Khierre:History

## **First Era(K.0 - K.4309)**

### **First Khierren Apocalypse (K.0 - K. 1584):**

Since historians are unable to determine the true age of our Solar System, we consider the beginning of the first Apocalypse as year zero(K.0). The FKO began when the heart of Lerik was ejected from the planet and crashed into Khierre. At this time, the few races present were still relatively primitive, and as such lived mostly in caves. The impact not only wiped everything from the surface, but also altered the terrain of Khierre, leaving behind a massive crater and shattering the continent, creating thousands of rivers and creeks. The destruction caused by Lerik’s heart shook the planet, awakening the gods. The gods tore across Khierre, all meeting at the cause of the commotion. As the gods ripped at the Heart, their flesh bonded with the power of Lerik, creating the various Megafauna seen around Khierre. It is believed that due to the state of the surface, the Dwarves grew accustomed to life underground, as many of the cities they inhabit today are the very cave systems they hid in. In stark contrast, a majority of the Elven population was killed. They had lived on the heavily forested surface of Khierre, with very few of them having access to the underworld. It is thanks to the Dwarves that any Elves survived at all. The Dwarves forged across the wasteland, rescuing any Elves they found. It is due to this that the Elves and Dwarves have such a close relationship today. Sadly, it is also this which caused the Wyrms hatred of the other sentient races. The Wyrms were a relatively new race, only spawning from Greater Wyrms about halfway through the Apocalypse. It was during an excursion to the Heart of Lerik that Humans and Orcs were discovered.

### **Magic is Discovered (K.1585):**

During the same excursion that found Humans and Orcs, the Elves and Dwarves had also begun mining into the Heart of Lerik. While three of the races already had innate magical abilities, the proximity to the heart had amplified these powers, speeding up their evolution by thousands of years.

### **Early Civilization (K.!586 - K. 4309):**

This period was a long and prosperous one. With the four main races spreading across the now lush surface of Khierre, there was very little opportunity for conflict. While petty skirmishes happened from time to time, by and large each race kept to itself. This is also when many of the other races were discovered; such as Centaurs, Satyr, and Lizardfolk. The first of the half breeds were also created during this time. Other than the peace, nothing truly notable happened during this time.

## **Second Era(K.4309 - K.9054)**

### City State Advancements (K.4310 - K.8896):

In 4310 humans had fully conquered the use of magic. Since they lacked innate ability themselves, they developed various magical artifacts such as incantations, sigils, and runes. They based these artifacts off of the Relics they had uncovered from the Heart of Lerik. Despite dozens of large cities popping up around the continent, there was almost no centralized government. It wasn’t until late in this period that the individual races began to unify themselves. Each race kept largely to itself, outside a handful of trade routes. In 8796, Prince Lorich of Haven was born.

### **Lorichs Unification (K.8896 - K.9043):**

In 8896, almost exactly 100 years after his birth, Prince Lorich was sworn in as King of Haven. This made him the youngest King to ever serve in the Haven court. Following his fathers wishes, Lorich united the three human kingdoms under the banner of Haven. Bringing together Haven, Shipton, and Vestfild. King Lorich, along with his friends Prince Zaer of the Elves and Prince Mord of the Dwarves, sought to unite all kingdoms together. During a peace council the idea was proposed much to the disdain of the other leaders. Over the course of ~150 Lorich, Zaer, and Mord would work closely with their respective armies to overthrow the multiple resistances across Khierre. Bringing together the four nations. During this time, they worked on constructing a new capital city located in the center of the Lerik Crater. During his conquest, Lorich forged a suit of armor designed to hold the Relics of Lerik. Shortly after the unification was complete, he began to see visions of the Titans and the magic realm.

### Lorich’s Betrayal (K.9043 - K.9054)

Lorich was only king for a few short years before his first act of treason. An ambassador from Haven made a comment at the expense of Lorich’s brother, Tyhr. Lorich condemned Haven and executed the ambassador in front of his court. The following night he disappeared, only to be found again a week later in Haven. By the time he was apprehended he had already slaughtered the Jarl and nearly half of his guards. Lorich would break out of his prison wagon and continue his rampage across multiple kingdoms. He would be prevented from entering the Dwarven capital by his once friend Mord, and his slaughter of the Elves was prevented by Zaer, who traded his life for those of his people. He was only stopped once he reached Lorich. Tyhr confronted him in his throne room. After a short battle, Tyhr thrust his sword through Lorichs hearts, shattering the Curse Relic. In a twist of fate, the relic activated, and hearing the last words of both Tyhr and Lorich, it cast two final curses.

