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The Sutherlands, a nation founded on Naval power, it has been quiet for Many years after a bloody civil war.

(Taken from A Traveler’s Guide to Evendarr by Shifter Gileen, Master Trader. Original to be found in Ember's Library of Ravenholt)

Sutherland- Sutherland is an interesting but dangerous place. It seems that believe it or not, necromancy has been made legal by the Duke!

                A few years ago, you see, they had a major problem with a local goblin tribe. The goblins were actually winning the war, and things looked bad for the duchy, when a group of necromancers entered the scene and promised to “save” the duchy.  To make a long story short, they did, and demanded some positions within the nobility, and actually reversed the king’s law against necromancy!

                From what I hear, the King is not happy about this, and had ordered the law rescinded, but so far he has been ignored. I am sure that sooner or later there will be a major problem, or even a war. So visitors to this duchy should be wary.

                In any event if you do travel the area, there are many nice spots to visit. The Isles De Hoenig are pleasant lands ruled by the Baron Jacques Montaque, and are known across the duchy for fine wool products. These isles stretch across the entire coast of the duchy, from the northernmost tip of Rossanoe to the edge of the goblin lands in the south. The beaches here are frequently visited by the locals and I am sure that any traveler would want to see them.

                The Barony of Rossanoe holds the capital city of Sutherland. This is a magnificent city full of delightful shops and commerce.

                The Barony of Sahde features the shire of Hobbington with its picturesque homes and quaint hobling shops. Nearby is Granite Point Mountain, a huge edifice that can be seen for miles. It is an extremely large rock that juts out of the ground, forming a bald mountain.

                Sudbyr is by far the poorest Barony of the duchy. It is plagued by infertile soil, a line of mountains that splits the barony in half, and a citizenry that is composed mainly of gypsies, dwarves and orcs, all of whom war with each other on a constant and regular basis. This is not a pleasant place to visit, particularly since necromancy is legal.

                The Barony of LaRochelle is easily recognizable as you cross the river forming the border between these two baronies. The saying that, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Was never more true than at this juncture. LaRochelle is known for its marvelous agricultural products. Even though there have been constant wars against the goblins in recent years, LaRochelle still produces some of the most bountiful harvests in the land.

The History of Sutherland, as compiled by William Kelly d'Eit  

( Original to be found in Ember's Library of Ravenholt) (All Dates are assumed to be Evendarr Reign)

368  Ships first encounter the Barbarian Isles and set up trade with the local barbarians.

422  First settlers come from Evendarr and settle the eastern coast.

432  Trestar is founded as a trading center. The king names these new territories the protectorate of Sutherland. Trade with the Barbarian Isles begins to decline.

440  Barbarians begin raids on the coastal settlements from the Barbarian Isles.

444  Barbarians declare war and lay siege to Trestar.

445  The barbarian siege is lifted. Honig, a Celestial mage, is the hero of the siege.

447  The king sends troops to support the settlers. His Majesty also names Honig General of the Royal Armies for the Protectorate of Sutherland. Honig leads the counter-attack on the Barbarian Isles. After a great sea battle, several islands are captured.

450  The southernmost settlement, Sutherland, withstands the final barbarian attack of the war. Wolf's Eye Island is used as a prisoner camp for the captured barbarians.

453  The island of Eit is taken, ending the wars. The king grants Honig the Barbarian Isles and names him Baron of the (renamed) Isles d'Honig. The city of Eit on the island of Eit is made the capital. Many barbarians flee to an unknown location, yet remain a constant hazard to shipping.

460  Mysterious deaths on the island of Eit are attributed to an ancient vampire. Arrack, an extremely old shaman from the barbarian tribes, helps Sedohr lead a group of warriors including Seranden to the vampire's lair. They killed the vampire. Arrack then convinces Sedohr that they should form an order of knights to uphold the Code of Chivalry and the virtues of good. Sedohr is named the first head of the order by Arrack and he declares that the knights will "never cease in their war against evil." At the feast celebrating the creation of the knights, a mysterious stranger appears. He calls himself Colmillo and vows that "I will forever haunt your Knights d'Eit. No action you take will be without my influence and I will forever corrupt your order."

461  Baron Honig knights Sedohr and recognizes the Knights d'Eit as the knightly order of "the Isles d'Honig and all new territories settled by the Isles."

465  Boge is settled and the edge of the Darkwood Forest is discovered.

482  Hobling natives were discovered at the eastern edge of the Darkwood Forest.

489  Barbarians are discovered at the western edge of the Darkwood Forest.

491  Sir Sedohr dies and is well received into the Heroes' Graveyard. From the Heroes' Graveyard, Sir Sedohr names Seranden head of the order.

