History of the Aurlûnor Velande

The Aurlûnor Velande's history stretches back eons before it's existence as a modern state. This page covers the entire history, including the eras prior to the Velande's formation.

Geologic History
See the Geologic Timescale for reference.

Ancient Origins
The oldest rocks in Aurlûnor today are bedrocks laid down during the Shahban Period, at least 4 billion years ago. The rest of what is termed the Momaganic Era in Aurlûnoran geology texts is relatively unexplored as of present; some ancient banded iron deposits dating to the Transplutolithic Period are known from far below the northeastern part of the country.

Promesolithic Progress
The prehistory of Aurlûnor is poorly known until about 400 million years ago. At this time (specifically the late Tudenanian), early plants began colonizing land; one of the most common early plants was a leafless, non-vascular moss known as Pangninia eoflora, named after the village it was found in. Shortly thereafter, legged fish and primitive amphibians appeared on land, possibly to hunt the insects that preceded them.

The prehistoric landscape of southwestern Syltör abour 300 million years ago was once very swampy, as indicated by extensive mudstone and coal deposits located around the region. The various fossil tetrapods 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.

Early Neomesolithic Orogeny
Between 240 and 205 million years ago, during the Quintassic Period, a process of mountain-building known as the Sokalian Orogeny (named after the old Takumakken name for Hloamar) 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.

Age of Reptiles
The Neomesolithic Era is often called the Age of Reptiles, as the largest vertebrates of that era were mostly reptiles like dinosaurs.

On the coast of the Lothranis Sea in Tacua, a receding coastline preserved the remains of several marine organisms- mostly mollusks, but also large vertebrates like plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs as well as the occasional dinosaur like Dilophosaurus. The Ardol Formation would the most explored Lothranic-age rock unit in the country. In fact, the Lothranic Period itself is derived from the Ardol Formation and its well-known fossils (or at least the sea the Ardol Formation lies along). The Dracian record of Aurlûnor is also very well known; the upper Ardol extends into the earliest Dracian, where the small carnivorous Venetodon is known from. However, it is in the lands to the east, in the Sawiyah Formation (named after the Sawiyah Oasis) where some of the best Dracian fossil assemblages in the world are known. Here, the Sawiyah preserves erosion from the Melwende Shan extending a coastal floodplain outwards- a floodplain occupied by vast conifer forests and fern prairies, roamed by some of the largest dinosaurs known. Giant kolonopods like Ashuratitan, Diplodocus, Nashabetisaurus, and Brontosaurus all coexisted on these ancient savannahs.

The later Qalmanian and Iridaceous rock records are yet to be explored in Aurlûnor. However, they do exist in large numbers, and many fossils are still awaiting catalogue. It is known at least that one species of Manothronax stalked ancient Aurlûnor about 70 million years ago.

Epilithic Changes
By the middle Cuiciloan Period, about 50 million years ago, the Melwende Shan would be worn down through nearly 200 million years of weathering, creating a small band of floodplains that extended the coastline outwards into the Lothranis and Phagosian Seas. 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
The first recorded signs of habitation by sentient beings in the region is by a human group known as the Ghûren or the Güren. It is unclear where they migrated from, but patterns seem to trace from modern day eastern Bardonia 80,000 years ago (75,400BCA). 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.

Dawou
The Dawou would be the most powerful of these groups, settling in a place known as Yushen and becoming the first permanent 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 in 11,100 BCA.

Yiyen and Nû
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.

Fai
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.

Kumiho
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

[WIP]

The Warlord Period
Main Article: Warring Period of the Almadorans [WIP]

Lelya-Earcala Warlord State
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.

Beginnings of the Velande Proper
By the end of the warlord period (0CA or the Year of the Celestial Awakening), 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". After a short period of stagnation, the capital at Lhûmar would be officially established in the old fishing village of Lingrinwë.

The use of Court Eunuchs were also outlawed, as the court saw them as "troublesome" and one of the many reasons of why the Almadorian Kingdom fell. Old Almadorian legislation as well as ideals were one by one outlawed, or changed fundamentally, mostly overseen by the Imperial Court or by Sareariel herself. By the year 50ACA, the Imperial Court's influence would decrease, as Sareariel would take away powers from the Imperial Court due to their growing corruption. Freedom of Religion would not be outlawed for the next 200 years.

