[Contest] Desertia

[MRPolo13]

Please do not post on this thread until I say I am finished with it. My lore will most likely be long as I am planning to go into as much historical detail as possible.

Note that this is intended as historical writing from more than one person. This is like an archive written throughout the ages.

The Creation
Also known as "Times Before", with accordanance to the Meronic Book, or "Times ahead" according to the Apocalipta. It's uncertain when exactly the Creation started, though Meronism, the most popular religion in Desertia, states that the Creation started around eighty nine million years BT (Before Thought). It is said to have begun with three minds; that of Truth, that of Lie, and that of Honour, which knew that lies had to be said for truth to prevail.

At first, the Surroundings were created. The pool of black which surrounds Desertia, which brings darkness and kills light when night falls, and which is always defeated by the Sun every morning. This is of course the Meronist interpretation. For example, Desnic interpretation varies greatly; To them Desertia is the eye of a snake, which falls asleep every night and awakens every day (clarification needed; archaeological findings not clear enough; note that Desnitians have been destroyed three centuries ago).

The Creation took eighty million years with findings and beliefs of Meronism. Desertia was created with all the flora and fauna within that time, and at the end of it, the Thoughts were pleased. However, it lacked something. It lacked the balancing, the point of the pyramid. That was when the Three Races were created. Humaren, Eltheren and Detheren.
The races were all given equality; Detheren were short, but were born with intelligence of development, Eltheren were tall and slender, but though lacking strength of Detheren they knew how to take care of trees and crops... only Humaren were given nothing... Nothing but all.

This period was known as the "Times of Tranquillity". It was the period of time where nothing much happened except huge advancements from both Detheren and Eltheren. However, neither of the races could establish working nations, instead continuing to fight in tribal conflicts either amongst themselves or between themselves.

And so for the first thousand years the two races developed greatly, but then for the upcoming millions of years, almost hardly at all, being lost in tribal wars between each other, while Humaren watched, while they learnt, and while they acted.

 

[MRPolo13]

First War of Nations (12 BP - 1 DP)
(BP is Before Power, DP is During Power)

In the year 14 BP, the Eltherenic tribe heir Dosmeth Mithen went to find love in the tribe of Daserin. It must be noted that during those times it was a custom for a Eltherenic man to steal a wife from another tribe as a sign of strength. This of course meant many men died in attempts, however should the woman have been kidnapped, the other tribe would pay an offering as a form of congratulating the couple. It was reported by his fellow huntsman that for a month they traveled before finally reaching what would have been their destination; Daserin village. However, when they arrived they only found charred corpses and burnt houses.

This of course led to panic, as Daserin was considered the biggest tribe of the times, and also considered one of the more peaceful ones. The Two Year War of Eltherens started, as every tribe decided to blame the other.

A year later similar thing happened to Dethemer. The "King's Hall" faced a sudden cave-in from, at the time, unknown reasons.

These series of sudden attacks continued for the next half of year or so. Dethemers and Eltherens continued blaming either each other or themselves, continuing to fight fiercely. This period is reocognised as the "Battles of the Damned", as they led to nothing but weakening of two already weak races.

Then, a year later, a sudden change came. In the winter of year 12 BP both nations were attacked from possibly the least expected side- Humaren. The political reasons behind the attack were rather obvious for Humaren; they have been threatened by both sides and often forced into slavery, and eventually a spark of hope arose with the First Leader, called Daywin, son of Thought. He united the Minor Faction in 15 BP, and at the start of 14 BP swore to fight against the parasites which abused the Minor Faction. Obviously both sides had a crushing advantage over Humaren, therefore Daywin and his commanders drew up the plan of "Darkness of light"- something we would refer to as a partisan war.

The Nation Wars started in 12 BP, when both Eltheren and Detheren realised the new threat. Weakened, they decided the best thing to do was to unite their races. The Nation Wars were extremely significant in the history of Desertia as that was the time that eventually united worlds and eventually created the three factions. It was also the first recorded total war of Desertia.

