History of Berthe

The Creation of Berthe

The story of Berthe begins with the vision and unyielding determination of King Leopold, known to history as Leopold the Unifier. Born the son of a minor noble house, Leopold rose to prominence through his unparalleled ambition and military prowess. In the early days of his reign, Berthe was not yet a unified kingdom but a collection of warring city-states and fractured territories, each ruled by rival lords, petty kings, or powerful merchant families. The land was divided, and its people were often at odds, more concerned with their own local struggles than any notion of a collective whole.

Leopold, however, was a ruler with a singular goal: to unite the fractured territories into a single, mighty kingdom. Through strategic marriages, brilliant diplomacy, and military campaigns that reshaped the political landscape, he conquered or persuaded rival factions to submit to his rule. One by one, the fragmented lands of Berthe were brought under his banner. However, a nation born of war and politics would need a symbol of permanence, a central place to govern, to signify both the authority of the new king and the unity of the disparate peoples who had been brought together.

Thus, Leopold envisioned Berthe's capital, a monumental city where his power could be consolidated and where the future of his newly unified kingdom could be shaped. The heart of this city would be the Royal Citadel, a fortress-palace that would stand as the symbol of his reign and as the seat of power for centuries to come.

The construction of the Royal Citadel began in the early years of Leopold’s reign, and the work was as grand as the king's ambition. It was built upon a towering hill, surrounded by the newly constructed City Walls. The citadel’s massive walls, made from the finest stone, were designed not only to protect the royal family but to stand as a symbol of strength, stability, and permanence. Its high spires and imposing battlements became a focal point for the capital, visible from nearly every corner of the city. Inside, lavish chambers, grand halls, and expansive courtyards were designed to serve the monarchy, but they were also intended to house the bureaucracy and aristocracy that would help govern the newly unified kingdom.

The citadel was not just a palace, but a fortress - its walls reinforced with iron and stone to ensure it could withstand any rebellion or external threat. Leopold, ever the tactician, understood the importance of securing his reign, both through military might and through a tangible presence in the capital. The Royal Citadel would be his beacon, a place from which he could rule over Berthe, but also a constant reminder to his enemies and allies alike that this kingdom was forged through strength, and it would remain unbroken.

The Building of the Highroad Bridge

Before the unification of the kingdom and the rise of the state religion, Berthe was still a land of disparate faiths and cultures. The foundation of what would become the Kingdom of Berthe was still in the early stages, and its capital, though growing, was a far cry from the grand metropolis it would one day become. During this time, King Leopold, the first monarch of the unified kingdom, set about securing his rule with monumental projects designed to bolster both the infrastructure and the cultural identity of the emerging capital.

One of his most significant undertakings was the construction of the Highroad Bridge, a project born out of the practical necessity of connecting the growing capital across the river. Prior to the bridge’s construction, the only crossings over the river were rickety wooden ferries or fragile stone bridges, hardly sufficient for the needs of an expanding city. Trade was hindered, and the movement of people and goods between the upper and lower reaches of the city was difficult and cumbersome.

King Leopold saw the bridge as not only a functional necessity but as a symbol of the new kingdom he sought to build - one that would unite the disparate factions of Berthe through strength and vision. The Highroad Bridge was designed as a massive stone structure, capable of carrying both traffic and trade between the eastern and western parts of the city, and beyond. Built with strong stone arches supported by towering piers, it quickly became the lifeblood of Berthe’s commerce, linking the capital with the surrounding provinces and ensuring that goods and travelers could flow freely. For the people of the kingdom, the bridge stood as a physical representation of their growing unity, a hallmark of the newly consolidated realm.

At the same time, another key project was undertaken in the heart of the city: the construction of the Red Basilica. Unlike the later state-sanctioned Church of Berthe, the Red Basilica was a product of the era before religious consolidation. The Red Basilica, dedicated to the Gods of the Pantheon, would serve as a grand place of worship.

