Marquess of Ruanon

The Marquess of Ruanon was a noble title for the ruler of the province of Ruanon. It was created around MS 3799 after Sommerlund expanded south into Ruanon under King Bern I, roughly-equal in rank to a Baron, but with additional autonomy to protect its borders, due to its location. It was replaced by the title of Baron of Ruanon after the last Marquess, Landor Gorlen, became a threat to Sommerlund during the Gold Rush of Ruanon.

The Realm of Sommerlund does not mention any other Marquess/Marchioness title, and states that the title was no longer used as of MS 5000. This suggests this title was the only March (domain of a Marquess/Marchioness) in Sommerlund's history.

History

After Archlord Vashna was defeated in the Battles of Moytura Pass and Maakengorge, King Bern I, son of the fallen King Ulnar I, began to expand Sommerlund southwards, claiming the territory that would become Ruanon. Bern created the title of Marquess of Ruanon, roughly-equal to that of a Baron, but with responsibilities to defend against hostile neighbours. The first Marquess was Venn Falastar, a Fryearl who had distinguished himself in the Battle of Maakengorge, as commander of the King's Guard Cavalry.

The title remained in House Falastar until MS 4141, where the bloodline died out and passed to the House of Gorlen. The House of Gorlen kept the title for over 500 years, witnessing two wars with Vassagonia, and towards the end, the Gold Rush of Ruanon around MS 4568. The Marquess at the time was Landor Gorlen, a highly-ambitious noble. The Gold Rush made Gorlen a tremendously-rich man, to the extent that he became a threat to the constitution of Sommerlund. In response, King Ulnar III passed the famous Ruanon Decree in MS 4570, declaring the Maaken mines Crown property. Gorlen was deposed that same year, and his wealth, title and lands were removed from him. Furthermore, in MS 4571, he and his family were sent into exile in Palmyrion. The title of Marquess of Ruanon was replaced with the title of Baron of Ruanon, and given to Hugo Vanalund. House Vanalund has since ruled Ruanon until present-day.

List of Marquesses of Ruanon

• Venn Falastar, 1st Marquess of Ruanon (c. MS 3799–unknown)
• House Falastar (unknown–MS 4141)
• House Gorlen (MS 4141–unknown)
• Landor Gorlen (MS 4548–4570, title destroyed and replaced with Baron of Ruanon)

Vassals

Main article: Baron of Ruanon: Vassals

Although the sources do not state the vassals of this title, it is possible that the next title, Baron of Ruanon, had the same vassals.

Sources

• Dever, Joe [2017]. The Realm of Sommerlund. Cubicle 7, pp. 172–173.