Back to History PageLagunis is a land of beauty and splendor, with rolling plains, thick lush forests, deep valleys and snow covered tundra. The land can be warm, fruitful and serene in some seasons, and then be ravaged by heavy storms and cold harsh winters. In many cases Lagunis can be a truly wondrous place to be, and others it is an unforgiving wilderness that can test the strength and stamina of even the heartiest explorers. Time has changed the land from what it had been ages before, being mostly covered in moderate forest predating the war of Daishevar. Several major wars, land skirmishes and farm development have given Lagunis a far different outlook than it had before it was uninhabited by humans. Yet it still remains a land of unpredictability.
The largest barrier to the lands of Lagunis is the Blackridge Cliffs along the southern coast. This jagged and treacherous coastline stretches for over one hundred miles and acted as a natural barrier to the main land for many years. The cliff faces are at least fifty feet from sea level, the land above dropping off sharply into the sea below. The ocean is recorded at thirty some feet deep in certain spots below the cliffs, and twenty or so on average along the rest. Tall sharp stones spires that had fallen from the cliff sides stick up out of the water in areas along the cliff sides like sharp black talons, others lying hidden just under the surface. On clear days, when the water is calm, one could see the remains of a few sunken ships of all shapes and sizes around those stones, beneath the blue sea water.
Before the war of Daishevar the lands of Lagunis were primarily nomadic lands, and were originally called Govatheon- land of the Gods. In old texts found in the southern continents, predating the war, it was remarked that humans had believed that the land across the sea was closely linked to the Gods, and was a holy land. Many believed this because of the thick mists that arose from the Leharyn Sea to confuse and misguide sailors, added with dangers of the Blackridge Cliffs that stopped ships from reaching the shore. All this added with the tales of Greyborne, realm of the dead, located just west of the Uvanha Mountains bordering Govatheon, made people even more superstitious. Some historical finds, rare as they are, tell stories of how mankind feared stepping foot on Govatheon, much as humans of Earth once feared Mount Olympus. Some even spoke of curses and disasters befalling those that set foot upon the land of the Gods. Yet humans did find ways into the land, finding that these stories were nothing more than that, and began crafting a realm ruled by magic.
Sometime around 8000 BDW the humans began to come to Gavotheon from across the sea. The first human colony was founded somewhere along the southern coast, several miles west of the current day Sarensburg. The first small community was a fishing village, living primarily off the sea. Why the settlement had been abandoned no one knows. Being that the port had been built upon the sandier shores of the Leharyn Sea the storms, flooding and beach erosion destroyed the crude settlement after time, the only real traces of its existence being a few tall stone pillars and old broken pottery found in the waters just off the coast. It is believed, however, that these humans moved further to the west along the shore line, and established a new settlement around current day Myrkin. Although this settlement had also been lost to time there were a few texts found here dating around the 8090's, these being catalogs of goods. Human as well as demonic remains had also been uncovered from this site, giving the impression that the settlement had been fully active and functioning until the war of Daishevar.
There are a few more remnants of ancient human civilizations scattered throughout the land, these mostly remaining to the central and southern lands, leaving the colder and harsher environments to the north untouched until many years after the war of Daishevar. The most noted of all human settlements predating the war is the city of Sorhaine. In some recovered texts found within the former city's ruins, the civilization had a basis for an order of highly powerful magicians who ruled over the land. It is said that these magicians established trade routes to the south through the Jade River, the largest river in all of Govatheon. Their largest export was fruit, most notably apples, peaches and pears.
These Magus, all members of the ruling council, were said to be direct descendants of the Gods, though if this was in fact true remains nothing more than myth. However their power came to and end within their small kingdom when the demonic hordes destroyed the lands, razed their fruit crops, pillaged villages and slaughtered the humans. It is unknown exactly when Sorhaine was destroyed by the Israidian army, but it is fact that the city was burned as well as over a hundred miles of land to the southwest and south east. Much of this land had been converted into farmland and orchard fields in the current age.
Some say the humans that survived fled to the north, into the harsh dense forests and hills where the land was too rocky for plowing and winters were hard and cold. It is said that this is where the humans, making a life in this region, began to evolve to their colder rugged environment, creating a new subspecies of humans. These humans later would be called Icivians.
It is believed the Bakhyar originate from Govatheon. Their presence in the lands had been recorded predating human immigration, finding hints of their former civilizations particularly near the northern regions of Lagunis, in what is now known as the Isbyan Foothills and northern snowy regions. They were mainly herding colonies, their main resource being the hill goats and the ever abundant white hares. They were land survivors as well, living off the land, and are believed to be the source aid to the humans who came into their lands. Cave paintings in the region show images of past Bakhyar colonies, though the current Bakhyar living in these regions will rarely show or allow sight of these caves to other races, labeling them as 'holy grounds' for their ancestors.
Kojintora remains have also been found that predate the war, though their language remains a mystery. The Kojintora of ancient times used some form of hieroglyphics written out on paper or stone, and each clan throughout Calamia seemed to have slight differences in their markings. Today it is unknown what these ancient writings truly say, for the language had been lost long before the war of Daishevar. It is believed that many of the Kojintora clans were wiped out by feuding or plague… or perhaps war with an unknown entity. In one archeological discovery, within the kingdom of Jalaras, an ancient Kojintora clan was unearthed within the mountain range. Along with the fossilized remains of the dead Kojin were skeletal remains of an unknown race. What ever it was that had killed off these people still is unknown.
Other races existed within Govatheon before the humans as well, such as the Centaur, Dwarves, and Mephits. No recordings or discoveries of other races being present in the land before the war of Daishevar have been found, and it is highly believed that these other races, like the Deshiven and Elsyven, immigrated across the seas just as the humans.
