Gigantic kingdom comprising all lands dominated by humans of the southern Sarvonian continent. The lands which are now part of Santharia and which were ancient times eight kingdoms of their own are as follows: Erpheronia, Centorauria, Caltharia, Kyrania, Eyelia, Serpheloria, Avennoria and finally Stratania. The United Kingdom of Santharia was founded in the Age of Changes, at the year of 1648 following the Cournanian Calendar, by the former Tharanian king, Santhros the Wise which was acclaimed by all races inhabiting the southern Sarvonian continent. The name "Santharia" derives from this king "Santhros", who united the kingdoms peacefully, and "Thar", a powerful Erpheronian regent, who prepared the way for Santhros by uniting the northern tribes to the Tharian kingdom.

Location. Santharia comprises all lands of southern Sarvonian starting from the dragoninfested Tandala Mountains. Part of Santharia are also the adjacent Isles of Ram (east of the Tandala), the Isles of Churican (near the peninsula of Paragonj west of Voldar), the Isles Nommeros and Parda west of Kor Donion and finally the Island of Hope in the midst of the Aetryam Sea.

Description. Still to be added.

The Santharian Coat of Arms, designed by Koldar Mondrakken.

Coat of Arms/Sign. The design of the Santharian Coat of Arms was also the initial design, intended by Santhros when he ascended to the Santharian throne. In the center of the Coat of Arms the famous sign of the so-called Sarvonian Alliance can be found: four linked hands, each one  supporting the other, forming a square or a wheel. The four hands represent the four main civilized races of Sarvonia: elves, dwarves, halflings and men. Brownies by the way are not included in the design as they weren't part of the Alliance. This Alliance comprising all the mentioned races secretly fought the dark elven Lord Saban Blackcloak and so also the sign of the Alliance once was a secret mark to identify members of the organization. With Santhros it became official and thus also a sign of transperancy between the races.

To each hand/race the Coat of Arms additionally bears runes of each race: The NW rune is named Avásh, the elven symbol of Wind/Air, the NE rune represents the letter "T" (for the famous king Thar) in an ancient Erpheronian writing style. The SW rune also stands for the letter "T", but this time its a dwarven rune and is a shortcut for the term "Thergerim", the name the dwarves use for their own race. The SE rune finally is a halfling rune and in fact one of hospitality, adorning many halfling dwellings. In its essence it represents the small folk and its part in the Santharian community quite well.

The races runes are placed on a golden cross which together with the silver cross seperating the background sections of the Coat of Arms form a gold/silver star, which was the ancient sign of the Tethiás'quarón, the Oath of the Young, sworn in 501 b.S. between the elven Avá'ránn Vilanciash and the Erpheronian sovereign Karthach of Ishmarin. The blue and the white background also represent the dominating and once rivaling races of humans (blue for the Water Element) and elves (white for the Wind Element), now joined through the sign of the Tethiás'quarón.

People. Still to be added.

Map of the 8 provinces of the United Kingdom of Santharia. Picture drawn by Artimidor.

Provinces. The United Kingdom of Santharia is divided into eight provinces which intentionally were not based on the borders of the former kingdoms, but on regions which existed aside from the political borders. The introduction of new provinces instead maintaining the kingdom scheme by the king and his advisors was a bit problematic at the beginning as people from different kingdoms suddenly were ruled by an idependent count, who was installed by the king himself. But in the course of time the decision of Santhros proved to be a wise one as the new administration finally led to better understanding among the people and also among the various different races. The eight Santharian provinces are (from north to south):

• Nermeran (Capital: Nyermersys, the ancient Thevelin)
  Nermeran is the northernmost province and includes the Isle of Narvos to the West, the Warnaka Mountains, the Calmarios forest, the Alsis'caey Mountains as well as the Silvermarshes, most important towns aside from the capital are Astran and Weyring.

• Vardýnn (Capital: Voldar)
  The largest province of Santharia, covering most parts of the former Erpheronian territory. Vardýnn includes the peninsula of Paragonj, Churican, the Thaelon, the Aurora Fields and the Heath of Jernais as well as the Goltherlon and the enclave of Alvang. Most important towns are Thyslan, Cemphiria and Jernais.

• Xaramon (Capital: Ximax)
  Xaramon, the province of magicians, consists of the peninsula of Chá'dómm, the Steppe of Kruswik, the Vontron Forest and the Shivering Woods, the Ilean Plateau as well as the Lower Fores. Important towns: Caelum, Naios and Horth.

• Enthronia (Capital: Carmalad)
  This northeastern province is pretty large, surrounding the Ancythrian Sea, but contains desolate land parts like the Seanian Swamps and the Plain of Truoor. You'll also find the Paelelon and the Istarin Forests on this territory and important towns like Cavthan, Doovens and Veltin.

• Sanguia (Capital: New-Santhala, Capitol of the kingdom)
  After Vardýnn Sanguia is the largest province of Santharia, containing the Mountain Range of the Rimmerins Ring, the Zeiphyrian Forests, the Quallian, the Almatrar as well as the Heath of Cjur. Towns worth mentioning are Chylikis, brinsley, Elving, Onved, Hog and Kor Donion.

• Manthria (Capital: Marcogg)
  Manthria on the eastern coast of Santharia contains the Mithral Mountains, the Auturian Forests and the Tolonian Heath. Places of notice are Klinsor, Ciosa, Chrondra and the dwarven realm of Kor Donion.

• Brendolan (Capital: Bardavos)
  Stretching from the Sharadon Forests till deep into the Ráhaz-Dáth desert, Brendolan contains the Narfost Plain and the Occen Lake as well as important towns like Antiragon and Mehmetsh.

• Truban (Capital: Thalambath)
  The desert province of Truban represents the western part of the Ráhaz-Dáth. Places of notice are the Oasis of Nirmenith, Varcopas, Strata and Thalambath.

Government. Governmental organization in Santharia has a long tradition. Though the uniting of the ancient kingdoms through the ascension of Santhros the Wise to the Santharian throne brought a new governmental structure to the lands on the highest levels and also led to the re-naming for ranks and titles on lower ones, most parts of the power hierarchy lived on in the one way or the other when the new kingdom was formed. As the system of feudalism was the foundation of society in the ancient kingdoms, so it was continued in Santharia: In a pyramidical manner land was given from the topmost level, the Crown, to sub-oridinated landholders, who divided their portions to other sub-ordinated landholders below their level, and so forth, until the landholders on the other end of the pyramid are reached, who administrate the smallest parcels of land.

Though rights and duties for the single levels of the hierarchy were defined in the King's Act back in the time of Santhros, the historical and regional differences and developments of course still reflect as well in specific titles and powers of regional leaders, who still may exert their independence from the King to a certain degree. The actual power constellations compared to the theoretical definitions therefore are much more intricate and complicated, but still they operate to a vast degree in the layed out confines. More details on Santharian ranks and titles can be found in an own entry dedicated to this issue.

The organisation can be described in detail as follows. Note however, that knowledge of Santharian history is essential to understand how government works in such a vast kingdom:

• The Santhran (Santharian King)
  The King, who is always human, is the figurehead of the United Kingdom of Santharia. Since the death of Santhros the King also bears the title "Santhran" honouring the famous and by now legendary deeds of the first Santharian regent. The King's spouse is also referred to not only as "Queen" but as "Santhranna".
  
  The power of the Santhran however shouldn't be overrated. Due to the vast size of the Santharian Kingdom alone, the Santhran has only a very limited influence in the matters of the provinces themselves. Though he represents the kingdom and can prescribe decrees and laws for all of the provinces by his own decision, there have been several occurences when the Thanes refused to enforce these regulations or suspended already existing ones. Thus only very few decrees are actually passed out by the Santhran himself without the consultations of regional leaders, basically these are only slight amendments to already existing regulations. These difficulties demonstrate on how complex it is for the Santhran to govern over Santharia and also on how important it is to have a charismatic and convincing leader. It has proven to be essential for a strong Santhran to try to seek contact with the provincial rulers in order to strengthen his own position while at the same time guaranteeing cohesion within this vast realm and to nurture understanding of each other's needs.
  
  While the King in the ancient kingdom of Tharania was used to be selected by his predecessor, thus making him a family member or an advisor for example, the Santhran is elected among the Thanes of the provinces in the so-called "Thanemoot", a gathering held usually shortly after the Santhran's death. At rare occasions, when the time of death of the regent is obviously imminent or the Council of the Linked Hands sees the necessity to elect a new Santhran, the Thanemoot will take place while the Santhran is still in office.

• The Council of Linked Hands
  The human Thanes meet together with the King at the Council of the Linked Hands to make national level decisions.
  
  The Santhran is also the head of the Linked Hands, a council making national level decisions. The Council mandatorilly includes the leaders of the provinces, the Thanes. Other members of this council are the elven Avá'ránn, the leader of the High Elven Circle, who can speak for all tribes, and is usually the most respected, or perhaps the eldest elf among elven leaders.
  
  In this Council the Santhran instructs the Thanes of the eight provinces and proposing the laws of the land, though these laws mostly must be kept open, as each race has a certain autonomy of rule. The elves of the Aellenrhim have a saying derived from watching their human neighbours: "A law is passed, and a way past it is found", implying that to some extent, even humans are ruled more by provincial law than by the Santhran.

• The Santhran's Orders
  The Santhran's actual power comes from a series of orders, who swear an oath of loyalty to the kingdom of Santharia to preserve its boundaries and laws. More importantly they swear alligance to the Santhran. In return, the orders receive certain privileges and status.

• The Thanes (Provincial Regents)
  The Thanes of Santharia are both mediators of the Santhran’s rule and the basis of provincial and regional autonomy. The title "Thane" probably derived from the former Erpheronian king Thar the Great, who already named his representatives "Thanes" in the kingdoms he annexed in 482 b.S. (Centorauria, Kyrania and Caltharia). Often Thanes also have additional titles related to the history or the geographical position of the province like Marshal in Nermeran, Tristin in Truban or Steward in the province of Sanguia. Only former Thanes can become Santhran when they gather enough votes in the Thanemoot meeting, deciding upon the succession after the death of the former Santhran.
  
