Bretonnia

"....Thou shalt give unto thine glorious liege the taxes that he requires....Thou shalt labour all but feast days.....And no more than a tenth-share shall you keep for kith and kin....Rejoice! For a Knight of Bretonnia provides your shield"

—Vows of the Peasants unto their Bretonnian Lord

A Bretonnian shield depicting the Holy Grail, a religious symbol of Bretonnia

The Kingdom of Bretonnia is a highly-chivalrous feudal Human kingdom that lies between the lands of the Grey Mountains and the Great Ocean. Bretonnia is second only in size and military power to that of the Empire of Man, both their chief rival and closest allies, having a culture and society that revolves around the ideals of nobility, social birthright and the upholding of a strictly enforced code of chivalry. Ruled by a Royarch, the nation of Bretonnia has been known throughout the Kingdoms of Man for having the greatest Knights in the entire Old World, rivaling or in some cases even surpassing that of the Knightly Orders of the Empire. A proud and honorable kingdom, the warriors of Bretonnia comprised mostly of Knights and Noblemen, who ride into battle with lance, horse, and sword, seeking out glories and rooting out injustice where they go.

The religion that currently dominates this mighty feudal nation, is the worship of a local elemental deity known only as the Lady of the Lake. This mysterious Goddess of Purity, Light and Order is believed to have aided Gilles le Breton in unifying Bretonnia unto a single unified nation, during a Greenskin invasion from the Southern Mountains in 978 IC. The Bretonnian calender is offset from the Sigmarian Empire's by about 977 years, as the people of the Bretonni weren't fully united until King Gilles reign as the first Bretonnian monarch as well as it's first Grail Knight.  

Bretonnian recorded history can vary greatly from Duchy to Duchy, being recorded and maintained such as it is, mostly by monks within the many Grail Monasteries dotting the land. Even today most Bretonnians are completely illiterate, this includes the Nobles, all of whom retain through patronage a stable of artists, musicians, scholars and monks to do such work for them. As of today, there is no doubt in the minds of the Old World that the Knights of Bretonnia are amongst the greatest Knights within the Realms of Man.   

History

Common Mythology and Pre-History

The Land of Bretonnia did not in fact truly exist during the time of Sigmar and the earliest days of the Empire. Indeed, many centuries passed before a great and noble Knight united the highly independent and prideful Bretonni tribes in the same way Sigmar had with the birth of the Empire.

The earliest days of Bretonnian history are not well recorded, though it has been conjectured that as within the wider world, it may have once been ruled over by the cold-blooded Lizardmen at the dawn of the planet's creation. Long after their first great struggle to hold back the Forces of Chaos, during the First Chaos Incursions, the land that would later become Bretonnia was settled by the High Elves of Ulthuan, this being done during the reign of Phoenix King Bel-Shanaar the Explorer. Many elven colonies dotted the coast and larger rivers of Bretonnia during the first years of their colonization, of which the most famous was the city of Tor Alessi (now L'Anguille). These colonies survived the civil war with Malekith, and then the Sundering relatively unscathed, but soon faced the full wrath of the Dwarves in a time known as The War of the Beards. Bretonnia was the primary battleground of this war, which lasted for well over three centuries. The conflict finally ended with the death of Phoenix King Caledor II, and the subsequent capture of the Phoenix Crown by the Dwarves. However, the war had so weakened the High Elves by this time, that the next Phoenix King Caradryel, ordered a withdrawal of all Elves back to Ulthuan, leaving the Elfin colonies in ruin. Those few Elves to refuse this command, retreated into the enchanted glades of Athel Loren and over the centuries degenerated into the now feral Wood Elves.

It was at this time that the first nomadic human settlers of Bretonnia appeared. Circa fifteen hundred years before the time of Sigmar, an agricultural tribe of people arrived on the western side of Axe Bite Pass after escaping the many wars being fought in the East as the Greenskin menace began to overwhelm all in their path. These primitive tribes had little knowledge of metalwork or warfare, and relied heavily on agriculture and flint-crafted weapons to survive in the harsh wilderness.

These groups of people were known to have worshiped a primordial earth elemental goddess called Rhya, and erected many primitive stone circles in her honour. These Stone Circles were places of great natural power, and were marked with symbols that remain as a foundation of the Druidic Old Faith unto this day. Presumably it was around this time that the more advanced Greenskin races of the World's Edge Mountains followed them into the lands of Bretonnia, displacing most of the local tribal orc savages, thus becoming a consistent plague to all of humanity throughout the Old World.

Approximately five hundred years later, around one thousand years before the time of Sigmar, a second wave of human migrations crossed over the World's Edge Mountains in order to also escape a growing Greenskin threat from the east. These new human tribes were warlike, strong and and fierce, they fought both Greenskin and indigenous human populations alike. While most of these tribes settled within and eventually became the Empire, one far ranging tribe crossed the Grey Mountains. This tribe, called the Bretonni, was to give its name to the land they found. Like their eastern kin, they displaced both the Greenskins and human earth-worshipers, thus soon becoming the dominant culture west of the grey mountains.

The Bretonni were also master horsemen, and possessed of a proud martial bearing. They settled and farmed the new land, quickly splintering into smaller tribal groups which made war upon each other, indulging in this constant bloody feuding with just as much gusto as towards any other enemy. They would thus remain within this state for near two thousand years.

The Unification of Bretonnia (978 to 1447 IC)

Age of Unification

When Sigmar founded the Empire, he extended an invitation unto all the Bretonni warlords to join him in his new confederation. Despite noble Sigmar's goal of pan-human unity, the cultural differences between the Bretonni and his people were apparently too large to overcome, thus his offer was quickly rebuffed by them. While the Empire experienced many growing pains throughout the first millennium of its existence, the Bretonni would remain as a whole, a fractured people. It would be foolish to say that they did not advance though, trade and knowledge gained from the Dwarf holds within the Grey Mountains, allowed the the early sub-tribes of Bretonnia to resemble something closer towards their modern state, with each petty King or Warlord renaming themselves as a Duke of his own small Duchy.

The Greenskins had lived within Bretonnia alongside the Bretonni for many decades, and as is normal for these foul creatures, their population eventually reached critical levels, and they began to overrun all the Bretonni lands. The Dukedoms of Cuileux and Glanborielle were the first to be consumed by this ever greater multiplication of Orcs and Goblins, eventually leading the remaining Dukedoms into a desperate fight for their lives. One of the Dukes however, Duke Gilles of Bastonne, led a crusade alongside his peers in their effort to stop the Greenskin menace. He was the most highly respected amongst his peers for slaying the Dragon Smearghus earlier in his reign. Gilles rallied first Duke Thierulf d'Lyonesse, and then his greatest and most loyal friend, Duke Landuin d'Mousillon unto his growing banner, but even these three men and their combined grand army found themselves outmatched and facing almost certain annihilation.

The Lady blessing the new King of Bretonnia.

This inexperienced and badly battered "Bretonni" army then encamped beside a lake. Upon the morrow, they felt certain to face their doom upon the field of battle, with the war drums of the Orc Waagh allowing them no rest or sleep. That morning, when all hope seemed lost for the Bretonni cause, a true miracle unfolded upon Gilles and his army of Knights. For as Gilles knelt before the lakeside to drink of its pure waters and pray for strength. An ethereal and heavenly beautiful woman arose from out of the mists, leaving the Bretonni army a-gasp and afraid. Gilles was the first to make a move, raising the bloodstained and tattered banner of Bastonne high, inspired by some genius or desperate madness, he cried out: "Lady, wouldst thou bless mine banner!"

He then dipped it into the lake at the Lady's feet, whence he drew it forth and raised it high again so all could see, it was still dry and fully restored, only now also emblazoned with the glowing icon of a golden Grail. Other Dukes and knights then scrambled to follow his example, asking the Lady to bless their sword, lance, or warhorse for the coming battle. Finally the lady held forth a large gilded chalice overflowing with light, giving it first to Gilles and then his companions to drink from, and thus regain their strength to do what is necessary to win.

These three became the first Grail Knights, and fighting under the banner of the Lady of the Lake, the Bretonni won their first great victory against the Greenskins. Gilles then led his army all across Bretonnia, fighting the twelve grand battles against its enemies that lead to the formation of the twelve surviving and original Dukedoms of Bretonnia today. The Lady appeared again and again, as each Duke proved his worthiness to her, offering the grail unto each of these noble knights as a reward for their bravery in combat. The twelve Dukes, or Grail Companions as they soon became known, inflicted a final decisive defeat upon the Greenskins and forced them back into the deep woods and mountains from whence they came. Thus with peace won, it was agreed that there be an everlasting peace amongst the surviving twelve Duchies. Gilles was dubbed "le Breton and le Uniter", and with a blessing from the Lady of the Lake's representative, the mystical Fay Enchantress, he thus became the first Royarch of Bretonnia.

