Raan Ritaan, also known as the Dragon King, was said to have ordered the construction of a royal residence on the banks of the River Mora in Esprite. This initial structure was a collection of wooden buildings used for royal purposes.
Raan Ritaan, also known as the Dragon King, was said to have ordered the construction of a royal residence on the banks of the River Mora in Esprite. This initial structure was a collection of wooden buildings used for royal purposes.
Raan Ritaan began a substantial rebuilding project at Merinoisis. He initiated the construction of a grand stone basilica adjacent to the palace, which would later become St Merinosis Cathedral. Raan also expanded and improved the palace itself.
The construction of the new Merinosis Cathedral (Known as Basilica Magna) under Raan Ritaan continued, culminating in the consecration of the church in 1TI. This Cathedral would serve as the setting for numerous royal ceremonies and coronations over the centuries.
Merinosis Hall, which was part of the Palace of Merinosis, was completed under the reign of Leric II. The hall was an impressive architectural feat, known for its immense hammer-beam roof, and it would later become the primary meeting place for the Favontille Government.
King Oswyn I convened the first recorded Grand Assembly in Merinosis Hall. While this event marked the emergence of governmental gatherings in the Palace of Merinosis, it was not yet the fully developed institution we know today.
The Anjou Rebellion of 69-88 disrupted Merinosis Cathedral and the Palace of Merinosis, resulting in potential physical damage, shifting allegiances, and uncertain roles. Both structures suffered neglect and damage during this period of civil conflict. Merinosis Cathedral's status as a coronation site and religious institution was uncertain as it hosted ceremonies for both Empress Matilde and King Steffen. The Palace of Merinosis, while still a seat of royal governance, faced disruptions in the functioning of the royal court due to political instability.
During the reign of Oswyn II, the Ecclesiastical Concordance was issued. These laws formalise and harmonise the relationship between the secular and ecclesiastical authorities, reinforcing the Church's influence in governance. The Ecclesiastical Concordance outlines a framework for collaborative decision-making, with provisions that grant the clergy a significant role in legal and political matters. This concordance fosters a sense of unity and cooperation between the secular and religious powers, ensuring that both institutions work together harmoniously to address the country's legal and moral concerns. It also codifies the Church's authority in certain domains, further solidifying its role in shaping the governance and moral fabric of Favont.
Archbishop Selwyn Wyndgate vehemently opposes the Ecclesiastical Concordance. He cites concerns about potential encroachments on ecclesiastical autonomy, conflicts of jurisdiction, and the Church's moral authority. Selwyn argues that these laws could dilute the Church's spiritual integrity and independence.
Amidst growing tensions between Archbishop Selwyn and King Oswyn II, the monarch ordered Selwyn's exile to the country of Malagal in 99. Selwyn's refusal to support the Concordance and his unwavering stance on protecting the Church's rights and authority led to his banishment from Favont.
During King Oswyn II's reign, construction began on the New Palace of Merinosis adjacent to Merinosis Hall. This initiative aimed to expand and modernize the existing palace complex, accommodating the growing needs of the Favontille monarchy. The New Palace, incorporating elements of Perenx and Malagalian architecture, was a royal residence and a centre for government activities strategically located near Esprite and the River Morl.
Atragic event unfolds in Axminster Cathedral. King Oswyn II, frustrated by Selwyn's continued opposition after his return from exile and fearing the influence of the Church, reportedly utters the infamous words to his knights: "Who will rid me of this meddlesome prelate?" Taking this as a command, four knights loyal to the king enter the cathedral and brutally assassinate Archbishop Selwyn during Vespers.
Following his assassination, Selwyn Wyndgate's body is laid to rest in Axminster Cathedral, a place of great reverence for the Church. His death sends shockwaves throughout Favont and exacerbates tensions between the secular and ecclesiastical authorities.
Selwyn Wyndgate's remains were moved from Axminster Cathedral to Merinosis Cathedral, a pivotal event that significantly boosted pilgrimage to the cathedral. King Oswyn II orchestrated this transfer as an act of penance for his role in Wyndgate's murder. This relocation honoured Wyndgate's memory and drew pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and healing to Merinosis. The move proved successful, as the shrine became a major pilgrimage destination, bringing in offerings and support for the abbey's construction and upkeep, elevating its status as a vital religious centre in Favont.
During the reign of King Jan, the Capital Covenant was signed, a pivotal moment in the country's history. This document solidified the relationship between the monarchy, nobility, and clergy, shaping Favont's government. It recognised the rights and privileges of the nobility and clergy while affirming the monarchy's authority. The Capital Covenant established cooperation between these powerful classes, fostering political stability and continuity in Favont's governance.
During the early years of Oswyn III's reign, he initiated the grand project to reconstruct Merinosis Cathedral. Oswyn was deeply devoted to religion, and this endeavour was a testament to his piety and desire to create a lasting legacy.
