History
A brief, if not concise, history of Meohmair, spoken in imperial cant by Baird-Apprentice Ilex, apprentice to Eteos.
Age of Enlightened Wounds
In the First Year of Atsab, known as the Foremost, a group of people called the Beit arrived on the shores of Meohmair, seeking sanctuary. Their origins were shrouded in mystery, hailing from an elsewhere pulsing with magic, unlike the nature of this new world they found themselves in. Led by Atsab, known as the Astute, the Beit discovered that this world lacked the magical energy they were accustomed to. It was then that Atsab bestowed upon them the motes, a gift that would allow all to live and thrive in this unfamiliar land. However, the price for this power was great, requiring sacrifices to fuel the summoning. This exchange of power and knowledge of the before-time became known as the Antecedent Mend.
After their arrival, the Beit scattered across Meohmair, establishing realms of civilization. Dragons and Giants pursued their own paths, while the Orcs, renowned warriors, mysteriously vanished overnight, leaving behind an enigma that would puzzle the Beit for centuries to come. The reason behind the Orcs' disappearance remained unknown, a lingering mystery in the annals of Beit history.
In the midst of their journey, Atsab, known as the Overwhelming, introduced the Laws of Péarla, a legal framework that defined the rules and privileges of the noble class. It was under Atsab, also called the Inquiring, that the concept of the Emprex was born. With the power to shape the world, Atsab wielded immense influence. Mountains bowed, islands rose, and nations formed under his command, marking the first of many transformations this world would witness.
During the Age of Enlightened Wounds, the Beit encountered a unique and intriguing group of beings known as the Danann. As word spread among the scattered Beit communities about these extraordinary creatures, curiosity grew, and the Beit set out to seek the Danann. Stories and rumors sparked anticipation and excitement, fueling the desire to learn more about this enigmatic race. In an initial meeting between Atsab, known as the Everloving, and Danann elders, a bond of mutual understanding and respect was forged. The Beit marveled at the distinctive qualities possessed by the Danann, while the Danann were fascinated by the Beit's origins and their connection to the elsewhere. This encounter marked the beginning of a relationship that would shape the future interactions and dynamics between the Beit and the Danann in the realm of Meohmair.
The Age of Rectified Clay witnessed the arrival of the Beit, their dispersion across the land, the introduction of the Laws of Péarla, the enigma surrounding the vanishing of the Orcs, and the momentous encounter between the Beit and the Danann. These events laid the foundation for the intricate tapestry of Meohmair's history, setting the stage for the ages yet to unfold.
Eteos responds: A good start, Ilex, and definitely in the officious speech our aristocracy prefers. Remember, though, as Baird you must recall even the less popular version of our histories: there are some who say that the motes were here all along, they just weren't quickly responsive to anything not native. It is suggested by those with little regard for their own popularity that the Antecedent Mend, however fantastical, was not necessary; Atsab was simply impatient.
Age of Tarnished Providence
In the 221st year of Ramay nix Atsab, darkness fell upon the lands of Idural as the powerful Devil Baalzebul broke free from his confines. With his emergence, chaos and corruption spread like a wildfire, plunging the people into a state of violence and depravity. Neighbor turned against neighbor, Tieflings clashed with Aasimar, and unspeakable atrocities stained the land in the name of power and perversion. The exact duration of Baalzebul's influence remains lost to time, but its depth was unmistakable.
The people of Idural, through unknown means, rallied against Baalzebul's tyranny, pushing him back from their borders and into the neighboring realm of Aibralum. It was there that the Silver Dragon Gyvnyru made her valiant stand, sacrificing her own life to cast Baalzebul back into the depths of the Red. However, the rage of the Elven people, who had suffered greatly under Baalzebul's reign, could not be appeased by mere platitudes or excuses.
In the 10th year of Elred nix Ramay, the Imperiex called for a Grand Conclave to establish the Vondr Code, a set of laws and guidelines aimed at regulating warfare and minimizing casualties. The code emphasized the importance of preserving lives over personal heroism. However, a decade later, the city of Xirreweth, a symbol of unity between Elves, Aasimar, and Tieflings, was completely destroyed. This devastating event prompted the hasty negotiation of the Treaty of Xirreweth. Elred, known as the Peacemonger, forced the warring factions to the negotiation table. The treaty halted overt and large-scale conflicts between these peoples, striving to prevent further bloodshed.
During this age, the Orcs retreated behind their fortified walls, isolating themselves from the outside world. Despite their seclusion, Orcish nobles remained engaged in important matters, including diplomatic negotiations and stonemasonry projects when required. The reasons behind the Orcs' withdrawal and their subsequent actions remain a subject of speculation and curiosity among the other races of Meohmair.