When Jeremas was sealed away, the land was left in ruins. Govatheon was no less devastated, and although the northern borders were primarily left untouched, human life in Govatheon was barely existent.
It wasn't until around 30 ADW that the humans slowly began to migrate back across the sea, into the lands of Govatheon. A few small settlements began to spring up along the coast line, the first of these being Myrkin. It was a small port town, and was located just at the eastern end of the Blackridge Cliffs. Myrkin was also at the opening of the Jade River, and became a doorway to other ports opening up further up stream. Many ships who traveled the river were barges, with rowers to help carry the ships up the Jade's waters.
With the first major port in Govatheon established a group of people, believed to have broken from a kingdom in the southern continent, moved into the land. What made this group of large note was not only its sheer size, but the large number of other races with them, Elsyven and Kojintora. After arriving in Myrkin the large group of people moved to the north, led by Ethedris Lionheart.
Ethedris Lionheart was a good man, charismatic and just, and had a strong alliance with the Elsyven, especially the leader of an Elsyven clan named Amalas Unithrandil. It had been said that the reason Ethedris broke from his former King was tired of war, that the people had suffered enough, and that he despised their racism and hatred of other beings. During his travels to find a place where they could call home, away from the bitterness and hatred from his former homeland, people joined him in his cause, as well as other races who he shared his vision. The Elsyven, as well as countless other races, had suffered just as much as they from the war. Everyone deserved a new beginning.
When Ethedris walked the hills overlooking the Great Lake and found ruins of the former city of Sorhaine, he knew that this would be the place they would begin anew, where they would build Calora, the 'glory of all'. It took several years, and legend even has it that Dragons somehow aided Lionheart in the construction of the great city.
Calora, was completed on the 17th of Firedawn, in 89ADW, to the joy of all the people. Ethedris Lionheart was pronounced first King of Calora, and he himself appointed his friend, Amalas, Arch Mage and high Visor to the King. The Elsyven were pleased that one of their own was in such a high-ranking position in human society, and pledged their alliance with the King. Ethedris also proclaimed the nation of Narovia, and the renaming of all the lands from the Northern Sea, to the Leharyn Sea, to the Uvanha Mountains, Lagunis, the lands of promise. It was also at this time the insignia of Narovia was born, a rearing golden winged lion backed by the sun.
The Capital of the Kingdom Narovia, Calora, is ranked one of the most beautiful cities in Calamia.
The castle is built from what appears to be solid white marble, its outside smooth and flawless, with no visible seams. It was rumored that dragons had come, and helped the races rebuild what was lost, using their rock molding abilities to help in the construction. Though this has always remained a legend and has never been proven. The tallest tower reaches ten stories into the sky, its roofs and tops of the towers are high peaked and shingled in enhanced copper, shined brilliantly so they almost appear as gold in the sunlight.
The castles grounds span several acres, the east sector for the barracks, training grounds and for thoroughbred horses. It is there jousts and tournaments open for the public are held, and where Calora's Guard is stationed. They can be recognized by their gleaming mail and plate armor with a gold winged lion on the chest, and a deep red velvet undercoat and black pants.
On the west side of the castle reside the gardens. Created by the Elsyven the gardens are considered mystically beautiful and continues to stay warm all year long, even in winter time. The gardens are tended by the Elsyven students in the Mage Academy. The outer wall is also of the same white marble, spanning nearly seventeen feet in height, the battlements connecting to watch towers every so many yards. The castle lay on the highest hill overlooking the entire city. It is still indeed a sight to behold, even to those whom have lived in the city all their lives.
Housed within the castle are two of Calora's greatest assets; The Academies and the Library. The Academies are sectioned into two parts, the Mage Academy and the Academy of the Holy Order. Both train all races in the arts of magic and physical skill, both in their own individual curriculum. The Mage Academy trains in almost all schools of magic except Dark and Shadow Magic, and believe in physical strength as well as mental. The same holds true for the Academy of the Holy Order, their only difference being they are worshipers of the Divine Gods and use Holy magic. They too believe in physical form as well as mental stability.
Next is the Library. It is a huge two story room covered from top to bottom in shelves and shelves of books, scrolls and papers. Though only partially open to the public, there is little doubt that it holds one of the greatest collections of knowledge in all of Calamia. The library is usually under constant watch, for it contains many rare and one of a kind books. It is also where the city clerk's office is located.
The Old City is the section of oldest buildings and houses in Calora that date back to its original construction. The Old City consists of a few blocks squared around the castle. The buildings here are built of white marble, limestone or brick, perfectly shaped and crafted with exquisite trimming and detail. The roofs are either constructed of red, yellow or slate tiles that have a slight sheen. The streets are well laid cobble stones that are clean and smooth from years of use, and are lit at night by tall metal pillar like lamp posts with magical orbs that automatically illuminate when darkness falls. It is in this district many of the most successful inns are kept, most being across the square in front of the castle. It is a fantastic view, for the square possesses two fountain on the west and east end, both with a detailed sculpture of a lion with wings sprouting from their backs, silhouetted by the castle.
The oldest noble family lines typically live in the Old City section, but many of the noble's homes are located in the New City (the most recent addition to the city's perimeter to date) as well. These are located on the east side of the city, where elaborate buildings and estates lie behind high stone and steel barred fences. Here you will find the rich and elite, the high ranking nobles of Calora. The outside of their homes are usually decorated in their house colors, along with the flag of Calora, and their estates usually contain personal gardens. These villas range in size, though none as large as the castle, however all are built to resemble a small castle, some even with towers. The rich trade merchants like to stay close to the docks and their businesses, and the west/southwest/south sides of the city are mostly businesses of all kinds.
