Luria Nova/History of the Monarchs of Luria Nova

History of the Monarchs of Luria Nova

By Donald Augustus Allan

With contributions from His Imperial Majesty Aldrakar Renodin, His Imperial Majesty Seoras Madigan Nifelleisca, His Royal Majesty Cador Andrasta, His Lordship Gian D'Este, The House of Anaris, the House of Haerthorne

List of Lurian Monarchs

Kingdom of Pian en Luries

Name	Portrait	Claim	Dethronement	Other titles
Kaennji Shenron 1st King of Pian en Luries		Founding Monarch	Abdicated	The Founder
Alanna Anaris 2nd Queen of Pian en Luries		Elected	Deposed	The Ice Queen
Regency
Koli Bedwyr 3rd King of Pian en Luries		Elected	Abdicated
Katerina Arundel 4th Queen of Pian en Luries		Elected	Assassinated	The 15 Day Queen
Saul Tarvitz 5th King of Pian en Luries		Elected	Deposed Pian en Luries Destroyed

Kingdom of Luria Nova

Name	Portrait	Claim	Dethronement	Other titles
Fulco D'Este 1st King of Luria Nova		Elected	Abdicated	Duke of Giask (Title Obselete) The Kingmaker
Amaury Capet 2nd King of Luria Nova		Elected	Overthrown in favour of Rickhart Haerthorne	Duke of Askileon (Title Obselete)
Rickhart Haerthorne 3rd King of Luria Nova		Elected following the rebellion against Amaury Capet	Abdicated
Tybalt Crusader 4th King of Luria Nova		Elected	Overthrown in favour of Fulco D'Este and subsequently Alice Arundel

Hegemony of Luria Nova

Following the deposition of King Tybalt Crusader, Alice Arundel was elected Queen of Luria Nova. She took up the title of Empress, thereby founding the Hegemony of Luria Nova.

Name	Portrait	Claim	Reign	Other Titles
Alice Arundel 1st Suzerain Empress of Luria Nova		Elected Queen of Luria Nova Founded the Hegemony of Luria Nova	Abdicated	*Queen of Luria Nova (Title Obsolete) "The Conqueror"
Alanna Anaris 2nd Suzerain Empress of Luria Nova		Elected	Abdicated	Queen of Moon Hall The Ice Queen
Seoras Madigan Nifelleisca 3rd Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova		Elected	Abdicated, Founded the Religion of Ecclesial Sanguiastroism	King of Sun Hall Penitent Protector of Ecclesial Sanguiastroism "The Young"
Aldrakar Renodin 4th Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova '		Elected	Abdicated	King of Sky Hall Light of the Maddening Star "King of Rangers" "The Wise"
Sholan A'Valti 5th Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova '		Elected	Abdicated	King of Sky Hall
Zajar Essenhorn 6th Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova		Elected	Abdicated
Aldrakar Renodin 4th Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova Second Reign		Elected	Overthrown in favour of Isabella Pavus	King of Earth Hall Light of the Maddening Star "King of Rangers" "The Wise" "The Mad"
Isabella Pavus 7th Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova	None	Claimed the throne after the successful rebellion against Aldrakar Renodin	Overthrown in favour of Aylwin Gottfried	"One Day Empress"
Aylwin Gottfried 8th Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova	None	Claimed the throne after the successful rebellion against Isabella Pavus	Forced to step down for appointing himself as the Duke of Moon Hall	"Three Day Emperor"
Nicholas Archival 9th Suzerain Emperor of Luria Nova	None	Elected	Abdicated	"The Inactive"
Bennet Selemnir 10th and Last Suzerain Emperor of the Hegemony of Luria Nova 1st Suzerain King of the Kingdom Luria Nova under the Lurian Empire	None	Elected	Abdicated	"The Stabilizer" "The Restorer"

Imperium of Luria

Following the establishment of the Imperium of Luria, the era of Hegemony ended. Alessio de Medici split the Hegemony of Luria into two halves - Luria Nova and Luria Ferrata. The later failed and was reabsorbed into Luria Nova.

Name	Portrait	Claim	Reign	Imperial Core	Other Titles
Alessio de Medici 1st Suzerain Emperor of the Imperium of Luria	None	Founder	Abdicated	Luria Ferrata	"The Incompetent" The Founder of Luria Ferrata
Byron Dupont 2nd Suzerain Emperor of the Imperium of Luria	None	Elected by the Imperial Council	Abdicated	Swordfell	"The Mender"
Paulrus Badgerton d'Aragon Last Suzerain Emperor of the Imperium of Luria	None	Elected by the Imperial Council	Drowned	Sol	"The Drowned"

Post Imperium Era

With the Last Emperor's death, the Lurian Empire ended as no one wanted to step up to become the next emperor. Ciarghuala Dubhaine brought back the old title used during the Hegemonic Era and tried to re-establish the culture during that time but failed in doing so as people refused to accept the old ways.

