The Sophronians, also called the "Misfit Tribe", are an ancient Sarvonian tribe of matriarchal human barbarians, a folk experienced in battle, who came from Northern Sarvonia to finally settle near the region of the Zeiphyr where eventually the Serphelorian Kingdom formed with Sophronia as its capital. During the wandering years the Sophronians lived a nomadic form of life. They lived in yurits-skin covered tents and mostly ate mutton, wild game, and goats.

Picture description. A Sophronian archer aiming at a spotted foe. Image drawn by Isilhir.

The Role of Women. The Sophronians were a matriarchal oriented tribe, where political decisions as well as leading war was reserved to women only. Their motto was: "We fight for those who cannot fight for themselves." At least this seperation between the sexes was the case till the so-called Patriarchal Years (around 10.600 b.S.), when parts of the nomadic tribe settled in what now is western Santharia and mingled with the Eyelians. While older women mainly took care of raising the children, men fulfilled all other tasks of the household including farming.

The Role of Men. Males of the Sophronian tribe were called Shabans or Shepherds. Their duties were to herd the animals, make clothes, weapons, cook etc. In the patriarchal years their duties was to lead the town in political and judicial matters. Since then military matters are decided upon the Captain of the Guard (leader of the Tamarians) and her lieutenants (leaders of the other army factions) with the council and approval of the male leader or noble of the kingdom. The other men's duties changed however to what ever they chose except serving in the army except as support personell. The women's role also changed only if they chose. They could become wives, shopkeepers etc. or remain part of the army.

Army. During Alala's reign (ca. 11550 b.S.) the army that would protect the tribe on its way south was refined. The names which were used then still prevail in the current Serphelorian army, which has developed from the Sophronian one. With the tribe in the middle Alala chose Tamara to lead, and since then this part of the army was called the Tamarians. On the left flank were the Merians led by Me'ri. On her right flank were the Narisians led by Narissa. And on the rear flank were the Daphinians led by Daphney. Each army had its own colors which are included in the following clothing descriptions.

Coat of Arms. Following are descriptions of items used in battle representing the Sophronian tribe symbolicly:

The Sophronian Coat of Arms drawn by Koldar.

• The Shield
  Lozenge (diamond) shaped. Its field or background is argent (silver). It is divided vertically and horizontally equally making four quarters. Each quarter has a lozenge shape with a round circle in the middle of the lozenge. The middle of each lozenge is colored vert (green). Starting from the top left quarter the lozenge shape is colored gules (red), top right quarter lozenge is colored sable (black), the bottom left quarter lozenge is colored azure (blue), the bottom right quarter lozenge is covered with white ermine.

• The Helmet
  The helmet is or (gold) colored with a closed full face.

• The Crest
  The crest consists the head, bust and arms of a woman colored argent (silver). In her right hand she holds four Arrows, her left hand is open but only has three fingers.

• The Supporters
  On the left side is a rearing horse with hooves sharpened. On the right side is a hawke with flared wings, both claws sharpened with one claw seemingly holding up the shield.

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 Federkiel.

Clothing. You have two discern between two types of clothing worn:

• War Dresses
  Women: Each woman wore leather hip high boots. Hidden inside each boot was a needle sharp throwing knife they called the "Twins". They also wore a short middle thigh leather skirt with breeches underneath. Hidden on the inner thighs were another pair of knives which were called "Chastities". The women also wore elbow length leather gloves that also held another pair of knives they called "Mauraders". Finally often a bow, quiver of arrows and a short sword slung over their backs can be found at Sophronian women.
  Men: During the matriarchal nomadic years men did not battle therefore they never wore battle clothes.

• Clothing inside of Camp
  Women: Whenever the Sophronians were inside the camp they put over their warrior clothes soft woolen robes dyed different colors to denote what army they belonged to or whether they were nobility. In order of importance they are Nobility (emerald green), Tamarians (blood red), Merians (sapphire), Narisians (black) and Daphinians (white). Each robe was held by two stones of the army's colors at the shoulder: Tamarians (ruby), Merians (sapphire), Narisians (black jade), Daphinians (opal). When Eldon, during the Patriarchal years, formed the Sophronian Guard these were the descendants of these women.
  Men: During the matriarchal years men wore simple leather tunics and their left ear was pierced to show acceptance into the tribe. During the patriarchal years men's clothing didn't change except for nobility. Men nobles wore a robe over their tunics and could wear and use a sword during their noble duties.