  Thanes have semi-monarchal status in their provinces and represent the links between the national and the regional administration.. These human regents are responsible for the day to day running of their own province and can be compared to the former kings of the ancient Sarvonian kingdoms as they can reign independently to a certain degree. This independence is mostly pre-determined by the strength or weakness of the current king. The position of Thane constitutes the topmost rank in the regional hierarchy of the province, standing directly above the Dukes/Duchesses, who control between 3 and 5 Duchies, in which each province is devided.

• The Dukes and Duchesses
  Each of the eight Santharian provinces is split into further districts of administration, the Duchies. Large elven woods, however, which form a complete unity of their own (like the Auturian Woods in Manthria or the Sharadon Forest in Brendolan) are called "Stý'cáls" ("Lands of the Elves"). Dwarven or halfling territory usually is not as large as to reach the size of an elven Stý'cál in order to form a similar administration unit as a Duchy.
  
  Constituting the second highest rank in the province just below the Thane, the Dukes govern over all the local lieges, the Gravens. They need to report to the Thane regularly, consult him and make sure to exert the kingdom's and the province's laws in their given counties. In general it can be said that the way in which local decisions are made by the Thane, the Duke or the Gravens varies from place to place, and tribe to tribe. The influences from the provincial governors are very dominant in certain regions, while in others (e.g. scarcely populated ones) the local autonomy plays a much larger role and is tolerated by the Dukes. Similarly certain races or tribes have their own form of independence.

• The Gravens (Markgravens, Landgravens and Moundgravens)
  The Gravens (male and female form is identical) are instated by the Dukes to maintain a certain fief they have been granted. The Gravens often have a close relationship to the Dukes, are relatives or personal friends and swear faith to them, just as the Dukes do to the Thane and the Thane to the Santhran. The fiefs are segmented by the Gravens, the lieges, and granted to subordinate landholders (nobles and aristocrats), their vassals. Sometimes these landholders can have a special privileged status as well (see Privileged Nobility below). Such a fief is not owned by the occupant, but is managed by the occupant for both, the superior landholder and the occupant's heir. There are different titles and functions for Gravens, the most popular are:
  
  - Markgravens. Markgravens control 'marches', mostly border territories or passes and therefore are deemed as the most import lieges.
  - Landgravens. Landgravens hold basically land and farmlands.
  - Moundgravens. Moundgravens (in certain regions called Hillgravens or Mongravens in slang expression) are responsible for mountainous or heavily forested regions.
   

• Privileged Nobility and Aristocrats (Barons, Viscounts etc.)
  Barons, Viscounts and several other mainly province specific titles represent minor nobility who have special rights and/or duties. They often possess individual holdings - usually a castle, manor, or other fortified dwelling, and of course a substantial portion of land to go with it (given by the Gravens), which commonly exceeds the amount of land regular nobility possesses. They are responsible directly to the Gravens above them just like every other landholder and for the individual people who farm, herd, fish, or otherwise toil on their holdings. However, they may exert as well their special powers and freedoms in making decisions, granted to them by their liege. In some cases privileged nobility may act nearly independent in their given land.

• The Landholders (Lords and Ladies)
  The Landholders are the nobles and aristocrats at the lower end of the Santharian hierarchy, living in manors. They are responsible for ensuring that the land is being cultivated by the peasants, who produce and make income. The Landholders' duties are to show loyalty, honesty and usefulness to their liege - this includes to provide financial assistance, attendance at court if necessary, and military service. Usually the position of landholder is inherited or transfered to people through marriage. In other cases clerics or nobles may be granted a fief to maintain.

• Honorific Titles
  Finally there exist several titles in Santharia, which are not directly integrated in the described hierarchy. These titles include Knights, Mages, Sages, Masterbards, Masterartisan etc.

Climate. The climate of Southern Sarvonia is as different as its landscape. Stretching from the center of Caelereth to far into the south, the kingdom of Santharia knows the frost clanking winters of the Tandala Highlands as well as the heat ridden summers of the southern Ráhaz-Dáth. And in-between all variations from mild winters and agreeable summers to extreme seasons with a lot of snow till far in the south or heat waves till the distant north can be experienced.

One major influence however is the shape of the Sarvonian continent, where Santharia represents the southernmost large kingdom. It is stretching very long from north to south and its extension from east to west is comparably small in relation to its length. That means, that most times the sea has a balancing effect on extreme weather conditions, especially in all coastal regions, however, it can bring death and destruction as well at times, which are not predictable.

Generally, the weather is the coldest in the northern Tandalas, which are in high summer about twice as far away from the warming rays of the Injèrá than the southernmost point, the Scattersand Shoals.

In normal years frost holds its grip on the lands till south of the Sharadon. The roofs of Dasai, lying much higher than Varcopas, can well be seen covered with a white cap at times, despite the closeness to the sea. The Narfost Plain sees regularly frost and snow in winter. Varcopas is the northernmost town which is frost free during winter, Bardavos, located away from the sea, can have frost as well at times, as does the central Ráhaz-Dáth, though only when the skies are clear for several days, snow falls there very rarely. The Nirmenith Mountains have new snow every winter, an important precipitation to maintain the equilibrium of growth and aridness in the deserts of the Ráhaz-Dáth to the east. Even the Aj‘nuvic Grounds, being a valley of high altitude, have frost and sometimes even snow. An everlasting snow-cap is greeting from a point even farther in the south than the Nirmenith Mountains: The top of the Norong‘Sorno is always white due to it being the highest elevation in Southern Sarvonia.

Most of Santharia north of the Sharadon is covered with a white blanket of snow during winter. How much snow this will be and how long it stays varies with the place and the local conditions however. So the snow in Ravenport lying at the sea will rarely cover the ground for more than a few hours each day, melting with the rising temperatures till midday, whereas on the north slopes of the Rimmerins Ring, though this mountain stock lies fairly south, can last till the month of the Changing Winds.

Though at times a lot of snow can fall, even till sea level and though it can be very frosty, most winters in Santharia are mild compared to those north of the Tandalas. Even the province of Nermeran is no exception, protected from colder northern winds by the Tandalas, the Warnaka and the Allsiscaey Mountains.

The summers are mostly very agreeable in Santharia. It is of course warmer in the more southern regions. Strata has at times a climate comparable to Shan‘Tai, lying not much more north than the Aeruillin town. It can be hot and dry in summer and the wind from the Burning Sea brings no relief.

But north of the Sharadon the summer heat may initiate a grass fire in the Elverground after a period of no rain, but mostly it is bearable. Even Nermeran has a mostly friendly and warm weather in summer, though citizens from New-Santhala would find it too cool. There are most times not more than a few summers in a row which are so hot, that the harvest is in danger of being lost, rainy summer follow for certain. And a very hot summer in Brendolan, Sanguia and Manthria mean often a good harvest in the northern provinces of Nermeran, Enthronia and Vardýnn. So in our modern times within a united and peaceful kingdom draughts in the south or crop failure in the north due to a rainy summer are not the cause of famine anymore.

Every now and then, unpredictably, extreme weather conditions can occur. What causes this weather is not known. As one example the winter in the year 1597 a.S. shall serve. It came early, already in the Month of the Dead Tree with a lot of snow, but not only this. It stayed so cold for three months, that even the Gulf of Maraya started to freeze and the more northerly located bays like the Cyan Sola Bay froze completely. Snow lay several handspans high even at the shore which we know from reports kept in Lorehaven. All traffic came to a standstill for the snow inside the country. In New-Santhala the its heights exceeded four peds, how much covered the open land can only be guessed. It is said, that the Lower Fores were not much more than soft bumps. Varcopas had frost, so that all climbers which gave this town its name died and an unprecedented event occurred - there was snow on the Shendar domes, something even very old tribe members had never experienced, but knew just from stories told around the fire. In this time even the warm core of the elven forests shrunk considerably.

However many considered this less harmful than the series of winters early in this century, where no frost hit the lower regions of the whole of Santharia. Snow fell only on the highest mountains. Many believed, that this would not be a big problem, but after the third mild winter it got apparent: The vermin like snails, bugs and other insects had not been killed during the frosty period and had multiplied, wrecking havoc to the harvests, more severely than the draught at the end of last century. The strong winter in the year 1611 a.S. ended this, thanks to the gods.

There is however one exception to the above described weather conditions - the elven forests. They seem to generate their own climate, be it the Sharadon in the south or the Thaelon in the north. In the summertime they are always cool, but not cold, moist and agreeable to live in, despite a possible heat wave and long lasting aridness in the lands around them or a season of summer storms and devastating rains. In winter it is even more obvious. When approaching an elven forest in the cold season after some time of heavy frost a marvel can be encountered. If it has a lot of snow, the white precipitation will enfold the elven trees as well, though the snow seems to lie there even thicker and heavier, the huge trees appearing like white giants. If it was just cold and one is lucky enough that the Injèrá is smiling from a cloudless sky, then one of the greatest natural wonders of Caelereth displays before one's eyes: The trees, be it the huge coastal redwood of the Sharadon Forest or the adlemir and peace pine from the Zeiphyrian Forests, or the tops of the mahood euwen in the centre of the Thaelon, all are are covered with a thick layer of ice. It may be well several nailsbredth thick, coating every branch, every sprig, every pine-needle. Sometimes the wind has blown at a certain direction, then the ice has strange, crystal like forms, often a fore long. And all is glinting and sparkling like a forest of jewels. The most marvellous sights one can have is if one stands on one of the mountains near the Vale of the Brownies and looks to the south. There the Quallian presents itself like a giant jewel twinkling in all colours of the rainbow.

However, only the trees and bushes at the borders are covered with ice, as the very tops of the trees. If one could avert the eyes from these splendours and dare to break through the icy walls, a warm, green, - though at times, when it snows on top of the icy coat - slightly darker world greets the surprised wanderer. Normally it is not as dark as one would expect. The ice ensheathing the branches at the tops of the treeschannels the rays of the sun in a way, so that light falls into the forest. It is however a different kind of luminance than in the summer, more serene, for the movement the leaves display in the warm season is missing.

