A Tale Of Remnant

The History of Mantle

Atlas Academy Database:
File: History
Recording: An Abridged History of the Kingdoms of Mantle and Atlas

The Kingdom of Mantle and Atlas' history is divided into four ages by contemporary historians: the Steel Age, the Silver Age, the Platinum Age, and the Modern Age. Each held pivotal events which shaped the unique culture of Modern Atlas.

Though the full history of settlement of the continent of Solitas is unknown, the earliest records of settlements detail a vast array of already established warring petty kingdoms and duchies. The origin of these states are unknown, but fighting was common. Wars in the Steel Age were brief affairs, with most beginning and ending within 1 or 2 years. With the exception of early firearms, such as the smoothbore musket, battles in this time period were fought in a similar style to the Kingdom of Vale; lords leading retinues of knights and various footmen into combat. Unlike in Vale, however, Grimm were not dealt with via lone huntsmen. Instead, the task of exterminating Grimm was left to the local nobility, who would lead bands of men in opposition to humanity's oldest foe. Due to the commonality of war during this time, this duty was often neglected, and Grimm attacks were a frequent reality.

Around 384 RH, three major duchies consolidated influence enough to begin considering continental unification. The first was the Duchy of Umbrel, an eastern territory which flourished through it's lucrative trade with the Empire of Mistral and the League of Argos, among others. Led by the Ranier household, the duchy built Solitas' first fleet of airships, based on the wooden Mistrillian model. As the sole power on the continent with airships, Umbrel seized firm control of trade and could perform lightning raids into the capital cities of their rivals.

The second was the Duchy of Seraphon, which encompassed much of the western territories and dominated many of it's neighbors. The Duchy was headed by the Stelier household, who held sway over lesser duchies with a mixture of a large, well equipped army and the placement of many cadet branches of it's family, such as the Hauptmann and Bourbon households, onto the thrones of any power that could not be immediately annexed.

The third and final major duchy was the Duchy of Mantle. Located closer to the center of the continent, Mantle was renowned even then for it's exceptional craftsmanship and industrial capabilities. The ruling household, the Schaufts, strongly encouraged technological advancement, which they used to safeguard their position on the continent. Mantle also possessed a strong bureaucratic system and council which ensured the stability of the duchy.

In 403 RH, Duke Friedrich Schauft openly declared his intention to unify the warring states of Solitas. This declaration, made on the heels of years of growing tension, began the Mantle War of Unification. Though some minor states accepted his claim, the majority made alliances with either Umbrel or Seraphon in order to preserve their independence. Despite having made advances in firearm technology, such as rifles and new field artillery, both of which enhanced by dust, invasions on two fronts found Mantle incapable of holding back either alliance from marching on the city of Mantle itself. Unable to contest the Umbrel airfleet and outmaneuvered by the armies of the Duchy of Seraphon, Schauft was forced to prepare for an assault on the city.

It is here, however, that both alliances failed to make the decisive blow. Upon reaching the city, both alliances began a series of battles and skirmishes against each other. Seraphon's armies were incapable of neutralizing Umbrel's airfleet, and Umbrel's forces were ill equipped for the task of holding territorial gains against the much larger Seraphon army. As a result, the city of Mantle and the fields before it became sights to brutal and utterly indecisive engagements. Much of the city itself was severely damaged by constant bombings, and Mantle forces were pushed to the brink keeping both armies out of the inner city. More then once, the arrival of large hordes of Grimm forced all sides to call temporary truces, cancelling planned assaults against the city and inadvertently saving Duke Friedrich's war effort. Notably, despite the constant danger subjected upon the populace, civilians continued working hard in factories, churning out supplies and setting up massive anti-aircraft cannons. Popular support for the Duke remained high throughout the siege despite the great difficulties.