A Modern History of Cyorion

Attention!

The information in this article is copied from the original word draft :) It is still going to be adapted for World Anvil and made more readable. However, it is here for you to review as it is tuned!

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A History of the Modern Ages of Cyorion

Vaeril Adceran Cyorion (Ancient Elven - Roughly translates to “The struggle and growth of the world”)

^{Consecutive Years listed in italics. The modern world consists of three major ages denoted as “VAC”, “YC”, and “LB”.
VAC - Zero to 930}
0~200 VAC
Elven tribes begin to shape and settle the forests. The first civilization takes root in the Elven city of Gweyir. After cities begin to take shape, Elves meet and garner peaceful relationships with Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes.
200~220 VAC
Tieflings appear from the northern desert Rumored to have been created by trickster demigod Ubris, Tieflings thrive by raiding caravans and Elven outposts
240 VAC
Dwarves found cities and raise militaries to protect shipments from Tiefling raiders Dwarves, who had been previously living either in mines or mobile encampments designed to pick up and transport ore, create a ruling council and form their first cities.
Cities are paired “sister” cities prefixed by either Mol’ in the mines or Tal’ on the surface. For example: The city of Galegg consists of the mine of Mol’Galegg or the surface city of Tal’Galegg.
Large populations of Gnomes interested in mining valuable gems and precious metals begin to take up residence in Dwarven mining cities. Halflings begin to take up residence in Elven cities or form small shires near Elven forest territory, allying with the Elves to fend off Tieflings. Halflings and Elves blend well together socially and tend to get along.



Meanwhile, across the great sea to the North
240 VAC
Humans until this point have consisted of clans roaming the highlands, tending to sheep, and raising crops where they could. The largest of the northern islands, generally referred to as the continent of Gyte, also borders the home of Dragons across the Calhone Channel. Human longships discover what is now known as The Steppes of Galeah to the East and create cities amongst the highlands, fogs, and sheer cliff faces.
Dragons have spent most of pre-history raiding human clans for food and entertainment. Once the humans moved to the Steppes they found the long journey difficult, and the terrain unwelcoming. To attempt to create diplomatic and peaceful relations with their prior food source, the dragons create the Dragonborn.

The Great Dragon Wars
Although the story is muddled with rumor, hearsay, and half truths, what is clear is that the first Dragonborn envoy to reach the Steppes was invited to a great hall to feast. A heated argument broke out and three of the five in the Dragonborn envoy were executed, the last two barely escaping.
240-930 VAC
Humans, Dragons, and Dragonborn do not explore south of their islands as they maintain a period of sporadic warring over hundreds of years.




Back in the South
660 VAC
After struggling to gain a foothold against the Elven/Halfling alliance, dark sorcerers within the Tiefling ranks create the Orcs. The Tieflings enslave and militarize these dark creations and set them against the cities of Elves
680-693 VAC - The War of Storms
Elves and Halflings take heavy losses in the early stages of the war. Tieflings utilize dark magic and Orcs to relentlessly slaughter the defenses.
In 682 VAC the Elves contact the Dwarves for assistance. Bolstered by new Dwarven troops and Gnomish inventors, the new Army of King Edrym (The Elven King) begins to turn the tide.
The war continues for another 9 years resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands.
693 VAC
After being enslaved for over a decade, Orcs begin to break from Tiefling control. The War of Storms ends when Orcs break from their bondage, killing Tiefling military and social leadership. Tieflings scatter to small groups living in the wild.
Bands of Orcs begin to raid in the south. These smaller skirmishes are easily defeated by local militias. The Army of King Edrym is disbanded and the War of Storms is considered won.



In the North
930 VAC
After centuries of hostilities, Humans and Dragonborn come to a final negotiation of peace and begin to live among each other in the great northern continent of Gyte. Tensions exist, but the races tolerate each other.
Dragonborn begin to sail south, but do not make it far past the great desert across the sea.
Humans, more adaptable, begin great explorations and create two desert cities across the ocean. These cities provide a respite for Dragonborn travellers.

As all races have now intermingled, all further history concerns the entire world

Yesbanise Cyorion (“The Blossoming of Cyorion”)