Not much is known how this can happen, or is achieved by the elves. Many claim, it is the dense growth of the elven forests which holds the warmth produced by the life inside it and protects it from the chilly winds from the north, the evaporating moisture being responsible for the ice-coat. Others claim, that only old elven magic not known to Ximax can accomplish this.

Flora. Still to be added.

Fauna. Still to be added.

Myth/Lore. There are various stories and tales about Santharia, its history and its destiny in the future. The most important tale obviously is the famous "Avaesthoría" myth, which recounts the travels of Eyrin Fontramon and Leander S'Ingvendar.

Map of the expansion of the Erpheronians. Map drawn by Artimidor Federkiel.

History. The map to the left shows the overwhelming expansion of the Erpheronian kingdom which was the main source for the creation of Santharia. Thar, the strongest Erpheronian king so far, united the four northernmost tribes of the southern Sarvonian continent - the Erpheronians, the Centoraurians, the Kyranians and the Caltharians -, crowning himself to the sovereign of the newly founded kingdom of Tharania at 482 b.S. (1166 CC). 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 after three great Sarvonian Wars. As the Erpheronian Kingdom was constantly becoming more and more powerful, the remaining Kingdoms of the southern Sarvonian continent still lacked a guiding hand and a strong leadership. As the so-called Sarvonian Alliance was formed it was only a matter of time when the Tharanian Kingdom would become the only Kingdom dominating the southern Sarvonian continent. Under the reign of Santhros the Eyelians, the Serphelorians, the Avennonorians and last not least the Stratanians finally peacefully joined the Tharanian Kingdom in order to unite the realms of the southern Sarvonian continent.

It's a historical fact that the coronation of Santhros to the Santharian throne was the direct continuation to the strictly confidental Sarvonian Alliance between the leaders of all three main races of the southern Sarvonian continent, humans, elves and dwarves. This alliance already existed since several years in order to hinder the endeavour of the dark elven lord, the Móch'rónn, Saban Blackcloak, who descended the Hèckranian volcano in order to topple the Earthen Titan from his throne in the depths of the dungeon Hegedorn. With the creation of the Santharian kingdom an essential counterpart was formed in southern Sarvonia to the barbarians and the orcish cultures developing in the Northlands. But not only this: The new kingdom also brought peace to the many disputes among the races which still reigned the lands. Therefore it is indeed justifyed that all historical incidents taking place after Santhros' ascension to the throne are measured after the new Santharian Calendar.

At the beginning of the reign of Santhros many difficulties had to be mastered, but soon the realm thrived. It also didn't happen accidentally that the Moch'rónn who was the reason for the unification of the realms also was defeated by a party of heroes comprising members of all three races - and a halfling too. At the Golden Age of Kings (500 a.S.), with the new king Weyarhin Santharia's economic development reached its current summit.

