The Bleak War

The Bleak War, lasting just under 42 years, was the most devastating, longest running war the land had ever seen. Catalysed by an assassination attempt on the Archbishop of the High Church, the Duchess of Cavery and the High Church went to war. At this point in time, The Duchess of Cavery controlled many cities in the south, and had amassed a substantial army. The High Church controlled Fortley and Tenebron at the time, two powerhouses of trade and commerce. Fortcley was considered the religious capital of the land, and controlled a mass of devoted paladins and worshippers. Ravensridge remained neutral for the first ten years of the war, but ultimately sided with the Duchess due to the Abaddons disgust of organised religion. This spelt their demise however, and the forces of both Fortcley and Tenebron closed in on Ravensridge on all sides; the sack of Ravensridge was solidified with the beheading of Morgana Abaddon, pushing House Abaddon into a period of recession.

Aftermath
After The Duchess of Cavery and her army was defeated, the High Church seized control of the entire south, spreading their religious doctrines and influence throughout the land. In Ravensridge, the Abaddon Family fell into hiding, and the Order of the Dawn was formed; a conclave of elite Paladins sworn to protect the city from unnatural and ungodly beasts. This included vampires, witches, werewolves and other such monstrosities. The city was ruled as a theocracy, many consider it a wonderful time of prosperity and peace; this was short lived however. The High Church reigned for almost one hundred years, but their forces were spread thin, the Abaddons secretly regain power, and with the help of the Barlows, a virgin house in Ravensridge, took power from the High Church and slew many members of the Order of the Dawn. The Abaddons and Malbrooks arrange to have a Barlow elected mayor, and tensions build between the helpless High Church and the once again powerful Abaddons. After many disputes, deaths, insurgencies and civil uproar, The High Church and the Abaddons sign a peace treaty, and both step down as controllers of the city. The Order of the Dawn is dissolved, and slowly, religious influence in the city wanes.

The City of Cavery, the capital of the Josphe empire, sustained considerable damage during the war, but was the last large city under the Josphe influence. A series of small skirmishes and and eventual revolt within Tenebron led to the Churches removal from Tenebron, and the city was reclaimed by Empress Josephine some years later. Tenebron managed to stay clear of the carnage of the war, and was thus a more suitable place for the Empress to settle. It was hence declared the Josphe capital.