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Ladusia, the Hassyiks, and Commerce

It comes as no surprise that the two regions and ethnic groups of the south had attained questionable relations since the fall of the Garden Kingdom. Forces of the Garden played a major role as defenders against exoduses into the Red Delta-region, and the Marsins of the Garden eventually included Ladusians into their southern theaters due to manpower issues. Subjugated kings of the Delta later inherited the defensive positions which the Garden had established, as part of the Bahu Agreement treaty signed at an unknown date, giving Ladusia military autonomy, it wasn't long until the Ladusians had to face countless invasion attempts from Jhubarians and Hassyiki-folk. Even prior to northern subjugation, the Red Delta kingdoms waged countless offensives against the east, the Hassyiki claiming the largest losses which included the lands of contemporary Three Steppes and Ael Chinuf. Ladusian kingdoms of the delta eventually completely subjugated their eastern rivals in the regions encompassing the entire northern shoreline of the south, reaching Myyia and the Fog Bay. Hassyiki rebel groups quickly emerged far inland in towns such as Syaiice and Ayyukarai. One infamous group of saboteurs and dissenters were the Red Sons of Tael Byaak, who has assumed many roles across the centuries of its existence. Initially being mere tribal rebels hostile against Padesh and the Ladusians, to a shadow government within the Hassyiki province of Phobus ruled Ladusia. Although inferior to the Delta-region, crop yield within the Hassyiki region was immense, which was the main source of trade for the Hassyiki people. Cities such as Hassayyik and Aeshlmha boomed well into the Third Age. Which saw Belvedorian merchants offer goods such as grapes, milk, and cloth, for southern wheat and barley. Aeshlmha was later incorporated into a Belvedorian port; Port Erda, becoming one of the most important centers of trade on the continent, comparable to Stallions Nest and the Red River Delta. House Phobus of Ladusia took notice of the growing wealth and rise of infrastructure in his eastern province. Ladusia had slowly grown its leverage against Rilia through the vast network of the Ladusian food commerce. Phobus had instated heavier tolls in the Hassyiki province many years ago and the legislation was lucrative, for a while. It incited the native Hassyiki lords into forming black markets, supported by the likes of the Red Sons who was receiving financial support from Belvedoria. The patrons of Stockton, whose expenditures were reduced drastically, approved greatly of the new market independent forming. Queen Helena Emporium also lobbied together with Belvedoria, the Hassyiks (Red Sons council), Gemaria, Midden, Hannia, Rima, and Argevia, demanding for reduced tolls between all the north and Hassyiki. The act was deemed illegal and offensive by house Phobus, claiming it to undermine Ladusian law in its dominions, failure to legally reduce tolls further encouraged the growth of illegal commerce between foreigners and the south. Helena of Rilia had brought her empire into a difficult position, being in a previously 'comfortable' geopolitical standing with the Ladusian state, with no option to retract her political moves against Ladusia. Rilia could not and would not admit its error, neither could they push the matter further by supporting the questionable activities of the Red Sons, which would in the eyes of house Phobus be further confirmation that the north was supporting rebel groups in Hassyiki. Groups who had spread dissent, sabotaged Ladusian logistics, bribed officials, and murdered travellers in the region, all being hostile or blatant acts of war. Rilia chose to subtly move away from the controversy, despite this it damaged the credibility and reputation of Rilia among inner circles, seeing as the Runic Empire itself withdrew from a lesser authority. House Phobus set out to enforce Ladusian law in Hassyiki, jailing those who do not present proper rights to commerce in the province, usually in the form of a contract, which was part of the 3GA-036 Commerce Act requiring all merchants performing trade in the south to have proper paperwork signed by Ladusian bureaucrats. The treaty was later reiterated and updated to include legislation requiring all merchant guilds to document their imports and exports and present those to the Ladusian state. It was imperative for Ladusia to install effective tax methods in Hassyiki due to its exploding debts and deficits. The Red Sons council and its supporters ignored the new laws and continued to actively seek ways to circulate Ladusian tax laws and challenge its hold over the Hassyiki people, with support (although subtle at this point) from Belvedoria, acting independently from Rilia, with the goal of eliminating tariffs in the region, all clear violations of Ladusian law. The fiscal house of Ladusia had grown exponentially during the Third Age; the Turgic invasion caused massive destruction to northern and Maelan agriculture, making Ladusian food trade very attractive. This in turn propelled the expansion of Ladusian cities and infrastructure. The sacking of Maela in the Supremacy War also contributed to the increase of wealth in the south, which remained a controversial topic in Ladusi-Maelan affairs. Despite the positive development, by the time Helena became queen in the north, Ladusia ran on an almost constant deficit. Phobus of Ladusia eventually had talks with the Tyrelians regarding possible loans to the Ladusian state, resulting in Rilia assuming up to twenty-billion worth of Rhin of the Ladusian debt (over the course of six years), and a loan of  forty billion for Ladusia which was delivered by Belvedoria (nineteen billion), Rilia (fifteen-billion) and Rima (six billion). Military expenditure also spiked in the south, Phobus began an initiative for naval expansion after the Supremacy War, which costed up to sixteen billion. It would include the construction of a hundred-forty galleons, thirty-nine carracks, and twelve cargo ships. Ladusia had intensified its military efforts by the thirty-eight year of the Third Age; sending twenty-thousand men of the Serpent Army into Hassyiki to occupy the province. Which included the city of Erda. One formidable night fifteen Belvedorian men and two women were slain after drawing swords on Serpent soldiers, who were boarding their vessel on the suspicion of illegal activity. They were transporting swords, shields, halberds, spears, and other weapons. The patron of Belvedoria at the time then imposed a trade embargo against Ladusia, as well as sending up to five-hundred men and sixteen galleons to Erda. Rose soldiers infiltrated the port-city and ousted the Ladusian garrison with a minor skirmish between Rose men and Ladusian levies, forty Ladusian soldiers and two Belvedorians were killed. Outrage struck Ladusia, lords of Three Steppes and Reaper Hall were commanded to raise their levies which would number into twelve-thousand in total, and garrison in Hassyiki. The Serpent Army was already laying siege to the port-city, meanwhile out at sea, ten Belvedorian galleons skirmish with fourteen vessels of the Serpent Fleet for control over the waters of Erda. News of hostilities between its vassal-state and Ladusia reached Queen Helena, immediately setting in motion the events leading up to the Runic Continental War. Serpent Forces had smashed the Tyrelians in the Dunics and in the Red Delta, the ninety strong galleon fleet of the Rilians and Belvedorians was sunk. King Phobus travelled north with his armada, conquering the Ashgarden, sacking the seat of the Rilian Empire, and occupying Belvedoria. Peace was restored to the continent and Rilian hegemony was demolished, as according to the 3GA-039 Peace treaty of Neverlas officially declaring the dismantlement of the Rilian Runic Empire, and the establishment of the Ladusian Runic Empire, the Red Empire. Ladusia was hoping that the ousting of the Rilians and Belvedorians would allow the country to prosper once again as food scarcity in the north became increasingly apparent, Purtian merchants did begin to trade more frequently with Red merchants, however the Rilians, Gemarians, and Argevians had moved most of their food trade to Maela and Tysoulia during the Continental War. Denying the Ladusians most of the northern profit. Maela had begun to actively challenge the southern food trade as the Iron Alliance of Ironflood and Argevia occupied Stallions Nest. Phobus of Ladusia succumbed three years after the war, giving way for his son; Anophis the first, of house Phobus to ascend as the Marsin of the Red Empire. Ladusia with the weakened Runic-continental trade bankrupted itself after the excess spending of Phobus the first, Ladusia could no longer afford to maintain of its almost three-hundred large armada, and the standing Serpent Army lost a majority of its professional forces. Anophis of Ladusia would during a period of financial unrest wage war against the Iron Alliance, with minimal success as Stallions Nest remained mostly under northern rule with its vast supplies of wheat, corn, livestock, horses, and sheep funding the efforts of the Iron Alliance. Ladusia lost eight-thousand men to desertion, nine-thousand to disease, and two-thousand to battle in its north-eastern offensives. The Hassyiks began to whisper revolt as the news of the Serpent retreat from the Dunics echoed across the Red Empire, violence erupted several times in various Hassyiki cities, the Red Empire could not spare manpower to external and internal threats, their ability to reinforce their garrisons in Belvedoria was close to impossible. The inherent logistical difficulties and the destruction of Runic Sea trade would be the ultimate downfall of the Ladusian Runic Empire, by the Age of the Masters in 3GA-330 it was a shadow of its former self, unable to project effective military or political influence.