495  De Bracy is founded as a trading post with the elves of the Darkwood Forest.

497  The dragon Azufre destroys the town of Mihn, just east of Granite Point Mountain. In the next three years, the dragon destroys many towns and kills many helpless people. The Knights d'Eit fight the dragon to no avail. This ends the first period of western expansion.

500 Baron Honig decides to depart from the Isles d'Honig. He names Seranden General of the Protectorate of Sutherland as well as Baron of the Isles d'Honig.

505 The king promotes Baron Seranden to Count of Sutherland. At the same time, he creates a new barony named Rossanoe. Count Seranden marries Lauren, an Earth scholar of great repute, and names her countess.

520  Christopherson, aided by Honig and a band of heroes, slays Azufre. Christopherson is declared the Dragonslayer, though some historians claim the dragon was only banished, not slain.

521  A carving on Granite Point Mountain is commissioned to honor the great heroes who slew the dragon.

522  Sutherland becomes a duchy composed of the baronies of Sahde, Rossanoe and the Isles d'Honig. The king names Seranden Armond Duke of the Sutherlands. Duke Armond names Christopherson Baron of Sahde.

525  Duchess Lauren Armond gives birth to Michaelis.

527  Fleeing harsh persecution in other parts of the Kingdom, Gypsies aided by the Knights d'Eit are resettled in western Sahde. Duke Seranden Armond names Baron Christopherson head of the Knights d'Eit.

535  The first Goblin Wars begin with goblin attacks from swamps to the south.

537  Led by Christopherson, the Knights settle a dispute between local peoples and the newly settled Gypsies. The Gypsies are located further to the west.

540  The Knights build a fortress in Verfell Pass to protect the resettled gypsies. This sparks a three way war between Orc tribes living in the area, the gypsies aided by the Knights, and a kingdom of Dwarves discovered to be living under the Verfell Mountains.

542  The Knights and Gypsies sign a treaty with the Dwarves. Their combined forces easily defeat the Orc tribes. The Dwarves living under the Verfell mountains join the Duchy and become citizens of the Kingdom of Evendarr. All of the Knights d'Eit are ma de members of the Gypsies' tribe. Christopherson is even given a position in the Gypsies Kris. Also in this year, Michaelis, the Duke's son, is given the position of Marquis and control of the Sutherland military forces.

543  Due in part to Marquis Michaelis' military brilliance, the Goblin armies are completely routed. The area vacated by the retreating goblin armies, named La Rochelle after Marquis Michaelis' fiancé, is flooded with immigrants.

544  Several tragic events happen, making 544 a black year in Sutherland history. First, Baron Christopherson becomes convinced that Sutherland would be threatened sometime in the future and that he and his companions would play a critical role. According to legend, Christopherson's soul is placed in an amulet and his companions seal themselves away in an unknown place. Later that year, Duke Seranden Armond dies. In accordance with Duke Seranden's will, King Hendrick II recognizes Marquis Michaelis as the new Duke.

556  The Duke Michaelis marries Sarie Rochelle and names her Duchess of Sutherland.

550 With Baron Christopherson gone and Duke Seranden dead, the Knights d'Eit split into two branches, the Knights of the Field and the Knights of the City. Both come to an accord when each recognizes Duke Michaelis as head of the Knights. The territory known as La Rochelle is declared a barony. The city of Clanthia is founded as its capital. Lennon Armond is born.

551 Patrick Armond is born. Led by the Sudbyr brothers (relatives of the infamous Sudbyrs of Ravenholt), migration to an area south of the Verfall Mountains and west of La Rochelle begins.

568 Westward expansion ends with the discovery of a vast swamp to the south and the Wild Lands (also known as the Dragon Lands) to the west.

570  The land settled by the Sudbyr brothers is made a barony named Sudbyr. The Goblin armies to the south launch a new attack, thus starting the Second Goblin War.

573  The Second Goblin War ends with a surprise attack from Lennon Armond's forces who had been exploring the swamps on the southern border of Sudbyr. Duke Michaelis makes Lennon Marquis.

576  Just months prior to his death, Duke Michaelis names Patrick Armond head of the Knights d'Eit. Lennon Armond is named Duke and is recognized by King Roderick. Some important nobles believe that Duke Michaelis intended for Patrick to be duke.

