History

Ásaterra was originally a monarchy, until just over a hundred years ago, at which point the king’s councillor’s led a rebellion. Overthrown and imprisoned, King Carlos II later died of ‘natural causes’ in his cell. The rest of his family, supposedly exiled, were in fact, disposed of in a similar fashion. The council then installed themselves as a democratic ruling force, and controlled the country for the next fifteen years. However, they began to fear the proficiency of magic users running wild in the country, as well as the large number of mercenaries and sellswords. After the failure of the Sorcery Registration Act and the Military Conscription Decree, uprisings and protests dissolved into civil war. After years of futile bloodshed, a truce was reached and a compromise was made. The council spilt into two separate parties, whilst the mercenaries and the sorcerers each formed their own factions.

The Age of Darkness (Pre-2500 BU)[]

Very little is known about this period of time, as there appear to be little to no records from any nation. There are a handful of written texts from this time, but they are not only extremely fragile, but are written in runes, which few can translate. The one exception to this rule is Treth, the oldest nation on the continent, which prides itself on its long, prosperous, and often bloody history. Despite many negotiations, Treth has always refused to share their knowledge of this time, even with their own people, and the recordings are kept in the Archives of the Paragon under close guard. There are, however, many legends and stories which have been passed on orally, which speak of a great terror across the land. The specifics unfortunately have been lost to time, but many of the darker traditional tales of Ásaterra may have their roots in this era.

Timeline[]

Pre-10,000	The Dominion of Treth is founded.
c.3000 BU	The Monarchy of Valclya is founded.

The Age of Magic (circa 2500 BU - 250 BU)[]

During this era, the north of what would one day become Ásaterra was part of the Dominion of Treth. They discovered ancient ruins, presumed to be from before the Age of Darkness, and were able to harness ancient magics present in them for their own use. However, their foothold in these lands only lasted until 2000 BU. A group of Supplicantem rebelled against Treth’s ancient status quo, aided by allies across the sea in Huángjīn Xīwàng. They succeeded in pushing the Dominata back behind the Ortun Mountains, and established themselves in the North West. This has led to Treth’s centuries old claim that the North of Asaterra ‘rightly’ belongs to them.

The former supplicantem and their allies spread out across the north and formed enlightened city states, led by elected leaders. With the technology of Huángjīn Xīwàng combined with a multitude of cultures, the city states were said to be a site to behold. Magic was at its all time zenith, and the city states prospered, ushering in a new age of mathematics, physics, theology, literature, arts and many more areas of study. It is said that at one point, the cities ran almost solely on magic, with people of all species and nations finding a home there and coexisting peacefully. It was not to last.

The Age of Ruin (250BU-1BA)[]

Up until this point, the city states had had small skirmishes with Treth over the years, but never full out war. However, around 250 BU, Paragon Decimabella, embodiment of Brutus, came to the golden throne, and declared that it was the will of her God that Treth’s ancient land be reclaimed. The cities were completely taken by surprise when the full force of Treth’s army descended on them with religious zeal and the full might of the magic of the Dominata. It is unclear whether Treth intended to destroy the cities, or whether it was an unfortunate accident. Some theorise that the Trethian’s were experimenting with the magical structures; others that they were trying to steal their power. Whatever happened, the results were catastrophic. The ancient structures were destroyed, and a blast of magic wiped out all life in the area surrounding them. Those who had not escaped Treth’s invasion perished, along with the majority of Treth’s troops. The remainder limped back across the border, leaving nothing but a wasteland where the once great cities had stood. This area today has become the Atesli Desert.

The survivors of Treth’s assault formed largely nomadic tribes, which grew accustomed to the difficult life in the wasteland, and who often formed trade caravans from the more southern countries to Treth. They were highly religious, and the only buildings which really endured were the sanctuaries and pilgrimage points to the gods, often located near water sources, and which acted as waystops. Gifts to the gods were often left in these temples, and many different tribes collaborated to make them beautiful buildings, with rich carvings, gold leaf, and mosaics involving precious stones. In 8BU, Chieftain Nasir Aishur of the Saladin Tribe saw the beauty and wealth of these temples as a resource he could use for his own gain. Expanding his tribe, he began attacking the temples, and stripping them of their riches, using them to buy the allegiance of some of the other tribes, planning to bring all Atelsi under his rule. However, his plan was foiled by none other than his second in command; Ása. Uniting the opposing tribes against him, she defeated Nasir and the tribes proclaimed her Queen. The area that they inhabited became known as Ásaterra.

