History of the Aurlûnor Velande

The Aurlûnor Velande's history streches back over 74,000 years before it's existence. This page covers the entire history, including the era prior to the Velande's formation.

Geologic History
The prehistoric landscape of southwestern Syltör over 250 million years ago was once very swampy, as indicated by extensive mudstone and coal deposits located around the region. These swamps were home to various large vertebrates, most of which are of currently unknown taxonomy. Colloquially and historically referred to as "dragons" (or at least "dragon bones"), the various behemoths of this ancient era have been assumed to be large amphibians, reptiles, something intermediate between the two, or the remains of the dragons known throughout Aurlûnoran mythology. Today their remains are most commonly found in the deserts of Sharla and Erume provinces, as well as in the coal mines of Nir. It is through the coal swamps that much of the iron and coal mined today across the Velande was formed. Between 240 and 205 million years ago a period of mountain-building known as the Sokalian Orogeny, named after the old Takumakken name for Helemar, occurred from what is now south Vorosan up through the north of the country into Norfthorn. This mountain range would be known as the Melwende Shan. A large piece of subducted and partially molten crust is hypothesized to have been thrust upward from the mantle, forcing the mountains upward. It also displaced significant amounts of its own molten mass and existing magma, which was forced upward into the faults in the fractured rock that comprised the newly-formed mountains.

The displaced magma created the vast number of igneous plutons of varying composition- allowing for diorite, andesite, and granite to form under the Melwende Shan in close proximity. This variety of stone is used in building today. It also created an impermeable barrier between the water-saturated upper rock and soil of the Nir swamps and the old mudstone beneath, known as the Nir Aquifuge. This allowed the city of Helemar to become a mining town despite being located in a low-lying swamp.

On the opposite coast in Tacua, a receding coastline preserved the remains of several marine organisms- mostly mollusks, but also large vertebrates like plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. The Ardol Formation would the most explored Lothranic-age rock unit in the country.

Eventually the Melwende Shan would be worn down through nearly 200 million years of weathering, creating a small band of floodplains that extended the coastline into the Lothranis Sea. The prevailing climate was very cool and dry, and the mountains formed a rain shadow over the western half of the country. The east, however, had vast floodplains that extended to the northern shores of the Great Southern Ocean and Phagosian Sea. By the end of the erosion of the mountains though, the climate shifted, drying out the east and turning the west into the humid climate it bears today.

The Fornois Ranges (Fornoisian: les Monts de Fornois), subdivided into the Northern Mountains (Monts del Nors), Morning Mountains (Monts del Mornan) and Mount Drelgaon (Mont Drelgaon), located in the provinces of Alvada and Veassda, are regarded as the last standing remains of the Melwende Shan. The dry climate persisted there longer, and as a result that region is more montane than the former southern stretch of the Melwende Shan.

Prehistoric Settlement
74,500 years ago, Humans known as the Guren, or the Ancient Peoples, settled in the region. The settlements would be some of the first earliest evidence of settlements on Rathnir in terms of the native population. In each region, they would settle and become four dominant group types: the Dawou, the Yi'yen, the Nû and Fai cultures.

The Dawou would be the most powerful of these groups, settling in a settlement known as "Yu'shen", becoming the first permenant settlement in the region. They would proceed to extend to other cities where they would grow under Dawou influence. Eventually, the Dawou Kingdom would form, which would not actually be a proper "Kingdom", but rather, a large confederation of city states that settled around the region. Each of these city-states would trade and fight for dominion over their neighbors. Often, they would come into contact with the other groups, and would do the same. The Dawou were known as master craftsmen and may of been the origin of summoning magic, as there are familiars discovered in a cave north of modern day Lhûmar that dates back to 63,000 years ago. They were the first to eventually reach the Bronze Age 11,100 years ago.

The Yi'yen would settle along the rivers and swamps of the region, in which they would become accustomed to fishing, and farming rice patties and relying on the swamplands for their protection and productions. The Yi'yen peoples were always known to be territorial of their lands, taking great aggression to anyone who dare tries to settle on their beloved swamp. They would be known for their taming of both the Short-Nosed Alligator (Alligator brevirostris) and the Guojiang Cormorant (Nannopterum littorum), though information regarding their relationship with the alligator remains unknown and unclear.

The Nû were also known to be people of the swamps, and it was said they were offshoots of the Yi'yen peoples who preferred to be more militarist, and often attacked their surrounding neighbors. They have strong cultural connections to them, but they would eventually loose their land to the Kumihos when they arrived in the region 18,000 years ago. They have since been attempting to take their land, only to be beaten back every time.

