Bara'Khur/Old Bara'Khur

Bara'Khur
Standard of Bara'Khur
Realm Summary
Continent / Island	Beluaterra
Capital	Wudenkin
Government System	Monarchy

The spiritual Descendant of Khthon, Bara'Khur was founded by Jenny Hashimashidas, once Hero and General of Khthon, on 13 January 2008. Lady Jenny was appointed Duchess of Dyomoque while in Avalon and seceded from the realm after the deplorable acts of Nezumi, then Chancellor of Avalon. From the moment of its creation, the realm has always been a monarchy, with only Heroes and Cavaliers being eligible to become ruler.

History

The Death of Valhus

Bara'Khur was instrumental in the downfall of Valhus, a realm which once ruled over several regions in and around Wudenkin. Valhan support for the actions of Fwuvoghor against Avalon, a friend of Bara'Khur, helped it earn the ire of both the realm of Heroes and Enweil, culminating in declarations of war and the invasion of Valhan territories towards the end of July 2008. By mid-August, Bara'Khur had won the city of Wudenkin for herself, putting an end to the threat to Avalon's northern frontier for good.

The Great Schism

One of the most turbulent periods of Bara'Khurian history came between late May and the end of June 2009 following months of increasing inner turmoil between the leading nobles of the realm. In particular these included tensions about realm direction as well as increasing difficulties in keeping the realm fed despite a healthy food surplus each harvest. Events came to a head with the sudden announcement by Queen Jenny of her intent to involve the realm in a conflict between Riombara and Enweil.

Deciding that the criticisms of his actions as Ficuciary of Bara'Khur were too much to bear, as well as being vehemently opposed to Bara'Khurian policy in the new war and exiled as a result of his acts of sabotage, Duke Quinn changed the allegiance of Dyomoque, the capital of Bara'Khur, to Hetland thus sparking a great crisis for the realm. Over half the realms possessions were taken over to Hetland as well as many eminent Bara'Khurian nobles sworn to the Duchy of Dyomoque. Within a day however, all but Dyomoque had been returned to Bara'Khur, with the lords of Dyomoque standing behind their Queen rather than the selfish actions of their Duke.

Despite the quick return of all but Dyomoque to Bara'Khur, too much damage had been done. Duke Quinn gained the support of Hetland and a war began which pitted Bara'Khur against Heen and Hetland. Shortly afterwards Queen Jenny found she could not continue as monarch and King Attila ascended the throne at the head of the pragmatic, reformist faction. Seeking to limit the damage and focus on resolving Bara'Khur's internal problems, King Attila made an amiable peace with Hetland.

In the following days and weeks, wide ranging reforms were begun in Bara'Khur and a new era of openness and inclusiveness was begun as King Attila sought to reunite Bara'Khur. Some nobles would not be convinced however, and after having failed both to prevent the rise of King Attila to the throne as well as win his Fiduciary seat upon his vacating it, they decided to lead a popular revolt to try and take power in Bara'Khur. The abject failure of the rebellion helped to reaffirm the faith of Bara'Khur in herself however.

When the rebels began the battle for Wudenkin, their forces vastly outnumbered those of the loyalists, who were formed of only three Heroes. Lord Xerxes, Lady Jenny and King Attila himself. Against all odds and circumstances however, the day ended in victory for the loyalists, with the rebel force being utterly broken in but one battle. The rebel leader was captured and summarily executed for his crimes and although the banishment of five other nobles tested the resolve of Bara'Khur and caused only further problems, it set the realm once again upon the path of prosperity and stability.

Grehki Dalliance

Some months after the Great Schism, once order and stability had been restored, Bara'Khur set out to assert herself on the world stage again. Her conflict of choice, the lopsided Old Grehk-Fronen War to her north. A conflict in which Fronen had found herself battling several powers at once, the entry of Sint into the conflict for a brief time being the final straw for Bara'Khur. The Kingdom of Heroes could sit aside no longer, as Old Grehk sought to do anything to deny their Fronen brethren the well deserved spoils of so many years of conflict.

