History of the Aurlûnor Velande

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See also: Natural history of the Aurlûnor Velande
The area that is now known as the Aurlûnor Velande has a history more than over a hundred thousand years old, where the first primitive dwellings were discovered. There were multiple ancient civilizations and peoples that existed in the region before the formation of the Velande. This page covers the entire history of these groups, and their fates.

## Prehistoric Era

The first recorded signs of habitation by sentient beings in the region is by multiple human groups. It is unclear where they migrated from, but patterns seem to trace from modern day eastern Bardonia 80,000 years ago (75,400BCA). The settlements would be some of the first earliest evidence of settlements on Rathnir in terms of the native population.

The first two groups known to modern archaeology are the Kozenstejn Culture and a collective of archaeological cultures known as the Pannotosyltoric Nomads (associated with the mythical "age of wanderlust" in Viridian oral tradition by some historians). Little is known about these ice age hunter-gatherer tribes, other than that they were the ancestors of many of the Velande's humans and humans across much of Syltor.

The southwestern Kozenstejn peoples eventually broke up as they remained in the regions they dwelled, and the southwestern Kozenstejn became what are known as the Pan-Ghûrenic peoples. There is no doubt that the Pan-Ghûrenics were not a monolithic culture, however the term only applies to the archaeological record prior to the emergence of recognizable individual cultures.

The most famous of the ice age Pan-Ghûrenic artifacts are a series of cave paintings at the Lao Gushi cave in northern Imperial Province. Dated to around 74,000 BCA, it depicts simple human figures hunting deer and lindworms among other beasts, and walking through dangerous mountain passes. Another ancient cave painting, found in the Ghûdong cave in Nir Province, depicts canoe-bound figures fighting sea serpents and whales; some archaeologists have suggested that its makers were in fact Pannotosyltorics who had migrated across the sea from Haven or Ummarnu.

The remains found in Linyin Cave, dating back to 57,000 BCA, indicate the earliest instances of Kumiho habitation in southern Syltor. Related to the Vulpur people (*Lycanthropus vulpes*), the Kumiho were relatively outcast as the first true non-human sentients in the region. The Ganaya Culture, from which the Linyin artifacts belong to, represented a southward migration over a period of 25,000 years at the close of the ice age. By 24,700 BCA, these early Kumiho had reached modern-day Hampo.

   Among the Pannotosyltoric migrants, four major groups were established. The YP (Yamu-Piken) humans were a jungle people who quickly began inhabiting the thick Ashuran rainforests, and eventually boated across the sea into modern-day Tacua and breaking off to become the "true" Piken. The Yamu emerged from the YP humans that stayed behind in the east. The Pi-Medjayim peoples stayed in what is now Sharla, living around the coast. However, we do not know of a name for this group as they are only known from the archaeological record and were not recorded until after their disappearance.

The fourth group, the proto-Seraanmai, settled in the far south of the Hampo region. They initially appeared in the form of dark-skinned humans who had magically worked insect wings into their bodies in some instances. However, the Seraanmai eventually adopted their modern form after intermarrying with Dune Elves over many centuries, and an abhorrent practice of hunting winged Seraan to make elytra.

The Pan-Ghûrenics divided into four or so recognizable major groups around 12,000 years ago: the Dawou, Paleonirine, Fai, and likely the now-lost Syros Dugout Canoe Culture as well. The other five, however, have been able to maintain some kind of cultural continuity since this pre-agricultural time- a mind-boggling feat made possible by their cohabitation with the more long-lived Elven peoples who would show up in the coming millennia. Collectively known as the Ghûren, these peoples lived as foragers until the development of grain-based agriculture.

## Early Agricultural Period

Agriculture arose independently in western Syltor around 11,500 years ago, as primitive Dawou Ghûren peoples domesticated wheat and millet. From the north of the Bay of Heaven, agriculture caught on among the Ghûren, Kumiho, Seraan, and neighboring tribes over the course of about 600 years. The first proper settlement was located at what is known today as the Yu'shen mound. The settlement, known by paleoanthropologists as "Yu'shen A" was built in 15,000 BCA, but occupied for thousands of years after as the locals learned to farm. Though not much is known about this particular site, remains of clay housing were found on the site. There have also been multiple other areas of the region such as the multiple hovels belonging to the Paleonirine peoples and thatched huts that were built by the largely sea-fairing Fai peoples.

Among the Seraani tribes, the city-state of Kaliné eventually rose to prominence above the others, and from there established the Kingdom of Olarã. The Seraan worshipped the Asitir faith, and also owned the island of Necua (Lirhineide Sakór or Island of Moonfall), establishing a city-state there known as Sacór.

## The Elven Migrations and arrival of the Lhûren

The Celestial Elves (Which would call themselves the Lhûren after 0ACA) would arrive to settle along the coasts of Southern Tacua in 11,000BCA. At the time, the Celestial Elves would refer themselves as the "Merifinrën" or "black-haired" people, due to the large amount of the elves being black haired and green-eyed, with a bit more sunkissed white skin.

The period is known as the "Elven Arrival", due to foreign historians stating this is the era in which the first sign of Elven activity began. The first Elven settlement of Ardol was founded during this period, in which many of the Elves here took refuge from the Elven Migrations. Overtime, this settlement would grow into a modest sized settlement that would cover much of the southern portion of the region, with more Merifinrën settlements being founded, such as Tacumar (Also known as the First Estecónmar), Angacorn, Huairin, Isilor, and Sachómar.

Angacorn (Iron Fort), Huairin (Flower Town), and Isilor (Moon Land) were founded along the eastern coast of the Celume Sahvanna, and functioned as early trade ports. They would become known as the "Three Sisters", and would have a close relationship with eachother, especially when more city-states along the coast would start to grow, eventually reaching to around four more settlements which are Cadarcorn (Cedar Fort), Milwan (Wine Bay), Martor (Tower Land) and Alaxalososto (Marble City of Xalos, known today as simply Alaosto or the Marble City).

Sachómar to the north, would be founded by a Merifinrën named Coranis the Benevolent, who was said to have arrived to the region 50 years after the Elven Migrations in 10,950BCA, fleeing persecution from the west from some unknown invaders, likely related to the modern day Bardonians with her people, wanting to create a new life for her people, and hoped to have her city become a beaconing call to all Merifinrën to join her. Her dreams is to rebuild the city that once appeared as it was before it was ravaged, which was a large canal-like city, where the many waterways would host hundreds of gardens and hundreds of palaces, where citizens may gather and relax in, and to use as homes both permanent and temporary. It was according to these legends that Coranis was a Utopist, as her visions seem to bare strong resemblances to a legend that speaks about a city that was similar in terms of serene and tranquil proportions.

The discovery of the silkworm in the region however, changed the minds of the denizens of the newly founded settlement, and would instead, opt to create a large silk plantation within the region. In addition, they would encounter the Dawou Humans, marking the first time humans and elves in the region would ever interact. With learning of how to make silk, and how it was valuable when trading it with humans, Coranis would accept this new plan for the region, and would name it "Sachómar", or "the Silk Home", and would go about scrapping her designs of recreating the city she was from, though stubborn parts of the city has minor canals that run through them, such as the Purple Canal, the Green Canal and the Red Canal.

## The Kingdom of Almador

Main article: Kingdom of Almador

Around 3,840BCA, Sachómar would have growing tensions between themselves and Ardol, and according to paintings and old writings, a war would happen between the two sides. Bronze weapons alongside copper weapons were seen used during these conflicts, indicating that their settlements had grown to a particular size, and the discovery of copper and tin within the region, namely from trade by the Yu'shen. Together with the Dawou city states of Yuen and Xie, as well as minor naval support from Huairin, Sachómar would be victorious. The conquests, attributed by the King of Sachómar, named Maxion the Young, son of King Larion and Queen Eulpharis of Hartarwa (Southgarden, a modern day district in Sachómar), would lead him to eventually being anointed a "King of Alma", as he was seen as a man of good fortune.

Officially, there was no "Kingdom of Almador" until the rise of Queen Helenis the Wise in 2,040BCA on the Kingdom's 1000th anniversary. Up until her reign, the Kingdom was largely known as simply the "Kingdom of Sachómar", but officially it was known as just simply "The Arandan", with all the Kings and Queens being anointed as a King or Queen of Alma.

Almador's expansion would eventually put them into conflict with their former allies now biggest adversaries, the Huang, who previously conquered the Yu'shen, but primarily used their old city as the new center of their powerbase as a more centralized kingdom. Though, it was more in name, for the many city-states surrounding the Huang, quietly refused to pay tribute to their new overlord, and would remain nominally independent, even forming alliances against the Huang. Though, the Huang was proven to be much stronger than the city-states, as much of their military was more advanced thanks to the advent of trade from Almador. This however, would prove to be the downfall of the Huang, as Maxion had also influenced its rivals.

In the year 3,836BCA, 4 years after the earlier conquests of the southern city-states, Maxion would begin his northern campaign, and attacked the Huang in a surprise attack. The many city-states that were against the Huang, quickly jumped on the opportunity to declare their independence. This moment of weakness saw the downfall of the Huang, and the subjugation of the Heartland Dawou. Yu'shen would be sacked, and over the ruins, the settlement of Tarmen (Highplace) later Lonya (Highpeak) would be found, to act as the new capital of the Kingdom of Lonya. Multiple other settlements such as Ridde (Farm Land, known today as Pangnin), Lingrinwë (Fish Village), and Elen (Star, also known as Dun) would be founded individually down the line. Maxion's conquests would continue eastward, where he would conquer the other peoples such as the Yi'yen, the Nu and the costal Fai.

Maxion's clever manuvers and fast conquests, was due in part to his halberders, which, through the revolutionization of the dagger-axe adopted from the Dawou, was made into a more effective weapon that more elite soldiers can use, and made it effective in combat. The hardy spears that was made from Tacuan Bamboo also proven effective in making weapons cheap and effecient. The larger population of the Lhûren at the time, and his inclusion to allow women to fight within his army, drastically increased the manpower pool, and made it possible for his conquests to be more efficient. Whenever he conquered an area, he would leave behind a garrison of atleast five-hundred elite soldiers to maintain order and stability, and made a network of signal towers and beacons to keep things up to date and to inform him of any revolts and other affairs in the empire he forged.

In the year 3,835BCA, the Kumiho would of by then, consolidated into a confederation of clans, and would begin to extend their territory. They would conduct multiple slave raids against settlements such as the newly conquered territories in the northern and northwestern edges of Almador. These series of raids would eventually lead to war between the Kingdom and the Kumiho. However, Maxion's seemingly unstoppable tactics would fail, as they were no match for the Kumiho's hit and run tactics, as well as their ability to shapeshift and hide within the trees of their enemies. Although Maxion's army would eventually reach the capital of Nye'nsng (Known as Nanseong or Ruskilomar today), he had lost many soldiers and many of his current ones lost the will to fight or continue further. Maxion would eventually sit down with the Queen Tanilaseon, and would negotiate peace, with the condition that Tanilaseon is to become Maxion's wife, joining the two Kingdoms together. Although by this point Maxion was married to Kalmaris of Ardol, this move would be seen as the beginning of the subjugation of Hampo into the Kingdom, despite it not being directly being so. Two accounts argue that this was either a political move, or Maxion truly loved her, as there are manuscripts of poetry that express their love for one another in different languages. This was also the time where the Kumiho started to shapeshift themselves to emulate themselves to look more humanoid due to trade and contact, and to shield themselves from discrimination for being actual fox people.

