Today's Kyranians represent the remnants of a once proud human tribe founded by Cyroan Thromgolin. Cyroan was an infantry lieutenant under the command of Dietych during the fall of the legendary elven kingdom Fá'áv'cál'âr, where all races were united at the beginning of time. Cyroan led his people to the Lower Fores in Southern Sarvonia, and settled near the Steppe of Kruswik, the Ilian Plateau and the Plains of Truoor, forming the Kyranian Kingdom.

These simple (well mostly) people stayed almost unchanged over the years, living in the moment and dealing with things as they came. Rustic people to the core, they lived off the land, hunting for what game they needed, they domesticated and raised cattle, horses, and other beasts on the Steppe, the renowned warg being one of them for a time. They flourished for several millenia after having overcome the effects of the ferocious War of the Chosen, but after the eventual fall of the Kyranian Kingdom in 806 b.S. the Centoraurians moved into their territory claiming bit by bit Kyranian land as their own.

While the kingdom had fallen, it wasn't until 482 b.S. that they finally threw off their last make-shift king and joined Tharania, being one of the first tribes of the kingdom. The Kyranians ceased to be in name as Centoraurian influence reached throughout their entire territory, but in the furthest reaches, of what used to be Southern Kyrania, some of the old ways still have hold over the people that live there today. The further south someone gets from the ancient territory of the Horsemen, the more Kyranian influence is seen and in the most southern reaches of their ancient territory, it is difficult to find Centoraurian at all.

Appearance. As the Kyranians were brought under the influence of the Centoraurians, they lost a great deal of their identity as a tribe. The mingling with the dominating Horsemen soon resulted in a strong reduction of pure Kyranian families. Thus the general appearance the ancient Kyranians were characterized with is scarce to be found, but nevertheless still common in the region of the former Southern Kyrania, south and east of the Steppe of Kruswik.

Pureblooded Kyranians tend to be of average height and only sometimes a bit taller. Most are between a ped and two fores and two peds in height with the tallest being a half a palmspan over two peds. Such extreme measures are quite uncommon, however. The women of this tribe are about the same height as the men, though they rarely reach two peds. Smaller and medium sized frames are most commonly seen as the Kyranians tend more toward the lithe and swift builds with muscles to fit their life style. Broader frames are uncommon but not unseen. Those that show signs of being larger than normal are highly prized by smiths and the military. More than one verbal battle has been waged over a promising youth throughout the years.

Around twelve and thirteen years of age, the young Kyranian's features begin to show the man they will grow to be. Back in the days of ancient Kyrania those that were already showing signs of wider shoulders and strength were conscripted into the King’s Service, unless they had been taken as an apprentice by a craftsman. After a year of service to their master, they were be evaluated and if they showed an aptitude for their craft they would be allowed to stay. Others were taken from their masters and forced into the King’s Service.

Hair and eye colour of these people usually lean toward the darker shades. Various shades of brown hair are the most prominent with black running a close second. A rusty or reddish-brown colour is most commonly seen in the traditional Thromgolin family, though outside of the bloodlines it is rather rare and blond is nonexistent. Kyranian eyes are mostly dark shades of brown, green and grey, with the occasional black and/or purple thrown in the mix. Like blond hair, blue eyes are not seen in full blooded Kyranians and the darker colourings of these people override the lighter colourings in mixed blood children of the time. Thromgolins, considered the royal line (now having their lands reduced to a mere barony), are known for their reddish-brown hair and dark green eyes. During the height of the Thromgolin families reign, many children by the way that had the same, rust red coloured hair and green eyes were rumoured to be bastards of the ruling family since that colouring was rather rare among the common folk.

Most Kyranians have richly tanned and weathered skin due to the fact that they spend a good deal of their lives outside. Working, training, trading, and participating in events, which usually takes place under the sun, takes up a good deal of the hours of the day. Nobles that are overly concerned with their looks and have no interest in prematurely aged skin usually keep to the castle and hold events in their rooms. There are a still a few of those Kyranian people living throughout the kingdom (though not as prevalent as in ages past), but they are mostly shunned by all except the ones with similar contempt for the life style of their people. These nobles formed once one of the rings of power in the General Court of Kyrania. When they weren’t tied up in matters of state, the other half of the nobility would be out under the sun, tending to their business.

• Kyranian Men
  Kyranian men in general have a rugged look, with a strong brow, high forehead, broad jaw, and faces weathered by the elements. They usually look older before their time, their faces and bodies commonly scarred and worn by their mid-thirties from plying their trade and enjoying the outdoors. The close cropped "military style" for a long time seemed to have been the most common hair style among these men, when back in the heyday of the kingdom some youths kept their hair a bit longer, though, between their jaw and the middle of their ears. The flaw appeared in the length of the cut, as it hindered the efforts of men and bothersome strands of hair usually found their way into the workers' face no matter how hard they tried to keep it back. This led to the front being cut just above the eyes so that they could see, while the rest was allowed to be longer on the sides, and even longer in the back. Past the fall of the kingdom until today this has remained the style for the young men that call themselves Kyranians, while the close cropped cut is common among the older men.
  
  During the time of the Kyranian kingdom there were two signs of manhood recognized among these people, though one was the true sign while the other is just seen as the symbol of a boy aging: The growth of a beard is the symbol of a boy’s youth fleeing, and this is very much so today. All males wear a thin, neatly kept beard and mustache that lightly covers their jaw and upper lip. The men take pride in the upkeeping of their hair and beards as well as their bodies. They looked down upon scruffiness and untidiness.
  
  While not very common anymore today, the sign of manhood for a youth came at the age of fourteen for Kyranians. On their fourteenth birthday, the men of the family would take the youth to a tattooist to have the Kyranian coat of arms permanently embedded into his skin. The black and white inks of the stag head and star gem were planted into the tanned back of the boy, just beneath the neck. The process was slow and painful for the youth, but after the experience the boy was no longer seen as a boy, but a strong young man among his people. All Kyranians who could claim family were taken on their fourteenth birthday, but orphans were skipped over. Other than orphans, exiles were the only among the Kyranian men that had been forbidden rights. Family, home, and a job in the Kingdom of Kyrania were taken from them. They were also denied their heritage as those that were exiled by the court were captured and their tattoo burned off before they were escorted to the borders. In today's Santharia Kyranian tattoos however are pretty much non-existent. The pride of former independency has long faded, and while many still see themselves as Kyranians, their commitment to show their origins is low.

• Kyranian Women
  Kyranian women are just as hardened as the men, but their features are somewhat softer and the bodies slimmer. While they are slimmer and softer, they hold the fierce determination and strength of the Kyranians. The women are proud, not foolishly so, but even the poorest peasant woman finds the strength to hold her head high when around others and fight through the tough times. This shows in the way they move with purpose, demonstrating strength beneath their concealing builds. Among the Kyranian women, those that are single keep their hair about shoulder length, and usually loose around their head, kept out of their faces by folded headbands of dark cloth. Married women let their hair grow longer and keep it pulled back or braided throughout the day. Like the men, the women are equally as proud of their appearance, if not more so.

There were five classes of people that made up the Kyranian society in the ancient kingdom: nobility, men-at-arms/soldiers, merchants, craftsmen, and peasants. Nothing has changed much since then. The lives of these people and appearances are somewhat different though not much, dependeding on the life style they led. But they all have the same basic form, the exception being soldiers as they have the highest numbers of men that tend to have the uncommon larger size. This is because youths that show signs of broader frames are conscripted into the King’s Service. This makes the government unpopular to some people, but most youths find it easy to adapt to the new way of life and they are allowed a day or two each week to visit with their families. Kyranian peasant men have their differences as well and are mostly distinguished by their gnarled hands, weather beaten faces, smell of cattle or sheep and leather.

Picture description. The Kyranian Coat of Arms designed by Koldar.