The Fai peoples were known as the Sea-fairing people, who always sought to explore far away places, and were quite ambitious. They didn't really care much about the current territory they were settling in, and often built large ships that would traverse the strange mysterious Lothranis Sea. They would be the first to discover the Great Sea Monster of the west, which hindered exploration even further. Eventually, the Fai would become more accustomed to smaller ships for maintaining their trade cargo and often traded with their neighbors, being the more mercantile of the four.

The Kumihos would arrive into the region 18,000 years ago, where they would attack and settle in the region inbetween the Fai and Nû, establishing their Queendom, which many Queens would rule under their reign. The origin of the Nine Great Kumiho Clans would stem from the legendary founder, Queen Kangjonnmuk, who would see her clan eventually grow to become a large power in the region.

The Kingdom of Almador
Full article: Kingdom of Almador

The elven city-state of Ardol would become a rival power to all others in the region, amassing power over the other elves and eventually declaring war on the Dawou Kingdom. Ardol- now the Kingdom of Almador- would see its borders push upward toward the southern coasts of modern day Silamar. Silamar, founded by one King Maxion, would be established as the new capital of the newly established Almador Kingdom. This would outshine their old capital of Ardol, which begun a period of decline as Celestial Elves migrated from the older capital to Silamar. King Maxion would begin drafting new laws, proper farming techniques, and assembling a more proper military. He would see his newly established kingdom stretch along the Gulf of Heaven, and down beyond the farthest reaches of the Lothranis Sea. Slavery was practiced by both the elves and humans, as Celestialkin were regularly raided by the Guren, and were taken to be forced to work on the fields for them, or taken in as concubines of the human kings.King Maxion's campaigns against the Dawou Kingdom would be the start of the Elven-Human Conflicts, in which multiple battles would happen against the Guren rivals against the Celestialkin. One of the major battles of conflicts was the Battle of Yushen, an ancient city located around 60 miles away from modern Lhûmar. This would be one of the pivotal points of Maxion's conquests, causing the downfall of the Dawou Kingdom and a series of forced migrations to the east. The Yi'yen and Nû would form an alliance to oppose the emerging Elven threat to the west that grew by the day. Multiple campaigns would occur in the course of ninety-six years, but eventually, the two other kingdoms had been conquered.

The Kingdom of Almador would expand it's borders throughout southern Syltör. Encounters with, and following subjugation, of the race known as the Kumiho, or the Huli Jing as coined by the Guren, occurred as Almador's troops moved southward into the forests. Their people were promptly enslaved, and forced to convert to the Twin Dragon religion. Many of these forced subjugations are known from found bronze slave shackles, belonging to those who did not obey, as well as work camps discovered by archaeologists. The Almadorians were recorded to be cruel toward those who would resist subjugation, but showed benevolence toward those who did not resist, earning them better treatment and peaceful assimilation into the imperial culture.

Multiple revolts by the Kumiho would occur as many clans would not accept the rule of their new overlords. For the next two hundred years, the Kingdom would maintain trouble in controlling the southern territory, until the final battle at Samgye, modern day Maldomar. The Kumiho would eventually be coined the "Nanren", or "southern folk", after years of assimilation following their last revolt. They were later slowly accepted by the Celestial Elves, becoming one of the first non-elven races freed from slavery in the nation.

The Warlord Period
The end of the Kingdom's prosperity would come around 1,500 years ago as Almador went into decline. The Dominion of Ashura would have multiple border conflicts and wars with the eroding power of Almador, and Almador would loose a large portion of the south to the Dune Elves. In addition, internal bickering between regional governors over the questionable nature of King Hireon were noted by scholars as another factor in the fracturing of the empire. Hireon's increasing indulgence with eunuchs and having lavish parties would drain the coffers of the nation, leaving the government unable to respond to banditry, foreign invasion, or disaster response. In the year 1472 BJC famine would strike throughout the empire, with which the state had no ability to deal with. This gave way to the kingdom at last seeing it's final days, with mass peasant revolts and the fall of the central government. A new era known as the Warlord Period would begin.

The fighting between the kingdoms would be some of the most gruesome years of the history of Aurlûnor. Nearly 1/3rd of the population would perish throughout the bloody 600 year period. Although multiple brief unifications were made by the central government, the remnants of the old imperial court would officially loose all authority within the 400th year, with the states of Melwende and Linren being the most powerful of the breakaway kingdoms. During this time, the Kumiho would gain independence from the kingdom, followed by invasions by the Crow Peoples from the east. The Crows would settle some of the eastern portions of the former Almador, putting many Celestial Elves to be under their new king's rule. The Takumakken Empire would be founded from among the Crow People, and would stretch out much of the eastern portion of Almador to the Phagosian Sea in modern day Ryzan.

