The Lost Age

Lyonesse and Estragales are thought to have been originally one land mass. Some say that this land mass was the remainder of Atlantis, whereas some claim Atlantis was a separate continent entirely. Regardless, ruins of ancient cities lie in many places around Lyonesse and Estragales, so it seems that elder races and civilisations have flourished upon our soil at one time.

Before the cataclysm, most of Lyonesse is thought to have been populated by warring barbaric tribes, primitive to our modern eyes. Items and inscriptions dedicated to Poseidon have been found that date to before the cataclysm, so it is known that he was worshipped during these times, which makes him the oldest of the Gryphon ancestors.

Estragales as a stronghold of the Old Empire, especially in the North-eastern portion. A few truly great cities were there, and much more of them is written at the Great Library in Norhault, where many of the records of the Old Empire are held. Most southern Estragales is thought to have been populated by nomadic tribes of Arabs. Also, a few rumours persist of a great Elven settlement somewhere in Estragales.

There were undoubtedly many records created of the time before this history, and no doubt many more fine cities and civilisations than we know. However, most of them were destroyed in the cataclysm.

A few original sources exist that speak of the cataclysm. They tell of the seas boiling, the mountains falling, and great earthquakes engulfing entire cities. Rains of fire and molten rock from erupting volcanoes are also commonly spoke of. Most of the great civilisations at the time all over Edreja were destroyed, and Lyonesse and Estragales were not spared. The Old Empire fell, its cities fell to ruin, and all over the world, men retreated back into the safe places, hoping to weather out the storm.

The Age of Kings (450-650 AF)

450-550

Lyonesse is composed of a large number of individual baronies. Most of them claim more dominion and power than they actually have. Inflated titles are common. One particular family is the de Beaufortes, a powerful merchant and trading house. Their origin is unknown, but is thought to be pre-cataclysm. They controlled much of Sudlyonesse, manipulating the barons more through cunning trade than outright force.

The other eminent family is that of de Wilfsbane. Ragnaar Wolfsbane landed in Nordlyonesse, having come from the north, presumably Norsca. After bloody battles and shrewd political manoeuvring, during which time the family name is changed to de Wilfsbane, Ragnaar's descendants are in control of Nordlyonesse.

In Estragales, a large part of the Old Empire remains. Gathering their forces, they collect force around Nuovo Roma, consolidate and regroup. However, they are hampered form the East by Teutonian barbarians, and from the South by an alliance of two great Arabic nations, the Sassanids and the Parthians. After a long struggle, the Romans manage to defeat a large invading Teutonian force, and turn their attention to the south.

550-650

A bitter war is begin fought in Lyonesse between the de Wilfsbanes in the north and the de Beaufortes to the South. Many lives are lost on both sides, and whatever knowledge was preserved from before the cataclysm is lost in the fighting. Over generations, the two families realise the futility of the fight. A political marriage is made between a de Wilfsbane noble and a fair de Beauforte maid, amidst the hope that this will unite the families. In a shock manoeuvre, the newly wed couple claim that they are now the rulers of Lyonesse, and then both renounce ties to their family. With strong influence in both their families, and general weariness over the fighting, the families agree. Their son, Alberth, is crowned the first king of Lyonesse.

The Romans are engaged in a bitter war with the Sassanids and the Parthians, taking heavy losses but gaining ground. They lay a great siege around Greneda and their final victory looks secure. However, during the siege a new leader of the Parthians arises. His name is Masudi al-Alam, and he inspires the Parthians and Sassanids so that they break the siege and rout the Roman army. Over the net few years, the Parthian/Sassinid alliance takes back all the land they had lost to the Romans. A truce is declared, and the two sides merge into one huge empire, spanning the whole of Estragales. The seat of this Empire is Byzantium, although the location of this city has been lost over the ages.

The Age of Strife (705 - 837 AF)

705

The Byzantine emperor invades Lyonesse with a large Estragalian army, seeking to improve his stature amongst his people. The Estragalians make great gains, and capture nearly all of Sudlyonesse, but stall once they reach the mountains in the centre of the continent. The Lyonessians have regrouped under the rule of Queen Brigitte, and a long war of attrition ensues with trench warfare being used by all sides.

756

The de Beauforte family, robbed of many of its possessions by the occupying Estragalian, spends a great portion of its remaining wealth in hiring mercenaries from all over Edreja. Swelled by the added troops, the Lyonessians sweep aside the Estragalian army and drive them back into the sea amidst great slaughter. There is much rejoicing in Sudlyonesse at the end of the occupation, and many of the mercenaries who aided the Lyonessian cause are granted land and settle. The racial diversity we see today in Lyonesse is due in no small part to this.

760-813

A cold war is fought between Lyonesse and Estragales. Small naval actions are common, as are coastal raids and the creation and destruction of small settlements on the coastlines of both countries.

813

Swelled by public opinion, Lyonesse invades Estragales with a large army. Led by King Charles the Bold, the charismatic leader and brilliant tactician, they make good gains in the west of the country, but they expand too quickly, and are beaten back from some areas. A large front develops diving Estragales in two, with fierce fighting along its entire length.