### Maxion's Successors

Maxion would cease his conquests by 3,826BCA to focus more on internal matters, and improving the economy of his newly conquered territories. At the end of 3,800BCA, Maxion's Kingdom would become the shining jewel of Nándor, stretching from the Heartlands to the north, down to the northern Ashuran borders. However, the once fortunate king had fell ill, and would eventually pass away at a young age. He would be succeeded by his son, Maxion II, who saw through the continuation of his father's great reforms. Maxion II promoted literature, art, philosophy and architectural projects throughout his domain. The prosperity of Almador, however, called to the beacon of new enemies such as the Dominion of Ashura, which despite its decline, would prove to be a dangerous adversary to the border regions due to nomads, paid mercenaries and Ashurite soldiers raiding border towns and fortresses. The Almadorians and Ashurans would fight multiple wars, most of them being skirmishes, but the Almadorians would secure land in which would become now known as Hanustandor and Vorosan Province (which was already a region that was largely uninhabited) back across the river and into the Ashuran Desert, where they would be able to contain them, by using the rivers that were there as a natural border.

The half-elven rulers of Hampo meanwhile under the Maxionic blood, would see a fight for the throne, between two princesses, Princess Ashayeon and Princess Myeonavaris, both who were born from different marriages and feuded for the throne. This would spark a civil war in Hampo, which saw the side of Ashayeon win against Myeonavaris, who had fled to Almador for safety, and saw the intervention of the Kingdom. This time, Almador would be victorious against Ashayeon, and would end the thousand years of independent rule by the Kumiho, and saw its annexation into the Kingdom. However, not wanting to spark another revolt, Myeonavaris would remain Queen of Hampo, but would serve under the Kings of Almador, making her no more than a mere duchess of her own home.

> . . . Almador is no longer a country in which it is of only one city, but of many. Our borders stretch from the great Mînpenets (Barrier Ridges) to the north, to the great forests of the myos of the Hyarnors (Southlands). Our influence spans through our great city-states tributaries, and throughout the Lothranis Sea. It is time for the world to know of our power, to know of our strength, to know that we, the Fortunate People, shall reign throughout Elendor . . .
>
> - Queen Helenis the Wise

Queen Helenis the Wise in the year 3,005BCA, would formally crown herself "Queen of the Almalie", which prompted her to call her people "Almalie" (or Almadorians) and to use the term "Almador" for the first time. By this time, the city-states on Necua would submit to Almador, and become a tributary, and after a small naval war against the declining Seraanmai home of the Kingdom of Olarã, saw its territory be completely conquered. It was written that many Seraanmai left their homes due to this matter, and saw the many Kumiho settlers come into the region to fill the places of these migrating Seraanmai. The region that is known as Deutzan, would see much of its northern coast taken, and see the early foundations of outposts (Olvardal and Alvarla) that would later become known as Balreska and Kaluko.

During her early years of her reign, she had watched the decline of the Dominion of Ashura, where she saw opportunity, namely from the Qanti whom her father allied with 15 years earlier before her rule began. An ambitious warlord by the name of Ishqaji would become the primary moment where Hellenis can finish the work of where her father and ancestors could not, which was to bring down a long term enemy, turning them into an ally, and maybe even puppet. The two would have rather successful negotiations, and see the Almadorians provide Ishqaji and his men with newly forged and reinforced bronze weaponry, which then they would use to conquer the dying Dominion, and watched as he instated himself as Pharaoh. As a result, the southern borders would become secure, and ensure that a more friendlier dominion can be a useful ally for decades to come. This would earn Hellenis her first praise of respect from the nobility and courts, as well as the people for her resolving the crisis without dropping a single blood of Almalic blood.

    Hellenis' rule was marked by wisdom, lawful reforms, and changes to the political system. However, by this time, Almador's status as a benevolent kingdom that treats its minorities tolerantly had ended, with many Almalie viewing themselves as the only ones that deserve to have higher status within society. Many of the courts and military were run by Almalie, with taxes on non-Almalie being implemented, and slavery becoming a larger trade across the region. Although there was some efforts by Hellenis to reduce this, and appointed a Human HIgh Councilor, it was not enough to stop its eventual revolts that would happen years after Hellenis' death.

For the first few rulers from 2,869-2,630BCA, were seen as strong, wise and dedicated rulers that stabilized the realm, and expanded the influence of the Kingdom to the city-states to the south, and continued the prosperity that the Golden Age provided. However, the riding of this prosperity would come to an end around the 2,625BCA, and a period of decay as well as multiple rebellions and uprisings would occur, bringing forth challenges for the Kingdom.

### Decline and Fall

By 1,500BCA, Almador would have 200 years of peace under the rule of King Cail II, who was seen as the first king since Hellenis that was regarded as king and benevolent toward all peoples that weren't Almalie. However, the period would start to mark the era of decentralization of the Kingdom, where he would reform the provincial system into more autonomous units known as Arkondes to help better facilitate the territories that would see unrest from previous rulers. With this system in place, these local rulers would gain more power, and begun to handle their own affairs. King Cail II also saw the lowest influence among his eunuchs, and managed to keep the borders stable. He would broker a peace with Ashura, and never saw an invasion or raid by the Ashurans again until the fall of the Kingdom.

The most major occurrence within the country was a failed uprising within Hampo, where a local leader named Yans'en rose up against the Almadorians, seizing multiple warehouses of weapons within the region, and used them to fight against the military. However, the uprising was poorly organized, with much of the alliance breaking apart and caused infighting. Utilizing the advantage, Carnaden Hisayen, the provincial governor would swiftly put down the revolt before having to call for reinforcements from the capital. As a reward for his work, a statue was erected to him in his honor, which would later be torn down upon the successful revolt by the Hampoese thirteen years after Cail II's Reign.

Despite these years of peace, stability, and relative prosperity of the realm, by the end of Cail II's reign. local leaders have become more powerful, demanding greater autonomy within the Kingdom, even enacting laws that would overlap royal decrees, such as the banning of slavery in the of the Locendur Principality, emancipating over a hundred thousand humans and kumiho. Internal wars were rare, but when they happened, they were usually among the more isolated kingdoms to the eastern portion of the Kingdom, away from the majorly populated areas.

The rise of King Hireon would see the final years of the Almadorian Kingdom. He was seen as a curse that stains the world like the darkness of Nixaden, earning him the title "King Hireon, the Nixaden-touched" by many. Hireon would not take the paths his father stride to create, and would reverse them almost instantaneously due to the influence of his eunuchs and more ambitious nobles and local Arkondes who saw the opportunity to take power for themselves. Hireon's failiure to keep his nobles appeased by trying to execute high ranking nobility, through his horrific attitude and "lack of proper court etiquette", would see a sharp decline in his authority over his nobles. A series of droughts would also strike the country inbetween the years 1,495-1,4870BCAs, with the King not being willing to redistribute his own shipments of grain, likely due to the eunuchs influencing him not to, and instead, spent it on a lavish feast and a party to help improve his image among the nobles.

In addition, a new revolt, this time lead by multiple Kumiho clans, including one woman named Kangjonnmuk, who was exceptionally trained in martial arts and had decent political influence and strong charisma, came to oppose the Almadorians once more. Carnaden Hisayen, who was provincial governor under Cail II, rather than putting it down as ordered once more, refused, and joined the rebels, as well as the garrison, as he would have said to have grown more sympathetic to the Kumiho upon living among them, and the neglect that the region had received over the years, as well as many Kumihos not being treated as elves, but rather, a commodity, despite their efforts to integrate into Almadorian society. The Queendom of Hampo as a result, would become the first to secede from Almador in 1,4876BCA.

This did not stop however, as the example shown within Hampo, showed that the Kingdom's army was a paper tiger, and was willing to no longer have an obligation to defend a tyrannical King who can't rule the country on his own. Peasants who were upset by the neglect they were receiving, would start to rise up against the King, and formed militas to defend themselves from the growing banditry problem as well as warlords that may want to come after their crops. The Kingdom would respond, sending a call to arms on the realm, to stamp out rebellions and to bring order back to the country. But despite this, it would only get worse.

## The Warlord Period

Main article: Warring Period of the Almadorians
    By 1,450BCA, the Kingdom's authority only stretched in Sachómar and the second Estecónmar. This period would mark the beginning of the Warlord Period, for everything that the King decrees, was in name only, and the loyalty that the Arkondes feigning allegiance, when in reality, they were setting sights on their own goals and ambitions to rule the land or maintain their own freedoms. Hundreds of states would arise out of the initial period, but would start to consolidate under more powerful factions. Some borders were said to overlap over others, creating strange enclaves, and exclaves, some not being able to get to their fields beyond another warlord's territory. The maps from this period as a result, are not particularly accurate of the actual scales or scopes the period was in, with borders drawn by who held the most influence over the others. The Kingdom's final days would finally come at around 1,444BCA, where the Royal family fled to their last remaining hold in Tacua from advancing Lonya soldiers.

The states would vary from either tolerant to intolerant of minorities, and even sometimes, warred the non-human warlord states for contending the region for Almalies. Wars were also rather large-scale due to the number of people that lived within the Kingdom. Some of the wars would cost thousands of men lives as a result, causing significant population decreases. Famines and starvations in some of the provinces caused the rise of banditry, and cities with high amounts of poverty and crime. Some bandits even carved their own state within the Kingdom for themselves, and did diplomacy with other nations they saw as worthy allies for their conquests.

The Kingdom of Lonya was seen as one of the more influential states, as it had control over a large portion of the northern regions, which held much of the industry and naval facilities, as well as high defenses on the hills, Lonya also had a large amount of humans that would call the kingdom "Linye", and created a cross language with the Almalites known as Linyese, which was said to have been one of the founding components of modern *Lhûpárcì and Lhûkuět*.

To the north was the Kingdoms of Arasel, Melwende and Taral. Melwende would be the most influential, and was ruled by a series of Sorceror Queens, who oversaw the project of majestic fortresses that dotted the landscape, with one of them being known as Dun, which significantly stood as what would become known as the "Star City". Another star city was the capital of the Queendom known as Turónshan (Palace Grounds) which sits in modern day Lûnwir. Imported human slaves who would become the Fornosians resided here, and mostly worked agrarian jobs for the Queendom, and for Arasel and Taral.

East of the region were the Kingdoms of Yong, Shen, Hua, Locendur, Morlinmar and varying other small principalities and duchies mostly found in modern day Nir and western Tamaka Provinces. These regions are known to have more human populations, namely due to the fact that many humans migrated to and lived in. Locendur was known for being one of the most tolerant regions of the Kingdom, hosting a large human population, allowing the formation of the city of Jingli, which would serve as the regional administration following the collapse of Almador. Shen and Hua would be a divided pair of Yi'yen towns that would often fight with once another, and saw petty squabblings, often taking nearby kingdoms for support. Both sides of the river would often see soldiers guarding over the area as a border post. Yong would be another Yi'yen settlement that controlled over portions of the Ha Anga Bayou, and often fought against the Angans but sometimes also integrated with them. Yong would be more of a confedeation of small settlements and tribes within the region as a sort of a coaltion to defend themselves from outsiders.

