The Grand Duchy of Wex was a country located in The Borders. It was part of the Empire of Anbennar, and was one of the so-called Three Grand Duchies of the Empire, together with the Grand Duchy of Dameria and the Grand Duchy of Esmaria. It was generally considered to be the successor to the Kingdom of the Wexonards, and was succeeded by the Duchy of the Wexhills following the dissolution of the Grand Duchy in 1478.
History
The Wars of Rule and the Three Grand Duchies
After the Wars of Rule and the establishment of the Empire of Anbennar in 1220, the traditional three Kingdoms of the Dameshead - Dameria, Esmaria & Wex - were reduced to the rank of Grand Duchy as a result of their vassalage to the Emperor, as the Dameshead had no historical tradition of vassal Kings.
The Fourth Lilac War
In recent history, the current Grand Duke, Lothane III ascended as Emperor of Anbennar following the Lilac Wars, which saw the previous Emperors of the House of Silmuna defeated. His reign saw many attempts by the Wexonards to strongarm other electors into voting for Lothane's heir, Caylen síl Wex, but Lothane's death in 1470 saw the election of Emperor Caylen I síl na Trisfer by the Imperial estates instead. The death of Lothane and accession of Caylen síl Wex as Grand Duke would see the fortunes of the Grand Duchy crash through the floor, as, deprived of the power of the Dove Throne and with the loss of the alliance with Lorent, Wex was left vulnerable and surrounded by many unhappy princes, many of whom were most aggrieved by Lothane's actions during his accession and rule...
Disestablishment
During the reign of Caylen síl Wex, the Grand Duchy of Wex was assaulted by many Imperial princes seeking to avenge their losses in the Fourth Lilac War, losing almost all territory outside of their core lands of the Wexhills. Following their devastating defeat and humiliation, the Emperor declared the Grand Duchy of Wex dissolved, with the Duchy of the Wexhills instead being considered the former Grand Duke's primary title. So ended the last of the Three Grand Duchies of old Anbennar, until the accession of Camir Silmuna in the 18th century AA.
Economy
The Ironhills are one of the largest known sources of iron in the world, and as such played a major part in fuelling the Grand Duchy of Wex's military ever since the days of the First Kingdom of the Wexonards. The Wexhills in general are rich in other metals and coal, too, though the thin soil and rough terrain of the Wexhills remains relatively poor for cultivation, leading many Wexonard farmers to rely on animal husbandry instead of plant agriculture for their livelihoods.
Military
The Wexonard School of Fencing is an extremely prominent swordsmanship school originating in the Grand Duchy of Wex, with a focus on offence, and taking the fight to the enemy. The Wexonard School is primarily focused on the use of the two-handed "great" sword, and is known to native Wexonards as "The Art of Fighting", with techniques for both armoured and unarmoured combat. The Art of Fighting does also include techniques and styles for many other weapons, including, but not limited to, halberds and other polearms, quarter-staves, daggers both large and small, as well as horseman's picks and lances when mounted on horseback.
Famous Wexonards during the Grand Duchy
Lothane III síl Wex, Grand Duke of Wex and Emperor of Anbennar in 1444.
Caylen síl Wex, Grand Duke of Wex and successor to Lothane III in 1470.
Jon Bardswood, Wexonard philosopher and advisor to Lothane III during his reign.
Barry Moonbeam, Elven baron of Amberflow.