Modern Timeline

The timeline of events that occurred within Esshar, beginning at the 16th century.

1600s

1650 - 1653AC: Conquest of Rhoynur

Following a period of significantly increased raiding by the people of Rhoynur, the Kingdom of Esshar formally declares war after the city of Hessalia is sacked. Lead by Lightbringer Ardes Grimmore, the Essharan military begins a hard fought campaign to repel the Rhoynish invaders. The campaign is successful, and not only are the Rhoynish raids defeated, but the Essharan military invades the Rhoynish Tribelands, capturing the capital city Rhoynur after a months-long siege that only ends after Lightbringer Grimmore captures the Rhoynish King. The Treaty of Hessalia that follows results in the annexation of the Rhoynish tribelands into the Kingdom of Esshar, and the enslavement of a large amount of Rhoynish as 'war reparations'.

1655AC: The Syndicate

The Syndicate was extremist criminal organization with the goal of destabilizing Osrona, led by the self-proclaimed eccentric revolutionary, Elevans, and the lady of the slums, Soirée.

The public began to fear the Syndicate as capable terrorists after their attack on the Osronian Gala.

• 1655AC - Rise of The Syndicate: The Syndicate established itself as the leading gang of criminals within the impoverished district of Sudbury, and it attracted attention through the capabilities of its inner members who were particularly magically gifted. Vasilios Quinn was a Rhoynish man hardened by the war and truly embodied his people's talent for battle, while Soirée was trained in the art of Occult directly by a Witch. She was notably instructed by this woman behind the curtains and took advantage of the growing state of impoverishment within Sudbury, recruiting many of the promising youth to her cause, some of which would infiltrate the City Watch on her behalf. Gaining infamy and prominence rapidly, the Syndicate would soon become such a widespread threat that it was to be handled by the First Light directly, the elite militia of Osrona, on the orders of Queen Ariadne Petrakis.
• 1655AC - Osronian Gala of Aerendale: A gala is hosted by Gerald cos D'Arnette and Claude vey Pelleaux, naturally excluding lowborn from attending. The Syndicate were somehow able to avoid the security, which was later revealed in unclassified Order documents to be a purposeful plot between Gerald and the mob bosses to spurn resentment of the lower classes and their numerous protests in recent years. The manor was now a battlefield between Knight and Criminal, where most notably a young Elijah Soleis narrowly defeated the occultist and mob boss Soiree in an epic clash of light and darkness, many of whom the Syndicate followers looked towards as the true leader of the Syndicate. Her death was both a blow to the Syndicate but also spurred them on further and led to more extreme clashes in the City of Osrona and on its outskirts.
• 1657AC - Public Execution of Kirai Kurokaiyo: The leader of the Assassin Fist style had been charged with numerous crimes by the Radiant Atrosus Vandigan, and a duel followed between them in the halls of the Kurokaiyo Dojo. Fire and lava spilled out while the masterful talents of the accused Shadow Style was put on full display. The Radiant narrowly won and apprehended Kirai, executing him publicly - to which several of his children were a witness, some of whom went on to join the Syndicate.
• 1658AC - Death of Soma Duran: With intensifying tensions, Sudbury in particular had become a hotspot for skirmishes as the First Light tried to return order to their City. A notable death that sent shock waves throughout society was the death of beloved, accomplished Knight Soma cos Duran, the head of the Duran household that had earned a reputation as a witch hunters. The self-proclaimed revolutionary Elevans reportedly crucified him atop of a building, and taking their family sword, the Silver Durendal.
• 1660AC - Final Battle: After numerous conflicts, including one that outright collapsed a theatre that was a base of operations for the Syndicate, the First Light strike what's believed to be their headquarters after Elijah Soleis interrogated a captured Syndicate turncoat, Shrike Airgetlam. Their goal was to rescue the captured cadet Asphira Falstaff and also put the finishing blow in the criminal organization that had been on the defensive in recent years. The battle was handily won by the First Light, with Sophie Duran avenging her brother and defeating Elevans, reclaiming her family sword and sending the grievously injured man in hiding, never to be heard from again.

