The Early History of Ravenholt:
Years 589 - 590 ER

Part Ten: the Westmarch War | Part Eleven: the Second Dimensional War
Part Twelve: Glory and Tragedy | Part Thirteen: Unrest Within Ravenholt | Part Fourteen: Changes Within Quentari, Elfheim and Cumberland

Part Ten: the Westmarch War

Meanwhile in an attempt to stabilize his Duchy, Duke Ravenhurst named the Baron of Cumberland as Count over the Baronies of Cumberland and Elfheim. The new Count called his county Dragonshire after the legendary dragons that were rumored to inhabit the Dragons Teeth mountains.

In a bold show of defiance to Baroness Montesque, the Duke, under advisement from Count Cumberland, named Aurora Blakeny as the new Baroness of Westmarch. Because Blakeny was a loyal knight of Cumberland, many peoples in Westmarch bridled at the thought of having an outsider as their Baroness.

The Duke and his army began the campaign against Xerina Montesque with every intention of ending the upstart's rebellion in short order. Unfortunately for the Duke, he could not have for seen the outcome of such a conflict. Ever proud of his army's fighting prowess, the Duke was dismayed to see arrayed before him on the field of battle not only the army of Capulus' soldiers, but also a supplement of Undead assisting Xerina Montesque. Shocking to many as it was, the most shocking participant would be the ghost of Count Northridge himself. In an unprecedented move, the Duke was forced to retreat and surrender.

It was learned soon thereafter that the power behind Montesque's forces was a being of immense power; a Death Elemental Lord called Guxx Unfadoo. In truly poor form, the foul abomination appeared during the surrender negotiations and proceeded to gloat over his victory. In full view of the assembled crowd in the Duke's Manor House, Guxx stepped from a cloud of smoke announcing his presence. For all present to hear, he recounted how he had controlled Count Northridge for his own means and his target was now the Duke himself. He detailed his plan to kill the Duke and place Montesque in control of the Duchy.

In a dazzling show of magical ability, Guxx was temporarily banished by the Duke's court mage T.F. Arcevol. Unfortunately, it was not in time to save Count Cumberland from being killed by the evil creature. So damaged was the Count's spirit that it took 3 days for him to resurrect. Guxx vowed to return in one moon, and bring his brethren to complete his plan. Thus in September of 589, the Second Dimensional War began.

Part Eleven: the Second Dimensional War

In a bold show of resourcefulness, Count Cumberland's court mage Colin Turing performed a daring feat. Utilizing the Caldron of the Planes (a powerful Artifact, discovered among Vandal Northridge's personal effects), he attempted to learn the whereabouts of an ancient Elven Artifact which had been used to defeat the combined forces of the Elementals in the First Dimensional War. Once it was discerned the Artifact was in pieces, the Ducal forces began the hunt. As reward for his bravery in performing such a dangerous formal magic spell, Colin Turing was named the new Baron of Cumberland.

Roughly one month passed, and all the pieces of the strange Artifact known as the Temporal Weapon were gathered and assembled. A champion was chosen to wield the weapon against Guxx, and his name was Nork. Knighted by the King himself, Nork prepared himself for the ensuing battle. On a damp and foreboding night, Guxx arrived surrounded by his brethren; ugly, twisted creatures from the netherworld. Included in these forces was a large Fire Elemental and a smaller Chaos Elemental.

In a valiant display of fighting ability, the young Nork faced and defeated all three. The result was felt almost immediately. The massing humanoid and Undead army began to flee once they were released from Guxx's control. Meanwhile, Duke Richard Buttons of Evendarr reached a compromised surrender agreement with Montesque. The mediated treaty gave Montesque the title of Countess over her own land, as well as the coveted land of Westmarch.

Immediately seeking to secure her position, she named her husband Desmond Capulus as Count, second only in power to her own. She then placed her most trusted knight, Sir Cynric Sagramore, as the new Baron of Capulus.

Attempting to relieve himself of the many duties being both Duke and Baron of Eastwyck required of him, the Duke promptly named a new Baron of Eastwyck. That man was named Lord Nathaniel Kent.

Part Twelve: Glory and Tragedy

In January of 590, the Duke and Duchess of Ravenholt welcomed their first son into the world. In honor of the King who had given him the Duchy, the new child was named Roderick.

Just one month later, Countess Montesque gave birth to twins named Bethany and Alexander. After their birth, she announced that Alexander had perished in childbirth. It was discovered years later that both children were alive, and that in fact Alexander was really Alexandra.

Around this time in 590, the Goblins renewed their attack against the Duchy of Ravenholt. Their new King showed the ability that none of his predecessors had: he had almost unified the Goblin tribes in their attack. Once again Count Cumberland mobilized the Duke's army and fought back bravely against the foul creatures. Tragically, Count Cumberland was captured and beheaded in the conflict, and his spirit never resurrected.

News of this tragedy did not reach Duke Ravenhurst until the opening night of the 590 Tournament. He, and the assumbled masses of the Duchy, all learned of his Count's death in a gruesome manner. At the opening ceremonies of the Tourney, a Goblin arrived in town bearing the Count's severed head, and demanded surrender from the Duke. True to his training as a soldier, the Duke refused, and the Goblin was killed immediately.

Meanwhile, Baron Turing, who disliked the responsibilities of baronial title, adbicated his title. Acting quickly to preempt the Duke, Countess Cumberland appointed Sir Malignar, a knight of King Richard, to the post of Baron. Simultaneously, she announce the arranged marriage of Sir Malignar to her daughter Shardon Cumberland, knight to Baroness Blakeny. Both announcements surprised all in attendance of the Tournament - especially Shardon and Sir Malignar. The two betrothed had never before met, and were not pleased at the suddenness of this public announcement. Particularly dismayed was Shardon herself, as she was already betrothed to Sir Johann of Westmarch.

In an attempt to foil the Countess' plan, Baroness Blakeny quickly had the two young knights married in secret. Upon hearing that Shardon had married Johann, Baron Jakorren refused to go along with the Countess' wishes. As a result of his defiance, Baron Jakorren's title was removed. The Duke then ordered all to obey the commands of their liege as they had sworn. In decisive fashion, the Duke nullified the marriage of Sir Johann and Shardon, and decreed that the arranged marriage should take place. Before the Duke would restore Jakorren's title or honor, he ordered that an Honor Duel be fought the following morning. Due to the removal of his title, Jakorren, in accordance with the laws and code of chivalry, requested the Duke's champion Sir Andros to fight for him. As champion of Westmarch, Sir Alaric was chosen to fight for Johann's honor. The following morning the battle commenced.

In an honorable test of arms, Sir Andros prevailed, and Sir Alaric was slain. The Duke allowed for the resurrection of Sir Alaric, and restored the title of Baron to Jakorren. One month later, the prearranged and ordered marriage of Shardon and Sir Malignar took place. Adding to the somber mood of the affair, all the participants wore the color black. Immediately after the wedding, Baron Jakorren named Dame Shardon as Baroness and gave her the title of Magistrate for Cumberland. Several members of the Noble courts did not attend the wedding, in what first appeared to be a show of defiance. In actuality, they were hunting a foul vampire that had been plaguing Ravenholt. The were successful in its destruction, however not before the creature passed on its foul curse to General Uric of Capulus. General Urich refused to be destroyed (as there was no way to save his spirit once the foul transformation had taken place), and he escaped into the wilderness, vowing vengance on the peoples of Ravenholt.

At this same point, the Duchy was not fairing well in the war with the Goblins. A decisive battle was fought at Redbrook, where the Goblins were able to capture the lands between the Winterwym and Northern rivers, in addition to parts of northern Eastwyck.

Compounding this loss, a strange being began to terrorize the area. Cloud-like in form, it came to be called the Panthergast. To the distress of the citizenry, it preyed exclusively upon Elves. It would sweep down over crowds and drain the life and blood from Elves in the group. Sadly, many of the Elves who inhabited Ravenholt fell victim to this creature. Rumors abounded through Ravenholt that the creature was controlled and merely a tool of a mage called Brutus. This mage claimed to be Mandrake Capulus. It was later proved to all that he was not Mandrake Capulus, but a Quentari elf named Lankirin. Lankirin had used this creature in an attempt to cause mayhem so that he could gain the pieces of a rare and powerful Artifact. Ultimately, Lankirin was captured and Obliterated in the spring of 591.

Part Thirteen: Unrest Within Ravenholt

In September of 590, Baron Cynric Sagramore of Capulus married Lady Ayla Darkcloud in a private ceremony, naming her Baroness.This was the second attempt by the Baron to wed his lady. The first ceremony was interrupted when it was discovered that Lady Ayla had been replaced by a Goblin polymorphed to appear to be her. Luckily, the ruse was discovered before the Baron married the creature, and Lady Ayla was rescued by the Baron from the fleeing goblins.

Before the celebration of their marriage could commence, the Baron and his court were ordered before the Duke to answer considerable accusations against their conduct. The Duke's Court, consisting of the Companions of the Circle: Baron Jakorren, Sir Alaric, Sir Andros, and Sir Wulfwin, maintained that the Baron and his court assisted the Count and Countess of Arkham in several crimes. Included in the list of charges were necromancy, conspiring with elementals, consorting with undead, and treason. In a calculated move, Baron Sagramore maintained that he had committed some of the crimes mentioned but that he had had no choice. He stated that he had been controlled by the Countess to do so. He also confirmed that not only were the Countess' two children indeed still alive, but that Guxx Unfadoo had admitted to being the father of at least one of the children.

