The Prehistory of Sonnefurt
Report commissioned by Baron Max von Heisenberg, performed by Arthritiknes
Little is known of the tribal history of Southern Wissenland, for nothing was permanently recorded, and thus the pre-history of Sonnefurt cannot be accounted for hugely. Likewise, many records that have existed were destroyed in 1707, making it incredibly different for anyone to work out the history of those 1700 years. However, on your commission my noble lord von Heisenberg, I have studied to the surviving tomes in Nuln, Altdorf and Wissenburg’s archives and libraries, as well as any archaeological finds from the Barony. I hope this will give you a clearer guide as to your inherited Barony’s heritage.
Yours faithfully,
Arthritiknes
Of the Warring Kings
Records from Karak Hirn actually do show that these Kings of Sonnefurt legend did actually exist. They are the only Kings mentioned in the records, proving they must have made the notice of the Dwarfs, and other Kings must have been much more peaceful.
The Kings were all related, cousins via a paternal grandfather. It is thought that they split his once enormous kingdom between them in a civil war due to petty differences that became exacerbated and turned into an ongoing pointless three way feud.
King Sonne ruled the land that lies between the Sonne and Martin Rivers and some land across the Martin River’s banks, and stretching back all the way to the Bezau Hills. These hills were however heavily wooded, and patrolled regularly by Dwarf warriors, who were a much mightier power than they are presently.
King Aschen ruled beyond his namesake hills, to the borders of King Sonne , a hotly contested area.
King Eieten ruled across the banks of the Soll, around the Dieten Hills, stretching back into some of the moorland, and reaching beyond the Sonnefurt and Aschen forks.
King Sonne was the oldest had the mightiest army and the most strategic location. His fort overlooked the vantage point of the river fork and was protected on two sides by the river, making it easier to defend and keep watch from the dark beasts of the woodland that would regularly take advantage of the civil feud to raid and pillage. King Aschen was the second oldest and had his hill fort deep in the Aschen Hills, heavily fortified to protect his people as he had a smaller army that could not stand up to King Sonne’s in pitched battle. King Eieten was the youngest and the most hot-headed, his army wanting to prove themselves as they had drawn the poorest lot of land. He located his fort on the banks of the Soll at Strazen, a weak position but brilliant for fishing and its harbour fed a large population.
The three Kings would regularly besiege each others forts and pillage, causing mayhem just to spite their bitter rivals. The battles were fairly inconsequential and the stalemate continued.
However, the stalemate was broken when King Aschen supposedly met with god Taal, who gifted him with a prime fishing location on which to base a new settlement, in what is now Thalfang. The bountiful fishing opportunities have long dried up as you know and farming is now the main concern of Thalfang, but his population, once smaller than the others, boomed significantly due to the plentiful fish. Seeing this as a blessing from the gods themselves, King Aschen decided to redouble his efforts in conquering the lands of his cousins.
He launched a devastating attack on King Eieten’s settlement, razing it to the ground and forcing the refugees to hide in the barren Dieten Hills, living a nomadic life trying to lick their wounds and launch a counterattack. King Aschen then turned on the mighty King Sonne, hoping to seal his victory by smiting down his biggest contender for dominance. There are archaeological records of a large battle taking place at Ostrach, with many dying on each side, but no major headway being made. It is said the two Kings fought an epic duel, but neither could best the other and their armies began to disintegrate around them, forcing them to withdraw to fight another day.
With his two enemies weakened, King Eieten seized a very underhand chance, and launched an attack by boat on King Sonne’s fort at night. His vengeful army ravaged the fort, burning buildings and slaughtering unsuspecting innocents. The King himself found King Sonne asleep in his longhouse and butchered him there and then. He then tossed his mauled body into the River Sonne, which came to bear his name.
Enslaving the rest of the population, for they had no King, King Eieten became the most powerful King in the region, for King Aschen was still recovering from his battle with King Sonne and could not hope to rival the numbers Eieten had on his side. Eieten ruled both Kingdoms for several years, establishing Ertingen as its capital, a place for his tribe to call home with King Sonne’s people as their servants. This period was the only period of relative peace in their entire history, as King Aschen was too afraid to take on his youngest cousin and risk total annihilation.
Of Saint Martin of Sonnefurt
The battle ended in a catastrophic defeat for the followers of King Eieten, his captured soldiers from King Sonne even turning on him mid battle. He retreated into the Dieten Hills, but was hounded by Saint Martin and eventually the Saint found him and was able to smite the cowardly King with his mighty hammer.
The armies of the two defeated Kings were assumed under King Aschen’s new mighty Kingdom and he ordered them to participate in the Battle of the Blackfire Pass. Many stories exist about Saint Martin’s role in this battle, many of which are just legend, but it is known he led the three Kings forces and aided in victory for Sigmar.
After the battle, King Aschen ruled for several years, and Martin stayed to help unite the region into the new Empire that Sigmar was forming. The Kingdom became the Barony of Aschen, its capital being at Thalfang, not Sonnefurt as it now is.
Saint Martin aided the King for many years in cleansing the Barony of foul creatures so it could prosper, and lead many excursions into the woodland to clear it of the goblins that dwelled within. However, when leading an excursion near what is now Sonnefurt, for the Martinswald stretched to only ten miles to the banks of the river before being cultivated for agriculture, Saint Martin was struck by a poisoned arrow.
He was carried back to the small village that had been established in the ruins of King Sonne’s fort, and succumbed to his poison whilst resting there. He was buried and a small shrine built to remember him. This was housed by small building, which would eventually become the Sanctuary of Sigmar.
The Formation of the Barony of Sonnefurt
Upon the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Saint Martin, the cult of Sigmar was just extending to the people of the Barony of Aschen. Feverous devotion was displayed by many, remembering the teachings of Saint Martin and all he did for the Barony. King Aschen had long died, and was succeeded by his son, a weak willed Baron who had none of the prowess of his father and lorded over his citizens.
The Coming of the Dwarfs
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King Aschen attacks King Sonne in a huge battle. Many are killed and both sides suffer horrific casualties.
King Eieten kills King Sonne and destroys his settlement, enslaving his subjects.
162 The Lighthouse and Harbour of Sonnefurt are built, increased Dwarf influx
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