Coat of Arms/Sign. The Kyranian coat of arms can only be scarcely seen in today's Santharia. Yet, in some villages close to the southern Steppe of Kruswik one might still chance upon this symbol at a local inn, now more seen as a symbol of faith than of tribal ancestry. Ask the residents in this region to tell you some of the legends which contribute in explaining the origins of this symbol!

The coat of arms consists of a black stag's head on a dark green background with a gem in star-form placed between the antlers. The stag represented a central symbol in Kyranian heraldry, as the tribe had always interpreted itself as being closely related to the God of the Hunt, Arvins, who was said to have favoured these people in the very beginning of their existence. The gem on the other hand shows the one found by Cyroan Thromgolin at today's Lower Fores, which helped him to decide on the location of his first independent settlement of the tribe. Together the stag's head and the gem were meant to demonstrate prosperity and wealth, nowadays mainly the reference to Arvins has remained.

Territory. In the old days the Kyranian Kingdom ranged from the west side of the High Fores to the Bay of the Sky with the Dorashi River winding its way between the two, cutting the land in half from east to west. Many historic and mysterious landmarks are found within the ancient Kyranian boundaries. The Steppe of Kruswik dominated most of their territory, the poor soil of this huge area of land causing the Kyranians to turn toward the raising of livestock.

The west side of the High Fores marked the eastern boundaries of their ancient territory, with the Lower Fores standing between that and the Steppe of Kruswik. On the west side of the Lower Fores, the Ilian Plateau can be found, the beginnings of the Kingdom of Kyrania, where Cyroan Thromgolin built his fortress and empire. The Shivering Woods and the two Aerelian Lakes in the east are along the northwestern borders, stretching south to the southern end of the Lower Fores and the top of the Anaios Gap.

The capital of this ancient kingdom, Caelum, was built at the mouth of the Dorashi River and was called El'Dorash a long time ago. The name of the river by the way came from the original name of the capital city. Another notable and today still heavily Kyranian dominated city is Naios, which was founded on a hill near Wind Bay by Aprag Naios Dereswungen. When the kingdom eventually fell apart after the heavy losses against the Quaelhoirhim elves of the Zeiphyr in 806 b.S. the other tribes began annexing the land and the Kyranians slowly became part of the Centoraurians. This resulted more and more in a loss of tribal identity. Now their old territory is part of the Xaramon Province.

People. Many people today still hold with the rustic image that comes to mind when thinking about the Kyranians. Even their city folk are outdoor people and their lower class are known for their cattle farming and some horse breeding. They are also hunters and worshipers of the Huntlord Arvins. Their nobility is known for their plain clothing and working class ways as they spend a good deal of their days working under the sun, whether it be weapon training or perusing a craft, such as wood working. Though the only people that don't fit into that image are the flamboyantly dressed merchants who draw the attention of those in the marketplace by their "out of the ordinary" styles and colours.

These people are known for their simplicity. Most of their works have a simple design to them that draws the eye of the looker without being overly flashy or showy. This reflects Kyranian livfe, as they usually blend in with the crowd but are easily picked out by their slender frame, dark hair, and tanned, sometimes leathery, skin. Their lives are ruled by the little things and the simple pleasures, such as the company of good friends and a full mug of ale after a day's work. They are also known for being rather direct people who don't toy around with words when they are not needed and sometimes prefer silence over all else. As said, the simple things in life catch their eye as they don't understand those that complicate things and make the days harder.

Kyranians are also proud,, but not foolishly so. They know how to pick their fights (though they learn the hard way as hot-headed youths) and know what battles they can win. They are also proud when it comes to their appearance and they work each day at keeping themselves as well as their lives in order. This goes for all of the classes of Kyranians.

The peasants are known for their rural nature, sound, and short-cut version of speech, as they preferr to lump words together and drop letters where they aren't needed. Their life out on the Steppe, raising cattle, horses, sheep, chickens, and other livestock is an easy one with a set daily routine that they find comforting. Each morning they wake up, know exactly what needs to be done and how long it will take to do it (usually the entire day), knowing their place in the world.

Craftsmen as well enjoy the knowledge of what the next day will bring. They know everything within their workroom, how everything works, what is needed for what projects, and how long it would take to complete a task. Most of the time they work within their own realm, letting the days waste away as they dd their job, seeking perfection in the smallest things, like a single stitch in a shirt or single horse shoe made out of dozens. The one thing that is different is that they cannot fall into the same routine each day, but they work to the requests of customers, merchants, or nobles depending on their jobs.

Soldiers, sailors, knights, guards, and pathfinders seemed the most at ease at their jobs, selected by their interests, skills, and knowledge. They have a routine set by others above them for each day, allowing them to fall into their lives with ease, be it practice sessions, drills, the running of a ship, or just sulking through the brush for game trails, they feel at home within their environment. Those that had the privilege of working with a warg during the Time of the Wargriders felt more at home than ever and for a couple hundred years the beasts became a somewhat common sight.

Nobles have a different system. They complicate small things in the ways the common folk doesn't - and attempt to avoid. Pride is a big concern among these people, more so than the rest of their folk, allowing comments that will usually 'slide off the common folk' be taken as an insult to their name and family. Many duels are fought among the nobility for both reasons of pride and fun bouts among friends. Some of these battles begun from insults end in friendship or life-long feuds that seem pointless in the eyes of many.

Many today prefer the simple life and those even in the north, the first to be taken by their neighbours, the Centoraurians, still stick to this way of life and make things flow as smoothly as they can each day, following a set pattern. There are a few common sayings that refer to this way of life in Southern Sarvonia. One of these can often be heard when one adult is talking to the other about a practical boy that wants nothing more than to enjoy the day and life he has and never speaks of riding winged horses, battling beasts or have any childish fantasies. "He's got no more dreams than a Kyranian, only lookin' to [insert occupation here] (e.g. "plow the fields") for the rest of his life."

"As pretty as a Kyranian" is another saying that’s commonly used as it can have various meanings. The most common one comes from males, mostly directed toward a young male that has taken a good deal of time cleaning up and messing with his body hair and facial hair. It's heard most often as a group of friends walk into their local tavern for the evening. One might turn to the other (usually the one that kept them waiting) and say, "Ain't you as pretty as a Kyranian?", often drawing a round of laughter from those close enough to hear them. The second one is used in a sarcastic way when men, or women, more commonly the former, are talking about a woman or man that is considered ugly to them. "That one's (man or woman) as pretty as a Kyranian," is often said in hushed tones, but loud enough for those close by and sometimes loud enough for the target to hear. At times it has been known to be used as a joke among friends, but most of the time it is used the other way.

The final saying cames from the Kyranians themselves. "You been standin' behind them Longhorns (other horses or cattle) again?" It is commonly said to a youth that has a sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of his/her nose, though it could be turned around if an elder caught another youth picking on a boy/girl with freckles. "Run along now and don't go standin' behind no Longhorns yaself now boy/girl." Now it is used throughout the south, mostly in small, animal farming villages if a grandfather, uncle, or fathers that wish to tease the children of their family with freckles, though "Longhorn" changes to reflect the animal that is kept in the village.

Kyresk (The Nobles Problem). One of the most notable ways that the Kyranians complicated things was the system put in, allowing the younger sons or daughters of nobility the right to claim the position of heir to their family name, lands, and coin. This system is still in place. It is called a "Kyresk" among the nobility, named for the first younger son to publicly demand the right to be named heir. The General Council concluded that they should be tested on three things important to the Kyranian Nobility: the skills of a hunter, the skills of a warrior, and the skills of a scholar. The second and third aren't as important as the first in their eyes, but knowledge and weapon skills are something required by every noble and merchant family of their children as they come from fighters and knowledge is the key to survival in their eyes. Among the common folk the Kyresk is called "The Nobles Problems". They don't really care about the naming of the heir among the Noblity and avoid wasting anytime thinking about it unless they are stuck with a tyrant ruling their lands.

Three tests are offered to any daughter or younger child of nobility. They are used to test the strength of the challenger and the named heir, put in place to allow the others a chance they are denied by being born second or being born a daughter. The three tests are a test of weapon skills, a test of hunting skills, and a test of knowledge. The child/young adult that wins two out of three of the tests is declared "heir" and can claim their father's/mother's title, lands, and coin upon his death or 'retirement' (the parent stepping back when they age to allow a new voice to speak for their land).

