Tommy Ashton
02-25-1999, 09:00 AM
Group,
I am sorry to take up so much bandwidth. I am preparing a Rohrmarch
Domain Sourcebook to put at my website from my Rohrmarch campaigns I've
DM'ed. I had to rework the history I had made on the fly as a DM to fit
into continuity as much as possible. I even talked to Ed about some
issues. Even though it is huge I am proud of it so I am posting it for
criticism or suggestions from the masters on this list. It still needs a
little work. Please fire away.
T
PS. I aapologize before hand if this is too big. I wasn't sure whether to
send it as an attachment or not.
History of Rohrmarch
History:
History tutorial given to the new regent by Hans Drefel, Court Historian
five days after his coronation.
“My Lord,
It is an honor and a privilege to serve under your just and wise rule. I
have prepared a lesson on the history of Rohrmarch for your needs. Remember
my lord about the cycles we Rohr’s so much believe in, the past mirrors the
future. I see that the Queen is here as well. That is good for a monarch
to want to refresh herself on the wondrous history of our nation. What
sire? Oh, begin, yes begin, should I start here? No, that is not
necessary to know that, maybe here, no,no,no. What sire? Oh, yes from the
beginning.....
“The land that we know as the proud nation of Rohrmarch was once part of
the Elven nation known as Coullabhie and apart of the great forest known as
the Coulladraight. The elves reigned supreme here, unlike other lands from
what we know of the elves mysterious past. 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 gnomes were forced underground in
what is now the present counties of Edel and Werthangen, and the gnolls,
trolls, and orges were pushed into the Iron Peaks or the Visccitude
Mountains. So did the elves rein until the coming of the Anuireans, but
that is much later.”
“Approximately to our best efforts 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 of the Shadow as it was called
marked to expansion of our ancestors to the land of Cerilia. Over the
following centuries four different waves of Brecht settlers came seeking
freedom from the Shadow’s minions. These Brechts fought weather, monsters,
the Andu, and the Rjuvik 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 Brechts feared the
elves and shunned the forest to stay near the coast. Thus there was harmony.”
“It is known though, that portions of Rohrmarch were being settled at this
time by the people only known as the Irboudan tribesman (-1078). A nomadic
race, these warriors formed and empire 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 Khinasi clans had replaced and absorbed the Irboudan tribesman and the
border of the empire retreated from Rohrmarch to Sendoure ending human
involvement in Rohrmarch for the time being.”
“But all was not to stay in harmony, by -975 MR the opening of the War of
the Shadow had begun. The third wave of Brecht colonization, which had
strengthen the Muden area, ended with the War of Shadow. Most Brechts
fought under Anuirean or Basarji banners rather than their own Brecht
countries. An exception of this was Muden 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 Muden. In - 973 MR the
event that would change our world occurred, Battle of Mount Deismaar.
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, and the world would never be the same. But had the battle of
Deismaar not occurred then neither would our glorious nation of Rohrmarch.
For after the Battle of Deismaar a Brecht Captain from Muden 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 Brecht were led by Captain Bram Rohr, a minor noble from Muden and
commander of 3 roundships of Muden while the Masetians are led by Cidro
Sinapom and had five galleys. Deciding upon a easterly route the Masetian
captain put aground for supplies at the mouth of the Khurinlach in the
present day province of Nunkappel. There the Masetians found the Brechts
who had camped on their way back to Muden for supplies. Realizing that
both of their respective peoples were weary of journey and battle the two
leaders decided to stay at this site for the winter, cooperating with the
Khinasi in the neighboring lands (Alklund and the Barniere), most
especially the Order of the Sun. Here they decided would be a good place
to form a land of their own. (-963 MR) 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 uniting the two cultures into one.
Unfortunately, Bram’s brother, Urban, deeply loved Alena, who did not love
him back, and assassinated Bram on his wedding night. Urban then took
command of the settlement with his faction of degenerates and ruled very,
very poorly, often having conflicts with the Khinasi. (-9??).”
“With the formation of the empire of Anuire by Roele and its agressive
expansion, plus the tyrannical rule of Urban Rohr, most of the Masetians
and a few Brechts decided to leave Rohrmarch in what is 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 Rohr’s, Antano took much of the Rohrmarch
colonies navy with him. Soon after this the settlers had their first
skirmish with the elves of Coullabhie over logging for the settlement.
