Third Age
Harsh Beginnings
The aftermath of Malagore's invasion left the once-thriving continent of Eros desolate and nearly uninhabitable. The devastating infernal onslaught had rendered the land barren and fractured, making it an arduous place for any settlement or survival. Despite its state, Eros remained part of the Nagan Empire's territories, yet it was a realm largely abandoned and overlooked due to its harsh conditions.
The Imperial Court of the Nagan Empire at the time faced the daunting task of repopulating and revitalizing the desolate continent. However, their attempts to persuade existing inhabitants to relocate were met with resistance, as few were willing to abandon their established lives and prosperous farms for the unforgiving, parched lands of Eros. Turning to alternative measures, the Imperial Court devised a plan to seek settlers from afar. They dispatched emissaries to the distant shores of Rivermond, enticing and sometimes bribing commonfolk with promises of fertile plots of land and financial support to start afresh in the desolate expanses of Eros.
Surprisingly, the venture proved to be a success. Despite their shock upon arriving in Eros and facing its barren landscape, the settlers did not relent. Determined to forge a new life, they made the best of the given resources and, through sheer perseverance, managed to establish small communities along the coastline. As time progressed, these coastal enclaves burgeoned into flourishing ports and harbors, attracting more settlers seeking opportunities in the uncharted territory.
The initial success drew more and more migrants, and gradually, the population expanded inland despite the rugged and inhospitable terrain. The new settlers, driven by resilience and a spirit of enterprise, carved out settlements amid the unforgiving soils and harsh conditions, transforming the once-barren landscape into habitable pockets of civilization. Through tenacity and adaptability, they began to eke out a living, gradually turning the once-bleak Eros into a place where life was feasible, if still challenging.
Ore and Necromancy
In the wake of the settlements' growth on Eros, a pivotal discovery emerged—the presence of abundant ore deposits. Mining expeditions swiftly commenced, leading to the establishment of mining towns. This newfound resource marked a turning point for the inhabitants, granting them the means to forge their tools and supplies from the locally sourced iron. However, this significant find didn't remain solely beneficial for the populace. The Imperial nobles assigned to oversee the developments in Eros exploited this discovery for their personal gain. They clandestinely controlled the distribution of the ore, capitalizing on its export and accumulating substantial wealth for themselves. Aware of this exploitation, the settlers refrained from voicing dissent, recognizing that confrontation might jeopardize their newfound prosperity and lives in Eros.
However, alongside this economic boon came unforeseen consequences. The continuous mining operations and proliferation of forges led to deteriorating air quality, causing health issues among the settlers. The noxious fumes and harsh environmental conditions took a toll on their well-being, leading to illnesses and premature deaths. The Imperial nobles, already profiting from the ore, abandoned Eros, leaving their business affairs in the hands of proxies.
Faced with this dire situation, representatives from Eros reached out to Rivermond, seeking aid and remedies to counteract the adverse effects of the harsh environment. Alchemists and mages responded to the call, driven both by altruistic intentions and self-serving pursuits. Their endeavors resulted in the development of various remedies and elixirs to combat the harsh air and extreme climate on Eros. Yet, beneath this backdrop of striving for survival and seeking relief, a darker undertone emerged—the gradual rise of necromancy. In the shadows, practitioners began to explore forbidden arts, delving into dark magic as a means to counteract the devastating effects of the environment. Driven by desperation and the pursuit of power, these individuals sought solutions from ancient and forbidden knowledge, setting the foundation for the insidious spread of necromantic practices across the desolate continent.
The Shadow of Revolution
In the wake of adversity, the people of Eros adapted and flourished over successive generations, acclimatizing to the unforgiving environment. A significant segment of the populace, well-versed in the arcane arts, coupled their knowledge with labor in the mines and forges, giving rise to a class known as the artificers. These ingenious inventors propelled mining operations forward by introducing novel, powerful steel machinery into the industry. Their inventions, such as crude mining tools and innovative forge engines, marked a remarkable leap in technological progress unseen before.
Initially, these technological advancements were seen as a boon for industrial progress, aiding the enhancement of local industries. However, within select circles of the native population emerged a covert faction known as the revolutionaries. Though they didn't overtly advocate for rebellion, they subtly advocated for the creation of defensive tools to safeguard their settlements, ports, and mining operations against the dangers posed by the region's hazardous wildlife.
Astoundingly, the imperial nobles, oblivious to the growing revolutionary undercurrents, permitted the development of formidable defenses against the local wildlife. This approval masked the real intentions of the revolutionaries, who progressively crafted an arsenal of crude clockwork machines to fortify their towns and mines. The artificers, undeterred by the nobles' ignorance, continued their clandestine innovations. They discovered methods to harness elemental powers, employing them to fuel their machines relentlessly. Forges blazed with elemental fires, and countless weapons were crafted in secret, concealed from the prying eyes of the ruling elite.