Name	Portrait	Claim	Reign	Other Titles
Ciarghuala Dubhaine 1st Suzerain Emperess of the Post Imperium Luria Nova	None	Elected	Abdicated	The Protector of Fellish The Gloryseeker
Bruce Wilde 2nd Suzerain Emperor of the Post Imperium Luria Nova	None	Elected	Abdicated	The Prudent The Spellweaver

Ascendancy Era

Name	Portrait	Claim	Reign	Other Titles
Wassgandr Felsenbach 1st Heliacal of the Ascendancy of Eternal Luria Nova		Elected	Abdicated	"The Empyreus" "The Daimon Hunter" "The Conqueror of the Nebel Island" "The Destroyer of Astrum"
Kenneth Gotz 2nd Heliacal of Luria Nova		Elected	Incumbent	"The Prophet" "The Lawgiver"

Pian en Luries

Kaennji Shenron

The first King of Pian en Luries was Kaennji Shenron who landed on Dwilight after he sailed from a distant land across the sea, a land known only as The Far East. He and his crew landed somewhere near Poryatown where they encountered two tribes of native folk, the Pianis and the Lurians; engaged in bloody conflict. Both the Pianis and the Lurians had a complex and sophisticated culture despite their tribal ways, and as the conflict escalated Kaennji (known as Kenji to the locals) could not bear to see these people destroy each other, and devised a plan to end their conflict. Placing his small army between the two tribal nations his forces ambushed anyone from either group attempting to fight the other, and soon the Pianis and the Lurians found themselves quite unable to wage war. The two tribes were astounded and surprised by Kaennji's actions and soon they decided to put aside their weapons aside and come to an accord. Through his brilliance Kaennji was able to rally the native people and was named the first King of the a united kingdom: the Kingdom of Pian en Luries.

The new King began building up his forces from migrants and the native people, giving prominent positions to native noblemen and women. The Kingdom's first Grand Imperatrix was the Lady Alanna Anaris, a woman who would be highly influential to the development of not one, but two Lurian Kingdoms. Under Kaennji's guiding hand the armies of Pian en Luries struck across the landscape, conquering region after region including the great city of Askileon. King Kaennji's reign was short lived however and the constant travel and marching took a toll on his health, and eventually he was struck down with a terrible sickness. Heirless, the nobility of the young Kingdom chose Alanna Anaris as their Queen.

Alanna Anaris

Before coming to the throne Alanna Anaris was already an accomplished war leader and general. She had earned her steel on the South-East continent, a small landmass renowned for ceaseless, violent war. In the early days of Pian en Luries she was highly successful; rogue regions quickly fell to her. Famed for her violent temper and her somewhat autocratic rule, Queen Alanna would be known as The Ice Queen by her political enemies (of which there were many) for her highly formal and cold demeanour. But if provoked, the Ice Queen could prove to be very fiery indeed.

The transfer of power to the newly crowned Queen Alanna was not a smooth affair, with the Queen's own Royal Arbiter Sir Finegus O'Shea challenging her authority and even duelling her before her coronation. Unfortunately for him, Sir Finegus lost his position as Royal Arbiter after being captured by Rogue forces. But the events surrounding Sir Finegus serve as a reminder of how easily the Lurian nobility could be divided. At this time the Duchy of Port Nebel broke ranks with Pian en Luries, and declared its independence. The former duchy remodelled itself in to a Dictatorship under Edelstein Greneburie and was dubbed Shadovar; quickly claiming the Tomb Islands as their dominion. Tensions ran high but war did not break out, and Queen Alanna allowed Shadovar to secede from the Kingdom. The Tomb Islands after all were far distant to be a real Pianese concern.

First Lurian-Fissoan War

While the events around the Tomb Islands were unfolding the Grand Duchy of Fissoa marched in to the region of Moon Bay and occupied it, this region had been claimed by the Lurian kingdom and Queen Alanna demanded the Fissoans withdraw. Negotiations quickly broke down and the First Lurian-Fissoan War broke out, with Fissoan troops occupying the province of Mellifera. The conflict did not last long and resulted in the independence of Mellifera, as Lurian troops were unable to contain the peasant revolt there. A peace treaty was drawn up and this was considered to be the end of the matter, however new hostilities would soon arise.

Second Lurian-Fissoan War

Fissoan and Lurian armies clash in the Fields of Fissoa

It seemed as though business as normal would be resumed, but the peace was not lasting and war broke out again. There were a few battles along the Eastern coast with neither side gaining any kind of real advantage but Pian en Luries instead chose to focus their attention on the small Kingdom of Myern. Myern was a former colony and ally of Fissoa, and had been founded around the city of Shinnen to the west of Luria and despite it's small size the Kingdom was well known for its resilience. Queen Alanna declared war and the Lurian army crossed the bridge from the north in to Garuck Udor where upon the local Lord surrendered without a fight. Myern and her small army stood ready to fight off the Lurian forces but were suddenly taken unawares by a horde of monsters arriving from the south. Shinnen was despoiled and much of Myern's army was in ruins, seeing that the war was hopeless the Kingdom surrendered. Some of the nobility chose to join Pian en Luries, and others returned south to Fissoa from whence they had came. the Kingdom of Myern was no more.

Despite the loss of an ally the war dragged on, with a handful of battles being fought. However a greater threat was brewing in Luria. The Kingdom, its people and nobility seemed ill equipped to deal with a protracted war, and the province of Poryatown revolted against Duke Brom Silverfire. The rebellion itself was a brief affair, but once again tensions flared as nobles blamed either the Queen or Duke Brom for Poryatown's devastation and subsequent revolt. Brom Silverfire even lost his position as royal treasurer following a large protest organised by Duke Amaury Capet of Askileon. The Duchy of Giask however blamed the Queen for Luria's troubled and soon a second revolt broke out against Alanna's rule, the Duchy of Giask seceded from the Kingdom and war was declared: the Lurian Civil War had begun.

First Lurian Civil War

By the outbreak of the Lurian Civil War the Queen's armies, the loyalist forces, were in tatters and initially the rebels had the upper hand. This all came to a bloody end however when the loyalist forces strck a lightning blow against Giask itself, sacking the city completely. The rebels were broken and Queen Alanna emerged victorious, having apparently won the civil war. Fulco D'Este was appointed the new Duke of Giask, and Duke Amaury Capet having finally tested the Queen's patience one too many times was exiled from the realm, but would later return.

