Distant Peoples

## Chronology

Oochoonoo
Statit

Iztoochoo

Chinoohoo

## Succeeded By

Gysandrian Restoration

The Distant Peoples (or the Vert Dynasty) were a group of individuals, usually classified as a dynasty, which ruled Gysandria from 9300 to 9494. Their place of origin and motives remain relatively unknown even to this day, and the group is often viewed as the first non-Gysandrians to rule the Gysandrian Empire.

## History

### Theories of Origins

Many theories have been posited for the origins of the Distant Peoples, both contemporaneously and in the years following. Several Gysandrian historians, including Siulioti and Darensis, refer to the Distant Peoples as *Caeranosho*, meaning "Coming from far above"; this fact, combined with the odd ornamentation, armor, and physical descriptors of the Vert Dynasty has been taken by many fringe historians to mean that the Distant Peoples were extraterrestrials from outer space, though there is no direct evidence for such an argument. In fact, the biased descriptions of Gysandrian historians writing about this time of occupation are more likely influenced by xenophobia and a misunderstanding of distant foreign cultures. William Daniels McCyntre posited that the Distant Peoples were actually refugees from the Verdidi people, who lived near the Arctic Ocean, and may have worn special clothing and armor to protect themselves from extreme weather; this theory also explains the nomenclature of the Vert Dynasty. Another theory, by Solino of Boshko in the 9900s, suggested that the Distant Peoples were Gulti outlaws and outcasts, further guessing that, "their unique physical traits may have rendered them exiles from their Gulti brethren." This theory fails to explain the unique dialect of the Distant Peoples, though it remains viable. Other theories include an uncontacted tribe from the far-northern island of Wiyik, early Mokdi conquerors, and even the concept that the Distant Peoples represent an unknown human subspecies.

### Arrival in Serona

Regardless of their history prior to their arrival in Serona, the Distant People's arrival and disruption within Gysandria is documented by several historians. Both Darensis and Siulioti claim that a solar eclipse preceded their arrival, a sign which Siulioti claims supports the invaders' foreign and fantastical origins. Darensis states that the first Distant Peoples - later being identified as Oochoonoo and Statit - emerged from the western marsh-forests in 9299, speaking a language never before heard and bearing unusual markings. They quickly proved to be an aggressive people and killed many Gysandrians with ruthless efficiency, killing first diplomats, then soldiers. Following a brief period of silence, when the invaders could not be found, they suddenly reappear in greater numbers, assassinating the emperor Amira and her entire family and seizing control of the government, initiating many sudden and foreign changes. To quote Darensis:

> “The emperor ordered that we wear their garments, made of a hideous elastic animal hide that shimmered like a seal. He also ordered that every citizen begin learning his people’s tongue, an ugly and astounding dialect, with letters that looked like runes. His troops drew the runes upon all of the houses in the city while the citizens slept.”
>
>

Following the People's takeover of the Gysandrian court and government, there were several rebellions in varying towns and cities, including a large rebellion held in the capital in early 9301, led by Veri Arento, daughter of the Pine General under the previous emperor Barsensis. Veri gathered some 2000 citizens and soldiers and attempted to storm the Palace of Prasdi, killing a guard and injuring several more. In *The Courtier's Chronicle* it is reported that the guard was later dissected by Gysandrian doctors and "found to be lacking in many of the larger organs that every healthy person possessed, instead bearing bizarre foreign objects for which this author may bear no explanation." However, the Vert clan retaliated in brutal fashion, beheading Veri and leaving her body outside the city walls, a great insult. Contemporary historians recount that some 200 - 1000 Gysandrians were killed in the ensuing slaughter, and it is the last reported major rebellion against the Distant Peoples until their overthrow by Zinsinoro in 8495.

### The Vert Dynasty

#### Oochoonoo (9300-9383)

The Vert clan, despite seemingly speaking no Gysandrian, worked to quickly integrate Gysandrian culture into their own, instilling a firm regime based mainly upon violence, intimidation, and manipulation. It was following Veri's rebellion that the member of the dyanasty known as Oochoonoo emerged as the de facto leader, and became the first to use the title of Gysandrian emperor. Oochoonoo took to wearing the Gysandrian Crown in all public appearances, modifying the crown to fit with the mouthpiece of the helmets which they and all of their kin wore. The Distant Peoples were all known for their withheld demeanors and rarity of speech, and yet the personality of Oochoonoo seems to be one of aggression and ambition, leading their people to the Gysandrian throne without hesitation.

Oochoonoo's reign, despite its chaotic beginnings, seems to have been one of relative peace for Gysandria,

## Legacy and "Returns"

In the year 9700, many followers of the religion believed that the Distant Peoples would return and rescue the "true believers"; this did not come to fruition, resulting in mass suicides amongst the followers, though the belief persisted.

The Gysandrian emperor Oorestoo's family were followers and worshippers of The Distant Peoples, showing that even at the end of the empire there remained pockets of devotees to the Vert clan.

1. ↑ Darensis, Carudo, The Later Histories, Claudian Classics, 2020
2. ↑ Ornerento, The Courtier's Chronicle, Claudian Classics 2020