With the tragic death of Gilles in the year 17 (995 IC) by Orcish ambushers, the Kingdom of Bretonnia was left with a dilemma. There was much wailing lamentation and gnashing of teeth throughout the lands, as all Bretonnia mourned the passing of their first king. Gilles's only recognized son, Louis was crowned the next Duke of Bastonne, and a possible new King of Bretonnia. However, the question of whether he should also be proclaimed King of all Bretonnia, as old tribal tradition allowed, was much debated. Many advocated that Landium d'Mousillon should take the position, whilst other's believed his rival, Thierulf d'Lyonesse or the wise Marcus d'Bordeleaux, should make a more suitable heir to the throne.

The majority of Dukes eventually agreed that Louis should take on the duty, but this then posed another greater problem. Louis had not drunk from the Holy Grail, as had his father and all other Dukes at the time of the Kingdom's founding. It has been decreed that no Knight, no matter of birthright, could become Lord over all Bretonnia without first having the blessings of both the Fay Enchantress and the Lady of the Lake. So it was that Louis left court, setting out immediately upon his quest to find the Lady, and thus prove his worth before her sight, towards earning himself the title as King, earning him the title of "The Rash". This event eventually led to the traditions of the Questing Knight.

For years, Louis "le Rash" d'Breton traveled the length and breadth of Bretonnia, righting many wrongs and doing great deeds in service to the Goddess. In his absence, Duke Theirulf d' Lyonesse acted as steward of all Bretonnia, much to the annoyance of Duke Landium d'Mousillon. Years later, Louis returned to his ancestral castle astride a mighty purebred charger, his golden hair was shining and his eyes were aglow with a Divine noble presence. None could doubt that the Lady had blessed him, so thus his subjects fell unto their knee's before him, and pledge their loyalty to the new King.

So it was that Louis was crowned King of all Bretonnia, and presented with the golden Crown, a gift given by the Fay Enchantress herself. All Bretonnia rejoiced in their new monarch, and made ready to do what ever he demands. His first act as king was to formalize the code of honour and chivalry that his father and the Companions had lived by. These original vows of chivalric knighthood still exist within the halls of Bastonne, upon a crumbling parchment, decorated with an elaborate script, detailing all the duties and privileges of a knight, and those of all other ranks within noble society. All across Bretonnia, knights eagerly embraced these vows, and many noble warriors gave up all deed of land and title, castles and wealth, thus to embark upon the path of a Questing Knight. A wave of faith swept through Bretonnia, and the Lady of the Lake verily became the primary deity of the noble classes.

The Dukes continued to push back all manner of evil from within their border's, and aided in the struggles of their neighbours to do like wise, which lead to Bretonnia flourishing with wealth and power. The great port cities grew large and sprawling, prosperous with renewed trade. Grail Chapels were built in places of holy significance, and the Fay Enchantress guided the Dukes of Bretonnia in their worship of the Lady. For the next few hundred years, Bretonnia continued to grow in both strength and cultural influence. This was a golden age of chivalry, and when their lands were threatened, they crushed all foe's that dared to face them. King Gulliaume defeated the Orc tribes of the Massif Orcal highlands, sparing none. Lord Lamorte smashed the skeletal fleets of the Tomb Kings at Savage Point. The hated beasts of the forest were also pushed deeper and deeper into their darkly wooded realms, and were even finally expelled from the more open and lightly forested lands of the Dukedom of Theodremund d'Artios. 

The Crusades and the Wars of Errantry  (1448 to 2490 IC)

File:500px-Crusader2.jpg

A Crusader force of Bretonnian Knights on the war-march.

Bretonnian Knight during the Invasion of Jaffar and Araby.

In the year 470 (1448 IC) the war-torn southern realm of Estalia was invaded by Sultan Jaffar and the armies of Araby. Diplomatic envoy's pleaded with Bretonnia to send aid, and the king sent out a call to war towards all of Bretonnia. Throughout all the dukedom's, this call to war was heard, and countless knight's pledge their lance to their King's holy cause. In his noble wisdom, King Louis the Righteous gave permission for warriors of the Empire to cross Bretonnia on their journey to Estalia, for they too had pledged their aid, despite the lack of unification during the Age of Three Emperors. This military campaign had since been named the Great Crusade, in homage of the zeal of these warrior-knights.

Within time, the armies of Jaffar were pushed back by the more mobile and heavily armored forces of the Crusading Knights, forcing him to relinquish his hold on most of Estalia. Retreating back to Araby, but leaving a token force of troops around the important city of Magritta, Jaffar's armies were hounded by the Bretonnians who pursued them tirelessly. The Crusader army eventually reached the sandy beaches of Araby and invaded the major city and trade-port of Copher.

As the crusaders sailed with the aid of Estalian ports and Tilean warships, Jaffar and his men prepared for the coming invasion by fortifying most of the major sea-ports. When they finally arrived in the spice-trading city of Copher, it was heavily fortified and the defenders were well prepared for the coming battle. Yet they weren't prepared for the wrath of the northern kingdoms that Jaffar had brought upon them, and once the defenders first started faltering against the onslaught of knights and siege towers, a breach was made and soon the high spires of Copher were pulled to the ground and much of the population were put to the sword.

Not even the harsh desert condition's could perturb the knights, and their fervor very slowly took their toll on Jaffar's warriors as many desert tribes under Jaffar's control are growing tired of this war of attrition. Despite Jaffar having a far vastly larger army then the crusaders, Jaffar's armies began to disband, for many of the tribes of Araby grew weary of the despot's incompetence. After frustrating months of minor skirmishes, the Bretonnians faced Jaffar at the Battle of El Haikk.

Elemental spirits of the deep deserts were summoned to fight alongside Jaffar's armies, and with their numerical superiority, they overwhelmed the outnumbered crusaders on all sides. Just when all hope seems lost and the army was almost at the breaking point, a host of both Empire and Bretonnian knights charged furiously at the tightly packed army, mowing down the lightly armored soldiers until finally the armies were scattered by the sudden death of Jaffar by a Bretonnian lance. Disliking the harsh, dry lands, for it proved too vast and hostile to be completely conquered, the Bretonnians sailed back home, with cargo-ships laden with exotic goods and treasures, whilst the Empire Knight's remained behind to hunt down the remnants of Jaffar's army for another century, which would eventually lead to the creation of several more Knightly Orders.

Meanwhile, a second great crusading force, led by Baron Tybalt, left Bretonnia and was travelling the long road overland towards Araby. Hearing of the great victory, his force did not press onto the desert kingdom's, feeling sadden at the lose of such a glorious campaign. Nevertheless, under Tybalt's leadership they pushed into lands that had not yet been conquered by any civilized race. Seeking glory and honour, they sought out the armies of Greenskins that plagued these lands, and many great victory were won. The hardy Dwarves that dwelled within the mountains around these lands rejoiced, for the Bretonnians had dealt a serious blow to their ancient enemy, and they bestowed much praise and honour upon the Knights. Rare it was these day's for the reclusive Dwarfs to make contact with the other nation's of men, other than the Empire. These victories eventually bestowed a bond between Bretonnia and the Dwarves of Karaz Ankor.

These lands later became known by most as the Border Princes. Indeed some knights remained, building great castle in the following decades hoping to create their own kingdom upon the frontiers of this new land. Despite these grand crusades beyond Bretonnia, the dukedoms themselves were not left undefended, for there were still intermittent threats within the borders of their kingdom that needed to be secured.  

One such threat coincided with the deadly Red Pox that swept through southern Bretonnia and decimating the population's of peasants living in the sinking slums and hovels villages. As if this were a trigger, foul rat-men creatures erupted from their tunnels and attacked the Bretonnian Duchies. Marching to the aid of the Duke of Parravon came the mysterious fey folk of Athel Loren, lending their otherworldly power's to the knights to destroy this threat before disappearing once more. Other perils have been successfully defeated, including attacks from other hated minions of Chaos, be they beserker Norsemen or foul forest Beast. 

Throughout the ages, other crusades have been waged by the proud Bretonnians, yet none of them so great as the next one. One such crusade however was led into the deep deserts to the east of Araby, in the land of the Tomb Kings, and a great many battles were won in that year. Others seen Bretonnians fighting far from home, even as far across the oceans as the jungle lands of the New World. Some of these crusades were declared as Errantry Wars, a tradition that derives from the old custom of the Errands of Knighthood. Usually a young knight would be set a task by their lord, an errand that must be fulfilled before they can attain full knighthood. 

