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.

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 about 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 Sokalis Coal Measures of what is now 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 whole south of the region became covered in dense tropical forests.

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. However, these mountains did accumulate much precipitation during the onset of the Regolithic ice ages, starting 3.5 million years ago, and their glaciers did not recede until well after humans arrived in the region.

Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers
The first recorded signs of habitation by sentient beings in the region is by multiple human groups. 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. The first two groups known to modern archaeology are the Kozenstejn Culture and a collective of archaeological cultures known as the Pannotosyltoric Nomads (associated with the mythical "age of wanderlust" in Viridian oral tradition by some historians). Little is known about these ice age hunter-gatherer tribes, other than that they were the ancestors of many of the Velande's humans and humans across much of Syltor.

The southwestern Kozenstejn peoples eventually broke up as they remained in the regions they dwelled, and the southwestern Kozenstejn became what are known as the Pan-Ghûrenic peoples. There is no doubt that the Pan-Ghûrenics were not a monolithic culture, however the term only applies to the archaeological record prior to the emergence of recognizable individual cultures.

The most famous of the ice age Pan-Ghûrenic artifacts are a series of cave paintings at the Lao Gushi cave in northern Imperial Province. Dated to around 74,000 BCA, it depicts simple human figures hunting deer and lindworms among other beasts, and walking through dangerous mountain passes. Another ancient cave painting, found in the Ghûdong cave in Nir Province, depicts canoe-bound figures fighting sea serpents and whales; some archaeologists have suggested that its makers were in fact Pannotosyltorics who had migrated across the sea from Haven or Ummarnu.

The remains found in Linyin Cave, dating back to 57,000 BCA, indicate the earliest instances of Kumiho habitation in southern Syltor. Related to the Vulpur people (Lycanthropus vulpes), the Kumiho were relatively outcast as the first true non-human sentients in the region. The Ganaya Culture, from which the Linyin artifacts belong to, represented a southward migration over a period of 25,000 years at the close of the ice age. By 24,700 BCA, these early Kumiho had reached modern-day Hampo.Among the Pannotosyltoric migrants, four major groups were established. The YP (Yamu-Piken) humans were a jungle people who quickly began inhabiting the thick Ashuran rainforests, and eventually boated across the sea into modern-day Tacua and breaking off to become the "true" Piken. The Yamu emerged from the YP humans that stayed behind in the east. The Pi-Medjayim peoples stayed in what is now Sharla, living around the coast. However, we do not know of a name for this group as they are only known from the archaeological record and were not recorded until after their disappearance.

The fourth group, the proto-Seraanmai, settled in the far south of the Hampo region. They initially appeared in the form of dark-skinned humans who had magically worked insect wings into their bodies in some instances. However, the Seraanmai eventually adopted their modern form after intermarrying with Dune Elves over many centuries, and an abhorrent practice of hunting winged Seraan to make elytra.

The Pan-Ghûrenics divided into four or so recognizable major groups around 12,000 years ago: the Dawou, Paleonirine, Fai, and likely the now-lost Syros Dugout Canoe Culture as well. The other five, however, have been able to maintain some kind of cultural continuity since this pre-agricultural time- a mind-boggling feat made possible by their cohabitation with the more long-lived Elven peoples who would show up in the coming millennia. Collectively known as the Ghûren, these peoples lived as foragers until the development of grain-based agriculture.

Early Agricultural Period
Agriculture arose independently in western Syltor around 11,500 years ago, as primitive Dawou Ghûren peoples domesticated wheat and millet. From the north of the Bay of Heaven, agriculture caught on among the Ghûren, Kumiho, Seraan, and neighboring tribes over the course of about 600 years. The first proper settlement was located at what is known today as the Yu'shen mound. The settlement, known by paleoanthropologists as "Yu'shen A" was built in 15,000 BCA, but occupied for thousands of years after as the locals learned to farm. Though not much is known about this particular site, remains of clay housing were found on the site. There have also been multiple other areas of the region such as the multiple hovels belonging to the Paleonirine peoples and thatched huts that were built by the largely sea-fairing Fai peoples.