The announcement of Bara'Khur's involvement was enough to provoke the abdication of King Stephen of Old Grehk, leading to that kingdom's own Great Schism and a complication of the conflict. Soon after Lady Skye Uceek ascended the throne, Duke Alfons Lorganson gave the allegiance of Vozzessdor to Bara'Khur even as her Fronen occupiers sought to wrest control of the city from Old Grehk. The change of allegiance was inspired by opposition to the policies of the new Queen of Old Grehk, but amongst the higher nobility of Bara'Khur, the act was seen as a veiled attempt to drive a wedge between Bara'Khur and her friend Fronen.

Refusing to usurp the Duchy of Vozzessdor from the rule of Fronen - the rightful spoils of her long war - Warlord Attila was quick in ceding the city over to Fronen rule. Following the handover, there was a lull in the conflict but Bara'Khur had shown that no matter what, she would stand shoulder to shoulder with her friends.

Continental War

Warlord Xerxes was carefully balancing support to Fronen until the moment when Old Grehk officially declared her alliance with Sint. Not long after that, and after intensive discussions with many realms, Bara'Khur declared war to Old Grehk. Bara'Khurians handled war in a way of honour as they have used to for long, and only after declaration of war, military began preparations and first assaults commenced. Soon afterwards, mighty military that included many heroes - many nobles lead troops with more than 100 soldiers - Bara'Khurian military, was first to attack and breach high walls of Ossmat. At that very moment Thalmarkin joined alliance with Fronen - being in disgust after Old Grehki alliance with Sint was declared - and three armies gathered in defeated city of Ossmat, after Bara'Khurian army already broke all defences. If there were not despisable betrayal of Xerus lord Xeth'Ranis, who left Bara'Khurian banner and changed allegiance to Sint in middle of military operations, causing diplomatic and military mess, city of Ossmat would have fallen.

All that time Warlord Xerxes was conducting diplomatic communication with surrounding realms. Heen promised that their involvance will be only defensive, while Hetland showed strong reserve toward new Old Grekhi friends, that is Sint. Situation looked prospective for allies, but dark clouds appeared on Bara'Khurian skies when nobility realized that their Warlord had become ill and no more able to conduct diplomacy. During ten days Warlord was mostly not responding to diplomatic talks and that was apparently great opportunity for active Sintian diplomatic efforts. One day after that, one of the worst days Bara'Khur ever had, both Heen and Hetland broke their promises and abandoned their talks, and commited simoultaneous attack on two our rural regions. At the same time Sint and Old Grehk made counter offensive on north and Bara'Khur was faced with attack of four realms at the same time. The despisable attack would prove to be the start of a long and bruising conflict that would not stop until the beginnings of the Fourth Invasion.

Warlord Xerxes appeared only once more to announce his terrible illness and step down. Throne was empty at times when Bara'Khurian history looked as closed book. But the book was not closed, it was just new chapter of history that was opened. Warlord Matija ascended to throne at times when many different political options, confusion and lack of clear path dominated in minds of nobility. Matija appealed to common sense and patriotic feelings of nobility, managing to overcome most of internal differences. The most important thing to help that was his publicly and undoubtedly declared and implemented policy, which was aligned with the brightest Bara'Khurian traditions - path of honour and loyalty, which meant all our friends had to be supported and enemies aimed to be punished, despite hardships and dangers, even despite dangers of ultimate disappearance. Eagerness of nobility to follow heroic ideals gave realm more strength than anyone on continent expected. When four realms attacked, so-called Western Alliance (how they called themselves) expected quick Bara'Khurian surrender and eventual victory over Fronen, who would stay alone with limited help of Avalon. Instead, they found defence of utmost braveness. Even in the moment when realm held control of six regions only, Bara'Khurian military remained strong and capable. Epic war was imminent. At the same time, diplomacy needed another epic efforts. Matija was holding endless diplomatic talks with old friends and neutral realms, presenting Bara'Khurian firm path, supported by military commitment apparent to the whole continent.

