Tékumel Timeline

 

TThe he world of Tékumel, Nu Ophiuchi d (a.k.a. Sinistra d), was first settled by humans exploring the galaxy about 60,000 years in the future, along with several other alien species. Their extensive terraforming of the inhospitable environment, including changing the planet's orbit and rotation rate to create a 365.25-day year, disrupted local ecologies and banished most of the local flora and fauna (including some intelligent species) to small reservations in the corners of their own world, resulting in a golden age of technology and prosperity for Mankind and its allies. Tékumel became a resort world, where the wealthy from a thousand other stars could while away their time next to its warm seas.

 

Suddenly, and for reasons unknown, Tékumel and its star system (Tékumel's two moons, Gayél and Káshi, its sun, Tuléng, and four other planets, Ülétl, Riruchél, Shíchel, and Zirúna) were cast out of our reality into a "pocket dimension" (known as a béthorm in Tsolyáni), in which there were no other star systems. Gravitic stresses nearly tore the planet apart, and destroyed many cities and installations. Interstellar trade was immediately and permanently severed, and a Time of Darkness descended over the planet.

 

One hypothesis is that this isolation happened through hostile action on the part of an unknown party or group. Another is that the cosmic cataclysm was due to over-use of a faster than light drive which warped the fabric of space. No one knows, but the inhabitants of Tékumel, both human, native, and representatives of the other starfaring races, were now isolated and alone.

 

Severed from vital interplanetary trade routes (Tékumel is a world very poor in heavy metals) and in the midst of a massive gravitic upheaval due to the lines of gravitational force between the stars being suddenly cut, civilization was thrown into chaos. The intelligent native species, the Hlǘss and the Ssú, broke free from their reservations and wars as destructive as the massive geographic changes ravaged the planet. Civilization fell rather messily, and the Time of Darkness descended.

Sometime after the disaster, human scientists/philosophers (perhaps aided by the some of the more psychically gifted nonhumans) discovered that in the new dimension, the power of the human mind alone, unaided by technology, could draw power through from extra-dimensional space, and ‘magic’ developed. The sorcerers of the ancient Empire of Llyán of Tsámra mapped nexi between various dimensions and made pacts with various dwellers of other planes, called ‘demons’ by the uninitiated, inhabitants of dimensions near in n-dimensional space to Tékumel's pocket dimension, by those knowledgeable, were made.

 

Contact was also made with a race of extremely powerful beings that were for all human purposes ‘gods’. These powerful extra-dimensional or multi-dimensional alien beings subtly encouraged human worship and dependence; great unchanging religious bureaucracies developed, and after several millennia of religious warfare, the temples agreed upon a Concordat which disallowed open religious conflict, which further exaggerated the Tékumelani tendency toward stagnation.

 

The people of Tékumel lack the anthropocentric belief that the universe is knowable and conquerable; they know that there are races and beings which dwarf them in power, and that there are magics and sciences which are far beyond their grasp; intellectual and scientific curiosity is rare and even subtly discouraged. Science began to stagnate until ultimately knowledge became grounded in traditions handed down from generations long ago, the belief that the universe was ultimately understandable slowly faded.

 

Great empires rose and fell over the next 30,000 years; the presence of ‘magic’ (really psychic phenomena), along with the obvious superiority (and near-complete inscrutability) of the sciences of the Ancients (whose technology was largely irreparable due to a lack of necessary raw materials) led to a stagnation of the sciences, and to societies which depended largely upon tradition, precedent, and the bonds of family and clan for stability.

 

As a result of these historical processes, there exist upon the face of the great primary continent of the northeastern hemisphere of Tékumel the Five Empires, all of which are monarchical/theocratic oligarchies in which precedent and tradition hold the strength of law, and many smaller states which balance themselves between two or more of their larger neighbors. There are small enclaves of nonhuman races, most of whom owe allegiance to a human empire, and several states ruled by the inimical races, who still hate humanity and its allies with a passion, but are outnumbered by the more invaders. The Five Empires (one of which is the titular Empire of the Petal Throne, Tsolyánu) have technology about on the level of the European Renaissance (aqueducts, good roads, simple mechanics, wheeled carts, siege engines, crude surgery and slightly more advanced pharmacology, crossbows, water clocks, etc.). Their governments are greatly hidebound and bureaucratic, like those of ancient China. They have mighty, well-organized legions like those of the Romans. Their gods are like those of the Hindus, with a heavy dose of the bloodthirsty Aztec or Mayan deities. Their legal codes and sciences are much like those of the Arab philosophers of the Middle Ages; they are obsessed with personal and family honor, much like the medieval Japanese. The societies presented with the game are very intricate and very old (the youngest governments are some 2,500 years developed, and they have histories, traditions, and myths stretching back some 25,000 years).

 

Since the societies are so intricate and formal, political maneuvering and subtlety, combined with the right amount of heroic action and appropriate posturing, are the keys to power, thus deal mostly with intrigue and plotting between the various power groups, combined with expeditions after some bit of lost knowledge or some sorcerous object from an ancient tomb. There are bits and pieces of ancient technology, which still function (many are self-repairing within limits, others have been maintained carefully by human and nonhuman sages or by robot servitors); these are fought over as powerful tools.There are mighty legions of thousands of soldiers wearing brightly-lacquered armor, wearing great Kheshchál-plumes, and beating huge Karéng war drums, sorcerers calling on terrible demons with secret names, giant pyramidal temples thousands of years old upon which hundreds of war-captives are sacrificed to Vimúhla, the Lord of Flame, etc.

 

Tékumelani culture is very baroque, with titles like Reader of the Peerless Scrolls of Martial Glory, huge statues of the 97th Aspect of Lady Avánthe, Tánule the Patron of Lovers, and twenty-three forms of the pronoun ‘you’, to be used when speaking to individuals of varying status and profession!

 

Tékumel Timeline

A Chronological Presentation of Tékumel, The Sidereal Universe, and The Majesty of The Empire of The Petal Throne

 

Originally by  Shawn Bond

Added to by Brent Rogers

 

Author's Note: The reader will note that this chronology utilizes two dating periods, anno Domini (AD) and after Seal (AS). The calendar begins with the Christian calendar system of "anno Domini" for ease of the reader to gain a perspective of how the sequence of events that lead to Tékumel pertains to his or her own time (circa 1900's). The second calendar utilizes the Tsolyáni calendar of "after Seal" which began upon the ascension of the first mythical Seal Emperor (it was felt that placing the historical perspective of Tékumel in terms of Tsolyáni history would again provide a familiar frame of reference for the reader). It should also be noted that almost all of this material has been gleaned from the myriad sources of text written by Prof. MAR Barker (and a few others) over the years, and in no way should anyone construe that this humble author is taking any creative credit (though an occasional comment or suggested insight may have sneaked in here and there).

Another historical timeline is combined using the date format of Before Second Imperium (B.S.)

Current history "ends" with the civil war still raging (or perhaps simmering is a better word) in Tsolyánu, the Red Hats still holding Pan Chaka and Livyanu, and Salarvyani forces both raiding the Empire's eastern provinces and bickering amongst themselves. Additional details will be incorporated as more information comes in. My contacts in Tsolyánu (namely Tilekka hiVaishya of Jakalla and a few other adventurous "scholars") are rather busy at the moment, and I do not wish to take too much of their time.

= The Known History = (Rev. 1)

21st Century Terra -
1929 November 2 - Phillip Barker born

'''1957 AD - Humans enter the “space age” with the launch of the satellite Sputnik.

 2012 March 16th  - Muhammad Abd-al-Rahman Barker (M.A.R. Barker) dies

 20?? (2012-2013) AD - The Annihilation. "Western Civilization" and the nations of 21st century Terra are obliterated by the Atomic Armageddon. 

Human Space Empire
ca. 8000 AD Earth struggles out of the radioactive ashes and slowly rebuilds a technological civilization

'''ca. 9767 AD to 16800 AD Duration of the One-World Empire on Earth

 ???? AD Radio and television broadcasts are intercepted. Humans living on Earth (Terra) are contacted by “alien” races, like the Pé Chói, who invented the Three-Light Drive. Interstellar exploration begins. Many Races are befriended (Tinalíya, Páchi Léi, Ahoggyá, Shén).

 ca. 12000 AD Generation ships from Earth encounter the Pé Chói in deep space.

The Pé Chói gift the peoples of Earth with the Three Light Drive and many other wondrous devices.

Humanity introduced to over the following years to: Still other species were found in the farther reaches of space, but their names and their empires have largely been forgotten.
 * the Páchi Léi from Arcturus
 * the Heglethyál from Unukulhai
 * the Tinalíya from Algol
 * the Ahoggya from Achernar
 * the Shen of Antares
 * Niniyal (Pygmy Folk) from Mirach
 * Hlaka from Ensis
 * Urunen from Betelgeuse
 * the Vleshgayal (Shunned Ones) from Regulus
 * the Chima from some unrecorded star system
 * the noisome tripedal Popo of Beta Aquilae
 * the shaggy Umpleb from Delta Aquilae
 * the insidious Bahk Muhk from Denebola

The Pé Chói warn Terrans of dangerous species including the Mihalli from Dorsum, the Nyagga from Alhena, the Hokun from Markeb, the Hlutrgu from Algenubi.

'''ca. 12200 Nininyal Traders first visit Earth.

 ca. 12200 - 16800 AD Duration of the League of Worlds. Members included the Pé Chói, the Terrans, the Páchi Léi, and the Tinalíya.

 ca. 12300 First Regulan War, earliest incursions of Algenubi into Humanspace

 ca. 12600 Second Regulan War, establishment of the Neutral Zone between Regulus and Humanspace

 

ca. 12600 – 16800 AD Lasting Peace

'''

ca. 16800 Third Regulan War, Collapse of the League

 

ca. 16800- 20000 AD First Interim

 

ca. 20000- 24000 AD Duration of the First Terran Empire

 

ca. 21200- 21500 AD Period of continuous interstellar warfare pitting the Terran Empire against the Regulans and the Hlutrgu.

 

ca. 24000 The Great War, widespread use of atomic planetbuster bombs

 

ca. 24000 AD- 26117 AD Second Interim

 

ca. 25500 Rise of the Clonemasters in Humanspace

 

26117- 48044 AD Duration of the Second Terran Empire, the Clonemaster dynasties.

 

47987-48044 AD Clonemaster-Cyborg War

 

48044 – 49002 AD Cyborg Empire

 

49002- 49440 AD the Lesser [Third] Interim

 

49401 AD Ansible invented by the Pé Chói

 

49440 – 54085 AD Duration of the (First) Humanspace Alliance

 

52940 AD Interfogulator invented

 

54044 –54085 AD nth Interstellar War ends, collapse of the (First) Humanspace Alliance

 

54085 - 55929 AD Fourth Interim

 

55929- ????? Humanspace [Third Terran] Empire

 

61167 AD First year, Dynasty of the Veritable Autocrator

 

ca. 61,800 AD First contact with the Shen of Antares, Shen-Transporter War

 

ca. 62,000 AD First contact with the Chima, the Urunen from Betelgeuse and the Hlaka from Ensis.

Tékumel is discovered by explorers from Humanspace. Its sun, Sinistra in Nu Ophiuchi, is found amongst the trade routes of several stellar empires, including the Shen and pocket Empires in the Beyond. Economic advantages for having a mercantile base at this location outway the cost of pacifying the hostile natives and terraforming the inhospitable planet.

62,011 AD  - Time of Humanspace Empires (HSE)
62,000-62,110 AD

The armies and fleets of the Humanspace Empire combat the indigenous Ssú and H’lüss civilizations in the Sinistra system. Following the victory of Humanspace forces, Tekumel is terraformed. War and terraforming result in the extermination of 98% of the planet’s native life. Surviving Ssu, Hluss, and related sentient species relocated onto closely guarded reservations

 

60,000-60,110 AD - ??

Domination of Tékumel during the Dynasty of the Veritable Autocrator. The Autocrator's armies and fleets raze the indigenous Ssú and Hlüss civilizations. Terraforming of the planet and extermination of 98% of the native life. Ssú, Hlüss, and related sentient species relocated onto closely guarded preserves.

 

60,111-61,912 AD - ??

Tékumel is made into a pleasure planet and trading center for Humanspace and the other spacefaring alien empires. Human and alien masters stock private animal preserves and zoos. Mighty starships bring the wealth of many worlds to the jaded merchant-princes of Tékumel. "Men sing of Tékumel as home." Such peace and prosperity is said to last almost 50,000 years.

 

62,111-ca. 111, 912 AD

Tekumel is the jewel of Humanspace, a pleasure planet and trading center

 

ca. 111, 912 AD Tékumel thrown into pocket dimension, the Time of Darkness. The same fate befalls 722 other worlds in Humanspace

 

= 111,912 AD - The Cataclysm “The Time of Darkness” = The Cataclysm hurls Tékumel into a starless pocket dimension by supposed hostile forces (the Pariah Deities perhaps?). The once great civilization of Tékumel, the Joyous Light of the Golden Age, goes dim and is extinguished. The great culture is broken in only a few hundred years. Thus do sages refer to this sad era as "The Time of Darkness."

= 61,000+ AD / 30,000 B.S. / -37,000AS - The Latter Times begins. = B.S. = Before Second Imperium

AS = After Second Imperium

The Latter Times begins. Those that survived cataclysm hoard everything, even toiletries. Some new devices manufactured for a while. Mental techniques for drawing power from other dimensions (i.e. magic) developed.

The power from beyond “the skin of reality” is used in the creation of many techno-magical devices.  
 * The Ru’ún and Yéleth are created by the “Lords of the Latter Times”
 * Experimentation with "interplanar energies” leads to technological inventions that harness interplanar energy.
 * The early experiments are dangerous. There are strange and disturbing accidents with devices and people. Some
 * of the very first contact with beings of other Planes is made. Later, these will come to be called ‘demons’. Some of the researchers themselves become trapped in terrifying states in which they essentially become ‘demons’ themselves. Some of the devices from the Latter Times are so bizarre that it is wondered if perhaps the researchers were driven mad by their discoveries.
 * The Ssú and Hlüss presumably discover their own psychic talents.
 * Wars with the Hlutrgú also begin in the Latter Times. While the Hlutrgú do not learn “magic”, something sets off rapid reproduction, and they overrun many human settlements

111,912-111,812 AD -
The same fate as Tékumel befalls 722 other worlds of Humanspace (it is unknown whether worlds in the empires of other alien species suffer a similar fate). It is unrecorded whether Earth falls to the ravages of the unknown enemy.

 

111,912-106,912 AD -
The space-age civilization of Tékumel has collapsed into barbarism from geologic upheavals and disruptions of essential supplies brought by starships. The machines begin to die. The Ssu and Hluss exult in the misfortune of their enemies and take back whatever they can. Local hoarders and warlords seize everything within their power. The Hlutrgu burst upon the coastal swamplands and are only forced back after a long series of brutal and bloody wars. The Hokun pretend to befriend mankind, war with them, enslave humanity and rule them as gods, and are eventually defeated by their slaves, forcing the Hokun to retreat to a great island in the southern seas. The Mihalli civilization in the east is destroyed by a great planetary bomb used by a neighboring human kingdom (who are also destroyed by the weapon). Such is "The Latter Times."

