Legends of Citana: The First Era

The dwarves of Angeld had another quiet few years as they worked to continue their gradual growth of prosperity and development. This was broken up as Angeld met with new nations and kingdoms of strange and unusual races and creatures, even more different than the humans of Esterhold. The first of these were a group of refugees from the south, known as elves. They have established the city of Miscarand further south along the coast and have begun some limited local trading with Wetfeet Hold. More unusually however has been encounters with a race that call themselves Piscans to the north. These fish-men are fairly bizarre in both looks and culture, apparently having a city which rests partially under the sea. Local contact has been made, but has been difficult due to the unusual speech patterns of the piscan creatures. A third race was discovered, that of bird people, known as the Ayar, who came upon their own sleek vessels into Wetfeet Hold. Lastly, some new ore has been discovered in the mines, but so far the people have left it untouched, despite some calls to experiment with it, as it appears to have incredible potential for armor and weapon usage.

The Ayar and men of Barakdwell have gone through a fascinating period of development and labor this year, punctuated with limited problems. A dispute with the Yevah Nomads has led to the town of Yevatarrk losing its main trading partner as the nomads moved upriver. The loss of trade has been financially painful to the community, but they continue to labor on their end of the growing Meytl Terro. The Meytl Terro's construction continues to be the ideal project which absorbs the best and brightest of Barakdwell's society. New roads and tunnels continue to be delved through the mountains, but the true accomplishments came from the seas.

The Ayar, having heard tales of faraway lands and people from the Yevah nomads, have designed and built three of the new Wave-Rider ships. These mostly unarmed vessels and craft are designed for rapid exploration of the high seas. Leaving from the river port of Yevatarrk, these three ships went out into The Renda and beyond. The first went directly east, and arrived to much surprise in a half land, half water city known to its inhabitants as Chuaraqchu. These strange piscan creatures have been very odd beings, as the Ayar had never yet encountered amphibious beings. A ship to the north at last encountered the cities of Fadar and Ghoststone, meeting with the local representatives. Fadar and the Yevah were far more open to trading, having heard of the Ayar from their nomadic cousins. The elves of Ghoststone were less than enthusiastic, and brusquely kept them away from the main city. The final ship found very little, travelling along the coast, and finding nothing but endless beaches and rolling hills.

Karan's Challenge: The human leaders around Greyview have become increasingly critical of the Meytl Terro, claiming that it would be more efficient to drive a road along the coast or west of the mountains than directly through them. This has been a growing base of dissent against the Ayar's rule. How do we respond?

The people of Barslov had very few events of note or problems, as they continued to eke out an existence on the southern coast of their island. Commerce and trading has continued with little problems and conflict as they more or less peacefully coexist with their surroundings. Some hunting of the wolfmen continue throughout the cities as many remain hidden in the more isolated places of Shadowhold and the hillsides. The biggest event out of the norm was a visit from the prince of Helvan, and the people of Shadowhold's first real contact with the Vinar. The result was a fairly amicable meeting, festivities, and ultimately a triumphal return to their own kingdom and realm.

The men and dragons of Dragon's Arie began a new era of trade and growth this year as a new installation was created to magically refine the waters of the sea into usable fresh water form. This has done much to provide for people within the kingdom, giving them greater wealth and support for a growing population and food base. This has been helped by the creation of remote trading outposts near Zinar and Ghoststone, providing some very limited trade with the local men and elves, respectively. Lastly, a new temple has been built in the valley known as the heart of Adona's Hourglass, as a site for the location and study of the Tome of Adona. The temple is only accessible by flying creatures such as dragons, keeping men away from the legendary tome.

The greatest dragons have spent the past few years studying the Tome of Adona to unlock its secrets with great delicacy. After several unfortunate mishaps, it was discovered that the Tome reduces the unwary, no matter how powerful they may be, into mere dust. Based on observation, the Tome effectively seems to accelerate the aging of the victim to the point of disintegration. Beyond that, it is believed by the primary scholars that the Tome has unlimited control upon time and its influences on creatures and locations. It has been theorized that the possibilities are nearly limitless within the boundaries of time.

Great Lord's Challenge: There has been emerging dissent among the humans under our rule, as prolonged contact with Yevah and Ghoststone have demonstrated that other societies and peoples have grown and thrived without the guidance of dragons. This is undermining the basis of our civilization, and could threaten our power. How do we respond?

