of Gilmadoore, making an attack on the key fortress of Iron Keep. The battle of Iron Keep lasted a long time, but Gilmadoore’s defenses began to crumble. The bulk of Gilmadoore’s army retreated to their capital city, and Iron Keep feel to Baden. From there Aron was free to encircle the city.

The attempted siege on the city of Gilmadoore lasted for years. The city itself was on an island created by the flow of the Great River. It had fertile lands to provide itself with food during the draw out siege. Baden’s financial woes continued as well while the war progressed, with the peasantry beginning to suffer from heavy taxation to aid the war effort. Aron began to grow desperate. He attempted various means to break the siege. Arson, assassination, betrayal, they all failed. The Great River was proving to be too big of an obstacle for Baden to overcome.

Many more months passed, and a great drought struck the land. Fields stopped producing sufficient food for Gilmadoore and the Great River’s waters began to shallow. Baden took the opportunity to finally cross the river, and set fire to the fields around the city. Soon both the land and city were ablaze, many died in the fires, and Subran was forced to surrender. Lord Subran was tortured and executed, and Baden took control of all land previously a part of Gilmadoore (250)


INTERNAL STRUGGLES (250-309)

And thus, Baden returned to a time of peace. Still financially struggling, and facing no large threats, King Aron cut down the size of the Royal Army. Many soldiers retired back to their villages, but some were upset and turned to banditry. This was at its worst in the newly conquered lands, as former soldiers of Gilmadoore also turned to pillaging. King Aron did what he could, but it remained an issue for years.

As with before, the time of peace brought change to King Aron. He turned back to his heavy drinking ways, and previous temper. Many grew tired of the King’s attitude and demeanor, especially those previously serving the Wester lords. King Aron never had any sons, but instead had twelve daughters from multiple wives. In 253 there was a large celebration in the city of Gilmadoore. The city was to be renamed to the Golden City and a large statue of the Golden Bear that King Yarlik the Great rode was to be erected in the center of the city. The citizens of Gilmadoore were unhappy with this, as they still held firm in their faith and old ways. The king and his family travelled to the city for the celebration.

The night of the ceremony and celebration, an attempt was made on the lives of the Royal family. All twelve of the king’s daughters were killed, as was the Queen. The king was the sole survivor and slew the assassin. He returned to Dramongarde, and his poor habits grew much worse. Looking to take advantage of the chaos and the king’s state, a member of the Vespian family, Edwin Vespian, rose up to retake his family’s kingdom. Edwin lacked support and supplies and was stomped out in only a year. To make an example, King Aron executed many of the Vespian family. Those who survived fled to the eastern kingdoms.

In 255, a son was born to King Aron, who had given up hope for one. His name was Valian Pont. Aron trained him to be a great commander from a young age. When he was fifteen, he was put in charge to deal with the bandit issue that continued to plague Baden. For the next four years he travelled the kingdom, eradicating the bandits and bringing peace to the countryside. He gained popularity with the people as he did so, and petitions were sent for King Aron to abdicate the throne to the young prince. This only infuriated King Aron and he recalled his son, accusing him of treason. In the ensuing confrontation, Valian killed his father and became King (274).

King Valian began his reign by finished cleaning up the bandit problems. He devoted his time to restoring the kingdom to prosperity. With the help of his advisors, he initiated agricultural reforms, a new taxing system, and a new military structure. It took many years and he faced great opposition, some even escalating to full rebellion. Any rebellion caused by disgruntled nobles was easily handled, and peace began to fully reign. Baden was slowly returning to its prosperous state.

Valian grew ill and gave more power to his sons, Davis, Dorian, and Daron. Davis and Daron handled most of the responsibilities, as they were the oldest of the sons. The two of them butt heads often on almost all matters, due to their contrasting beliefs and views. These confrontations caused a rift in the court and the Council. The growing tensions in the court only made King Valian’s health worse. In 304, King Valian passed and Davis, the oldest son, became king.