In the year 1,300BCA, barbarians would begin attacking from the east. Out of one of these barbarians was the Krow Horde, which saw sweeping conquests of much of the squabbling kingdoms and princapalities, setting up quarters in the region that would later become known as Kaluko from the ruins of an old Almadorian outpost, Much of the Krow Horde would start to stretch from Alvarla all the way into the southern borders of Ashura, which intersected into Hampo. The Kingdom of Lingwilocendur, with Lingwi as its settlement, which would be wiped out by the Krow Horde. At the time, Pharaoh Tariq VI "the Great" of Ashura and Queen Kangjonnmuk III "the Architect" of Hampo were good friends, and wrote to eachother quite a bit, seeing the twos nations have all time high relations. When the Krow Horde invaded them in 1,284BCA, the two would form an alliance to oppose the advancing forces. They decisively defeated the Krow at the Battle of Blossom Hills, where Ashuran soldiers outflanked Krow Sun Warriors that were attempting to burn a fake supply depot set up by Kangjonnmuk, who used herself as bait to lure them in. The two would remain allies until the end of the 1,100BCAs.

By the year 930BCA in the Kingdom of Tacua, the last king, Picunada, had only daughters. Although law only permitted rule of male heirs, the king changed it to allow his eldest daughter Ráviel III to become Queen of Tacua, making the state effectively a queendom. Queen Ráviel III is recorded to be related to the last Maxionic relative, with her bloodline tracing back to Maxion himself through extensive tests of her blood found in her tomb in modern day Tacua Province.

### The Five Kingdoms Period

Consolidation of power between the warring states had begun to die down to a stalemate status at around the year 620BCA. This period is known as the Five Kingdoms period, due to the significant reduction of the number of states joining together or being conquered to be put under direct control of larger influential kingdoms or princedoms. Some would join into coalitions that act as larger kingdoms to help prevent their assets from being conquered, and built relations with once another, but they were usually prone to infighting usually a hundred years in. This period is considered to be one of the more peaceful moments of the period due to the number of deaths being significantly reduced. However, this is usually contracticted due to the advancements of the Krow Horde to the east, who continued to eventually conquer more of the territories of the former Almalie, taking advantage of signs of weakness. There was also times where the Kingdoms would collectively fight together against the invaders, with most of them being successful, but these coalitions would usually die within a few years of the formation. The concept of a unified Almadorian state was long gone, as many years of fighting saw these Kingdoms each knowing that the old days will never return.

The Kingdom of Lonya was among the stronger of the powers, having control over signifigant cities such as Tarman, Lonya, Sachómar on fertile grounds where a majority of the food was present in, in addition to having high defenses on hills, and utilizing them to build more fortified strongholds to hold off the enemies that came into the region, and utilized their steel weaponry and armor from their massive steel industry. Despite their presence on the coast, Lonya's navy was near non-existent due to the lack of wood that was in the region. Lonya would namely focus on their land forces, and avoided naval battles. This changed upon their war against Melwende in 647BCA, where they would capture the southern portion of the Heartland Forest, allowing Lonya to build a small naval presence which kept their ships safe.

The Queendom of Melwende namely focused on defense, which was evident from their strongholds in Arasal, Turónshan and Dun. Melwende's allies would later become enemies, and would become subjugated to join them, marking them as a growing competitor to Lonya, which they were previously lamented as a weaker power. Melwende would also pride themselves to have a large timber industry, which saw their power over Lonya increase significantly. The two would constantly fight over the resources, which saw the loss of the village of Dun (Not to be confused with the Star City), and several Melwendic strongholds that were plundered, and a chunk of the Heartland Forest. Melwende would also be home to a special type of metal known as Melwendic Adamantium, which was stronger than steel at the time before the discovery of Netherite a thousand years later and saw the edge in utilizing it in their most elite units due to the supply only being found in the northern mountains. Due to the Sorcerer Queens' abilities, this was further enchanted for better combat capabilities. More advanced enchantments were said to have originated from Melwende, though these advanced manuscripts were lost, with only two remaining which was better translated to the *"(Sharpness II)"* and "(*Protection II)*" enchantments today.

The United Principalities of Anga and Yen was in-between the Krow Horde and the growing power of Lonya. They would cover most of modern Nir Province, with the exceptions of small amounts of territory in the west, including the city of Yi. The princaplities were formed out of fear against the Krow Horde to the east, and were namely formed from a unity between the elves and humans of the region, which were always historically more tolerant of eachother than other parts of the realm, although some human and elven supremacist city-states remained within the Principalities sphere of influence, they would be located eastward. The United Principalities were known to be heavily influenced by dragons in their faith namely due to Shenhua's ancestral worship, with varying faiths starting to cumulate of an alternative Almadorian Pantheon faith that would state that one of the forms of Xalos was a giant Sun Dragon, and closely safeguarded Mount Nantian, which was said to be the gateway to two realms, his realm, and Nixaden's realm. As a result, the northeastern region of the Principalities is considered to be the birthplace of Twin Dragon. In addition, the Almalies who were born under the faith were said to have draconic features such as dragon tails and scales, as well as longer nails, and draconic eyes. The term "*Lûnlie*" or "*Lóngren*" would be used to describe these people by the local population, but were usually despised and discriminated against by much of their countrymen outside of the region.

The Kingdom of Taral once ruled much of Eastern Melwende before they would be betrayed, and sent eastward, where they would carve out a Kingdom of their own, ruling a large portion of where modern Chance resided. Not much is really known about the Kingdom during this period, due to the Krow Horde constantly attacking their hard to defend capital of Taralmar (Modern Chance), and sacking of many of their cities and villages by both Melwende and later the Krows. What remained of Taral would move southward toward the modern town of Levannese, which they would settle with local Yi'yen to form a small village which would see it be destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the defenders becoming fierce resistance to the Krow rule for many years before they were given autonomy within the Takkumaken Empire.

The Queendom of Tacua would eventually see the end of the Maxionic dynasty, as well as the end of male rule in the region due to the last King of Tacua changing the laws to allow his daughters to rule instead. As a result, Tacua had lead on a stream of only only female rulers to rule over the region. They would be at odds with Lon early on from the earlier Kings ambitions to reunify Almador, but would later become neutral, never facing an invasion by the northern regions until hundreds of years later. Tacua would take this time to conquer the Celumic City-States of the West, and saw their subjugation as tributaries and vassals, much like their predecessors. Unlike Ardol, Tacua would stay south, and would focus on internal matters, such as pacifying the western tribes of Tacua, and formed relations with some of them to keep their borders secured.

### Growth of the Lunlie, the Twin Dragon Faith in Lonya, and Later Warlord Period

    Within 500 years, the Five Kingdoms had fought against one another, allowing themselves to weaken, though some had gained more strength from the advantages of chaos. The Principalities would start to shatter as the Krow Horde struck deep into their territory, destroying and sacking multiple cities, including the twin cities of Shen and Hua, which saw the Twin Dragon heresy flee toward Lonya, where they would establish themselves in the village of Dun in the Southern Heartland Forests. The Kingdom of Lonya would take action, formally pushing the Krows behind the Ostron River, but this line would eventually break, seeing the Lonya forces be pushed all the way back to the northern Hunshui River, which saw one of the most stalwart resistances by the Prince of Anga, Yogan Orthris, who would withstand the Krow's flying cavalry and sun warriors for six years with only one major supply line, and lesser forces, leading to a stalemate, and forcing the Krows to stay on the other side of the Hunshui to recover their losses. Melwende would successfully fend off multiple attempts of the Krows attempting to invade their territory, and expanded a bit more north to cover more Melwendic Adamantium supply. They would encounter the Norfst peoples, but did not made any effort to conquer them, since Melwende was too hyper fixated in their southern borders to attempt a conquest. Instead, peaceful trade relations began, which was where the possible word for "Elf" came from, however, accounts stated they already used this word due to a similar encounter by the Ashurans decades back through trade.

In the year 305BCA, a Priestess named Vinimanis was born in the village of Dun. Raised as an orphan in the Temple of Galariel a few miles south of the village, she was said to have been an oracle, being able to correctly predict the future within the scope of only a hundred years ahead of her birth. This talent earned her respect, despite her being a Lûnlie. This reputation would also see the reduction of the discrimination within the region against her people, due to a series of good fortunes within the country since their arrival. The King of Lonya, King Loracendis III, was viewed as a popular figure within Lonya due to his campaigns into fighting back against Melwende. As Vinimanis' Priestesshood came when he became King, she would view his rule as wise, charitable, benevolent, with an fist that smashes his enemies.

What Vinimanis however, did not say, which ultimately broke her oath to the Galariel Priestesshood, was that he was destined to fall to a figure that would gain popularity, and lead the Lûnlie people to become the ones who rule the land. In addition, births of Lûnlies had started to increase around the nation, as spread of the Twin Dragon faith from the Almalies interbreeding with Lûnlies in the region, which oddly resulted in pure-blooded Lûnlie children, rather than taking any Almalie genetics. This strange phenomena is still unexplained, other than citing that Lûnlie blood is unique.

### The Rise of Sarenis

By the year 150BCA, the King would start to notice that the influence of Twin Dragon was growing stronger and more rapid with each passing day. The philosophy of how a ruler should be, started to threaten his position in power, as his war against Melwende started to become more aggressive, diverting many of his resources to fight them, often leading to rash decisions that would cost him dearly. It was also at this time, a young Lûnlie Major within the military by the name of Sarenis, a peasant from Dun, would be promoted yet again to Colonel, due to her rather decisive victory in the Battle of the Northern Liang River, driving back Melwendic forces and building an outpost in the Southern Melwendic Valley. Sarenis would show herself to be a rather respectable figure among her soldiers and among the common people due to her commitment into keeping the people safe, her strong religious beliefs, and her ability to calculate an enemy's movement before it happens. It was this result, that earn a strong friendship between the King and this previously insignificant peasant. Even Almarie, who much of the aristocracy still hated her kind, respected her, with pure-bloods making her an "exception" of who they viewed as lesser. Her stronger popularity came from the minority races as well, especially from Humans, and even far into the Queendom of Hampo which was possibly the reason why they would lead a course that would convert them to TWin Dragon without conflict, where many of the Priesthood viewed her as the Fox Dragon's daughter, and the Dominion of Ashura.

Around the year 124BCA, the village of Dun would see a raid by the Melwendic General, Karovan Ishaminis, and would see the sacking of the village as a way to draw ire from Sarenis, luring her to attack him in a pincer attack. At first, Sarenis would only receive this news as minor, despite her being angry that he would commit a cowardly act on her home. However, Karovan would also order the execution of her clan to drive her even further into despair. However, this would prove to be a huge mistake, as Sarenis would be furious, and, as he predicted, came to his camp along the northern Liang River, where he also seized when Sarenis campaigned in the west to try and take the Fortress of Elenwir. But, unlike what he initially thought, Sarenis would attack from all sides in some miracle, cornering his men within the village itself, and saw the brutal execution of his men. However, Sarenis would take him prisoner, and would proceed to attack his home town of Valanga (modern day Borolingy), sacking and looting the city, and executed his whole clan infront of his own eyes, before executing him. This unkindled rage would see the King's relation and trust in Sarenis decrease significantly, fearing she may end up doing the same should she ever decide to rebel. In a move to protect himself, Sarenis would instead, be congratulated for her efforts in fending off a high profiled general within Melwende, and looked over her atrocity, promoting her to the rank of General, and gave her command over the garrisons in Ridde and Dun, as well as allowing her to take command of the Northern Army, providing her with enough troops, supplies and resources needed to maintain sustainability.

