Markia and Lavonia's Split

The Kingdom of Markia was founded 2307 TA, when a group of seafaring merchants and adventurers established a small settlement on the coast of a vast and untamed land. These settlers were driven by a desire to trade with wealthy kingdoms across the sea, and they quickly established a bustling center of commerce. Over time, the settlement grew into a city, and the city became a kingdom. The Kingdom of Markia was ruled by a council of merchants and nobles led by a royal merchant family, who worked together to defend the city against raiders, monsters, and invaders and to build the infrastructure needed to support a growing population. The kingdom prospered, and soon it was one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in the region, renowned for its culture, and its military might.
In 2357 TA, King Aric of Markia, the beloved ruler of the Kingdom of Markia, passed away peacefully in his sleep. He had ruled the kingdom for many years, and his death was mourned by the entire city. King Aric was succeeded by his son, Prince Julian, who was crowned as the new King of Markia. At first, many Markians were unsure about their new king. Prince Julian was still young, and he had little experience in the ways of ruling a kingdom. However, King Julian quickly proved himself to be a capable and competent ruler. He worked tirelessly to address the challenges facing the kingdom, from a shortage of food and resources to the threat of raiders and goblinoids.
King Julian also made several reforms to the government of Markia, aimed at making the kingdom fairer and just for all its citizens. He reduced taxes on the poor, provided better housing and food for the working class, and improved the lives of the kingdom's soldiers and artisans. These reforms won King Julian the support of the people, and he soon became one of the most popular rulers in the history of the kingdom.
The Marked Decline
King Julian of Markia passed away suddenly, leaving behind a kingdom in mourning. He was succeeded by his son, Prince Alexander, who was crowned as the new King of Markia in 2423 TA However, King Alexander's rule was not as popular as his father's. He made a series of controversial decisions, including signing a tariff agreement with the nobles of the kingdom that placed heavy taxes on the merchants and the lower class in 2428 TA. This new policy hurt the profits of the merchants and the standard of living of the lower class, causing widespread discontent throughout the city.
The Markian merchants, who were once the backbone of the kingdom's economy, were furious about the new tariffs. They saw it as a direct attack on their livelihood and their way of life, and they staged several protests and demonstrations in the city's main square. The lower class, who were already struggling to make ends meet, were also deeply affected by the new policy, and many of them fell into poverty.
Despite the widespread opposition, King Alexander refused to reconsider his decision, and he cracked down on the protests with the support of the nobles. The kingdom was plunged into a period of unrest and political turmoil, as the merchants and the lower class continued to fight against the new tariff. In time, many minor noble families spoke out against the tariffs as well.
Revolution
A revolution broke out in the Kingdom of Markia in 2429 TA, as the lower class, tired of being oppressed and exploited by the noble and merchant families, rose up against their oppressors. The revolution was sparked by a series of economic hardships, including high taxes and food shortages, that hit the lower class the hardest. At first, the revolution was peaceful, as the lower class gathered in the city's main square to protest against their oppressors. However, as the days went by, the protests turned violent, and the lower class began to attack the homes and businesses of the noble and merchant families. The nobles and merchants, in turn, called for the king's army to restore order, and the kingdom was soon plunged into a civil conflict.
The lower class, armed with only makeshift weapons and their determination, fought bravely against the king's army and the nobles' private guards. However, they were vastly outnumbered and outgunned, and the war took a heavy toll on the city. Buildings were burned to the ground, families were torn apart, and the streets were filled with the wounded and the dead.
The revolution in Markia was led by a charismatic and inspiring leader, who rallied the lower class and fought against the oppressive nobles. However, in the heat of battle, the rebel leader was killed, leaving the lower class without a clear leader or direction in 2430 TA. In the aftermath of the leader's death, the lower class was left in disarray, and many were ready to give up the fight against the nobles. However, one young woman, the daughter of the rebel leader and future queen to the Kingdom of Lavonia, stepped forward and vowed to continue her father's work. Despite her youth and inexperience, she was a natural leader and soon gained the respect and loyalty of the lower class.
Under the young woman's leadership, the lower class regrouped and continued the fight against the noble family's forces. She was determined to see her father's vision of a fair and just society realized, and she led her followers in a series of daring raids and attacks on the nobles' strongholds. Her bravery and cunning earned her the nickname "The Shadow of Markia," and she became a legendary figure in the kingdom's history.
As the war raged on, the young woman proved to be a formidable opponent on the battlefield and brought many merchants families to the cause. The nobles were soon on the defensive. Despite the odds against her, she refused to give up, and she pushed the fight until the noble families were forced to negotiate a peace treaty with the lower class.
