Westgard

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Kingdom of Westgard


WestgardCrest400.png


The Shield of Humanity

Overview
Island Dwilight
Capital Gelene
Largest City Gelene
Government Monarchy


Duchies 3
Regions 12
Population 219,466
Gold 11479
Food 3698
Nobles 13
Council
High King Gheric Arylon
Lord Commander Vincenzo Falconi
High Adjudicator Sparticus II Bathgate
Master of the Mint Sparticus II Bathgate
Regions
RegionLord
AmmandoLowry Cameron
EidulbGheric Arylon
Eidulb OutskirtsLouisa Kepler
Gaston FarmsArceo Pandorium
GeleneSparticus II Bathgate
Gelene OutskirtsMargery Leather
LibidizeddVincenzo Falconi
Mountain of WoeJakoth Zahnbalotia
SabadellAelius Rousselor
Shrine of SeeklanderJakoth Zahnbalotia
Ygg d'RazhuulHengist deLacy
Zereth

The Kingdom of Westgard was the first realm to brave the western wilderness of Dwilight after the great monstrous invasion, formed by a diverse collection of refugees, namely of Atamaran and Far Eastern origin following the loss of that continent. A fledgling nation surrounded by numberless hordes at first, it struggled for years merely to survive, eventually becoming among the mightiest nations of the continent. Perhaps as a result of the harshness of their uprising, the nobles of Westgard are known to be strong, bold, and proud, when not outright rigid or condescending.

Perhaps as an unsurprising result of these living conditions, Westgardians are largely isolationists, preferring to slaughter monsters than meddle in the affairs of men, and have developed a number of native doctrines and philosophies, such as The Virtues and Occidentalism. Occidentalism in the Fourth Era has fallen out and condemned for its arrogance, and is seen as a shameful ideology.

The foreigner or would-be immigrant would be well advised to take into consideration that Westgard is no ordinary realm. Killing monsters isn't just a chore that occurs every now and then. It happens all the time. Every day. Westgard is a well-oiled time-tested monster killing machine. We kill monsters because we have to, but also because we want to, and we got very good at it.

History

First Era (2015-12-06 to 2017-03-18)

The first era is marked by incredibly harsh living conditions, overwhelming monstrous hordes, and the every day struggle to merely survive as a realm. Every time a monstrous invasion was triggered by the folly of the eastern realms, Westgard would be reduced to barely surviving.

Known as "Gelene" at first, the realm adopted the name of Westgard six days later. It grew on rapidly as some of the hordes that had inhabited the west moved on east, taking Aquitain, Ygg d'Razhuul, Sabadell, Ammando, Zereth, Eidulb Outskirts, and even the city of Eidulb itself, on the 6th of February, 2016. By the 21st of March, however, it had nothing left by Gelene and Eidulb (which it had just taken again), the rest had all fallen prey to the rogues. On the 29th, Eidulb too fell, though Gelene Outskirts was retaken the next day.

This era included some creative initiatives in order to try to break the cycles, such as the Great Rush West, aimed at cutting off the monsters' migratory paths from the North-West and thus stop the brooding in the Province of Darfix. Almost successful, the army was forced to pull back after taken Crotona on the third of February 2017, just one region (K'dira) away from success. But the onslaught was relentless, and Westgard was reduced to Gelene, Gelene Outskirts, and Sabadell by the 18th of March.

Second Era (2017-03-19 to 2018-08-20)

Then something unexpected happened... the monsters began to swim. Though, at first, this changed little for Westgard. Ammando was a favored location for hitting the seas, and Sabadell remained their favorite region to travel through to reach their destinations. Monsters did not become scarce in the slightest. However, this did mean that, while the monsters breeding in the Province of Darfix were no less relentless, and perhaps even more aggressive, now that they favored swimming from Ammando instead of marching through Yggdramir, those breeding in the Province of Arrows practically ceased coming altogether. Presumably, they now headed for the Gold Sea or the Sea of Silence, though the details of their migratory paths are largely a matter of speculation.