Although the Elsyven stayed in Calora for some time, erecting a large several acre garden within the castle grounds, they eventually parted with the humans and moved off into western Lagunis. As agreed by Ethedris, the Elsyven were given lands of their own. These Elsyven found a beautiful region in western Lagunis and named it Silverwind.
Ethedris, keeping his alliance with the Elsyven strong, married one. She was a pale haired beauty, and it was well known that Ethedris had been in love with her from the moment he met her. Because she loved roses Ethedris's first gift to his wife was to fill the castle gardens with all sorts of roses, and thus she was given her title, the Rose Queen.
Ethedris and Apirael had five children, Cedrick, Duncan, Elisyna, Edwin and Laelin. Cedrick was their first child and the first heir to the throne. It was also said that Cedrick was the mirror image of his father, except for his smooth ever youthful face.
Their second child Duncan took to illness at the age of seven and died about a year later. Ethedris took Duncan's death extremely hard. He began to traveling with his royal guard after Duncan's death, leaving the city for long periods of time. It is around this time that he began sending out his closest friends and diplomats to map the land as well as claim regions under Narovia's flag. Within the next two years the lands to the north along the great Jade River were mapped and marked, with the foundations of Emarbeldon and Northsea being built.
Returning home from his travels Ethedris and his wife had three more children, Elisyna and Edwin being twins, and then their last child Laelin, at the age of forty-seven. After Laelin's birth Apirael became weak and spent very little time outside the castle's grounds. It was often said she would be found lying on a cushioned couch outside in the garden, sleeping or reading amongst the roses. She passed away several years later on Earthsleep 14th, 112 ADW. Ethedris was crushed.
He then spent the next twelve years working to build the Narovian Kingdom by expanding its land holdings, appointing Lords to these new lands and increasing trade. Ethedris was said to be riding around the land fighting rogue demon groups and stopping the raiding parties of the orcs that were crossing the Jade River in the south when he died in 124 ADW.
Cedrick had been proving himself over the years, having grown into an intelligent and skilled young man. He was loved by much of the populace and was renowned for his amazing sword skills. Cedrick trained a great deal with the masters in Calora, and as more people flocked to the city Cedrick founded the first guild, The Gold Rose Knights, to honor his mother. When Ethedris passed Cedrick was crowned Narovia's second King, at the age of thirty-three. He was considered young for a king given his lineage, but he was intelligent and well trained.
Cedrick married his wife and queen, Deyanna, six years later. She was a human woman and a member of the Gold Rose Knights. She had captured his heart with not only her beauty but her fiery spirit and skill. Much to the courts dismay Deyanna began taking an active part in how Calora and Narovia were run, unlike their former Queen, Apirael. Deyanna was an intelligent woman, sharp and strong. She was not soft spoken and voiced her opinions openly with the courts and those around her, including Cedrick. What he loved about his Queen some despised.
Despite those that didn't like her Deyanna continued to do as she saw fit, and began to organize a sub sector of the Gold Rose Knights, and began Calora's first group of devoted Paladins, Haras Lios, the Winged Lions. She was the leader up until she gave birth to Cedrick's son, Hesdin. Deyanna wished to spend the majority of her time raising her son, and so handed down the position. Rahere Perindragor became the new leader of the Haras Lios. It is said that Rahere was one of Cedrick's best friends, and had also married Cedrick's youngest sister, Laelin.
Ethedris's twin children, Elisyna and Edwin, began the foundations of Calora's Academy with the wise Amalas Unithrandil. Devoting their time and lives to the beginnings of the Academy, Elisyna and Edwin had no children of their own. They worked on the Academy tirelessly, and even comprised a magical edict with Amalas's assistance. Edwin passed away in 210 and Elisyna not too long after in 216.
Deyanna died at the age of 37, from illness. Cedrick refused to remarry another, and so Hesdin remained his only heir to the throne. However, due to Cedrick's lineage he lived until 209, at the age of one hundred eighteen. Hesdin had already grown into a fine man, worked the political bracket and had helped begin city funding, setting up reasonable taxes and began the policing of trade items in Calora. He married and had children of his own, four sons; Alain, Nygell, Malcum and Auric. At seventy years of age he was old and tired, and knew he was not capable of taking the throne. Yet he was not bitter and had led a good life. Unlike his father he did not possess the longevity to his life, his human blood outweighing the slight bit of Elsyven in his veins. Not wishing to take the throne given his age he passed it on to his first born son, Alain, who was forty-five.
Alain was a good king and accomplished a great deal in his short time as king. He set the northern boundaries of Narovia. Alain was also the first to travel the region of land across the northern Jade River. It was said the land was haunted with strange spirits and animals, that men who looked like beasts lived there, and packs of savage wolves. Alain would discover this land's true name from its current inhabitants, the Bakhyar. There he would encounter these clan oriented people, and discovered that 'Isbyan' had been their home for generations. They forged deals with the Bakhyar, and set up trade with the beast like race. The Bakhyar also allowed the first human trade post to be built upon their land, which would later be called Fort Zayev.
Alain passed away in 215 from being thrown from his horse, suffering internal injuries, his rule in Narovia lasting only six years. His only son Gawyn was only seventeen when he was appointed King. Outraged that such a tender youth was the ruler of Narovia his uncle set up a plot against the young king. In a staged incident Gawyn received an 'accidental' injury that wound up taking his life days after. Alain had no other male heirs, and many scoffed at the idea of his daughter Elise taking the throne, and so by succession the throne was passed on to Nygell's line. Just as he wanted.
Nygell himself had no plans to take the throne, given his old age, and so he happily passed it on to his son Valdorn. Gawyn was older than Gawyn by a mere three years. Valdorn was not a good man, he was spoiled his entire life and had grown into an educated yet shallow man. Known for his frivolous lifestyle and womanizing amidst the court and even in the city's commons, many were appalled that he had taken the throne. It didn't come as a surprise when he made a mockery of the Lionheart name. He was known for creating the castle's first harem, having exotic beautiful women brought to the castle. It is known that Valdorn likely had more than one bastard child.