By 118BCA, Lonya would capture a lot of Melwende's Southern Territory. However, Sarenis would be further angered that she figured out she was being practically used by the King for nefarious and rather sadistic purposes. The Siege of Turonshan was the final straw, as the King would order a merciless slaughter of the population. Many Melwendic peoples would die within the city, until fifteen minutes in to the entering of the city, Sarenis would defy the King's order, ending the bloody slaughter, traumatized of what she was becoming. This sudden stop, was said to be Sarenis' first flash of her eventual Ascension. She would claim this was the first time that she saw Huayin, who loomed over her, grinning, and encouraged her to continue the slaughter, allowing chaos to overtake her. It was there, a Celestial Master would hold her hand, and had her stand down. Marching into the Royal Palace, she would order the family to be arrested, but spared their lives, including the Queen and the Prince-consort, which she stated to her,

> We are not much different you and I. We share similar ambitions, similar governing styles, similar popularity. What is the point of the whole-sale slaughter of your people if they had done none wrong? I am to blame for being a monster, and thus, I shall repay it, with kindness, virtue and generosity. By Lothariel's light, I shall balance Momarix's darkness.
>
> Sarenris

A few months after her conquest, she would begin to help clean up the region, by rebuilding villages, and gifting victims large quantities of her supplies the King had gave her. Noticing this, Loracendus III would demand her to come back to the capital. Taking this as a sign of him wanting to execute her, Sarenis would rise up in rebellion against him, using her conquered territories with her garrisons in them as a base, and built a fort in Lingrinwë, using it as her base of operations. Although recently conquered and witnessed slaughtering by Sarenis' troops, her charisma, as well as the former Queen's good word on Sarenis, would win over volunteers who would slowly start to pour into Sarenis' ranks. With her Melwendic Adamantium blade, Starcleaver, she would begin her six year campaign against her former King. The decisive battle of Yu'shen Mound would see the capture of Tarmen, and eventual pursuit of the King to the fields of Fielarwa (Modern day Maerun), where he was finally defeated, but demanded to die a warriors death by Sarenis's hand in 112BCA. Sarenis' campaign as a whole marked the end of the Warring States Period, as the Five Kingdoms would be reduced to only two, and much of the minor states with the exception of Tacua either surrendered to Sarenis or the Krow Horde. Slavery was formally abolished as one of her first acts, as well as the end of the use of Court Eunuchs.

## The First Aurlûnor Velande

### The Celestial Ascension, and the Rise of the Velande

The throne of Lonya would be passed to Sarenis, even though she was reluctant at first to take it. This was likely from the tradition of the Dawou who would refuse titles being given to them until they are pressed to accept them, which was more of a test of virtue. However, according to Sarenis' account, she truly did reluctantly wanted to rule over the Kingdom, as she intended to retire. Regardless, Sarenis would accept the title. Moving the court to Sachómar, Sarenis would infact, focus her efforts on Lingrinwë, which she saw as a promising foundation for a new capital due to its more strategic location. Vinimanis, who would become Sarenis' closest friend and potential first lover, would be promoted to become her spiritual advisor, and oracle. It was here that Vinimanis would give Sarenis the name "Sareariel" as she viewed her as an avatar of Galariel herself.

Vinimanis's final prediction of the Lûnlie's own dominion came to pass,. However, in 0CA, she did not foresaw the ascension of Sareariel. This signifigant event, would see the confirmation of many of the Twin Dragon's beliefs and principles, including the more legendary side of the tomes. This very event would come to be known as the "Celestial Ascension" by many in the Empire, due to Sareariels' surprising changes that came to her body and her behavior. As such, she would declare the foundation of the Aurlûnor Velande, which means Sun Dragon Empire, officially recognizing the Lûnlie's creole language as "Aurlûnoren", the Lûnlie becoming "Lhûren", and to encourage those to learn it as a new binding language to unify the peoples together. She would also decree that Twin Dragon as a non-heresy, and as "proven truth", officializing it as the faith of the country, but did not declare other faiths as heretical, allowing other faiths to co-exist.

For the first 400 years, Sareariel spent her time trying to consolidate her rule. Although she had won support from those who were within the Heartlands, there were still those who opposed her throughout, as she was the one who overthrew a traditional Amalie dynastic power. The growing number of Lhûren around the nation had also caused internal struggles between them and the dwindling non-Lhûren population. As a result, policies were enacted to hopefully integrate the Amalie into the nation peacefully, such as giving them equal stances to Lhûren, and allowed them to keep their positions as Barons and Counts. To continue on her promises of a more equal society, a new Imperial Court would be formed, one of which consisted of humans, elves and even kumiho, who migrated during her reign in 43BCA, who were followers of Twin Dragon. Humans of native origin within the region such as the Dawou, Yi'yen, Nu and Fai were made, as well as the Kumiho were made citizens of the country, and were put on equal grounds with the Lhûren majority.

The court language would continue to be Middle Almadoric, which has been practiced since Queen Hellenis the Wise, which also caused a bit of controversy due to the fact that humans and kumiho were now allowed to learn it alongside educated Amalie. In the later part of the year 107ACA, Sareariel would issue an imperial pardon for warlords who opposed Lonya and Melwende, as well as her enemies, to encourage them to join the Velande. However, Melwende would soon fall into disrepair, as the last Queen of Melwende, Atris, would be assassinated by a group that called themselves the Fornosians. History about this however, remains disputed, as remnants of the Melwendic Royal Family still survive today within Lhûmar and Dun. Regardless, the north would fall to turmoil, and Sareariel would loose control over the region, being unable to send the Imperial forces to cease control of the region. Due to this, fortifications were put around the Liang River, and whatever may of been of the Royal Family was evacuated safely back into the Velande.

To the east, the Krow Horde would finally consolidate into one power, which they named themselves the Takumakken, with Emperor Qillqa I Kuervo rising to the throne. Under the rulership of the new Emperor, he would attempt to consolidate his new holdings by limiting off war against the other nations. However, he knew that he was surrounded by enemies, and internal revolts, namely from the Amalie, Azerals and Kumiho that were within his territory. In addition, the Velande would view the Empire as a threat to their stability. In the year 148ACA, the Emperor would also desire the swamplands of Nir to assist with reinforcing his southern Hampo sector of the Empire. The First Takumakken-Aurlûnoren War would break out as a result, however, unlike much of the previous wars that ended in failure, the Velande would be victorious in outmaneuvering the Taku, as the swamps was not their natural enviorment, and the Angans loyalty being unwaivered, as they were supportive of Sareariel's law changes.

Within the streets of Lhûmar, a fellow Celestial Sage by the name of Valiel Lenwa, would be very close to Sareariel, believing she was on the path of Harmony with her soul being the most balanced she had seen. However, in the year 191ACA, this would change, as Lenwa begun to start getting more bold within the court. The issue of the peasantry not having enough representation within the court was heard by Sareariel. Year after year, Lenwa would visit the Velereth, with a new written complaint about rich harvests but greedy officials taking more they can share, fair officials, but them being swayed easily by corruption and bribes, brave generals, but lazy and uncooperative soldiers. Sareariel however, would reply every time, that she is trying her best to resolve the issues. However, by the year 199ACA, a final message was sent to Sareariel, this time far more hostile. Lenwa would demand that if Sareariel refuses to rid of her chancellor, Wu Helion from office, she will denounce her as a pretender, and that she is not the true Matron. Although the court was outraged by these words, Sareariel would again dismiss, and gave her word to Lenwa. Sareariel would dismiss Wu Helion from the chancellorship, and would see the officials that were accused of bribes and corruption to be executed.

#### The Lenwa Rebellion and the Red Canal Incident

In the year 200ACA, a report would come in that Valiel Lenwa rebelled, and had amassed a massive army of over 350,000 peasants, criminals and outlaws on her side within the countryside of the Chun Steppe (Maerun Steppe). Wu Helion, the Chancellor that was previously thought to have been dismissed, revealed to the court that the ploy was successful, and that Sareariel knew that her former friend would rebel regardless of her actions. It was infact, revealed by Helion himself in the records, that the executions and his dismissal was in fact, all apart of the plan to test Lenwa's loyalty when put with a lot of power, due to them knowing that Lenwa was ambitious, and would do anything with her false manipulative charisma. Sareariel would mobilize the Imperial Army, but would also raise volunteer forces, allowing convicts of more minor offenses freedom if they served within the military, peasants large strings of cash, food, high quality wine and water if they join, and outlaws forgiveness, if they convert to the faith, and fought alongside her.

Lenwa's forces would meet Sareariel's at the West Dragon Lake. However, due to Lenwa's lack of military experience, she would be outmaneuvered by Sareariel's forces easily. At the same time, Sareariel would offer many of the peasants, bandits and brigands the chance to surrender, and to be forgiven, promising the same thing she offered to the volunteers. This would waiver morale significantly for Lenwa. Thousands of her soliders would be killed in the ensuing battle, and Lenwa would be captured. Many of her soldiers would either defect or surrender to Sareariel. Although Sareariel captured Lenwa after she surrendered, she would decide to instead of executing her and her family, to exile her family far away from the Velande. Rumor has it that they had reached as far as the Escharian lands, and would settle in a remote location far away from civilization.

In the year 237ACA, religious tension had begun to brew, as members of the Almadorian Pantheon within Sachómar burnt down the main Twin Dragon temple within the city, proclaiming that "The dragons are attempting to destroy our way of life! There can be no remorse for such a barbaric religion within our Velande! The throne is ruled by Nixaden herself, and only through Xalos' light we shall overcome the foul temptress! The Murderer of Orzen shall be destroyed, and we shall once again bring light to the blighted land!". Members of this cult would be arrested by the Sachómar Constabulary, but another attack against a Priestess of the Four Sages and five Initiates were deemed to have been from the same source. Although Sareariel and the Imperial Court were silent about the situation as it being a "minor issue", in the year 242ACA, a major attack would occur, where in a large sermon to Xalos, figures all dressed in dark green, a color deemed to be that of vengance to the faith of Xalos, rounded over 57 worshippers of Twin Dragon, bounded by hands and feet, and stabbed them, allowing their blood to flow into the Red Canal. Though the ritual and sermon was interrupted by constables, members of the burnt Four Sages temple begun an all out brawl, before multiple parts of the city would be set aflame. This would become known as the Red Canal Incident, which saw the full deployment of the Imperial Army to Sachómar.