1660AC - 1670AC: The Elysium Coven

Deep in the seclusive village of Moonfall, a coven of witches work secretly, unknown to most of its own denizens. Many druids were said to be under a spell of obedience and followed the Supreme Cornelia obediently, and there were even credible rumors that the coven supported the Syndicate from a distance. The curtains slowly open after the Coven solidify complete dominance over the village, and they use it as a veil of protection and a province to expand their influence from. Esshar had dealt with groups of upstart witches occasionally, but none quite as sophisticated and prepared as the Elysium Coven.

1670AC: Demonkind

A page directly from Amalia Elaide's Book of Shadows was used to call several thousand demons from the Atrellya to Esshar through a rift.

• 1674AC - Black Circle: A gateway between Esshar and the hellish lands of Atrellya is opened by the Elysium Witches. The demons take to the nameless tower of their ancestors where they were summoned, ruins from when their kind once populated Esshar in number.

1685AC: Battle For Osrona

The combined forces of demonkind, now in the possession of three Indras shards, jewels of power that can be particularly destructive in the wrong hands, take their plan of action to Osrona directly. The Knights of the First Light had fought valiantly against them in recent years and gained the upper hand, with guilds like the Ivory Aegis and the Demon Hunters Association rising to combat the threat, and this was the last ditch attempt at victory.

A ritual to turn stone to rust, and to spread plaguelands throughout Osrona took place. It even involved the sacrifice of their own kin, siphoning the occult essence of many of the demons present in a mad display of strength. The defenders, while victorious, lost much of Osrona to the attack and hundreds of thousands of more were killed.

The few demons that survived - the strongest among them - were said to have scattered to the winds and continued to hunt in the shadowy corners of Esshar, raising their own clans. A clutch of giant spiders deep in the swamp, a pack of red-eyed wolves atop of the mountains. They became the stories that parents threatened their children with to behave.

1686AC: Teraphim

Now in a position of desperation, the Elysium Coven calls out to the Dark Lord. But something else answers them.

1700s: Present Day

1725AC: Threat of Barsburg

All of Esshar was at risk when the Great Empire of Barsburg set its sights on the kingdom. After settling into a peacefire with its longtime enemy, the Empire of Aen, the expansionist nation set its eyes on the entirety of Esshar. The country had long since been weakened by its prior conflicts, as many cities had declared independence from the Petrakis lineage, no longer a united country. The rise of opportunists and Syndicates had left Esshar particularly vulnerable.

Many blamed the unwillingness of Theria and Osrona to ally against the threat, and Myllenoris for doing all but nothing - likely because at the time the King of Osrona had made it clear that he didn't trust the Teraphim, who he saw as invaders from another realm, having felt disrespected by them and looked down upon for being 'human'. Theria had also been responsible for attacking and pillaging the minor territories that Myllenoris safeguarded. Despite their reasonings, the war was catastrophic for all, towns and villages being ransacked throughout Esshar. Some territory to the east was seceded, but ultimately Esshar survived the ordeal, as fractured as it was.

Several prominent Dragonlords died. The King also died in battle, leaving the young, inexperienced heir as the monarch, and the Lightbringer was dealt grievous wounds that forced him into an early retirement.

Each of the Three Kingdoms look upon one another with warranted suspicion. Occasional conflict on the borders was all but guaranteed, but not outright war. Yet.