If the contest ended in a 2-1 win, the winner can be challenged again at a later date, but if it is a 3-0 win, they cannot be challenged again, even if a younger sibling wishes a chance to win the family's fortune, status, and rank within court. A tie in one event will be decided by a battle with the weapon of the Kyranians, the Sengren, to first blood. The only time the ‘heir’ can be challenged after a 3-0 win, is if the father/mother (person holding the office) requests another child as an ‘heir’ before their death. This rarely happened during the lifespan of the kingdom as it caused feuds between families that could wage for years and end in the destruction of the house. Many believed this to be against the entire lifestyle of the Kyranians, but then again, no one said the nobility of any tribe was ever sane or thought rationally when it came to honour. 

Housing. Still to be added.

Clothing. Below the different styles for the different classes of the Kyranian society can be found. The nboles are the only ones who have changed their style throughout the years as most of the ancient noble houses were taken over by Centoraurians and courts these days to try to keep up with the styles of the realm's nobility now. Though, the nobles in the south of the Xaramon province are Kyranian in lifestyle if not in name, and their clothing is often the most plain seen, though it's viewed as flamboyant by the common folk. On the other hand, the merchants in the south remain as colourful as they were many, many years ago, while the peasants and craftsman keep their simple, homespun clothing. The following clothes were commonly worn in the ancient Kyranian Kingdom and to a great extent are still today:

• Nobility
  The Kyranian nobility rarely looks their part since those that spend most of their days outdoors preferr clothing that is more functional and rarely is it extravagantly decorated. Sleeveless or short-sleeve shirts of cotton, linen, or animal hide are most common among the men (and sometimes women) during the late spring and summer months. Loose pants of the same material and leather boots between ankle and calf high pretty much complete the look of male nobility. During the cold months, simple short or long sleeved shirts are covered by fur-lined or wool jackets and/or thick fur-trimmed cloaks. A simple leather belt or baldric with a serviceable dagger or sword is almost always seen as these people rarely step out of their room without some sort of protection. Those males that choose to flaunt their status and tend to be classified as ‘vain’ are constantly teased. It is commonly said that those men spend more money and time on one outfit than another man spends in a month.
  
  The females among the nobility are a bit different, but nearly as ‘improper’ as the men in the eyes of other groups of people. Noble women can be classified in two groups – those that stand by and watch, or proper women, and those that join the group. The latter tend to wear the same thing that the men wear as they join in the training, games, and hunts that the men tend to busy themselves with from time to time. The ‘proper women’ are commonly present during these events as well though they stay back from the action. The women are mostly seen in plain, long dresses of cotton or linen, often in various colours. Long skirts and shirts with various lengths of sleeves are also the normal dress during the days. The winter months find these women exchanging the lighter fabrics for thicker, fur-lined or woolen clothing. While openly carrying a weapon issn’t very ‘lady-like', the proper woman carries a small dagger concealed within sleeves or beneath skirts so that she isn't completely venerable.
  
  The more formal and sometimes flamboyant clothing of the nobility is often drawn out after the sun is set with court gatherings, social dinners, state functions, and other official settings that call for the upper class to show their status. Various layers and colours of clothing are seen and the current style is constantly changing. One month the high, still collar might mark a man of high class and money, and another it would be the symbol of those of a lower rank. A badge of office is a requirement at most functions as these patches show the attending nobles' ranks.

• Merchants
  Some merchants are mistaken for nobles when foreigners enter a Kyranian city, as they wear colourful clothing of varying styles that range from the plain shirt and pants combination to multiple shirts of different sizes and colours arranged to draw attention. The gaudily clad men usually draw the most attention as they can be picked out in a crowd, but sometimes the colourful clothing has the opposite effect and potential customers avoid that particular person. Along with that, merchants commonly wear overly long capes, even in the summer months, which can cover or expose the knife or sword that usually hangs at their side. Some even have a crossbow or belt with a couple throwing knives hanging within reach and sight to ward off a thief's nimble fingers. While some of these weapons are for show, many are taught a little of self defense and can probably wield the weapon they wear.

• Craftsmen
  The craftsmen of the city commonly resemble the peasants. Even the richest craftsman in the city usually wears plain shirts in pants; either homespun or purchased from one of the seamstresses throughout the city. Most of these people find their work to be rather rough on nice clothing and prefer something comfortable and durable over the other options. Those that have somewhat cozier occupations often lean toward nicer clothing from time to time, but practical clothing is always needed for those accustomed to long days of work. When out and about they might lose the garments and tools of their trade (such as a leather apron and work belt for a blacksmith), but within their workrooms, they are always in sight, marking the man's (or woman's) trade.

• Peasants
  These people wear pretty much whatever they can. Homespun shirts and pants are the most commonly seen. While they cannot afford the better materials, they still have enough to keep themselves and their families well clad throughout the years. Those that live outside the city are rather well off, but males still work without a shirt when they can to preserve the clothes they have.

Map of the ancient kingdoms of Santharia (482 b.S.). Click on any kingdom to read more details at other kingdom entries. Picture drawn by Artimidor.

Diet. The Kyranians are considered lucky as they possess some of the finest cattle in all of Santharia. The Kyrattin Cattle, as this beast is now called, is more commonly known as the "Longhorn" because their horns range from two peds to two peds and two fores from the tip of one horn to the tip of the other. This is the most common animal farmed for food in that area along with chickens, pigs, and horses (though the last wasn't commonly eaten by the Kyranians, especially once the Centoraurians began to dominate their lands). The wild herds of deer, cattle, and other animals on the Steppe of Kruswik find themselves targets of both of the most dangerous predators on the land, humans and wargs.

With the Steppe of Kruswik taking up a good deal of the Kyranian territory, the land available for growing fruits, vegetables, and other such things is rare - and those that are privileged enough to work those lands have a very busy life. Small forested areas provide a good deal of the fruit the region has to offer and a lot of variations of common vegetables strive for a while before failing with the passing of years after attempts to adapt them to different environments. Dried and jarred fruits and vegetables brought in by merchant ships and caravans become the most commonly seen during the harsher seasons on the Steppe.

Weapons. It is fairly rare to catch a Kyranian without a weapon. Just because the eye cannot see one doesn't mean that person is unarmed. These people are fairly cautious and even the lowest members of society have something to protect them. Typical Kyranian weapons range from blades to bows with slings, staves, and rocks thrown in the mix.

The pride of the once proud Kyranian arsenal was a double-bladed axe called the "Sengren". This unique weapon was crafted by the middle Thromgolin brother, Sengren, in ca. 9550 b.S. and obviously was named after him. One blade is large, thick and strong enough to hew down logs or the legs of armoured horses. The other blade is crafted in the shape of a crescent moon and has a razor-sharp inside to cut the tendons of horses as they pass by. Finally, the top of the blade is hardened steel, hard enough to pierce the strongest armour. This weapon is still in use, though it is difficult to find and employ a trainer as many of the ancient armsmasters stopped training people after the fall of the kingdom and the many secret techniques of the weapons died with them.

Between eight and ten years of age the sons and daughters of nobility start weapon training. It is required of both males and females, as parents are more wary than the rest of their people and they take advantage of the fact that they are able to offer their children a way to protect themselves. Some of them complain, but no amount of whining and begging can free them from the training that might be the difference between life and death for them some day. What they don't know is that their parents are also training for their future as well, as weapon practices and contests are a common source of entertainment for the nobility during the hours of daylight.