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Runic Orders

Runic Order; remnants of the Old Order, which was the Tyrelian Empire. Under the governance of a religious head, primarily the high-priest of Alka prior to the ascension of Helena Tyrelis Emporium. Upon the crowning of the first king of the Tyrelians would the great cathedrals of Alka collaborate with house Emporium, in a controversial move to instate minor forces across the continent. Usually garrisons ranging from a few hundred to thousands of Runic knights, most being ethnic Rilians who received direct military support from Riman lords and the high-priest. Plans of projecting hard power into sovereign monarchs were conceived almost immediately after the rise of the Rilians and their Runic Empire. To some considered a vital move to maintain Rilian military presence even during peacetime, in order to preserve the already existing influence that arose with the Tyrelian victory against the Far-Eastern Invaders. Criticism from primarily the king of Ladusia under house Phobus would shift the Runic Orders from being military establishments with direct ties to a higher sway, into disarmed pilgrims by the end of the negotiations. Which were subsequent to Belvedoria in the process of establishing new trade-routes with Ladusia, briefly moving in contradictory ways with Rilia until a clear mission for the Orders were agreed upon. Whilst many questioned the effectiveness of the Orders who were now mere priests in foreign lands, Rilia and Lasardus were content with the results. Although Rilia failed to gain legal military presence in Ladusia did they achieve fruitful trade deals with house Phobus, who was in talks with Belvedorians, as well as some form of presence across the sea, which according to Rilian generals could be transformed into bastions of Rilia in foreign territory on a 'short' notice. Lasardus authorized the militarisation of the Orders briefly during the Maelan-Rilian supremacy war, causing great ire in Ladusia who threatened a second front against Lasardus and Helena. The threatening statements of Phobus II later gave wake for queen Helena's distrust against the southern leadership and general deterioration of relationships between the monarchs. Helena Emporium would drastically shake the stability of Rilian-Ladusian relations, using the various forces inside Ladusia as leverage in order to achieve her goals in the south. Which was ultimately to subdue the south much like Maela. The Rilian Empire had seen its armies defeat its adversaries across the board, and its pride had become unmatched in the process. However the Orders took it upon themselves to undermine the Rilians, later resulting in the slaying of several key subjects and the subjugation and militarisation of the Orders, becoming another incitement for house Phobus to openly challenge the north. Descendant roles within the Orders varied overtime, initial laws prohibited any spawns of Sinus from assuming the role as a warrior of Rune. Arch-knight Karvo Gemineris of the Silver Order would be the first Arch-Knight to lift the ban and challenge the authority of Alka, with high success as the high-priest lost considerable power with the extinction of house Emporium after the Ladusi-Rilian war. Karvo was in his time viewed a Sinus sympathizer by the aristocracy in Ironflood and Grassblade lands, but funded by the likes of house Soulhouse and Icelord Keep. While Tyrelian influence was the consequential mission of the Runic Orders, numerous northern folks participated not for the interests of some noble house, but to see with their own eyes the lands of Peleris, the Smith's kingdom. Becoming more a spiritual journey than an intruding quest for dominance. Runic Orders include;

Fort Ael'Nerjhi "The Firestone", five-thousand strong garrison initially, twelve-thousand during Helena Emporium's rule who funded the expansion of its fortifications. Later demolished by Three Steppes forces. Fort Ael'Bharjhi "The Searock", being approximate to the Firestone did both forts share garrisons, only during the Rilia-Ladusian war was the Order reinforced with eight-thousand men. Demolished by Three Steppes forces. Fort Ael'Azimaleb "The Great Father", three-thousand men strong at its peak, by the time Ladusian relations to Rilia had deteriorated did the Order only house fifty knights. Candescent Order, funded by the Belvedorian duchy, used to defend Rilian interests in Erda before it was sacked by Hassayyik rebels. Housed seven-thousand knights initially before ordered by Rilian officials to withdraw two-thirds of its forces and reestablish them in the west. Dunic Order, eight-hundred knights at its peak, down to a hundred during the Ladusi-Rilian war. Silver Order, distant to its brethren in the south, the arch-knight had historically chosen to not concern their Order with southern matters, once the Rilian-Ladusian war was triggered was the it reinforced by house Riven soldiers. The act infuriated Helena who had previously commanded the arch-knight to embark to Ael'Nerjhi on an emergency mission. House Riven refused the command. Rune's Order, acting way-station for most pilgrims heading south, a hundred men when established, six-hundred afterwards. Order of the Son, known as a center for Runic fanaticism, Mandor of Rima served for the Son during the Age of the Masters, apparently left untouched by the Ladusi-Rilian war.

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Snippets - Tyrelis

The highest and most prestigious title of the Third Age. "Tyrelis" was a title given to a sole monarch in Tyrelia, with intent to bring legitimacy over the entirety of the Tyrelian region. One required the recognition of every king, duke, lord, and down to the least prestigious knight of Tyrelian descent to obtain the name, the clergy and high-priest of Alka were also required to hand the honorary title. With it being widely considered to be as high rank as the ancient title given to the ruler of the kingdom of the Garden. The Tyrelis was also seen as a second spiritual leader apart from the high-priest, and the greatest defender of the Runic faith. It was expected of the bearer of the title to practice and partake in most, if not all, religious and traditional events across Tyrelia. Which was the cause of some controversy, especially in Purtia where one particular string of the faith was deemed pagan by the official branch of the Runic church. High-priest Asteris Odevaeris Runeris the third of Alka, abstained from speaking his mind of the matter. Clergymen that voted for his ascension attempted to ban the queen from Alka and its churches, also simultaneously voting to revoke her given birth name, which was Heleneris. The matter was discontinued once Asteris Odaeveris, the high-priest, chose to intervene on Helena's side by deeming the ban and vote illegal. "Tyrelis" has only once been legally obtained by a monarch of Tyrelia. Queen Helena Emporium of the Rilian Empire was given the honorary title after her victory over the Golden Road Council of the Silver State, Maela. Mariel Emporium, the older sister of Helena, claimed the title, she gained the approval of the clergy, but the nobility and high-priest chose to not support her for political reasons. Both sisters agreed that their father; Lasardus Emporium, was the Tyrelus. Lasardus himself did not pursue the title however. Regent Qeanberis Alesanderis of Rilia around the turning point of the third century, Third Age, pursued the title. But did not receive the support of the Tyrelian nobility. Shortly after crowning himself the Tyrelus would the clergy and high-priest condemn him also. Allowing for the Elvish king Seiza of Almenia to gain foothold in Tyrelia by siding with a coalition of anti-Rilia forces.

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Snippets - Masters

The "Masters" refer to the mythical giant-breeders of the Dark Age. All being children of the Marked Man and Mhesekai. The title was given to this generation of Descendants for their subordination of the giants, the offspring of Aurgelmer. Who had been slain by the Marked Man previously. Masters would have their giants labour for the lesser humans of the continent and have themselves be regarded as lords of their specified territory. Peasants and lowborn would sometime refer to Maroon, Naromeris, and Seik as "Masters", as they all were born to the same years, their lifespans cover the entirety of the Age of the Masters. Beocrose was titled "the Master" by his followers. To a point of being interpreted as fanatical by opposing factions.

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Snippets - Kingdom of Mhesekai

Named after the primeval woman originating from the great-east. Mhesekai was a Descendant kingdom that existed sometime during the Dark Age. Established by the Marked Man after his long campaign against the giants and Aurgelmer. Little is known about the inner dynamics of the kingdom, its presence in history even being disputed by scholars. However the name instills a sense of pride among Descendants wishing to reverse their subordination under the Runic kingdoms. Fighters for the cause have been known to despise Runic humans, believing them to be spiritually and physically inept and a lesser race of the Descendants. Beocrose was a Tysoulian Descendant living around the Second Age, who revolted against the Runic kingdom together with his beloved one; Gunil. Beocrose had set out to usurp the collapsing Yvan Empire and instate the kingdom of Mhesekai in its place. The revolt and eventual defeat in Tysoulia further gave wake for Descendants to be mistreated by the larger human majority in much larger scales than ever before. Its noted that the lack of shields among Beocrose' army of Descendant was the primary weakness of such an army. As a Descendant projects their powers usually through the palms of their hands. And as such, they were in great danger of human archers. Maroon Mhedeyi during the Third Age would sometime refrain from wielding a sword entirely, instead choosing to only wield a larger shield. Numerical inferiority also played a major role in their defeat, as the Yvan-Tysoli armies fielded around eighty thousand men at the time in Tysoulia alone. Vassals from Maela had also fielded an additional fifty-thousand levies and joined forces with the Yvan's. Lords would usually host a sizeable force of archers after Beocrose' rebellion. Beocrose' army gathered around ten thousand Descendants for his cause. Two-thirds of the entirety of the Descendant population in Tysoulia. Many feeling obligated to serve his cause, as they believed Beocrose and Gunil to be the direct descendants of the Marked Man and his partner Mhesekai. Making Beocrose and Gunil possibly related. Powerful Descendant houses would often intermarry in order to preserve and continue their usually powerful bloodlines, in an attempt to avoid "tainting" their house. Such was the case with house Jova of the Garden who planned intermarriages between their sons and daughters.

