The Duchy of Oestmark

History

Oestmark was founded as a dukedom by settlers of the second migration from the Old World, now lost. Omundstead was settled around the same time as Altanridge and Midenstad in circa 200 AoC. The former grew far more quickly than the latter two due to a rich supply of fish and pearls from the barrier island of eastern Barovia. Omundstead became the seat of the duchy in the year 235 AoC, with the crowning of Duke Oswald the Fearless. Duke Baderich of Oestmark is a direct descendant of Oswald. The line of succession has never been broken. As the Oestmarken civilization grew, frontiersmen pressed ever southward into the resource rich southern Barovia; steadily deforesting Aerelith and taking advantage of the abundance of natural resources in the region. Lake Alistair was founded as a center of administration for these colonies, and quickly grew into a magnificent city. The Oestmarken colonists quickly found themselves gaining more and more autonomy as they no longer required supplies from their patron nation, and the desire for independence grew. Under the banner of King Alerik, the colonies fought and won a war against Duke Baderich of Oestmark, and founded the kingdom of Moraulden. Though The Duchy of Oestmark and Moraulden are now two distinct realms, the people within remain very much the same. Many families were split apart in this great conflict, and there are mixed feelings among the common folk of both realms toward one another.