History of Nychus

Nychus is a land carved with the blood of war and sacrifice. Even the heavens themselves have been plagued with tremors; the sky, once home to six moons, now bearing only two.

Despite the bloodshed and destruction, however, Nychus remains a land of great beauty and wonder. From the soaring peaks of the Black Mountains, to the fertile fields of Zyra, the world is a tapestry of landscapes and cultures, each with its own rich history and legacy. And despite the ongoing struggles for power and control, the people of Nychus remain a resilient and resourceful people, always seeking to build a better future for themselves and their world.

## History

### Ancient History

Nychus, a world rich in history and culture, has been shaped by the events and civilisations that have called it home over the centuries. From the earliest recorded civilisations to the powerful empires of today, Nychus has been a land of great strife, sacrifice, and triumph.

The earliest civilisations on Nychus date back to the dawn of recorded history, and their legacies can still be seen in the ruins and artifacts that dot the landscape. These ancient civilisations, despite their disparate cultures and beliefs, shared a bond in their reverence for the power of magic. Magic was seen as the key to unlocking the mysteries of the world, and many of the ancient civilisations built elaborate systems of magic and belief around this idea.

As these ancient civilisations strengthened and grew, they formed the first great kingdoms and empires. One of the most notable of these was the Athaichian Empire, a powerful state that rose to prominence on the continent of Aeles. The Athaichians were humans with innate magical powers, and they used their gifts to conquer and control vast territories. Great technological advancements and a sophisticated system of government marked their empire, and they became the dominant power in the world for centuries.

However, the Athaichian Empire eventually fell to the forces of time and change, and the emerging powers of the world carved its territory up.

### Modern History

Over the centuries, Nychus has been the site of many great wars and battles, as rival states and civilisations have sought to dominate the land. In recent times, the two most powerful empires on the continent of Elune, the Holy Aralian Empire and the Surath Dominion, have been locked in a bitter struggle for control of the entire continent. This ongoing conflict has shaped the history of Elune for centuries, and the land is dotted with the ruins of countless civilisations that have fallen in the crossfire of this ongoing war.

## The Heavens

### The celestial heavens

In the beginning, the heavens of Nychus were home to six magnificent moons, each named for a figure from its rich history. Ydhor, named for the ancient yvenih god of the moon, symbolized divine power. Serene, named for a powerful human mage who had earned the respect of the gods, represented the strength and resilience of mortals. Elynigh, named for a brave and selfless yvenih warrior, symbolized courage and bravery. Ky, named for a young yvenih who lost her life saving others, represented kindness and compassion. Ylha, named for the mortal lover of an ancient god, spoke to the power of love and devotion. Siha, named for an yvenih who bravely faced sacrifice to save her town, reminded of the unbreakable spirit of the Nychan people.

However, this idyllic state was not meant to last. A great conflict between the gods erupted, shaking the heavens and leaving only two moons in its wake. Ydhor and Serene remained, forever witnessing the aftermath of the gods' battle. The four other moons were lost, their stories and legacies fading into myth and legend. The tremors in the heavens caused widespread destruction and upheaval across the land. But despite these hardships, the Nychan people carried on, their strength and resilience shining through the chaos.

To this day, Ydhor and Serene continue to light the skies, reminding us of the power and majesty of the heavens, as well as the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before us. They serve as a source of inspiration and their stories are passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the legacy of Nychus will never be forgotten.

## Past civilisations

Many great civilizations and empires have shaped the history of Nychus over the centuries. Each has left its mark on the world, and the legacy of their achievements and struggles can still be seen in the ruins, artifacts, and cultures of the land.

The Athaichian Empire: A powerful state rose to prominence on the continent of Aeles, and its might was unmatched by any other nation. This state was known as the Athaichian Empire, and its inhabitants were humans with innate magical powers. These Athaichians used their gifts to conquer and control vast territories, and their Empire prospered for centuries. The Athaichian Empire was marked by great technological advancements and a highly sophisticated system of government. This made them the dominant power in the world for centuries and their influence could be seen in every corner of the continent. They developed and improved upon many of the technologies that made life easier and more enjoyable for their citizens, and their culture flourished under their rule. The Athaichians also had a highly advanced education system, allowing them to spread their knowledge and wisdom to the rest of the world. It was indeed an impressive feat of power and ingenuity that the Athaichian Empire achieved, and its legacy will never be forgotten.

The Arksani Republic: Spanning much of the western portion of the continent of Elune, the Arksani Republic was a vast democratic state known for its sophisticated system of government and vibrant cultural heritage. It was ruled by a council of elected officials who governed in the interest of the people, and its cities were renowned for their rich intellectual life. Scholars and artists from all around the world flocked to the cities of the Republic to participate in its great debates and celebrations. Its citizens were proud of their strong democratic traditions, and its unique system of government provided a model for other nations to follow. It was a place of great learning and creativity, with its universities and libraries providing a wealth of knowledge, and its poets and musicians providing inspiration to those who sought it. The Arksani Republic was truly a remarkable place, a testament to the power of democracy and the strength of the human spirit.

The Khorvian Kingdom: A prosperous state located in the western part of the continent of Zyra, the Khorvian Kingdom was a major center of trade and commerce, and was renowned for its rich agricultural heritage. The people of the Khorvian Kingdom were known for their strong entrepreneurial spirit and their commitment to the success of the kingdom. They built a vast network of roads, ports, and markets that connected the kingdom to the rest of the continent and beyond. This network was essential for the kingdom's economy, allowing them to move goods and services from one place to another quickly and efficiently. They also built structures such as granaries, warehouses, and temples to support the kingdom's prosperity. In addition, the people of the Khorvian Kingdom were well known for their creative endeavors, producing a variety of goods and services that were highly sought after by other nations. The Khorvian Kingdom was a prosperous and wealthy kingdom and its people enjoyed a high standard of living.

The Sylphi Enclave: A mysterious and reclusive civilization, the Sylphi Enclave, was situated in the central part of the continent of Aeles. It was renowned for its sophisticated magic and technology, as well as its unique and intricate political system. Despite its reclusive nature, the Sylphi Enclave was a powerful force in the world, and its influence was wide-reaching. In fact, it was considered to be one of the most influential civilizations of its time, with many of its ideas and practices being adopted by other societies. Its magical and technological advancements were particularly renowned, and many of these innovations were adopted by other nations, helping to shape the future of the world.

## Calender

### Seasons and Months

Nychus is a world of four distinct seasons, each lasting two months.

The first is Cetreed or Newgrowth, comprising Dauna (forty days of lush green growth that signals spring) and Miharen (fifty-three days of vibrant colors).

The second is Pirelt or Flamecall, made up of Wovyn (forty-three days of intense heat and bright sunshine, marking the start of summer) and Epochary (forty-eight days of hot summer days).

The third is Heffa or Stormhelm, consisting of Venetory (forty days of thunderous, windy weather, signaling autumn) and Kerune (fifty-three days of cool, crisp days with vibrant oranges and reds).

Lastly, Breghast or Nightrich is made up of Ollumary (fifty days of cold, dark weather, ushering in winter) and Nudohrn (forty-two days of snow-filled days).

### Days of the week

Nychus has a five-day week, each day named after an ancient god or mythic hero—a reminder of the world's rich history.

* Nighday, the first day, celebrates the god of the night.
* Elinday, the second day, is dedicated to the goddess of wisdom.
* Thunday honours the god of thunder.
* Ohmeday honours the god of the seas.
* Arcenday, the last day of the week, is dedicated to the hero of the sky.