584  The Goblin armies to the south launch their third assault, starting the Third Goblin War.

586  The Sutherlands began losing the Goblin Wars. Goblins take Tiksylvan, the southernmost city of La Rochelle and eventually even Clanthia. By the eleventh month, the goblin armies take all of La Rochelle and even advance all the way to the gates of Sutherland City. The "Night of 1,000 Knives" occurs. Most of the Knights of the Field as well as many of the Knights of the City are assassinated. Patrick, the head of the order, is obliterated by the assassins. In an attempt to restore order, Duke Lennon Armond declares himself head of the Knights. By the 12th month Sutherland City almost falls to the goblins. The duke sends a desperate plea, asking for any aid or assistance. That night, hordes of undead massacre the goblin armies. The Sutherland Necromancers' Guild claims responsibility for raising the siege. They also say they can defeat the goblins if the duke will legalize necromancy.

587  Claimed by some as the darkest day in Sutherland history, on the first day of 587 the Duke Lennon Armond decrees Necromancy legal in a desperate attempt to defeat the goblin armies. Almost immediately, a Liche named Akeem living in the swamps in southern Sudbyr makes his presence known by sending countless hordes of undead that crush the goblin armies. The goblins are utterly defeated by this onslaught. Undead armies patrol the borders of Sutherland to protect against goblin attacks.

588  According to some Nobles and Knights d'Eit, Arrack warned them through dreams that if the Knights d'Eit did not again make Necromancy illegal and reaffirm their commitment to forever fight evil, then they will all die. Very few headed this warning. Just seven days later, the Great Plague strikes and virtually all the powerful die and do not resurrect. Duke Armond manages to escape death, but becomes terminally ill. Most of the powerful who escaped death fight to make necromancy illegal again. They rebel against Duke Lennon Armond, but are defeated with help from Akeem. Those who fight against necromancy are obliterated for treason.

590  Black J, the adopted son of Duke Lennon Armond, returns from his schooling in Ravenholt. The Duke had 21 other children, but they were all killed in the plague.

1/591  The duke names Black J Baron of La Rochelle. Baron Black J names William de la Rochelle his Knight. Sir William de la Rochelle had been a squire to one of the deceased Knights d'Eit and he had been in Ravenholt protecting Black J during the rebel lion. Sahde is given to Baroness Laura Tron and her brother Lord Seneschal Lazarus who are cousins to Duke Lennon Armond. They had been in Nimon during both the Plague and the revolt. At this time Sudbyr and the Isles d'Honig only have regent administrators, as there are not enough powerful people to fill these noble positions.

3/591  Baron Black J names several other nobles to his court. Duke Lennon Armond requires Baron Black J to name a Court Necromancer to the court.

6/591  A detachment of the Kings' Army are sent to Sutherland by King Richard to investigate charges of Necromancy. The investigation is stopped short by the start of the Fourth Goblin War.

9/591  The Goblins advance to Tiksylvan and the duke feels the need to appoint several new nobles. Black J is made Marquis, Lord Jaques Montagne is made Baron of the Isles d'Honig, Demna Fionn MacCummahail Baron of La Rochelle, and Morgrim "Grimli" Thaonin Baron of Sudbyr (rumor persists that the Liche Akeem personally chose Baron Grimli).

11/591  With the aid of undead given from Akeem, Baron Grimli reclaims all Sudbyr from the Goblin Armies.

1/592  The Fourth Goblin war becomes a stalemate. Sutherland is able to hold off the goblin armies but not able to reclaim any lost land.

3/592   Baron Jacques announces at his wedding to his Knight Dame Quickening that Necromancy is illegal in the Isles d'Honig. He strips his Court Necromancer of his title and instead appoints a Court Locksmith, Lord William Kelly. In his function as Lieutenant Colonel of the Ducal Army of the Sutherlands, Lord William Kelly enters the Necromancers' Guild to catalog the undead for the Duke. While there, he discovers that the Necromancers had captured Baron Demna and plan to obliterate him. After being freed, Demna flees Sutherland. Baron Grimli, as head of the Necromancers' Guild and a follower of Akeem the Liche, threatens to have Sudbyr secede from the duchy. Marquis Black J and several of his officers are killed by undead, rumored to have been sent from Akeem. Also, Marquis Black J begins courting Lady Airedale Kelly, sister of Lord William Kelly. Later that month, the Duke outlaws the Jesters' Guild for acts of conspiracy against the duchy. John the Jester is executed for suspicion of treason and exiled from Sutherland. John the Jester becomes a folk hero as rumors persist that he is engaged in starting a peasant revolt against Necromancy.

