Duchy of Lynnmore

The Archduchy of Lynnmore (traditionally, the Duchy of Lynnmore) was a feudal state led by the House of Rhodes. The estates making up the territory were divided between the House of Rhodes and lesser noble houses including Oakes, Chaldecott, and Courtland.

The banner of the duchy was quarterly azure in the first quarter with an argent griffin, in the second quarter a counter-ermine field with an argent bend and owl, in the third quarter a field of vert and gules pale with a reversed argent eagle charge, in the fourth quarter tierced in pale Or, argent, and gules with a griffin argent, emblazoned azure a chevron argent, emblazoned azure the Isidoran sun and moon argent, achievement crest a duke's crown.

Origin
The nomad clan known as the Bophanites followed a path of migration through a mountain range called Kutnubad by the dwarves who formerly dwelt there. The clan was formed from humans and non-humans living in the caves throughout the area, hunting and foraging in the waterways and vegetation. When the dwarves arrived from the Golden Hills and made Kutnubad the seat of their kingdom of Khuzdurin, the Bophanites kept to themselves in caverns and hunting grounds separate from the mountain fortresses of the dwarves and the conflicts of the wider world.

The Bophanites' isolationism made the collapse of the dwarven kingdom of Khuzdurin a surprise. The great halls of Beþenk-dum were discovered to have fallen silent, and the forges and mines were abandoned. The young chieftain of the Bophanites, Rodos, led the first exploration of the abandoned city. In this quest, it is said that he was visited by the angel Isidor, a servant of Theios.

In the presence of the Bophanites, it is said that Isidor revealed he was known as the god Attinstainz by the dwarves, considered by them to be their patron god of the earth and the forge. In the testament given to Rodos, Isidor is said to have revealed his true role as Theios' angel of civilization. The other aspects of the first testament said to have been given to Rodos formed the foundation of the Isidoran faith. At the end of these revelations, Rodos led the Bophanites south in a twelve day march to a fertile land where the mountains met the plains along a great inland lake, claiming the migration was required by divine mandate.

In this new land, Rodos claimed he had been visited and instructed to form the great natural pillars of marble that were distributed on the mountaintops into a great monument to Theios and to settle the valley along the lake. The Bophanites abandoned their nomadic origin to settle this land and constructed the grand marble Dodecan Hall, the seat of Rodos and Isidor's greatest followers, the Council of Twelve, and the First Temple of Isidor, a great monument to the first testament. The mountain upon which these monuments were built came to be known as Isidor's Ridge.

It is said that in Isidor's third appearance to Rodos, the Bophanites were entrusted the role of guardians of the Kutnubad, now known as the Bophan Mountains. Dominion over the former kingdom of Khuzdurin was said to be granted, with Rodos named the first duke of what is now known as the Duchy of Lynnmore.

War for Sovereignty
The Empire of Theios-Essukdal declared war on the Duchy of Lynnmore in what they refer to as the War for Restoration of the Duchy of Lynnmore due to their traditional claim of the borderland area they refer to as Haz-Arkano, meaning "Garden of Chaos".

The combined force from Theios-Essukdal consisted of their armed force, the Order of Seahawks, the Sentinel Order, and layman volunteer troops, and outnumbered the defenders. The force of the Duchy of Lynnmore consisted of the knights of the realm, their retinue of yeomen, and peasant infantry. The Theios-Essukdal detachment suffered heavy losses in the battle, and the knights and footmen of the Duchy of Lynnmore suffered one casualty, Sir Chester C. Chaldecott of the House of Chaldecott.

While the main forces were engaged in pitched battle at Fort Oakcrest, one or more infiltrators from Theios-Essukdal bypassed the field of battle via invisibility magic to sabotage the fortifications and supplies. With the defenses compromised and the siege now untenable, the decision was made to lay down arms.

The terms of the Treaty at Oakcrest are listed below:


 * The city shall henceforth be called Oakmarch (This would later be reversed)
 * Theodore Rhodes is named Free Count of Haz-Arkano
 * The people of the land must submit themselves to the Theiosist Canon and the Ecumenical Patriarch
 * The land shall be integrated into Theios-Essukdal, and in addition to the written word of the constitution, follow the orders of the Ningal

Battle of Anosphiae
The citizens of Anosphiae sent word across the land of Theios-Essukdal that otherworldly invaders had arrived. Three knights of the realm were dispatched to subdue the invaders, the forces of Entropy. After rendering aid to the soldiers of Anosphiae and the empire, the knights of the realm were rewarded with a selection of the arms and armor of the invaders, which were then displayed in the grand library of the House of Oakes.

Dispute with the Ecumenical Patriarchate
To be in compliance with the treaty, the House of Oakes drafted and had delivered a petition to receive the Theiosist Canon from the Patriarchate, seen below: I have read the Words of the Treaty at Oakmarch, and ascertained the Duty incumbent on the men of our land hitherto unfulfilled to be the submission to the Canon of Theios, whereby we may come into Communion with the Church of our Forebears.