The elves of Ghoststone have spent further time developing their economy, and a concerted effort was launched to locate the missing legend, Flynajoon. Scouts have continued going north up the Silent River and exploring and investigating, looking for any trace of the hero. So far, no success has been had, as no trace of the heroic elf seems to exist in the region. More interaction was had with races outside of the ghost elves, including the dragons of Dragon's Arie as they established a tiny post for trading north of the city. Locals have scarcely traded with them, but have heard reports that most races the dragons have encountered have been held in slavery by the great beasts. Lastly, a strange and sleek vessel arrived at the mouth of the Silent River, of creatures known as the Ayar, which look more or less like winged men. Some minor trading was conducted, before they went along on their own course of exploration.

Hive Red Obsidian has continued to be the hub of great activity as the island on which it rests continues to be converted to a single great hive of Ithor. The efforts have been fairly successful in the development of the hive, as they grow and expand throughout the earth. The new tunnels being dug continue to be fortified and secured against collapse and undermining by worms. This has been partially fuelled by the continued capture of the elf creatures from ships that have stopped along the coast. Patrols have been successfully grabbing these beings from the coast, and they have been valued as a delicacy. The queen and princesses have reported increased magical acumen with each meal, offering greater strength and magical powers.

The Vinar of Helvan had a fairly uneventful few years as the focus has become on establishing a new settlement along the coast. The new town of Algudhir has been established, revolving around a growing new lumber industry from the nearby woods. The greatest achievement of these five years though was the labored journey of the prince to Shadowhold and the men of Barslov. The result was a fantastic meeting of the two races and cultures, as it seems a peace has been secured for the whole of Barslov Island. The hopes are that the two nations will avoid war and unrest between the two, and that eventually a true boundary between the two realms will be achieved.

With the destruction of the dragons from atop Mount Zeal, the elves of the Magical Kingdom have undergone a growing era of peace and prosperity. This has been seen with the construction of new town of Kajar to the southwest, relying upon fishing and limited trade along the local river. With prosperity comes a richer society, and a more sinister one in some respects. The popular hero Namalri became beloved by the people and feared by the upper classes, who immediately began plotting against her. The result was the poisoning of her name with the king, who eventually was pressured into ordering her exile from the kingdom. Namalri was threatened with execution, and has since left, bringing more support from the upper class to the monarchy. Rumors of her treasonous activities have been spread among the populace, and most are fairly content with these actions.

The Quillaachu have continued to huddle in their homes, creating a peaceful society of local trade and growth, but some have begun itching for more. The sighting of an increasing number of surface vessels along the shores has led to an urge to make contact with obviously civilized races. The first of these were a group of short fishermen, about the size of a piscan, which call themselves dwarves. They claimed to represent a city known as Wetfeet Hold to the south, and the larger realm of Angeld. Another peculiar, yet smaller group was discovered to be exploring from even further south, a group of elves representing the new kingdom of Miscarand. Lastly, and most unusually was the discovery of what appeared to be flying creatures, known as the Ayar. They arrived on a craft, and are said to live in great mountains across the sea to the west.

Chief's Challenge: The arrival of so many different races and civilizations near our realm has thrown our ideals and thoughts up and down. They are so very different to us, and our thinkers are pondering the issue of how they fit into the world as we know it. They ask the chief how these strange creatures will truly fit into our growing realm and nation?

The war against the Ithor has at last reached a final climax this year as the realm of Sommerset fought a desperate struggle. The greatest graduates of magical learning in Sommerset have formed the skilled Alumni, proud mages and wielders of the fury of destruction. With their help, the fighting has taken a bit of a turn, but the ruler of the nation took the army out for one greater battle. Working on an unconfirmed theory that killing the hive's queen could destroy the hive, the gates were opened and the majority of the army marched out, cutting a swathe of destruction to Hive Fus. Meanwhile a token defense was held by the remaining city guard, slowly dwindling and dying as they sought to hold against the growing tide and magics of the commanding princess. After several breaks in the city wall, a large number of citizens fled overseas, in an assortment of fishing craft, and are rumored to have established their own kingdom far to the north. Ultimately the besieged city found itself relieved by a mysterious elf from the east known as Namalri. Wielding a blade of great power, she nullified the magic of the Ithor princess and proceeded to lead the outnumbered city guard to a great victory. After helping restore order to the city, Namalri and the remaining guards went to the quieting Hive Fus, in the hopes of aiding the attack which had gone before. (-50 City Guards, -20,000 Population)