Many months, even years were needed, for respect to be regained, but fruits of efforts were more than visible - Bara'Khur re-established the old alliance with Enweil, that was abandoned in some previous dark times, new alliance have been forged with Melhed, and finally Avalon committed herself to full-scale war against Western Alliance. Instead of dropping to tiny and vulnerable realm with no real friends, Bara'Khur has become focal point of continental war, realm with unselfish alliance ties, realm respected by each and every enemy, realm able to defend all his critical parts for indefinite period of time. One of allied attacks even destroyed stronghold walls of Dyomoque once forever. As the war wore on, Bara'Khur would come to see the troops of Old Grehk and Sint less and less as their northern front crumbled, whilst Heen struggled to reconcile her desire for conflict with a restive populace that needed constant attention. Desperate appeals of Hetland forced Mesh to involve in "active neutrality" to help Western Alliance that was slowly losing grounds. At the times when Bara'Khurian strength looked uncompromising, dark clouds of bad destiny appeared again. Greed, disrespect, dishonour and frequent abuse of magical powers weakened Bara'Khur and suddenly Western Alllinace gained undeserved advantage at times they were not expecting it.

It is Fourth Invasion that stopped Continental War, and how it could be ended, no one will ever know.

Fourth Invasion

The advent of the Fourth Invasion marked the first invasion experienced by Bara'Khur, the realm having being founded in the dying embers of the Third Invasion and in the ashes of Khthon. Debate raged across the realm in the initial stages as the threat was discussed, a mixture of those who believed Hetland needed to be punished, and also, that Bara'Khur must secure it's food supply and become self sufficient and those who believed no human wars should happen while the great ungodly hordes stalked the earth. Though it was not long before Bara'Khur chose to bury the hatchet with Hetland, and agreed to terms of peace and also agreed to peace with Heen and old Grehk, Heen promising reparations for the mass looting of Bara'Khurian land's. Sint, having refused peace, then chose to attack Bara'Khur as she prepared to march south, taking the regions of Ren Madragas and Xerus, before a Netherworldlian intervention, which saw Sint cease there attacks and let Bara'Khur reclaim it's lands, however when Xerus revolted, Old Grehk stole the region, breaching the peace treaty, though Bara'Khur, with ulterior motives rallied her forces to assist Enweil instead of smiting Old Grehk for their treachery, Enweil beleaguered by the vast and powerful Monster hordes lead by Epic. They lost their namesake city of Enweilieos early on, along with many southern regions. On the Twenty Sixth of July, fighting in the capital of Enweil,Fengen Queen Tonkotsu was slain by the Bow of Gilgamesh in a heroic attempt to save the federated allies capital, Heroic War Queen Tonkotsu became the first Bara'Khurian monarch to truly claim to be heroic, and die in service of her realm and allies. This was followed merely weeks later by the death of the new Heroic War Queen, Carrie Stafford in the battle at Tey Gren as she returned from the victorious defence of Zod, our federated allies Stronghold, it is believed that her vanguard was ambushed by monsters, angry at the Bara'Khurian involvement in Zod, and Fengen, which resulted in heavy losses for the Monsters. The resolve of Bara'Khur was only emboldened for such legendary demonstrations of heroic spirit by two Heroic War Queen. Matt Stafford later took up the throne as Heroic War King.

