Ravalonian Empire
The Ravalonian Empire, a majestic land ruled by a fierce and determined people, stands as a testament to the power of dwarven ingenuity and the unwavering devotion to their deity, the Mother. As you approach the empire's capital, your eyes are drawn to the breathtaking sight of water cascading down a towering cliffside, over which the city's imposing fortress looms. The sound of the rushing waterfall is deafening, but as you make your way closer, you can hear the muffled sounds of life beneath the surface - the bustling activity of the undercity carved deep into the rock.
This empire's people, descendants of the great Simrihammar Dwarves, are a force to be reckoned with - skilled conquerors with an insatiable hunger for power and wealth. The valley that they call home is a veritable paradise, lush and fertile, providing abundant resources that fuel their never-ending expansion. Yet, their greatest treasure is their unyielding faith in the Mother, a divine figurehead that imbues them with the strength and determination to conquer all obstacles in their path.
This empire's people, descendants of the great Simrihammar Dwarves, are a force to be reckoned with - skilled conquerors with an insatiable hunger for power and wealth. The valley that they call home is a veritable paradise, lush and fertile, providing abundant resources that fuel their never-ending expansion. Yet, their greatest treasure is their unyielding faith in the Mother, a divine figurehead that imbues them with the strength and determination to conquer all obstacles in their path.
As you gaze upon the awe-inspiring landscape of the Ravalonian Empire, you cannot help but feel both reverence and fear for this mighty nation. For all their might and glory, you can sense a dark undercurrent lurking just beneath the surface - a hunger for conquest that could consume them and all who oppose them.
History
Divine Intervention
It is said that the city was founded by ambitious Dwarves who had discovered a rich deposit of Luwhine ore and marble deep within a cliffside behind a great waterfall. The Dwarves dug deep into the earth, driven by their greed and ambition, without realizing the danger that lurked beneath the surface. As they dug deeper and deeper, the Dwarves accidentally broke through the walls of the lair of the mighty tarrasque, a creature of immense power and destruction. The tarrasque was unleashed upon the world, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The creature killed thousands of people within the first few minutes of its release, leaving the Dwarves and other inhabitants of the world terrified and helpless.
The situation seemed hopeless until a divine woman appeared before the Dwarves, descending from the heavens to confront the tarrasque. She spoke the words, "in the name of the mother - heart return to bone," which caused the tarrasque to freeze in place. The earth beneath the creature opened up, and it fell into the depths of the earth, where it is said to be encased to this day.
The divine woman did not utter another word, but her appearance and actions forever changed the Dwarves. They began to worship the Mother, a deity that they believed had sent the woman to save them from the tarrasque. The Dwarves abandoned their old ways and considered themselves the Mother's chosen people. They sought to spread her light and teachings to the rest of Eustronda, which had long since turned their backs on the Mother's word in favor of the Successor Gods.
From that day forward, Ravalon became a center of the Mother's worship, and the Dwarves became her most devoted followers. The city grew and prospered under the influence of the Mother's teachings, eventually becoming the capital of a great empire that spanned much of Eustronda. Despite the terrors of the past, the Dwarves of Ravalon believed that they had been saved by the grace of the Mother, and they sought to spread her message of peace and prosperity throughout the world.
