The dawn of the Third Age brought turbulent times to Rivermond, where dissatisfaction with the Silver Dominion's heavy-handed rule and the perceived betrayal by King Malachi’s descendants simmered dangerously. Amidst this backdrop of oppression and unrest, Johanna Redmond emerged as a beacon of hope and defiance.
Born into a noble family that cherished Rivermond's autonomy and traditions, Johanna was raised with a strong sense of justice and duty. She saw firsthand the impact of the Dominion's oppressive demands on her people. Her father, a wise and just baron, instilled in her the values of leadership and courage. However, it was the injustices she witnessed as a young woman that truly ignited the fire within her. By the time Johanna assumed the title of Baroness, she had already earned the respect and loyalty of her people. Her keen intellect and fiery spirit were evident in her oratory skills and strategic thinking. She understood that the path to freedom was fraught with peril, but she was resolute in her belief that Rivermond deserved to be free from both the monarchy and the Dominion.
In the year 30, Johanna made a bold move. Standing before a crowd of her subjects in Redmond Keep, she declared independence from the Silver Dominion. Her words resonated deeply, igniting a spark of rebellion that spread like wildfire. She spoke not just as a leader, but as one of them—a person who shared their pain, hopes, and dreams.
"The Dominion has taken our lands, our rights, and our dignity. No more! We shall rise, not as vassals, but as free people. For Rivermond, for our children, and for the future!"
The Redmond Rebellion had begun.
Johanna's forces were a diverse mix—passionate commoners, seasoned knights, and disgruntled nobles united under her banner. Her leadership was marked by strategic brilliance and empathy. She led her troops in a series of daring strikes against Dominion outposts and loyalist strongholds, using the element of surprise and her intimate knowledge of the land to her advantage. For five years, the Barony of Redmond became a battleground. Johanna's tactical acumen and her ability to inspire her forces led to several early victories. Her presence on the battlefield, often at the front lines, boosted the morale of her troops. She was not just a commander; she was a symbol of their struggle.
But the Dominion was a formidable foe. Recognizing the threat posed by Johanna's insurrection, they deployed elite units to quash the uprising. The conflict culminated in the brutal Siege of Redmond Keep in the year 35. Johanna and her forces held out valiantly, but the Dominion's overwhelming might eventually broke their defenses. Captured but unbroken, Johanna faced her fate with the same courage that had defined her life. In the year 36, she and her entire family were publicly executed by the Church of the Silver Dominion. Their deaths were meant to serve as a grim warning to others who might dare to defy the Dominion.
Yet, in death, Johanna Redmond became a martyr. Her legacy lived on, a powerful symbol of resistance and the unquenchable desire for freedom. The brutality of the Dominion's response and the replacement of the Redmonds with the loyalist Rocks family only fueled the fires of resentment and rebellion. The martyrdom of Johanna Redmond galvanized underground resistance movements and inspired future generations. Her story became a rallying cry for those who continued to fight for Rivermond's autonomy. Despite the Dominion's efforts to erase her legacy, Johanna's spirit endured, a testament to the enduring power of hope and the relentless pursuit of justice.