Overview

Situated on the land north of the Greenwood Forest and south of the North Sea, the Empire of Syrranak is an old nation, whose original founding can be traced back over a millenia ago. Throughout its history, Syrranak has maintained an imposing presence among its neighbors in the eastern half of the continent. Half a millenia ago, it was the largest nation in the world. Today, it is but a fraction of its original size, with much of its original territory being lost to the emerging forests of the recent past.

Syrranak is an Empire, with absolute authority of the nation wielded by the Empress Supreme Uriel Syrr I. Beneath the Empress Supreme are a number of Lords and Ladies of various prominence who serve at her beck and call. The Empire is divided into three states. Dunvaig, the land between the westernmost city of Lochlis and the Dark River, is overseen by Lord Superior Carthos Trimdal. Aegir, the land between the Dark River and the Great Fang River, is overseen by Lord Superior Jardanis Philipa. And Cultor, the largest state, holds all lands east of the Great Fang River, and is overseen by Lady Superior Alma Perigos. Each state is maintained by an appointed Lord or Lady Superior. Officially, these appointments are decided by the Emperor or Empress Supreme, but following centuries of tradition, the appointment of the Superior is passed down by lineage.

The Superior of each state works closely with the Empress Supreme, and is considered responsible for maintaining and coordinating with the lesser Lords within their appointed state, having the power to bequeath or remove their nobility as they see fit. Each of the Lords within the state is responsible for maintaining order and discipline within their controlled domains; failure to do so is often met with punishment, including but not limited to being stripped of power and replaced with a more obedient subject. Political maneuvering by the nobles is not uncommon for those seeking to gain more prominence.

Culture

The capital city of Varigar is located east of the Great Fang River. Immense, sprawling, and old, this city stands close to what was once the border of Pindust. Now the heart of the Empire, Varigar is built with large, wide paved streets to accommodate processions of soldiers through the city. At the center of the city towards its back wall is the Imperial Castle, the grand fortress where the Empress resides. Behind it, looming over the city, is the enormous spire that is a temple to Zinaar known as The Obelisk of Power. In the central plaza of the city stands a statue of the god Toklin, known for its mysterious origins. The Grand Arena, a towering structure built of wood stolen from the Glibben, is the home of The Great Games, which is responsible for organizing all fights, competitions, races, and games within the Grand Arena, the most popular of which is a game known as Ferrum. The Great Games also sponsors a touring exhibition of the games hosted by the Champion of the Grand Arena, Phaistos Rex of Barulis.

There are many towns, villages and hamlets throughout the country. The largest of which is Ardebon, a port town located in Aegir, where the Great Fang meets the North Sea. Syrranak’s primary location for sea trading, this is also known for being the home of The Temple of Life, a large shrine dedicated to the worship of Avanti.

In the southwest of Dunvaig is Lochlis, which is Syrranak’s closest town to the Greenwood Republic, and it’s second largest after the capital. The state of Dunvaig was originally founded by exiles from Barulis, and claimed by Syrranak during the reign of Emperor Urias II. Many young people from the capital area move here knowing the Empress has fewer soldiers to enforce the empire’s strict laws on the western edge of the empire. A temple to Craigor known as “The Keep of the Mace and the Axe'' has been here since before the city was built.

Loyalty to Syrranak is an important aspect of life in the country. The people here are raised to believe that Syrranak’s greatness comes before all else, a lesson that is reinforced anywhere schooling is available. A label of “traitor” carries great weight, and will often invoke a challenge of a duel from the accused. Their heavy historical Zinaar influence has made it so their duel laws state the winner is always found to be in the right.

Syrranak has existed in some form or another for a very long time, and has incorporated many cities and nations into the Empire as it has grown. Many of their ancestors experienced true oppression, so following strict rules and laws is sometimes brushed off, as many of the people generally prefer stability and routine over freedoms. The people that seem to differ the most from this are those who live in and near Lochlis, as they are exposed to the Greenwood Republic and Singo, who have much more personal freedom.

Syrranak’s military was once one of the most formidable in the world. Still to this day, Syrranak maintains an active army, trained with strict regiments and regulations, their soldiers are known for their unflinching dedication. The most recognized and elite soldiers in Syrranak often become members of one of two groups - “The Forest Guard'' or “The Custos''. The Forest Guard maintains the honor of protecting the citizens living near the southern borders of the nation, along the Greenwood Forest. The Forest Guard regularly combat the various Tormentors that emerge from the forests, and are considered the “frontline” warriors in the fight against the Glibben.