The Red Basilica was built with towering spires and a vast, open interior. Its red stone walls, intricately carved with scenes of myth and legend, stood as a testament to the Gods of the Pantheon. Within its sanctified halls, rituals were performed to honor the ancient deities, and it became a gathering place for those who sought to preserve the old ways in the face of a growing sense of centralization and unity under King Leopold’s rule.

While the Highroad Bridge symbolized the coming of the new kingdom—one of practical unity and progress—the Red Basilica served as a reminder of the old traditions and the deep-seated beliefs of the people. The basilica was, at the time, a vibrant religious center, drawing worshippers from across the kingdom who sought to honor their ancient gods. Though the state religion would eventually supplant the old faiths, the Red Basilica would remain an important cultural landmark, a place where the past and present coexisted in tension and reverence.

The War of the Iron Crown

A hundred years after King Leopold’s reign, Berthe found itself on the cusp of transformation once more. The kingdom, though powerful and unified under the Royal Citadel and its monarch, had never fully escaped the conflicts and unrest that had plagued it during its formative years. This period would be marked by the War of the Iron Crown, a violent civil war that threatened to fracture the kingdom once again and would lay the foundations for many of the city’s most important landmarks.

The War of the Iron Crown was ignited by a challenge to the legitimacy of the royal family. For generations, the monarchy had ruled Berthe through the unbroken line of King Leopold, and the capital city had grown into a prosperous metropolis. But there were factions within the nobility and the military, dissatisfied with the centralization of power in the hands of a single ruling family. A number of rival claimants sought to install their own monarch on the throne, arguing that the current dynasty had become too complacent, too detached from the realities of the kingdom’s far-reaching provinces.

The war began with a series of rebellions in the outer provinces, but it quickly escalated into open conflict when the rival claimants began a siege of the capital, hoping to wrest control of the Royal Citadel. For several years, the kingdom was torn apart by skirmishes, battles, and betrayals. As the conflict raged on, both sides of the war sought a symbol of legitimacy, and thus the Iron Crown became the object of contention. Whoever possessed the crown would not only claim the throne, but could also command the loyalty of the kingdom’s people.

The War of the Iron Crown was a devastating conflict for Berthe, with much of the fighting taking place in the capital and surrounding territories. The city’s defenses were tested to their limits, and it became clear that Berthe’s growing population and vast infrastructure were vulnerable to attack. During this period, the capital suffered greatly from the constant threat of siege, and large parts of the city were destroyed, including several key districts. It was in the heat of this war, as the city’s defenses began to crumble under the weight of both external and internal pressure, that a monumental decision was made by King Andrew, the monarch who would ultimately bring an end to the conflict.

In response to the war’s devastating effects, and with the kingdom’s survival hanging by a thread, King Andrew ordered the construction of a fortified tower to serve as the capital’s new line of defense. This tower, known as The Warden’s Tower, would not only function as a strategic military stronghold, but also as a symbol of unity and strength in the wake of civil strife. Unlike the older, more traditional defenses of Berthe, The Warden’s Tower was designed with cutting-edge fortifications, capable of withstanding both siege and sabotage. Its towering walls, reinforced with iron and stone, made it nearly impervious to assault. Inside, a powerful magical warding system was installed, making it impossible for enemy forces to breach the tower or spy on the royal family within.

The tower itself became a center of military and political power, overseeing the safety of the Royal Citadel and acting as a hub for the defense of the capital. The Warden of the Watch, an appointed position held by a trusted general or noble, would reside in the tower and oversee all matters of defense and intelligence. It would be from the Warden’s Tower that Berthe’s military forces were commanded, and from there that the monarch’s influence could be projected across the kingdom.

The War of the Iron Crown ultimately ended in a decisive victory for the royal family, but not without lasting scars. The rebel claimants were defeated, and the Iron Crown was returned to the monarchy, its power once again reinforcing the legitimacy of the ruling house. However, the war exposed deep fractures in the kingdom, especially regarding the vulnerability of the royal succession system and the unchecked influence of powerful noble families.

