recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Joros II Boyce

King **Joros II Boyce** was the fourth King of the Boyce Dynasty. Joros is widely regarded as one of the best kings in the history of the Kingdom of Aqoris. He is known for his reforms following the disastrous reign of his father, King Rylar I Boyce, who bankrupted the realm and caused great instability. For most of Joros' reign, he was quelling rebellions sparked by the instability caused by his father.

He fought a major war called the Bastard's War where one of his bastard half-brothers, Darvon Greenfields, rose up in rebellion. It was called the Bastard's War because the climatic battle of the war was fought between Darvon Greenfields and Balon Highstreams, another bastard half-brother and the Lord Commander of the Bronze Cloaks.
Southern Throne

The **Southern Throne** was a short-lived throne that Karlon Durham sat upon during his time during his short time as King of the South when he declared rebellion and independence from the Kingdom of Aqoris. It was made out of Gold and Iron and was located in the Great Hall in Arkridge. Following Karlon's death and the defeat of House Durham, the Southern Throne was melted down so the new Lord of Arkridge Dexter Durham, who had fought against his father, could not press a claim to the throne or the Kingdom of the South as well as any future descendants.
Prince

**Prince** or **princess** are titles held by the members of a ruling family, usually the royal family. The title is usually held by all the children of a monarch. The heir apparent to the throne, typically the oldest child of the monarch, or oldest male child in male-preference primogeniture, is sometimes referred to as the **crown prince** or **crown princess** or another substantive title such as Prince of Newcastle.

If a monarch is newly crowned, be it through conquest, usurpation, or declaring independence, his or her children will typically become princes or princesses, but it varies if his or her siblings become princes and princesses. For example, when Barden I Boyce was crowned after he founded the Kingdom of The North, his brother Marlon Boyce was not given a princely title or the title of Prince of Newcastle despite being the heir as he was already Lord of Winter's Rock. Instead he was given a position on the High Council, the Adviser to the King.

The title of prince or princess is sometimes used by monarchs ruling over a principality, such as the Prince of Kiamba.

## Known princes and princesses of the Kingdom of The North

### Targaryen dynasty

During the rule of House Boyce, most members of the royal family held the title of prince or princess, except for members of branches that were not expected to inherit the throne. Prince Braedan Boyce (King Warren's late uncle) and his son Prince Ashtin Boyce are both given the title of Prince as Ashtin is third in line to the throne at the start of A Shattered Realm because of the few members of House Boyce alive. In contrast, Princess Reina (King Warren's aunt) married Lord Asten Knigh and therefore their son, Lord Lewin Knigh, is not referred to as Prince as he would never inherit the throne but she retains the title of Princess as she is the daughter of King Kaegan III Boyce.

The heir to the Northern Throne holds the title of Prince of Newcastle, and de-facto ruled the city of Newcastle.

## Princes of other realms

### Kiamba

In the Free City of Kiamba, the nominal ruler is a Prince, a ruler chosen by the elites of the city.
House Perle

**House Perle of Highgrove** is a vassal house from the Southlands, swearing fealty to House Ross. They rule from Highgrove, a very fortified city on the west coast of the Southlands and in the middle of the Southern Woods, giving them great protection and resources. House Perle has one of the most powerful naval fleets in the Kingdom - the Perle Fleet.
Trovion Pyke

Lord **Trovion Pyke** is the current Lord of Eskdale and Head of House Pyke. He is a particularly disliked individual as he is known to be untrustworthy and dishonest, he does not show up often during engagements in the Lakeland Insurgency when needed. When he does show up, he is known to be sarcastic and boastful to his allies who he views as lesser.
House Crowe

**House Crowe of Crowshade** is a vassal house of the Southlands that swears fealty to House Masterton. Their seat is Crowshade and the head of the family is Lord Jullon Crowe, often called **the Red Crow** due to his ruthlessness and brutality.

House Crowe is fiercely loyal to their liege lords of House Masterton and through the centuries, the Black Crows and the Red Lions often marry in order to keep the bloodlines preserved and as a result, House Crowe is a close relative to House Masterton. House Crowe is looked down upon as filth by a good majority of the Kingdom and even House Ross.

## History

### Background

House Crowe was once a minor house in the North, swearing fealty to House Syder who were the Kings of the Hills. Centuries ago, they were driven out of the North by the Syders and were given sanctuary and lands by House Masterton who asked for their fealty in exchange. They were given lands and they built Crowshade on the lands, a reminder of their sanctuary and exile as well as their loyalty to the Mastertons. Since then, House Crowe has been a sworn and fierce vassal, going to any means necessary to fulfil their centuries-old pledge.
Great Hall

The **Great Hall**, informally called the **throne room**, is a location within the Winter Keep, previously the seat of the ruler of the Kingdom of Aqoris. The Bear Throne stands at the end of the Great Hall. Within the Great Hall, the king or his Adviser holds court, receives petitioners, and oversees official ceremonies. Each new monarch was crowned officially once a crown was placed on their head, and they were seated upon the Bear Throne.

## Characteristics

The Great Hall consists of a large, cavernous room. Its entrance is made up of two huge bronze and wood doors. The Iron Throne sits on the opposite side, atop a raised dais climbed up to by two sets of wide steps of rough black stone; small chairs may be placed when the King or the Hand is accompanied by members of the High Council. The floor is made of different types of dark blue marble. Overhead is the towering vaulted ceiling, with massive arches and columns. On the right side of the Hall stands a raised gallery that connects to other areas of the Winter Keep. To the left side of the Hall, four windows with stained-glass depictions of the first four great Boyce Kings (Barden I, Joros I, Joros II, and Digby I) allow light to enter. Rylar I, despite being the third King, was decided to be removed during the reign of King Byrron I Boyce as he thought King Digby I was much more deserving of the honour.
Errick Tarbor

Lord **Errick Tarbor** is the current Lord of Southrock and Head of House Tarbor. He is also the Lord Admiral on King Warren I's High Council. Errick is known for his devout sense of duty and chivalric honour. After the death of his grandsire and father in the Southern Expedition, his mother served as regent until Errick reached maturity.
Digby I Boyce

King **Digby I Boyce** was the fifth King of the Boyce Dynasty. He was the son of King Joros II Boyce. Digby is best known for his Northern War which saw the partial conquest of the Borderlands. He was only able to successfully hold the southern part of the region and it would not be until the reign of his Grandson, King Kaegan I Boyce, that the entire Borderlands would become apart of the Kingdom of Aqoris with the Conquest of the Borderlands.
House Collinner

**House Collinner of Hillhold** is a vassal house from the Domainlands that swears fealty to House Boyce. Like the other noble houses of the Domainlands, House Collinner is very chivalrous and codified with honour.

## Relationships

### Members

* Lord Jon Collinner, Lord of Hillhold
	+ Lady Maisie, of House Kell
		- Sir Erac Collinner, heir to Hillhold
		- Lady Olivia Collinner
		- Sir Zane Collinner, sworn to the Bronze Cloaks of King Warren I

### Ancestors

* Lord Marlon Collinner, Lord of Hillhold and Lord Adviser to King Ronan I Boyce following the Summer Rebellion. Served as Master of Laws in Kaegan I's and Bradyn I's High Councils.
House Pyke

**House Pyke of Eskdale** is a vassal house from the Lakelands. Their seat is Eskdale and rule over the surrounding area, swearing fealty to House Rocke as Wardens of The Lake. Their sigil is a green leaf on a purple field and their words are "Here to stay"

House Pyke is considered one of the more untrustworthy Houses in the Kingdom. They typically side with the side that will further House Pyke's ambitions, even undermining their liege lord and also causing the extinction of House Pinewood in The War of the Bears, for which they have been marked as oathbreakers.

Lord Trovion is the Head of House Pyke and is a very callous man who tends to exploit the situations of others to gain his own advantage. As a result, they are very disliked by the Houses of the Lakelands. House Pyke was the only Lakeland House that sided against Kaegan with the Royalists and this has created a very tense relationship between the Pykes and the other Lakelanders. House Pyke especially despises House Boyce due to the heavy reparations they were forced to pay after the wars end.
House Blacksword

**House Blacksword of Oldpost** is a vassal house from The North and swears fealty to House Carlisle. They are a very chivalrous and honour-bound house as they remained loyal to King Dannis I during the War of the Bears, even after House Carlisle switched to the Rebel side but are also very militaristic. They are in posession of two Black Steel great swords, Midnight and Shadowsteel which are referenced on their sigil.
Throne of The Four

The **Throne of The Four** was a throne forged by King Bradyn I Boyce. It was forged out of bronze and gold in the shape of the symbol of the Faith of The Four as a representation of his alliance with the Faith and to replace the Bear Throne which represents the Prophecy of The Bear, which he viewed as heretical. It was melted down after the Summer Rebellion and the Bear Throne was restored, never having been placed on the dais in the Great Hall and never being used as a throne.
Emerick

Emerick is the High Curator at the Winter Keep. He is one of King Warren I Boyce's most trusted and closest advisers as well as an adviser on the High Council.

## Biography

He was born as a member of the commonfolk, the common populace of the Kingdom, in Whitley Bay, a settlement in the Domainlands swearing fealty to House Knigh. He became a Curator at the age of 23 at the start of the reign of King Kaegan III Boyce, serving House Knigh of Seawatch. He was then elected by the Board and given the title of High Curator, a personal request by King Byrron II, in 351 AF at the age of 36. He was the Adviser to The King during the reign of Byrron II and briefly at the start of Harlow I's reign. He is regarded as one of the most knowledgeable men in the Kingdom, as well as possibly the oldest living man in the Kingdom at 87 years old.

He has forged eight links in his chain, displaying his competence in all fields of learning, except the ostracised blacksteel link of the study of the mythologies as Emerick is a staunch non-believer in the mythologies and magic.

## Personality

Emerick is an introverted man as he is relatively shy to confrontation and disliked speaking up during High Council meetings. However, he is not a fickle man and easily swayed to one side as he is extremely loyal to House Boyce and is proud of his service to the King. He is one of the most knowledgeable men in the Kingdom and his words of advice and council should be taken into serious account as he has served as High Curator to three Kings over a period of 51 years. While he is old and is less able than he was in his youth, his mind has not deteriorated and when given a task, as he jumps at the opportunity and surprises people with his mobility when he is in that state of mind.

He is one of the most senior curators and is highly respected within the Guild but he finds that the newer generation of the Board is significantly incompetent compared to the Board that administered the Guild during his earlier years as a Curator. He particularly dislikes Principal Curator Corlin and his theories on seasons and Winter which Emerick finds as dangerous and stupid. This is one of the few times that Emerick displays a deep dislike toward something where otherwise he is usually a rather cheerful and kind old man with no bad words to say.

In regards to his abilities as a Curator, he is extremely competent in all fields (bar the mythologies as he has no care for it) but he is most adept in the histories. He has a great love for the histories and could ramble for many hours about the various facts and events that he has learnt and discovered, much to the dismay of the listeners.
Sack of Eden's Rest

Casualties| Light | Catastrophic * House Pinewood

The **Sack of Eden's Rest** was an opening event in the War of the Bears. It occurred less than a day after the Ambush at Eskdale which saw the death of Lord Tylar Pinewood and the loss of his army, leaving Eden's Rest largely undefended. Lord Hugar Pyke, eager to teach his rebellious vassals a final lesson, marched on Eden's Rest with a small force and burnt the village and the Pine Keep down, and salted the earth so nothing could grow again. It marked the extinction of House Pinewood.
Karl Durham

Sir **Karl Durham** is a knight of House Durham and a member of King Warren's Bronze Cloaks. He was one of the many knights that were selected into the Bronze Cloaks following the death of six, including Lord Commander Mancel Graen, during Harlow's Southern Expedition. He was knighted at 16 and was entered into the Bronze Cloaks in the same year as he proved himself as a very capable fighter at a young age.
Marshes

The **Marshes** is one of the constituent regions of the Kingdom of Aqoris. In the history of Aqoris, they have been a frequent battleground be it during the civil wars that have taken place in the Kingdom of Aqoris or between rivalling Kingdoms before Barden's Founding. Before Barden's Foundation Wars, the Marshes were contested between the Kingdom of the Hills and the Kingdom of Field and Grain with the Marshes and the Domainlands seeing great amounts of fighting.

Located roughly in the centre of the continent, and with few geographical boundaries such as mountains, for centuries it has been a borderland between surrounding strong kingdoms. At the time of Barden Boyce's war, the Marshes were ruled over by House Syder, the rulers of the Kingdom of the Hills. The Marshes had never ruled themselves, not since before the founding of the old Kingdom, and as such are not considered one of the three original Kingdoms but are still counted as an equal level. House Rush led the Marshes in a popular rebellion against the Syders at the start of the Foundation War and were granted the title of Lord Protector of the Marshes which installed them and the Marshes as the first region of the Boyce Kingdom. It was House Rush who wished to have the title of Lord Protector instead of the title of Warden that was granted to House Durham who overthrew the Highhand Kings in the Southlands as it was less militaristic in sounding and the Rushes wanted the Marshes to see peace, though this was not to happen.

## Geography

The Marshes, as the name would suggest, are predominantly fertile marshlands created by the two great rivers that the region is dominated by; The Root to the west along the border with the Lakelands, and the Whistling Spear to the east. Though not in their borders, the Tyne's northern branch ends not too far from the border with the Domainlands. To the north, there is also the two smaller rivers that create a natural chokepoint separating the southern regions from the North; the Cobalt Run in the east and the Iron Run in the west.

On the whole, the Marshes possess few natural defences or borders. They have the Root to the west but the majority of the river is held by the Lakelanders and the Cobalt Run and the Iron Run are negated by the vast open space in-between them which is hard to defend. The Marshes border 3 out of the 6 regions of the Kingdom of Aqoris, equalling the number of borders of the Domainlands but the Domainlands are far more defensible with hills and castles defending the border with the Southlands and a large forest against the Lakelands. The Domainlands also have one of the strongest armies of Aqoris which aids in their favour.

Template:Marshes
Anron Rocke

Lord **Anron Rocke** was the head of House Rocke, Lord of Ravenglass and Warden of The Lake following the death of his grandsire, Lord Wyllam Rocke in 353 AF. He commanded the Lakelander Army in the Lakelands Conflict until his death of old age at Ravenglass in 400 AF. During the war itself, the on-the-ground commandings were made by his two sons, Kayl and Ed, as he was too old to actually take part in the fighting and instead acted as a general.
Warne Graen

This page includes content relating to the *Stories of A Shattered Realm* series of novellas, and therefore contains *potential* spoilers for ***Summer - A Story of A Shattered Realm***. Anyone wishing to remain completely spoiler free should avoid any pages displaying this tag.

## Personal information

### Religion

Faith of The Four Divines

Sir **Warne Graen** was a knight of House Graen and a Bronze Cloak under King Bradyn I Boyce. In secret, however, he was a leading member in the group to place Prince Ronan Boyce on the throne and depose Bradyn for his allowance of the Faith to influence the Kingdom's ruling. He was a very honourable and just man and was prepared to be labelled as an oathbreaker in history if it meant securing the safety and future of the realm.
Dayron Durham

Lord **Dayron Durham** was the Lord of Arkridge and head of House Durham during the War of The Bears following the execution of his father, Bart Durham, in the Eve of Blades. He was one of the leading rebel commanders and one of the first to rise up in rebellion.

Dayron commanded the defence of Arkridge during the two-year long siege and held out until the siege was relieved before the Battle of Newcastle. He was a skilled commander and served as Lord Chancellor to King Kaegan III Boyce and Byrron II Boyce.
Bodrick

**Bodrick** was the High Curator at Newcastle for Kings Joros II, Digby I, and Byrron I Boyce and served as Adviser to The King for both. He was also a Principal Curator on The Board before he was chosen as High Curator. He wrote many history books of the time but a majority have been lost since the Great Fire of 300 AF.

He was born **Bodrick Boyce** and a Prince of the Boyce Dynasty, son of Rylar I and brother of Joros I Boyce. He was an uncle to the two kings he served but had renounced his family name and his title of Prince in order to become a Curator of The Guild. He became a famous Curator and his teachings are still taught in the Sanctum of Shadowreach in present. He was the Principal of Medicines and Healing before being elected as High Curator which made him a well-respected member of the Guild and on the Board.
House Farrin

**House Farrin of Bluestream** is a vassal house of the Domainlands that swears direct fealty to House Boyce. Their seat is Bluestream. They are known as fierce warriors and wield an ancestral blacksteel longsword called Dark Water.

The head of House Farrin, Lord of Bluestream and wielder of Dark Water is Lord Karsan Farrin at the time of the Summer Rebellion.
Balon Highstreams

Sir **Balon Highstreams**, born **Balon Streams** and remembered as **Balon the Bright**, was a bastard son of King Rylar I Boyce and a common serving woman. His father raised him at court and legitimised him years after his birth and the death of his mother. As such, he took the name Highstreams. As King Rylar was on his deathbed, Balon renounced his claim to the throne and joined the Bronze Cloaks to further cement his loyalty to his older brother, Joros. He soon became the Lord Commander during King Joros' reign and into the reign of his son, King Digby I Boyce. Balon joined King Digby in his war against the Alba and died in battle defending his nephew and King.
Bronze Cloaks

The **Bronze Cloaks**, named after their bronze-coloured cloaks with white trims, are an elite group of nine knights, the best in the Kingdom of Aqoris who serve the King of Aqoris as royal bodyguards. Their duty is to defend the King and the royal family at all times. To do this, they swear the upmost vow of allegiance and loyalty; vowing to abdicate all titles, all land and to father no children. They are sworn for life and serve until death, believing the highest honour is to die in defence of their monarch.

Bronze Cloaks are not allowed to display family sigils in battle or in tournaments and are only permitted to use the all Bronze Shield as their banner.

The Bronze Cloaks are led by the Lord Commander, currently Andrew Carlisle, who is deemed the greatest swordsman in the Kingdom. This position. when vacant, is determined by a nomination by the serving Bronze Cloaks who select the best among them. This is then presented to the Monarch who appoints that individual. The election for Lord Commander is one of the few democratic principles in the Kingdom.

## Current Members

The Members of the Bronze Cloaks under King Warren I are:

* Sir Andrew Carlisle, Lord Commander
	+ Sir Karl Durham
	+ Sir Tobas Brask
	+ Sir Zane Collinner
	+ Sir Ragnar Cherman
	+ Sir Dwan Knigh
	+ Sir Rewan Knigh
	+ Sir Darnis Pyke
	+ Sir Barden Lanser

## Known Past Members

### Under Dannis I

* Prince Cayle Boyce, Lord Commander  (Replaced Sir Petre Rane, took over in 320 AF)
* Sir Gurhard Masterton, Lord Commander  (until 320 AF)
	+ Sir Petre Rane (302 AF - 310 AF0), sworn sword to the Queen Mother, Tyla Boyce.
	+ Sir Henri Alder  (defected to the Kaegan in 337 AF)
	+ Sir Harler Blackford  (defected to the Kaegan in 337 AF)
	+ Sir Orland Pyke  (until 320 AF)
	+ Sir Marlon Barrin
	+ Sir Joal Kell
	+ Sir Mace Rowen
	+ Sir Axel Lanser
	+ Sir Roy Tarbor  (replaced Sir Orland in 320 AF)
	+ Sir Jarl Cherman  (replaced Sir Gurhard in 320 AF)

### Under Kaegan III

* Prince Cayle Boyce, Lord Commander  (Transitioned from King Dannis' Bronze Cloaks)
	+ Sir Henri Alder
	+ Sir Harler Blackford
	+ Sir Marlon Barrin  (Transitioned from King Dannis' Bronze Cloaks)
	+ Sir Axel Lanser (Transitioned from King Dannis' Bronze Cloaks)
Duncan Rush

Lord **Duncan Rush** is the Lord of Marshhold, Lord Protector of the Marshes and head of House Rush. He is the father of Oakley Rush and Flora Rush and is the older brother of Edwyn Rush. He has ruled over the Marshes from Marshhold for nearly four decades since the death of his father, Wynston, who declared for King Dannis I Boyce in the War of the Bears.
House Donnering

**House Donnering of Thornhill** is a vassal house from the Borderlands who swear fealty to House Slait.

House Donnering is one of the houses that are closest to their Dawn Men heritage. Their Lord is Lord Dex Donnering who is known to be quite cold toward the crown and the other "traitorous" Borderland Houses such as House Slait.
First Daradon Rebellion

* House Daradon is stripped of their major vassals and pledges fealty to House Durham
* House Malbeck and House Masterton pledge fealty to House Durham and are raised to major houses
* House Wyck pledges fealty to House Perle
* Wine exports from The Canopy are taxed higher for thirty years

The **First Daradon Rebellion** was a rebellion fought by House Daradon and it's supporters against the Bear Throne and the Kingdom of Aqoris to restore the Kingdom of Field and Grain with themselves as the rulers of the Kingdom that they once ruled in the Age of Steel before the Highhands usurped them.

King Rickard Daradon declared himself as King of Field and Grain in 31 AF, a year after King Barden I Boyce's death, believing his son Joros would not be able to keep the realm intact as his father did. The war lasted 3 years and ended with the Siege of Stargarde where the forces of House Durham, House Ross and House Boyce sieged the city and captured it, killing Rickard and ending the rebellion. A descendent of Rickard Daradon, Harald Daradon, began a Second Rebellion over two hundred years later, though this would only last a year and ended with a marriage pact between House Boyce and House Daradon, ending House Daradon's claim to the Grain Throne.
House Durham

House Aerin
House Tarbor
House Perle
House Malbeck
House Masterton
House Rayne
House Rowen
House Ross
House Daradon

**House Durham of Arkridge** is a major vassal House in the Southlands and a former Great House and a brief Royal House. They hold fealty to House Ross, the Wardens of the South. House Durham is a powerful House in the Southlands, almost rivalling their Liege. Their seat is the city of Arkridge.

Their sigil is a Rampant black bull with red horns on a blue field with a green chief. Their words are 'Pride and Honour', the two most defining traits of House Durham.

## History

### Background

House Durham is a former Great House of Aqoris. Their lands are in central east of the Southlands, in the most fertile region of the continent. Their seat is Arkridge, a castle at the western bend of The Crop called the Green Bend. They ruled from their over the Southlands as Wardens of the South and Lords of Arkridge for nearly two hundred and fifty years, pledging fealty to House Boyce, until the Durham Rebellion.

In 249 AF, House Durham, under the now despised Lord Karlon Durham, launched a rebellion against the Bear Throne in an attempt to establish themselves as an independent Kingdom. Several members of House Durham; the most notable being Karlon's own son, Dexter Durham, sided with the Bear Throne in opposition to Karlon's rebellion. Dexter laid claim to the Lordship of Arkridge, effectively usurping his father. King Kaegan II Boyce stripped House Durham of their vassals and gave the title of Warden of the South to House Ross, their main rivals.
Malina Boyce

Princess **Malina Boyce** was the eldest twin daughter of Kaegan III and Mariya Rocke, and younger sister of Byrron II and older sister of Reina and Braedon Boyce. She was betrothed to Ty Slait, son of the royalist Lord Tobin, at the end of The War of The Bears to gain favour and alliance with the Borderlands. She married him in 352 AF. She was the mother of Lord Randar Slait.
Faith Zealots

The **Faith Zealots** were the military order of the Faith of the Four Divines, the dominant religion in the Kingdom of The North. They served the will of the High Adepton. In 215 AF, Bradyn the Pious allied with the Faith Zealots and the High Adepton which caused the Summer Rebellion led by Ronan I Boyce. The Faith Zealots were permanently disbanded upon the victory of the rebels.
King

A **king** is the male ruler of a monarchy or realm. Kings usually inherit their position by birth, though some, like Barden I Boyce], become kings through conquest, and others ,though rare, are elected. A king usually rules until death, abdication or being deposed. A **queen** is either the consort of a king or a female monarch who rules in her own right.

The children of kings and queens hold the title prince or princess.

## Known kingdoms

### Current kingdoms

* The Kingdom of Aqoris, ruled by the Kings of Aqoris of House Boyce. Current monarch is Warren I Boyce.

### Defunct kingdoms

* The Kingdom of the Aqorisi, led by the King of the Aqorisi. Last known monarch was Arabirn Alas.
* The Kingdom of the Hills, ruled by the Kings of the Hills. Last monarch was Melvan II Syder.
* The Kingdom of Field and Grain, ruled by the Kings of Field and Grain of House Highhand and before them, House Daradon. Last monarch was Luthor Highhand.
* The Kingdom of the Lake, ruled by the Kings of the Lake of House Rocke. Last monarch was Jaxar VII Rocke
* The Kingdom of Winter, ruled by the Winter Kings of House Slait. Last monarch was Manas Slait.
* The Frost Folk, occasionally led by the Frost Kings. Last monarch was Maolruibh.
* The Kingdom of the Fields, ruled by the Kings of the Fields of House Daradon.
* The Kingdom of Grain, ruled by the Kings of Grain of House Highhand.
* The Kingdom of the Kraken Islands, ruled by the Kings of the Kraken Islands of House Wyck.

## Queens

There are two main types of queens: a queen consort and a queen regnant.

A **queen consort** is the wife of the ruling king. She may marry him before or after he becomes king, though if she marries him before, she only becomes the queen when he becomes king. A queen consort can wield various unofficial powers, given that they usually come from wealthy and influential families. A queen consort's main power comes through her influence on her husband, and she does not share his powers or sovereignty.

A **queen dowager**, or **dowager queen**, is a widowed queen consort. If one of the queen's issue becomes the ruling monarch, she may sometimes be referred to as the **queen mother**.

A **queen regent** is a queen consort or queen dowager who rules on behalf of the incumbent monarch, usually due to that monarch being underage. The queen consort may also be named regent if her husband is absent or otherwise incapacitated.

A **queen regnant** is a female monarch who rules in her own right, inheriting the throne from the previous monarch or taking it through conquest. Due to the male-preference inheritance system in Aqoris (and much of the rest of the world), ruling queens are rare - a daughter will usually be skipped over for her younger brother or another close male relative. Unlike a queen consort, a queen regnant possesses the full powers of a monarch, issuing orders directly.

The monarchy of the Bear Throne, which unified Aqoris and has existed for over four centuries, has never had an officially-recognized queen regnant.
Regicide

**Regicide**, also known as **kingslaying**, (or **queenslaying**) is the deliberate act of murdering a monarch and is considered one of the most serious and stigmatized crimes in the Kingdom of The North. Whoever commits it is dubbed a **kingslayer**. It usually refers to the act of killing one's own king, making the act a form of oathbreaking. Killing a king in battle is generally not considered kingslaying, particularly if the dead king is a rival to one's own or an otherwise declared enemy.

Somewhat like kinslaying, incest, or violating the patron right, anyone who kills a king is believed to be cursed. Because the King of The North is blessed by the High Adepton of the Faith of the Four at his coronation, it is considered a heinous crime in that religion to kill the king. This applies even when the king is a reviled tyrant.

## Known kingslayers

* King Ronan I Boyce usurped and executed his brother, King Bradyn I Boyce following the Summer Rebellion.
* Sir Asten Knigh killed King Dannis I Boyce but due to the fact that the two engaged in a duel during the Battle of Newcastle, he is not considered a Kingslayer but is still called the "Tyrant-slayer" due to King Dannis' tyrannical rule.

## Alleged and suspected kingslayers

* It is rumoured that King Rylar II Boyce was poisoned by his nephew, King Dannis I Boyce, in order to become King.
Bart Durham

Lord **Bart Durham** was the Lord of Arkridge and head of House Durham, as well as one of the three men who brought the House back to glory, during the reign of King Dannis I Boyce. He was a vocal supporter of Prince Kaegan Boyce and this led to his execution during the Eve of Blades for suspected treason and being involved in a plot to usurp the throne for the prince. His death cemented House Durham on the side of the rebels.
Adviser to The King

The **Adviser to The King** or **Adviser to The Queen**, in the case of a female ruler, is the most senior administrative position within the Kingdom of The North, second only to the King or Queen themselves. Simply called The **King's Adviser** (**Queen's Adviser**), they are the monarchs most trusted adviser being appointed by the monarch with the authority to make decisions in their name. The position was formed alongside the High Council by King Barden I Boyce, the first King of the North and founder of the Kingdom, in 2 AF.

In regard to the High Council, the Adviser to The King is the second highest position, second to the monarch and chairs all meetings when the monarch is not present.

The main symbol of the Adviser is the palm of a hand with the index and middle finger outstretched and the other two fingers inwards, symbolising support and a salute of loyalty. This is typically in the light-blue colour that is on the crest of both the King of The North and the flag of the Kingdom. Some advisers wear a metal pin with this symbol, also in the light-blue with a navy-blue ring around it on the left of their collar. The Sigil for the Adviser is the same light-blue hand symbol on a navy-blue field.

The actions of the Adviser varies depending on the ruler. In the reigns of strong and powerful rulers, the adviser is simply an agent working to carry out the plans of the monarch. In weak reigns, the adviser is, in many cases, the only real power keeping the throne in power and the realm together. Such as the tenure of Warren Boyce as Adviser to King Harlow I, a brilliant fighter but a weak ruler who did more damage than good to the realm. Warren worked tirelessly to manage the realm and advised against Harlow's ill-fated Southern Expedition.

The Adviser to The King is formally addressed as **Lord Adviser** and resides in the Council Tower at the Winter Keep along with his family and household. This was introduced as a title as anyone can be Adviser to The King, including commonfolk and Curators.
Joran Graen

Sir **Joran Graen** is a knight of House Graen and an officer in Lord Ruban's household guard in Newcastle. He is an incredibly skilled fighter as well as a man of deep honour, having been knighted after the Battle of Thornhill during the Great War in 390 AF by Sir Andrew Carlisle.

## Biography

### Background

Joran was born in 375 AF at Fieldrun as the eldest son of Lord Darran Graen. His great-uncle is the famed knight, Sir Mancel Graen, who was the Lord Commander of the Bronze Cloaks during the reign of King Harlow I Boyce and is regarded as one of the finest fighters of his age, if not the finest. As a boy, Joran wanted to be a Bronze Cloak but his status as heir to Fieldrun prevented that. He became the squire of Sir Dorrick Chafferly, a very notable knight, and the two fought together during the Great War of 390 AF. Joran fought exceptionally well during the Battle of Thornhill and was knighted by Sir Andrew Carlisle, the Lord Commander of King Warren I's Bronze Cloaks. After the end of the war, Sir Joran returned home to the Southlands where he was requested by Lord Ruban Ross to serve as an officer in his House Guard. Joran accepted and later travelled with Lord Ruban to the capital when Ruban became the Lord Chancellor in 398 AF.

### A Shattered Realm

Sir Joran was not present when the skirmish between the Rosses and Durhams took place in the courtyard of the Winter Keep. He was instead patrolling the city walls alongside Sir Arvin Knigh and Prince Ashtin Boyce. He ran back to the castle as soon as he heard of the fighting and helped diffuse the situation. Later, he was sitting in the Tavern on the grounds of the Winter Keep eating with some of his men when Sir Dorrick Chafferly and five Durham Guards walked in. Dorrick Chafferly and the Durhams began harassing Joran and the Rosses with Joran stating there would not be a fight. Dorrick questioned the honour of Joran for serving a man like Lord Ruban and spat on Joran and called him a coward before walking away. Joran challenged Dorrick to a duel, which he won and executed his former mentor and a man he deeply respected. He offered Dorrick to yield twice in the duel and both times Dorrick refused. Boyce Guards and White Cloaks entered the Tavern and separated the two sides and took Sir Joran to answer before Lord Daltas Carlisle.
Drak Deeroft

**Drak Deeroft**, commonly called **Drak Ironskin**, is a famed warrior of the Kingdom of The North and heir of House Deeroft. He is currently fighting in the Lakelands Conflict against the Brotherhood of Wolves and has been training the sons of Lord Trovion of House Pyke. He is renowned for his abilities with an axe and his style of fighting but he is also competent with a sword as well making him a very versatile and lethal fighter.

## Biography

### Background

Drak Deeroft was born in 360 AF at Windspell to Lord Liram Deeroft and Lady Myra Deeroft, their firstborn son. He was trained from early in his youth to wield an axe and was able to defeat more experienced warriors of the Borderlands in his teenage years. He won a duel against the Lord Commander of the Bronze Cloaks, Sir Mancel Graen in 378 AF, being just 18 years old. He was requested to join Harlow's Southern Expedition by the Lord Commander but Drak turned it down in favour of travelling to the Free City of Kiamba. He arrived in Kiamba in 381 AF at the age of 21 and joined the sellsword company, the Sons of Steel. He fought across western Eirus with the company and established himself as one of the top warriors of the age. It is here where he gained his nickname "Ironskin" as he sustained many injuries during battles but never seemed to care and continued to fight.

In 389 AF, Drak left the Sons of Steel and returned to Aqoris to fight in the upcoming Great War of 390 AF against The Alba who had united under High Chieftain Maolruibh. His father had sent a messenger to Kiamba to ask his son to return home and fight for his family and Drak felt obliged to return home. He fought alongside Prince Ronan and the Lakelander volunteers which led him to forge a great friendship with the young prince. He also felt he owed a debt to the Lakelander volunteers and wished to repay that debt. The time for repaying the debt came in 398 AF with the beginning of the Lakelands Conflict by the Brotherhood of Wolves. Drak was one of the first warriors in the Kingdom to journey to the Lakelands and fight alongside the Lakelanders. He notably fought with the Rocke soldiers in the First Battle of the God's Lake and with Boyce force in the Second Battle of The God's Lake. After the war fell into Guerrilla Warfare, he was sent to Eskdale to train the sons of Lord Trovion and the Pyke soldiers in countering that style of warfare, a warfare he had been trained in as a youth in the Borderlands.
Sack of Selsmire

* Extinction of House Lormer
* Selsmire is occupied by the Brotherhood of Wolves

The **Sack of Selsmire** was one of the first major Brotherhood attacks on Lakelands settlements in the Lakelands Conflict. The sack came several months after the first engagement of the entire conflict, the Sack of Adwick, which saw the Brotherhood capture and occupy the village. Selsmire was overwhelmed and House Lormer and their Guards were unable to defend the village. Every member of House Lormer and their Guard were killed and Dontar installed one of his best officers, Niclas, as the ruler of Selsmire.
Godrick Knigh

Lord **Godrick Knigh** was a renowned knight and Lord of Seawatch, Guardian of The Tyne and Head of House Knigh. He is most remembered as **Godrick The Defiant** for commanding the two year long Defiance of Seawatch against the Royalists during The War of The Bears. He was one of the first Lords to openly rebel against the crown and continued all the way until Knigh men marched into Newcastle. After the war he was made the first Lord Commander of the newly created, City Watch of Newcastle.

He was also the father of the legendary Knight, Sir Asten Knigh, who killed King Dannis in combat. Sir Asten succeeded Godrick after his death in 346 AF.
North

### Geography

Hills and plains with mountains in the north and forests in the west;temperate to sub-arctic

### Rulers

House Carlisle{House Syder}  (formerly, as Kings of The Hill)

### Castles

Burnt Hill
Oldpost
Oakenhill

### Villages

Hexham
Whityard

### Founded

1 AF
by {Barden Boyce}

**The North** is one of the 6 constituent regions that make up the Kingdom of Aqoris. They are ruled by House Carlisle.

Before the Foundation War, the North was a sovereign realm known as the Kingdom of The Hill and ruled by House Syder of Syderhill. Barden Boyce invaded the Kingdom of The Hill after allying and integrating the Southland Confederation of Houses, a historic rival of the region, and House Syder would become extinct in the male line after the Siege of Syderhill, allowing a leading Boyce Officer to be named as Carl of the new House Carlisle, Lord of Syderhill and Warden of The North.

The North, due to its location, is particularly badly affected during the long winters, with thousands of people killed and famine not an uncommon occurrence due to the inability to raise crops for years on end, outside of special greenhouses. It is considered one of the poorest regions in the Kingdom. Luckily for the rest of the Kingdom, the mountains and hills in the North block the harsh winters from taking their full effect but the North bears the brunt of the Winters.
Everan

**Everan** is a Principal Curator known for his works about the history of House Boyce.

## History

Everan began writing *The Fury of Honour, a history of the Boyce Kings of The North from Barden I to Ronan I* and later *The Honour of Fury, a history of the Boyce Kings of The North from Kaegan II to Warren I.* A two volume book about House Boyce. Currently only the first volume ,The Fury of Honour, has been completed.

Everan is living in the reign of King Warren I Boyce. He is believably the Principal Curator of the Histories, wearing a light blue robe.
Execution

**Execution** is the punishment of a crime through death. It is often performed in public as a means of enforcing authority or demoralizing political dissent, particularly in times of political instability.

Noblemen are often executed by beheading - which is considered to be more quick and humane than a comparatively slow death by hanging, which is normally meted out to lowborn criminals (and thus it is considered more humiliating for a nobleman to be hanged).

## Crimes punished through execution

There are a set of Laws which were laid out by King Barden to dictate which serious crimes can result in execution, although in practice anyone can be executed for any crime:

* Desertion
* Treason
* Murder
* Regicide

In cases of Desertion by soldiers of the wall under House Daradon, they can either be executed or sent to exile into The Anarchy which is considered as an execution in of itself due to the nature of the region.
Bear Throne

The **Bear Throne** is the throne upon which the King of Aqoris sits, located in the Great Hall of the Winter Keep in the city of Newcastle. Besides the monarchs themselves, only Advisers to The King can sit on the Bear Throne. The Bear Throne is also a metonym, along with "the crown," referring to the monarchy that rules the Kingdom of Aqoris and the authority of the monarchy (e.g. "rebellion against the Bear Throne").

It has seated all seventeen Boyce Kings over 402 years.

## History

### Background

The Bear Throne was carved by King Barden I Boyce and his entrusted carpenters from a felled ancient beartree which were massive, dark-wood, trees that were located where the present city of Newcastle is. Only one beartree remains and that is in the courtyard of the Winter Keep. It is believed that the wood from the tree was sacred to Barden's dream and he chose that tree to carve the throne out of in order for it to retain the Prophecy of The Bear and protect the Realm of Men.

In 215 AF, King Bradyn I Boyce, replaced the Bear Throne with the Throne of The Four - a throne of iron forged in the symbol of the Faith of the Four. He removed the Bear Throne and intended to have it burnt along with the last beartree in order to show his loyalty and faith in the New Gods and renounce the Prophecy of The Bear which he viewed as heretical. His brother, Ronan I Boyce, declared the Summer Rebellion and was supported by a majority of the Realm to have the Bear Throne restored, the Faith's power over the realm restricted and his brother removed. Ronan I won the rebellion and his brother was executed and the Bear Throne was restored.
House Maeson

**House Maeson of Winter's Rock** was an independent house of the region that would become the Domainlands. They resided on the island of Winter's Rock and Barden and his Domainland allies sieged Winter's Rock and destroyed House Maeson and installed his younger brother, Marlon Boyce to rule on the island, creating House Boyce of Winter's Rock as a Cadet House, who would become a very prominent naval force on the Eastern Expanse.
Ashtin Boyce

Prince **Ashtin Boyce** is a prince of House Boyce, descending from a lesser line of the House through Byrron II's brother, Prince Braedan Boyce and uncle to King Warren I and Prince Ronan. He is therefore cousins to King Warren I and Prince Ronan Boyce, a close friend to the latter. He serves in the Boyce House Guard as an officer and commands the other half of the detachment stationed in Newcastle.
Zane Collinner

Sir **Zane Collinner** is a knight of House Collinner and a member of King Warren I's Bronze Cloaks. He is one of the younger members of the Bronze Cloaks and was a replacement for a Bronze Cloak who died after the Southern Expedition, meaning he is not an original member of Warren's Bronze Cloaks. He is the second son of Lord Jon Collinner.
Prince of Newcastle

**Prince of Newcastle** is a title traditionally given to the heir apparent to the ruling monarch of the Kingdom of Aqoris.

The title was created by Barden I Boyce after he united Aqoris into one kingdom. The King of Aqoris would rule from the Winter Keep in the city of Newcastle and was in charge of the city but Barden created the honorific title of Prince of Newcastle to indicated that the crown Prince was going to be in charge and he intended for future heir apparents to have some involvement in the running of the city as a way to prepare for ruling.

In practice, if the heir apparent had not yet reached the age of legal majority, the King would simply assume the honorific duties - but the under-aged heir would still be the Prince of Newcastle. If a king left behind multiple sons when he died, and the eldest had no children when he succeeded his father as king, the next oldest son would become Prince of Newcastle, as his brother's legal heir. He would yield the title as soon as his older brother produced an heir.

Technically, the title would become **Princess of Newcastle** in the case of a female heir but in the four centuries of Boyce rule, this has never happened.