Sylvarians

Origins and Early History

  The Sylvarians, a human race native to the world of Sylvantara, were once a peaceful and prosperous society that lived in harmony with other races. Their early history is marked by a strong emphasis on community, agriculture, and the pursuit of knowledge. Although their innate magical abilities were not as strong as those of the Kemozans, Thuwedari, Mirageans, or Avioras, the Sylvarians excelled in the study of alchemy, a practice that became a cornerstone of their culture, but their greatest of inventions lie with Steampunk Technology.  

The Rise of Alchemy

  As magic was not a natural strength for most Sylvarians, they turned to alchemy as a means of advancing their society. Alchemy became a respected and highly sought-after discipline, with many Sylvarians dedicating their lives to mastering its complexities. This focus on alchemy allowed them to develop technologies and innovations that compensated for their lack of magical power, and it became an integral part of their identity.  

The Era of Tension (BEC 200-337)

  As Sylvarian society grew and expanded, so did their ambition. The desire for resources, territory, and power led to a growing resentment towards the other races, particularly the Kemozans, Thuwedari, Mirageans, and Avioras. These races, with their formidable magical abilities, were seen as both a threat and a potential target for conquest. Tensions simmered for over a century, with isolated skirmishes and conflicts foreshadowing the larger war to come.   During this period, the Sylvarians began to militarize, forming alliances and building armies. Their alchemical advancements were increasingly directed towards war, with the development of weapons and strategies that could counter the magic of their rivals. Propaganda fueled fear and suspicion, painting the other races as dangerous and untrustworthy.   However, not all Sylvarians were swayed by this narrative. A significant portion of the population opposed the growing militarism and sought to maintain the peace that had once defined their society. These dissenters formed underground movements and secret alliances with other races, working to prevent the impending conflict.  

The 300-Year War (337 BEC – 637 AEC)

  The 300-year war was a turning point in Sylvarian history. What began as a series of border disputes and small-scale conflicts escalated into a full-blown war that engulfed the entire world. The Sylvarians, driven by their leaders' desire for conquest and control, launched a series of aggressive campaigns against the other races.   Throughout the war, the Sylvarians demonstrated both the strengths and limitations of their alchemical prowess. While they were able to hold their own in many battles, their lack of innate magical power put them at a disadvantage against the Kemozans, Thuwedari, Mirageans, and Avioras. The war dragged on for centuries, with no clear victor emerging.   Despite the widespread support for the war within the Sylvarian leadership, there were many who refused to participate in the conflict. These Sylvarians joined forces with other races, fighting against their own kin in an effort to protect themselves and others from the devastation of the war. They established mixed-race settlements in secluded and well-hidden areas throughout the world, where they could live in peace and work towards a future free from the horrors of conflict.   The prolonged conflict took a heavy toll on Sylvarian society. Resources were depleted, cities were destroyed, and countless lives were lost. The once-ambitious desire for conquest gave way to a desperate struggle for survival. The war's end in 637 AEC marked the beginning of a long and difficult recovery for the Sylvarians.  

Post-War Era (After Era of Conflict – AEC)

  In the aftermath of the war, the Sylvarians were forced to confront the consequences of their actions. The devastation they had wrought on the world and on themselves led to a period of reflection and reform. The desire for conquest was replaced by a focus on rebuilding and healing.   Alchemy, which had been used as a tool of war, was once again redirected towards more peaceful pursuits. The Sylvarians sought to mend relations with the other races, though deep-seated distrust and resentment remained. The post-war era was one of cautious diplomacy and reconstruction, as the Sylvarians worked to restore their society and find a new place in a changed world.   The Sylvarians who had opposed the war continued to live in their hidden settlements, where they fostered a spirit of cooperation and understanding between races. These communities became beacons of hope and symbols of what the world could achieve when united rather than divided.  

Cultural Legacy

  Despite the end of the 300-year war, the Sylvarians have not entirely abandoned their ambitions for conquest and their inherent greed. The extensive losses and devastation they endured during the conflict have forced them to reevaluate their strategies. While the desire for expansion and control remains, Sylvarian leaders and influential figures have increasingly turned towards diplomatic relations as a means to achieve their goals more sustainably and with fewer casualties.   This shift does not signify a complete renouncement of their earlier ambitions. Instead, it represents a more calculated and strategic approach to power and influence. Diplomatic alliances, trade agreements, and political maneuvering have become key tools in the Sylvarian arsenal, allowing them to extend their reach without the overt use of military force.   However, remnants of the old ways still persist. Small-scale conflicts and territorial disputes continue to arise in certain regions, often driven by factions within Sylvarian society that resist the move towards diplomacy. These localized skirmishes serve as reminders of the lingering tensions and the complex nature of Sylvarian ambitions. Additionally, some Sylvarians still covertly pursue alchemical and technological advancements aimed at gaining an upper hand, ensuring that the drive for conquest remains alive beneath the surface.   The cultural legacy of the Sylvarians is thus a blend of resilience and adaptability. Their ability to innovate through alchemy and technology continues to influence the broader world, while their ongoing quest for power shapes their interactions with other races. The lessons learned from the prolonged war have instilled a cautious yet persistent drive to achieve greatness, balancing their historical thirst for conquest with the pragmatic need for peace and stability.  

Timeline Summary

 

• 200 BEC – 337 BEC: The Era of Tension, marked by rising ambition, militarization, and growing resentment towards other races.
• 337 BEC – 637 AEC: The 300-Year War, a prolonged and devastating conflict that reshaped the world and the Sylvarian society.
• 637 AEC – Present: The Post-War Era, characterized by recovery, diplomacy, and a renewed focus on alchemy and peaceful development.