	TIME TABLE OF THE SANTHARIAN KINGDOM THE AGE OF CHANGE (YEARS 50 B.S. - 172 A.S.) 42 b.S. Aelric Salazath becomes Human Ambassador to the Alliance The Sarvonian Alliance, a union of the human, elven, dwarven and halfing races, which was created in order to protect Sarvonian lands from the dark elven lord, the Móch'rónn, Saban Blackcloak, welcomes Aelric Salazath as the new human Ambassador. Aelric's goal is to build further links between the races and thus strengthen Tharania's bond with forces that are not directly under the king's control.    34 b.S. Marzevash "the Adamantly" is crowned King of Tharania Following the death of his father Sorodin, Marzevash is crowned King of Tharania. Initally he is perceived as a positive, straightforward and inspiring figure throughout the kingdom, but his ambitions will soon get the better of him and he earns the byname "the Adamantly" due to his persistence to achieve his goals, regardless of the costs. Marzevash works diligently on strengthening the ties with the Sarvonian Alliance and brings unforeseen wealth to the kingdom.    18 b.S. Santhros Salazath marries the Caltharian Duchess Cara'Jeshanneh Santhros Salazath, son of the human Ambassador to the Alliance, Aelric Salazath, is married to the Caltharian Ahreng Cara'Jeshanneh. Ahreng is the fourth daughter of a respected southern Caltharian Duke.    13 b.S. Assassination of the Human Ambassador to the Alliance, Aelric Salazath The Tharanian King Marzevash "the Adamant" fears to lose his powers and supposedly plots an assassination of the highly respected Ambassador to the Alliance, Aelric Salazath. While Marzevash is a prominent figure in the Alliance between the races, the face of the kingdom to the elves and dwarves is Aelric, who helps to negotiate between the races. The alleged plot to kill Marzevash's internal foe succeeds, but several representatives from other races are killed as well unintentionally during the ambush near Salsair. This causes a part of the plot to be uncovered, linking the assassination to Marzevash. However, Marzevash's guilt or innocence can never be proven in its entirety.    12 b.S. The Tharian King Marzevash Abdicates and Flees Marzevash, in the eyes of many people directly linked to the assassinantion of ambassador Aelric, is eventually forced to abdicate in order to satisfy the growing unrest in the populace. He flees to the island of Narvoss, taking with him his son Syveric, and instates his son Raegash as the new King of Tharania. 12 b.S. to 10 b.S. The "Unwilling" Tharanian King: Marzevash's Son Raegash While his father Marzevash fled to escape the resentments towards him, Raegash's popularity is not overwhelming either. After a few months he decides to renounce the throne and following his wish for seclusion he retreats to a monastery and refrain from politics. As his follower he suggests his friend and comrade at the Order of Armeros, Santhros of the House of Salazath, to the council of elders. Long discussions ensue, so that it lasts over a year until a decision is made, but finally Santhros is accepted. Marzevash's reaction from his self-declared exile arrives promptly: He denounces Raegash as true heir to the Tharanian throne and declares Syveric his rightful successor. But his hands are bound, as he has no support anymore in the capital of the realm, Voldar.    10 b.S. First Kasumarii Student at Ximax The Academy of Ximax receives its first Kasumarii student, a Darkpriest by the name of Turya Firebane. Despite an incident with some of her classmates (a Volkek-Oshra; the hatred of orcs ran deep in Turya) she proves an avid student. Santhros Salazath becomes Tharanian King In his 35th cycle Santhros Salazath, son of the assassinated human Ambassador to the Alliance of the races, Aelric Salazath, is confirmed by the council of elders as the new King of Tharania. The decision is supported by several influential highly ranked nobles and Orders like the Order of the Fallen or the White Knights, due to the fact that a better understanding between the races seems crucial in times of trouble like these. Santhros, who assisted his father in many of his travels to negotiate with elves, dwarves and halflings, is considered as the ideal candidate, as he has many sympathies all around the former Erpheronian, Caltharian, Kyranian and Centoraurian lands. The symbol of the „Oath of the Young“ is burned into his chest the evening before his coronation.    9 b.S. Birth of Santhros' second son, Thaelnoric Santhros' wife Ahreng Cara'Jeshanneh gives birth to another son, who they name Thaelnoric. He will later receive the name "the Loyal", for his commitment in the service for his father, the King.    8 b.S. Serpheloria seeks affiliation with Tharania Seeing how the North florishes under Santhros‘ reign, Avennoria accosts Santhros, the Tharanian king, and seeks affiliation with Tharania, which is granted. A political united Southern Sarvonia is suddenly a goal not impossible to reach. Many see similarities to the formation of the Tharanian Kingdom some 500 years ago. Santhros sends out secret emissaries to test the ground.    3 b.S. Stratania enters a tight contract with Tharania Strata and Thalambath agree to strong ties with Tharania. Thalambath gets the secret covenant to become the capital of a future province which will be named "Truban". Strata, nearly destroyed by the past wars, gets the promise of massive funds for rebuilding and reestablishing of their trading fleet. Only Varcopas disagrees.    1 b.S. Eyelia agrees to join a future Santharia Santhros finally gets the last remaining tribe to join a future united kingdom by promising to establish his new capital in Eyelian territory.    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. Quia'antá (the later Santhala) becomes the Capital of the new Kingdom The former Eyelian town of Quia'antá which was used already in the past for important gatherings by Santhros' father Aelric is chosen as the new Santharian capital. The town lies embedded in the center of Santharia, in the midst of the Rimmerins Ring and features multiple tribes living already in harmony together. Inner-Santharian Trade Flourishes under the new Ruler The unified government of all Southern Sarvonian human tribes brings many changes and also a good deal of scepticism to the inhabitants of the newly formed kingdom. Yet the new king makes sure that the progress he says he stands for becomes apparent to his people as soon as possible. Santhros immediately makes sure that new trading relations are established within the kingdom, that tribes and regions are revived with new impulses. Committees to discuss new cooperations and reorganization between races and regions produce first remarkable results. After only a few months sceptism takes the back seat and prospects and hopes dominate large parts of Santharia. The Halflings join Santharia All the tribes of Southern Sarvonian halflings agree to become part of the Santharian alliance along with elves, dwarves, and men. Though the alliance proves to be shaky at first, the halfling shires are eventually able to return to a peaceful state, and begin to experience a new time of great growth. Establishing of the Santharian Coat of Arms The formerly secret Sarvonian Alliance of the three races becomes now a symbol for the unification of the four races. Thus the Coat of Arms is established, called the "Linked Hands" and becomes with Santhros also a sign of transparency between the races.    1 Defeat of a renegade Avennorian Baron While whole Southern Sarvonian joins the United Kingdom, they still have to deal with a renegade Avennorian Baron in Dasai, who opposes a unified Santharia. From his fortified town he conducts several acts of piracy on the traderoutes in the Herringbay. Santhros starts a small military campaign already in the first year of his reign. Led by the Stratanians and backed up up by some Avennorian and Serphelorian troops, the rogue baron is successfully ousted and imprisoned. The mere amount of ships and land troops showing up to represent the king's determination is argument enough to get rid of the baron with practically no bloodshed at all - thus a huge bonus is earned for the king in the southern parts of the kingdom.    5 Thaehavos declared Free Town and renamed to "Bardavos" Bardavos, the former Thaehavos, with the ascension of Santhros the Wise to the Santharian throne is officially declared a "Free Town of Bards" and thus renamed to Bardavos.    9 Petition to Santhros Frees Marduran The Port town Marduran is freed from the often tyrannical rule of its Lord Enforcers by Santhros' decree after he hears of the town’s unique situation. Having outwardly become quite different from the lawless people they had been 800 years ago, the people of Marduran become great supporters of the Santharian province of Manthria and Santhros. In a town meeting after the jeering eviction of the final Lord Enforcer, the town's first communal action is to knock down the imprisoning walls. This is done with great enthusiasm, although it wanes fairly quickly as more essential tasks beckon. No section of the wall is left untouched, but great parts of it are left standing and degrade naturally over time or are, in later years, incorporated into new buildings.    10 Reorganisation of the Unitied Kingdom of Santharia into new formed provinces Reorganisation of the Unitied Kingdom of Santharia into new formed provinces is completed. The eight provinces are intentionally not based on the borders of the former kingdoms, but on regions which exist aside from the political borders. The introduction of new provinces instead maintaining the kingdom scheme by the king and his advisors is a bit problematic at the beginning as people from different kingdoms suddenly are ruled by an independent count, who is installed by the king himself. But in the course of time the decision of Santhros proves to be a wise one as the new administration finally leads to better understanding among the people and also among the various different races.    14 Death of the First Wife of the Santharian Prince Laenthris A great tragedy befalls the royal household: Merella, the first wife of the Santharian King's son, Laenthris Salazath, dies during childbirth. The long awaited heir also cannot be saved.    21 Second Marriage of the Santharian Prince Laenthris to Veldosla of Carmalad After seven years of grieving over the death of his wife and son, Laenthris finally marries the daughter of a highly respected Caltharian count, Veldosla of Carmalad. While during that time mainly seen as a political marriage in order to strengthen ties with other tribes, Veldosla would give birth to no less than five children within the next ten years. Yet Laenthris long-awaited male heir is not among them - all their children are girls.    27 Death of the Santharian King Santhros the Wise The Santharian King Santhros the Wise, also known as the "King of Charity", dies peacefully at the age of 72 in is sleep. A highly influential figure, Santhros not only made history in Southern Sarvonia with the unification of several kingdoms, but has also always been in high esteem among his people, regardless of tribe, helping to unite and to come together. At Santhros' funeral thousands of people stream into the capital of Quia'antá (the later Santhala), among them elven, dwarven and hobbit delegations, there renewing their vows to continue following the ideals of the deceased king. Laenthris follows his Father on the Santharian Throne Laenthris Salazath, firstborn, yet still childless heir of Santhros becomes King of the United Kingdom of Santharia. He is aged 41 when he claims the throne.    33 Birth of Staranos, Son of the Santharian Prince Thaelnoric The secondborn Prince of Santharia, Thaelnoric, becomes father of a son he names Staranos.    46 The "Curse" of the Santharian Queen Veldosla Twentyfive years after their marriage and after having given birth to five daughters in the first ten year, Princess Veldosla bears another child to her husband and King Laenthris Salazath - it is a male heir, yet it is born sick. While the healers are hopeful and the celebrations are already started, the life of the young Erthis ends already at his second night. Queen Veldosla, a loving, yet frail woman, is ashamed of her inability to provide a male heir to her husband. She hears the "Cursed!" shouts of the populace when the death of young Erthis is announced to end the premature festivities and is unable to cope with them. She leaves the court, entering a White Knights monastery on the Isle of Hope, far away from her former husband, making way for another woman. Three years later she dies. Her death is barely noticed in the realms capital. The Santharian King Laenthris marries the Erpheronian Duchess Phelossa Only a few weeks after his first wife Veldosla left King Laenthris to conclude her life in a monastery, he marries again, this time a still very young Erpheronian duchess, Phelossa of Weyring.    56 Kar-ii Turya Archmage of the Black Tower The Kasumarii Turya ascends to the position of Archmage of the Ecuá Tower, Kasumarii establish further relations with Ximax. Kasumarii are also now known to most Sarvonian magi as knowledge spreads.    