For the first year and a half to two years chilren are taught the basics of various weapons. Every couple of months they are tested and are shifted into groups that work to establish each boy's or girl's skill. After the child is matched with a weapon he or she will move into a group that works only with that weapon. Children of lesser nobility will train with others while those of more important families have a private trainer. Once matched with a weapon they move into other groups and spend most of their mornings in training. They work in at least three groups. One focused on the Sengren, one focused on a ranged weapon, and the last focused on a type of sword, spear, axe, or other weapon offered at the castle, giving them two weapons to defend themselves, and the skills to hunt. Both boys and girls are taken out by one of the hunters enlisted in the Kyranian Pathfinders, once a week. During this time they are taught how to track game and live off the land - something deemed essential by nobles and peasants alike.

The youths work with each weapon and skill until they reach fourteen years of age. At that point they can drop one or more of the weapons if they have not enough skill. Their trainer’s consent is needed most times, but some gp to a higher authority (parents, but they are often overruled) or take it upon themselves to remove themselves from the training. Girls have the choice to drop all weapons if they want too when they reach fourteen, though many keep on training with one or more weapons/skills depending on their trainer's opinions. If they want to keep working with one weapon and their trainers say they are best with the bow they will keep with that weapon. If they want two their trainers will suggest a second, while they can keep either, they mostly go with their weapons-master's suggestions unless they wish to keep all three.

After reaching manhood, all males (and some females, it is optional for them though) have to serve some time in a branch of the Santharian army, just as they did back in the days of Kyrania, where the limit was set to two years. The day after the yearly Manhood Ceremony, the youths will be roused from their beds early in the mornings (unfortunately for those that have overindulged in a new experience, alcohol) given a set of clothing to change into and a bag of trail rations and basic supplies before they are taken out on a five day drill. Once they return, they are issued a bunk in the castle barracks (always the top bunk as older soldiers are moved down as new recruits come in) and begin their time in the military. Each day they wake before dawn, have weapons training, fitness training, interior drills (within the castle walls), lunch, and then exterior drills (outside the castle walls) until nightfall. '

They are run ragged with the other recruits while the experienced hands watch with joy, making bets as to who would drop first during exercises (one of the few times officers allowed betting, as they are often caught up in the bets as well). Recruits and nobles are always taken on drills and more often than not, beat to a pulp by the '"nemy", or experienced soldiers, as they are more commonly known. Many fathers, and some mothers, dread to think what happens to their children during those two years as they remember it, but they also know that their child will come back with an appreciation for the life they lead. They also adapt a military life-style, knowing when they will wake and what will face them each day as they fall into the same routine.

Those that are in the military are trained in the weapon commonly used in their branch (army, navy, guard, knights, hunters/pathfinders, and the Royal Guard) and unit. The army pretty much matches man and weapon and puts them in a unit with others that wield the same weapon. The navy has a narrower selection of weapons. Most recruits are trained with the bow and cutlass or long knives for a time before they are assigned to a ship. The other branches have their own weapon preferences. The guard trains with the sword or crossbow mostly, though Sengrens are also still seen from time to time. Knights ride with lances, swords, and bows and they are always mounted units. The Pathfinders have their own weapons depending on their unit. Their weapons range from bows, to poisoned knives, to wargs for a time. The Royal Guard was a specialty unit in the time of the ancient kingdom, selected from the other units to guard the King and castle at the capital, Caelum. Nowadays Caelum still features the renowned Caelum Guard that has a special role in Kyranian society. Their weapons vary, but they are among the best in handling them in the region. Most branches have mandatory bow training as various groups are sometimes enlisted to help hunt for the city/castle during the month.

Most merchants also keep some sort of weapon on them. Swords, knives, daggers, and crossbows are seen the most with some more exotic weapons displayed every now and then, depending one what they trade. Between fourteen and eighteen years of age the newly proclaimed adults are thrust into weapon training by their parent, in an attempt to help them, but none ever take it that way. A retired soldier or city guard is hired by the merchants most of the time. Those that don't train with a weapon still keep one nearby, the crossbow and knives bering a favourite of the untrained. This is an attempt to intimidate those that might be brave enough to try their hand at the thieves’ life. Their colourful and flamboyant clothing seems to help when downplaying weapon skills and of all the classes, the merchants are the least peace loving, but they aren't necessarily looking for a fight.

Most craftsmen are untrained in the use of a weapon but those that are rarely carry something that can be considered a real weapon. Anything sharp, heavy, or malevolent looking works for these people and more often than not they can do more damage with the tools of their trade than with another weapon. A blacksmith might carry a hammer in his belt instead of a sword he crafted. On the other hand a bowyer might carry one of the weapons he made instead of the tool he used to make it. Some won’t risk doing damage to their tools while others trust in the strength of their livelihood. While they aren't looking for a fight, they prefer to be safe, and whatever is at hand works best. Though the oddness of weapons carried by craftsmen and peasants of the Kyranians is known and widely laughed at behind their back, one shouldn't say anything in front of them, peaceful people or not, they are still too proud to back down from a fight.

Untrained peasants use pretty much anything to defend themselves. Knives, staves, slings, and rope are mostly seen but if need be anything can have been turned into a weapon. Farm tools or even the leg of a wooden chair can be a better tool than nothing in times of need. However, Kyranian peasants seem to excel with the sling and are known to be excellent shots. Of course the Kyranian youth with a rock can also cause some trouble and pain. It often brings a round of laughter from the Kyranian in a crowd when a foreigner gets pelted in the back of the head with a rock for knowingly or unknowingly shoving a boy aside on the streets.

Occupations. Still to be added.

Government. Throughout the life of the Kyranian Kingdom, a typical monarchy was the favoured system of government. From the beginning of the Kingdom of Towers (in 11.640 b.S.) until the fall of the Kyranian Kingdom (806 b.S.) the system held, though changes were made, which is to be expected in government. The most basic and regal of ranks were always present, while lesser titles (numerous ones created at the King’s whim for little more than decoration) showing up every now and then. The most majestic and respected (though sometimes hated) persons were the monarchs themselves.

The governmental system of the ancient Kyranina Kingdom can be split up in the following ranks:

• Monarch
  While technically, the ruler could be a king or queen, the Kyranians only had a few known queens since only those that could prove themselves in three tests were to be considered the heir. Most of the queens of the Kyranian Kingdom were the only children of their family and their father (the king) forced them to learn the skills needed to claim their rights as heir to the throne. These tests were mostly used among those beneath the king as a way to claim the rights of their family, though one such example of the test being used was to secure the succession.
  
  Each king throughout the years worked towards appeasing the people, but more importantly the Council of Elders. This group of men and women from all rankings of the Kyranian society were selected by their people and the previous elder. These people would judge the monarch and their children, while observing other things such as: the way they deal with the different situations and different people throughout their kingdom. During times of war the monarch's leadership skills were watched and victories with minimal losses worked in the king's favour.
  
  As a rule, within the first ten years of their rule, they must secure the title "Thromgolin", one given to each king when they fulfilled the tasks required of a king and showed they were worthy. The title, chosen in honour of the tribe's founder, Cyroan Thromgolin and his strong line (that ruled for many years), was a sign to the people of the kingdom that their King was ready and his/her line was strong. It allowed one of the monarch's children to ascend to the throne when their father passed on or stepped down. At this point the first area of the tests would come into play, as if there was only a female child, she would have to face the male relative, closest to the throne, in the three challenges to claim her rights.
  
  The tests would also be necessary at the end of the first ten years of the monarch's rule if they failed to prove themselves worthy of the title "Thromgolin". The two closest to the throne through blood ties would be allowed to take the test (though a couple times throughout history three or four competed) and attempt to claim the right of heir, and would be groomed by the council to take the place of the king three years later. Foresight was one of the attributes that the Council of Elders acknowledged and if the King called for the tests before his ten years were up, knowing he would not gain the title in that time, he would be given the title after the tests, allowing him to rule until his death, or until he stepped down, at which time the winner of the tests would be crowned king.
  
  When the former ruler died in times of peace, a week of mourning would be called for. During that time, no council sessions were allowed and the King’s children had time to mourn and prepare their father's funeral. After the period of inactivity, the heir or next king would prepare for his or her coronation.
  