Timeline[]

c.200BU - 1 BA	The North of the land now known as Ásaterra is inhabited by roaming nomadic tribes, living in the ruins of once great city states.
c.25BU	Ása is born into a Nomadic tribe.
c.8BU	The Chieftain of Ása’s tribe begin his attacks on the cults of the Gods. The Chieftan begins looting the the temples and killing the priests when they try to stop him. He uses his proceeds from the temples to fund their war against the other tribes, which enraged Ása, a devout follower of Pantheon. She begins to unite the tribes against the Chief.
c.1BA	When the dust settles, Ása is left in control of the majority of the tribes in the area. She declares that they will be threatened by Treth no longer and that they will unite and form their own land. This land is named Ásaterra.

The Age of Conquest (1BA - 240BA)[]

As the people of Ásaterra began to establish permanent settlements, the neighbouring country of Monmoth began to grow concerned. As the former nomads began to expand out of the desert, concern grew to hostility. When some of the settlements were built close to the border, the citizens of Monmoth took action. The villages were burnt down, the farms raided. Seeing this as a coordinated attack on her new nation, Ása struck back, hard. In the ensuing fight, many Monmothian citizens were killed. The Queens of Monmoth, seeing this as an attack on their people, officially attacked. Ása’s response was extreme. She led a sneak attack on the capital, crushed their forces at the Battle of Eagle Hill, and managed to capture the queens. Monmouth was officially under Ásaterran control.

After civil unrest in Monmoth, Ása formed an alliance with the neighbouring country of Ulaidh through a political marriage with Prince Haldin. With the reinforcements, Ása is able to quell the rebellions. After the King of Ulaidh’s death, Haldin becomes king in his own right. Their children inherit both kingdoms. The ensuing generations begin to expand south, eventually encompassing the homelands of the Orcs, Ogres, nomadic Elven clans, and small independent human kingdoms.

Timeline[]

3 BA	Raiders from the neighbouring land of Monmoth pillage outlying farms and villages in Ásaterra. Queen Ása retaliates with force against any raiders.
4 BA	The Monmothian’s attack in retaliation, burning towns to the ground, stealing valuable resources and food supplies, and sowing the fields with salt.
5 BA	Queen Ása, instead of retaliating in kind, rides straight for the Monmothian capital, crushing their surprised army at the battle of Eagle Hill. She takes the capital and captures their queens. Monmouth is officially under Ásaterran occupation.
7 BA	After civil unrest in Monmouth, Ása brokers a marriage with Haldin, Crown Prince of the elven lands of Ulaidh on her south-eastern boarders. With his reinforcements, the rebellions are quelled.
8 BA	Crown Princess Anara, heir to Ásaterra and Ulaidh is born.
20BA	The King of Ulaidh is killed fighting in the Skovvian wars. Haldin takes the throne.
46BA	Queen Ása dies peacefully in her sleep. King Haldin disappears shortly afterwards. Queen Anara the first ascends to the thrones of Ásaterra and Ulaildh and unifies the Kingdoms.
58BA	A vampire army marches on Constantium, but is defeated by Queen Anara's forces. Priests of Sigismund begin to hunt vampires.
75BA	Crown Prince Melchor, Ása’s grandson, begins his war of expansion; although he is restrained by his more peaceful mother.
158BA	Queen Anara I dies. Melchor is crowned king.
240BA	Queen Yassmin I attempts to solve the problem of overpopulation in the countries jails by exiling convicts to the barren wastelands in the south of the land formerly known as Monmouth.