Among the Seraani tribes, the city-state of Kaliné eventually rose to prominence above the others, and from there established the Kingdom of Olarã. The Seraan worshipped the Asitir faith, and also owned the island of Necua (Lirhineide Sakór or Island of Moonfall), establishing a city-state there known as Sacór.

The Kingdom of Almador
The origins of the Almadorians were said to have been in legends, linking back to the Elven Migration theory over 11,000 years ago from the land known as Akan’nash. This group of Lhûren would eventually settle along the southern shores of modern day Tacua Province in a city known as Ardol. This fledgling city-state would grow to become a prosperous city throughout the early 11,000s BCA, where eventually, the Lhûren of said region would migrate northwards expanding their colonies to the north after exploration efforts were made around the modern day Gulf of Heaven. The coastal plains of modern day Alma Province would cause a migration push of Ardolians to the north, where they would colonize the region, and establish their settlement in Sachómar.

It is not known what happened to the old settlement in Ardol, but it was largely theorized to have been abandoned. The decline of the city would be documented in a book known as the "Foundations of Estecónmar Vol I.". Descendents of the old Ardol settlers would come into conflict with a few Jungle Elf tribes, until finally agreeing to a peace, and established the modern day town of Estecónmar within the region.

Maxion would go on to raise an army, and in the name of Xalos, begin to expand the domain. Little did the Almadorians knew, that there was a people known collectively back then as the Ghûren, which they settled in various hills and along the sea. One of the most biggest adversaries of Maxion's conquests, known as the Dawou people, were said to have been hard to conquer. It was said that Maxion would utilize diplomacy to have the rivals of it's largest city-state, Yu'shen, to fully solidify his power. As many as six of the nine city-states would join him, and would jointly attack the Yu'shen and their allies. The Battle of Yu'shen was recorded as one of the most brutal and bloodiest battles of his conquest, where as many as several thousands would die during the sieges. The advent of iron weapons and armor were used, and multiple different military strategies, which would come to be known as the "Maxionic Strategems" would become well known through future historians, and military tacticians, and was primarily used by the conquering King to subjugate the many around the region. The Yi'yen, Nû and Fai would each see themselves become his subjects through either warfare or diplomacy, as their swamps were said to have been extremely hard to traverse. He would not however, live long enough to see his empire expand into the territories of the Kumihos, which established themselves in the southwestern modern region of Hampo.

It is around this time that one of the first known writing systems in Rathnir, Ghûpárcì, was created. Ghûren pottery shows the earliest instances of these logographs around the 9500s BCA, and they slowly became used in records kept by both human and elven states by the 9200s BCA. Much of what we know of Almador between 11,000 and 9,000 BCA comes from the writing down of much older oral traditions.Maxion's death would see his descendants continue to subjugate the enemies of the Kingdom, and grow it significantly, However, multiple outbreaks of rebellions would come, as court politics would become more and more expanded. Regardless, the Almadorian Golden Age, which lasted between 7,000BCA to 2,000BCA would be regarded as the most stable and prosperous times of the Kingdom, where the territory would expand massively through the conquests and subjugations, as well as the eastward expansion out towards the modern day Gulf of Ryzan and Deutzan Bay, the Almadorians would become the most powerful people in the region. Trade between Necua Hopolos, and the Kingdom of Olarã were said to have been expansive.

The Almadoran Golden Age became an era of arts and sciences, as the relatively primitive state grew into a modern kingdom over the several millennia it lasted. In roughly 6100 BCA, under the king Talyon II, the old writing system of Ghûpárcì logographs was replaced by an alphabetical system known as Lhûpárcì. This reorganization of the writing system, while implemented slowly, nevertheless allowed for increased literacy throughout the kingdom. The golden age of literature during this era was forever a result of this change, and Lhûpárcì are still used to this day to write Aurlûnoren.

With the rise of a Golden Age however, came a new rival. The Dominion of Ashura had expanded their domain quite a bit and the Almadorians would become rivals with these desert dwelling elves, which would come to see themselves fight multiple wars against each other, though, none would see their territories expand into each other's land. This would come due in part to their recently terraformed region by their four obelisks that would turn the area into a desert for them to live in. The Kingdom of Olarã would also become a significant threat to the Almadorian's prosperity, where they would also fight. The Almadorians would find themselves expanding southwards, building clusters of forts along the border of the Dominion of Ashura, utilizing the rivers, and eventually, pushing Olarã down southwards, where the Treaty of Kaliné was signed, and saw the downfall of the once mighty southern power, whom had Necua Hopolois become also an Almadorian subject itself, and the rise of Almadorian southern power.