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Descendants in Rune's Eris

Descendant; a person with an extraordinary gift or power, a descendant of the primeval humans from the Dark Age and the First Age. Offspring of Mhesekai and the Marked Man.

During the third age would a new generation of Descendants begin their rise into Rune's Eris. Individuals such as Darion and Myrr Soulhouse travelled across the continent to sell their Descendant strengths to ambitious lords and kings. Their travels would initiate a greater precedent for future Descendant mercenaries, as their authority and fear of grew. However it is noted that most Descendants are gifted with greater physical attributes, and do not possess powers that would elevate them as superior beings. Which was mainly the case with Darion(who could however perform the art of soul-drain as his ancestors), and in few cases Myrr, who had been blessed with the strength of the Primeval Man and could lift several men with ease. Descendants were numbered in the ten thousands in Tyrelia and Tysoulia during the entirety of the Second Age, still shaking from the collapse of their ancient clans. With most not sharing the godlike powers of their ancestors, usually due to their lineage being that of a Runic man and a Descendant woman. A greater majority of so to speak lesser Descendants, could not halt lords from forcefully conscripting them into the bickering states and their levies at the time (refusing to fight for a liege was usually punishable by death). Lords such as Fúrger and Tommen usually housed up to one hundred, at most up to three hundred, in many cases unknowingly. Beyond violent wars would Descendants be under harsh treatment and discriminated by the larger human majority lacking Descendant blood. Noblewomen were also fearful of giving birth to a Descendant, it was not wholly unlikely that despite having no ties to Descendants, that ones offspring carried their gifts regardless, but again it is incredibly unlikely to occur. In such cases if born into nobility they'd be cast aside and stripped of any inheritance, consequently staining the mothers name and prestige. As it would imply they'd engaged in unlawful activities with a lowborn Descendant. Both crimes of hellish nature in the eyes of the Runic church. Some talents of this unique branch of humans were however so faint and unquestionably unfit for war, that they had close to no influence over a battle. Tales of men morphing into lesser beings and turning the enemies excrement purple occasionally rumored across the armies of the Second Age. More fit for common mischievous acts than violence. Kasteris Erevan, a commander of the Tyrelian horde during the Great-Eastern invasion of Rune's Eris suffered from an eastern Descendant saboteur, who toyed with the leader's bowels before being apprehended and executed for disrupting army movements. Easterners often enslaved Descendants but gave the gift of freedom if their slave served for around one or two decades, usually after a year if the enslaved volunteered to do acts of espionage and sabotage on western armies (only during the Far-Eastern invasion of Rune's Eris, espionage and army disruption was mainly performed by the Turgic Horde). Descendants from the kingdom in the Garden were commonly more vigorous, who lived in the Aparthai and Collumikae regions during the Dark Age coming the First Age. Those peoples scattered with the cataclysm of the old kingdom, and the murder of the Mad Fool. Said to have had their hair turned crimson, after the Mad Fool asked the awakened demon giant to curse their bloodline before succumbing to the violet fires of the mountain. Remnants of this clan of Descendants lived in Ladusia after the fall of the Garden, later moving south away from Rune's Eris and vanishing from history. An odd trait usually present among these Descendants was a constant heat radiating from their chests and from the rest of their body. A majority of males also displayed gregarious and very competent social skills. Famed for being hard workers with tall and athletic statures, giving way for Garden priests to depict them as ideal men of the ethnic-Garden group. In forms of statues and art. Growing disdain against Descendants among supporters of Rune would propel the growth of the Sinuit faith in Rune's Eris. Previously only gaining ground in the Highkingdom of Hemia, supported by the furthermost lords from Icelord Keep, Envious Tower and Lonely Dark. Sinuism grew especially well in the eastern parts of the Silver State. Sinuism, or Sinuit faith, supported the oldest god-child Sinus. Believing that his claim on Rune's Eris is just and that Rune thieved the land from Sinus, which had been given to him by his father, the Smith. Who is believed to have secretly supported Rune's conquest of Eris. Descendants are believed to have been created from the corpse of Sinus, a last attempt by the evil child to occupy Rune's Eris and dominate the continent. Sinus faithful do not acknowledge Descendants as creations of their god alone, believing them to stem from the power struggle between both Sinus and Rune. Much like the giants after the clash between Sinus and the Smith. An unfortunate spawn as noted by followers of Sinus, like the giants. Who had suffered at the hands of their Masters. And driven off their homelands by the one Rune faithful call the Marked Man in their sagas. Shamans of the first and second age were usually employed by armies of the time, believing them to possess healing capabilities. A grand amount of them in fact Descendants. Very few of these healers would however not possess the power to restore truly mortal wounds, thus limiting their usage. Skilled healers would've been able to detect influences of another Descendant on the wounds or infection of a patient, which is how the eastern Descendant saboteurs of the third age were detected. Their numbers only counted around the hundreds at highest and by the time the third age arrived many were old and sickly. Some reaching inhumane ages due to attempts at prolonging their lives. Pressure from their Descendant brothers and sisters also had them question the morality of joining a warring kings army, and in fact many abandoned their commanders after a battle, fleeing into the forests of Hannia and the Spikelands. The existence of Descendant healers among a kings army was often required, as it reduced the risk of disease. Rilian kings disregarded the discontent displayed by the Runic clergy for intentionally gathering Descendants to aid them. Kings also employed strong Descendants to forage during the second age in order to gather more supplies per body. Although it did little to increase the supply of the general army (a strong Descendant could carry about twice or thrice the amount), it would however allow the armies to march one or two miles longer per day. Comparably during the Third Age would the Tyrelian Horde move tens of miles due to access to the Runic Sea and the usage of stocking ships to supply the massive army.

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Snippets - Synn

Pantheons of Eris are rarely spoken of among the Tyrelian clergy of the Runic faith. Believing them to be false deities. Whereas in Ladusia they are still acknowledged and worshipped. Synn was the lord of the skies before the creation of Eris, created by Askaet. Synn is said to have bore lifeless worlds before flinging them into the vast dark wasteland. His discovery that these rocks later gave life fascinated him. But within a flash the life was extinguished. He wished his father Askeat to curb his own godly gifts, so that he could witness his former lifeless rocks in greater detail. A request which would be denied as Synn was the last of Askaet's creations. And soon the god of gods slowly malformed into an abominable worm, with a quest to once again devour the universe. But its campaign was halted by Synn. Askaet's degeneracy into an All-Eater forced Synn to take the helm as the lord of the world. He would expand his house with the creation of the Smith. Who would go on to settle by Eris still engulfed by the Fire. As millenniums passed, Synn gifted the Smith his eyes so that even when turned into an All-Eater, he could still watch over Eris. Ladusian men of the faith would sacrifice goats and bulls for Synn and pray for clear skies and greater harvests. Commanders of the Ladusian army would sacrifice up to ten bulls before continuing their campaign, believing that Synn would use his eyes to scout the lands for them, and warn the army of possible threats. King Phobus during the Ladusi-Rilian war had camped his army a few miles from Empirajj when he spotted several eagles circling around his tent, soon flying off into the distance, going south. News of a Rilian invasion in Padesh and Minndrose arrived a day later. With Phobus being utmost certain that it was Synn who had aided him.

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Snippets - Saivanai

Saivanai was a fabled great-sword crafted from the remains of the god-child Lhea. By the giants Bosabai and Blistabai. The blade would aid the Marked Man in his campaign against the descendants of Aurgelmer in Rune's Eris. Its sharp nature allowed the Marked Man to successfully best even Aurgelmer, slaying the grand being. Saivanai was made too large by its smiths, as they had not crafted for humanoids in their lifetime. Being unimaginatively large it was eventually forced to be reforged into two lesser blades by human hands, following the emasculation of the Marked Man after his ascension to king. Creating Sagnai and Sekai. The blades are assumed to still occupy the two thrones of the Marked Man and his partner. Behind the sheets of dark void covering the great-north.

