Main Page » Brechtur » Rohrmarch » History of Rohrmarch

Rohrmarch has a long and occasionally glorious, if rarely peaceful history. Its people remember legends of the early Brecht and Masetian as part of their own history, but the history of the land truly begins only after the godswar.

[top]Early History

Rohrmarch was once part of the elven nation known as Coullabhie and apart of the great forest known as the Coulladraight. During what the elves refer to as the Great Uprising, others the Humanoid Wars, the elves under an unknown ruler managed to force all other races of Rohrmarch out of the Coulladraight. The dwarves were forced back to Baruk-Azhik which closed itself to the world, the kobolds and goblins were forced underground in what is now the present counties of Edel and Werthangen, and the gnolls, trolls, and ogres were pushed into the Iron Peaks or the Vicissitude Mountains. So did the elves reign until the coming of the Anuireans, but that is much later.
The first Brecht explorers started exploring for a new home to separate them from the evil of the followers of the Shadow around -1773 MR. The Flight from the Shadow, as it was called, marked the coming of the Brecht to the land of Cerilia. Over the following centuries, four different waves of Brecht settlers came seeking freedom from the Shadow. These Brecht fought weather, monsters, the Andu, and the Rjuven to arrive in the region surrounding the Great Bay, with each wave settling in a different area. None of these Brecht ever made it to the land to be known as Rohrmarch as these Brecht feared the elves and shunned the forest to stay near the coast. Thus, there was harmony.
Portions of Rohrmarch were being settled at this time by the people only known as the Irboudan tribesmen (-1078). A nomadic race, these warriors formed and ruled over the lands known today as Sendoure, Zikala, Binsada, and the western province of Rohrmarch known as Nunkappel and Alklund (-1078). Their empire was short-lived though as by -983, Basarji clans had replaced and absorbed the Irboudan tribesmen and the border of the empire retreated from Rohrmarch to Sendoure ending human involvement in Rohrmarch for the time being.
By -975 MR, the War of the Shadow had begun. The third wave of Brecht colonization, which had strengthened the Müden area, ended with the War of Shadow. Most Brecht fought under Anuirean or Basarji banners rather than their own Brecht countries. An exception of this was Müden, which fielded its own navy and warriors. The Brecht warships help to turn the tide against the Vos raiders. The Great Bay region managed to hold firm against invasion with the powers of Massenmarch, Kiergard, Danigau, and Müden. In - 973 MR, the Battle of Mount Deismaar occurred. There, the forces of good defeated the forces of evil, but not without high cost. The noble race known as the Masetians were all but exterminated, the gods destroyed themselves to stop their evil brother and in the process infused nobles with their power as well as forming new gods to take their place. After the Battle of Deismaar, a Brecht captain from Müden named Bram Rohr and one of the few remaining Masetian survivors banded together to try to make the journey back to their lands in the chaos that followed the Battle of Deismaar.
The Brechts were led by Captain Bram Rohr, a minor noble from Müden and commander of 3 roundships of Müden while the Masetian were led by Cidro Sinapom and had five galleys. Deciding upon an easterly route, the Masetian captain put aground for supplies at the mouth of the Khurinlach in the present-day province of Nunkappel. There the Masetian found the Brecht who had camped on their way back to Müden for supplies. As both of their respective peoples were weary of journey and battle, the two leaders decided to stay at this site for the winter. Realizing that their location would be a good place to form a land of their own (-963), they stayed, cooperating with the Basarji in the neighboring lands (Alklund and Barniere), most especially with the Order of the Sun.
The soldiers of Rohr named the country Rohrmarch after Rohr?s march to get there. Soon, the warriors brought their families to their new land and other refugees swelled their ranks as the settlement became known as Kiedel, Masetian for peace. Bram Rohr married Alena, daughter of Cidro, planning to unite the two cultures into one. Unfortunately, Bram?s brother, Urban, was deeply in love with Alena and assassinated Bram on his wedding night. Urban then took command of the settlement with his faction of degenerates and ruled very poorly, often having conflicts with the Khinasi.
With the formation of the empire of Anuire by Roele and its aggressive expansion, plus the tyrannical rule of Urban Rohr, most of the Masetian and a few Brecht decided to leave Rohrmarch in what was termed the exodus to parts unknown. Cidro and a few hundred decided to stay but the majority decide to leave, with Antano Sinapom as the leader (-963 to -933). Unfortunately for the remaining Rohrs, Antano took much of Rohrmarch?s navy with him. Soon after this, the settlers had their first skirmish with the elves of Coullabhie over logging for the settlement. Fortunately cool heads prevailed, and the elves did not destroy the settlers. A truce was set up between the Elves and the Rohrs.
However, peace was not to last as Rohrmarch was soon invaded by the forces of Roele in -938 MR. The settlers battled valiantly with the Basarji against the oncoming horde of Anuireans but could not deal with both a land and sea invasion with the loss of their navy in the exodus, particularly given the poor rulership of Urban which left many welcoming another leader - even an Anuirean. Finally, at the first battle of Kiedel, Urban Rohr lost his life to Roele himself. The will of the Rohrs to resist the invaders was shattered. Under Bremn Edel, the Rohrs surrendered after a month-long siege of the city (-938). The Anuirean noble, Ansen Magievoir, was appointed as first Viscount of the conquered land of Rohrmarch.
With the arrival of the Anuireans came the Holy Order of Haelyn's Aegis, knightly order of the Imperial Temple of Haelyn. With an open approach that embraced the Brecht, the Holy Order converted Rohrmarch to the teaching of the Imperial Temple.