In the wake of the war, Emperor Alaric II enacted stricter laws regarding royal succession, recognizing that the instability caused by competing claimants had nearly destroyed the kingdom. The Royal Succession Act was passed, stipulating that the monarch would no longer be chosen solely by birthright but would also require approval from the council of high-ranking nobles. This law fundamentally changed the way in which succession was determined, giving the nobility an active role in deciding who would inherit the throne. The monarch’s heir would now be confirmed by a majority of noble houses, ensuring that no single family could dominate the succession process unchecked. This also allowed for a system of checks and balances, where the ruling family could be held accountable by the nobility, preventing any future challengers from undermining the crown with impunity.

In addition, new laws were instituted to limit the influence of noble families in the capital, especially in matters of military command. The Office of the Warden was now a royal appointment, selected directly by the monarch and not subject to the whims of the aristocracy. This, along with the fortifications of The Warden’s Tower, ensured that no future insurrection could threaten the unity of Berthe in the way that the War of the Iron Crown had.

The Fall of the Duchy of Camille

A new and pivotal chapter in the country’s history began with the arrival of Lady Gwendolyn, a visionary diplomat and stateswoman whose influence would forever change the political landscape of the realm. The event that marked her place in history was her successful negotiation to bring the once-independent Duchy of Camille into the fold of Berthe, transforming it into a key duchy within the kingdom. This historic unification came at a time when the kingdom faced mounting pressures from external forces, and Lady Gwendolyn’s diplomatic savvy and strategic foresight were instrumental in averting further conflict.

For a long time, Camille had been a fiercely independent, yet often isolated, territory situated on the borders of Berthe, with its own cultural identity, customs, and ruling family. Despite periodic conflicts and border skirmishes, the two regions had maintained an uneasy peace, governed by a series of treaties and occasional alliances. However, after a protracted series of internal struggles within Camille, the Duchy found itself weakened - its nobility fractured and its ability to defend its borders compromised.

Lady Gwendolyn, then a prominent member of the Royal Court and the chief diplomatic advisor to the King, was charged with the delicate task of negotiating Camille’s annexation into Berthe. What made this challenge all the more complex was the strong sense of national identity that the people of Camille held. They had long prided themselves on their autonomy, and many saw the prospect of joining Berthe as an affront to their sovereignty. It was clear that brute force would not be the solution to this problem—Gwendolyn’s approach would require deft diplomacy, astute negotiation, and a series of well-crafted promises to appease the Camillian elite.

After several years of tense negotiations, Gwendolyn was able to broker a historic agreement known as the Treaty of the Silver Bridge, signed by the Duke of Camille and the King of Berthe. In exchange for continued autonomy in many local affairs and protection from external threats, Camille agreed to become a duchy under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Berthe. The Camillian nobility would retain considerable local power, but ultimate authority would lie with the Crown of Berthe. The strategic location of Camille - nestled on the border and with access to critical trade routes - made this a significant acquisition for Berthe, and the monarch’s decision to bring Camille into the fold would strengthen Berthe’s position both militarily and economically.

One of the most important symbolic acts during the treaty’s signing was the establishment of the Hall of Oaths - a monumental edifice built in the heart of Berthe’s capital. The Hall of Oaths became the site where both the Camillian nobility and the royal family of Berthe swore an unbreakable bond of loyalty and mutual respect. Here, oaths of allegiance were sworn not only by the Duke of Camille but also by the high-ranking nobles, military leaders, and even religious representatives from both lands. It was a sacred space designed to solidify the unity of the two regions, serving as a permanent reminder of the promises made that day.

Architecturally, the Hall of Oaths was a marvel of stone, built to reflect the grandeur of Berthe’s monarchy. Grand stained-glass windows depicting important scenes from the history of Berthe adorned its walls, with the Oath Stone at the center of its most prominent hall.

It was here, within the Hall’s sacred chambers, that Lady Gwendolyn herself personally delivered an impassioned speech, emphasizing the shared future that Berthe and Camille would now build together. “Let this hall be a testament not to our differences, but to our shared strength and the bond we forge today,” she declared. The grand event was attended by thousands, and though it was deeply political, it was also a highly ceremonial moment that bound the people of both regions to a common cause.