4/592  Baron Grimli receives a race change from Dwarf to Drae, and makes a vague attempt to hide his real identity. Lord Xavier Rickshire, Marquis Black J's Seneschal, is made Count of the Southern County. Sir William de la Rochelle, who had been missing for months, is discovered to have died his final death. Lord William Kelly is knighted and becomes possessed by the spirit of Sir William de la Rochelle. While under possession, William Kelly gives instructions how Sir William de la Rochelle could be taken to the Heroes' Graveyard. After Sir William de la Rochelle is buried, Sir Sedohr, the keeper of the Heroes' Graveyard calls for William Kelly and in an unexpected move, knights him and declares him the new head of the Knights d'Eit. Not only is Duke Lennon Armond technically still head of the order, but William Kelly is also a well known thief and rogue.

5/592  The Duke Lennon Armond becomes seriously ill. Although he had been in poor health since the Great Plague, the Duke finally becomes so ill he spends little time engaging in the political activities of the duchy. His court and close advisors separate into two camps, those that support Necromancy and those that want Necromancy illegal. For the next two years, Sutherland History becomes confusing, with many contradicting stories.

6/592  Count Xavier has his title stripped and Baron Grimli is appointed the new Count. Count Grimli then changes the name of the Southern County to Thaonin County. Baron Jaques is elevated to Viscount, and placed on the Duke's court. Marquis Black J an d Sir William Kelly use their authority over the Sutherland Military to make the use of Necromancy by the military illegal. Many of the undead are destroyed; however, disgruntled Necromancers leave the military and take undead with them. Sir William al so reorganizes military units specifically to fight undead, citing problems with random uncontrolled undead.

8/592  Baroness MacCummahail, wife of the missing Baron Demna MacCummahail, has her title stripped and Lord Valas Do'Urden, also known as Fletch, is promoted to Baron of La Rochelle. Previously, he had been head of the Clanthian Mages' Guild as well as a prominent member of the Necromancers' Guild. Lord Florian, former Seneschal to Baron Jaques, is appointed the new Baron of the Isles d'Honig. Lord Saric, a prominent Necromancer, is granted the Barony of Sudbyr.

9/592  Sir William Kelly travels to Ravenholt and brings back the Amulet of Christopherson.

10/592  Several nobles of the Isles d'Honig are murdered by the nobles of La Rochelle. Also, many representatives from Ravenholt, including many prominent nobles, travel to Sutherland and eventually fight with the Sutherland nobles who support Necromancy : the Count and the Court of Thaonin County, the Baron and Court of La Rochelle, and the Baron and Court of Sudbyr. The Liche Akeem appeared personally to protect to the Sutherland nobles who support Necromancy. Several of the Duke's nobles hunt for Sir William Kelly to take the Amulet of Christopherson. They refuse to acknowledge him as the head of the Knights d'Eit.  

1/593  Sir Garrett and Lord William Kelly, both nobles of the Isles d'Honig, in a secret agreement, petition to have Baron Florian removed as Baron of the Isles d'Honig. In accordance with their arrangement, Florian is given a position as Lord on the Duke's Court, and placed in command of the La Rochelle front in the Goblin War. Riak, a reformed Necromancer, is given the position as Baron of the Isles d'Honig. Lord William Kelly is given the position of Seneschal to Baron Riak. It is commonly believed that Lord William actually runs the barony, while Baron Riak prefers to keep a "hands off" approach.

2/593  The Goblins mount a sea attack against the Isles d'Honig. Lord William Kelly and his brother Admiral Riddelyn Kelly personally lead the defense of the Isles. The Goblin navy is completely routed and destroyed. Lord Florian, reinforced by new forces recruited by the Marquis Black J, pushes the Goblin armies out of La Rochelle. Akeem leads Necromancers and undead against the Goblin armies in Sudbyr, also routing them.

3/593  The Duke Lennon Armond dies his final death. Marquis Black J Armond and Sir William Kelly are immediately called to Sutherland City. Expecting trouble from the nobles on the Dukes court who support Necromancy, Sir William has his brother follow with loyal forces from the Sutherland Army. Also, as Admiral of the Isles d'Honig Navy, he reinforces the Sutherland Army by a naval blockade. Just before Black J Armond is to be made Duke, several of Lennon's court locate Lennon's first son Lennon Armond II, who is believed to have been dead. They want him to be named duke instead. As Black J does not want to be duke anyway, and Lennon Armond II states that he opposes Necromancy, all parties support his claim. Duke Lennon Armond II declares that Necromancy will be made illegal. Marquis Black J then announces that he intends to marry Airedale Kelly, the sister of Sir William and Admiral Ryddalin Kelly.