Festivals. The high festivals of the Sophronians are:

• Festival of Armeros and Jeyriall
  The Gods Jeryiall and Armeros are the only ones the Sophronians worshipped, though they were taught by oral tradition of the other Gods.

• Festival of Birth of a Female Child

• Festival of the Foresighted One
  ...celebrating the first leader of the tribe, Sophronia

Each high festival is celebrated for a week and the Sophronians usually drink Aymyz (fermented mare's milk) during these days. Aymyz is the only drink the Sophronians know which is alcoholic and they only drink it at those special times, while at the rest they are teetollers.

Additional festivals are e.g. the

• Festival of Warriors
  ...where females earn the right to be accepted into the army. The competition is called "Kokdar" or the "War of the Golden Fleece". A carcass of a dead sheep dyed gold is put between the girls who are of age. They are divided into teams. Four teams one for each army. The object is to get the fleece between one of the goals on either side of the field. They ride horses and they must pick up the fleece and head toward the other team's goal, all the while fighting off the other team's members.

• Festival of the Golden Bridle
  This is another competition but only between the leaders of the armies. The participants compete in horsemanship, hand to hand combat ("Jakatya"), archery and knife throwing. The victor will be awarded with the Golden Bridle. This is only once a year Festival held after the winter thaw.

TIME TABLE OF THE SOPHRONIAN MEN ("MISFIT TRIBE") THE ERA OF SUNDERING (YEARS 11.900 B.S. - 10.000 B.S.) ca. 11750 b.S. The Genesis of the Misfit Tribe: The Sophronians The Sophronian tribe, ancestors of the people we know today as "Serphelorians", develops out of necessity after the destruction of Fá'áv'cál'âr and during the Great Sundering. It comprises the wives of slain leaders, the maimed, children, old and sick people. It is led by the wife of Agar, a slain calvary captain, named Sophronia the Foresighted One. ca. 11750 b.S. to 11550 b.S. Sophronia's Journey with Minar When Minar, the Calvary leader during the Great Sundering, moves with his calvary south to the coastal areas below the Prominent Mountains the Sophronians go along with him but for a price. Any male child who reaches the age of 16 years will be turned over to Minar's calvary. Sophronia doesn't like the idea but consents as there are no other choices since the rest of the human tribes don't want them. They are finally given a parcel of land in the farthest southern border of the Mynian kingdom.    ca. 11580 b.S. Sophronia leads her tribe    11570 b.S. Sophronia's Speech    ca. 11550 b.S. The Foresighted One's Legacy: The Death of Sophronia Sophronia with no young men to protect the tribe trains the women and daughters. They become very good horsewomen and develop weapons and techniques that suit them well. When the orcish Ashz-oc tribe descend down from the Prominent Mountains her tribe fights with distinction but the orcs are too much and finally destroy the Mynian Kingdom, the remnants of the kingdom along with the remnants of Sophronia's tribe flee across the Liben River. Sophronia herself dies during the war with the orcs. It is decided that the eldest daughter of Sophronia will rule and lead the tribe. Her name is Alala, the "War Goddess". ca. 11550 b.S. to 11470 b.S. Alala's Journey to the Celeste Lowlands Alala leads the tribe south the the Celeste Lowlands. There she continues to train her women warriors. The Sophronians have fights and battles with the dark elves, orcs and human tribes. They replenish their progeny by capturing human males, bed them, then release them back to the village where they were captured. If they have male children from these captures they are given back to the village, however if they are female they are kept and trained. Still Alala honours her mother's legacy and any maimed, invalids, or old people whether male or female who want to join are allowed to. Various of their children are sired by some of the maimed and invalid males in her tribe. Alala dies leaving her legacy with her daughter Desdeme, the "Ill Fated One".    ca. 11470 b.S. to 11130 b.S. Journey of the Desdeme, the Ill Fated One Desdeme, after being harassed so much by others, decides to once again move her tribe, the Sophronians, south. This takes them close to the Hovel Frond Forest and they are constantly at battle with the elves who live in that area. Finally Desdeme leads her tribe across the dangerous Dragon's Maw in which she sees a lot of her people lost to the dragons. Finally she manages to cross the mountains and settles in the Tandala Highlands. She dies shortly thereafter. Her daughter Kairos, "Raven Haired Beauty", is taking over the leadership.    