The Warlord Period
Maxion and his first few descendants was said to have been tolerant of the subjects he had under his rule, and gave many of said people to live under his rule, though, the growing Almadorian ruling class would begin to dictate different policy towards the other races of the Kingdom, that would create problems and tensions between the Almadorians and their subjects later on. Eventually, by the later 1200BCAs, this would come and bite the Almadorians hard, which would mark a period of civil unrest, instability and local racial wars between the ruling Elves and their Human, Kumiho and Seraan subjects.

King Hireon II of the Maxionic Dynasty was the son of King Cail II, and the last king of the Kingdom of Almador. Hireon's relations with his father continued to decline until he was disinherited on the death bed of his father, giving the throne to Harnon in the year 1220 BCA. This resulted in Hireon assassinating his brother and most of his brother’s clan to ensure that no one but him inherited the throne. Hireon ascended as Almador's new King in the year 1180 BCA.

The first years of his rule were marked with instability, and strife. In 1150 BCA, the Kumiho rebelled against the Kingdom of Almador. Hireon brutally suppressed this revolt, and was said to have given the whole of the Kumiho subject territory unreasonable conditions- leaving the region in ruins, refusing to send any aid to repair it- all to send a message to never rebel again. This handling of crises addressed by the royal court (as well as the varying dukes and counts in the kingdom's many provinces) only soured his relations with those leaders, with his attempts in trying to further centralize power in Sachómar. What made matters worse was that the king was heavily influenced by the intermingling of court eunuchs, which influenced his politics especially to favor the central power in the city itself. The construction of the huge palace, which started under the reign of his grandfather, was completed in 1143 BCA. This towering palace dominated the city and loomed over its poorer denizens. Hireon also was said to have been wasting country resources on lavish feasts to help improve his image, and ignored the common folk.

The king's control over the country started to decline once he isolated himself within the capital. Crop yields started to drop far below normal, troops were not well paid enough, and most of the available resources were going only the lavish parties that were regularly thrown by Hireon’s court. The aristocratic nobility within the provinces acquired more power within their respective regions and begun to do what they please, starting to ignore the central government's whims, and as a result, some more ambitious nobles broke away from the kingdom altogether and fought among each other. Some more justice-seeking nobles, such as Huang Ruoyon, later becoming known as King Linye the Pacifier, openly protested against Hireon and denounced his actions against the common people. Peasants started to rise up against the Almadoran state with the worst peasant revolt known, the Orange Sash Rebellion, occurring throughout the northern and eastern countryside. The newly established Qanti-ruled Dominion of Ashura begun to expand its borders into the more oppressed Azeral-populated regions, and a new foe, known as the Krow Horde, appeared in the east, pillaging the countryside and starting wars against the elves living in the region.

It would take one loyalist by the name of Alcon Sandan to bring king Hireon to his senses and show him what was happening to the kingdom. As he peered at the maps and the reports that came in, Hireon was shocked, and was absolutely horrified in his actions. Alcon would point to the eunuchs whom he trusted as the ones responsible. But immediately as he said that, Hireon executed Alcon for suggesting such people who he saw as his fathers, would suggest such things. This however, would not be the last time Hireon would see Alcon.

In 1101 BCA, the Kumiho rose up again, however this time they would successfully secede from the Kingdom of Almador. This was due to the weak resistance in the Almadoran garrisons that occupied their land. This established the Queendom of Hampo under the control of Queen Kangjonnmuk and her dynasty that had been in hiding for supposedly centuries before the elven conquests of the region, and Kangjinmuk declared their previous treaties that were placed on them null and void.

