City of Thornmouth

THE AGE OF DRAGONS
Draconic Period

Anexian history is one that is much longer than the past two thousand years of colonization, but the truth about the time before Aetheros has been lost to the chaos of the First Falling.

It is known that dragons reigned in the distant past, but very little is known about them or what their culture may have been like before the first fall. What is certain is that their bones are plentiful and numerous across Hy-Brazir, ancient fossils suggesting a very strong legacy of reptile and draconic rule. It can only be presumed that they’ve always been here, but some aren’t so certain.

THE TIME OF MAGES
??? - Year of Imprisonment, 1 AA

In oldest recorded legends it is said that the first alien immigrants arrived upon this world: four ‘wizards’, great masters of origin and ilk unknown. It was here they found a world of dragons and in pursuit of knowledge they ruled in peace alongside the intelligent reptiles, until the eventual emergence of schemes and agendas tore the council of mages apart. They are called wizards due to their appearances as etched or sculpted in ancient ruins, tall and magical beings with fanciful and elderly appearances - their species, however, is not entirely clear nor depictions consistent.

What they fought over is unknown, but eventually their conflicts led to the state the moon Aetheros is found in now. While unconfirmed hearsay, it is believed to be a prison for one of those wizards; what happened that led to such an extreme solution is a mystery, but this individual is often referred to as ‘the betrayer’ regardless.

What is recorded of this time period is very scarce and unreliable, with ancient relics leaving the most significant clues as to what once existed. In the chaos that followed the breaking of the moon, the remaining wizards vanished.

AGE OF CHAOS
1 AA - 484 AA

Upon the sealing of the betrayer in the moon and the damage done to the satellite, the planet saw the ‘first fall’ of moon fragments pulled into the atmosphere, which upon hitting the surface formed the first gates to other worlds. These ‘moon gates’ grew from the collisions in the form of crescent shaped arches, erupting with such celestial force that they linked to small tears in spacetime on the other side - with the ‘other side’ being almost anywhere within the greater multiverse. This began an era of chaos and the age of current recorded history. In the devastation of the first fall and ensuing struggles, the dragons saw loss so great that they were nearly wiped out. It would take a long time for them to begin recovering their numbers and collective knowledge.

Aetheros has since been as if held in a stasis of some kind - an explosion of energy pouring out from a wound frozen in time. It remains so if still orbiting, with small fragments escaping and falling to the planet on occasion. While it is a rare thing for a new moon gate to form, the haunting moon still has powerful magical effects upon the planet.

Those who first came through the gates entered into a world of disorder, with the dragons in disarray and the environment devastated - it was a wild, savage world for centuries where only the strong survived.

AGE OF DISPLACEMENT
484 AA - 987 AA

The dragons begin the recovery of their numbers and culture, but they find viable territories contested by other creatures, beings, and even invasive vegetation. It is not all new species to the planet that are problematic, however - the dragons find elves from a distant fey realm in the west, who take to worshiping them as gods and dub them 'The First Race' in honor of their native status. In this they were spared from the draconic interest in domination where they had once served. They are dubbed 'The Second Race' as the first migrants to have sustainable numbers and begin a new calendar starting in 484 AA marking their bond with the dragons.

So instead the dragons enslaved the next race to arrive upon the planet in sustainable numbers: The Third Race, the dwarves. They found the stable moon gate leading to the world of the dwarves and used it to enslave them for their purposes in great numbers. It was upon the islands of the central sea that these slave colonies were kept and the gate to their world presumably still lies.

While the dwarves labored in unwilling servitude, the elves dedicated themselves to finding ways to serve their new masters, seeking to build defenses against those that might do their gods harm and prevent their recovery. They sought to grow their numbers and provide more laborers. It would take many generations for their goals to be achieved, but their culture began to wind itself around their servitude to dragonkind.

So began the bitter reflection between the elves and the dwarves, one who saw the path of their future in kneeling before the dragons and another who was made to bend the knee.

The colonization of the planet continued - men arrived, followed by orc, centaur, merfolk, beastfolk, and countless others in numbers large enough to begin forming colonies. While some formed friendships and even nations together, not all agreed to find unity in collective displacement. They have regardless been unable to avoid sharing their varied knowledge and customs of the realms amongst one another, which has led to both new cultures and unexpected developments. It became a world to be tamed, where monster hunters reigned as the greatest of champions and heroes.