The End of the Fourth Invasion

Largely throughout the entire invasion, Bara'Khur was besotted and ravaged by internal disputes and struggles, even before the Invasion Bara'Khur could not resolve its political disputes, Warlord Matija was deposed by the courtiers of the realms, while largely being demanded that he step down, something that even caused rebellion in the realm, his removal as Warlord, made way for Lady Tonkotsu to become the next "Warlord", and her first acts as Warlord of Bara'Khur was to enact a vast series of reforms across the realm and government, giving greater rights to nobles and land owners, and also greater religious and political freedoms to everyone in the realm, whilst also refusing the calls to make a constitution. Her reforms of the government, saw the end of the old rule of the Warlords, but the placement of Heroic Monarchs, donning the title of "Heroic War King" or "Heroic War Queen", and she also provided a standard in which heroes could comport themselves, and presented a series of heroic virtues to the realm. During her rule, there was large scale arguments, but only stemming from a few nobles, unhappy with the reforms, and then, towards the later days of her rule, due to the failed attempts to procure peace with Hetland, who were determined to ruin any chance at peace. When she died this made way for the family of the Staffords, Heroic War Queen Carrie ruling for only two weeks before being slain in battle, her brother "Matt" then assumed the throne in the aftermath. Heroic War King Matt's reign, would earn him and his family great infamy within Bara'Khur, and also directly lead to the downfall of the heroic Kingdom. Throughout his entire reign the realm was awash with division and political factions, many disagreed with the way he lead the realm, and also the way he personally comported himself, with many also accusing him of forming an Oligarchy to control Bara'Khur. He later lost a no confidence vote for the rule of Bara'Khur, and also the government, with two heads of the military, and two Judges successively stepping down in protest to his rule, many mass protested his rule, to which he refused to step down, for this he gained an unofficial title of "Tyrant King". After the end of the invasion, King Matt was still at the throne, but this still caused mass disputes across the realm, and with his power and grip ailing, his ally, Duke Squall of Wudenkin, seceded the city to Fronen, despite being legally obliged to hand over the city. Duke Squall had challenged a Viscountess (Eek, the former Dungeon Mistress) to a duel for the rights of her region, and his, which he lost, requiring him by law to hand over his city, and also having Eek recognised by the realm as the rightful Duchess of Wudenkin. Duke Squall later went on to tell lies to Fronen, pretending that he had been betrayed and attacked by rebels and usurpers, to make them accept his secession. Tyrant King Matt, left the realm with Duke Squall to see sanctity in Fronen.

The city and duchy of Reeds, then seceded the same night, to form Nothoi, a realm that had long been in the planning, as many Bara'Khurian's desired to flee and be free from Tyrant King Matt, but with the Tyrant King's exile, they decided they would secede, to free themselves from the stain and dark name Tyrant King Matt had given their Kingdom and their nobles, to form an entirely new realm to finally be free to forge their own path. In these dark hours, Bara'Khur was left with only Dyomoque and Naraka, Thorgils Lurdigala assumed the throne as its Heroic War King.

Government

In the weeks following the ascendancy of Tonkotsu to the throne, a raft of reforms were introduced to restore stability after a period of bitter and fierce internecine feuding amongst the Bara'Khurian nobility. The titles were changed for several government members, with Bara'Khur's monarch being named Heroic War Queen, her General Legendary Strategos and High Inquisitor Dungeon Mistress. There were also several adaptations to term lengths, with the Ruler and Judge being elected once as they had been in the distant past. Formerly the government was elected quarterly and held the titles of "Warlord" for ruler, "High Marshal" for General and High Inquisitor for Judge.

Heroic War Queen/King

The Ruler of Bara'Khur, the Heroic War Queen leads Bara'Khur in all things and is expected to maintain the strength and prosperity of the kingdom. In times of battle and conflict, the Heroic War Queen is expected to be at the forefront of the fighting and ready to die for their cause. As a result of widely held reverence for the Heroic War Queen, is the most powerful role in the realm and has subsumed many of the duties traditionally associated with the Treasury to aid in his efforts. In the reforms of Lady Tonkotsu, the rank of Warlord was replaced with Heroic War Queen/King, she also removed elections for the position, believing them to be a great weakness in the realm.

The Royal Line

Bara'Khur has had several rulers in her time, holding various royal titles until settling finally on that of Warlord.

Jenny Hashimashidas

• Reigned twice.
  • January 13th, 2008 - May 27th, 2008
  • February 16th, 2009 - May 31st, 2009
• Regnal Title(s): Queen, High Marshal, Queen.

Joan of Arc

• Reigned once.
  • May 27th, 2008 - February 16th, 2009
• Title(s): Queen, High Marshal.

Attila Osha

• Reigned once.
  • June 3rd, 2009 - August 25th, 2009
• Title(s): King, Warlord.

Xerxes Dell

• Reigned twice.
  • August 28th, 2009 - October 7th, 2009
• Title(s): Warlord.

Matija Stublic

• Reigned twice.
  • October 10th, 2009 - March 20th, 2010
• Title(s): Warlord.

Tonkotsu Vanimedle

• Reigned once Died heroically in battle
  • March 22nd, 2010 - July 26th, 2010
• Title(s): Warlord, Heroic War Queen.