  When Cyroan Thromgolin stepped down from the throne in favour of his eldest son, Dyarettin, he had his son alter the tattoo of the Kyranian coat of arms that he had had embedded into his back at fourteen. A light, silvery grey circlet, that matched the crown of the Kyranian Kings, was inked in atop the stag head, cradling the gem. This tradition lasted many years, survived the War of the Chosen, and was honoured by each king until Jalttren Dereswungen took the throne. At that time the crown, crafted by the Cyroan’s brother was lost as well.
  
  The princes and/or princesses of the kingdom were directly beneath the King, but they didn’t always have the authority to get things done. Until the King’s children reached adulthood, they were tutored on every aspect of ruling, even if they were not the heirs. Once they reached their adulthood they were given tasks by the King to attend to or chosen to work with others in areas that were their strength or weakness. The King’s offspring rarely had more power than the King’s Council, a group of councilors hand picked by the King directly after his coronation, but in times of trouble they had the benefit of their status and relationship to the ruler of the kingdom.

• Noble Rankings
  The next in line were the greater nobility, which consisted of the Dukes and Duchesses, and Barons and Baronesses. Dukes and Duchesses were in charge of the large cities and castles spread throughout the kingdom. They were responsible for the things within their cities, collection of tax from the Barons/Baronesses that were responsible for the land around their city, execution of the King’s Justice, and more. If it happened in their city or in the surrounding areas, it was their job to see that it was taken care of. Within the capital city, there were men and women of this rank who were in charge of various areas such as relations with foreign kingdoms, ceremonies, the King’s City and more. Along with this responsibility, they were given one of the loudest voices in the General Court.
  
  The Barons/Baronesses were responsible for a certain area of land and those that lived in their area. Most of these land-owners lived in the cities of the Duke or Duchess they served. They often had a small manor in one of the largest cities/villages on their land that they would visit once or twice a year, but for the most part their children or, in the case of a barren Baron/Baroness, a trusted lackey would see to the running of the land they owned. Within the land owned by the Barons, was land granted by the King to Lords. These Lords had tenants that answered to them, who answered to the Baron who in turn answered to the Dukes, who in turn answered to the King.
  
  Beneath the Lords/Ladies, there were the other various ranks of people who did nothing but enjoy the King's, Duke's, Baron's, or Lord's hospitality for little reason. These were often part of the families of the various nobles, up-start peasants, merchants, and/or soldiers that were granted a title and privileges for services to the Kingdom. They usually had no land to speak of, but inhabited one of the many rooms of the spacious castles of the Kyranians.
  
  Outside of the downward spiral of nobility were military officers. The leaders, captains, and other privileged military members served under the General of the King’s Forces who would construct a council that would approach the King in times of need. At all other times, the General of the King’s Forces, Commander of the Army, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Guard, Commander of the Knights (armed nobility) and Commander of the Pathfinders/Hunters would be included in meetings of the King’s Council and General Council. The rest of the Knights (who were often the nobility that chose to serve the kingdom as fighters and soldiers that rose high enough in the ranks of the military) were allowed to attend the General Council.

• The King's Council
  The Kings selected their own councilors after their coronation, but more often than not, the son or daughter kept most of their father’s councilors. One of the few exceptions was when the previous King's children did not take the throne, the new king, selected by the tests, often created a whole new council. At that time, the new monarch was collecting trusted advisors that he believed would aid his children when/if they ruled.
  
  The King’s Council was made up of a mix of lesser and greater nobility, allowing both to have a voice in the various discussions that were brought before the council and keeping one group from overpowering the other. The leaders of the five branches of military were also on the council. A few times, a commoner has been raised up to a position on the council, but in most recorded cases, that commoner was enlisted in the army and had become a trusted friend and advisor to the King during his two years in the army as a young man.
  
  The council would meet as often as was needed, usually every other week during times of peace and every week if not more during more troubled times. When the council gave sound advice (which they often did) the King would agree with them, but sometimes he would go to others that he relied on for advice before deciding.

• The Council of Elders
  The people that made up this council were often a mixed and slightly misleading group. First off, the name was the first thing that was off. For the most part, the council consisted of men (and some women) old and young. The very first council had been made up of a group of elders from the different branches of society (two from each of the following: nobility, merchants, soldiers, craftsmen, and peasants), leading to the name of the council. A few years after they were established, each selected their own successor and trained them in the job they were supposed to do until their death, teaching the one that would take their place how to help the kingdom to the best of their ability. Because death has rather inopportune timing for the most part, the people that sat in the council ranged from as young as thirty to seventy (the oldest recorded).
  
  The job of the Council of Elders was to aid the kingdom, not the king. They were created to look out for the good of the kingdom as a whole, and selected to pass judgment on the monarch and his line. If they did not believe he was strong enough, smart enough, crafty enough, they would withhold the title "Thromgolin" which allowed the King to select his successor. They also had another very important job and that was to ensure the strength of the line.
  
  Each member of the Council of Elder was selected for their knowledge, wisdom, or skills. It was the duty of these members to tutor the royal children in the ways of the people. They were taught about each of the different classes of people and how they worked, thought, and lived day to day. They were introduced into things outside of the castle, like hunting and weapons training, in an attempt to train them to understand the people they might someday rule. After the current king received his title, the children would be watched closely.
  
  On a rare occasion, the council would use its greatest and worst power. If they believed the King's heir was not fit to rule for certain reasons they could call for the tests, which pitted the closest relative against the heir. Suspicions say that at those times the tests were no normal affair, but a contest closely watched and altered by Arvins, Lord of the Hunt, so that the victor could go on to rule the kingdom and the lands could continue in peace as they were. Only once in recorded history was the victor been the current heir.

• The General Council
  This group was called together when needed. Some times it might be called once a week while others there might be a General Court meeting every day of a week. In this court, many different people in the capital city could have a voice in the various discussions that took place. When matters of great importance were being discussed the King would be present, but when problems the monarch decided were trivial were on the list of things to be discussed, the King’s Head Councilor and the Duke of the King’s City would be sent to record and report the things discussed during the meeting. The rest of the King's Council would also be in attendance, and together with the Head Councilor and Duke (and/or the King) they would make up the First Voice of four.
  
  The nobles within the city would be the ever present Second Voice, along with the nobles from other cities who would travel to the capital city every now and then to pay tribute to their King and take part in the discussions of the General Court. Noble messengers from the corners of the kingdom would attend at the bidding of their lord to discuss the troubles within their territory, or simply show up as a gesture of good faith to the King, reassuring him that they were loyal.
  
  The Third Voice was made up of the military. The commanders of the various branches were considered part of the King's Council and would sit with the First Voice, while their delegated (an officer, just one rank beneath them) would sit with the Third Voice and bring up the issues within the military branch in which they were enlisted. Any officer, two ranks above the basic rank within that branch were allowed to sit with the others on the council. The knights were the only ones allowed full attendance, but those that didn't meet the rank requirement were grouped with the Second Voice.
  
  The common folk themselves also found a place in this council, making up the Fourth Voice. They were allowed to present their ideas, opinions, and complaints for consideration like everyone else and allowed to participate in discussions. Though like the other groups, when the discussion led away from things that involved them they usually remained quiet.
  
  An issue of lesser importance might take a couple of week to a month before enough of the people on the council agreed and committed to one side of an argument, and worked toward writing a petition for the King with the signatures of all those that supported it. These petitions would end up in the King’s Council and there they would come up with results for the various things going on within the Kingdom. More important matters would take between one day to a week and the King was almost always present for these debates, bringing about a swifter conclusion.

Production/Trade. Any natural resource listed below is traded with nearby provinces of Santharia, bringing in a good deal of coin. Some of the finest cattle, the Kyrattin, are raised on the Steppe of Kruswik throughout the years of the Kyranian Kingdom - these beasts are still considered to be among the finest of the whole Kingdom on Santharia. Weapons are another thing that are commonly traded as many talented blacksmiths are active and during times of war they help supply allies with weaponry.

