The Unbroken Queen

The Ritual of the Unbroken Queen

“It’s all a bit theatrical, isn’t it? The noble knight, the unbroken queen, the battlefield wedding — sounds like something a bard made up drunk on wine and virtue. But damn if it doesn’t stick in the heart. Corny as hell. Beautiful, too.” — Sorek Redmarch

“She did not wait to be saved. She fought her way to him — and together, they made a kingdom.” — Traditional Gorundian wedding blessing

Overview

The Ritual of the Unbroken Queen is a traditional wedding rite practiced among the Gorundian faithful of Heironeous. It dramatizes the legend of an unnamed queen who, though taken prisoner by an evil duke, refused to yield her honor, spirit, or hope. When a noble knight finally reached her prison, she did not wait to be rescued. Instead, she rose in rebellion, fought her way to him, and together they battled their way free — standing back to back until dawn. On that very battlefield, surrounded by the dying remnants of tyranny, they wed.

The Legend

The queen and the knight have no canonical names. Every province claims to be the true origin of the tale, and many insert regional names or family heroes into the story. What remains consistent is the message: strength shared is stronger still, and love born in battle endures.
They ruled together for thirty years in peace and prosperity, their love forged not in captivity or rescue, but in mutual valor.

The Ritual

The rite is elaborate, theatrical, and only undertaken by those with strong ties to the church of Heironeous or deep national pride. It is both a marriage ceremony and a symbolic battle, and its staging requires the participation of clergy, paladins, and trained performers.

• The Setting – Often held in a walled courtyard, ruined fort, or mock dungeon. Wherever the location, it must be defensible and evocative of imprisonment or siege.


• The Captive Bride – The bride and her bridesmaids begin the rite “imprisoned” by actors or clergy playing the Duke’s forces. They are armed with blunted weapons or ceremonial gear.


• The Rescuing Knight – The groom and his groomsmen breach the mock fortress or encampment, fighting through resistance to reach the bride. The battle is staged but requires athleticism and timing.


• The Battle Joined – When the couple meets, they must then fight their way out together. As the ceremony progresses, both sides are gradually “defeated” or theatrically fall back, leaving only the couple standing.


• The Marriage – The presiding priest, often the same who plays the Evil Duke, sheds their villain’s cloak and blesses the union on the spot. The battlefield becomes the altar.

Symbolism

The rite emphasizes shared strength, agency, and partnership. Unlike more passive wedding traditions, the bride is not rescued — she rescues herself and her groom. The martial theme speaks to Heironeous' values: courage, justice, and righteous struggle. It also celebrates loyalty, not only to each other, but to a cause greater than the self.

Modern Usage

While the ritual is beloved throughout Gorundia, it is rarely performed due to the logistics and physical demands. However, among nobles, paladins, or adventurers, it is held in high esteem.
Notably, Baron Orin Kharne and Braga the Brazen were wed in this fashion. The ceremony took place in great Chapter-Temple of Heironeous in Bard's Gate, with Braga’s uncle, Patriarch-General Clytus, presiding — both as officiant and as the villainous Duke. The bard's say the couple’s final clash with the mock guards shook the city, and the griffon perched nearby shrieked at the moment of the kiss.

Regional Variants

Velnyar Style – Involves riddles and trials of wit between combat stages.

Dregmark Custom – Often reversed, with the groom imprisoned and the bride breaking in.

Bard’s Gate Adaptation – More theatrical, often staged as a public performance with music, crowd participation, and comedic side characters.

Quotes and Blessings

“She did not fall in love with a rescuer. She fell in love with a partner.” — Inscription at the Temple of the Unbroken Queen, Ardelan

“They stood back to back and faced the dawn. May you do the same.” — Traditional toast at wedding feasts

Brides that participate in the ceremony gain the honor of wearing the black iron crown.