The Rivlans, native to the Iron Pines and fertile riverlands, had long lived in relative peace, enduring only occasional internal conflicts and predictable Vadurkin raids. Nothing prepared them for the sudden arrival of the Hadrian Empire. In less than a week after the first signs of the empire were reported, the hold of Goldenfold had fallen, and the Rivlans were officially at war. The Earldoms of the March scrambled to send resources and troops to the West to aid in the fight against the empire. They were willing at a moment's notice to rise to the defense of their fellow Rivlans.

Almost overnight, wheat scythes were reforged to arming swords, and the arrows meant for game now lay buried in men. The Rivlans fought a bloody war against this new threat, raging against their enemy with the ferocity of the bear they waved on their banner. Thanks to the Rivlan knowledge of the terrain and their use of guerilla warfare, the war drew to a stalemate.

Eventually, weakened by starvation and disease, the Rivlan Earl of the West Marches was forced to surrender, ceding the West Marches to the Empire. The Treaty of the Hound ended the open conflict, but peace was short-lived. As the aftermath of Raven’s Roost reignited the resolve of the Rivlan people with the treaty now torn a sundered. With this new resolve, the Rivlans now seek alliances among the diverse peoples now sharing the March. Their banners, emblazoned with the bear, flew high once again, symbolizing their defiance and determination. No longer fighting for survival, the Rivlans were now fighting for their freedom, identity, and the enduring spirit of their people.