The cult would seize parts of the city, and declared that "The Amalie Kingdom is reborn! We shall smite the pretender on her throne!". This would be the first battle that Sareariel would not partake in, but rather, General Hong Lie, a Dawou who is a devout follower of Sen. During his speech, he would say,

> . . . Innocents died! These monsters are the relic of a bygone era, an era of war, of bloodshed! They only seek murder, destruction, and they use their false gods to deem our ACTUAL LIVING GODDESS, who sits in our divine city, ruling with benevolence?! Was her not allowing them to practice their pathetic dying faith, not enough for them? What message are they trying to send except that of evil, and foulness?! Follow me soldiers, for Sen's Fury shall burn upon them!
>
>

It was thought that through this speech, "Sen's Fury" as a term was originated, but other records state it was used far earlier. Regardless, the soldiers would meet the rebels head on, however, unlike Lenwa's unorganized peasant mobs, had military experience within. The rebels would use the city to their advantage, capturing multiple weapon depots and fortified positions. The Purple Canal would be used as a basecamp for the Imperial Military, as they made their way to the southern portions of the city. The cult leader was a Priestess named Maitanis Avaranis, who was an Almalie Monarchist, seeking to restore the Royal Family of Almador before they went into exile. She previously served within Sareariel's uprising against Lonya out of opportunity, though never agreed or shared the sympathies she had within her more progressive reforms.

The campaign would last for over a year until the year 243ACA, where a breakthrough was made at the northern quarter of the Red Canal, and pushed directly into the palace. Maitanis would be killed, but reports of her disappearing after being stabbed left many worried that she will some day return. However, victory was declared, and the cultists were rounded up and executed. Reperations were made to the people of Sachómar, with many of the Twin Dragon worshippers in the nation demanding that the faith to be made illegal, as such a thing could happen again with a higher percentage of worshippers such as in Dun or Hloamar. Multiple cities would start their own banning of the Almadoric Pantheon, but it wasn't until the year 247ACA, the Velereth, who, reportedly begrudgingly, decreed officially that Twin Dragon shall be the only faith, and that all other faiths shall be banned in the entire empire. To enforce it, she would decree it to be state mandated, and formed the *Night Falcons*, personal agents of the Velereth, who would serve as her eyes and ears, solely loyal to the Velereth, and the *Velanima Ilhaetuemhui* (The Imperial/National Intelligence Bureau), who would be the in-general spy agency of the country. In addition, the *Velanima* *Harmonizers* (not to be confused with the Guojiang Harmonizers, a future organization formed by Tyrian Ravenking) would be formed as apart of the Imperial Constabulary as a special unit.

Resistance to these new laws would spawn as a result of the bans, with clashes happening with the Harmonizers. These would continue loudly until the year 268ACA, where they had started to go down in terms of resistance. Clashes would reduce largely over the many years to come, until they had completely died out in the year 403ACA.

#### The Three Famines

Between the years 302, 327, and 362ACA, reports of poor harvests had struck the nation, causing food shortages, and far below average food shortages. Meditators and experienced aquamancers and geomancers were unable to figure out the issue, and would report that these poor quality yields were infact, abnormal. As the source was not determined, scholars believe that it was due to climate change, as the weather throughout the county experienced sudden shifts, with the area of Lhûmar becoming colder, and winters being longer, while more excessive rainfall gave way to floods and dry patches from areas that required water. in addition, the year 327 was the event of an accident caused by one of the Aquamancer Masters who flooded an entire plane with water as apart of a supposed demonstration to their students. As a consuquence, harvest did not met proper quota. This would cause discontent among the citizens, which saw Sareariel release her personal grain stores three times to the population.

The year 362ACA would also see the attack of the Takumakken Empire once more, this time, striking at fields belonging to the Velande, setting them ablaze by arrow fire, and raids of the agriculturally important Chun Steppe. The Second Takumakken-Aurlûnoren conflict would however, conclude with Aurlûnor pushing the Takumakken raiders back across the river banks. But this would not bode well for Aurlûnor, as it would cause starvation throughout the nation. Fortunaly however, Aurlûnor would do a counteraid into the Taku territory, looting supply depots, on the eastern side of the Hunshui river, having them shipped to Shenhua, and redistributed to the people, adverting a major food crisis. Efforts were made by mages, the imperial government and local farmers to make sure a grand famine of this scale never happens again, with new farming programs, and a reduction of tax for the next 30 years, and food portion sharing with the government. Granaries were set up in major cities to help supply surplus food if need be.

#### Conquest of the Southern Powers

The Queendom of Tacua had seen a decline in their power and influence within the region with additions of the Queendom of Hampo, and the Lothranis City-States of the southwest.

##### Hampoese-Aurlûnoren War

Hampo, in the year 410ACA, struggled from a succession crisis that would spark conflict between the nine powerful clans of Hampo (Tashili (Chae), Ayashuri (Heo), Kang, Asa, Maha, Daekan, Kitoha, Goltu and Ha) that had since taken power in 48ACA, with their roles acting as the regent and advisors to the Queen, although they held the true power within the nation. Traditionally, the Asa had been the most powerful, with their varying matriarchs being influential within the political spheres of Hampo, but since declined to the Chae, who had seen significant power shift to them. Sareariel, on behalf of her advisors, and her Chancellor, Alcon Varanyis, would accept the ploy of Min-Song Jeon, a Kumiho Twin Dragon Priestess from Nanseong, to side with the Tashilis, and their allies to seize control of the Queendom.

Queen Senyeun II, who was the last ruler of Hampo, would ready her armies against the rebels. However, Asha Tashili, the Matriarch of the Tashilis, would receive support from the Velande, which either caused her to suddenly panic as she was about to fight the head of the faith of the same faith she worshipped, where she would surrender by opening the gates, or actively prepared for the city to fight to the death against the Velereth. Both stories are disputed, but with recent discovery by the Imperial Library of Lhûmar in 988ACA, discovered that there was indeed a Hampoese-Aurlûnoren war in the year 411ACA, where Hampo had over 37,000 soldiers, and the Velande only bought along 26,000 with over 46,000 waiting across in the Ha Anga Bayou. The Hampo Campaign would last until 423ACA, where Sareariel herself, would sit down with the Queen of Hampo and the nine clans, and negotiated a surrender treaty. Hampo would formally become apart of the Velande, Asha Tashili was made governor of the province, beginning the reign of the Tashilis in Hampo, while the Queen was put under house arrest in Lhûmar, until she was released to be made Baroness of Pangnin, where she'd spend the rest of her days with her new family raised there. She was given a Kumiho husband of nobility from Hampo to continue the legacy. The Queensguard were integrated into the Imperial Guard, and was re-stationed back to Lhûmar and swore loyalty to the Velereth.

##### Tacuan-Aurlûnoren War

Tacua's conquest and subjugation would occur in the year 432ACA, where it was advised by her new chancellor, Min-Song Jeon, who succeeded Alcon who passed away from old age at the age of 102, to finish the remnants of the old era. In addition, she advised to send gifts to the city-states as well as letters to have them subjugate to the Velande to surround Tacua. With the new territory of Hampo as well as the island of Necua, she believed that the combined ports of Lyriaror, Ruskilomar (Nanseong), Port Helemar, Lhûmar and Sachómar is more than enough to completely blockade Tacua, with their armies being easily able to land.

### Golden Age

    By the end of 499ACA, many areas of the Velande were consolidated under the banner of the Velande. As such, Sareariel would mark an end to the Southern Campaigns, and would declare that the Velande was to enter into a new age of peace. From 500ACA up until 806ACA, the Aurlûnor Velande enter into a period of economic growth, military might that would be unparalleled throughout the Nándor region, technological and scientific achievements, as well as theories of philosophy, code of law, and military logistics. Scientists from all over the world, including the famous Wu Din, a marine philosopher who pioneered the research of sea mammals, convincing those in his hypotheses that they are indeed mammals, not fish, would become regarded in the Aurlûnoren scientific community.

The city of Lhûmar would also see signs of growth significantly. Replanning of the city, including expansion east and west attributed to it's growth throughout the 600-800ACAs, in which the population would surpass even that of Sachómar, which at the same time, would experience a state of decline in favor of the more strategically located city. The relations between the two cities would deteriorate during this time due to this sudden growth.

Musical instruments such as the piano would be invented during the Golden Age, which would change the way music is preformed forever. The country would also see itself develop multiple symphony orchestras, in which groups of people would gather around the varying pavilions in the country, and preform, resulting in more powerful music. The Imperial Hymn was created at around this time for the Velereth's 700th year of a successful rule in a parade that would be throughout Lhûmar.

## First Dark Age

Main articles: Fourth Aurlûnor-Takumakken Conflict, First Barbarian Rally, Second Barbarian Rally, and Third Barbarian Rally

By the early 800s, multiple wars with neighbors saw setbacks for the Velande. The Third Takkumakken-Aurlûnoren conflict would occur, and though there would be initial successes, the Velande would loose their foothold in the east, driving them back to the west to Nekomar, fortifying more predominantly near Fort Angayen. The Ashuran tribes would have border skirmishes with the Velande, none of which would make it past outside of the desert, and a few conflicts with more hostile city-states that would refuse to pay their overlord. This conflict would see the Imperial military pushed further into the swamplands down to Yi for the first time.

By Luyander 15, 806ACA, the Golden Age would officially end, with the country plunging into a Dark Age, and depression. An immeditate Fourth Takkumakken-Aurlûnoren conflict would occur, causing the Velande to loose control over the port city of Hloamar, which was renamed back during the Golden Age. The Treaty of Smaugonik was signed, allowing the Takumakken Empire to pass through the swamps, and to access their newly conquered prize. This period would be known as "First Dark Age"

Sareariel would marry Dalatra Mosulia of Yimmu-Audal, with each empress becoming a member of the other's harem. Aurlûnor would support Dalatra in the Yimmu-Audal Succession Crisis, which nearly resulted in war. However, the marriage would be declared null and void by the end of the year.

#### Bardonian Vassal & The Confederation Days

In 816 ACA (December 2020), Aurlûnor joined the Syltör Confederation, to protect its national sovereignty and secure a positive relationship with its neighboring states. However, this was not enough to protect the nation from being incorporated into the Empire of Bardonia. Though nominally Bardonian, Aurlûnor was still functionally autonomous, and even conducted both the *de jure* transfer of Sokalis to the Velande and the annexation of Athrabar under this rule.
On 20 Núlanawe 828ACA, in the aftermath of the Dandelion War, Aurlûnor (as well as Viridian) renounced its relationship with Bardonia, claiming that the whole affair of vassaldom was never real in the first place. Aurlûnor only gave away its nominal independence to continue working on internal policy, as to allow Bardonia to check a country off its list during their world conquest attempt.

The Partition of Takumakken allowed for the full de facto annexation of Sokalis and much of Takumakken's western territory, as well as the incorporation of Fornois into the Velande. By the end of the month, Aurlûnor was the only Confederation member left, having annexed or vassalized the members that did not leave the alliance.

#### The Barbarian Rallies

Main articles: Barbarian Rally, First Barbarian Rally, Second Barbarian Rally, and Third Barbarian Rally

Throughout the late winter and early spring (832 to 835 ACA), many bandits and tribes (informally called barbarian tribes or squatters) threatened the Velande's sovereignty. Isolationism and renewed positive relations with Bardonia left Aurlûnor safe from most state-to-state conflicts, but the era's influx of new people to Rathnir saw numerous squatters lay claim to the land. As such, the first three Barbarian Rallies were called.