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Brief histories of Tyrelia

Prior to the Yvan invasion and administration of the region encompassing modern day Rilia. Three major tribes that of Certrurii, Purtii and Hemii clashed over the petty settlements covering much of northern and central Rilia. A period of which saw the rise of Certrurian dominance in northern Rilia, and the Purtii-Hemii colonization of central and southern Rilia, the very name of the land was yet to be conceived. However many would refer to it as the Green Land prior to the Hemi briefly creating the title of Riljett. One man hailing from the Hemii was Fúrger(Fyrger) whose empire covered Seafort, Soldins, Voder, Kofthun, the Galet demesne, Gulden, Stens, Hollor, Noen, Bown, and Ersa. Finally settling on a hill just north of the Purtii influenced keep of Shorden. Whose settlers had clashed with Fúrger-men. Tommen "the hard" was a Purtii settler during Fúrger's reign of northern Rilia, their levies clashed by the settlement of Reven, which had been under dispute and claimed by Tommen, but also Fúrger. Meanwhile a Gemarii man and thousands of men bearing rags and fur, wielding axes and spears, had invaded south-eastern Rilia. Whose very name being still engraved into the official Rilian title, the Julas Demesne. The Tommen Demesne had for a small time covered most central Rilia, reaching from Byren and Kajkas to Kris and Eliont. And was a grand empire much like Fúrger's to the north. Greatly challenged by the likes of Hemii and Gemarii who were now fighting the soon fragmenting the Purtian influenced kingdom. "Ous Gron" was cheered by the Purtian-born. The Green Kingdom. A name endorsing the largely true claim that Rilia was an untamed and fertile land, a paradise. A kingdom which was largely held by Tommen and his vassal tribes at the time. A short lived concept as its borders were disputed at a constant rate, and was eventually fragmented into several lesser states. Covering villages at the time such as; Morre, Metis, Vitten, Rejnar, Kajkas, Byren, Towen, Ejar, Kjerr, Beje, Ykon, Bowen, Kris, Eliont, and Balkes. Which would all mostly break away from Tommen's house and join a rising faction lead by Klovis "the slaughter" of the Certrurii whom was now leading a host of six thousand. The Yvan's would later reinstate the Tommen Demesne and its title, which would de-jure cover around five or six lesser lords but de-facto cover only up to three as a rising Belverosi state was increasing its sphere of influence in Rilia, coming the rise of Certuria and its own influence over the city states. Some argue that the rise and future power of southern Rilia was destined. Connection to the free states of Rune's Eris with access to the Runic Sea and being located geographically central, allowed the still fragmented region in Rilia to develop at unparalleled speeds. Continued interaction with outsiders such as the Midden folk, Purtia, Rima, Argevai, and the Silver State had the Thousand Isles become a center of trade, employing folks with disregard for origin and tradition. And as such being the least homogeneous by the time Rilia became relevant in geopolitics. More often than not ruled rather by a patron than some lofty dynasty. With a tendency of running an invidious undertaking of hiring men of questionable nature, many being former bandits and marauders. With the intent of raising retinues of higher talent than the northern levies and other armies. Belverosia was the arch-duchy conceived by members of house Dura, later being referred to as just Belvedoria. A larger authority governing over most of Belvedoria was an unwelcome concept at first. Reduction of border disputes due to Yvan enforcement of official borders allowed the region to settle matters bureaucratically rather than violently, creating support for a centralized state. Belverosian folk tales mention Bella Rosa as the first native of the Thousand Isles. Who is said to have traded her innocence for the land, which was previously occupied by a descendant of Aurgelmer. Her own origin is highly debated among her children. Bella's legendary trade also gave birth to the idea of Belverosi cosmopolitanism and cultural identity. Bellarosia was a short lived vassal state covering much of southern Rilia after the death of Mariel Emporium. Later being usurped by a coalition of Midden, Rima, and northern Rilia led by Certrurians with support from the Hightower and Hemia, during the third Ladusi-Rilii war, which ended relatively quickly as the Belvedorian retinues were unable to recover during the short period, parallel to southern inability to supply their garrisons from across the sea in any efficient manner. As they were being challenged by the Iron-Alliance to the east, consisting of Maelans and Argevians in cooperation against southern expansionism into the north. Great Luci was an ancient kingdom covering most of modern day Luci. Its lords rarely had to take up arms to defend its borders against foreign invaders. The Lucii is a group of humans that had occupied central Tyrelia, as their numbers dwindled during a time where Purtii migrated east towards Rilia and flooded their lands, threatening to shift the demographics of the region. Purtii invaders often disregarded the old Lucii folks claim to their native lands. The last Lucii settlements still clinging on to life to this day, are in the villages of Shublovic, Neverlas, and Bripram. However one grand bastion of Lucii traditions and culture remains in the city of Kozmital. The former capital of Greater Luci. Whose royal house of Królevi has since the time of Great Luci been deposed off the ruling position by the Purtii invaders ruled from Ous Stun by house Kroun. Whose rule was opposed by a pocket of Lucii-Purtii peoples, under house Pasiat located in Lucid Town. Effectively dividing the yet small country which was not larger than that of Rima. House Kroun under Ondor Os Uht lead an army of two thousand raiders against Bripram who had raised around five hundred levies with the support of house Królevi. Their small number of soldiers being a stark reminder of their dwindling population, but also of Purtian evils and enslavement of the former Lucii villages of Igastis and Bretts. The former being razed following an uprising against the Purtii.

Certrurians hailing from the now called Broken Lands had fled east and established several key outposts, later forming their own communities. Those were; Jill, Lenar, Askil (not to be mistaken for Askill in Maela), Bire, and Certruri and Cerce, the two grand hilltops which now stands as the new heartland of the Certrurians. They would however many times have to defend their lands against the coming Hemii invasion from the Raider Sea to the north. Facing defeat at every turn. Fúrger of the Hemii had plans to pillage Certruria, but amidst growing discontent among Hemi nobles his ambitions were put at a hold, which allowed the Certrurii refugee's to recuperate and later strike back with intense force. Some Hemi villages that the Certrurians occupy to this day are Resbjerg, Seafort, Soldins, Kofthun, and Viren. They would at some points occupy greater keeps such as Kloves, and Galet Slott, a fort that had been built by Hemii settlers under Fúrger. The Hemii built three castles in total in all of Rilia. A feeble number in comparison to the continents true masons, the Purtii. Ancient Purtia flourished after the fall of the great kingdom in the Garden. Raiding parties heading for the Garden granted the Purtii a vast amount of knowledge previously kept from them, and the rest of the continent. This trend would live on with the Purtians, who closely guarded literature regarding the Garden's masonry-work. Future lords and even kings would employ Purtian masons to oversee, build, and maintain forts in all corners of Rune's Eris. However a great deal of years later would punish the Purtians with failing harvests and several great plagues. Inciting hundreds of thousands to migrate east, and west. Migrates heading west would invade Rima and frequently attempt raids at towns such as Sogheri and Rastelnuov located at the frontier of the Riman controlled peninsula, but face defeat and failure to curb the Riman city states that had quickly gathered to battle them. A Riman force from Nalim would literally chase the Purtii settlers to modern Aughasti lands. It is said a Purtii man named Aughust(aw-ghust) came forward to lead the Purtii men against the Riman army, which was quickly routed after Aughust had successfully defeated several of the city states levies. Aughust would spend his entire life building a citadel by the sea. And later have his son settle further north to erect Ghost Citadel. The name Purtidia had been the general term describing the region covering modern Purtia since the first man settled in it, discontinued after Garden literature and language quirks influenced the population and greater lords. The name is now gradually being lost and forgotten as generations pass, it also reminded the now Garden influenced lords of their ancestral savagery. Purtii forts are still occupied to this day all across Tyrelia. Uder Stun, home of house Kroun. Uder Lucius, Uder Kresna, Klosterus, Breves Keep, Stock Keep, Kastil Hold, Tommen Hold, and many more. Upon having the Yvan Horde flood the Julas Fort and most of central Rilia would the region for the first time experience centralization on a grander scale. The various pety kings of Rilia were slowly absorbed by Yvan bureaucracy, as they either opposed the eastern invaders and faced inevitable destruction, or offered their allegiance to the new superpower. The average levy of a Rilian monarch could muster up to around six to eight thousand at the time. A minuscule amount to the Yvan's who had arrived in Rilia with thirty thousand, who had several other armies now occupying the Silver State, Argevia, and the Spikelands. Numbering in the hundreds of thousands. An exodus not seen since the Purtii flooded most of Tyrelia after the fall of the Garden. The Spike folk were already assimilated with the Yvan's, and their numbers sharply declined and gave way for the Tysoli identity. Dura the Yvan was the initial leader of the Yvan invaders. Who is considered to be the all-father of the Tysoulians. He would begin the construction of the Conquest Road, which allowed his host to successfully conquer the Spike-folk and their homeland. Dura was lost to pneumonia after his invasion of the Silver State, his construction of the Conquest Road had reached Argevia, which had been renamed to Tellania following its vassalization and absorption as an administrative province of the Yvan Empire. The aftermath of Yvan usurpation of the Rilian region was met with hostility from the Purtian's and the Hemi, the latter reacting with full out hostility with fifteen-thousand Hemi men marching south after the Yvan dismantlement of the kingdom of Riljett. Later ending with Hemi defeat and retreat to the reinforced Shield Wall, a grand Hemi fortification with intent of curbing an invasion from the Hightower buffer-zone with high walls and deep ditches following all the way from Copper Peak, to the beaches gazing over Raider Sea. Only one Yvan offensive took place against the Shieldwall, with eight-thousand casualties and failure to penetrate the defences. The Yvan's were also deeply weary of the Hemi deploying giants to the battle. However at this time very few Hemi giants still remained. Most being under Icelord command. Tyrelia would fall into disarray coming the collapse of the Yvan Empire. Rilia would briefly be ruled by Yvan bureaucrats as the Holy Yvani Empire but later split into four divisions. The Hightower Council, who had administered most of Rilia during Yvan occupation and were the former leaders of the Holy Yvani Empire, they were at the time the rulers of Hightower, Hollor, Cursed Fortress, and Stens. The Certruri Realm, who had received the title of arch-duchy by the Yvan's, and held all of de-jure Certruria, bordering Cursed Fortress and half of Cerce Woods and Holmstros Forest. The Crown Lands, a federation of central Rilian city states under the rule of Shorden and Tommen Hold. And lastly the Belvedorian arch-duchy, who held most of southern Rilia and the Thousand Isles. With news of far-eastern raiders rapidly gaining ground in the east would the Hightower supported by Certrurians and Rima attempt to negotiate with all factions of the region. The Belvedorians under Ingeris II Kastil would remain skeptical towards unification and towards the Hightower, as would the federation of the Crown Lands under king Keris of Shorden and Tobberis of Tommen. Later concluding with all rulers signing a temporary union state akin to the Holy Yvani Empire, which was to disband upon great-eastern defeat. The Rilian host would number around forty thousand, gathering by Belvedoria and Julas Fort. Reinforced by Riman, Purtian, Midden, and Luci levies, totalling an army of around two-hundred-fifty thousand. Which would be lead by mercenary leaders such as Lasarderis Emporium, a Belverosi man born in Koskos who had by the time of his prime garnered great prestige and was recognized as a mastermind tactician. Kasteris Erevan hailing from Certruria, Lenar. And Janeris Amadin from Purtia, Tre Stun. The signers of the unitary treaty had expressed reluctance towards possible command of the grand host, who simply desired their levies to be lead by the most competent. A strange and almost craven decision as spoken by some vassals. Nevertheless the Tyrelian horde began a long march east. Following a long and gruel campaign in the east would the worn Tyrelian horde return, with only Lasardus at the helm, and ten thousand additional levies from Argevia. Lasardus would ignore the treaty signed by the factions of Rilia, whose levies were now loyal only to Lasardus. Instead crowning himself as king of Rilia, Argevia, Hannia, Midden, and Luci.