Cooler heads prevailed, and the elves did not destroy the settlers. A
truce was set up between the Elves and the Rohr’s.”
“Unfortunately, peace was not to last as Rohrmarch was soon invaded by the
forces of Roele in -938 MR. The settlers battled valiantly with the
Khinasi 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.
Finally, at the first battle of Kiedel, Urban Rohr lost his life to Roele
himself thus forcing the Rohr’s under Bremn Edel to surrender after a month
long seige of the city (-938). The Anuirean noble, Ansen Magievoir was
appointed as first Viscount of the conquered land of Rohrmarch.”
“Are you still with me my lord, uhuh, good, lets continue.”
The Black Knight -928 to -920
“Ansen Magievoir was a cruel and evil overseer. He subjugated the Khinasi
to the east and west, pushed the Rohr’s borders into the lands claimed by
the elves, he often went on “hunts” at which time he would rape any woman
he came upon, pitted unarmed men against beasts and lived in extravagance
while the peasants suffered. The Rohr’s suffered under his rule as they
have no other time except the during the reign of the Mad Modred. Thus,
many heroes, Brecht, Masetium, and Khinasi surfaced to battle the tyranny
of Ansen. The most prominent was the legend of the Black Knight, 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 Rohr’s was brought before Roele by
Baron Gregor Edel, a brecht noble of Rohrmarch. Viscount Raenwe, a fair
and just man was appointed to overlord Rohrmarch by Roele.”
The Overlords
“To our blessing, 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. Much of the grievances of the past.
Upon his death, Hadrien Broderick, was appointed Viscount of Rohrmarch.
Broderick was soon given the task by Emperior Roele to pacify the Gnolls
and other monsters harrowing the supply lines crossing the Iron Peak
mountains in the land known currently as the Chimaeron. 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. A combined force of Brecht,
Khinasi, and Anuireans were led by Viscount Hadrien against the invading
force after the Gnolls had raided 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 not before he died in the Battle of Rockhedge in Osternord. Viscount
Aern Rurkre was appointed to head Rohrmarch after the death of Broderick.
His rule was particuly uneventful as he was more of a bureaucrat than a
general, and not a very dedicated one at that. Under his rule Brechts
attained positions in council to the point that they truly ran the country
from behind the scenes.”
“With the death of Viscount Aern, Renier Rendette was appointed to head
Rohrmarch, his being Aern’s chamberlain. Renier Rendette first the half
Brecht/Anuirean leader of Rohrmarch since its conquest. The city of
Rohkirel founded by Viscount Renier as new capital of Rohrmarch, replacing
the old Brecht capital of Kiedel, as Rendette was displeased with the
conditions that the marshlike Kiedel displayed in the summer months. Many
great projects were started under Rendette’s rule such as Kiedel’s City
Wall, Rohkiel’s Castle, and the 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 forces
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. Henri
Verdidier, an Anuirean was appointed as his replacement by Anuirean Nobles
in the Imperial Government. In, -658 Viscount Henri died and Viscount
Jacque Saluette was appointed to head the Rohrs. In -602 Viscount Jacque
died and was replaced by Viscount Hadrien Kenton. Under Hadrien’s rule the
Orge Wars (-538 to -526) took place. The forces of Rohrmarch were forced
to battle Orges and Trolls entering Rohrmarch from the Visscitude
Mountains. With the death of Viscount Jacques in , and the appointment
of Viscount Broderick Hartbel to head the Rohrs, a series of average rulers
ascended the Grey Throne. In -482, Viscount Jacques is replaced by Viscount
Nolan Norson after Jacques is unable to satisfy his Anuirean nobles. In
- -456 with the death of Viscount Nolan, Viscount Jacque Fainwright is
appointed to head Rohrs. In -403 with the death of Viscount Jacque,
Viscount Monette Saluette is appointed to head Rohrs. Saluette is given the
orders from the emperior to push the elves out of the Coulladraight to
force a access line from Rohrmarch to the Brecht nations of the North. 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 lost by the Anuireans
in over a hundred separate skirmishes. Initially the Elves held their own
but were pushed back from provinces of Edel, Werthangen, and Boerenbach by
Imperial Armies led by the fabled Anuirean General Claudis, who personally
despised the war. In -368, Viscount Monette and General Claudis lost their
lives in the province of Boerenbach at the hand of the Sayers magics with
over 2/3 of their forces. Viscount Cossine is appointed to head Rohrs 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.”