The Battle of Three Destroyers took place in Year 1 Before Power. This battle was fought between Humather, Eltheren and Detheren. At first, only Eltheren and Detheren fought. Eltheren arrived with six thousand cavalry, twenty five thousand infantry men (including 500 heavy swordsmen) and eighteen thousad archers (including 1000 heavy archers of Damerian). They united under the leadership of Dosmeth of the Mithen tribe (note; possible origins of banners and coats of arms deprived from the fact each different commander wore his tribe's colours), Detheren on the other hand arrived with thirty seven thousand infantry (including eight thousand heavy Guard of King's Hall) and sixteen thousand archers (of which ten thousand was light).

The first part of the battle took place in the Twins of Tesmer River, on the plains of the centre island, both factions being camped either side. It commenced in the month of Second Sun. It is recorded that it was a very hot day. Eltheren Cavalry charged first, after the initial arrow cover. However, it was unable to spread out far enough and Detheren spearmen quickly took their places on the right flank and stopped the charge, while the heavy left flank moved in to surround the Eltheren.
At this point the Eltheren troops moved to attack right; eight thousand troops moved in and clashed with the six thousand Heavies. The battle was extremely balanced. Eventually the cavalry had to retreat and regroup, having suffered major losses, however the spears were soon attacked and overcome by the reserve of five thousand men. The battle shape turned to look a little like a spiral.

By around three in the afternoon, after the whole day of fighting, both of armies lost around half of their troops. It was then that, reportedly, a loud sound of drum was heard. The Man's Vengeance, drum that was heard, was said to have been made of three thousand skins of both Detheren and Eltheren. It was a gigantic contraption that was to be heard from ten miles away, and is said to have been beaten by seven hundred men.

The island was surrounded by fifty thousand Humaren infantry soldiers, supported by ten thousand cavalrymen and twenty thousand archers. It was then that both factions realised the threat that came from Humaren side, and it was then that they stopped fighting.

A rider came out in front of the crowd, supported by two bannermen and fifty honour guards. He rode slowly to the battle and stopped couple of hundred metres. Reluctant, both sides rode forward to meet with him. The First Treaty, also refered to as Treaty of Freedom, was signed that day, leading to the Humaren supremacy and to final creation of Three Nations.

 

[MRPolo13]

The Times of Flourish (1 DP to 78 DP)
King Daywin became the first true king of now-Humans, and has finally put an end to the tribal warfare of the past. He ruled until his death at the age of 73 in the year of 51. Through in his time, in memory of the Battle of Three Destroyers, he founded the first city of Desertia; Pris. Pris became the capital city of Humans, and the biggest city in Desertia. Though technology fell behind greatly, art and craft flourished more than ever. No more did basic metallurgy focus on arms, but instead it moved on to artistic applications.

In the year of 52, Daywin's eldest son, Sunwin, took the throne. He was, at the time, thirty two. Yet another wise leader, however one who could not keep his eyes on only one woman, hence the popular saying "I see less light than Sunwin's treasure", which is often applied to jokes about the nobility in general. Let's just say that his bastards made up around half a percent of Pris's population. He never married either.

Sunwin died in the year of 76, without one certain heir to the throne. Two years that followed were filled with disputes as to who shall take over the land. Altogether, twenty contestants arose, five of which soon died. Out of remaining fifteen, seven backed off and only eight remained. These formed alliances and fought the Second War of Nations.

Second War of Nations (78 DP to 81 DP)
Once again drums started their beats. Once again did men bid farewell to their wives and embraced their sons. Once again did the banners rise. The Wars took place between eight different factions. They destroyed entire realm, set the continent on fire. Indeed, most of population was supportive of war; there wasn't one for so long...
The Nation was set on fire, and eventually, after three years of onslaught, it was decided that the Human Nations became separate. Prism fell into almost complete anarchy until Prisma took it over.

The Eight Nations became known as Desnia, Meronia, Sundia, Prisma, Dactria, Maconia, Ibisis and Quodis. Each was ruled differently; Prisma and Maconia became dictator states, Sundia, Meronia and Desnia stayed as monarchies, Ibisis and Quodis both created senates and became almost democratic, Dactria became almost wild. Each of the nations thought they had the rightful claim to Pris and to the crown, however that didn't really matter as such. Prisma quickly became the biggest of the nations, but did not try to attack any of the other countries for quite a while.

The Second War wasn't obviously as significant. However, it has shown the importance of constant supply and has taught the world about full-scale war. Metallurgy once again came into fashion and for the first time in two generations it focused on improving the strength of metals.

