Rasov

The Ruins of Hrad Rasov or simply Rasov is a recently rediscovered castle and town, believing to be the last remaining stronghold of the realm of Stáva in Berok. It was famously sacked in the siege of 896 by the general and noble Pavel 'Tall-Bear' (838-8) of house Hajek. The discovery of the fortress has caused upheaval in Berok society as new historians and archaeologist have found historic records detailing the cruelty of a beloved general.
== History ==
=== Background ===
The story of Pavel Tall-Bear and the sack of Rasov is an important story for Berokian history. For Pavel personally knew Sveta od Soyka, the legendary ruler of Berok, who had sacrificed herself roughly three decades prior. For there are not many documents detailing the life of Sveta and by historians her story is considered more legend than truth. Pavel Tall-Bear was a young man and the heir of a minor noble house when he met Sveta during her campaigns to liberate his home region. The Hajek family quickly supported Sveta od Soyka's crusade and would send Pavel to join her retinue. Pavel himself became an ardent follower of Od Soyka and would become known as an esteemed strategist. After the death of Sveta od SOyka in 866 Pavel vowed to carry on her legacy and to bring justice to the last supporters of the old realm of Stáva. In 870, Pavel would inherit the lands of his parents and raise his troops to lead campaigns against the remnants of Stáva. During this period he would slowly expand the Hajek domain and gain control over a modest part of current duchy of Zapnoviya in Berok.
=== Siege and Sack of Rasov ===
After a series of campaigns Pavel, now known as Tall-Bear for his immense physic, sturdy build, and hairy body, had managed to bring the war to Rasov the last remaining holdout of the Stáva remnants. Laying siege to the mountain fort for five years. During this period his hair grew grey from the stress of the siege. But slowly but surely the food stocks of the fortress ran out and with the defenders exhausted Pavel and his soldiers charged the castle. Any people alive inside the town were violently executed, with Pavel showing seeming no remorse for anyone. His act of justice was instead an act of revenge. Having punished everyone with death the rest of the place was quickly set ablaze. The place was quickly forgotten about and not soon after the vegetation started to overgrow the castle.
=== Discovery ===
A group of Berok historians and archaeologist used letters written by Pavel to his subordinates and vice verse to uncover the location. A rough location was pointed out on the map and the group travelled towards the vicinities. Continuing their investigation they interviewed locals, who were distrustful of the men and women with their quills, asking about local stories told in oral tradition. The group settled upon a more definitive location and hired a group of dwarven mountain climbers and local guides, eventually discovering the ruins of Rasov.
Category:Berok
Category:Alex
Category:Locations