“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 ascended the rulership after the death of
Viscount Chatouson, Viscount Everard Oden. An invasion by the Vampire is
halted at Nolook Pass in Edel, with solely Rohr forces, no imperial aid.
For this action Rohrmarch was granted 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 becomes the second Baron of Rohrmarch.”
The Country of Rohrmarch
“With the waning of the empire, no imperial support, the Anuirean generals
and warlords raiding of the lands in the name of the “empire”, it was voted
to declare Rohrmarch free and independent by the Brecht nobles, Khinasi
nobles, and most Anuirean nobles in the Covenant of the Snow, after a major
battle against the evil Warlord Maximus the Terrible. Alder Oden was
crowned our first king since Bram Rohr by the assembled nobles (9 MR), but
in all truth my lord, he welded little actual power. Instead the barons
held the power in their palms. Some historians to this day cannot see how
the Anuirean, Khinasi, and Brecht nobles did come together in unity, but I
digress. In 12 MR, King Alder and his barons repulsed a Imperial force
sent to make the rebellious young nation bend knee to again to the crown at
the Battle of Redwing Castle in Osternord. In 40 MR, King Alder I died and
King Alder II was coronated. Unfortunately, only 13 years later in 53 MR,
King Alder II and his queen were 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 Vampires forces
out of Osternord, with much loss. Soon, construction of a new Redwing
Castle was started after the Vampire destroyed the first. Lycanthrope Wars
in Rohrmarch begin as in revenge for his defeat the Vampire used dark magic
to infect many with the disease of lycanthropy and send them into
Werthangen, Osternord, Edel, and Boerenbach. The Day of the Stake, Night
of the Sword by Princess Adriana was her response when the amassed armies
of both the soldiers and peasants of Rohrmarch led by the Stormlord
Seerbrands, cleared the provinces of Rohrmarch by force, resulting in the
removal of lycanthrope’s 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.
Unfortunately all must come to an end in the great cycle and in 118 MR,
Oueen Adriana dies of a natural death. The entire land of Rohrmarch
mourned her death for years to come. Her son, Henri became King Henri I.”
The Brecht League
“In 163 MR, the Brecht League was founded. This was one of the greatest
debacles in all the history of Cerilia. All the major realms are
represented, including Rohrmarch, though Muden contributes only naval
forces. Against the wishes of her father, Princess Moriana led the
contingent of Rohrmarch’s forces. Princess Moriana was an excellent
leader, her personal leadership resulted in the Brecht’s winning many
battles, but unfortunately she was expressed her opinions without
constraint. This was to be her undoing. In 164 MR, the Brecht
“exploration army” moved into “unoccupied” lands to the east. Princess
Moriana showed herself an able leader by leading the armies onto the field
itself. When conflicts with 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, her remarks to the King of Kiergard helped Tsarevic Zariyatam at
the Battle of Ladan by causing strife in the League. If they had events
might have taken place differently. In 167 MR, Tsarevic Basil Zariyatam
united the Vos tribes and massacred the Brecht League at the Battle of
Lake Ladan. Princess Morniana 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 Muden and
Grevesmuhl. With the death of the Princess, the son of Henri and the
brother of Princess Morniana, Gunter becomes King of Rohrmarch upon the
death of King Henri I.”
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 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 Vampires domain when he mysteriously died. In 299 MR, the
youngest son of King Modred, Modred II became King of Rohrmarch, after
killing off his other siblings except for his younger sisters. A slightly
better ruler than his father, he continued many of his fathers inept
policies but primarily allowed others to rule his realm as he practiced
debaucheries of the highest sort in the Royal Castle’s walls. It was often
said that would take harlots on the Grey Throne upon which you sit my lord
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 Lythancope 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 Lythancope war was 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. Princess Cassiope became
Queen of Rohrmarch upon death of King Jarod I.”
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 415, Prince
Rudolph became King of Rohrmarch upon the forced abdication of Cassiope.