[top]The Black Knight

A cruel and evil overseer, Ansen Magievoir, subjugated the Basarji to the east and west, and pushed the Rohr?s borders into the lands claimed by the elves. He often went on hunts at which time tales say he would often hunt peasants he came upon, slaying the men and forcing the women to submit to him. He enjoyed blood sport, pitting unarmed men against beasts and also lived in extravagance while the peasants suffered. Under his misrule, the Rohrs suffered as they had no other time except during the reign of the Mad Modred. Thus, many heroes, Brecht, Masetian, and Basarji surfaced to battle the tyranny of Ansen. The most prominent was the legend of the Black Knight (-928 to -920), a Brecht warrior clad in black armor who would fight the efforts of Viscount Ansen to subjugate the people of Rohrmarch. Viscount Ansen was eventually killed by the Black Knight in personal combat in Kiedel. Eventually, evidence of Viscount Ansen?s crimes against the Rohrs was brought before Roele by Baron Gregor Edel, a Brecht noble of Rohrmarch. Viscount Raenwe, a fair and just man was appointed to rule Rohrmarch by Roele.

[top]The Overlords

Viscount Raenwe Rendette was one of the foremost of the Anuirean overlords in promoting Brecht participation in the government of the Anuirean Empire and their own. Upon his death, Hadrien Broderick, was appointed Viscount of Rohrmarch. Broderick was soon given the task by Emperor Roele to pacify the gnolls and other monsters harrowing the supply lines crossing the Iron Peaks Mountains in Dhafrane. After a few minor skirmishes, the forces led by Broderick were forced to retreat back to Kiedel. Seizing this opportunity, the gnolls from the Iron Peaks went on the offensive and invaded Rohrmarch proper. Viscount Hadrien led a combined force of Brecht, Khinasi, and Anuireans against the invading force after the Gnolls had attacked both Friedlund, and Nunkappel. After many campaigns, known simply as the Gnoll Wars, the gnolls were nearly exterminated in the Iron Peaks by the forces of led by the Viscount Hadrien but victory came only after the brave viscount died in the Battle of Rockhedge in Osternord. Viscount Aern Rurkre was appointed to head Rohrmarch after the death of Broderick. His rule was particularly uneventful as he was more of a bureaucrat than a general, and not a very dedicated one at that. Under his rule, many Brecht attained positions in council to the point that they truly ran the country from behind the scenes.
Following the death of Viscount Aern, Aern?s chamberlain, Renier Rendette, was appointed to head Rohrmarch. Rendette was the first the half-Brecht, half-Anuirean leader of Rohrmarch since its conquest. The city of Rohkiel founded by Viscount Renier as new capital of Rohrmarch, replacing the old Brecht capital of Kiedel, as Renier was displeased with the conditions that the marsh-like Kiedel displayed in the summer months. Many great projects were started under Renier's rule such as Kiedel?s city walls, Rohkiel?s Castle, and Castle Redwing in Osternord. Viscount Renier also appointed the first all-Brecht advisory council, displacing many Anuirean families from positions of power. Viscount Renier also formed the Order of the Loyal Knights of Rohr, an order composed of Brecht, Khinasi, and Anuirean nobles and warriors.