The First Expansion
The first expansion came as the Ravalonian dwarves grew strong through their mining prosperity and unity following the mass conversion to the Mother. As they began to recover from the wrath the Tarrasque had brought, the Duafi Principality to the northwest and the Grand duchy of Naeçois to the northeast formed an alliance to invade the Ravalon Valley. They sought the Dwarven riches and newfound prosperity, as well as the rich farmland. The Grand Duchy had just entered a large scale famine after massive crop failure, and the Duafi needed access to the magical ores within the Simrihammar ranges to repel monster attacks from the south. Unbeknownst to the two nations, Ravalon had been mobilising an army in case the Tarrasque would return. Their defence was strong, though the two attacking forces were much greater. The Naeçois had relied on being able to pillage food from Ravalonian farms to feed their army and their kingdom, but the Ravalonian defence was much stronger than anticipated and dragged on for years. In this time, the populous of the Grand Duchy was quickly dying and turning against the crown. Ravalon begun sponsoring missionaries to spread dissent among the people, and a peasants revolt begun. The leader of the revolt was a thatcher named Lucille, and secretly she met with the Holy Council of Ravalon and agreed that Ravalon could absorb the Duchy into its own empire in exchange for weapons, food, and funding. The peasants revolt was a great success, and the disembowelment of the Grand Duke Stephanus is commemorated in a mural in the Holy Imperial Palace in Ravalon. At the execution of the Grand Duke, the noble and elite class seized control of the Naeçois navy and sailed as far as they could, and eventually founded what is now known as Krezgil. As Lucille the Thatcher led her peasant army into the Grand Duke’s palace, Ravalonian Legions flocked to the capital to raise the eagle standard over the land. With that, the Ravalonian territory doubled in size. The Holy Council’s eyes turned to the Duafi Principality. The Council’s ambitions in this time had changed, as the defence of the valley had gone on for decades, the membership of the council had changed. The council now had a much bigger focus on militarism and ambition, and they began to title themselves the Holy Imperial Council of Ravalon, effectively founding the Ravalonian Empire. With their new territory and bolstered army, including angry, militarised peasants, they quickly overwhelmed the Duafi on two fronts. They swept through Duafi lands and Prince Gioventino agreed to surrender all Duafi territories to the Ravalonian Empire in exchange for the title of Baron Duafimi, which they agreed to. Thus the first Ravalonian expansion ended with the Empire becoming an Empire and more than doubling their territories in the span of 30 years.
The Second Expansion
The second expansion into the Whispering Kingdoms was a tumultuous time. The kingdoms were not unified, but rather a collection of small, proud, and egotistical rulers, each vying for a stronger hold over the others. Their alliance was tenuous and born out of fear of their neighbouring kingdoms. The wild and rugged Fenvalur to the west, fierce and archaic Balamere to the south, and the strong and devoted Ravalon to the east would make formidable foes if the kingdoms were alone and vulnerable. Ravalon had attempted to establish trade routes through the kingdoms to avoid the tariffs of Stepanevan, but through fear of espionage, the Whispering Kings did not allow it. However, a terrible drought in Ravalon left the kingdom desperate for food, and they felt they had no choice but to exert their influence in these lands and establish proper trade. Ravalon began sending missionaries to spread the word of the mother and also spread sympathy for the Ravalonian plight. As civilian opinion in the Whispering Kingdoms began to shift, the empire started sending trade caravans through their territory. However, the kingdoms captured the merchants, killed the guards, and confiscated their goods, enraging the empire. The merchants were kept in Aylsminster to await extradition, and each of them lost a hand to send the empire a message never to undermine Whispering sovereignty. Ravalon hatched several plots to get their merchants and wealth back without paying the ransom, but the Whispering Spies always intercepted the plans. The final plan they intercepted was for all-out war. Panicked, the kings fortified Aylsminster, and when the Ravalonian legions marched on the city, they did what they could to defend it. The kings' combined resources made it difficult, but the Ravalonians were an unstoppable war machine. In an effort for peace, the kings released the prisoners and paid tribute to the Ravalonians, but this did not stop them. The empire demanded control of Aylsminster and a guarantee of trade using Aylsminster as the trading point. The Whispering Kings reluctantly agreed, and there was a tense truce for ten years. During this time, the imperial council, angry at the Whispering Kings' insolence, plotted to take the northern kingdoms for a direct outpost on the Valur coast. The missionaries had begun to take hold, and the word of the mother rivalled the worship of the folk gods and spirits of the wood. The people began to believe the Whispering Kings were tyrannical heretics, and many of the famous Whispering spies sensed the tides turning. A group of them came to the Imperial leadership and asked for wealth and protection in exchange for the Whispering Kingdom's territories. Of course, they agreed. The spies began to sabotage their masters and turned the kingdoms against each other. Each kingdom thought the others were at fault for the growing Ravalonian influence and that their alliance was being betrayed. After five