In the year 19 A.A. of the Age of Chivalry, came forth a light in the East not seen for many years. A luminous sun ascended over the ancient mountains, its golden rays reaching out to illuminate the depths of forests, glens, rivers, and lush valleys that had languished in shadow for many a season. This mysterious light heralded a new era of hope and renewal, stirring the hearts of all who gazed upon its majestic glow.
Amidst the shadows, a handful of brave souls, fueled by sheer determination, dared to stand against the oppressive silence of tyranny’s wings. Though their voices echoed fiercely, they were few in number, their hope flickering like fragile candles in the vast darkness. In desperation, they called out to the Old Gods and New, beseeching the heavens for the strength to summon mighty champions—heroes capable of shredding the darkness and reclaiming the lands’ lost splendor.
Their sages dispatched the creatures of the land and the birds of the sky, seeking out those rare souls who would bring new life to abandoned castles, mend the farms, and rekindle the old market towns.
In a keep in the mountains of the North, where summers boiled and winters dared to freeze the hearts of the people, came a humble man of some fame and much talent.
Rekkr Silverboar stood atop a ruined keep near the great northern waters, staring out over his homeland, charred and destroyed by the forces of an evil tyrannical kingdom whose Lords had grown too fat and too careless of the people in their charge.
As he stood there in the waning light of the sunset, a raven circled above his head cawing “Rekkr” “Rekkr”. He raised a hand to shield his eyes looking up at the black creature above him. To his dismay, the raven dove toward him and gently lit upon the turret of his ruined keep.
He drew some bread from his pouch, holding it out to the raven—an offering, because he understood what the bird was. A messenger. The raven accepted the bread without hesitation, then fixed him with a knowing look and began to speak.
“The Gods have smiled on you this day. There are voices rising from the south and east who cry out for the restoration of their lands. I have been tasked to find one such worthy man who will unite again the tribes of these lands; the wildlings, the great warriors of old whose swords now sit and grown dull with misuse, lying rusting within their manors. Bring the Lords of the tribes together Rekkr. You shall not see much reward in this endeavor but hard labor and much grief. But you have been chosen for this task.”
The raven took wing and disappeared into the blackness as the sun sank below the horizon.
Rekkr sat within the tavern that evening, stretching his feet toward the fire within the great hearth. He sat speaking with his brother, Vali Odinsson, a companion of old and Vali’s lady fair, Vashti Freyasdottr. Rekkr regaled them with the tale of the raven. Mistress Cynesige joined them by the firelight which had burned down to mere embers. The four talked late into the night of the message given by the messenger. They agreed with him and felt the call to do as they could to assist in this endeavor. For this had once been a great land and it shall be again.
On the morn, they began the process of rebuilding the great Kingdom. Rekkr called forth many valiant warriors of old and sent word to the Great Lords of the tribes of the land.
Many good and noble Lord met with him to discuss a peace among the tribes and unity of their people to rebuild their halls.
More Lords heard of this great rebuilding and brought their people and their warriors. The shadows faded from the lands which blossomed once again. Fields were plowed and crops were harvested. Animals were tended and fattened. Markets returned and the talents and skills of our craftsmen were renowned once again. The people worked and gathered unto themselves others who found a new home at the hearths and halls of the united castles.
As the people saw the glory of the once and future Kingdom, they cried “Let the sun shine bright again in the East.” And the Kingdom of Solara was born.
The castles joined together in treaty forming Duchies and expanded their territories. Lord Rekkr chose the Lady Cynesige of Caernarfon to be his Duchess in the first Duchy of the Misty Mountains.
In the ancient mountains of the East, did their coronation take place, witnessed by many. Priestess Vashti called forth the dragons to witness this historic day, as the bonfires burned and the people cheered.
They both made their oath not unto themselves, but unto the people whom they serve. This has been and shall continue to be the tradition of our people. That the crown is a symbol of the oath of our rulers to serve the people, not to be above them.
After undertaking an important pilgrimage, Duke Rekkr received an inspiring vision to establish a new Duchy in order to better support the people in the lands distant of the great river. Crusaders from the Holy Lands rallied to his banner. And the Duchy of Antioch was born from the hearts of these great warriors.
Duchess Cynesige called forth Lady Vashti to rise to the challenge of being a co-Duchess with her. And the Misty Mountains prospered under the leadership of these two great ladies.
As the sun rose in the year 23 A.A., the two duchies united together under the banner of the Kingdom of Solara. War was held on the fields of Armskirk for the contenders for the Crown. On one side of the field stood Duke Rekkr Silverboar and his chosen Queen, Lady Brandshi ni Clarsha, known as the Bone Mother. They faced their challenger Captain Sir John MacFingone, and a great battle ensued. The warriors fought, bled, and died for their cause and in support of their contender.
As the mist cleared from the field of honor, Rekkr Silverboar and Lady Brandshi emerged victorious. They were crowned on the battlefield where they triumphed. And they were honored and extended praise to everyone—including allies as well as those who had once opposed them. The honor of Sir John was so great, the King and Queen gave unto him the honor of the Protector of Solara. He took his rightful place beside them, giving his allegiance to the Crown.
In keeping with the tradition well begun, did the King and Queen swear their oath to the people of Solara who cheered at both their victory and their humility of service unto them. And thus, their reign began that spring day.
Lord Brennan of Acre was given his patent of state as the new Duke of Antioch.
It has been some time since they ascended the throne, and the Kingdom has prospered under their guiding hand.
But as history has shown, war will come again and a new challenger shall arise for the Crown. And while it will be a great sadness, it will be a great joy. For the Lords may contend for the throne at Armistice. And our future Kings and Queens have been given great such example of what the Crown represents, we look to the future while holding dear our history. Long live King Rekkr and Queen Brandshi.