Kingdom of Gleton

The Kingdom of Gleton is a newly formed state in Sazius but it's history as a city goes back much further.

## Gletonian Mythos

In the early years of the Hundred-Year Elf War, when Anhaern led a campaign through Dark Elf lands, he established a small military outpost and named it Gleton in honor of his mother, Gletina. After the war ended, the outpost was occupied by the new Elven race that had emerged following the conflict, and they transformed it into a small hamlet. However, the town slowly grew in power and influence, eventually becoming a great independent Elven city. The people of Gleton took pride in their connection to Anhaern, causing tensions with other Elven states. However, things didn't escalate until the Elven High King, Taranath, had a falling out with Steward Kyrtaar. The High King assembled Elven armies from across the realm to crush Gleton.

## Battle of Old Gleton

### Result

Decisive Gletonian Victory

As tensions escalated between the First Kingdom of Gleton and the Elven High King Taranath's forces, both sides prepared for a confrontation. Gleton had the advantage of knowing the terrain intimately, having thrived within these woods for generations. They used this knowledge to their advantage, setting up traps and ambush points amidst the dense foliage. Steward Kyrtaar, a capable and respected leader among the Gletonians, organized their forces. The Gletonian army, though smaller in number, was highly motivated and familiar with the environment. They strategically positioned themselves, taking cover behind natural barriers like large trees and rock formations. Taranath's army, on the other hand, consisted of the largest Elven force seen since the Hundred Years' War. They had superior numbers but were unfamiliar with the forest terrain. The Elven High King, driven by his desire to subdue Gleton, ordered a direct and forceful assault. The battle in the ancient forests surrounding Gleton was fierce and unrelenting. Initially, skirmishes erupted as Gletonian archers hidden in the treetops unleashed volleys of arrows upon the approaching Elven forces. The forest echoed with the sounds of combat as Elven swordsmen and spearmen clashed with Gletonian warriors in close combat. Amidst the dense foliage, Gletonians employed hit-and-run tactics, emerging from concealed positions to strike at the disoriented Elves before retreating back into the thick underbrush. Steward Kyrtaar's duel with Elven High King Taranath became a focal point of the battle, watched by both sides. In a dramatic climax, Kyrtaar managed to defeat Taranath, dealing a fatal blow to the Elven army's morale. With the death of their High King, the Elven forces began to crumble. Chaos and confusion spread as Elven soldiers, demoralized by the loss of their leader, started to break ranks and retreat. The forest that had once been a battlefield was now filled with retreating Elves, leaving behind fallen comrades. The Battle of Old Gleton ended with the death of Taranath and the disintegration of the great Elven army, as they retreated in disarray. The forest, once a scene of fierce combat, now bore the aftermath of a significant victory for Gleton. This battle showcased the Gletonian forces' adaptability and determination, ultimately securing their triumph over the Elven invaders.

#### About the Mythos

The Mythos emerged into the light 300 years after the Hundred Years' War, thanks to a revolutionary from Gleton who despised the Elven High Kings and their rule. This visionary heard the myth of Anhaern founding Gleton and expanded upon it, highlighting the strength of the Gletonian people in the face of unwavering odds.

## Historical History

### Founding

Contrary to the mythos, Gleton was predominantly not founded by Anhaern but by a Wood Elf named Beixalim. The Wood Elves initially fought alongside Halaesa in the war, but after the death of their leader, Dalyor II, the other Wood Elf leaders surrendered and joined Anhaern's side. Beixalim commanded a small group of 500 Wood Elves during the later years of the war, which occurred after Anhaern defeated Halaesa, effectively concluding the conflict. Beixalim discovered the modern location of Gleton and began a settlement, naming it after Anhaern's mother, Gletina.

### Beixalim’s Reign

Beixalim proclaimed the Duchy of Gleton just five days after founding the city and assumed the title of steward, rather than duke, for reasons unknown. Beixalim worked tirelessly to transform the city into a bustling port, even establishing a small fleet to protect his trade ships from the increasingly prevalent human pirates who had grown in strength following the Elves' weakened state after the Hundred Years' War. Beixalim's navy engaged in minor battles against these human pirates. Amid these challenges, Gleton, like all Elven states, still owed fealty to the High King of the Elves, Lathlaeril III, the second High King of the Elves. Lathlaeril III had had enough of the human pirates raiding Elven coasts, even going as far as burning and raiding inner Elven cities. In response, Lathlaeril III called for the Elven states to unite against this threat and to send their navies to eradicate the pirates once and for all. Upon hearing of the assembling Elven fleet, the human Pirate captain, Perthran, sought to unite all pirates in response. Beixalim made the fateful decision to personally lead the Gleton navy into battle, entrusting the city to his 17-year-old son, Haldor. Beixalim departed Gleton with three heavy Elven ships and ten light Elven ships, merging with the rest of the Elven fleet under the banner of the High King. Together, they set out to confront the pirates in battle. However, Perthran was well aware of the Elven response and had prepared his own fleet to meet this challenge.