Rudolph further allows the guilds to gain control. In 447 MR, Prince Axel,
son of Rudolph, becomes King of Rohrmarch and begins to decrease the guilds
power. In 451 MR, the birth of Prince Wilheim was a happy event in the land
of Rohrmarch. This was soon followed by the birth of Prince Alaric in 457
MR. Upon the coronation of King Wilheim I, the power of the guilds
immediately began to decline. By 432 MR, the end of the Guild Wars was at
hand with Wilheim and the Barons cracking down on the guilds. Prince
Alaric decides to become a ranger in Boerenbach.”
Pirate Wars
“Often times in the history of Rohrmarch the coast of Nunkappel and
shipping in general was besieged by pirates from the Chimaeron and beyond.
This was escalated in the period of 484-498 MR with the appearance of a
Pirate “King” in Mhowe, by the name of Jerric Bloodeye Tenison. In 498 MR,
Pirate King Tenison was killed by King Wilheim in the battle of Kiedel.
During Wilheim’s reign formal alliances with the Coerany’s and Aerenwae
were formed. Unfortunately, as is the history of Rohrmarch, all 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 was ended
in formation of distinct boundaries. To further help matters and ease
tensions, Alaric the Kings brother, formed the group known as the Brothers
of the Forest, a group of rangers in Boerenbach. During this time the Boar
of Thurgoade ravaged the northern provinces of Rohrmarch as did the cloud
known as the Apocalypse. King Wilheim led a hunt after the boar in 540 MR
which resulted in the death of King Wilheim at the tusks of The Boar of
Thuringoade.”
Civil War
“ From this point the shadow of darkness was cast over Rohrmarch.
Froderick Frosstein, the old head advisor to King Wilheim was assassinated.
Rumors suggest to this day of Warkinde’s involvement due to his
appointment by the Prince to chief of his council soon afterward. The
young Prince began bullying his Baron’s 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 at the 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 different. 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 Frieder, he 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 that ravaged our nation for so long began. The
armies of both were fairly evenly matched. On Oden’s side was the
Stormlord Seerbrands, 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 either that Warkinde annually started
disastrous campaigns into Kiergard. At the recent battle of Friedhaven
both Oden and Alaric were killed in battle. As his heir you must reunify
the country. Here as it stands now, only with your leadership will the
Civil War be ended.
I am sorry to take up so much bandwidth. I am preparing a Rohrmarch
Domain Sourcebook to put at my website from my Rohrmarch campaigns I've
DM'ed. I had to rework the history I had made on the fly as a DM to fit
into continuity as much as possible. I even talked to Ed about some
issues. Even though it is huge I am proud of it so I am posting it for
criticism or suggestions from the masters on this list. It still needs a
little work. Please fire away.
T
PS. I aapologize before hand if this is too big. I wasn't sure whether to
send it as an attachment or not.
History of Rohrmarch
History:
History tutorial given to the new regent by Hans Drefel, Court Historian
five days after his coronation.
“My Lord,
It is an honor and a privilege to serve under your just and wise rule. I
have prepared a lesson on the history of Rohrmarch for your needs. Remember
my lord about the cycles we Rohr’s so much believe in, the past mirrors the
future. I see that the Queen is here as well. That is good for a monarch
to want to refresh herself on the wondrous history of our nation. What
sire? Oh, begin, yes begin, should I start here? No, that is not
necessary to know that, maybe here, no,no,no. What sire? Oh, yes from the
beginning.....
“The land that we know as the proud nation of Rohrmarch was once part of
the Elven nation known as Coullabhie and apart of the great forest known as
the Coulladraight. The elves reigned supreme here, unlike other lands from
what we know of the elves mysterious past. 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 gnomes were forced underground in
what is now the present counties of Edel and Werthangen, and the gnolls,
trolls, and orges were pushed into the Iron Peaks or the Visccitude
Mountains. So did the elves rein until the coming of the Anuireans, but
that is much later.”
“Approximately to our best efforts 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 of the Shadow as it was called
marked to expansion of our ancestors to the land of Cerilia. Over the
following centuries four different waves of Brecht settlers came seeking
freedom from the Shadow’s minions. These Brechts fought weather, monsters,
the Andu, and the Rjuvik 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 Brechts feared the
elves and shunned the forest to stay near the coast. Thus there was harmony.”