Valdorn also held extravagant parties that he funded from city taxes. The city began to fall into disrepair and the soldiers were not gaining their pay. Crime began to spring up like weeds all over the city, and within the next two years Calora's light was beginning to wither.
Nygell's two younger brothers, Malcum and Auric, had gone off on pilgrimage in Lagunis during Gawyn's rule, and had not yet learned of their nephew's unfortunate end. When they returned to Calora after hearing news of the city's plight they were shocked and appalled by their brother and nephew had done. Taking immediate action against Nygel and Valdorn they set about attempting to find answers and repair the damage done to Calora. The truth was weeded out, from servants who overheard Nygell and Valdorn repeatedly bragging of their exploits. Valdorn and Nygell were both held accountable for treason, embezzling from the city taxes, murder and countless other heinous acts. They were both beheaded in 220. To this day the names are considered blasphemy within the lands of Narovia.
With Valdorn's end many women came forward claiming their infant children as the heirs to the throne, however Valdorn's lineage was tarnished and they refused to place a bastard child on the throne, or anyone stemming from his line. Malcom's first son Julian was crowned the next King of Narovia. Julian helped to restore Calora to her previous grandeur, and continued to make improvements throughout the city, and lands.
No other scandal would rock the Lionheart line such as Valdorn's, and peace would last the Lionhearts for many generations. Their family line finally came to an end in 2237 ADW, when Feldorn Lionheart passed away without an heir. The second most famous Lionheart is Jarhen, whom had defeated the 'Blight', Sevarelith Delameth, when he siege Calora in 510 ADW. The Lionhearts are one of the longest dynasties in the history of all Calamia, lasting for over two thousand years.
Not too long after the beginnings of Narovia the foundations of another kingdom began. Though not as large and as racially diverse as the basis of Narovian Kingdom, the travelers from the southern lands were no less skilled or determined to find a home.
Fauran Renaith Turiel, a human warden for the Order of the Sun, was the leader this group of people. Charged with expanding the beliefs and land holdings for their people he brought them across the Leharyn Sea to the southwest coast of Lagunis. It is here their first city was built in 655 ADW, Sithera. Turiel, however, knew that the city was not to be their 'holy land', and so he and a group of the order's elite traveled north in search of land to claim in Pelorin's name.
Their travels brought them to the shores of a great freshwater lake. Following the shoreline around to the north side Turiel was said to be struck by a vision. It was here, in this place that the foundations of their capital, Sundaran (meaning Light's Blessing in the old tongue), were begun.
Sundaran was completed on Rosedown 23rd, 685 ADW, one year after Lord Turiel's passing. His first born son, Halraid Faldir Turiel, was crowned Sundaran's first King at the age of thirty-five. Every year since the Kingdom's completion the capital celebrates the festival of the Sun on Rosedown 23rd. The kingdom of Sundaran didn't make themselves known to the nation of Narovia until around 697 ADW, when scouting parties were sent to the east. Narovia accepted agreements of peace between the kingdoms and opened the first trade route to Sundaran in 699 ADW, with the trading post of Crystal Shore effectively established in 706 ADW. The trade route followed the southern curve of the Silverwind Hills and then veered southward towards Sundaran. Another trade route was established by barrages traveling up and down the Jade River and ships sailing between Myrkin and Sithera.
The Kingdom of Jalaras would continue to prosper over the decades, expanding its land holdings all the way up to the border with Glendorin and as far east as the Jade River, laying claim to the old Elsyven lands where Silver Wind once stood. The port city of Redalwyn was established in this time, opening trade to Thelahar. The prosperity lasted until late in the year of 1703 ADW when the Siris Sanctum, a radical religious group who had gained great influence over the region, took control of the Kingdom.
>Although the Elsyven were agreed to have lands in Lagunis they quickly found that the eastern lands were being claimed by their human allies.
The northern lands were home to the beast like people called the Bakhyar as well as the Kojintora. The Elsyven in the region slowly moved westward. The first independent Elsyven settlement to be built in Lagunis would be Silverwind, in 115 ADW. This elsyven colony remained strong and grew for many generations. Yet it did not last and dissention began, what caused it, however, is still uncertain. Some say it was the argument over their relations with the humans, others say it was religious dealings, but most stories say it stemmed from feuding noble houses. With their continued disagreements amongst their people the elsyven were on the brink of civil war. A few of the wise elders managed to sway the tide, but in the end it left the elsyven divided.
The first group left Silverwind in 499 ADW and began their trek through the western wilds. These elsyven settled into the forested lands bordering the Uvanha. This land had been called by all elsyven Glendorin, the land of valleys. It is here they created a town in the central forests bordering near the Duskpine Veil.
When the Blight, Sevarelith Delameth, crossed Lagunis on his trek to the capital of Narovia he left a path of destruction in his wake. Elsyven scouts spied Delameth's army traveling through the Sithon Pass and into the Duskpine Veil in early Fairyeve, 504 ADW. The elsyven realized they were in the army's path and so moved their people and managed avoid Delameth's army by mere days. The elsyven moved into the mountains and there the second elsyven settlement in Glendorin, Stoneveil, was created. The first elsyven settlement, Ambrose, was destroyed and the army pressed onward.
Scouts were sent to the east to warn the elsyven in Silverwind of the approaching army. The elsyven of Silverwind received the warning a week ahead of the Blight's army, and so abandoned the city and moved east to seek refuge and also to assist their allies in Calora.
