400 - 977 I.C

The centuries preceding the unification of Bretonnia, saw the establishment of more rigid social classes and the feudal system that survives to this day. The disparate tribal groups were now geographically allied leagues, which roughly correspond to the regions that exist to this day. The leader of each league resided in the largest towns of the region, which had now become major centres of trade and government with formidable stone fortifications. During the 6th century the major cities of Bretonnia became truly established by formal declaration of the ruling parties. The various regions became kleptocracies - 'kings' extracted additional tribute from the rural peasantry to maintain permanent class of warriors and nobility, that had evolved from the tribal retinues of the past. The former have latterly been termed 'knights', and there is some evidence to suggest that the warriors adopted a code of honour, which by the time of Gilles Le Breton had become the code of chivalry. This code was centred around the Lady - who may have been adopted by the 'knights' as a patron at this time. She was assigned new traits of virtue and chastity - characteristics that suited the purposes of the new warrior class.

Artisans and crafts developed considerably, and a merchant class became well-established. This in turn opened up more trade with the Empire, and some cultural influence can be seen in the armour and weaponry surviving from the period. Contact with the lands of Tilea and Estalia became more fraught, as the knights and retinues of kings began to resist the uneven flow of revenue from the south into the city states of the southern Old World.

Orcs were still a major problem for the Bretonni. Even the fortified towns were frequently besieged by hordes of goblinoids. In 577, a large host swept from the Massif Orcal and besieged a number of towns and laid waste many villages. The warlords of the orcs demanded tribute from the Bretonni, but to no avail. The Bretonni did not give in however, and the goblinoid hordes fell to infighting and eventual dissolution as is usually the case. This episode is fondly remembered by the Bretonnians as an example of the resolve and bravery of their ancestors.

From 632, the Norse begin to raid the northern coasts of the land, destroying the small ports and settling along the shores. Although they were feared and despised by the Bretonni, they gradually became integrated into Bretonnian society. They brought their interpretations of religion with them, and the noble families of Armorique and L'Anguille have some Norscan ancestry.

Although modern Bretonnians are largely ignorant of the fact, there was an attempt to unite the people of the land over 300 years prior to the coming of Gilles Le Breton. Delovic was the king of the Bretonnian tribes in Parravon, and records show that he called a conclave of the other kings in 650. He told them that the Bretonni needed to learn from the men of the Empire to the east, and join together for the benefit of all. It is not known how the other kings reacted - Delovic was assassinated by one of his own 'knights' shortly afterwards. Bretonnian historians now say that this was because he was attempting to unify the tribes with the aid of orcish forces, which he commanded through half-orc allies.

The town of Couronne grew considerably during this period, through trade with other nations and the influx of pilgrims to temple of Shallya. Soon it was the largest settlement in the land, and the head of the cult became a figure of considerable importance in the region. In contrast, the worship of the Old Faith dwindled along with deforestation and the establishment of feudalism. It is now worshipped only amongst the simpler rural folk, while the more modern gods take precedence.

The Wood Elves occasionally communicated with the fledgling kingdoms of the Bretonni, but maintained their isolation and mystery. However, the rise in power and influence of the 'knights' disturbed the delicate balance of unspoken agreement between the two parties, and from 770-820 I.C. there were numerous skirmishes on the borders of the Loren Forest, as the local Bretonni warlords attempted to expand their lands. Inevitably these were unsuccessful, but relations were soured with the Wood Elves as the latter decided that the humans were still too immature race to be treated as equals.

Conflict also began to occur more frequently amongst the regions. The first half of the 10th century saw many clashes between L'Anguille and Mousillon, as well as between Parravon and Guisoreux. Although allegiances swapped and changed frequently, no king was able to make much of a dent in the territories of the others, and the constant threat of orc attack kept the various groups occupied on other things.

At some point in the 10th century I.C. Gilles Le Breton emerges, as celebrated in 'Le chanson de Gilles'. He was a knight in the retinue of a powerful king - the 'King' of Guisoreux. Gilles excelled at commanding armies against the orcs.

Historical figures

'King' Ysengrain - the leader that was foremost in his stalwart resistance of Orcish demands for tribute. ' Ysengrain's Proclamation' is still part of the pronouncement by the King of Bretonnia in an annual ceremony to commemorate the final 'defeat' of the goblinoids by Gilles Le Breton.

Delovic - see above

D'Arginan - a ship's captain known for his pioneering use of ancient naval techniques from the southern Old World to combat Norse attacks.

'King' Guilombe - the 'joyous' king. A figure of fun and humour in many Bretonnian stories, Guilombe was a notorious drunk and foolish leader. He is a popular character in some Bretonnian plays and children's entertainment. Although foolish, his ridiculous flights of reason occasionally have some perverted logic to them.