(106,912 AD approximate) -31,525 AS – (AS = After Seal)
The ancient Llyan Empire (proto-Livyanu) founded by Llyan at the city of Tsamra. The sorcerers of Llyan discover the existence of nexus points, compound the texts of demonology and map the topography of the Planes Beyond. "Magic" (psychic powers of the mind) is refined from what was learned by the Great Ancients and the Lords of the Latter Times, and compilation of spells are made by the scientist-magicians of Llyan. Genetic templates for many guardian creatures and servants of mankind are fashioned using the still-functioning genetic-plasma machines of the bygone Age of Wonder. Fragmentary records indicate that worship of the Pariah Gods is widespread (The One Other, The One Who Is, and the Goddess of the Pale Bone - Ku'u Tep in the tongue of Llyan).

mid -26,000 AS / 24,000 B.S - The Three States of the Triangle
The Three States of the Triangle (Urmish, Jakalla, and Thraya) arise in power, founded in area of modern Tsolyánu.
 * The city-state of Mihállu (inhabited by humans) was destroyed by one of their weapons.
 * The Triangle States come to be at war with the Chürstálli
 * They make alliance with Shén to fight the Hlüss.
 * The States of the Triangle get invaded and conquered by the Dragon Warriors

-23,525 AS / 23,000 B.S. - Contact with Vimúhla
Contact with Vimúhla by Llyan scholars followed by rapid spread of worship of the Lord of Fire throughout the Llyan Empire. Lesser influence of Vimúhla in the Three States of the Triangle. The Llyan Empire begins to deteriorate from political stagnation and religious zeal for the Flame Lord.

Nluss warbands (soon to be known as the Dragon Warriors) begin to migrate from their mountainous homelands, driven to plunder and conquest by the red-robed priests of Vimúhla. The Dragon Warriors, Vimúhla-worshipping barbarian tribesman from Nlüssa invade from the north and wipe out Llyáni empire and the Triangle. Whether the 'Dragons' of their name are actual beasts (probably Sró - see Bestiary) or ancient flying machines is subject of historical speculation.

beginning of -23,495 AS - The Dragon Warriors Conquer
The Dragon Warriors from the lands of ancient N’lüssa conquer the city-states of what will be Mu'ugalavya, riding mighty, flying "dragons" (aircars of the ancients?) and pillaging the land.

-23,445 AS - The Dragon Warriors destroy the remnants of Llyan's Empire
The Dragon Warriors destroy the remnants of Llyan's Empire. They proto-N’lüss futilely war upon the Shén states to the South (who have allied with the Triangle States), with little success other than spilling much blood of both human and alien. Dragon Warrior hordes migrate East and Northeast.

-23,345 AS - The Dragon Warriors conquer
The Dragon Warriors conquer the coasts of what is now Yán Kór and wage wars with the Three States of the Triangle.

-23,265 AS - The Three States of the Triangle fall
The Three States of the Triangle fall and are pillaged by the Dragon Warriors.

-23,245 AS - The Dragon Warriors March
The Dragon Warriors march all the way through what is now Salarvyá. They occasionally battle the Ahoggyá (though the Dragon Warrior are loathe to enter the fetid swamplands of the aliens) and seafaring Nóm raiders.

-23,240 AS - Gámulu of Fenul leads rebellion
Gámulu of Fenul leads rebellion against the weak N’lüss overlords in ancient Salarvyá.

-23,235 AS - Gámulu drives the Dragon Warriors out
Gámulu drives the Dragon Warriors out of western Salarvya. The empire of the Dragon Warriors fragments into thousands of clans, small states, and cities. Hordes of Ssu pour out from their refuges to make war upon humanity; their armies ravage Pechano - first capturing their long lost capital of Ssuganar and then pulling down Benesh (which never rises again) near the present city of Mechaneno. The Ssu Wars begin.

-23,235 to 23,210 AS - Ssú expeditions strike Northward
Ssú expeditions strike northward into Chaigari and Kilalammu, threatening even the high aeries of the Hlaka. These beings make alliance with Gámulu and his people. Both sides rage back and forth for many years. This war is characterized by many campaigns with sporadic interludes. Eight of Gamulu's 14 sons fall in battle with the Foe of Man.

-23,210 AS - Gámulu drives the Ssú out
Gámulu drives the Foe of Man back below Ssuyal, leaving fields choked with tattered gray bodies and slain human warriors. Gámulu holds a great victory celebration in the whispering ruins of old Ssuganar.

21,000 B.S. / -23,200 AS -- Empire of the Fisher Kings founded
Empire of the Fisher Kings founded in modern Salarvyá (Language: dialects of Bednálljan (Ancient Salarvyáni)), destroyed warring remnants of Dragon Lords empire. Ksárul, God of Sorcery and Secrets, is contacted.

-23,200 AS - Gámulu dies
Gámulu drives the Ssú back beneath their capital city of Ssuganár. Gámulu dies from a mysterious wasting disease contracted in Ssuganár (some say it is a curse laid upon him by the vengeful Ssú during his time in Ssuganár, others believe its radiation poisoning). The 12th son of Gámulu, Ho Etehltu, kills his remaining sibling rivals and is crowned as emperor, founding a dynasty later to be known as the Fisherman Kings, who commanded fleets of black ships that ranged up and down the coasts of Salarvyá and proto-Tsolyánu. Ho Etehltu raids and conquers the region as far east as Peleis. He seizes the Dragon Warriors' strongholds on the islands of Gánga, Thayuri, and Vra, and his black ships besiege the city of Jakálla (though unable to take it). The Fisherman fleet crosses the straits to capture Haida Pakala from an unknown nonhuman race that then held it (Hokun?)

-23,200 to -23,000 AS - Contact with Ksárul
Contact with the interdimensional being now called Ksárul during the 22nd king of Gámulu's dynasty. Religious persecution and strife against the emerging priesthood of Ksárul by Vimúhla priests. The religious strife provides impetus to ring about the beginnings of the Bednálljan Dynasty.

18,000 B.S. / -23,000 AS --  Start of the Bednálljan Dynasty First Empress of the First Imperium  & Contact with Hrü'ǘ, Sárku, Dlamélish.
Language: Bednálljan (Ancient Salarvyáni)

A teenage desert clan-girl advances by intrigue, sex, assassination, and military savvy, to be the first empress of the First Imperium (or the Bednálljan Dynasties), Nayári of the Silken Thighs. It covers what is now Tsolyánu and Yán Kór. Her reign is bloody and ruthless. Her dynasty lasted 3,000 years. Hrü'ǘ, God of Darkness, Sárku, God of the Undead and Worms, and Dlamélish, Goddess of Perversion and Orgies, are contacted.  
 * Nayari of the Silken Thighs assassinates the governor of Purdanim and quickly consolidates political power using sex and violence.
 * the Bednálljan Period that the later Tsolyáni love of formality, elaborate tradition and military pageantry has its roots.
 * Nayári ran a model army that set the pattern of organization still used today. Many of the cities of what will be the Empire of Tsolyánu are first united under her (and her descendants): Purdánim, Jakálla, Sokátis, Tumíssa, Béy Sü, Fasíltum, portions of Yán Kór, Salarvyá, and Mu’ugalavyá were also taken.
 * Shén, Pé Chói, Páchi Léi, Pygmy Folk, Tinalíya, and even Ahoggyá come to join the Bednálljan legions. Eventually, they come to live alongside humanity as they once did in the Latter Times.
 * Hrü'ǘ, God of Darkness, Sárku, God of the Undead and Worms, and Dlamélish, Goddess of Perversion and Orgies, are contacted.
 * The Sákbe Roads are begun by Nayári’s grandson Ssirandár I.
 * The Shunned Ones, Hlutrgú, Hlüss, and Ssú are driven into hiding.
 * Descendants of the First Imperium become the Salarvyáni. Queen Nayári is perhaps the archetype for Salarvyá’s main deity, the goddess Shiringgáyi, who seems to combines Avánthe’s maternal authority with Dlamélish’s eroticism.

The First Imperium generally worshipped Vimuhla-like deities that were those of the Dragon Warriors. The older, non-Vimuhla substrata of society apparently went on worshipping whatever they worshipped. This is not really known today, since it was so long ago, and the archaeological record is far from complete! Bednálljan nobles did bury their dead, usually in deep, rock-cut tombs. The dead were wrapped, inserted into stone sarcophagi, and sealed with resin, lead, or some other materials. They were not often embalmed. The followers of Lord Sarku seem to have followed similar customs, embalming their dead occasionally, putting grave-goods in with them (or in storerooms nearby) "to accompany the deceased on his or her journey through the Afterlife," and added underground labyrinths and catacombs to protect the corpses of the mighty.

-Barker. The Blue Room Vol10#288.

-22,990 AS -

The last of the Dragon Warrior kingdoms outside of N’lüssa falls to Nayári’s able generals.

 

-22,989 AS - end of the Fisherman Kings Empire.
The last Fisherman King flees north from Nayári’s legions, signaling the end of the Fisherman Kings Empire.

-22,988-86 AS -
Hlutrgu assault the Island of Thayuri but are turned back after hundreds of thousands of the vicious frog-beings are slain.

 

-22,986 AS -

Fasiltum conquers the Hláka aeries.

 

-22,982 AS -

Nayari of the Silken Thighs is assassinated by the poisoned kiss of a lover (who dies himself).

 

-22,932 AS -

Nayari's son moves the capital of the First Imperium to ancient Jakálla.

 

-22,900 AS -

Jigresh, Tiritlen of Lord Sárku, commands the demon lords Tkel and Srukarum to fashion the Maze Temple of Jigresh as a place of steadfastness for the priesthoods of Sárku and Durritlámish.

 

-22,882 AS -

Capital of the First Imperium is moved by Nayari's grandson to the newly built city, Béy Sü ("Soul of the World"). The construction of the Sakbe Roads is begun, linking the cities of the First Imperium.

= -20,853 AS - The priest Pavár is born. = -20,800 AS -

The crippled Pavár, priest of Enome (Ksárul) contacts the Grey Lord Tham (Thúmis), and with the remaining Lords of Stability soon thereafter.

15,000 B.S. / -20,800 AS - Pavár contacts the Gods of Stability
The priest Pavár on the island of Engsvan hla Gánga contacts the Gods of Stability: Hnálla, God of Light, Karakán, God of War, Thúmis, God of Wisdom, Belkhánu, God of Protection, and Avánthe, Goddess of Family and Agriculture. His successors found a theocracy that encompasses all of the known world, the Engsvanyáli Empire. This is a golden age of art, scholarship and civilization that lasts 10,000 years.

 

-20,763 AS - Pavár dies
Pavár dies in his sleep at the age of ninety. His disciples carry the new pantheon to the far corners of the First Imperium.

-20,700 AS -
Civil war spreads across the land between the new and old religions (the fruits of this civil war would establish the now regional strongholds of the Pantheon of Pavár in Tsolyánu). The Scrolls of Pavár are copied and spread across the continent by delegates of the temple of Nallal (Hnálla). The Emperor of the First Imperium and his glittering court watch with apprehension to growing civil unrest. Work begins to expand the ancient citadel of Evu Nithoru (Avanthar), a stronghold since before the Time of Darkness, into the fortress it is today.

-20,600 AS - The Concordat is Established
The Concordat is established between the temples of Change and Stability under Ghiyal Tranuo, High Priest of Nallal on Gánga and appointed successor to Pavár. Power shifts from Béy Sü to Pavár's home island of Gánga when the Emperor, Meshkanuma Amessu III invites the High Priests of the Tlomitlanyal to Béy Sü to advise him. The ancient capital of the First Imperium, time lost Purdanim, has begun to fall into ruin. The Emperor is made to swear never to worship the Pariah Gods. The cities of what is now Tsolyánu have now gone over to the pantheon of Pavár. The now lost art of perfume writing is perfected during the reign of Meshkanuma Amessu III. Scholars generally agree that this is the time when Engsvan hla Gánga (wrongly called the Kingdom of the Gods by many scholars) arises as a true political power.

 

-20,453 AS -

Emperor Balakanuma I assumes the throne after the death (some say by poison or magic) of Emperor Changgala. The emperor, a devotee of Kerek (Karakán) doubles the size of the realm, seizes Milumanaya, marches along the shores of the Northern Sea, and captures Hleker (Ke'er) from descendants of the Dragon Warriors and the Lorun tribes.

 

-20, 163 AS -

Priestly advisors become the real masters of the realm at the Imperial Court of the First Imperium. The High Priest of Nallal wields as much, if not more, power as the Emperor. The affairs of government and the police were the province of Chokhar's clergy. The High Adept of Kerek had charge of the army, and trade and economic affairs were managed jointly by the temples of Evuen and Tham. The temple Vaomahl establishes its power in Fa'asal and amongst the clans in the south-western city of Thamis.

 

-19,963 AS -

Tirisan Jakona, Patriarch of Ba'alk, revitalizes the administration of Engsvan hla Gánga.

 

-19,915 AS -

The last Emperor of the Bednálljan Empire, Tarishande XIII, is spirited away from Béy Sü by his remaining loyal servants. This band of political refugees flee from the pursuing contingent of Gánga soldiers across the Northern Sea to beyond the North Pole. The Empire of Gánga officially begins. The Priestkings continue to add to the network of Sakbe-roads and fortify these walls with many watch-towers and keeps, and practice the Bednalljan custom of Pashatl. The temples establish the practice of using networks of telepaths to deliver messages. Also during this era, the great scholar Waba of Ka Kokoth writes his greatest work, "The Periplus of Farther Voyaging."

 

-19,763 AS -

The legions of the Priestkings lay siege to Shoshche (Ch'ochi) in Mu'aghatl. Though the siege lasts over 20 years, the Empire of Gánga cannot invest the ancient pre-Cataclysm military base.

 

-19,885 AS -

Legend tells of a tall, sun-blackened old man who appeared in Ja'akath, speaking the "high" speech and acting in the manners of the old court of the Bednálljan Emperors. What occurs to this stranger is lost to history.

 

-19,551 AS -

The proud Veridh clan closes the gates of Fa'asal and refuses to send taxes or troops to Gánga. The Priestking Ssirandar I crossed the Vales of Ninar (now the Desert of Eyagi) and laid siege to Fa'asal, destroying its water supply and canals to force the rebelling city to capitulate. The great architect Pirunddayu builds the great shrine to Ba'alk in Fa'asal.

 

-19,509 AS - Start of The Engsvanyáli Period (The Golden Age; The Age of Glory)
-19,509 AS to -10,017 AS: The Priestkings of Éngsvan Hlá Gánga

Foundation of the first hereditary Engsvanyáli dynasty by Priestking Ssirandar I.

-19,509 AS to -18,394 AS Beginning of the First Epoch. Rule is enforced by priestly power, wealth, and harsh religious inquisitions. The First Epoch remains strong for ten thousand years.

-19,413 AS -

Marya, the greatest Engsvanyali sculptor, creates his masterpiece, "Woman of Tsamra." The artist employed one Nia Alel, a Livyani serving maid, as the model for his renowned work. He later produces another masterpiece titled, "Thúmis Ascending to the Sun" (which is currently a prized possession of the Governor of Tumissa).