57 Rumours arise that the Santharian Queen might be barren As there is no heir in sight, elven years after the marriage of King Laenthris with Phelossa, rumors are spread, that she the queen indeed is barren. They seem to have originated in the Duchy which belongs to Thaelnoric the Loyal, Santhros' second son. Thaelnoric is killed not much later in a surprise attack of outlaws while passing the Shivering Woods. Staranos, who has accompanoed his father, proves himself, earns merits with wiping out the criminals who terrorisized the nearby Horth for years.    59 The Oltgyr Vradvo (Mitharim Hundred Year Pilgrimage) Every hundred years or so, starting from the first Santharian decades the Mitharim dwarves make a pilgrimage to the island Denilou to pay homage to the statue of Brok Strongarm. This usually takes place in a year ending with 9 (such as 1509, 1619) in the dwarven month of Anurilos (Sapphire, the fourth month, which is associated with water). A human ship is retained for this voyage, which begins at the port of Ciosa, hugs the shore of Doranthakar, and then cuts east-nor’east across the open waters of the Adanian Sea for the island of Denilou. Since we know that the densely-boned dwarves generally abhor water in larger quantities than their bathpools, and are very poor swimmers, we can perhaps appreciate the significance of this pilgrimage to the Mitharim.    60 Birth of Mantheros, the long-awaited Heir to the Santharian Throne Fourteen years after Laenthris' marriage to Phelossa Queen Phelossa finally gives birth to a healthy male child, Mantheros. Big celebrations ensue, as the line of Santhros seems to be finally secured with a male heir. This seems to guarantee security not only for the royal family, but also for the populace, who wants continuity with the path chosen by Santhros the Wise and followed by his son Laenthris. Queen Phelossa is named "the Lucky", yet her luck would soon be over. The Santharian Queen Phelossa is crippled in an Accident Only a few months after giving birth to her son Mantheros, the carriage of Queen Phelossa, in which her staff and her son were travelling in with her, overturns for unknown reasons. While the driver and a maid die, baby Mantheros survives miraculously. The Queen survives as well, but is badly hurt and remains crippled for the rest of her life. Instantly suspicions arise as to whether the incident was accidental or not. Protection for the child is stepped up drastically. Rumour has it meanwhile that the grandson of Santhros' second son Thaelnoric, the battletrained Staranos, has ambitions to claim the throne for himself should the time arrive, and that the accident might have been instigated by him.    70 The Introduction of the Santharian Calendar The astronomer Mowi Farseer Following the works of the famous elven astronomer Mowi Farseer, the Santharian Calendar is introduced in the kingdom. It is the product of several years of research and scholarly work of experts done in Ciosa at the Starcharts Astrendum, the Astrologists Center of Santharia till this very day. The Quaelhoirhim elf Mowi Farseer (originally called Mór'weí Kýn'vaí in Styrásh, 95 b.S.-111 a.S.) accumulates data and observations from all civilized races of the kingdom in order to construct the new time measuring scheme. It needs to be emphasized however that the new calendar is to a great degree a detailed update on the Cournanian Calendar elaborated by the astronomer, philosopher and alchemist Tandelrah Cournan (1701-1636 b.S.).    77 to 80 THE FIRST SANTHARIAN WAR OF SUCCESSION (77-80) With the death of King Laenthris a bitter war of succession to conquer the Santharian throne erupts between Mantheros, Laenthris's son, and his cousin Staranos. It would last three years until the conflict is settled, deadly consquences included. 77 The Declaration of Carmalad In a Declaration of Carmalad the Avennorians, Serphelorians and Caltharians vow to ignore Staranos' ambitions and proclaim Mantheros their king. Uncertainty spreads over the southern continent. Many people oppose Mantheros, fearing that he is too weak to support his claim without the necessary military force needed to back it up.    78 Attempts of Interference of the Elven League in the Santharian War of Succession The League, a secret elven-based organization which believes that only under human rule a perfect society reflecting the Dream of their High Goddess Avá can be achieved, face a terrible situation. The League cannot let the dynasty of the wise king die. Staranos is considered too cruel and the kingdom would be ravaged by another great war. The League's efforts now have to focus on supporting what they see as the one Santharian leader that could live up to their ideals - Mantheros. To do that they have to manifest their existence. Cumragane, descendant of the first human leader of the League Allengard and descendant of the Centoraurian kings, sends Hecuran, the so-called "Elven Lion", on a quest to join the elves and form an army with every warrior available. This army, a total force of about thousand men, is placed at Mantheros' disposal. Cumragane then heads to Helcrah, his homeland. Cumragane imprisoned Upon arriving in Milkengrad Cumragane reveals himself as descendant of the Sostrian kings and leader of the League. He urges the Helcrani to fight for Mantheros and finds many supporters there, but nobody actually joins a campaign with him, because - with the absence of a Santharian King - their loyalty belongs only to the Anactar of Milkengrad. Cumragane recognizes Anactar Semgon’s authority and places himself at his disposal in the war against Staranos' tyranny. In the Great Hall, the building where the Fratric Assembly takes place, the two of them are confronted as to be heard by every citizen. But claiming that Mantheros' would stand no chance against Staranos' military prowess, Anactar Semgon orders Cumragane's capture. He and his accompanying men are thrown into prison.    79 Mantheros retreats towards the Hèckra Volcano As the usurper's army marches north through Caltharian lands to conquer the eastern harbours, which are supporting his enemy's supply lines, the Centoraurians with their army march east to block Mantheros' retreat, while the Kyranians advance from the south. Mantheros cannot afford a battle before his Goltherrhim reinforments arrive, so he retreats southwest towards the Hèckra volcano. Outnumbered and encircled, Mantheros is in deep trouble. Cumragane is freed and turns the Tide While imprisoned by the Anactar, Cumragane's words still echo among the populace. He told them that the Helcrani should not to abandon their king twice, as they did with king Curgan in 617 b.S., and strong opposition forms and manifests itself in Milkengrad. Cumragane is freed from his prison after an uprising in the city. As the army is away, every Helcrani who is left behind takes some kind of weapon and marches east. Actually this is an army of reserves and armed non-combatants, like women and youths. However, a wave of enthusiasm is spreading on their way, Cumragane takes the lead. Staranos' veil of fear is shattered. The End of the Santharian War of Succession: The Fulfillment of Tacunija's Curse The Helcrani choose to abandon Anactar Semgon and fight and die - if necessary - for their righteous king. As when Cumragane arrives at the battlefield the main body of the Helcran army turns to Mantheros' side and along with them the entire army group. Staranos is deprived of his whole army (except his personal guard), as nobody wants to serve him anymore. Staranos is trapped. Along with the supporting Anactar Semgon Staranos manages to escape to the Hèckra. At that very moment the volcano that has been resting for centuries erupts and burns him with his remaining supporters. Cumragane and many of his men are burned too as they chase the tyrant in hairbreadth distance. This ends Cumragane's life and fulfills Tacunija's Curse. From that day on a congealed lava formation landmark that resembles a person is said to represent the Helcrani hero Cumragane. With the fulfillment of the curse Helcrani from now on are redeemed from their crime. No more will they fight with each other. Now it is them who saved the day. Cumragane is honoured by his men and his nephew, who manages to escape Hèckra’s wrath, is assigned new Anactar of the city. Official Disbandment of the League Officially the League is disbanded after this battle, but it might still exist in another form. It is restricted to a very limited number of members, who until today look after Santharia and the wellfare of its people. Nothing is known of the current status of the League or the course of their struggle against the Pure and Coór.    80 Mantheros Salazath crowned to Santharian King Ending the Santharian War of Succession, Mantheros is finally crowned to Santharian King. While some irritation still lingers regarding the royal family in parts of the country, most people are happy that peace finally returns to the vast realm. ca. 80 The Fymbel Association is Founded Three women found a guild for female stonemasons. They call themselves Fanya the Fuzzle, Katra the Mouth, and Myrael the Ponderer.    82 The Santharian King Mantheros marries the Eyelian Ilee'ala A high-ranking Eyelian beauty becomes the consort of King Mantheros.    83 The Santharian Queen Ilee'ala gives birth to two twin daughters Again the line of Santhros has difficulties with male heirs: Queen Ilee'ala gives birth to the twin daughters Na'ahena (an Eyelian name, paying tribute to the mother) and Sirthala (an Erpheronian name, as is her father's).    87 Death of Shaelriga, daughter of Santhros the Wise The daughter of Santhros the Wise, Shaelriga, dies with 90 years of age. As she had no daughters, she dedicates the amulet given to her by her father Santhros to her grand niece Sirthala shortly before her death, the more active and lively of the twinsisters.    98 The Tethinrhim Academy of Archery With the continued success of the Santharian Kingdom, the fortified outpost begins to lose its sense of purpose and has become a burden to the Tethinrhim government. As an act of good faith towards his sovereign, the Rónn decrees that the outpost be re-fitted as an Academy to be opened to all members of the Alliance regardless of race.    ca. 100 "Kasumarii" becomes a Santharian Watchword The Kasumarii are a watchword in much of Santharia as the elite assassins of the shadows. Moonblades pierce Santharian weaponsmiths' awareness, and they start churning out imitations. No substitute for the real thing, though.    105 Death of the Santharian King Mantheros Aged only 45 Mantheros dies, having suffered heavily under the heaves breathing disease. A severe case of acute lung illness is diagnosed after an excursion in the Santharian north, and Mantheros dies during his stay in the City of Death, Nyermersys. He leaves no male heir, and games of intrigue would soon dominate the royal court. Princess Sirthala "the Unwavering" becomes Santharian Ruler The lack of male heirs leads to the unexpected crowning of one of the late king's twin daughters, Sirthala, aged 25, after the widowed Ilee'ala resigns. The new queen is a resolute person and quite different to her sister Na'ahena, whose main interests lie in the fine arts. Sirthala on the other hand was closer to her father and is willing to lead the kingdom with the help of a dozen select advisors on her side. She picks up where her father left, not shunning crucial decisions wherever and whenever they need to be made. It is not surprising that the change of gender at the highest political position is first met with a lot of mistrust among the common folk, while highly influential dukes, barons, knights and noblemen in general see their chance to wed the new head of state and become king himself. Thus the common expectancy is that Queen Sirthala's occupation of the throne would only be a temporary matter and that her primary intent will be the search for a consort to take over the government affairs.    110 The Renaming of the the Santharian Capital Quia'antá to Santhala At the five year anniversary of Queen Sirthala's reign, the regent officially renames the Santharian capital from the Eyelian "Quia'antá" to "Santhala". Thus she honours the founder of the Kingdom, Santhros, while at the same time adding her own female touch by applying the ending based on her name.    114 Marriage of Queen Sirthala to Captain Kelim Swiftwaters Finally, a whole nine years after she received the Santharian crown, Queen Sirthala gets married. To counter the rumours that the Erpheronian bloodline is weakening, Sirthala chooses Captain Kelim of the renowned Voldarian house of Swiftwaters, known for his iron hand regarding the rounding up of pirates in the Darksea, and thus a fascinating topic of many a bard's tale. However, those who think that Kelim would now replace Queen Sirthala and take Santharian matters in his own hands, is soon proven wrong. Sirthala - despite the fact that she will give birth to three children in the coming years - stays active Santharian Queen. Kelim only manages public affairs during his wife's pregnancies and Sirthala even supports her royal consort in continuing his work as captain where he focuses on re-structuring the Santharian fleet.    115 Birth of the Santharian Princess Saenýssa The Santharian Queen Sirthala and King Kelim welcome princess Saenýssa as her firstborn child. Saenyssa inherits the amulet Santhros has given to his daughter Shaelriga from her mother Sirthala.    