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Darkbite and Voidbite

Plagues in Rune's Eris were rare, but usually incredibly deadly. Entire realms would tremble and fall on their knees during a rampant outbreak. Regions centered around large agricultural settlements such as the Silver State and the Padeshi-sphere in Ladusia, would bring smallpox to the average man woman and child. Symptoms which were documented by the ancient kingdom of the Garden thousands of years ago, who had similar outbreaks in the Aparthai region. Smallpox would harm larger centers of agriculture such as the Maelan lands, and the Red River lands of Padesh, than say the regions of the Spikelands, later Tysoulia. However the Tysoulian realm was heavily invested in the most plague and disease ridden part of their realm; Khois Yvanois and its surrounding regions. Which were economical and cultural bastions. Disease originating from the Maelan realm would eventually be carried over to the Argevian lands, who would instate early forms of curfew. Disease was the primary weakness of the great Iron Fort which had previously been neigh impossible to siege down, with its thick walls and many towers surrounding the fort.

More common diseases such as pneumonia hit the entire continent. Possibly originating in the Garden. The claim was reinforced as the disease rarely hit Rima and Purtia during the Garden's heyday, after the destruction of the Garden would the Purtian lands be struck by one of the largest outbreaks in their history. With around eighty thousand deaths for each year the plague lasted, it would last for five years. Rima would also suffer from outbreaks following an unknown cataclysmic event in the now amply named Broken Lands, which infected the waters with the blood of its entire populous. Eventually reaching the Riman lands and the Purtian's to a smaller degree. Riman vassals would use disease ridden corpses against the Aughasti and Ghost citadels during the Aughasti-Rimi civil war in the Third Age.

Disease would further control the destiny of the Runic continent. And its arbitrary borders.

Two fabled diseases in Runic mythology was the Darkbite and Voidbite. Said to have been deployed by Sinus, the lord-god of Erhimai. And later the child Rune, during his clash against his older brother Sinus. Waves of Darkbite would be deployed against Peleris, in hope of covering the lands in Dark and peace. Upon the defeat of Sinus, his last act in his bodily form was to lunge at Rune and sink his claws and teeth into him. Infecting him with Darkbite. Sinus had escaped his body and returned as a spirit. His body laying far north, rotting and replete with Dark and Voidbite. The Smith, his father, upon his mace striking the land for the last time, rid the now mythical diseases off the lands of Eris. Allowing for Aurgelmer to prosper and breed more giants.

Symptoms from the early forms of Dark and Voidbite would in likelihood kill the infected immediately, as they were extremely potent and crafted for gods. As Sinus lost his great powers as the thousands of years went on, so did his weapons. Weaker forms of Dark and Voidbite remained on Eris, but only struck up to ten victims per year on Rune's Eris. Signs of Darkbite varied from rapid emaciation followed by anorexia, to severe skin irritation and blisters around areas furthest from the heart.

Knowledge of Darkbite and Voidbite quickly grew during the Dark Years and its aftermath. Voidbite never struck a human victim and were only found on giants that had been in proximity to the Dark in the greater-north, usually after physical contact with it or in some cases a simple gaze. Coming the Dark Years would Voidbite manage to strike human victims, preferably Descendants. Its symptoms would be ghastly in comparison to Darkbite. Slow discoloration of skin tissue, damages to the schlera and general eye region(iris would sometimes shift to a gray tone, could instill blindness), necrosis, and gradual emaciation are the most prominent symptoms of being Voidbitten. One particular victim of Darkbite was Maroon Mhedeyi, who fought the Dark Horde riddled with the plague.

Another victim of the previously mythical diseases was Naromeris Soulhouse, who was struck with Voidbite after her lonely ventures to the great-north.

Darkbite was the most prevalent of the diseases on the continent after the Dark Years, infecting all corners of Rune's Eris, the destruction of agriculture and the plummeting food stocks would ensue a grim future for humanity, who had now lost an unimaginative and staggering amount of its inhabitants.