 

-19,315 AS -

Priestking Bashdis Mssa II begins the tradition of the keeping of records in "The Great Book of the Priestkings" (which were closely guarded at Gánga).

 

-19,262 AS -

The Priestking Dharumesh Mssa I founds the great Library at Tumissa. This edifice is also to include an academy of devices and sciences (no trace of it exists today).

 

-19,220 to -19,154 AS -

Sometime during the reign of Ssirandar IV, the Engsvanyali epic poem, "The Lament to the Wheel of Black," is translated from Bednalljan or some older text.

 

-19,154 to 19,097 AS -

Priestking Ssirandar V, "The Victorious over the Foes of Humankind" conquers Pechano and much of the east. Priestesses of the goddess Shiringgayi help the Priestking's generals by using weapons of the great Ancients to subdue the worshippers of Hicheggeth Qurgha (Black Qarqal) in the City of Liu-Sanmu.

 

-19,097 AS -

The practice of electing a Priestking via the priestly council of Gánga is abandoned in favor of hereditary succession. The posts of High Priest and Adept are also passed on to offspring in many of the temples. Membership on the subsequent "advisory" council to the Priestkings is based upon ancestry, prestige, favors, and money.

 

-19,097 to 19,094 AS -

Priestking Ssirandar VI builds the "City of the Nine Walls" (now lost).

 

-19,094 AS -

Priestking Bashdis Mssa III, "The Great," establishes the "Circles" system of ranking amongst the priesthoods. This ruler also restores ancient Bednálljan titles and fiefs to favored subjects.

 

-19,040 AS -

Priestking Dharumesh Mssa II is poisoned by his own chamberlains who discover his "ignobilities."

 

-19,040 AS -

Priestqueen Choleyn Mssa I, the First Engsvanyali Queen. Devotee of Avánthe and patron of agriculture. The Priestqueen sets scholars to the task of increasing the bounty of the Empire's lands through magic (the temple of Avánthe retains some of these spells, but much is now lost).

 

-19,028 AS -

Priestqueen Choleyn Mssa II, daughter of Choleyn Mssa I. Worshipper of Dilinála, with 237 female lovers from all the social classes.

 

-18,963 AS -

Priestking Nemandu I, cousin of Choleyn Mssa II and founder of a new line.

 

-18,663 (approx.) AS -

The temples of Sárku, Grugánu, and Vimúhla revolt against the Priestkings. A treaty between Gánga and the City of Sárku grants most of the autonomy of Sárku's temple in that city.

 

-18,930 AS - Plague of the White Hand

Plague of the White Hand ravages the "Known World" under the reign of Priestking Bashdis Mssa IV. Many regions

depopulated and whole cities, such as Urmish, decimated, which are not to be resettled for nearly a century.

 

-18,925 AS -

Priestking Arkhuam Mssa dies of a horrible plague that is later named after him.

 

-18,925 to 18,912 AS -

A gap appears in the First Epoch where there are no ruling Priestkings. The cause is not known to contemporary scholars.

 

-18,912 AS -

Priestking Bashdis Mssa V restores government (?), and adds to the number of Sakbe-roads and fortresses.

 

-18,858 AS -

Priestking Nemandu II, already an old man, rules for 36 years living only on bread and Hmelu-milk. He was isolated by his advisors from the outside world.

 

-18,784 AS -

The Temple of Sárku in Jakalla is sold to an enterprising merchant who had it tore down so that he might trade the stone for Chlen-hides and a shipment of wine. Priestking Nemandu III, who sold the temple, promptly disappears from his court (nothing is mentioned of the fate of the merchant).

 

-18,784 AS -

Priestking Dharumesh Mssa III reforms the currency and develops the use of "writs" that could be cashed in distant cities (even in the markets of other nations).

 

-18,746 AS -

Priestking Bashdis Mssa is "crushed by a demon."

 

-18,746 AS -

Priestking Dharumesh Mssa IV, "The Singer of Gentle Songs." This Priestking will develop "picture books" using OtherPlanar sorcery to animate the pictures in the books. He will also marry a Saa Allaqiyani woman, Misa Tanio, who will be Queen.

 

-18,736 AS -

Priestking Ssirandar VII, "He Who Lived too Long," seizes power after Dharumesh "passes away" (?). This ruler executes Priestqueen Misa Tanio as a "traitoress."

 

-18, 692 to -18,667 AS -

Revolution, civil war, and the destruction of temples during the reign of Priestking Bashdis Mssa VII. This Priestking falls to Arkhuan Milende, "He Who Hates the Gods." The Legion of the Seekers of Indelible Victory is sent east, through Mihallu, into the barren Plains of Glass, where it disappears.

 

-18,667 to -18,664 AS -

A gap in Engsvanyali records appears here. It is assumed that civil war still rocks the "Empire of the Gods" while Arkhuan Milende rages across the lands.

 

-18,664 AS -

Priestking Nemandu IV, a general from another lineage, restores the Empire. He ousts "greedy priests" and favors the army in all things.

 

-18,602 AS -

Priestking Kakkonen Chre, a usurper from Jakalla, seizes Gánga with a fleet of pirate ships.

 

-18,590 AS -

Ssirandar VIII, cousin of the murdered Priestking Bashdis Mssa VII, returns from a "voyage around the world" to retake Gánga and slay the usurper.

-18,573 to -18,531 AS -

Priestking Bashdis Mssa VIII, "The Builder of Tombs" and "Restorer of Catacombs," pours much of the Empire's treasury into massive tomb building projects. The Necropolises built by this Priestking are never to be exceeded in opulence and grandeur in the history of the world.

 

-18,531 AS -

Priestking Dharumesh Mssa VI devises the "Twenty-Four Forms" of formal dress worn at affairs of state (still to be used, more or less changed, during the Tsolyánu Imperium era).

 

-18,399 AS -

Tettukanu Dlee I, "The Slaughterer of Children," seizes power, isolating the current Priestking in Béy Sü by besieging the city with soldiers. The rebel kills Bashdis Mssa IX in battle on the walls of Béy Sü on -18,384 AS. Most of the emperor's family are executed after Béy Sü falls (their heads hacked off by the rebel himself or thrown from the palace towers).

 

-18,394 AS -

Bashdis Mssa X, the twelve year-old child of Bashdis Mssa IX, disappears from Béy Sü after its fall to Tettukanu Dlee I. Scholars think that the child was abducted by priests of the One Other (perhaps to use him against Tettukanu Dlee I).

[Civil war and the end of the First Epoch]

-18,394 to -15,894 AS - Start of the  Second Epoch
This time period is referred to as the Second Epoch. This era is marked by many semi-autonomous states that are called "Engsvanyali," by historians. Following the disappearance of Bashdis Mssa X, the clergy of several temples warred against the temples of the Pariah Gods, and then rose up against Gánga itself (it is lost to history as to which temples turned against the Empire - this historian feels that most of the antagonists were those of the temples of Change). This religious war added to the ongoing secular civil war. The Vriddi declared Fasiltum independent; Teshengtu Tlekolmu "the Hammer of the West" did likewise in Tumissa; the northern regions of what is now Yán Kór slipped away; Salarvya, Mihallu, and the east also left the Empire. On another note, the Tsolei Archipelago and the southern regions of cold, northern Nluss was conquered by one of the fragmented Engsvanyali Empire. Despite the political chaos of the Second Epoch, much was accomplished in the arts, military knowledge, and the sciences. The emergence of local dialects of the Engsvanyali language is noted. The "Hero of the Age" drives out the servants of the Pariah Deities into the Outer Darkness. The Priestking Hemanche Farkhenu solidifies the much shrunken Engsvanyali Empire.  
 * Mu’ugalavyá emerges as an independent empire

-16,297 AS - The “Harbinger of Worse to Come” (Bethorm)

Great earhquake strikes Ramüsh (Úrmish) and Chanatlál (Katalál)

 

-15,873 AS -

Girandu I, son of Hemanche Farkhenu, ushers in the Third Epoch. This Priestking conquers the splinter dynasties. The Hlutrgu are driven back into the jungles of Layodu and the Shikel Swamps. The Priestking rewards each soldier of the Legion of the Joyful Clan of the Noble Vrayani with slingstones of rubies and diamonds.

 

-14,871 AS - the Rebellion of the Right Hand
The ancient priestly Council is summoned into session after the last Girandu passes without issue or relative for the throne. The Rebellion of the Right Hand ensues between the candidates for the throne of the Empire. Chayetlesa Tlalesu, a priestess of Ksárul, remains as the lone survivor of the rebellion. She is declared the Priest-queen, and "The Long Peace" is ushered in.

MARB: In Engsvanyali times. A province in modern day Mu’ugalavyá felt they were being overtaxed and sent a delegation to Gánga. The Priestking accepted their petition, but signed the subsequent decree with his left hand. This is often taken to mean someone is lying, as the left hand is "unclean". It is not certain whether the Priestking meant it or was simply left-handed, but the upshot was that the province rose in rebellion. Their enemies joined the Priestking’s forces in quashing the rebellion.

 

-14,866 to -14,844 AS -

Priestking Menkoru I reconquers Salarvya and Saa Allaqi; establishes trade with the Naqsai of the Southern Continent; and sends emissaries into Mihallu and the eastern regions of Salarvya.

-14,844 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Girandu XV. This Priestking will write a treatise on economics and develop the workings of business throughout the Empire.

 

-14,775 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Menkoru II. Building of the Great Hall of the Priestkings on Gánga Isle. The court of Menkoru II is said to be the most opulent in history.

 

-14,739 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Menkoru III. The practice of using sorcery to prolong the life of an emperor is declared illegal following the efforts of this emperor to extend his life. More Sakbe-roads are built, and the mighty fortress of Ngala near modern Jakalla is strengthened. Ports and harbors are built around the (now extinct) Sea of Milumanaya. Thousands of monuments and stela are placed along the borders of the Empire.

 

-14,442 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Atkolum I. The Empire wars against the Shen but eventually make peace. The Temple of the Goddess of the Pale Bone is destroyed near what is now Pelesar. The shrines of the Gods on Gánga is restored to "proper grandeur."

 

-14,433 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Menkoru IV. The formal etiquette of the imperial court reaches new heights of complexity. New titles, pageantry, and innovations in costume and manners are developed.

[5 years pass between the reigns of Menkoru IV and Chayetlesa II. The reason for this gap is not known.]

 

-14,387 AS -

Ascension of Priestqueen Chayetlesa II.

 

-14,363 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Atlkolum II. A corps of secret police and a system of informants are developed. The Tolek Kana Pits are refurbished.

 

-14,243 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Girandu XVI.

 

-14,207 AS -

Ascension of Priestqueen Chayetlesa IV. Schools and academies are established within the temples. Orphanages are built and women's causes are advanced. Hospitals and facilities for the mentally ill are developed by the Chief Minister (a priest of Keténgku).

 

-14,197 AS -

Ascension of Priestqueen Alineya I.

 

-14,187 to 13,937 AS - Reign of the Inept Emperors.
Reign of the Inept Emperors. This period of Engsvanyali history is marked by rulership passing between 16 inept and utterly mundane emperors of no mentionable worth.

[Here follows a gap of about a 1,000 years before historians again put pen to paper to chronicle the history of the Empire. The Chamberlain of the Empire, the Pe Choi Ntes Ktik, rules the Empire in all but name from the Halls of Eternal Glory near the end of this period.]

 

-12,950 AS -

Meluende Ssa, first of the Chalchai Dynasty, seizes the Halls of Eternal Glory from the Pe Choi Ntes Ktik using troops from the Legion of Serqu, Sword of the Empire and many loyal generals (history does not record what became of Nts Ktik).

 

-12,942 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Ssesmuga I. Suppression of many small revolts and intrigues throughout the Empire. The Stela of Scarlet Glory is erected at Navai Village near Tumissa, which records the glories of the Legion of the Givers of Sorrow.

-12,909 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Ssesmuga II.

 

-12,907 AS -

Ascension of Priestqueen Wiyul Basu. This Priestqueen was a concubine from Nmartusha who seized the throne with the aid of her five lovers. She was torn to bits by an angry mob when she attempted to introduce a state religion based on the Pariah Gods.

 

-12,900 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Neshkolu I.

 

-12,866 to -12,847 AS -

[Interregnum. The Empire was ruled by a coalition of High Priests from the temples of Vimúhla, Karakán, and Hrsh. This coalition wars with the followers of the One Other.]

 

-12,857 AS - "Harbringer of Worse to Come"
The great earthquake, "Harbringer of Worse to Come," destroys Ramüsh (Úrmish) and Chanatlál (Katalál) Thousands perish.

 

-12,828 AS -

Ascension of Priestqueen Tratikante I. The "Many-Hue Garden" is founded at Gánga. So beloved by her subjects and courtiers, this empress was revivified in spite of the ancient prohibition against such magic. Each of the chief ministers is appointed Kelem ("Archon") of one of the seven segments of the Garden.

 

-12,694 AS -

Ascension of Priestqueen Tratikante II. Prosperity of the Empire under the Viceroys of the South.

 

-12,693 AS -

Ascension of Priestqueen Tratikante III, who dies soon after birth. Viceroys of the South begin a long internecine quarrel.

 

-12,693 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Ssesmuga III. Expeditions are sent to find the Unstraightened City, the Isle of Eyes, and to the Southern Continent. Some return, bearing many items which are added to the museum of Curios in the High Chancery of Avanthar.

 

-12,648 AS -

Ascension of Priestking Ssesmuga IV. Gánga reaches its height in glory. An invasion of Livyanu fails because of that nation's powerful sorcery. The "Great Compendium of All Knowledge" is compiled by a committee of scholars at Gánga, as well as many other tomes.

 

-12,590 AS - Ascension of Priestqueen Tratikante IV.

 

12,587 AS - The Flower Wars begin
Rivalries between the Viceroys of the Many-Hued Garden erupt into violence. The Flower Wars begin.

 

-12,586 AS

Priestqueen Tratikante IV is assassinated by the troops of Lord Amukanatl Vriddi, the Archon of the Red.

 

-12,585 AS

Ascension of Priestking Ssesmuga V. This Priestking disappears (he is probably arrested and slain).

 

-12,581 AS

Yaheshu Sarel of Tsuru, priest of Thúmis, completes the basic ethical principles based on the concepts of "nobility" and "ignobility.”

 

-12,561 AS - The Flower Wars End
The Flower Wars end with victory of Archon Amukanatl Vriddi. The victorious Archon takes residence in the Palace of the Priestkings on Gánga Isle. The only regions still under Engsvanyali domain at that time are Mu'ugalavya, Tsolyánu, and Mihallu localities. Beginning of the Last Epoch.

 

-12,534 AS

Ascension of Priestking Amukanatl Vriddi II. This Priestking regains western Salarvya but is mired in fighting in what is now Milumanaya and Saa Allaqi. His wife, Saima Dlakotante, an heiress of the house of the Archon of the Green, goes mad.

 

-12,486 AS

Ascension of Priestking Kazhilo'ob I. This Priestking devises the Calendar of Kazhilo'ob.