1730: Escalation between nations

• 1730: The country was left in a fragile state following the previous events. In particular, the city-states of Theria and Myllenoris emerged as power players that could content with the order the capital once lorded; raiding Therian parties on vulnerable villages weren't infrequent, as well as growing hostility from southern Rhoynish tribes in the desert. The Queen-Mother's address following the death of the king warned the Essharans of the dark road that was ahead of them, and markedly closed off borders to all but their direct allies.
• 1730: A bandit-prophet, the drakanite Bastiel, took ahold of Theria through brute force following a brief power struggle that ultimately ended in his defeat. He was exiled and killed in a confrontation on Myllenoris lands shortly afterward.
• 1731: This civil war leads to Osrona declaring Theria as a rebel state, beginning a campaign against them in an attempt to restore stability, "Garljing will be slain by our hands".
• 1731: Under the command of High Lady Asta, the Rhoynish settlement of Ilburg is accused of witchcraft and in cooperation with the Church of Esshar, an inquisition is authorized. She also marries Regulus Grimmore to strengthen ties with the Essharan monarchy and appease their suspicion.
• 1732: Alexander rei Petrakis ascends to the throne, becoming the King of Esshar. A strong stance against occultism is made clear.
• 1732: Theria forms an alliance with Ilburg. The retired knights of the golden age, Lightbringer Elijah, Radiant Berrios and Radiant Queen, are called upon by the Petrakis king to act as advisors.
• 1733: War of the Red Sand - The encampment of Ilburg manages to withstand repeat attacks against Myllenoris, and the rebel state soon becomes a key battle ground. The Osronan-Myllenoris treaty of 1733 is officially formed, leading to the construction of Starfall, and both Osrona and Theria send reinforcements to the southern lands.
• 1733: Champion Pericles Vitalis assumes the role of the Stellus of the Church. He withdraws from the inquisition, claiming that the Church was misused to fuel the games of politics. All magi-bishops are recalled from the war front.
• 1735: Following internal negotiations and civil disputes within the capital, peace is achieved. Additionally, funding was sent to Ilburg for various purposes. In the same announcement several Rhoynish knights are promoted to Radiant. Theria is still considered a rogue state, and is left in a compromised position with Ilburg betraying them. Under external pressure, Dragonlord Rinn outlaws occultism only for silence to follow - the war continues as the ambitious young king undoubtedly looks to conquer the mountains.
• 1735: Razing of Vartuul - Led by the upstart drakanite Sythaeryn, the dragon Vartuul, a son of Garljing, is called upon from the mountains of Theria in a series of raids down the coast of Esshar, scorching towns and villages in retribution. The dragon is ultimately slain by the combined efforts of Osrona, which leads to a civil dispute in Theria in the aftermath; those who outcry the death of a dragon and those who curse Theria's weakness in the face of recent provocations.

1735: The War of Osrona and Myllenoris

• 1735: Despite being on the verge of conquering Theria, during a palace party there was a confrontation in the palace between High Lady Asta and Queen Nebula. The details are uncertain, but it led to the Teraphim nearly being apprehended, escaping and slaying a knight in the process. The Osrona-Myllenoris War begins. Osronans begin referring to the High Lady as a 'white witch'.
• 1736: Theria and Myllenoris join forces, with rumors that talks began even before the incident at the party occurred.
• 1736: Battle for Starfall - A decisive confrontation in the war that Myllenoris wins, notably resulting in the death of the Stellus, Pericles Vitalis, at the hands of Sythaeryn Vartuul, long-time rivals. It was their fifth and final duel.
• 1740: The wife of the king, Nebula, is revealed to be a witch after executing Marie Petrakis in single combat and temporarily puppeteering Alexander through a hex of sin.
• 1741: Second Contact - The Church explores the Temple of Malziel during these uncertain times under the leadership of Stellus Del, High Keeper Sethon, and High Keeper Fillia, where they were tested against a sealed fallen angel, emerging stronger for it and perhaps the final bastion of defense in the war to come. This was followed by contact with the angel and he said that the Petrakis lineage is freed from the shackles of kingship, but also gave a prophecy.
• 1741: The Battle For The Shimmering City - Myllenoris conquers Osrona, though at the cost of the life of their high lady after she's defeated by Alexander Petrakis in an epic duel for the ages. The city is thusly razed as the second in command, Finley, declares 'kill them all'. Under the control of the Coalition, the wealth is plundered and used for various purposes, including expeditions out into the unknown to fortify against Barsburgian threats.

