For centuries, the warriors of Kitezh were known for their Viking-like raids, in which they sailed to new shores and shadows, killing all who opposed them and plundering the lands for riches. About 200 years before game start, Mikhail, then king of the Kitezhka, unified the warring clans of Kitezh and formed an armada to attack Amber. Oberon sent Gerard to meet this challenge. Amber won the battle at sea, with Gerard throwing many Kitezh warriors, including Mikhail, to their watery deaths. Oberon then recognized Mikhail's son Aubric, shortcutting the other Thanes, and gave him the throne of Kitezh on the condition that Aubric modernize his kingdom.
Aubric reigned for more than 200 years, meeting Oberon's terms: Trade and learning flourished in the more populated areas of Kitezh, and Kitezhka sailors turned to trade and exploration instead of conquest.
Aubric died 5 few years before game start. On his death, he split his kingdom between his three children: Ithunn, his youngest and only daughter, rules the civilized Heart of Kitezh; Sebastopol rules the frozen North; Viktor, the eldest, the watery Lowlands, yet the three are part of the one Kingdom of Kitezh.