 

-12,438 AS

Ascension of Priestking Mesunende. This Priestking orders ancient Imperial records burned and new files started after his coronation.

 

-12,424 AS

Ascension of Priestking Kazhilo'ob II. Collects tribute from more places than any other ruler.

 

-12,367 AS

Ascension of Priestking Horusande Nga I. This Priestking dies of an Epeng-bite.

 

-12,380 AS

Ascension of Priestking Amukanatl Vriddi III.

 

-12,363 AS

Ascension of Priestqueen Niluen Dhiya. This queen orders a pogrom (deliberate persecution of an ethnic or religious group either approved or condoned by the local authorities) of all Pe Choi in court. She dies from over-eating.

 

-12,281 AS

Ascension of Priestking Kazhilo'ob III.

 

-12,230 AS

Ascension of Priestking Horusande Nga II. This Priestking is said to have "descended into the Darkness" and become a servitor of the One Other.

 

-12,193 AS

Ascension of Priestking Kazhilo'ob IV.

 

-12,168 AS

Priestking Kazhilo'ob IV defeats the Mu'ugalavyani renegade, Haghaktish Lelo.

 

-12,156 AS

Priestking Kazhilo'ob IV is assassinated by the widow of Haghaktish Lelo (whom the Priestking had married after slaying the Mu'ugalavyani rebel). Rebellion sweeps through the Empire. Many records are destroyed or carried away.

 

-11,656 AS - An epidemic of the Mottled Plague rages
Ascension of Priestking Amukanatl Vriddi IV. This Priestking restores unity to the Empire, but without Salarvya or

Mu'ugalavya. Pachi Lei revolt against the Empire but are defeated and many are slain. An epidemic of the Mottled Plague rages in south-western Tsolyánu and Pan Chaka.

-11,597 AS

Priestking Amukanatl Vriddi IV dies of the Mottled Plague after making a pilgrimage to Pavár's shrine on Gánga Isle to plead for an end to the plague.

 

-11,597 AS

Ascension of Priestking Shejjanekh I. This Priestking was a Yán Kóryani Viceroy who inherited the throne unwillingly (but ably).

 

-11,591 AS - The Mottled Plague Epidemic Ends.
 

-11,5 88 AS

Priestking Shejjanekh I dies without issue. Further civil wars punctuated by the brief rulership of minor Priestkings who manage to hold Gánga but little else. Several dynasties change, but records of who they are and for how long each ruled is muddled and confused.

 

-10,068 AS

Ascension of Priestking Balmasen I. This Priestking restored central unity and the crumbling shrines and palaces of Gánga Isle.

 

-10,049 AS

Balmasen I dies from choking on a piece of meat during a great celebration for "the Coming of Pavár." Ascension of Priestking Balamasen II. Ministers handle all of the Empire's affairs. Tumissa passes to the Mu'ugalavyani and the port cities of Milumanaya become independent.

 

-10,048 AS

Ascension of Priestking Tlimastliken.

 

= -10,017 AS -  the Isle of Gánga sinks = Lord Kokun Vriyon of Khirgar, Imperial General of the Empire, and the "head" of the "Hero of the Age", is betrayed by Niyuneth Tlatoyel of Gánga. He is set upon by "Demons of the Planes Beyond" (or perhaps human assassins) and is slain. Immediately, the Isle of Gánga is sunk beneath the waves and catastrophe and cataclysm plunge the Engsvan hla Gánga into darkness and barbarism when the Goddess of the Pale Bone attempts of invade Tékumel. Islands and the coast of the shallow North Sea rise up and become the central plains of Yán Kór. The Empire dies and much knowledge with it. Brother's hand is turned against brother. The temples war and drag each other down, and the innocent with them. Famine lays waste to the northern cities. Barbarians swarm from tundra, mountains and desert to loot and slay. The Desert of Sighs grows.  
 * All of Tékumel is beset by disasters, including volcanic eruptions that led to famine.
 * The Isle of Gánga sinks under the sea.
 * The Goddess of the Pale Bone attempts to invade Tékumel
 * Earthquakes strike the underground cities of the Pygmy Folk, decimating their population.
 * The mountains of Shényu erupt.
 * Many ancient Engsvanyáli urban centers lie broken and exposed to the wilderness; packs of wild dogs prowl the
 * streets of Chanatlál (Katalál) and Ramüsh (Úrmish).
 * It is possible the many disasters are the result of attempts to tamper with ancient machinery that keeps the planet
 * Tékumel terraformed.
 * Mighty heroes now popular as folklore walk the plane:Nyélmu, Súbadim, Thómar, Hagárr of Paránta, and Turshánmü.
 * The Ssú, Hlüss, and Hlutrgú renew their efforts to destroy mankind.

5,000 B.S. - A massive earthquake sinks the part of the island of Engsvan hla Gánga into the sea. The Engsvanyáli empire falls, starting the Time of No Kings, when petty rulers squabble over tiny pieces of the once-great empire. Also the time of legendary heroes and sorcerers, such as Hagárr of Paránta and Subadím the Sorcerer.

 

-9,875 AS -

Humans reduced to hunting and gathering in the barren lands of the North. Underground cities of the Pygmy Folk decimated by earthquakes beyond reckoning.

 

-3,639 AS - The Rise of Yán Kór
Language: Tsáqw (Ancient Yán Kóryáni)

While tidal waves and glacier-forming snow are ravaging other places, water drains out of the Northern Wastes, revealing new land. Feral Hmá and Hmélu, genetically engineered so long ago, are re-domesticated by the Yán Kóryáni. A nomadic herding culture develops. New settlements are created to protect the women and children. The presiding councils of the Clans are femaleled. Matriarchal Yán Kóryáni culture begins in the Northern Wastes.  
 * Proto-Yán Kóryani matriarchal culture begins to develop in Northern Wastes.
 * Shunned Ones expand their domains and build seven new cities.
 * Pygmy Folk slowly rebuild their underground cities.
 * City-states of Jakalla, Thraya, and Jaikalor wage war against swarms of Hlutrgú and belligerent Hlüss.

-1,630 AS -

Northern tribes domesticate the Hma and Hmelu and build settlements for their womenfolk to manage. Beginnings of the Three Women myths of Yán Kór. Some tribes abandon settled life and roam the Desert of Sighs and Milumanaya. Hunter-gatherer tribes dwindle in number and are forced into remote desert and mountain regions, mixing with the no kings Engsvanyáli Lorun culture of the north. Fishing villages rapidly spread across the coasts of the North.

 

= 0 A.S. (After Second Imperium) = Second Imperium of Tsolyánu founded out of the chaos by a man known only as "The Tlakotáni", the name of the current Imperial clan.

1 AS - Start of the Tlakotáni Dynasty
Language: Classic Tsolyáni.

Human history has undergone the Time of No Kings. Countless city-states have risen and fallen. Kings have been crowned and killed in the space of a year.

Earliest mention of the “First Legion” of Tsolyánu during the siege of Uruse (Urmish?) which results in the accession of the First Emperor. Revelation of the Seal of the Empire of the Petal Throne. The (now mythical) First Emperor of the Petal Throne gains the support of the other nobles andis crowned, and unites Tsolyáni, signaling the beginning of the Tlakotáni Dynasty. The emperor of Tsolyánu is known as the “Seal Emperor”, a reference to the artifact that can place an unforgeable mark upon parchment, stone, and metal. Orders directly from the Emperor can thus not be forged.

Northern settlements band together in shifting alliances. Herder raiders from the Desert of Sighs force proto-Yán Kóryani settlements to arm women, causing the rise of feudal warrior-women in the lands of Yán Kór. A dozen chiefdoms grow in the North, ruled by warrior matriarchs.  
 * The Petal Throne is a device of the ancients whose powers are unknown.
 * The Jade Arch is  said to ensure the lifelong loyalty of one who walks under it, a device probably from the time of the Priestkings.

Kolumejálim: (unknown when this practice started). Once crowned, the Emperor does not leave the palace at

Avanthár. Imperial heirs are fostered, openly or secretly, to various factions. Upon the death of the current ruler, the heirs compete for the throne in the ritual of the Kolumejálim.

 

58 AS -

Expeditions by Tsolyánu legions against Pe Choi tribes and human bandits in what is now Do Chaka. Seal armies invest Do Chaka into the Empire.

 

66 AS -

The theocratic state of Livyanu is founded by The First Thinker, Dumuz Melunez Chi'una, under the religion of the indigenous Shadow Gods. The "Brother in the Faith" commands the abandonment of Duru'ob, replacing it with the script that is used by later Duru'ob- and modern Livyani-speaking citizens.

 

85-90 AS - Emperor name Unknown - possible nonexistent

 

90 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Horukel N’len.

 

135 AS -

Ascension of Emperor To... Miuna (first name unknown).

 

139 AS - Persecution of the cult of the One Other
Ascension of Emperor Trakonel I “The Blazing Light." Persecution of the cult of the One Other. The Emperor hunts down the cultists and declares them as anathema to all sapient life. Clear mention of the Seal of the Imperium, the Petal Throne, and the Servitors of Silence in Imperial records. Mention of the First Legion in the Runes of Trakonel I “the Blazing Light."

 

140 AS -

Purdimal rises in revolt (perhaps lead by cultists of the One Other) but is put down by Trakonel I "the Blazing Light."

 

142 AS -

The Society of the Resurgent Octagon is founded by the glorious Trakonel I in an effort to counter uprisings of the One Other and its followers. The Black Arch is placed within to detect servants of the Pariah Gods.

 

176-178 AS -

Trakonel I "the Blazing Light" battles the cult of the One Other, destroying every temple or fane that can be found, and converting or executing all It's worshippers (the greatest temple in Tumissa falls in 176, no two stones left standing and its ground ploughed with salt). The Seal Emperor also wars against rebellious factions of the Lords of Change. Trakonel I takes Penom from the control of the worshippers of the Dark Gods. The remaining priesthood of the One Other is forced under geases of the priesthoods of Stability and Change to guard over the Tombs of the Emperors in Avánthe till "the Egg of the World becomes whole." First mention of the Omnipotent Azure Legion. Founding of the Legion of Hnálla.

 

195-196 AS -

Destruction of Ssu strongholds in Tsolyánu. Ascension of Emperor Heshqu Miuna I.

 

196-219 AS -

No Emperor. Reign of the High Chancellor of Avanthar.

 

200 AS -

A Pe Choi revolt in Do Chaka is quickly and brutally crushed by Ashqo hiVrayussa, who massacres several Pe Choi villages, forcing the aliens to concede or face further murder and bloodshed.

 

219 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Trakonel II “The Victorious."

 

219-269 AS -

Subduing of the Pachi Lei by Seal Legions and settling of captured Pan Chaka lands by human settlers. Milumanaya is raided by Seal legions for plunder and slaves.

 

269 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Deshetl Miuna “The Stable Mountain." Founding of the Legion of the Mighty Prince.

 

280 AS -

The last stronghold of the Ssu defeated within Tsolyánu.

 

300 AS -

Yán Kór City establish herds of Chlen to manufacture weapons and armor for their standing army. The most powerful domains in the North center around Yán Kór City, Ke'er, and Tleku Miriya. The theocracy of Hlikku grows strong but introverted under the worship of the Mad One.

 

327 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Heshqu Miuna II “The Wind-Rider."

 

380 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Trakonel III “God-King." Siege of Kai.

 

383 AS -

Creation of the Legion of Potent Destiny from the palace guard of Avanthar by Trakonel III.

 

384 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Ashoretl Tikasa “The Power Forever." Disbandment of the Legion of the Mighty Prince.

 

444-446 AS -

Reign of the High Chancellor of Avanthar. The false Emperor Ajjnai Teshkuma is defeated and slain in 445. Northern Milumanaya tribes and P'jenani raiders are held in check by the legions of the Petal Throne.

 

446 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Horukel II. The Legion of Potent Destiny and the O.A.L. wage a silent war of assassination and sabotage against each other in the halls of Avanthar to gain a place of dominance (and hence control) of the Golden Tower.

 

464 AS -

Assassination of Emperor Horukell II by the O.A.L.

 

464 AS -

Ascension of Empress Sriyesa “The Lady of the Palaces."

 

517 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Horkhunen “The General." Rebanding of the Legion of the Mighty Prince.

517-580 AS - Raids into Pan Chaka and Mu’ugalavya.

 

518 AS - The Omnipotent Azure Legion: military branch, intelligence branch, and Servitors of Silence
Emperor Horkhunen, who was apparently an active man before his accession to the Petal Throne, chafed at being mewed up in the Golden Tower as custom decreed. In order to gain information and keep up with current events, therefore, he set aside part of the Legion to serve in every city in the Empire as agents of the Imperium, spies, and watch-dogs over the political and sectarian disputes which plagued Tsolyanu. During his reign, thus, the Legion was first officially split into three types of members: military, intelligence, and the personal servants of the Emperor himself, the deaf-mute Servitors of Silence corps to the Petal Throne. Apparently the Legion of Emperor Horkhunen’s day never numbered more than the standard Tsolyani twenty Cohorts, but some of these were permanently detached for special service while others guarded Avanthar or took part in the military actions of the Empire.

 

580 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Kurshetl Nikuma I “Seizer of Cities."

 

590 AS -

Subjugation of the Kurt Hills by the O.A.L. and the First Legion. The great Kurtani chieftain, Dai Oqoqu, is captured, allowing the Legion generals to force the Kurtani to swear undying fealty to the Imperium and to pacify the region. The O.A.L. spearheads campaigns against encroaching Hlutrgu tribes. The First Legion is victorious in a pitched battle with the Hlutrgu at the Field of Bogs in Kaija Province.

641 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Arodai Nikuma.

 

709 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hehejallu “The Dark Moon” (709-801 AS)

 

730 AS -

Investure of Milumanaya to the Empire of the Petal Throne. Hegemony of the priesthood of Sárku in the Tsolyánu Empire.

 

780 AS -

Tsolyáni invasion of the Chakas. Battle of Butrus - Seal legions fight against hordes of Pachi Lei for control of Pan Chaka, resulting in annexation of Pan Chaka (780-781 AS).

 

781 AS -

Do Chaka taken by Imperial forces after the fall of an independent Paya Gupa, quickly followed by victory over Pe Choi tribes who had not gone over to the Tsolyani.

 

801-816 AS -

Reign of Emperor Kurshetl Nikuma II “The Viewer of Night." Marked period of political strife and violence between the Temples of Change and Stability.

 

808 AS -

Uprisings in the Kurt Hills against a Sárku emperor. Kurshetl Nikuma II commands that undead and non-human cohorts be used to regain Kurtani villages. Outcries of a breach of the Concordant by the priesthoods of Stability force the Emperor to withdraw his special legions back into the City of Sárku.

 

816 AS -

Disappearance of Emperor Kurshetl Nikuma II "the Viewer of Night" from the Golden Tower. A thousand servants are tortured for the whereabouts of the Emperor (to no avail).

816-830 AS - The Time of No Emperors
The Time of No Emperors. The Empire of the Petal Throne is ruled in trust by a coalition of hierophants of the twenty temples.

