The Forsworn

In the late 7th decade AR, Benwick underwent upheaval. The center of the debate was over the dispute if James Malhinde should be king, and the monarchy restored. It was held to a vote, and it was split evenly (or so some say). Half of the Keepers supported in James’ claim for the throne, and the other half voted to retain the Benwick Council and all of its hierarchy.

Where the issue arises, is the Council’s address to James. James Malhinde claimed the Council coerced him into stand down, and erase the issue of a divided vote. He believed he won the vote. What the Council claims, is that it was an even split and the later leave of the ‘Forsworn’ was due to irrationality on behalf of the leaders. Discord was sown.

It is difficult to claim who was in the right, and who was not. Whether the vote gave victor to James or the Council, one thing was clear: James Malhinde and his followers (notable mentions are Grail, Oria Mavekix, and Kamir Sunsteel) were upset with the functioning of Light Keep.

So they left, and broke their oaths. They adopted the principle that they were to serve the Light, without the bureaucracy of the Keep. They became the Forsworn.

As I write this now, in the year 71 of Arelith Reckoning, the Forsworn still persist as a source of Light amongst the isle. With James Malhinde gone, a future-king in another time, we see the leadership fall upon Oria Mavekix, his right-hand.

The division between the Forsworn and Light Keep still persists. Benwick, presently, is limited in numbers, and the Forsworn are a small but seemingly capable regiment.

~ Ser Nelehein of Impiltur, Sage-Knight of the Road and Last of the Great Skalds of Impiltur, 71 AR