Amidst the turmoil, the winding roads and mystical pathways known as the Rathad were established. Through the collaborative efforts of Ulir, Inlir, and Dridia, these extensive networks spanned across Meohmair, reconnecting the realms after each Succession. The Rathad became vital arteries of travel and trade, facilitating movement between different regions and allowing for the exchange of goods and ideas.
These events, the Outbreak of Baalzebul, the Vondr Code, the Treaty of Xirreweth, the Retreat of Orcs, and the establishment of the Rathad, shaped the Age of Rectified Clay, leaving a lasting impact on the history and people of Meohmair. The struggles, sacrifices, and endeavors of this era paved the way for the challenges and developments that would follow in the ages to come.
Age of Fractured Bone
During the Age of Fractured Bone, marked by the events in the 117th year of Kevtian, Meohmair was thrown into turmoil with the revelation, discovered through the casual commentary of a Danann emissary, that the Danann possessed the ability to nullify interactions with motes, the magical essence that permeates the land. This discovery led to a surge in demand for iron ore from the known Danann settlements, as it was believed to be the key to countering the influence of the motes. However, the Danann claimed to have no interest in the metal and denied any ongoing mining operations.
Arenyphe, the twelfth-born child of Kevtian, consumed her own father and rose to power. With a disregard for matters of iron, Arenyphe declared that if the Danann were immune to the motes, they could not be subdued by the Imperiex, posing a grave threat to the way of life for all inhabitants of Meohmair. Several months later, a mass invasion of all known Danann cities commenced, orchestrated by the Imperiex and their forces. The once-fabled porcelain walls of the Danann civilizations crumbled under the might of the Imperiex, leading to the capture, enslavement, or flight of the Danann people.
Over the following decades, those who escaped enslavement among the Danann fled, hid, and evolved. Arenyphe harbored a deep resentment towards the Qodam, whom he believed aided the Danann, despite many Beit continuing to worship them. In the 21st year of Arenyphe's reign, the Minotaur were born, bringing real battle to the forefront. The Beit, who were accustomed to war conducted within the rules of the Vondr and reliant on the motes for rescue and healing, were exposed to the power of edged weapons and the limitations of motes in the face of severed heads. The Minotaur, driven by the desire to rescue and liberate their enslaved forebears, showed the Beit the path of brutal but precise warfare.
The grief-stricken Minotaur, witnessing the atrocities committed against their kin by the Beit, summoned the previously unknown Tabaxi to aid them in their quest for vengeance. The agile and cunning feline-people swiftly eliminated several noble families, bringing death and destruction to their entire bloodlines.
Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, the Order of Niren emerged as a cabal comprising giants and dragons. These rarely seen beings made themselves known to both sides, forcefully steering them towards diplomacy. Through coercion and negotiation, a treaty was eventually reached, albeit bringing misery to both parties. The War of Iron's Ashes, as it became known, concluded with the agreement that the Qodam would remove themselves and any future Qodam, the Xovos would bow to the Imperiex, and the Danann would be granted a small, yet free and unchangeable, homeland. This is known as the Covenant of Smoldering Thorns.
The Age of Fractured Bone was a time of intense conflict, loss, and a shifting balance of power. It witnessed the rise of new races and the resurgence of ancient beings, as well as the forging of a fragile peace through a tumultuous treaty. Meohmair was forever altered by the events of this age, leaving scars that would shape the future of the realm.
Eteos responds: Of particular amusement to some of our more irony-loving scholars, Arenyphe nix Kevtian, in all her sadistic grandeur, demanded that she be present when the Qodam ended their own existences. Perhaps she thought they would go up in a puff of smoke. It didn't seem to occur to her that their gargantuan, lifeless bodies would submit to something so ignoble as gravity, until it was too late. It took months for her only son to have her remains excavated.
Age of Rectified Clay
During the Age of Rectified Clay, marked by the tumultuous 3rd year of Raka nix Arenyphe, known as the Fool, Meohmair was plagued by darkness and chaos that surpassed the mere shedding of divine blood. The grieving and enraged Danann inadvertently unleashed a torrent of monstrous creatures upon the land. Goblins, Kobolds, Ogres, and other unsavory beings emerged from the depths, filling the crevices and dark corners of Meohmair. This wave of creatures threatened the delicate balance of the world.
