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The Rhodoks were originally part of the Kingdom of Swadia, but successfully fought a war for independence. Their origin is reflected in their troop types and choice of territory. The Rhodoks' pikemen and crossbowmen were fielded in mountainous terrain to defeat the Knights of Swadia, as they lacked cavalry and thus relied on pike and crossbow to prevail over the Knights. Bunduk recounts how a war veteran named Grunwalder came "over the hills" after the war and taught the Rhodoks the art of war to defend themselves against the Swadians, effectively becoming an ancestral hero to the Rhodok people. Grunwalder would die in the rebellion he started, but his memory would live on as the Rhodoks swore never to bow to any king again. The Rhodoks built Grunwalder Castle at the place where Grunwalder fell in battle as a celebration of his contributions. Artimenner recounts when the player nears Culmarr Castle, that the count of that fortress used its geographical advantage to levy heavy taxes on all nearby caravan routes, and used this as leverage to be elected King of the Rhodoks. All rulers of the Rhodoks thenceforth were elected kings, the latest of which is King Graveth.