[Updating as more research comes to light]

The topic of how Duke Aidan was able to finance a war against the Tiberian Empire is attracting the attention of many historians at the University of Khartras, the Academy of War in the Three Rivers, and the councils of nobles in Tricolles.

So far, we know enough to assert five contextual realities.

First, the Duchy of Ravenwood was wealthier before the war’s beginning than even the emperor realized. The numerous mines producing gold, silver, and other metals in the western hills and mountains had expanded their output significantly in the two preceding decades. Wool exports and agricultural yields had also increased significantly, partly due to a long period of favorable weather. The Duchy’s total annual revenues were approximately 105,000 gold crowns at the war’s beginning. So although the Duchy’s wealth could not match the Tiberian Empire’s or the Kingdom of Khartras’s wealth, it was steadily gaining on Khartras.

Second, we now know that Duke Cedric, Aidan’s father, had taken some unusual steps before the Empire’s attack. He had deposited a number of “war chests” with Simon Lezar and his allies in the Three Rivers, the net effect of which was to prevent most of the accumulated treasury (ingots, coins, and jewelry) and gems of Ravenwood from falling into enemy hands. So far, we know that these chests included at least one large chest of gold coins and a small coffer of cut gemstones. The team of researchers focused on Book One are trying to convince Simon Lezar to release the specific details on the total composition of this war treasury, but he is a reticent man about such matters. Yet at the start of the war, therefore, Aidan and his loyalists not only held one strong fortress but also controlled most of the Duchy’s treasury. Therefore, he was not quite the penniless adventurer or young mercenary captain that songs written by certain bards and troubadours portray him as being.

Third, the leaders of the Tiberian Empire apparently underestimated how many enemies the Empire had. Historians at the University of Khartras have discovered evidence of significant support (in funds, supplies, or loans) funneled to Duke Aidan from two great merchant houses, from three kingdoms or duchies, and from several other mysterious backers, including at least two on the southern continent.

Fourth, early in the war, Duke Aidan entered into a relationship and several blood-brother alliances that brought significant resources into alignment with his aims. The first three histories of the war offer numerous details about these relationships. Undoubtedly future research will clarify the quantities and value of this assistance.

Finally, we know that once Duke Aidan had established his authority, he imposed a war levy upon the wealthy nobles, gentry, and merchants of Ravenwood, and he confiscated a significant portion of the lands and money of the traitorous barons. Historians have found strong evidence that the levy raised somewhere around 25,000 gold crowns, despite the disruptions of the war to Ravenwood’s yields. Research continues into trying to establish the value of the confiscated properties, but early estimates are running up to as high as the middle six figures in gold crowns and other assets.