Aquilegia/History Book
The Book of Aquilegia
Pre-Plague
Founded in the Winter of 5 YD on the Flow Peninsula by five Morekian nobles, the colony worked under the ideals of dedication to the faith, to loyalty, and to merit. The colonists founded the realm under this constitution.
Aquilegia has thus far undergone two failed rebellions and a few leadership changes. Both rebellions were launched by founders of the realm, and both were unsupported. The cause for these rebellions is lost to history (for now).
War broke out against parent realm Xinhai in 8 YD. The cause for this war was chronicled in the Dwilight University's historical analysis by Dean Bowie Ironsides: "Aquilegia versus Xinhai: The Flow Peninsula Theatre".
In the Summer of 9 YD, a swift and terrible plague hit Aquilegia and killed the majority of Lords, the Duchess, the Cleric and worst of all the Emperor. With only four nobles left, the Aquilegions scrambled to regain order.
Post-Plague
At first, Viscount Bowie Ironsides stepped up to act Emperor until the elections ended, but it was disapproved of because he was unaffiliated with Astromancy. Then, Ambassador and Tithe Overseer Maximus Westfall took the reins and was elected Emperor of Aquilegia, now called Archbishop. More can be read in the Dwilight University's historical article "The Plague of Aquilegia" by Dean Bowie Ironsides.
The Formation of the Viper Legion
In the Autumn of 9 YD, Lord Bowie Ironsides was elected Holy Minister of War. He sponsored the Viper Legion of Aquilegia and demanded it uphold an image of strength, worthiness, dedication and experience.
When he was seeking leaders, two nobles volunteered to be Marshal, Sir Eadwulf Osha and Lady Nnaoj Urominiel. To decide which one deserved the position more he ordered them to duel. The winner would gain the Marshal position, the loser Vice Marshal. Though there were some protests, including from High Inquisitor Pasha Blatkovetchkin and Archbishop Maximus Westfall, Holy Minister and Cardinal of Finance Bowie insisted that the duel proceed. He declared that it would be a test of strength for the two candidates, and turn them into worthy leaders of his army. Fearing an imminent invasion from Xinahi, and observing the desperate state the realm was in, he has decided to allow the promotions for Marshal Nnaoj and Vice Marshal Eadwulf without the duel, but still expects one.
36 Days Later...
By the Winter of 9 YD, two seasons after the plague nearly wrecked the realm, Aquilegia shrunk to its two core territories. First Fatexna revolted because of starvation and total lack of noble presence in the region, and then Ashrak revolted because of the separation. A short while later Turbul was abandoned because of severe famine, an overrunning of the Scourge (monsters and undead) and because of lack of estates.
It was also around this time when refugees from the Raivanlands came to the realm. Amongst them was the infamous Lady Katayanna Ogren. The refugees increased the strength of the army and control of the regions, but were not trusted because of their past and because of their exclusive ties with each other. The Aquilegions did not want any dissenters splitting the realm in two.
As it happened, Lady Katayanna and one of her lot, Lady Thalia Strongblade, succeeded in being elected into the Cardinal of Finance and Holy Minister of War positions respectively. Lord Bowie suspected they would depose him and specifically said they would use their majority votes to do so. Benign or malicious, the refugees succeeded in taking two prominent positions.
Right after the elections, the Cardinals of Aquilegia became suspicious of a brewing insurrection by the "Bat People" (called so as those who follow the Old Bat Katayanna Ogren) and declared the group ostracized. Three refugees were banned. Lady Katayanna was driven out of the realm by the High Inquisitor as an unbeliever causing a persecution to take place at her estate in Flow. A short battle and a blaze destroyed her home and killed some of her servants. Lady Thalia received several public protests and then faced a vote of impeachment before she resigned and subsequently banned. The Bat People claim innocence and blame the affair on the paranoia of the Cardinals, but the Cardinals maintain that their realm is better off without than with this particular group of nobles. Lord Bowie was returned to both positions he originally occupied.
The Vipers Expand
After the expulsion of the Bat People, in the Spring of 9 YD Marshal Nnaoj successfully commanded the reconquest of Turbul. As military doctrine dictates, since Sir Gregory De La Fere was the Viper to conduct the takeover, he was awarded Lordship of the region.
The Assassination of Maximus Westfall
A significant event occurred during the war with Xinhai that was chronicled in the Astromancy at War! series by Dean Bowie. The assassination of Archbishop Maximus in the Spring of 9 YD by a Xinhaittite infiltrator Low Owen ConDoin was reported in the article, "The Assassination of Maximus Westfall." In retaliation, in the early Summer of 10 YD, the Holy Minister of War went on a raiding mission of Huanghai. It did not make a major contribution in the war effort, but the gesture was symbolic. The Holy Minister accounted his mission in the article, "The Raid of Huanghai."
The Vipers Reorder
When Marshal Nnaoj resigned from public life, the Holy Minister began his search for a new Marshal. Vice-Marshal Eadwulf was appointed for the vacant Marquis of Flow title. After a short search and a conversation with his old friend, the Holy Minister selected Sir Asriel Octavius to uphold the duty as Marshal of the Viper Legion. Sir Asriel left D'Hara for this position. His main qualification was the fact that he was a hero, and also because he had a great deal of combat experience. Additionally, Vice-Marshal Eadwulf Osha opposed the Holy Minister's strategy and proposed a new plan to lead the realm's military. He campaigned for the position of General and won. The Vice-Marshal became the Holy Minister of War in the Autumn of 10 YD. After which, Lord Bowie replaced Lord Eadwulf as Vice-Marshal. Later that Autumn, Lord Eadwulf too resigned from public life which then led to the return of Lord Bowie as Holy Minister of War, the appointment of Marshal Asriel as Marquess of Flow, and the promotion of Sir Kratos Wolff as Vice-Marshal of the Viper Legion.
The Aquilegion Civil War
A turbulent event which has yet to be properly compiled into history. It took place during the Winter of 10 YD and pit the Viper Legion versus the Theocrats. The Viper Legion ultimately lost and was dissolved before the winter ended.
Dean Bowie published a Chronology on the Aquilegion Civil War and also wrote the "Reflections on the Aquilegion Civil War" for the Dwilight University's History Department.