For years afterward, the Hall of Oaths would serve as a venue for royal proclamations, treaty signings, and high-profile ceremonies. It became the center of Berthe’s political life, and its presence was a constant reminder of the successful diplomacy that had brought Camille into the kingdom, further solidifying Lady Gwendolyn’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of Berthe.

The construction of the Hall of Oaths also led to a shift in Berthe’s governance, as the integration of Camille necessitated the establishment of new governing bodies to manage the duchy’s affairs while maintaining the stability of the central crown. Local administrative councils were set up in Camille, with representation from both Berthe’s royal family and the Camillian nobility, ensuring that both parties had a voice in the region’s governance. These councils worked under the oversight of the Duke of Camille, who now swore fealty to the King of Berthe. However, it was understood that the Duke would play a key role in maintaining Camille’s internal autonomy, albeit within the constraints of the larger kingdom.

In the years that followed, the unification of Camille and Berthe helped stabilize both regions. The political cohesion created by the Treaty of the Silver Bridge allowed for economic growth, military cooperation, and greater cultural exchange between the once-rival nations.

General Natasha and the War of the Ancients

The War of the Ancients was a cataclysmic conflict that shook the entire continent and forever altered the relationships between the dwarves, humans, elves, and other magical beings. It began in the human kingdom of Naess, where simmering tensions over the control of magic had reached their breaking point. The dwarves and humans, long wary of the volatile and unpredictable nature of magic, had imposed stringent laws to restrict the use of magic and control its artifacts. These laws, though intended to prevent misuse, also isolated magic users and fueled resentment among the magical beings, particularly the elves, who had long coexisted with magic in its purest form.

The conflict, soon dubbed the War of the Ancients, quickly spread across the continent, dragging in nations from all corners of the world. Though the elves and their allies were initially successful in pushing back the humans and dwarves, the war became a protracted and devastating conflict that threatened to consume all civilizations.

It was during this time that General Natasha Verot, renowned for her unyielding discipline and military acumen, rose to prominence. Known as “The Iron Warden”, Natasha had a reputation for organizing and leading troops with unparalleled efficiency. Having served as a commander in the Royal Army for years, she was appointed to lead Berthe’s forces in what would become a decisive phase of the war.

Under Natasha’s leadership, the Berthean army became a formidable force on the battlefield. Their strategy was grounded not only in tactical brilliance but also in the ability to adapt to the fluid and rapidly changing nature of the war. Berthe’s forces were swift and disciplined and Natasha's leadership brought a sense of order to what had become a chaotic, unpredictable conflict.

As the war continued to escalate, the involvement of other human nations, as well as the growing coalition of magical beings, deepened Berthe’s role. Initially, Berthe’s forces engaged in limited skirmishes, but under Natasha’s command, they expanded their efforts, taking on more prominent roles in key battles. The Iron Bastion, a fortified stronghold at Berthe’s border, became a critical military base, where Natasha’s elite forces trained and prepared for large-scale engagements.

Eventually, after years of brutal conflict, the Treaty of Perlis would bring an end to the war, though the toll it had taken on Berthe and the rest of the continent was immeasurable. General Natasha, her reputation forever solidified as a hero of Berthe, would retire from military service, though her legacy lived on in the defense strategies that had ensured Berthe’s survival through some of the darkest days of the war.

Prince Lysander: The Dissenter

Prince Lysander was a man driven by his discontent with the rigid structures of Berthean society and the absolute monarchy that defined it. Known as "The Dissenter," his outspoken views on the role of the nobility and the monarchy would set him on a path that would fracture the royal family and ultimately bring about his downfall.

Growing up in the shadow of his older brother, Lysander’s dissatisfaction with his position was palpable. While his brother dutifully adhered to the expectations of royal life, Lysander found himself increasingly resentful of the royal system. He was deeply critical of Berthe’s entrenched aristocracy and the monarchy’s iron grip on power, advocating for a more egalitarian system where the power of the crown would be diluted in favor of a broader ruling council of nobles. Lysander, brimming with radical ideas, believed that the future of Berthe lay not in a single monarch’s rule, but in a more collective approach to governance.

