(All the information that most characters should know)
Long ago the two kingdoms now known as Isengold and Molitore were one, joined under one rule -- the rule of
Vespirthorn. In that time, the territory was referred to as Vespir, in honor of its ruler.
Vespirthorn was a dragon of no equal, dominating the races and preying on the weak. Brilliant in all aspects, she
kept a tight grip on her kingdom, as well as the other dragons within her realm. By using her ever-growing army of
faithful humans, she was able to keep a watchful eye and ear on the lands of Vespir. This cult of humans dedicated to
the dragon became the ruling class, inflicting the will of Vespirthorn on any that crossed their path. And so the fear of
the people grew ever greater. The citizens continued to grow more submissive, for those that didn't felt the sting of
the sword or the breath of the dragons.
One man, Sir William Isengold, placed himself on the line, asking the great Paladin Tervinoff to rid the country of
tyranny. And so, Tervinoff went forth, but he did not go alone for his friends would not let him. Sir Bryan, a nobleman
who was later knighted, as well as David, priest of Aye-Nistaris, and Hess, a powerful mage, all joined the paladin in
his quest.
There are many tales that tell of the adventures that followed for this group, but few there are that speak the truth,
for no one truly knows what occurred during the groups long journey. Whatever did occur, the group succeeded,
freeing the people of Vespir, their tyrannical ruler. The group, however, returned two members shy of the four they
started with. Sir Bryan and Hess perished, while David and Tervinoff returned. David passed away shortly after,
having lived well beyond the normal human life span, while Tervinoff lived on in silence, unwilling to divulge anything
pertaining to the triumphant quest. It is rumored that Tervinoff, the great paladin afraid of nothing, feared reliving
the deaths of his friends, whom he felt responsible for. Whatever his reason, Tervinoff took the secrets of those
glorious days to his grave.
After Vespirthorn was vanquished, Sir Isengold was appointed King. The kingdom was soon re-named for the man
responsible for the peoples' freedom, becoming the Kingdom of Isengold. And so for several years, King Isengold
ruled over the lands and peace returned. It was during this time that King Isengold had the kingdom divided into
eight territories, seven of which were duchies, the other being the city of Isengold as well as the territory around it.
The duchies were Avistone, Berole, Stramen, Avinon, Dreven, Vivian and Molitore.
But the king was growing older and weaker throughout the years, and the day soon came when he passed away,
leaving his kingdom to his two sons. The question arose, which of the two sons would inherit the kingdom. The
younger son, being the wiser and more diplomatic appeared to be the most logical candidate. However, the kingdom
was intended to be ruled through
And so it was suggested that the duchies be divided between the two sons, forming two equal seats around the
Council Table. This suggestion was implemented, only to begin the demise of the Council itself. The eldest son was
given the duchy of Molitore, which was raised to be Isengold's equal, while the youngest son was given the territory
of Isengold. Each ruled over their own, plus three of the other territories. But this compromise did nothing more than
create two separate, but equal nations, which under the circumstances became bitter enemies. War fell upon the
countries, what seemed an unending war lasting through three different centuries.
Finally, the wars ended, neither side having gained in the long run. Two dignified and respectable sons took their
fathers' seats as rulers of the two kingdoms. A much-awaited peace was forged, even if both sides were reluctant, not
having gained for their efforts.
That was nearly fifty years ago. The fragile peace still remains, but how long will it last…