815

The resources of both Kingdoms are thrown entirely into war, taking the lives of most of the wound men for two generations. Amidst huge losses on both sides, the Lyonessians slowly manage to gain ground, due mainly to the leadership of Charles, his son Charlemagne and his trusted lieutenant, General Amalric Karneyna. An orphan from the streets of Lyon, Karneyna joined the Lyonessian Army and quickly rose to high rank due to his great presence and exceptional tactical skill. He and Charlemagne are known to be great friends.

835

Charles is killed at the first Battle of Toledo as the Lyonessians are routed from the field. In the confusion after the battle, Karneyna locks Charlemagne in the dungeons at Toledo castle, and spreads the word that he was killed with his father on the field of battle. Calling upon Lyonessians in a truly heroic speech from the walls of the city, Karneyna rallies them and leads them back into battle. Despite odds of more than five to one against them, the Lyonessians win a famous and decisive victory at the second battle of Toledo, crushing the Estragalians.

835-837

Karneyna leads the Lyonessian army to a number of other decisive victories, and crushes all who him as he conquers Estragales. Uncontested ruler of both kingdoms, he declares himself Lord Gryphon and sets about the amalgamation of both Lyonesse and Estragales into a single kingdom. Meanwhile, Charlemagne has escaped from his imprisonment, aided by a loyal retainer, and has fled into hiding, fearing the wrath of his former friend.

The main part of the Arabic nations in Estragales, the descendants of the Parthians and Sassanids, flee to Egyptus, to the south of Estragales, also fearing Karneyna's wrath.

The Age of Blood (840 - 881 AF)

840-857

Although Karneyna's rule is at first wise and just, things quickly start to turn awry. Sightings of unliving become more common throughout both kingdoms, and a number of young virgins go missing and are rumoured to be killed in dark rites. Karneyna responds to all dissent against him with sudden and overwhelming force.

Eventually even his own closest advisors become concerned. Karneyna is seen conducting rites to Dark Ancestors, performing human sacrifices and making pacts with Demons. He crushes one particular large rebellion by raising a huge host of unliving, then sells the survivors into slavery.

857

Charlemagne raises his banner in North-west Estragales, bolstered by a fair-sized army gathered with the secret aid of agents from the de Beauforte family in Lyonesse. Charlemagne tours the countryside with his army, gathering men to his banner wherever he moves.

857-859

Karneyna sends out a huge host to find and destroy Charlemagne's army, knowing the charisma and skill of his former friend and companion. His army comprising unliving, drow, goblins, orcs and other fell creatures as well as those soldiers blindly loyal enough still to follow him, he pursues Charlemagne, but the smaller force manages to evade him aside from a number of small skirmishes with scouting troops. Karneyna grows more desperate, knowing that everyday that Charlemagne tours the country, the larger his army grows.

860

Karneyna wages a campaign against Charlemagne's supply lines and finally manages to force him to commit to a battle outside the city of Equezerra. Charlemagne's army has grown, but the forces of the self-proclaimed Lord Gryphon still outnumber his own army seven to one.

Inside the city , a young maid starts to experience visions of Charlemagne, together with a great number of Lyonessians and Estragalians behind him, a number beyond counting old and young, present and future. She stirs up the citizens of Equezerra into a peasant militia, and on the night before the battle she leads the peasants out into Karneyna's army, who have grown lax with confidence and prone to carousing and revelry. The peasants wreak great havoc, killing fully a third of the army. The maid is captured by one of Karneyna's lieutenants, and is burnt at the stake by Karneyna the following morning as a sacrifice to a Dark Ancestor.

The battle takes place on that afternoon. Karneyna's forces are greatly weakened by the attack from the night before, and Charlemagne emerges victorious, although a great number of his men are lost to the demons and the unliving in Karneyna's army. A Sidhe lord, who has joined Charlemagne's forces to side against the drow in Karneyna's army, kills Karneyna himself in personal combat, although his body is lost on the field.

Charlemagne makes a speech to his army on the field after the battle is won. He formally abdicates the throne of Lyonesse in favour of his younger brother, declaring himself Lord Gryphon. The maid who led the peasant militia is worshipped ever after as the Blue Lady of Equezerra

860-872

Charlemagne mops up the remainder of Karneyna's dark forces who have fled and gone to ground in Estragales. He also spends his time forming the new Gryphon nation. His role as Lord Gryphon is formally acknowledged by the descendent of the King of Estragales, and Charlemagne forms the Gryphons from two common laws. He and his advisors wrote most of the Gryphon laws that exist today.

878

The leaders of the Arabs in the southern Estragales, known as the Caliphs, revolt against Charlemagne. He sends a knight named Christopher the Pious to act as a Diplomat. The Caliphs laugh at him, rejecting his proposals, so Christopher returns at the head of an army with Charlemagne (now a very old man) . Christopher is killed by treachery at the siege of Palintir, and has been worshipped ever after as "Christopher the Pious", or simply "Christos". After his death, Charlemagne manages to defeat the Caliphs and exerts stronger control over the region.