ca. 11130 b.S. to 11090 b.S. Kairos' Journey to the Aurora Fields After the Sophronians have lived peacefully for decades with the barbarians of the Tandala Highlands disputes grow between them and so Kairos moves her tribe south again.    ca. 11040 b.S. to 10875 b.S. Gaia's Journey to King's Hollow The Sophronian leader Gaia leads the tribe to the Plains of Truoor. Her tribe fights with Saban II and his dark elves as they pass the Paelelon forest. Gaia is wounded mortally during one of those battles and her daughter Aiclia, the "Ethereal One", takes the rest of the tribe to the valley that now bears the name "King's Hollow". Here at last the Sophronians think that they find a place for them, but after decades of living there alas they are again despised and rejected by the human tribes who settle there and so the Sophronians move again.    11020 b.S. The Beginning of Sophronian Army: Alicia    ca. 11000 b.S. The Prophecy of Kairos It is reported but not substantiated that during the Sophronian trek south when the tribe passes by the Thaelon Forest the leader Kairos, the "Raven Haired Beauty", enters the forest hunting for food. There she meets a strange wonderful elven woman and is told a prophecy. Kairos comes out of the forest forever changed. Settling of the Sophronians at the Aurora Fields She leads her tribe to the Aurora Fields. There they will live peacefully with the other human tribes for several decades, until inevitably disputes over grazing rights and land would arise. Kairos dies during a few years after the arrival at the Aurora Field and her daughter Gaia, "Woman of Earth", takes over. The Sophronian Elsreth founds a new Town The youngest daughter of the Sophronian leader Gaia, Elsreth, leaves the tribe. Tired of moving and fighting she and those of the tribe who share her feelings head east and found a small village with Elsreth's name.    ca. 10665 b.S. to 10540 b.S. The Sophronian Patriarchal Years Xylonia, being endowed with wisdom beyond her years and only having twin sons Talos and Eldron, claims them to the leaders of the tribe. There are many disputes among the women and those who disagree leave and go west continuing their nomadic and tribal ways. Eventually - after centuries, yes, even millenia - they found acceptance in the Eyelian people and villages forming there and mingle with them. It is reported that some of those Sophronians also become griffon riders for the Eyelian army. The rest of the tribe stays with Talos and Eldron, who lead the tribe east and south until they come to a valley resting between the Zeiphyrian Forest and the Auturian Woods.    ca. 10540 b.S. Eldron's Founding of Sophronia At a place close to the Zeiphyrian Forest and the Auturian Woods the Sophronian leader Eldron settles and founds the village Sophronia, named after the first leader of the tribe, who lived many years ago. Talos moves a little farther south and finds a wonderful valley he calls Hawke's Perch. Together both brothers cooperate and live peacefully with each other. One is interested in building an empire, the other is only interested in the land and cultivating it. Not long after, the Sophronians meet the Darian men. They also become friendly with the hobbits. They protect, and merge to an extent.    ca. 10535 b.S. Death of the Sophronian leader Eldron Eldron dies, not realizing his dream of a Sophronian empire, but he managed at least to form the Sophronian Guard, a major column for future Sophronian generations. New Sophronian Leader Talos founds Hawkes' Perch After his brother's death Talos, the now remaining single leader of the Sophronians, loves the land and his family farms the land he names Hawke's Perch after noticing how many of the birds live in that area. He decides to take this bird's name as his surname as they don't have any at this time. His land is passed down from son to son.    10330 b.S. Sophronian Growth and Trade Eldron's son Etain continues to build and open trade with other villages in the surrounding area especially to the east where a small gathering of villages is forming (now called Marcogg). By 10330 b.S. the Sophronians have established trade with these villages and even with the elves that live in the