 

[MRPolo13]

Rise of Asmorian Empire (82 DP)

In the year 82, Ibisis and Quodis have joined into one alliance following the destruction of Quodis senate caused by an explosion. It must be noted that to this day it is unknown as to what exactly caused the explosion, however it is often blamed on Maconia or Sundia, as both factions were looking into control of Kasmir River and Bosan Lake. The entire Senate was moved to the Great Capital of Ibisis, and two states became known as Asmoris, or as we know it, Asmorian Empire.

Asmorian Empire quickly took actions; the first senate meeting decided that a single leader had to be elected for the times of war ahead. Marion Sola was chosen as Grand Master Marion I, the first emperor of Asmoris. He turned out to be an extremely competent leader; he quickly brought about the much-needed social reforms which allowed the new nations to expand culturally and, in the long run, economically. He also put more weight into army recruitment, and any citizen of Asmoris could enlist, with the promise of good wages, excellent training and state-provided equipment. This of course meant that many young men went to enlist in the army, which quickly grew from an estimated twelve thousand men to an estimated fifty thousand men. This marked it as the second largest army of the Molan Continent, only being smaller than the army of Prisma.

In the year 84, two years after Marion was elected, he put all of blame of the attack on the Senate on Maconia, and despite its claim that it took no part in the plot, he marched thirty thousand men to attack its capital. Faced with an overwhelming force, Macon, the aging leader of Maconia, decided that the best thing to do was to return all his forces to Spear of Macon, the capital city, where the great walls gave some hope of safety.

Spear of Macon was taken over within two years, final battle being at the start of 84 DP, marking the start of the rise of Asmorian Empire. Newborns and Children were given Asmorian citizenship, but adults were quickly rounded up. Most of them were freed, especially the working ones. However ones that had no homes or work were put into slaves' chains.

 

[MRPolo13]

Fall of Sundia (87 DP to 91 DP)

Sundian Desert is an area surrounded by mountains known as Snake's Chain. It has two passes, both walled off safely with Fortress West and Fortress South respectively. This meant that if Asmorian Empire wanted to take over Sundia, it'd have to either break through unconquerable fortresses or through the mountains. It decided on the latter.
The first step Asmoris had to therefore take if it wanted to conquer the deserts was to get across the mountains. Both fortresses could have been easily defended by twenty, thirty men, even being outnumbered forty to one, for long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

Emperor Marion chose the one solution no one expected, and seemingly forgot about; he hired the Dwarves. Being almost locked away from world in King's Hall, the Dwarves have developed extremely advanced mining technology, as well as technologies required in construction of much needed siege engines and equipment. This made the Dwarven kind an ideal strike force through the mountains. Their task was simple; to take down Fortress South and allow Asmorian army to cross Snake's Chain.

Within a month, the Dwarves have mined a mile long tunnel in solid rock, from one of the mountains to straight below Fortress South. They then set up explosives and blew up the entire fortress. It's said that the explosion was heard in Pris, though that information is unconfirmed. Nevertheless, the operation has been a total success and the army quickly attacked the unprotected and unsuspecting city of Sunwin's Rest, which gave up without almost any fight. However the Dwarves refused to destroy Fortress West, which also refused to surrender. This was because the Dwarves were actually the ones that built it, and felt too much pride to destroy their own architectonic wonder. This lead to a one and a half year long siege of Fortress West.

 

[MRPolo13]

Discovery of Magic and the first Father (89 DP)
On the first full moon of Last Sun a small village South West of Freetown disappeared. Soon, Freefolk were sent to investigate the disappearance, and they were met with charred ground and a single man standing in the centre, smiling warmly. He looked up at the scared guardsmen and said a single sentence; I did it.

His name was Esmius, and he came to be known as the First Father of Magic, which also soon became his title. The village soon reappeared, its disappearance turning out to be a simple illusion spell. Now we know that magic works through a series of veins which run through entire Desertia. It turned out that the village was standing exactly atop one of veins' strongpoint, and the First Father discovered it. The veins allow complete control of air if one knows how to use them. This allows them to have complete control of air, which can be shaped to whatever they wish.