Kyranians are hunters in every aspect of the word and they gathered some of their skill from the wilderness. For years they hunted the wolf-like beasts that appeared in their realm after a time. Eventually, some grew tired with the mindless killings from both sides and attempted to domesticate the beasts. Around 1.400 b.S. the first wolf-like beast (more commonly know as "wargs") was captured and trained by a hunter in the Kyranian military, Rastaar "Rast" Lawett. The animal was just a few weeks when it was caught and it was able to be tamed. These wargs were never traded but near the fall of the wargs a new breed came up. These "Rusthounds" are said to have warg ancestry. Some believe they were once called "Rasthounds", but they are now referred to as "Rusthounds" due to the colouring of their coats.

These animals are great hunting hounds and are able to track prey up trees, unlike some breeds. They were originally used as hunting hound by just the Kyranians, but visiting nobility of other kingdoms took a liking to the beasts and a few brought them back to their home with them. Throughout the years they have spread and become a very popular hunting dog. They brought in a good deal of money throughout the years as nobility bought these animals. Still to this day they are common hunting dogs in Southern Sarvonia, but they are still breed in great amounts in the ancient Kyranian territory. Those that had a warg parent during those days were faster, smarter, and better hunters, but they were part wild. After a few years it became required for the animals to the grandson or daughter of a warg before they were allowed to be sold.

Natural Resources. What used to be the north-eastern borders of the Kyranian Kingdom was known to have a good variety of natural resources that brought a lot of profit to that area. Granite stone and marble were and still can be found in large quantities. Both can be found used in the buildings of some northern castles, and bits of each have been found in the ruins of Sheyaur. These types of stone were also used in building some of the castle in Caelum. Aside from being used in the buildings of some of the castles in the areas, they were shipped out on huge cart or ships to various buyers throughout the south. This brought in a good deal of coin for the north, but those are just a few of the resources in that area and this the mining of these resources in those areas still bring in a lot of gold and trade.

The remaining resources include gold, silver, copper, coal, and several other precious and semi-precious stones. There is a fair amount of mountainous terrain in the ancient territory of the Kyranians and the harvesting of the precious resources that made the Kyranian's wealthy does the same from those in the area today. This mixed with the successful cattle, sheep, and horse farms on the Steppe of Kruswik kept the kingdom's coffers and the pockets of the people full.

Holidays, Festivals and Observances. Throughout the year there are many reasons for the Kyranians to celebrate. To this day some of the traditions that go with these main holidays are kept the same and some have changed, but in one way or another they are still celebrated by those that hold to the old ways and those that have adopted the traditions. For many, the Turning Seasons festival is just a reason to close their shop or skip work and drink and compete with their friends for a day, while it still holds some of its purpose for others. The following are holidays that are or were widely celebrated throughout the Kyranian Kingdom and most of them are still are celebrated today in the southern part of the Xaramon Province:

• Eywing
  The most important Kyranian festival is the Eywing, a festival dedicated to Arvins, God of the Hunt, dating back until the Kyranian king Caldar Eywing, who was shown the right path by the Huntlord. It is a highly religious holiday for those that worship the Lord of the Hunt and help to maintain the balance between the hunters and the hunted. For four weeks before the first day of spring, common folk and nobles alike gather and sacrifice depending on the hunter's status. If those on the hunt make a kill they will offer up the tradition fraction of the organs and those that aren't successful do not eat wild game or hunt for a month.
  
  Those that don't hunt, but instead practice another trade, one that depends on Arvins' blessing or not, will craft something as an offering for the Huntlord such as: tapestries with his image, a sculpture made out of wood or other materials, metal plates, weapons, armour, and more with something resembling an aspect of Arvins, and many other such items depending on their trade. It was often recorded that criminal activity lowered during the month before spring every year. Some believe that it is because the guards are more watchful at that time, while others believe that the fugitives that worship the Listening Lord make a pact of peace for the month before the first day of spring. Back in the days of the Kyranian Kingdom the ruler was also known to give pardons to those running from the law for certain crimes if the accused stepped forward on the day of the feast.
  
  On the first day of spring there is a large feast in the castle common and all the common folk are allowed into the courtyard to join in the feasting. At the feast those that didn't succeed eat only the vegetables and fruits provided as all the meat at the celebration has to be hunted food. After the feast they abstain from eating meat for a week in honour of the hunted since they have been the hunters all their lives.

• Turning Season
  The turning of the season is not only a cause to celebrate for most Santharians, it is also a very special celebration for those with Kyranian ancestry. Kyranians are very close to the outdoors and spend a lot of time under the sun and stars. Therefore on the first day of summer, fall and winter these people celebrate with huge feasts and contests. These holidays usually begin three days before the turning of the season and continue for three days into the new season. The level of marriages during these celebrations is exceptionally high and people often believe that it is good fortune to marry during the turn of the season.

• Manhood Ceremony
  The Manhood Ceremony was a pretty famous one in the days the ancient kingdom, yet is barely practiced in today's Kingdom of Santharia the way it was common back then. The tattoo part is often skipped in these days, yet there are still festivities held that honour those that become turn to men:
  
  In Kyrania once a male reached the age of fourteen he would be taken to get the coat of arms of the tribe tattooed at the nape of his neck. With the last dot of ink embedded into the youth skin, he would no longer be seen as a boy, but rather a man of the Kyranians. Many youths reached manhood throughout the year and each had their own celebration on the day they got their tattoo, but there was also a celebration that took place throughout the kingdom for those new men. On the last day of the year the whole kingdom would celebrate and welcome the new men. On that day there would be many tournaments for them to enter and prove themselves. The tournaments are still held today within the local castles.
  
  The festivities chang for each class of people. Within the castle's walls there is commonly a tournament with all the "dignified" competitions that nobles learn to compete in, such as: the joust, the sword competition, the archery competition, the sengren competition (Kyranian only), and other such events. Within the city, among the merchants, peasants, and craftsmen, similar events are held, along with the street competitions (wrestling matches, fist fights, and the other feats that drunken, and sometimes sober, young men come up with), and common barroom contests like arm wrestling, dart games, drinking competitions, and the ever so popular belching competition.
  
  The various branches of military enjoy their own events that are similar within their barracks/training yards. Armed and unarmed duels are held with bets placed on certain fighters (the only time bets are allowed among these men). A mix of street competitions and barroom games are also commonly seen, along with the game disks, which is common among the off-duty soldiers and guards. Disks is a game made up of two squares on the ground, often a ped and a half to two peds away from each other, marked by lengths of wood around it. A metal cup, often half a handspan deep was set into the middle of the squares with a heavy nail in the center of the cup, while sand is poured around the cup in the square. Soldiers/Guards take turns tossing metal disks (only slightly smaller than the opening in the cup) from one square at the square, trying to get them in the metal cup for points.
  
  Those outside the city walls have celebrations of their own that include the common wrestling match and arm wrestling competitions, but sports of a different kind áre played out on the Steppe. The riding of wild Kyrattin males and wild horses is the most common of these games, testing the riders and seeing who can stay on the longest. Breaking wild horses is another of these competitions for the new young men and seasoned cattle farmers and horse breeders to compete in. There are also competitions for younger children so they don't get bored, such as: chicken, sheep, or calf chasing and pony or calf riding. These games and competitions are also commonly found during the Turning Season celebrations and other such events.

Nomenclature. Kyranian names bounce around between common and uncommon, short and long, odd and original. There are those that believe there was no reasoning behind the odd names bestowed upon the children during the early generations of the kingdom. During those times, children of common birth were often given bits of the names of their family members. From two to four or five members of the family might have been honoured with a part of their names used in the naming of a newborn. After the first few generations, a true naming system came out of the "honour system" as some researchers refer to it as.

Some find it pointless that first names are used as last names as well, but it makes perfect sense to the Kyranians. A man may carry his own first name and his last name can be a full of shortened version of his father's first name. For a woman it might be the same except that she carries her mother's first name as her last name. Though last names are rarely used outside nobility and some of the lesser folk have forgotten their last name had it not been the mother or father's first name. Among the nobility, the same last name is passed down from generations, but it is still the first name from some ancient ancestor. Most of the time the last names of nobility are forbidden for the common people to use so that there is only one family with that name.

