Liberation of the North

"I'm not even kidding, the Battle of Brotos happened right over that cluster of hills. You can still see the blasted rocks and huge craters from the fight. Nothing else left really, all that was picked clean after the liberation. Still most locals avoid the place. Bad luck to dwell on it. Anyway, my grandmother fought there. Didn't talk much about it, but she often said nothing was as scary as Brotos, and then shudder. Had a good number of scars from those days. But she was a sweet kind woman, hard to imagine her doing battle with the Dark Terror."

- Mikel Goldbane

Six Truths of the Legend

• 50 Years after the cataclysm six noble houses and several retainers left Theos city to liberate the lands to the north.
• Of the six noble houses that left Theos, only two survived, Tarna and Majus.
• House Tarna became the leading house of the group thanks to heroics and leadership by Dame Belil Tarna.
• It is said that the enemy forces called themselves the Dark Terror, and contained corrupted humans and giants.
• Chaotic forces were lead by a Chimera called Brotos, who was intelligent and magical.
• Many place and family names in Tarna are inspired by the events from this time.

Summary

Fifty years after the cataclysm, a group of six noble houses of the Empire of Theos left Theos city to head north. Rumors had spread of a group of chaotic raiders from the area around the Rift. They were organized, violent and lead by a terrible creature. The six houses promised to free the lands of the north in the name of the Emperor, and in doing so create a duchy. The Emperor approved and the group set out.
Along the way, they faced many dangers and became more battle hardened. Most of the noble houses were human: Tarna, Majus, Amator and Rullus. An elven house, Euenor and dwarven house Ironguard were on hand to battle the darkness. Eventually six battles were fought over the span of two years.
The first was the Battle at Gorgo's Crossing. It was a clear victory for the Theosian forces, as they crushed the enemy blockade at the a ford on what became the Tarna River. The eleven hero Megara Gorgo gave her life to break the defensive wall at the ford. The bridge that was built there is named after her.
The second battle was called the Burning Field. Theosian forces managed another victory, lead by Erkan Amator a brave but vain man. It is said he was doing his best to force House Tarna into a dangerous position to get them wiped out. Dame Belil Tarna was forced to retreat from the battle, but managed to preserve most of her forces. Amator used her retreat as a point of contention to her competence and bravery.
The next battle was the largest yet, with four of the great houses and three retainer groups attempting to drive back a horde of ogres and the first appearance of Brotos, the dreaded Chimera. Legend says that the Shatterstone Canyon was created during that battle and than many ogres plummeted to their doom at the bottom. It is why the battle is known as Ogrefall. Erkan Amator and many of his kinfolk were slain by Brotos on that day. Many of the Amator family blame House Tarna for Erkan's death. Ogrefall was another victory for the Theosian's but a costly one.
After this Belil Tarna paused the conquest to build fortifications, specifically in the Bulwark mountain range and Fort Majus in the middle of what would become the Lands of Tarna. Eventually the Dark Terror forced a battle by constantly harassing and raiding the armies. This battle happened at the edge of the Everwood. It is said House Euenor was curious about the woods, and the enemy used this as a lure. Many of house Euenor was destroyed that day, with their leader Epistor killed by the great Chimera. That battlefield become the Skullmire Marsh , and the river within called Elfbane.
After the destruction of a vast portion of the elven contingent, the remaining leaders decided to strike hard and quickly at the Dark Terror. The chaotic army was moving south toward the Tevich mountains. The liberation army struck hard at the flank of the enemy, and for a time it looked like a hard won victory would emerge. But this fifth battle became known as the Feast of Chaos. Brotos and his minions did great damage that day. Heroes like the valiant cleric Felicia Angelis and the fearless dwarven warrior Belyn Cragblade were slain. Lord Majus destroyed the right flank of the enemy and allowed Tarna and Ironguard to retreat, but the losses were heavy.
Sensing the Liberation Army's weakness, Brotos counter attacked. This final battle took place not far from the location of Fort Redsong. The day was bloody, and House Rullus and House Ironguard lost their leaders to the chaotic army. But Belil Tarna rallied the remaining forces and battled her way to face down Brotos itself. Fearless, she struck down the great enemy, and with its fearsome presence removed, his army scattered in panic. Many of the forces of Chaos were destroyed in that battle. Those that survived were weakened and leaderless. This final battle is referred to as The Liberation or Battle of Brotos, depending on who you talk to.
Word of the victory spread quickly, even back to Theos. The Emperor sent a delegation to congratulate the heroes and officially recognize the Duchy in the name of House Tarna.

Historical Basis

Many of the events are based on historical record. The battlefields and damage to the land is still visible. But enough time has passed that few remember all the details, especially since many of the elves who served in the liberation army were killed during the Elfbane Battle.

Spread

Most of the embellishments come from the deeds of arms claimed by certain families and other parties. But also the abilities of Brotos and his minions seems to only get more and more impressive - so that the heroics against them is even more amazing. Because of this, some have speculated that Belil Tarna may have been Red Talon reborn.
In some areas where the Tarna family still holds sway, the Red Talon rumors are encouraged. It is even implied that the Tarna bloodline may be sacred, and perhaps another vessel of the great goddess will be blessed on the family. But most folk believe this is nonsense.
Those of house Amator love to play up the rivalry between their house and House Tarna. Even going so far as imply outright deceit and betrayal on the part of House Tarna, leading to the death of the heroic Erkan Amator.
The Dawntraveler has maintained a relationship with House Majus, who they served during the war. But with the ascension of the Dawntraveler to power, House Majus has tried to lessen the relevance of the Dawntraveler family during the Liberation. Some go as far as implying the only reason Sir Brego Dawntraveler survived the war was because he hid for the bulk of it, and was the first to flee during the "Feast of Chaos".

Cultural Reception

Most folk who were born in the Duchy of Tarna know the story and even where local spots connected to the war are. They look at the whole thing as a point of pride and honor. Many with connections to the great Houses or the retainer families involved in the war delcare it proudly.
Most of the battlefields are considered bad luck to linger too long in. Most are considered haunted or cursed in some way. The worst is Skullmire Marsh and Elfbane river. Undead have been seen in that area. Only a few fools dare enter it.
Communities in Casteel and Spring Blossom are attempting to look at the future of the duchy instead of the past. While they are connected in some ways to the war of liberation, they are more focused on trade and life now in this Age of Chaos.