The Fissoan war was still ongoing, with limited action being see across the frontier. Queen Alanna was undaunted by instability at home and mustered her armies and mounted an offensive against Fissoa, this event would be recorded in Fissoan chronicles as The Lurian Incursion. The fighting was brutal and bloody, with the Lurian armies claiming many victories. Eventually the Lurians arrived but a few miles from Fissoa itself, having pushed in to the Grand Duchy's heartland, but after a string of setbacks and defeats they were unable to take the city. Queen Alanna's army was eventually defeated in the field and she was forced to retreat, just in time for trouble to begin brewing once more at home.

Fulco D'Este of Giask, Imperial Marshal & Duke of Askileon and the exiled Amaury Capet hatched a plan to rid the Kingdom of Queen Alanna once and for all. Banners of rebellion were raised against the Queen and Giask seceded for a second time to form Luria Nova. In response this act of rebellion, the Queen simply disappeared. With Pianese leadership crumbling Fulco D'Este, now ruling as King Fulco was able to secure his realm's independance with only limited action.

Lurian Realms

Pian en Luries was shattered and without a monarch, the realm continued but several Lurian realms emerged from the ashes during and after the Lurian civil war.

The regions of Greater Luria. The approximate territories of Lurian realms after the civil war were: Luria Nova: Giask, Outer Giask. Verus Luria: Poryatown, Poryatu, Dantooine, Nid Tek. Solaria: Poryatown.

To follow the chronology of Pian en Luries, see Koli Bedwyr. To follow the chronology of Luria Nova, see Fulco D'Este.

Name	Reign
Free Giask
Loathim Fantom King	A result of the Giaskian revolt against Queen Alanna, Sir Loathim founded a "Free Monarchy" in the city and planned to spread the revolt further in to Pian en Luries. The realm was subsquently destroyed by Queen Alanna.
Verus Luria
Kaennji Shenron King	During the Lurian civil war former King Kaennji seceded from Pian en Luries, believing the realm to be weak and corrupt he desired to rebuild it. The realm was ultimately destroyed by monster invasions and Kaennji was not heard of again.
Luria Vesperi
Bipel Coldchest King	Beginning originally as the Duchy of Shinnen, Luria Vesperi was created after the Duchy seceded from Luria Nova on orders from King Tybalt Crusader. Luria vesperi was an elective monarch with Bipel Coldchest at it's first king with council decisions dealt with by appointment. After a successful revolt deposed Tybalt he fled to Luria Vesperi, which created animosity between the Vesperians and the Novans and resulted in the invasion and annexation of the small Kingdom.
Solaria
Malus Solari	One of the most influential figures of Lurian history, Malus Solari seceded from Pian en Luries as the Kingdom began to fade and eventually he and his Novan allies ended the Kingdom once and for all. Solaria may have been a short lived affair, but unlike many other Lurian realms it integrated willingly in to Luria Nova rather than through conquest.
Shadovar
Edelstein Greneburie Dictator	The Lurian colony of Port Nebel seceded under the guidance of Edelstein, who became it's first and last Dictator. Edelstein's tyranny was a long lived affair, craving out territory of what would eventually become D'Hara and waged several wars of agression with it's neighbours.
Mathias Ridder Scarlett Emperor	Edelstein was eventually deposed in a rebellion headed by Mathias Ridder. After the Dictator was ousted he ruled as Scarlett Emperor and attempted to reshape Shadovar in to a monarchy. Monster invasions would eventually bring Shadovar to its knees, with the D'Haran revolt completely destroying it and bringing about the end of Shadovar.
Luria Ferrata
Alessio de Medici Incompetent Founder	Established in Giask, the realm fell apart rather quickly under Alessio's reign and eventually collapsed once he ran from the throne.

Regency

Pian en Luries fell in to disarray, with monsters encroaching on every border a Regency was formed with Malus Solari as Warden, Koli Bedwyr of Askileon remained General, Carter De La Fere was High Justice and eventually Brom Silverfire would return from Luria Nova to be the realm's banker. The situation was dangerous and desperate, Lupa Lapu and Ciarin Tut were lost to monsters and the army was stretched thin. Not to mention the rampaging monsters had destroyed many granaries meaning famine would quickly become an issue.

There were attempts to unite Pian en Luries and Luria Nova, but the new Novan King Amaury Capet would not allow it and the venture failed. Aside from this the regency achieved only small successes - Ciarin Tut was retaken from the monstrous hordes.

Koli Bedwyr

Duke Malus eventually resigned as warden believing it was time for Luria's third monarch, he named Duke Koli as his favoured candidate and a new election began. Not long after announcing his running for the throne, Alanna Anaris reappeared, she declared Koli and Malus usurpers and demanded the throne once again. When they would not hand it to her she put her name forward. The election was intense and both sides battled for influence, but in the end Koli won with 60 votes to Alanna's meagre 12. She was infuriated and despite the best efforts of High Justice Carter De La Fere she could not be tamed. Instead she schemed in secret before launching a rebellion against King Koli and assaulting Askileon. However the Ice Queen no longer possessed the power she once did and the rebellion was destroyed after two short battles. Wounded and without allies, she fled Pian en Luries.

The Aegis of Luria

Lurian cavalry come across a group of hellish monsters in Dantooine

King Koli, his position now secure launched a campaign to retake the land lost to monsters and the undead during the Lurian civil war. For this purpose he created a new army: The Aegis of Luria. With the Crusaders of the Path and the Vanguard of Luria Nova they advanced northward and quickly recovered the territories of Garuck Udor, Dantooine and Lupa Lapu. But as they advanced word reached the King's ear of a new monster hordemassing in Mattan Dews. With the Aegis and the Crusaders preoccupied it was up to the Novans to halt the horde at Ciarin Tut. They did exactly that, but with heavy casualties.

