Kryndel

Most historians agree that the origins of Woodsmere come from the Kingdom of Wassenstad's expansion, spearheaded by the now-honoured King Jutregraksils. He led Wassenstad from a city-state to a kingdom the size of Ukraine - in just 34 years! In this article we will go through the beginnings of Jutregraksils and his rise to power.

Jutregraksils was born to a renowned family in Hargalnod, in 521 AD. He showed a particular interest in horse-riding and battles. He became a military general for the Kingdom of Wassenstad at the age of 19, and led his men into a few successful battles against the villages of Mohve and Nano. However, at the time Wassenstad was ruled by a rather ignorant king, King Hergem II, who did not do much to lead his people to a better future. He allegedly once remarked about the peasants, "Oh those pesky peasants, kill all who complain!"

Jutregraksils was involved in a plot to kill and overthrow him. This was successful, and Jutregraksils immediately declared himself King. He was first looked down upon at first, but he won the support of the nobles by reducing their taxes significantly. He began his first military campaign in the south, where his fellow Meares were still being controlled by the foreign Gerlasian princes. With the help of some neighbouring factions, he led 35,000 men to siege the fort of Dahne. This was extremely effective, and they had successfully taken down one Gerlasian faction. Now he did this many, many, many times until he finally sieged Evla, from the Kalenians. By now, he had united all of the Meares. During this time, he used his money to build various institutions like the respected Ettani University of Sciences. He also built various Debist monasteries and holy sites to respect the once-oppressed religion of the Meares. He became a hero, not only among his fellow nobles, but also his freed peasants. He died in 598 AD, in his sleep. His funeral was attended by over 100,000, which is rather high for 500 years ago.

Although the happy memories of Jutregraksils have largely lost their emotions, he is still respected by children and the elderly alike. His stories of success will be passed down for the forseeable future.