The Lian Emirate

The Lian Emirate is a contemporary country located on the continent of Jörðealam, extending from the Naadar Islands to the Gold Coast. It was established in 346 AID when Hadar, known as "The Butcher" of Fil Al’Aqwia’, seized control of the city-state following the Lian civil war. Throughout its history, the emirate has been recognized for its multiple conquest wars and its vibrant cultural and artistic heritage. The Lian people currently maintain a dominant position in inland commerce across the continent, primarily through the Al’Aqwia’ Associates, a caravan company that traverses the entire continent.

## History

### **Genesis**

In 223 AID, the Emirate of Fil Al’Aqwia’, one of the numerous independent city-states within the Kabir region, collapsed due to poor leadership and financial difficulties. This led to a tumultuous period lasting 23 years, known as the Lian civil war, during which various factions vied for control of the region. Ultimately, a faction led by Hadar Khalik, who earned the nickname "the butcher" from his opponents, emerged victorious and took charge of the city. Hadar subsequently declared himself the Emir of the Lians, the primary cultural group in the Kabir region, and thus founded the Lian Emirate.

### The first expansion wars

The First expansion Wars, spanning from 251 AID to 302 AID, was a series of conflicts led by Hadar I and his successors, notably Ulhar I and Khasmin I, in which the Lian Emirate sought to expand its territory. These conflicts and border clashes resulted in the significant expansion of Lian territory from its homeland to the natural boundaries of the Eisdoclh mountain chain in the west and the Aditevere River in the southwest. Notable events during these campaigns included the Battle of Kasmir Gorge in 263, the capture of the city of Fil Aldyin in 276, the Battle of the Azraq River in 289, the ambush at Mount Ernon, and the capture of the city of Jabal in 297. While these conflicts brought substantial territorial gains for the Lians, they also came at a heavy human cost and led to the destruction of many cultural and historical landmarks.

### **The Drachenflussian-Lian War (Hundred-fifty years war)**

Following their successful First Expansion Wars, the Lian Emirate shifted its focus westward toward the neighboring Kingdom of Drachenfluss, which had been weakened by the death of King Ivan I. In 320, the Lian Emirate initiated a holy war against the so-called heretics, although the true motivations behind the war were more about territorial ambitions than religious reasons. Khasmin II aimed to follow in his father's footsteps and demonstrate his military prowess to his newly acquired subjects, with the weakened Kingdom of Drachenfluss being a prime target. Khasmin II's goal was to capture the southern shores of the Drachenfluss and assert dominance over his neighbors.

However, Khasmin II's plan ultimately failed as a legendary figure, Otto I of Drachenfluss, re-emerged and reclaimed the title of King. Over the next 157 years, against all odds, Otto I successfully defended his land against Lian raids and even began making advances in the Eisdolch mountains. Eventually, a peace agreement was reached at Mount Sailleverk in 477, putting an end to the conflict.

### **The Uthmanian peace**

After the conclusion of the Drachenflussian-Lian war and the controversial peace agreement at Mount Sailleverk, Emir Uthman I of Lian initiated a comprehensive program aimed at promoting peace and fostering cultural, artistic, and scientific development within the Emirate. Known as the Uthmanian Peace, this project extended well beyond his lifetime. From 478 to 586, the Lian Emirate experienced a golden age marked by significant advancements in technology, culture, and the arts. This era culminated in the construction of the Temple of Gilihad in Al'Aqwia in 522, a testament to the prosperity and creativity of the time. Regrettably, this period of peace and progress was abruptly interrupted by the declaration of the Second Lian Expansion Wars in 586.

During the Uthmanian Peace, the Lian Emirate witnessed numerous innovations and cultural achievements. Notable advancements included the development of the first navigation compass, which had a profound impact on maritime navigation. Additionally, the introduction of the horse collar improved agricultural practices, and the early development of clocks furthered timekeeping precision.