In -728, Viscount Renier?s forces routed Binsadan raiders from the province of Alklund, after a series of devastating raids. In -720, Viscount Renier died of an assassination attempt after accomplishing more than any other ruler before him. Anuirean nobles in the Imperial Government appointed Henri Verdidier, an Anuirean, to replace Renier. In -658, Viscount Henri died and Viscount Robert Saluette was appointed to head the Rohrs. In -602 Viscount Robert died and was replaced by Viscount Hadrien Kenton. Under Hadrien?s rule, the Ogre Wars (-538 to -526) took place. The forces of Rohrmarch were forced to battle ogres and trolls entering Rohrmarch from the Vicissitude Mountains. With the death of Viscount Hadrien, and the appointment of Viscount Broderick Hartbel to head the Rohrs, a series of average rulers ascended the Grey Throne.
Kirche's own priesthood was established in the fifth century after Deismaar and in the next century, temples was established to Kirche alone started to slowly be built. Gradually during this time, priests of Kirche came to Rohrmarch bringing their faith with them.
In -482, Viscount Nolan Norson replaced Viscount Jacques I after the latter was unable to satisfy his Anuirean nobles. In -456 with the death of Viscount Nolan, Viscount Jacques Fainwright was appointed to head Rohrmarch. In -403 with the death of Viscount Jacques II, Viscount Monette Saluette was appointed to head Rohrmarch. Saluette was given orders from the emperor to push the elves out of the Coulladraight to force an access line from Rohrmarch to the Brecht nations of the North and the fabled Anuirean general Claudis was sent to aid him. The so-called War of the Forest (-396 to -224) began in Rohrmarch. Over the next 176 years, land would be lost by the elves and regained only to be lost to the Anuireans again in countless skirmishes. Eventually, the Imperial Armies led by Claudis, who personally despised the war, pushed the elves back from the provinces of Edel, Werthangen, and Boerenbach. In -368, Viscount Monette and General Claudis lost their lives in the province of Boerenbach at the hand of the Sayer?s magic with over 2/3 of their forces. Viscount Cossine was appointed to head Rohrmarch and the remnants of the anti-elven army. Though fighting continued over the next 150 years, neither side gained ground and the border was eventually ascribed to the eastern side of Boerenbach.
In -208MR, priests of Kirche founded a knightly order of warriors within the Imperial Temple. This order was known as the Stormlord Seerbrand.
For the remainder of the Anuirean Occupation, the Viscounts of Rohrmarch ruled uneventfully other than the skirmishes with the elves. In -188, the first full Brecht Viscount was appointed after the death of Viscount Chatouson, Viscount Everard Oden. An invasion by the Vampire was halted at Nolook Pass in Edel, with solely Rohr forces, without imperial aid. For this action, Rohrmarch was made a barony by the crown and given to Derrick Oden, brother to Viscount Everard Oden who died in the Battle of Nolook Pass at the hands of the Vampire. With the death of Derrick Oden in -18 MR, Adler Oden became the second Baron of Rohrmarch.

