Duchy of Icevale
They're brutish, that's for sure, but despite all their flaws, they make a fantastic job at safeguarding those wild reaches. I guess they know a lot about it.Two Duranian Courtiers on the subject of Icevalians
Ice and Steel
In the far east of Duran lies the great duchy of Icevale. Beginning as nothing more than a small group of survivors, it rose to be a massive country in a gigantic coalition thanks to the strength and wit of a minor duke. Despite its title, the duchy is a massive place with tens of thousands of people settled. Protected in the west by their allies, and by a great chain of mountains in the east, they have been a powerful country more than capable of surviving the harsh world.
The mountains aren't just a natural line of defense, they're also vital to the economy of the duchy. Rich in metal like steel or Eternium, it supplies an extensive amount of trading between Icevale and other countries, the duchy being known for its incredibly high-quality metal.
Culture
Religion
While not religious, the Icevalians tend to be more superstitious than other people. This comes from their long history with spirits and other otherworldly creatures. This means that there are a lot of local cults that don't always follow the principles of the Sicarite Church, sometimes even actively clashing against them. This is pretty rare, however. They mostly worship Adsigi to spare them from the cold winters that can sometimes happen.
Ideals
Used to live in cold tundras, Icevalians prize resilience above all. Labor work like mining for coal is not only highly regarded but even seen as vital during winters. People are expected to be tough both physically and emotionally, as that's what let them live in the harsh land of eastern Duran and survive the onslaught of monsters.
Perspective
For Icevalians, the world is one big place, with its load of adventures and tragedies. They are well-accustomed to spirits and are still a bit untrusting of orcs. Unsurprising, when you know how many times their more savage brethren attacked them. In short, they're an enduring, adaptive, and superstitious people.
Government
The Duke
Unsurprisingly, the duchy is ruled by a duke, who has absolute power over the country. He makes the laws and is sometimes a judge for important cases, but that rarely happens. However, he's not the only one having a say in the future of the duchy, as he has a circle of advisors from different fields to help him govern.
Ducal advisors
Military
Regular army
Icevale's army is based on conscription, with at least 3000 troops ready at all times. However, levies are raised as soon as the duchy needs to fight. Each of the soldiers is handed out equipment, but they have to pay for it if it breaks, and they have to give it back once they leave service.
Mostly composed of infantry, every soldier uses a longsword and a shield, and wears a leather jacket under a fur coat to protect from both the cold and weapons, even if it is less effective against the latter. Some soldiers opt to use ranged weapons and trade their shield for a crossbow. Icevalian crossbowmen are famous for their ambushes, even if it is falsely attributed to them.
Icevale is one of the few countries not possessing cavalry. Horses don't live in the tundras and are ill-equipped to maneuver the steep mountains. In fact, a horse is considered a rare luxury there, and most people see it as a vain one. As for military purposes, most enemies the duchy faces rarely flee, and for those who do, they are buried in snow. That is, if they survive the cold.
The Ice Shields
While they started out as an elite military unit, the relative peacefulness and the alliance with the Duranian kingdom turned them into honor guards. They are tasked with protecting the duke and his family, as well as some selected nobles deemed important enough (or rich enough to afford their services). They are also sometimes seen guarding Snowforge.
While joining the Ice Shields is voluntary, and something that many are interested in, the requirements are pretty high. One must possess great physical strength and endurance before even being selected as a recruit, and the subsequent training is very harsh on them. They can decide to retire at any point, even if leaving during training is seen as cowardly.
However, these warriors are more than able of handling strong enemies. Despite their name, few actually use a shield, instead favoring weapons like spears or greatswords. Unlike their ancestors, they do not use Frost steel, as the ways to make this metal have been lost to time. Still, there is some equipment made from it, only handed out to those who proved themselves in combat. However, the Eternium plate armor they wear is incredibly tough
Territory
The Baleful Mountains
The most iconic part of Icevale is their absolute control over the Baleful Mountains. A massive mountain chain at the easternmost of Duran, it serves as a demarcation line between Icevale and the Sakura Empire. Filled by strongholds and under the careful watch of the Frostguard, it isn't entirely secure either. Unfortunately for the many trade route there, the mountains are home to several clans of Savage orcs as well as more than one monster. Thankfully the Frostguard works hard to keep them safe, and the mountains are safer than most people think.
The Crimson River Valley
The Crimson River Valley is the most densely populated part of Icevale. The river forms another line of demarcation, this time with Duran. A very pretty set of plain with a crystal clear river, it is, unfortunately, the first place to suffer whenever war between Duran and Icevale breaks out. Some even say that the river is cursed, and this is why it has such a name. It is used a lot for agriculture, even if the Everplains do the job perfectly fine by themselves. Another notable trait is the ever-changing frontier. While it is pretty simple to draw a line with the river, it doesn't extend all the way, and the patch of land left is the subject of heated debates and battles.