The 400-Year Struggle
For the first 400 years of her reign, Sareariel would see many struggles, and went through damages that would be throughout the realm. The year 100ACA saw the strongest attack by the Crow Horde yet, striking deep in the eastern portion of the Empire, seeing her largest defeat, and the territory falling to the horde. Although they lost a large amount of territory to the hordes, they would not loose their more important cities that was to the west.

The Lenwa Rebellion
200ACA saw a large peasant rebellion lead by Sareariel's old friend, Valiel Lenwa, who proclaimed herself as the true Celestial Matron, and started her own cult. This revolt would almost succeed due to Valiel's similar looks to Sareariel, and would reach all the way to the palace in Lhûmar, bringing factions of the Imperial Guard to her side.

The tide of the rebellion would be ultimately reversed when Sareariel's key advisor, Wu Hellon, who saw through the massive deception, and asked Valiel, "If you truly were the Celestial Matron, drip your blood into this chalice of wine.", in which, he'd proceed to bring out the wine, and had her use a dagger to cut a small part of her palm, and drip her blood into it. It would begin to glow a distinct light blue, in which he would drink it. He would turn to his majesty and say "If you are the true Celestial Matron, drip your blood into this chalice of wine", in which he would bring out another. Sareariel would proceed to do so, with her blood being similar in composition. Upon drinking it, he would have the two stand near each other. He glanced at the two, and proceed to point his sword at Valiel, stating her blood was "not refined", and "cooler than Sareiariel's". Following this, Valiel was executed, with the rebellion being pushed all the way back to her stronghold, fully unifying the county.

This rebellion would last over thirty years, with remnants of her faction being put down. In 243ACA, following the Red Canal Incident, Sareariel would sign new administrative legislation that outlawed freedom of religion, and declared the Twin Dragon religion as the sole religion of the nation to prevent an incident like this from happening again, and to enforce her legitimacy.

Hungry Three Hundred
The year 300ACA would see a serious famine plague the countryside. At this point, many people started to think Sareariel was the bringer of bad luck and misfortune. These grievances were bought to the attention to the Imperial Court, who sought to do something about all of this misfortune. At the same time, the Krow Hordes would attack the Empire again, with the fourth conflict against them. Though despite their misfortune with crop failure, Sareariel would emerge victorious in defending their lands at the battle of Cilyanar. It was at this time, that the ideals of expansionism was bought into question in the court. It was here, that the policy of Isolationism was placed, but Sareariel would refuse, stating that "If the empire is to get out of these miserable games by the King of Darkness, we must have allies to counteract the negative. It is the only way we can attempt to bring out Queen Lothra to assist in our struggles.". With this, she would reach out to different Kingdoms, and Empires for assistance, namely for food.

Decline of the Southern Powers
400ACA would be the final year of the struggles, in which, for the first time, despite it being a struggling year, it would be one of the better years. The Queendom of Tacua and the Queendom of Hampo saw themselves attacking the Velande under directives of the Dominion of Ashura. These invasion forces were defeated, but at the cost of much of the population's soldiers, as their fierce attacks were nothing more than hit and runs, so they may diminish their influence and military strength. As such, the southern states were both at a military disadvantage, and unable to defend themselves, were the perfect target for Sareariel's armies.

For the first time, the year 500ACA brought a string of good luck, which had Sareariel lead through a golden age for the first time. Throughout her reign at this point, she saw the Velande expand along both coasts of Lothranis Sea, which would reclaim back lost lands including Tacua. The upper peninsula of Hampo also fell under Aurlûnoran sovereignity, though they would not see the region be fully conquered until years later. 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.

The Silver Age
The 600s and 700s were periods of stability and progress in the arts and sciences. This period of relative prosperity was dubbed the 'Silver Age' as it wasn't quite a 'golden age', but it was nonetheless a stable time, with few wars, famines, or plagues. The population of Aurlûnor, mostly around the northeastern plains and coastlines, doubled over these two centuries.

As time went by, Sareariel watched as foreign influence started to plague the courts. Fearing this, the Imperial Court once more proposed to her to implement isolationism, in which she eventually did, cancelling all alliances and limiting trade in the year 850ACA. By then, the Takumakken Empire, who would unite years earlier, would attack, and have much of their land be taken over. They would also sack and burn the Yi'yen settlement of Yi, turning it into Sokalis.

