Uslos
The book is a journal of famed Empire Expeditionist, Hergood Bladebrew in his travels through Halis. The back cover has a short bio:
Hergood Bladebrew is a famed traveler, writer, and explorer from the river town of Genneyonne. After serving in the military as an archer for many years, he took to writing. His poems romanced men and women alike all throughout the empire. He decided that it was time to make something of his talents after gaining an audience. His first book, “Legends and Truths of the Brilia Wood”, became quite popular and shed light on Lethny Glade. Some believe that this attention towards the criminal district was negative and drew people to it. Determined to do some good, Hergood set out for Halis in 1219.
The Halian Empire was something of mythology for many years. Those bold enough to travel beyond the borders of the Rohrellian Empire often did not return. Once in a blue moon, someone would come back, battle scarred and fearful of what they’d seen. After many refugees made their way into the Rohrellian territories in 1247 and 1248, the picture became much clearer. The following is told through the eyes of a war mage who ended up deep behind enemy lines.
Halis is a dark place. I mean this in a figurative and foreboding sense, but also a literal one. It’s capital city, Caavylterradin, is built in such a way that it allows for the many creatures and beasts of the Halian empire to feel at home. The darkness exists primarily in the tunnels and corridors, where the Drow spend their days. I have found the Drow to be the primary leaders of Halian society before the conflict. This conflict I have observed to be a civil war of sorts. In my secretive observations of the inner workings of the Halian government, I have discovered there to be a divide among the two Wings of Uslos. You see, the Halian Empire is named for the Underdark Godly entity, Halis. When he was a man, if you chose to call him that, he was obsessed with his own ascension after death. Halis’ own mortality frightened him more than any foreign power ever could. Born of pure Drow blood, he spent his rather lengthy life in search of ways to preserve himself. He hoped that when his time came, he would have accumulated the means necessary to rule over his kingdom from beyond the grave. Uslos, the name given by the Rohrellian map makers to the territory controlled by Halis, was powerful yet self-contained. Halis’ life was dedicated much to himself. His people were only truly ruled by Baksaei, a warrior turned noble who, by the ignorance of Halis, became the true leader and hero of the people.
The dates that follow are what I was able to procure from the historical records of the Uhma Atheneum, the library at Den Sha-har:
18 B.C.- Drow emerge from the Underdark beneath Uslos and begin to settle the area
3 A.C.- The first city is established in modern day Dris O’grel: Dris- Akro’n
190- Uslosan citizens move beyond the Halian mountain range
208- Halis is born
268- Halis organizes and rallies the people of Uslos, creating the beginnings of his empire. He now welcomes all manor of people to his kingdom.
387- Caavylteradin is established as the capital of Uslos
470- Halis’ sizable armies now expand to all the land within the boundaries of the (newly named) Halian Mountains.
482- The age of prosperity begins for the Halian empire.
676- Unorganized attackers from Merriby West begin striking The Citrine Coast.
680- Baksaei is first mentioned in historical records for having proved his combat prowess against invaders from Merriby West.
823- The Halian people encounter the first of the Rohrellian empire when an expedition party enters their domain. Contrary to Rohrellian accounts, it is said that the foreigners attacked a group of Drow on the outskirts of Qoquish. The attackers were captured and locked away in Caavylteradin. Keavalur Rohrellian is among those captured. (His whereabouts beyond this are unknown to me, as I could not procure those records.)
828- The Caavylkatar (assassins from Halis) kill Dwilkas Rohrellian, sparking the start of the “Halian” War. In the records of the Halians, it is called the Chrise War.
840- Dris Akro’n , the capital of the Halian Empire is left in rubble by conflict. It’s surviving inhabitants scatter, some to Lethny Glade, others back to Uslos.
842- The Halian/Chrise war ends, with the Rohrellian Empire as the victor. The people’s faith in Halis has diminished. Halis begins taking slaves. He believes that the sacrifice of the worthiest men and women will allow him a clearer path to godhood.
898- Baksaei is declared second in command to Halis.
985- The Valient Crusade appear along the Silver Coast. They cut a deal with Halis, who allows them free passage along their coasts so long as they do not step foot on his soil.
1174- The people of Uslos grow weary as the slaving continues. Other empirical officials are discovered to be corrupt as well.
1230- Baksaei reveals his discontent with the Halian empire, rallying armies against Halis. Those who fear Halis’ power take his side and civil war breaks out.
1241- Baksaei’s armies have forced Halis back to his M’bas.
1247- Halis takes his own life in ritualistic sacrifice. The remaining armies are forced underground, back to the Underdark where they had emerged from long ago. It is said that some escaped elsewhere and live in hiding.
1248- Baksaei is declared ruler of Uslos, naming it “Domain of Uslos” instead of empire.
Government:
The Uslosan government serves under Baksaei. Though I have not seen him myself, legend says that he has two ethereal wings. Appropriately, the nobility is divided into wings. 2 wings, Vamata and Setthi, each with 6 “Suru” (Halian for feathers). The Suru are representative of an aspect of life. The system as I understand it is still fairly new, so I was only able to identify 3 of the Suru.
Maeyeak is one of Wing Vamata. He is secretive; a Drow dwelling in a keep in Den Sha-har. It is said that he served alongside Bakaei in the civil war and is a powerful mage. Rumors say that he represents magic or the arcane, though it is unclear.
Torava is another of Wing Vamata. He’s an odd one. Somewhat of a greasy, bastardly Orc. There was a time when he ruled alongside Halis himself. He coordinated the capture of slaves and represented sin. Baksaei still keeps him around, as I am told slaves are still kept in some parts of Uslos, but they are captured from foreign nations.
Irshyava represents envy. A strange need for an empire, in my opinion. His official role for the Domain is to acquire things that Baksaei might like and bring them to him. He’s a slippery Drow, that one. He dwells around Qoquish and often sends soldiers to steal from travels just beyond Uslosan borders.
At the end of the book, the author writes:
My next journey will take me to explore the jungles of Merriby East. After that, I plan on seeking out more about Halis, the forgotten emperor. The thought that he’s out there keeps me up at night. Thank you for reading. Good day, good night, and good luck.
Hergood Bladebrew
Demography and Population
40% Human
30% Drow
10% Orc
10% Dragonborn
10% Other
Estimated Population: 750,000
(Based on outdated scouting reports)
Territories
Uslos controls the southwestern area of Merriby Main. They control the lands west of the Brilia Wood and south of the Kord Wastes. Their territory has not expanded in many years.
Religion
The people of Uslos once worshipped Halis. Baksaei has declared such worship illegal and now punishes those who he finds worshiping Halis.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Uslosian Empire
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Constitutional
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Barter system
Currency
The Desert Rose
Modern day desert rose have a hole through the center, and are often printed with the visage of Baksaei, wings extended.
Legislative Body
The various feathers handle the mundane tasks, while Baksaei acts as more of a military leader.
Official Languages
Related Professions
Neighboring Nations
Related Items