 

830 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hrishmuna Neqo I, distant nephew of Emperor Nikuma II, placed upon the throne by the priesthoods of Stability.

 

831 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hrishmuna Neqo II. Rebanding of the Legion of the Mighty Prince.

 

851 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Todukai Neqo “Pillar of the State."

 

851-905 AS -

Creation of the Four Palaces, reformation of provincial administration and taxation reforms.

Market taxes, property taxes, various types of imposts upon mines and fisheries - all came under Imperial scrutiny. The Omnipotent Azure Legion was assigned specific administrative duties as well: e.g. its offices became a “court of last resort” for cases involving the interests of the Imperium. Its intelligence facilities were broadened, and its role in the surveillance of Imperial government increased many fold. At this time there was talk of divorcing these administrative and intelligence functions from the military arm of the Legion, and also from the Servitors of Silence in Avanthar; this never seems to have been effected, however, since the Tsolyani love of tradition and the inertia of long established custom are so prominent in the society of the Seal Imperium.

-Barker. (1981). “Deeds of the Ever-Glorious”. Page 16. Tékumel Netbook #1.

 

905 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Ngangmorel Neqo.

 

916 AS -

Ascension of Empress Vayuma Su “Empress of All the Lands."

 

930 AS -

Empress Vayuma Su “Empress of All the Lands” attempts to disband the First Legion.

 

931 AS -

Empress Vayuma Su "Empress of All the Lands," with the backing of the devotees of Thúmis and Hnálla, begins persecution of the Temples of Change.

 

945 AS -

Ascension of Empress Shaira Su “Divine Daughter of Thúmis." Increased religious strife leads to the brink of religious civil war.

 

975 AS -

City of Sárku besieged by Shaira Su "Divine Daughter of Thúmis" but never completely captured. Shaira Su is forced to sign a treaty with the hierophants of Lord Sárku, strengthening the Concordant. The First Legion brings about an end to the priesthood of Thúmis' power over the Petal Throne.

 

984 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Nriga Gaqchike “The Spider." Ascendancy of the Temple of Ksárul in political power. Many devotees of Ksárul gain governmental positions.

 

989 AS -

Legion of Potent Destiny struck from the imperial rolls.

 

1000 AS -

Yán Kór begins to achieve its loose, unstructured unity. Countless alliances grow and collapse. A legendary queen (now referred to only as the Divine Mother of Emerald Majesty) begins to build her armies and start a series of conquests carried out by her daughters.

 

1010-1026 AS -

Civil war between the temples within Tsolyánu. The citystate of Fasiltum under the Viridi Clan secede from the Petal Throne, as well as Tumissa and Chene Ho. The First Legion holds the central western provinces intact until the Great Restoration.

 

1026 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Kanmi'yel Nikuma I "the Warrior." Order is restored in the Tsolyáni Imperium. The First Legion receives the title of “The Hereditary Defenders of the Throne” and is granted land and fiefs by the Imperium.

 

1026-1031 AS -

The Imperium begins raiding Salarvya and even sends an expedition against Saa Allaqi.

 

1028 AS -

A contest to determine the nonhuman race most skilled in soldiering won is by a Pe Choi. This contest is held in the fields around Avanthar.

 

1031 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Kanmi’yel Nikuma I.

 

1031-1057 AS -

Temple of Vimúhla grows in dominance in the west and northeast. Rebanding of the Legion of the Mighty Prince.

 

1056-1057 AS -

Hierophant Targholel Nikuma of the Temple of Vimúhla effectively rules most of the west.

1045 AS -

The Sárku-worshipping Ito Clan revolts from the Seal (and murders a thousand O.A.L officers and men barracked there) but is crushed by a vengeful O.A.L. who takes orphaned Ito children and raises them as Servitors of Silence.

 

1046 AS -

The Mottled Plague ravages parts of Tsolyánu.

 

1057 AS -

Targholel Nikuma, governor of the western provinces, overthrows the Emperor. The rebel ascends the throne as a Tlakotáni clan member and rules ruthlessly in the name of Vimúhla.

 

1062 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Nu'unka "the Pious." The emperor attempts to restore the power of the Temples of Stability but is sickly and dies due to "illness." The great golden Disk of Blazing Light is installed in the temple of Hnálla at Béy Sü.

 

1062 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Kanmi'yel Nikuma III "the Scourge of Vimúhla." The emperor places many Vimúhla devotees (and fanatics) in the Imperial government. Nikuma III grants great swathes of lands to the greater glory of the Lord of Flame.

 

1074 AS -

Ascension of Kanmi’yel Nikuma IV “The Flattener of Peaks."

 

1115 AS -

Islands of Vra conquered by the Tsolyani. The nobility of the High Pinnacle Clan of Vra is exterminated. The islands of Thayuri and Gánga invested by the Petal Throne.

 

1123 AS -

The Imperium is politically divided; Avanthar rules in Béy Sü, the east is ruled by Kanmi'yel Nasundel while her sister, Janule "She of the Blue Goddess," rules the west.

 

1134 AS -

Empress Janule "She of the Blue Goddess" claims the Imperium after the sudden death of her brother.

 

1155 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Metlunel I “The Foolish,” whose extravagances and incompetent edicts nearly ruin the bureaucracy of the Empire.

 

1155 AS -

Fasiltum attempts to gain local autonomy but city governor Gayasu hiVriddi allows Imperial troops to enter a gate, forcing the city to surrender without a fight to avoid the wrath of the Seal Emperor. The Great Storm results in disastrous floods of the Chakas forest with much loss of human and non-human life.

 

1202 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Metlunel II “The Builder." The emperor drains the Imperial coffers by building many of the greatest palaces and temples in Seal history. The Sakbe roads are extended. The First Legion receives it’s epithet "... of Everpresent Glory” from Emperor Metlunel II “The Builder."

 

1218-1219 AS -

The Empire of Tsolyánu wars with Salarvya. Battle of Koyluga in 1218.

 

1220-1251 AS -

Large stretches of Sakbe Roads repaired and built in Tsolyánu. Channeling of the Equnoyel River.

 

1225 AS -

Emperor Metlunel, "The Builder," instigates an annual competition, which rewards the successor the title of "Bulwark of the Empire."

 

1251 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Tariktanme “Expander of Temples." The Emperor commands several great temples built for various activist sects of the Gods. He grants great political leeway to the Great Council of the Temples.

 

1279 AS -

Ascension of Sunun Drantike “The Mad."

 

1279 AS -

Ascension of Empress Dashiluna “The Green-Eyed”, who slew her half-brother to assume the Petal Throne.

 

1306 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Tontiken Rirune “Slave of Demons."

 

1318 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hejjeka I “The Replacer." He restores the Empire to the rule of the Lords of Stability, bringing law and custom back to lands disrupted by the reigns of lawlessness under the previous emperors of Change.

 

1325 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hejjeka II “The Heretic." Rebanding of the Legion of the Mighty Prince.

 

1325-1340 AS -

War with Salarvya. Emperor Hejjeka II gives up the custom of Imperial seclusion to march with his legions into war. Much of northwest Salarvya is conquered. Battle of Khum in 1325 where Salarvya Ahoggya troops butcher and devour three cohorts of Tsolyáni Shen mercenaries (thus began Shen-Ahoggya hostilities). Battle of Mmillaka. Battle of Chgehl Tiqeje in 1327. Abortive siege of the city of Nrikakchne in 1335.

 

1340 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Ngharradu “The Ascetic." Restores the custom of Imperial seclusion within Avanthar. The Temples of Stability increase in power from his patronage. Disbandment of the Legion of the Mighty Prince. The emperor returns some captured lands back to Salarvya. Battle of Mmillaka when Salarvya retakes additional lost provinces from Imperial legions.

 

1355 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hejjeka III “The Fat."

 

1361 AS -

Emperor Metlunel II ordered the Legion of the Searing Flame into exile in the northlands.

 

1407 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Metlunel III “He who Thirsts."

 

1458 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hejjeka IV “Restorer of Dignities." This emperor restores ancient patents of nobility.

 

1458 AS -

Vrayani dynasty restored to the Island of Vra and the God-kings of the Sapphire Seal regain autonomy. God-kings pledge near fanatical loyalty to Seal Emperor.

 

1460 AS -

The Kurt Hills given local autonomy by Emperor Hejjeka IV.

1513 AS -

Local autonomy returned to the island of Vra by Hejjeka IV "Restorer of Dignities."

 

1517 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Metlunel V “The Esthete."

 

1565 AS -

Mu'ugalavya army invests Paya Gupa. 17,000 O.A.L. soldiers are slain or captured and latter sacrificed.

 

1566 AS -

Do Chaka and Pan Chaka provinces taken by Mu'ugalavya armies.

 

1574 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hejjeka V “The Open-Handed." Imperial treasuries are drained by the generosity of this emperor.

 

1623 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Metlunel VI “He Who is Lame."

 

1699-1700 AS -

Civil war in Tsolyánu. Factions center around Chrajuna"the Usurper of the North", Vriggetsu Dnash "the Usurper of the South", Onusu hiBarudla "the Priest-king of Fasiltum", and Qenqolu hiVriddi "the General of the West." The usurpers are finally defeated by the Omnipotent Azure Legion who supports Kanmi’yel Nikuma.

 

1700 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Kanmi’yel Nikuma “The Pretender."

 

1699-1700 AS -

The Northlands come under one queen whose seat of power is at Ke'er. All domains of the North ally with her and the reclairant few are conquered.

 

1169 AS -

Kanmi'yel Nikuma V "the Pretender" crowned emperor by the Omnipotent Azure Legion.

 

1711 AS -

Do Chaka retaken from Mu'ugalavya occupation. The O.A.L. impale Mu’ugalavya soldiers in vengeance for the massacre of their fellows in 1565 AS.

 

1747 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Durumu “The Copper Blade of Sárku." Religious strife and reascendancy of the Temple of Sárku within Imperial rule.

 

1760 AS -

The Kurt Hills autonomy rescinded by Emperor Durumu.

 

1800 AS -

Durumu "the Copper Blade of Sárku" puts down a Pe Choi rebellion in the Protectorate of Do Chaka by executing over sixty percent of the Pe Choi population and sacrificing thousands more to the Lord of Worms. Pe Choi hostilities to the devotees of Sárku begin.

 

1809 AS -

Ascension of Empress Nrainue “The Iridescent Goddess." Devotees of the Dark Gods expunged from Imperial bureaucracy, and increased patronage of the temples of the Lords of Stability.

 

1842 AS -

Pan Chaka retaken from Mu'ugalavya occupation by Pachi Lei mercenaries (who are denied exacting vengeance upon retreating Mu’ugalavyani soldiers)

 

1840-1851 AS -

Negotiators bring the city of Hlikku into the royal domain of the Matriarch in Yán Kór.

 

1872 AS -

Ascension of Empress Aleya “The Damsel of Purity."

 

1858-1898 AS -

Human and nonhuman mercenaries loyal to the queen of Ke'er in Yán Kór, wage three wars to subjugate the island of Vridu and eventually add it as a rich province to the city-states of Yán Kór.

 

1900's AS -

The queens of Yán Kór take merchants under their protection and encourage local rulers to repair the Sakbe Roads. Many merchants adopt the gold 'Chza' of Ke'er as national currency.

 

1931 AS -

Ascension of Empress Ninue Jalesa “The Maiden of Beauty."

 

1958 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Neshkiruma “The Cloud-Spinner."

 

1960 AS -

Tanmrúktu the Astronomer (Undying Wizard) arrives in Tsolyánu.

 

1976 AS -

Milumanaya secedes. Fall of Pelesar from Seal rule. Yán Kór begins to rise as one of the Five Empires.

 

1993 AS -

Tanmrúktu the Astronomer (Undying Wizard) arrives in Jakálla, Tsolyáni from the Secret City of Dlásh in Livyánu.

Tanmrúktu is of somewhat indeterminate age: appearing to be in his late 50s/early 60s. He dresses in a fairly austere way, without showing any particular religious affiliations. He lives in a tower on one of the hills of Pála Jakálla. He lives alone, though he sometimes engages servants for short periods, though none of them last long. He is well-known in Pála Jakálla society, and will occasionally be found at social events.

Tanmrúktu is not a Tsolyáni native, although he has been in Tsolyánu so long that nobody alive can remember exactly where he came from originally.

In truth he is originally from the Secret City of Dlásh in Livyánu. He was declared a heretic by his fellow priests, and he managed to escape north to Mu’ugalavyá. He was not welcome there either, so he moved on to Tsolyánu, which was at the time under the rule of the vapid and uninterested Neshkirúma the Cloud-Spinner. He failed to notice the arrival of the heretic in 1960.

In Livyánu Tanmrúktu had reached the 16th Circle in the hierarchy of the Temple of the One of Fears. His heresy involved the closer linking of the Demon-Lords to the Shadow Gods, inferring that the Shadow Gods are merely more powerful versions of creatures such as Lord Órigob. To the average Tsolyáni priest, of course, this is merely common sense.

In his 400 years in the Empire, Tanmrúktu has devoted himself to the study of all the demons. He is possibly the foremost expert on the truth about all the demons. He has about 27 levels in both Demon Lore, and Practical Demonology. As well as his preeminence in the field of demonology he is quite well versed in various other sciences: Mathematics; Medicine; Astronomy; Astrology; Geography.

Languages (modern)

Tsolyáni (Native); Livyáni (Native (but slightly archaic); Mu’ugalavyáni (Intermediate); Salarvyáni (Advanced), Tsoleíni (Intermediate); Pe’é (Intermediate)

Languages (ancient)

Duruób (Near Native); Llyáni (Advanced); Ensvanyáli (Advanced); Sunúz (Intermediate); Thu’úsa (Advanced); Bednálljan (Advanced).

At the moment the popular belief is that Tanmrúktu is a renegade priest from the Nyémesel Isles. This belief will probably persist for a few months until somebody comes up with a new theory.

-http://Tékumel.com/gaming_advTTA.html

 

2015 AS -

Time of Many Emperors. Emperor Neshkiruma’s many sons (no less than 22) vie for the Petal Throne until a powerful general ascends the throne.

 

2015 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Gyesmu “The Iron Fist."

 

2016 AS -

Emperor Gyesmu attempts to revive as many legions as possible to counter the growing threat of Mu'ugalavya aggression.

 

2019-2020 AS -

The Great War. Red Hats (Mu’ugalavyáni) take Pan Chaka and Butrus when its governor treacherously surrenders the city. Pan Chaka and Do Chaka, as well as much of the western provinces, fall. Battle of Tumissa and Battle of Chene Ho in 2019, with defeat of Tsolyáni forces. Siege and fall of Purdimal; Urmish invested by the Red Hats in 2020. Loss of the city of Katalal. Battle of the Temple of Chanis with victory for Tsolyánu and breaking of the Red Hat supply lines. Siege of Béy Sü by Mu'ugalavya legions in 2020 and their withdrawal. Seal forces soundly defeat Mu’ugalavyani armies at the second battles of Tumissa and at the Sally of the Victorious at Chene Ho. Seal legions regain all territory for the Empire of the Petal Thrones, and retake Do Chaka and Pan Chaka Protectorates.