The Ásaterran Empire (445- 1076BA)[]

Queen Adlanniel completed the expansion of Ásaterra by annexing the Southern lands. Throughout this time, Ásaterra entered an age of enlightenment; the arts and sciences flourished and trade with neighbouring countries boomed. This is often viewed as the golden age of Ásaterra, and was the country's pinnacle. Many of the most beautiful structures in the land were built during this period, such as opera houses, museums, galleries and schools. The one major disturbance during this era was the First Ásaterran Civil War, a four year conflict between Hassan III and Queen Safae. Conversely, this actually helped to solidify the formed Southern kingdoms into the country, as Safae was extremely popular in the Southern regions and made it her base during the conflict. She later went on to marry a southern thane, helping to integrate the south further. Safae died in childbirth, leaving her infant daughter, Elodie, queen. The Royal Council, a board of advisors from noble families, stepped in to act as regents; however, many felt they were taking advantage of the situation. Elodie's father especially stepped in to help his daughter regain control when she turned eighteen, as did the former Queen Adlanniel who had abdicated several hundred years earlier. Two individuals in particular, Al'iah and Findal, were later expelled from the council by Theod Melchor, which helped restore the monarch to power.

Timeline[]

445-550 BA	The reign of Queen Adlanniel. The remaining territories to the south of the Ásaterran Empire are either conquered or join willingly.
650BA	The First Ásaterran Civil War. Elven Queen Lyra is murdered by her brother Hassan, who seizes the throne and crowns himself Hassan III. Civil war breaks out between him and his sister Safae.
654BA	Safae defeats Hassan III and kills him, avenging her sister. She is crowned Queen Safae. The Civil War ends.
726BA	Vampires are acknowledged as legal citizens of Ásaterra, on the condition that their powers are bound.
840BA	Queen Safae dies in childbirth. Her newborn daughter is crowned Queen Elodie. The Royal Council rules as regents.

The Age of Decline (1076BA - 1194BA)[]

This age is named thus as it was the beginning of the end of the Ásaterran Empire. During this period, the monarchs of Ásaterra began to rely more heavily on the Royal Council. The concept behind the Council was that nobles from all over Ásaterra would be able to offer council and support to their monarch. In practise, however, several prominent figures took advantage of the instability of the ruling monarchs to control the council. Nepotism and corruption was rife. In 1156BA, Al'iah and Findal both resumed their positions on the council. In 1184BA, the council discovered that King Carlos II was making moves to dissolve them, and in early 1185B, they lead a coup. Carlos and his family were executed, and the Royal Council, lead by Al'liah, took control of Ásaterra.

Timeline[]

1076BA		Queen Laïla is crowned at the age of twelve, becoming the second child Monarch in Ásaterran history. Once again, the Royal Council act as regents.
1148BA		During the rule of Queen Raina, the Royal Council are heavily depended on due to her mysterious long term illness.
1160BA		Queen Raina dies from falling down the stairs. Foul play is suspected. Her son is crowned King Carlos II
1184BA		King Carlos II makes moves to dissolve the Royal Council, feeling that they have become too powerful.
1185BA		The Royal Councillors lead a coup. King Carlos II is deposed. He, his wife, children and grandchildren are executed or secretly disposed of. The Royal Council takes charge of the government.

The First Ásaterran Republic (1185BA - 1209BA)[]

The years after the end of Carlos' reign were full of tension. His death was met with mixed reception; some were horrified that a crowned king had been killed by his own advisors; others had seen the effects of Carlos' temper. However, the Royal Council did prove that they could run a country. Expanding, they established the Ásaterran Assembly, which was formed of elected officials from each territory of the land. The current Ásaterran Assembly is actually based on this structure to this day. They also employed the aid of the Legion of the Maor Dli, a lawkeeping force which helped them maintain the stability of Ásaterra. Although there was initially resistance, there were no major uprisings and for the majority of Ásaterrans, life continued as usual until 1194BA. With an attack on the council by a group of powerful mages, backing a man claiming to be the rightful heir to the throne, the Council's grip on the land was threatened. Many concerns had been raised about the mages practising magic with no checks or controls, and this incident only served to raise this suspicion.

In 1195BA, the Grand Archives, the ancient magical building known as Lyverva, were destroyed in an unexplained explosion. Due to the rare magics of the building, the result was cataclysmic, claiming the lives of the over 2000 people in the building, as well as causing an estimated 10,000 deaths in the surrounding area. Many believed that this was the work of the Council in retribution for the attack of 1194, and their popularity plummeted. To this day, the remaining members of the Royal Council deny all responsibility. Indeed, at the time many of them believed this was an tragic accident caused by uncontrolled mages. Their response was the Sorcery Registration Act the following year, an attempt to register all magic users in the land as they believed that magic needed more monitoring. This was followed by the Mercenary Conscription Act in 1202, attempting to unite the many disparate armies under one banner.