Errands traditionally included such things as the recovery of a lost artifact, the slaying of a great beast terrorizing a rural village or successfully escorting a noble lady through dangerous lands. However, in times of war and peril, a king may declare an Errantry War. At such times, a young Knight Errant may earn the title of Knight of the Realm through brave deeds and daring exploits on the field of battle. When an Errantry War is declared, many of young knights all over Bretonnia rally to the cause, eager to earn their full knighthood. These unseasoned Knights throw themselves in the thick of battle, often fighting recklessly trying their best to outdo their comrades and gain the attention of their superiors. As such, the king may declare an Errantry War when has a need to quickly gather a large, well-motivated, yet unseasoned army of knights. 

In the year 1223 (2201 IC) King Louren Orc-Slayer amassed a grand army after declaring an Errantry War, with thousands of young knights joining the ranks of the more experienced retinues of the Dukes. Together, this army smashed the growing Orc and Goblin tribes that have been amassing for many years on the border's of Bretonnia. The traditional frontiers of the dukedoms were expanded, and many Greenskin strongholds have been conquered. New castles were built along these borders, and many of the young Knights Errant were granted these domains along with full knightly titles at the end of the war.  

The longest Errantry War ever fought was launched by King Charlen in 1442 (2420 IC). The Border Princes were overrun by enemies and, despite bitter resistance, there were eventually overrun. Charlen responded instantly to their appeal for aid, declaring his intention's to rid the Old World of the Greenskin menace once and for all. Charlen was a brave and mighty warrior, but was never known for his great power of wits and strategy, for everbody knew that the Greenskin horde can never truly be defeated. 

Nevertheless, many thousands of young knights embraced Charlen's vision passionately, and a great army set off across the mountains, with many knights perishing on the long and arduous journey. At first, victory followed victory and the Greenskin's were slaughtered on the banks of the Blood River. However, as the years rolled by and more young knights traveled to the war-zone to gain honor, Bretonnia grew weaker due to the lack of defender's within it's border. For over sixty-years the war continued, draining Bretonnia of its finances, leader's, and entire generations of knights. Eventually, in the year 1444 (2422 IC), retaliatory attacks from Orc tribes had ravaged the undefended Dukedom of Carcassonne whilst the Knights that should've protected the realm joined the Errantry War.

Eventually, under King Phillippe V, the Errantry War was ended after a devastating defeat at Dread Pass, where an entire army of Bretonnian Knights were slaughtered by the thousands, as the Greenskins pulled these proud knights from their saddles and killed them wholesale. The Bretonnians, in their pride, did not cope well with defeat, and were it not for the wise king ending the wars, then countless more knights may well have thrown their lives away in an effort to regain the honor of their defeated brethren.

The Incursion of Lichmaster Heinrich Kemmler (2491 to 2520 IC)

As the years grow by, one of the most recent and major battles fought against an Undead horde, took place near and within La Maisontal Abbey located around the Grey Mountains. A joint Undead-Skaven army lead by Lichmaster Heinrich Kemmler and a Wraith Lord named Krell, attacked and sacked the aforementioned sacred Abbey of the Lady. The battle was a most fierce struggle between the noble knights and the rotting hordes of zombie's and warriors Kemmler and Krell had summoned up to serve them. As the battle raged on, knights and undead warriors fought viciously within the sacred grounds. They were finally overcome by the heroic actions of the great Duke Tancred d'Quencilles and his proud companion knights, whom pushed the hordes back with a devastating charge and disrupted the sorcerous hold that held the army togather.  

Seeing imminent defeat, the Skaven army abandoned there allies as is their habit to do. The Knights returned victorious and with much honour, for their victory was indeed glorious. However, it was a hollow victory, for the treasonous Skaven had merely used the foolish necromancer to gain hold of a mystical and powerful artifact kept within the Abbey.  

It is believed by most that Heinrich died in that bloody battlefield. Nevertheless, the Lichmaster's body was never found, and Tancred spent the remainder of his life pursing the hated Necromancer unto the ends of the World. Tancred finally fell in battle against the surviving forces of the Lichmasters minions at the Battle of Montfort Bridge. Just as the hordes of Heinrich were scattered, he fell before he could reach and kill a hooded figure he believed to be Heinrich re-risen. It is said that the Lichmaster is still biding his time to enact his revenge against the Bretonnians that defeated him. 

Feudal Government

"We have political systems like this in the Empire. We call them 'protection rackets'..."

—Matthias von Pfeildorf, former Imperial Envoy to Couronne

The Royal Court of King Louen Leoncoeur

The Governmental system that controls much of Bretonnian society is the use and implementation of a Feudal System, an out-dated archaic political system that was widely used within the Old World many centuries ago, but has seen been removed and replaced with more efficient systems of Government. Bretonnia is now the only Human Kingdom to still follow this system. The functionality of the Feudal System is based upon oaths of loyalty between individuals within a society or nation, from which there is little to no direct form of a centralized state. The basic principles of the Feudal System is where those below the social ladder must give up their goods and service to those of higher nobility in exchange for protection and certain rights and titles.

The peasantry of Bretonnia form the foundations of this feudal system and are required to serve and obey the nobility without question in exchange for their protection. As such, the vows of the Peasants are those of servitude. Above the peasants are the nobles, whose responsibility is the protection of their lands and subjects from the depredations of outside threats, who in exchange for a land and title, shall fight for the King or Royarch of Bretonnia when called into war. Thus, the vows of the Nobility is one of fealty.

At the very top of this social pyramid is the King or Royarch of all Bretonnia. The Royarchs rule is sovereign and absolute, with no laws made within the kingdom having any grip upon the actions of the King. The Royarch has the right to do anything he pleases within his realm, and has the ability to create knew laws or legislation should he wish it. However, to be a King of Bretonnia requires one to become a Grail Knight, and to be a Grail Knight, one must be the purest of all humanity's hearts.

As such, nearly all Kings of Bretonnia are a shining beacon of Chivalry, Justice, and Bravery. The Kings of Bretonnia has been known to truly care for all of his people, constantly find ways to better the lives of his subjects under his rule and to root out injustice wherever it comes. Thusly, the King's power serves as a check on abuses and exploitation made by the lesser nobility.

The Royal Court

Like any government ruled by a central figure, all Kings of Bretonnia houses a Royal Court from which he is able to govern and manage his realm with the aid of advisors and his fellow nobles. The current ruler, King Louen Leoncoeur, has his court within the Duchy of Couronne during the winter months. In the summer months, the nobles within the court disperse to their fiefs. By long custom, the King speaks only to the highest nobles, and rarely speaks to those of less than baronial rank. Indeed, nearly all of the Kings servants are Barons, powerful in social ranking due to their constant interactions with the king. The only time a Peasant will ever speak to a peasant is when raising one to the ranks of the nobility.

Unlike the lesser nobility, King Louen is deeply devoted to his country, and has declared he is willing to hear of abuses and injustices committed by any of his subjects, no matter how powerful. Peasants who can find a noble, no matter how lowly, to plead their case can appeal directly to the King. Still, the King has limited time, and there are far more abuses than he could ever hear, and thusly only the most grievous of abuses are heard. Happily, if the King hears a grievous case, he always judges fairly with both wisdom and conscious that most nobles have often lack.

The Code of Chivalry

Another aspect of Bretonnia society that governs the actions of the nobility is the Codes of Chivalry. This code was first introduced upon the coronation of Gilles le Breton as the first Royarch, which grew out of the warrior traditions of the ancient Bretonni tribes that occupied the lands of Bretonnia before its establishment as a kingdom. Indeed, this Code of Chivalry is in its own way, a governmental system from which the Bretonnian nobility is to regulate the way their kingdom is run.

It wasn't until the reign of Royarch Louis the Rash that the Codes of Chivalry was formally placed and established, with the king appointing many heralds to regulate the ranks and honors of knighthood throughout Bretonnia. The code of chivalry has since been almost unchanged to the present day.

The Seven Commandments

The Bretonnian code of chivalry requires that every Knight must follow these seven commandments. These commandments is an integral part of Bretonnian society and goverment, and is often used to dictate the course of actions that the Lord must do.

• To serve the Lady of the Lake
• To defend the domains entrusted to him
• To protect the weak and fight for the right
• Always to fight the enemies of virtue and order
• Never to give up the fight until the foe are defeated
• Never to break faith with a friend or ally
• Always to display honor and courtesy

The Rules of Honor

Apart from the commandments of chivalry, there are certain traditional 'rules of honor' from which are adhered to and respected by all Knights. These rules are an important part of the code of chivalry. They date back to the very origins of knighthood in Bretonnia and mark out Bretonnian Knights as distinct from those of other realms. The most important rules are summarized below:

• A Knight may only fight hand-to-hand, he may not use a missile weapon
• A Knight shall always accept a challenge to personal combat
• A Knight shall not draw sword against a fellow Bretonnian Knight except in a trail by combat or in a tournament.
• A Knight shall not allow himself to be captured
• A Knight shall not retreat from the enemy.