^{YC - 930-2271}
15 YC
After a few centuries of living as outcasts, the ancient war of the Elves and Tieflings is laid to rest. Tieflings begin to be tolerated within city borders, but most are still treated with outright hostility.
Human explorers appear at the northernmost Elven outposts. Soon, all races meet and trade begins, with the exception of Orcs who still live in tribes and raid the southern races.
89 YC
Busat, the City of Gates is founded on the jungle island of Kutalla, on the Northwestern tip of the southern continent, now referred to as Lomiindor. Busat is a collaborative effort of a port town between all races, serving as a trade hub and melting pot of culture, trade, and crime.
126 YC
The great dragon exploration begins. Rumor tells that the Dragons sense a great evil from the south and six set out to explore. Dwarves discover one slain in the southernmost mountains after a great battle is observed. One takes up residency in the Ethriol Desert(the great desert at the North of the continent of Lomiindor), rumors exist of a race of zealots that worship him. One disappears in the south chasing Orcs. The other three eventually return home to the north.
Half-elves have started to become common through Elven and Human cross breeding. Tribes of Elves have retreated to the forest to commune with nature, eventually creating the sub race of Wood Elves.
440 YC
After centuries of relative peace, Orcs rally in great numbers and begin to assault the cities of other races. These Orcs appear to have a blood-red color to their skin and are bloodthirsty savages. They receive the moniker “Blood Orcs”. What little information civilized races can glean from captive soldiers spur rumors of an enslaved dragon and the Blood Orcs considering themselves the highest evolution of Orcs. Elves and Humans manage to capture a number of Blood Orcs and begin experiments to cure them of their violent nature.
442 YC
Humans and Elves noted the adaptability of interbred Half-Elves and experiments are run crossing Orcs with Humans to subdue some of the Blood Orc’s wild tendencies. These more intelligent, but wildly hearty Half-Orcs are allowed to live as laborers in the cities, many becoming dock workers. Half-Orcs are looked down upon by most races and distrusted.
445 YC
After years of effort, a breakthrough is made to subdue the magic enhancing the Blood Orcs. The kingdoms organize a large gathering at The Eternal Spire, an elite bastion of magical knowledge in the heart of the Elven capital city, Gweyir. A great ritual is cast to cleanse Cyorion of the Blood Orc’s magic. Reports of the blood-red skin of Orcs fading to reddish browns and greens reach Gweyir. Orcs are observed scattering to small, nomadic bands dispersing to The Arid Expanse.
445-1340 YC
Kingdoms rise and fall, but races continue to live in relative peace. Occasional Orc incursions occur as much as any other bandits, raiding caravans for supplies, but they do not reappear in the same force as before. Gweyir, along with Busat, stand as bastions of peace and prosperity in the land. The great dragon Ymraydais, who disappeared around 126 YC, is continually searched for by Dragons and Dragonborn alike. Rumors that his presence is still felt among the dragons feeds stories that the Blood Orcs are not truly gone from the world.


1341 YC
An Orc army marches from the Arid Expanse on the Elven capital of Gweyir. Early scouts report an army growing in number, containing soldiers of all races. The threat looms near as reports are sent that the leader of the army, a powerful Orc warlock called Buroz the Corruptor, gained much of his power by sacrificing the heart of Ymraydais.

Libecnu Buroz (“ Judgement of Buroz”)

^{LB - 2271 - Current}
0 LB
The Horrid army of Buroz the Corruptor sacks Gweyir. Survivors on the outskirts witness the army surrounding the city. A great arcane storm appears above Gweyir and explosions rock the land. When the dust settles, a crater and dead trees are all that remains of the great Elven capital. Elves are scattered to other cities in an attempt to regroup.
0-12 LB
The War of the Faceless washes over the world. Elves attempt to lead the initial stand against the forces of Buroz, but each fallen warrior fuels the army. Those that surrender or are captured are forced to submit to the will of Buroz. It is rumored that Buroz enchants the members of his army to do his bidding and enslave their minds. The term “Faceless” comes from how Buroz enslaves his army. People’s memories are wiped and they become mindless servants of Buroz, killing family members and friends alike.


13 LB
Buroz considers his judgement complete and begins to rule the world from a fortress in the Islingrey Peaks, which had apparently been under construction during the War of the Faceless. The army of Buroz occupies all major cities. The Dragons retreat to their islands and the army does not pursue. Rumors abound that the dragons fear Buroz for what he did to one of their brethren. The Elves take the brunt of Buroz’s wrath as he blames them for the dishonor and shame of the Orcs after the Blood Orc cleansing. Elves flee to the forests to be hunted mercilessly by bands of the Faceless. Few Elves are able to disguise themselves well enough and live in squalor among the city streets and dark places.
14-52 LB
Kings and Governments kneel to the iron fist of Buroz. Unable to muster the forces to face his seemingly endless armies, the people appear complacent to submit and survive, rather than be enslaved themselves. Tense decades of oppressive military rule set in.

53-55 LB
Through arcane assistance from underground magical agents, a band of Buroz’s slaves are freed from their master and mount a small-scale resistance. This group of heroes manages to take the fight directly to Buroz and overthrow the tyrant. When he is finally slain, the curse of the Faceless is lifted and peace returns to the land.

151 LB
After nearly a century of unrest, our campaign begins. The melting pot that is Busat, the City of Gates still stands. It maintains a multi-racial government that is a de-facto neutral site for all races of the world. Many small and large kingdoms exist independently now, having recently managed to wobble back to their footing. Minor skirmishes, wars, and espionage occurs as the races vie for their status amongst global politics. Wood Elves continue to maintain small covens of druidism, but the Elves of old have yet to regain their footing. Many look down upon them with sorrow, remembering stories of vast Elven cities, while most are now resigned to a life of squalor.


You arrive on the scene during this moment of great global unrest. Piracy runs rampant among the middle seas. Dwarves continue to dig deep into the Islingrey Peaks. The Dragons have begun to stir from their self-imposed isolation, eager to learn the fate of the Terrible Sand Wyrm, a Dragon who has begun to strike out against travellers on the Sand Sea. Deep ocean faring vessels report a massive, unmoving storm situated between the continents, previously unexplored. Adventure awaits.