Zeiphyrian Forest. ca. 10330 b.S. Peace treaty between Avennorians and Serphelorians Under the leadership of Thorgeir of the Avennorians and Etain of the Serphelorians these two kingdoms sign an important trade treaty. This treaty includes a clause stipulating that the Avennorians will help the Serphelorians in the finishing of their capital, and that the two tribes will found "Chrondra". The name of this town derives from the Serphelorian word for "agreement" and is similar to the Glandorian word "chronida", meaning to cement or join together. It is likely that the Avennorians, who gave few concessions where the Darian were concerned, saw this treaty as a way to gain some control over the fierce warrior tribe of the Sophronians. The Avennorians, while imperialistic, were never very good at war, so they may have seen a trade agreement as a more favourable battlefield through which to attempt to control the Sophronians, at the very least ensuring that they (the Sophronians) would not attack them (the Avennorians), and in the best case, providing a means through which to control the heavily militarised Sophronians to their own ends.    10220 b.S. The Fortification of Sophronia The Sophronian leader Ames continues on building relations and also builds the first walls and fortifications for the village. He also explores and founds a small village called Tarranoar on the Gulf of Mayara, which should once develop to an important central base for human sea operations during SW II. With Ames the Patriarchal Years end.    ca. 10150 b.S. Sophronia finished Sophronia is expanded past its fortifications and becomes a large, vibrant city with the help of the Avennorians. At around this time those Sophronians who have settled in Sophronia, or one of the southern villages or towns, begin to call themselves "Serphelorians", meaning "from the city", to distinguish themselves from their peers who remain nomadic. THE ERA OF SORCERY (YEARS 10.000 B.S. - 9.500 B.S.) ca. 10000 b.S. Chrondra constructed As part of the deal with which they made the peace treaty in 10330 b.S., the Avennorians offer to build a town on the borders of their and the Serphelorians’ lands to symbolise their lasting commitment to each other (the Avennorians being much better at building much more spectacular and long-lasting towns than the previously nomadic Serphelorians). This would be a town where both tribes could live peacefully together with the benefits of the Avennorians not having to worry about the Serphelorians militarily speaking, and the Serphelorians getting to live with the benefits of Avennorian comforts (we all know how Avennorians like their luxury!). The offer is accepted to seal the peace deal. It is 330 years after the work was started due to Avennorians helping with Sophronia first. As the site chosen by both parties as the most suitable is on the border between the two kingdoms, but just inside what is traditionally Sophronian lands, so it is known as a part of the Serphelorian kingdom although both tribes have equal membership in the ruling council there, at least initially. Many inhabitiants of Chrondra begin to think of themselves as Serphelorian, regardless of their original tribe, although some cling to their original Avennorian heritage and pass this identity down to their children. ca. 10000 b.S. to 9500 b.S. Serphelorian Settlements on the Elverground Settlements on the Elverground, and north of Sophronia and Chrondra    ca. 9800 b.S. Chrondra ruled by Avennorians Over the first two hundred years the city council gradually becomes dominated by Avennorian representatives. This is due to the perceived superiority of the Avennorians in politics (perceived by both parties - it is agreed that Avennorians are better at the not overly exciting politics stuff, and Serphelorians are better at the figthing and protecting the weak). As such, Serphelorian representatives with the necessary skills - or who are willing to relinquish their more important (to them) roles in the army etc. - are difficult to find. As members retire from the council, the new members are recruited from Chrondra's elite, who are mostly Avennorian anyway. They sort of try to get Serphelorians on the council, but the people with the skills are nearly all originally Avennorian because they have that kind of mind. (Serphelorians are not - that’s why they had to keep moving from place to place in the history already written - because they are not very good at coming up with solutions to