 

2029 AS -

Imperial forces seize Kaija Protectorate from Salarvya, who are embroiled in a civil war. Bloodless capture of the city of Jaikalor when clan master Lord Langsha hiDetlkolu surrenders it to the Seal Imperium. Emperor Gyesmu abrogates the lands and fiefs of the First Legion of Everpresent Glory.

 

2031 AS -

Imperial forces seize the Protectorate of Kerunan from the Hlutrgu.

 

2041 AS -

Imperial forces seize Chaigari after sieging the city of Hekellu.

 

2045 AS -

Sárku-worshipping Ito Clan in the Chakas revolts and forces the Imperium to halt expansion in Salarvya so that it’s legions might turn to crush the rebels. Shen mercenary leader refuses to battle Ito-allied Pe Choi rebels out of respect.

 

2065 AS -

Ndalu Clan engineers the death of Emperor Gyesmu by use of life-leeching magic.

 

2065 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Gyesmu Dalisa “The Magnificent and Ever-Living."

 

2066 AS -

The Engsvanyali calendar of Priestking Kazhilo'ob is adopted by the fragmented states of Livyanu, and the Duru'ob language comes into widespread use.

 

2079-2133 AS -

Temple of Ksárul builds secret monasteries in the mountains near Thri'il.

 

2168 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Heshtu’atl “The Mighty."

 

2234 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Arshu’u “The Ever-Splendid."

 

2251 AS -

Emperor Arshu'u "the Ever-Splendid" orders over a dozen Legions created in his honor.

 

2291 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Hetkolainen “He Whose Glory Never Ends." This emperor looks to reclaiming the Northlands for the greater Seal Glory.

 

2305 AS -

Scandal of the Red Sky Clan. The clan is punished for using Imperial warships in the Flotilla of Hagarr of Paranta for trading missions. Several clan-related captains and crews impaled.

 

2315 AS -

Incipient revolt of the Vriddi Clan in Fasiltum.

 

2328 AS -

Pandar hiHaisoner the artist creates the famous picture-map of Béy Sü.

 

2338 AS -

Tsolyáni forces raid Yán Kór. First expedition of Imperial forces sent to capture Baron Ald.

 

2340 AS -

Vriddi Clan revolt put down by Prince Nalukkan in a bath of blood. The Lady Elara hiVriddi and her inner followers immured in the Lower Catacomb of Silent Waiting for 22 years.

 

2341 AS -

Second imperial expedition into Yán Kór.

Sweet Singers of Nakome used to suppress Vriddi rebellion.

 

2342 AS -

Third Tsolyáni expedition into Yán Kór.

Plague devastates the Pé Chói of the Chakas.

2343 AS -

Fourth Tsolyáni expedition into Yán Kór.

 

2344 AS -

Fifth Tsolyáni expedition into Yán Kór.

 

2345 AS -

Sixth Tsolyáni expedition into Yán Kór.

Emperor Hetkolainen dies, much mourned.

 

2345 AS -

Ascension of Emperor Mursun Dlekkumine “The Weak." Prince Nalukkan flees into the North to escape from the Imperial agents of his brother Hirkane after the Kolumejálim.

 

2346 AS -

Mu'ugalavya incursion into Pan Chaka and their rout at the Battle of Butrus by General Kettukal.

Battle of Srigash Field won by Lord Bazhan in Yán Kór during the seventh expedition by Seal Imperial forces. Emperor Mursun dies of a strange plague (some speak of Zu’ur).

“War of the Grey and Blue” between the temples of Thúmis and Ksárul in the streets of Paya Gupa.

Aridani legion founded to suppress “bandit” Pe Choi in the Do Chaka.

 

2347 AS - 2366 AS

 

2347 AS -

Language: Tsolyáni.  
 * Ascension of 61st Emperor Hirkáne Tlakotáni “The Stone Upon Which the Universe Rests."
 * Battle of Butrus: Victory over the Mu’ugalavyani raiders in the Battle of Butrus, again won by General Kettukal early in the year.
 * Battle of Ry [Rü] in Kerunan with defeat of Salarvyáni invaders by General Kettukal late in the year
 * Hlüss incursion near Ngeshtu Head requires artillery to dislodge.

2349 AS -

An earthquake in Thenu Thendraya Peak destroys the Sakbe Road being built along precipices.

Incursion of Hluss hive-ships off Ngeshtu Head, soundly defeated by Seal navies and artillery. Artificial famines plotted by factions wishing to discredit the reign of Emperor Hirkane Tlakotáni lead to riots and bloodshed when Imperial forces punish the famine perpetrators and quell the enraged mobs amongst the effected clans.

Hlaka rebels near Hekellu eliminated by 20th Medium Infantry.

Governor of Jakalla resigns after financial scandal.

 

2350 AS -

Half-breed Old Ones show tattered red Mu'ugalavya standard captured in 2019 during the siege of Purdimal.

 

2351 AS -

Eighth Tsolyánu expedition to crush Baron Ald. Tsolyánu raid on the Yán Kóryani city of Maxis. Lord Bazhan breaks through Yán Kóryani defenses and quickly sieges Ke'er, capturing it, plundering it, and impaling mistress Yilrana before it’s ruined gates. Yán Kóryáni counter-attack

 

2352 AS -

Political strife and civil warfare in the cities of Keruna and Gorulu in Haida Pakala. Scorching droughts in the deserts of the great southern continent. Yán Kór mobilizes against Tsolyáni invaders and Yán Kóryáni occupy Pijena.

 

2353 AS -

Exile of First General Kettukal hiMraktine to Chene Ho due to suspect intrigues discovered by the Imperial Party. Yán Kóryani soldiers occupy Pijena.

 

2353 AS -

Yán Kóryani forces fortify Atkolel Heights. Tsolyáni legions fail to dislodge them.

The Ferinara slave revolt(1)

 

2354 AS -

Seal legions skirmish with bandits and Hlaka rebels supported by Yán Kóryani agents in Chaigari. Yán Kóryáni attack Tsolyánu

The Ferinara slave revolt(2).

 

2356 AS -

Yán Kór issues a Declaration of War against the empire of Tsolyánu. Yán Kór Gureks invade borders of the Seal, advancing around the Atkolel Heights into Tsolyánu. Battle of Atkolel Heights: Tsolyáni forces under Kettukal halt Yán Kóryáni advance.

 

2357 AS -

General Kettukal is recalled from disgrace to halt the Yán Kóryani advance at the Battle of Atkolel Heights; Yán Kóryani invasion halted at battles near Chene Ho and Khirgar in 2356-2357.

Prince Eselne joins the general at the Western Front, based at Khirgar. The Military Party unites behind the two figures.

 

2358 AS -

Legion of Potent Destiny reactivated. Surundano is revealed by the Temple of Thúmis. Mirusiya is revealed by the Vriddi Clan in Fasiltum, breaking Prince Eselne's hold over the Military Party as Vimúhla worshippers flock to support the new prince. The war on the Western Front begins to bog down into a strategic stalemate.

 

2360 AS -

Prince Mirusiya, with the hesitant support of the Military Party, advocates a campaign in the east to cut off Baron Ald’s allies, Milumanaya and Saa Allaqi. He rightly determines that a two-front war, which Tsolyánu can wage, will force Yán Kór to surrender.

Priest Harsan activates the Man of Gold and closes Tékumel from The Goddess of the Pale Bone.

 

2361 AS -

(East) The Eastern Campaign, under Prince Mirusiya and Lord Kaikama, begins at Thri’il. Many powerful figures dedicated to the gods of Change and of Stability, dubbed “New Men,” join the Prince (Lord Kaikama, General Heketh of Purdimal, Lord Kadawere, etc.) The eastern army advances through the Pass of Skulls and takes the Fortress of Skulls. The Yán Kóryani general, the Lady Deq Dimani (one of Yán Kór’s best generals and a lover of the Baron), feels that the fortresses in southern Milumanaya can slow a Tsolyáni advance in time to gather more reinforcements. Prince Mirusiya attempts to conquer the desert state of Milumanaya. Tsolyáni advances catch the Yán Kóryani field army unprepared at the Battle of the Hill of the Stone Serudla (leaving the Tsolyáni in control of the field but badly bloodied). Ahriam Basram replaces Lord Kaikama as the supreme field commander. The Tsolyáni pursue Deq Dimani and her retreating Yán Kóryani forces. The Lady deals a check on the Tsolyáni advance at the Battle for the town of Mar, allowing the Yán Kór to regroup. The two armies settle down to reorganize around Mar. Deq Dimani leads a night attack on the Tsolyáni defenders in the Second Battle of Mar. The attempt fails and cumulates in the Third Battle of Mar and destruction of the eastern Yán Kór army when Tsolyáni flying columns led by Karin Missum take them in the rear.

Fall of the caravan city of Sunraya and the death of Firaz the Elder, all by a ruse of Ahrim Basram’s personal physician, the Livyani archmage Eloea. Capture of the Fortress Ninu'ur to the Legion of the Storm of Fire. Fall of Pu'er to the legions of the Seal of the Worm and the Scales of Brown, who break the Concordant by using undead soldiers. Prince Mirusiya commands the offending general impaled and demoralizes Sárku troops on the Eastern Front following testimony of several Flame soldiers.

(West) The Tsolyáni Western army (under by Prince Eselne) takes the Atkolel Heights. First General Kettukal takes the town of Akarsha in the bloodiest siege of the war. Lightning invasion of Pijena by seizing the town of Kai and blockade of Yán Kór garrison at Pijnar.

2362 AS -

(East) Tsolyáni troops control southern and eastern Milumaniya. Prince Mirusiya splits the eastern invasion force in Sa’a Allaqi. Death of Senior General Kadarsha hiTlekolmu of the Legion of the Searing Flame, commandant of the eastern armies under Prince Mirusiya at the Milumananyani village of Kankara while defending his Prince from a magical attack. Karim Missum is made Kerdudalikoi and given command of the Legion of Red Devastation. The Kerdudalikoi Ketkollel is made the governor of the new Tsolyáni province of Milumaniya with the Kerdu Kambe hiMorusai (new commander of the Legion of Searing Flame) serving as his military advisor. Battle of the town of Anohl with the defeat of the Tsolyáni army. General Karin Missum razes the city of Grai and Kru Sekka to bring Saa Allaqi to its knees (this causes the Ssao to break negotiations of peace with Avanthar and to recall his daughter, Princess Vrisa Vishetru, by sending her brother Mridan Vishetru to reclaim her). Kambe accepts command of the field forces when Karin Missum is recalled to Avanthar to deal with problems growing in the west. Kerdu Kutume of the Legion of the Storm of Fire pacifies the rear areas of Milumaniya.

(West) Prince Eselne is injured in a skirmish at Aqesha, forcing the Tsolyáni army to encamp in Kai. A Yán Kór treaty with Mu’ugalavya grants western Pijena to the Red Hats in exchange for military aide in surrounding Kai and sieging it.

 

2363 AS -

Kambe, “the Wall Walker,” leads Tsolyáni soldiers in a siege of Tleku Miriya. Deq Dimani is replaced as field commander by her brother, who is later killed without mercy by Kambe in hand-to-hand combat. The eastern Tsolyáni army occupies Tleku Miriya. Kerdu Kambe is made governor of Tleku Miriya.

 

= 2364 AS - Death of Emperor Hirkáne Tlakotáni = Emperor Hirkáne died and Prince Dhich'uné took the throne in a questionable manner, ending the war with Yán Kór. Civil war broke out between him and two other princes, Eselné and Mirusíya.

 

Death of Emperor Hirkáne Tlakotáni (now suspected of being murdered by his son, Prince Dhich'une, possibly with the aid of He'esa). Ascension of Emperor Dhich’une Tlakotáni “Eternal Splendor,” during the intercalary days after the Kolumejalim (which is held in one day). Prince Mridobu and Lord Muresh hiQolyelmu, Head of the Intelligence Arm of the Omnipotent Azure Legion, disappear from Avanthar. Units of troops loyal to Lord Sárku are regrouped near Thri’il, Aukesha, Sunraya, City of Sárku, and Avanthar. Vridekka hiTlelsu takes over the Intelligence Arm of the Omnipotent Azure Legion. Usenanu, Béy Sü, and other midland cities are ostensibly under the Emperor's control. Jakalla and Sokatis and the cities of the south-east only pay lip service to the new emperor. Alliance made with Yán Kór, as the Emperor appoints Baron Ald to the post of First General of the Empire. Rebellions in Tsolyánu are ruthlessly suppressed by the First General. General Ald garrisons Thri’il to seal Mirusiya’s army off in the north. Deq Dimani is sent to retake Sunraya and isolate the Tsolyáni armies. The Lady Deq Dimani manages to retake Sunraya but can not take the citadel. Lord Fu Shi'i uses his Weapon Without Answer to trap Prince Mirusiya and the Eastern army in an other-planar shadow of Tleku Miriya. Kambe controls all forces north of Sunraya. He negotiates with the "king" of Milumanaya and the Mu'ugalavyani general Mi'itlanesh. Kutume commands the field forces in the south.

 

(East) Defeat of General Kanmbe at Dlakar while the general tries to relieve his Prince. Mirusiya and the remnants of the Eastern army are freed from Tleku Miriya by the actions of heros. Karin Missum reduces Tleku Miriya. Mirusiya marches south. Victory of Prince Mirusiya’s army against Sa’a Allaqiyani, Yán Kór, and Tsolyáni units at the second Battle of the town of Dlakar (where the Weapon Without Answer was temporarily disabled by magic). Defeat of the Eastern army at the Battle of the Town of Arver and the Prince’s flight south-west through the mountains to Fasiltum.

 

(West) Prince Eselne’s army breaks through the siege of Kai and regroups at Akarsha. The Western army force marches back to Chene Ho. Battle at the Fortress of Ti’Gurue with victory to the Prince.

 

2364 AS -

Prince Mirusiya proclaims his ascendancy to the Petal Throne and weds a newly revealed Lady Elara hiVriddi. The city of Fasiltum declares itself an independent state under the Prince until such time as the prince takes the Petal Throne as Emperor. Prince Eselne is slain by Lady Sitlaya hiHehesha at Paya Gupa, forcing soldiers loyal to the Prince to travel the underground tubeway car, defeating Sárku assassins, to retrieve Badragu Ejel hiKaraktu who can bring the Prince back to life.

 

2364 AS (early) -

Growing Mu’ugalavya incursions into the Chakan Provinces turn into an invasion of said provinces. Salarvyani raiders enter the Gilraya Forests. Tsolyánu and Yán Kór combine forces to oppose Mu’ugalavyu aggression in the west. A Mu’ugalavyani army besieges Paya Gupa; the Red Hats march before the walls of Tumissa, from up lines, and then break formation to retreat; brief battle surrounding Chene Ho.

 

2364-2365 AS - summer

Salarvyani forces conquer Ru and Fenul and invade the Gilraya forests. Squabbling amongst Salarvyani commanders impedes attempts to take Thraya or Jaikalor. Eselne returns with the Western army to Paya Gupa, forcing the Mu’ugalavyani to break the siege of Paya Gupa and withdraw back to Pan Chaka.