As the miners and forgers reaped wealth from their endeavors, they focused on maintaining both secrecy and the favor of the populace, all the while exploiting the nobles' obliviousness to their covert activities. However, a new tax edict arrived from the mainland of the Empire, infuriating the people of Eros and catalyzing the simmering revolutionary fervor. The imposition of this new tax heightened tensions to unprecedented levels, marking a critical turning point as the people of Eros found themselves on the brink of a new and precarious era.
Fourth Age
The Spark of Independance
The industrial revolution marked a pivotal shift in the fortunes of Eros, heralding the dawn of the Fourth Age. As the years rolled on, simmering tension between the Imperial nobles and the local aristocracy overseeing Eros's burgeoning industries reached a critical juncture. Whispers of dissent gradually coalesced into clandestine meetings, hidden within the labyrinthine alleys and under the cloak of night, laying the foundation for what would become the people's revolution.
The trust in the Imperial rule continued to erode, spies from both sides met dire fates, and the discontented murmurs grew louder, echoing throughout the populace. The inventiveness of the artificers and revolutionaries soared, culminating in numerous breakthroughs that bolstered their cause. In the year 20 of the Fourth Age, the Imperial nobles finally uncovered the revolutionary faction. Instead of notifying the Emperor, they attempted to quash the rebellion through assassination. However, the revolutionaries proved resilient. Surviving these attempts, they retaliated fiercely, launching a pre-emptive strike against the Imperial nobles stationed in Eros. Countless crude war machines, along with a mobilized force of men-at-arms, rallied under the banner of independence.
The revolutionaries emerged from the shadows, forming the separatist faction, led by a coalition of wealthy industrialists who were part of the revolutionary movement. With the declaration of independence, the people of Eros rallied behind this faction, aiming to break free from the shackles of imperial rule. Town after town fell under the sieges orchestrated by the separatists, marking the initiation of open conflict. News of this revolution reached the Emperor too late. The continent of Eros erupted into chaos, and yet, the Emperor, ensconced in his madness, refused to relinquish control over the territories. Desperate to quell the uprising, he mobilized every available force at his disposal, heralding the beginning of the War of Eros. The land, once scarred by the infernal invasion, now bore witness to a new conflict, one that would determine the destiny of Eros and its people.
The War of Eros' Independence
The War of Independence in Eros was a grueling and long conflict that stretched across the barren landscapes, defining an era of strife and suffering. The people of Eros, unaccustomed to the horrors of war but fueled by a fierce determination for freedom, confronted the Imperial forces with an unyielding resolve. They fought tooth and nail, digging trenches and engaging in brutal trench warfare across several fronts.
Under the magnetic leadership of Bastian Ferrus and encouraged by the ingenuity of forward-thinking industrialists, the separatists spearheaded a revolution in weaponry. Their brainchild, the formidable fire lances, heralded the era of firearms, providing the separatist forces with a game-changing advantage. The introduction of these lethal and efficient weapons not only altered the dynamics of the conflict but also inflicted staggering casualties on both the separatist and imperial ranks, leaving the battlefield strewn with the fallen.
The fire lances became an emblem of the separatists' technological prowess, casting a grim shadow over the traditional methods of warfare employed by the Imperial forces.As the conflict escalated, both factions sought new means to gain an upper hand. The people of Eros ingeniously crafted crude, steam-powered airships, providing them with a swift tactical advantage. However, the Empire countered with an ancient yet fearsome force – dragons. The skies became a battleground, filled with the roaring flames of dragons and the clashing airships. The ferocity of these aerial clashes added a harrowing dimension to the war, leaving a trail of devastation across the skies and on the ground.
In the midst of this tumult, the Imperial forces, enhanced by the presence of legendary samurai astride armored dinosaurs, thundered forward in relentless charges across the vast fields. The terrifying sight of these carnivorous mounts, coupled with their formidable warriors, instilled deep fear within the hearts of the Erosian people. What had once been a conflict between innovative war machines crafted by the resourceful inhabitants of Eros and the primitive forces of the Empire now pivoted into a clash of advanced technology against primal, devastating power.
As the war reached new heights of intensity, the battlefield dynamics shifted dramatically. The ingenious inventions of the Erosians, including their cutting-edge war machinery, had initially provided a significant edge. However, the awe-inspiring might and ferocity of the Imperial samurai, mounted atop their ancient, mighty beasts, introduced a visceral element to the conflict. These creatures were not just mounts; they were living weapons, feared and revered for their raw power and lethal capabilities. The clash of the Erosian machines against these formidable beings added a terrifying dimension to the war, blending the innovative prowess of the Erosians with the primal strength of the Empire's mounted samurai.