“It is known though, that portions of Rohrmarch were being settled at this
time by the people only known as the Irboudan tribesman (-1078). A nomadic
race, these warriors formed and empire 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 Khinasi clans had replaced and absorbed the Irboudan tribesman and the
border of the empire retreated from Rohrmarch to Sendoure ending human
involvement in Rohrmarch for the time being.”
“But all was not to stay in harmony, by -975 MR the opening of the War of
the Shadow had begun. The third wave of Brecht colonization, which had
strengthen the Muden area, ended with the War of Shadow. Most Brechts
fought under Anuirean or Basarji banners rather than their own Brecht
countries. An exception of this was Muden 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 Muden. In - 973 MR the
event that would change our world occurred, Battle of Mount Deismaar.
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, and the world would never be the same. But had the battle of
Deismaar not occurred then neither would our glorious nation of Rohrmarch.
For after the Battle of Deismaar a Brecht Captain from Muden 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 Brecht were led by Captain Bram Rohr, a minor noble from Muden and
commander of 3 roundships of Muden while the Masetians are led by Cidro
Sinapom and had five galleys. Deciding upon a easterly route the Masetian
captain put aground for supplies at the mouth of the Khurinlach in the
present day province of Nunkappel. There the Masetians found the Brechts
who had camped on their way back to Muden for supplies. Realizing that
both of their respective peoples were weary of journey and battle the two
leaders decided to stay at this site for the winter, cooperating with the
Khinasi in the neighboring lands (Alklund and the Barniere), most
especially the Order of the Sun. Here they decided would be a good place
to form a land of their own. (-963 MR) 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 uniting the two cultures into one.
Unfortunately, Bram’s brother, Urban, deeply loved Alena, who did not love
him back, and assassinated Bram on his wedding night. Urban then took
command of the settlement with his faction of degenerates and ruled very,
very poorly, often having conflicts with the Khinasi. (-9??).”
“With the formation of the empire of Anuire by Roele and its agressive
expansion, plus the tyrannical rule of Urban Rohr, most of the Masetians
and a few Brechts decided to leave Rohrmarch in what is 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 Rohr’s, Antano took much of the Rohrmarch
colonies navy with him. Soon after this the settlers had their first
skirmish with the elves of Coullabhie over logging for the settlement.
Cooler heads prevailed, and the elves did not destroy the settlers. A
truce was set up between the Elves and the Rohr’s.”
“Unfortunately, peace was not to last as Rohrmarch was soon invaded by the
forces of Roele in -938 MR. The settlers battled valiantly with the
Khinasi 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.
Finally, at the first battle of Kiedel, Urban Rohr lost his life to Roele
himself thus forcing the Rohr’s under Bremn Edel to surrender after a month
long seige of the city (-938). The Anuirean noble, Ansen Magievoir was
appointed as first Viscount of the conquered land of Rohrmarch.”
“Are you still with me my lord, uhuh, good, lets continue.”
The Black Knight -928 to -920
“Ansen Magievoir was a cruel and evil overseer. He subjugated the Khinasi
to the east and west, pushed the Rohr’s borders into the lands claimed by
the elves, he often went on “hunts” at which time he would rape any woman
he came upon, pitted unarmed men against beasts and lived in extravagance
while the peasants suffered. The Rohr’s suffered under his rule as they
have no other time except the during the reign of the Mad Modred. Thus,
many heroes, Brecht, Masetium, and Khinasi surfaced to battle the tyranny
of Ansen. The most prominent was the legend of the Black Knight, 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 Rohr’s was brought before Roele by
Baron Gregor Edel, a brecht noble of Rohrmarch. Viscount Raenwe, a fair
and just man was appointed to overlord Rohrmarch by Roele.”
The Overlords
“To our blessing, 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. Much of the grievances of the past.
Upon his death, Hadrien Broderick, was appointed Viscount of Rohrmarch.
Broderick was soon given the task by Emperior Roele to pacify the Gnolls
and other monsters harrowing the supply lines crossing the Iron Peak
mountains in the land known currently as the Chimaeron. 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. A combined force of Brecht,
Khinasi, and Anuireans were led by Viscount Hadrien against the invading
force after the Gnolls had raided 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 not before he died in the Battle of Rockhedge in Osternord. Viscount
Aern Rurkre was appointed to head Rohrmarch after the death of Broderick.