## Battle of Rocheuse Sea

### Result

Elven Victory * Destruction of the Human Pirate Coast
* Both fleets heavily damaged

Commanders| * Lathlaeril III
* Beixalim (DOW)
* Craith †
* Rhanes †

#### Aftermath of the Battle

After the battle, the human pirate coast lay in ruins, as most of the pirate captains were killed during the fierce engagement. Beixalim, although mortally wounded in the battle, managed to be brought back to Gleton before his passing. He used his remaining strength to officially declare his 18-year-old son, Haldor, as the new steward of Gleton. Beixalim's passing occurred just two days after his return to the city. His funeral was a solemn and respected occasion, attended by none other than Lathlaeril III, the High King of the Elves. The city of Gleton mourned the loss of a visionary leader, and the funeral served as a moment of reflection on Beixalim's contributions to both Gleton and the Elven realm.

### Haldor’s Reign

Upon the death of Beixalim, his son Haldor assumed the mantle of stewardship in Gleton, a transition that ushered in a new era for the Duchy. At the tender age of 18, Haldor faced the formidable task of upholding his father's esteemed legacy. His ascension, rather than being a seamless transition of power, marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Gleton's history. The early years of Haldor's stewardship were marred by internal strife that festered within the city's walls. Discontent brewed among various factions and noble families who contested Haldor's right to rule. Some believed they had stronger claims to leadership, either due to longstanding rivalries or differing visions for the city's future. Others disagreed with Haldor's policies, fueling the flames of discord. This internal division posed a significant threat to the unity and stability of Gleton. Factions vied for control, and noble houses engaged in political maneuvering to assert their influence. The city, once united under Beixalim's leadership, was now a landscape of conflict and dissent.

## War of The Gletonian Succession

### Result

Gletonian’s Loyal to Haldor Victory* Gleton Weakened
* Human Settlement in Gleton
* Fall of Noble power in Gleton
* End of The Gletom Golden Age
* Shyrrik Executed

Belligerents| Gletonian’s Loyal to Haldor* House of Lnaform
* Northern Human Mercenaries
* Elven High King Expeditionary Force
* Dark Elf Legion
* Southern Humans Mercenaries

Commanders| * Haldor
* Eilauver †
* Theodore of the North
* Erolith (WIA)
* Trenardir II
* Archerd The Tall †

Casualties| Heavy* Belanor †

### Battles

* First Siege of Gleton
* Battle of Komaliom Forest
* Raid on Mikaln
* Great Battle for Gleton

### Gleton History after the War

During the Great Battle for Gleton, Belanor, the primary historian of Gleton up to that point, tragically lost his life at the hands of a Southern human mercenary while he was documenting the battle. His death marked the end of the known history of Gleton up to that point. Though scattered sources exist from the period following the War of Succession up to the Great Orc Invasion of Sazius, I will endeavor to piece together the historical narrative. - Lokadi Numalred

### Nevarth’s Reign

Eighty years after the War of Succession, Haldor, the steward of Gleton, passed away of old age. Tragically, he left no heirs to carry on his legacy. In this power vacuum, his cousin Avourel was proclaimed as the new steward by the people of Gleton. However, the Gleton Senate, an institution established by Haldor after the war, rejected this choice and instead advocated for Haldor's brother-in-law, Nevarth, to take the stewardship. After a protracted struggle between the Senate and the people, the Senate's preference, Nevarth, ultimately triumphed. Avourel was exiled from Gleton, and Nevarth became the new steward. His tenure was marked by hardline elven nationalism, and his first act was an attempt to reduce the human and half-elf presence in Gleton. However, this endeavor faced staunch opposition from the human and half-elf residents, united under the leadership of Iloavor. They had long been striving for equal representation in the Gleton Senate but had consistently been denied this privilege. Now, with Nevarth's efforts to expel them from the city, the human and half-elf populations took up arms in defiance. Some full-blooded elves supported the cause and joined their fight, further complicating the situation. The struggle for the rights and presence of humans and half-elves in Gleton escalated into a significant conflict, with the outcome uncertain and the city's unity hanging in the balance.

## Human Revolution

### Result

Human-Elven Revolutionary Victory * Nevarth Deposed
* Avourel Proclaimed Steward

Belligerents| Duchy of Gleton | * Humans
* Half Elves
* Elven Brotherhood

Commanders| * Nevarth (POW)
* Avourel