disputes, and would rather fight or just leave.) So within a fairly short time (ca. 200 years) all the members of the council would be Avennorians who take their cues from the Avennorian King in Ciosa. THE ERA OF CATACLYSM (YEARS 9.500 B.S. - 8.500 B.S.) ca. 9500 b.S. to 9000 b.S. Destruction of the Serphelorian city of Sophronia ahd Hawke's Perch During the War of the Chosen and the Years of Cleaning Sophronia and the village of Hawke's Perch are destroyed. Refugees flee to Chrondra which, while not unscathed, is mostly passed over. At this time contact is lost between Chrondra and Ciosa. The ruling council of Chrondra are all killed in the violence except one person, an ex-Avennorian man. Councillor of Chrondra becomes an hereditary position from this man. Due to Avennorian influences and Serphelorian history after Talos and Eldon, men are preferred as inheritors. All other southern settlements wiped out.    8900 b.S. First new Serphelorian Settlements are Built People from Chrondra go out to found new settlements on the Elverground, at the north side of the Gulf of Maraya or further north near the Rimmerins Ring. Most of the founders of these settlements are full- or half-blooded Avennorians, meaning most of the ruling class are originally Avennorian. Many remember their heritage, but nearly all consider themselves Serphelorian anyway.    ca. 8600 b.S. to 6000 b.S. War between the Serphelorians and Eyelia Serphelorian settlers make it as far west as the Thaehelvil River and encounter Eyelians. Both groups are trying to spread; Eyelians lay claim to the Rimmerins Ring (due to the gryph aeries there); Serphelorians claim it as their roaming-lands as they travelled through it. Both groups try to work it out, but the difference in their culture lead to a clash. Eyelians think Serphelorians rude because they are loud and brash; Serphelorians think Eyelians rude because their quiet (seen as cold) and slow behaviour(seen as obstructive), so eventually this leads to war. The Rimmerins Ring and the western Elverground are constantly fought over. Many different solutions are tried by various different leaders of each tribe, with varying degrees of success. There are occasional cease-fires, occasionally more terrible battles, but generally constant skirmishing as both sides try to hold their lines. This continues until around 6000 b.S. when there is a peace treaty; broken by one of the first queens in 3000 b.S. Skirmishes would then continues until the Serphelorian kindom falls in 400ish b.S. Now a.S. there is still a rivalry between their armies, though much more friendly now, esecially. since they are charged with protecting Eyelians (the tribal principle of "katmoh"). THE ERA OF CONSOLIDATION (YEARS 8.500 B.S. - 3.400 B.S.) 8108 b.S. Birth of Quesvath A soon to be important figure in Serphelorian politics, Quesvath, is born as a daughter to Korran, the Councillor of Chondra and his wife. Korran dies of a fever soon after. Quesvath’s mother accedes to the Councillorship.    8069 b.S. Quesvath accedes to Councillorship Quesvath's mother dies. Quesvath, by now an avid proponent of traditonal Sophronian ways, accedes to Councillorship at the age of 39. She has a dream to unite the disparate nomadic and settled people of her tribe, so over the next years she travels the lands speaking to all the leaders she can find and gaining their support to unite into a proper kingdom under her leadership.    8066 b.S. Quesvath crowns herself Jakat of Serpheloria For the occasion of her coronation the first proper map of Serpheloria is drawn up. Quesvath's realm stretches from Elsreth in the north to Chrondra in the south, and from the east cost to the Rimmerins Ring. The Ring is disputed territory with the Eyelians - nomadic bands of Serphelorian roam here as do Eyelians. Fighting has been going on between nomadic groups and villages of Eyelians for some time now. All those living in her Kingdom of Serpheloria are now called Serphelorians, as opposed to the previous distinction of Serphelorians in the south, and nomadic Sophronians to the north. ca. 8066 b.S. to 3000 b.S. The Golden Age of Serpheloria With Quesvath the Golden Age of Serpheloria begins, which should last until the third millenium before Santhros.    8065 b.S. Beginning of the Rebuilding of Sophronia The Serpherlorian Jakat Quesvath orders the rebuilding of Sophronia in what she thinks is the traditional style. It is finished in 8053, at which time Quesvath makes it her capital from whence she governs her realm.    