Grand Duchy of Sochvalar
The Grand Duchy of Sochvalar, until recently a regular duchy, was one of the most effective allies of Kingdom of Mäzgyrazrfold during the Blazennian Civil War. Sochvalar, along with Fluencia, conquered Lyronia, while preventing Sofmargand from coming to the aid of Emberkeep duing the Battle of Emberkeep. Thus, they were granted half of Lyrona as well as key border regions of Sofmargand, giving them control of the important river [tbd]. Sochavalar also maintained its seat on the Imperial Council, which it has held since 1246 SC.
History
Sochvalar was founded in 1217 after the dissolution of South Fraspika at the battle of Contar. Before this point the region was known as the Count of the Blue Mountains, or Bluemontera in Fraspikan. The new duchy was founded by the Tuvoren family, who didn't want to bear a foreign name anymore, so they renamed the duchy after the two historical Blazennian tribal confederations in the region, the Sochas and Valaric. Though no longer ruled over by the Carlois, Sochvalar remained a participating member of the Blazennian Confederation throughout its existance, and therefore joined the Blazennian Empire. Although no longer sovereign, Sochvalar was in an interesting position in the new Empire. As one of the orignal founders of the Empire, Sochvalar was unique in that it was not only a Blazennian-run nation, but that it was also not tribal pre-foundation. Thus, the Tuvoren dynasty managed to command a sizable amount of influence representing these citizens, though not enough to be given the title of Landgrave, this following Rhionion, Varimar I's own state. During the various councilary reorganizations, Sochvalar always managed to keep its seat due to its status as an original duchy, which was respected nearly as much as a Landgraviate.
Jealous over the percieved slight of being passed over for the Landgraviate title and resentful over their control over the [tbd] river, a key shipping route, Sochvalar became rivals with the Landgraviate of Sofmargand, inheritor of Rhionion's title after Rhionion split following Varimar's heirless death (Rhinfeldt, the other Rhionion successor state, didn't suffer this same ire due to their lakc of titles and riverine control). Sochvalar and Sofmargand's constant skirmishes for control over the river earned Sochvalar the nickname Duchy of the Bloody Mountains, and it was often known as this to its rivals. Still, they remained a wealthy and powerful state throughout the first four and a half centuries of Blazennia's existence.
Sochvalar's importance began to decline with the colonial boom on Ifyrial in the 1700s. As a landlocked country they had little ability to manage any sort of colonial investments, although their timber supplies were often shipped downstream (after paying tariffs) to more prolific colonizers like Fluencia. During this period, Sochvalar entered into a close frienship with Fluencia and elevated their rivalry with Sofmargand over the river. Sofmargand would counter by allying the County of Lyrona, a small nation once part of Linoren, but long since independent, and occupying key riverland between Fluencia and Sochvalar. After the death of Eberhald I Lumiäire, the Soldier King of Emberkeep (and one of the greatest rulers Blazennia had ever seen), this friendship with Fluencia was key to the election of Lionel I Tuvoren. He ruled from 1816 to 1844, and is best known for his neutrality in colonial affairs, which allowed the various constituents to decide their own colonial policy, among other things. While this kept conflict limited, It also allowed some of the more powerful coastal states the ability to dominate colonization efforts. The 20 year reign of Eberhald followed by the 30 year reign of Lionel meant that the 1800s were a prosperous time for Blazennia. Although Lionel is to date the only Sochvalar Emperor, Sochvalar has often used his peaceful reign to advance their claim, though with little success thus far considering their otherwise violent past.