The Era of Foreign Dominance
(OOC Note: this is where the pre-lore ends and the in-game recordkeeping begins.)

Marriage with Dalatra Mosulia
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 September (940 ACA). 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, 937 ACA, 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.

Aurlûnor underwent internal developments over this time as well. On the 13th of that month, Joey Sunderian would be tried in absentia after doing a dangerously large amount of trolling, including building a stockpile of gunpowder and TNT. The Fifth Barbarian Rally would be announced on the 23rd of July. During this event, 17 squatter tribes were integrated into the Velande's regime or destroyed outright. Multiple notable battles occurred, and the Rally continued well into the next year. The Navy would continue to be built up as well over this period.

The Allium War
Full article: Allium-Coalition War Due to the signature of a mutual defense pact with the Empire of Bardonia, the Aurlûnor Velande found itself a de facto member of the Allium Alliance. Upon the outbreak of war on July 26th of 937 ACA, the Velereth made an official declaration of war announcing the 'end of isolationism' and the entering of Aurlûnor into the war on the Bardonian side. Many cities began the construction of defenses comprised of bamboo and barbed wire; Hloamar's bridges were blown and many cities' walls were reinforced. The Bardonian leadership (Uni and Crezyman) were invited for a conference with Aurlûnor. Negotiations began with the Viodoxan leadership, however, as many within the Imperial Court could read the writing on the wall as soon as the war began. Unfortunately, the negotiations devolved into petty arguments as Sareariel and Hazel McSpiegel argued.

Ultimately, the diplomatic falling-out surrounding the war caused Aurlûnor to suddenly declare an official state of armed neutrality. The only influence Aurlûnor would have on the war after this moment would be the volunteer service of one Hydra Blackwater, who fought at the Battle of New Dorasterrock.

The Founding of the League
Full article: Syltör League

As the Bardonian Spring meant the breakaway of Aurlûnor's partner kingdom of Andorn from Bardonia, Aurlûnor finally severed its diplomacy with Bardonia in favor of the breakaway states. The power vacuum that would be left by Bardonia's collapse was thought to allow the southern powers entry into Syltör. Thus, an idea came into the works independently in the minds of several leaders in Aurlûnor and elsewhere- the formation of a regional alliance to fill that power vacuum and secure independence for the states of Aurlûnor, Andorn, Norfthorn, the newly-independent Ryzan, Lennox, and others in the Syltör region. Thus, the Syltör League was formed. It was hoped by some, including Chancellor Mao, that the league could be used to leverage soft power over the whole region; however, Aurlûnor was in no position to play dirty and acted as an equal to the other member states.

The 5th Barbarian Rally continued, with general success at the fighting of several squatters, including some that built burning crosses. However, the longstanding conflict with the Grey Banner eventually came to an end, as a spy broke character and told the Aurlûnoran Imperial Court of his status in a fit of rage as the two bickered. Despite the initial toxicity, both parties eventually calmed down and explained themselves, making amends. Together members of both groups met up in the mountain fortress of Bern and read The Celestial Fertilizer in a group. Eventually the Aurlûnor Velande would back the Grey Banner's descendant state of Kyydrosil in its bid for independence later in August, and the new republic would become a member of the Syltör League as well.

Affairs of the Later Golden Age
During the period after the Allium War, several key events and processes occurred. A golden age of science dawned, as Aelfiel Meng commissioned regularly-updated maps of the Velande, and many paleontological discoveries were made. The Imperial Museum began construction, as the city of Lhûmar was overhauled once again. Infrastructure projects meant the construction of an imperial road system, giving rise to the phrase "all roads lead to Lhûmar".

Along the northern border, the inability of Bjorn'sberg to pay its debts to Andorn led to its vassalization by Aurlûnor as a tributary state, paying 3 gold blocks to Aurlûnor per month. A small duchy known as Daghul briefly became a protectorate of the Velande before swiftly being transferred to Andorn. This marked the beginning of the end of Bisezonne, and what was proclaimed as the final act ending the First Andorn Crisis.

Support was given to the Plagatean Imperial Family in the civil war that occurred in August (One of Sareariel's harem members was from Plagatea); their loss led to the Velereth granting the royal family a government-in-exile and much territory in eastern Nir Province along the Hunshui river to build a city known as Plagateamar. This city was never built.