By 1000 BCA, king Hireon's influence dwindled only to the areas surrounding Sachómar, even though he had de jure control over most of the region. The Kingdom of Almador was all but anything in name. A historical state of irony would put that he was killed by Alcon Sandan, the elf Hireon thought he would execute, when in reality he was secretly guided away from the city to form his own army. Alcon is quoted as saying: "To end your rule was a call from the Gods themselves. Ten-thousand years, and you destroyed it all. But I suppose that's how the cycle works, isn't it?". His death indeed ended over 10,000 years of rule, which is where it is thought the later Twin Dragon phrase "May you reign ten-thousand years" originates from.

Alcon himself did not take the throne but rather installed one of Hireon's cousins, Mirayen, to the throne. Though she would not prove to be enough to restore the already-collapsed state, as various warlords started vying for power, attempting to gain the upper hand and edge on one other. The early period was chaotic, full of counts, dukes, bandits, and peasant leaders that formed numerous polities. The exact number has not been confirmed, but some modern estimates put them at around 200 states and sub-states. Out of this chaos, many myths and legends arose, such as the heroine known as Lenwan the Brave, a Melwende-born fighter who assisted in the beginning of Melwende's rise to power and glory; or Yogan Orthris, the prince who held out in a city in eastern Linye and fought bravely against Locendur, located outside of modern Plagatéamar. Remnants of his fortress, Fort Angayen, still exist today in what is now Nir Province.

At the same time, the westward migrations of the Krowfolk to the occurred. Capturing the ancient city of Aircenmir, the Krows started massacring members of the Laica-Rille clan, and started their advance toward the west, taking over multiple other clans along the way. The Krow Massacre as it is now remembered, resulted in most of the eastern Almadoran warlord-states falling to the swift conquest of the Krow Horde. 50 years after their conquests, the Krow Horde adopted the moniker and banner of the Takumakken Empire.

In the chaos of the warlord period, the need to write and produce records quickly required the full abandonment of Ghûpárcì by the intelligentsia. From about 600 BCA onwards, no official records besides signatures used these old logographs. The age of constant war required the rapid development of new military tactics, weapons, farming techniques, and other technologies. For example, the Melwende were known for their aggressive militaristic expansions and were skilled engineers. They built many special fortresses, known as Star fortresses, and often used them as spheres of influence to assert their authority. Linye, meanwhile, was a more defensive power, and created fortresses that would stave off Melwendic attackers. Although Melwende was stronger than Linye, the two were locked in a rather dangerous stalemate.

By 530 BCA, many warring kings saw themselves fleeing toward one of the bigger powers of Linye or Melwende, reducing the many duchies and counties down from the staggering 200 to only about nine. However, fighting did not cease to be. The last of the ruling Maxionic dynasty would finally perish following the siege of Sachómar by Linye's king Isilmon II in 500 BCA; however it is believed that the bloodline was not completely extinguished, as it is possible it survived in the Kingdom of Tacua. At this time, the Melwende would march off against Alar-Aiwe, despite being longtime allies. Queen Cailanis, Melwende’s monarch, cited that this was for revenge for the murder of her long-time sworn brother Calion of Ulfar, a Brothic nobleman from the lands now known as Andorn. The war resulted in the extermination of the Alar-Aiwe and Fealocedur clans.

Despite there being more than two states still around at this time, the period is often referred to as the "Two Kingdoms" period, due to the two most dominant powers being Linwe and Melwende. However, there was much more going on during this period than those two kingdoms’ affairs. In the Kingdom of Tacua, the last king, Picunada, had only daughters. Although law only permitted rule of male heirs, the king changed it to allow his eldest daughter Ráviel III to become Queen of Tacua, making the state effectively a queendom. Queen Ráviel III is recorded to be related to the last Maxionic relative, with her bloodline tracing back to Maxion himself through extensive tests of her blood found in her tomb in modern day Tacua Province. Meanwhile, the Queendom of Hampo would find themselves allied with the Dominion of Ashura, with both Pharaoh Tariq VII "the Great" and Queen Kangjonnmuk IV "the Architect". These two would face off against the oncoming hordes of the Takumakken Empire, who were making gains their territories every day. They decisively defeated the Krow at the Battle of Blossom Hills, where Ashuran soldiers outflanked Krow Sun Warriors that were attempting to burn a fake supply depot set up by Queen Kangjonnmuk, who used herself as bait to lure them in.