On February 16th, a settlement known simply as Boris was settled near Athrabar. Its leader Kakarot proclaimed that "*Athrabar is OURS!*" and the first Barbarian Rally was subsequently called. The Velereth and her allies from Norfthorn killed multiple Borisites and took their gear. Sareariel marched on Athrabar with the Celestial Knights and the Chancellor's Hands in the First Battle of Athrabar.

Only a few days later on the 19th, the Second Battle of Athrabar occurred, with Sareariel luring the enemy out with promises to return Borisite gear. This only allowed Velande forces to raid Boris itself for its gear. This event was regarded as controversial due to what effectively amounted to ethnic cleansing against the Borisites.

Players from North Sangria founded a squatter settlement in Aurlûnoran lands and attacked the Velereth when she came to talk to them. The Second Barbarian Rally was then called. A few Ryzani forces were committed into the conflict, as this occurred during the days of the union. The conflict killed some members of Froggi Town (modern-day Grenouille) before the remainder of the tribes fled.

On March 17th, Norfthorn became fully autonomous and no longer a vassal to Aurlûnor. Later on the 27th, Balreska and Oogsberg on the Phagosian Sea were ceded to Ryzan by the Aurlûnor Velande.

The survivors of the Second Rally from Froggi Town settled in the mountains along the western border. They visited Lhûmar, but refused to submit to the Velereth's demands when informed of the Velande's religious laws mandating the worship of Twin Dragon. The tribes held their weapons out when in the Velereth's presence and responded rudely to the government's demands. On Vinimas 31, 840ACA, the Velereth declared a Barbarian Rally on them. Though few records of the event remain, the physical influence of Froggi Town's members was destroyed and they have not been heard from since.

Concurrent with the Third Barbarian Rally, the neglected city of Hloamar was sacked and burned by bandits, leaving it in total disrepair. This prompted the citizens of the town, most notably Mao Meili and Ja'al, to aid in the reconstruction of the city. The two rebuilt Hloamar in the imperial building style and tore down the older and ruined buildings. For their efforts, both were promoted into government positions.

#### The First Union with Ryzan

In Vinimas 836ACA, a marriage between the Velereth and Tsar CanadianToss of the Second Tsardom of Ryzan created the Aurlûnor-Ryzani Empire. This union would only last four days, from the 12th to the 16th, resulting in the Velereth and Tsar divorcing. However still, the state did defend Theios-Essukdal in its war with the bandit AdmiralKartoffel.

### The Ferrymen Wars

The Ferrymen Wars were a series of conflicts with the bandits known as the Ferrymen that the Aurlûnor Velande participated in. The wars caused Sareariel to disappear, leaving many to wonder where she had gone; eventually she returned from the Vale, with a strange purple mark on her face.

### Colonial Era

The Colonial Era of Aurlûnor is a long period It saw rapid expansion of the national borders (including the addition of a colony in Eldham), a large population increase, massive extension of the Imperial Navy, and many internal building projects such as the Imperial Palace would be underwent.

However, it would also see a near-miss war with the Ryzani Republic during the Crisis of May 15th, and further souring relations with Ryzan and closer ties with Bardonia that would continue until the Allium-Coalition War in August.

#### Founding of the Viceroyalty of Isillûnde

Main article: Viceroyality of Isillûnde

Aurlûnor was one of the 10 major states of Rathnir called to the New Dorasterrock Conference on May 27th. Though the Imperial Court deliberated on whether or not to continue with a strict isolationist policy or go colonizing, eventually the Velereth decided that establishing a trade port in Sinawendor (Eldham) would be beneficial. Isillûnde would be founded on the 6th of June, though it would almost immediately come into contact with hostile natives from Jabal. This conflict soured relations with Aurlûnor and all Eldhamites, with the latter being called "savages".

#### The Regency

On June 10th, due to Sareariel leaving for the west to explore the history of the elves, Sel Leyla-Earcala was declared regent of Aurlûnor, and Mao Meili its Chancellor. The two would run the country as diarchs, and keep the daily functions of the state alive while continuing the same policies as the Velereth did. When Sareariel returned however, she revealed that she secretly had three new children with Shǔwà Gāngshivaè- Lanfen, Vahtying, and Hayalal.

#### Fourth Barbarian Rally

Main article: Fourth Barbarian Rally

The Fourth Barbarian Rally was the first of the rallies to occur in Eldham and the first to end without bloodshed. Isillûnde was claimed by Swenking of Atlechia, but was quickly found out by Imperial Court members. Mao Meili, by now the Chancellor of the Velande, publicly denounced Swenking, and demanded an audience. After negotiations and threats, Minister Nori suggested that the Atlechians resettle near Neubaykonia, to which they did. She and a returning Sareariel would oversee the deconstruction of Swenking's fortified town he had built on the land.

### Ties with the Allium Alliance

Ryzan and Aurlûnor severed their alliance on June 2nd. Mere weeks later, Ryzan fell under attack by Bardonia, Huitca (with whom the Velande enacted a defense pact earlier that month), Niedea and the Aurlûnor Velande, resulting in Ryzan's annexation by Bardonia.

On June 30th, Lerry impersonated Lanfen Lelya-Earlcala, and attempted to lead a coup against Sareariel. This coup failed miserably, resulting in Lerry's expulsion from Aurlûnor.

On July 2nd, 937 ACA, Sareariel would find a partner in Lucius von Savras of Andorn (then part of Bardonia). The two entered a political marriage, though their two realms would remain separate. This tied Aurlûnor closer with Bardonia even further. Two days later, Aurlûnoran military forces would assist Bardonian (including Andornian) troops in the occupation of Bjornsberg, which had claimed parts of Bardonian Andorn and declared itself an ally of Ryzan.

Aurlûnor underwent internal developments over this time as well. On the 13th of that month, Joey Sunderian would be tried *in absentia* after doing a dangerously large amount of trolling, including building a stockpile of gunpowder and TNT. The Fifth Barbarian Rally would be announced on the 23rd of July. During this event, 17 squatter tribes were integrated into the Velande's regime or destroyed outright. Multiple notable battles occurred, and the Rally continued well into the next year. The Navy would continue to be built up as well over this period.

#### Allium War

Main article: Allium-Coalition War
Due to the signature of a mutual defense pact with the Empire of Bardonia, the Aurlûnor Velande found itself a *de facto* member of the Allium Alliance. Upon the outbreak of war on July 26th of 937 ACA, the Velereth made an official declaration of war announcing the 'end of isolationism' and the entering of Aurlûnor into the war on the Bardonian side. Many cities began the construction of defenses comprised of bamboo and barbed wire; Hloamar's bridges were blown and many cities' walls were reinforced.

The Bardonian leadership (Uni and Crezyman) were invited for a conference with Aurlûnor. Negotiations began with the Viodoxan leadership, however, as many within the Imperial Court could read the writing on the wall as soon as the war began. Unfortunately, the negotiations devolved into petty arguments as Sareariel and Hazel McSpiegel argued.

Ultimately, the diplomatic falling-out surrounding the war caused Aurlûnor to suddenly declare an official state of armed neutrality. The only influence Aurlûnor would have on the war after this moment would be the volunteer service of one Hydra Blackwater, who fought at the Battle of New Dorasterrock.

#### Post Allium War

Main article: Syltör League

As the Bardonian Spring meant the breakaway of Aurlûnor's partner kingdom of Andorn from Bardonia, Aurlûnor finally severed its diplomacy with Bardonia in favor of the breakaway states. The power vacuum that would be left by Bardonia's collapse was thought to allow the southern powers entry into Syltör. Thus, an idea came into the works independently in the minds of several leaders in Aurlûnor and elsewhere- the formation of a regional alliance to fill that power vacuum and secure independence for the states of Aurlûnor, Andorn, Norfthorn, the newly-independent Ryzan, Lennox, and others in the Syltör region. Thus, the Syltör League was formed. It was hoped by some, including Chancellor Mao, that the league could be used to leverage soft power over the whole region; however, Aurlûnor was in no position to play dirty and acted as an equal to the other member states.

The 5th Barbarian Rally continued, with general success at the fighting of several tribes, including some that built burning crosses. However, the longstanding conflict with the Grey Banner eventually came to an end, as a spy broke character and told the Aurlûnoran Imperial Court of his status in a fit of rage as the two bickered. Despite the initial toxicity, both parties eventually calmed down and explained themselves, making amends. Together members of both groups met up in the mountain fortress of Bern and read The Celestial Fertilizer in a group. Eventually the Aurlûnor Velande would back the Grey Banner's descendant state of Kyydrosil in its bid for independence later in August, and the new republic would become a member of the Syltör League as well.

#### Aftermath of the Allium War

During the period after the Allium War, several key events and processes occurred. A golden age of science dawned, as Aelfiel Meng commissioned regularly-updated maps of the Velande, and many paleontological discoveries were made. The Imperial Museum began construction, as the city of Lhûmar was overhauled once again. Infrastructure projects meant the construction of an imperial road system, giving rise to the phrase "all roads lead to Lhûmar".

Along the northern border, the inability of Bjorn'sberg to pay its debts to Andorn led to its vassalization by Aurlûnor as a tributary state, paying 3 gold blocks to Aurlûnor per month. A small duchy known as Daghul briefly became a protectorate of the Velande before swiftly being transferred to Andorn. This marked the beginning of the end of Bisezonne, and what was proclaimed as the final act ending the First Andorn Crisis.

Support was given to the Plagatean Imperial Family in the civil war that occurred in August (One of Sareariel's harem members was from Plagatea); their loss led to the Velereth granting the royal family a government-in-exile and much territory in eastern Nir Province along the Hunshui river to build a city known as Plagateamar. This city was never built.

A coup in Bjorns'berg led by Alohomora and Gribbits ousted FristiCuffs as he threatened Andorn and Aurlûnor once more on the 15th of August, 938. The city of Toppmote was occupied as such (again) and Fristi was put on trial but escaped to Eldham via the UBSR. Bjorn'sberg was remade into an Aurlûnoran vassal with Alohomora made its Herjue (duke and head of state).

The Fifth Barbarian Rally continued to rage, as an Eldhamite bandit by the name of Welpish threatened Aurlûnor. However, he was talked down temporarily into making a cheese shop as the Velereth threatened to leverage Huitca and the Syltör League against him. The League/Velande declared victory over the barbarians on September 1st, shortly after the Battle of Sawiya Oasis. However, the final squatter group of the Rally, the Raktroki, left several regions heavily deforested until mid-October.

### Imperial Autumn

The period of slight decline in activity as the summer ended became known in Aurlûnoran historiography as the Imperial Autumn. However, despite its name, the state remained strong and many important events occurred during this era.

#### War of the Forest Council

Conflict between a squatter group calling themselves the Forest Council erupted seemingly immediately after the Fifth Barbarian Rally ended. Despite destroying the ecocidal cult known as Kellerism, Murad of the Forest Council decided that Aurlûnor was not going far enough in its environmentalism and established a fort in the northern heartland. A joint raid by Aurlûnor, Andorn, and Kyydrosil preceded the official battle, where both sides proclaimed victory. This war was ultimately a pyrrhic victory, as despite Murad agreeing to leave, the leaders of all three member states became less active from burnout.

