Onarian Empire

The Onarian Empire was a polity in eastern Tembra during the first millenium of the Era of Light. Formed in 74 EL by the Grengadeen, it lasted until 866 EL, making it the longest suriviving continuous state in Tembrayan history. At its height, it ruled from Meervar and Onar in the far south, all the way to Heredar and Yindar in the north. For a time, it was the last bastion of magical study in Tembra.

History

Time of Clans (1 EL - 74 EL)

Following Daybreak, the regions east of Valysera had been ravished by the Karakans, who used Onar as a landing point across the Onar Stretch. While urgent and extensive reconstruction was required, the fighting also left a magical legacy. At the Tower of Agorathdorn, built in 36 EL, this power was studied and harnessed by a merchant family called the Grengadeen.
Meanwhile, the Dwarven Freehold entered into the Age of Resurgence, and the Grendageen saw fit to respond in kind. Using their wealth and magic, they conscripted armies and began building settlements, such as Teritis, that they hoped would grow into a mighty empire.

Time of the Grengadeen (74 EL - 327 EL)

With money and magic behind them, former equals of the Grengadeen swore fealty to them, and the Onarian Empire was born. It was a period marked by successful stabilisation of the region with infrastructure undergoing rapid construction. With domestic issues being tackled successfully, the Grengadeen embarked on slow but sustained expansion, absorbing Meervar, Avar, and Nantar in the first century of the reign. During this period, Onar also saw infrequent and usually small-scale war with the dwarves, and at times the empire's borders stretched as far north as Yindar.
The Grengadeen would eventually fall, however, following periods of stagnation in the late third and early fourth centuries. Infighting led them to form two factions within the family, which came to a head at the Duel of the Vipers in 321 EL. Leaders of the two factions died at each others' hands, and the Grengadeen collapsed in 327, sparking the Twenty Years' War.

Time of the Obradeen (327 EL - 347 EL)

After the fall of the Grengadeen, the Obradeen seized control of Onar under the command of Eria Borelis I. The Obradeen were among the first families to join the Grengadeen in constructing an empire, and saw themselves as the natural successors to the old regime.
While a plurality amongst the populace supported the Obradeen, some families fancied themselves as emperors. The Saraseen, for one, were even earlier supporters of the Grengadeen than the Obradeen, but they didn't have the power then nor since to contribute meaningfully to Onar's reconstruction. Under the command of Terin Nemenor III, they staked their claim. Another contender, the Hestradeen, emerged initially as underdogs, but led by Levis Agrelion I they proved a threat to Obradeen and Saraseen alike.
During a routine troop inspection, Eria Borelis I was killed by a projectile thrown by an unknown assassin, and the Obradeen surrendered to the Hestradeen shortly after. Ever the opportunist, Terin Numenor III claimed the throne.

Time of the Saraseen (347 EL - 352 EL)

The Time of the Saraseen was shortlived, as their seizure of the throne was based on victories attained by the Hestradeen, not themselves. They continued to fight, but were defeated by Levis Agrelion I.

Time of the Hestradeen (352 EL - 587 EL)

The Hestradeen were never expected to become emperors at the start of the Twenty Years' War, but Levis Agrelion's tactical acumen proved decisive on the battlefield, and he saw off both the Obradeen and the Saraseen. Shortly after his victory in the civil war, he unified the empire by invading Valysera, recapturing the symbol of the office of emperor, the Sceptre of Onar. It had previously been taken by the Valyserans in the last years of the Grengadeen.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Capital

Teritis