 

= 2365 AS =

Scribe Alberti in Tékumel (Guardians of Order 2005)
Emperor Hirkane’s youngest revealed son, Dhich’une, a fanatical devotee of Lord Sárku who was sometimes possessed by an aspect of that Deity; killed Hirkane (57yo) in a coup; held a “false’ Kolumejalim in which no other candidates could arrive to compete; Acceded to the Throne early un 2366; country broke out into civil war. Eventually defeated by an alliance between his siblings, and is rumoured to have left this Plane. 62nd Emperor, Dhich’une, “Eternal Splendour”.

2365 AS -- Dhich'une’s Kolumejalim
It appears he had the High Chancellor, Lord Chaimira, brought before him and demanded a Kolumejalim. Enough time had passed, he said, and the Empire had no monarch. The Temple of Hnalla is obligated to provide a Kolumejalim within reasonable time limits. These had never been formally defined. The Temple of Hnalla said that a Kolumejalim could not be held as long as all of the viable candidates were not present. Dhich'une knew Eselne and Mirusiya were away at war in the north, and Princess Ma'in was no threat. Prince Rereshqala had not declared himself as a candidate. Dhich'une and his supporters then demanded that a Kolumejalim be held, whether candidates could reach it or not--national security, and all that -- and at length the temple prelates agreed. He did send invitations to both of the major heirs, although he knew they could not get free from the war and arrive in time. The thing was shoddily done, which is why many people are not satisfied just to let him remain Emperor. There have been Sarku Emperors before, and the Imperium has survived, but this was too much for the staid and sober clan-leaders of Tsolyanu. When Eselne and Mirusiya did manage to get back, they found readymade factions waiting to follow them. Not much is known about some of the internal politicking that went on during this period -- it's probably pretty shameful!

-Barker. The Blue Room Vol7#205.

The Princes have always had more power than appears on the surface. It must have taken some exceedingly delicate planning to get rid of Mridobu, but Dhich'une has had help from various places (Planes, too!), that must have got past the defences. As for the Temple of Hnalla, they were under pressure to solve the succession quickly, in view of the war in Yán Kór and the fear of Mu'ugalavyani and Salarvyani invasions. A period without an Emperor is always a shaky one, and perhaps the priesthoods decided that instability might be fine on paper, but in politics it is dangerous for the social order. Surundano was an ackonlwedged wimp; Arimala was a fine sculptress but not in the least interested in becoming Empress. The other hidden heirs (e.g. Taksuru) were caught off guard and unprepared. Now they've had time to plan. It will be different this time.

-Barker. The Blue Room Vol7#208.

The worshippers of the Stability deities want a solid, stable, and predictable Empire, and that a long-lived (if "lived" is the correct term?) Sarku Emperor is just the one to give it to them. I doubt whether Dhich'une had to "conspire" with the temple of Hnalla in any really conspiratorial sense; all he had to do was to do away with the present Emperor and the likely local candidate, Prince Mridobu; then he could honestly point out that the other viable candidates were far away, fighting dangerous battles from which they might not return for years or not at all. A glance toward Mu'ugalavyaand its adventures in Livyanu, and toward Salarvya and its pressure on the eastern flank would be all that would be needed to send the Stability temples scurrying for a solution.

-Barker. The Blue Room Vol7#209.

News for the year 2365
-M.A.R. Barker. (1992). “News for the year 2365”.

Aremala surfaces in Tumissa
Princess Aremala Tlakotani has been discovered under the protection of the temple of Avanthe and safe within the walls of Tumissa. She had previously been under the care of Prince Rereshqala in his estate outside Jakalla, having been rescued from the land of the Urunen on the Southern Continent by a stalwart band of adventurers. She had apparently been arrested by members of the Omnipotent Azure Legion under orders from Emperor Dhich'une. She and her Imperial Sister Ma'in Kruthai are now both present in Tumissa.

Ma'in Kruthai departs Governor's palace in Tumissa
Long a guest of the Governor of Tumissa, Princess Ma'in Kruthai was escorted from the Governor's Palace (some say under the objections of the Governor) to the Temple of Dlamelish in that city, where she now resides. Her departure was precipitated by the unexpected arrival in that city of several cohorts of the Army of the Translucent Emerald, long thought lost far to the east of the Empire. How these troops arrived in western Tumissa is unknown.

Emperor Dhich'une turns on Baron Ald
In an unexpected turn of events, Emperor Dhich'une has sought the assassination of the Baron Ald of Yan Kor, whose alliance was crucial to Dhich'une's assuming power over Tsolyanu and Yan Kor. Ald escaped assassination by the Emperor of Tsolyanu, the second time for the General, who was betrayed decades ago and went on to unite the warring northern tribes into the nation of Yan Kor as a means to achieve revenge. Ald's betrayal led to massive battles between his loyal Yan Koriani forces and Imperial forces in the city of Bey Su. Ald was victorious. The Temple of Sarku in that city was sacked, and the Governor and his sister impaled.

New Prince Revealed -  Prince Taksuru hiViridame
Following Ald's betrayal during the summer of the year 2,365, a new Prince of the Empire was revealed in the city of Bey Su. Prince Taksuru Tlakotani, previously Taksuru hi Viridame, of the prestigious Cloak of Azure Gems clan, Worshipper of Ksarul, and accomplished statesman, ambassador and traveller, accepted the Gold and immediately declared Emperor Dhich'une Tlakotani, Eternal Splendour, a traitor to the throne and patricide, and called for his immediate overthrow. Ald has vowed allegiance with the new Prince against Dhich'une, and brings with him to the alliance the infamous Lord Fu Shi'i and the valiant Lady Deq Dimani.

Prince Mridobu surfaces in Bey Su
Prince Mridobu Tlakotani, missing for eighteen months and long thought dead, has surfaced alive and unharmed in Bey Su. Both worshippers of Ksarul, Prince Mridobu presented his Imperial Brother Taksuru Tlakotani to the Empire along with the Lady Kalusu hi Viridame in a ceremony in Bey Su. Mridobu's appearance and support of his brother has supplied Taksuru with an unexpectedly broad base of support, including the temples of Hnalla and Thumis in Bey Su.

Dhich'une marches on Bey Su
Not unexpectedly, Taksuru's appearance and declarations brought about a quick response from Avanthar, and massive troop movements presaged a major battle north of Bey Su. While the precise results of this battle are not known, Prince Taksuru has returned to Bey Su to quell uprisings by the commoners of that city, who engaged in general lawlessness when the city forces were called north to battle.

Mirusiya still under siege in Fasiltum
Prince Mirusiya is still effectivly contained within the city of Fasiltum, where he resides with Lady Elara hi Vriddi.

Eselne escapes assassination, remains in Paya Gupa
An assassination attempt against Prince Eselne, presumably by supporters of Emperor Dhich'une, was only narrowly averted. Lord Gamulu hi Beshene, one of the mightiest healers in the Empire, was dispatched by magical means from Jakalla to Paya Gupa to treat the Prince's remains, which had been placed in magical stasis using a Magnificent Ruby Eye. The action of the dessicating poison used against the Prince was so swift that only moments separated the first contact of the poison and the complete dessication of the Prince's body into unrevivifiable component molecules. Lord Gamulu was barely able to restore the Prince to life, and both the Prince and Lord Gamulu were left seriously depleted.

Mu'ugalavyani Invasion
Mu'ugalavyani invaded the forest state of Do Chaka, using an army of the Ssu, loathsome monsters who detest all mankind, as their icebreakers to shatter the army of Prince Eselne and sack the city of Tumissa in Tsolyánu. The plan, led by a general named Tewfik, failed when a group of Tsolyáni agents (adventurers) stole the Eye of Commanding Enemies, a magic item which kept the Ssu hypnotised. When the Ssu awoke from their trance, they turned on the Mu'ugalavyani, rending the army to the four winds.

 

2365 AS (late summer) -
The invading Livyani arny encounters the False Plague in Tsolei and flee, bringing the plague to Livyanu.

 

Where things stand
It is now late autumn of the year 2,365. Many cities have been emboldened by Prince Taksuru's actions and his broad support to rise against the Emperor. Eselne's supporters have been active in the Northwest around Meku. The city of Tsuru is closed to all but Eselne's supporters. Most cities are under Imperial Martial law, and travel is greatly restricted. The empire is nearly completely embroiled in civil war.

 

Fighting between Sárku loyalists and other factions in Béy Sü. The “Disposer of Meku”, a Chiténg worshipper, destroys the local temples of Lords Sárku and Hrü'ǘ in the city of Muru. Whether he was in breach of or upholding the ancient law of the Concordat by preventing Dhuch’une from having the Temples of Sárku take over and control the Omnipotent Azure Legion (OAL), and create an undead Theocracy, is still hotly debated. Many cities brought under control of OAL garrisons loyal to the Worm Prince.

 

= 2366 Dohala 21st. - Prince Taksuru Tlakotáni Enters Jakálla = -as noted by Bob Dushay. The Blue Room Vol6#165.

Out here in the hinterlands, the last we'd heard of Prince Taksuru was that he had left Béy Sü to parley with Dhich'une in Dohala 2366, and had never been seen since. I figured he had been lured to his death. What happened? While we're at it, what happened to Béy Sü, which was "covered by the hand of Sarku" shortly thereafter?

The Rise and Fall of Hiriktashte
On the 21st of Dohala, 2366, Prince Taksuru Tlakotáni marched forth from Béy Sü to Avanthar with the purpose of meeting with Emperor Dhichune. He has not been heard from again.

On the 23rd of Dohala the Council of the Priesthoods dispatched an envoy to the Golden Tower to convey a challenge to the Emperor by an unspecified Imperial Prince, calling into question the legitimacy of his rule.

With this envoy travelled a retinue, including several nobles and a squad of soldiers as escorts.

Upon ariving at Avanthar via tubeway car, several members of the retinue  disappeared. Disguised among them were the Baron Ald of Yán Kór and Prince Mridobu Tlakotáni. Taking advantage of the Prince's secret knowledge of his home in Avanthar, the squadron quickly entered the Golden Tower. Even as the envoy was delivering his challenge to the Emperor, Dhich'une was fleeing for his life from his half-brother and the Baron.

So it was that Emperor Hiriktashte, "Risen to Rule", ascended the Petal Throne. His first act was to name Ald the High General of the Empire. His second was to seize the Council of the Priesthoods in Béy Sü, and thereby set about legitimizing his hold on the Throne. All of Mridobu's staunchest supporters were called in to begin the task of organizing and assuming control of the Empire. The bureacratic nightmare of taking over an empire the size of Tsolyanu was underway.

But it was not to be. On the 25th of Dohala the trap was apparently sprung. Emerging from beneath Avanthar, through passages unknown even to the wily Mridobu (and possibly new since Hirkane was deposed), swarms of Undead emerged and overwhelmed the occupants of Avanthar. Captives were not taken

and quarter was not given. Individuals who did not fall to the sword of copper were instead trampled beneath the feet of their ancestors, torn asunder by their groping claws, or hurled bodily through the windows of the upper stories to  perish in the river or on the land below.

Left largely undefended by the withdrawal of the forces of Ald, Mridobu and Taksuru, the city of Béy Sü was overwhelmed and interdicted. No word nor refugee has emerged with news of what occurred. Telepathic and magical contacts with Béy Sü and Avanthar are not possible. The Hand of Sarku has covered the mouth of the city.

Rumors abound concerning the recent events, but the concensus seems to be that Dhich'une has once again skillfully executed a major coup. Beginning with his 'betrayal' of Ald earlier this year, he set the stage for the elimination of the entire Ksarul power structure, and the retaking of Béy Sü. By betraying Ald, the General could ally with Taksuru and Mridobu. Having done so, those individuals were drawn out, and destroyed.

It is now the second Intercalary day of 2366-2367. In the city of Usenanu and elsewhere about the Empire, the normally raucous celebrations are muted and reserved. Only the necessary and formal relgious rites are practiced to meet the demands of doctrine. The streets are not filled with revelers, the temples conduct ceremonies before small crowds of dour, anxious faces. All wonder what new malaise the year 2367 A.S. shall bring.

Barker. The Blue Room Vol6#167
All of this unrest has opened the gates to vigilante justice and opportunism. Looting and murder are rampant, and the great clanhouses, temples, and businesses locked their doors and stayed inside until Prince Rereshqala's troops had restored a semblance of order. Now (mid-summer, 2,367) there is quiet.

 

The temple of Sarku was initially sacked by mobs of looters, city guards, local contingents of the legions, and even temple guards from other temples! It was this that Lord Tekunu remembers so vividly. The temple was restored after he had left the city in the interests of order and peace between the sects. It's open for business as usual now. Prince Rereshqala apparently has no intention of destroying any sect or group; he only demands obedience to the law of the land and continued efforts to rebuild the Empire. His troops later punished a few of the most flagrant looters and those responsible for the burning of the sanctuary of Sarku. As said above, it was a good thing for Tekunu that he left the city when he did...

 

Almost everything Lord Tekunu relates is as it actually transpired. Here and there he differs in emphasis or minor detail from the way I recall it, but in the main his memories are accurate. What doesn't appear is what happened AFTER he had left Jakalla. This is thus rather like getting a news report for one particular day, in  one particular month, in one particular year, from Sarajevo: it doesn't present a long-term, ongoing picture of what is happening. It cannot (and does not purport to) give a larger view of events across the Empire. This is to be expected.

Barker. The Blue Room Vol6#168
Lord Arjai left Béy Sü near the end of 2,366. His present whereabouts on Tekumel's primary Plane are unknown. Hence, he missed much of what happened during the spring of 2,367. I can only partially fill this gap since I myself have not been back to Béy Sü to "look" with any party of players since.

 

Prince Taksuru was not slain, nor has he disappeared. He sent out all of his available troops (some of the Béy Sü legions, some city and temple guards, and a contingent of the Baron's soldiers from Yán Kór), plus hordes of city-dwellers armed with axes, clubs, and whatever. Dhich'une had no large garrison nearby -- Avanthar actually houses only a small number of defenders -- and in a pitched battle north of Béy Sü, the Imperial forces were defeated (barely!) and sent fleeing back into Avanthar. Taksuru regrouped and camped where he was. (It was at this point, I think, that Lord Arjai's party left the area.)

 

After some weeks of fruitless parleying with Eselne's emissaries, then Mirusiya's, and finally Rereshqala's, Taksuru saw that his position was increasingly fragile, and he ordered a retreat into Béy Sü. His troops are now esconced in tye city and are in full control.

 

The "Darkness" which Dhich'une had called down upon Béy Sü was dissipated by Ksarul priests summoned from the ancient stronghold of Hmakuyal. The skies are now clear, and the mood of desolation and oppression is now gone -- replaced by a very real mood of grim apprehension mingled with some hope for a compact between the Princes.

If Lord Arjai had stayed, he would have seen the Prince's somewhat-less-than-triumphal return into the city.

 

What follows is essentially correct. The attempt to put Mridobu on the Petal Throne was not due to Taksuru but to a plot within the Temple of Ksarul to put a known quantity -- the stable and efficient burueacrat, Mridobu -- on the Throne.

