| Years Active | 5 BR - 15 PR (Kingdom) 33 PR - ???? (Aristocratic Republic) |
|---|---|
| Government | Monarchy (5 BR - 15 PR) Aristocratic Republic (33 PR - ????) |
| Enemies | Bremeland |
| Primary Race | Human |
The Kingdom of Xandria or Xandria is the dominant power on the island of Krystovo, which is located off the eastern coast of Breme. Xandria is considered "The Gate to Breme", due to its position as a key jumping off point for merchants and explorers into the frozen wastelands of the winter continent.
About
History
Legend has that long ago, before history was ever recorded by human hands, the island was Xandria was inhabited by a race of powerful magic wielders. These wielders were called "Ascans", and very little remains of their culture. Some speculate that their rise and fall occurred in Pre-History, when the world was young. Some speculate that the Ascans were original inhabitants of Xandria when it was a part of Ywrought, the super-continent, and were wiped out when the continent shattered into Quelmar. Little evidence exists of their existence besides unusual small structures found on Xandria.
The first confirmed humanoid inhabitants in what would now be considered Xandria are the infamous Witchwolves. Scholars speculate that the Witchwolves entered the area having been lured by the prospect of great hunts. Stories of large and dangerous prey roaming the island of Krystovos roused the Witchwolves into venturing to the island for the hunt.
When humanity first arrived on Krystovos at some in roughly 5 BR, the witchwolves were not the most accepting of guests. Seeing humans as just another challenge to fight, the witchwolves hunted them. Lancelleas Durassas, a commander in the human expedition, led the human resistance to the witchwolves, and chased them out of the area, claiming large swathes of area for humanity. For this, Lancelleas would establish a Kingdom for his people, and King Lancelleas I, first King of Xandria would spend his reign fighting the witchwolves relentlessly.
When Lancelleas died in 20 BR, he left behind a solidified Kingdom, one to rival that in the Bremelands and beyond. For decades after, Xandria fought against the witchwolves and expanded their domain across the island. Eventually, the war grew tiresome, and the witchwolves and Xandria agreed to peace terms. The witchwolves would be allowed to exist in Xandria as citizens of the Kingdom, and would be given a chance to leave if they didnt want to. Many left for Breme, while others stayed behind to join the royal army or pursue other trades.
As the centuries went on, Xandria became a major trade port for travelers and explorers traveling to Breme, growing rich off the exploits. Other port towns like Alistel and Altago sprung up to be way points. Eventually, Xandria even founded settlements on the mainland to further growth and trade with Breme natives.
This peace was not meant to last though. In 15 PR, the Kingdom was invaded by the Bremelands and Vilavon during the Realm Wars, with both nations laying claim on the island to try and secure ports outside the icy waters of Breme. Vilavon warriors sacked the capital, and the Bremelands ransacked Alistel and Altago. The royal family was either wiped out by Vilavon or caught in the crossfire of the invasion.
When Vilavon collapsed in 33 PR at the end of the Realm Wars, Xandria was left to piece itself together. Without a royal family, the surviving noble houses who managed to escape the carnage of war rebuilt the city and founded an aristocratic republic, where the noble houses would be the rulers. Leading this republic was the appointed Chancellor from the ranks of the major houses.
The Amusan Expedition
In 893 PR, Amusa and the Kingdom of Xender were experiencing strange glacial-arcane phenomenon. As such, Xender requested the aide of Xandrian scholars, who were well versed in ice magic. An expedition organized by members of the Xandrian intelligentsia with the backing of the Xandrian state and Xender. As the scholars did their work, an adventurer assigned to the expedition made contact with a separate group of adventurers, that being the The Tempest Brothers Expeditionary Company. From there, Xandria and the Tempest Brothers slowly developed a relationship.
As the situation in Amusa grew worse, with reports of frost-giant invasions, ancient dragons causing havoc, and even a Bremish criminal syndicate; the Venator Syndicate, running around causing problems, Xandria decided to escalate the expedition from that of arcane study to full-blown military support. A punitive expedition led by Lancelleas Ranglan, the son of Lord Lucius Ranglan, a proud military commander, arrived to take over operations and focus on finding military solutions to the problems plaguing the area.
Notable Places
Durassas Castle: The seat of power of the Kingdom. This citadel is the main fortification used formerly by the royal family of House Durassas. It is where government business is conducted now by the republic, with the lords of the major houses coming here to meet and discuss policy.
Notable Events
???? Pre-History - The first Witchwolf arrives in the area that will be known as Xandria
5 BR - The first humans enter Krystovos, found the Kingdom of Xandria, and crown Lancelleas Durassas as the first King of Xandria
20 BR - King Lancelleas "the Conqueror" dies. Xandria solidified as a power in Breme
15 PR - Vilavon and the Bremelands invade Xandria, sacking the country and driving the House of Durassas out
33 PR - Vilavon collapses and Xandria reasserts its independence. The Republic is formed from the major houses.
893 PR - Xandrian Intelligentsia requested to assist with investigating arcane happenings in Xender. Eventually evolves into a military operation.