Religion

"That which is sacrosanct I shall preserve. That which is sublime I will protect. That which threatens I will destroy, for my Holy Wrath will know no bounds."

—Vows of the Grail Knights unto the Lady of the Lake

A Grail Chapel of the Lady of the Lake, patron Goddess of Bretonnia

The religious spirit of Bretonnia is often as divided as the division between the nobility and peasantry. In Bretonnian society, the worship of the Lady of the Lake is considered the main religious doctrine. Much of Bretonnian culture is shaped by the actions of the Cult of the Lady, making them a large political power amongst the nobility. However, unlike the worship of others cults such as the Cult of Sigmar, where its doctrines claims the allegiance of all the Empire's people, the Cult of the Lady is restricted only to the nobility.

Peasants are prohibited from openly worshiping the Lady of the Lake under pain of death or punishment. Instead, the peasantry are allowed, and in some cases, forced to worship the Gods of the Old World. The Cult of Ulric has few followers and even fewer shrines. The Cult of Mrymidia is growing substantially due to the presence of nearby Estalia. Being a martial God, it is a common theme for peasant soldiers to revere Myrmidia more than any other diety. The worship of Rhya and Taal is strong amongst the farmers of the lands, where the peasants regularly pray for good weather and a bountiful harvest to feed their hungry families and to pay the exorbitant taxes imposed by their Lord.

The Cult of Verena is strong amongst the few scholars that occupy Bretonnian society, and it is common knowledge that the outlaw vigilante group known as the Merry Men has made her their patron goddess of justice. The Cult of Morr is espcially strong within both the peasantry and nobility alike, for the recurring theme of the dead rising from the graves has ensured the creation of many Gardens of Morr to both keep the spirits at rest and to block off the dead should they begin to stir. The Cult of Sigmar is nearly non-existent within Bretonnia.

The Cult of Shallya

Probably the largest and most important religious cult within Bretonnian society that is not the Cult of the Lady is the Cult of Shallya. The life of a Bretonnian peasant is extremely hard, and the relief brought by the caring Shallyans is a very welcoming sight within any village, town or city. The religious doctrine of Shallya has been known to contradict those of the Lady, for while the Lady of the Lake promote the ideals of chivalry and honorable deeds in battle amongst the nobility, the Goddess Shallya cares for all of mankinds people and weeps crystal-white tears for all the suffering they have endured, wishing only to ease their burden and provide a sense of comfort and relief in an otherwise cruel world.

As you might expect, this Cult is extremely popular within the peasantry, to such an extent that no Bretonnian peasant would ever be more than a few minutes walk from any shrine dedicated to Shallya. Such is the popularity of Shallya's teachings that even the nobility have recently taken to endowing small shrines of Shallya near Grail Chapels, a custom that is rapidly growing in popularity. In fact, the main temple for the Cult of Shallya is located within the Duchy of Couronne.

A common heresy among the peasants is the belief that Shallya is a servant of the Lady, who provides comfort for the peasantry and guides the nobility to their protection. However, such beliefs are often ruthlessly suppressed by the agents of the lady, but despite many years of vigorous investigation, the constant reappearance of this heresy is now believed to be a natural weakness formed by the common folk.

Society

The lands of Bretonnia is a feudal, traditional society where the peasants serve the knights in return for protection, while the knights are bound to militarily serve their lords in return for certain rights and titles. At the top of this feudal hierarchy is the King. Beneath the Kings are the Dukes. Beneath them are lesser ranks of nobility such as the Marquesses, the Earls, the Viscounts, and the Barons in descending order.

All of these nobles are also each the lord of a number of Knights, who are the lesser nobles of the society. Each Knight (including the higher nobles) has his own force of Men-at-Arms chosen from the most physically able peasants within his domains. In return for serving his knightly lord, each peasant is given a small tract of land for his family and can be expected to be called upon for service in times of war. The geogrpahy of Bretonnia is somewhat rural, often having little to no innovation's in science and philosophy, and are somewhat backwards compared to the more technologically advanced nations of the Old World, such as those of the Dwarves and the Empire. Bretonnian military have been know to shun advanced weaponry such as Handguns, Cannons, and War-machines, seeing them as dishonorable weapons that goes against the ideals of Chivalry.

The lands are also ruled by spiritual and mystical leaders, the Fay Enchantress, her Damsels, and the Grail Knights, who are all faithful servants to the Lady of the Lake. The Lady of the Lake gets her servants by stealing all children with magical ability by the age of three. The girls become sorcerors in the service of the lady and would eventually become her Damsels. However, those born as male have never been seen again. For reasons of religious devotion, many Bretonnian parents, both noble and peasantry alike, allow this awful custom to continue.

The Knights of Bretonnia are divided into four categories. Knights Errant are young sons of nobles who must prove themselves in battle.  If successful, they become Knights of the Realm, are granted their own small plot of land to govern, and are obliged to defend Bretonnia should they be called. Questing Knights are brave individuals who renounce their titles and worldly possessions and journey to faraway lands in hopes of being deemed worthy by the Lady to become Grail Knights.

Grail Knights are the most powerful and revered individuals in all of Bretonnia, second only to the Lady. They are living saints who represent the fearsome power of Bretonnia and answer only to the Lady herself. The Kingdom of Bretonnia is made up of 14 dukedoms: Couronne, L'Anguille, Artois, Lyonesse, Mousillon, Gisoreaux, Montfort, Bastonne, Bordeleaux, Aquitaine, Parravon, Brionne, Quenelles, and Carcassonne. Each of these, with the exception of Mousillon, is ruled by its own Duke, who in turn has various nobles and knights who serve under him. The great castle of the King is in the fortified city of Couronne, traditionally the capital. The Forest of Loren is within the borders of Bretonnia, but is considered to be the forbidden realm of the Wood Elves.

The Commoners and Peasants

The simple folk of the lands

The lands are notorious for their oppression of the commoners and peasants, which some say are more strict and harsh then those of other Old World nations. This dark side of Bretonnian is put out where, the nobles and nobility are above the peasants in many ways.  They have all the say in most matters, and the peasants are often living in far worst conditions than those in the Empire.

The peasants have nearly few rights at all, and are kept illiterate and uneducated. They are considered property, and must commonly surrender 9/10th's of their crops to their feudal lord.  As a result most of them will remain extremely poor throughout their entire lives. They may also not leave their home province unless allowed; as a result a certain degree of inbreeding is quite common. Many peasants are afflicted by clubfeet, extra fingers, lazy eyes, or similar defects. Bretonnian justice is harsh and ruled by superstition, any peasant who is caught stealing or poaching is usually hanged. An even harsher punishment is dealt to a peasant who attacks a noble. He and his family will be tortured and slowly dismembered, while all his friends and acquaintances will be crippled. Such is the price of rebellion.

A small but growing middle class of commoners, also referred to as Freemen, make up the professional trades and merchants within Bretonnian society. Although literate for the most part, either self taught or by monks as there are no schools in Bretonnia. All education is by private arrangement and stems from the many Grail Monasteries for a price.

The artisans, craftsmen and semi professionals live almost exclusively within the kingdom's few city's, and numerous larger towns situated along the kingdom's coasts and rivers.  They remain socially segregated from the bonded peasants and give fealty to a lord or landed knight but remain free to move with permission from local authorities.  Scholars, advocates doctors and the like are respected for their duties but remain of a lower class than the nobles, with few, if any, rights more than the peasants.  The ownership of gold jewelry and hoarded gold coin is forbidden to the common classes, and merchants must deal almost entirely in copper and silver. Officially Gold is used only amongst the nobles, mostly as tax and tithing unto the royal treasury.    

The Sumptuary laws are strictly applied to this class, with gold and gems forbidden to be worn publicly.  As is cloth of Purple, Bright Yellow or Green, gold and silver thread or silk of any colour.  Furs are restricted to rabbit, cat and rat.  Armour of burnished plate also be forbidden to all lower classes, as is the carrying of heavy swords.  (Anything over the class of a rapier or light saber)  Freemen are permitted to worship the Lady at shrines (upon a tithe being paid first), and a number of their recognized deities be permitted.  Morr, Shallya, Mannan and nominally Varena, as justice is totally the bailiwick of the nobles and their authorized representatives. With all authority stemming from the King under divine right. The old religions of Taal and Rhya can still be found in some isolated rural areas.           

The nobles largely worship the Lady of the Lake, considered the national patron deity of chivalry. However the other deities of the Old World are respected and presumably worshipped on occasion. The main priestess of the Lady of Lake is the Faye Enchantress who is respected throughout Bretonnia. Other 'minor' Prophetesses and Damsels roam the kingdom, advising noble families, and occasionally aid Bretonnian armies in battle through their magical abilities. The peasants are not considered worthy enough to worship the Lady of the Lake directly. While they certainly respect and fear her, they usually worship the other deities of the Old World. Shallya, Varena and Morr are most common.