The election of Alezar VIII Lumiäire in 1956 meant that Sochvalar had once more been passed up for emperorship. Sochvalar felt that the other major nations had all gotten a chance to rule during the Time of Troubles and failed, so why shouldn't they? Nonetheless, they were overruled. Moreover, despite performing well, Sochvalar didn't recieve any territorial gains from the Dennonian Wars due to their lack of "extra nobility and heirs" to whom most of the lands were granted. Thus, they were eager allies of Mäzgyrazrfold during the civil war. Their support became even more enthusiastic when Sofmargand joined the war on the side of Emberkeep. Sochvalar's forces participated in four major battles, as well as several skirmishes, securing the west for the usurpers. For their aid, Sochvalar recieved all Sofmargani land east of the river, as well as the upper half of Lyrona. Although this region was also claimed by Linoren (through historical claims), it was granted to Sochvalar and Fluencia instead. Sochvalar was also elevated to a Grand Duchy, alongside Bahran and above the Landgrave position they once coveted. These moves assured Sochvalar's loyalty in the short term, but they still desire the Imperial Crown, and would care little for the fall of Mäzgyrazrfold, since their new lands are very defensible.
Jealous over the percieved slight of being passed over for the Landgraviate title and resentful over their control over the [tbd] river, a key shipping route, Sochvalar became rivals with the Landgraviate of Sofmargand, inheritor of Rhionion's title after Rhionion split following Varimar's heirless death (Rhinfeldt, the other Rhionion successor state, didn't suffer this same ire due to their lakc of titles and riverine control). Sochvalar and Sofmargand's constant skirmishes for control over the river earned Sochvalar the nickname Duchy of the Bloody Mountains, and it was often known as this to its rivals. Still, they remained a wealthy and powerful state throughout the first four and a half centuries of Blazennia's existence.
Sochvalar's importance began to decline with the colonial boom on Ifyrial in the 1700s. As a landlocked country they had little ability to manage any sort of colonial investments, although their timber supplies were often shipped downstream (after paying tariffs) to more prolific colonizers like Fluencia. During this period, Sochvalar entered into a close frienship with Fluencia and elevated their rivalry with Sofmargand over the river. Sofmargand would counter by allying the County of Lyrona, a small nation once part of Linoren, but long since independent, and occupying key riverland between Fluencia and Sochvalar. After the death of Eberhald I Lumiäire, the Soldier King of Emberkeep (and one of the greatest rulers Blazennia had ever seen), this friendship with Fluencia was key to the election of Lionel I Tuvoren. He ruled from 1816 to 1844, and is best known for his neutrality in colonial affairs, which allowed the various constituents to decide their own colonial policy, among other things. While this kept conflict limited, It also allowed some of the more powerful coastal states the ability to dominate colonization efforts. The 20 year reign of Eberhald followed by the 30 year reign of Lionel meant that the 1800s were a prosperous time for Blazennia. Although Lionel is to date the only Sochvalar Emperor, Sochvalar has often used his peaceful reign to advance their claim, though with little success thus far considering their otherwise violent past.
The election of Alezar VIII Lumiäire in 1956 meant that Sochvalar had once more been passed up for emperorship. Sochvalar felt that the other major nations had all gotten a chance to rule during the Time of Troubles and failed, so why shouldn't they? Nonetheless, they were overruled. Moreover, despite performing well, Sochvalar didn't recieve any territorial gains from the Dennonian Wars due to their lack of "extra nobility and heirs" to whom most of the lands were granted. Thus, they were eager allies of Mäzgyrazrfold during the civil war. Their support became even more enthusiastic when Sofmargand joined the war on the side of Emberkeep. Sochvalar's forces participated in four major battles, as well as several skirmishes, securing the west for the usurpers. For their aid, Sochvalar recieved all Sofmargani land east of the river, as well as the upper half of Lyrona. Although this region was also claimed by Linoren (through historical claims), it was granted to Sochvalar and Fluencia instead. Sochvalar was also elevated to a Grand Duchy, alongside Bahran and above the Landgrave position they once coveted. These moves assured Sochvalar's loyalty in the short term, but they still desire the Imperial Crown, and would care little for the fall of Mäzgyrazrfold, since their new lands are very defensible.
Founding Date
1217
Alternative Names
Duchy of the Blue Mountains, Duchy of the Bloody Mountains
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Sochvalar
Leader Title
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
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