### Lorich’s Curse (K.9054):

The two curses cast at Lorich’s death shook Khierre to its core. The rest of Khierren history is entirely shaped by this day. As Lorich lay dying, he cursed Tyhr’s bloodline to forever be plagued with madness and betrayal. Thyr’s curse requires a more exact quote, as it’s exact effects are up to interpretation. “I only wish for you to reflect in the deepest pit Zerros can offer. Suffer the pain of those you’ve afflicted. Suffer, and repent.” The only certain outcome is Lorich’s banishment to the Mythos Realm, with repentance being uncertain.

## Third Era(K.9055  - K.12,975)

### Khierren Renaissance (K.9055 - K.10,234):

A mostly unremarkable time, the Khierren Renaissance marks an extended time of peaceful rule. Most events during this time had little to no effect on the world. Even world ending scenarios were handled in a less than notable way. Many stories exist during this time, but it’s hard to distinguish between history, legend, and myth. Important inventions during this time would include steampower, firearms, and magical conduits. Magical conduits would go on to be outlawed shortly after the creation of the Vigilants.

### Creation of Vigilants (K.10,235):

With the betrayal of Lorich far in the past, Khierre was ready to once again make use of the Relics. Though now with the knowledge of their corruption. The ten remaining Relics were passed among the highest ranking members of the royal guard. These would become known as the Vigilants, an order serving as an extension of the King or Queens will. Owing no service to any other being, the Vigilants moved with absolute authority. The security they provided brought with it peace of mind, enough so that the kingdom began to use their recent advancements to better improve their society.

### Renovation of the empire(K.10,235 - K.12,762)

With the Vigilants protecting the kingdom from external and internal threats, the nobility began funding renovation efforts throughout the empire. Redesigning their cities around steam power allowed for a more comfortable way of life, along with various automations. Airships allowed for faster travel over greater distances, which ironically led to more villages. These villages were located in more extreme locations previously believed to be uninhabitable. The Renovation period was only considered over once the final redesign was officially completed, so while many cities only took decades to rebuild, the entire period lasted nearly three millennia.

### First royal vigilant (K. 12,888 - K.12,945)

Shortly after the period of renovation, Prince Erik I of Khierre would forfeit his right to the throne by joining with the Vigilant Order. At only 54 years old, he was advised against the decision until he was at least of age. Erik passed his birthright onto his younger sister, and promised to have an heir before the time of her reign to assure will hold the throne.

### Human schism(K.12,945 - K.12,975)

Only months after Erik turned 111, the Vigilant Order was sent to prevent a doomsday cult from resurrecting Lorich and in doing so they recovered Lorich’s Relic Armor. Upon returning to the capital, they had discovered it aflame. A rebellion led by the nobleman Veytham had attacked the city in the absence of the Vigilants. Quickly joining the fight, the Vigilants were caught off guard by the sheer number of rebels. The Vigilants were individually captured or fled, each one believing the others dead. Erik himself fled to Zaerfeld and took refuge among the Elves. He would train in secret with the Elves, planning with them to overthrow King Veytham.

## Fourth Era(K.12,975 - K.13,164)

### Erik’s Uprising(K.12,975)

The Elves' plan for attack was nearly ready to be set into motion. The leading force of the attack depended on the recovery of the Magical Relics, or if possible, the Vigilants. Erik, unwilling to aid the Elves, began hunting down the people he believed most responsible for his friends' deaths. He quickly discovered that none of the other Vigilants had died, but were instead spread throughout Khierre. He spent a majority of the year searching for the Vigilants and training with the ones he had already found. Once they were back together, they regrouped with the Elves at the capital, aiding in the fight to recapture it from Veytham. Many of the Vigilants would die during the attack. Erik removed their Relics, placing them within Lorich’s armor once he reached the palace. Wearing Lorich’s armor, Erik and the remaining Vigilants confronted Veytham. After one of the Vigilants betrayed Erik, he used the power of the armor to kill the remaining supporters of Veytham, along with Veytham himself.