The tensions of the court spilled out into the rest of the nobility, and a civil war seemed impossible to avoid. Both sides never took up arms, but the court became filled with coercion and bribery. With the courts attention on themselves, the local magistrates had to govern themselves during this time. Hostilities nearly erupted in 308 after the disappearance of Davis’ son Erik. Davis accused his brother Daron of murdering the child, an accusation which Daron adamantly denied. Before war could break out, Davis was assassinated by followers of Daron, leading Daron to be crowned king.

Though Daron solely ruled as king, his reign did not herald peace. Supporters of King Davis were furious and sought revenge. The youngest brother of the three, Dorian, was also angry at Daron, but the new king quickly exiled his younger brother, leading him to retreat to Darkwell.

Once again civil war was avoided. This time, though, was due to the sudden return of Dorian a year later with horrifying news. The old King of Ashton, Macleod Vespian, had somehow come back and was now leading an army of undead, together with the monstrous creatures that claimed the Darkwell as their home. The people of Darkwell would not be able to defeat him and required help. The threat of the powerful Macleod was enough to unify the factions, and Baden marched.


WAR OF THE DARKWELL (309-372)

The Darkwell is a cavern that was created by the debris from the Shattering. The flying piece of Earth barreled into the ground creating a massive hole, which seemed infinite. Magical creatures soon became attracted and took up homes inside the hole. Not far from where the impact was stood the town of Falston. The town itself was far enough South that it was not affected by the blast of the Shattering. However, eventually the creatures that had claimed the Darkwell as their home emerged, and began to attack the surrounding areas. The people at Falston devoted themselves to keeping the creatures within the sprawling cavern, and that would continue to be their self-appointed duty for centuries.

During Macleod’s war, Falston provided what little support they could while maintaining control over the Darkwell. When the war was finished, the body of the evil king was taken and thrown into the deep puts of the endless caverns. This was done so no one could exhume the body, and with that done it was believed that the last of the evil king was taken care of, never to be concerned about again.

In 309, save for some internal issues in Baden, the land was at peace. This peace would be shattered by the sudden return of Macleod Vespian. There had been rumors that a man had been living in the Darkwell, but these rumors were ignored overall. Macleod now commanded the creatures of the Darkwell, and had reborn and army of the dead. It seemed as though his powers from Sen had returned to him again, and it was widely believed that it was the power of Sen that had brought him back to life in the first place.

Falston did what it could to keep Macleod’s new army contained within the Darkwell, but they needed help. The head of Falston, Paddin Darkwell, sent a plea to the other kingdoms for aid. Many responded, but before they could arrive, the town was overrun. Paddin led his surviving people into Baden for refuge. King Daron launched an arrack with the help of Paddin to retake Falston. The following battle ended with Paddin retreating and King Daron having been killed and raised to fight for Macleod. Prince Dorian, who was with the army, was declared king afterwards.

Dorian sent a request for a joint attack, but before it could happen Macleod attacked Baden. His army marched towards the Golden City and Dramongarde. Dorian split his army to defend both locations, while the army of Riverhold struck at Falston. The Golden city was successfully defended and Falston taken back, but Dramongarde was at risk of falling. The Royal Army at the Golden City moved to aid, but Macleod’s undead army retreated. They fell back, retaking Falston and returned to the depths of the Darkwell.

For multiple years, small forces of undead would spring from the caverns, but Macleod would not show himself. After beating back the waves of undead, the kings of the land would send their own men into the Darkwell to find and kill Macleod. This was never successful, and those who entered never returned. This continued for more years, bands of would-be heroes ventured and fell attempting to kill the once dead king.

One day, the bulk of Macleod’s army poured out of the Darkwell, once again taking over Falston. Macleod had new horrifying creatures in his army. They towered over all and killed by the dozens. Macleod swept across the land, slowly claiming land in all directions. Riverhold was nearly conquered by Macleod as he simultaneously laid siege to the Golden City and pushed closer to Dramongarde. Dramongarde would never be reached, as King Dorian fought to protect his capital. With Dramongarde safe, he moved to defend the Golden City. The city held until his arrival, and he led his men to repel the undead.