So while the growth and crunch cycles continued, with every period of harsh monstrous activity spaced by a period of relative calmness, these cycles distinguished themselves by the quantity and quality of the regions remaining under control after each cycle. Instead of being reduced to next to nothing, a growing number of regions belonged to the "core" that was almost never lost at all. Border regions like the Shrine of Seeklander got to build vast walls to protect themselves from the hordes. What was once our maximal expanse became more or less our minimal expanse, and we even began annexing some far-away regions such as the city of Gaston.

Third Era (2018-08-21 to 2020-02-21)

Unprecedented prosperity that began roughly with the Week of Madness. Incapacitated for a full week, the army was left mostly paralyzed. But despite this, the realm remained pretty much intact. Once they regained their sense, the hordes could be seen flocking to Luria Nova, and then the remaining hordes vanished. In the face of this never before seen calm, Westgard pressed on, taking region after region. Knowing they could only control so large with the numbers of nobles it had, it also started the "An Ale For a Bale" program, exchanging Westgardian ale for foodstuff in various regions the realm had no intention to keep, such as Jorradith and Knyazes. Gaston was taken once more, and Duil was taken for the first time. And while a number of hordes were still to be seen all over, at but a few dozen beasts a horde, it was almost as if they weren't there at all. And so when the two armies finally returned from a month-long expedition, the beasts were mostly exterminated after the first week of November.

Shortly thereafter, opportunists from the East decided to take advantage of the calm Westgard brought to the West and decided to takeover Golden Farrow, which Westgard was just about to take itself. Shocked by this opportunism, Westgard sent scouts to learn more about this new realm, and found them brutalizing every region their army crossed. Determined to put an end to the suffering of the inhabitants of the Province of Arrows, Westgard attempted a diplomatic solution, offering aid to relocate, which the colony refused, and so Westgard marched into the city to put an end to their villainy. After a week of distributing free goods to the locals, the city raised Westgard's flag, despite attempts by the barbarians to starve their own city and corrupt the officials simply to spite Westgard for its righteous opposition, which simply further strengthened the army's resolve to put an end to this villainy for good.

Fourth Era (2020-02-22 to 2022-07-23)

The Gold Sea Conflict was ended with the acceptance of the Golden Farrow Accords, proposed by High King Gheric Arylon, and marked the end of the ruinous third era and an end to failed policies that had lead to the ruinous Gold Sea Conflict in the first place, with Westgard seeking to return to its role as the Shield of Humanity, and not a conqueror of man. The arrogance of former Exarch Selena Chenier had brought ruin to Westgard, the lands had become overrun and the war had become unfeasible. Occidentalism has fallen out, regarded as the foolish arrogance of the past which only brought ruin to Westgard, and the Virtues once again are becoming the foundations of the realm.

The Fourth Era was signified by clashing views about the realm’s future. Although Westgard reclaimed her lost territory, and regained past prosperity, this was brought to a halt in the time of the ‘’’Yellow Daggers’’’. After the failed tenure of Lord Commander Felix Carson, several vocal nobles began to complain about the direction the realm was heading. Nobles were leaving, many for Avernus who were settling Darfix, and Westgard entered a period of territorial decline, lacking the nobles to hold Gaston and the Western reaches.

In the midst of this decline, the coward Henrik Thrane launched a rebellion against the rule of High King Gheric and was joined by Lord Commander Kenneth Gotz and the Dame Bridgette Tempest. The three traitors were met with a fierce and numerous loyalist contigent and were defeated after a single battle in Gelene. When it was apparent his grab for power was doomed to fail, the rebel Master of the Mint Henrik depleted the realm's grain stores, and the three rebels fled the realm, disgracefully refusing duel challenges by the Loyalist commander, Flavia Schwarzherzig.

During the rule of Flavia Schwarzherzig her rigid attitude resulted in expeditions to exact tribute from regions which did not want to support Westgard’s defense of mankind. Not everyone in Westgard agreed to this policy and her sudden disappearance is controversial. It is, however, never discussed openly for opponents do not take pride in claiming the death of the hero of the Yellow Daggers, while proponents understand the seriousness of accusing a brother in arms of such an act.

High King Lowry Cameron sought to bring stability to the declining realm. In order to bring unity he ended elections, but could not turn the tides as the decline continued. When a growing number of nobles became disgruntled and a civil war loomed, Lowry did the unthinkable: he voluntarily released power. He showed the Westgardian warriors that conflicts can be solved without force and thus united the realm by his final act.