After the Blight's defeat the Elsyven of Silverwind parted ways with Calora, and began to move westward. They passed Silverwind, which had been reduced to rubble. The elsyven pressed onward, deciding to start anew instead of rebuild upon the old. They entered into Glendorin, hoping to make peace with their parted brethren. They placed up a settlement near the shores of a large freshwater lake, and named it Queras'lin (Key-ras-lyn).
After the Blight's rampage across the lands of Lagunis the elsyven remained aloof from one another. After many years of quiet between the settlements they finally began to reach out to each other and rebuild relations. Although they still had their own views on the world around them they all agreed that they should make an imperial council with one figure head from Stoneveil and Queras'lin. They agreed that the small newly established city of Lucine, would be their common neutral ground. It would be here the council would meet on rare occasions to discuss issues that affected all of the elsyven in the region.
There were many years of quiet peace amongst the Elsyven of Glendorin, and both nations flourished and prospered. Both settlements grew, expanded, and evolved into the grand and beautiful cities they are today.
However peace never lasts and in the year 1238 ADW the Elsyven were taught the heavy consequences of war. It would also place the elsyven of the region in the world's history books… but certainly not in the way that any of them had hoped for.
In the year 806 ADW a skilled elsyven Bishop named Iriath Zythel Vahile was gifted lands by his mentor, whom had no heirs, when he passed. Iriath respected his teacher, and so planned to put the lands he was given to good use. In the central eastern lands of Glendorin in a beautiful deep valley he began the foundations of a temple for the teachings and worship of his deity, Kagetsu. The initial tower itself was completed in 831 ADW and was seven floors, but additions to its height would be conducted over many years, making the overall tower fourteen floors high when the last floor was added in 977 ADW. It was counted as a marvel, an architectural achievement for its time.
The tower became more than just a place of worship for Kagetsu, however, and exceeded Irath's vision. Expanding into the practice of magics the Citadel of the Moon also became a place for magical training amongst the elsyven nations. Many families would send their children to the Citadel for lessons, where they would also acquire room and board inclusion with their course work. The large tower and its grounds came to accommodate many pupils over the years, including one of the Archmages of Calora, Nilaan Lakewing.
It wouldn't be until 1212 ADW that the Citadel would begin to play more than a minor role in the history of Glendorin and Calamia, when Eratia Aline Lesvilra was born.
It was clearly apparent that Eratia was no ordinary child, even during her infant years. Born to a lesser noble family in Queras'lin, Eratia was deemed a prodigy, a rarity amongst their kind. Sent to the Citadel of the Moon immediately for schooling when she was only in her adolescent years, Eratia practically grew up on the Citadel's grounds. Her skills in water magite were unparalleled, and her visionary abilities were astounding as well as disturbing. Eratia, unlike many mystics, possessed all three types of foresight, aeos, eiris and idis.
When Eratia reached adulthood it became plainly clear that she was a being blessed and also cursed by the Gods, and was renowned as the most powerful mystic in all of Calamian history. The Citadel revered her as a gift from Kagetsu, and made her a figure head for their worship of the Goddess. They named her the Water Oracle.
After a time, however, Eratia began to close herself off from others, and locked herself in her quarters on the upper most floor of the Citadel. The visions were so powerful for her that it was said she sustained injuries that left scars, and sometimes she was left in placid stupors or comatose like states for days.
In 1231 ADW Eratia was nearly killed by one of her visions, and her erratic crazed mutterings afterwards were recorded, but not truly understood. That is, until her vision came to pass… and changed the Citadel of the Moon and Glendorin forever.
During the years in which Stoneveil made expansions to its foundations, spreading the settlement into a vast and elaborately crafted city, their construction did not go unnoticed. The Deshiven of Iharinaithis (I-ha-ryn-eye-this) were angered by the elsyven who laid claim to the northern section of the Uvanha, and so began raids on the city to attempt to chase the elsyven off the land. However their attempts were not working and only fueled the elsyven's resolve. They built strong fortifications and kept the Deshiven at bay.
On Sunreign 12th, 1227 ADW, one of the Iharinaithis' highest ranked noble men, Loraizon Takheid, was told he would hold a great victory over the elsyven by a Mystic of Lailorath. With such news from an advocate of the Goddess Loraizon was confident and so gathering his men and led a full out assault on Stoneveil. The unit was completely destroyed.
Loraizon barely managed to make it out alive. He remained hidden for some time, fearing that he had been deceived for political gain. Loraizon waited until his wounds were healed, then returned to Iharinaithis. He garnered his support in secret, gathering his most loyal followers. Then they announced his survival, and his plans were set into motion. Loraizon's hatred towards the mystics was beyond reason, and it was proven when he had all of the mystics of Iharinaithis assassinated. He gained full control of the military, and used them only to fuel his anger and thirst for elsyven blood.
This is when the deshiven of Iharinaithis proclaimed war on the elsyven nations, and began full scale assaults on Stoneveil. The war waged on for nearly two years. At the pinnacle of the war the deshiven nearly took Stoneveil, but the elsyven of Queras'lin sent in half their troops to aid the city, and pushed the deshiven back.
Enraged by these defeats Loraizon grew more embittered, and also mad. That was when scouting parties brought news of the elsyven mystic whom the elsyven had said was the most powerful of all their kind. They say the elsyven spoke of the deshiven's defeat as perceived by the woman, named Eratia. Loraizon, allowing his hatred to fuel him, ordered a small party to keep on Stoneveil as a distraction, while the main army slipped away into the night.
The elsyven of Stoneveil and Queras'lin did not know the army had gone after the Citadel, being distracted as they were by the decoy unit. However the unit had to pull back, and the elsyven believed their retreat to be a victory, and began celebrations. This folly wasn't realized until scouting parties found traces of the army's movement to the southeast. However, by then they were already too late.