As the land grew dark with the blood of gods, and monsters spilled forth from the Danann, various races sought safety and refuge. Settlements expanded, both in size and number, as people sought to fortify their homes and establish new communities away from the advancing threats. This led to the growth and development of numerous towns and cities across Meohmair.
Amidst the turmoil, the Orcish people, known for their artistic prowess rather than their warlike nature in this realm, took the opportunity to reestablish their cities and showcase their splendors to the wider world. Their previously secluded and hidden domains opened up, inviting others to witness their impressive sculptures, exquisite craftsmanship, and creations of immense beauty.
As the Age of Rectified Clay unfolded, the Danann themselves faced a critical challenge. Their population dwindled as they struggled to breed true, threatened by the very circumstances that engulfed Meohmair. This crisis brought them to the brink of extinction, necessitating their concerted efforts to ensure their survival and preserve their legacy.
Throughout this age, Meohmair experienced a delicate balance between the emergence of darkness and chaos and the resilience of its diverse inhabitants. The Orcish cities served as beacons of cultural magnificence amidst the encroaching darkness, while the Danann grappled with their own existence and sought to overcome the challenges they faced. It was a time of upheaval and transformation, where the fate of Meohmair hung in the balance.
Age of Radiant Membrane
The Age of Radiant Membrane, which commenced in the 362nd year of Faelar nix Dain, represents the modern era of Meohmair. It is a time marked by a significant event—the birth of the first Changeling and the subsequent recognition of their existence. The Changelings, believed to be a result of convergent evolution from multiple bi-racial sources, are revered by some as agents of the land due to their ability to shift their forms akin to the ever-changing nature of Meohmair itself.
The birth-cry of the Changeling resonated across the realm, symbolizing a new era and the beginning of a chapter in Meohmair's history. The emergence of Changelings served as evidence that even non-native species could evolve and thrive in this land. Their unique abilities and adaptable nature have made them a fascinating and enigmatic presence among the diverse races of Meohmair.
The Age of Radiant Membrane has brought with it a sense of curiosity and wonder as the realms of politics, society, and culture adapt to accommodate the Changelings. Their presence adds a new layer of complexity and diversity to the already rich tapestry of Meohmair. It is a time of exploration, acceptance, and perhaps even occasional trepidation as the Changelings and their abilities are integrated into the fabric of Meohmair's various kingdoms and communities.
The Changelings, embraced by some and feared by others, play a significant role in shaping the events and dynamics of the Age of Radiant Membrane. Their transformative abilities allow them to navigate between different races and cultures, bridging gaps and fostering understanding among the diverse inhabitants of Meohmair. Their presence challenges preconceived notions and expands the possibilities of identity and belonging in the realm.
As the Age of Radiant Membrane unfolds, it brings forth a new era of exploration, inclusivity, and transformation. The Changelings, with their unique heritage and ability to adapt, contribute to the ever-evolving nature of Meohmair, leaving an intense impression on the realm and its history.
Now: Now is the reign of Empress Amalia nix Tsofi, wherein a significant shift has occurred in the leadership of Meohmair. Her ascension to the throne came unexpectedly, as she consumed her mother, Empress Tsofi nix Keir, under mysterious circumstances. This turn of events shocked many, particularly because Galvan nix Tsofi, who was considered the most likely heir-potential, was expected to succeed as the next Emprex.
The circumstances surrounding Empress Amalia's consumption of her mother remain shrouded in secrecy and speculation. The exact reasons and motivations behind this act are known only to a select few. This event sent ripples through Meohmair, stirring intrigue and causing whispers among the nobles and inhabitants of the realm.
Empress Amalia's unexpected rise to power brings with it a sense of uncertainty and intrigue. As the new ruler, she faces the challenge of establishing her authority and gaining the trust and support of her subjects. Her reign will be marked by the need to navigate the political landscape and maintain stability within Meohmair.
The sudden shift in succession disrupted the expectations and plans of those who anticipated Galvan nix Tsofi's ascent to the throne. It leads to speculation and theories about Empress Amalia's motivations and the potential consequences of her rule. Some view her actions with suspicion, while others seek to understand the circumstances surrounding her rise to power.
As Empress Amalia takes the reins of leadership, she has to prove her worth and demonstrate her ability to lead Meohmair effectively. The realm watches with a mixture of curiosity, apprehension, and hope as she embarks on her journey as the new Emprex.
The reign of Empress Amalia nix Tsofi will be defined by her actions, decisions, and the manner in which she steers Meohmair through the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Her rule will determine the course of the realm and shape its future, as she faces the responsibilities and expectations of being the supreme ruler of Meohmair.