8021 b.S. Crowning of the Serphelorian Jakat Ruth Quesvath dies at the grand old age of 81. Having had no children, she passes the inheritance to her great friend Salreia's daughter Ruth, whom she has groomed to carry on her works. Ruth is as proud and ambitious as her predecessor and does much good for her people, improving towns and villages. Other Jakats follow.    6000 b.S. to 3000 b.S. Peace between Eyelia and Serpheloria A peace treaty is negotiated with the united clans of Eyelia. The treaty allows the Serphelorians to stay united without having to wage wars, and develop more. Cha plantations started here. The Rimmerins Ring is to be officially Eyelian territory, but nomads can wander here but not for more than half the year. An uneasy truce begins but slowly works when neither side re-initiates hostilities. There exists no real trade between the two nations though. Skirmishes flares up again when a Serphelorian queen decides it should be officially Serphelorian territory and tries to take these lands back.    ca. 5000 b.S. The Village of Tarranoar is founded The Serphelorian seaside village of Tarranoar is founded. THE AGE OF MYTHS (YEARS 3.400 B.S. - 1.655 B.S.) ca. 3000 b.S. to 500 b.S. Serpheloria deteriorates A succession of weak leaders sets in motion a slow disintegration of the Serphelorian Kingdom. Over this time Elsreth, as well as many other towns in the northern two-thirds of the Kingdom declare themselves to be town-states, independent from the sovereign. THE AGE OF AWAKENING (YEARS 1.655 B.S. - 822 B.S.) 1649 b.S. to 1648 b.S. Mir'Dark, the "Endless Night" All towns have high fatalities; the Serphelorians understand this year as Jeyriall (one of the Serphelorians' favoured two Gods) having abandoned them.    1645 b.S. Rekj Swanhild is crowned Avennorian King in Ciosa After his cornoation Rekj sends emissaries to Chrondra - contact and some trade is re-established with the Serphelorians living there.    ca. 1200 b.S. to 1150 b.S. Carmalad is settled Serphelorians escaping the civil war in the south found Carmalad, which is intended to be a city-state independent of Serpheloria. Some contact is kept with the nomadic Serphelorians by those who settle there, but over time this too fades, allowing Carmalad to eventually become part of Caltharia. People seek peaceful and prosperous times and the town grows quickly. This means also more progress for the nearby Jhehellrhim elves, but will turn out as a catastrophe in the end. 1200 b.S. to 1150 b.S. "Migard's Folly" – the Serphelorian Civil War The Jakat Migard (-1228 until -1150 b.S., reign -1200 until -1150 b.S.) tries to unite Serpheloria again. He travels around the Serphelorian kingdom with a large phalanx of soldiers - mostly men - and holds talks with the leaders of various city-states. Unfortunately, Migard's ideas are highly offensive to the mainly matriarchal towns and nomads; he tries to convince them to unite for progress, but his vision of progress is settling in cities and giving up the old matriarchal, martial and nomadic ways, which he sees as little better than barbarism. Eventually one leader, Quinolgia of Islia, is insulted beyond her endurance and attacks the party, harrying them off her lands. Migard takes insult at this and gathers reinforcements from the southern cities and attacks back, trying to subdue the town-states. The nomads join in to break the siege, lay traps etc. and work out on the land harrying troops. Other town-states who are offended as well help the cause. This begins a fifty-year long war between the north and the south which ends only with Migard's death and the ascension of Migard's much more sensible younger cousin and heir, Tibor.    1190 b.S. Elsreth becomes part of Eyelia Elsreth, not wanting to be caught up in the fighting, defects the Serphelorians to become part of Eyelia. The Eyelians pledge forces to hold it in case there are reprisals. This leads to members of all clans relocating to live there, although the reprisals never come as the Serphelorians are too busy fighting amongst themselves.    1067 b.S. Colonisation and Cultivation of the Elverground through the Quaelhoirhim Elves Some members of the Quaelhoirhim move out of the Zeiphyrian forest and begin to make their homes in the Elverground area. In this process Serphelorians become friendly with the elves. Around this time Saloh is built and trade is established between the two races. The Serphelorians become regular and welcomed visitors to Saloh. THE AGE OF THE BLOOD (YEARS 822 B.S. - 50 B.S.) 806 b.S. Battle of Annihilation at the Zeiphyrian Forests Serphelorians join their allies, the elves, against the humans from the north. They suffer huge losses. During this time the town of Sophronia is ruined again in the battles. The capital and the army moves back to Chrondra.    