Lelya-Earcala Warlord State
Sareariel Lelya-Earcala, a then young general who rose through the ranks of the Linyenese ranks under King Linyeyun III, declared independence from Liren in the year 118BCA, and form her own faction, alongside multiple other generals who were swayed by Sareariel's competency and charisma. With the constant military victories attributing to her name, and many battles that were headed by her, it proved a massive blow towards Linye. As her base, Sareariel unusually chose Lingrinwë, which would later become Lhûmar, which at the time, was seen as irrelevant village. However, despite the complaints, soldiers agreed that the position was indeed advantageous, as the village was located in between some of the former Kingdom of Linye's most busiest trading ports. As such, Fort Lingrinwë was established, and Sareariel began her campaigns against the Kingdom of Linye, as well as gaining loyalties from Linye and Melwendic generals to fight under her banner.

The major battle of Yu'shen Mound, saw a massive defeat for the Linye forces, which scattered most of them back to the capital of Linyemar, which it was sieged down, and burned. The Royal Family including the King of Linye, fled to Yi, but would die in 115BCA due to illness. Following this, what was left of Linye's forces, either surrendered to Sareariel, or formed minor warlord states, to carve out corners of the former empire. However, many of these insurrections were crushed, and eventually, by 113BCA, Sareariel would of conquered them all.

She would eventually turn her sights towards Melwende in the year 108BCA, where she would not be as merciful as she was towards the Kingdom of Linye. According to Sareariels, this would be one of the worst moments of her life before what came after such a conquest, as a massive slaughter by her soldiers, commanded by her, would ultimately burn, pillage and kill as many as over a hundred thousand people. Unnecessary bloodshed was caused throughout the country side, and many Melwendic cities and fortresses fell, with their inhabitants slaughtered or scattered. When she came to siege the capital of Turónshan, Sareariel said herself felt the worse dread in her life, as vengeance overcame her senses, and that "If it weren't from the innocent face of that one daughter of King Arcalnis questioning why I would slaughter everyone, I would of became a wraith, and my own soul would of been sold to Huayin right then and there.". The conquest of Melwende would end with a victory for her forces in the year 94BCA. The royal family was spared, and due to her slaughterings of many peoples, Sareariel decided it would be the best course of action to allow all the spoils to be redistributed to the people, and reconstruction of homes that were targeted by her forces.

Up until the year 0CA, Sareariel would of been one of the most powerful warlords in the land. She would then recall of her meeting a former Priestess of Galariel named Vinimanis, in which, would explain to her, that she kept on seeing her in her dreams. The two would form a close friendship, though, Sareariel would not understand what Vinimanis was talking about. A week before 0CA, Sareariel would of have strange visions, and strange dreams from a draconic voice, and a language she did not know. A being kept appearing in her dreams, which was said to have been a firey spirit. Upon preparing for a campaign to finish off the remaining enemies of the former Kingdom of Almador, Sareariel would be on horseback looking over a hill, and, when she returned, blank came to her eyes, without any reports of sound or that sort. Sareariel would wake up thirty seconds later in the middle of the now growing town of Lingrinwë, being knelt before, with Vinimanis hailing her as "Celestial Matron", and how her predictions were right. For some reason, Sareariel recalls the memories of the dragons, but not how she became such a matron, and stating that it was almost as if there was "two people that was in her mind", but would then, become one.

From here, this would be known as the "Celestial Ascension", in which the Matron shows herself, and would help bringforth the Vale Mandate. This was also considered to be the birth of Twin Dragon, going from a small cult of followers, to dramatically increasing due to Vinimanis' ramblings being true. Sareariel would proclaim the Aurlûnor Velande in the year 0CA.

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.

The Famines of 300ACA
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.

Golden Age
The 600s to 900s were periods of stability and progress in the arts and sciences. This period of relative prosperity was dubbed the Golden Age, which marked 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.

The Era of Foreign Dominance
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.

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
Throughout the late winter and early spring (932 to 935 ACA), many bandits and tribes (informally called barbarian tribes or 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 tribes 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 tribes 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
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.