The Split
In 2432 TA, the peace treaty known as the "The Golden Split" was signed between the lower class, the nobles, and the merchants of the Kingdom of Markia after a long and bloody revolution. The treaty was a diplomatic effort to end the violence and establish a new social order in the kingdom. Under the terms of the treaty, merchant families and noble houses that aided the lower class in the attempted revolution were exiled from the Kingdom of Markia. However, they were allowed to establish a new kingdom to the north, free from any aggressions from Markia.
The peace treaty also established a military post known as Dunbrook, which would fall under the joint command of both kingdoms. This post was created to ensure the safety of both kingdoms and to maintain peace and stability in the region through partnership.
"The Golden Split" treaty was somewhat amicable, as both sides realized that further conflict would only lead to more death and destruction. The nobles and merchants were eager to end the war and restore order to the kingdom, while the lower class was satisfied with the peace and the new social order that had been established.
In 2435 TA, the Kingdom of Lavonia was founded to the north of the Kingdom of Markia. At first, Lavonia was dependent on much of the exiled families and houses for resources and support, but over time the kingdom grew in strength and prosperity. The leaders of Lavonia were determined to build a kingdom that was independent and self-sufficient, and they worked tirelessly to establish strong economic, political, and temperate military ties with neighboring kingdoms.
Lavonia quickly became known for its rich natural resources, its skilled craftsmen, and its strong army. The kingdom established trade routes with Markia and other cities, and its economy flourished as a result. The leaders of Lavonia also made sure to establish a strong legal system and to protect the rights of all citizens, which helped to secure the kingdom's place as a major power in the region.
As Lavonia grew stronger, it became fully independent of Markia and established itself as a powerful kingdom in its own right. The Kingdom of Lavonia and the Kingdom of Markia maintained a close relationship despite their past, with regular diplomatic exchanges and joint military operations to seal old wounds, but Lavonia was free to pursue its own interests and goals, free from the influence of Markia.
The Blooded Hour
A turning point in the diplomatic peace between the Kingdom of Markia and the Kingdom of Lavonia occurred when the majority of the ruling royal family of Markia was assassinated within a one-hour time period in the year 2476 TA. The assassination caused tensions to flare up between the two kingdoms, as Markia accused Lavonia of involvement in the attack. Lavonia, however, denied any involvement in the assassination, and tensions continued to rise as both kingdoms began to suspect each other. While there was no formal declaration of war, scholars point to the assassinations as the turning point as military campaigns continue to take place between the lands. To this day, no reputable evidence has been brought up from either side. The assassination had major ramifications on the business relationship between the two kingdoms, as official trade and commerce came to a halt. The merchants and merchants' guilds, who relied on trade between the two kingdoms for their livelihood, were particularly hard hit. The loss of trade and commerce caused widespread poverty and hardship among the people, and many began to call for a resolution to the conflict.
Despite efforts from both sides to resolve the tensions and stop military actions between the two, the relationship between the two kingdoms continued to deteriorate. The assassination of the majority of the ruling royal family had created a deep divide between the two kingdoms, and it seemed as though peace would never be fully restored.
In 2481 TA, a failed assassination attempt on the Queen of Lavonia was a final turning point in the conflict between the Kingdom of Markia and the Kingdom of Lavonia. The assassin was captured but killed themselves before questioning could take place. The conflict and manuvering between the two kingdoms escalated and the once-strong alliance between the two kingdoms was shattered forever. Small scale conflicts and military exercises continue to this day as both sides press against each other's perceived borders without a full decliration of war.
The joint military post at Dunbrook to the north remain steadfast in their mission though, both sides still upholding their main task of protecting the region from the hobgoblin forces in The Burnt Peaks. However, war in the homelands have become a powder keg ready to erupt, and it became clear that a potential divide between the two forces in Dunbrook are at an all-time high. Many generals on both sides whisper of a coup to come soon where they will kick their partner forces out of the city and take it over. This would only cripple the defenses in the northern portion of the region as hotter heads continue to beat the drums of war. If the hobgoblin forces discover the fissure between the two forces, it would be too easy for a united front to wipe out the garrison.
Despite efforts from both sides to resolve the conflict, the relationship between the two kingdoms continue to bloody and deteriorate. The failed assassination attempt had only served to increase suspicions and mistrust. The once-strong alliance between the two kingdoms is shattered, and it appears as though the conflict is but a light of a match to kick off the powder keg of a full scale war in the region between both sides.

Conflict Type

War

Start Date

2432 TA 30 Firewane