For a time the realm was secure, but as summer turned in to winter and Dwilight was blanketed in snow a fresh wave of monsters poured in from the north. The Aegis was overwhelmed in Dantooine and retreated to Poryatu, where a counter-attack was readied. In their absence Dantooine was overrun and ruined, the monsters showed no mercy to the defenceless peasants and much of the population was slaughtered or fled. In response to this the Aegis marched in to Dantooine and attacked the abominations. It was the bloodiest battle of the campaign and although many beasts were slaughtered so too did many brave men meet their end. Such was the size of the battle that even to this day farmers regularly pull up rusted swords, arrowheads and scraps of armour with their plows.

But the winter brought new troubles that cannot be solved with sword and steel: famine haunted Pian en Luries, and people grew restless and resentful. To ensure the safety of his Duchy, Duke Malus founded the Hammer of Dawn from his own warrior's and many of the Aegis' commanders and warriors. The move was controversial and despite what the Duke claimed, the army existed only to serve his needs. The Hammer of Dawn was highly effective, reconquering Mattan Dews and Flying Hongrns for the Kingdom. But all was not well, and realm of King Koli began to fracture once again. Infighting allowed Duke Malus to secede from Pian en Luries and create the new realm of Solaria. The Kingdom was shocked and angered. But King Koli, wishing to avoid needless death, allowed Malus to do as he wished.

Second Lurian Civil War

Trouble dawned on Pian en Luries. King Koli may have allowed the secession of Solaria but many were far from pleased with this turn of events. Wishing to return to her former realm Countess Etna of Lupa Lapu seceded from Solaria back to Pian en Luries believing she had been allowed to. Duke Malus named her a treaty and quickly placed a hefty bounty upon her head and demanded she return to his realm. In a surprise turn of events the assassin turned his blade on his employer, and attempted to end the life of Duke Malus, but was captured in the process. With the situation spiralling out of control King Koli arrived in Lupa Lapu to try and resolve the situation, only for another assassin to make an attempt on his life.

Duke Malus demanded the heads of the four nobles he believed responsible: Etna Altir of Lupa Lapu, Jeffrey Norrel of Santoo, Ramiel Avis of Askileon Purlieus and Brom Silverfire. His ultimatum gave the Pianese only a day to respond and when they ultimately he did not. Solaria declared war and Malus' army marched for Pian en Luries. The King, still weakened by the assassination attempt, was unfit to lead the army so the Pianese gathered behind the realm's council. To their woe, Malus called upon his ally, Luria Nova to join the war and they did, leaving Pian en luries significantly outnumbered.

Katerina Arundel

King Koli fell in to a coma, never to awake. So the nobility held quick elections for a new ruler, and by one vote Katerina Arundel was elected Queen on Pian en Luries. After a brief coronation Queen Katerina set to work, desperately searched for victory among defeat: she ordered unwinnable, but crippling attacks on Solarian forces, unusual military strategies and even acquired an alliance with Fissoa. But in the face of certain defeat the nobles became desperate. Ramiel Avis challenging her to a duel, claiming she had insulted his honour when in fact he hoped to strike her down and end her reign.

This duel was never fought. Queen Katerina came in to contact with a Solarian noble who claimed to know the perpetrator of King Koli's assassination, and subsequent coma. King Koli's assassin was none other than Brom Silverfire whom she brought to the royal bedchambers to question. It was a terrible error of judgement on her part. Queen Katerina was later discovered by a servant hanging from balcony by a noose, with Brom Silverfire nowhere to be found. After the Queen's death Ramiel Avis still hungered for a duel and challenged Franz Finsternis. They duelled to the death and Franz Finsternis was slain without remorse, adding to the death that enveloped Luria.

Saul Tarvitz

Following the death of the Queen, Duke Malus allowed the Pianese three days to mourn their Queen and choose a new ruler. It was a quick affair that saw the election of former Marshal, Saul Tarvitz. The new King tried his hardest to broker a peace treaty, but to no avail. It seemed as though Pian en Luries was finally at an end. Solarian troops marched in to Garuck Udor and seized the region, leaving the fading Kingdom with only one region: the silver city of Askileon. A city the King could not even afford to feed. Eventually the King conceded defeat and the Lurian Kings set about to build a lasting peace.

The Second Lurian Empire

It was Hendrik Madigan, High Magistrate and Ambassador from Luria Nova who drafted the treaty that would ensure Pian en Luries some measure of survival. It was decided that the Lurian realms: Luria Nova, Solaria, Luria Vesperi and Pian en Luries would be confederated in to the Second Lurian Empire. By the terms of the treaty Pian en Luries was reduced to a city-state, featuring as the meeting point for the Lurian realms and sacrificed any independence and became reliant even on its neighbours for food. But ensured that all the Lurian realms would act with one voice, one body and one mind. And should one realm be attacked the others would march to defend it.

Ultimately Pian en Luries would fade in to nothing, Solaria would join Luria Nova and the Vesperi would be conquered; reducing the confederacy to little more than a half-forgotten dream. Saul Tarvitz would not fade however, and once the old Kingdom faded he found himself in Luria Nova - building himself a reputation based on honour, valour and decency. This would culminate in the founding of the Order of the White Rose, a chivalric order based on those values. But in most circles he is remembered as the last King of the old Kingdom of Pian en Luries.

Kingdom of Luria Nova

Fulco D'Este

As Duke of Giask Fulco D'Este was frustrated with Queen Alanna's rule, her iron grip had choked Luria and all had chafed and struggled under her grip. His rebellion resulted in the creation of the most enduring Lurian realm. Originally it began as just Giask, but in time Luria Nova ensured its survival through expansion, taking control of many regions that had been snatched from Pian en Luries by roaming monsters. Fulco D'Este had only a short reign, choosing to open his Kingdom to elections. He would remain a powerful force in Lurian politics for many, many years.