1740: The End of a Dynasty

• 1741: Sythaeryn reclaims his title as Dragonlord, purging Dragonlord Alya, Dragonlord Magne, and Dragonlord Rinn. Theria fortifies itself as a barricade against the encroaching foreign invaders beyond Essharan borders.
• 1741: Several cities under control of the Petrakis dynasty become independent city-states, some led by nobles. Many cities are maintained by the Coalition, though heavily fractured. Notably, House Grimmore becomes a powerful force of its own, cutting all ties with the former kingdom.
• 1743: The village of Nysea, still loyal to the monarchy, acts as a point for the refugees from the ruins of Osrona to gather. Meanwhile, anti-royalist leaders gather in what remains of the capital and begin to rebuild it under the authority of the Coalition.
• 1745: Osrona forms into a shaky republic, though crime gangs likely pull the strings in the background through bribes and corruption. Skirmishes between the anti-royalists and those still loyal to the kingdom are commonplace and bloody. Of all these gangs, 'The Family' comes out on top, led by Walter Docro, who gradually rises in power until the church disappears entirely in place of cutthroat profiteering.

1750: The Empire Invades

Much occurs over the years as the new chapter ushers in. Alexander Petrakis is slain. The Coalition's influence weakens in central Esshar. The rise of demons and witches concurs with the lack of order throughout the country. The front against Barsburg loses steam with a lack of funding and manpower, despite keeping the Empire out of Essharan territory for a time. High Lord Finley Ghede declares an inquisition against Theria.

• 1758: The invasion occurs from inside, where an undercover agent, Tanya, brokers a deal with the crime boss Walter Docro; in exchange for riches, power, and security, Osrona will fall under the rule of The Empire.
• 1758: Revan Task reclaims his title as warlord in Theria, killing his two brothers, Valero Task and Hades Task, as well as the fireblooded Pachua.
• 1759: Nysean magi migrate to Myllenoris in a stance against the rising demonic threat, subduing them.

1800: Present Day

• 1800 - The Coalesence, Project ADAM

The Coalesence unveils the Empire's plans to the army of Achyon, a new breed of synthetic called ADAM that can harness the power of a primordial. The Empire sets out to capture a spirit of divine origins to harness as a power source.

• 1801: The Moxtli tribesman Tono'tl was captured in a raid against one of the Empire's key factories as the expansionist state sought to take their land. He was subsequently rescued and a celebratory play was hosted.

• 1802: The Celestial Grounds become a target for Achyon, rumored to be the resting grounds of a forgotten primoridial entity. The War for The Light begins, the Osronan knights narrowly managing to protect and forify the sacred grounds. Future expeditions reveal that this is Eos, the daughter of Aschea, and she becomes a figure of worship.

• 1803: Managing to defeat a militia of Dragonslayers, the Fireblooded retrieve the holy relic Balmung, and offer the sacred weapon that has taken many dragon lives to Garljing, the Red God of The Mountain. The dragon reforges Balmung in his flames, and it becomes a symbol of strength for the Fireblooded.

• 1804: Further researching the history of the primordials after uncovering information on Eos specifically, technomancers of Achyon decode the scrolls they recovered from the battle in the clash and learn of a sibling, Achlys. They begin scouting the lands to uncover the location of his fortress.

"Aschea, the Mother of Light, patron diety of the Teraphim, had two children. One was the Blind Goddess that was overwhelmed by the radiance of the primordial in her beginnings, cursing her eyes. So the daughter wandered Eternia with a cursed gaze, and all that she looked upon turned to stone. Eventually, driven mad by solitude, the Blind Goddess tore out and sealed her own eyes. "The brother of the Blind Goddess, Achlys, in contrast, did not receive his Mother's light. Instead, he came about from the shadow that was left in this spark of creation. The primordials and greater deities of the spirit realm were unaware of his existence for a time, and most knowledge of his presence on Esshar had been wiped out. The whereabouts of the black, twisting spire buried deep in the southern jungle lands has been roughly located by Achyon."