years of bubbling tensions, it erupted into the War of the Wood. It was a brutal conflict, with many noble houses being wiped out completely. Warbands ripped through the countryside, and yet no king came out on top. At this point, the Ravalonian Legions had mobilized. In this area, they became known as "crows" because of the way they swept in after the devastation to feast on the remains. The legions employed a simple yet effective tactic. They took their already impressive force to each settlement. They would give an ultimatum: Join us, and your titles, lands, and customs will be safe. Refuse and die. Each town that gave in would grow the army, and as the army grew, it became harder to refuse. Following the devastation of the War of the Wood, the second expansion was carried out with great swiftness, taking only two years to complete. With very few settlements showing any resistance, only one put up a fight. This was the kingdom of Korsby, whose king was the last remaining ruler. All others had either been slain, fled, or defected and been granted lesser titles. Despite the offer of a deal, King Korsby felt that it was a false one. He believed that the empire had already shown through their conversion and assimilation that they would not respect local customs. This led to a devastating siege of Korsby that lasted for an entire year. When the Ravalonians finally stormed the city, it was a massacre. Korsby was sacked, and every member of King Korsby's line was eliminated, ensuring that there would be no future challenges to the empire's rule. The capture of Korsby marked the end of the second expansion into the Whispering Kingdoms. The Ravalonian Empire had now reached unprecedented size and power compared to its neighbours. The conquest of the Whispering Kingdoms had been brutal and merciless, leaving behind a trail of devastation and death. The empire had achieved its goal of establishing a direct outpost on the Valur coast, but the cost had been high. The once-proud kingdoms were now subjugated under Ravalonian rule, their customs and traditions replaced by imperial laws and regulations. The people of the Whispering Kingdoms, who had once revered their folk gods and spirits of the wood, now worshipped the Mother, the chief deity of the Ravalonian pantheon. The conquest also brought about a change in the balance of power within the empire. The successful campaigns had made General Sardonus Accoleius a hero in the eyes of the imperial council, who granted him the title of Duke of Korsby and domain over the entire Whispering Wood. His newfound power and influence would make him a force to be reckoned with in the empire's political landscape. Despite the brutal conquest, the Ravalonian Empire would reap the benefits of the second expansion. The trade routes established through the Whispering Kingdoms would bring wealth and prosperity to the empire, which would help it recover from the famine and drought that had plagued it before. The conquest also brought about a shift in the cultural and religious landscape of the Whispering Kingdoms. The Ravalonian missionaries had successfully spread the word of the Mother and converted many of the people to their faith. The worship of the folk gods and spirits of the wood had begun to wane, and the Ravalonian pantheon had begun to rival it in popularity.
The Third Expansion
The third expansion of the Ravalonian Empire was a pivotal moment in the history of both the Empire and the magical forest of Fenvalur. The Empire had grown increasingly zealous and ambitious under the influence of the Mother's teachings, and the idea of bringing the light of divinity to the people of Fenvalur had become an obsession among the Ravalonian leadership.
However, Fenvalur was a magical forest with a deep connection to the fey, and was home to many different nature-based ancestries such as elves, dryads, satyrs, and firbolgs. The people of Fenvalur saw the invasion as a direct attack on their way of life and were fiercely determined to defend their home against the Ravalonian legions.
The logistics of the invasion were a nightmare, as the forest was immense and it was easy to accidentally wander into the dimension of the fey, the Feywild. The people of Fenvalur utilized asymmetrical warfare and trickery to great effect in an environment that was ill-suited for the massive Ravalonian legions.
To make matters worse for the Ravalonians, the nation of Balamere had always revered the people of Fenvalur and was sympathetic to their cause. Balamere disrupted Ravalonian supply lines, making it even more difficult for the invading armies to make any real progress in the forest.
Despite the Ravalonian zeal and determination, the invasion lasted a long time but barely any progress was made. Eventually, the two sides agreed to a peace treaty. The Ravalonians would never again attempt to invade Fenvalur, but the High Elves agreed to establish a center for learning in Ravalon to appease the scholars. The city of Donegrin was also permitted as the one settlement from which expeditions into Fenvalur could occur and in which visitors from Fenvalur could come.
The Alfaeniara Academy for Magical Studies was founded in Ravalon, becoming a center of magical knowledge and learning. Donegrin became a center for holy missions, as well as the hub for expeditions into Fenvalur. Over time, the people of Fenvalur and the Ravalonian Empire developed a mutual respect for each other, and they never came to blows again.
The failed third expansion was a turning point for the Ravalonian Empire, causing a shift in their priorities and prompting them to look inward and focus on consolidating their existing territory rather than expanding further. Meanwhile, Fenvalur remained a place of wonder and magic, protected by the people who had always called it home.