>On the 23rd of Dohala the Council of the Priesthoods dispatched an envoy to

>the Golden Tower to convey a challenge to the Emperor by an unspecified

>Imperial Prince, calling into question the legitimacy of his rule.

>With this envoy travelled a retinue, including several nobles and a squad

>of soldiers as escorts.

>

>Upon ariving at Avanthar via tubeway car, several members of the retinue

>disappeared. Disguised among them were the Baron Ald of Yán Kór and

>Prince Mridobu Tlakotáni. Taking advantage of the Prince's secret knowledge

>of his home in Avanthar, the squadron quickly entered the Golden Tower.

>Even as the envoy was delivering his challenge to the Emperor, Dhich'une

>was fleeing for his life from his half-brother and the Baron.

Actually, Mridobu had learned that Dhich'une had been summoned to the City of Sarku to attend a very special High Ceremony for the Worm Lord. Of course, it is absolutely illegal for an Emperor to leave the Golden Tower, but this would not be the first time a monarch had slipped out for some important reason. Hence, Mridobu knew in advance that Dhich'une would not be "at home," and he counted upon this for success.

 

>So it was that Emperor Hiriktashte, "Risen to Rule", ascended the Petal Throne.

 

This was Mridou's choice of a throne-name. Not too prophetic, it turned out...

 

>His first act was to name Ald the High General of the Empire. His second was

>to seize the Council of the Priesthoods in Béy Sü, and thereby set about

>legitimizing his hold on the Throne. All of Mridobu's staunchest supporters

>were called in to begin the task of organizing and assuming control of the

>Empire. The bureacratic nightmare of taking over an empire the size of

>Tsolyanu was underway.

 

He didn't have to "seize" the Council of Priesthoods. He already had large numbers of the senior politicians on the temple staffs in his figurative pocket, and all he had to do was threaten Prince Taksuru's supporters with temple retribution if they objected to him. Most gave in rather meekly, but Taksuru himself was not ready to give up.

 

>But it was not to be. On the 25th of Dohala the trap was apparently sprung.

>Emerging from beneath Avanthar, through passages unknown even to the wily

>Mridobu (and possibly new since Hirkane was deposed), swarms of Undead

>emerged and overwhelmed the occupants of Avanthar. Captives were not taken

>and quarter was not given. Individuals who did not fall to the sword of

>copper  were instead trampled beneath the feet of their ancestors, torn

>asunder by their groping claws, or hurled bodily through the windows of the

>upper stories to perish in the river or on the land below.

 

This is apprently true, although no one knows whether Prince Mridobu was among the dead. It IS known that Baron Ald escaped, fighting his way down to the tubeway cars and back to Yán Kór. He's been sighted there recently.

>Left largely undefended by the withdrawal of the forces of Ald, Mridobu and

>Taksuru, the city of Béy Sü was overwhelmed and interdicted. No word nor

>refugee has emerged with news of what occurred. Telepathic and magical

>contacts with Béy Sü and Avanthar are not possible. The Hand of Sarku

>has covered the mouth of the city.

 

This is true. Lord Arjai cannot have known of what transpired afterward. The Hand of Sarku has now been mostly lifted. Prince Mirusiya made an abortive assault on Avanthar but was driven back. Now, it is learned, he and Taksuru have combined with the Baron to make yet another attack on the fortress, and this time they are determined to win or perish.

>Rumors abound concerning the recent events, but the concensus seems to be

>that

>Dhich'une has once again skillfully executed a major coup. Beginning with

>his

>'betrayal' of Ald earlier this year, he set the stage for the elimination of

>the entire Ksarul power structure, and the retaking of Béy Sü. By betraying

>Ald, the General could ally with Taksuru and Mridobu. Having done so, those

>individuals were drawn out, and destroyed.

 

This was TRIED, but the rumours are just that: rumours. He betrayed Baron Ald indeed, but the Baron got back to Yán Kór, spent some time "mending fences" within his shaky alliance of city-states and local interests, and is now once again meddling in Tsolyani politics. He is said to be with Prince Mirusiya -- though some say he himself is still in Yán Kór but has sent his leman, the inimitable Fu Hsi, and possibly Lady Deq Dimani (with her Tsolyani comrade, Lady Kalusu hiViridame) to lead the Yán Kóryani contingent.

>It is now the second Intercalary day of 2366-2367. In the city of Usenanu

>and

>elsewhere about the Empire, the normally raucous celebrations are muted and

>reserved. Only the necessary and formal relgious rites are practiced to meet

>the demands of doctrine. The streets are not filled with revelers, the

>temples conduct ceremonies before small crowds of dour, anxious faces.

>All wonder what new malaise the year 2367 A.S. shall bring.

 

This is reasonably true as reported. The difficulty is only that it is a "gnat's eye" view of events. Even I have no information about many of these things, particularly of what goes on inside the Sarku camp. It is now mid-summer, 2,367, and my party of player-characters has opted to go and live in a small, remote fief northeast of Sokatis on the Salarvyani border. There, they are bothered only by the Ssu, the Salarvyani, various demons, ghosts, and local peasants...

 

Wish them well as they bravely face the Unknown...!

A ‘hidden’ Prince Taksuru. Barker. The Blue Room Vol6#170.
Prince Taksuru is another of the "hidden" Princes. The Tsolyani encourage the great clans, temples, and powerful families to take one of the Emperor's children just after birth and bring him or her up away from the Court. In this way, te reasoning goes, the empire will be assured of candidates who are not just pampered and spoiled princelings, who have no experience with reality. For this reason, Prince Mirusiya was handed over to the Vriddi clan of Fasiltum, and he grew up there not knowing who he was until the Omnipotent Azure Legion was instructed to offer him the "Gold." The clan saw to his education, training, and progress, and if he had shown signs of weakness, they would have quietly shunted him off to live out his life as a simple clansman somewhere. They would have reported his failings to the Omnipotent Azure Legion, and the latter would never have given him a chance at the Throne.

 

Thus it was with Taksuru hiTlakotáni. He was raised in the Cloak of AzureGems clan in Béy Sü and was told he was a Viridame, an old and famous lineage. He was educated in the temple schools, entered the priesthood of Lord Ksarul, and was trained in a variety of fighting and scholarly skills. His tutors never told him who he was but quietly encouraged him to enroll in the subjects they knew he would need for the Kolumejalim, the "Choosing of Emperors."

 

He was contacted by various agents of the Throne, as well as his temple authorities, and the consensus was that he would someday be ripe for revealing: when the time came, an agent of the Petal Throne would appear

and offer him the "Gold." (He now says that he guessed his true identity as early as his twelfth birthday, when his teachers discouraged him from learning music and art and directed him towards sorcery and unarmed combat skills instead.)

 

He remained under the eagle eyes of his clan, his temple, and the Omnipotent Azure Legion all during his adolescence. Eventually he was introduced to Lady Kalusu hiViridame, who was of the same lineage but of a different clan (Hand of Darkness). She is a "Marek": an ancient and secretive body of guardians who are charged with watching over important people, candidates for the Throne, and the like, without ever revealing their identities or powers. Taksuru liked her, but she was not terribly fond of him, being smitten with a certain powerful northern ruler and having higher plans for herself than "playing nursemaid" (as she put it) to a young man (who was almost the same age!).

 

Taksuru grew up to be a handsome, rather serious, taciturn young man. He is strong, intelligent, always balanced and watchful, and quite talented. Whether he is good enough to defeat the other candidates for the Petal Throne or not remains to be seen. He is not equal to Dhich'une in sorcery, nor to Eselne in sheer physical power, nor to Rereshaqala in diplomacy, nor to Mirusiya in leadership of troops. But Taksuru's combination of talents may be enough to survive, especially since the others are weaker than he is in one or more of the requisite talents.

 

The temple of Ksarul prefers him over Mridobu, who was more of a bureaucrat and less fervent in his religious observances. Prince Mridobu would have kept Taksuru from being revealed, however, because he himself wanted to be his temple's candidate, and his clique within the temple and Imperial power structure could have kept those who favoured Taksuru away from the limelight. Mridobu lost his chance when Dhich'une out-manouevred him and got to the Petal Throne after Hirkane died (or was slain). Now it's too late, probably, for Mridobu. He may even be already dead.

 

Taksuru is thus the only hope of the Ndalu Clan and related factions in the temples of Hru'u, Gruganu, and Wuru. He is acceptable to the other temples because he seems to be a balanced and non-fanatic young man, who

would not rock too many boats or take out his pique upon those who disagreed with him. He can get along, it is thought, even with Hnalla, Thumis, and Belkhanu, although he has little to recommend him to Karakan, Vimuhla, or to Avanthe and Dlamelish. At least he is not openly hostile.

 

In view of current political developments, Taksuru has had to make an uneasy alliance with Prince Mirusiya and the Vimuhla faction. Politics does indeed make strange bedfellows. It is rumoured that some deal has been struck which leaves Mirusiya on the throne and Taksuru as Chancellor-- or vice-versa, perhaps, with Tksuru as Emperor and Mirusiya as First General. How this will play out is not yet known, if such a deal exists at all.

 

The Baron of Yán Kór has worked with Taksuru, after he had learned his lesson from Dhich'une's duplicity and betrayal. He may have something to say about all of this, of course, as may Rereshqala and Eselne. The other Princes and Princess Ma'in can probably be safely ignored.

 

2366 AS (autumn) -
Prince Rereshqala quells food riots in Jakalla and then calls for a new Kolumejalim, though still claiming reluctance to take the Petal Throne. Ma’in joins Rereshqala in his estate in Jakalla. Mirusiya remains within the walls of Fasiltum with his love Elara hiVriddi while undead besiege the rebellious desert city (though the Prince did sneak into Béy Sü to consult with Taksuru and then return unharmed). Eselne leads an army toward Béy Sü, bringing Hauma and Purdimal under hand. “Wild” Pe Choi tribes throw off the yoke of Mu’ugalavyani and Tsolyáni rule. Baron Ald returns to Yán Kór to put down revolts. Pijena and Saa Allaqi abandon their alliance with Yán Kór. The False Plague ravages Livyanu. Ssu expeditions sighted in Chaigari. Jaikalor, Sokatis, and Hekellu are hard pressed to defend against Salarvyani forces. Mu’ugalavyani soldiers hold Butrus.

 

2366 AS (winter) -
Eselne commands the western borders of the Empire. Taksuru reigns in Béy Sü. Rereshqala crushes the remnants of an invading force of Sárku soldiers who terrorized Jakalla and caused many citizens to flee. Mirusiya remains defiantly ensconced within Fasiltum but discovers that Elara hiVriddi was an illusion. The Livyani abandon many of their cities ravaged by the False Plague. Mmatugual Shen begin incursions into Livyani as they flee from Shenyu advances. Mu’ugalavyani raid south into Livyanu. Salarvyani soldiers command the Gilraya Forests. Fenul becomes Tsolyáni again, but the Governor only rules because the Salarvyani can’t be bothered to retake the city. Wild Pe Choi drive off Mu’ugalavyani and crush the Tsolyáni Ito clan (who were still recovering from Mu’ugalavyani brutality). The Pachi Lei are ethnically cleansed from Pan Chaka by Mu’ugalavyani garrisons. Those that have not been exterminated or fled remain in the deep forests, starving to death.

 

= 2367 AS -- Scribe Alberti in Tékumel (Guardians of Order 2005) = Fourth revealed sone of Emperor Hirkane Tlakotáni, (?) Mridobu, “Risen to Rule”, a worshipper of Lord Ksárul; succeeded briefly in attaining the Petal Throne in 2367; ruled for three days. Disappeared again. Dhich’une returned. Not known yet whether reign is official - it is still under litigation in the Palace of the Priesthoods in Bey Su.

--M.A.R. Barker note from the Blue Room (Vol2)

there never was a true Kolumejalim because Dhich'une declared he had invited his rivals, and nobody showed up. This is what caused all the fuss. Afterward,  Taksuru (the young Ksarul prince) declared himself in Béy Sü and gathered support. He lost it by inexperience, unfortunately, plus the hostility of his rivals and people who should have supported him. Eselne refused to give up the  Gold and instead grabed most of the northwest; Mirusiya retired to Fasiltum with his Vriddi mistress Elara ( -- if it's really she?). He tried to penetrate Avanthar a couple of times but never got in. Rereshqala came out of retirement,  built up an army, and took over most of the south. He tried for an alliance with Eselne but failed, then with Taksuru, who accepted but had no real troops to give him. Mridobu reappeared, managed to enter Avanthar when Dhich'une was not there (I know -- Emperors are not supposed to leave the Golden Tower, but  Dhich'une sneaked away to attend a major ceremony in the City of Sarku). For two days Mridobu ruled in Avanthar, but then Dhich'une's Undead came up out of the basements and did ugly things. Dhich'une is now back, ruling, but weakened.

Nobody's been down to see the Urunen for a long time. Who knows what they're  doing! The High Prefect of the Omnipotent Azure Legion fled there after Dhich'une took over, and for awhile one of the minor Princesses was with him. Nobody has any idea where he is now, but the Princess retired, gave up the Gold, and went back to being a sculptress, which she had always wanted to be.

2367 AS - Scribe Alberti in Tékumel (Guardians of Order 2005)
63rd Emperor, Mirusiya, “Resplendent Flame”

Raised by the Vriddi in secret until his early 30’s; ascended to the Petal Throne unopposed in the Kolumejalim following Dhich’une’s defeat and disappearance. A moderate adherent of Vimúhla and a strong supporter of military action and expansionism; has launched military actions against the Mu’ugalavyani and Salarvyani in response to their activities on Tsolyánu’s borders.

The surviving Princes and Princesses negotiated with each other and in 2369 AS a Kolumejalim was held with all siblings abstaining in favour of Prince Mirusiya. He promptly named Prince Rereshqala as High Chancellor of the Empire, the senior official who executes the Emperor’s commands. Prince Taksuru was made High Princeps of the Palace of the Priesthoods and senior figure in religious affairs.

2367 AS -
Eselne leaves Paya Gupa at the head of his army and takes Mrelu and Purdimal, but is halted at Usenanu by forces loyal to Rereshqala. Mirusiya invades Avanthar through secret tunnels, but is repulsed by undead and monsters of the Underworlds and is forced to group near Thri'il. Taksuru rules Béy Sü and holds up to 100 tsan west (near Usenanu) and over to Fasiltum. The Red Clans holds Tumissa as an independent kingdom and its warriors fight off Mu’ugalavyani incursions.

The civil war still raging (or perhaps simmering is a better word) in Tsolyánu, the Red Hats still holding Pan Chaka and Livyanu, and Salarvyani forces both raiding the Empire's eastern provinces and bickering amongst themselves. Additional details will be incorporated as more information comes in. My contacts in Tsolyánu (namely Tilekka hiVaishya of Jakalla and a few other adventurous "scholars") are rather busy at the moment, and I do not wish to take too much of their time.

 

= 2369 AS - Prince Mirusíya becomes the new emperor, taking the name “The Flame Everlasting” =  

= 2374 AS -- Scribe Alberti in Tékumel (Guardians of Order 2005) narrative ends =  

= 2,385 A.S. -- Last year in M.A.R Barker's campaign. =