Great Beginnings: The Unity & Loras' Peace

The following is an excerpt from chapter one of "The History of Lorisen: Pre-Unity to Modern Day" and is provided for the discerning reader's edification
Emaniquora as it exists today was formed roughly 500 years ago. Pre-Unity the world was divided into many small countries that were constantly at war. However, they were united under one banner by the elf Loras Hamonet, who saw the war, grief, and despair the divided nations caused each other and strived to relieve this pain. Over the course of around 50 years he succeeded in uniting the warring nations under one peaceful banner with the exception of The Fire Islands, which remain a sovereign nation, and the city-state of Ilythyra. This period of time is referred to as "The Unity." There was a period of roughly 25 years after The Unity where Loras ruled in peace.
Though many supported the Unity there were some that resisted. His worst opponent was the tiefling elf Thydona Ezohr, detailed in later chapters. She and other dark mages created the impossibly tall and smooth walls that surround Ilythyra as a stronghold for their forces.
Throughout the course of The Unity, Loras' armies experienced only two losses. One at the plains below Arnsholdi, a coastal mining city. Thydona's powerful forces unleashed a magical blast that transformed the farmland into a thick and foggy swamp, now known as Helvater. Loras' greatest and most devastating loss was also his greatest victory. After many years of war, he lay seige to Ilythyra. After several months of this, Thydona surrendered herself under the guise of creating a treaty. Instead, she unleashed a magical blast so intense that it obliterated not only the army and Loras, but also the plains before Ilythyra, leaving the city untouched on an island surrounded by a vast inland sea. Loras may have been lost, but so was the leader of the opposition, Thydona.
Since then magic has often been heavily associated with Thydona's tragedies and the death of Loras, the Great Uniter's, death. 500 years have come and gone since then and the Lorasian government was formed to continue Loras' legacy of peace and unity. The High Chancellor, Estor Pator now governs in Lorisen along with the ever-wise Council of Six. Without them, the hardships faced by society would be amplified a hundredfold.

Purpose

Chapter from a historical book meant for the greater education of the public.

Artist Unknown, Tapestry depicting the Battle of the Red Snow, dyed wool with gold thread, approx. 30-25 B.U. Currently housed at the National Museum of Emaniquora.
This work is an excellent surviving example of Pre-Unity textile arts. It depicts one of the bloodiest moments during the Battle of the Red Snow in the southern Gatipids in which both sides experienced great losses. However, it would be the armies of the Lorasian Empire that prevailed against the northern forces. This piece is said to have adorned a ceremonial tablecloth given to Loras following the end of The Unity, and was graciously gifted by the first Council of Six to the Museum upon it's inception.
Description by Yssa Deerborn, Curator of Pre-Unity Arts

Type

Text, Literature

Authors

• Ritilak Fugasa