The battlefields became a haunting landscape, strewn with the fallen and echoing with the cries of the wounded. As the conflict raged on, it evolved into a clash between machines and beasts, each side desperately seeking an advantage that would tip the scales in their favor. The war exacted a devastating toll on both the land and its inhabitants, plunging Eros into an unrelenting cycle of death and destruction.
The Perils of War
The aftermath of the battles for the mainland of Eros left a bittersweet victory for the separatists under Bastian Ferrus. Their hard-won success came at a grave cost, as countless lives were sacrificed in the name of liberation. Despite the triumph, the war persisted across the islands known as the Iron Isles, coveted for their rich mines that fueled the conflict's ferocity.
As the struggle for control over these vital territories intensified, the brutality of the conflict took a darker turn. The siege of Hiki, a coastal stronghold held by the Imperial forces, became a harrowing testament to the horrors of war. Rather than surrendering, the Imperial commanders resorted to a cruel and merciless act, executing innocent civilians under the pretense of them supporting the rebellion. This atrocity triggered a response that none had expected: the intervention of the necromancers.
Operating clandestinely in the shadows, the necromancers emerged to defend their homeland. In a haunting and macabre display of their dark arts, they unleashed a terrifying onslaught of undead Imperials upon the city of Hiki. The reanimated corpses stormed the streets, exacting a chilling retribution, and the besieged city fell silent, consumed by the echoes of death and despair. The Eros forces outside the city remained unscathed, witnessing the grim fate of their enemies without lifting a sword.
Meanwhile, on the Iron Isles, Bastian Ferrus, the hero of Eros, faced the fierce battles to secure these strategic islands. However, amidst the violent clashes, Bastian met his tragic end at the hands of an Imperial commander. His death cast a somber shadow over the battlefield, sowing seeds of demoralization among the Eros forces. The news of Bastian's demise spread like wildfire across the southern islands, reaching the ears of his daughter, Savache Ferrus. Fueled by a profound sense of righteous fury and an unshakable determination to honor her father's legacy, Savache Ferrus prepared to take up the mantle and bring an end to the war that had consumed Eros in relentless turmoil. Her resolve was unwavering, her heart set on delivering a decisive blow to secure the freedom her people yearned for, as she readied herself for the final chapter of the struggle for Eros' independence.
The Victory and Freedom
In the wake of Bastian Ferrus's demise, his daughter Savache Ferrus emerged as a determined and charismatic leader. Fueled by a deep desire to avenge her father's death, Savache rallied the people of Eros once more, uniting them under a common cause. The forces of Eros, now battle-hardened and augmented with new and improved war machines, stood united in the face of adversity.
Savache, leading alongside seasoned veterans and supported by the formidable necromancers, initiated a bold offensive to reclaim the northern islands. The element of surprise, coupled with the devastating firepower of their advanced weaponry, allowed the forces of Eros to launch an overwhelming assault. The ceaseless barrage of gunfire, cannons, and other ingenious war machines drowned out the sounds of battle, leaving behind a trail of Imperial soldiers and dinosaurs lying defeated.
The people of Eros, driven by their thirst for freedom and vengeance, pushed the Imperial forces back and laid siege to key territories on the Iron Isles. The Empire, having suffered significant losses and recognizing the futility of further resistance, called for a ceasefire. The Imperial Court and the nobles, who had earlier fueled the conflict, now urged for peace in the face of the relentless onslaught. Within a matter of days, Savache Ferrus, alongside her lords of industry, negotiated a peace settlement. The terms were clear: the people of Eros would gain their independence, and the Vache Kingdom was officially established. The signing of the peace treaty marked the end of the war, bringing relief to the war-weary people and setting the stage for the formation of a new nation.
The Vache Kingdom emerged from the crucible of conflict, its foundation built upon the sacrifices, innovations, and resilience of its people. The transition from a war-torn region to a sovereign kingdom opened a new chapter for the inhabitants of Eros, offering them the prospect of self-determination and a chance to shape their own destiny. Savache Ferrus, having played a pivotal role in the establishment of the kingdom, became a symbol of hope and leadership in the dawn of this newfound era.
The Establishment of the Vache Kingdom
The birth of Bastian II marked a new era for the Vache Kingdom, and Savache Ferrus found herself not only a victorious general but also a mother and a crucial architect of her nation's future. With the governance of the Vache Kingdom yet to be solidified, the idea of dividing the rule into three distinct leagues—the land, the sky, and the sea—was conceived. Thus, the concept of the Iron Kings was born.