Military

"I pledge my service and my loyalty, body and soul, to my Lord. When the clarion call is sounded, I will ride out and fight in the name of liege and Lady. Whilst I draw breath, the lands bequeathed unto me will remain untainted by evil. Honor is All! Chivalry is All! This I swear on my blood and my breath"

—The Knight's Vow

A Bretonnian army on the battlefield

Unlike the professional armies of the Empire, the armies of Bretonnia consist almost entirely of armored heavy cavalry and the use of levied units of spearmen and archer. As such Bretonnia has no regular army. This means there are no soldiers ready into service of the nation when the call for war is suddenly blown. Instead, the Kingdom relies on the long and complicated feudal service of his Knights.

When a lord must go to war against the enemy, he appeals to the military assistance of his vassals. They in turn summoned their own vassals, and most of the lords take with them peasants trained in combat or archery. These armies do not follow common military training and usually have even no internal hierarchy, but their military tactics are simple and homogeneous enough to function smoothly in all circumstances.

The main weakness of this system appears especially in long campaigns. Lords and Knights perfer to return back to their holdings and lands in order to govern them appropriately, and as such most campaigns shouldn't last for more then forty days. It is only when a Lord is under siege from an enemy, or the King himself call forth an Errantry War that a Lord and his Knights would gladly fight zealously for many years at a time.

Bretonnian military tactics are often very simple and highly predictable, using a tactic that many have called the "Hammer and Anvil". The peasants and levies of the Bretonnian armies are considered the "anvil" during combat, providing a stable wall of infantry to hold the enemy at bay whilst the more highly armored cavalry becomes the "hammer" and attacks the enemy flanks in a "Spearhead" formation, shattering the enemies resolve and achiveing victory over the battlefield. As such, it is a common misconception that nearly all battles have always been won by the valiant deeds of Bretonnian Knights, often showing little regard for the important role that the "peasants" have played during the battle.

Nevertheless, the Knights of Bretonnia see themselves as a model of chivalry and virtue, representing the pinnacle of warrior ideals. When in war against civilized opponents, the Bretonnian Knight must be courteous towards his noble prisoners, and put those of common blood to the sword. The war gives the Knights of Bretonnia a chance to show his courage, to earn his honor and advance the ideals of chivalry by his personal bravery. However, although these values ​​are recommendable (but not always applied), this idyllic attitude towards war is not always in favor of Bretonnian warfare. Excited to face the most powerful opponents, they often ignore all other considerations, and would glady throw away the lives of many for the petty ambitions of a single man. Nevertheless, the deeds and bravery that these honorable knights have done for their kingdom, and the many glorious battles they have won have always outweigh all such shortcomings.

Bretonnian Infantry

The Feudal system of Bretonnia often dictates the way most military formations are structured within Bretonnian armies. Nobles leading these armies have a great distain for the common folk, but even the most self-consious Lord understands that the only chance of victory against their enemies is using these commoners as soldiers. As such, the bulk of most Bretonnian armies consist almost entirely on poorly trained units of Spearmen and Archers, and would never hire the employment of Mercenaries. Due to their poor quality as soldiers, the infantry's sole responsibility within the battlefield is to simply hold the line against their foes, nothing more.

• Men-at-Arms - are the basic front-line infantry that comprises most Bretonnian armies. These men have been chosen from a very young age to be trained and equipped with basic weaponry and gear and fight on the behalf of their Lord. Wearing mostly chainmail armor, these reluctant but adequate soldiers are responsible for holding the line against the enemy with shield and spear, whilst the Lords and Knights upon their mighty warhorses attack from the flanks and bring victory. 
• Peasant Bowmen - commoners that are not fit to join the men-at-arms companies are often recruited into service as basic support units of archers, a willingness reinforced by the promised bounty of a copper for any who survive the campaign, which is to the peasants a princely wage. As befit most Bretonnian infantry, these men aren't very reliable soldiers.
• Grail Pilgrims - though not considered a part of Bretonnian armies, these "Pilgrims" are fanatical followers who believe zealously on the holinest of the Grail Knight, and would flock in their dozens to join and bask in their reflected glory. Equipped with the discarded weapons and armor of the Grail Knight, these units provide the Bretonnian army with a much more reliable source of shock-infantry.
• Yeoman - are the only elite peasant infantry available to Bretonnian armies. These are men who have fought many battles and survived many wars with only the skills of their arms and their unwavering bravery. Such is their battle experience that Yeomen are almost as skilled in combat as a Knight of the Realm, but such a boast is often ignored and suppressed by the nobility. Promoted to the rank of a sergeant in a men-at-arms company, these men would sometimes be given mounts and provide the armies of Bretonnia with dedicated outriders to scout the battlefield.

Bretonnian Cavalry

It is a very common knowledge to know that the Knights of Bretonnia are both the backbone and pride of all Bretonnian armies. It is they that are mired with tales of deeds and glory, and it is they that have always brought the final blow that has brought forth the ultimate victory. Indeed, the cavalry of Bretonnia are the hammer of the Bretonnian army, meant to strike the killing blow that would finally shatter their enemies resolve in a glorious display of bravery and courage against impossible odds. It is these Knights that make up all of Bretonnian nobility, and it is these Knights that have made the Kingdom of Bretonnia a nation of deeds, honor, and chivalry.

• Knight Errant - these young nobles are the lowest ranking member of most Bretonnian cavalry as well as the nobility. In the prime of youth, these ill-experienced but highly enthusiastic warriors comprise a significant portion of many Bretonnian armies. Fighting on horseback, these Knights often engage the best enemy regiments in their eagerness to earn the title of a Knight of the Realm.
• Knight of the Realm - are the backbone of nearly all Bretonnian armies and as such, they are the most common members of the ruling elite. They have distinguished themselves in errantry and have thus received a fief or a position of power within noble society. They are expected to honor and defend their lords and kingdom from the depredation of all those that seek to destroy it, fighting on horseback, with lance in hand and their unwavering faith in the Lady of the Lake.
• Questing Knight - these Knights are those nobles who are seeking the attention of their patron goddess, the Lady of the Lake, in hopes of acquiring her blessing as a means to obtain the status of a Grail Knight. Living a solitary existence, these men would strive to prove himself to the Lady, performing good deeds, slaying foul beast, and aiding the armies of Bretonnia when in times of peril.
• Grail Knight - these Knights are the very pinnacle of Bretonnian chivalry, honor, and bravery. Those Questing Knights who have drunk from the Holy Grail are blessed with the powers of the Lady and have thus been proven worthy to become a Grail Knights. To obtain the position of a Grail Knight is the ultimate goal for all Knights, and to become one is to be the very embodiment of a Holy Warrior. It is said that these Knights are one of the greatest of Mankinds warriors to ever walk the earth.
• Pegasus Knight - unlike traditional mounted warfare, those Knights that can tame and ride the mighty Pegasus into battle are warriors without equal. Flying across the battlefled with wings of angelic appearance, the Pegasus Knights take to the sky and fight the flying monstrosities the enemy has unleashed upon them with lance and sword.
• Royal Pegasus - the purest of all Pegasus, those Knights that ride these mighty creatures are the greatest of all the Pegasus Knights. Intelligent and loyal to its master, only the richest and most powerful nobles can own such a beast, for they are both rare and unconquerable in spirit.
• Hippogryph Knight - a close cousin to the Griffon, the Hippogryphs are a powerful race of winged beast far stronger and more ferocous than any normal steed. With the head and wings of an eagle, the claws of a lion, and the legs of a horse, this mighty beast are only reserved for the only the greatest of all noble Knights.

Bretonnian Artillery

The Lords of Bretonnia often distain the use of siegecrafts, for they always perfer to win their battles on the open-field with lance in hand and the valour of their knights. Nevertheless, when these Knights are engaged in siege-warfare, these Knights have no choice but to bring up these siegecrafts into battle. Due to their disapproval of gunpowder weapons such as Cannons and Mortars, most Bretonnian armies use older and more conventional siege equipment.

• Trebechet - Probably the only siege equipment used by the armies of Bretonnia, the first Trebuchet to have ever existed was created within the small village of D'Ason, on the northern coast of Lyonesse. Trebuchets are immense seige equipment used to lob large projectiles at enemy formations from large and safe distance. Due to its unpopularity and lack of proper education amongst the peasantry, only a handfull of craftsmen have the skill and knowledge to build such an expensive and time-consuming device, with only a finite number of Trebuchets still remaining within service.

The Blessing of the Lady

The Enchanted Lady of the Lake

Since ancient times, the Bretonnians have worshiped the Lady of the Lake as their goddess and their primary deity, a figure of myth and legend who guides their kings and protects their lands from harm.