After the Golden City was defended, Riverhold fell. The remnants of its forces, along with its king, came to the Golden City. They enlisted the aid of Elysian City and the dwarves of Dungannon and assembled a large force. The coalition against Macleod struck and retook Riverhold and forced him and his army back into Falston. Together they pushed on and fought bitterly. Macleod’s army was not as powerful as before, making the battles easier. He was finally beaten down and driven back into the Darkwell. The kings then prepared an expedition into the Darkwell in hopes to finally defeat Macleod.

In 249 the expedition went into the well, led by King Dorian, Liam Muir, King of Riverhold, and Carruth Ambercrow, Arch-Paladin of Elysian City. The Council governed in King Dorian’s stead, as they and the large number of men and women accompanying them entered the Darkwell. For many years, they remained inside, and during that time no undead emerged from the caverns. It was unknown if they would ever return, and as the years past hope began to be lost that they would ever return.

Three years later, King Dorian and the surviving members emerged from the Darkwell. With them was the lifeless body of Macleod. They took the body to the Northern shores of Baden and threw it into the South Sea, hoping the currents would carry it away. Inside the caverns, the King of Riverhold had died to Macleod, and King Dorian had been cursed. The remaining kings and lords came to a treaty that both Darkwell and Riverhold would become a part of Baden. This was known as the Treaty of Darkwell, and marked the end of the war (352).


UNIFYING THE EMPIRE AND THE REIGN OF KING LEON THE HALF-ELF (372-601)

With Riverhold and Darkwell now under the control of Baden, the only remaining kingdoms besides Baden was Creston on the eastern penninsula, Dungannon in the Dhamdirth Mountains, and Elysian City between Creston and Baden. They all continued to coexist peacefully for the remaining decades of King Dorian's rule. Despite the curse that would eventually take his life, King Dorian continued to rule over Baden. As the curse began to claim his life, King Dorian appointed his middle son, Aidan, as his heir. Dorian had three sons, Finn being the oldest, Aidan in the middle, and Balin the youngest. These children were all born to Dorian's second wife, Wueen Razel. When Dorian appointed Aidan as heir, Finn became upset for it was his birthright to be king as oldest. Before he could comfort his son, Macleod's curse claimed Dorian's life, and Aidan was king (371).

Prince Finn was a good soldier and well liked in the Royal Army. After his brother became king he took control of Dramongarde and rebelled. The new king fled to the Golden City. He gathered and army of his own and prepared to fight his brother for his kingdom. As the two readied to fight, the youngest of the brothers, Balin, took control of Doveport and too declared himself king with the backing of his mother. The three all prepared for battle. They took turns sending raiding parties into the lands each controlled. Soon they all marched their armies towards each other and engaged in a large battle. Prince Finn started to gain the upper hand but was killed by a stray arrow. Without their leader his army fell off. The battle then swayed in favor of King Aidan, as Prince Balin was inexperienced in war. Aidan's army crushed his brother's and moved to take Doveport. The city was easily taken and Aidan executed his mother for influencing his brother to rebel. He allowed Balin to live. This was known as The War of Three Brothers (371-372).

His brother's no longer a problem, King Aidan began his rule over Baden. His reign was rather quiet. He was a very righteous man and saw justice dished out to where needed. Corruption was rooted out and men and women of talent were given high ranks. He reigned for over thirty years before peacefully passing on (408). With his passing his son Leon became king. His mother, Queen Mayliana, was an elf, so Leon was the first non-human king of Baden. Leon was a man of ambition, he looked to expand Baden's influence beyond the continent. He spent years building a grand navy to conquer the islands around Baden. He launched his first invasion in 411 and quickly took over. He placed a magistrate in each newly conquered island to govern over the islands. For nearly one hundred years he invaded the many islands surrounding the continent and colonized them. He finished after he failed to take the island of Rasha in 500. This was known as The colonial Wars (411-500).