His rule was particuly uneventful as he was more of a bureaucrat than a
general, and not a very dedicated one at that. Under his rule Brechts
attained positions in council to the point that they truly ran the country
from behind the scenes.”
“With the death of Viscount Aern, Renier Rendette was appointed to head
Rohrmarch, his being Aern’s chamberlain. Renier Rendette first the half
Brecht/Anuirean leader of Rohrmarch since its conquest. The city of
Rohkirel founded by Viscount Renier as new capital of Rohrmarch, replacing
the old Brecht capital of Kiedel, as Rendette was displeased with the
conditions that the marshlike Kiedel displayed in the summer months. Many
great projects were started under Rendette’s rule such as Kiedel’s City
Wall, Rohkiel’s Castle, and the 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 forces
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. Henri
Verdidier, an Anuirean was appointed as his replacement by Anuirean Nobles
in the Imperial Government. In, -658 Viscount Henri died and Viscount
Jacque Saluette was appointed to head the Rohrs. In -602 Viscount Jacque
died and was replaced by Viscount Hadrien Kenton. Under Hadrien’s rule the
Orge Wars (-538 to -526) took place. The forces of Rohrmarch were forced
to battle Orges and Trolls entering Rohrmarch from the Visscitude
Mountains. With the death of Viscount Jacques in , and the appointment
of Viscount Broderick Hartbel to head the Rohrs, a series of average rulers
ascended the Grey Throne. In -482, Viscount Jacques is replaced by Viscount
Nolan Norson after Jacques is unable to satisfy his Anuirean nobles. In
- -456 with the death of Viscount Nolan, Viscount Jacque Fainwright is
appointed to head Rohrs. In -403 with the death of Viscount Jacque,
Viscount Monette Saluette is appointed to head Rohrs. Saluette is given the
orders from the emperior to push the elves out of the Coulladraight to
force a access line from Rohrmarch to the Brecht nations of the North. 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 lost by the Anuireans
in over a hundred separate skirmishes. Initially the Elves held their own
but were pushed back from provinces of Edel, Werthangen, and Boerenbach by
Imperial Armies led by the fabled Anuirean General Claudis, who personally
despised the war. In -368, Viscount Monette and General Claudis lost their
lives in the province of Boerenbach at the hand of the Sayers magics with
over 2/3 of their forces. Viscount Cossine is appointed to head Rohrs 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.”
“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 ascended the rulership after the death of
Viscount Chatouson, Viscount Everard Oden. An invasion by the Vampire is
halted at Nolook Pass in Edel, with solely Rohr forces, no imperial aid.
For this action Rohrmarch was granted 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 becomes the second Baron of Rohrmarch.”
The Country of Rohrmarch
“With the waning of the empire, no imperial support, the Anuirean generals
and warlords raiding of the lands in the name of the “empire”, it was voted
to declare Rohrmarch free and independent by the Brecht nobles, Khinasi
nobles, and most Anuirean nobles in the Covenant of the Snow, after a major
battle against the evil Warlord Maximus the Terrible. Alder Oden was
crowned our first king since Bram Rohr by the assembled nobles (9 MR), but
in all truth my lord, he welded little actual power. Instead the barons
held the power in their palms. Some historians to this day cannot see how
the Anuirean, Khinasi, and Brecht nobles did come together in unity, but I
digress. In 12 MR, King Alder and his barons repulsed a Imperial force
sent to make the rebellious young nation bend knee to again to the crown at
the Battle of Redwing Castle in Osternord. In 40 MR, King Alder I died and
King Alder II was coronated. Unfortunately, only 13 years later in 53 MR,
King Alder II and his queen were 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 Vampires forces
out of Osternord, with much loss. Soon, construction of a new Redwing
Castle was started after the Vampire destroyed the first. Lycanthrope Wars
in Rohrmarch begin as in revenge for his defeat the Vampire used dark magic
to infect many with the disease of lycanthropy and send them into
Werthangen, Osternord, Edel, and Boerenbach. The Day of the Stake, Night
of the Sword by Princess Adriana was her response when the amassed armies
of both the soldiers and peasants of Rohrmarch led by the Stormlord
Seerbrands, cleared the provinces of Rohrmarch by force, resulting in the
removal of lycanthrope’s 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.