Loraizon and his army lay siege to the tower for eight days. All attempts to send messages or scouts out to the other cities were thwarted. On the eighth day, Rosedown 10th, 1229 ADW, the citadel was taken and although the elsyven had put up a good fight they were slain mercilessly as the deshiven tide came through. As they reached the utmost tower they found that Eratia, along with the tower's highest ranked magus, had sealed themselves inside.
Eratia and the Citadel's council saw the vision come to fruition, and knew that the war would end here... at the cost of the Citadel and their own lives. Yet it was a fate they had come to accept, for if they allowed Loraizon's evil to continue he would destroy all the elsyven. Eratia drew upon the energies of the council, as well as her own, and unleashed the most powerful water elemental spell ever recorded in history. It was said that the exertion of power was so strong that a beam of bluish light could be seen reaching to the heavens all the way from Calora.
A tsunami of water was created, filling the valley and killing the entire deshiven army with its powerful churning waters. In the process the tower was gone, lost in a flowing sea of water and debris. But the tide did not end there. The waters kept flowing, and flooded nearly the entire eastern region of Glendorin, south of Queras'lin all the way down into the lands of Jalaras.
The land was devastated, and both the deshiven and those of the citadel were washed away in the waters. After the waters stopped flowing, and they began to recede, lakes were formed in the deep valleys of southern Glendorin, and were named Eratia's Tears.
The Citadel of the Moon that exists today is a modern rebuilding of the temple; however it is not nearly as large or as beautiful as its predecessor. The old tower is still underwater. If you look off the shores of the lake there you can see the tower's uppermost floor and peak sticking up out of the water, like a monument to the dead.
In the end, the vision told to Loraizon's had come to pass… just not in the way he had interpreted.
Jalaras had always been a place of religious practice given its foundations. Around 1699 ADW a group of Bishops began a united church in the city called the Siris Sanctum. Founded on strong beliefs it was a great union of all the nation's holy bodies and became a source of hope for the people. The Siris Sanctum was indeed a great establishment of focused religion for the region, and their ideals were good in the beginning. They helped many people, rich or poor, and made strong foundations for religious teachings.
However there were those that found the strengths of the sanctum to be of benefit. The ideals of the church began to get overshadowed; those who had initially founded the group for the right reasons were being shoved off and away into places of remote local within the nation, their influences being cut off. The Siris Sanctum began to amass power, even in the political bracket, and the greedy power hungry leaders wanted more. They wanted the entire nation under their control.
It was not a surprise when the King was practically displaced by the Siris Sanctum. It was also around this time that the King's eldest son and only male heir, Prince Lyonard Glenar, went missing- presumed to be dead. Many believed the Siris Sanctum was behind the Prince's disappearance. Yet to fight against it was not possible, for the sanctum had amassed such power and wealth that it was beyond what any had ever imagined. The Siris Sanctum began passing laws and creeds, and an age of strict religious sanctions was placed into effect.
The Siris Sanctum's control over Jalaras turned into a reign of tyranny, and the people began to suffer at their hands. There were religious executions, men and women being accused of being demon lovers, witches, warlocks, and followers of the evil gods. There were religious heretics blanketing the entire city, with group of them spawning out into the country side. Like a plague they swept over Jalaras and cast the land into a dark age.
However there were people who had banded together to stop the Siris Sanctum. Prince Lyonard was indeed still alive, and had fled the capital city with in secret, after learning of the sanctum's plans to assassinate him. The Prince gathered the loyalists from the kingdom's military and formed a legion to stop the Sanctum. To gather their strength they moved into the far reaches of Jalaras where the sanctum's touch was relatively light, hoping to find support for the fallen Kingdom.
That support would come from a group of people who were not just sick of the Sirus Sanctum's influences. The people of the north-eastern regions of Jalaras were dissatisfied with the King's rule, being taxed heavily for their trade items and suffering with little military force making the area target to droves of bandit attacks. They wanted changed, and they did not want false promises from a King who had abandoned them long before the Siris Sanctum took full power. One soul in particular, a Crusader, had gained their own fame in the neglected eastern lands, driving out the bandits with a small legion of soldiers. When the Sanctum took control they tried to press their zealots out into the eastern lands, but the Crusader set up many preemptive strikes against the Sanctum.
This crusader, a figure cased in gleaming armor from head to toe, was revered as a godsend and the people began to band with them, creating a large insurgent force. They became to be known as the Dawn Crusade.
Prince Lyonard met with the leader of the Dawn Crusade, and shockingly learned that their leader was actually a woman. Arates Lyin Castille was somewhat impressed by the Prince's resolved. He was not welcomed warmly into their society, given how his father had allowed the Siris Sanctum to take control as they did. Yet Lyonard was adamant about him hating the secrets and shady agreements that took place in the capital. Lyonard was disgusted with his father and how he had fallen for the Sanctum's ploys. He also spoke of how the Sanctum planned his assassination- to stop the royal line and end royal succession completely. Arates began to see that Lyonard was indeed a good man, and had the right ideals to be the king that Jalaras needed.
The Prince and Leader of the Dawn Crusade struck a bargain, signing an alliance treaty with specific conditions pertaining to both their people's desires. They both had similar wants, first and foremost the freedom from tyranny. It was also said, though it was never proven, that Lyonard and Arates had fallen in love. This however was only a rumor and never proven.
Together the Dawn Crusade and the Prince's Legion began to take control back from the Siris Sanctum. On Lionsdawn 12th, 1706 ADW, the two allied parties set up a preemptive strike against the Sanctum, laying siege to the capital city. The citizens inside, finding that hope had finally arrived, turned upon the Siris Sanctum, allowing the Prince's Legion and the Dawn Crusade to enter through the city's gates. They took the capital by storm, and the Siris Sanctum surrendered.
