Abravost

While there is surely land across these oceans, we only know ourselves to be the custodians of this world. It is cruel, then, that what we know of the world is defined by the wickedness of conquerors and the bickering of politics.

— Lani Koshidan, Telziado Royal Historian

The continent of Abravost, sometimes known as Greater Abravost or Skarhu-Abravost, consists of two larger islands and innumerable outlying ones. The largest islands are the western island of Skarhu, and the eastern island of Abravost.   For much of recorded history, the two islands were a single landmass, named Abravost. They were separated during The Collision, which also sank and raised many outlying islands in the Amara Ocean.

History

Pre-Collision

Recorded history of Abravost begins approximately 3000 years ago, based on scattered tablets in a proto-Vostan script. At this time Abravost was divided between an estimated 500 diverse clan groups, many of whom were highly nomadic. Permanent settlements along coastlines and major rivers began being established 2800 years ago, with the majority being west of the Krenar Mountains.   Of great significance to the future development of Abravost was the Vosti Conquest 1000 years ago, when the Vosti tribe of southern Abravost conquered the continent over the course of a century. It is from this tribe that the continent gained its name, meaning 'all Vost', or 'all under Vost'.   Following the War of Vosti Succession that spanned much of the 300s BC, the great city of Fovenis was constructed in central Abravost to serve as a symbol of Vosti unity, and to help increase Vosti access and influence to the unruly north and west.  

Post-Collision

The Collision 400 years ago brought great change to Abravost by splitting it in half with the volcanic Shattered Strait, as well as by the loss of human landmarks such as the city of Fovenis and the introduction of elven landmarks like the volcano Chalsei Kóshoil. Many outlying islands were raised and sunk by the cataclysm, and the continent was engulfed in turmoil.   Having lost contact with the imperial core in eastern Abravost, the western portion of the continent took the opportunity declare its independence from the Empire and became the Republic of Skarhu, taking their name from the Skarhan people who also lend their name to their continental half.   Flooded with elf refugees from the Collision, the Empire decided to send most of them east of the Krenar Mountains, starting with a 'colony' at Waal Paisheim. Though under Vosti jurisdiction the distance granted a degree of autonomy to those who settled, which caused regular conflict with imperial administrators, such as with the Kailkoseltii Riots of 89 AC over the mishandling of the City Islands.   These pressures soon burst into a short conflict, with the territory declaring itself independent as the republic of Waal Zaimyatl in 107. Though bitter, few battles were ultimately fought over the territory due to difficulties crossing the Krenar Mountains and with maintaining naval control, and the Empire eventually capitulated.   Further conflict would arise in 142 when Skarhu re-established contact, as the Empire assumed their authority was still recognised. Owing to the westerner's superior naval force, Skarhu's independence was recognised, and trade routes were established between the divided halves of the continent for the first time.   The development of Portals in the 3rd century eventually made it possible for limited transportation of people and goods from Abravost to a corresponding location in the elven world. These were predominantly installed throughout Waal Zaimyatl, with some portals in Skarhu and in the Empire's northern reaches.   Diplomatic tensions flared in the later 3rd and early 4th century between the three countries, in the form of trade disputes between Skarhu and the Empire, and potential for war over the south-eastern border between the Empire and Waal Zaimyatl. Though trade negotiations were eventually fruitful, the tension in the east was significant enough to prompt an international summit, to be held on neutral ground in elf lands beyond the portals.  

Post-Separation

Taking place during the summit in 326 AC, The Separation destroyed all the portals in Abravost and severed the connection between the two worlds. The loss of high-ranking individuals from every state, including the loss of the entire immediate Vosti imperial family, caused political chaos throughout Abravost. While the republics of Skarhu and Waal Zaimyatl were able to account for missing politicians, the Empire was forced to turn to military leadership for stability, resulting in the ascension of Emperor Treveon I.   During this turmoil, and as a direct result of the military's heaping of blame for the Separation upon elves, the Empire's north would revolt in the short but devastating Vosti Civil War. Though not initially seeking independence, the support of Waal Zaimyatl and Skarhu would allow the north to become the Kingdom of Telziad in 336.   While the remainder of the 4th century was largely peaceful, there were some minor diplomatic spats such as the dispute between Skarhu and Telziad over sovereignty of the Yulemta Islands. Major changes would come in the 5th century, as the Assassination of Dravulean II of Telziad would prompt the new sovereign Crown Larusion to transition the kingdom towards a constitutional monarchy.   The continued military authority within the Vosti Empire would also reach a breaking point, with the adoption of Grelan Tellis as imperial heir causing revolt in the Empire's west, as well as the opportunistic independence declaration of The Medura in the north. The conflict is expected to be the Second Vosti Civil War, with some anticipating the Empire's complete collapse.