''We shall be amenable to a joining of our grand Congregations for the betterment of Justice, Peace, and true Religion. However, having received naught from the Patriarchate, we must demand thee to render, to whom thou callest the esteemed Count, Theodore Rhodes, the Body of Work representing this Canon, lest the Treaty be unsatisfied.''

For without the Canon, that is to say, the Rules of Life which thy congregation observes, with which we can see and be satisfied with divine gift of Reason that it be the true Law throughout all dominions of our faith, both Natural and Civil, one must needs conclude the Object of the Patriarchate be to hold Sovereignty within all Sovereignties under the Threat of withholding the Grace of our shared God.

Mayest thou walk always in Isidor's Light,

Count Eleanor II The reply received from the Ecumenical Patriarchate was received via letter:"Due to the appalling statements of Count Theodore of Haz-Arkano directed towards myself and Patriarch Lunkin, as well as the unacceptable attempt at threatening the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Theiotokos into giving them their requested Holy Texts at the threat of rebellion, I have personally burned their petition and give them this ultimatum. They will recant their blasphemy and insults against myself and the Patriarchate as a whole, apologize for such things, and they will retrieve the Holy Texts from me personally as soon as possible, or I will send the Inquisition as well as any other willing faithful Servants of Theios on a crusade to burn down the pitiful settlements of these blasphemers as penance for their horrendous, insulting, and absolutely inappropriate display towards myself, Patriarch Lunkin, the faith, and Theios Himself. Although I am greatly offended by their actions, I still offer them this opportunity to retrieve their Holy Texts and to peacefully apologize, as all people should be given the chance to follow the Holy Path of Salvation our Lord set out for us, and just as our Lord is merciful so should I be forgiving of their actions if they sincerely seek forgiveness."Upon receipt of the reply, it was assumed by the House of Oakes and the legal scholars of Tarnwick that the content of the petition had been misinterpreted due to the dialect barrier or modified before reaching the recipient, leading to a serious diplomatic incident.

Battle of New Dorasterock
While Yimmu-Audal refused to directly participate in the Third Coalition War against Bardonia and its allies and disavowed the conflict, the traditional standing army, peasant volunteers, and the forces of Lynnmore were permitted to fight in the war under the banner of Lynnmore. Knights of Lynnmore ventured beyond the city once the siege was won and faced the forces of the Hands. Under Sir Courtland, the knights defeated a small group of their soldiers. The war ended soon after, and Yimmu-Audal claimed responsibility for the intervention only after the battle, a political move which was not met with approval by some nobles and knights of Lynnmore.

Annexation of Revanne and the Edict of Forbiddance
The territory east of Lynnmore's traditional lands was annexed. This included the land east of the Bophan mountains to the sea, encompassing the land known then as Revanov. This was named the County of Revanne, and the title awarded to the traditional ruling family of the town of Marletto.

With the mounting social pressures of the newly-absorbed territory, trade and communication with outsiders, and some foreigners joining the peasantry, the Edict of Forbiddance was penned by Count Eleanor II Oakes and signed by the nobility, enforcing the religion and customs of the of the dukedom across the land.

 By the Grace of our God, for the Health of our Souls, in the Memory of our Ancestors, and in the Interest of our Heirs, Lynnmore issueth a ducal Decree, this Edict of Forbiddance: 

'' First, to ducal Subjects: speakest thou our common Language of Bophan in Worship, Commerce, and all Matters Civil. An Exception is made for scholarly Work, and in Speech to those Foreign to Lynnmore. ''

'' Second, to Landowners of the Nobility: thou wilt raise Knights for the Defense of the Realm, or oblige oneself to paying the Fee of Scutage, in Proportion to those in thy Demesne, for which Free Tenants of the cities of the Dwarves account only Partially. ''

'' Third, to All of the Realm: the Church of the Saints of the Sun and Moon shall be unimpeded in upholding the Faith. None shall partake in foreign ceremonies. The Nobility, to Whom our God granteth Sovereignty, shall not bear a Title without submission to His Grace. ''

'' Any of the Nobility who oppose this Edict of Forbiddance shall issue a Challenge, answerable by a chosen Champion of Lynnmore. The Challenger shall be entitled to produce a Champion in turn. ''

Construction of the Cathedral at Kierkewick
A grand cathedral was constructed at Kierkewick by the Vitruvi family. This land was granted directly to the church, the first and only incidence of allowing land to pass to one other than a member of the nobility. This was poorly received by followers of the Soleannen faith, who claimed the land was of significance to the religion, but no religious sites were present on the land at the time of the cathedral's construction, nor were any adherents of the Soleannen faith living in the area.