### Reign of Veston(K.12,975 - K.13,164)

After the fall of Veytham, Erik placed Zephen, the King of the Elves in the position of High King. In K.13,112, Erik’s son Veston II took the throne. In K.13,115 Veston’s First daughter Lizbeth is born, in K.13,124 his second daughter Alleia is born. In K.13,164 his third born Etho. Similarly to the Renaissance, this period is full of tall tales of unknown validity. This was far from a peaceful time, though it lacked any true noteworthy historical events.

### Erik’s betrayal(K.13,164)

Shortly after the birth of his third granddaughter, Erik was driven fully mad by his use of Lorich’s armor. A fate his wife, Leah was well aware of. She too remained as a Vigilant, training Lizbeth and Alleia to carry the mantle. As Erik slaughtered his son Veston, Leah helped her granddaughters to escape, instructing them to flee to Zaerfeld and search for Zephon.

## Fifth Era(K.13,164

### Creation of clockwork angels(K.13,164)

With the help of Zephon, the eldest two daughters create their own organization called the Clockwork Angels. Using steam powered weaponry and magical artifacts, they planned to amass an army to fight against their grandfather. Meanwhile, Erik hunted down various doomsday cults in order to find a way to resurrect Lorich. After the Clockwork Angels had hunted down Erik and discovered his plans, they attempted to directly assault his warship. This attack failed spectacularly and Erik began pursuing the girls. With most of their army now dead, the girls decided on the ultimate failsafe.

### The Gods awakening (K. 13,165)

Lining up perfectly with the new year, the Clockwork Angels ordered their remaining airships to search out Angels nests. As their capital ship pulled into its own nest, Lizbeth revealed the true nature of her plans. She wanted to use the Angels as a last offensive against Erik’s warship. If the Angels should fail, she would give the order to directly attack the nests, awakening the gods and dooming Khierre to a second Apocalypse. Erik was able to successfully hold off the attacks of the Angels, forcing Lizbeth to give the order.

### Second Khierren Apocalypse(K.13,165 - K.13,348)

After the awakening of the gods, Erik fled to the capital where he met with Zephon. They fought briefly before Erik revealed that he had already resurrected Lorich, just prior to Zephon’s arrival. Lorich reveals himself and kills Erik, before reclaiming the Relics and wandering off. Zephon, now mortally wounded, passed Etho onto his trusted bodyguard Albion. Implanting the repaired Curse Relic within her, protecting her from Lorich’s curse. Instructing Albion to protect her and help her in rebuilding the empire once the world is safe again.

## Sixth Era(K.13,165 - K.13,455)

### Silent Knight(K.13,165 - K.13,348)

Albion, an Elven knight cursed by mouth rot, was tasked with protecting Princess Etho I. Over the course of 183 years, Albion trained Etho to survive in the wasteland. In her later years, he began teaching her how to act as a leader, and began preparing her for her role as Queen. She would prove her worth to the survivors of Khierre by leading a large group and constructing the God Killer Array. Using remaining Artifacts and people’s knowledge on steam and diesel technology,  she constructed a massive machine capable of imbuing gods with raw unrealised magic. The absolute power of the array would overload the gods' nervous systems, leading to their deaths. After slaying multiple gods, the people were more than happy to follow her.

### Founding of New Albion(K.13,348 - K13,424)

With Albion by her side, Etho rebuilt the various cities around Khierre. Improving their previous infrastructure and providing support for those suffering throughout the wasteland. Her final act before assuming position as Queen, was to build a large, floating city above the ruins of Lorich. Dubbing the city “New Albion” after her beloved caretaker. New Albion represented a truly caring and loving nobility, with all wealth being shown through the state of the cities and the welfare of their people. Khierre was not without its trouble, but overall was a very prosperous and safe place to live. Etho even changed the kingdom from a hereditary monarchy to an elective monarchy. There would be multiple counts of Lorich’s mischief during this period. Oddly enough, he rarely threatened the world, and even when he did, he was always willing to submit once defeated.

### Discovery of interplanetary portals(K.13,424)

Lorich’s meandering eventually led him to a mysterious portal room beneath the ruins of Lorich. With portals connecting the inhabited planets, Khierre was the last of the planets to activate their portal. While his actions are unknown, Lorich somehow notified the inhabitants of the other planets of Khierre’s access to the portal. Eventually a group of delegates would travel through the portal and personally welcome Etho to the interplanetary council. Believing this to be an opportunity to open trade, she accepted gladly.