Many citizens disliked these Acts, and in 1203 there was an uprising in the South as the former southern kingdoms tried to reclaim their independence. This was swiftly and brutally put down by the 'northern forces', as the council's soldiers were become known due to their base in Hynafoltre. Several more rebellions and increased pressure on mages leads to the Magical Resistance and the illusive religious cult known as 'The Children of the Dark Sun' joining forces to lead an assault on the North.

Timeline[]

1194BA	Civil unrest. A group of powerful mages attack the council and attempt to place a man claiming to be Carlos II’s son, Crown Prince Clovis, on the throne. They are defeated and all rebels are executed.
1195BA	The Grand Archives and looted and burnt, many believe on the orders of the Royal Council. The resulting magical explosion claims the lives of over 12,000 people. Magical power across Ásaterra begins to dwindle and weaken.
1196BA	The Sorcery Registration is implemented. All magic users must be documented and may only practise with a license.
1202BA	The Mercenary Conscription Decree is passed. All mercenary groups must disband and all mercenaries must join the Royal Army.
1203BA	The Southern Uprising takes place. Many Southerners are brutally executed, many of them civilians.
1204BA	Western Ásaterrans, referring to themselves as Ishallians, announce to the rest of Ásaterra that the Islands of the Delta are to be a land for all traders and craftsmen to work safely, away from the politics and unrest of the world.
1205BA	The Mardellian rebellion sweeps through the east, causing multiple casualties and ending in 221 public executions.
1206BA	The Children of the Dark Sun announce that the council have insulted the gods. They lead an attack on the Royal Palace and several nobles and high-ranking officials are brutally killed.
1208BA	A group of necromancers murder a councillor and attempt to send him into the council as a revenant. Meetings between the mercenary forces begin, headed by the Children of the Dark Sun.
1209BA	The Magical Resistance is contacted by the now united mercenaries, and they form a plan of attack.

The Second Ásaterran Civil War (1210BA - 1243BA)[]

The Civil War raged across the lands, with the forces of the North battling mages and southern warriors. The battles were long and hard, the mobility of the combined mages and warriors posing a problem for the armoured bulwark of the North. Assassinations were a common tactic of the Dark Sun, destabilising the Northern political structure. However, the Northern forces also outnumbered their opponents, leaving both sides locked in a bitter deadlock for years. During this time, the territory of Ishall (revealed in 1204BA to be a bustling city rather than the uninhabited swampland previously assumed) became the trading hub of Ásaterra. Opening it's doors to refugees fleeing the war, many of them skill craftsfolk, Ishall became a centre of trade. This was aided by it's numerous connections all corners of Ásaterra via the rivers and waterways, meaning that this neutral territory profited off of the war.

However, the stalemate between the warring factions could not continue. The infighting had dramatically weakened Ásaterra, and in 1242BA neighbouring countries sought to profit from the turmoil. The Dominion of Treth launched two calculated strikes on Ásaterra; one in the North, through the Atelsi desert, the other across the eastern boarder near Drumhold. The armies of Treth sought to pick off the divided armies of Ásaterra; however, this backfired on them spectacularly. Faced with a common foe, the people of Ásaterra united, and all factions stood side by side to fight back the armies of Treth. Although the battle ended in victory, many were concerned by the increasing hostilities with Treth and Ásaterra's vulnerable position. Faced with hundreds of thousands dead, a crumbling economy, no central government, the vultures had begun to circle. Encourages by the Ishallians, envoys from each faction arranged a peace summit in the city of Frithstede. There, in 1243BA, peace accords were finally signed. One of the Southern terms was that those responsible for the death of the royal family were punished. Al'iah, who had headed the coup against Carlos, took full responsibility and offered herself up for execution.