Worship of the Lady can be traced to the earliest days of the Kingdom. It is said that she arose from a lake before Gilles le Breton and his Knightly Companions on the dawn of the Great Victory of Bordeleaux. Wreathed in a fey light, the Lady rose from the water bearing a grail which overflowed with light that spilled into the waters of the lake, blessing the assembled knights until dawn's light broke over the mountains. Gilles famously dipped his bloodied and tattered banner into the radiant waters of the lake crying: "Lady, Bless my Banner", only to lift it from the waters, magically restored and bearing the image of the lady and her glittering grail. Gilles and his Knights rode out and defeated the Orcs, then returned to the lake after the battle to give their thanks to the Lady for her blessings. And at this lake, he and his companions swore great oaths of friendship and to serve the lady and remained together to free the lands of Bretonnia from the monster's that assailed it.

In the years that followed, Gilles and his knights went on to win many great victories and since those days, worship of the Lady has spread throughout Bretonnia. The lady herself is very rarely seen, and only in the most verdant depths of the land may she be found by a few privileged and pure souls. Those who do find her are regarded as highly favoured and are themselves revered.

Appearing as an ageless maiden of unearthly beauty, the Lady will only appear to those who have faced great peril and are pure of heart. Many knights, wishing to prove their valor, declare that they will go on a Grail Quest and seek the lady of the lake to sup from her sacred chalice and become one of the legendary Grail Knights, warriors of unsurprising skill who are incapable of malice and impure thought.

Sacred groves and areas of mystical power are her dwellings, and the Grail Knight are her protectors devoting themselves to upholding her honour.  No base creatures or evildoers can profane her sacred places, and this is a duty that every knight in Bretonnia, not just the Grail Knight's, take very seriously indeed. The Bretonnia code of Chivalry is inextricably linked with the Lady of the Lake, as it is she who rewards honour and virtue, and the supreme sign of a knight's favour is to received her blessings.

Throughout Bretonnia there are many Grail chapels built upon sites of holy significance, ranging from humble road-side shrines to great fortress cathedrals incorporated into a knight's castle. It is the sacred duty of the Grail Knights to protect these shrines and often such knights will devote the remainder of their lives to defending the Lady's holy places. These knights are known as hermit knights and spend their lives living in and defending the shrines and relics housed within.

Calendar

Bretonnian Holidays

All holidays within Bretonnia stem from the foundation of the Kingdom, with the traditions of the original Bretonni tribes suborned or rededicated unto the Lady Of The Lake. These holy days now take preeminence above all others. 

• Witching Night

Upon the first night after both moons are full in the new year, or three weeks after the winter solstice, as Moreslieb be notoriously irregular in its celestial movements.  All Bretonians celebrate the Lady's protection of the land from evil magic.  It stemmed from a celebration of the eighth battle of Sir Gilles Le Breton.  Where the Divine Lady did bless the damsel's of his army, and the "good magic" wielded by them upon the field of battle. A tradition has arisen throughout the Duchies that place the women of Bretonnia in charge of this celebration. Thus honouring the Damsel's with a sign of respect. Great bonfires are lit and effigies of male Mages and warlocks are burned upon them. In many rural areas an actual living wizard, sorcerer or warlock is captured and cast upon the fire, with varied levels of success. Always it must being a woman who lights the bonfire upon this night.

• Lilly Day

This being originally a celebration of the spring solstice, a celebration of new growth, and is concurrent with the Empire's {More-Growth} day. It is thus the most popular day for weddings.  Most villages and towns in rural areas still follow an ancient tradition of choosing the most beautiful Maiden and proclaiming her the Lady of the Lillies.  {The original tribal Bretonni title having been long forgotten.} She then presides over all festivities for the day thus being declared, queen for a day. She is able to pronounce new engagements and even annul an arranged marriage, if just cause can be shown, and both parties family's can be brought to an agreement. Their local lord Knight then releases them from all promises.

• Peace Tide

The celebration of Sir Gilles Le Breton's final grand victory over the orks, thus forging the Kingdom.  Festivals are centered around plays about, and dramatic re-enactments of the first King's 12 great battles.  A grand feast is held with Tournies and Jousts, pledges of fealty are being renewed this day, along with displays of strength and martial prowess, preformed upon the Lists and at the Butts.  Prizes being given out to the greatest Swordsman, Horseman, Wrestler and common born Archer upon the end of each grand Tourney. An older tradition from tribal days, holds that any ongoing feuds or conflicts within a community, shouldst being resolved.  Even if by duel of honour or a battle of champions unto death if demanded by both parties.  Adjudicated by their local lord, bailiff or a respected monk, whom is being a lay cleric of a recognized and royally patented Grail Monastery Brotherhood.

• Day of Mystery

This day marks the day of the Lady Of The Lake's first appearance unto Gilles Le Breton, allowing him to drink from the Grail thus creating the first Grail Knight.  It is the most holy day throughout Bretonnia.  The barriers betwixt the Lady's realm and mortal, mundane reality are said to grow verily thin upon this day and night.  Most people- { thus meaning Nobles, freemen and merchants not peasants} -spend the day safely within a grail shrine, chapel or temple cathedral.  Contemplating their sins and asking the Lady for her forgiveness.

• Grail Day

Originally a day meant for the honouring of the Holy Grail.  Grail Day has lately degenerated into a festival honouring the finest wines.  Thus in many places it has become a day of carousing, and excessive drinking of wine drunk fully undiluted.  A  great feast is partaken of by the entire community, along with Tornies and Jousting.  Players, Jesters, Minstrels and artists are honoured upon this day.  As the specter of winter and the monsters of chaos it brings forth approaches.  Everyone celebrates in an air of nervous lurking fear of the harsh and long dark days to come.

• Kings Sleep

At the approach of the Midwinter solstice, in the deepest darkest days of the year.  All gather together to remember that Winter is turning and like the trees and meadows the land merely sleeps, as does the first and greatest king of the land { Gilles La Breton.}   That he naught be dead only resting, awaiting the time he is needed again.  This Holy day be marked with plays depicting his divine departure and return, along with prayers of a speedy end to the cold days of winter.  A grand feast is held as all welcome the return of spring and regrowth, thus incorporating much older Bretonni celebrations and some tribal druidic traditions.  Very few places beyond the most isolated of communities, still preform a blood sacrifice at the shortest day of the year.  Known infamously as the Burning-man ritual.  Even though such practice has been outlawed by the Grail Council and the King in Couronne, each year the Bretonnian inquisition still has to hunt out the perpetrators of such foul acts, and the darkly twisted druidic cults held in thrall to them.

Days Of The Week

The standard Eight Bretonnian days of the week, evolved within a heavy influence of their Empire cousins own tribal traditions. There are of course many differences and cultural traditions colouring them greatly, as befits the more stable and civilized system of Feudal guardianship found within the Kingdom of Gilles La Breton. The calendar however has never been formalized, nor so rigorously enforced as within the Empire. The actual order of the days, their importance and traditions in organizing a community, and the daily tasks required to keep all running smoothly, will vary greatly from Duchy to Duchy, and even within them, depending upon how isolated a community is from its neighbours. The order here mentioned is the standard for all counties, fifes and shires of City Couronne and its neighbours. All days are listed first in the common Gothic root tongue of the peasant stock, then in the noble "High Bretonnian" courtly tongue.

• Levy Day  (Jour-de' Levy)

All peasants and freemen of a labouring trade, are commanded to practice of the Bow and staff upon this day.  Being the start of a new week, the local lord or knight, gathers his Mense obligation and peasant Levy.  There to drill them upon the order of battle should they ever be required at call. Thus the day has become a day of friendly competition amongst all men, within the martial skills and the building of comradeship under arms.

• Kings Day  (Le Jour du Roi)

This being the first official work day of the week, and most commonly held as the first day of the week in most other Duchies.  All folk return to work in honour of the King, peasants doth give of their labour unto their feudal lord and master as tithe.  Thus they work the land and estate of their master in joyful service and loyal duty.

• Market Day (Le Jour de Marche)

Upon this day, also known as {Merchant's Day}, within all towns and those few cities of Bretonnia.  Tradesmen and merchants are allowed to gather, thus to barter or trade in coin of the realm for goods and services.  Although those larger towns with a royal patent to trade and commerce, may hold permanent markets and trading upon a daily basis.  Peasants also are being allowed to barter crops and handmade goods for like, or with the permission of their noble master, even for copper coin.   The holding of gold and silver being forbidden unto peasants and bonded common labourers in many areas still. { Such being upon the discretion of their local lord and master. }

• Baking Day  (Jour de Cuisson) 

Bakers and millers are being honoured upon this day.  Unsold and any day old loaves art being offered out unto the poor and needy as charity.  Fresh baked loaves are seen as a greater act of chivalry thus honouring the Lady, and better for gaining her favour.  In rural areas a fresh baguette or croissant will be left out by the back door of a house, along side a a pat of butter or small bowl of milk, or even a cup of wine thus to honour the local Faye.  It is not unknown for a small favour to be found left in return, within the cup or bowl the next morning.  Thus to reward a particularly fine wine or baked offering.  This usually be within the form of a small protective charm or talisman, thus marking its wearer as favoured by the Faye spirits, and a friend of the forest folk. Beware in using such charms though, as the little people have a very odd sense of humor, one may not like the results of their favors.