### Beginning of interplanetary conflict(K.13,424 - K.13,455)

It took less than a year for the council to learn about the Heart of Lerik. After discovering how the hearts of titans can be used to harness unique magic, Khierre was temporarily ousted from the council. In K.13,440; Khierre was accepted back into the council and a meeting was requested. At the meeting, the other planets declared war on Khierre and presented the Heart of Khierre as collateral. Khierre refused these demands and the Council members attacked Etho and her guards. Albion was able to kill the individual members of the council, but was killed by the overwhelming forces of their guards. Etho would return to Khierre and build a defensive perimeter around the portal room. She would pass from health complications in K.13,455.

## Seventh Era(K.13,455 -

### Creation of Conquest War Games(13,455 - K.16,400)

After the passing of Etho, an Orc named Kour’Baar was elected King. Under his rule, Khierre had created an impenetrable defensive wall, unable to be breached by any of the other planets. Out of desire to possess magical artifacts, the planets began warring with each other. This only went on for 45 Khierren years. Timed perfectly on the eve of K.13,500; the council once again reformed, inviting Kour’Baar to participate. Collectively, they decided on a method to allow for the war to continue, but with a lesser cost of life. Every 100 years, two planets would be selected at random; one to attack, the other to defend. Should the attackers successfully capture the enemies kingdom, they would be permitted to mine the heart from the losing planet. Should the defending planet win, they would receive nothing besides the guarantee of another 100 years. The only rule present was the barring of a planet being attacked twice in a row. While Kour’Baar not only supported but designed much of the war games, he had no intention for Khierre to participate. Kour’Baar believed this would be a difficult task, and even prepared Khierre for invasion. In reality, all Kour’Baar did was omit Khierre’s name from the magic fountain, therefore excusing the planet from ever being selected. In their bloodlust, no one noticed that Khierre was never selected, and most likely would never have cared. During this time Khierre continued to prosper.

### Irridoum Massacre(K.16,400)

In the year K.16,400, Murwier was selected to attack Irridoum. Murwier had been lucky enough to prepare the past 400 years without being chosen in the war games. This is in stark contrast to Irridoum who had been placed in the order of defend, attack, defend, attack; in that time. Irridoum was weak and ill prepared for the invasion. The battle of the capital lasted surprisingly long, though this only gave the Murwierites more time to massacre the other cities on the planet. By the time they had breached the palace, only the King and his personal guard remained alive. After a short battle, the King stood defiant atop the bodies of his own men, waiting to be struck down by the Murwierite Minister. Before the minister could even raise his blade, the horns of war played, ending the battle. While the council had debated whether or not this was a victory for Murwier, they ultimately opted to let the King of Irridoum remain alive.

### Death of Irridoum(K.16,400 - K.16,500)

King Durran of Irridoum did not hesitate to enact his revenge. He took to the diesel machines that ran his planet and designed great drills to mine into his own planet. He would successfully destroy the heart of Irridoum, crafting powerful weapons and armor out of its magical compounds. At the beginning of the next war game, Durran interrupted the meeting and slaughtered the members of the council.

### Durran’s Crusade(K.16,500 - K.20,861)

Durran planned to personally destroy every planet involved in the war games. He began with Khierre but quickly met an equal force in Lorich. Durran would change his goal to the destruction of Murwier. Meanwhile Lorich would gather a varied group of heroes in order to hunt down and stop Durran. Durran would lay waste to two separate planets before Lorich finally reached him. It didn’t take Durran much convincing to turn Lorich against his own heroes, scattering them and eventually hunting them down. Lorich and Durran would work together to conquer the various peoples across the solar system. Ironically, it was Lorich’s own lust for power that pushed him to betray Durran. Durran fled to Khierre. His battle with Lorich would have disastrous consequences for Khierre, leading to the introduction of a tyrannical government that outlawed all magical artifacts. Lorich and Durran would independently build armies consisting of various inhabitants from the different planets. Khierre benefited from the war by selling supplies to both sides, though much of this money went into the pockets of her leaders. Lorich would end the war by shattering the armor of Durran, trapping him within the Mythos realm. Lorich would create an interplanetary order that affected all planets except for Khierre.