 

[MRPolo13]

First Empire (98 DP)

The conquests of Asmorian Empire continued. They first spread more West, then started going up North. By the time Pris responded it was too late; two hundred thousand troops besieged the once-mighty city. Fifty ballistae fired almost constantly at the stone walls until they starded crumbling.

The first wave was launched from the South West, which was the obvious, landmass place to start. The troop of twenty thousand soldiers charged into the walls but were stopped by catapult fire within the first half an hour of the attack. They were called back to retreat and to continue the barrage on the city.

Then it was decided that ships from First "Marion's" Fleet will engage the defensive fleet in a naval battle. Thirty attack ships and fifty support ships assaulted twenty five attack ships supported by eighteen support ships and ten naval catapults. The first part of the naval battle was indecisive, as both sides took major losses as both fleets first rammed into each other. Five hundred and eleven men were lost on Asmorian side, but although it's difficult to estimate Prisman losses, they are said to have been twice as high.

The Empire attacked twice more through the land that day, once in the afternoon and once after sunset, trying to catch defenders off guard. However, the shape of land allowed defenders of Pris to concentrate fire, and didn't make spreading out possible for attackers. It must therefore be noted that the first day accounted for the heaviest losses on the empire's side. Asmoris counted 36,238 losses that day. Campfires were lit that day using Nature Powder, making them green- a colour which was used to represent Thought escaping the fields, also a colour of grief after lost ones.


The second day was much more successful for Asmorians- they managed to reach the outer walls and get a foothold inside of them. First Fleet was this time supported by Second "Spears of Sunset" Fleet. Together they almost wiped out the defensive fleet and managed to assault the beaches, though with little success outside of destroying the naval defenses on land. The foothold held strongly and soon another one appeared about two hundred metres away from it. The Asmorian Army managed to breach the entire Outer Wall defence but failed to follow through with the impact and Pris's forces regrouped on the second line. The losses were less than a half that day in comparison to the day before on Asmorian side, and Pris has suffered greatly, especially in food supplies, quarter of which were kept outside of walls.

However, Asmoris once again faced an interesting disadvantage- Siege Engines were unable to fire from within the city, as the buildings were too close together. This meant that Asmorians were only able to get across the second line either by ramming down the gates or by climbing up the walls. This was the issue Asmorian commanders discussed as their troops settled inside the inner walls. What was known as "Archer Games" began; a series of small archery duels between both sides that weren't serious nor intended killing the other person, moreso trying to hit the shield behind which they stood. This is where the current Archer Games originate from, where men hide behind large targets and fire at each other, trying to hit their respective targets.


Third day was once again a success- the fleets managed to secure a foothold on the beach and attacked the docks. Chaos spread across the city and quarter of the second line was forced to be diverted into port defence. The drummers beat, and land troops attacked the second line. FInally managing to follow its impact, Asmoris cut deeply into the city, pillaging, taking women and killing children. They eventually stopped on the city fortress, where the Grand Leader Prison resided.

Next day is known as "Red Banner Day", when Prison surrendered and was thrown into dugneon, and this is where we got the word "Prison" from, to represent his imprisonment. As if in a crack of a whip, every single siege engine stopped, troops stopped their pillaging and moved on to repairing the city.

Prison was executed, but justly. No further blood was spilled and the city was quickly rebuilt, the food and resource shortages either bought from Dwarves, Elves, or imported from Ibisis. In honour of the Siege of Pris, the Obelisk of Prisma still stands to this day, despite the Attacks of Wilder Ones. It was decided that Pris was to become the Empire capital city, and the Senate was moved there.

 

[MRPolo13]

Emperor Tismus and World Reforms (113 DP to 132 DP)

In 111 DP, Emperor Marion passed away after creating the first truly united superpower. The city of Melron was renamed to Marion's Port. The Week of the Dead takes place every year at the same time, the week during which Marion died.

The next Emperor, Tismus, has set a goal of creating an order between all of the races as well as establishing a proper resource route. Roads were built all across the continent with the aim of establishing safe connections, and sea routes were strengthened between the cities.

Emperor Tismus made pacts with the Dwarves to supply Asmarian Empire with highest quality of steel, as at the time Humans were not aware of methods of steel production. Three months later the Elves signed an official peace-treaty and after another two months trade rights. This assured Tismus that the Main Continent will be safe from internal politics of minorities (which is what the plan was named in secrecy).

