World Lore

## A Brief History of Solus

To begin, we must of course start at the beginning.

Tyron is the name of the fantastical world that is home to many large landmasses and expansive seas. While the continent of Solus is where the story will take place, it is important to recognize the existence of Pyyrha, Hitherland, Kobashi, and Valkyria. Being a large landmass in its own right, Solus unfortunately remains quite isolated from the other continents. While there is still trade and travel between them, Solus has adopted a more isolationist stance in world politics in recent centuries.

To tell the story of Solus, we must also tell the story of dragons. Yes, despite no factual evidence of their existence, it is unquestionably obvious that the mythical creatures have had an affect on the nations of Solus. This can be seen in some of the earliest recorded history of the continent coming from an ancient civilization that collapsed where modern day Sovngarde stands. Many religious texts, scriptures, murals, and artifacts have been found that all relate to the existence of dragons during this time. As far as scholars are aware, it seems that this ancient civilization was ruled under a harsh tyranny of draconic overlords. These dragons seemed to treat humanity and the other humanoid races as cattle and subjects to be ruled. That all changed with the introduction of the famous and controversial figure *Kraal*.

Kraal is regarded in legend as the greatest warrior to ever live. One who would vanquish the dragons and forge a new age of humanity, resulting in the Gilded Kingdom. A utopic kingdom by historic accounts, where art and culture thrived. Most of the artifacts from that time are said to have been created during this time period. Midway into the rule of this kingdom, Kraal was recorded to have passed away and was then on ascended to the pantheon by the early Sovs. It would only be a short time later around 200 CE when the Gilded Kingdom would collapse entirely, leading to a very muddy and dark area of history called the Dark Ages. Most of the historical accounts and recordings during this time period were strangely destroyed in their entirety. For some unknown reason, this near 500 year gap is completely devoid of written history or artifacts. Scholars still struggle today to find a reason or explanation as to what happened.

However, the Dark Ages would come to an end and civilization would begin to thrive on the other end of the continent. The Drow Empire is established with it's first *Empress: Izunami*. Shorty after, a now unified Sovngarde names *King Alastair* as their new ruler. Lastly, the Central Kingdoms would explode in the central Solustine Desert with the creation of The Triumvirate, and spread far and wide across the sandy dunes. Unlike the other nations, The Triumvirate was ruled by a parliament of individuals belonging to a governing body called the *Syndicate*. As per the cities name, it began with three members, but has expanded much since then.

While there would be small wars or territory disputes on occasion, the major nations typically did not engage one another in combat. Least of all the Central Kingdoms, who often waged wars with each other and fought tooth and nail for every inch of territory across the desert. Major conflict would not begin until the War of Expansion in 1047 CE, with Sovngarde's invasion of the Solustine Desert, a conflict that would become known as the War of the Blazing Sands. *King H'rothgar*, who ruled Sovngarde at the time, looked to unify the continent under a single rule, and then move to conquer the nearest continent: Valkyr. To achieve this goal, he would move to subjugate the Drow Empire after capturing the Central Kingdoms, thus starting the true War of Expansion in 1053 CE. In a last ditch effort, the sizable Order of Silver Wings (Largest religious organization in the land) would join hands with the Drow Empire and create the Holy Alliance. Even with their assistance, however, it seemed like defeat was all but an inevitability. True control would belong to the king of the Sovs.

Yet, as history would come to know, H'rothgar would fall in battle in the final months of the year 1058 CE. This, along with the Death of Roses (a wholesale massacre of most the royal family) effectively ended the War of Expansion. Afterwards, his remaining son *Gwyn* would take the throne and begin an era of peace and open border trade with the other nations by signing the White Rose Concord; a treaty which ended all aggression and relinquished territory back to its respective nations. It is to be noted, due to most of the Central Kingdoms being near assimilated, they instead formed a new nation called Zestros. In addition, the Drow Empire and Order of Silver Wings conglomerated to form the nation of Vaermina. Which would come to be ruled by *Empress Amaterasu Okaiden* (current ruler) following the sudden death of *Empress Amaterasu Yujin* (her mother) due to natural causes.

As a side note, after the events of the War of Expansion, worship of Kraal has been historically outlawed in Vaermina.

Following the events of the war and the signing of the Concord, technology exploded in Zestros as a bustling new industry. Soon, the small trade nation had become an economic powerhouse at the turn of the century. Not only reclaiming all of their territory from Sovngarde, but buying out even more land with their new funds. They became known for their brutal laisse faire economy where businesses reigned supreme with little to no government intervention. Following landmark inventions such as the firearm, train, and assembly line production, the two other nations have struggled to catch up to their younger brother. Capping off their early achievements would be the construction of the Inter-Continental Railroad, connecting the continent truly for the first time since its inception. Headed by *Archmage Ardeth Waestoris*, this is but one of the many new and exciting features of the "Industrial Age" as some have begun to call it. Time will tell how the continent, and even the world, will change in the next few decades. However, one thing is for certain, it is truly a land of endless possibility.