Unfortunately all must come to an end in the great cycle and in 118 MR,
Oueen Adriana dies of a natural death. The entire land of Rohrmarch
mourned her death for years to come. Her son, Henri became King Henri I.”
The Brecht League
“In 163 MR, the Brecht League was founded. This was one of the greatest
debacles in all the history of Cerilia. All the major realms are
represented, including Rohrmarch, though Muden contributes only naval
forces. Against the wishes of her father, Princess Moriana led the
contingent of Rohrmarch’s forces. Princess Moriana was an excellent
leader, her personal leadership resulted in the Brecht’s winning many
battles, but unfortunately she was expressed her opinions without
constraint. This was to be her undoing. In 164 MR, the Brecht
“exploration army” moved into “unoccupied” lands to the east. Princess
Moriana showed herself an able leader by leading the armies onto the field
itself. When conflicts with 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, her remarks to the King of Kiergard helped Tsarevic Zariyatam at
the Battle of Ladan by causing strife in the League. If they had events
might have taken place differently. In 167 MR, Tsarevic Basil Zariyatam
united the Vos tribes and massacred the Brecht League at the Battle of
Lake Ladan. Princess Morniana 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 Muden and
Grevesmuhl. With the death of the Princess, the son of Henri and the
brother of Princess Morniana, Gunter becomes King of Rohrmarch upon the
death of King Henri I.”
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 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 Vampires domain when he mysteriously died. In 299 MR, the
youngest son of King Modred, Modred II became King of Rohrmarch, after
killing off his other siblings except for his younger sisters. A slightly
better ruler than his father, he continued many of his fathers inept
policies but primarily allowed others to rule his realm as he practiced
debaucheries of the highest sort in the Royal Castle’s walls. It was often
said that would take harlots on the Grey Throne upon which you sit my lord
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 Lythancope 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 Lythancope war was 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. Princess Cassiope became
Queen of Rohrmarch upon death of King Jarod I.”
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 415, Prince
Rudolph became King of Rohrmarch upon the forced abdication of Cassiope.
Rudolph further allows the guilds to gain control. In 447 MR, Prince Axel,
son of Rudolph, becomes King of Rohrmarch and begins to decrease the guilds
power. In 451 MR, the birth of Prince Wilheim was a happy event in the land
of Rohrmarch. This was soon followed by the birth of Prince Alaric in 457
MR. Upon the coronation of King Wilheim I, the power of the guilds
immediately began to decline. By 432 MR, the end of the Guild Wars was at
hand with Wilheim and the Barons cracking down on the guilds. Prince
Alaric decides to become a ranger in Boerenbach.”
Pirate Wars
“Often times in the history of Rohrmarch the coast of Nunkappel and
shipping in general was besieged by pirates from the Chimaeron and beyond.
This was escalated in the period of 484-498 MR with the appearance of a
Pirate “King” in Mhowe, by the name of Jerric Bloodeye Tenison. In 498 MR,
Pirate King Tenison was killed by King Wilheim in the battle of Kiedel.
During Wilheim’s reign formal alliances with the Coerany’s and Aerenwae
were formed. Unfortunately, as is the history of Rohrmarch, all 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 was ended
in formation of distinct boundaries. To further help matters and ease
tensions, Alaric the Kings brother, formed the group known as the Brothers
of the Forest, a group of rangers in Boerenbach. During this time the Boar
of Thurgoade ravaged the northern provinces of Rohrmarch as did the cloud
known as the Apocalypse. King Wilheim led a hunt after the boar in 540 MR
which resulted in the death of King Wilheim at the tusks of The Boar of
Thuringoade.”
Civil War
“ From this point the shadow of darkness was cast over Rohrmarch.
Froderick Frosstein, the old head advisor to King Wilheim was assassinated.
Rumors suggest to this day of Warkinde’s involvement due to his
appointment by the Prince to chief of his council soon afterward. The
young Prince began bullying his Baron’s 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 at the 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 different. 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 Frieder, he 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 that ravaged our nation for so long began. The
armies of both were fairly evenly matched. On Oden’s side was the
Stormlord Seerbrands, 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 either that Warkinde annually started
disastrous campaigns into Kiergard. At the recent battle of Friedhaven
both Oden and Alaric were killed in battle. As his heir you must reunify
the country. Here as it stands now, only with your leadership will the
Civil War be ended.