4/593  A conspiracy involving the Duke's Seneschal, nobles of Thaonin County, nobles of La Rochelle, and the Clanthian Necromancers' Guild results in the obliteration of Viscount Jaques Montagne. Marquis Black J, as well as Lord Bob the Nice, Marquis Black J's court Healer and Knight d'Eit, are murdered. The next night, Black J leads a group including Sir William Kelly, Lord Bob the Nice, Sir Shin of the Isles d'Honig, Sir Galen Stormbridge of Westmarch in the Duchy of Ravenholt, and several notable commoners in an attack against known Necromancers. Several Necromancers are killed, including Baron Saric. Count Grimli exiles Marquis Black J from Thaonin County (although he does not have the authority) and strips the titles of William Kelly, Bob the Nice, and Shin. Baron Riak also leads attacks against the Necromancers and subsequently all Isles nobles have their titles stripped. Bob the Nice and William Kelly are then captured and taken to the Necromancers' Guild for obliteration. Black J returns to Thaonin County with his armies. He is backed by a force brought by Admiral Ryddelin Kelly and the former Sir Bran Rickshire from the Isles d'Honig. They destroy the Clanthian Necromancers' Guild and rescue William and Bob. The Necromantic nobles of Thaonian County, who begin to call themselves the "Knights of Chaos," flee Clyanthia. Akeem retaliates and sends hordes of undead against Black J's armies. This starts the Second Sutherland Revolt.

6/593  The armies of Black J are defeated. Black J is exiled by the duke. Fearing that his wife would be killed, Black J accepts exile. Without a trial, William is declared guilty of High Treason by Lennon Armond II. William flees Sutherland. Other notables in the revolt either flee or go into hiding. Duke Lennon Armond II declares himself head of the Knights d'Eit.

8/593  Many people flee Sutherland. Undead rampage throughout Sudbyr, La Rochelle, and Rossanoe unchecked. William Kelly organizes refugees from Sutherland into a fighting group to defeat Necromancers.

12/593  William, now race-changed into a Mystic-Wood Elf, returns to the Sutherlands to begin preparations for a third revolt. William's associate, Thea, restarts the Sutherland Jesters' Guild. She accepts members from the currently persecuted Thieves' and Assassins' Guilds and shifts the members around to different baronies, giving them all new identities. William goes back to the Isles d'Honig, where the duke has practically no authority. The duke attempts martial law and for the most part, fails.

1/594  Akeem is somehow destroyed. Rumor says Azufre is responsible. The marauding undead disappear. The duke is able to restore control over all the Sutherlands except for the Isles. Virtually all of the old followers of Akeem are killed. After a visit from the king's representatives, the duke declares Necromancy illegal. The king in exchange recognizes the new duke.

3/594  The Third Sutherland Revolt. The Isles and others who are against necromancy support William. Most believe that the law against Necromancy will only be used to round up the last of Akeem's supporters, not other Necromancers. They capture the Isles easily. Gypsies in Sudbyr and Sahde revolt. The Jesters encourage a peasant revolt and assassinate many key nobles on the same day, referred to by William as the 'Night of a Thousand Knives'. William negotiates with orcs, trolls and lizardmen and receives their support as well.

4/594  William's forces capture Sutherland City and most of Rossanoe. The Gypsies and orcs capture northern Sudbyr. Trolls, lizardmen and orcs take Tiksylvan.

5/594  The three forces converge on Sahde.

6/594  The Seneschal of Sahde, Lazarus Tron, is revealed as a liche. Sahde has superior forces and fends off all three attacks, routing all three armies.

7/594  The rebellion is crushed. The duke declares Martial Law for all of Sutherland. Although he easily suppresses the rebellion in the rest of the duchy, his forces can only occupy about half of the Isles d'Honig. Also, Duke Lennon Armond II marries Leilani Tron, the illegitimate sister of Baroness Laura and the Liche Lazarus, and names her Duchess. William and other key rebellion leaders go into hiding.

7/594  William attempts to start a resistance movement in Sahde by looking for elves who had been followers of Christopherson. Pirate activity increases due to most of the Isles d'Honig Navy becoming pirates. The Duke begins a campaign to eradicate the pirates, but only succeeds in destroying most of his fleet.

8/594  William is discovered in Sahde and his conspiracy is thwarted by Lazarus. The duke announces that William has been obliterated for High Treason.