Within first names there are a few rules and common letter combinations that are followed throughout the years. For reasons lost in history, the first rule is that vowels cannot be used as the first letter in a person's first name. Many believe that this might be because the middle syllables are simply 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', and 'u' with 'y' added as a middle syllable for women.

Another rule is the double 't' within the name. At the beginning of the name the single 't' is acceptable, but within the name, all 't's are doubled. Along with these rules a few repeated letter groupings stand out. The first being the 'ya', 'yar', and 'yr', which are most commonly used in the names of nobility until the Era of Cataclysm, and while the reasoning behind that was never recorded, many believe the War of the Chosen humbled much of the nobility. The second grouping is the 'aw' which is found more through male names than female.

The middle syllable is optional and names can work with or without it. Mostly, it is used by parents to come up with an appropriate 'middle name' or nickname for their child. They will either leave it out or add one in so that they have a reasonable, shortened name that their son/daughter will go by. Full names can be rather long and drawn out or short and simple, but no matter which, they are always shortened to make a middle name that the person might or night not go by.

Middle names are of little importance to Kyranian people, but when names are cataloged, three names are usually listed. The middle name is often a shortened version of the person's first name. Even the shortest names can be shortened and the longest names kept as they are depending on the person's preference.

Male Names. Collected below are typical male syllables that are used to construct Kyranian names:

Female Names. Collected below are typical female syllables that are used to construct Kyranian names:

Female Names	Details (ordered alphabetically)
Beginning Syllables	Bar-, Be-, Bri-, Bya-, Cae-, Cai-, Cor-, Dara-, Daw-, De-, Dya-, Dyar-, Gail-, Gil-, Hail-, Hal-, Han-, Hol-, Jac-, Jae-, Jailtt-, Jo-, Kar-, Katt-, Keri-, Kya-, Kyar-, Lar-, Lis-, Lor-, Mar-, Mich-, Mor-, Nae-, Nel-, Rae-, Ren-, Ro-, Rya-, Sya-, Syar-, Ta-, Tor-
Middle Syllables	-a-, -e-, -i-, -o-, -u-, -y-
Endings	-ane, -arn, -aie, -atta, -ca, -caw, -cay, -el, -elle, -ena, -era, -ey, -gen, -gir, -ie, -isa, -ise, -ja, -jan, -jawn, -ka, -kal, -kell, -ker, -la, -latt, -lett, -lle, -lyn, -mare, -meer, -mere, -mor, -nal, -natte, -ne, -rai, -ray, -rie, -sar, -se, -seer, -tta, -tte, -wn
Celebrity Examples	Baracay, Barutta, Briane, Corakal, Coramor, Corimor, Dawatte, Dawijan, Deycaw, Dyarela, Dyarewn, Gilolett, Hanytte, Holyka, Jacyla, Keriywn, Lisown, Loryca, Loruwn, Michomere, Neliwn, Syaragir, Tayray, Toryelle

