Beru: The Fallen Kingdom
A year ago, Beru stood on the edge of destruction. Our allies had been smashed in battle and the Crystal Empire was on our doorstep. War was upon us and our people would've endured another decade of war. I would not put our people through it. History may record me as a coward or a traitor to the Aerin Alliance but I did what was needed to ensure the safety of our people. And with our land rebuilding, I can say that I would it again. For Beru blades will not break as long as my family rules.
History
The Duchy of Beru was born out of the fall of the Kingdom of Beru. The former Kingdom faced enemies on all sides, fighting for its right to exist since its inception. However, hostilies between the Aerin kingdoms came to a swift conclusion when the Crystalian Empire conquered the entire Loshil Lake region in 1200. No one in the history of the Aerin Valley had been able to hold onto that land for long and they believed the same would be the case for Crystalia. However, the Crystal Empire seemed to only grow stronger and when the first Crystal Emperor made his declaration to unite the Aerin people under one banner, it forced all other kingdoms in the region to recognize the threat they faced.
Beru, knowing that it wouldn't be long before the full might of Crystalia would come down upon them, hastily called for an alliance between the countries of the Aerin Valley. Gulra, Gineva, and the newly formed Veru all joined in this alliance after 2 years of diplomacy. It was not a moment too soon as in 1203, Crystalia began the first of a series of invasions westward. The western lands held back the onslaught time and again, losing and taking land within years of each other. The Beruian countryside began a graveyard as armies clashed again and again in major battles and skirmishes alike.
Three kings of Beru were lost to the fighting over 3 decades and King Damian decided to shore up their defenses instead of bleeding men dry in failed offensives. However, his allies thought he chose the wrong time as in 1241 when the heir to the Crystal Empire, Wilhelm Von Draganar, rose in rebellion against his father. Believing that now was the perfect time to strike, the allied nations amassed a great fleet to sail down the river and strike at Ravengulf and hopefully the capital, Crownkeep, itself. King Damian decided not to join in the fleet as his people were still recovering.
The great invasion embarked without him and it is debated whether he was right to refuse the invitation. However, the Crystal Emperor was not preoccupied with the rebellion his son had caused as his second son, a 15 year old William went out to meet his brother in battle. The Emperor, on the other hand, gathered a fleet and an army and met the allied forces in battle. The Battle of Cadehall Fields saw the two armies meet and it was a decisive victory for the Crstyalian forces despite being outnumbered.
When he received word that the allied fleet was smashed and Wilhelm was dead, Damian knew that Crystalia would turn their attention to the west once again. And he knew that no one would come to the aid of his people. So in an act that some call a sacrifice and others call cowardice, King Damian surrendered to the Crystal Emperor in the fall of 1241, abdicating the throne as well. On the advice of his new heir, William, the Crystal Emperor allowed Damian to keep his titles and named him the Duke of Beru, which became a vassal under the Empire. As of 1242, the region is still recovering from the past conflict with Crystalia with aid from their former enemy. Soon, they will be called to action again as Crystalia will not rest until all of the Aerin Valley is united under their banner.
Demography and Population
Amongst 400 thousand people reside in the Duchy, most of it being focused in the north. Over half of the population resides along Loshill River, mainly in rural areas. A population of this side wouldn't be sustainable if not for the mages that came from Crystalia to aid the people. As a result, people live longer lives in the northern region than anywhere else in Beru. As a result, the rest of the country
Territories
There are six major provinces of the Duchy. The most important is Zothal province where the capital is held. It borders the majority of the Loshill river border and houses the primary road that leads to the Crystalian Empire, the Gulra Tetrarchy, and the Grinevan Kingdom. With the Duke in this region, it is also one of the most heavily defended provinces.
Cryswal is the western bulwark against Grineva, standing since the 12th century when Beru and Grineva were constantly at war. It went into disuse during the conflict against Crystalia but now, it was been brought back to life as Beru builds its defenses against its former allies. Patrols watch the western border, especially near Wesmere and Losvault for any troop moments. This province is vital to Beru and Crystalia as it will most likely be a major target and supply in any conflict between the two sides.