Rise of the Velande
While the rest of the warring states were fighting, a new power rose from the small farming town of Dun, located north of modern Lhûmar (at the time also mere fishing village). This small village would give the recorded birth of the future Velereth, Sareariel Lelya-Earcala. Thanks to her timely connections with the local government of the city-state, she would see herself rise in the ranks, and would eventually take control of her own independent army. It is not clear what happened during the time between her gaining effective absolute power and the establishment of Aurlûnor proper, but she would eventually take Lhûmar, declare it her new capitol, and contested against the likes of Melwende and Linren rather quickly. By the end of the warlord period, 931 years ago (as of 2021) or year 0 of the Twin Dragon Calendar, the land around the Gulf of Heaven and south to old Ardol would be united under her rule, and she would become the Velereth of a new unified entity she would christen the "Aurlûnor Velande".

The Velande would struggle for the first four hundred years in an age known as the Four-Hundred Year Struggle. This trying time was plagued by rebellion, low harvest yields, and reform of the court system, as well as a war with the Takumakken Empire. In its more recent years, Aurlûnor would see a period of expansion along the eastern Lothranis Sea, which would reclaim back lost lands including most of Hampo. Instead of being treated as traitors, the Kumiho were welcomed in as citizens of the Velande as they were some of the most assimilated of the non-elven cultures under the old Kingdom of Almador.

Marriage with Dalatra Mosulia
After a short period of stagnation, the capital at Lhûmar would be officially established over the ruins of the fishing village of Yushen. While Aurlûnor was nominally independent, it was relatively weak by 929 ACA (November 2020), still not controlling much of old Almador's eastern core lands. Sareariel would marry Dalatra Mosulia of Yimmu-Audal, with each empress becoming a member of the other's harem. Aurlûnor would support Dalatra in the Yimmu-Audal Succession Crisis, which nearly resulted in war. However, the marriage would be declared null and void by the end of the year.

Bardonian Vassal & The Confederation Days
In 930 ACA (December 2020), Aurlûnor joined the Syltör Confederation, to protect its national sovereignty and secure a positive relationship with its neighboring states. However, this was not enough to protect the nation from being incorporated into the Empire of Bardonia. Though nominally Bardonian, Aurlûnor was still functionally autonomous, and even conducted both the de jure transfer of Sokalis to the Velande and the annexation of Athrabar under this rule. On the 20th of January 2021, in the aftermath of the Dandelion War, Aurlûnor (as well as Viridian) renounced its relationship with Bardonia, claiming that the whole affair of vassaldom was never real in the first place. Aurlûnor only gave away its nominal independence to continue working on internal policy, as to allow Bardonia to check a country off its list during their world conquest attempt.

The Partition of Takumakken allowed for the full de facto annexation of Sokalis and much of Takumakken's western territory, as well as the incorporation of Fornois into the Velande. By the end of the month, Aurlûnor was the only Confederation member left, having annexed or vassalized the members that did not leave the alliance.

Era of Barbarian Conflict
Full articles: Barbarian Rally, First Barbarian Rally

Throughout the late winter and early spring (932 to 935 ACA), many bandits and squatters threatened the Velande's sovereignty. Isolationism and renewed positive relations with Bardonia left Aurlûnor safe from most state-to-state conflicts, but the era's influx of new people to Rathnir saw numerous squatters lay claim to the land. As such, the first three Barbarian Rallies were called.

First Barbarian Rally
On February 16th, a settlement known simply as Boris was settled near Athrabar. Its leader Kakarot proclaimed that "Athrabar is OURS!" and the first Barbarian Rally was subsequently called. The Velereth and her allies from Norfthorn killed multiple Borisites and took their gear. Sareariel marched on Athrabar with the Celestial Knights and the Chancellor's Hands in the First Battle of Athrabar.

Only a few days later on the 19th, the Second Battle of Athrabar occurred, with Sareariel luring the enemy out with promises to return Borisite gear. This only allowed Velande forces to raid Boris itself for its gear. This event was regarded as controversial due to what effectively amounted to ethnic cleansing against the Borisites.

Union with Ryzan & Second Barbarian Rally
In March 2021, a marriage between the Velereth and Tsar CanadianToss of the Second Tsardom of Ryzan created the Aurlûnor-Ryzani Empire. This union would only last four days, from the 12th to the 16th, resulting in the Velereth and Tsar divorcing. However still, the state did defend Theios-Essukdal in its war with the bandit AdmiralKartoffel.

Players from North Sangria founded a squatter settlement in Aurlûnoran lands and attacked the Velereth when she came to talk to them. The Second Barbarian Rally was then called. A few Ryzani forces were committed into the conflict, as this occurred during the days of the union. The conflict killed some members of Froggi Town (modern-day Grenouille) before the remainder of the squatters fled.