#### Great Dark Famine

During the Great Eclipse, food shortages struck Aurlûnor hard, and famine gripped the country, especially the peasants that made up most of the population. Strict food rationing was ordered, and internal passports were issued. Cities went into lockdown and many citizens were banned from travel.

Though estimates showed that 6 years worth of potato storage was available, the imperial government had dealt with famine before and was unwilling to cut corners, lest its people starve. The use of magic allowed photosynthesis to resume, and through the Velereth's powers crops were able to grow in the incessant darkness.

On the 22nd of September, Dragon Day was celebrated at the refurbished Beacon Square in Lhûmar. This festival featured the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol as well as newly-baked "moon bread", and the reading of poetry written for the event. It attracted the attention of many diplomats, bandits, and others; however, magic prevented the bandits from harming anyone in the vicinity of the Velereth.

A ritual was held, involving a sphere of purple light, presumably from the Vale itself. It ascended the central tower, and the Velereth cast lightning down from the heavens. Shortly after, the sun began to rise. It is thought by many Twin Dragon practitioners that this event was what let the sun come back into the sky, ending the age of darkness.

#### Involvement in the War in Ryzan

Main article: War in Ryzan

On the 8th of September, 939 ACA, the Velereth ordered the mobilization of all Twin Dragon practitioners to the protection of all Twin Dragon temples in Ryzan as a civil war broke out, and to accept all refugees from the conflict into the temples.

The bombing of the Volkoregrod Twin Dragon temple on the 19th of September by the "Ryzani Air Force" (a subsection of the Fourth Tsardom of Ryzan's armed forces) prompted war between the Grand Temple of Twin Dragon and Tsardom, as well as its supporters. As the Tsardom was a Syltör League member, that meant that war would naturally be extended between the whole League and the Grand Temple. However, since most Twin Dragon Temple leaders were also the leaders of the Aurlûnor Velande, this marked a period where the members of the government of Aurlûnor were at war with themselves briefly.

The alliance between Aurlûnor and their allies in Ryzan was a tense one; as their Ryzani supportees decried monarchy and supported republicanism and even socialist ideologies, the leaders of the rebelling Imperial Ryzan were known to have personal ties to Sareariel and agreed more so with Aurlûnor ideologically. The creation of the Greater Syltör Empire at the war's close would mark end of this ideological cold war, however; on September 26th, the annexation of the Fourth Tsardom of Ryzan into Bardonia angered the Aurlûnoran government. Josbar was un-recognized as the legitimate leader of Ryzan and soul banished by the Velereth. The government was banished from the Syltör League as well.

This eventually led to the annexation of the region of Deutzan by Aurlûnor; the Republic of Deutzan was temporarily established and then promptly abolished, being annexed into the newly formed Malyan Province. The region had been desired by Aurlûnor for years, but after all this the Aurlûnoren-Ryzani Border Dispute was finally resolved.

A non-aggression pact with the Greater Syltör Empire was signed due to the common history between Bardonia and Aurlûnor, ensuring that the two would not go to war nor force the other to join the other in war if it erupted.

The word of the Tsardom falling reached the ears of the Velereth on the 12th of October, 940 ACA. When she heard this, she teared up and lifted her head. "Blessed Queen Lothra! ... this is a truly golden year!" she announced.

#### Hampo Barbarian Crisis

Tribes continued to target Aurlûnor during this era, as they normally do. Islos of Prometheus, one of the tribes, was officially evicted on September 24th, 939. He did not, in fact, leave, and on October 3rd an anonymous Kumiho priestess discovered that Islos and his goons had built a threatening-looking heathen temple in Hampo Province.

The village of Seongju, also in Hampo was burned by witches who remarked that they "did not like religion being forced down their throats" to the authorities on September 28th. The arsonist, emerald813, paid a hefty fine and was ordered to leave Aurlûnoran territory.

These events, as well as occurrences with the sun turning blood red, led to the crackdown on various unorthodox, heretical, and heathenous elements in the Velande. The former tolerance of syncretic Soleannen-Twin Dragon was banned, and crackdowns on Asitir and Ashuran pagans occurred. It is rumored that Minister of Education Aldara Ellan fled the country because of this crackdown. This Crackdown however, would be halted by order of the Velereth on October 17, 2021.

A tribal legion from the Frosterium led by Aleczaender known as the Legion Aleczaender established a city called Richteria, and a fort, Fort Loyalty, on Hampo's northern shores. They at first seemed willing to integrate, but attempted to betray the Velande. Whistleblowers alerted government officials of their treasonous activity, and a group of combined Aurlûnoren and Huitcan troops led by Sareariel and LilyPrism respectively at the Battle of Richteria, which was followed by the city's subsequent burning. The Legion was relocated to Andorn afterwards.

## Imperial Winter, the Second Dark Age

The overall civilizational decline was noticed as it was occurring by many in Aurlûnor's government. However, things got much worse before they got better.

#### Sareariel's Departure

In late October of 940, the Velereth Sareariel left once again, leaving minister Orwa Sinawis as temporary regent. It was common to have several rotating regents while Sareariel was on temporary leave, but on her return on the 20th of that month the Velereth disappeared for an "unknown reason".

In her "death" throes, she initially announced the disbanding of the entire nation, which caused Crezyman of the GSE to officially establish a protectorate over the region. The Imperial Court argued much with itself, fearing chaos, revolts, and foreign invasion. Following further announcements from Oranje Blackwater, Yimmu-Audal, Huitca, and Viodoxa (which would soon cease to exist itself) guaranteed the independence of the remaining Aurlûnoran state which was to be made a protectorate of Andorn. As many of the dying Velereth's demands became irrational, her daughter Lanfen, the most prospective potential heir, seized the *de facto* leadership and declared herself the new Velereth with the support of Nori and other ministers. Sareariel accepted this fate, and ascended to the Vale in the late night of the 20th of October, 940 ACA.

Fristicuffs of Toppmote declared that he would return to Bjorn'sberg during the crisis, and briefly that he was the rightful and democratic ruler of all Aurlûnor. He was laughed at and forced to rescind these statements within an hour.

In the days after, Mel Lelya-Earcala and Nori became dual regents, and longtime personal friend of Sareariel Hazel McSpiegel was named the new Celestial Matron. The latter appointment sparked dismay among many Twin Dragon practitioners including Lucius von Savras, who believed that the Sage Mao Meili should have been appointed to the position instead.

#### The Lanfen Regency

Upon assuming her duties as the new Velereth, Lanfen's first act was to denounce actions by Fristicuffs and restore order in the vassal territory of Bjorn'sberg to the north. Though not coronated at the time, she would be coronated by Celestial Matron Hazel McSpiegel on the 23rd of October.

#### End of The League

The Syltör League, by 941 ACA, was a shadow of its former self. The original founding states of Andorn and Ryzan had by now been integrated into Bardonia as the empire once again rose from the ashes. The final nail in the coffin was Bardonia making the decision to leave the League on the 6th of November. With a non-member state blocking Aurlûnor and Norfthorn from the Yularan states that made up the remainder of the pact, it was impossible for either region to contact the other in the case of an attack, as a neutral or even combatant nation, Bardonia, would separate them. The nations of Yulara were themselves also in a separate pact known as the Solar Alliance.

On the very same day Bardonia pulled out of the Syltör League, Chancellor Mao decided, alongside several other members, to dissolve the League, as it was effectively unnecessary as a political bloc. Its economic goals were completed to the most they could be done anymore, and the political winds were changing in Syltör. Making an announcement to the world as the last representative of the original three founding states, she declared the whole alliance defunct to the world in a farewell speech.

The "Weed Scare", named so after the dandelion weed of Bardonia, started to kick into full gear at this point, as Crezyman and other Bardonians had disdain for the new Matron, Hazel, and had effectively dissolved the non-aggression pact that the two states had. Efforts were made by the new Phoenix Advisor Orwa Sinawis, but fearful voices prevailed despite her efforts.

#### The Viridian-Ashuran Crisis

Unfortunately, this was not the smartest move to announce to all that the Velande had become politically isolated. Merely a day after the League's dissolution, the Tlatoani of Huitca, Quauhtli Tizoc, began private talks with Velereth Lanfen to demand land from Aurlûnor.

The Tlatoani, using old map claims, argued that large swaths of Erume and Sharla provinces were core Viridian territory, as Viridian had claimed the lands in days past before Viridian joined the Huitca Federation. However, this was only a brief occupation, argued the Aurlûnoran Imperial Court, and the region was ethnically populated primarily by Azerals loyal to the Velande. Still, the Tlatoani continued to push the issue, and the talks became very heated as drama simmered and war appeared to be on the horizon. Many citizens of Aurlûnor feared the worst, as both Huitca and Bardonia- allies- could theoretically overpower Aurlûnor and take the territory that was once Viridian and Ryzan-owned. This was considered the height of the Weed Scare, as two allied nations could hypothetically justify an offensive war.

After a brief period of cooldown, apology, and discussion within the Huitcan leadership and with Aurlûnor, the Tlatoani was convinced to stand down and not push the issue on a friendly country. Relations were normalized between the two nations, and things went along on their way.

On the 10th of November, the now-Veleran Dowager, Lucius von Savras, became Chancellor of Bardonia, putting down much of the Weed Scare and securing safety and stability between Bardonia and Aurlûnor.

### Anniversary on the Server

On the 14th of November, 941 ACA, just a day before it's anniversary on the server, the Aurlûnor Velande officially set up its first imperially-protected wildland, Ha Anga National Park. In order to protect the various plant and animal species living in the region, which were historically overharvested to the point of environmental devastation, the area around the Ha Anga Bayou in Nir Province was been set aside for the purpose of protecting wildlife and Aurlûnor's rich archaeological heritage. Fishermen could still apply for special licensing to fish certain sections, though most of the park was for catch-and-release fishing only.

The day after, the Aurlûnor Velande turned a year old. No festivities were held as this was a purely out-of-character meta milestone, but announcements were made on the state & Stoneworks discords about it.

### Lanfen Regency Internal Developments

On the 16th, the Guojiang Bazaar on Duck Island (between Balreska and Tossagrad) opened for business, after being built by Sekhem Khamen al-Qamiya, Minister of Commerce. Orwa Sinawis declared the bazaar the primary trading location with foreign nations and ban all trade with Market55, as part of the economically protectionist portions of the "Sleeping Dragon Doctrine".

The establishment of two new national parks- the Maerun Steppes and Great Timber Expanse National Parks, was announced by Orwa Sinawis on the 28th of November. The Imperial Conservation Organization, modeled after the old Syltör Rangers, was founded alongside them to maintain the parks, clean up pollution, and improve the beauty and health of Aurlûnor's wilderness lands.

The year 942 ACA brought with it a conflict over the governorship of the long-neglected Celume Province, and many other provinces were left with vacant governors' positions. However, the Dragonfruit Alliance was signed into law on the 6th of December, solidifying a mutual defense pact between the Diarchy of Knossos and the Velande.

### Sareariel's Second Reign

Sareariel Lelya-Earcala would return on December 21st, in coinciding with Dragon Day. Voices of the Velereth were heard a week prior to it, indicating that she was still alive. The Velereth's return shocked many, especially with Hazel McSpiegel, who saw her title as Celestial Matron being taken back. Since this time, the Aurlûnor Velande had seen itself enter into a second Golden Era, as many new policies were passed. Though, some new troubles had brewed following her return.