Moonkeep is an old province with the city of Moonkeep serving as the capital. It received its name from an ancient past where clerics and oracles of a long-forgotten moon goddess built the city. Almost a week's travel by foot from Zothal, it is between Rusrun and Path'kin. However, it is 3 days march form Blacford, one of 4 forts guarding Grineva's eastern border with Beru. As such, they are always on the lookout for any signs of Grinevan invasion or scouts.
Rusrun is the midway point between Moonkeep, Easthill, and Zothal, two days from the first two and 4 days from the capital respectfully. The province and town both are situated in the middle of Beru with other territories surrounding it completely. It has tried to expand by pushing on Easthill but the arrival of Lord Arno Dren and the opening of a magical library stopped any plans for that.
Easthill was a town that was closer to a village. Even under the Kingdom, the town was just a stopping point for the last bit of major civilization before heading into the wilderness. That all changed when Arno Dren, a former member of the King's court, was made Lord of Easthill and sent there after his dismissal and the restructuring of the Duchy. It seemed like he and the town would continue to fade into obscurity until an Elven Wizard named Quyna Morus moved into the town. An old friend of Arno, she founded a magical library which caused quite a stir. After a group of adventurers helped protect the town from a Lunari tribe and an evil Hag, the town has gained even more prominence and the region as a result.
Path'kin and its province are the last bastion of civilization before the great expanse of the Xi'jian Desert. Merchants hoping to reach Xalesha or go into the Angorian Dwarven holds stop here and tribal guides visit the city to find more customers to escort through the region. The region is careful with how many people they can support as they do not want to farm too much and cause the desert to expand north of its current location.
Military
With Crystalia behind them, Beru has received an influx of soldiers from the Loshill region to replace the men they've lost in their decades of fighting. 2,400 men are currently garrisoned at Cryswal while almost 7,000 troops have marched into eastern Beru through Cadehall. It is to be split between two armies, one defending the northern side of the river from any attacks from Gulra and the other to garrison between Moonkeep and Rusrun in case any forces attempt to attack the south.
Religion
With the welcoming of Crystalia, churches in major towns created shrines for Barina and Kashir, gods of war and peace respectively from the Loshill region. More people have come to adopt Kashir into the pantheon as his followers believe in striving for true peace. The military and those still hungry for war flocked to Barina as priests of her faith motivate a growing population into being ready for war.
To the south, those from the Xi'jian desert or influenced by Scerin culture have taken to the Xi'jian, local spirits of the savannah and desert. While not as prominent, it brings some comfort to those who look to nature to distract them from the political upheval they're going through and the conflict that is sure to come.
Foreign Relations
- Crystalia: Many people in Beru still feel resentment at the Crystal Empire for conquering them. The pride of an entire nation was reduced to ash as their king abdicated to the Crystal Emperor and the Bloody Dragon in fear. At least, that's what the nobles like to think. Most commonfolk have barely noticed a difference besides the flags being changed. There are some who feel otherwise and even rise in rebellion but without a unified resistance, there is no chance Beru will ever see independence.
- Grineva: Grineva and Beru had no shared love as before Crystalia's rise, the two were constantly at each other's throats. Disputes over land, the Loshill River, etc. The King of Grineva mocked Duke Damian after his abdication, saying that his ancestors should've conquered Beru long ago to make better use of it than his family did. If there is one small comfort, it is that Beru will be able to revisit every slight that Grineva has ever dealt them in their shared history.
- Gulra: Any friendship between the two kingdoms fell apart when Beru became a duchy. Quite a few citizens of Beru fled to Gulra when Crystalia took over and a rising populace hopes to one day see their nation be free once again. And Gulra would definitely like an ally to their south again to help them hold back Crystalia.
Blades May Turn, Never Break
Founding Date
1241 EA
Type
Geopolitical, Duchy
Capital
Alternative Names
The Duchy of Beru
Demonym
Beruian
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Client state / puppet state
Economic System
Barter system
Currency
Copper, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Executive Body
Damian, Duke of Beru
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Location
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments