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History
House Gerrell rules over the most northern Duchy of Rivana, Normont, from Falconhome. Though they are without a port, the Duchy is fairly well-off with a strong growing climate and mines and quarries through the mountains. Most of their wealth comes from their salt mines. Their position to the North, combined with the mountains, gives Normont a reputation as being aloof, and somewhat separated from the rest of the kingdom. This opinion is only furthered by the Gerrell position to remain neutral during the civil war, and focus on protecting the northern border during internal strife. They are known some for their archery, but mostly for their fierce infantry.
House Gerrell is a bit of an anomaly among the Houses of the Edge, in that it did not find its' start as a remnant of the Etharian Empire as so many others did, but rather originated among the Kherzari Hordes that were the scourge of the Edge during those first decades following the Empires' withdrawal from its' colonies. Rickard Gerrell was the chief of a large tribe of Kherzari who accompanied many others into Rivana on their mission of plunder and conquest. However, Rickard's particular tribe was different than most Kherzari. They had given up worship of The Many and instead focused on an obscure form of Ancestor-worship. This had made them unpopular among their brethren, and so, while the other tribes plundered and pillaged, Rickard and his tribe…settled. Moreover, in the first of what would be many cunning political manoeuvres, Chief Rickard negotiated with the ruler of House Tracano, and agreed to turn against his fellow hordesmen in exchange for being able to live in the mountains they had claimed. Already beset by many other tribes, House Tracano reluctantly agreed, and the shift in allegiance from the Gerrell Tribe proved a decisive factor in driving the remaining Kherzari Hordes from Rivana over the next few decades.
When Rivana was unified, Rickard's heir was given the title of Duke of Normont. Still, relations between the tribesmen and the rest of Rivana's houses were tense, as the Gerrells' strange ways marked them as troublesome. Even as the wealth of the mountains began to make itself known to them, they found themselves ostracized, until the arrival of one Bishop Sandoval. Sandoval had been a missionary of the One Faith for as long as any could remember, and had enjoyed great success converting many small pockets of heathens to the True Faith, often frustrating the Inquisition, whom he always seemed to be one step ahead of. So once again with the Gerrell, rather than allow the Inquisition to potentially start a war within Rivana, Bishop Sandoval believed the former tribesmen could be converted to the worship of the One. He approached them diplomatically and presented himself to the Duke. There are two tales told of what happened next, but which holds more truth has never been confirmed:
In the first tale, popular among commoners and those whose faith in the One is strong, Bishop Sandoval called upon the power of the One True God and brought forth the spirits of the Gerrell Duke's ancestors, who beseeched him to pledge the devotion of himself and his house to the One Faith, which he promptly did. Sadly, Bishop Sandoval channelling the power of the One cost the intrepid missionary his life. However, he would be canonized for his efforts, and the great Cathedral at Falconhome would be named in his honor, after the Gerrell had become one of the most devout houses of Rivana. Needless to say, this is the version of the tale that is supported by House Gerrell itself.
In the second tale, more common amongst the nobility and those that tend to think ill of the Gerrell, the Duke of House Gerrell was so incensed by Sandoval's insults towards his beliefs that he had the Bishop executed on the spot. Realizing that in his flash of temper he had doomed his house to being the target of a holy war, the Duke concocted the tale of Sandoval's miracle, and promptly pledged his and his houses' devotion to the Faith of the One. Believers in this version of the legend point towards the fact that ancestors in Normont are still revered in ways that seem odd to most Rivanans to this day as proof that the Gerrell never truly converted, though most stop short of accusing the Gerrell of heresies and blasphemies, and such tales are rarely told in their presence.
Regardless of which tale is true, there is no denying that House Gerrell converted to the One Faith and Saint Sandoval (one way or another) was made a martyr for it. Likewise, if the Gerrell's newfound piety was purely lip service, it was lip service that they supported at great expense, building the Cathedral at Falconhome and tithing generously to the Church of the One in Sanctum over the intervening centuries, as well as sending many of their sons and daughters to join the Holy Orders or the clergy itself.
In the meantime, House Gerrell continued to grow in wealth as the riches of the mountains were discovered. Extensive salt and copper mines in particular proved a boon and one the ruthlessly exploited. While not particularly militarily adventurous, their mountainous homeland made Normont difficult to attack and so most often House Gerrell played the role of middle-man and mediator between Houses Haldis and Farrant in their quarrels and between Rivana and Couviere, except when the various brushfire wars between the two kingdoms put them at odds. Though despite these diplomatic and trade successes, the Gerrells as a whole tended to be aloof from most of the affairs of the Edge; preferring instead to run their duchy as they saw fit without the interference of ‘outsiders’. However, during the Great Détente between Rivana and Couviere fom 1785-1818, the Gerrells, ever faithful, were one of the major contributors of Rivanan born warriors to the Tirian Crusades and the Holy Orders, in particular the Templars.
When the Thirty Years War began between the battle experience and knowledge of the Couvieri commanders and their tactics proved useful as Normont and house Gerrell soon found it the ‘Sheild’ of Rivana, defending their borders from attacks by the Couvieri, while helping Rivanan troops through their lands to strike north in more adventurous campaigns. Though despite their conservative and defensive tactics, by 1844 they had gained considerable lands in the Couvieri duchy of Carsonne as well as actively fighting for lands in Ostvor taken after Bryar’s March in 1840. However, when Carsonne was ceded to make the new city-state of Pacitta the Gerrell were forced to relinquish their possessions there and the refocusing of the war effort east lost them ground in Ostvor as well. However they would be richly compensated, and they would use that money to continue to strengthen their defenses and launch a few more aggressive campaigns into Couviere, during one such campaign House Gerrell assisted the cavalry force led by Baron Aric Cassomir in smashing a large Couviere force between them, though like so many other victories, the gain there was cancelled out by losses elsewhere. Ultimately, the war become a seemingly-endless stalemate, and like many of the houses of the Edge, when High Priest Alphonse called for peace in 1851, House Gerrell was more than ready for it.
Peace proved a fleeting prospect, however. The Succession War soon embroiled Rivana, but while it seemed like everyone was choosing sides, House Gerrell resolutely refused to support either the Rose or the Thorn. Citing the need to defend the northern border, as well as offering support to Sir Raymund Durante, who had closed the capital of Sunsreach to both warring parties, House Gerrell declared itself neutral in the conflict to come. They would defend this neutrality several times over the course of the Succession War, fighting skirmishes with armies of both factions, though never any truly large or decisive battles. Meanwhile, House Gerrell strengthened its' ties to Pacitta and Sanctum, and even Couviere itself, providing alliances that would offer support should whoever won the crown turn against them. On the opposite side of the coin, House Gerrell facilitated the shipment of foodstuffs, clothing, and medicines to both factions, favoring neither more heavily, and steadfastly refusing any shipment of directly war-related material (weapons, armor, gunpowder, etc…) through their lands. With the major port of Sunsreach closed off and the Duchy of Normont sharing a border with Pacitta, war-supplies became fairly constrained to both parties, and some credit this with shortening the conflict (though to be fair, most of the people making this claim tend to be of House Gerrell or loyal to them in some fashion).
When the Succession War finally ended, the Duchess of house Gerrell was received warmly by the new Queen, and along with many others (including Sir Raymund Durante), was granted pre-emptive pardon for any construed treason during the conflict. Following the Coronation of Queen Alysande the Gerrelll’s neutrality stood them in good stead, the Haldis and Greycen’s hated one another and it left Duchess Alyanna Gerrell as the only palatable candidate for position of Archduchess. She was appointed and appeared to be a good choice, working with the Queen to heal the wounds of the Succession War, while beneath it all the cancer of treason grew.
Recruited by Cardinal Ramius during the Succession War, the Duchess Alyanna and her husband Ranulf were both devotees of his vision of creating an empire of the Faith. They began their work quietly, by sheltering Thorns, and providing material support to the exiled and believed deceased Alphard Haldis while he raised his Grey Company to something that could challenge the other duchies, though even when Alphard Haldis raised his banners in 1865, the duke and duchess remained aloof and kept out of the fighting and trusted only a handful of kinsmen with their true intent. Then they struck, leading a small force of troops loyal to them and their vision they seized Sunsreach palace and captured the Queen. Their plan might have been successful but it turned out as cleverly as they had pretended to serve the queen Alyanna and Ranulf’s heir Symon and second sister Tiadora had been pretending to serve them. Discovering their parents plans they informed the loyalists of their intent and Symon, now in charge of Normont, did not send the planned for reinforcements. The result was a quick defeat for the duke and duchess and their deaths.
Now, their son, a reformer in the most conservative of Rivana’s duchies is duke, and is faced with the daunting task of dragging his house and Normont into the future by any means necessary.
Overview
Falconhome Castle
Province: Normont
Settlements: The city of Falconhome is a moderate sized city built around the Falconmount, on which Falconhome castle is built. The city is a center of trade for the duchy and it's craftsmen turn the raw ore dug in the Gerrell lands and elsewhere into metalworks and other necessities. Though the true centerpiece of the town is the Cathedral of St. Sandoval said to be built on the site where the saint raised the dead. The cathedral is a masterwork made of local stone and has a wide complex of out-buildings which houses two abbeys, a library (mostly of religious tomes) and several guest houses for pilgrims. The Cathedral complex is home to the Gatehiill or 'Cursed Hill' an earthen mound underwhich is buried Falconhome's faegate. The city is also noteable in that it has in recent years banned the Courtesan's Guild and closed all the legal brothels. Those brothels which do exist are run at least as an open secret and under the threat of being discovered and closed.
Several other settlements are under the direct control of the Gerrell, most are mining towns but the town of Rikart's Gap on the Couvieri border is a castle town serving the castle there and the watchtowers that mind the border.
Fortifications: Falconhome castle is the house's main castle and seat, a strongly made castle set high above the town that shares it's name. In addition the house keeps Rikart's Hold on the border with the Couviere and the t'Artan lands to the north. It is a small but secure fortification supported by watchtowers. Watchtowers are also spread about the roads through the Gerrell lands to both warn of attack and also keep control of the roads and gather tolls from pilgrims coming to Falconhome to worship.
**Faegates: The Gerell have one Faegate buried by Tarman Gerrell since the early part of his reign.
Carling of Holymount (Couny)
Bayard of Northmark (County)
Howlett of Saltspan (Barony)
Farrant of Black Hills (Lordship)
Harwich of Wolfwood (Lordship)
Troops numbers:
House Gerrell's troop requirements are being negotiated, however prior to the attack on Sunsreach the house had 1250 men under arms chiefly made up of men-at-arms, light cavalry and archers. After the battles there the Gerrell still have some 750 men
Gerrell Infantry: Gerrell's best-known military formations are their spearmen. Well armed, well-trained, and quite accustomed to fighting in the defense in the mountainous landscape of their home, Gerrell infantry commanders are often quite adept at utilizing the terrain to their advantage, and they have rarely suffered significant defeats on the battlefield, at least of their own accord.
Gerrell Bowmen: While not so prized as their infantry, House Gerrell's archers are also considered to be of superior skill and discipline among the forces of the Edge. They are well-suited to ambush tactics as well, particularly in the narrow mountain passes and forested valleys of the Duchy of Normont, though they adapt easily enough to flatter, more wooded terrain. They almost always work in concert with the infantry, with their massed fire being a very effective way of "softening up" foes before they charge into House Gerrell's lines.
Gerrell Light Cavalry: While House Gerrell fields relatively little heavy cavalry and Knights, they have a somewhat small but significantly skilled light infantry force. Well-versed in skirmish tactics and hit-and-run assaults, these cavaliers still utilize many of the tactics and techniques of the Kherzari Hordes of old.
The Gerrell are a wealthy house with strong mineral reserves and the added benefit of the pilgrim trade that passes through their capital but their isolationist nature has tended to harm the expansion of that trade. However the Gerrell lands are well positioned geographically to be a hub of trade with Pacitta and Couviere.
Greathawks
The Gerrell have raised Greathawks since the days when they were Kherzari tribesmen and have a great deal of pride in their stock. They do sell them, but only to nobles of good repute and the purchase process can be quite involved and pricey, however beyond the bird's natural attributes (see the Bestiary) there is a great deal of prestige in owning a Greathawk and so many nobles are willing to pay whatever price and submit to whatever process to get one.
Major NPCs
Duke Symon Gerrell – Born 1843. The Duke of Normont after the death of his father and the divestment of his mother. A reformer in a deeply conservative duchy his policies are not particularly popular.
Duchess Dora Gerrell nee Callidus - Recently married to Symon, former Princess of Venderos.
Rhea Gerrell – Born 1845. The sister of Duke Symon, supported her parents conservatism if not their treason, currently held in Bellmore castle by her brother.
Played Members
Lady Tiadora Gerrell - Born 1849. The Duke's youngest sister. Known to be devout and has been sheltered for much of her life.
Available Characters
Aaron Gerrell - Born 1847. Younger brother of Duke Symon, heir to Normont.
Patience Gerrell (nee Howlett) – Born 1821. The daughter of Baron Howlett and the widow of reformer Paul Gerrell who died redeeming Normont’s honour at the Battle of Sunsreach. She has three children.
The Children of Paul and Patience Gerrell – Born 1844, 1847 and 1849. Second cousins of Duke Symon.
Torman Gerrell – Born 1823. Married Adriana Farrant and had one child by her and re-married to Varia Gerrell (nee t’Artan). They have two children.
The Children of Torman Gerrell – Torman’s first child was born in 1846 to Adriana Farrant and his second child was born to Varia t’Artan in 1849. Varia’s second child was born in 1854 and is not available for play. All three are second cousins to Duke Symon.
Luco Gerrell – Born 1829. Distant cousin of the mainline. Married Lyria Brecan and had two children born 1850 and 1852. Lyria died giving birth to Luco leaving him a widower.
Luco Gerrell’s child – Born 1850.
Historical Members
(Arch)Duchess Alyanna Gerrell - Born 1824. Former Duchess of Normont and mother of the current Duke and his siblings. A conspirator with Cardinal Lucien Ramius, Alyanna captured Sunsreach and Queen Alysande in hopes of creating an 'Empire of the One'. Defeated and divested of her titles and nobility, excommunicated from the Church of the One Faith, and finally executed in Marse of 1866 after nearly a month in captivity.
Duke Ranulf Gerrell (nee Carling) - 1820-1866. Duke of Normont, brother of the Viscount Carling and the father of Duke Symon Gerrell and his siblings. Joined in Alyanna in seizing Sunsreach and was killed in the battle to re-take Sunsreach by Thaddeus Greycen.
Paul Gerrell - Born 1822. A fairly famous tourney knight in his youth and onetime friend of Lord Arturo Tracano, Paul lead the charge of loyalist northerners in the attempt to take back Sunsreach from his cousin Alyanna. He was grievously wounded in the battle and later died of those wounds. Survived by his wife and three children.
Tarman Gerelle 1795-1843, Duke of Normont from 1819-1843 m. Rosumund Gerrell (nee Farrant) 1896-1842
- their children:
- Raldon Gerrell 1814-1840, Died on Bryar’s March
- Tarmin Gerrell 1818-1838, Died at the Third Battle of Carsonne
- Alyanna Gerrell 1824-1866 executed for treason after the Battle of Sunsreach m. Ranulf Gerrell (nee Carling) 1820-1866, killed in the Battle of Sunsreach by Thaddeus Greycen
- their children:
- Symon Gerrell 1843, Duke of Normont m. || Dora Gerrell nee Callidus 1849
- Rhea Gerrell 1845
- Aaron Gerrell 1847
- Tiadora Gerrell 1848
- Arven Gerrell 1841-1841, died of complications in childbirth
Jonathan Gerrell 1797-1834, died in the Thirty Years War m. Chastity Gerrell (nee Teral) 1899-1854
- their children:
- Grace Teral (nee Gerrell) 1815 m. Rogan Teral 1813
- Tanya Gerrell 1819-1825, fell from the walls
- Paul Gerrell 1822-1866, died at the Battle of Sunsreach m. Patience Gerrell (nee Howlett) 1821-1866, died of a fever.
- their children:
- Lasair Gerrell 1844
- Unnamed Gerrell 1847
- Kieran Gerrell 1849
- Torman Gerrell 1823-1866, executed for treason following the Battle of Sunsreach. m. Adriana Gerrell (nee Farrant) 1825-1846, died in childbirth.
- their children:
- Unnamed Gerrell 1846
- Varia Gerrell (nee t'Artan) 1826, Torman's second wife, mother to two children. Formerly a hostage taken in the Thirty Years War.
- Unnamed Gerrell 1849
- Unnamed Gerrell 1852
- Aurelia Tracano (nee Gerrell) 1823-1842 m. Berenguer Tracano 1820-1860
Jorryn Tracano (nee Gerrell) 1800-1848 m. Caren Tracano
Raster Gerrell 1804, wounded on Bryar’s March m. Hanna Gerrell (nee Haver) 1808-1847, died of an illness
- their children:
- Luco Gerrell 1829 m. Lyria Gerrell (nee Brecan) 1831-1852
- their children:
- Unnamed Gerrell 1850
- Unnamed Gerrell 1852
- Aubren Gerrell 1833 m. Carlina Gerrell (nee Hogan) 1836
- their child:
- Unnamed Gerrell 1862
- Arman Gerrell 1835-1847, died of an illness
Tarquin Gerrell 1808, Cardinal of Rivana
Personality Quirks:
Devout - Gerrells tend to be fervent worshippers of the One Faith
Tight-Knit - Gerrells tend to be somewhat insular, rarely marrying out, sometimes finding the ways of other families strange or inferior, and often revealing little to outsiders.
Cunning - The Gerrells often retain much of the clever and crafty mentality of their Barbarian forebears.
Skill Quirks:
Religious Education - Those of the Gerrell lands have more ready access to the teachings of the Church of the One Faith than many.
Talented: Polearms - House Gerrell is known for the quality of its' spearmen. (Skill Quirk: Polearms)
Schemer - Gerrells often perform quite well at political machinations, a knack stretching all the way back to Rickard Gerrell, the founder of their house.
Persuasive - Along with their penchant for politics, Gerrells are often excellent bargainers and adept at hammering out agreements beneficial to their house or their lieges.
Social Quirks:
Bad Reputation - Duchess Alyanna's treason has marked her house as a whole and even if some think her house innocent of complicity in her crimes many see the house as backwards, inbred and half-mad.
Superstitious - There are many beliefs in Normont that are not shared by the outside world and so it sets them apart from others.
Vow - The most common vow is a vow of chastity until marriage (or in the cases of those who serve the One, for life) but Gerrells have taken vows as well on matters of faith or honour to test themselves
Culture
A Gerrell Greathawk
Religion: House Gerrell has long been nearly fervent in their following of the One Faith. The entire duchy is staunchly religious as a result of House Gerrell's energy in converting every town and village and stamping out the worship of the Many. However, there is also a strong degree of ancestor veneration that borders on worship, and there are many superstitions about the spirits of those that have passed. Both of these are holdovers from the family's beginnings as Kherzari Tribesmen. As well most members of the family worship a variant of the One Faith that follows the writings attributed to Saint Sandoval which commands that women who are the vessels of life be pure of spirit and be spared the trials of war and rulership and asks men to be courageous but pure and not to sully themselves with low women. The "Testament of Saint Martina" is also a popular religious work within the family and in Normont, it speaks to the value of chastity in women and accounts the life of Saint Martina, who while beautiful and often courted saved her virtue as a testament of her faith.
Spirit Day
The celebration of Spirit Day holds a great deal of importance to the Gerrells and the people of Normont as a whole due to their strong connection to their ancestors. Older traditional Spirit Day festivities include the drinking of fermented mare's milk mixed with pungent (and mildly hallucinogenic) herbs to better allow one to interact with the spirits of the dead. Blood is ceremonially shed to better assist the beloved dead in finding their descendants from the spirit world. These practices are hold-overs from their nomadic barbarian days when shrines and graves were not often accessible and have largely fallen out of fashion with all but the most devout adherents of the festival.
Since their civilization and conversion to the One Faith, it has become more common to burn small tokens of offering mixed with incense so the smoke will rise to the Kingdoms of the Moons where the saints & lesser ancestors dwell. The literate will often write the names of their ancestors and add them to the offering bowl, sometimes composing short verses in their honor to remember their deeds and wealthy families often hire singers to sing of their ancestors. As well during this time personal shrines are decorated with flowers and the sacred candles before being moved to a more public viewing place, and hair is offered in the place of blood to draw ancestors to them.
Inheritance: The eldest son will inherit the duchy, if there is no son then the duchy may pass to a daughter so long as she is wed.
Nobles: Gerrell nobles are known to be shrewd negotiators and canny politicians. A bit oddly for the noble houses of the Edge, House Gerrell is very patriarchal, and does not encourage its' women to undertake martial pursuits. While they stop short of outright forbidding it, it is exceedingly rare to find female soldiers and fighters that originate from Normont, though some of the Counties are more lax on this than others. This is not to say that women are without power, however, as they are often heavily educated in matters of trade, negotiation, and economics, and usually have prominent places among their families when it comes to controlling their household finances and undertaking diplomatic efforts in their name. The adage that "Men are for fighting, Women are for talking" holds some weight in Normont, though in truth, many of the noblemen are just as well-educated in mercantile matters as the women. Still, unlike many families, House Gerrell is quite diligent about making sure their ladies have proper guards when they travel, and also tend to discourage their daughters from engaging in carnal relations prior to marriage.
Of course, with the Cathedral of Saint Sandoval so close, no small number of Gerrell nobles choose to pursue service in the One Faith. This is particularly true for latter-born sons and daughters. Bastards are not welcome in the house except in the most rare instances. Those that are welcomed almost always are sent to the faith for their parent's sins.
Another difference with House Gerrell and most other houses is that they do not follow the traditions of knighthood. They instead follow Kherzari tradition and when a man who is set on becoming a warrior comes of age (16) he is tested in some fashion to prove his worth. The test is usually a way to show their skill and bravery and includes some form of risk the most common being to undertake a hunt against a boar or bear and deliver the killing blow or to face a gauntlet of three to five older warriors and prove themselves by facing each in a short combat. In the latter case victory isn't needed to pass, only that the new warrior stand his ground with skill and courage and when the trial ends, be able and willing to stand. Though the ultimate test is to best a man in battle, and those young warriors who are afforded that opportunity by circumstance are considered fortunate indeed. Once a warrior has passed his test, called a "Blooding" he is welcomed by other warriors as a brother and there is a feast to celebrate his arrival into manhood.
Commoners: The common folk of Normont are hardy and hardened folk accustomed to the rigors of mountain life and bearing a strong sense of self-sufficiency. Miners are of course a common and highly-prized profession, with the generous compensation provided outweighing the dangers of the work. The folk of Normont are generally mistrustful of outsiders and highly prize their families and neighbors. This undercurrent of suspicion is considerably lessened in the major cities and town, of course, lest trade and tourism be affected.
Barbarian Heritage The Barbarian heritage is still strong in Normont, and something of a point of pride. Theirs are not the modern barbarians, but the blood of an old, stronger race who has grown with the eons and become as civilized as every other part of the realm. Theirs were a way of honor, and of pride. While intermarriage happens in Normont, naturally, their geographic isolation as well as their slightly different societal views make internal marriage much more agreeable. People of Normont generally have dark features from their barbarian roots, brown or black hair with brown or black eyes. It also impacts their fashion with jewlery of bronze and copper being popular with both sexes and featuring Kherzari designs, as well with men, leather is widely used in both casual and formal fashions, and most men wear clothes that could in theory be worn under armor in a pinch.
Ancestor Worship Tied to the barbarian heritage of Normont and the Gerrell is the veneration of ancestors as part of their worship of the One Faith. Ancestors are seen as lesser saints who if properly venerated will bring the prayers of their descendants to the One (however there are a number of other superstitions about the spirits of the dead that do not conform to the Faith's doctrine as well). Most private chapels have a shrine to the ancestors of the house and even commoners keep a small shrine at which offerings are made on a semi-regular basis. Though it is on All Spirits Day that the ancestors see the most celebration it as is believed that they walk among the living and so celebrations are held in their honour with a place being set for them in their honour. Nobles celebrate this night with feasts and songs of their particularly glorious ancestors being sung for their guests, while the commoners swap tales and give small gifts as they visit and pay respects to each other and their anscestors.
Barbarian Beginnings: Rickard Gerrell was the chief of a large tribe of Kherzari who accompanied many others into Rivana on their mission of plunder and conquest. However, Rickard's particular tribe was an anomaly among the Kherzari. They had given up worship of The Many and instead focused on an obscure form of Ancestor-worship. This had made them unpopular among their brethren, and so, while the other tribes plundered and pillaged, Rickard and his tribe…settled. Moreover, in the first of what would be many cunning political maneuvers, Chief Rickard negotiated with the ruler of House Tracano, and agreed to turn against his fellow hordesmen in exchange for being able to live in the mountains they had claimed unmolested. Already beset by many other tribes, House Tracano reluctantly agreed, and the shift in allegiance from the Gerrell Tribe proved a decisive factor in driving the remaining Kherzari Hordes from Rivana over the next few decades.
Building A Pious Land: Bishop Sandoval believed the former tribesmen could be converted to the worship of the One. He approached them diplomatically and presented himself to Duke Rickard. There are two tales told of what happened next, but which holds more truth has never been confirmed:
In the first tale, popular among commoners and those whose faith in the One is strong, Bishop Sandoval called upon the power of the One True God and brought forth the spirits of the Gerrell Duke's ancestors, who beseeched him to pledge the devotion of himself and his house to the One Faith, which he promptly did. Sadly, Bishop Sandoval channeling the power of the One cost the intrepid missionary his life. However, he would be canonized for his efforts, and the great Cathedral at Falconhome would be named in his honor, after the Gerrell had become one of the most devout houses of Rivana. Needless to say, this is the version of the tale that is supported by House Gerrell itself.
In the second tale, more common amongst the nobility and those that tend to think ill of the Gerrell, the Duke of House Gerrell was so incensed by Sandoval's insults towards his beliefs that he had the Bishop executed on the spot. Realizing that in his flash of temper he had doomed his house to being the target of a holy war, the Duke concocted the tale of Sandoval's miracle, and promptly pledged his and his houses' devotion to the Faith of the One. Believers in this version of the legend point towards the fact that ancestors in Normont are still revered in ways that seem odd to most Rivanans to this day as proof that the Gerrell never truly converted, though most stop short of accusing the Gerrell of heresies and blasphemies, and such tales are rarely told in their presence.
The Ghost of the Mountain: While the mountains of Normont make for highly defensible terrain, they are also a prime breeding ground for bandits, and the Duchy has never fully managed to purge them from their lands. In recent years, rumors of a particularly cunning and powerful bandit lord who calls himself "The Ghost of the Mountain" have surfaced. Despite fervent efforts, House Gerrell has yet to uncover and eliminate this threat…indeed, they're still not entirely sure he exists.
A Breed Apart: The folk of Normont are generally somewhat derided by their countrymen as being insular and clannish, holding themselves apart from the other Duchies of Rivana. More crude jokes paint them as inbred "hill folk" (a perception that is entirely untrue, but still prevalent outside Normont nonetheless). This perception was only exacerbated by their refusal to take sides during the Succession War. While the more astute see the wisdom and canny political maneuvering that House Gerrell's neutrality represented, many from both sides of the conflict feel they are untrustworthy cowards. Others see the political acumen involved and fear a power-grab may be imminent, though these fears were simultaneously exacerbated and soothed when their ruler was elected to the position of Archduchess of Rivana in 1863 IE. In truth, House Gerrell has about as many marriage alliances and trade agreements with other Houses as any other Great House, and always have, though they do tend to favor having others "marry in" more so than "marrying out" their own children (not that the latter is at all unheard of). It doesn't help that the Gerrells' well-known skills at shrewd negotiations often skew the marriage contracts in their favor.
Heavily steeped in their barbarian roots, a traditional wedding in Normont is considered unorthodox by many outside viewers. In many rural regions a priest is not even required so long as the ceremony is presided by the village elder; a role once filled by the barbarian chieftainn of that tribe. The families of the bride and groom bring their ancestral altars to the chosen location, each adorned with trinkets and mementos of their honored dead and festooned with flowers. The priests sanctify them and ask the ancestors invoke the One's blessing on the couple.
The groom carries the bride down to the altar, followed by his male relations and closest friends. This is symbolic of the 'kidnap' of a bride from one tribe to marry into another. He and the bride make offerings to the ancestor's altars before kneeling at the alter of the One. Only then are the bride's father and brothers permitted into the church. A traditional Church of the One ceremony follows, although various books of the Saints may be read from making it slightly longer than usual.
After the ceremony is complete, the marriage is celebrated with games and festivities which also mimic the 'kidnap' of the bride. A horse race is customary, which evolved from the bride's family pursuing the stolen girl, though foot races are common in the higher mountain communities that lack the space for horse races. It is followed by wrestling or a boxing match which stemmed from one family wanting to prove the others worth or even fighting to re-claim the bride if her family disliked the groom strongly enough. Both families adjourn to the feast with the victors from the games being gifted the bride's garters.
1815
- House Garlan of Black Hills dies out through a combination of illness and ill-fortune.
1818
- Janvier - The Beginning of the Thirty Years War between Rivana and Couviere. The houses of Normont enter a war footing and begin securing the passes between the two kingdoms. Jonathan Gerrell is killed in one of these battles in 1834.
- Marse - Duchess Belladonna Farrant (nee l'Saiger) poisons her house at the outset of the war in what is called the "Battle Without Blades." This loses them their ducal status.
- Avril - Duchess Rosamund Gerrell, formerly a Farrant convinces Duke Tarman to let the Farrant settle in Normont and take over the lands of the Garlan. The move is controversial and many resent the presence of the 'Goddless Southerners'.
1818-1838
- Normont becomes the major staging area and fall-back point for troops entering Carsonne and several clashes are fought on the eastern border with Ostvor around Rickard's Hold.
1838
- Mai - Rivana seizes Carsonne in the Third Siege of Carsonne. Duke Tarman Gerrell's second son, Tarmin, dies in the battle. Following the victory Duke Tarman attempts to extend his influence over the nearer of the captive duchy's houses to expand the borders of Normont.
1840
- Marse - Octobre - Bryars March: Archduke Bryar Haldis leads a chevauchée campaign through Ostvor and Murnord. The assault is launched from Rikart's Hold and supported by Normont infantry. The ducal heir Raldon Gerrell leads the Normont troops but is slain late in the campaign at the second battle of Hartswood. His death makes his younger sister Alyanna Gerrell the heir to Normont, she is withdrawn from her religious tutoring and brought home to Falconhome to be prepared for the role. Her father Tarman also withdraws from the fighting to ensure his own safety until he can be sure his daughter is ready to rule.
1842
- Alout - Tarman becomes ill and Alyanna is hastily wed to Ranulf Carling, a veteran of the campaigns in Carsonne and Bryar's March, who Tarman believes will protect his daughter and keep Normont's traditions alive.
1843
- Janvier - Duke Tarman Gerrell dies and Alyanna becomes duchess of Normont.
- Fevrier - Alyanna and Ranulf's first child, Symon is born. The birth stabilizes Alyanna's hold on the duchy as there is now an 'acceptable' male heir to pass the duchy to.
1844
- Juliet - Carsonne is freed from Rivanan control and becomes the city-state of Pacitta. Normont loses it's captured territories but receives financial compensation for it however most feel slighted by the 'theft'. During the talks Alyanna's cousin, Paul Gerrell is able to secure lucrative agreements with the Pacittans for stone and metal while Duchess Alyanna and Duke Ranulf meet Cardinal Ramius and strike up a friendship.
1853
- Julliet - The Succession War begins with Anton Tracano fighting Arturo Tracano for Rivana's throne. Normont closes its borders to both sides and declares its neutrality. They later form an alliance with the Durante of Sunsreach who have declared the capital neutral as well.
1853-1863
The Succession War: Normont holds to its neutrality beating back raids from both sides of the war while at the same time strengthening their ties to Couviere through diplomacy and in the case of the t'Artan a marriage alliance. Cardinal Ramius is instrumental in forging these ties and he and the Duke and Duchess begin to discuss the creation of a Holy Empire that would span the whole of the Edge.
1864-1865
Alyanna and Ranulf secretly assist the resurgent Thorns in their campaign against Queen Alysande with the intent of having the revolt cause the collapse of the Tracano royal house and pave the way for the Holy Empire.
1866
- Janivier - Symon Gerrell discovers the plans of his parents and reveals them to the loyalists leading to the Battle of Blackstone and the defeat of Alphard Haldis. However Alyanna and Ranulf have already departed from Normont with an army and seize the lightly defended Sunsreach.
- Fevrier - The Battle of Sunsreach: Symon withholds reinforcements from his parents at Sunsreach allowing the loyalists to re-take the city. Duchess Alyanna is captured and Ranulf is killed. Paul Gerrell, is killed fighting for the loyalists. When Alyanna is stripped of her titles Symon becomes Duke of Normont and secures pledges of support from the duchy's leading houses.
- Marse - When Couviere asks for aid against the Tirian barbarians Symon pledges Normont's considerable forces to the task, though does not lead them himself remaining behind to ensure loyalists are put in place in his court and elsewhere in the Duchy.
- Avril - Eduard Farrant is legitimized by the Rose Queen and Symon makes him the new Lord Farrant over the objection of the conservatives in his duchy, including his own sister Rhea.
- Juin - The forces sent to Couviere return to rumours that thier new Duke intends to reform his duchy.
House Relations
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Tracano : To be truthful we've always held ourselves apart from Rivana and it's royal house though now given how far Duchess Alyanna has gone, we must revise that view at least in public and appear to be loyal servants to survive. |
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Haldis : Great warriors and sometimes rivals. They are weakened by internal strife and treason as are we, now it is a race to see who can rebuild the fastest and seize advantage. |
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Greycen : While the Succession War and the Uprising have cost both us and the Haldis, the Greycen stand largely unscathed and high in the Queen's favor. We would do well to cultivate their support. |
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Cassomir : Through trade, we are increasing our ties with House Cassomir. Otherwise, Normont and Ironhold have very little direct contact. |
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l’Saigner : Our opponents in war, known for their lack of honor. We have experienced it first-hand. While we shall not scorn, we shall not forget, either, and so long as they are our neighbors we must always be vigilant. |
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Sanctum : We readily and openly bend the knee before The One, and proclaim our loyalties with shrines and songs. We know that all things that we are and all things we shall ever be result from The One above us, and we offer him praise and thanks every day, and strive to be worthy of his continued blessing. We open our hearts and our purses for the One Faith. |
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Pacitta : Partners in trade, Pacitta allowed us to sustain imports and exports throughout the Succession War. All matters in business are fair, and we intend to continue to be a strong partner for Pacitta in the decades to come, and trust they shall do the same. |