The Consolidation
The Consolidation was a time of great progress and prosperity for the Ravalonian Empire. With Moghumin Bonemantle at the helm, the Ravalonians revolutionized the way they approached infrastructure, taking their roads, aqueducts, and great works of construction to new heights.
Moghumin was a dwarf from the Duumholt, a dwarven kingdom on the other side of the Simrihammar Ranges. He was a well-known architect in his home for his construction of Thornir, the palace of the Understone king. However, he was cast out after refusing to construct a Foundry deep in the mountain, as he feared the excavation would come too close to the magma core of the volcanoes deep within the range. He denounced the Understone King and said that his ambition would bring volcanic destruction, and for this he was exiled.
Moghumin's arrival in Ravalon was a stroke of luck for the empire. As a renowned architect from the Duumholt, he brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that quickly caught the eye of Dmitri Armin Alvoli I. Though he started small, constructing a countryside villa for the nobleman, his work was so impressive that he quickly gained popularity with nobility and clergy alike. Before long, he was promoted to chief architect of the empire.
Under Moghumin's leadership, the Ravalonians perfected their building techniques, creating structures that were not only functional but also beautiful. They used arches, domes, and columns to support their constructions, allowing them to build larger and more impressive buildings than ever before. Moghumin's architectural ingenuity and artistic genius helped bring the empire to the forefront of infrastructure, making it one of the most well-developed regions in all of Eustronda.
Perhaps the most impressive feat of engineering during the Consolidation was the creation of the Ravalonian aqueducts. These massive structures brought fresh water from distant sources to the cities and towns of the empire, allowing for the growth of larger settlements and the expansion of agriculture. This in turn led to an increase in trade and commerce, making the Ravalonian Empire one of the wealthiest in the known world.
But the Ravalonians didn't stop there. They also built a vast network of roads, connecting their empire to the rest of Eustronda and allowing for faster travel and communication. This made it easier for goods to be transported across the empire, and for armies to be quickly mobilized in times of war.
Moghumin's greatest work was the construction of a massive amphitheatre in the town of Curia. The amphitheatre was used for grand theatre productions and gladiatorial games, and quickly became a symbol of Ravalonian power and opulence. Moghumin's construction techniques were unparalleled, and he utilized advanced engineering and artistic skill to create an amphitheatre that was both structurally sound and visually stunning. The amphitheatre became a central gathering place for Ravalonians of all social classes, and was a testament to the power and prosperity of the Ravalonian Empire.
Overall, the Consolidation was a time of great progress and innovation for the Ravalonian Empire. Thanks to Moghumin Bonemantle's expertise and vision, they were able to create an infrastructure that was not only functional but also awe-inspiring, cementing their place as one of the most advanced civilizations in all of Eustronda.
It is said that the city was founded by ambitious Dwarves who had discovered a rich deposit of Luwhine ore and marble deep within a cliffside behind a great waterfall. The Dwarves dug deep into the earth, driven by their greed and ambition, without realizing the danger that lurked beneath the surface. As they dug deeper and deeper, the Dwarves accidentally broke through the walls of the lair of the mighty tarrasque, a creature of immense power and destruction. The tarrasque was unleashed upon the world, causing widespread destruction and chaos. The creature killed thousands of people within the first few minutes of its release, leaving the Dwarves and other inhabitants of the world terrified and helpless.
The situation seemed hopeless until a divine woman appeared before the Dwarves, descending from the heavens to confront the tarrasque. She spoke the words, "in the name of the mother - heart return to bone," which caused the tarrasque to freeze in place. The earth beneath the creature opened up, and it fell into the depths of the earth, where it is said to be encased to this day.
The divine woman did not utter another word, but her appearance and actions forever changed the Dwarves. They began to worship the Mother, a deity that they believed had sent the woman to save them from the tarrasque. The Dwarves abandoned their old ways and considered themselves the Mother's chosen people. They sought to spread her light and teachings to the rest of Eustronda, which had long since turned their backs on the Mother's word in favor of the Successor Gods.
From that day forward, Ravalon became a center of the Mother's worship, and the Dwarves became her most devoted followers. The city grew and prospered under the influence of the Mother's teachings, eventually becoming the capital of a great empire that spanned much of Eustronda. Despite the terrors of the past, the Dwarves of Ravalon believed that they had been saved by the grace of the Mother, and they sought to spread her message of peace and prosperity throughout the world.