A coup in Bjorns'berg led by Alohomora and Gribbits ousted FristiCuffs as he threatened Andorn and Aurlûnor once more on the 15th of August, 938. The city of Toppmote was occupied as such (again) and Fristi was put on trial but escaped to Eldham via the UBSR. Bjorn'sberg was remade into an Aurlûnoran vassal with Alohomora made its Herjue (duke and head of state).

The Fifth Barbarian Rally continued to rage, as an Eldhamite bandit by the name of Welpish threatened Aurlûnor. However, he was talked down temporarily into making a cheese shop as the Velereth threatened to leverage Huitca and the Syltör League against him. The League/Velande would declare victory over the barbarians on September 1st, shortly after the Battle of Sawiya Oasis. However, the final squatter group of the Rally, the Raktroki, left several regions heavily deforested until mid-October.

The Imperial Autumn
The period of slight decline in activity as the summer ended became known in Aurlûnoran historiography as the Imperial Autumn. However, despite its name, the state remained strong and many important events occurred during this era.

War of the Forest Council
Conflict between a squatter group calling themselves the Forest Council erupted seemingly immediately after the Fifth Barbarian Rally ended. Despite destroying the ecocidal cult known as Kellerism, Murad of the Forest Council decided that Aurlûnor was not going far enough in its environmentalism and established a fort in the northern heartland. A joint raid by Aurlûnor, Andorn, and Kyydrosil preceded the official battle, where both sides proclaimed victory. This war was ultimately a pyrrhic victory, as despite Murad agreeing to leave, the leaders of all three member states became less active from burnout.

The Great Dark Famine
During the Great Eclipse, food shortages struck Aurlûnor hard, and famine gripped the country, especially the peasants that made up most of the population. Strict food rationing was ordered, and internal passports were issued. Cities went into lockdown and many citizens were banned from travel.

Though estimates showed that 6 years worth of potato storage was available, the imperial government had dealt with famine before and was unwilling to cut corners, lest its people starve. The use of magic allowed photosynthesis to resume, and through the Velereth's powers crops were able to grow in the incessant darkness. On the 22nd of September, Dragon Day was celebrated at the refurbished Beacon Square in Lhûmar. This festival featured the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol as well as newly-baked "moon bread", and the reading of poetry written for the event. It attracted the attention of many diplomats, bandits, and others; however, magic prevented the bandits from harming anyone in the vicinity of the Velereth.

A ritual was held, involving a sphere of purple light, presumably from the Vale itself. It ascended the central tower, and the Velereth cast lightning down from the heavens. Shortly after, the sun began to rise. It is thought by many Twin Dragon practitioners that this event was what let the sun come back into the sky, ending the age of darkness.

Involvement in the War in Ryzan
Full article: War in Ryzan

On the 8th of September, 939 ACA, the Velereth ordered the mobilization of all Twin Dragon practitioners to the protection of all Twin Dragon temples in Ryzan as a civil war broke out, and to accept all refugees from the conflict into the temples.

The bombing of the Volkoregrod Twin Dragon temple on the 19th of September by the "Ryzani Air Force" (a subsection of the Fourth Tsardom of Ryzan's armed forces) prompted war between the Grand Temple of Twin Dragon and Tsardom, as well as its supporters. As the Tsardom was a Syltör League member, that meant that war would naturally be extended between the whole League and the Grand Temple. However, since most Twin Dragon Temple leaders were also the leaders of the Aurlûnor Velande, this marked a period where the members of the government of Aurlûnor were at war with themselves briefly.

The alliance between Aurlûnor and their allies in Ryzan was a tense one; as their Ryzani supportees decried monarchy and supported republicanism and even socialist ideologies, the leaders of the rebelling Imperial Ryzan were known to have personal ties to Sareariel and agreed more so with Aurlûnor ideologically. The creation of the Greater Syltör Empire at the war's close would mark end of this ideological cold war, however; on September 26th, the annexation of the Fourth Tsardom of Ryzan into Bardonia angered the Aurlûnoran government. Josbar was un-recognized as the legitimate leader of Ryzan and soul banished by the Velereth. The government would be banished from the Syltör League as well.

This eventually led to the annexation of the region of Deutzan by Aurlûnor; the Republic of Deutzan was temporarily established and then promptly abolished, being annexed into the newly formed Malyan Province. The region had been desired by Aurlûnor for years, but after all this the Aurlûnoren-Ryzani Border Dispute was finally resolved.