The Everplains
Another famous piece of land in Icevale is the Everplains. Located in the middle of the tundras, the plains seem like a cartographer's mistake. However, it is because the plains are enchanted by an Earth Elemental. Not only is it protected from harsh winters, but it is also a place where crops grow way bigger and faster than anywhere else. As such, it is the place where almost all of Icevale's agriculture is located. It is mostly used to grow grapes, as the Everplains' wine is rumored to lengthen one's life. With all of this, a common scam is to sell fruit pretending they come from there for three times the price. It is harshly punished everywhere.
History
From rags to riches 12-44
In the cold tundras of eastern Duran, a small village was sitting on a hill. Led by a man named Dain, they managed to unite into a community. However, the tundras were very unhospitable, and the lack of food was starting to become a problem. So, one day, they all decided to leave their camp and migrate to the west, for better lands.
They soon arrived at some plains and decided to go settle by a nearby river. For the first few years, nothing particular happened. The small camp grew into a village mirroring that of their home, the fertile ground and nearby forests providing ample food supplies. Soon their village grew into a small city, and they started to expand even further.
The First war 44-47
Icevale, which was then named Endus, wasn't the only country in the Duranian plains. A large tribe had already claimed the lands as their home, and they were not too happy about these newcomers. They prepared for war, and by the time Endus realized what was going on, they were already prepared and attacked.
It took a while for Endus to react, but when they did, it was brutal. With superior technology and tactics, they pushed the invaders back. That is until they called a circle of shamans to help them. The war went into a stalemate, as neither side could get the advantage on their foe. Dain decided that this was going on for too long, with both sides having lost too many lives. At first, he tried to solve it diplomatically, to convince them that this fight was useless and that they could live in peace. But when the enemy chieftain refused, he resorted to... other ways.
Few historical records remain of what happened. However, according to myths and study, it seemed that Dain managed to get most of the enemy forces into a plain, before using powerful magic to wipe it in a magical blizzard. Whether it was the intended effect or not is subject to much debate, but the blizzard didn't die. Instead, the supposed battlefield is now drowned by a permanent blizzard, freezing everything coming too close into icy statues.
Reconstruction 47-56
Nevertheless, most of the tribe's warriors and druids were dead. With quick strikes, Dain destroyed the remaining encampments, sending the survivors running to an unknown fate. However, Endus was badly damaged, and it felt as if the plains were starting to get more dangerous. So he built another city he called Snowforge more eastward, closer to some of the mountains, and declared that it would be the capital of a new country, which he named the Duchy of Icevale.
It was a relatively peaceful era. No real war happened, and the country just kept slowly strengthening. Sure, the druid circle tried to get their revenge on those who wronged them, but it was dealt with pretty easily. New agricultural technology started to get developed, and with the mountains now used for resources, the amount of metal they had sky-rocketed. Artisanship flourished, with many swords and trinkets being made with great skill. This was not to last, however.
The Unification War 56
One day, from the west, an army all clad in steel marched onto Icevale, demanding that the duchy surrenders and bow down to them. Even if he was old, Dain was having none of that and refused. During the battle of the Crimson River, Icevalian troops managed to push them back, until one colossal being appeared and decimated the Icevalian army single-handedly.
The invading forces breezed through Icevale, soon reaching the capital. There, one of the bloodiest battles of this time happened. As the capital got filled with the sound of combat, a huge snowstorm engulfed the main square, making it impossible to see or get to the inside. Yet even with the howling wind, one could hear bone-chilling screams, the sound of claws upon steel, and the thunderous wrath of a god. As the Icevalian army was defeated, the snowstorm soon disappeared, only to leave an ice statue of two beings fighting. Since most of Icevale's troops were unable to fight, and that Dain was nowhere to be found, it surrendered
Revenge 56-69
After the end of the previous conflict, Icevale was forced to sign a treaty with the new kingdom, forcing them to give them some lands, including the Crimson River, and also having to pay a tithe. Meanwhile, the disappearance of their leader meant that his son, who was 12 at the time, had to take over. He named his uncle regent, and both were furious at the results of the war.
However, everyone knew that they were overpowered for now, the war having a big impact on the duchy. But they wouldn't give up just yet. Using large amounts of Eternium and now-lost techniques, they managed to forge many weapons and armors that they then gave to the veterans of the precedent war. However, this didn't go unnoticed.
Knowing that the country was in no shape of fighting, they decided to cover up by saying that they would go and secure the western mountains. While they did send most of their troops and a lot of resources westward, they still prepared forward back at home, with stronger defensive walls being built around all towns. This worried the Duranian Kingdom, and they started to prepare for a fight too.