116 Birth of the Santharian Prince Mantheros Only one year after the birth of their daughter Saenýssa, Queen Sirthala gives birth to a son. He receives the name of the Queen's father, the former Santharian King, Mantheros. After Sirthala's death he would take over as Mantheros II.    119 Birth of the Santharian Prince Thaenos The last child of the royal couple Sirthala and Kelim is born, prince Thaenos.    133 Princess Saenyssa marries Princess Saenyssa falls in love with a low-ranked nobleman and marries him. She will bear him two daughters.    138 Death of the Santharian King Kelim and Abdication of Queen Sirthala Following the death by drowning of her consort Captain Kelim in a storm in the Gulf of Maraya, the Santharian Queen Sirthala decides to voluntarily retreat from her position and hand governmental affairs over to her oldest son, Mantheros II. Mantheros II. is crowned to Santharian King Following his mother's abdication, her son Mantheros II. follows in her steps and becomes Santharian King. He is aged 22, and while he becomes sole representative of the royal house his mother is said to still play an important background role as advisor to her son until her death in 147. Marriage of the Santharian Kind Mantheros II. and Skeijorna Ithsje Ciosaskjan Only a few months after his coronation the young Mantheros marries the much older, but extremely beautiful dark skinned Skeijorna Ithsje Ciosaskjan, daughter of the most prominent Avennorian merchant. Aside from the wealth Ithsje undoubtedly brings with her, the marriage is clearly a matter of prestige, as even highly ranked Shan'Thai officials courted for her, but she declined every offer. The marriage on the other hand would prove to be a curse as well to Mantheros II. as Ithsje fails to bear him a child. Refusing to abandon his wife and remarry, Mantheros puts trust in his brother and his possible progeny to take over after his death to secure the line.    147 Santharian Royal Tragedy: Queen Mother Sirthala and her Twin Sister Na'ahena die Aged 64 the Santharian Queen Mother Sirthala succumbs to a common blood disease, only days after her twin sister Na'ahena met the same fate. Princess Na‘ahena died childless. Her touching poetry however immortalise her.    156 Death of Princess Saenýssa Sister of the Santharian King Mantheros II., Saenýssa, dies.    166 Death of the Santharian King Mantheros II. Mantheros II., who has suffered from the same blood disease as his mother had for years, finally dies at the age of 50. He reigned the land nearly three decades, but remained childless. Now he is succeeded by his brother Thaenos. Thaenos becomes new Santharian King Thaenos, three years younger than his brother, inherits the Santharian throne at the age of 47, despite his own weak health. A lot of speculation is going on how long the ailing Thaenos may stay in his position before succumbing to his illness. At the time he becomes king, Thaenos is already married to Mererra of Harvinsbrook, and they are expecting a child.    167 The Hammersfeld Conspiracy: Death of the Heir to the Throne Tragedy hits the Santharian kingdom when the King's wife Mererra goes into labour and the joyous occasion suddenly turns sour. The hopes of a male heir to the throne being born are shattered when the midwife announces the death of the newborn son. The child is interred at what some describe as a pretentious ceremony, indicating a kingdom on the brink of losing its own identity - the line of the great Santhros is about to be dying out. Little does the public at the time know that a certain influential Count Dekem Hammersfeld had exactly this intention. After his own second son died during childbirth a few days before Queen Mererra going into labour, he concocted a hideous plan: He bribed the Queen's midwife to swap his own dead son with the healthy newborn, thus preventing a continuation of the Santhros' line of succession. Swaping the child obviously isn't the only crime the Hammersfelds commits to Queen Mererra: It is a fact that she will remain barren for the rest of her life, and chances are that Dekem Hammersfeld took care of that by having a hand in the medication Mererra received in order to recuperate from her shock of losing her child. Note that all these details would remain unknown for a very long time, but one of the pieces that help putting it all together are the confessions of the midwife on her deathbed, which a priest wrote down after the woman had died. Why Count Dekem Hammersfeld would plot for the demise of the house Salazath despite the openly demonstrated closeness is unknown. Rumours go, that there had been unrevealed differences between the houses of Swiftwaters and Hammersfeld concerning the persuing of pirates through Captain Kelim before he married Queen Sirthala. Others say that he never could get over the fact that Captain Kelim had won the hand of the Queen, though he had hoped he would be in her favour after the early death of his first wife.    168 The Santharian King collapses and becomes partly paralyzed Hit hard by his son's immediate death, Thaenos becomes more and more reclusive and sick. He collapses one day in the castle gardens while enjoying the afternoon sun, but is saved by the healers - however the right side of his body remains largely paralyzed. The importance of the Council of Linked Hands increases further, taking over many government agendas, but the driving force of a strong leader is missing and the state of the kingdom in general deteriorates. Count Dekem Hammersfeld distinguishes himself as one of the master advisors to the king in times of need. THE GOLDEN AGE OF KINGS (YEARS 172 A.S. - 547 A.S.) 172 to 547 The Golden Age of Kings The line of Santharian kings of the Salazath dynasty (and thus the great founder Santhros) ends with the presumed death of the last male heir. However, the need for reorganization brings new opportunities and chances of rebirth to an ailing kingdom. And indeed, the Santharian kingdom would rise to new heights in the coming centuries: A golden age of Kings is inaugurated! 172 Death of the Santharian King Thaenos, the Last in the Line of the Salazaths After years of suffering King Thaenos dies after a stroke without heir, being the last in the line of the Salazaths, the dynasty of the founder of the realm, Santhros the Wise. Power Shift to the Council of Linked Hands The Council of Linked Hands, so far active only in an advisory role to the current Santharian regent, is forced to take charge of the unique situation that the kingdom has lost its last ruler. The Council now has to decide on the succession directly, and while doing so establishes the Council itself as a more powerful tool to keep most of the actions of the newly assigned king in check. One of the reasons why the following centuries would result in a "Golden Age of Kings" is actually due to the circumstance that the Council representing all main races has more power than before, resulting in decisions which are better balanced than through direct order of a king. It is also established that upon the death of the next ruler the Council has to convene again in order to decide on the successor. The Council as the Kingmaker: Dagolth Hammersfeld is made Santharian King The Council of Linked Hands decides upon the new Santharian King and picks the Erpheronian Dagolth Hammersfeld, the elder son of Count Dekem Hammersfeld. Dagolth himself is probably entirely unaware of his father's machinations behind the scenes that brought him into this position. The Hammersfelds stood very close to the King's family, which enabled Dekem to ensure that the Salazath dynasty remained childless. Also, the exertion of Hammersfeld influence on key decisions finally paid off - it is said that even Queen Mererra openly pleaded for Dagolth's election, unknowning that she had been the victim of a conspiracy and played directly into the hand of the plotter.    174 Birth of the Santharian princes Dagmin Hammersfeld and Dagrin King Dagolth celebrates the birth of two heirs, his twin sons Dagrin and Damin.    175 The Edict of Parda: Governmental Restructuring of the Santharian Kingdom The Santharian King Dagolth restructures governmental organization in an extensive edict on his summer residence on the Isle of Parda. The document simplifies the system of ranks and titles and helps to regulate taxation, e.g. the so far tax free organizations like monasteries and temples are included. The changes guarantee more income for the King - a key issue to fatten up the dwindling resources of the kingdom, which should soon reach new heights of cultural and economical prosperity. With the Edict of Parda Dagolth also creates the title of "Santhran" in representation for the Santharian ruler in honour of the founding father of the kingdom. Birth of the Santharian Prince Calron Hammersfeld A year after the birth of his twin sons, another prince is born to the royal couple, Calron.    177 Birth of the Santharian Princess Elinnaja Hammersfeld A daughter is born to Santhran Dagolth Hammersfeld and Santhranna Shawaldah.    179 The Defeat of Saban Blackcloak The days of the dark elven lord, the Móh'rónn Saban Blackcloak, are counted. He supposedly is the son of the reincarnation of Coór, Coór'Mélor, and Aiá'merán, the raped elven Avá'ránn. His final defeat takes place in the depths of the Hegedorn dungeon, where he meets his fate by the hands of his own brother, the half-elf Eyrin Fontramonn. Eyrin is supported by the royal troups of the Linked Hands consisting of the main four races of Santharia. With the destruction of Saban peace is restored in many disquiet regions where the dark elf had many followers supporting his cause. Unrest dwindles away and eventually completely extinguished by Dagolth's forces, so that he earns the name "The Liberator".    180 Standardization of Santharian Uniforms As a follow-up to the Edict of Parda and the restructuring of Santharian ranks and titles, the Santhran Dagolth introduces new Santharian uniforms featuring the linked hands, the Santharian emblem - right in time for the Armerenda Feast later that year. Since then the Santharian officials directly subordinated to the king are therefore referred by the common folk as the "hands" (of the Santhran). Revival of the Armerenda Feast Armeros, the Santharian God of War The ancient Erpheronian traditional feast is revived again in Voldar, this time also allowing selected knights of southern areas to participate. The Armerenda, the "Days of Armeros" or also referred to as the "Tribute to Armeros", constitute a huge staged feast for the God of War, Armeros, who is considered the patron of all warriors. The Armerenda is actually much more than just a feast - though it takes place only bi-annually, it lasts full three weeks and starts at the last day of the Month of the Awakening Earth (the month dedicated to the God of War), and continues for 25 full days. Core of the festivities of the Armerenda are the tournaments among the knights held in the larger cities of the north, namely Voldar, Astran, Ishmarin, Wyring, Nyermersys and also Milkengrad for the very first time. Needless to say, the Armerenda festivals are extremely popular and have to be accounted to the absolute highlights of all regular Santharian events. This is also one of the reason why they are held - to strengthen morale, determination and spirit of competition, even in times where wars are unlikely to happen. Furthermore the tournaments serve to show off military strength to the populace itself, assuring their security and protection in times of need.    184 Improvements in the Santharian Messaging System Various new courier stations are erected throughout the lands, especially near difficult to reach places. The administration of the messaging process is tightened, resulting in a much more efficient delivery. Several Centoraurians immigrate to the vast Heath of Jernais to fill the high demand for messengers with strong riding skills.    195 The Santharian Prince Calron Hammersfeld marries Majida of Bardavos As Calron is not the direct heir to the throne, he is allowed to marry a woman of unknown parentage: Majida of Bardavos, a beautiful singer and dancer of an amiable nature. It is rumoured, that she is raised by the Black Butterfly Rangers, that she is partly of elven origin. She appears before the public the first time as a young girl, adopted daughter of the Thane of Bardavos about 191 a.S. As Queen Shawaldah supports his case, the youngest son of the king is allowed to marry with only 20 years of age. Birth of Mariama of Thyslan, a Centotaurian noblewoman Mariama of Thyslan, the future wife of Santhran Lysarian Hammersfeld, is born.    197 Birth of Lysarian Hammersfeld Calron Hammersfeld and Majida of Bardavos welcome their first child, a son. He spends his first years in his birthtown Bardavos.    201 Death of the Santharian Santhran Dagolth Dagolth "the Liberator" dies from a heart attack after he has got notice from the death of his firstborn sons. He is only 51. Death of the Santhran Dagolth's firstborns, Dagmin and Dagrin Both twins die during a hunting expedition near the Khalgoroth Gorge in the Northern part of Rimmerins Ring. The circumstances are strange though. The twins have been very close friends, but hunting companions report that Dagrin has pushed Dagmin from a precipice, seemingly being in a weird state of mind. After having realised what he has done, Dagrin commits suicide throwing himself into the gorge the next day. The accident has never been cleared up. The kingdom is shocked. Calron Hammersfeld "the Weak" ascends the throne Birth of Veior Ithvinna Rigvildskan, an Avennorian Graveness The future wife of Santhran Lysarian Hammersfeld is born.    202 The Council of the Linked Hands meets The Councils meets to deliberate and finally backs up the Santhran, which is credited to Santhranna Majida, who steps forward and presents herself as a formidable woman with a sense for diplomacy and clever use of the power she has seized.    