Bastian II, still an infant, was named the King of the Land. However, owing to his age, Savache was appointed as the regnant, ensuring that the governance of the land would be executed with the utmost care and consideration until her son reached the age of 18. In a move to foster unity and inclusivity, two other prominent figures were appointed as the Iron Kings. Balderin Ironfist, a respected dwarf, became the King of the Sky, while Ravon Cravheart, a distinguished dark elf, took up the mantle of the King of the Sea. This tripartite leadership aimed to represent the diverse strengths and qualities of the Vache Kingdom.
The trio of Iron Kings, along with their respective domains, convened to establish a new order in the war-torn land. The Iron Citadel, erected as the capital, became a symbol of resilience and rebirth. The city was adorned with vast memorial walls, honoring the sacrifices made during the war. Each fallen hero was remembered, their names etched into the stone as a testament to their contribution. Acknowledging the pivotal role played by the necromancers in securing the kingdom's independence, the Institute of Mortality was founded. This arcane institution became a hub for the study and practice of dark arts. Necromancers, once a secretive faction, were now recognized and celebrated for their contribution to the war effort. The Institute of Mortality became a place where the arcane was explored, taught, and harnessed for the betterment of the kingdom.
The Blossom of Inventions
As the Vache Kingdom began to flourish amidst the remnants of war, the collaborative rule of the Iron Kings provided a sense of stability and unity. The people of Eros, now citizens of the Vache Kingdom, looked towards a future shaped by collaboration, resilience, and the shared vision of a better tomorrow. In the wake of the war, the Vache Kingdom witnessed a renaissance in innovation. The Guild Mechanica, originally formed to create war machines during the war of independence, pivoted their focus toward the betterment of the Kingdom. Despite their unofficial status during the war, they quickly became a revered entity and played a crucial role in the post-war era, earning the title of the largest guild within the Kingdom.
The Guild Mechanica, comprised of skilled artificers, engineers, and inventors, became synonymous with technological mastery. Their creations, ranging from intricate machines to powerful airships, not only propelled the Kingdom's industries but also established the guild as a symbol of progress and innovation. Among their most remarkable achievements was the creation of Warforged, constructs endowed with both strength and intellect, serving various roles in the Kingdom's workforce.
As technology advanced, a new belief system known as "The Cogspirit" emerged among the people of the Vache Kingdom. In this society where traditional gods held little sway, the Cog Spirit belief system took root, blending spirituality with technology. The Cog Spirit ideology centered around the fusion of souls with machines, a process that resulted in the creation of entities called "Cog Spirits." The necromancers of Eros, who had played a crucial role in the war of independence, possessed the arcane knowledge required to seal lost souls and bind them to trinkets and later to technology. These bound souls became the driving force behind the Cog Spirits, which served as idols in both war and everyday labor. The philosophy of the Cog Spirit belief system emphasized the harmonious integration of technology and spirituality, creating a unique cultural identity for the Vache Kingdom.
Over the years, the teachings and practices of the necromancers were passed down through generations, solidifying the Cog Spirit belief system as a fundamental aspect of the Kingdom's culture. The Cog Spirits, manifestations of a harmonious blend between the ethereal and the mechanical, became revered symbols, embodying the resilience and adaptability of the Vache Kingdom in the face of challenges.
The Founding of the Sky Federation
As the Vache Kingdom ventured into unexplored frontiers, the vast skies became an uncharted realm ripe for discovery. King Balderin Ironfist, a visionary dwarf, spearheaded the exploration of the sky using airships. Over time, their fleets expanded, and the skies teemed with majestic air vessels navigating the heavens. To foster unity and maintain order amidst the growing expanse of the skies, the Sky Federation was established.
Operating from their awe-inspiring airships and floating sky docks, the Federation assumed the responsibility of preserving harmony and enforcing the Kingdom's laws across the airspace. They functioned as a cohesive entity dedicated to serving the greater good of the Kingdom, ensuring safety and regulating aerial activities while upholding the Kingdom's principles. As the Kingdom's advancements expanded, it established trade connections with the Kami Concord, securing rare and coveted cloud crystal—an exceptional gemstone known for its gravity-altering properties. This pivotal acquisition marked a turning point in the design and construction of airships within the Kingdom.
The integration of these unique cloud crystals enabled the creation of a new generation of airships, which utilized arcane means to manipulate gravity. These innovative vessels quickly became a symbol of prestige and opulence within the Kingdom. Reserved for the affluent elite, these gravity-affecting airships became a visual representation of wealth and influence, elevating their owners' status in society.
The success and allure of these advanced airships drew the attention of affluent individuals from far and wide. Wealthy patrons, not only within the Kingdom but from various corners of the world, began commissioning these state-of-the-art airships for personal use. This burgeoning demand opened up a lucrative yet exclusive market, further enhancing the Kingdom's reputation as a pioneer in advanced aerial technology. The allure of these marvels of engineering and arcane mastery extended the Kingdom's influence beyond its borders, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.