1210BA	The Second Ásaterran Civil War officially begins.
1214BA	General ‘Bob’ Bartholomew of the Council is assassinated by an unknown party.
1237BA	Ishall is recognised as the official trading powerhouse of Ásaterra due to trading profits from the civil war, it’s wide expanse of quality farmlands and it’s apolitical stance taken towards the rest of the country.
1243BA	The Civil War ends with the Frithstede Truce. Talks between the opposing sides begin.

The Second Ásaterran Republic (1243BA - Present)[]

Bringing peace to Ásaterra was not an easy task, and the new republic struggled, especially during it's early years. The most notable occurrence was the creation of the Guild of Croesus, a splinter group who left the Legion in 1251 BA to form an 'economic cooporative' based in the Western Province. This caused a lot of tension in this area, as many people native to the Western area (primarily known as 'Ishallian's') objected to the newly formed Guild taking over governance of their lands, which had been largely independent before the civil war.

One of the most stabilising events was believed to be the creation of the 'Expeditionary Force'; a task force made up of representatives from all four factions working together. While some bitterly claimed their creation was nothing but a PR stunt, they proved to be very popular with the common folk of Ásaterra, and could be seen prominently helping deal with Ásaterra's problems. Many saw their cooperation as a sign that the factions were working together in harmony.

1251BA	The Guild of Croesus is formed, splitting away from the Legion of the Maor Dli.
Strawberry Moon, 1292BA	The Expeditionary Force is officially formed.
Hunter's Moon, 1292BA	The Higher Magics are restored to Ásaterra.
Snow Moon, 1293BA	The Expeditionary Force defeat a violent cult in the Suaimoill Forest. Thane Alecto Blackthorne vanishes.
Seed Moon, 1293BA	The Expeditionary Force investigated vampire attacks near the shrine of Lyverva.
Hare Moon, 1293BA	The Expeditonary Force rescued Thane Alecto Blackthorne from mysterious kidnappers.
Hunter's Moon, 1293BA	The Battle of Dubhdris. Thane Blackthorne defeats the lords who tried to take control of her seat, with support from the council and several Expeditionary Force members. The town of Vinheim is destroyed by a mysterious explosion.
Seed Moon, 1294BA	Elector Osmon is revealed to be an unbound vampire and is killed. It is believed the Curse of Shamal begins.
Hare Moon, 1294BA	The Expeditionary Force battles and defeats the group known as 'The True Templars'. High Councillor Searlait Brigh vanishes.
Harvest Moon, 1294BA	The Expeditionary Force helps defend the Thanedom of Dubhdris from mysterious, magical attackers.
Wolf Moon, 1295BA	It is discovered that Lord Hrothgar is attempting to assassinate Thane Alecto Blackthorne. He is captured and taken into custody by members of the Expeditionary Force.
Seed Moon, 1295BA	The Expeditionary Force heads to the town of Thola.
Hare Moon, 1295BA	During a political gathering in Frithstede, the vampire Trent Silk attacks the castle, killing several guards, before taking refuge in Capricossia with a hostage.
Corn Moon, 1295BA	The Expeditionary Force head into Capricossia after Trent Silk. They vanish without a trace.
Harvest Moon, 1295BA	The Expeditionary Force reemerge from the forest with Crocus Susanna Magrino III and Thane Ealasaid Tallach.
Cold Moon, 1295BA	The Expeditionary Force enter Shamal to deal with the Vampires that have taken the entire area. While there, it seems that the Curse of Shamal is resolved.
9th Corn Moon, 1296BA	The Expeditionary Force are outlawed by the Council of Ásaterra. They are deemed enemies of the country and a bounty is put on their head. They seem to have fled to Skovva.
5th Hare Moon 1297BA	The outlawed Expeditionary Force mount an attack against Lentrita, capital of the Hunsow Territory. A week or so later, the Orb of Destruction eviscerated the Hunsow Forest almost entirely.
Strawberry Moon 1297BA	The Expeditionary Force are pardoned for their crimes, and are appointed to work under a Taskmaster. Aid floods to the Hunsow, providing support for those who were affected by it.
18th - 20th Corn Moon 1297BA	The Expeditionary Force venture to the Lyverva to apprehend the dangerous escaped prisoner Lily Dale. They are successful and help prevent the death of many innocents at her hands.