A non-aggression past with the Greater Syltör Empire was signed due to the common history between Bardonia and Aurlûnor, ensuring that the two would not go to war nor force the other to join the other in war if it erupted.

The word of the Tsardom falling reached the ears of the Velereth on the 12th of October, 940 ACA. When she heard this, she teared up and lifted her head. "Blessed Queen Lothra! ... this is a truly golden year!" she announced.

Hampo Barbarian Crisis
Squatters continued to target Aurlûnor during this era, as they normally do. Islos of Prometheus, one of the squatters, was officially evicted on September 24th, 939. He did not, in fact, leave, and on October 3rd an anonymous Kumiho priestess discovered that Islos and his goons had built a threatening-looking heathen temple in Hampo Province.

The village of Seongju, also in Hampo was burned by witches who remarked that they "did not like religion being forced down their throats" to the authorities on September 28th. The arsonist, emerald813, paid a hefty fine and was ordered to leave Aurlûnoran territory.

These events, as well as occurrences with the sun turning blood red, led to the crackdown on various unorthodox, heretical, and heathenous elements in the Velande. The former tolerance of syncretic Soleannen-Twin Dragon was banned, and crackdowns on Asitir and Ashuran pagans occurred. It is rumored that Minister of Education Aldara Ellan fled the country because of this crackdown. This Crackdown however, would be halted by order of the Velereth on October 17, 2021. A tribal legion from the Frosterium led by Aleczaender known as the Legion Aleczaender established a city called Richteria, and a fort, Fort Loyalty, on Hampo's northern shores. They at first seemed willing to integrate, but attempted to betray the Velande. Whistleblowers alerted government officials of their treasonous activity, and a group of combined Aurlûnoren and Huitcan troops led by Sareariel and LilyPrism respectively at the Battle of Richteria, which was followed by the city's subsequent burning. The Legion was relocated to Andorn afterwards.

The Imperial Winter
The overall civilizational decline was noticed as it was occurring by many in Aurlûnor's government. However, things got much worse before they got better.

The Death of Sareariel
In late October of 940, the Velereth Sareariel left once again, leaving minister Orwa Sinawis as temporary regent. It was common to have several rotating regents while Sareariel was on temporary leave, but on her return on the 20th of that month the Velereth contracted and was dying from a mysterious illness (being banned, citing a history of toxic behavior).

In her death throes she initially announced the disbanding of the entire nation, which caused Crezyman of the GSE to officially establish a protectorate over the region. The Imperial Court argued much with itself, fearing chaos, revolts, and foreign invasion. Following further announcements from Oranje Blackwater, Yimmu-Audal, Huitca, and Viodoxa (which would soon cease to exist itself) guaranteed the independence of the remaining Aurlûnoran state which was to be made a protectorate of Andorn. As many of the dying Velereth's demands became irrational, her daughter Lanfen, the most prospective potential heir, seized the de facto leadership and declared herself the new Velereth with the support of Nori and other ministers. Sareariel accepted this fate, and ascended to the Vale in the late night of the 20th of October, 940 ACA.

For the first time in nearly a millennium, the Aurlûnor Velande had a permanent change in leadership.

Fristicuffs of Toppmote declared that he would return to Bjorn'sberg during the crisis, and briefly that he was the rightful and democratic ruler of all Aurlûnor. He was laughed at and forced to rescind these statements within an hour. In the days after, Mel Lelya-Earcala and Nori became dual regents, and longtime personal friend of Sareariel Hazel McSpiegel was named the new Celestial Matron. The latter appointment sparked dismay among many Twin Dragon practitioners including Lucius von Savras, who believed that the Sage Mao Meili should have been appointed to the position instead.

The Lanfen Era Begins
Upon assuming her duties as the new Velereth, Lanfen's first act was to denounce actions by Fristicuffs and restore order in the vassal territory of Bjorn'sberg to the north. Though not coronated at the time, she would be coronated by Celestial Matron Hazel McSpiegel on the 23rd of October.