Construction began with the rebuilding of the nave in the Gothic style. The old Perenx nave was demolished for the new, more elaborate structure. The design reflected the emerging Gothic architectural trends of the time, with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
Work on the cathedral continued, encompassing various parts of the structure. The choir and transepts were expanded and reconfigured, with the construction of the "Oswyn III's Lady Chapel" being a notable highlight. This chapel was intended as a magnificent space for worship and became one of the most renowned examples of Favontille Gothic architecture.
The Provisions of Merinosis were designed to reaffirm the king's absolute authority. Supported by both nobles and clergy, these provisions aimed to centralise governance under the monarch's unwavering rule. They reinforced social hierarchies and limited civil liberties to maintain order and allegiance to the monarchy following Silver DeMortville's Rebellion.
The extensive reconstruction of Merinosis Cathedral was completed in 203, more than three decades after it began. The abbey was rededicated in a lavish ceremony by King Oswyn III and other dignitaries.
Following the death of Queen Nieve of Marwor, King Aegar I commissioned the construction of a magnificent memorial cross at the junction of what is now Deareine Cross in Favont. This elegantly crafted monument stood as a testament to Aegar's enduring love for his late queen and marked one of the twelve Nieve Crosses erected to commemorate her memory. These crosses were positioned at each location where her funeral cortege rested on its journey from Dallen, to Merinosis Cathedral, her final resting place. The Deareine Nieve Cross was celebrated for its ornate design and intricate carvings, and it served as both a symbol of royal devotion and a prominent landmark in medieval Esprite.
Tikhan Herada's arrest occurred near Lantyan in the heart of The Stiriphese, orchestrated through the betrayal of a fellow Ananan. He was subsequently transported to Merinosis Palace to face charges of sedition against the rule of King Aegar I. In Merinosis Hall, his trial unfolded, but it was a heavily biased and predetermined affair, favouring the authority of the Grand Assembly. Tikhan Herada, accused of inciting rebellion and sedition against King Aegar I, faced almost certain conviction, given his status as a symbol of Ananan resistance. During the trial, Tikhan Herada mounted a valiant and eloquent defence, asserting that he had never sworn allegiance to King Aegar I, thereby arguing against the charge of treason.
Despite his courageous defence, Tikhan Herada was found guilty of treason. His punishment was the most gruesome penalty imaginable for a dissident during that era. His sentence included a public procession through the streets of Esprite, from Merinosis Palace to Hanghill, the designated site of execution. There, he was subjected to a horrifying sequence of events, including hanging by the neck, without immediate death. While still conscious, he endured the gruesome ordeals of disembowelment and castration. Finally, Tikhan Herada's head was severed, and his body was quartered. His head, placed on a pike on Castle Bridge in Esprite, was a horrifying warning, symbolising the unyielding dominance of the Magi.
Construction of St. Corinus' Chapel within Merinosis Palace commenced, signalling the beginning of an architectural endeavour to provide a dedicated meeting place for the nobles of Favont.
After fifteen years of meticulous craftsmanship and construction, St. Corinus' Chapel was completed. This significant achievement marked the culmination of efforts to create an elegant and functional space within Merinosis Palace to serve as a meeting ground for the noble class. In the Decorated Gothic style, the chapel boasted impressive features, including a striking hammer-beam roof, exquisite stained glass windows, intricate wall frescoes, and detailed stone carvings. Its strategic location within the palace would facilitate discussions and gatherings of the nobles, contributing to the governance and legislative processes of Favont. St. Corinus' Chapel, with its dual role as a place of worship and assembly, embodied the ideals and aesthetics of its era while fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among the nobility.
In response to economic challenges following the shadow plague, the Favont government introduced the Statute of Labourers, aimed at controlling and disciplining the working class. This statute imposes strict regulations on labourers, compelling them to accept lower wages and limiting their mobility. It serves as a means to force them into longer, more arduous work hours, with the government believing in the superiority of the ruling classes.
Simultaneously, the Ananan Segregation Act is enacted, focusing on the exclusion and isolation of the Ananan people due to fears of their perceived dark powers and potential threats to the social hierarchy and religious order in Favont. This act solidified the government's control over the Ananans, leading to isolation and suspicion between the two groups until its eventual repeal in 797.
Under the rule of King Aegar III, Favont introduced the Statute of Angelic Governance, heralding a significant shift in the nation's religious and administrative landscape. While still recognising Our Most Devoted Teacher as the ultimate head of the Malagal church, this statute redefined the hierarchy within the Favont church. The Archbishop of Axminster, the highest-ranking cleric in Favont, would now be appointed by the King, with bishops serving under the archbishop would be selected by the archbishop himself. Furthermore, ecclesiastical representatives at Merinosis Palace, the seat of government, were to be chosen internally rather than by the Malagal church. This restructuring reduced Malagal's interference in Favont's ecclesiastical affairs, emphasising the nation's commitment to its unique religious practices and internal autonomy.