His next plans involved magic. Tismus made the world's first Magical Academy and based it in Ibisis, Esmius being the headmaster as well as First Father until his death later that year, when he was replaced by Dorius, his first student. Magic faced constant improvements, and soon air was shaped to form human tissue and heal people. Magic branched off into Combat Magic, Passive Magic and Healing Magic, all three schools being extremely similar, and yet completely different.

Tismus was very popular with the Grand Senate and is referred to as "the Emperor after Wars", though of course Asmoris always faced conflict. A good example of that is the Stonemasons' Revolt of 114, where twenty seven men were killed, including four professional troops. However, overall his reign was possibly the most peaceful one. Emperor Tismus died in 132 of heart failure, being succeeded by Emperor Molther.

 

[MRPolo13]

First War of Continents (134-151 DP)

Emperor Molther, jokingly refered to as "Mummy Death", is often portraied as a great conqueror, who stood two metres tall and single-handedly killed ten people in single strike. That's not entirely true- he was only around one metre sixty in height and of rather poor build. He never actually took part in battle but instead gave commands from distance. He never officially killed a man either. However, his importance as a great military leader should most certainly be admired. He expanded the empire to the West, where he conquered the nations of Dolma Low, then marched North of the main land of Dolma to Dolma Great, where he took over almost all of it, the rest becoming client states. He is also attributed as the one who was the first to use magic in battlefield environment; in 138, during the Battle of Five Trees, named after Legio V, the Legion he commanded at the time, who's sign was an oak tree, and its opposing forces, who were four tribes of Elves. Legio was supported by three Wizards who called upon a storm which destroyed almost all of the command chain within moments.

Then he looked to the Southern Island, inhabited mostly by Orcs. The island actually had very little to offer, as the wars between Orcs have destroyed its natural resource reserves long ago. Mostly a dense forest, the island was actually around half the size of the Main Continent, making it a perfect target in theory.

The war quickly went into a standstill and the Empire was forced to step down off its conquests for around 300 years...

 

[MRPolo13]

Flameborn Wars (423 DP)

At the start of Summer of 423, the city of Marion's Port was almost burnt to the ground from unknown at the time reasons. Five wizards of the academy were sent out to investigate the causes of the attack, but it seemed that it was mostly spontenous, though locals screamed of flying demons which spat fire. Wizards therefore ran some magical probes through but have found nothing. After about a week they have decided to return to Pris.

Three days after their departure, one of the wizards broke off the convoy with twelve honorary guards to stop in a tavern for some time and test something. His name was Ultir the Empty. However, the village in which the tavern was set in was once again attacked. Would it not have been for Ultir's quick thinking, it is possible that for some time more no one would discover the true source of attacks. The source was the Dracosis, or what we now refer to as Dragons. The Dragon was struck by a thunder, which has to be noted as one of the luckiest strikes ever because the dragon didn't prepare any shields, not expecting a wizard to attack it. Soon, half of the academy gathered to inspect the body. The Dragons came from the Northern Continent, known to be one gigantic volcano...

The Empire, which waited far too long for a war, has responded immediately. Attacks have almost tripled, destroying many cities. Pris itself was endangered in 426, after five dragons came within distance, however wizards got together, including the First Father, to destroy them all. Generally speaking dragons are immune to all direct magic, and often have shields against indirect magic.

There were three waves sent, two of which were disasterous, to the North. First wave came in 423; Thirty thousand people in three Task Armies came within twenty kilometres off the coast of Flameborn Islands. They were attacked by one hundred and twenty dragons. Reported kills were twenty nine dragons, reported deaths of around seventeen thousand five hundred, including five of eight wizards sent in as support.

Second battle took place on the Western Coast of the Flamborn Islands in 427; forty eight thousand soldiers supported by twenty eight wizards and twelve catapults. They were attacked at sea before landing, losing at least five thousand people, but successfully repelling the attack. They were attacked once again on land by three hundred dragons. Reported kills of around a hundred and ten, reported deaths of over forty one thousand, including loss of all of the catapults and twenty one wizards.