End of The League
The Syltör League, by 941 ACA, was a shadow of its former self. The original founding states of Andorn and Ryzan had by now been integrated into Bardonia as the empire once again rose from the ashes. The final nail in the coffin was Bardonia making the decision to leave the League on the 6th of November. With a non-member state blocking Aurlûnor and Norfthorn from the Yularan states that made up the remainder of the pact, it was impossible for either region to contact the other in the case of an attack, as a neutral or even combatant nation, Bardonia, would separate them. The nations of Yulara were themselves also in a separate pact known as the Solar Alliance.

On the very same day Bardonia pulled out of the Syltör League, Chancellor Mao decided, alongside several other members, to dissolve the League, as it was effectively unnecessary as a political bloc. Its economic goals were completed to the most they could be done anymore, and the political winds were changing in Syltör. Making an announcement to the world as the last representative of the original three founding states, she declared the whole alliance defunct to the world in a farewell speech.

The "Weed Scare", named so after the dandelion weed of Bardonia, started to kick into full gear at this point, as Crezyman and other Bardonians had disdain for the new Matron, Hazel, and had effectively dissolved the non-aggression pact that the two states had. Efforts were made by the new Phoenix Advisor Orwa Sinawis, but fearful voices prevailed despite her efforts.

The Viridian-Ashuran Crisis
Unfortunately, this was not the smartest move to announce to all that the Velande had become politically isolated. Merely a day after the League's dissolution, the Tlatoani of Huitca, Quauhtli Tizoc, began private talks with Velereth Lanfen to demand land from Aurlûnor. The Tlatoani, using old map claims, argued that large swaths of Erume and Sharla provinces were core Viridian territory, as Viridian had claimed the lands in days past before Viridian joined the Huitca Federation. However, this was only a brief occupation, argued the Aurlûnoran Imperial Court, and the region was ethnically populated primarily by Azerals loyal to the Velande. Still, the Tlatoani continued to push the issue, and the talks became very heated as drama simmered and war appeared to be on the horizon. Many citizens of Aurlûnor feared the worst, as both Huitca and Bardonia- allies- could theoretically overpower Aurlûnor and take the territory that was once Viridian and Ryzan-owned. This was considered the height of the Weed Scare, as two allied nations could hypothetically justify an offensive war.

After a brief period of cooldown, apology, and discussion within the Huitcan leadership and with Aurlûnor, the Tlatoani was convinced to stand down and not push the issue on a friendly country. Relations were normalized between the two nations, and things went along on their way.

On the 10th of November, the now-Veleran Dowager, Lucius von Savras, became Chancellor of Bardonia, putting down much of the Weed Scare and securing safety and stability between Bardonia and Aurlûnor.

Anniversary on the Server
On the 14th of November, 941 ACA, just a day before it's anniversary on the server, the Aurlûnor Velande officially set up its first imperially-protected wildland, Ha Anga National Park. In order to protect the various plant and animal species living in the region, which were historically overharvested to the point of environmental devastation, the area around the Ha Anga Bayou in Nir Province was been set aside for the purpose of protecting wildlife and Aurlûnor's rich archaeological heritage. Fishermen could still apply for special licensing to fish certain sections, though most of the park was for catch-and-release fishing only.

The day after, the Aurlûnor Velande turned a year old. No festivities were held as this was a purely out-of-character meta milestone, but announcements were made on the state & Stoneworks discords about it.

Late Internal Developments
On the 16th, the Guojiang Bazaar on Duck Island (between Balreska and Ryzan City) opened for business, after being built by Se-khem-ka, Minister of Commerce. Orwa Sinawis would declare the bazaar the primary trading location with foreign nations and ban all trade with Market55, as part of the economically protectionist portions of the "Sleeping Dragon Doctrine".

The establishment of two new national parks- the Maerun Steppes and Great Timber Expanse National Parks, was announced by Orwa Sinawis on the 28th of November. The Imperial Conservation Organization, modeled after the old Syltör Rangers, was founded alongside them to maintain the parks, clean up pollution, and improve the beauty and health of Aurlûnor's wilderness lands.

The year 943 ACA brought with it a conflict over the governorship of the long-neglected Celume Province, and many other provinces were left with vacant governors' positions. However, the Dragonfruit Alliance was signed into law on the 6th of December, solidifying a mutual defense pact between the Diarchy of Knossos and the Velande.

This brings us to the 6th of December, 2021, or 943 ACA in the Twin Dragon Calendar.

May the Velande last 10,000 years.

-Chancellor and Imperial Historian Mao Meili