Fifth Era (2022-07-24 to present day)

Westgard again turned to Gheric Arylon, but would also face a new threat in an old enemy: Kenneth Gotz was intend on destroying Westgard and started sending assassins – the most infamous of them being Seifer Tideweaver. He had attempted numerous assaults on High King Gheric and High Adjudicator Lowry. When it became clear that Luria Nova supported these attacks, Gheric was forced to declare the Tideweaver War. The war saw little action, although Westgard went through many High Adjudicators. When Luria Nova agreed to send no more assassins, peace was signed.

After the death of Klaus Raphin and the appearence of another Lurian assassin, a rebellion loomed as people questioned Westgard's ability to continue to protect them. But the execution of Seifer restored the faith in the realm and even gained the faith of neighbouring territories, allowing Westgard to expand to Zereth, Forguthrie and Gaston Farms. The Great Astrumese Expansion followed soon after when many Astrumese nobles decided to cross the sea and strengthen Westgard. It allowed the annexation of Ygg d'Razhuul, Aquitain, Shrine of Seeklander, Mountain of Woe and Libidizedd.

With both Westgard and Wicrose claiming the right to the Astrumese place of birth, Libidizedd, tensions escalated into the Astrumese Succession War.

Ruling Line of Westgard

RULING LINE OF WESTGARD
Ruler Reign Begin Reign Ended Notes
Archon Faldron Nethercoate December 16, 2015 March 19, 2016 First ruler of the newly established realm of Westgard
Archon Aarn Hemmingst March 22, 2016 October 2, 2016 Disappeared under mysterious circumstances
Archon Rosalind Foxglove October 6, 2016 November 1, 2019 Longest serving Archon. Went to war with Tol Goldora to preserve Westgard's claim on the city of Golden Farrow, ultimately capturing the city and defending it successfully against the Goldorans. Retired from service.
Archon Lukan Fuor November 5, 2019 January 6, 2020 Strong advocate of the war against Tol Goldora. Oversaw a great decline in territorial holdings controlled by Westgard, and engaged in a devastating war of attrition which left both Westgard and Tol Goldora in ruins.
High King Gheric Arylon January 6, 2020 January 6, 2021 Son of Fisc Arylon, the former High King of Everguard, the geographic and ideological precursor to Westgard. Forged continental peace on Dwilight and ended the Gold Sea War with the creation of the Golden Farrow Accords. Journeyed to the heart of Zuma lands in response to the destruction of Valkyrja. Instrumental in the recapture of the great city of Darfix by Avernus. Crushed an insurrection by Henrik Thrane, The Betrayer. Reformed government and created two new duchies. Founded The Order of the Emerald Shield. Expanded Westgard to its largest territorial holdings in the history of the realm, known today as the Golden Age of Westgard.
High Queen Alessia de Medici January 6, 2021 April 6, 2021 Wife of the former High King Gheric Arylon, and former High Adjudicator. Made Constitutional reform and devolution of power central to her reign. Was informally referred to as the "Most Serene Queen of Westgard" by her partisans.
High Queen Flavia Schwarzherzig April 6, 2021 July 19, 2021 Presided over a period of stability in the realm, with a somewhat declined territorial holding. A great critic of the Gold Sea War, her foreign policy focused on continued agnosticism as to the other realms on the continent. Engaged in a controversial program of territorial raids of rogue lands to gather resources for Westgard. Disappeared under mysterious circumstances and has not been seen since.
High King Lucky Harte July 19, 2021 November 16, 2021 Elected promising to develop new resources that could lead to economic prosperity, and lead Westgard into, as he called it, "another Golden Era." Was not able to achieve any major initiatives, and spent but a short time on the Crystal Throne
High King Lowry Cameron November 16, 2021 July 23, 2022 High King Lowry Cameron came to power hoping to restore stability to Westgard after the slow and precipitous decline experienced by the Kingdom prior to his ascension. His rule saw Westgard shrink to its smallest territorial holding in a generation. Controversially, he reformed the government and ended elections for the Emerald Crown, declaring himself High King for life. Over time, the realm continued to whither away, until the remaining nobility of Westgard began to protest his leadership and demand he step down. High King Lowry abdicated honorably, in accordance with the wishes of Westgard
High King Gheric Arylon July 26, 2022 Currently serving Having previously served as High King, Gheric Arylon was once again chosen to sit on the Crystal Throne, promising to reverse the near destruction of Westgard. During his tenure, an assassin from Luria Nova attempted to kill the High King, the High Adjudicator and several Westgard citizens. In response, after many warnings, the High king declared war on the Lurians, beginning a war that would ultimately end with the death of the Lurian assassin. After the war concluded, he engineered the immigration of several citizens from Astrum to Westgard, making good on his promise to restore the prominence of Westgard. The realm was able to radically expand its borders, once again commanding regions that had long since been abandoned, re-establishing The Great Western Wall, and raising the Emerald Flag of Westgard over all of its former Empire. Later in his reign, the realm of Wicrose engaged in destructive attacks on Westgard, in particular its rural farmlands. In response, after repeated warnings Gheric was forced to declare war to protect the realm. Westgard recovered Libidizedd, which had been stolen and razed by Wicrose, and pressed the fight into the East, wiping out Wicrose's ability to wage war and leaving the realm in ashes.

