Waldorf

Waldorf is the capital of Ruhewald. It is in Kartek and to the south has a border with the Demesne of Mudrok. It has a rich history, lore, beautiful architecture, and many consider it one of the best looking towns in northern Sparwood.

Citizens description: All of the citizens feel a deep connection with Waldorf, they will live, die and protect Waldorf 'til the end. They all play an important role to keep Waldorf’s prosperity and are dedicated to their daily duties.

Beginnings of Waldorf
Formerly, the region of Waldorf had been a minor settlement, abandoned land left to fall to ruin in the forests at the eastern edge of the known world. Hermit, a traveller of a great mind, would find this region on his search for purpose and breathe new life into once again in time. His early days were spent living within a cave, gathering resources not only to survive but also thrive. By chance, Hermit crossed the path of the man who by all rights had a claim to the land, one Acon Korolevski, who listened to the tales of Hermit's travels and wish to restore the region. The two came to an agreement, and Hermit set about his new task with enthusiasm. The next key members in restoring Waldorf emerged first from Gortovar: Hunter, a warrior who saw the folly in fortifying the central Kartek lands and instead diverted his efforts in securing the outer region of Waldorf, and Letho, a great mason who joined Hunter in restoring the land to its former glory. Within a day of their work beginning, a priestess by the name of InfiniteTea joined and began laying the foundation for the town's theological structure. Together, the four would become the high council of Waldorf with Letho filling the office of High Mason, overseeing all restoration and structural management projects. Hunter would take the mantle of High Guardian, seeing to the defence and security of the region. InfiniteTea was appointed to the position of High Druid in order to tend to the town's spiritual need, as well as preserve the sacred "Eternal Tree" which had stood long before living memory. Finally, Hermit, donning the accolade of High Elder, would navigate the treacherous seas of politics, ensuring the safety of the town and overseeing all within the forest's borders.

Modern History
Despite Waldorf’s many accomplishments, its political position has often been unstable, only held together by the shrewd diplomacy of Hermit and the effort and cooperation of the nations within northern Sparwood. In particular, Kartek (in its many forms throughout time) has often offered support, as well as the kingdom of Rohel in the west. These two powers have often found themselves at odds, leading to war and turmoil in the region which threatened the neutrality of Waldorf. By the grace of fortune, however, the two signed a peace treaty, which would lead to the most significant event in Waldorf’s modern history: The formation of Ruhewald.

Formation of Ruhewald&Osdrok Conflicts
In the negotiations for peace, a buffer zone was created, granting Waldorf free reign over their territory and making it an unofficial city-state named “Ruhewald”, which would span from the forest of Hexweald to the northern island town of Akerdorf and ensure Waldorf’s future was in the right hands. For this brief time, peace and stability held, but a minor dispute pertaining to the lands of Akerdorf would lead to tension with Osdorok, a duchy within Rohel that claimed this area was within their borders. This would not be the first border dispute with the duchy, as they encroached into the borders of Waldorf merely weeks prior to this, with threats from the Duke of Osdorok leading to a defensive response from Waldorf, who mustered a force with which to defend the land. Fortunately for all involved though, diplomacy won the day and the situation was resolved by both parties. Despite the minor disagreements, relations seemed to be peaceful between the nations of the continent, though it was not to last. A shift in the Kartek government following their treaties with the Aldovirian empire would lead to complications for Ruhewald and northern Sparwood. Due to the new government and leadership in Kartek, Waldorf’s future remains uncertain. Despite this uncertainty, Waldorf currently strengthens itself to face whatever the future may hold

Return to The Kartek Empire
A diplomatic summit was called between the leaders of the new Kartek Empire and Ruhewald following this change of heart, with High Elder Hermit and High Guardian Hunter representing the latter in the talks. Despite opposition and heated debate among the leaders, it was clear that Ruhewald would not be able to stand alone, and in order to secure its future a concession was made: that Ruhewald would fall back into the Kartek fold as an official province and expand no further than its current borders. Though Ruhewald would no longer act as an independent state, its lands and future would ultimately be securely based on these terms, and though only the future will tell if said terms will be honoured by the Empire, Ruhewald moves forward with hope that it will ultimately share in the prosperity Kartek may bring.

Depictions of the city of Waldorf