Colonial Era
The Colonial Era of Aurlûnor is a long period It saw rapid expansion of the national borders (including the addition of a colony in Eldham), a large population increase, massive extension of the Imperial 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
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
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.

Allium 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.

Founding of the 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 tribes, 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.

Aftermath of the Allium War
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 declared 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.

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.

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
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 was 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 pact 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
Tribes continued to target Aurlûnor during this era, as they normally do. Islos of Prometheus, one of the tribes, 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.

Imperial Winter, the Dark Age
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 Long Ascension 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 ascended for an "unknown reason" (OOC- 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.

Lanfen-Era Internal Developments
On the 16th, the Guojiang Bazaar on Duck Island (between Balreska and Tossagrad) opened for business, after being built by Sekhem Khamen al-Qamiya, Minister of Commerce. Orwa Sinawis declared 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 942 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.

Sareariel's Second Reign
Sareariel Lelya-Earcala would return on December 21st, in coinciding with Dragon Day. Voices of the Velereth were heard a week prior to it, indicating that she was still alive. The Velereth's return shocked many, especially with Hazel McSpiegel, who saw her title as Celestial Matron being taken back. Since this time, the Aurlûnor Velande had seen itself enter into a second Golden Era, as many new policies were passed. Though, some new troubles had brewed following her return.

The Dragon Awakens
On December 24th, 942 ACA, the Kingdom of Suderen threatened Twin Dragon worshippers of Iabet. Although a warning was sent, nothing actually came out of it. With a a year of silence, in the year 943ACA, the Velereth gave her Imperial Address. This imperial address was met with a dangerous embargo that almost spiraled into a war between the Velande and Bardonia's then-province, the Fifth Tsardom of Ryzan. This was resolved by an official apology given by the Velereth, with the embargo being lifted the next day.

However, following this apology, a rebel by the name of Raven Taucanis has declared a new Takumakken state. This sparked the Fifth Aurlûnor-Takumakken Conflict, being the first time in quite a while that a rebellion has occurred in the country. The campaign lasted until January 16 943 ACA, where due to poor leadership, lack of planning and military tactics, the rebellion was quashed. With newfound boldness, and morale soaring, the Velande would see it's military capability proven to be stronger than it had been months prior.

The Velande officially declared an end to its isolationism and on January 7th, 943 ACA, declared war on Mithra- supporting Bardonia in their fight and thus beginning the Velande's involvement in the Mithran-Dandelion War. However, due to Mithra's poor planning and military tactics in trying to gain support, they surrendered to the Bardonians, and paid reparations to the Velande for the three barbarian tribes of Rakautia, the Forest Council and Betaburg.

Following their victory in the war, the Velande declared war on the Second Empire of Plagatéa on January 14, 943 ACA. This was mainly due to the fact that years prior, the Empire of Plagatéa-in Exile, a remnant of the first Empire, was exiled in the Velande following an agreement. With support of Tempo, and some other exiles, preparations of thousands of arquebuses were being made. However, before the first campaign could even be conducted, the Second Empire collapsed due to internal pressures.

Weeks following the collapse of Plagatéa, on January 27, the Aurlûnor Velande declared war on the Kingdom of Councils, and prepared with its supplies and rifles that were originally going to be used against the Plagatéans for war.

Beginning of the NSC Era
The collapse of the Fourth Bardonian Empire would mark a huge turning point in the Velande's history. For the first time, the Aurlûnor Velande had to face the challenge of basically playing the continental power of Syltör, and assist with a now broken region, as the sole large power that had not experienced collapse. The Velande first declared their support for Savras' independence on February 7, 944ACA, signed a defensive pact with the now newly reformed Ryvenate of Ryzan, and declared war on Bingo's rogue state of the now splintered Andorn, partaking in the Third Andorn Crisis. The power vacuum left by the collapsed Bardonia was eventually filled by the North Star Coalition, an alliance involving the Velande and the other Syltor states.

In addition, the Velande legalized the worship of Lux on the same day, declaring it to be that of equal of a Lothra worshipper, with the exception of Luxites being able to practice in the cities of Lhûmar and Sachómar as they are deemed holy cities. During this time, ties between Kori Glynrel and Sareariel culminated in the annexation of part of Vastallos, and the creation of Calaxiáng Province (details can be found on its own page). The province was forced to dissolve by the Empire of Astyllea, but remained a staunch ally of Aurlûnor.

