Armaviria
Structure
History
The Rhovenian Empire – strong for hundreds of years and covering nearly the entirety of central Lanithea – began to decline in the sixth century LR. A series of weak kings could not calm the strife growing between conflicting churches, a growing merchant class, and its own nobility. Outlying cities began the rebellion, with the Rhovenian armies trying to maintain order. A revolt in the empire's capitol, Maralisk, led to many armies being called back to the west and general disruption of communications.
Lisburn declared itself free of Maralisk in 629 LR. An exceptionally popular local general, Armavir, led a series of offensives to push the remaining Rhovenian armies out of the area. After his liberation of Portsmouth, the interim government in Lisburn appointed him king. Word did not reach Armavir’s army in time, however; they continued pushing west, eventually finding themselves pinned in the town of Maitland. Armavir quickly realized his fate, and led a regiment into the Rhovenian encampment to allow the bulk of the army to retreat. Further upheaval near Maralisk kept the Rhovenian armies from pursuing the escapees. Upon the army’s return to Lisburn in 636 LR, a new ruler was elected. This monarch, Davius, named his new kingdom Armaviria for the fallen general.
Over subsequent years, Armaviria extended its boundaries to the southern and eastern coasts, as well as to the Thurnwald Mountains in the north. The western border was established at the rough middle of the Oldblood Forest, with Earlsferry and Portsmouth belonging to Armaviria. This border has been upheld in various treaties, although recent actions hint at Lisburn starting to push west again. Blackthorne Vale was absorbed in 770 LR.
Between 878 and 901 LR, Armaviria warred with Barisan over control of Stockport. The city had remained under Barisan’s rule despite Armavirian expansionism. Negotiations to acquire Stockport were attempted, straining diplomatic relations until open war was declared by Lisburn. After a handful of sorties on Barisian territory, control of Stockport was relinquished to Armaviria and peace re-established.