On March 17th, Norfthorn became fully autonomous and no longer a vassal to Aurlûnor. Later on the 27th, Balreska and Oogsberg on the Phagosian Sea were ceded to Ryzan by the Aurlûnor Velande.

Third Barbarian Rally
The survivors of the Second Rally from Froggi Town settled in the mountains along the western border. They visited Lhûmar, but refused to submit to the Velereth's demands when informed of the Velande's religious laws mandating the worship of Twin Dragon. The squatters held their weapons out when in the Velereth's presence and responded rudely to the government's demands. On March 31, 2021, the Velereth declared a Barbarian Rally on them. Though few records of the event remain, the physical influence of Froggi Town's members was destroyed and they have not been heard from since.

Great Fire of Hloamar
Full Article: Great Fire of Hloamar

Concurrent with the Third Barbarian Rally, the neglected city of Hloamar was sacked and burned by bandits, leaving it in total disrepair. This prompted the citizens of the town, most notably Mao Meili and Ja'al, to aid in the reconstruction of the city. The two rebuilt Hloamar in the imperial building style and tore down the older and ruined buildings. For their efforts, both were promoted into government positions.

The Ferrymen Wars
The Ferrymen Wars were a series of conflicts with the bandits known as the Ferrymen that the Aurlûnor Velande participated in. The wars caused Sareariel to disappear, leaving many to wonder where she had gone; eventually she returned from the Vale, with a strange purple mark on her face.

The Golden Age
The Golden Age of Aurlûnor is the period that lasted from roughly May (935 ACA) until the present day. It saw rapid expansion of the national borders (including the addition of a colony in Eldham), a large population increase, founding of the Velandic Navy, and many internal building projects such as the Imperial Palace would be underwent.

However, it would also see a near-miss war with the Ryzani Republic during the Crisis of May 15th, and further souring relations with Ryzan and closer ties with Bardonia that would continue until the Allium-Coalition War in August.

Founding of the Viceroyalty of Isillûnde
Full article: Isillûnde

Aurlûnor was one of the 10 major states of Rathnir called to the New Dorasterrock Conference on May 27th. Though the Imperial Court deliberated on whether or not to continue with a strict isolationist policy or go colonizing, eventually the Velereth decided that establishing a trade port in Sinawendor (Eldham) would be beneficial. Isillûnde would be founded on the 6th of June, though it would almost immediately come into contact with hostile natives from Jabal. This conflict soured relations with Aurlûnor and all Eldhamites, with the latter being called "savages".

The Regency
On June 10th, due to Sareariel leaving for the west to explore the history of the elves, Sel Leyla-Earcala was declared regent of Aurlûnor, and Mao Meili its Chancellor. The two would run the country as diarchs, and keep the daily functions of the state alive while continuing the same policies as the Velereth did. When Sareariel returned however, she revealed that she secretly had three new children with Shǔwà Gāngshivaè- Lanfen, Vahtying, and Hayalal.

Fourth Barbarian Rally
Full article: Fourth Barbarian Rally

The Fourth Barbarian Rally was the first of the rallies to occur in Eldham and the first to end without bloodshed. Isillûnde was claimed by Swenking of Atlechia, but was quickly found out by Imperial Court members. Mao Meili, by now the Chancellor of the Velande, publicly denounced Swenking, and demanded an audience. After negotiations and threats, Minister Nori suggested that the Atlechians resettle near Neubaykonia, to which they did. She and a returning Sareariel would oversee the deconstruction of Swenking's fortified town he had built on the land.

Ties with the Allium Alliance
Ryzan and Aurlûnor severed their alliance on June 2nd. Mere weeks later, Ryzan fell under attack by Bardonia, Huitca (with whom the Velande enacted a defense pact earlier that month), Niedea and the Aurlûnor Velande, resulting in Ryzan's annexation by Bardonia.

On June 30th, Lerry impersonated Lanfen Lelya-Earlcala, and attempted to lead a coup against Sareariel. This coup failed miserably, resulting in Lerry's expulsion from Aurlûnor.

On July 2nd, Sareariel would find a partner in Lucius von Savras of Andorn (then part of Bardonia). The two entered a political marriage, though their two realms would remain separate. This tied Aurlûnor closer with Bardonia even further. Two days later, Aurlûnoran military forces would assist Bardonian (including Andornian) troops in the occupation of Bjornsberg, which had claimed parts of Bardonian Andorn and declared itself an ally of Ryzan.

TO DO:


 * Joey's Trial
 * Fifth Barbarian Rally
 * allium war
 * syltor league
 * plagatean government-in-exile
 * bjornsberg coup