Carrie Stafford

• Reigned once Died heroically in battle
  • July 28th, 2010 - 11 August, 2010
• Title(s):Heroic War Queen

Matt Stafford

• Reigned once
  • August 13, 2010 - Unknown
• Title(s): Heroic War King

Thorgils Lurdigala

• Reigned once
• Title(s): Heroic War King

Legendary Strategos

The military leader of Bara'Khur, the Legendary Strategos sets overall battle strategy and co-ordinates the Marshals of the realm to ensure success on the battlefield. The position is decided through an election, with a quarterly election to reconfirm their right to rule over the military of Bara'Khur. The title Legendary Strategos was made specifically for Squall Soulja, a great military leader of Bara'Khur, deserving of the title. Ultimately this position is subject to the whim of the Heroic War Queen, though it is rare that governmental interference happens.

Dungeon Mistress

The Judidical head of Bara'Khur, the Dungeon Mistress provides somewhat of a counter-balance to the Heroic War Queen, governing domestic affairs and given great freedom to fulfil their duties. In contrast to the ruler, the Dungeon mistress is chosen only once and thus provides a rock of stability in times of crisis or unexpected events.

Royal Treasurer

The Banker of Bara'Khur, the Royal Treasurer looks after the economic affairs of the realm. Although it is not greatly respected, the nobles of Bara'Khur do understand the role the Treasury plays in ensuring the adequate provision of food throughout the kingdom, thus the Treasurer is chosen monthly in an effort to ensure that only the best occupy the role.

The Convocation

An important institution of government in it's own right, the Convocation is a gathering of some of the most powerful nobles in the realm who assist in the governance of Bara'Khur and help to advise the ruling Warlord. It's composition continues to be a thing of fluidity however, capable of changing frequently and without warning upon the whim of the reigning Warlord.

Culture

The Nobility of Bara'Khur comes from a wide range of different areas, though with the vast majority coming from three separate places. Valentia, Heen and Khthon. This has led to an interesting mix of beliefs mannerisms in Bara'Khurian high society. Most notably in the once significant spread of the Valentic Order, the hardy outspokenness of former desert dwellers and the high numbers of Heroes within the realm.

As a realm dedicated to the tenets of Heroism and valour in battle, Bara'Khur has always respected martial values. Since the events of the Great Schism however, her recognition of these traits has grown and Bara'Khur now more proudly and openly revels in her dedication to the heroic ideal, culminating in Attila Osha being named Warlord of Bara'Khur.

Most Bara'Khurians believe that heroism is something won and displayed in the heat of battle. The field of battle is where valour is shown, where reputations can be made or broken. Realms have been borne out of the daring of their supporters, and realms have been extinguished when the grim determination of the truly courageous asserts itself. Naturally this leads to great respect within Bara'Khur for those of a martial background, and a great lack of it for those who aren't.

Religion

For much of her existence, the dominant faith in Bara'Khur was that of the Valentic Order, whose temples dominated the lands of Bara'Khur. Though even in the era of Valentic dominance, there existed several small holdings of less widespread faiths. There were two ruined temples of the Blood Cult in the south, whilst Estahsism had a small stranglehold over Bara'Khur's mountainous north and Heroisticism had a single sanctuary far to the south-west in Haffemet.

A peculiar side effect of the Great Schism later in Bara'Khur's history was the sudden collapse of both Estahsism and Heroisticism and a remarkable decline of religious plurality in the kingdom. Despite the continuing dominance of the Valentic Order however, Bara'Khur remained a realm open to any faith with a nobles right to freedom of worship remaining firmly enshrined in the laws of Bara'Khur.

During the Second Hetland War, there was once again a dramatic religious shift in Bara'Khur following the sudden collapse of the Valentic Order. Yet despite the ferocious ongoing conflict, faith was not lost to Bara'Khur. Estahsism was resurrected once more in its former mountainous heartlands, and quickly spread to several prominent locations such as Pel Mark, Ippetimbal, Zisswii and Xerus. At the same time, primitive temples of both the Order of the Druids and Eretzism have also sprung up inside the kingdom, marking a return to the plurality of a lost era. Currently the Eretzism temple still remains, but Estahsism has spread itself over most regions of Bara'khur, becoming the most dominant faith there, and the only active one, with no less than four temples.