Lysander’s ideas, however, were not just controversial—they were treasonous; such thoughts were considered a direct challenge to the monarchy’s divine right to rule. Despite the support of a few radical noble families, Lysander’s views struck at the heart of Berthean society. The very fabric of the kingdom was built on centuries of absolute royal power, and his rebellion threatened to unravel that order.

Lysander’s rhetoric became more brazen over time, calling for reforms that would strip the crown of its absolute authority and redistribute power to the nobility and other influential factions in Berthean society. His calls for an empowered noble council were seen as a direct affront to his father, who had worked tirelessly to ensure the monarchy remained supreme in Berthean politics.

As his speeches grew in audacity, Lysander began to rally a small but passionate faction of nobles, guild leaders, and reform-minded citizens. The movement quickly gained momentum in certain parts of the capital, where younger generations of the nobility, frustrated with their subservience to the crown, saw Lysander as a figurehead for their own desires for change. The tension between father and son became unbearable, and whispers of a coup spread throughout the royal court.

Fearing that Lysander’s influence could spark a full-scale rebellion or destabilize the throne, the King took drastic action. He publicly denounced his son’s views, declaring them to be treasonous, and ordered his immediate arrest. At a grand public trial, Lysander was formally accused of plotting to usurp the throne, undermining the monarchy, and sowing discord among the nobility.

The King made the decision to exile Prince Lysander. His punishment was one that would send a resounding message to the rest of the nobility: Dissent would not be tolerated. Lysander’s exile was intended to be a cautionary tale - a reminder to other nobles that any challenge to the throne or the established order would result in complete and utter disgrace.

Lysander was stripped of his title and banished from Berthe, forced to live the rest of his life in obscurity. His supporters were also dealt with swiftly. Those who had rallied around him were either executed or silenced, and any who showed signs of continuing his reforms were carefully watched and quickly suppressed.

The Birth of the Berthan Empire

Berthe’s ruling monarch sought to expand the kingdom’s influence and solidify its position on the continent. Recognizing that a powerful, unified empire could better face the growing political and military challenges of the era, the king turned to diplomacy to secure Berthe’s future.

His solution was a strategic marriage between a Berthan princess, his daughter, and a Cecchan prince, heir to the throne of the mountainous jungle kingdom of Cecchi. This marriage, though not born of love, was a carefully crafted political alliance meant to strengthen Berthe's position both within the continent and internationally. Cecchi, with its unique geography and rich cultural traditions, had long remained independent, but faced mounting pressure from surrounding nations and internal divisions. By joining forces with Cecchi, Berthe hoped to stabilize the region and bring Cecchi into its sphere of influence.

The marriage was solemnized in a grand ceremony, not only a union of two royal families but also the formalization of the Treaty of Union. This treaty outlined the terms of the union, officially recognizing Cecchi as the first member of the Berthan Empire. While Cecchi retained its sovereign identity, with the prince continuing to rule as the King of Cecchi, the marriage marked the beginning of imperial consolidation under Berthe's banner.

While the princess was married into the Cecchan royal family and relocated there, her eldest brother was set to become Berthe’s next ruler. Though the marriage was not the beginning of the imperial reign itself, it was the first step toward the formation of the Berthan Empire. By solidifying Cecchi’s place within the Berthan political sphere, the king established a foundation for the imperial expansion that would come after his death. The marriage, and the subsequent integration of Cecchi, allowed Berthe to expand its influence and set the stage for a larger empire that would eventually unite neighboring regions under a single, strong central authority.

The Legacy of the Forgotten Empress

In a particularly curious chapter of Berthan history, a queen once held the throne for a short period, but her rule was so unpopular that after her death, her memory was systematically erased from all official records. Statues of her were destroyed, books were rewritten, and even her name was stricken from the royal family tree. Despite this, rumors of her reign persist in certain communities, and some claim that she secretly advanced progressive reforms before her fall from grace. The mystery surrounding her life has created a shadowy legend, and some Berthans even now question what might have been lost in those years.