• Tithing Day   (Jour de la Dime)

This marks the mid week. Craftsmen and all freemen may offer labour and or goods, unto their Noble lord.  This may even be in lieu of Tax in coin upon this day, upon prior arrangement with the receiving Noble party. All peasants must work the fields or within the castle of their lord and master as due their divinely mandated and loyal duty.  This be upon and not in lieu of their normal tax and tithes within the form of crops, coin and hand made goods upon agreement.  Bailiffs and other authorized representatives do their rounds and collect such tithing upon this day each week.

• Commons Day  (Le Plaide pour Jour)

The day upon which one's noble lord and master hears the complaints of those needing advocacy.  Judgement is taken against those whom have transgressed against their peers or have betrayed their duties.  No "non noble" class may make or pursue an accusation upon those of a higher class.   All higher ranking Nobles beyond the level of rural knight of the realm, or those with large estates and many folk under their guardianship.  May entitle a junior knight or illegitimate offspring as their Sheriff, or hire a studied Magistrate or official Advocate to do this duty under their authority.  All punishments, trials and their subsequent executions, are reviewed and carried out upon this day.

• Lady's Day  (Du Jour de la Sainte Vierge) 

The most Blessed day of the week.  All Nobles and freemen spend their first half the day in chapel, proclaiming an undying loyalty unto the Divine Guardian of Bretonnia.  Peasants may be required to re-swear their loyalty and service unto her Noble representatives.  {Towards which all are joyfully beholding and indebted.}  This day is traditionally finished with a meal of fish or any other water related fair if possible. { Peasants will usually partake of a frog stew or boiled snails. }  Thus honouring the {Lady Of The Lake}.

• Rest Day  (Le Jour de Repos)

Thus we reach the end of the week, to rest and spend time with family and friends, in play and dance and song.  Thus To enjoy all that our fair land offers its loyal people. Peasants are permitted to work their master's land and serve within his castle for only half the day.  Then are allowed to work their own or gather food and, {If allowed to as a reward.}  Hunt within the forest and field for mushrooms, { not truffles }, berries, frogs and insects. Even a brace of rabbit, { if they have been particularly loyal and dutiful! }  Within most larger towns and all cities, the common folk are permitted to use this time thus to beg charity without harassment.  From noon till sunset those with wealth and or Nobility, use the time to show their Noble chivalry and generosity of spirit.  Thus earning the good favour of the LADY, and mayhaps the admiration of ones peers or sweetheart.

Places of Interest

There are few cities in Bretonnia. Most nobles live in mighty castles in the countryside surrounded by a village and only the castles of a handful of dukes protect developed towns, which sport the same name as the respective provinces. The people of Bretonnia consider the life in towns to be somewhat unnatural, fit only for the most desperate and poor. The largest towns are seaports, centers of trade and harbors of the Bretonnian fleets.

The Dukedom of Mousillon

The Dukedom of Mousillon is the cursed dukedom of Bretonnia. The first Duke, Landuin, is reputed to be the finest knight of the Companions of Gilles le Breton and presumably the finest Knight ever.  However after his untimely death the land fell into darkness and the name is now associated with evil, a refuge for vile men, dishonored knights and creatures of evil.

The first major incident to tarnish the name of Mousillon involved the Duke Merovech in the Imperial year 1813, during a victory banquet held to celebrate the defeat of an invasion of Bretonnia by the Skaven. The knights and nobles who attended were disgusted to see his halls decorated with impaled criminals and the meals served by shambling servants who more resembled the undead than living men.

In a drunken fury, Merovech accused the other nobles of insulting his hospitality, causing the King to challenge him. In the inevitable duel that followed, Merovech ripped the King's throat out and drank his blood from a goblet. (There is no evidence to suggest he was a Vampire, however).

The rest of Bretonnia denounced the duke, and invaded Mousillon. Many of his own knights renounced their feudal oaths to him and swore allegiance to Lyonesse. After a bloody final battle, Merovech was slain. Five hundred years later Mousillon was involved in the Affair of the False Grail in which the Lord and Lady of Mousillon perished during a siege of their castle, and a new duke has never been appointed.

However in recent years rumors of a self-appointed Duke have begun to circulate, a black-armored knight who is assembling the evil men and creatures that dwell there. It has been rumored that the current King, Louen Leoncoeur, is planning to lead a fresh invasion of Mousillon. It is no secret that many Bretonnians would love to see Mousillon burned to the ground and destroyed once and for all. 

The Dukedom of Brionne

Brionne, one of the smaller duchies of Bretonnia, is nevertheless famed for its privateers. The merchants and sea captains of Marienburg insist that Brionnese privateers are the scourge of their trade.

The Dukedom of Couronne

The King of Bretonnia's personal fief, the Duchy of Couronne is where he keeps court. The King's personal castle is built upon Elfin ruins. Additionally, there is a temple of Shallya in Couronne that is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the entire Old World.

Bordeleaux

The Duchy of Bordeleaux is justly famed for the quality of its wine.

Timeline of Bretonnia

This is a time of all major event's of Bretonnia's history, including those event's triggered or led by these Bretonnian knights of the realms. All dates are under The Empire's calender. The Bretonni calendar measures year 0 from the founding of Bretonnia by the noble Gilles Le Bretton. A single standard year is like the Imperial year 400 days long, divided into twelve months of 32 - 33 days each.  With six intercalary holidays independant of the week days. A new year officially begins upon the Witching Night.  This being roughly around the same time as the Empire's Hexenstag. It shares many of the same Holy days as the Imperial Calendar from which it evolved, however with different names and cultural traditions, primarily a devotion to the Lady Of The Lake. It is said that the Elves forsook the Old World and the insular Dwarves retreated further into their mountain strongholds. The land becomes overrun by all manner of evil-natured creatures. 