ERA OF NATIONS
987 AA - 1820 AA

In time many races found success and claimed their own pieces of territory in this nexus of worlds; the humans of the far east begin to coalesce into the first kingdom which eventually becomes the Empire of Naldrima. This formation of a larger nation in 987 AA marks the beginning of the Era of Nations.

The orcs form their own kingdom in the southern jungles, which also grows over time both across the land and extending out to islands at sea.

The Nameless Desert becomes home to many dangerous beasts and outlaws, unsettled except by only the most daring and skilled of souls. It is said that ancient ruins lay underground there, but few seeking them ever return.

The outskirts of the desert, as well as the steppes and plains between the isthmus and desert border, become home to large groups of nomadic centaur.

When the dragons were spread thin enough trying to keeps tabs on all the development of various races, the dwarves took their chance to claim destiny and freedom, escaping in great numbers from the islands of the central sea to the mainland. In this they managed to achieve their own settlements which rapidly grew.

In seeing how many peoples were spreading out across the continent and in light of the escape of the dwarves, the elves began to pursue a new goal: forming an army against those that would challenge their gods.

However, the other fae they called to join them were too fickle and diverse, instead deciding to accept the invitation to this world yet dedicating themselves to the realm of nature as a whole instead of the dragons alone. They only promised to serve in war if those against the dragons crossed the land bridge below the central sea of the continent or the sea itself.

THE RISE OF AYRGONTH
1732 AA

A dragon named Ayrgonth, shunned by his kind for his devotion to dark magics, reveals himself as a lich and launches an assault to prove himself to his people. In this he becomes a scourge in the mountains east of the central sea - but Naldrima sends aid to the dwarves, beginning a purge of all things magic and forging a lasting relationship. Ayrgonth is defeated, but an undead curse persists to this day; peoples of the east shift from burying their dead to cremating them.

In the growing alliances between the peoples of the east, the dragons finally found themselves driven out of one side of the continent. The separate sides had always been kept apart by the dragon guarded land bridge of the central region - but the growing human empire now began to view it as a prize to be taken.

The tensions between both sides of the continent continued to grow. It was during this era that King Oberon and Queen Titania ruled over the fairy courts that now ruled the expansive wilds of the west, figures either named for the legends or perhaps those that inspired them.

The Empire of Naldrima finally became bold enough to launch an assault on the isthmus, which had since the dawn of history been a ‘no-man’s land’ and long considered sacred. It acted as a chokehold, viewed as impassable as the central sea due to the way it was treated by both dragon and faerie kind.

The human-dominant kingdom marched across the desert to invade when their efforts to come around the coast by seas failed due to sea monsters and storms. In this treacherous journey they are said to have slaughtered countless monsters and bandits in the region.

They arrived weary and with fewer numbers than they had started with, but upon their arrival were met by forces from the dwarves, orc, and even centaur nations and coalitions; bolstered eastern forces were able to gain a foothold in the region, establishing a fortress on the southern coast of the isthmus. They accomplished this by destroying a great grove of thorn trees that had grown around the bay and made passage into the depths of the isthmus more difficult without going north. This grove of thorn trees had been considered sacred and used for pilgrimage by the fae as a place for the dead and those seeking enlightenment, a burial ground for important figures.

A more southeastern settlement was established that rapidly grew as the people there felt safe, protected by the fort between them and the fae. The town of Gadena became a city while Fort Aurus continued to strengthen and show signs of becoming a settlement of its own in due time. The number of invaders continued to grow at an alarming rate and they even began construction on an abbey within the depths of the mushroom forest, the priests there believing they could ‘bring the light of the east’ to this dark land.

The Seelie, the Unseelie, the dragons and elves join together to declare war, the courts and even some wild fae honoring the promise their people had made so long ago. This led to the first assault on human settlements by fae forces, who devastated the abbey without remorse. While the courts usually minded their own business and fae are not exactly a unified people, they came together for the first time to protect their half of the continent and sacred lands.

A long war begins.