Amaury Capet

Following King Fulco's abdication the nobles of the fledgling Kingdom elected Amaury Capet as their new King. This seemed to be a safe choice: Amaury had been a staunch enemy of Queen Alanna and been instrumental in her downfall, his election also dashed any Pianese hope of reunification - Luria Nova would remain independant. But Amaury's reign deteriorated quickly, his autocratic, arrogant rule was awash with intrigue and the nobility of Luria Nova quickly began to regret their choice. With the King becoming increasingly jaded and erratic former King Fulco D'Este gathered together an army of loyal supporters and launched a surprise attack on the Royal capital, Giask.

The coup caught the King completely by surprise and troops loyal to Fulco D'Este stormed the city, taking it within the day. King Amaury however, was nowhere to be found. Upon hearing of revolt the King had fled Giask in secret, he had made his way to the coastline where he cast himself from the cliffs and in to the sea, his body was never recovered. With Amaury presumed dead normality returned to Luria Nova and new elections were held. Of course rumours abound about the King. Local stories claim the King survived his fall and was saved a small group of loyal servants who dragged his broken body to a secret location. They also claim he yet lives; that King Amaury is kept alive by foul necromancy and to this very day resides beneath the earth in a tortured state somewhere between life and death. This are of course mere rumours - nothing more than ghost stories to explain unusual or untimely deaths along the coastline.

Rickhart Haerthorne

When still a young Knight Rickhart left Luria to travel to the Tomb Islands & D'Hara. The group he followed were disgusted and distraught by the bloody nature of Lurian politics. One those small islands he earned a reputation for strength and martial prowess during D'Hara's civil war. Rickhart was known long before his crowning to be a capable and charismatic leader. His disconnect with Pian en Luries made him a desirable man, as unlike figures like Amaury Capet he had little association with the troubles of the old Kingdom. So it was he was crowned Luria Nova's third King and many believed he would finally usher in the stability the realm craved. It was not to be however, and his reign ended after only a short time. The exact fate of Rickhart Haerthorne is unknown, many claim he was struck down and killed by D'Haran pox in Grodno. Others believe he boarded a ship to a distant land where he still lives waging war against any who are brave or foolish enough to face him. While his fate is unknown all agree he did not rule long enough to impact the history of the Kingdom.

Tybalt Crusader

Following King Rickhart's swift abdication elections were held once again, and Tybalt Crusader was elected as Luria Nova's new King. Unfortunately, like many of his predecessors he would prove to be a weak King.

The Downfall of Pian en Luries & King Tybalt

To the north of Luria Nova lay the realm of Solaria, commanded by Malus Solari after which the realm was named, found itself in conflict with Pian en Luries over a disputed border. Malus called upon to King Tybalt as his ally to aid him in the war, hoping to put Pian en Luries out its misery once and for all. In war Tybalt proved to be an ineffective ruler and Luria Nova may have lost if it wasn't for the effort of Royal Marshal Lorgan Kameron, an agresive and energetic man whose military brilliance proved to be the undoing of Pian en Luries.

The war was over quickly and so the partition of the first Lurian state began: Solaria received received the majority of Pian en luries, some land was named Luria Vesperi and Luria Nova received only the small province of Santoo. It was at the negotiating table not the battlefield that King Tybalt displayed his true weakness. Angered by the lack of Lurian gain, the people of Giask and handful of nobles revolted against king Tybalt and took the city within a day. Tybalt abandoned his crown and fled to Luria Vesperi where he was offered sanctuary, ending his reign and beginning a rivalry between the Novans and the Vesperi.

Hegemony of Luria Nova

Alice Arundel

In Pian en Luries the Queen Katerina Arundel had been murdered after ruling only 15 days, and so what remained of the Arundel family including its young heiress fled to the Kingdom of Luria Vesperi. Alice took up an estate in the region of Thar Gortauth which was ruled by the influential and enigmatic, Lord Hendrick Madigan. They were close and in time they came to care for one another, and married. So when Hendrick aspired to revolt against Luria Vesperi she followed him willingly against King Bipel. The revolt was a complete failed and resulted in her exile to the realm of Solaria. Solaria would in time, come to join with Luria Nova and Alice was granted the western region of Shinnen Purlieus, and only 40 days later the Kingdom of Luria Nova opened itself up to new royal elections.

It seemed the Kingdom would once again choose Fulco's favourite; Duke Malus, but he fell ill and the realm lacked a candidate. Alice considered herself to be Malus' successor in spirit, if not in blood and put her name forward. crucially she managed to gather the support of Fulco D'Este and thus she was elected Queen of Luria Nova.

The Conquest of Luria Vesperi

While these events had been unfolding war had broken out between Luria Nova and Luria Vesperi, now the young Queen had the weighty task of commanding Luria's armies and invading her former home. She performed excellently, conquering the small Kingdom in less than a month in a war that echoed the conquest of Myern many years ago. With Solaria integrated and Vesperi conquered, Luria Nova now stood alone as the last of the Lurian realms.

The Founding of the Hegemony

For many years Luria and its many realms had been plagued with infighting and instability, Lords and ladies would simply secede from a realm for whatever reason. Alice Arundel hoped to bring out the end of the era of backstabbing Kings and centralise Luria in to a single realm. She claimed the title of Suzerain Empress and founded the four halls of the Ducal Kings: Moon, Sky, Sun and Earth Hall. Henceforth Luria would enjoy stability, and although Suzerain Emperors and Empresses would endure tension and troubled times, their realm would not splinter and crack as it had done in the past. Alice Arundel would rule as Empress for only a short time before abdicating and agreeing to host new elections for a ruler of Luria Nova.