Conflicts in the Second Reign
On February 23rd, Sekhem Khamen was promoted to the rank of Sage of Darkness, finally balancing out the role held by Sage of Light Mao Meili. Despite these internal religious developments, the nation often found itself in the sights of a number of Soleannen zealots- in particular, Caligo cultists from Kartek. Kartek raiders made their way all the way to the gates of lhûmar after a raid on a Caligo temple by Oshotty of Tyalu. This prompted a harsh response from the Velereth, who stripped Oshotty of his General rank.

Another harrowing event of the time has gone down in history as the Travatar Situation, named after its lead figure. Travatar himself squatted in southern Aurlûnor, and when a passer-by slaughtered his chickens, he blamed Aurlûnoren citizen Mikeytaco for the killings and tried to persuade intervention from his fellow Soleannen worshippers. Many within Aurlûnor did not know who killed the chickens, only that someone killed them, and many believed that the whole affair was a false flag accusation. Days of tense argument eventually resulted in the defusing of the event by March 5th, as the chicken-killer was found and Travatar returned to Nieden.

In a bizarre twist of fate, flying, fire-breathing wraiths in the form of chickens attacked lhûmar and Maerun on March 13th. These wraiths scared much of the local populace, but were quickly defeated by the Imperial Army.

The War of Deception in southernmost Syltor broke out on the 20th of March, and as such Aurlûnor followed its southern allies in Alda and Huitca to war against the southern rebels. This resulted in the creation of the condominium vassal of Goldburg, shared with Aurlûnor and Alda, on the 30th. Dreondorans raided southern Aurlûnor on the 3rd of April.

Internal Reorganization
The following two months saw much reorganization of the state. Firstly, a program to rejuvenate the provincial capitals was launched, with each province being advertised for settlers. Teahouses and inns were funded to stimulate the national economy as well. On March 12th, it was decided that since Mao Meili couldn't serve as both a governor and the chancellor, she was relieved of service and Sun Lei was promoted to governor of Nir Province.

The imperial bureaucracy announced a number of important role openings: State Councilor, and Ministers of Rites, Academics, Demographics, and Diplomatic Affairs. In order, Sekhem Khamen was promoted to Minister of Rites, Astrid Sindarin to DIplomatic Affairs, Nefer-Ka-Mutawakh to Minister of Academics, Rex Khamen to Demographics, and Ja'al of Hloamar to State Councilor.

The coronation of Oranje von Savras in Andorn ended horribly for the newly-crowned kaiserin, as mere seconds after being given the crown a late-arriving Chancellor Meili prompted werewolf raiders hiding behind Savras' city walls to attack prematurely. The resulting chaos ended in the injury and incapacitation of High Minister Nori, who was unable to be healed as she lay poisoned in a Soleannen temple. She recovered after several days of being comatose, and being brought to the Guardian Dragon shrine at the Guojiang Bazaar.

On April 1st, a group of Richterian Twin Dragon followers led by Stigmata (a veteran of the Richterian-Aurlûnoren conflict) settled in northern Nir. Establishing the city of Shenhua, this new boom town embarked on the construction of several large projects including a large dragon statue in Lake Ostron and a province-spanning railroad network.

Ashuran Secession
Stirrings in the south culminated in a small rebellion in the Ashuran provinces on April 4th. Seeing the writing on the wall, the Velereth and Grand Magistrate Azan Shaer reached an agreement; Ashura would once again be an independent vassal state, with Azan as its pharaoh. The Ashuran public agreed to this situation, and the new state became recognized widely as one of Syltor's newest countries.

Close of the Second Reign
While Ashura had broken off, most of Aurlûnor's internal affairs remained business as usual. However, the retiring of Governor Aule from Tacua and the death of Governor Squishie of Celume strained government control in the southwestern provinces. The reconstruction of the Takumakken Embassy in Quacomar, and the promotion of Kori Glynrel to Veleran-Consort (and the founding of the Faun town of Fanamar), however, seemed to bolster the buildup of the central heartlands of the Velande. The Shenhuaese also began the construction of mass infrastructure projects throughout the nation in the form of ice roads; however, the infrastructure builders got into conflict with several environmentalists who wished not for the roads to cross through Aurlûnor's national parks.