THE FAE-HUMAN WAR
1786 AA - 1820 AA

In the struggles and countless battles neither side seemed able to gain the upper hand, years turning into decades and increasingly complex tactics - many move to Gadena to maintain numbers, growing large in population and comfortability. While war continues to rage along the divide known as The Sundering, more and more settlements and military bases are established; both sides continue to see great losses and groups taking more extreme measures in an attempt to turn the odds in their favor.

In the conflicts the dragons found themselves driven from the isthmus to the central sea by dwarven made artillery fire that had advanced far beyond their expectations. They had created weapons that spilled down ‘iron rain’, capable of slaughtering fae with sickening ease. It poisoned the land and made it difficult for them to work their magic where it had fallen and bolts made of magic nullifying metal dropped dragons like stones from the sky. It is finally decided that they can sacrifice no more of their numbers, although many individuals stayed behind to fight regardless.

In light of the devastation to the land and decades of senseless slaughter, the mundane populations of the isthmus began to see separatist groups form in opposition. The elves finally pull out of the conflict as well, having only joined for the sake of the dragons and following their leave. This led to even greater division between them and the other fae.

In the disruption caused by the elves and dragons pulling out, Oberon is finally killed and fae retaliation is fierce - he falls in battle where The Sundering spills over a cliff, his body becoming the great tree in the clearing now known as “Oberon’s Rest”. The fae see a surge of fresh strength from the sudden addition of wild fae forces and other magical beings of the west, pushing back hard to the point Fort Aurus is placed in danger - separatist groups in Gadena rally for an end to the fighting and civil war erupts instead. The seelie courts hope to see divided mundane groups tear themselves apart, but can't take advantage of the conflicts due to holding down the borders

Leader Brennus of the separatists makes a bargain for peace negotiations, meeting with Queen Titania in secret. She is weary of war and makes an offer: if they join the fae to prevent further bloodshed by throwing a wrench into their plans, the separatists can have the isthmus for their own. It remains unknown how she got the leaders of the unseelie court to agree to these compromises, but she likely had to make deep bargains with them as well.

They agree and succeed in their efforts to compromise the production of new weaponry that could turn the tides, as well as halt the production of the iron rain: now pushed back up against the wall, the human kingdom has no choice but to pull out although many more than just separatists stay in Gadena.

1820 AA
The war ends and deals are struck - Brennus becomes the first king of the new nation and forms the city of Thornmouth upon where Fort Aurus once stood, negotiating the details of his agreement with Titania to strike a balance between the demands of both Gadena and the fae. While allowances were granted, both sides agreed to keep largely separated and not cooperate economically - borders are open only to fae still wanting to make pilgrimage to sacred sites. Brennus agrees to take up the role as guardian of the lands of the central sea, respecting the forests and remaining neutral with no religion sanctioned by its leaders. The black sands would also mark a boundary between nations, that of dragons and men.

The new kingdom grows quickly, many moving there from other mundane nations and even the magical west for a new start. This conjoining of many peoples was at the heart of Thornmouth’s development and growth, a diversity of peoples coming together to make a new nation - while humans remain the majority, it is only by so much and minority groups are many. In short time Thornmouth becomes the most diverse city in the known world.

THE MODERN ERA
1820 AA - Present

1847
Senavra is born to Brennus' eldest son Manus.

1853 AA
King Brennus passes away at the age of 61, leaving the throne to not his eldest, but youngest son Leandros. The young king is only 19, but has a good head on his shoulders and a kind heart. Brennus' eldest son Manus is outraged and focuses his efforts on politics in Gadena, notably at odds with his brother when it comes to methods of rule.

1869 AA
The king and the crown prince pass from illness following a dignitary visit affected by an incursion from a dangerous new moon gate following the biggest fragment shower seen in centuries. The queen rules for a time, but her younger son and daughters are deemed too unfit to succeed her and the throne eventually passes to the king's brother, Manus.

1885
King Manus is killed in action seeking glory at sea, losing many ships and scores of men in the process. The throne passes to his ambitious daughter Senavra, who had married a lord from Gadena who traced his lineage back to Naldriman royalty. They bring their family to the capital city and carry on Manus' eastern influenced policies.

