Why Elphas first chose to attack Glorwyn is a mystery, though the common problem with such militaristic nations is when the soldiers get bored they cause trouble. Attacking the bloated remnants of an empire that has dwindled long past its prime seemed like a good idea. Now nearly 60 years later and after 2 generations of war there is peace throughout the land.
While Elphas has agreed to return gains it has made across the Chain of Jewels to the South it has been granted the Island of Thyrela to settle. While some elves have remained in their steadings in the North this is now a land ruled by Elphas and the nine gods. What the locals have to say about this is largely unknown, some suffered under the yoke of elven masters (well their servants anyway), others were lucky to see one in a generation.
Prince Gothrik has been named Governor after successfully leading the armies in the war against Glorwyn. Loyal servants are being rewarded with lands and titles in this new region.
Sir Bernard, the Grey Bastard is one such hero, with the dubious allies and friends he has collected is one such newly landed noble. The fact that he has one of the Northern most territories with his closest neighbours likely to be Merian Pirate Lords, other struggling new lords of little influence and the odd High Elf it is increasingly feeling like a sentence not a reward.
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Well the public story all sounds great the reality is far less pleasant. The King (and his forbears) have long fought the church, restricting its responsibilities to the souls of the believers and to the heavenly realm. The army was honed fighting Glorwyn and with loyal Lords the church has had to bide its time.
Things changed with Prince Gothrik, a brilliant leader and even better warrior he has lead the armies of Elphas to victory after victory. But at the same time he has started spouting the words of religion. The church has flocked to him and his Order of the Phoenix gaining power within the army over the last decade riddling it with the religious. At the same time it has pressed for more material power in Elphas.
The King, in his wisdom, found a way to remove his son from leadership of the army. By naming him Governor of Thyrela he has effectively exiled him and with him will go his most loyal followers (rewarded for their faith with land and titles). This will give the King time to sort out the armies and reaffirm their loyalty to the crown.
The church, that had banked on Gothrik being named King in time is of course furious, but there is little it can do. Meanwhile Bernard is blissfully looking forward to finally having a home of his own.
There are effectively four planks to the kingdom (the King, his royal
army and the various Lords, The church, The mages [Neutral] and the peasantry).
Royal family of Elphas
King Rudrin the 2nd (the red prince) now past 70 he has yet
to name his heir to the throne. Great warrior in his youth.
Eldest: Prince Gothrik; (the raging hammer OR the hammer of Elphas)
ex-General of the Armies, now Governor of Thyrela. Blessed by the God of War
(Vard), Grand Marshal of the Order of the Phoenix, Paladin of Vard. Being given
the governors role effectively means exile from Elphas.
Middle: Prince Jothan; Admiral of the Fleet and hands down favourite to
be named heir. Grand Marshal of the Order of the Kraken
Youngest: Prince Kvil; Basically the administrator.
The church of Elphas (the 10 gods)
Elphas - Rulership and command
Dorn- (the wife of Elphas) Home and Family
Vulcas- The fire, smith, skilled profesions
Hestia- Cultivation farming and husbandry
Shep- Healing and protecting others
Vard- War, battle and victory
Torm- Honour and responsibility
Mythas - Sea and Travel
Gild- Wealth and merchants
Tyg- Knowledge, Time, Death
Generally people of the Kingdom will worship all but they will offer more prayers to gods whose domain they often interact in. Bernard when fighting would typically apply equal weight to both Vard and Torm.
Gothrik as the blessed of Vard fights, when in his realm (war) battles with his sole focus on victory. Honour, protection responsibility are irrelevant. In day-to-day life he would respect all the gods but in war against any he defines as an enemy of Elphas or its people his only focus would be winning with no concern for how.
The church knows the gods are real. Miracles and divine aid (even in the form of angels) have appeared in the history of Elphas. Scholars that assess these things point to the fact that in the last century the number of documented instances has actually increased as has the power of their interventions. A clear sign that the faith of the populace will be rewarded as Elphas has grown and added more believers to the fold
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