Third battle, known as the "Success Strike", took place in 431. Twelve Legios, including Veteran Legios V, VII, XI and XIII were sent in, led by an ambitious leader Mithen Esden, with a new tactic. Relitively small army, supported only by seven wizards, landed directly on the Southern Coast. The Wizards instantly put up a shield against indirect magic, which was their main, if not the only, role in the expedition. The army marched swiftly Northwards to the Core of the Island, but was stopped at Hell's Pit Valley three days later by a group of thirty dragons. Minimal losses of thirty troops were sustained as the dragons were quickly shot out of the skies by experienced ballistae teams with nets. Those dragons were then killed on spot. Two dragons have escaped and allerted the horde. Two days later almost all of the horde struck; eight hundred and seventy three dragons faced around thirteen thousand men. The dragons lost most of the impact in the first hour or so of the attack, having fifty of their kin being shot out by ballistae, another twelve killed by archers and one by a lightning bolt of a wizard. The rest quickly retreated, regrouped, and in two hours' time attacked again. Once again they were stopped, and a single green dragon landed in front of the army, and for the first time ever spoke.

It is said that the dragon challenged the leader of the army to a duel, seeing that both sides were simply slaughtering each other. The legend also says that General Mithen Esden accepted the duel and stepped in front of his army.

The dragon struck first, swinging its huge tail at the man, but missing his head by couple of inches as he ducked and cutting it on his decorative "blade". The dragon was enraged and breathed fire, however the large shield protected General as he slowly marched closer to the dragon. Darcius, the dragon, tried to bite at the shield, but as he moved it away, he was stabbed in the face by the general, who quickly pulled his spear out and stabbed once more, though missing the eye both times. The dragon attacked with his tail again, but when he turned around he was surprised to see no one. General ran up the back of the beast and snapped his spear against its neck. Loud hiss was heard as the creature fell to the ground, Mithen drawing his sword and stabbing it deep into its eye. The battle seemed to have been over within minutes, if not seconds, and yet it decided the entire course of war.

Pact between dragons and the Empire was signed as to have peace between the two. Dragons, without their leader and having suffered enormous losses, had to give in and stop fighting. The Empire, as always exhausted from internal politics, also gladly ended the war. One thing that must be noted is that when dragons make a promise, they will always keep it, and though there were some rogue cases, there was never again a full-scale attack of dragons from the North.

 

[MRPolo13]

The Three Emperors (451 DP - 462 DP)
A short period of time when the Empire split into three; The West, believing to be the economical backbone of the Empire. Pris, the capital city and Ibisis, who's ruler was certain that the original capital of the Empire should once again become the Capital City of the Empire. The period eventually ended when Legios XXII and XXVI returned from the Western Continent and brought peace, once again uniting the nation.

First Elven Crisis (473 DP)
The First Elven Crisis of 473 took place after the laws made no Elven man or woman be a legal citizen of the Empire. This was around Emperor Misus's times. The Emperor was a well-known racist, and is now refered to as the one who made the Empire fall.
The Crisis ended within two months, when a Legio was marched up and threatened to burn down the forest if the partisans didn't surrender. The leaders were executed but the rest was freed.
Misus made the laws slightly less strict under pressure from Senate.

Dwarven Uprising (476 DP)
The Dwarven Uprising was far more successful than Elven Crisis. Dwarves have destroyed Dactilium and burnt it almost to the ground, leaving few prisoners. This was caused by the attacks on smaller Dwarven villages and the political strains, such as an embargo on Dwarven metals, which meant Humans had to pay even more than usual or had to buy low quality human steel.
The Dwarves then retreated into the mountains and locked Kings' Hall to outsides. Misus sent in Legio VI "Impera" in but was met with a crushing defeat, losing control of Dwarven Mountains.

Second Elven Crisis (477 DP)
Half of year after Dwarven Uprising, Elves once again tried their luck, this time being far more successful. Three Legios were caught in an ambush and only five hundred and thirteen people came out alive. The Elves fought harder than ever, and it's said they were also supported by the Dwarves. This eventually led to Elves reclaiming North Western forests for themselves. They kept a peaceful relationship with Elvenstown, as the city was supporting their struggle all the way through, despite being mostly human.