King Leon's ambitions did not stop with just the islands. He desired to control all of the continent. In 478 he launched an attack on the Kingdom of Creston. Within two years Creston was under Leon's control, though the king, Volkard Zedler, escaped and led guerrilla attacks against King Leon for years. Leon pursued the fleeing king, never being able to catch him. Volkard attempted an ambush on Leon as he was travelling between the Golden City and Creston. This ambush failed and the former king was captured and executed. With his death, Leon declared the war over (491).

After all his wars had finished, King Leon moved the capital to The Golden City and declared himself the first Emperor of Baden (502). The Royal Army became the Imperial Army and he established new ranks, splitting the Empire into five duchies. These duchies were named after the old kingdoms that populated the continent, Dramongarde, Moores, Gilmadoore, Riverhold, and Creston. The king or emperor would directly control Gilmadoore while four separate dukes or duchesses would control the rest. A great ceremony held in the new capital and the festivities continued on for over a week. The continent had been unified under one kingdom, save for Elysian City and the dwarves of Dungannon. Leon respected and feared the goddess of life and death too much to attack her holy city, while he had no desire to try to fight the dwarves underground in their home. For the next one hundred years Leon ruled quietly and peacefully as Baden entered a golden age of prosperity. Eventually, after almost two hundred years as king, Leon would pass. His children had long passed, not inheriting his longevity in life, the search for a new ruler started.

REIGN OF QUEEN ANKA (601-666)

When the near 200 year reign of King Leon finally came to an end, the family tree had to be traced to find the next closest relative. This was found to be the seven year old Princess Anka Pont, a descendant of Davis Pont. She was the 20th ruler of Baden, so nationwide festival was held for her coronation. Still being just a child, she needed a regent. She was already being tutored by a minor official named Eric Zarn, so he was chosen as her regent. The official balanced the jobs of governing and teaching the young Queen rather well. Eric was regent until Queen Anka’s sixteenth birthday in 610. As a reward for his service, Zarn was gifted the position of Count of Jas, to which a member of the Zarn family held until 724. Years later, further showing her appreciation to the Zarn family, Anka betrothed her daughter Marie to Eric’s grandson Alistar, forever connection the families.

Overall the time in which Anka ruled was peaceful. She encountered few troubles during her reign, save for one of the island vassals stirring trouble. This was easily dealt with tough. She had the city of Panshaw constructed during this time to help further boost trade along the Great RIver. Upon its completion in 656, Anka made her son Marchaud its count as a way to train him before taking over the throne.
Anka’s reign continued to be peaceful and the citizens were content. These peaceful times continued until tragedy struck in 666.

THE ZARN RULE (666-724)

In the waning years of Queen Anka’s reign, tragedy befell the royal family. The Royal Prince, Marchaud Pont, was assassinated by an angry nobleman, Vortigen Murphy. The Prince-Count of Panshaw had fell in love with Vortigen’s wife. Prince Marchaud took the woman as a concubine, which angered the nobleman greatly. Vortigen planned his revenge, and ambushed Marchaud one day with a group of followers at the gates of Panshaw. The Prince and his escort were overwhelmed and killed on the spot. Marchaud’s infant son, Marco, was already in the Golden City at the time of the plot. Vortigen briefly took control of the city. The nearby counts moved on Panshaw and reclaimed the city before the Imperial Army could even respond.

With Marchaud dead, Marco was named the heir. Marco was still just a newborn, and the Queen was advanced in age. Knowing this, Queen Anka appointed Leopold Zarn to be guardian and regent of Marco, such as his uncle Eric Zarn had been to Anka. Three years later in 669, Anka died peacefully in her sleep, leaving the toddler of three years as King. Leopold was a good man, but her too was advanced in his age. He did what he could to keep the peace and watch the young Marco. Two years into the regency, Leopold too passed away, appointing his son, Leofwine wa regent and guardian of Marco.