[top]The Kingdom of Rohrmarch

With the waning of the empire and consequent imperial support, the Brecht nobles, Khinasi nobles, and most Anuirean nobles voted to declare Rohrmarch free and independent at the Covenant of the Snow, after a major battle against the evil Warlord Maximus the Terrible. Alder Oden was crowned king by the assembled nobles (9 MR) since Bram Rohr. However, King Alder I welded little actual power. Instead, the barons held the power in their palms. In 12 MR, King Alder and his barons repulsed an Imperial force sent to make the rebellious young nation bend its knee again to the crown at the Battle of Redwing Castle in Osternord. In 40 MR, King Alder I died and King Alder II was crowned. Unfortunately, only 13 years later in 53 MR, King Alder II and his queen were killed at the hands of the Vampire in the Royal Castle in Rohkiel.
Alder II?s daughter, Princess Adriana became first ruling Queen of Rohrmarch. Subsequently, Osternord was invaded and occupied by the Vampire three months following the coronation of the Queen at the age of 14. Queen Ariana Oden, in desperation married Baronet Pieter Edel. Consort Edel, a most able military man forced the Vampire?s forces out of Osternord, with much loss. Soon, construction of a new Redwing Castle was started after the Vampire destroyed the first. As revenge for his defeat, the Vampire launched the Lycanthrope Wars in Rohrmarch, using dark magic to infect many with the disease of lycanthropy and sent them into Werthangen, Osternord, Edel, and Boerenbach. The Day of the Stake, Night of the Sword was Princess Adriana?s response when the massed armies of both the soldiers and peasants of Rohrmarch, led by the Stormlord Seerbrand, cleared the provinces of Rohrmarch by force, resulting in the removal of lycanthropes and undead in northern Rohrmarch. The Queen and her Consort used their influence with the masses to force the Barons to acknowledge the Grey Throne as the supreme power in the land. In 118 MR, Queen Adriana died a natural death. The entire land of Rohrmarch mourned her death for years to come. Her son, Henri, became King Henri I.
The religion of Rohrmarch was Haelyn's faith brought by the Holy Order of Haelyn's Aegis, the knightly order of the Imperial Temple of Haelyn. In the early decades of the 4th century MR, the Imperial Temple sundered. A dispute arose between Blaede Vathormane, the Grand Master of the knights of the Holy Order of Haelyn's Aegis, and the leadership of the Imperial Temple in Aerele. Blaede, among others called for a conciliatory tone and work towards reconciliation in the spirit of the Holy Order's many successes. Blaede Vathormane and the Holy Order of Haelyn's Aegis began to formulate their own aims and policies, while remaining faithful to the Orthodox Imperial Temple in terms of the rites, worship, and teaching of Haelyn, including the traditional close reading of the Book of Laws as the primary document of the faith. The many temples and priests of Nesirie and Cuiraécen supported the Holy Order. Some of these encouraged Blaede Vathormane towards a total break with the Orthodox Imperial Temple. When the Orthodox Imperial Temple began to use the Inquisition against political enemies in the temple, and not just against undisputed heretics of the faith, Blaede severed all formal ties with the Orthodox Imperial Temple. Blaede refused to allow any changes in the theology and worship of Haelyn, but always advocated a more open and accepting approach to dealing with potential allies who were not orthodox Haelynites.
Nearly all the temples outside of southern and western Anuire clung to the new temple of Haelyn's Aegis as their spiritual leaders. Rohrmarch did so as well. In the second half of the fourth century MR, Haelyn's Aegis had difficulty settling on a policy on several important issues and the division within the temple led to further breaking away. The Khinasi temples of Haelyn, calling themselves the Dragonsea Temple of Haelyn went off on their own, mantaining the orthodoxy that Blaede had preserved in the rites and worship of Haelyn.
In Rohrmarch, there was a strong movement to sever from Haelyn's Aegis as well. A great synod of Haelyn's faithful met in Brechlen. There it was decided that Brecht followers of what had been the Imperial Temple would form a Brecht temple of Haelyn, calling themselves Haelyn's Warriors. In Rohrmarch, the close proximity to Anuire, Haelyn's Aegis, and the deeper commitment to the orthodox rites and ceremonies of the Imperial Temple lead to further schism with those many Brecht who embraced other branches of the Imperial Temple. Even in Anuire, the temples of Cuiraécen split off from Haelyn's Aegis, and once this occured, the Stormlord Seerbrand, a knightly order of warriors dedicated to Cuiraécen, formed its own temple. Likewise the temples of Neira broke off and formed their own temples.
In Rohrmarch, religion was largely dominated in equal measures by Haelyn's Warriors and the Stormlord Seerbrand. Haelyn's Warriors remained orthodox and continued to look to Aerele in terms of the rites, worship, and teaching of Haelyn. The best students are sent to Aerele to learn the best methods of text analysis from the masters who are dedicated to a close reading of the Book of Laws. Of course the politics of Haelyn's Warriors are determined in Rhormarch by successors of Richard Fussen. The Stormlord Seerbrand has a long history of adversarial conflict with the Haelynite establishment in Rohrmarch. Going back at least as far as Brecht resistance to Anuirean occupation, the knights of Cuiraécen have not been the staunch supporters of Haelyn's temples that they were founded to be. Even relations with the Militant Order of Cuiraécen are strained on this point. The Stormlord Seerbrand is entirely dedicated to the doctrines of resistance and reject those of service.

