Archeology

For centuries, archaeology in Nyria was not a science but a tool of power—wielded by rulers, religious leaders, and the wealthy to justify divine mandates or establish their lineage as rightful heirs to ancient traditions. Excavations were conducted with little regard for preservation or study, and many sites of historical significance were pillaged, deconstructed for building materials, or repurposed into residences, their original purpose eroded with time. Temples became quarries, grand statues were melted for metal, and intricate carvings were worn smooth under generations of careless feet.

Until recently, those who called themselves archaeologists were more akin to sociologists, storytellers, and relic hunters. They crafted grand narratives based on scattered artifacts and oral histories, often weaving myths into what little evidence remained. Many of their conclusions were based on assumption rather than methodical study, leading to a fractured and unreliable understanding of the past. Countless discoveries were lost to time, not because of war or disaster, but because there was no systematic effort to preserve them.

It was only in the final years before the Burn that a shift began—triggered by the discoveries and rumors emerging from lands beyond the Altian and Ichor Oceans. Strange ruins, inscriptions in unknown languages, artifacts that defied all known histories—each new find cast doubt upon the established narratives of Nyria’s past. The devastation of the Burn, which wiped out so much knowledge and buried so many cities, only deepened the mystery. What had truly existed before the great calamity? What had been lost, not just to fire and flood, but to deliberate erasure?

Now, a new generation of archaeologists is emerging, determined to move beyond superstition and noble embellishment. These scholars are establishing the foundations of archaeology as an empirical science, employing rigorous documentation, stratigraphic analysis, and comparative studies to reconstruct a clearer picture of the past. They seek to separate legend from fact, not to diminish the importance of myths, but to understand the real events that may have inspired them.

Their efforts are met with resistance. Powerful institutions—both political and religious—have much to lose if the past is uncovered in ways that challenge their authority. Expeditions face sabotage, their findings are often suppressed, and the deeper they dig, the more it becomes apparent that Nyria’s true history is something far older, and far more complex, than anyone ever imagined.

The search for the past has become more than an academic pursuit; it is a race against time, against hidden hands, and against the slow, inevitable decay that threatens to bury the truth forever.

Modern Archaeological Methodologies in Nyria

With archaeology emerging as a legitimate discipline, scholars and researchers are beginning to develop methodologies that bring greater scientific rigor to their work. The old ways of scavenging and storytelling are being replaced by structured excavation techniques, record-keeping, and laboratory analysis. However, these methods remain controversial in some circles, especially among those who see history as a tool for reinforcing existing power structures.

Stratigraphy and Layer Analysis

One of the foundational techniques of modern archaeology in Nyria is the careful study of stratigraphy—the layers of earth and debris that accumulate over centuries. By analyzing these layers, archaeologists can establish relative chronologies, determining which artifacts and structures predate others. This method has proven invaluable in uncovering pre-Burn civilizations, as the layers of ash and sediment left behind by the disaster serve as clear demarcation points in the historical record.

Preservation and Reconstruction Efforts

Unlike the treasure hunters of previous generations, modern archaeologists emphasize preservation over excavation. Where possible, ancient ruins are stabilized rather than dismantled, and fragile artifacts are treated with alchemical and chemical preservatives to prevent further decay. The use of electrum-infused alchemical solutions has allowed for the partial restoration of crumbling texts and degraded carvings, revealing previously unknown aspects of ancient languages and histories.

Comparative Mythology and Linguistics

Recognizing that many ancient records were deliberately destroyed or rewritten, some archaeologists have turned to comparative mythology and linguistics to reconstruct lost histories. By analyzing commonalities in myths across different cultures, scholars can identify recurring themes and potential historical events that may have inspired them. The recent discovery of similar myths across multiple civilizations has raised new questions about whether the Burn was truly a singular event, or if other, older cataclysms had shaped Nyria’s history in ways yet to be understood.

Alchemy and the Study of Ancient Materials

The advancement of alchemy has provided archaeologists with powerful tools for analyzing ancient materials. By using frequency-attuned electrum instruments, researchers can determine the composition of metal artifacts, trace the origins of stone carvings, and even detect the presence of once-lost pigments in faded murals. .

Subaquatic and High-Risk Excavations

The flooding that accompanied the Burn has left much of Nyria’s ancient history beneath the waves, making underwater archaeology a growing but dangerous field. Expeditions to sunken cities like Eld have revealed sprawling ruins and artifacts remarkably well-preserved beneath layers of sediment. However, these missions come with extreme hazards, from unstable structures to the geothermal activity like of the Yellowsalt Scar. A very small number of pioneering underwater archaeologists now work alongside professional divers and engineers, using reinforced diving suits and submersibles to navigate the submerged remnants of the past.