Ryhanroos

Origins - The Ellyion Schism

As humans and elves walked the shared lands of old, whispers of divergence began to shape the winds of change. The schism with the Ellyion elves was not just ideological but was fueled by the treacherous Drow, who sought to exploit the rift between these once-allied races. When a faction of humans decided to chart their own path, the Drow saw an opportunity. Venturing west, these humans found their sanctuary between two rivers, marking the birth of the city of Ryhanroos.

The Golden Age

Under able leaders, the city's grandeur began to be reflected in its architecture, culture, and bustling marketplaces. But beneath the surface, the Drow worked secretly, establishing spy networks and trade pacts, all while ensuring the humans remained oblivious to their meddling.

The Founding Festival

Soon after the city was established, the first annual Founding Festival was initiated, celebrating the human spirit, their unity, and the vision of a promising future. The event became a staple of the Ryhanroos calendar, drawing people from neighboring lands to partake in the vibrant parades, music, dance, and the famed boat races on the twin rivers.

Construction of the Luminary Bridge

Linking the two banks of the main river, the Luminary Bridge became an architectural marvel of its time. Designed by the renowned architect, Eldrin Malor, the bridge was adorned with statues of Ryhanroos' leaders and heroes, each holding a lantern that would be lit at sundown, guiding vessels safely through the night.

The Establishment of the University of Lyrial

To further promote knowledge and innovation, Ryhanroos saw the foundation of the University of Lyrial. It became a beacon for scholars, alchemists, and intellectuals. The inventions and breakthroughs from the University played a crucial role in enhancing the city's reputation, drawing students from distant lands.

Trade Alliances and the Amber Routes

The Golden Age saw the city's traders forging alliances with dwarves, other human kingdoms, and even some amicable Ellyion elf clans. The Amber Routes, so named for the distinctive amber gemstones found only in Ryhanroos, were established, making the city a hub for commerce and trade. These routes also fostered cultural exchange, with Ryhanroos benefiting from the diverse influences it encountered.

The Celestial Observatory

With a desire to understand the stars and the heavens, the leaders of Ryhanroos sanctioned the construction of the Celestial Observatory. This structure not only became a symbol of the city's dedication to knowledge but also played a significant role in navigation, helping to further boost its prominence in trade.

The Silver Accord

In this era, the city's leaders recognized the value of diplomacy. The Silver Accord was a historic treaty signed between Ryhanroos and the neighboring city-states, ensuring peace, mutual defense, and trade benefits. The signing was marked by a grand feast that lasted seven days and nights.

Dark Clouds on the Horizon

Ryhanroos, with its newfound prosperity, attracted more than just traders. Orcish clans, rogue Ellyion elves, and other threats began their sieges. Unknown to many, the Drow often provided clandestine support to these invaders, delighting in the chaos that ensued.

The Treaty of False Promises

Under the guise of friendship, Drow emissaries approached the leaders of Ryhanroos with a treaty aimed at establishing mutual support and commerce. The agreement was sealed with much fanfare, but what the city didn’t know was that the treaty had clauses that secretly favored the Drow, effectively letting them control key trade routes and natural resources.

The Mysterious Disappearances

Citizens, especially those holding minor offices or positions of power, began vanishing without a trace. Rumors swirled of shadows lurking in alleyways and whispers in the night. Many believed these to be mere tales, but the numbers of the missing grew, sparking fear in the hearts of Ryhanroos' inhabitants.

The Nightshade Affair

A rare and dangerous poison known as Nightshade began circulating within Ryhanroos, causing several high-profile deaths. Investigations led to the discovery of a Drow assassin network operating in the city's shadows. This revelation jolted the city's leaders, realizing that the Drow weren’t just traders but also had more sinister operatives within the city walls.

The Two-Faced Ball

At a grand ball hosted by the city’s elite, several Drow, using illusion magic, infiltrated as guests. Their objective: to sway key decision-makers and plant seeds of discord. Their cover was blown when a keen-eyed mage recognized the subtle flaws in their disguises. The incident exposed the extent of the Drow's infiltration and their capability to reach even the most secure circles of Ryhanroos.

Collapse of the Luminary Bridge

The pride of Ryhanroos, the Luminary Bridge, suffered a catastrophic collapse. Initially deemed an accident, investigations unveiled Drow sabotage. Their aim was not just the physical destruction of a landmark, but a symbolic attack on the spirit and unity of the city.

The Revelations of The Undercity

As the instances of Drow interference became more evident, a brave group of explorers ventured beneath Ryhanroos, unearthing an intricate network of tunnels and chambers. The Undercity, as it came to be known, was a Drow stronghold right below the feet of the unsuspecting populace. It was from here they launched many of their covert operations, and its discovery was a chilling reminder of the enemy that lurked below.
This period marked the end of Ryhanroos' innocence. With the Drow's plots exposed, the city realized that their enemy was not just at the gates but had woven themselves into the very fabric of their society. The realization that the golden days were behind them and darker times lay ahead began to settle in the hearts of the people. Yet, this knowledge also steeled their resolve to resist and reclaim their city from the hidden puppeteers.

The Age of Shadows

Crime syndicates began their ascendancy, with the Black Network standing out amongst them. Many believe that the Drow, seeing an ally in this criminal enterprise, offered them covert support, further deepening the city's descent into anarchy.

The Whispered Meetings

In the beginning, the Black Network's rise was subtle. They convened in hidden cellars and secluded chambers, plotting their course under a veil of secrecy. These meetings, known only to the insiders as "Whispered Gatherings," were where the seeds of their eventual takeover were sown.

Shadow Benefactors

Leveraging the wealth from illicit deals, the Black Network began to act as benefactors to many of Ryhanroos’ institutions. Orphanages, academies, and even public works received anonymous donations, ensuring a growing influence over the city’s structures. However, these donations always came with strings attached.

The Silent Infiltration

Members of the Black Network started occupying key positions within the city's governance, trade guilds, and even law enforcement. They did so quietly, without drawing attention, ensuring that the real power was shifting away from the official rulers and into their hands.

The Eclipse Festival

Under the guise of a grand festival celebrating an unusual celestial event, the Black Network consolidated its power. The entire city was in celebration, oblivious to the backroom deals and covert operations transpiring behind closed doors. By the festival's end, the Black Network had a firm grip over Ryhanroos’ economy, security, and governance.

The Veiled Threats

Those who posed a threat or stood against the Black Network found themselves receiving mysterious, veiled threats. Some were whispered rumors aiming to tarnish reputations, while others were more direct, like a black feather left on one's bed— a well-understood omen of danger from the Network.

Secrets for Sale

Espionage became one of the Black Network's prime tools. They established the "Silent Bazaar," a covert market where secrets, from trade negotiations to personal indiscretions, were traded like commodities. With goods coming from all over the continent and even below it, this bazaar ensured that the Black Network was always several steps ahead of their rivals and adversaries.

The Night of Veils

A pivotal event in the Black Network's ascendancy, this was a coordinated effort to eliminate potential threats and rivals. Under the cover of a thick, unnatural fog that enveloped the city, key figures opposing the Black Network were either assassinated or kidnapped, never to be seen again. The city woke up to find a power vacuum, which the Black Network swiftly filled, solidifying their dominant position.

The Black Epoch

The Black Network's rise to dominance wasn't coincidental. With the aid of the Drow's expertise in subterfuge, they infiltrated every echelon of Ryhanroos. The city's governance, once a beacon of hope, now stood compromised, with the Drow pulling strings from their dark abodes.

The Renewal

A ray of hope emerged as a united front of merchants, nobles, and warriors resisted both the overt threats of the Black Network and the covert manipulations of the Drow. Ryhanroos experienced a fleeting era of resurgence, where art, science, and trade thrived.

The Modern Era

While the coalition's efforts brought momentary respite, the Drow and the Black Network, through their dark alliance, reclaimed their sinister control. Today, Ryhanroos stands as a testament to human resilience and perseverance, even as shadows of the Drow's machinations loom large.
Throughout its rich tapestry of history, Ryhanroos has always been a battleground — not just of armies, but of ideologies, aspirations, and hidden puppeteers. Even as the Black Network holds sway, and the Drow lurk in the underbelly, there's hope that the city's luminous spirit will one day cast away all shadows.

Type

Large city

Population

90,000

Owner/Ruler

Count Rupert Hohenheim

Owning Organization

House Hohenheim