[top]The Brecht League

In 163 MR, the Brecht League was founded. All the major realms were represented, including Rohrmarch, though Müden contributed only naval forces. Against the wishes of her father, Henri I, Princess Moriana led the contingent of Rohrmarch?s forces. Princess Moriana was an excellent leader, her personal leadership resulted in the Brecht winning many battles, but unfortunately she expressed her opinions without the slightest restraint. This was to be her undoing. In 164 MR, the Brecht exploratory army moved into so-called unoccupied lands to the east. Princess Moriana showed herself an able leader by leading the armies onto the field itself. When conflicts with the Vos tribes began, Princess Moriana was one of the few to suggest truces and alliances with the independent tribes of the Vos to force them against the others. Unfortunately, the overall commanders, the King of Kiergard and Baron of Massenmarch did not hear her ideas out. Instead, her remarks led to bickering within the League, which led to Tsarevic Zariyatam?s victory at the Battle of Lake Ladan. Princess Moriana, while trying to organize her forces into a defensive stance, died at the Battle of Lake Ladan with a sizable portion of Rohrmarch?s forces and most of its promising young nobles. The remaining Brecht forces fled north and west, strengthening Müden and Grevesmuhl. With the death of the Princess, the son of Henri and the brother of Princess Moriana, Gunter becomes King of Rohrmarch upon the death of King Henri I in 178 MR.

[top]The Evil One

In 234 MR, King Gunter I died a mysterious death and was replaced by his cousin, King Modred I, known to be one of the most incompetent monarchs in the history of Cerilia. King Modred, afraid for his power, ripped lands away from long established families and gave them to his henchmen and mercenaries. Modred managed to bankrupt the treasury on idiotic monuments to himself. The only saving grace in his entire reign was that he did found the King?s College even if it was just another way to applaud himself. Modred was planning on invading the Vampire?s Domain when he mysteriously died.
In 299 MR, the youngest son of King Modred, Modred II became King of Rohrmarch, after killing off his borthers and several cousins, sparing only his younger sisters. A slightly better ruler than his father, he continued many of his father?s inept policies but primarily allowed others to rule his realm as he practiced debaucheries of the highest sort within the Royal Castle?s walls. It was often said that he would take harlots on the Grey Throne itself while he conducted his business of the realm with his council. Due to Modred I?s angering of the Vampire and Modred II?s lack of military preparedness, a second round of the Lycanthrope Wars was unleashed by the Vampire in Rohrmarch. In 347 MR, Jarod I, Modred?s illegitimate son by his sister became King of Rohrmarch with the help of his childhood friend Derici Edel. In 361 MR, the Second Lycanthrope Wars ended with the Night of Blood in Werthangen led by Prince Britter, son of Jarod I. After the death of Prince Britter by the hand of assassins (399 MR), Princess Cassiope became Queen of Rohrmarch upon death of King Jarod I.