881

Charlemagne dies in bed aged 83 years, having brought peace and unity to Estragales and Lyonesse.

The Modern Age (880 - 1097 AF)

880-930

Estragalian explorers and adventurers discover and conquer various islands around Estragales and Lyonesse. Diplomatic relations with other nations are formalised by the Gryphons.

928-1028

The foundation of the Merchant companies of Lyonesse and Estragales, including the Lyonesse Maritime Company. The Gryphon nation becomes a great trading force, and boasts the finest navies in all Edreja.

1028-1030

An attempt is made on the Lord Gryphon's life using sorcery. In a backlash, all magic is declared illegal on Gryphon lands, and mages are persecuted and killed. Although the ban is later rescinded, mages have been regarded with distrust by many Gryphons ever since.

1060-1092

Assorted acts of piracy and coastal raids along the northern coast of Lyonesse are blamed on the Dragons faction. Letters of marque are issued to Gryphons privateers

The age of Turmoil

1093

The Lord Gryphon, the lamentably unpopular Lord Feotan is killed on the Gathering battlefield after his bodyguards, the Holbon Mercantile and Mercenary Company abandon him in a pre-agreed deal with the enemy. Holbon is appointed Lord Gryphon and his son Azrael is appointed Viceroy.

1094

After harrying the Dragons all Gathering the Lord Gryphon is assassinated on the orders of Arcane and Caradoc of the Dragons. A ritual is performed by the Gryphon faction and Lord Holbon is brought back to (un)life as a liche. Azreal declares himself Prince of Lyonesse. A second attempt to kill Holbon is made to no effect.

1095

The Dragons invade Nordlyonesse with an army. They are defeated at the battle of Dunkerque and their army is driven back into the sea. Lord Holbon's head is recovered from the Unicorn faction to whom it had been sold by the Dragons and a rite performed by the Master Violet to bring him back to life. Azreal flees into self imposed exile.

The Age of Vengence

1096

Master Violet withdraws the magic he supplied to keep Holbon alive. Holbon dies as a result and Lord Timothy de Wilfsbane, Lord Holbon's deputy is appointed to the position of Lord Gryphon. The Gryphons support Lord Jadvor Errland, Duke of Bristol of the Lions in his fruitless struggle with the Harts for Albion. Jadvor is exiled and the Lions leave Albion forever. Master Violet is tried for murder. At the Trial the Lord Gryphon is kidnapped and replaced by a shapeshifter at the request of Violet. Violet is found guilty and Floris Brand agrees to oversee his punishment. The Gryphons and their allies rout the Dragons and other enemies on the battlefield.

1097

Arcane of the Dragons is kidnapped by Gryphons and ransomed as an example of what could happen. He sues for peace shortly after. Amalric Karneyna reappears after a collection of his artifacts are foolishly used. He is defeated by Luane Argentos, the son of the Sidhe lord who slew him at the battle of Equezerra two hundred and forty years before. Lord Chancellor Jeremiah Lovelock, the Lord Gryphon's third in command is dies at the hand of Karneyna. The exiled Prince Azreal declares his intent to marry a member of the Dragon faction. The Lord Gryphon states that it would be inappropriate for him to do so. Later that night the Prince dies in what Lord de Wilfsbane describes as "an unfortunate woodcutting accident". Once again the Lord Gryphon is victorious on the field of battle.

1098

A mysterious race of creatures known only as the Selkie attack and kidnap Gryphons at random, horribly mutilating them before returning them. It is eventually discovered that an ancient agreement with the Selkie was made when they were threatened by a magical disease. The agreement is re-instated and the Selkie agree to serve the Lord Gryphon. A powerful necromancer, vampire and demonologist known as Senachim nemesis of the Emerald Company has followed them to the Gryphons, one of whom, Lord Moloque d'Heredrel has replaced Lord Lovelock. The Elven Alliance join the Gryphon Faction. Several of them are murdered by the Tarantula faction and retaliation is swift and decisive. Yet again the Lord Gryphon is victorious on the field of battle.

1099

The Lord Gryphon succombs to a plague that is ravaging Lyonesse and is laid to rest in the Cathedral in Rouens. Lady Joanne de Beaufort, Lord de Wilfsbane's second is appointed Lady Gryphon in a great ceremony. The plague was started by a malcontent known only as the White Rose who seeks to overthrow the Lord Gryphon and establish himself as ruler of Estragales. At the Gathering the White Rose shows his hand and strikes against the Gryphons, bringing most of Estragales under his control. Yet again the Gryphons are victorious on the field of the Gathering battle.

The Age of Darkness

1100

The White Rose is contained by the Gryphon faction and slowly driven back to a pocket around Equezerra. At the same time the Red Branch turn traitor and attack the Gryphons as they see the resurgent Elven Alliance as a grave threat. Many loyal Gryphons are lost. However as scant consolation, the Gryphons are victorious on the field of the Gathering battle.