The King had already died some weeks before, much to Lyonard's dismay. Apparently he had grown ill and passed on, but the Prince knew better. The heads of the Siris Sanctum were executed for treason against the Kingdom, multiple counts of murder, blasphemy and heinous acts of evil.
Even after the heads of the Sanctum were killed in public trials there were still many steadfast Siris Sanctum followers. They fled the city and moved far into the North Western reaches of Jalaras, through the thick dense forests at the base of the Uvahna Mountains. It is here that they have remained, in the Sveta Temple, shunned by common society. Their fanatical religious teachings and practices have left them forever marked as an occult following.
Once Jalaras was freed from the Siris Sanctum's control Prince Lyonard was crowned King. Keeping to his word he drew up the new borders with the Dawn Crusade, splitting off the north-eastern lands into a separate holding. He knew that Jalaras was not a united kingdom despite their victory over the Siris Sanctum. The people were wary, the lands devastated, and to try and hold all the land together would mean another war… a war that they all could not afford.
Some did not agree with his treaty with the Dawn Crusade, and openly stated so to the courts. They thought that it would grant too much power to the faction, and ultimately end in them breaking free of the nation and taking the land. They tried to appeal to Lyonard, but he refused to be swayed. He stated his convictions were strong and that he would not betray his word, it would be a basis for lies and he would not be that kind of ruler.
With the agreement the region would not be a separate nation, but rather divided off into a sister state to Jalaras, and would be governed by an appointee who would see to the region's well being. The Dawn Crusade, unlike what some thought, only wanted to ensure that the areas to the north had proper government and law enforcement, something that the lands had been lacking for many years. With this Jalaras would still have jurisdiction in the sister nation as well as primary ruler ship, but overall decisions for the state will belong to that of the governor and an elected council. It was no wonder that Arates Lyin Castille was appointed the governor of the new sister state, Tristalin.
The agreements were signed on Firedawn 30th, 1706 ADW. After this the Dawn Crusade parted ways, leaving Sundaran and Jalaras, returning to their new state of Tristalin. They began to set up their main keep in the central lands, on a large hill overlooking the Great Plains. This town would be called Ryhndor, and would eventually grow into the capital and central trade city for the region. A military force was set up to patrol the lands and protect the old towns, as well as the new founded villages and reconstruction of Silverwind.
The land settled into a state of peace and growth with the new governing system. On Frostdown 18th, 1707 ADW, Lady Governor Arates had a son, whom she named Aldane. It is known that Arates had never married in all her years, and it is not known who the father of her son is, as she kept her private life hidden from the public. Her pregnancy without a husband did create some scandal amongst the council in Tristalin, however she adamantly defended her private life- and stated that the father of her child had died in Sundaran during the attack on the Siris Sanctum. Yet the rumors of her love affair with the King of Jalaras still remain.
During the expansions of Narovia, the land located east of the Lodir River system, was home to several species, primarily the Kojintora, Halfling and Gnomes. These people already had their own lands and makeshift alliances with one another. However, when Narovia proved to be a great threat to their land they banded together and formed the Etharis Alliance, on Fairyeve 18th, 118 ADW.
By forming this alliance and creating the land holdings of Etharis the present races, Halflings, Kojintora and Gnomes would secure sections of land, individual states, for their own laws and ordinances. They formed a council of all land holding rulers and set up a central location in Etharis for this council to meet and perform acts on behalf of all Etharis.
However, the smaller land holders, including a few human separatist groups that had settled in the lands and centaurs, also requested for a place on the council. Each region was granted land. Humans were given the smallest subsections of land, for the other races feared they would tempt to take given their large populations. The humans began to expand their two small regions into well established port cities, Sarensburg and Avgar.
Treaties were passed for each of the groups and their regions with Narovia, allying with the large kingdom, but remaining a separately run union.
However the Etharis Alliance had proven to be frail at best and those who could seize power of the region would do so with fervor. The chairman of the Alliance could indeed control the majority of the council, and also the main city in Etharis, this being Lirasel. Power was often seized through land control, but also the power and influence of the council members.
In current times the kojintora are the primary holders of this region, with a family of noble blooded kojintora sitting at the head of Etharis and on the head council seat in Lirasel. Unlike the common tribal kojintora, these cat-people are more attuned to civilized culture.
Many rulers have reigned over Calora, the most famous of these being the Lionheart's, the Perindragor's and the Valmont's. The Lionheart's were the longest ruling family in the Kingdom of Narovia, lasting more than two thousand years. Jarhen Lionheart was also the King whom had defeated the 'Blight', Sevarelith Delameth, when he siege Calora in 510 ADW.
Their lineage ended in 2237 ADW when Feldorn Lionheart passed away, his only child having died from illness, and so Vannon Perindragor became the successor to the Narovia throne. Their legacy ran for about four hundred years, ending around 2637 ADW when Moridan Perindragor passed away, having no heir due to his wife not being able to carry a child to term. She had passed away from an unknown illness several years before him, and him refusing to remarry.
Bernard Valmont was crowned Narovia's next king, but their lineage didn't last long, almost exactly two hundred years in 2839 ADW, and then the succession was passed on to the Elmathoryn family. King Drelinor Elmathoryn was last of the Elmathoryn's and had been the current King to date, in 3119ADW. On the 2nd of Earthsleep, 3119 ADW King Drelinor was murdered by the demon Nakhti. It was documented that Drelinor's last wish was to have Narovia overturned from a kingdom into a democratic nation, controlled by a council of accredited people who could lead Narovia into the future. The first council was set into place by his good friend and current Arch Magi, Dorian Ath'Legandril.