The initial attack on the hive went fairly well, as the magical powers of the Alumni plowed through the minions of the Ithor queen. They still faced enormous onslaughts from the powers of the queen and her remaining princesses, who devastated the ranks of the novices brought along for the ride. Ultimately, they found themselves lost, deep within the hive, trying to navigate the tunnels, while the Ithor collapsed passages behind them. They were spared at last with the arrival of Namalri and the few remaining guards from the city, and with the mighty sword Wyrmwyrd, Namalri struck down the queen, sending the remaining Ithor into a frenzy. In the chaos, the survivors of the elven attack managed to rebuild their ranks and flee. Many Ithor fled and others were cut down, but it is believed that enough remain to form a new hive within the center of the island, but it is assured that they are for now, quite beaten. A celebration was held in Sommerset as the realm begins to repair and rebuild from the devastation of the war. (-200 City Guards, -35 Novices, -10 Alumni)

Unfortunately the peace was short-lived as within the later part of this period, after homes and farms had been rebuilt, a new threat emerged, this time from the sea. Humans emerged from a number of war-like vessels and raided the farms and settlements along the coast, a number of times. By the time any mages or guards could respond, the hamlets would be in flames, and the raiders departed. A significant part of the wealth of the region is said to have been looted and raided by the humans, bringing them back to wherever they came. It is believed that the humans of Vyraname are responsible, but not enough is known about them beyond what we've encountered in the past in Esterhold far to the north. (-100 Gold)

High Lord's Challenge: Our High Lord is old, even for an elf, and there is some concern that he may pass on from the mortal world quite soon. The need is great for him to choose a successor. How do we respond?

The dwarves of Sverstall have continued to mine and dig around the realm, increasing their wealth and resources. In these efforts they have discovered a miraculous new ore within the depths of the earth, which has been called Farrium. The new ore has been forged by the best smiths into new weapons for the feared Guardians. These new weapons and armor have proven stronger and more durable, not to mention, allowing for greater agility on the field of battle. The Farrium armor has grown increasingly effective after several tests, and rumors of it being in some way corrupted have more or less fallen by the wayside. The ore has proven the center of new forging, and the Guardians' ranks swell as more seek to use these weapons against the enemies of the dwarves. (+50 Guardians)

Tribune's Challenge: One of the Guardians has been indicted in killing his whole family and has been implicated in the deaths of several others. It seems that he has gone quite insane, and a number of other guardians have been reporting this descent into madness. Our people have never seen a crime quite so heinous, and have no idea what should be done. How do we respond?

The men of Vyraname have begun unveiling the increasing violence and call for blood from the Titan Noreas and their religion. Expansion has been the key, as a fort was established upriver from Falreagen, known as Lodzhold. This new fort is a marker of inland expansion, as an outpost deep within the continent, serving as a potential jumping off point for any number of new settlements. The true nature of Vyraname emerged as a war party was sent to the southeast, after hearing tales of the elven lands of Sommerset and the war which rages there. Upon arriving they found no war with the Ithor, but instead found unguarded elven villages and hamlets along the coast. The villages were quickly looted and burned, and the wealth of the elf lands were taken and prisoners seized. The few elves taken home to Falreagen have been paraded to the king, and glorified for their beauty, particularly valued for harems of the wealthy. Furthermore, a plethora of gold was brought home, and the promise of even more wealth awaiting for other daring raiders. (+100 Gold)

The kingdom of Yevah had a few quiet years, broken up with only a couple truly significant events. Most of this period has been seen with increasing economic production and expansion, including mining operations in Zinar and lumber works in Redar. The latter have been hindered though by the town's fairly small population, which is not enough to truly expand production any further. The trade was locally bolstered by growing trade with the Dragon's Arie, as they establish a quasi-permanent trading post not far from Zinar. The first truly significant event was the creation of the Silent Death, an order of warrior mages and soldiers dedicated to the silent and stealthy elimination of Yevah's enemies. They are feared among other warriors, and are said to the be the true elite of the army, creating a growing tension with the Maccabees. The only other truly significant event was the arrival of a sleek ship in Fadar harbor. On board was the rumored Ayar, described by the nomads who occasionally still made the pilgrimage east. These winged men beasts have made themselves known in the harbor, and some rudimentary diplomatic relations have been established.