Military

Westgard now has one army in its service.

  • Westgard Lightbearers - retired from service, having been shamed in the Battle of Demyansk by the arrogance of its commander.
  • Westgard Sun Swords - Served in the First Era and probably the early days of the Second Era, helped split the armed forces in order to better react to omnipresent hordes. Was disbanded when the hordes became too great and Westgard's armies became battered, forcing the realm to act in total unison once more. Was temporarily revived in the Third Era, during the Gold Sea Conflict. After the time of Yellow Daggers it was revived again by the Duke of Gelene and served for a time as the prime military force until the Duke was relieved as Lord Commander.
  • Westgard Wardens - Created during the Gold Sea Conflict, helps Westgard's forces cover greater terrain. Now retired.
  • The Shield of the West - Established in the Fourth Era and served as the primary defensive army of Westgard. Reduced to honorary guard at the start of the Fifth Era to unite the combat forces into the Westgard Sun Swords. After the Great Astrumese Expansion it became the main force, when the High King decided to take responsibility for the army.

Hall of Heroes

Heroes who died in service to Westgard

  • 2018-11-30: Adair O'Deathh was killed by monsters in the defense of Eidulb Outskirts.
  • 2022-11-11: Klaus Raphin was killed by monsters in Jorradith while guarding the way back for a hunting expedition to the far west.
  • 2022-12-08: Agatha Poe succumbed to her wounds after a duel against Kenneth Gotz, traitor during the Yellow Knives and instigator of the Tideweaver War.
  • 2023-02-01: Mucho Gigantus was overwhelmed by monsters while guarding Duil during the conquest of Libidizedd.

While specialized in fighting the monsters, Westgard has been involved in three wars.

  • First Colonial Dispute - A small conflict in Westgard's early days, with Astrum over claims.
  • Stand Against Barbarism - War against the reavers of Tol Goldora, which turned continental after Tol's allies came in to their defense, and Westgard's allies came in to retaliate. Now referred to as the Gold Sea Conflict, the war proved to be ruinous to Westgard, and serves now as a lesson to future generations of Westgard, and a reminder of her true purpose... Not to wage war upon man, but to be its Shield.
  • Tideweaver War - After numerous murder attempts by the Lurian backed Seifer Tideweaver High King Gheric Arylon was forced to declare war.
  • Astrumese Succession War - After the fall of Astrum, Westgard took control of Libidizedd. Wicrose claimed the former Astrumese city. Tensions escalated when the Wiccan infiltrator Eiric Wilde wreaked havoc on Westgardian lands.

Religions

Westgardians are taught from their earliest years to protect all people - and therefore all religions. For this reason nobles have a tendency not to adhere to a particular religion - although the defunct The Virtues is the official doctrine of the realm, and taught to nobility from their earliest years.

This does not mean that there is no religion in Westgard. Most of the commoners follow Sanguis Astroism, except in Gelene and on the Mountain of Woe. It is also found among the nobility, especially those of Astrumese descend. Another religion, which can be found in Westgard, is Twillen Poitrasm. This is found mainly among commoners and nobles on the Great Western Wall.

Doctrines and policies

Various documents relating to Westgardian politics.