804 b.S. to 800 b.S. The Attack on the Tethinrhim Ria The Avennorian King Anir marshals troops against the elves in the Auturian Woods. Serphelorians fight the Avennorians with the elves.    800 b.S. Continued Serphelorian fighting against the Erpheronians Serphelorians continue to fight Erpheronians with the elves; they become valued spies in the North for elven tribes.    760 b.S. The Ylfferhim declare their Independence The Ylfferhim elves declare their independence from the Quaelhoirhim and pull out of the war. This comes as a blow to the Serphelorians fighting with the Quaelhoirhim against the Erpheronians, but they fight on.    749 b.S. Erpheronia takes over Avennoria Erpheronia takes over Avennoria. This makes Serpheloria very nervous so they redouble their efforts for their allied elves, hoping to avoid the Avennorians' fate.    729 b.S. The Pact for the Deciding of the Blood Many centuries after the first battle due to the dispute about the Blood of Maengolth all three races predominating the Sarvonian continent, humans, elves and dwarves alike have suffered heavy losses and the peoples long for peace once again. As a result the leaders of the two main opposing forces, the elven Avá'ránn, Eleannja, and the human sovereign of the Erpheronian tribe, Korpicor of Voldar, meet without the knowlege of their people at a secret place near the Rimmerins-Ring to decide upon the case. Both leaders cannot afford further battles and both sides don't want to give in and render the casualities of war unimportant and meaningless. Finally a decision is made, which lasts five days until both sides accept the proposal: The cause shall be decided by a direct duel to the death between the leader of the races, Eleannja and Korpicor, magic against pure strength. The defeated wwill have to give most of the lands possessed to the victorious. Of course it is believed among the peoples that the Deciding of the Blood will not be a decision of mortals but would be influenced by the will of the gods. Although the outcome of the duel is expected to be disastrous for one side, elves and humans look forward to the end of the long war. The Consequences of the Deciding of the Blood The Serphelorians are relieved, and most people who can go to watch the contest. Peace is won for all sides. Contact with elves diminishes as both races concentrate on re-establishing themselves after their awful losses in the war.    550 b.S. THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND SARVONIAN WAR (SW II) The Night of the Hand 7th of Singing Bird. On the seventh day of the month of the Singing Bird dwarven monks acting as honour guard at the Grave of the Leaders (see SW I) are killed from behind by unknown grave robbers. The Grave of the Leaders is looted, but all the artifacts of Karpicor, the former human Warlord, remain untouched and only elven items are stolen. The bloodshed is discovered in the morning of the next day by other monks residing at the monastery from where they report the occurrences to the leaders of the races on the continent. The night of the looting, which will turn out to be the beginning of the so-called "War of the Inpious", is later on called the "Night of the Hand". This night will be remembered for many centuries to come. From the time of the Peace Treaty of Nyermersys on, which will seal SW II, the Night of the Hand finds its way into the beliefs of many superstitions people of all races all over Santharia: When night falls at the Night of the Hand people lock their homes and won't leave their houses until the morning. Many put blossoming branches on their doors so that the sign of the Tree of Life will fend off dark minded visitors and they pray to the Goddess Seyella to spare their lifes from the evil roaming the lands. Serphelorians blame the Elves for Desecration Contact with elves is minimal again now. The Serphelorians' weak and frightened Jakat leads the Serphelorians to officially blame the elves for the murder and desecration on the Isle of Hope, due to fear of and pressure from Avennoria and its now ruling Erpheronia. The general population still feels warmly toward the elves, despite the fact that they are hardly seen now, so this decision is not well received amongst the people. The Serphelorian army is sent to the north to fight the elves, though the Quaelhoirhim object as does much of the populace. Some of the army go north, but many defect, blending into towns and bands of nomads along the way so only a small force reaches the north. Most of the population hates the monarch for her weakness; the Serphelorian kingdom fractures even more. Other than that, SW II is not a big one for the Serphelorians.    