TIME TABLE OF THE KYRANIAN MEN THE ERA OF SUNDERING (YEARS 11,900 B.S. - 10,000 B.S.) ca. 11650 b.S. Human Settlements around the Steppe of Kruswik: The Kyranians Cyroan Thromgolin is an infantry lieutnant under the command of Dietych during the fall of Fá'áv'cál'âr and the subsequent seperation of the races called the "Great Sundering". Along with some of his men and their familes he settles amongst the Lower Fores, the Steppe of Kruswik, the Ilian Plateau and the Plains of Truoor.    ca. 11640 b.S. The Plateau Fortress Sheyaur Thromgolin The leader of the Kruswik settlers, Cyroan Thromgolin, is a great tactition. He ponders long and hard on where to build his fortress and home. Finally he chooses the top of the Ilian Plateau. From this vantage point no enemy can sneak upon him without being seen. He builds his fortress with defense in mind. He may or may not have first invented some of the tactics he used but he used them wisely and improved on them. Cyroan builds towers, parapets, all made of granite, a fortress high overlooking his kingdom. He tips them with silver and gold so anyone in his kingdom can look up and see his fortress and have hope. He calls his fortress "Sheyaur". Cyroan clears the plateau of any bush or tree to give his men a clear killing field. He realizes that archers are one of his best defenses and he trains them extremely well. He also manages to improve the bows and arrows they use. Cyroan passes on his knowledge and dream to his successors. His followers continue to improve and refine his basic strategies and tactics. ca. 11640 b.S. to 9550 b.S. The Kingdom of Towers: Kyrania During all these years of the Kingdom of Towers (almost 1400 years), the Kyranians grow, live in relative peace with their neighbours, the "Horsemen" (later on called the Centoraurians), the Caltharians and Erpheronians, who had come along with them from the north and settled near their borders. The are were to their west and northwest. The Caltharians settle up in the northern and northeastern Fores. The Erpheronians settle east and northeast of them. However, as is inevitable, peace is a fleeting thing. Border disputes, mineral rights and grazing rights arise in the course of time. Grazing disputes are most common with the Horsemen and mineral rights with the Erpheronian and Caltharian kingdoms. THE ERA OF SORCERY (YEARS 10,000 B.S. - 9,500 B.S.) ca. 9550 b.S. The Scions of Thromgolin I: Gil'Landene Thromgolin Gil is a master builder and concentrates on fortifications and tactics for defense of those fortifications. He develops a stronger bow for his archers and he names it the "Bolt Bow" as it doesn't shoot an arrow but a metal bolt. It doesn't have the distance a regular bow has, but the bolt can pierce heavy armor. Gil also builds windows inside the outside walls of the fortress where arrows can be shot out of but nearly impossible for arrows to go through from the outside. Gil also improves upon an idea of the trench and surroundes his castle with it. In the beginning this trench is built wide enough so horses cannot jump it. Then he builds it deep enough to hold sharpened logs, then eventually he fills the trench with oil, to set on fire if needed be. He camouflages the trench with broken pieces of trees and limbs latticed together. Finally Gil developes or refines the only access to the castle, a wooden bridge he calls the "Foot" which at first is lowers and raises by thick ropes, later on by chains. The Scions of Thromgolin II: Ylin'Sengren Thromgolin Ylin refines infantry tactics in the open field against calvary, archers and other infantrymen. He designs rounded shields with centers thicker and stronger to protect his men from archers. Ylin also develops tactics against calvary charges such as using sharpened sticks between a phlange of men and shields. He develops and builds an axe he calls the "sengren". The Scions of Thromgolin III: Cyro'Unane Thromgolin Cyro, the youngest of the three Thromgolin brothers, develops other infantry tactics such as concealment, hand to hand combat, sword play, using the sengren, pike and spear. He conditions his men to run long distances without tiring. In fact the Kyranian men's long distance running and speed becomes legendary. He uses the mountains as defense as well as offense, learning how to disturb the earth enough to create traps. Unfortunately even with the best of designs he cannot control all of the traps and unsuspecting people are killed accidentally by landslides and pitfalls. Gil, the oldest and king, gives his two brothers the rest of the land which they call "Abarona", from which we get the name "Baron". THE ERA OF CATACLYSM (YEARS 9,500 B.S. - 8,500 B.S.) ca. 9500 b.S. to 9023 b.S. The War of the Chosen The splendour of the Kyranian kingdom, as well as all of the others in Southern Sarvonia are almost completely destroyed. Only a few survivors of this terrible war begin anew. The Kyranian history then begins over after centuries of darkness and healing. Once again the Kyranians become an important cog in the history of Southern Sarvonia. THE AGE OF AWAKENING (YEARS 1,655 B.S. - 822 B.S.) 963 b.S. The Visions of the Kyranian Caldar Eywing A prophecy said to be given by Arvins, the God of the Hunt, to a boy named Caldar Eywing spreads throughout the Kyranian villages. The prophecy states that the Kyranian kingdom will once again rise if only they will erect an altar at the ruins of the ancient Sheyaur castle, once erected by Cyroan Thromgolin. Thousands of Kyranians follow the young Caldar to the ancient ruins of Sheyaur on top of the Ilian Plateau and erect twelve pillars and in the center they build an altar and pray for days to Arvins. On the twelfth night, Caldar, who is treated as a saviour of the Kyranian kingdom, sees a white stag in a forest near the plateau. Interpreting this as a sign from Arvins he hunts and shoots the stag through its heart. Upon bringing the body of the stag back to the altar some of its blood touches the altar. As soon as this happens Caldar falls in trance and later claims to have seen an apparition appearing to him that prophesied that the Kyranian nation would once again prosper when it follows the ways of nature. 963 b.S. to 823 b.S. The Rebirth of Kyrania: The Kingdom of the Pillars Caldar, heeding the prophecy he has witnessed on the pillars of the ancient Kyranian fortress of Sheyaur, builds a palace on a hill adjacent to the woods where he shot the stag overseeing the Steppe of Kruswik. He declares the woods sacred and erects a pillar with the runes of Arvins blessing those woods. His followers seeing the faith and belief of Caldar build these same pillars and erect them at all of the crossings of roads and in the center of their hamlets worshipping Arvins. Soon the kingdom is rebuilt with the youth Caldar named as king. The Kyranians align themselves with nature and with Arvins following the codes of hunting, farming and warfare. During these years the Kyranians leave their mountain strongholds and repopulate the Steppe of Kruswik with their herds of cattle and sheep and build several important towns. As was prophesied the Kyranian kingdom prospers with the kingdom full of holy woods, growing hamlets, towns, unusually large yields of crops and animals, even after the curse of the Dereswungen blood line.    933 b.S. to 806 b.S. Kyranian Corruption: The Kingdom of Betrayal One of the most ambitious followers of Caldar named Aprag Naios Dereswungen also claims to have received a divine vision. In his vision he sees a huge fortress overseeing the Windbay. He and his followers head south. Finding a hill near Windbay, just like the one that Caldar has built his castle on, he interprets these sights as a sign and he builds a fortified town he names "Naios," the "Fortress of the Whispering Voices". It is named that way because at night when the wind blows from the bay over the hill it sounds like whispering voices. In the center of the fortress Aprag erects an altar, but in his arrogance he sacrifices a sheep instead of a hunted stag. Lore tells us that as he did that Arvin spoke a curse on his bloodline and his kingdom for desecrating the altar.    823 b.S. Viginold Dereswungen King of Kyrania Another arrogant descendant of the "cursed" Aprag named Viginold Dereswungen is crowned king of Kyrania. THE AGE OF THE BLOOD (YEARS 822 B.S. - 50 B.S.) 822 b.S. The Theft of Maengolth's Blood The Kyranian foundling Wegerrand (later called Gorm), who is raised by the elves at the Zeiphyrian Forests, per chance receives knowledge of the location of the powerful blood of the Erpheronian tribe, the blood of the once sacrificed Maengolth, who died from the sword of his own son. The blood was taken away by the elves to prevent the humans of enraging the high powers, the dragons and the gods. As is prophecied in the legend, he, who bears the holy blood of Maengolth within himself shall unite all the human tribes and lead the humans to domination over the world of Caelereth. This human emporer shall introduce the age devoted to the blood of Maengolth, the famous Age of Blood. Wegerrand, although still very young and raised by the elves to sustain harmony, suddenly is captured by the prospect of gaining power over the whole known world. One night he steals away from his tribe, taking the chalice of blood with him. He returns to the Kyranians, presenting the artifact and is worshipped as the saviour of the human race, which at this time lacks powerful leadership.    819 b.S. The Coronation of the Kyranian Gorm The coronation of Gorm takes place at the Bay of Skies in the former El'Dorash which is now called Caelum. The urgent petitions of the elves to return the holy blood of Maengolth are answered with the execution of their messengers, which are ordered by the leader of the Kyranian tribe, Viginold Dereswungen, because he knows of the importance of giving the different tribes of the humans one single enemy. After Gorm drinks the blood of Maengolth ritually in front of his people Gorm is entitled fully "Unrestricted Human King of the Westcoast". The first action the young king takes - advised by Viginold - is the fortification of El'Dorash and the gathering of an enormous army to challenge the elves. Elving and Saloh are heavily fortified in order to be prepared for the expected confrontations.    811 b.S. The Assassination of King Gorm A Quaelhoirhim sent assassin manages to sneak into the king's palace and to lay fire on the bedchamber of the king. Just like Caein hundreds of years before him Gorm suffers a terrible death for his unceasable will to gain power. The assassination of Gorm by elves to avenge the theft of Maengolth's blood eventually triggers the First Sarvonian War of men against elves. The humans are led into battle by the Kyranian successor of Gorm, Viginold Dereswungen. The Erpheronians will play a key role in the upcoming battles. The Coronation of Viginold After the assination of Gorm by an elven assassin Viginold Deresvungen is crowned "King of the Westcoast". Rumor has it that Viginold was the one who helped the assassin kill Gorm for he wanted to be king himself. Gorm though, ruthless in his ascension to power, was an innocent pawn in Vingold's rise to power.    806 b.S. The Fall of Kyrania Vingold, under the pretext of revenge for the death of Gorm, attacks the elven capitol of the Zeiphyrian Forest, Elving. During this war Viginold is killed and the Kyranian kingdom falls. The Arvins prophecy is finally fullfilled.    800 b.S. The Goltherrhim Ag'rán Tacunija utters the Curse of Fire The heir to the Goltherrhim regency, the Ag'rán Tacunija, is murdered by Kyranian rogues on the foothills of the Hèckra volcano, while travelling from the Goltherlon to the Vontron. As he dies, Tacunija curses his killers and their people always to fight among each other and to be rewarded for the crime by fire. He is quoted: "May my blood haunt you and your children, until Avá's Dream is over. No peace will ever reign you and your people and always will you fight among each other but never will you get rid of yourselves. And let fire be my witness and your reward for thy crime." These dramatic words should become the "Curse of Fire", sealed by three sudden explosions erupting from the Hèckra. This is said to symbolize that the Curse would be fulfilled three times. Ecomentar, a small Kyranian boy, witnesses the whole event and relates the curse to those that would hear.    618 b.S. Renevor's Alliance of the Red and Punitive Expedition against Milkengrad Renevor, the king of Erpheronia, irritated by the Helcrani merchant fleet and his failure to conquer Centorauria a decade ago, forms an alliance with the Kyranians, the rebel Centoraurians and the Stratanians against Milkengrad. Many mercenaries from the Ashmarian lands came to offer their service to Renevor.    580 b.S. to 565 b.S. Centorauria annexes Lands Centorauria annexes the island of Midlanir from Erpheronia, Helcrah from Caltharia and the Kyranian territories between the Aurelian Lakes and Hèckra.    531 b.S. The Aetryam Naval Battle After the naval battle for Parda the Centoraurians build a new fleet. 11 years later Carrion comes to take revenge. His ships are loaded with Erpheronian and Kyranian troops and his objective is to escort them to the besieged Antiragon. On his way the elven fleet attacks him at the Aetryam Sea. Although the humans are outnumbered he can not abandon the transports. He strengthenes the sides of his fleet and finally manages to encircle the elves and to accomplish a glorious victory.    482 b.S. Foundation and Expansion of Tharania Thar, the strongest Erpheronian king so far, manages to eventually unite all four northernmost tribes of the southern Sarvonian continent - the Erpheronians, the Centoraurians, the Kyranians and the Caltharians. The main reason for the willingness of the tribes to subdue themselves to the powerful Erpheronians peacefully was the urging need for support concerning the reconstruction of their destroyed lands. A new era has begun, a major cornerstone to what later on should become the United Realms of Santharia, stretching over the whole of the southern Sarvonian continent.

13th Fallen Leaf 1668 a.S. Information provided by Garret Arroway and Capher , Koldar Mondrakken