Upon recitation of this information, the Duke immediately ordered the arrest of Countess Montesque and Count Capulus. Troops were dispatched to Stoneholm, however the stronghold was discovered to be abandoned when they arrived. Baron Sagramore then began plans to move the capital to Stoneholm. In a display of unprecedented mercy, Duke Basil granted Baron Sagramore and the Capulans a conditional pardon. With the understanding that any such action in the future would be dealt with swiftly and with severe penalty, Baron Sagramore and his court were released.

The decision to pardon Baron Sagramore was greeted with much animosity by the townsfolk. In a rage, the Capulan manor in Ravenholt was attacked by the seething townsfolk. Luckily it was quelled quickly. Sadly, it would be a portent of what would come to pass in result of Duke Basil's decision.

Part Fourteen: Changes Within Quentari, Elfheim and Cumberland

In late November of 590, Countess Cumberland gave birth to a boy. Named in honor of his father and the Duke, the young child was called Galen Basil.

Around the same time, Ravenholt was honored by the arrival of the Queen Mother of the Quentari Kingdom. His Majesty King Richard attended to meet the royal envoy. Arienwen, mother of King Elenaro of the Quentari, quickly set the tone for the meeting by demanding the return of the Temporal Weapon which Sir Nork used to destroy Guxx in the name of King Elenaro. Further, she demanded her daughter, the Duchess Rowena Morganna, return to her Elven background and away from "inferior" human influence. Although the Duke was not shocked by his wife's royal heritage, the common folk present displayed surprise to learn of their Duchess' Quentari heritage. Unbeknownst to the populace was the fact that she had used a ceremonal spell to become Human and to blend in to Human Society.

Duke Basil and several of the Elven royal enterouge displayed shock at Arienwen's demands. The meeting quickly began to deteriorate and tensions rose as Arienwen became increasingly less reasonable. Suddenly and to the surprise of all present, King Elenaro himself rifted into the meeting. A tear-filled reunion with his daughter immediately took place. Dismayed at Arienwen's display and volitile feelings toward the Humans, King Elenaro explained that he had spent 700 years living among Humans and decried Arienwen's purist views and policies. In a compassionate display, he stated that the two races should work together for the betterment of all Tyrrans.

It was at this point that King Richard stepped forward and lent his support and influence to King Elenaro's elequent statements. In a gesture of good will and solidarity, King Richard adopted both King Elenaro and Duke Ravenhurst into his family, giving the title of Prince of Evendarr to both, and succession to be determined by right of arms.

Always compassionate in his actions, King Elenaro laid before his daughter a choice to either remain with her husband the Duke or to return to Quentari as a Princess. True to her unfailing love and loyalty to her husband and child, she chose to remain with her beloved Duke and son. Her choice also meant that she could no longer rule the dark Elves of Elfheim under the name of Baroness Blackmore.

During this council, King Elenaro announced his intention to adbicate his position, naming his son Mir-Taur to assume the throne. Were anything to happen to the new King, he warned, he would assume the responsibility once again. In unprecedented jealousy, King Elenaro's second son Morlith attempted to assassinate his mother Arienwen as well as the Duchess with Death spells. Luckily, the first spell missed the Queen Mother, and in defense of her Duchess, Baroness Blakney threw herself in front of the second. Quickly, Morlith was felled in a fury of sword blows by defenders of both. After order was restored, the Temporal Weapon was returned to the Quentarians in a gesture of good faith.

Upon recommendation of King Elenaro, the seneschal of Elfheim, Durchasi Ruinvorn, was named the new Baroness of Elfheim. However, before she could be sworn in by the Duke, she was arrested and tried for a number of crimes including treason against the Duke. Her treasonous activities were revealed under questioning after she was arrested for an unprovoked attack against Baroness Blakeny. For her crimes, Lady Durchasi was stripped of all noble title and privilages and exiled from the Duchy. In light of the punishment, Durchasi vowed revenge on all Humans and the Duke and Baroness Blakeny in particular. Left with a serious situation of leadership in Elfheim, the Duke, after careful consideration, named Lord Scafloc Bokenjen to be the new Baron of Elfheim. He was promptly sworn to duty and the new Baron of Elfheim assumed his role of leadership.

On the last day of 590, at the Duke's annual New Year's Eve party, the Duke was presented with tragic news. Countess Cumberland and her household had all been killed by Goblins. In the absence of a valid will, her eldest child, Baroness Shardon Cumberland, became the new Countess of Dragonshire. Naming her husband Malignar Jakorren as Count, she was left with the duty to name a new Baron of Cumberland. She named her trusted knight Sir Brenden Dwyer as the new Baron of Cumberland. With the entire gathering called to hear his words, the Duke announced thathe would name his trusted knight Sir Andros Paragon as the new Count over the County of Arkham to replace the outlaw Xerina Montesque.& He also announced that under an agreement that he had with the Baron Kent, Eastwyck would become part of the County of Arkham. Tragically, Baron Kent would not live much longer in support of his new Count.