The First Expansion
The first expansion came as the Ravalonian dwarves grew strong through their mining prosperity and unity following the mass conversion to the Mother. As they began to recover from the wrath the Tarrasque had brought, the Duafi Principality to the northwest and the Grand duchy of Naeçois to the northeast formed an alliance to invade the Ravalon Valley. They sought the Dwarven riches and newfound prosperity, as well as the rich farmland. The Grand Duchy had just entered a large scale famine after massive crop failure, and the Duafi needed access to the magical ores within the Simrihammar ranges to repel monster attacks from the south. Unbeknownst to the two nations, Ravalon had been mobilising an army in case the Tarrasque would return. Their defence was strong, though the two attacking forces were much greater. The Naeçois had relied on being able to pillage food from Ravalonian farms to feed their army and their kingdom, but the Ravalonian defence was much stronger than anticipated and dragged on for years. In this time, the populous of the Grand Duchy was quickly dying and turning against the crown. Ravalon begun sponsoring missionaries to spread dissent among the people, and a peasants revolt begun. The leader of the revolt was a thatcher named Lucille, and secretly she met with the Holy Council of Ravalon and agreed that Ravalon could absorb the Duchy into its own empire in exchange for weapons, food, and funding. The peasants revolt was a great success, and the disembowelment of the Grand Duke Stephanus is commemorated in a mural in the Holy Imperial Palace in Ravalon. At the execution of the Grand Duke, the noble and elite class seized control of the Naeçois navy and sailed as far as they could, and eventually founded what is now known as Krezgil. As Lucille the Thatcher led her peasant army into the Grand Duke’s palace, Ravalonian Legions flocked to the capital to raise the eagle standard over the land. With that, the Ravalonian territory doubled in size. The Holy Council’s eyes turned to the Duafi Principality. The Council’s ambitions in this time had changed, as the defence of the valley had gone on for decades, the membership of the council had changed. The council now had a much bigger focus on militarism and ambition, and they began to title themselves the Holy Imperial Council of Ravalon, effectively founding the Ravalonian Empire. With their new territory and bolstered army, including angry, militarised peasants, they quickly overwhelmed the Duafi on two fronts. They swept through Duafi lands and Prince Gioventino agreed to surrender all Duafi territories to the Ravalonian Empire in exchange for the title of Baron Duafimi, which they agreed to. Thus the first Ravalonian expansion ended with the Empire becoming an Empire and more than doubling their territories in the span of 30 years.
The Second Expansion
The second expansion into the Whispering Kingdoms was a tumultuous time. The kingdoms were not unified, but rather a collection of small, proud, and egotistical rulers, each vying for a stronger hold over the others. Their alliance was tenuous and born out of fear of their neighbouring kingdoms. The wild and rugged Fenvalur to the west, fierce and archaic Balamere to the south, and the strong and devoted Ravalon to the east would make formidable foes if the kingdoms were alone and vulnerable. Ravalon had attempted to establish trade routes through the kingdoms to avoid the tariffs of Stepanevan, but through fear of espionage, the Whispering Kings did not allow it. However, a terrible drought in Ravalon left the kingdom desperate for food, and they felt they had no choice but to exert their influence in these lands and establish proper trade. Ravalon began sending missionaries to spread the word of the mother and also spread sympathy for the Ravalonian plight. As civilian opinion in the Whispering Kingdoms began to shift, the empire started sending trade caravans through their territory. However, the kingdoms captured the merchants, killed the guards, and confiscated their goods, enraging the empire. The merchants were kept in Aylsminster to await extradition, and each of them lost a hand to send the empire a message never to undermine Whispering sovereignty. Ravalon hatched several plots to get their merchants and wealth back without paying the ransom, but the Whispering Spies always intercepted the plans. The final plan they intercepted was for all-out war. Panicked, the kings fortified Aylsminster, and when the Ravalonian legions marched on the city, they did what they could to defend it. The kings' combined resources made it difficult, but the Ravalonians were an unstoppable war machine. In an effort for peace, the kings released the prisoners and paid tribute to the Ravalonians, but this did not stop them. The empire demanded control of Aylsminster and a guarantee of trade using Aylsminster as the trading point. The Whispering Kings reluctantly agreed, and there was a tense truce for ten years. During this time, the imperial council, angry at the Whispering Kings' insolence, plotted