1905
Queen Senavra and King Giano's only son the Crown Prince Serannos passes away from health complications - his son Mannis takes his place as next in line. The new crown prince's son Galen I is born the same year. This was believed to be an omen, the arrival of a prophesized child.

1915
King Giano passes.

1916
Crown Prince Mannis dies under suspicious circumstances at the age of 32.

1925
Prince Galen inherits the throne at the age of 20, when Queen Senavra passes at 78.

1945 AA
Prince Galen II is born, soon followed by three siblings. It is during this time that the city begins to see more fae blood and mixed families, relationships formed by pilgrims who have began to stay behind in greater numbers as unauthorized migrants. A lot of residents with ancestry hailing from Gadena and in turn Naldrima insist on retaining their bigotries, protesting that their allowance is against international agreements.

These tense relations are tested continuously by human and fae alike, giving way to the formation of the Court Guards and Faewatch, as more than just pilgrims from the west come to the kingdom seeking new lives or to create discord. There are clashes between the populace and the guard, between border crossing fae and the Faeguard, acts of violence occurring from both sides - many worry it is the sign of another war brewing.

1973 AA
King Galen I, great-great-great-grandson of Brennus, passes away at the age of 68 - his rather more progressive son Galen the II inherits the throne.

Galen II's coronation is attended by angry fae, the new king hit with rotten fruit during the procession. A fight break out among the citizenry and the guard takes harsh action. In disillusionment rather than anger, Galen slowly grows apart from the ideals of the noble class, seeming to sympathize with the fae more than his people care for. In one of his first acts as king he disbanded slayer guilds or groups of any kind, imposing strict regulations on the Faewatch and making it illegal to hunt certain beasts.

King Galen stands by this being a vital decision but tensions rise anew and he is blamed for the unrest, a campaign spearheaded by the purists who want the city to remain mundane. There are mob attempts made to 'round up' those suspected of having fae blood and the magical community responds with ugly retaliation to businesses and upper city districts.

King Galen meets with the current king of the Seelie court and discusses a course of action. They agree upon an arranged marriage, with both sides offering terms: to bridge the divide between their peoples, the ports and borders would be opened, trade and diplomacy initiated simultaneously. In recognition of the central sea and surrounding areas being sacred lands where the most stable moon gates appeared, the kingdom would offer sanctuary for all travelers and in return the fae would guide those that came through the fae side of the strait safely across. It would be a kingdom for all such refugees; the unseelie could no longer lay claim to those at Oberon's Rest and neither could Thornmouth turn the lost away, agreeing to accept travelers of all nations and origins. In the eyes of the fae, everyone who comes through a moon gate unintentionally is on a personal journey, all of which revolves around the magics of the central sea. It is considered the heart of the world and where all the answers lie.

1975 AA
King Galen marries the fae princess Eilwen to solidify his stance to his people and to encourage peace between peoples from both sides of the continent. It was a bold and poorly received political move - but opinions have began to shift over time, helped by the notable boosts to the local economy. The remains of the abbey in the woods is reconstructed as the Academy of Steeplestone and open to all peoples.

Queen Eilwen is also much loved - she is stern and severe woman, but not necessarily unkind. She has no patience for intolerance and can be quite terrifying, but seems to legitimately care for the welfare and growth of her people, instating many policies for the betterment of the kingdoms.

King Galen and Queen Eilwen have four children: Crown Prince Justus (1973 AA), Prince Ellis (1982 AA), Prince Verril (1988 AA), and Princess Enya (1990 AA).

2004 AA
Galen sees in his children a new era for Thornmouth and hopefully the world. The city is at its most peaceful and has seen enormous growth in the decades since he took the throne, but it is not without conflict or threats. It is in the process of changing, which other nations have varied opinions about. It is unknown why the dragons have not made any moves beyond blatantly keeping a watchful eye and being unforgiving towards those who dare to so much as step into the waters of the central sea.

In more recent times, even the elves of all people have begun trading with Thornmouth and may be the key to better relations with the dragons. They are a very private and xenophobic species, not allowing outsiders into their cities and few to none ever leaving them save merchants, but they regardless seem eager to indulge in the arts and luxuries the world has to offer.