[top]Guild Wars

Next is the period of Rohrmarch history known as the Guild Wars. No actual physical battles were fought but Queen Cassiope was controlled by the guilders of Rohrmarch due to her excessive expenses. In 445 MR, Prince Rudolph became King of Rohrmarch upon the forced abdication of Cassiope. Rudolph further allows the guilds to gain control. In 477 MR, Prince Axel, son of Rudolph, became King of Rohrmarch and began to decrease the guilds? power. In 491 MR, the birth of Prince Wilhelm was a happy event in the land of Rohrmarch. This was soon followed by the birth of Prince Alaric in 497 MR. Upon the coronation of King Wilhelm I in 510 MR, the power of the guilds immediately began to decline. By 512 MR, the end of the Guild Wars was at hand with Wilhelm and the Barons cracking down on the guilds. Prince Alaric decides to become a ranger in Boerenbach.

[top]Pirate Wars

Often during the history of Rohrmarch, pirates from the Chimaeron and beyond raided the coast of Nunkappel and shipping in general. This was escalated in the period of 494-511 MR with the appearance of a Pirate King in Mhowe, by the name of Jerric Bloodeye Tenison. In 511 MR, Pirate King Tenison was killed by King Wilhelm in the battle of Kiedel. During Wilhelm?s reign, formal alliances with the Coeranys and Aerenwe were formed. Unfortunately, as is the history of Rohrmarch, good things could not last. In 514 MR, the Boar of Thuringode was sighted. Also, a 50-day war between Rohrmarch and Coullahbie began over guild logging. This ended with the formation of distinct boundaries. To further help matters and ease tensions, Alaric, the King?s brother, formed the group known as the Brothers of the Forest, a group of rangers in Boerenbach. During this time, the Boar of Thuringode ravaged the northern provinces of Rohrmarch as did the cloud known as the Apocalypse. King Wilhelm led a hunt against the boar in 545 MR which resulted in the death of King Wilhelm at the tusks of The Boar of Thuringode.

[top]Civil War

From this point, the shadow of darkness was cast over Rohrmarch. Frodrik Frosstein, the old adviser to King Wilhelm, was assassinated. Rumors suggest to this day of Kurt Warkinde?s involvement. Many believe that King Wilhelm had intended Frodrik to become Oden?s chief adviser, a position that was assumed after Frodik's death by Warkinde. The young Prince began bullying his Barons to recognize his right to the throne. The Wulfs of Werthangen and the Osternords of Osternord recognized his claim to the throne as they were loyal followers of the religion of Kirche. The followers of Haelyn?s Warriors in the south demanded the removal of Warkinde before bending knee to Oden. Prince Oden, young and rash, seized the sons of Edel and squired them in Rohkiel and sent troops into Friedlund to quell Duke Frieder. Alaric heard of this and came forward to the young Prince to try to persuade him towards a more moderate course. The young prince, upon the advice of Warkinde, declared Alaric a traitor to the realm. Alaric managed to rescue the sons of Count Edel and escaped to Nunkappel. There, the Duke of Friedlund, the Count of Edel, the Count of Alklund, the Baron of Nunkappel, and Delma Fussen, high priestess of Haelyn?s Warriors declared Alaric the one true King of Rohrmarch.
From that point on, the civil war began. The armies of both were fairly evenly matched. On Oden?s side was the Stormlord Seerbrand, most of the Anuirean nobles, and most of the Royal Knights of Rohrmarch who guarded the Royal Heir, Wolfgang Oden. On Alaric?s side were most of the Brecht and Khinasi nobles, most of the Rohrmarch army, and the Haelyn?s Warriors. While Oden had the more powerful army, Alaric had the better position and was a better tactician. It did not help Oden?s cause also that Warkinde annually started disastrous campaigns into Kiergard. At the recent battle of Friedhaven both Oden and Alaric were killed in battle. As King Alaric?s heir, the new regent must now reunify the country.


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