to take the northern kingdoms for a direct outpost on the Valur coast. The missionaries had begun to take hold, and the word of the mother rivalled the worship of the folk gods and spirits of the wood. The people began to believe the Whispering Kings were tyrannical heretics, and many of the famous Whispering spies sensed the tides turning. A group of them came to the Imperial leadership and asked for wealth and protection in exchange for the Whispering Kingdom's territories. Of course, they agreed. The spies began to sabotage their masters and turned the kingdoms against each other. Each kingdom thought the others were at fault for the growing Ravalonian influence and that their alliance was being betrayed. After five years of bubbling tensions, it erupted into the War of the Wood. It was a brutal conflict, with many noble houses being wiped out completely. Warbands ripped through the countryside, and yet no king came out on top. At this point, the Ravalonian Legions had mobilized. In this area, they became known as "crows" because of the way they swept in after the devastation to feast on the remains. The legions employed a simple yet effective tactic. They took their already impressive force to each settlement. They would give an ultimatum: Join us, and your titles, lands, and customs will be safe. Refuse and die. Each town that gave in would grow the army, and as the army grew, it became harder to refuse. Following the devastation of the War of the Wood, the second expansion was carried out with great swiftness, taking only two years to complete. With very few settlements showing any resistance, only one put up a fight. This was the kingdom of Korsby, whose king was the last remaining ruler. All others had either been slain, fled, or defected and been granted lesser titles. Despite the offer of a deal, King Korsby felt that it was a false one. He believed that the empire had already shown through their conversion and assimilation that they would not respect local customs. This led to a devastating siege of Korsby that lasted for an entire year. When the Ravalonians finally stormed the city, it was a massacre. Korsby was sacked, and every member of King Korsby's line was eliminated, ensuring that there would be no future challenges to the empire's rule. The capture of Korsby marked the end of the second expansion into the Whispering Kingdoms. The Ravalonian Empire had now reached unprecedented size and power compared to its neighbours. The conquest of the Whispering Kingdoms had been brutal and merciless, leaving behind a trail of devastation and death. The empire had achieved its goal of establishing a direct outpost on the Valur coast, but the cost had been high. The once-proud kingdoms were now subjugated under Ravalonian rule, their customs and traditions replaced by imperial laws and regulations. The people of the Whispering Kingdoms, who had once revered their folk gods and spirits of the wood, now worshipped the Mother, the chief deity of the Ravalonian pantheon. The conquest also brought about a change in the balance of power within the empire. The successful campaigns had made General Sardonus Accoleius a hero in the eyes of the imperial council, who granted him the title of Duke of Korsby and domain over the entire Whispering Wood. His newfound power and influence would make him a force to be reckoned with in the empire's political landscape. Despite the brutal conquest, the Ravalonian Empire would reap the benefits of the second expansion. The trade routes established through the Whispering Kingdoms would bring wealth and prosperity to the empire, which would help it recover from the famine and drought that had plagued it before. The conquest also brought about a shift in the cultural and religious landscape of the Whispering Kingdoms. The Ravalonian missionaries had successfully spread the word of the Mother and converted many of the people to their faith. The worship of the folk gods and spirits of the wood had begun to wane, and the Ravalonian pantheon had begun to rival it in popularity.
The Third Expansion
The third expansion of the Ravalonian Empire was a pivotal moment in the history of both the Empire and the magical forest of Fenvalur. The Empire had grown increasingly zealous and ambitious under the influence of the Mother's teachings, and the idea of bringing the light of divinity to the people of Fenvalur had become an obsession among the Ravalonian leadership.
However, Fenvalur was a magical forest with a deep connection to the fey, and was home to many different nature-based ancestries such as elves, dryads, satyrs, and firbolgs. The people of Fenvalur saw the invasion as a direct attack on their way of life and were fiercely determined to defend their home against the Ravalonian legions.
The logistics of the invasion were a nightmare, as the forest was immense and it was easy to accidentally wander into the dimension of the fey, the Feywild. The people of Fenvalur utilized asymmetrical warfare and trickery to great effect in an environment that was ill-suited for the massive Ravalonian legions.