Alanna Anaris

Empress Alice had nominated Alanna Anaris, former Queen of Pian en Luries as her chosen successor. Long had Alanna dreamed of a united Lurian Empire, and now she had it. But this dream turned reality was a short lived affair, and after barely a year of rule she died. She was not killed by sword nor spear, nor assassin's dagger but instead Alanna Anaris the 'Ice Queen' of Luria passed away quietly in her bed aged 99 years old.

Seoras Madigan Nifelleisca

Even by the founding of the Hegemony the Church of Sanguis Astroism was a powerful one, it had spread for the North and superseded the old faiths of Luria Nova with many nobles following the words of the Prophet Mathurin Hossenfefer. Among that number was the young priestess Jonsu Himoura. She had been a Lurian agent since the reign of Alice Arundel and acted in a variety of roles: infiltrator, ambassador, court mage and priest but to name a few. But Jonsu had other goals by the crowning of Seoras as Emperor he had risen through the ranks of the church until he sat at the very top of the clerical hierarchy. With the entire church of Sanguis Astroism at her command she made sweeping reforms and changes, altering the very nature of the church to suit her own desires thereby corrupting the church entirely.

Emperor Seoras, who was aged only 24 when he was elected, saw something had to be done. He named Jonsu a heretic and sacrificed his Imperial authority to created a reformed church of the Bloodstars: Ecclesial Sanguiastroism. With this faith he aimed to preserve the teachings of Prophet Mathurin from Jonsu's corruption, placing the emphasis over the church's original founding beliefs. This action saved many but cost the young Emperor his title, as one cannot be a priest and an Emperor at the same time. Even so Seoras would serve as the Hegemony's foremost diplomat for many years, for his words were heeded by many.

Aldrakar Renodin

Aldrakar of the House Renodin was already active in Lurian society before his election, having already held the position of High Judge of Luria. Prior to his ascension he had married the Margravine of Giask, Lucini Talratheon and upon her death, he took up rulership of Luria's most prominent city. Even then the young Lord was renowned for his wisdom, kindness and his benevolence; all the characteristics of an excellent Emperor.

The Golden Palace & The King of Rangers

Banner of the Morek Empire: Representing the faith of the Bloodstars as well as the militantcy of the Morek Empire

Aldrakar's first reign is considered to be something of a golden age for Luria, and in the case of Giask's famed Golden Palace this took on a very literal meaning. To say Luria Nova was wealthy would be an understatement, the coffers were overflowing with gold, silver and treasure mortal men could only dream of. And the Emperor had the lion's share of it. The Golden Palace of Giask was made opulant, extravagant, and lavish beyond all reasonable measure. From its mighty walls great tapestry's were hung, scenes of Luria greatness weaved in golden thread, while pillars and columns were crafted from pure white marble and trimmed with silver. Even the Emperor's throne was a masterpiece of gold and ivory, adorned with gleaming gems and precious stones. Such was the wealth and power of Luria's Emperor.

However, it may surprise you dear reader that when a Lurian thinks the name Aldrakar Renodin they rarely think of his hoard of dragon-like wealth, or even the Golden Palace. Rather Emperor Aldrakar is better known as a wise lawgiver, and centralised Lurian authority bringing peace and order to the realm. For his noble actions in both word and deed, Aldrakar enjoyed a state of great reverence among Luria, and it is said that when he spoke all would hush and listen, and his words would be taken as absolute truth for the Emperor never spoke lies.

This could be seen in the way he handled the issues of common adventurers in Luria Nova. Prior to his reign commoners had enjoyed little freedom, their lives were entirely in the hands on their Lords and Ladies. This resonated particular with adventurers: common men and women who dedicated themselves to ridding the territories of mankind from monsters and the Undead. Lords would pray on these brave folk, seizing their hard won wealth and imprisoning them without charge. Emperor Aldrakar sought to change this and established a guild known as The Royal Rangers, the purpose of the Rangers was twofold: to centralise adventures thereby giving them a means of support and communication, and to protect from them greedy Lords. Any man or woman working under the Royal Rangers is protected by the guild, and cannot be arrested without good reason. For his chivalrous actions Aldrakar earned the moniker King of Rangers, a title which nobody before or since has earned. Today the Rangers are spread across Dwilight, and under operate under the same pretences and rules that Aldrakar set out.

The Old Church

Far to the North, at the very end of Dwilight lies the heartland of the continent's greatest faith: Sanguis Astroism. The faith of the Bloodstars covered much of the continent and at the time of Aldrakar's reign it was controlled by three great theocracies: The Holy State of Corsanctum, the Theocracy of Astrum, and the Morek Empire. These three nations drew upon great religious fanaticism, spreading their faith by the sword and waging war against any who refused their doctrines. The Morek Empire, by far in a way the most powerful of the three, covered much of the North at its greatest extent. Whole realms were split by the religious fanaticism of Sanguis Astroism, their success made them proud and their pride lead to decadence and stagnation. The Church of Sanguis Astroism corrupted itself from the inside out.

In Luria however, things were quite different. The Empire preached pluralism and any individual was free to practice whatever faith pleased them, the most commonly held religious beliefs the churches of Ecclesial Sanguiastroism and Sanguis Astroism. This sepertation of Church and State was not certain however and the Theocracies of Sanguis Astroism and their corrupted Church sought to see it undone. Emperor Aldrakar was one such follower of Astroism and through his peerless wisdom rose to become one of the three Lights of the Church: The Light of the Maddening Star, one of the three Lights of the Church and second only to it's Prophet. But despite his religious afflictions Aldrakar kept to Lurian Pluralism. The Church's Elder Council hoped to convince Aldrakar of their political doctrines and vanquish the Lurian sepertation between Church and State. It was unfortunate for them that the Emperor's faith was not easily broken, he rejected their doctrines and maintained Luria's values. Eventually he would surrender his title as Light of the Maddenin Star and would favour a more private path of faith. Since those days religion in Luria has declined significantly, to the point where some Nobles have no faith at all.

