Initial settlement of Brosengae came in several stages. Some early settlers may well have founded villages on the rugged southern coast, not far from the mouth of the Maesil. Later group would cross the Seamist Mountains between Devan and Barilen and find a fertile, but heavily forested valley there. We know little of this period, but as they moved down towards the coast in the 3rd Century BD they eventually encountered the Boru – who were believed to have been lost when they sailed into the Sea of Stroms. Several wars took place, with the newcomers eventually driving the Boru away, and establishing several kingdoms in the area around 180 BD. Small groups settled the coastline as well, but largely stayed out of the interior forests (who were still home to minor goblin and sidhe realms).
It was not until much later, after the creation of the Empire that the deep forests and rugged mountains of Brosengae would become subject to civilization. The area was granted to one of Roele’s surviving generals named Brosen, and he took what men belonged to him and went west to being on this mighty task given him. By 200 HC the entire area was pacified and under human rule – more or less. During the years of Empire Brosengae remained a backwater, and but rarely took part in Imperial politics or the great campaigns (unlike its northern neighbor who traveled far and fought numerous wars).
Brosengae did not do very well after the Fall of the Anuirean Empire. She quickly sided with Avanil in the long years of war that followed Michael’s death, and became embroiled in costly wars, especially against Taeghas. The 11th and 12th Centuries saw an increasingly isolationist Brosengae, with local lords and knights locked in a web of intrigue, feud, and open warfare. The 13th and 14th Centuries were even worse, as Tenouirean buccaneers arrive to haunt the shores of Anuire. The darkest period of all was in the early decades of the 14th Century, when Tenouireans settled and ruled the southern coastal province, carrying with them their blasphemous belief in the ‘Old Gods’. It also saw the end of the ancient Brosen bloodline.
It fell to the nobles of House Mierelen to restore Brosengae’s fortune and honor. Once a minor house of uncertain origins, they had established themselves as landowners in Bindier by the middle 13th Century. They were also quick to realize that Brosengae’s fortunes were tied to the sea and commerce, and the expulsion of the Tenouireans. They were instrumental in developing the caravel type of ship, expanding and modifying upon the common fishing vessels then prevalent in the southern parts of the Western Coast. By 1350 HC Ghorien Mierelen had (building upon the work of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather) united the low-land nobles, turned Bindier into a sizeable seaport and fortification, and built a large and skilled sea-fleet.
Next followed lengthy campaigns against the Tenouireans, first by sea, and then later by land, until the enemy had been driven into the sea or fled south. The subsequent counter-invasion of Tenouire during the 1380s HC did not fare so well, and was eventually abandoned (although to this day a deep enmity exists between the two realms). Possessing the finest deep-sea vessels in Anuiren – few other realms could boast ships such as the Brosen caravel at this time – it was only natural that they were put to good use, exploring far lands and expanding Brosengae’s growing mercantile power.
To this day Brosengae continues to be a mercantile powerhouse, and its ships are the finest in Anuire, having ranged as far – or farther – than any vessel sent out during the Anuirean Empire or the ancient Masetian people. The BRG is the only merchant guild to regularly embark on trade ventures to far lands, such as Orideichus, Rhandel, even beyond. Still, all is not well – other realms also adopted new ship designs throughout the 15th Century and created standing navies of their own, Taeghas and Boeruine in particular. Brecht far-trader also started appearing in the Tael Firth and later on the West Coast, even establishing trade routes to the City of Anuire.
To rectify this Brosengae became embroiled in the Avanese war against Boeruine, a war which eventually all but destroyed Taeghan naval aspiration and set back the Boer’s as well. But wars are costly, and misfortune struck (some say it was a cure called down on them by vengeful Tenuireans) in the late 1510, when Bosengae was repeatedly struck by vicious plagues. The realm has recovered since then, but now new naval powers are emerging – Avanil itself, Diemed, even the Free City of Ilien.