Imperial initiatives in Eldham were also furthered in these days, with additional grants being given to stimulate the Isillûnde Viceroyalty. From there, diplomacy with the Yoakumaen of New Yoake was conducted, helping to mend relations that had been shattered since the Great Eclipse. A non-aggression pact with Dracade helped to solidify intra-Rathnirite relations as well, as Nori took leadership in the NSC to maintain the alliance. The opening of lhûmar's tea houses also stimulated both the local economy and the reinforcement of diplomatic relations with the nations of Haven.

Red Sun Campaign & Abdication of Sareariel
Full article: Red Sun Campaign

In the summer of 952 ACA, the relatively peaceful days of the Second Reign came to a close, with the declaration of war by Josbar Liberium. As Aurlûnor mobilized for war with Alda and Ashura, however, Josbar began a campaign of misinformation & recruited the help of several mercenaries and volunteers the Soleannan Imperium to fight for him. Under the threat of what seemed like a targeting of the Velereth directly (as Emperor Yazov himself was known to have personal quarrels with the Velereth), Sareariel abdicated as the crisis spiraled out of control. She placed Chancellor Meili as regent, effectively making her the single most powerful person in the country. As the Chancellor had sole authority during this age, it has come down in history to be known as the Aurlûnor Chancellorate era.

Chancellor Meili was left with an overbearing choice- should she continue to push for victory, in spite of the odds and the reluctance of many in the nation to risk losing everything? Or, would the country be dissolved into its constituent states in a desperate attempt to save the people? She chose the former option. Under Meili's direction, Quacomar's defenses were constructed with the aid of several mercenaries, who aided in the reorganization of the inexperienced Dragon Army. War bonds were issued, and many people loaned money to the government. Jacob Azurov, seeing the threat of the Imperium towards Aurlûnor, generously donated a hefty $2,000,000 grant no-strings-attached to the war effort.

Talks with Josbar himself proved to be catastrophic, as Josbar threatened a war of genocide against Aurlûnor, sowing seeds of divide between lhûren and Aurlûnoren Humans, and seeking to replace local town leaders with his own soldiers. Not only this, Josbar also pinned the plan on Emperor Yazov, to avoid responsibility and scare the new ruler into submission. It backfired horribly for Josbar as the Chancellor leaked this information to the world at large, but taking the threats at face value, targeted the Imperium. While many international supporters turned to Aurlûnor and away from Josbar's clique, the Imperium grew infuriated at these claims (and the toxicity in international discussions brought upon them by the genocide allegations) and swiftly denounced both Aurlûnor and Josbar.

Ultimately, however, Josbar lost his support and Aurlûnor gained a massive upper hand. This event served to make Chancellor Meili a national hero, having saved the country from one of its largest crises in years. Several statements were made to repair relations with the Imperium and search for Aurlûnor's new direction on the international stage.

The Chancellorate in Peacetime
As peacetime came to the Chancellorate, new policies had to be arranged within the government. The Chancellor published a public list of goals, changes, and focal points for the new government to follow. These included:


 * Economic reform, to get the government a stable source of income
 * Repayment of the national debt, incurred from the war
 * Reorganization of army logistics systems and appointment of a Quartermaster General
 * Proposed renaming of towns in their local dialects instead of the Imperial dialect
 * Legalization of Ryzani cheese
 * Rooting out of Josbar-affiliated drug manufacturing in the Ashuran desert
 * Finding a potential successor to Sareariel

As Aurlûnor and Ryzan had been growing closer diplomatically and culturally, many considered the reformation of the Aurlûnor-Ryzani Empire again, or something similar. The discussion was heavily joked about by both Ryzani and Aurlûnoren alike, and talks to seriously go about such an affair went on for over a year. However, many plans to unite the two realms were deemed to be too problematic, or giving too much power to Ryzan, or even giving too much power to the provinces and freeholds, and no one plan was ever decided.