203 Queen Mother Shawaldah accuses Santhranna Majida of witchery The mother of the Santhran Calron, Queen Shawaldah, has not been able to overcome the death of her firstborn sons. She tries to find out desperately what has happened during the fatal hunt where both were found dead. The reports about the strange behaviour of Dagrin when he pushed his brother leads to her belief that witchery was the cause. She finally asperses Santhranna Majida, because of her mysterious parentage. Though she has been fond of the girl once, she now accuses her of having bewitched Dagrin to kill his brother and himself, so that her husband would become Santhran. The Santhran delivers a Speech in Defense of his Wife Santhranna Majida The Santhran Calron steps in to defend his wife. Until now he has relied on the help of the Council and his strong wife. Under the new pressure he emerges as a new man. In a speech before the Council and representatives of the whole Capital he defends his wife in a way that the problem is settled for good. His mother is sent to a monastery where she dies years later in mental derangement.    204 Birth of Mariama of Thyslan, a Centotaurian noblewoman    207 Santhranna Majida initiates a meeting of Bards, Dancers and other Artist On the occasion of her 30th birthday, the Santhranna invites artists of all over the country to perform not only before the assembled court, but all over the Capital. In the following years, she endorses art in all variations and thus makes the fine arts popular, especially with the nobility. Prestige is now gained with the number of musicians who are on the noble's payroll. At this occasion Prince Lysarian is officially introduced to the court, aged ten.    219 Prince Lysarian marries the Avennorian Graveness Veior Ithvinna Rigvildskan To meet the needs of the young man Lysarian, a wedding is arranged with the beautiful and very rich Graveness Ithvinna. The celebration is said to have been one of the most splendid in Santharian history. At the suggestion of Santhranna Majida musicians and poets from the whole of Santharia and even Nybelmar are invited to perform before the royal couple, but to entertain the whole Santhala also. Painters are paid not only to portray the newly wed couple, but to sketch down the events all over the town and thus to document what was planned to be the greatest wedding of all times.    220 Birth of Skavinna Hammersfeld The first daughter of Prince Lysarian Hammersfeld and Ithvinna Rigvildskan is born.    221 Birth of Udrike Hammersfeld The second daughter of Prince Lysarian Hammersfeld and Ithvinna Rigvildskan is born.    223 Birth of Hjaveig Hammersfeld The third daughter of Prince Lysarian Hammersfeld and Ithvinna Rigvildskan is born.    226 Birth and Death of Kijolf Hammersfeld Kijolf Hammersfeld, the first son of Prince Lysarian Hammersfeld and Ithvinna Rigvildskan is born, but dies already after three weeks.    227 Death of Santhran Calron Hammersfeld Calron dies surprisingly of pneumonia, aged 52. Lysarian Hammersfeld ascends the Throne Though his father suffered a sudden death, Prince Lysarian is well prepared to ascend the throne at the age of 30. Grown up in a time of plentitude, influenced by his art loving mother and with the attitude that all will be possible what he wishes to achieve, the grandest enthronement ever is prepared. The festivities last a whole month and everybody is invited. This would not have been possible without the wealth of his wife Ithvinna. However, the relation between the two has cooled down. The new Santhran enters his reign with great energy and already in his first year sets many things in motion which would bear fruits only much later. Lysarian invites authorities of diverse fields of knowledge to move to Santhala and work there on different subjects but mainly with the goal to find out how the economy of the whole kingdom could be fostered, how trading expertise could be spread, and the arts stimulated. He is open to council but once he has formed his opinion about something he spends all his energy into pursuing his ideas. Santhran Lysarian Hurt by a Crumbling Bridge At yearturn the Santhran is hurt when a bridge crumbles under him due to badly sustained magic. He is brought to a nearby estate which belongs to the Graven of Codáth Lake. Here he meets Mariama, the daughter of the Graven of Thyslan.    228 Birth and Death of Leifring Hammersfeld Leifring Hammersfeld, the second son of Santhran Lysarian Hammersfeld and Ithvinna Rigvildskan is born, but dies during birth. Birth of Lysmarin, the illegitimate Son of Baroness Mariama of Thyslan and the Santhran Lysarian Santhranna Ithvinna, once a beautiful young woman, is worn out by the quick succession of births. The grief over the death of her son sits deep and adds to that and so she she moves back to her family estates , taking her daughters with her. Lysarian on the other hand is a man in the prime of life used to get everything he desires and so it is not astonishing that he not only beds various of his maidens, but also a young noble from Centorauria, Mariama of Tyslan, (born 204 a.S.), whom he met during his involuntary stay in her uncle‘s house. Mariama though is not any young lady too timid to point out that the Santhran is the father of her child, but is educated in Ximax and holds three degrees of Wind Magic. So she gives birth to a healthy son of the Santhros in the same year as the second son of the Santhranna is born dead. The Santhran acknowledges the child as his bastard son. The Meeting of Mages When back from his involuntary stay in the North Santhran Lysarian initiates a meeting of Thalambathian and Ximaxian authorities, several in magic interested noblemen, and representatives from the Fymbels association, as well as the Mashdai Traders. He demands that the practising mages who travel the land or are generally working outside from Ximax found a guild which will prevent sluggish, irresponsible work like the one which caused his recent accident. After several weeks of discussion an agreement is found about the founding of an 'Order of Magecraft'. It is founded on the tenth of the month under the presidency of the Santhran. The first members are ceremonially inducted, among them several high ranked Ximaxian mages, a Pryus of Thalambath and three Thalam Wizards. The first order-owned 'house of magic' is opened, the first school of the order established. As first grandmaster, a high-ranked wind mage of Ximax, Xaron Worthwhile, is installed. His task is for now to organise the forming of the order, to recruit members, initiate dependencies in the other provinces and big cities of Santharia.    229 Santhranna Veior Ithvinna Rigvildskan Hammersfeld divorces her Husband Veior Ithvinna Rigvildskan, though weakened through too many births in a time too short, is not weak in spirit. After she gets notice of the bastard child, she divorces Lysarian and retreats to her family estates.    230 The Santharian Unification of Measurements While travelling through mid-Santharia Lysarian has learned that one of the problems the traders and merchants have is that a handspan has not necessarily the same length in Marcogg as in Elsreth and a heb is not as heavy in Ciosa as in Santhala. Though the ped was defined since King Thar it does not work Santharia-wide. So Santhran Lysarian orders a 'standard ped and a standard heb' to be crafted which are then stored in the palace of Santhala. From there the measurement is taken to create several other 'standard' peds and hebs, one for each provincial capital, and one for each major town.    232 Foundation of the Magic Enterprise Guild The Order of Magecraft is a very strict and demanding organisation with a clear hierarchy and due to its origin sometimes condescending towards lower ranked mages. So, born at the table in the inn of an unknown small town the guild 'Magic Enterprise' is founded, in the beginning more meant as joke than as serious enterprise. But with the time more low ranking mages join, probably several macanti as well, and finally the guild establishes itself as a gathering of mages who oppose the order, though not openly. To the annoyance of the Order of Magecraft the guild grows and has soon more dependencies than the order, mostly in villages and the outskirts of the cities. The most famous guild house and a scorn in the eyes of the Order can be found in Santhala, the 'Santhala Magic Enterprise'. The guild supports no schools, but magic is taught on a one-to-one basis - as it had been the case for centuries already. The second of the Santhran's Long Voyages This time the North is Lysarian's goal so he leaves early in the year as soon as the roads are free to visit Naios, Caelum, and Ximax where he stays for two weeks enjoying the atmosphere of the magical city and spending a lot of time in the library. He continues to Salsair and Thyslan, then Milkengrad, Voldar, Nyermersys, Ishmarin, and Astran, Holm and Acht, Jernais, Veltin, Carmalad, and finally Cavthan - it has been a very long and tiring voyage. The hobbits of the Alianian Hills welcome him so heartily that he decides to stay for another two weeks, resting, sleeping, eating. The Claim of Gravenness Mariama of Thyslan Shortly before the midwinter festivities Graveness Mariama of Thyslan, the mother of Santhran Lysarian's son, announces that the child she is carrying is again sired by the Santhran, conceived while he stayed near Thyslan. The court is as shocked as the Santhran who denies to have met the Gravenness in private.    233 The Birth of Myrissa of Thyslan In the first month of the year Gravenness Mariama of Thyslan gives birth to a red-haired daughter with green eyes, Myrissa of Thyslan. Mariama's uncle Thyram, the Graven of Codáth Lake and Coram Duke of Salsair visit Santhala and speak with the Santhran on behalf of their relative. It seems that they have come in vain. The Guild Laws In the same year when the Santhran‘s unificated measurements are introduced Lysarian initiates a meeting of guild masters of all crafts which have a decent guild system. Many follow his call to be his guest, even from towns as far away as Strata and Nyermersys. Around five hundred join to be part of an exchange about how guild laws should be handled as well as guild standards and questions concerning the apprenticeship. A broad discussion is initiated and finally it is decided that all guilds of a province should have its unified rules. It is not possible though to reach that goal for the whole of the kingdom as the territory is too large to make complete standardisation in all aspects a practicable feat. It takes however only three years until the principal unification is accomplished. The Announcement of the Santhran At the midwinter festival Lysarian announces that he will marry Mariama of Thyslan and acknowledge her daughter as his child. That surprises the whole kingdom and rumours arise quickly that the Santhran accepts his new wife in exchange for the support of the North of his planned introduction of the new currency.    234 Marriage of Santhran Lysarian with Gravenness Mariama of Thyslan The marriage is not a very happy one as was to be expected. The two settle in eventually but no other children are born.    243 The Gnome Nolan invents Svaq Gnome Nolan Drinkbrewer The Daran gnome Nolan the Drinkbrewer of Ciosa invents svaq, the tasty sobering drink with the legendary repute, steady companion of drunkards and especially sailors. Thanks to the great success of his drink Nolan builds Nolan's Farm northwest of the large port of Ciosa and many other smaller breweries in the Santharian province of Manthria. He exports svaq through all Santharia and makes a fortune. He was, is and always will be the "First Of The Svaq Brewers", as he is called among his workers and his descendants. The Order of Magecraft Celebrates its Tenth Anniversary To support the case of the progressing unification of Santharian magic the Santhran hosts a gathering on the occasion of the tenth jubilee, inviting the most deserved of the new members. This is a milestone, as the members of the new order up to now still didn't act too self-assured, but now they gain new confidence. From then on the order grows rapidly. Soon every major town has a 'mage-tower' and teaching magic outside of Ximax is precisely regulated.    246 The third of the Santhran's Long Voyages Santhran Lysarian leaves Santhala already early in Awakening Earth for Chylikis visiting the huge harbour run by Varcopas' merchants. In Varcopas the inhabitants greet the Santhran cheerfully, the H'rul and most of the Council of the Eleven welcome him kindly. He is so impressed that he decides to come back more often. Uderza and Bardavos are Lysarian's next steps. In Bardavos he stays in the house of the Thane for two weeks to rest and to enjoy the art of the town. A long sea voyage to Thalambath follows. His stay is short there as the town and the volcano depresses him. The Royal Viseur and the Presidium are, though welcoming him as their Santhran, very reserved in contrast to the leaders of Varcopas. To see a Southern part of the famous Ráhaz-Dáth he ventures out into the oasis of Na'la Na'tifa, located at the edge of the great saltpan. Strata is the last town on this trip he visits officially. He enjoys the beauty of the town, but is annoyed by the request of the government to help them gain back the leadership of the province.    