There have been ten Arch Magi recorded in service to the nation since its founding. An Arch Magi is to take an apprentice, who will help them in their years of service and will take their place when their time of service is over or when they retire. Their service lasts between two to four hundred years. This is their order of succession:
- Amalas Unithrandil 89-489 ADW
- Eladur Jadestar 489-849
- Nilaan Lakewing 849-1259
- Opheus Amebrind 1259-1579
- Titaneun Elythien 1579-1779
- Lellahd Nightwind 1779-2106
- Elioril Vadrier 2106-2448
- Celon Nilmaviel 2448-2765
- Galion Belorfildor 2765-3100
- Dorian Ath'Legandril 3100- current
Today Narovia is now ruled by a joint council, each having authority over one aspect of the nation's sectors. One cannot command the entire nation alone, the council has to work together to delegate new laws, enforce taxes, commission trade, create alliances and see to the protection of the city and all of Narovia. The ruling council consists of six members, and these members are:
- Lord General Gavis DeVanth, a human and long time captain in the Narovia patrol brigade and a supporter of King Drelinor and his ideals. He was a good man, strong and a capable leader and excellent strategist. Having come from a long line of military men Gavis is strong, charismatic and intelligent.
- Arch Magi Dorian Ath'Legandril, an Elsyven sorcerer who had been long in the service of Calora, at least well over one hundred years. He was good friends with the former King, and is a wise and charismatic figure.
- Master Artisan Doignar Balamor Uhn'darh, a renowned master smith from Obsidian Keep, took the position when he felt his apprentice was failing in his skills. Master Doignar is a proud and skilled dwarf artisan, bold, strong willed and not afraid to speak his mind.
- Chancellor Mora Whitestar, a capable teacher and excellent wizard, one who would uphold the academy to its high standards of learning. Her continued dedication to the academy and Narovia was more than grand and she was overly qualified for the position.
- Eldar Moridan, a human man was selected as the Master Scribe, in charge of the city's grand library and antiquities, as well as the city's treasury, and sending out tax fliers and other important notices to Lords and ruling Mayors of city's and towns through out Narovia. In charge of most documentation pertaining to the kingdom. He makes sure city debts are repaid; buildings are repaired during natural and demonic disasters. He was also in charge of the outlying libraries, building notations, building permits and deeds. Although a rather exuberant man he takes his appointed duties with pride, honor and dedication. He is honest and intelligent, sometimes overly talkative, and knows that his humble living in Calora as a scribe had finally paid off.
- Cardinal (to be named)
Lord Taimryn Ashton (Race: Human, Class: Fighter/Sorcerer)
Taimryn Ashton is a business man and head of his family's estate. He owns several vineyards and orchards outside Calora, his wines sweet and delightful for the tongue, which pleases many of the lady nobles from which he gets most of his business. A man of many talents, Taimryn is a flamboyant man whom enjoys his money, but doesn't spend it foolishly.
Sir Damian McBrander (Race: Human, Class: Swashbuckler)
A ship master, he runs a company of several ships that brings goods to Calora. His ships travel the deep Arquin River that runs from northern Lagunis, through the Great Lake, and out to sea by Myrkin. Specializing in exotic northern sea fare, especially crab, lobster and pearls, and trade for goods from the port city of Dalantus in Auraton. He is no means a rugged man, and has heightened his family's business and reputation from simple tradesmen to Master Traders. Often outspoken, he isn't afraid of people or what people think of him for that matter.
Lady Marion Sariad (Race: Human, Class: Sorceress)
She is the heiress to the House of Sariad, the widow of her late husband Meres Sariad, who died about a year ago of a strange illness. The Sariad's are a family of sorcerers; some would say they are more like Warlocks, having a strong line of magic blood. They are all smug and domineering, quite often seeking to be the center of attention to everyone. Their fortune and reputation created by the fantastic jewelry and minor magic items they create. Frivolous with their wealth they spending it on whims, and enjoy throwing luxurious parties for all their friends... and even enemies. If they want something they'll do all in their power to have it.
Count Faron Evrast (Race: human, Class: Paladin)
They are the oldest noble house of Calora to date, and have always been a military house and supportive of the kingdom. Known for their superb ability with the sword they are an undoubtedly one of the cities greatest assets. Faron Evrast is currently the Captain of the City Guard under the Lord General , and his family, even the women, all have places amongst the armed forces within the city and abroad. They are strict in their beliefs, sometimes coming off a little harsh and cold, but underneath their mask lay the heart of a good and kind people, dedicated to their cause.
Once a sister nation to Jalaras, Tristalin has taken a sharp turn from its humble foundations. The current duke of Tristalin, Lord Eldrald Thorpe, is not satisfied with being just a 'duke', but rather King. Lord Thorpe has gained power and approval through a series of high ranked Lords and Countesses, whom also wish to gain more power in the region. In agreements with these people, in exchange for power and aid, he has agreed to open a government run form of slave trade, or as they call them, indentured servants. Such promises have appeased a great deal of the Auratons who had fled their homelands and sought out safety in Lagunis.
Jalaras, enraged by Lord Thorpe's betrayal, has begun to send troops to the borders in preparations for the encroaching civil war. They have asked for assistance from Narovia, but the large kingdom has declined assistance in this matter, deeming that as a civil matter between the two regions they cannot become involved. It would breach their alliance treaties with Jalaras, and would set other nations they have alliances with at unease. Not to mention that Narovia had been encroached in several of its own battles with demon incursions, and is still recuperating their losses, especially of the death of their King.
However, the Arch Magus of Calora, Dorian Ath'Legandril, was kidnapped by Tristalin insurgents while the Arch Mage was out in the country side handling city affairs. It is rumored that the Israidian Empire also played a part in this, but the proof is flimsy at best. This action has spurred Nariovia to declare war against Tristalin.