The Knights' Quest, Return, and Ascension
Many nobles of Lynnmore departed on a mission, taking with them horses, arms, supplies, and a retinue of knights, prompting confusion from some in the nobility and the peasantry, for their ultimate mission was not explained before their departure. Duchess Ardamine Rhodes, Count Eleanor II Oakes of Ebenmire, Sir Charles C. Chaldecott, Sir Alistair Aynes, the dwarven leader of Vudhaz-mun, and Grandmaster Clay O'Donnell of the Servants of Ciantha were included in their number. Left behind were Count Andrea Vitruvi of Caerham and Yeoman Norville Rogers, who were appointed the Stewards of Lynnmore in the other nobles' absence.

After several months, they returned, clearly worse for wear and visibly having undertaken a great journey, also escorting a great veiled ark via carriage. From their number, Grandmaster Clay O'Donnell and the dwarf were missing. Upon arrival at the castle, the duchess issued a ducal decree to instate a curfew, violation of which would be punishable by death, and to dissolve the title of steward. Under the supervision of the Isidoran Church, the tenants of Lynnmore, Newbury, New Robanton, and Kierkewick were instructed to remain within the city and their homes during a weeklong Period of Vigilance. Travel into and out of the cities and the duchy were restricted.

After a week, blood began to rain from the sky, and after a time, there was a violent explosion from Fort Oakcrest in Lynnmore. The castle had been levelled, and the resulting shockwave collapsed several buildings in the city around the epicenter of the blast. The landscape and the remaining buildings and rubble had been fundamentally transformed, visibly tainted by some supernatural corruption. Prominent nobles, clergy, and peasantry who were known to be devout followers of Isidoranism had vanished, not to be seen again. Among those left behind, rumors spread that a ceremony had taken place in the castle, but of course, there was no way to confirm this. It is still unknown precisely what happened, but the cataclysm that wracked the capital permanently transformed the landscape and left a political vacuum in the land, leaving none with a true claim to the dukedom or the church.

The Noble Houses
As the city-state developed over time, the distinguished families were granted titles, land, and responsibilities by the House of Rhodes.

Rhodes
The House of Rhodes formed the foundation of the nobility. Tracing its roots to Rodos himself, the family was the largest landowner in the region and had passed down the title of Duke of Lynnmore for generations. The coat of arms of the House of Rhodes was an azure field with an argent griffin displayed.

Oakes
The House of Oakes traced its lineage to Alienor Oakes, given the title of count by Rodos himself. On their land, the House of Oakes had commissioned the Royal Library and the Cathedral of the Third Revelation, granting the latter to the church. The House of Oakes coat of arms was a counter-ermine field with an argent bend and owl.

Chaldecott
The House of Chaldecott was established by Duke Theodore Rhodes' appointment of the late Sir Chester Chaldecott to the rank of knight for exemplary service as constable of the realm. The last heir to the House of Chaldecott was Sir Charles Chaldecott. The House of Chaldecott coat of arms was a derivative of the Rhodes arms, barry azure and argent with an argent lion head emblazon.

Courtland
The House of Courtland was established when the current and only member, Sir Courtland, was knighted by Eleanor II Oakes, the head of the House of Oakes, for unparalleled swordsmanship and loyalty in defense of the realm. The Courtland estate existed as a parcel adjacent to the Oakes estate. In recognition of the patriarch of the house's foreign birth, the house's coat of arms was a sable field with a pale brunatre and a sable crab.

Vitruvi
Hailing from foreign lands originally, the head of the Vitruvi family was given the title of baron in recognition of his architectural service to the realm. Since that time, they were additionally awarded the title of Count of Caerham. The last head of the family, Count Andrea Vitruvi, resided in the estate within the citadel town of Newbury near the southern border. He also published many architectural treatises which were published and circulated within and without the realm.

Marletto
The ancestral rulers of the city of Marleton, the Marletto family retained its claim over the city and was additionally granted the title of Count of Revanne.

Religion
The Isidoran faith differed from traditional Theiosism. The old dwarven gods were reflected in the Isidoran faith as angels and saints, as well as the gods and saints of the Soleannen faith. The Isidoran interpretation was therefore a syncretic faith between Theiosism, Soleannenism, and Tossanism.

Isidorans viewed their faith as one now split and independent from the Ecumenical Patriarch in terms of organization, although many of their core beliefs and religious texts were shared with those of Theiosism. Additionally, with the chief influence of the faith being a Tossanist god presenting himself as an angel of Theios, later Isidoran theologians took many of the gods of the Tossanist pantheon to be angels of Theios in their own right, placing them above the eight angels revered by adherents of Theiosism. These groups of angels had been split and categorized as the Angels of Man and the Angels of Theios. Most saints from Theiosism were recognized by Isidorans, who added legendary heroes and followers of the Tossanist gods to the congregation of saints.

Rodos’ three revelations from the angel Isidor collectively formed the foundation of Isidoran belief.