To make matters worse for the Ravalonians, the nation of Balamere had always revered the people of Fenvalur and was sympathetic to their cause. Balamere disrupted Ravalonian supply lines, making it even more difficult for the invading armies to make any real progress in the forest.
Despite the Ravalonian zeal and determination, the invasion lasted a long time but barely any progress was made. Eventually, the two sides agreed to a peace treaty. The Ravalonians would never again attempt to invade Fenvalur, but the High Elves agreed to establish a center for learning in Ravalon to appease the scholars. The city of Donegrin was also permitted as the one settlement from which expeditions into Fenvalur could occur and in which visitors from Fenvalur could come.
The Alfaeniara Academy for Magical Studies was founded in Ravalon, becoming a center of magical knowledge and learning. Donegrin became a center for holy missions, as well as the hub for expeditions into Fenvalur. Over time, the people of Fenvalur and the Ravalonian Empire developed a mutual respect for each other, and they never came to blows again.
The failed third expansion was a turning point for the Ravalonian Empire, causing a shift in their priorities and prompting them to look inward and focus on consolidating their existing territory rather than expanding further. Meanwhile, Fenvalur remained a place of wonder and magic, protected by the people who had always called it home.
The Consolidation
The Consolidation was a time of great progress and prosperity for the Ravalonian Empire. With Moghumin Bonemantle at the helm, the Ravalonians revolutionized the way they approached infrastructure, taking their roads, aqueducts, and great works of construction to new heights.
Moghumin was a dwarf from the Duumholt, a dwarven kingdom on the other side of the Simrihammar Ranges. He was a well-known architect in his home for his construction of Thornir, the palace of the Understone king. However, he was cast out after refusing to construct a Foundry deep in the mountain, as he feared the excavation would come too close to the magma core of the volcanoes deep within the range. He denounced the Understone King and said that his ambition would bring volcanic destruction, and for this he was exiled.
Moghumin's arrival in Ravalon was a stroke of luck for the empire. As a renowned architect from the Duumholt, he brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that quickly caught the eye of Dmitri Armin Alvoli I. Though he started small, constructing a countryside villa for the nobleman, his work was so impressive that he quickly gained popularity with nobility and clergy alike. Before long, he was promoted to chief architect of the empire.
Under Moghumin's leadership, the Ravalonians perfected their building techniques, creating structures that were not only functional but also beautiful. They used arches, domes, and columns to support their constructions, allowing them to build larger and more impressive buildings than ever before. Moghumin's architectural ingenuity and artistic genius helped bring the empire to the forefront of infrastructure, making it one of the most well-developed regions in all of Eustronda.
Perhaps the most impressive feat of engineering during the Consolidation was the creation of the Ravalonian aqueducts. These massive structures brought fresh water from distant sources to the cities and towns of the empire, allowing for the growth of larger settlements and the expansion of agriculture. This in turn led to an increase in trade and commerce, making the Ravalonian Empire one of the wealthiest in the known world.
But the Ravalonians didn't stop there. They also built a vast network of roads, connecting their empire to the rest of Eustronda and allowing for faster travel and communication. This made it easier for goods to be transported across the empire, and for armies to be quickly mobilized in times of war.
Moghumin's greatest work was the construction of a massive amphitheatre in the town of Curia. The amphitheatre was used for grand theatre productions and gladiatorial games, and quickly became a symbol of Ravalonian power and opulence. Moghumin's construction techniques were unparalleled, and he utilized advanced engineering and artistic skill to create an amphitheatre that was both structurally sound and visually stunning. The amphitheatre became a central gathering place for Ravalonians of all social classes, and was a testament to the power and prosperity of the Ravalonian Empire.
Overall, the Consolidation was a time of great progress and innovation for the Ravalonian Empire. Thanks to Moghumin Bonemantle's expertise and vision, they were able to create an infrastructure that was not only functional but also awe-inspiring, cementing their place as one of the most advanced civilizations in all of Eustronda.