After some cleaning up of the mountains and the establishment of several semi-permanent forts, Icevalian troops retreated to the capital, where the young duke assembled a war council to plan their next move. They decided on a two prompted attack. One large group, composed of militia and the Ice Shields, would fight head-on at the Crimson River Valley, while a second force composed of mercenaries, professional soldiers, and some veterans from the old war, would go around it to strike behind the lines, surrounding the Duranian army before crushing it.
The Second Unification War 69-72
Despite their advantage, they underestimated how strong their enemy was. The secondary force was halted at Fort Canthlyn and had to dig in for a siege, something they weren't prepared to do at all. Meanwhile, the first force had more success, with the Ice Shields being at the tip of many pushes. They quickly cleared their objectives and stabilized a front at the Crimson River. However, the Duranians weren't overwhelmed at all, which was the point of the strategy. And things would not improve so much for the Icevalians.
At first, the Icevalian army was hesitant to push through the valley, but as the Duranian forces started to gather, they decided to attack before it was too late. They launched an attack and by the time the Duranian forces got together to repel them, only a third of their army had crossed the river. Seeing the enemy approach, the Ice Shields decided to make a run for it and advanced all alone on the enemy forces. They formed a shield wall and braced for impact as enemy spearmen charged them. Then, in one of the most incredible moments of the war, they held firm, even as the enemy army surrounded them.
Their suicidal charge provided enough time and distraction for the rest of the army to cross and fight on even terrain with Duranian forces. For one full hour, the Ice Shields fought the enemy, completely outnumbered and encircled, killing without stopping, returning each blow. After a hard-fought battle, the Duranian soldiers fled and the Icevalian army was victorious. Surprisingly, the Ice Shields survived the battle, taking a massive toll on enemy forces, albeit with heavy losses.
Back at Canthlyn, the Icevalian army still kept up the siege. However, enemy reinforcements were coming, and they had to hurry. After bombarding the enemy walls for over 6 hours using catapults, several breaches were made and peppered with arrows before sending regular infantry through it. Despite its bravery, the garrison was overwhelmed and the fort was taken, just in time for the arrival of Duranian reinforcements, who then set siege themselves.
This forced the primary army to go rescue the secondary army, delaying the plans even further. However, dark ominous clouds floated above the Icevalian army, setting fear in the hearts of the soldiers. Some started to desert, saying that the gods had abandoned them. Others said that it was the work of evil wizards. Nevertheless, the general persevered, claiming that this was just bad weather and that it wouldn't stop them.
The besieging army was prepared for them, and they engaged in battle. Seeing their comrades fighting the enemy, the besieged general gathered his troop, inspiring them in one final speech, before opening the doors and charging the enemy. The battle quickly descended into chaos, with each soldier fighting for his life.
The icy steel of Icevale's elite troops clashed with the flamboyant steel of Duranian god-blessed warriors. Green cloaked figures appeared from thin air, drowning the Icevalian soldiers in black arrows before disappearing as quickly as they came. Using an ancestral axe, the duke's uncle sowed death among Duranian ranks. For hours on end, the plains were filled with the sound of battle, with some records saying that villages miles away could hear the echoes of steel clashing.
When the dust settled, the battlefield was littered with corpses. Both Duranian and Icevalian forces were decimated. With their armies shattered, the two engaged in peace talks. This lasted for a whole month, and many heated debates arose, but the two sides eventually reached a compromise. Icevale would be part of the Duranian Coalition, along with some minor countries, House Arracun and the Duranian Kingdom. They would get back their land and the tithe would be abolished, but they would have to open let their metal be used for trade, as well as helping the Duranian Coalition in any war.
The Savage war 493-495
During the reign of Damascus III, the savage tribes of the Baleful Mountains were becoming quiet, almost too quiet for some. Then, a monstrous warlord going by the name of the Wyrm King united all the orc tribes and stormed Icevale, which was unprepared.
For the first few weeks, several raids against the villages on the edge of the tundras were carried, before the Frostguard came and intervened against the orc chieftains. Several skirmishes broke out between the two sides as they fought for dominance over the tundras and mountains. All of the Marshalls were mobilized to fight, while the Great Marshall oversaw everything from Northern Star.
As the fight progressed, some of the tribes were vanquished. Even better, the Icevalian army had come to assist the Frostguard. But just as everyone expected this to be over, legions of ice monsters came out of nowhere to fight alongside the orcs. Worse yet, some people reported sightings of a winged monster roaming the mountain ranges.
In the end, the war decided at the battle of Dragon's Rest, where one of the Marshalls, who was famed for hunting monstrous foes several times their size, fought a powerful Wyvern in a duel. However, while they died in the fight, they took the beast with them. Terrified, the orcs fled and scattered, offering minor resistance and eventually being cleaned up in a few weeks. And yet, nobody saw the famous Wyrm King.