Leofwine up to the point had served as Count of Jas under his father’s command. He was an ambitious man though with grander designs for himself. Upon arriving at the capital, he began to govern and tutor the young Prince. Soon after, he began to develop a plot to dispose of the young King and seize the Kingdom for himself. With his army from Jas incoming, he made his move. His plans did not go as he wished though, One of the council members, Henrey Gray, had heard of Zarn’s plot and removed the young King to safety. Still, without the King in place, Leofwine took full power. He relieved many of the councilmen and instilled close friends into positions of power. This included Denard Saffory, a man of imposing strength. Soon after Leofwine declared himself King, the Duke of Riverhold, Severin Duval, passed away, and Saffory was placed as Duke. This move solidified Zarns power even more. For years, Zarn and his compatriots bathed in luxury and decadence, generally ignoring the issues of the land. Crime started to run rampant and the regional counts did what they could to prevent it. This proved to be quite difficult for them without Imperial aid though.

Half-way through the Zarn Rule, in 699, a number of counts looked to restore a Pont to power. Henrey Gray , who previously protected Marco Pont, was the originator of the plan. They would attempt to assassinate both Duke Saffory and Zarn himself. They bided their time for months, and on the day of the attempts disaster struck. The Duke survived the attempt on his life, fighting off the would be assassins. He quickly sent word to the capital and warned Leofwine. Leofwine prepared himself and the attempt on his life too failed. Gray was put to death for Treason, but Marco once again went into hiding.

After the failed assassination attempts, Zarn worked to stamp out the rampant banditry to appease the counts. This was achieved quickly with the use of the Imperial Army. This done, he returned to his life of luxury. His luxurious lifestyle was proving costly though, and his coffers began to run low. He began to demand tributes from the counts to replenish his wealth. This continued for many years, and though the land was not suffering, the counts grew more and more discontent. Even further into Leofwine’s reign, he began to construct a grand arena outside of the Golden City. It was a project that took many years and resources to complete.

While in hiding, Marco had two sons, Thadeus in 700 and Theadric in 703. Thadeus was as strong any man, said to rival even the Duke of Riverhold, while Theadric was as keen minded as the kings of old. Marco told his sons that they were descendants of kings, and how he had failed to reclaim his throne. He prayed that they would be able to reclaim what was lost. About this time, Leofwine’s arena was nearly complete and to celebrate he would host a grand fighting tournament. The brothers devised a plan to enter and win the tournament to try to win the hearts of the people. Marco then shared the plan with the few allies he had remaining.

In 722, the arena was finished and the tournament held. The tournament itself was rigged so that Duke Saffory would win, but Thadeus entered under the guise of a farmer’s son and fought his way to the finals. Sparing the lives of most he fought, he won over the crowds with his strength and honor. In the final fight, Thadeus fought and killed Duke Saffory much to everyone’s suprise. With the victory, Thadeus revealed himself as son of Marco and rightful King of Baden. Marco then revealed himself from among the crowd to confirm this. They urged the people to rise against Leofwine and restore the Pont rule. The father and son fled from the arena to Sarton, where they met with it’s count and gathered men for their rebellion.

A number of counts flocked to Marco’s aid, though there were still many loyal to Zarn. Fighting erupted across Baden, as the counts fought amongst each other to help their respective sides. Marco and Thadeus amassed an army in the west, while Theadric, with the help of the count of Panshaw’s help, attacked the east. Fighting lasted for two years until Leofwine assembled as many men as he could and marched on the rebel stronghold in Sarton. To counter this, Marco laid ambushes along the way to Sarton, harassing Leofwine as he marched. Thadeus then launched an attack on the worn down army as it approached Sarton. A bloody battle raged for days, the rebels gaining the upper hand.

The Imperial Army fled back to the Golden City, Marco and Thadeus in pursuit. Leofwine was shocked to see that Theadric and the count of Panshaw had captured the capital while he was away. Forced to fight, Zarn’s men dropped like flies. Thadeus himself cornered and slew Leofwine, ending the Zarn Rule. In the combat, Marco was injured and retired back to Sarton, leaving the older son to take the throne. Marco soon died at peace after.