Territories
Ravalon Valley
The Ravalon Valley is a vast and fertile plain located in the heart of the Ravalonian Empire, surrounded by a ring of towering mountains that provide natural protection against invasions from outside forces. The valley is named after the powerful and devout kingdom of Ravalon, which once ruled over the surrounding lands before being incorporated into the growing empire. The valley is known for its rich soil, which is perfect for growing crops and sustaining large populations. The Ravalonians were renowned for their agricultural innovations, including advanced irrigation systems, crop rotation techniques, and the use of draft animals for plowing and harvesting. As a result, the valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the empire, and its abundant harvests have helped to feed the growing population for centuries. The valley is also home to several major cities, including the capital city of Ravalon, which is a bustling metropolis that serves as the administrative and cultural center of the empire. Other notable cities in the valley include Curia, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant markets, and Tyrus, a strategic military outpost that hosts the might of the first legion.
Paludis Mire
Paludis Mire is a large swampland that was once the homeland of the Naecois people. The swamp was semi-fertile and provided sustenance for the Naecois until the blightfall, a magical cataclysm that occurred just to the north. The blightfall caused the land to become corrupted, and the cities of Paludis Mire slowly sank into the muck.
Kemapinari is the last remaining city in Paludis Mire, but it is not safe. The city has become a hostile battlezone due to a long-standing division between the empire and the draconic nation of Kostria. The ongoing conflict has only added to the dangers of the already hazardous environment. The people of Kemapinari struggle to survive in a world of shifting alliances, scarce resources, and ever-present danger
Duafi Lowlands
The Duafi Lowlands are a vast and fertile region that was once the territory of the Duafi Principality. The region is primarily characterized by the Illici Grasslands, a sprawling expanse of lush and verdant meadows that provide habitat to many different species of plants and animals. The grasslands are bordered to the west by the dense and shadowy Duaboschi Forest, which is known for its towering trees and mysterious inhabitants.
The Duafi Lowlands are also home to the Orania River, which splits the region in two and is crossed by the ancient city of Duafimi. The city is a hub of trade and commerce, and its strategic location on the river has made it an important center of power and influence for centuries. Beyond the river lies the Orania Plains, a vast and flat landscape that is home to many different species of grazing animals.
The Ravalon Valley is a vast and fertile plain located in the heart of the Ravalonian Empire, surrounded by a ring of towering mountains that provide natural protection against invasions from outside forces. The valley is named after the powerful and devout kingdom of Ravalon, which once ruled over the surrounding lands before being incorporated into the growing empire. The valley is known for its rich soil, which is perfect for growing crops and sustaining large populations. The Ravalonians were renowned for their agricultural innovations, including advanced irrigation systems, crop rotation techniques, and the use of draft animals for plowing and harvesting. As a result, the valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the empire, and its abundant harvests have helped to feed the growing population for centuries. The valley is also home to several major cities, including the capital city of Ravalon, which is a bustling metropolis that serves as the administrative and cultural center of the empire. Other notable cities in the valley include Curia, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant markets, and Tyrus, a strategic military outpost that hosts the might of the first legion.
Paludis Mire
Paludis Mire is a large swampland that was once the homeland of the Naecois people. The swamp was semi-fertile and provided sustenance for the Naecois until the blightfall, a magical cataclysm that occurred just to the north. The blightfall caused the land to become corrupted, and the cities of Paludis Mire slowly sank into the muck.
Kemapinari is the last remaining city in Paludis Mire, but it is not safe. The city has become a hostile battlezone due to a long-standing division between the empire and the draconic nation of Kostria. The ongoing conflict has only added to the dangers of the already hazardous environment. The people of Kemapinari struggle to survive in a world of shifting alliances, scarce resources, and ever-present danger
Duafi Lowlands
The Duafi Lowlands are a vast and fertile region that was once the territory of the Duafi Principality. The region is primarily characterized by the Illici Grasslands, a sprawling expanse of lush and verdant meadows that provide habitat to many different species of plants and animals. The grasslands are bordered to the west by the dense and shadowy Duaboschi Forest, which is known for its towering trees and mysterious inhabitants.
The Duafi Lowlands are also home to the Orania River, which splits the region in two and is crossed by the ancient city of Duafimi. The city is a hub of trade and commerce, and its strategic location on the river has made it an important center of power and influence for centuries. Beyond the river lies the Orania Plains, a vast and flat landscape that is home to many different species of grazing animals.
Ad Gloriam Semper
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
The Empire, Ravalon
Predecessor Organizations
Demonym
Ravalonian
Ruling Organization
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments