Rivenwald

Rivenwald is one of the seven major provinces of the Kingdom of Whytehold, and a major region in Tyrrus. It was once home to the Kingdom of Bordellyon, before being taken over by Whytehold. Rivenwald is the main border between Whytehold and Erdannia. During peace, it is an area of great trade and culture. During war, it becomes a heavily militarised stronghold. Rivenwald is known for its vast open plains, which have given rise to a culture of horse-breeding. The best horses in the kingdom come from Rivenwald. The province is landlocked, bordering Ebenreich to the east, Silvershire to the north, the White Cape to the south, and the Erdannian Empire to the west. However, ships are able to sail up the Strom to reach Rivenwald ports.
The Provincial capital of Rivenwald is Bordellyon, which was once the seat of a kingdom.
Rivenwald is known for their very fanciful and colourful knights, obsessed with heraldry and sigils.
The ruler of Rivenwald is High Commander Isabella Kerzenburg, High Marshal of Bordellyon, Duchess of Rivenwald.
=== Settlements ===
There are many large settlements in Rivenwald.
Bordellyon is the largest city in the region, and the most politically important.
Karlassonne is an a highly cultural city, and many tournaments and celebrations took place there. The Basilica of Karlassonne is an ancient and impressive building, considered a sacred place by the Church of the Light.
Breveden is the closest settlement to the western border, and as such is a huge fortress town, which often garrisons thousands of soldiers who are headed to the warfront.
Gildenstadt is an economically powerful city on the southern edge of the province. Though technically a part of the province, it acts largely independently.
Rivenwald is also home to cursed castle of Rochieren.
== History ==
=== Kingdom of Bordellyon ===
Between the 13th and 17th centuries, Rivenwald was home to the Kingdom of Bordellyon, a powerful and wealthy trading kingdom. Unfortunately, it was surrounded by larger kingdoms who coveted its territory. The Kingdom of Bordellyon was eventually destroyed by the combined efforts of Erdannia, Whytehold, and the Dragonvale Republic.
=== Occupied Rivenwald ===
After this, Rivenwald became a turbulent region, with major rebellions after the conquest, and the rise of the Great Sturvandian Empire. After the fall of this empire, Rivenwald and many other Whytehold territories claimed autonomy, and became vassal nations rather than directly controlled territories. Rivenwald was split into three vassal nations; Bordellyon, Gildenstadt, and Karlasonne, collectively known as the Rivenwald States.
=== Rivenwald States ===
Under the rule of the Rivenwald States, the three cities prospered and grew, while Whytehold dwindled. With their experienced warriors, the States became a major source of mercenaries. During the 19th century, the Bordellyon Military was the largest mercenary force in Tyrrus. The Rivenwald States each became members of the Tyrranean Coalition in 19.68, as vassal members under Whytehold.
=== Duchy of Rivenwald ===
After the fall of the Dragonvale Republic in 20.16, and the dissolution of the Tyrranean Coalition in 20.20, Whytehold resurged forth as a major power, with its first course of action being reclaiming Umberlain, the White Cape, and then the Rivenwald States. King Theodoric the Uniter merged all three Rivenwald States into one, and turned it into the Duchy of Rivenwald. He then lead efforts to reclaim the western edge of the region from Erdannia. Since then, Rivenwald has been the western warfront, and a major stronghold, of the kingdom.
Category:Regions