End of an Era

Aldrakar's reign would come an end and in the fashion of a Lurian Monarchs: he would relinquish the crown and allow for a new Emperor to be chosen. His reign is remembered with great fondness and nostalgia, it was truly a golden era for Luria Nova. This would not be the end of Aldrakar Renodin however, he would return as Imperial Marshal during the Southern League War and after the Monster Invasions he would once again sit upon the Imperial Throne.

Sholan A'Valti

The longest reigning Emperor of Luria Nova was Sholan A'Valti, his time as Emperor was dominated by two key events: the monster invasions and the Southern League War. Luria Nova was to endure hard times but with the guiding hand of the Suzerain Emperor the realm would not only endure - it would dominate.

Monster Invasions

Daimons attack Giask: a group of winged Daimons drag a priest off to torture, and later to kill.

It began with reports of large numbers of undead and monsters in Western Dwilight, not unusual for the time as monsters could appear just about anywhere, but never in those numbers. Massive hordes of abominations and walking dead began to form all across the continent, their hollow, soulless eyes firmly fixed on the provinces of mankind. It was sudden and unexpected, where before had been quiet towns and peaceful kingdoms, now masses of foul abominations swarmed the land. In a matter of mere days whole Kingdoms had collapsed. Only those with enough gold or influence could flee and make the exodus eastward, while those too slow or poor simply could not and were mercilessly slaughtered. The brave and the foolish tried desperately to stop the horde, even slow it if they could. But it mattered not and they were butchered with all the rest.

But as thousands of refugees flooded westward they were pursued by much worse than monsters: Daimons from an internal realm now stalked the earth freely and in massive numbers. Faster than horses, stronger than bears and more cunning than most men they wrought untold destruction. Even Luria Nova's distance from the consumed West did not save the Hegemony, and the population of Giask itself was wiped out; peasant and noble alike were torn to pieces by foul Daimons.

Eventually the monsters, undead and even the abyssal Daimons withdrew. Behind them they left a broken world: realms gone, cities destroyed and thousands upon thousands dead. To this day the origin of these hordes is a mystery, some claim magic brought them to our world, some claim it was the work of the Bloodstars or the Gods, but ultimately no one knows. This was not the end of Dwilight's troubles however, and soon many would learn men can be just as terrible as monsters.

The Southern League War

As realms were pushed eastward the nobility of Niselur was invited in to Luria Nova where they founded refuge. The same offer was made to the nobility of Asylon and once again many accepted, with a handful hoping to revive their fallen Kingdom in the ruins of Giask. The Kingdom of Barca aspired to save themselves over the corpse of Luria Nova and arrived on the Hegemony's southern border with an army. They pillaged their way through Sky Hall and Sun Hall before taking the town of Aveston as their new capital, capturing most of Sun Hall. This was the beginning of the Southern League War.

The Southern League was designed to check Lurian expansion, but in these times of strife and turmoil war was instigated by Barca as they attempted to conquer a new homeland. They called upon the other members of the league: Fissoa and D'Hara to aid them, and so it was in the 28th years that the Southern League War began.

Year 28

Lurian knights storm the city of Giask, wresting it from the Kingdom of Asylon.

A Lurian army gathered in the West to face Barca and reclaim their lost territories. After a period of Barcan control, Shinnen Purlieus was recaptured by Lurian forces. But as the Autumn came a Fissoan army marched north intent on taking Outer Giask, while as winter came D'Hara seized Thar Gortauth. Luria Nova struck back however, and recaptured both regions with the strength and speed typical of Lurian warriors. Meanwhile the Morek Empire had been marching south, and now seeing their old rival outnumbered and beset on all sides, they declared war on Luria Nova and struck at Poryatown. The Morekians were ever the opportunists and expansionsists, and they saw in the League a means to destroy Luria. Luria Nova meanwhile declared war on Asylon due to their alliances with the southern league and destroyed the small army protecting the former Imperial capital, Giask. At the end of winter Emperor Sholan sent King Aldrakar Renodin to make peace with the league, these negioations quickly failed.

As the spring came so did the renewed bloodshed. Lurian forces defeated and routed the Morekian army on two occasions, driving them from Earth Hall. D'Hara's advance was also halted by the Exiled Ederun, an army of former Niselur nobles and warriors - defetaing them at Ciarin Tut. All the while the south burned as Fissoa looted several regions, this was put to an end as a Lurian army marched from the reconquered city of Giask and defeated them decisively. At the beginning of the year the League had hoped to steal an easy victory, but Lurian retaliation had shown them it was not to be an easy fight.

Year 29

In the north Lurian army advanced in to the Desert of Silhouettes, routing a small force of Morekian troops and the pushing towards the D'Haran city of Sallowtown, where a D'Haran army was soundly defeated. But as another D'Haran army drew towards Garuck Udor a Morekian host struck Dantooine. Forcing Luria Nova to withdraw it's troops form the desert and return to Earth Hall. But as they began to march the armies of Morek resolved to raid and pillage the province of Dantooine, even going as far to capture and then wrongfully execute it's Countess, Trabiccola Darkhouse. The Lurian army quickened themselves at the news, but were drawn in to battle against D'Hara in Ciarin Tut. The army was defeated but allowed Morek time to continue their raids, now they pillaged all the lands of Earth Hall. The King of Earth Hall, enraged by the death of Countess Trabiccola, challenged High Inquisitor Menelaus Raghnall to a duel. The High Inquisitor accepted and in a short, brutal duel he was badly wounded. The High Inquisitor eventually died of his wounds thereby avenging the murder of the Countess.