 

[MRPolo13]

Fall of the Empire (0 AP* - Present)
*AP stands for After Power
The Empire fell. It crumbled. Orcs attacked from the South, men from the West. Dragons didn't come to aid the empire. Dwarves and Elves alike rode for Pris. The Empire fell. The Empire had to fall... for I was the Empire. For too long we have conquered without being conquered ourselves. For too long we didn't taste the bitterness that is defeat. God forgives me, for I forgive myself, and there is no greater Divine creature than myself. There is no shame in dying, 'tis after all like a shame in undressing, to put on robes that are cleaner. I will live on, for I create life. Yes, I will live on.
- Emperor Misus's Diary, before the battle of Pris.

Pris fell within two days, when Elita Gvardia (Elite Guards, or Royal Guards) murdered the Emperor. The entire city was looted and burnt down, both by those who lived in it and those who attacked it. The world as one knew it fell, and along with it fell an entire culture. The Empire laid in ruins, and it only had itself to blame.
Life starts anew, however. The old leaf fell to make space for a newer, greener one to grow. Humans made peace with the rest of the races. It's time to develop once again...

 

[MRPolo13]

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND OVERVIEW

Basically this world is one that is similar to let's say 200 AD, soon after fall of Roman Empire. I thought this is an interesting take on fantasy, as Dark Ages aren't really often used as a time for fantasy stories. Throughout the entire lore I have given slight hints to the culture and to the way of life of everyone in this world, instead of giving a full-on approach. This assures that it's entirely up to the player to decide what to do with the knowledge he/she has, as well as the fact history does not tell much of continents which are not important to the empire. The Lore I created is very flexible in that you can do mostly anything with it. The scale of the continents isn't accurately depicted and there are huge landmasses which can easily provide you with enough variation to make the world happen. This means that the theoretical map can be whatever it wants to be, because basically anything will work.

However, while this is a very accurate description of the world, it does leave a lot of gaps. I'll now try to answer some of them.

Magic: Exactly what is says in the Lore, magic isn't actually directly bending laws of physics using some strange something. Instead, magic is the ability to control air. No more and no less, just the ability to control air. This gives a lot of advantages as far as simplicity is concerned; if you were to very quickly compress a lot of air you could create a fireball for instance. Indirect shields are simply shields made up of compressed air surrounding a given area. Magic falls into two categories; Direct and Indirect. Direct magic is the act of literally pulling air out of someone's lungs or increasing the pressure inside their eyeballs to make them explode. This form of magic directly affects the body. Indirect magic on the other hand is using the air around you. As previously mentioned, fireball can be used as an example.

Nether: Nether is the realm in which magic does not work at all. This is because none of the thinking races of the overworld can bend the air which has different gas contents and which is far heavier. However creatures that were born with it, such as Ghasts or Pigmen, most certainly can use the air in the Nether, and since it's harder to manipulate, that effect gets multiplied when Nether creatures enter the Overworld.

Technology: I gave some thought to the technology itself. As you can see above, on the dragon picture, the general looks somewhat like a Roman soldier and somewhat like a 17th century Winged Hussar. I didn't want to go exactly word-for-word with Roman equipment. Instead, the helmet is actually a kettle helm with two steel plates at the back and mail underneath them and steel plates covering the ears. Technology would, after the fall of the empire, mutate slightly. Perhaps the back plates would be removed, or the leather armour would be replaced by a full-steel cuirass. Again, that's entirely up to the players.

As far as weapons are concerned bows would quickly rise in popularity, however longbows would only be used by Elves. Humans would much prefer classic javelin, large shield and a short, mostly stabbing sword for another couple of centuries or so, before Dwarven techniques of metallurgy would once again surface and Humans would learn how to create longer swords.

YOU CAN NOW ASK QUESTIONS OR COMMENT ABOUT THE PIECE. THANK YOU FOR READING AT LEAST SOME OF IT. I KNOW IT'S A BIG THING THAT CAN BE EASILY CHOKED ON. :3

 

[MRPolo13]

Thank you very much good sir.

Again, I feel there may be some holes. If you spot any and wish to ask something about them, go for it.

 

[Yoda]

Thank you very much good sir.

Again, I feel there may be some holes. If you spot any and wish to ask something about them, go for it.

Give me a few hours and I'll read them, but from what I skimmed through it's looking great.