Perlis and the Berthan Empire

In a twist of fate, the Berthan Empire, seeking to expand its influence and consolidate its power, capitalized on the romantic entanglement between the king of Perlis and the princess of Berthe to further its imperial ambitions. Knowing the king's deep affection for the princess, the empire cunningly orchestrated a strategic marriage proposal, offering to unite the two royal houses through matrimony under one condition: Perlis must agree to join the Berthan Empire, and in turn, persuade Keala to follow suit.

However, the empire's proposal came with a sinister ultimatum: the princess of Berthe would be kept captive until Perlis acquiesced to their demands. Held as a political hostage, her fate was intricately tied to the king's decision, her freedom contingent upon Perlis' compliance with the empire's wishes. Faced with the prospect of losing his beloved and risking the stability of his kingdom, the king of Perlis found himself ensnared in a web of political intrigue and personal turmoil.

With the princess's life hanging in the balance, the king of Perlis was left with no choice but to reluctantly accept the empire's terms, agreeing to join the Berthan Empire and exerting his influence to persuade Keala to do the same. Driven by a desperate desire to secure the princess's release, the king embarked on a diplomatic mission to rally support for the empire's cause, navigating the delicate intricacies of power, loyalty, and love in a bid to shape the destiny of his nation.

The Founding of The Church of Berthe

The founding of The Church of Berthe marked a significant chapter in the religious and political history of the Berthan Empire. This state-sanctioned branch of Paladinism came about as a direct result of the political alliance with the desert kingdom of Naess, where Paladinism was already the dominant faith. As part of a deal to bring Naess into the fold of the empire, King Ferdinand V of Berthe agreed to establish the Church of Berthe in Berthe’s lands, a faith that would bear the same name and uphold the same essential values of hierarchy, order, and obedience that the Naessian branch of Paladinism espoused - but modified to suit Berthan culture and governance.

While the core tenets of The Church of Berthe would resemble the Church of Naess in their emphasis on social hierarchy, obedience, and divine providence, the two branches would diverge in some significant ways to reflect their different social environments.

At the heart of both the Church of Berthe and the Church of Naess is the belief that order and hierarchy are divine principles that maintain the stability of the world. Both branches teach that each individual has a specific role to play within society, and fulfilling this role is not only a social obligation but a divine duty. The faithful are instructed to submit to authority figures—whether these be religious leaders, monarchs, or elders—as a reflection of their humility and reverence for divine order.

The belief in the divine right of kings is particularly emphasized in The Church of Berthe, where the monarchy is viewed as divinely ordained, with the monarch serving as God’s representative on Earth. This principle became the cornerstone of Berthan governance, with loyalty to the monarchy being seen as a divine command rather than a political allegiance. As such, the Church of Berthe was not just a religious institution, but a central pillar of the empire’s political system. By merging the monarch’s earthly power with the spiritual authority of the church, the King of Berthe was solidified as both ruler and spiritual guide for the nation.

The Church of Berthe also adopted the belief, shared with Naess, that all events are guided by divine providence. This doctrine instilled a sense of trust in the divine plan, encouraging the faithful to accept their place in society and trust that the gods’ will was being carried out through the earthly rulers.

With the creation of The Church of Berthe, the religion became firmly integrated into the political machinery of the empire. Paladins, the warrior-priests of the church, were given not just spiritual authority, but military and legal authority as well, enabling them to act as both enforcers of the law and agents of the crown. The church’s presence in the royal court gave it immense power, and its doctrines of obedience to authority and the divine right of kings solidified the monarch’s rule in both spiritual and temporal terms.

From its founding, the Church of Berthe played a crucial role in maintaining the social and political order of the empire. It was not merely a religious institution, but a key instrument of statecraft, ensuring that the emperor’s authority was upheld by both divine mandate and the will of the people. It became a symbol of unity, binding the diverse regions and peoples of the empire under a single faith, while also reinforcing the hierarchical nature of Berthan society.