• -1000  -  The chiefs of the Bretonni people, proud and warlike horse tribesmen, traveled over the Grey Mountains. Hundreds of years of constant warfare follow as they settle in these fair lands, and attempt to drive out the Greenskins.
• -700  -   The Bretonni lands become dominated by around twenty main horsemen tribes of all are descendants of the first tribes of Bretonni that crossed the Grey Mountains. Smaller tribes are amalgamated into these or destroyed outright.
• -650  -   The Bretonni penetrate the Forest of Loren leave only a handful of survivors, driven mad by fey terrors, and the forest enters Bretonnian folklore as being a haunted, magical place.
• -500   -   The Bretonni tribes continue to fight amongst themselves for control of the lands, and the borders of each lord's realm constantly shifts. Nevertheless the tribes commonly ally to fight against the Orc's and Goblin's tribes of the Mountains. Many lords of the Bretonni built great strongholds in their land to keep the Greenskin's in check.
• -15  -   In this year, the foreign hero Sigmar fought against the Orc's and Goblins and broke their power in the lands of the east.
• 100  -   History relates that fleets of undead came and did evil in the lands of Bretonni
• 577  -   Greenskins raids increase, and many settlements are burnt to the ground. Retaliatory raids against Orcs slay thousands. However, several powerful Bretonni tribes fall and their lands are claimed by rivals
• 770   -   The lands of the Bretonni is divided into sixteen areas, each controlled by one of the major tribes. These have since remained relatively stable, although two lands, Glianborielle and Cuilleux are latter destroyed.
• 930  -  The lands of Cuileux, lying between Brionne and Quenelles, is overrun by a massive Orc invasion led by the warlord Gragabad. The horsemen of Cuileux ride forth in one final tragic battle, where their lines ends. Quenelles and Brionne ride forth, and scatter the Greenskin hordes but at a grave cost. The two lords meet each other in single combat to decide who will take the land. The lord of Brionne is cut down and Quenelles expanded.
• 932  -   Balduin, Lord of Brionne, leads his horsemen to victory against the Orcs.
• 947  -   The northern lands are overrun by Greenskin tribes, as well as Beast-men that pour forth form the Forest of Arden. Around this time, the Norse began to raid the northern coastline regions and the northern Bretonni tribes were devastated by these northerners.
• 950  -   Rosalind of Bastonne weds Theirful, Lord of Lyonnese. Her brother, Gilles, and her husband become strong friends, and the ties between the two realms grow strong.
• 952  -  Gilles of Bastonne becomes famed throughout the lands of Bretonni as the young warrior seek out and slays the giant wyrm, Smearghus.
• 974  -  Orc hordes in the thousands never before seen begin to attack the lands of Bretonni. The lands of Glanborielle is utterly destroyed and subsequently amalgamated into Carcassone. Driving northwards, the Greenskins threaten to overrun Quenelles, Brionne and Aquitaine. 
• 975  -   The Orc armies attacking Bastonne are repelled, thought the Lord of Bastonne is slain. The new lord of Bastonne, Gilles leads his horsemen against the foe, joined by his loyal friend Theirulf and the famed Lord Landuin of Mousillon. Both Lysonesse and Mousillon are under intense pressure from Greenskin armies, and they hop to join with Gilles for one final great battle.
• 976  -   GIlles is visited by a vision of the Lady of the Lake, who blesses him and his comrades. Thus Gilles, Landuin and Theirfulf becomes the first Grail Knights.
• 978  -   The famous battle of Gilles the Uniter, the Lord of Battles as he and his companions ride to save their lands. They are victorious in each and earned much honour, glory, and renown. The deeds of the Companions become legend's of aspiration for all knights, and these battles form the basis for all knights.
• 979  -   The forming of Bretonnia. The lands of the Bretonni tribes are finally secured. A great meeting takes place in the home of Folgar of Artois. Here the formal dukedoms are created and the Bretonnian calendar is introduced.
• 995  -   Gilles le Breton is struck down by a hurled weapon while engaged in a challenge against one of the remaining Orcish warlords of the Grey Mountains, near the edge of the Forest of Louren. As he passes from the world, he has a final vision of the Lady, and his men carry him to a nearby lake. There, he is placed on a ship and sails for all eternity. It is said that he will return to Bretonnia's most dire time of need.
• 996  -  With Gilles unexpected death, it is finally agreed that his son Louis, should become ruler. He immediately sets off to search the lands for a sign of the Lady and thus earn her recognition, earning his title as Loius the Rash.
• 1001 -  After many great deeds, Louis gained the Lady's blessing. Louis the Rash is crowned with the Crown of Bretonnia by the Fay Enchantress, and thus becomes the king. He draws up the basis of the Decrees of Chivalry, cementing the strict codes of personal conduct that the companions lived by today.
• 1003 -  Always competitive, Laudin and Theirulf have a major falling out, with some believing that the cause was over Theirulfs wife, Rosalind. A challenge is fought between them with Landiun coming out victorious inflicting a wound across Theirulf's face.
• 1024 -  Agilgar of Parravon is slain. His Pegasus Glorfinial, is killed by a pair of Wyverns above the Grey Mountains, and the duke of Parravon falls to his death. 
• 1045  -  Bretonnian mourns, for Landuin of Mousillon is found dead at his bed.
• 1143  -  King Guillaume defeats a horde of Orcs at the Battle of Armadur and purses them out of Bretonnia, sparing none. Theirulf of Lyonnese, the last of the Grail Companions whose life was extended by the lady, finally falls in battle.
• 1175  -  Admiral Henri Lamorte of l'Angulle meets the fleets of the Tomb King Amenemhetum the Great, sent northward by Settra at the location of Savage Point. The Undead fleet was miraculously repelled.
• 1245  -  The Dragon Mergaste is slain by King Baudoin.
• 1275  -  Lamorte Grail Chapel is pillaged, and the interred body of Henri Lamorte is stolen.
• 1325  -  Tournaments of la Damoiselle d'Artois. One hundred knights joust for her hand in marriage.
• 1336  -  Duke Melmon of Quenelles disappears on the night of the Spring Equinox. Stories say he was caught up in the ghostly Great Hunt that is said to roam the skies on certain nights. Others say he wandered into the forest of Forest of Louren drawn by fey lights.
• 1449  -  An army of KNights dispatched to assist the Estalians fight hordes of Sultan Jaffar of Araby. The despot is hurled back to Araby.
• 1451  -  The Battle of El Haikk in which Sultain Jaffar of Araby is finally overthrown
• 1454  -  A foul vampiric creature calling itselft the Red Duke terrorizes the lands of Aquitaine. It is defeated at the battle of Ceren, pierced by the kings own lace.
• 1578  - The tournament of Guyenne is which King Jules jousts with one of the fey folk of Athel Loren and is victorious.
• 1593  -  Smell the Gauntlet - A game popular with the peasant children of Brionne - goes awry and instigates a revolt amongst the lower classes. It is crushed mercilessly in a bloodbath by their Bretonnian Lords.
• 1635  -  The Battle of Castellet, Raiders from beyond the sea attacks L'Anguille but was slaughtered by a massive force of 10,000 knights led by the King Philippe.
• 1681  -  On one eve, the dead rises from their graves and terrorize the lands. It is said that this occurred all across the Old World due to an ancient evil awakening in the south.
• 1715  -  In the year, fugitives of the accursed Orc horde of the defeated Warlord Gorbag invade Bretonnia. The Bretonnians however managed to slay them all
• 1813  -  The Red Pox ravages Bretonnia and wretched Skaven issued forth from their lairs and invaded the dukedoms of Bretonnia, only the timely arrival of the fey folk of Athel Loren, that Bretonnia managed to push back the vermin-tide.
• 1932  -  The so-called Red Duke rises from his grave, and threatens Aquitaine once more. In his battle, the Duke of Aquitaine is slain. Nevertheless, the Bretonnian Knights are victorious, and the Red Duke flees into the Forest of Chalons. There he is pursued by generations of Questing Knights, but to no avail.
• 2007  -  The Battle of Couronne. Repanse de Lyonesse leads her knights to victory against a horde of Chaos Marauders. 
• 2201  -  King Louren Orc-Slayer declares an errantry war to rid the Old World of the Greenskin threat once and for all. Countless Orc's and Knights were slain during the great war's.
• 2297  -  The Affair of the False Grail in which Duke Maldred of Mousillon and his sorceress consort are dishonored and Mousillon is formally disgraced, and no duke has since been appointed to govern it.
• 2300  -  In this year, nearly all the people of Mousillon perish from the Red Pox. Duke Maldred and his lady shut themselves within their palace but to no avail.
• 2320  -  The cursed Skaven once again make raids upon the western ports. The King orders the dukes fleet to be strengthened, and he grants them money's to aid the construction of better ships.
• 2336  -  A man emerges from the Forest of Loren, claiming to be Duke Melon of Quenelles. Within hours he ages dramatically, and dies within the day.
• 2420  -  Divinely inspired by the Lady of the Lake to rid the world of Greenskins, King Charlen renewed the Errantry Wars. A host of knights rode forth to assist the Border Princes  and both knights and greenskins were slaughtered in the battles to come.
• 2422  -  Retaliatory attacks from Orcish tribes ravaged Carcassonne, while many knights were away fighting in the lands of the Border Princes. The impoverish land suffers frequent attacks. Many hovels were burnt down, and the populace suffered greatly, while the nobles did nothing.
• 2491  -  In the year, the Undead led by the fell necromancer, Heinrich Kemmler, allied with vile skaven, sacked the abbey of Maisontaal. They are repelled by the Bretonnian host.
• 2500  -  Louen Leoncoeur is crowned king of all Bretonnia
• 2512  -  The Spring festival of Bordeleaux is interrupted when four peasants dressed as a dragon accidentally slay the peasant playing the "Grail Knight" leading to a town-wide revolt. Some say it was caused by wine supplied by Duke Alberic, which leads to the phrase "as rare as the sober man of Bordeleaux".
• 2515  -  A peasant named Huebald is knighted after saving the Lady Ariadne from the Beast of the Forest - Only the third peasant born to ever to have attained knighthood. He does not survive his first battle.
• 2517  -  Rumors speak of an army gathering within Mousilion led by a mysterious knight.
• 2519  -  The bearers of the Standard of Bretonnia, Armand, becomes the Duke of Aquitaine at the king's order.
• 2521  -  Norse Long-ships raids have become increasingly frequent and the northern settlements are being slaughtered mercilessly.
• 2522  -  The Storm of Chaos has begun and the armies of Bretonnia are gathering for the coming war that will engulf the world in Chaos, and Bretonnian's knew that if the Empire falls, then the rest of the world will soon follow. 

Sources

• Armybook: Bretonnia (5th Edition) pg. 5 - 34, 17 - 19
• Armybook: Bretonnia (6th Edition) pg. 6 - 28
• Knights of the Grail (RPG) pg. 6 - 11, 14 - 20, 21 - 29, 30 - 34, 36 - 42
• Barony of the Damned (RPG) pg. 6 - 10
• Warhammer fantasy {RPG} 1986 - 2009 
• Tome of Salvation {RPG}
• Varied authorized novels from the Black Library press.