The Bloodsworn Rebellion

When Percival Greymount claimed the throne of Yondar, his biggest mistake was letting his family escape Castle Tirav. One day, they would gather enough support to rise up and meet his forces head on, in another climatic bout for the throne.

As Erakos shows you around the campsite he plays the part of gracious host. Though you catch his gaze lingering on your person with every attempted subtle glance, eyes sparkling with a barely concealed hint of suspicion. It is as you are rounding a series of larger tents - looping back around to the command tent, you realise - when your irritation flares up at his antics.

“You don’t trust me,” you say offhandedly, bringing Erakos to a sudden halt. Your feet carry you a couple of steps further, distancing yourself, so that when you turn to face him you are not standing directly in his shadow. When he doesn’t answer, you huff, raising two fingers to pinch the bridge of your nose. “What in Van-Hael’s name did I do to deserve your distrust?”

Almost pettily, he huffs as well. A retaliation for frustrating him no doubt. “Alex may believe you to be the girl she knew all those years ago, but I am no fool. People change - with time, with circumstance - and you have been hiding for just as long as she has…” He tilts his head, red eyes glowering down at you. “Is it truly a coincidence that we should rescue you from the hands of the pretender king?”

“What–”

“Or do you come bearing ill will towards Alexandra and her rebellion?”

“How dare you!” You stride into his space. All it takes is a single, elongated step, and as you move forward you jut your chin out, glaring up at him. “I spent weeks trying to get here, following rumours and chasing ghosts, with the intention of joining up and fighting for the people’s cause. You don’t get to come along and interrogate me on my intentions just because you’re afraid of Alex listening to someone else's opinion for a change!”

History

The Bloodsworn Rebellion was officially started two years after Percival was crowned king. As it was started by Princess Alexandra and her father, Ronan Greymount, the concept of the rebellion was obviously started much earlier.

At its inception, the Bloodsworn Rebellion consisted of the exiled Greymounts, a handful of their closest guards, and the Dalqast fairn with whom the Greymounts had recently met. It wasn’t even known as the Bloodsworn Rebellion at the time, just ‘the rebellion’.

Over time, the rebellion began to gain more traction, as well as garner more unwanted attention from King Percival. It meant that they had to constantly be on the move with little chance for a proper rest. Although this would play into their hands as it allowed them to interact with the common citizens of Yondar and made the rebellion more relatable.

About 4 months ago the Bloodsworn Rebellion took up residence in Gulvaire Keep. Since then, they have been training their volunteers and getting ready for a clash with Percival’s troops.

Founding Date

1469 AL

Type

Illicit, Rebel

Leader

Alexandra Greymount

A Name to Remember

‘Bloodsworn’ is taken from the title of a previous queen of Yondar - Queen Raelle. It is, in part, a statement from Alexandra to her brother that she is serious about taking the throne from him. It is also used as a symbol, a reminder to the people that join of the values they must uphold: honour, loyalty, and strength in the face of great adversity.

Goals

The main goal of the Bloodsworn Rebellion is to reclaim the throne of Yondar. Alexandra would like to do this with as little bloodshed as possible, but her father believes that Percival aligning himself with the ruthless Valissans may make that difficult.

DIVIDED OPINIONS

Around 42% of citizens in Yondar support the Bloodsworn Rebellion. Each has their own reasoning, but the most common sentiments among rebel supporters are that Alexandra’s claim to the throne is greater (having been heir apparent until Percival’s coup), or that they just happen to like Alexandra and Ronan more.

In comparison, about 36% of citizens support Percival. Though they condone his actions during the coup, they reason that Yondar has actually thrived under his leadership and are proud of him for creating a better relationship between Yondar and Valissa. The lack of constant fighting on that front is likely the main reason for his popularity. Many of these people also share the sentiment that the rebels are too busy clinging to the past to see all the good that Percival has done.

The remaining citizens care little about who actually sits on the throne, they just want the civil war to be over. For people in this particular group their opinions tend to favour Percival rather than the Bloodsworn Rebellion, mainly because it is the rebels who they see as having escalated the fighting for little more than petty gain.