The Days of Crimson Snows 723
The 8th century started out as a period of relative peace. But already in 714, troubles started to appear. Unrest was starting to grow as the activity of a cult named the Truth Seekers started to make themselves more intense. Some said that the dreaded Wyrm King would return and fight again. The duke started to fear for his life and became harsher, even going as far as hunting some cults dedicated to local spirits in an attempt to destroy the Truth Seekers.
Worst of all, as if some unknown god had cursed Icevale, several nobles and council members started to plan to overthrow the duke and put his young son in his place. As the years went by, the plotters started to gather more resources, sometimes even profiting from all the events that took place. After long preparations and narrowly evading discovery several times, they acted.
The Days of Crimson Snows lasted for a week, but their consequences lasted for months. On the 27th day of Asdeya, mercenaries and soldiers serving the conspirators took over several forts, and assassins were sent to murder the duke and several officials. However, the duke and some of the officials, including a council member, survived. What followed was an intense civil war between the two sides.
In the middle of the conflict, several of the Ice Shields and a good part of the duke's army deserted. Confusingly enough they didn't join the insurrection but instead became an armed force working for the Truth Seekers. This only added more chaos as the duchal forces started to get overwhelmed. Thankfully for them, the Truth Seekers didn't actively fight, only defending itself and taking over random places.
However the plot abruptly ended with next to no explanation. While some of the plotters were arrested by mages, most of them, soldiers, aristocrats and even one of the four council members, simply vanished. After the intense invstigations only led to the potential affiliation of "beings of black", it was abandonned and almost nobody remembers it now. But even now, some find it concerning that a civil war ended just like that.
By the time it ended, the country was in a rough shape, and the first few weeks after were entirely dedicated to rebuilding and finding out any remaining traitor. This had the consequence of letting old rivalries explode and a certain mistrust to spread among people. Even if most cases of suspected treason were thankfully handled by the authorities, sometimes it couldn't arrive in time to stop personnal justice. In total, an estimate 3500 people were arrested and 560 killed, with many more leaving the country.
The Kowaijin Invasion 944-945
During the Great War, some orc clans started to get more active. However, the real reason why they didn't join the coalition during the Third Imperial War was because of one Dynast, Kajitsurida. Having recently taken over over the Kowaijin clan, he decided to earn some glory by taking control of the Baleful Mountains.
30 000 troops were sent by the mountains, and Icevale barely had time to react. As always, the Frostguad acted as a barrier, giving time for Icevale's army to rise and get into action. For the first few days of their travel, the Kowajin forces were harassed by the Frostguard, appearing to lay volleys of quarrels on them or bury them under avalanches, but Kajitsurida still managed to keep his army going until he reached the Snow Tower. They defeated the garrison and set up camp around it to plan their next move.
Meanwhile, the Icevalian army had finally managed to gather a small force, and they went to fight the Kowajins, recruiting some orc tribes as they went. The army met and fought Kajitsurida in the tundra, and the battle was fierce. The Kowaijin troops weren't used to fighting in the uneven terrain of the tundras, especially in such a cold. However, the Icevalian forces were ravaged by the spells of the Okarokku sorcerers Kajitsurida hired.
In the end, thanks to some luck and tactics, the Kowaijin won the battle and went on to attack some smaller villages before heading over to Little Windshire and laying siege to the city. This proved beneficial, as one of Kajitsurida's generals who stayed back home came in with an even bigger army and supplies to relieve the tired Kowajin forces. After a month-long siege, the Kowaijins attacked the city and took it after a long battle.
It was around this moment that a harsh winter came. With the Kowaijins struggling with food, cold, and disease, they decided to leave and call it a day, retreating to some of their acquisitions closer to the border. The Icevalian army pursued them and even pushed them out of the Baleful Mountains. With Icevale not wanting to push further, and Kajitsurida in no shape to attack again, they made peace, with the Kowaijins getting two villages on their side of the mountains, and Icevale forcing them to repay for some of the damage.
Only trust someone if you poked them with a silver knife
Is a common idiom in Icevale. It comes from the fact that Icevalians often meet various spirits and shape-shifters. Silver is believed to burn them, with many local myths explaining why. This created a massive trade around silver, and people selling fake silver objects are punished almost as hard, if not harder, as those selling fake coins.
The Frostguard
The place the Frostguard has in the duchy of Icevale is very strange and prone to change. While their current role is clear, protecting the few remaining trade routes between Icevale and the Sakura Dynasty, it isn't always the case. After the Savage War, the Frostguard became a group of mercenaries hired to get rid of monsters, and despite their high prices, they were often used. After the Days of the Crimson Snows, they took a part-time job as honor guard to replace the Ice Shields.
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