Thadeus’s rule began with the deconstruction of Leofwine’s arena. He assigned new councilmen and counts, replacing Zarn’s compatriots. Thadues’s reign would not last long though, as he grew ill and passed without a child in 725. So Theadric took the helm of Baden, and began a string of ufit kings and started an era known as “The Cursed Times.”

REIGN OF AZAR AND KYROK’S REBELLION (810-833)

The cursed time seemed to finally end after the coronation of King Azar. Azar’s reign though would be instantly tested, having lost faith in the Pont royal family, Duke Drem III of Moores rebelled against the new king. Much of the Imperial Army was in the east dealing with the orcish uprising when Drem’s forces marched. Azar allowed the rebels to march all the way to the rivers of the Golden City, much to the dismay of his advisors. Once they arrived, Azr led a surprise attack on the rebels, catching them off guard and tired from their march. The Moorish army suffered heavy losses and retreated to Nort. Azar followed his enemies, harassing them along the way. He also sent the royal navy under Warren Blackmoore to surround the city. The way to Nort blocked and Azar on his heels, Drem attempted to fight a desperate battle but lost. After his defeat, Drem was put to death, and the Duchy of Moores was sold to the young Mira Black, a descendant of Laventa Black.

Azar spent the next nine years attempting to put down the Second Orcish Uprising. Though he had won multiple skirmishes, the leader of the uprising alluded Azar’s grasp. This continued for years until finally capturing him. The orc chief was put to death and the uprising was over, though seeds for the next uprising had been planted. Azar spent a year to rebuild the eastern countryside before gathering his armies to retake the lost vassal islands. Many islands surrendered and those who didn’t were easily defeated.

While leading his men, Azar took a blow to his head. The strike split his helmet but left him alive. Once the island was pacified, azar returned to the Golden City to recover. Azar’s wounds recovered surprisingly quick, though his personality seemed to change. He became much more cruel and abusive of his power. It was believed that during this time, one of the head advisors to Azar, Damien Fay, had used the help of followers of Sen to assist in healing the King’s wounds and that Sen’s influence had caused the change. Leaving Fay to administer the Empire, Azar once again set out to finish reclaiming the islands around Baden. Azar’s armies ruthlessly destroyed its enemies, looting the islands as they went, something Azar had previously forbid his men to do. Eventually the islands were all reclaimed. Azar returned to the capital and took his place governing the empire.

During his regency, Damien started raising taxes to better fund Azar’s wars. Villages or towns that were unable to pay were raided by Damien’s personal army. The peasants became restless and poverty began to spread yet again. But though the villages suffered, most major cities were still fairly well off. Azar saw the cities were well and commended Damien for his work, appointing him Duke of Creston.

More years passed as the peasants continued to suffer. In the north-east, the island of Rasha split its kingdom in two, causing it to no longer supply Baden with manawood yet again. Angered by this, Azar declared war and once set his armies to the sea. Before leaving, he once again placed Damien as regent. The Imperial Army sailed towards Rasha, but then changed course towards Ritland, one of Rasha’s allies. Azar lead a devastating surprise attack on the island nation. As a show of force, Azar had the entire island slaughtered and it’s towns burned to the ground. No survivors were left. This would be known as the Ritland Massacre. The act caused good men to leave the Imperial Army, including Lead Admiral and Count of Doveport, Warren Blackmoore. Hearing of the destruction of it’s ally, Rasha made peace and renewed trade rights with Baden.

Again the army returned home and news of Azar’s destruction spread across the Empire, as did the growing fear of the king. Azar continued Damien’s taxing, as holding onto the vassal islands were proving to be costly. The Imperial Army would loot any villages that could not pay. In certain areas, this began to affect even the major cities incomes as well. This caused great discontent among the regional counts. Azar had Damien with him most regularly to advise him. More battle wounds seemed to be affecting Azar’s mental state. He claimed he saw the dead walk among the people. Around this time, rumors that cultists of Sen were becoming more active began to spread. Rumors also circulated that Azar was among the cultists, secretly worshiping the goddess of undeath. Any councilmen or nobles who questioned it were sent to the vassal islands to govern or disappeared.

