High History of Thira (Army/Society Fluff)

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Alkar
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High History of Thira (Army/Society Fluff)

#1 Post by Alkar »

The below is a TOTAL work in progress, completely unfinished. I hope to add more about the culture, finish out the line of rulers, put in some discussion about their linguistic evolution, define their modern military force, and finally tell some actual, individual stories. I do best when I work things out from the ground up. At this point, im just looking for any thoughts, criticisms, or comments anyone has to share, especially things that are particularly good/bad, stuff you would like to see more/less of, or places I've completley dropped the lore shaped ball. Thanks in advance!

Thiran Geography
Thira is an island of perhaps 5000 square miles located off the coast of Tilea. A major mountain range runs the length of the island, and is flanked to the east and west by rolling hills that level out into plains. The western slopes and plains are heavily forested, whilst the eastern face of the island is marked by dryer, steppe like conditions. For all of that, soil of the island is heavily fertile throughout, due in large part to its volcanic origins. The mountains peak towards the south, and the largest peak in the south hosts the Tilean capital on its slopes, which run down into the largest port. A spray of smaller islands extend to the north and south of the main island, with those to the north marked by rolling hills, and those to the south heavily forested and actively volcanic.


Thiran History

Leadership of Curuvaul I

-4298 Elves of Ulthuan found a Fortress the Isle of Thira, not far from the coast of what would later become Estalia. Intended to support the efforts against Chaos in the larger world, command of Thira is given to Curuvaul, “Spirit of the Forge-God” a Nagarythe Smith-Lord and younger cousin to Anarion.

~ -3800: Elves stationed on Thira begin to be joined by their families. The populace is initially Nagarythean in character, but that will change over time. Concerned about the growing populace of civilians, especially in light of how often the Thiran command is deployed for war, the Mages of Thira begin work on a mighty warding. Over the course of a few centuries, the seas around Thira are changed such that the way into Thira itself lies through many alternate worlds beset with their own dangers, and only vessels lead by a Thiran Sea-Guide may reliably come and go. Military structure begins to be supplanted by various Great Houses, based around specific military formations and their families. A Counsel of Advisors represents each house, but the Counsel holds no direct authority.

-2749 Beginning of the Elven Civil War: The pleasure cults, though present in Thiran society, never had the strength or reach that they achieved back in Ulthuan. What cults are present are quickly put down, and the worshipers given the choice of exile or renunciation of their allegiance. Most chose a third way, renouncing the worship of Slannesh but instead embracing the 'Dark' Elven gods. Such worship becomes more accepted in Thira than in Ulthuan, with the temples coexisting in relative peace. Despite its presence, the violence and deviance associated therewith will never reach the same heights as it later does in Naggaroth.

-2723: The Sundering. Curuvaul had always felt that leadership should have rightfully passed to his nephew, Malekith, whom he remembered fondly. Despite this, he is disgusted with Malekith's means, and will not answer his cousin's call to war. Envoys of peace sent to both factions went unheard, and Ulthuan descends into the height of civil violence. Torn between loyalty to family and homeland and loyalty to the ruling King, Curuvaul stands aside in the conflict and declares that Thira will remain neutral, though some elves leave Thira to aid one faction or the other. From this point forward, Thira remains open in theory to both Asur and Druchii so long as they do not come under arms. As a practical matter, the Druchii take little advantage of it, holding the inhabitants of Thira (on the rare occasion when they think of them at all) in nearly so much contempt (if not so much anger) as they feel towards the Asur.

-2574: Curuvaul, heartbroken over the losses in Ulthuan and convinced that he could or should have influenced matters to a better outcome, dies at the forge, pouring his life out into Indomere, the greatest blade of Thira.

Reign of Angvaryie I

-2573: After a year spend in ritual mourning, Kuomeles, “Beloved of Gold”, eldest child of Curuvaul and one of the foremost scholars of the realm, leaves her mourning-chambers to find leadership of the Isle being fought over with words, and sometimes blows, in the Adviser’s Counsel. Upon demanding that the conflict end and she be given her father's position as Commander of the Fortress of Thira, Kuomeles is laughed out of Counsel. Kuomeles returns a day later at the head of many of the greatest heroes and magi of the Isles, all descended from the lines of Nagarythe. Kuomeles claims the leadership of the Isles and the throne, naming herself Empress Angvaryie “She who is Guarded by Iron”.

-2500 As the vast desert kingdom of the south is brought to unity under Pharaoh Settra, Angvaryie sends diplomats bearing offers of peace and trade. Lacking the absolute wealth of Ulthuan, and with their connections to the homeland strained by their neutrality, the Isles have need of Nehekaran foodstuffs and textiles, and offering Elven exotics in exchange. Over the next few centuries, small communities of Nehekarans spring up on the Isles.

~ -2000 Thiran trade begins with the lands of Araby and Tilea. As these lands lack powerful civilizations, Thiran trading outposts are formed, creating the centers of what would eventually become some of the first cities in those lands.

-1998: Angvaryie continues Thiran tradition by trying to negotiate peace in the time leading up to the War of the Beard. Failing to do so, Thira cuts off contact with the Dwarven Kingdoms, though it sends none of its own people to war.

-1959: Nobles and commoners taking some of the last ships to flee Nehekaran ports take up residence in Thira. Some Nehekaran nobility take join existing Thiran Houses, and others become leaders of self declared 'Human' Houses Minor. This is accepted by the elves. This marks the beginning of the end of Thiran neutrality.

-1750 Lahimizzar of Lhamia sends request to Thira for aid. Though the Empress would prefer not to be involved, the presence of human voices inside some of the Great Houses, coupled with the Mages' concerns about Nagash's necromancy, lead Thira to lend first advisers, then magical aid, then large troop contingents to Nehekara in its conflict with Nagash. During this time, the focus on Nehekara leaves the Tilean Trading-Ports in decline.

-1650: The power of Nagash is broken. In the final battles, Tekorome, “Wrath of Words”, greatest mage of Thira and most beloved of the Empresses Prince-Consorts, falls before Nagash's magical might. As the rebuilding of Nehekara begins, a heartbroken Angvaryie sets the throne aside for her eldest, Curuvaul.

Reign of Curuvaul II

-1600: As the War of the Beards ends, Curuvaul II, called Falmar (“Spirit of the Sea”) for his efforts in rebuilding the Thiran navy and trading connections, reopens diplomatic relations with the Dwarves. Though some Dwarves are even invited into the isles in trade missions, they will never form a large part of the populace, though their artisanship and technology will come to form a distinct thread in Thiran culture. An age of peace and plenty is apparently at hand.

-1589: Following the path of his grandfather, Curuvaul II rejects the call to return to Ulthuan in its defense. Many individual elves and entire houses leave, but the larger part choose to remain in Thira, tied to their lives there and the growing human communities within their own houses. The Elven population of Thira drops substantially, and the lesser houses whose elves have left continue to swear loyalty to their great houses, creating the first officially recognized human houses on the Isles, though humans still lack direct representation on the Counsel of Advisers.

-1300: Rumbles from the great mountain Thira give warning of destruction to come. Many of the greatest magi of Thira lose their lives in weaving a series of great spells to prevent a devastating eruption. The heat and power are instead released over a great spread of time and space, with many hot volcanic cones rising steaming from the sea about the Thiran isles, creating more and more islets and and bubbling, hot springs. Over the next few millenia these jagged, rocky isles and their cloud-topping volcanic cones will come to be the host to dragons, drakes, and many other fantastic creatures, drawn by the heat and by the great magic merged with the very foundation of those mountains. With so many Elven magi gone, humans are admitted into the Collegium in large numbers for the first time.

-1200: Another expeditionary force is sent to Nehekara, at the request of King Alcadizaar. Humans within the Isles argue that the elves of Thira are too few now to support such military adventurism, and that the humans, always the junior partners in this nation, be allowed to participate. Distrustful of the human war-arts, this offer is declined. Nagash's mighty magics bring an end to the largest part of the Human military, beheading entire houses. Curuvaul II, his face torn in sorrow, announces that the time has come for the Wisdom of the Thasrai (as the elves of Thira have taken to calling themselves) to take counsel from the courage of the humans. Humans are admitted into the Thiran military, whose core they will come to form over the centuries. Some Great Houses, rather than being allowed to vanish with the deaths of most of the Thasrai within them, come to be lead by humans.

-1000: With Nehekara fallen to the dead, Curuvaul II turns his attention to the Tilean coast. The first great Tilean city states have already started to spring up on the ruins of the abandoned Thiran trading posts. Heavy trade and diplomatic connections between Thira and the Tilean states leaves its mark on both cultures, and Curuvaul throws open the gates of Thira to the Tilean peoples. These peoples join existing Houses or form their own, creating the third great strand of Thiran culture.

-300: After centuries of peace, Curuvaul II dies in his own bed. His reign will be known afterward as a golden age, and though he is known as Falmar by the Thasrai, the humans of Thira have by known come to know him as 'The Good'.

The Reign of Kelume I

-298: Kelume “Rising Tide”, Eldest son of Curuvaul II, is declared Emperor. Some of the Human Great Houses question the leadership remaining within an Elven household. Elven Great Houses respond with deep distrust at the idea of 'Upstart' humans pushing for rulership of the Isles. Kelume ends the debate by taking a human commoner of mixed Tilean-Nehekharan descent as his First Consort, Leaving both the Human and Elven House Lords deeply scandalized. ((VERY ROUGH AFTER THIS POINT!))

0 Sigmar Declares Empire. Thirans send ambassadors, but are largely non-interventionist, after their history with Nehkhara. Founding of Luccini by Lucan and Luccina. Decline of Thiran influence over Tilea. Increased Tilean population of Thira.

450 Conquest of Tilea by Orcs. Increased Tilean population of Thira. Thira regrets non-intervention out of pride.

979 Bretonnia Founded

1111 Skaven created black death sweeps through the old world. Major conflict between Skaven and Empire not resolved until 1124

1448- War between Araby and Bretonnia/Empire. Thira is uinvolved, but continues to trade with both factions.

1681 – Nagash reestablishes self in Nagashizaar. ‘Cold War’ between Thira and Nagashizaar ever sice.

1705-1715 – Waagh of Gorbad Ironclaw. Aid to Empire and Bretonnia, espc Bretonnia. Citing precedent of 450 and fall of Tilea, Emperor name says that his people will not stand aside.

2300 With second great chaos incursion, Thira reestablishes regular contact with Ulthuan. Increasing embassies to all forces of order, and ‘soft’ alliance with Settra/Tomb Kings against Nagash. Promise of help with return to flesh exchanged for peace with the undead kingdom and a reduction in conflict with their neighbors in Araby.

2523 – Modern Day

Thiran Demographics:

-2500: Early Nehkaran Trading communities founded on Thiran Soil.

-2000: Trade with what will become Araby and Tilea. Thiran/Tilean cities grow up in Tilea. Small populations of Arabs and Tileans in Thiran cities. Increased trade with Nehekara increases Nehkaran population. In response to growing human populations, human representatives given position in the Thiran senate.

-1780: Destruction of Tylos, greatest of Tilean polis. ‘Refugees’ from Tilea swell Tilean population of Thira.

-1750: Growing political power of human population in Thira convinced Thiran Senate to recommend to the Lord that Thira get involved in Nehkaran civil war. Another swell of Nehkaran refugees.

-1589: Large number of elves leave Thira for Ulthuan. Senate ranks drop, insufficient noble families left to fill out senate. First human Senator in Thira.

-1200: Many elves lost in Nehkhara. First –Thiran- human military contingents formed out of Nehkaran refugees and large Tilean populace. Trade reduced due to naval losses. Thirans focus inward. Slow blending of Nehkharan, Tilean, and Elven cultural elements.

-1000 With rise of ‘second wave’ of Tilean city states, increased sea-trade with Tilea.

-0 Cultural shift in Tilea results in increased trade and a large ‘expatriate’ Tilean community, which slowly begins to integrate with the now unique Thiran culture. At the same time, Tilea grows more independent of Thira, seeking its own way.

-0 Cultural contact with early Empire carries some ideas back and forth, but few people.

+450 Prideful nation split on involvement in Tilean. Tilean expatriates of the last few centuries want to protect trading ties and historic friendship, but Thiran elves and humans point to Tilean arrogance and the cost of past interventions in elven lives (more highly prized by the –human- Tileans than by the elves themselves.) Tilea falls to Orcs. Many Tileans flee to Thira.

450-Present: Thiran culture grows into its modern form.



There it is, such as it is! Again, thanks in advance!
daid13
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Re: High History of Thira (Army/Society Fluff)

#2 Post by daid13 »

That's incredibly detailed. I couldn't even dream of writing something like that.
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Elessehta of Yvresse
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Re: High History of Thira (Army/Society Fluff)

#3 Post by Elessehta of Yvresse »

The good old time line, I've done this, and even traded entries with another member on here. Such fun ^_^
[url=http://www.ulthuan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=34506][i]Lord Elessehta Silverbough of Ar Yvrellion, Ruler of Athel Anarhain, Prince of the Yvressi.[/i][/url]
[quote="Narrin’Tim"]These may be the last days of the Asur, but if we are to leave this world let us do it as the heroes of old, sword raised against evil![/quote]
Alkar
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Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:41 pm

Re: High History of Thira (Army/Society Fluff)

#4 Post by Alkar »

daid- its really not hard. Painting good models? -thats- hard. This is just the result of looking at the world maps, some of the timelines from the various books, and a small bit of research. This is easy stuff. The hard thing is making it sound interesting/right. And then finding a decent fieldable army that matches the fluff.

Elesseheta - If youve done a timeline for your elves, id love to see it.
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