535 b.S. Kaira, the Last Serphelorian Jakat In this year the last Serphelorian Jakat, Kaira, accedes to the throne. She is a strong Jakat, and very Avennorian in her techniques. She unites the people - some say against their will! - although she is unable to reclaim Elsreth and does not dispute the Eyelians’ claim to the Rimmerins Ring. The map of the kingdom is drawn five years before her death by murder, as despite her sucesses she is not at all well liked.    505 b.S. to 502 b.S. Three Year Drought at the Elverground The Elverground Suffers a three year long drought.    477 b.S. Serpheloria Perishes After the murder Serphelorian Jakat Kaira the succession is thrown into doubt, leading to internal wars between factions. Eyelia, with the help of Serphelorians from Elsreth persuades the northern states to join it, as well as some other western southern pieces like Brinsley; Avennoria takes over the rulership of the south by virtue of Avennorian-sympathetic male scions. Serpheloria survives only in a few nomadic bands now confined to a much smaller area, and Islia, Klandonia and Hog, three town states near each other. These remnants all undertake to train every person in arms as a means to stay independent and matriarchal. Only Hog has found a way to thrive until the current time - the other two cities are now little more than villages with memories of a grand past.    298 b.S. to 292 b.S. Serphelorians join Southern Sarvonian Defense Rumours of trouble with monsters in the north (invasion of darkfriends, beginning of SW III) reach the now peaceful remains of Serpheloria. Some go north as mercenaries and join the Battle of Four Swords in Enthronia.    288 b.S. Serphelorians support the Erpheronian Heroine Caeorphynn The Erpheronian heroine Caeorphynn comes through Serphelorian territory and rallies her troops here. The Serphelorians join the allied human, dwarven and elven forces to retake Carmalad from the darkfriends, having heard of the war through those who went north as mercenaries and came back telling of horrors about to take over the world. THE AGE OF CHANGE (YEARS 50 B.S. - 172 A.S.) 0 Santhros crowned as King of the United Kingdom of Santharia The secret Sarvonian Alliance between the leaders of all three main races of the southern Sarvonian continent, humans, elves and dwarves, which had been formed to repel the Saban Blackcloak, has brought forward a then not expected fruit: The birth of a new kingdom, Santharia. And as fate would have it - there is the right man to ascend to the new throne: Santhros the Wise, a man not only loved by his people, but capable of governing such a huge kingdom well, a man with initiative and new ideas. The coronation takes place in Quia'antá, the new capital. With the creation of the Santharian kingdom an essential counterpart is formed in southern Sarvonia to the barbarians and the orcish cultures developing in the Northlands. But not only this: The new kingdom also brings peace to the many disputes among the races which still reign the lands. Therefore it is indeed justified that all historical incidents taking place after Santhros' ascension to the throne are measured after the new Santharian Calendar. Fulfillment of Sophronia's Prophecy A possible reason for the Serphelorians joining the Santharian Kingdom so easily seems to be the fulfillment of Seyella's will and Sophronia's prophecy.    60 The "Sandstorm" Drought at the Elverground The whole Elverground region is subjected to a two and a half year drought, called "the Sandstorm" due to the devastation wreaked on the area. THE ERA OF THE SOUTHERN WARS (YEARS 825 A.S. - 1.062 A.S.) ca. 1.000 Last of the Serphelorian Nomads At around this time, the last of the nomadic Serphelorian bands are seen. They no longer roam here, mainly due to the increasing number of settlements punctuating "their" lands. Many who don’t wish to settle go south to join the Shendar, hire themselves out as mercenaries or join up with the Black Butterfly Rovers.