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The Silver State

Known as the Maelan Kingdom. The conception of the kingdom began some three-thousand years ago, by the Man Clad in Silver. Maela had previously been dominated by southern folks such as the Turgii, but were ousted from the region after several great-killings committed against them, they then fled far south into the Red Lands. The small following of Silver Knights, now facing a vast region of untamed Maelan wilderness, no longer occupied by foreign peoples. The first action of the first Silver King was to conquer all lands within the borders of modern Maela. A task that would take several decades, as there were still a sizable population of Turgii still living in the new Silver State. Unwilling to submit to these pale and dark haired aliens. The main pockets of the remaining Turgic population lived in the now sparsely populated flat-lands of eastern Maela. Its said that they themselves carved out the mountains leading to Bravia, and gave way for the the Gold Road to be built. The Silver Knights under the Man Clad in Silver were tasked to seize today's Coldwood, after their task of annihilating the remnants of the Turgic natives. The king, remembering his travel across the Iron River, also commanded his army to occupy those lands as well. The Coldwood Spikemen would be the fiercest of their opponents. Casualties among Spikemen tribesmen were low, and they would later abandon their native lands and seek shelter north. The Dunajj folk along the Iron River were "civilized", as noted by the Silver King. And their submission to the Silver State came easily obtained within the next four to five years. By the time the Man Clad in Silver died, he had conquered vast amounts of lands, and united the Maelan population under one political entity. The Silver Throne was established, and future kings would be known to have been "clad in silver" before their ascension to King of all Maelans. The period following the death of the first Silver King, was relatively peaceful. Facing small clashes against Coldwood natives and later Tellanians. Remaining mostly despotic, challenging the rule of the current Silver King was deemed heretical, and was highly discouraged. It was followed by grand economic and agricultural booms, as well as improved bureaucracy, effectively propelling the young kingdom into a golden age. Which would last for an entire millennia. The last of the golden days came when the Argevian Iron Men defeated the Silver Army in Stallions Nest. The first Argevi-Maelii war for Stallions Nest had begun, lasting for two years, effectively ending half a year later when the fighting had completely halted. The war would see fifteen-thousand dead Maelan men, and six-thousand dead Argevians. Although the Maelans successfully won the war, bitterness and revanschism struck their army. A second war against the Argevii saw the biggest defeat they'd ever faced. Where thirty thousand men of the Silver Throne died, with the Argevi Iron Men losing a measly nine-thousand. The loss of half of the region covering Stallions Nest was close to devastating, the loss of an entire army boggled the minds of the proud Maelan peoples. Who now were hesitant to allow their young adults to gain prestige in battle. Facing a loss of manpower from the great defeat, the Silver King sought to mend the broken ties with the Argevi. But the internal stability of their kingdom was trembling from war in the east, and a northern uprising in the lands known as Hannia. The Maelan king chose to instead invade the Argevi kingdom, and reclaim the lands they'd lost. The third Maeli-Argevii war began which would end in utter Argevian defeat, as their forces were spread out across the country fighting multiple enemies. And they eventually collapsed from the pressure, and retreated back into their heartlands. Allowing the Spikemen to reclaim their lost lands, and the Hannans to gain sovereignty once again. But peace would not last for even another decade. Dura the Yvan had invaded the Slab Bay, the Spikelands, and his conquests would not halt until his death. Years of external pressure, crippling trade tolls and eventual embargo would turn the Silver State against itself. Being no state at all, argued by the dynasty of Fallenwood and Soulhouse. As they plotted to overthrow Markavai Ironflood, the king. Who was initially supported by the Grassblade house from Niben, at the time fielding around five thousand men. Half busy patrolling their northernmost lands, where the Yvans were constructing a citadel of wood and rock. The Soulhouse army clashed with Silver State forces close to Emperors Retreat, the fighting consisted mainly of small scale skirmishes over the petty villages surrounding the grand Maelan capital. Around fifty-thousand men were participating in the battle. Grassblade levies arrived several days later to support the king's army, five thousand men strong. Months of skirmishing would tire both factions of the now war-torn state. Regions surrounding Emperors Retreat were sacked to either feed the population of the city, or feed the armies battling. The civil war ended with a status quo, which favored king Markavai. The perpetrators of the plot to overthrow him were later prosecuted. Leading to the exile of Sekkarai III of Soulhouse, and the execution of Lamai I of Fallenwood. The actions taken against the great-duchies would not be forgotten. As the Yvan's continued their advance into the continent, many loyalists of Soulhouse and Fallenwood viewed their horde as a catalyst, for which would tackle house Ironflood and their grip on the kingdom. However some deemed it unwise to threaten the balance that had "blessed" the Silver State. Markavai Ironflood would die of illness shortly thereafter. His son, Markanai, would ascend as the new Silver King. Wearing a child sized silver armor during his coronation. The Yvan Empire had swept over most of the continent, and were set on claiming the entirety of the Silver State. Collaboration with house Soulhouse, Fallenwood, as well as Grassblade members slowly but surely guaranteed Maelan submission to the new Yvan superpower. Niben had been overtaken by garrisons from Khusen Annotai and Meleen, and seized control over the Grassblade demesne and council with the help from Volatai I Soulhouse. Loyalists of Markanai had intercepted several messengers from Niben, which were heading for the Shiverfort. Their papers revealing a plot to once again attempt to overthrow house Ironflood, and install a new king from one of the other houses. In a matter of days would half the kingdom spring up in rebellion. Marking the beginning of second Maelan civil war. A coalition of forty-thousand Soulhouse and Fallenwood levies gathered by the Shiverfort, by the eastern end of the Iron River. From which they then began to march up towards, heading for Emperor's Retreat. The seat of king Markanai. The coalition forces clashed with fragments of the Silver Army, most of them only being numbered around two or three-thousand strong. But soon ran into a horde of thirty-thousand Silver King loyalists. The battle by Dragg had begun, the bloodiest battle of the civil war. Constant rain and flooding of the Iron River muddied the front of the armies, slowing the fighting down considerably. Eventually leading to coalition withdrawal from Dragg and march towards Norsha instead, in an attempt to circumvent the loyalist forces, which failed. When they were met by an Yvan army of sixty-thousand. Coalition armies were ordered to stand down by Joja Vasoij, the commander of the Yvan forces in Maela. Who had come to terms with Markanai and house Ironflood after seizing Emperor's Retreat with only a few thousand men and taken the boy king hostage. In return for the complete surrender of Maela and the subordination of the Silver State to the Yvan's, would they keep the Ironflood's in power over the other houses of the kingdom. Volatai was outraged by the news as well as other nobles of the country, who had awaited Yvan support in the civil war. However the likes of Volatai would not allow his house to be annihilated by Yvan forces by continuing to fight, he surrendered to Joja on the field, with the guarantee that the coalition belligerents would be left in peace, in exchange for loyalty. Following the peace after the civil war, and the Yvan occupation of Maela, would Dura himself die of pneumonia. But his death did not mark the end of Yvan conquests on the continent. His kin such as Ragnar of house Dura would expand the empire into Rilia, eventually halting future expansions due to over-extension and destabilization. The now vassalized Maelan Kingdom had been ordered to supply hundreds of thousands of Yvan levies with grain and livestock. Effectively draining almost all resources from Maela, into the rest of the continent. Causing widespread famines across the Maelan region, killing hundreds of thousands. House Dura would later fall to degeneracy and drunkards, marking an end to the Yvan Empire. Maela had been a vassal state under the Yvan's for hundreds of years, and the Silver State no longer shined as the gem of the Runic continent. The fall of Yvan order in the kingdom had left it disarmed and wide open for the Red Men to seize it from the former Yvan overlords. Thousands of Turgic horsemen rode down the remains of the Yvan forces in Maela, and occupied Soulhouse and Fallenwood lands in a matter of weeks. Khartagi horsemen invaded the lands as well, through the Gold Road to the east. The invasion of Maela was over in just a month. Several regions of the country, such as northern Fallenwood, and central Maela was sacked by the invading Turgics and Khartagi hordes. The hordes would ride further into the continent, reaching Argevian lands. All great houses of Maela would plan to take back the kingdom, but they chose to stand by and wait for a Rilian counteroffensive. The Hightower had informed the corners of the continent of their attempt to unite the bickering city states of Rilia. The Threki horde had also invaded the continent, and were trying to conquer all of the Spikelands, the once fractured region had now spawned a faction consisting of hundreds of villages of towns. A predecessor of the modern Tysoulian Kingdom. The retreat of the Threki in Coldwood reached the Maelan Kingdom and its vassals, who were now fully prepared for an open rebellion against the Turgics, planned by loyalists of Arkeneris I of house Ironflood. They would plot to seize major supply routes and towns to strangle the Turgic garrisons in the country. Three Rilian hordes soon arose, led by three commanders. However they were defeated several times in Argevia. And were forced to scatter into Hannia. Where they managed to route the entire horde. With the news of the Turgics being routed in Hannia, several villages of the Maelan kingdom revolted and killed the few Turgics who were stationed there. Around ten-thousand Maelans died fighting for their sovereignty. The great-eastern invasion of Rune's Eris was over, and the Silver King was reinstated as the ruler of Maela. All the great-duchies of Maela voted for Arkeneris Ironflood, who had commanded the western rebellion in Maela and outwitted the larger Turgic garrisons. However the king would not live to see his kingdom arise from hundreds of years of foreign occupation. Arkeneris died after suffering from brain hemorrhage, leaving his only child to inherit the kingdom; Margeris I of Ironflood, also known as Margus. Who would rarely go outside his castle or spend much time outdoors. The ancient tradition of being clad in silver was too much of a hassle for Margus, as the armor was too heavy. His council was occupied by loyalists of Arkeneris, his father. Whose loyalty was now being challenged, many chose to abandon Margus due to the king rarely ever taking their advice. His new councilors were of questionable nature, some were freed prisoners, torturers, and former sellswords. The councils power only grew as Margus gave them more authority to rule. And eventually they deposed Margus and house Ironflood. The aristocracy of the kingdom became weary of the new "government". As it challenged the authority of the nobility. The larger populations did support the council, as they improved the livelihood of the regular man and restored order. Thieves and bandits were publicly executed. The country recovered extremely well, despite having been exploited for generations by Yvan's and for a short while Turgic's. However the objective of the now called Gold Road Council was to reclaim their ancestral lands, namely the southern Coldwood and Stallions Nest. Which they would later start a war for. Maela had enjoyed safe trade with the rest of the continent during its golden age thousands of years ago. Through Stallions Nest, a major port city situated by the Iron Bay. External threats would push the kingdom back to the Kiledi buffer-zone by the Jewel and Gold wall. And force trade tolls upon the Maelans. And now the Rilian's had full control over Stallions Nest. The Rilii-Maeli Supremacy War was started only a few years later.

Notable dynasties of the Silver State: Ironflood Grassblade Fallenwood Soulhouse Shiverhome, distant branch of Soulhouse Riven

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Geopolitics of Rune's Eris - Iron River

Geopolitics: the study of how geography and economics have an influence on politics and on the relations between nations. Lasardus Emporium, the founder of Rilian dominance on the continent, and the sole surviving commander of the unitary armies of Tyrelia, would often confine himself into his chambers to study maps of the known world. And the dynasties and lords who occupied it. His eyes would immediately turn to the Iron River, and Stallion's Nest. This region, was of such importance to almost every approximate nation, that they had fought for it for over a thousand years. The river could potentially feed entire armies, and also act as a major jumping point into other regions of the continent. The Maelan's had utilized the river previously, before losing it to Tellanian's and Yvan's, later losing it to Rilian's commanded by Lasardus. Which would have dire consequences as the Maelan's turned more bitter and betrayed over Lasardus occupation of Stallions Retreat. However the Maelan king at the time did not wholly understand the severity of Rilian influence and control of Stallions Nest. Outrageous tolls and the threat of devastating trade embargoes would push the Maelan nobles and former commanders into uniting, and usurping the kingdom from the Ironflood dynasty. Forming the Golden Road Council. Referring to the trade route that connected Rune's Eris, with Lhea's Eris, east of Maela and Tysoulia. Dura the Yvan did not know the geography of Rune's Eris before invading the continent. But it is said that upon taking long walks across the Iron River with his vassals, did he also realize the grand importance of this fertile land and river he was traversing. The Yvan's would deny western traders from entering Maela. And shortly would its boy king be deposed in a short but bloody civil war. The Maelan's had been promised Stallions Nest and the Iron River by the Hightower Council, who had prior to Lasardus lead the western armies, and answered to the church of Alka, located in Rima. Lasardus was not famed for his geopolitical interests, however he himself had urged his men to follow him into Stallions Nest, for the greater good of the west. Promising them ample fields and lands to settle on after the war, which was nearing its end with the routing of the Turgics in Hannia. The Hightower Council had lost their influence over the western armies, who now only answered to Lasardus. Which is how the endeavor of electing a new king was cut short by Lasardus and his ascension to sole ruler of the Rilian Empire. The continued Rilian occupation of Stallions Nest greatly upset the Maelan nobles, the duchy of Askill, ruled by Ironflood members, were outraged. Threatening Lasardus with war. However the current young Ironflood king did not wish for war as he did not understand the financial burdens his country was facing with western occupation of the river. The damages caused by years of foreign occupation were not tended to by him, and thus Maela was financially broken. However the king did not personally feel the economic stagnation. Not only did the west and Lasardus control the Iron River, he heavily taxed the Maelans, and also allied himself to the house of Soi, in Tysoulia. Who also pressured the Maelan realm into submission. The Maelan's were not familiar with the Tysoulian Realm. Commoners all around Maela still called the folk of that region Yvan. Margus, the king of Maela feared this coalition against his realm, as he could not battle both Tysoulian and Western forces on the field, neither could he refuse any demands from Lasardus or Khruger. The army of Maela had been decimated by the Turgic horsemen from the south, which was now slowly recovering. However, the amount of potential levies at the time was higher than ever. Numbers greatly overshadowing both the entire west and Tysoulia. This greatly worried Lasardus and Khruger Soi, the king of Tysoulia, who were afraid that a war between the east and the west, would end in utter defeat, as the Maelan's had massive reserves of levies being hidden away by its increasingly feudalistic lords. The Soulhouse duchy of Maela could field an army larger than that of Rima, Purtia and Luci. Whilst other lords such as the Ironflood lands could host an army larger than the entire Tysoulian horde. These are the men who wiped out the last of the Turgic warriors and horsemen, and who rebelled against their Turgic occupants. The men who deposed the Maelan boy king, Margus Ironflood, were former freedom fighters. They had major influence over the levies ruled by the dynasties such as Soulhouse. Thus after their usurpation of the Maelan kingdom would the Maelan army rise from only fielding a couple thousand, to hundreds of thousands of fighters. The goal of the Golden Road Council, was to reclaim their ancient historical borders. And to unite all Maelan's. Some among the council also desired to depose Lasardus and the house of Soi, and gain influence over the rest of the continent. Few were interested in the kingdom of Hemia due to them being largely geographically isolated. They could not wage war on the south or intercept political goals of Maela, should they successfully usurp the Rilian Empire and Tysoulia. Lasardus had deployed an army of twenty thousand in Stallions Nest, a sign of its great importance. However upon learning of the rise of the Maelan army he sent them north, to Argevai. Where they would merge with the Tellanian army. Truthfully did Lasardus not expect the Maelan's to wage war once again so quickly, as he believed the country to be utterly devastated by the Turgic occupation. He was correct, but this did not halt the ambitions of the Maelan's. The lack of resources would be the sole reason of Maelan defeat in the coming war. The Golden Road armies moved without warning towards Stallions Nest and recovered it hastily. But only after surveying the lands did they learn that Lasardus had destroyed the fields all over the region, effectively making it worthless for the time. The Maelan's could not exploit its resources as they once had before. Entering a state of panic among the Maelan commanders, would the Tysoulian's come from the Coldwoods and enter Soulhouse and Niben lands. To their surprise however would levies spring up like fire all over the Maelan countryside, gathering up a whole new army led by several of the great-duchies of the kingdom. They pushed back the Tysoulians, going as far as to occupy the Coldwood by the end of their fighting. The Tysoulians were spent, and Lasardus was alone. The Gold Road Council would then decide to march onward, despite regaining most of their supposed ancestral lands, and controlling Stallions Nest. Which would allow them to trade with the Ladusians. But the potential of trade with the Ladusian's became impossible, as they were also loyal to the west, and as they provided much greater income for them than the Maelan's ever could. Only a week passed before news of a Ladusian horde amassing near Empire Fell, and preparing to invade the Maelan heartland. The Maelan's were at a crossroad, either they retreat back into their historical buffer-zone, or sack the heartland of the Rilian Empire. Lasardus would refuse peace-talks while his and the Ladusian armies were still standing. The Golden Road Council split into two factions at this point, one who abandoned the plan of sacking Rilia, and the other who would do everything to ruin Lasardus and his empire once and for all. They sacked the town of Last Heart, for essential resources to keep their armies from disintegrating. Lasardus had divided his army into several divisions, and retreated into Hannia. Believing that the Maelan's would pursue them, they did not. The remains of the Golden Road armies would march straight for Rilia, only occupying most of Tellania and giving the Iron Fort free reign from Lasardus in exchange for obedience. They moved past the Taunting Fort, and laid siege to the Julas Fort. Lasardus and his army was spread out too thin, and were only able to disrupt Maelan supply routes at this point. The disruption of resources to the Maelan forces crippled them immensely, and greatly affected their ability to siege the Julas fortifications. It is unlikely that they could've successfully taken the castle at this point. Their siege was interrupted by a new Rilian army of a few cavalry regiments, led by the daughter of Lasardus, Helena. Who had urged the Rilian vassals to empty their castles of men entirely, to defend Rilia. The entire Maelan army was smashed on the spot, and routed. Only a few thousand Maelan's would return to their homes after the battle, that lasted up to an hour. The Ladusian horde that had sprung up, had attacked the Maelan army situated at their buffer-zone, and were routed several times. With the news of Maelan defeat in the west would the Tysoulian's retaliate against the small Maelan forces occupying the Coldwoods and reclaim the regions they'd lost. The Maelan nobles would at this point demand peace, several of the great-duchies were threatened by coalitions of lesser demesnes. And their ability to wage war was crippled with the loss of their vassals levies. The Soulhouse demesne independently signed a peace deal with the Tysoulians (with objection from Rivenan who had a short skirmish with Soulhouse levies before surrendering as well), and so did the Niben lands. Eastern Maela had declared peace, meanwhile the western portion of the country was still set on waging war. But with the peace being signed in the east, would large portions of the remaining army desert, and leave for the eastern great-duchies such as the Soulhouse lands and Fallenwood. The Ladusian's would eventually break through the Maelan buffer-zone, and rampage across the Maelan heartlands. Sacking the entire region, together with a few Tysoulian and Rilian fighters assisting them. Askill was destroyed, with the Ironflood dynasty almost made extinct. Populations scattered and were displaced. The sacking of western Maela deeply damaged the internal political dynamics of the country, with the destruction of the Ironflood demesne. Despite promises from western bureaucrats and the Hightower Council itself, would the Maelan's not be given back their ancestral lands or the Iron River. Their attempts to regain the lands from those who usurped them was met with hostility from the entire continent, later being sacked by even the likes of Ladusia. Southern greed and their search for glory would have them rush the ancient fields and farmlands of Maela, ignoring the orders of the west, who could only watch the horrors committed. Lasardus had been killed by bandits in Rilia, whilst trying to gather his armies with Helena. And with the death of the king would the Ladusians assume free will and do as they wished. The Tysoulians would not follow the Ladusian warlords, however some did. As did few Rilians who wished Maelan riches to bring home. Helena Emporium after her coronation would openly sympathize with the Maelan's, despite objections from her vassals. However she would not allow the Maelan's free will, choosing instead to usurp the kingdom, with minor success as the great-duchies retained most of their power in the region. Helena also consolidated Rilian control over Stallions Nest, turning the demographics of the lands looking over the Runic Sea.

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The State of Tellania

Commonly referred to as Argevia, after the ancient royal house that ruled the region. The origins of Tellanian prowess as a political entity over the thousands of years stems from their natural iron deposits, found in the peaks surrounding the Taunting Fort. Which has remained the priority of the Argevi family to defend at all cost. Most Tellanian forts were built with masonry, high walls, and iron gates. To outsiders of the time, seemingly impenetrable defenses. None could match the Iron-Kingdom of the Argevii. The Green Fields located north of the Tellanian heartland remained the home of Gemarians, until the Hannan’s came from the dense forests bordering the western side of the Spike Mountains. Only a few decades of skirmishes between Hannans and Gemarians, would leave the native Gemarian almost extinct in the Green Fields. The Tellanians remained idle during the events north of their homeland. Vinten Argevis would urge his people to seek subjects to conquer, the heartlands of Tellania covered small amounts of land. And as the populous increased it became difficult to satisfy veterans and commanders of the Tellanian army, who desired lands to settle on after years of service. Tellanian interaction with the Maelans remained minuscule, although they bordered each-other, rarely would one side seek to improve diplomatic ties between the states. Tellanian folks would also deem themselves to be the overlords of all cultures on Eris. They also became more militaristic and hostile towards outsiders as Vinten Argevis and his offspring supported the thoughts of the populous. The Tellanians would eventually eagerly rush to war against the Hannan chiefdoms in the Green Fields. The average levy of a Hannan chieftain could only support few amounts of archers, who could counter the heavy infantry-man from Tellania. The Argevi Iron Kingdom swept over the Green Fields,  controlling the eastern portions of it in a matter of months, the endevour lasted longer due to the slow movements of the Tellanian armies. Little could be done by the Hannan chieftains to halt the invasions. The sight of the Iron Men coming through the fields, into the Hannan woods, had a huge impact on the psychology of the average Hannic native. Almost immediately would the Hannan country be subjucated by their new overlords. Never in the history of the Hannan people had their own lands been invaded by foreigners. And now the Argevi family ruled a vast empire, stretching from the cliffs covering the Runic Sea, to the seemingly endless forests of Hannia. Later pushing into Tysoulia, and even attempting to battle the Maelans, the Iron Kingdom sought to be the lords of the world. Complications in Tysoulia had them halt their expansion, as the Spikefolk had set up defensive positions all along the borders between the Spikelands and Tellania. The Maelans were also successfully battling armies near the Iron River, as their superior numbers and equal strategic talent proved them to be a fiercer opponent than the Tellanians had anticipated. The mindset of the Tellanians had them give their utmost faith to the supposed fact of Tellanian exceptionalism. A belief that would scar their culture in the coming years, much like their Hannic subjects. The pride of the Argevi family would sustain itself within the great walls of Argevais, the Iron Fort. Even amidst their darkest hour would their pride not be broken, no matter which foreign invader or insurrection that threatened their country. How unlikely such an event may have appeared at first, the day would eventually arrive, when the greatness once housing this monarchy, would shatter, and break. At the peak of their strength as a nation, none could forsee such a bleak future. With the death of Vinten Argevis, the state turned sour and cold. Now ruled by an inexperienced youth known as Kavin Argevis. His rule would plague the Iron Kingdom, as his competence was of poor nature. Two separate revolts in Hannia had the ruler cower in his castle, while his Iron Men were slaughtered in Maela. The kingdom was a shadow of its former self. And soon news arrived from the Spikefolk. A man followed by a scourge, Dura the Yvan had invaded the Spiklands. His thousands of seasoned warriors soon grew to tens of thousands, and eventually, hundreds of thousands. They come from a ruined land says the old wise men. But once more could the king not act on the threat. He surrendered to the northern revolts, and gave concessions to the Maelan boy-king of eight years old. The continent was ruled by sickly young boys, while being invaded by desperate men, warriors. Seeking to flee whatever that may have destroyed their former lands of home. Wave after wave would drown the western kingdoms with Yvan warriors, one after another would surrender. And Kavin Argevi did not share the spirit of his ancestors. He surrendered his empire to Dura the Yvan, speaking from the safety of his castle walls as he delivered his speech. The Tellanians were now subjects of the Yvans. During the subjugation period they saw their rivals, the Maelans, fall also by Yvan hands. The Yvans pushed further west, allowing the Tellanians to spectate the grand attempt of defeating the Gemarians, who were able fighters, much like the Tellanians themselves. Yvan warriors flooded the Taunting Fort, and continued into Gemaria. Two battles were fought in the region, both were in favor of the Gemarians, however the Yvans endured their losses and for each time they bled, they made the Gemarians bleed several times over. As the Yvans continued their expansion into Tyrelia, and Maela, their central provinces covering Tellania and Hannia lost a great deal of priority. The Tellanians provided the Yvans with iron, and  the Hannic folk lumber of many varieties. And for the first time would Maelan goods flow through Tellania. Shocking them, as it displayed the true capacity of the Maelans, who could sustain an army of hundreds of thousands of Yvan warriors. At the expense of Maelan wellbeing, the drainage of resources permanently crippled their entire country. Following the death of Dura the Yvan, the continental-wide empire began to crumble. Although the empire expanded even further, it only drew itself closer to its inevitable collapse. The Iron Fort became an important crossroad for the Yvans, thus they constructed ample roads leading to the Tellanian capital, which was also connected to the paved Conquest Road. Once again would news of invaders reach the Argevi family, years after their subjugation. A new scourge, on horseback. Known as the Turgic Horde. They rushed through Maela without mercy and rode down Yvan fighters stationed there. News of a second horde from Khartagia, east of the Spikelands, also reached the western population. By now the Tellanian army was only a few ten thousand men strong, however in the chaos they managed to provide great resistance against the horselords, despite fighting on the flat lands of their homeland. But much like the Maelans would they eventually falter, and fall. The last male heir of house Argevai, Lord Boson Argevai, was killed when his ranks were flanked by Turgics. House Argevai had in the past years shrunk, from housing up to thirty or more subjects, to a mere two after the death of Lord Boson. Their royal house was dying, and it had been a fact for decades. Not even once had this prestigious house had its numbers decimated so cruely. Last of the Argevai would provide little to the house, their names, Julii, and Kyrii Argevai, died along with their few weak heirs. The Runic Faith in Tellania was unlike the main branch in other regions. It was polytheistic. Where The Smith was only referred to as the Father, his sons and daughters would be sent across the world, where they would copulate with the primeval humans of Eris. The Father, is said to have settled in Tellania, with a young bride. Their mortal offspring would populate the entire region of modern day Tellania. This was considered the true faith for hundreds of years, it was only altered when the Alka-influenced Rilians under Lasardus Emporium turned the Iron Kingdom into a province. Long after the death of house Argevai who upheld the old ways. Tellania would during the trade wars be occupied, and liberated by the Maelans. The lord that ruled the Iron Fort at the time, Lord Oliveris of house Tant, offered temporal vassalization to the Golden Road Council, who had usurped the Maelan realm from house Ironflood. And started a war on Lasardus Emporium for the entirety of the Iron River. As the war slowly came out of favor for the Maelans, Lord Oliveris would break is vows to the Gold Council of Maela. Oliveris starved to death behind the walls of the Iron Fort. Sieged by the remains of the Maelan army. The Rilians would trample the Maelans, and break their kingdom. And install a loyal Tellanian man named Emeris Falk as the lord-king of Tellania. Rilian cartographers were ordered by Lasardus not to refer Tellania as Argevia, however amongst Tellanians it was still very common to call their lands after the ancient house. Lasardus youngest daughter, Helena, would once again allow the name Argevia to be written as the official name of the country. For an outsider to call it Tellania came as an insult, as it referred to their province name given to them by their overlords. Helena did not seek to anger her vassals further, as she already had insurrections brewing following her coronation. Stability in the central provinces of Rune’s Eris, under Helena were for the first time since the fall of the Iron Kingdom fairly good. And a decade lasting peace ensued. Helena pushed her empire to its limits during the Ladusi-Rilii war, in which the queen lost her life fighting in southern Ladusia. The collapse of the Rilian Empire shook all provinces that it covered. Argevia was plagued by anarchy for a period known as the Mourning. House Falk would reinstate the country of Argevia, as a sovereign state in Rune’s Eris. But with the loss of imperial subsidies and protection, the country turned hostile on itself, banditry became rampant, order could only be found inside the castle walls of a lord. Authority of this proportion had not been seen since the Second Age, since before the rise of house Argevai. The Argevii would be haunted for the rest of their lives, with the coming of Sinus, and his demon minions from the great north. All souls of Argevia were saved from eternal purgatory in the Dark when the Descendant, Maroon Mhedeyi, defeated the Dark Beings by the fields surrounding the Iron Fort. Runic fanaticism grew the least in Argevia, for whilst every other lord and king retreated south. One Descendant and her army pushed head-on into the Dark horde. And won.