In 830, the Third Orcish Uprising began, being lead by a the shaman Zandar Blackwolf. He was a half-orc born of an orcish prisoner during the last uprising and the former Countess of Jas. The half-orc had received a nobleman’s education while his existence was kept secret. Eventually the secret got out and he was enslaved for years before escaping. He then rallied various tribes to fight along with him to create an orcish paradise, devoid of the other races. With the intellect of a noble and the strength of an orc, Zandar led his followers, ravaging the countryside. He looted and wiped out many villages. Azar sent detachments of the Imperial Army to put down the Uprising. Zadar and his followers proved to be too much for the army, defeating them on multiple occasions. He became known as “The Man Slayer.” His army embarrassed, Azar proclaimed his forced need to regroup, leaving the uprising to the regional counts. This displeased many, as Zandar’s uprising would spread throughout most the Empire, and no village was safe.

Over the next two years, Zandar continued to pillage and Azar continued to tax. Late in 832, Azar’s men taxed the wrong village. In this village lived a lumberjack by the name of Kyrok. Kyrok was a poor man who lived with his family southwest of Doveport. The village unable to pay it’s taxes was raided by the Imperial Army. During the raid, Kyrok’s wife and daughter were killed. In a rage, Kyrok killed the remaining stationed soldiers single handedly. In response, the regional officer sent a detachment to raze the village to the ground. Leading the villagers in defense, Kyrok beat back the Imperial force. Now deemed a rebel, he sword to have Azar’s head for what had happened to his family. Gathering followers as he moved, Kyrok made his way to the capital. Seeing the success of the rebel, various landed nobles joined his cause. The rebellion grew and scored victories over the Imperial Army. Kyrok began to gain fame as a savior of the people, and it was said he fought with the ferocity of a bear.

As the rebels drew closer to the Golden City, their force was split into five divisions, each with it a “Rose General” commanding it. Kyrok the “Grey Rose”, The Count of Doveport and former Imperial admiral Warren Blackmoore; the “White Rose,” The Count of Ashenvale and “Green Rose” Gregor Locke, The Countess of Whitebridge Taya “The Red Rose”, and finally the “Blue Rose” James Euls Gray, the Duke of Dramongarde. Together their armies surrounded the Golden City and laid siege. During which the Duke of Dramongarde, James Gray would die. With help from inside contacts, the walls finally broke in the spring of 833. Many Imperial officers and soldiers surrendered as the rebels poured into the city. Azar and Damien made an attempt to escape, but were betrayed by a Gabriel Stahl, another one of Azar’s advisors and the rebel’s inside man. Azar moved to slay Stahl while Damien fled. Azar and Stahl engaged in a duel, in which Stahl was crippled, but bought enough time for the Rose Generals to reach the castle and kill Azar.

With Azar dead, the issue of who would become next King of Baden became apparent. The next closest member of the Imperial Family was the young nephew of Azar, Griffin, who was just fifteen years old. Griffin along with his father had been exiled and then hunted by Azar. Griffin’s father was killed, but not before sending Griffin into hiding with his trusted friend Jauffrey Crane. Many people had soured on the Pont line though, and wished for a new king. Kyrok was pressured to take the throne, but he had no desire to hold it. He did agree though to act with a council until a new King was chosen. Supporters of Griffin petitioned this new council for him to be crowned, but were turned down. Meanwhile, Damien had fled back to Creston and sent out decrees saying that in his final days, King Azar had appointed Damien as his chosen heir should something happen to him. Damien began to muster forces to march upon the capital. Elsewhere the Duchess Mira Black who had remained neutral during the rebellion desired to be independent from Baden and was ready to fight for that right. Then in Dramongarde with the death of James Gray multiple claimants rose to take control. Azar may have fallen, but war did not seem to escape the kingdom as tensions rose between the duchies...