247 Majida of Bardavos dies The former Santhranna, wife of Santhran Calron and mother of Santhran Lysarian dies of old age.    248 Introduction of the new Currency With a big event the new currency is presented, a fortune of sans, the new smallest coin, distributed throughout the town. From then on in each provincial capital a new mint has to be built and basically only the Thanes have the right to mint, all others have to be closed. However, many of those who have acquired the authorization to mint before - like Dukes, Gravens, and major towns - threaten to revolt will this new regulation coming into effect. Widespread bloodshed is looming over the country. The Santhran gives in and allows all the dukes and gravens to run their mints until their death. The cities and towns however have to give up their right immediately but they will receive special trading rights as compensation. An infringement of the new law is persecuted and punished severely, when repeated even with the death penalty. The new currency is, despite those troubles and constraints, a great success. With the simplification of trade and business the growing wealth of most of the population in the whole kingdom finally convinces the majority and the new coins are accepted widely.    249 Divorce from Santhranna Mariama The Santhranna is caught red-handed with the captain of the guard Dyrath Jorus. It turns out that the relationship has already lasted for two years. Lysarian divorces Mariama and sends her to a monastry, Dyrath Jorus is dishonourably discharged. Mariama flees from the monastry though and joins, so rumours go, a wandering circus.    251 San'jana of Varcopas (199 -266 a.S.) Becomes the Mistress of Lysarian Lysarian falls in love with San'jana filja Ca‘tara filja Shen‘Hafa, a member of the Council of the Eleven of Varcopas. Though she returns his love she refuses to marry him. She does not want to be Santhranna and take all the responsibilities on her shoulders as will be expected from her, does not want to give up her freedom. So she becomes his mistress instead.    266 San'jana of Varcopas Dies Fifteen years of love came to an end as San‘jana gets ill and dies, in the presence of Lysarian, of a minor illness. Lysarian is devastated.    267 Santhran Lysarian Hammersfeld's Abdication from the Throne On his 70th birthday, the 3rd in the month of Awakening Earth the Santhran abdicates after forty years of reign. His son Lysmarin follows him on the throne with 39 years of age.    272 Last Santharian Old Coins are Minted The last owner with the right to mint dies, from now on only the new coins will be minted which are, by now, a full success. Marriage of the Santhran Lysarian to Asriyah Altara Though already 75 years old, Santhran Lysarian marries Asriyah Altara, said to be a noblewoman of Aeruillin. She is only 25, but the relationship seemes to turn out as a good one.    280 200 year Anniversary of the Fymbel Association Santhran Lysarian's last 'official' appearance is on the occasion of the 200 years anniversary of the Fymbels, an all-female craft association. Lysarian has always admired the work of that small guild of stonemasons, especially as they were all women. He is so taken by the idea of female 'craftswomen' that he wishes to sponsor them. As the women in question are mainly of low social rank, this is not an easy task. Finally he donates them a guild house in Santhala and is determined to say a few words at the opening ceremony. It is out of question to appear there as the former Santhran, so he visits the event incognito, disguised as lower ranked noble, and holds a short encouraging speech.    287 Death of the Santhran Lysarian Hammersfeld Santhran Lysarian Hammersfeld, though still in good health, dies at the age of 90 from a heart attack, in his bed in the arms of his young wife.    488 The Troll War Raids and assaults have increased over the years in most parts of the north of the Santharian Kingdom. Though most fights seem to be only random encounters the borderlines are heavily tested. In the spring of 488 an army of orcs, presumably Gob-Ocs, emerges from the Troll Mountains, far away from the border guards and attacks and raids the city of Acht. About 6.000 greenskins in unknown armour and under unknown flags, supported by several troll clans loot the countryside and are on the retreat before any army can be gathered to counter the danger. Only days later a part of this army stands before the city of Holm. While quickly rallied troops under the command of the Lord of Holm can force the orcs to retreat, the Lord and many men die when they chase the orcs into the valleys of the Troll Mountains where they run into a trap set by the retreating army. Before the orcs can plan a new campaign, finally reinforcements from Jernais and Astran arrive and the orcish army is defeated the next year. The remaining orcs flee through tunnels in which the human forces can only follow under great loss of life. The orcs disappear in the darkness and Ximaxian mages spend half a year to collapse 80 strals of tunnels in hope to close this opening forever. (Writer's note: the trolls that fled with the orcs after their defeat are no longer among the Kloighut and may instead be found in the Tandalas as the Ghereghut.)    ca. 500 The Beastmaster Ka'aldens Memorial The face of the heroic Eyelian beastmaster is integrated into the list of faces that appears on Santharian currency. To this day, some sans from the Rimmerins Ring area feature his face.    523 An Uncontained Threat: The Gob-Oc The Gob-Oc prove formidable in reopening tunnels and connecting tunnel systems. Years after the first Troll War, rumors spread about orcs taking settlements in the Troll Mountains or the sparse populated hills farther south, obviously from tunnel entrances not used since the Third Sarvonian War. As the places lie deep within the wilderness and the orcs prove to be tough fighters as well as hunters the wilderness north of Doovens and west of Veltins is often accounted as the most dangerous place of Santharia and in many maps marked as disputed territory. Though the Gob-Oc take no offensive moves since their first appearance this area becomes a thorn in the side of the provinces of Nerman and Vardýnn who fear for their settlements and further campaigns against these orcs often end in disaster without any decisive change in the situation. THE CLERICAL AGE (YEARS 610 A.S. - 825 A.S.) 610 Gnomes in the Goltherlon In an attempted trip around the western side of the Ancytharian Sea, a group of traders and adventurers comes across a tribe of gnomes living in the Goltherlon forest. Calling themselves the Golgnomes, these gnomes demonstrate having much knowledge in the way of scientists. Because of their behaviour and many of the antiques found throughout several of these gnomish villages, they can obviously be connected to the Separatist Gnomes of the Helcrani tribe.    615 The Golgnomes Gain Recognition The Golgnomes are officially recognized as a seperate tribe by the Kingdom of Santharia.    815 Dwarven/human Trade Relations Kor Mithrid begins trade relationships with human fishing villages. THE ERA OF THE SOUTHERN WARS (YEARS 825 A.S. - 1.062 A.S.) ca. 850 First written fragments of the "Book of Paths" It is supposed that the first written text that should bear the final title "Book of Paths" is done by an today unknown author at the fishing village of Melvill.    938 A new dwarven Trading Post: Tyr Donion Tyr Donion's main cavern is excavated and designed as a trading post.    ca. 1.000 Southern Explorers Find the Mists of Osthemangar The well known Epheronian explorer Marvan Swiftrook becomes one of the first Southern Sarvonian explorers to reach the Mists of Osthemangar in the Sarvonian Northwest and documents the initial reports of the area. His journals are discovered some 200 years later in the possession of a lone Cursed Orc within a tower ruin, surprisingly intact. Since Swiftrook never returns from his expedition, it is thought he is either eaten by a Cursed Orc or becomes one. Since then, more southern explorers have journeyed north to document and discover the region. Unfortunately, most have never returned as orcen tribes and the Mists themselves take the lives of many.    1.011 Last Mithril Mine excavated The last of the great mithril veins excavated to its terminus.    1.040 to 1.058 Supension of Mitharim Trade The Mitharim clan under the leadership of Treggan Oldways, suspends outside trade for eighteen years.    1.058 Mitharim Trade picked up again Treggan Oldways deposed by popular consensus, a new Trutharoon is formed and outside trade is re-introduced by the Mitharim. Outside trade will be flourishing within the next years and the Mithril Route is re-established. THE AGE OF REBUILDING (YEARS 1.062 A.S. - 1.144 A.S.) 1.087 The Ferrath Islands stay under the control of Anis-Anpagan Despite all effort of Aca-Santerra and Korweyn, the Ferrath Islands of Nybelmar remain with Anis-Anpagan. even though various priviliges are given to Aca-Santerra and Korweyn. Various smaller colonies all over Wernam break down due to the massive exploitation of resources of the soil. They are abandoned leaving the native population with nothing left. Trade with Sarvonia is slow due to long travel times, the restrictive policy of the Santerrans and the dangerous sea. Usually expensive luxuary goods from both continents are exchanged.    1.099 Tyr Ethran new dwarven Trading Post Tyr Ethran excavated as secondary trading post.    1.108 Mitharim discover Gold Vein at Tyr Ethran The Koromez Vein of gold ore is discovered at Tyr Ethran and it is closed to humans. THE AGE OF DISCOVERY (YEARS 1.144 A.S. - 1.440 A.S.) 1.217 Founding of the Trading Post Kolbruk Kolna Altnaus founds a small trading post to take advantage of trading for gold being dug in the dwarven enclave of Tyr Ethran.    1.289 Destruction of the Trading Post Kolbruk Thieves trying to steal gold ingots rumored to be stored there burn the trading post to the ground. Work begins on a new trading post nearer the shore of the Adanian Sea. Buildings now are being constructed of stone.    ca. 1.300 Saryas Kelweather Explores the Region In what has become the first detailed expedition of the Mists region, the famed ranger and explorer Saryas Kelweather discovers the Mists and much of its inhabitants. He joins a group of Kaaer'dár'síin (of whom he is a trusted friend) and hears many tales of the region from the Mist Hunters and accompanies them on their hunts. He alone is one of very few explorers who have documented the Mists and lived to tell about it.    1.392 Beginning of the Festival of the Horse in Salsair Raevalem starts the Festival of the Horse in Salsair as a competition between warriors. Lasting initially only two days, it includes Horse Racing, Jousting, and Battle of the Sword, as well as both types of archery.    1.410 Trade War over Kolbruk Because of the growing stature and strong trading structure, other trading families try twice to take control of the Trading POst of Kolbruk. After barely surviving both attacks, the Altnaus family realizes the need for better protection and sets up their own militia. THE TIME OF REUNION (YEARS 1.540 A.S. - TODAY) 1.640 The Fall of Lu'Weilima The city finally falls after more Diorye'oleal fighters re-enforce the attacking troops. In the aftermath of the conquest, portions of the city are burned. Many of the inhabitants attempt to flee, only to be cut down in their attempts. Several make it through the Tandala Highlands to settle in a village of Nordril in the province of Vardýnn in Santharia.    1.651 New Edition of the "Book of Paths" Artimidor Federkiel, archivist and sage at New-Santhala, edits and publishes the famous "Book of Paths" in order to prepare it for the generation of the 17th century after Santhros. The myth receives a new title, "Avaesthoría" (lit. "Will-o'-the-whisp").    1.660 First Publication of the "Santharian Compendium" Sage Artimidor Federkiel The first publication of the "Santharian Compendium" takes place, a still ongoing project initiated by Artimidor Federkiel, archivist and sage at New-Santhala. The first edition of the Compendium has eight volumes and comprises explanations and derivations to all important Santharian terms, providing descriptions of beasts, plants, people, weapons, artifacts, religions, historical events, myths etc. Furthermore the Compendium contains histories of all continents and races of the known world of Caelereth plus detailed time tables as well as short summaries and word lists on elven, dwarven and several other known languages. The Santharian Compendium is the most comprehensive book of knowledge that ever existed in the United Kingdom of Santharia. All kinds of researchers, be it historians, sages, bestiary experts, herbalists, alchemists etc. participate in this endeavour. The Ximaxian Academy is all too happy to assist the sage Artimidor Federkiel.

2nd Changing Winds 1666 a.S. Information provided by Artimidor  and Wren Climate section contributed by Talia Sturmwind