#### The Dragon Awakens

On December 24th, 942 ACA, the Kingdom of Suderen threatened Twin Dragon worshippers of Iabet. Although a warning was sent, nothing actually came out of it. With a a year of silence, in the year 943ACA, the Velereth gave her Imperial Address. This imperial address was met with a dangerous embargo that almost spiraled into a war between the Velande and Bardonia's then-province, the Fifth Tsardom of Ryzan. This was resolved by an official apology given by the Velereth, with the embargo being lifted the next day.

However, following this apology, a rebel by the name of Raven Taucanis has declared a new Takumakken state. This sparked the Fifth Aurlûnor-Takumakken Conflict, being the first time in quite a while that a rebellion has occurred in the country. The campaign lasted until January 16 943 ACA, where due to poor leadership, lack of planning and military tactics, the rebellion was quashed. With newfound boldness, and morale soaring, the Velande would see it's military capability proven to be stronger than it had been months prior.

The Velande officially declared an end to its isolationism and on January 7th, 943 ACA, declared war on Mithra- supporting Bardonia in their fight and thus beginning the Velande's involvement in the Mithran-Dandelion War. However, due to Mithra's poor planning and military tactics in trying to gain support, they surrendered to the Bardonians, and paid reparations to the Velande for the three barbarian tribes of Rakautia, the Forest Council and Betaburg.

Following their victory in the war, the Velande declared war on the Second Empire of Plagatéa on January 14, 943 ACA. This was mainly due to the fact that years prior, the Empire of Plagatéa-in Exile, a remnant of the first Empire, was exiled in the Velande following an agreement. With support of Tempo, and some other exiles, preparations of thousands of arquebuses were being made. However, before the first campaign could even be conducted, the Second Empire collapsed due to internal pressures.

Weeks following the collapse of Plagatéa, on January 27, the Aurlûnor Velande declared war on the Kingdom of Councils, and prepared with its supplies and rifles that were originally going to be used against the Plagatéans for war.

#### Beginning of the NSC Era

The collapse of the Fourth Bardonian Empire would mark a huge turning point in the Velande's history. For the first time, the Aurlûnor Velande had to face the challenge of basically playing the continental power of Syltör, and assist with a now broken region, as the sole large power that had not experienced collapse. The Velande first declared their support for Savras' independence on February 7, 944ACA, signed a defensive pact with the now newly reformed Ryvenate of Ryzan, and declared war on Bingo's rogue state of the now splintered Andorn, partaking in the Third Andorn Crisis. The power vacuum left by the collapsed Bardonia was eventually filled by the North Star Coalition, an alliance involving the Velande and the other Syltor states.

In addition, the Velande legalized the worship of Lux on the same day, declaring it to be that of equal of a Lothra worshipper, with the exception of Luxites being able to practice in the cities of Lhûmar and Sachómar as they are deemed holy cities. During this time, ties between Kori Glynrel and Sareariel culminated in the annexation of part of Vastallos, and the creation of Calaxiáng Province (*details can be found on its own page*). The province was forced to dissolve by the Empire of Astyllea, but remained a staunch ally of Aurlûnor.

#### Conflicts in the Second Reign

On February 23rd, Sekhem Khamen was promoted to the rank of Sage of Darkness, finally balancing out the role held by Sage of Light Mao Meili. Despite these internal religious developments, the nation often found itself in the sights of a number of Soleannen zealots- in particular, Caligo cultists from Kartek. Kartek raiders made their way all the way to the gates of Lhûmar after a raid on a Caligo temple by oShotty of Tyalu, and multiple other people, including important figures like Azan Shaer, and Previse of Blackwater. This prompted a harsh response from the Velereth, who considered punishment for oShotty, although no punishment was ever given other than a strict verbal warning.

Another harrowing event of the time has gone down in history as the Travatar Situation, named after its lead figure. Travatar himself squatted in southern Aurlûnor, and when a passer-by slaughtered his chickens, he blamed Aurlûnoren citizen Mikeytaco for the killings and tried to persuade intervention from his fellow Soleannen worshippers. Many within Aurlûnor did not know who killed the chickens, only that someone killed them, and many believed that the whole affair was a false flag accusation. Days of tense argument eventually resulted in the defusing of the event by March 5th, as the chicken-killer was found and Travatar returned to Nieden.

In a bizarre twist of fate, flying, fire-breathing wraiths in the form of chickens attacked lhûmar and Maerun on March 13th. These wraiths scared much of the local populace, but were quickly defeated by the Imperial Army.

The War of Deception in southernmost Syltor broke out on the 20th of March, and as such Aurlûnor followed its southern allies in Alda and Huitca to war against the southern rebels. This resulted in the creation of the condominium vassal of Goldburg, shared with Aurlûnor and Alda, on the 30th. Dreondorans raided southern Aurlûnor on the 3rd of April.

#### Internal Reorganization

The following two months saw much reorganization of the state. Firstly, a program to rejuvenate the provincial capitals was launched, with each province being advertised for settlers. Teahouses and inns were funded to stimulate the national economy as well. On March 12th, it was decided that since Mao Meili couldn't serve as both a governor and the chancellor, she was relieved of service and Sun Lei was promoted to governor of Nir Province.

The imperial bureaucracy announced a number of important role openings: State Councilor, and Ministers of Rites, Academics, Demographics, and Diplomatic Affairs. In order, Sekhem Khamen was promoted to Minister of Rites, Astrid Sindarin to DIplomatic Affairs, Nefer-Ka-Mutawakh to Minister of Academics, Rex Khamen to Demographics, and Ja'al of Hloamar to State Councilor.

The coronation of Oranje von Savras in Andorn ended horribly for the newly-crowned kaiserin, as mere seconds after being given the crown a late-arriving Chancellor Meili prompted werewolf raiders hiding behind Savras' city walls to attack prematurely. The resulting chaos ended in the injury and incapacitation of High Minister Nori, who was unable to be healed as she lay poisoned in a Soleannen temple. She recovered after several days of being comatose, and being brought to the Guardian Dragon shrine at the Guojiang Bazaar.

On April 1st, a group of Richterian Twin Dragon followers led by Stigmata (a veteran of the Richterian-Aurlûnoren conflict) settled in northern Nir. Establishing the city of Shenhua, this new boom town embarked on the construction of several large projects including a large dragon statue in Lake Ostron and a province-spanning railroad network.

#### Ashuran Secession

Stirrings in the south culminated in a small rebellion in the Ashuran provinces on April 4th. Seeing the writing on the wall, the Velereth and Grand Magistrate Azan Shaer reached an agreement; Ashura would once again be an independent vassal state, with Azan as its pharaoh. The Ashuran public agreed to this situation, and the new state became recognized widely as one of Syltor's newest countries.

#### Close of the Second Reign

While Ashura had broken off, most of Aurlûnor's internal affairs remained business as usual. However, the retiring of Governor Aule from Tacua and the death of Governor Squishie of Celume strained government control in the southwestern provinces. The reconstruction of the Takumakken Embassy in Quacomar, and the promotion of Kori Glynrel to Veleran-Consort (and the founding of the Faun town of Fanamar), however, seemed to bolster the buildup of the central heartlands of the Velande. The Shenhuaese also began the construction of mass infrastructure projects throughout the nation in the form of ice roads; however, the infrastructure builders got into conflict with several environmentalists who wished not for the roads to cross through Aurlûnor's national parks.

Imperial initiatives in Eldham were also furthered in these days, with additional grants being given to stimulate the Isillûnde Viceroyalty. From there, diplomacy with the Yoakumaen of New Yoake was conducted, helping to mend relations that had been shattered since the Great Eclipse. A non-aggression pact with Dracade helped to solidify intra-Rathnirite relations as well, as Nori took leadership in the NSC to maintain the alliance. The opening of lhûmar's tea houses also stimulated both the local economy and the reinforcement of diplomatic relations with the nations of Haven.

## The Meili Era

#### Red Sun Campaign & Abdication of Sareariel

*Full article:* Red Sun Campaign

In the summer of 952 ACA, the relatively peaceful days of the Second Reign came to a close, with the declaration of war by Josbar Liberium. As Aurlûnor mobilized for war with Alda and Ashura, however, Josbar began a campaign of misinformation & recruited the help of several mercenaries and volunteers the Soleannan Imperium to fight for him. Under the threat of what seemed like a targeting of the Velereth directly (as Emperor Yazov himself was known to have personal quarrels with the Velereth), Sareariel abdicated as the crisis spiraled out of control. She placed Chancellor Meili as regent, effectively making her the single most powerful person in the country. As the Chancellor had sole authority during this age, it has come down in history to be known as the Aurlûnor Chancellorate era.

Chancellor Meili was left with an overbearing choice- should she continue to push for victory, in spite of the odds and the reluctance of many in the nation to risk losing everything? Or, would the country be dissolved into its constituent states in a desperate attempt to save the people? She chose the former option. Under Meili's direction, Quacomar's defenses were constructed with the aid of several mercenaries, who aided in the reorganization of the inexperienced Dragon Army. War bonds were issued, and many people loaned money to the government. Jacob Azurov, seeing the threat of the Imperium towards Aurlûnor, generously donated a hefty $2,000,000 grant no-strings-attached to the war effort.

Talks with Josbar himself proved to be catastrophic, as Josbar threatened a war of genocide against Aurlûnor, sowing seeds of divide between lhûren and Aurlûnoren Humans, and seeking to replace local town leaders with his own soldiers. Not only this, Josbar also pinned the plan on Emperor Yazov, to avoid responsibility and scare the new ruler into submission. It backfired horribly for Josbar as the Chancellor leaked this information to the world at large, but taking the threats at face value, targeted the Imperium. While many international supporters turned to Aurlûnor and away from Josbar's clique, the Imperium grew infuriated at these claims (and the toxicity in international discussions brought upon them by the genocide allegations) and swiftly denounced both Aurlûnor and Josbar.

Ultimately, however, Josbar lost his support and Aurlûnor gained a massive upper hand. This event served to make Chancellor Meili a national hero, having saved the country from one of its largest crises in years. Several statements were made to repair relations with the Imperium and search for Aurlûnor's new direction on the international stage.

#### The Chancellorate in Peacetime

As peacetime came to the Chancellorate, new policies had to be arranged within the government. The Chancellor published a public list of goals, changes, and focal points for the new government to follow. These included:

* Economic reform, to get the government a stable source of income
* Repayment of the national debt, incurred from the war
* Reorganization of army logistics systems and appointment of a Quartermaster General
* Proposed renaming of towns in their local dialects instead of the Imperial dialect
* Legalization of Ryzani cheese
* Rooting out of Josbar-affiliated drug manufacturing in the Ashuran desert
* Finding a potential successor to Sareariel

As Aurlûnor and Ryzan had been growing closer diplomatically and culturally, many considered the reformation of the Aurlûnor-Ryzani Empire again, or something similar. The discussion was heavily joked about by both Ryzani and Aurlûnoren alike, and talks to seriously go about such an affair went on for over a year. However, many plans to unite the two realms were deemed to be too problematic, or giving too much power to Ryzan, or even giving too much power to the provinces and freeholds, and no one plan was ever decided.