Valrean Awakening

The Valrean Awakening was a pivotal era in the history of Valreach, emerging in the aftermath of the Battle of Nidaros. It was marked by a resurgence of prosperity, political transformation, and a conquest that expanded the Valrean Empire twofold. This period left an indelible mark on both Valreach and its neighboring regions, reshaping the political and cultural landscape of the time.
This period of Valrean history also corresponds to the begining of the Division Era within the common Drakaen historiography, also called Dark Era or Dark Ages by pan-Drakaen nationalists. With a loss of a shared Drakaen identity with other states within the Drakesland, a period of clashes between states followed, which led to an increase of territory for states like Amarillo or Valreach.
== Background ==
The Valrean Awakening finds its origins in the Valrean Civil War, that took place between fall of 159 TE and winter of 164 TE. This was a conflict rooted in political discord within the High Kingdom of Valreach and its core identity. It began with the dissolution of the Drakaen Köntrybund and a divisive contestd decision regarding Valreach's alignment with the Simulami Empire. Both decisions, that took place in a very short amount of time, were led by King Vix Moreau Aulian himself, with little agreement within the Valrean aristocracy, which sparkled factions within the nation to rise in arms. Tensions also escalated as foreign nations, notably the Kingdom of Irulan, laid territorial claims on Valreach. Regional leaders, particularly those in Nidaros and West Drakaar, conspired to secede, leading to a conflict that eventually reshaped Valreach's destiny and fueled the rise of Valrean nationalism.
During the war, Vix I suspended the Constitution of the High Kingdom of Valreach, on 161 TE, putting and end to 60 years of parliamentarian tradition in Valreach. The constitution, not only provided autonomy for the regions that composed Valreach but also recognised rights for the citizens and subjects of the King and the nation, who shared sovereignty. The constitutional monarchy was totally dismanteled after the defeat of the Nidarosi in the Siege of Nidaros. On 164 TE, after having lost one third of the Valrean land and relevant political figures like his daughter, Delta Aulian, his brother, Alfric Aulian Maria Canalopin, Björn Moreau or Garold Smegsint, King Vix proclaimed himself emperor of the Valreans, sparkling Vixism. This was a new political philosophy which rejected all Drakaen identity and fully embraced Soleviel and Solaris as source of legitimacy over a single ehtnic group, the Valreans, who supposedly were the natives of the Eastern Drakesland.
== History ==
The Valrean Awakening was a time of great transformation, prosperity, and cultural enrichment. It saw the evolution of Valreach from a nation marked by internal strife and external threats into a prominent regional power.
File:Valreachbackthen.png|Map of Valreach on 163 TE, after losing the Smegsland and Drakhaart and proclaiming the empire
File:Territorial map2.png|Map of Valreach on 205 TE, after the annexation of Katania, Yoake, Aerie and Ariefell.
=== Events ===
Imperator Yorg M. Aulian's ascension to the throne in 171 TE, after Imperator Vix's passing, was instrumental in bringing prosperity and transformative change to Valreach. His leadership, marked by a deep religious devotion, earned him the honorific title of "Yorg the Holy." Under Yorg's guidance, Valreach underwent a significant expansion of its territorial influence, between the years 199 TE and 204 TE. This expansion included the absorption of Jorvheimr, Yoake, Aerie and Ariefell, solidifying Valreach's stature as a regional power. Regions like Aerie held immense religious and cultural significance to the Valreans and boosted the nationalist spirit within the realm.
The rapid and seamless assimilation of the Valrean way of life in these newly conquered lands can be attributed to the striking cultural and linguistic similarities shared between the local population and Valreach. Under the guiding hand of Valreach, these regions underwent a remarkable surge in development. New urban centers emerged, and the quality of life witnessed a substantial improvement as Valreach dedicated resources to infrastructure, trade, and cultural interchange. The infusion of Valrean culture and governance introduced an era of stability and prosperity to regions that were once disparate. This enduring transformation left an indelible mark within the domain.
February of 2023 saw the establishment of the Solen Church, a religious institution that played a central role in Valreach's cultural and social fabric. Yorg's vision for the Solen Church further solidified the role of religion in Valreach's society. However, the most significant and poignant moment of this era occurred in August 2023 when Imperator Yorg M. Aulian underwent a transformation into a patron god after his passing. This marked a transcendence from mortal to divine, becoming a revered figure in Valreach's history and culture. Yorg's legacy continued to shape the nation, and he became the patron god to the people of Valreach.
Category:History
Category:Valreach
Category:Traveler's Era
Category:Drakaes