The Aldori Swordlords

Bandits from the River Kingdoms and Issia nearly spelled the end of the Taldan colony of Rostland in its early years. Sirian First’s reputation as a duelist drew the attention of a bandit chieftain, who offered the baron a wager: half his fortune against the bandit leader’s head, if he could best him in a duel. Baron First accepted, and lost. He paid his due and disappeared, too ashamed to show his face any longer, most assumed. Yet Sirian returned years later as Baron Aldori and, in a highly-publicized “rematch,” defeated his foe in seconds and reestablished his rule in Rostland. Baron Aldori then issued his own wager: 100,000 gold pieces to anyone able to best him in a duel of blades. Thousands flcked to Rostland to answer this challenge, and the “Sword Baron” defeated them all. He founded the Aldori school of sword fighting, and established the inflence of the Aldori swordlords over Rostland for centuries.

With the change in regime, many swordlords fled Brevoy to other realms, such as the River Kingdom of Mivon. A few became sell-swords, prostituting the arts of the Aldori School for the coin needed to buy them food and shelter. The rest primarily settled in or near the free city of Restov.

The Aldori Dueling Academy is sometimes seen as a more meritocratic and egalitarian alternative to the traditional nobility of Brevoy, for even a woman or a low-born can gain much glory and prestige if they prove their swordfighting prowess. Those who cannot afford the cost of training themselves can petition for a sponsor, and wealthy Brevites often grant sponsorship as a largesse. This is not for entirely altruistic motives, however - not only does a sponsor increase their honor and status in the community if their protégé becomes a champion, but the newly-minted duelist is traditionally obligated to serve as an agent to their sponsor in Brevoy's ever-shifting political landscape.