The Custos were once the Empress’s personal battalion, but were disbanded shortly after the most recent Surge, with the former members now in hiding. The circumstances that led to their disbandment are unclear, though wanted posters throughout the Empire and beyond indicate its former members are charged with sedition and treason to the throne.

Syrranak’s relations with the Courts are uneasy, at best. Since the First Surge encroached on the borders of Syrranak, the Empire has considered itself to be at war with the Glibben of the Greenwood Forest. Many of their towns double as barracks and housing for military campaigns that have been waged against the Seasonal Courts over years. Many Glibben remember the time of the Mad King, when many of their folk were killed. Glibben of the Winter and Autumn Courts in particular tend to be extremely hostile if they find out someone is from Syrranak.

While many of the older generation look back fondly on the nation's proud history of combat and imperialism, the younger generation, especially those living in the westernmost parts of the nation, tend to be more interested in the expansion of personal freedoms of the people. This has led to divisiveness between the generations, with many older citizens believing that the younger generations are “soft.” Despite this, many of the older generation look fondly upon the current Empress Supreme, who has made it apparent that she intends to make her mark as her forbearers have.

History

Syrranak can trace its history back to the city of Syrr, established almost seven centuries before the Floods of the East and Drought of the West. The city of Syrr was destroyed when Kriddick ravaged the land some two hundred years later, and the King of Syrranak moved the capital to the city of Wingurn. Wingurn was only the capital for a little over a century itself, when the High Priest of Zinaar, seized control of Syrranak, razing Wingurn in the process, and establishing Varigar as the capital. Over the next two years, control of the remaining Allied Kingdoms was taken, and Syrranak was refounded as the Empire of Syrranak. The Mines of Syrranak were established in the new Empire as a prison, where many of the previous nobility of the former Allied Kingdoms were forced to work for the remainder of their lives.

As the Empire expanded, “The Great War” began. The armies of Syrranak were made up of Syrranak loyalists, as well as Zinaarists seeking to make Zinaar the Supreme God. All other followers of gods banded together to fight under the banner of the Glorious Army.

In 348 BED, after almost a decade, The Great War ended with Zinaar, his Avatar Dynak, and High Priest Emperor Azuroth being sealed away. Syrranak had significantly expanded in size since the war began. With the loss of their leadership, their expansion ceased, though they were able to maintain the territory that had been seized. The Emperors that followed lead whilst wielding fear and cruelty.

When the Turning occurs in 150 BED The Rains begin. Floods cause havoc across the Eastern nations. Syrranak is not spared from the tragedy, and the people are forced to abandon much of their claimed territory, particularly their western holdings. In 1 AR the warlord Pindo Flanstrom conquers the westernmost abandoned region of Syrranak and names it Pindust.

In 55 AR Azuroth returns, and obliterates Lord Zebulon, who had been ruling the remaining lands of Syrranak. He continues to rule Syrranak in secret until 69 AR. During Flanstrom’s War, as some citizens fight, and others try to find their own way in life, the nation of Pindust begins to crumble. In the wake of the war, Azuroth, as an experienced emperor, takes the remains of Pindust into the fold, reestablishing the Empire of Syrranak. Syrranak and Derrickham enter an Alliance to rule their people fairly, laying the groundwork for peace and fostering relationships between the Midlands and the East.

In 75 AR The Empire of Syrranak moves to invade Kirrin's Alleys. Scuffles between the two nations raise questions as to whether or not Syrranak is abiding by the Alliance made with the Midlands. When Syrranak's aggressions extend and Northshire and Rodbar get involved, Derrickham calls on the Midlands Alliance once more, leading an attack against Syrranak. After another year of war Emperor Azuroth is killed, ending his reign over Syrranak for good. Facing a power vacuum once again in the East, Empress Fulgora-Calpol brings the lands previously known as Syrranak, Pindust, and Lachindor into the Derrickham Empire, now expanding all the way to the Eastern Sea where Errid lies.

In 147 AR Following the death of Empress Miryn of Derrickham, without an heir in place, many of the territories of the Derrickham Empire began drawing articles of independence. The appointed Regent of Syrranak, Anselma Hansult, seizes control of the territory of Syrranak and formally withdraws from Derrickham, naming herself Queen of the East.

The First Surge causes massive devastation throughout the East. Most of the empire is covered in forest, with what remains hit by massive earthquakes. Most of the capital city of Varigar is destroyed by the earthquakes, including Castle Hansult, resulting in the death of Queen Hansult.

Urias Custis, a charismatic Human and benevolent leader, originally hailing from Varigar who served under Queen Hansult, seizes control over Syrranak at the behest of the people. Upon his coronation, he renames himself Emperor Urias Syrr, and orders the construction of the Imperial Castle. Syrranak receives an influx of refugees from former Pindust and Lachindor. Emperor Urias rebuilds the army of Syrranak to serve as the “Forest Guard” to defend against the monsters lurking in the emergent forests. Many citizens and refugees eagerly join, ready to defend their families, homes, and country. In 197 AR Emperor Urias “the Wise” passed away. His son, Emperor Urias Syrr II, assumes the throne.

The Second Surge strikes, taking out some of the empire’s lands east of Northshire, including the city of Shonorr. Emperor Urias II believes the Glibben are to blame, and begins to methodically build up the Empire’s forces. He sends the Forest Guard on offensive raids into the Greenwood Forest. The more Guard that are killed, the deeper his hatred becomes.

In 223 AR Syrranak invades and conquers the nation of Dunvaig, its neighbor to the west originally formed in 73 AR by exiles from Barulis, claiming the former Vidra’s Passage and other areas previously covered by the Mists. Dunvaig is incorporated as a state of the Empire. The following year Syrranak invades and conquers the territory controlled by the Council of Greenwood, the former heart of the Derrickham Empire, and establishes it as the state of Telum. From Telum, the Forest Guard continues their campaign against the Glibben and Tormentors of the Greenwood Forest.

Emperor Urias II was obsessed with the idea of exterminating the Glibben. He inflicted various atrocities on Glibben and anyone who sympathized with them. Under his reign the Grand Arena was erected. He began hosting spectacles of combat, usually a one-sided fight pitting soldiers against Glibben and Tormentors.

In time the Emperor’s mental state began to be questioned. He would seem to have conversations with no one. He would not travel anywhere unpaved, and would have laborers construct new roads if he wanted to visit somewhere. He would have people attempt the “Oldest Game”, and kill them for not doing well enough, or for doing too well. People begin to whisper about Urias II, who they now called “Urias the Cruel” or “Urias the Mad”. Urias began executing people on whim. When his wife gave birth to their daughter, he executed her and the child, claiming the baby was a “Changeling sent to kill him.”

In 235 AR Urias II remarried, and his new wife gave birth to twins. Fearful that they would share their half-sibling’s fate, the twins were sent into hiding. Urias II has his new wife executed for her treachery.

The Third Surge causes significant damage to the coastal areas of Syrranak. Many lives were lost, and a significant portion of the country's resources were diverted to restoration.

In 244 AR during the first rise of the year, Victus Galanodel, Lord Superior of Telum, led the heroes of Crossroads through the Nexus and killed Urias the Mad, ending his reign of tyranny. Galanodel was named Steward of the Empire until the twins, Urias and Irias, now returned with their father gone, decide who will become Emperor when they come of age. The Arena becomes a place of gladiators who choose to fight, and the Glibben that are still alive are released. After 9 years of ruling as Steward, Victus Galanodel, the Lightbringer of Syrranak, relinquished his title of Steward when the twins came of age. The twins amicably decide which of them should rule, while the other follows his own path. The new Emperor, Urias Syrr III, makes peace negotiations with the newly formed Kingdom of Telum.

In 299 AR Syrranak attacks Burciman settlements along the southern-coast of the Dunmoray Channel, claiming the settlements are on Syrranak territory and thus belong to Syrranak. Burcima rebukes these claims, citing that the settlements have been considered Burciman since their establishment. Syrranak seized dozens of settlements along the Channel and forced any persons who considered themselves citizens of Burcima out of their homes. Syrranak seemed to be gearing up for an invasion of the Burciman capital, when Burcima demonstrated their capacity for magical defenses, and rained hellfire down from the sky upon several of the now-abandoned settlements, reducing the land to rubble, ash and glass. A peace treaty was signed between the two, though relations have been uneasy ever since.

In 310 AR Emperor Urias III died in his sleep. He is succeeded by his daughter, Empress Uriel Syrr I.