As winter came the warriors of Earth Hall successfully repelled the Morekian offensive. While Luria advanced towards Shinnen Purlieus and defeated the D'Haran host. An attempt to counter-attack was made, but bad roads and poor organisation resulted in the D'Haran and Fissoan armies being split and one after the other they were put to the sword. With Shinnen safe the Emperor ordered an attack against the capital of Barca: Aveston. The battle that ensued was one of the largest of the war, with both sides fielding well over two thousand men each. But Lurian tactics and martial prowess won the day and in a single day the Kingdom of Barca was reduced to anecdote of history.

While the battle for the north was unfolding, the south saw only minor skirmishes and forays. But this did include the complete destruction of Asylon, removing the once proud Kingdom as a political and military entity.

Year 30

The new year opened with a fresh invasion of Luria: the General of Morek, Ordermarshal Helm landed with a small army on Luria's west coast and began pillaging the city of Irvington. An army was assembled to repel the invaders but to their surprise found they were not alone: an mob of commoners and peasants taking up arms against the invaders. The combined forces of Lurian troops and armed peasants numbered in the thousands and they successfully vanished the Morekians general and his host. As the northerners fled for the sea Ordermarshal Helm was captured and dragged away in chains.

Meanwhile in Ciarin Tut the largest combined army of the nations of the Southern League, some 1500 strong began looting the countryside. A Lurian counterattack numbering 1700 struck back and inflicted heavy casualties, forcing the League to flee northwards. It was at this time the weakness of the league became apparent and the day after the battle the Lord of Moon Bay defected to Luria Nova. To make matters worse, King Waldor of Fissoa passed away only a few days after that. But still the war carried on just as before, but this time Luria was unable to remove the League's armies from the north and suffered two defeats, resulting in the unfortunate capture of Emperor Sholan.

Far to the north a new front would open, as a small Lurian force numbering only 500 landed in the heartland of Astrum. For a time they were able to do as they pleased, looting and capturing provinces on a whim. After much fighting the invading force were driven out of Astrum. But the whole event left much of the Astrumite nobility very shaken, this foreign war had been drawn much closer to home.

Year 31

The Southern League was crumbling: Barca and Asylon were but memories and now the League's most powerful member was about to crack. Grandmistress Eviera of the Morek Empire abandoned her positions within the church hierarchy of Sanguis Astroism and her Duchy of Foxwind seceded from Morek to form the new nation of Helyg Derwyddon. The once great Morek Empire was now coming apart at the seams, and would lose well over two-thirds of it's territory before the year was out. Morek now ceased to be an active member of the war.

Luria now concerned itself with Fissoa, and launched a campaign southward to press down hard against the Kingdom. Battle was joined at Mangai and the former Prime Minister of D'Haran Rynn JeVondair was slain in the combat. A respected man, many Lurians would travel to D'Hara to witness his funeral after the war's end. As Luria Nova pressed harder and harder against the League the more the League began to crack and fail, much of the year was consumed with the invasion of Fissoa - at was a time reminiscent of the Lurian Incursion of Queen Alanna.

Year 32 & Aftermath

The southern thrust in to Fissoa finished the Southern League once and for all. The remaining League states sought peace as Morek descended in to civil wat. Fissoa for their part in the war were forced to cede their lands across the sea and create Madina, and to pay tribute to Luria Nova. While D'Hara, being the most ruined of all the warring nations, needed only pay tribute. The small Kingdom would remain weakened and battered for many years to come. Morek, a shadow of it's former self, was limited in power and strength and now their power was checked by the new realm of Helyg Derwyddon, which quickly became an ally of Luria Nova.

Luria Nova had bled for many long years against the Southern League, and against all odds had emerged the undisputed victor. The Southern League although numerically superior, had failed to co-ordinate and organise themselves to their strengths. Preferring a strategy of multiple fronts that divided their armies, whereas their superior Lurian foe had been waging war on home territory and successfully closed each front with numerous victories, suffering only a handful of defeats. Although weary, Luria Nova was now the undisputed master of Dwilight having fought every other nation bar only Swordfell and won.

As for Suzerain Emperor Sholan; he had presided over the realm and many years of hard war and following victory against the league he abdicated the Imperial throne.

Zajar Essenhorn

So it came to be that Zajar Essenhorn, an experienced general of the realm, was chosen to reign as Emperor. All was not well, however. Luria Nova was weakened from years of seemingly endless conflict and once again monsters and undead returned to harass the realm in great numbers. Despite the best efforts of the Hegemony many territories were lost, their inhabitants abandoning order and turning to anarchy. All of Sun Hall, from distant Thar Gortauth to little Sulorte monsters ruled the land.

Lurian Revival

But this was not to last. Emperor Zajar, in his wisdom made preparations for the return of Lurian supremacy to Dwilight, which would begin with the reconquest of Sun Hall for the monstrous hordes. It was then something quite unusual happened. Before the Emperor's plans could be initiated a large group of Knights all came of age at the very same time, and after they had sworn their fealty to their Emperor they were organised in to the army of the 'Askileon Rangers' under the leadership of Imperial Marshal, Cador Andrasta. These young Knights would become known as the 'Young Nobles' or 'Autumn Nobles' and formed the backbone of the armies sent West. It wasn't long before all of Sun Hall, save for only the most distant or desolate provinces, were safely under the control of the Hegemony once again.

Luria Nova would once again enjoy stability and expansion, with many new nobles flocking to join the rapidly growing realm. Emperor Zajar would eventually retire from the Imperial Throne, he abdicated knowing his glorious Hegemony was once again a powerful realm.