A Briefe History of the Lands of the Southern Olde Worlde

A Brief History of the Lands of the Southern Old World

SARTOSA:

Expanding their trade across the Southern Sea, seafarers from the city-state of Myrmidens in what is now called the Border Princes established the small port of Sartosias on this island.

Within 200 years, the population of the island took on a more Tilean character. The port was renamed Sartosa.

To maintain their independence, the people of Sartosa reached a treaty with the power in Remas. Many ships called upon the port as it was the only safe haven in the middle of the Southern Sea. Unfortunately, its success and location brought Sartosa to the attention of evil creatures. On the night of Geheimnistag 451 I.C., a force of Dark Elves and Undead descended upon the Sartosa and enslaved the population. For two years the people suffered (and died) under the harsh regime until the Remean Legions destroyed the invaders as an effective force.

For the next 550 years, Sartosa remained a dependent in the Remean orbit. The collapse of the power in Remas of 1015 left the Sartosans high and dry. No longer subsidized and possessing no natural resources, the Sartosans began to turn to piracy as a means of survival.

Few in number, Sartosan pirates only attacked ships on the southern Tilean Sea and the immediate area of the Southern Sea. Their predations continued on a small scale until the island was overrun by the Arabians in 1449 I.C. Securing their flank was important to the Arabians as it protected their conquest of Estalia from any interference offered by the Tileans. For over 100 years, the Arabians used Sartosa as a base to launch attacks on Tilean ships and coastal towns. Tiring of these coastal raids, Luccini initiated a two year war that eventually drove the Arabians off the island.

Although it was no better off than before the Arabian invasion, relative peace returned to Sartosa. Pirates steadily populated the seaport until they grew into a force to be reckoned with. In this time, Sartosan pirates ranged throughout the Southern and Tilean Seas, as well as the Black Gulf and Gulf of Sufaga (near the mouth of the River Nyllus). No vessel was safe from their attack and plunder. Within 70 years, Arabian piracy was also on the rise. Remembering old scores from the Arabain occupation (nearly 500 years before), Sartosan pirates attacked their competitors without mercy. Arabian pirates responded in kind and a major war broke out between the two. The war raged for over 25 years until the Treaty of Mabarek. Its terms were simple: neither side would go out of its way to attack the other, while fighting for spoils was still permissible.

Eventually a greater danger to the Sartosan pirates appeared on the horizon. The Estalian kingdom of Astarios had grown in strength since the ouster of the Arabians from their land. Astarios was looking to expand its influence to create an Empire of its own. Thus, ships from Astarios and its allies (the kingdoms of Avila, Cantonia, Obregon, and Santoyo) overwhelmed the defenses of Sartosa and most of southern Tilea. Those pirates not executed by the Estalians holed up in the hidden coves and grottoes along the Slabbrato Coast to the north of their conquered capital. The Estalian overlords were never able to discover these hidden pirate lairs nor were they able to bring the pirates to heel. In fact, the Sartosan treaty wth Miragliano gave them the breathing space to remain a thorn in the side of the Estalians.

In 2400 I.C., an uprising across southern Tilea and Sartosa proved too much for the Estalians. They finally retreated, leaving a political vacuum in their wake. Those Sartosans who collaborated with the Estalians took over the reins of power, but their reign was shortlived. The pirates attacked from land and sea and overwhelmed those in power. The few collaborators who survived that struggle were soon put to death. Since that time, the pirates used the wealth they accumulated to rebuild the defenses of Sartosa including the installation of Imperial cannon at certain strategic points. Their raiding on shipping (especially Estalian) in the Southern and Tilean Seas have also increased since the pirates recovered the island.

Imperial Calendar

-130	Foundation of the city of Sartosa by Myrmiden seafarers.
- 25	Immigrants from Tilean mainland settle in Sartosa and mix with the resident people.
451	Sartosa is besieged then captured by a combined force of Dark Elves and Undead.
453	The Remean Legions recapture Sartosa and rout the invaders.
1010	The Remean VII Legion leaves Sartosa.
1015	Rise of Tilean city-states leaves Sartosa without any protection.
1017	Norse raiders establish a stronghold on Sartosa.
1240	Led by Nafel Muq, Arabian corsairs invade the island of Sartosa and establish it as their base.
1449	Landing and invasion of the island by Arabian forces. Beginning of 100 years of Arabian piracy. Fortification of the City begins.
1501	Mercenary army of Prince Luciano Catena of Luccini retakes Sartosa from Emir Abd al Wazaq and his corsairs after a six month bloody siege.
1681	Night of Restless Dead. Many people die as the dead inexplicable emerge from their watery graves and attack the living.
1757	Sartosa revolts against the ruling Prince of Luccini forcing his armes to leave. Sartosa becomes the lair of pirates
1867	Sartosan pirates begin raiding shipping in the Tilean and Southern Seas.
1936	Arabian piracy on the rise in the Southern Sea.
1954	Start of a war between Sartosan and Arabian pirates.
1980	Treaty of Mabarek ends Pirate War.
2254	The Estalian kingdom of Astarios conquers Sartosa. Pirates set up bases in the rocky cliffs and hidden grottoes along the Slabbrato Coast on the northern and northwestern sides of the island.
2255	Sartosan pirates sign treaty with Miragliano. Both sides begin to raid Estalian shipping.
2291	The fortifications of the City are destroyed although those guarding the harbor remain in tact.
2400	Revolt begins as a reult of excessive taxes imposed by the King of Astarios. Hundreds are injured and, after ten days of rioting, Sartosa is liberated from the Estalian yoke. The departure of the Estalian fleet is maked by the celebration of the Blessed Night.
2401	Sartosan pirates led by the young Emmanuel il Gonfio recapture their old stronghold from those whom assumed control when the Estalians departed. Many who collaborated with the Estalians rooted out of their hiding places and executed in accordance with Pirate Law. Il Gonfio becomes King of the Pirates.
2430	Sophia Procace becomes King of the Pirates by dispatching Emmanuel il Gonfio in a Pirate Duel. The fight had been an even match between Sophia's speed and Emmanuel's brute strength until Sophia exposed her breasts and, before he could recover from gawking, caught Emmanuel in the neck with her cutlass.
2432	Sophia Procace initiates the restoration of Sartosa's defenses.
2445	Pierre le Demente from Bretonnia becomes King of the Pirates when Sophia's ship is sunk after battling Arabians from Arijil.
2447	Pierre is toppled from power after murdering several pirate captains who opposed his attempts at reaching peace accords with the Estalian kingdom of Astarios.
2448	Using his considerable wealth and influence, Jean-Claude Tapageuse buys his way into becoming the Pirate King.
2463	Tapageuse found drowned in his tub. Speculation abounds that he was murdered as the late King of Pirates was never known to take baths before. No one ever found guilty. Stefano Panciuto succeeds Tapageuse.
2485	Unlike many of his predecessors, Panciuto dies in his sleep peacefully following a night of merriment. He is succeeded by Angelo Cuorenero, a buccaneer known for his hatred of Arabians.
2488	Cuorenero plunders and sinks twenty Arabian ships in the year.
2498	Horvaty beats Cuorenero in a drinking contest and tosses the King of Pirates into the dungeon. Horvaty assumes the title of King and reveals himself as a High Priest of Stromfels. He begins leading raids against the ships of Marienburg’s Tilean allies.
2499	Grandmaster Nicolaas van Meeter leads the Knights of the Holy Order of St. Rembrand the Faithful (Templars of Manann) against the Ducal Palace in Sartosa. Pirate King Horvaty slain by van Meeter. Cuorenero released and resumes his title of King of the Pirates.
2501	Cuorenero's luck finally runs out. His ship is sunk and he taken prisoner by an Estalian warship (from Cantonia). He is promptly turned over to the Arabians in exchange for several Cantonian sea captains (privateers). Cuorenero is succeeded by Giovanni Barbarossa, an enemy of Estalian and Arabian alike.

ARABY:

Araby is an ancient land where the first Human civilizations were born. It is also the place where the old gods were swept away for the belief in the one true god, Ormazd. Only in the past has Araby been a united power that threatened on a couple of occasions to overwhelm the southern Old World. Now, Araby is a collection of caliphates and emirates who are, in name only, subservient to the Sultan of all Araby in Istrabul. In reality, each is to some degree independent to seek their own destiny and fortune.

Most Arabian vessels that ply the waters of the Southern Sea are honest merchants and seamen. Few are actually pirates looking to prey on vessels from the Old World as well as those of their own people. The majority of the Arabian pirates sail from the ports of Arijil and Lashiek, although some come from Kamt and Al-Haikk. Not only do these pirates plunder ships for their riches, but they also take captives for the flourishing slave trade in Araby.

Imperial Calendar

-3200	First Human civilization rises in Nippur, on the banks of the Rivers Tigis and Phrates in southeastern Araby.
-3000	The Pharaohs (God-Kings) unite Upper and Lower Nehekhara along the banks and delta of the River Nyllus.
-2600	Assurian Empire dominates in Tigis/Phrates valley. Clashes with Nehekhara to the north.
-2500	Most of the Great Pyramids and tombs (clusters of which were called Necropolises) for the pharaohs were constructed during this time.
-2000	Birth of Nagash.
-1968	Group of errant Dark Elves teaches Dark Magic to Nagash, High Priest of Kháine, in Khermi (capital of Nehekhara). Nagash then defeats the Dark Elf leaders in a sorcerous duel and has survivors entombed alive in the Great Pyramid.
-1960	Death of Pharaoh Ormahkaten. Civil War breaks out in Nehekhara.
-1959	Nagash slays High Priest of Orierus and seizes power in Khermi.
-1950	Nagash begins to prolong his fading youth by distilling an elixir from Human blood. Recruits other depraved noblemen to join him. Nagash orders the construction of the Black Pyramid, destined to be larger than the Great Pyramid of Khemri.
-1900	Hettite forces crush Assurian Empire, conquers Lower Nehekhara.
-1500	Hettite forces withdraw from Nehekhara to meet Goblin threat in north.
-230	The Hellenic general, Alesandr, wars against the ancient kingdoms of Assuria, Het, Nehekhara, and Nippur.
-224	Alesandr dies from an illness in Nippur and is entombed in Achaes while his Hellenic Empire crumbles in Araby.
1	Remas establishes trading colonies in ancient Arabian kingdoms. Arabian resistance to Remean influence results in most of Alexadri (Zandri), including the Great Library, mysteriously burnt to the ground. Last pharaoh of Nehekhara, Amun-Ramsus XIII, slain.
202	At the urging of the Cult hierarchies, the Remean Emperor Nerius orders the suppression and persecution of Wizards throughout their land.
510	Remas establishes the city of Constantium (Alexadri) to be their major trading colony.
758	Riots in Constantium put down by Remeans.
996	The Arabian prophet of Ormazd, Mulhaed al-Quyat, born.
100s	Constantium becomes center of its own realm as the rest of Remean influence collapses in much of Old World.
1050	Mulhaed al-Quyat begins preaching of the One True God.
1060	Mulhaed al-Quyat begins 200 year jihad against the influences of the Old World beginning with an attack on Constantium.
1065	Mulhaed al-Quyat dies.
1142	Eastern provinces of Constantian kingdom fall to the Arabian forces.
1152	The Western provinces fall.
1205	Central provinces fall and the 55 year siege of Constantium begins.
1260	Constantium falls to Arabian forces and is renamed Istrabul.
1435	Sultan Jaffar, a powerful Arabian sorcerer, wields together a coalition of several desert tribes.
1436	Jaffar expands his city-state to a small empire with the capture of Al-Haikk, Copher, Martek, and Lashiek in western Araby.
1442	The Sultan of All Araby, Daryus-e Qabir, declares jihad against the infidels of the Old World.
1448	Skaven convince Jaffar that he should extend his empire into Estalia and overthrow the corrupt and soft ruling Almarvid regime and crush the Estalians.
1450	Start of 600 year Crusadings.
1681	Night of Restless Dead. Many people die as the dead inexplicable rise from their graves and attack the living.
1688	Crusading forces, led by Knights Panther, sack Istrabul.
1689	Arabian forces drive Crusaders back towards sea.
1806	Crusaders carve out petty kingdoms.
1814	Crusaders capture Istrabul.
1936	Arabian piracy on the rise in the Southern Sea.
1958	Fall of the Crusading Kingdoms.
2230	Jihad (Holy War) declared by the Arabian fundamentalists against those rulers influenced by the ways of the Old Worlders. The war lasts 30 years.
2312	Popular uprising against the fundamentalists' harsh regime. Thousands die, but the oppressive rule is overthrown.
2354	Arabian pirates reach an arrangement with Miragliano to target Estalian shipping.
2383	Caliphs of Mahabbah and Kufra renounce the Miragliano treaty. Arabian pirates return to raiding all Old Worlder vessels.
2405	Sartosan pirates resume their raids of small Arabian towns.
2453	A delegation of Shallya priests from Bretonnia arrive in Copher to discuss an end to Arabian slave trade. The Emir Abdul Jafar promptly sells the entire delegation but the most comely (whom he adds to his harem) into slavery.
2455	Emir Jafar contacts a wasting disease that some attribute to Ormazd's displeasure with his treatment of the traveling Shallyans.
2456	Emir Jafar recovers after he secures the release of all Shallyans.
2489	Arabian fleet tries to capture the Sartosan Pirate King Cuorenero in the Gulf of Sufaga. Twenty ships on both sides lost, but Cuorenero escapes.
2502	Cuorenero executed in the holy city of Mendai. Thousands jam the Great Square of Ormazd to witness his demise.
2510	Emir Hassan ibn Kanobe of Teshert leads his army in a five day battle against an Undead army from the Marg beh-Mard Desert to the north. Arabian fundamentalism on the rise again though not as unyielding as before.

BADLANDS:

The Badlands is a troubled land that has seen innumerable wars of conquest. In its early days, it was sparsely populated by Humans. Dwarfs mined the Dragonback Mountains and the nearby Worlds Edge Mountains (where they also established their holds).

To the south, Human civilization rose in power, lasted hundreds of years, and then declined. Wars were numerous then, but none reached the ferocity of that against the invading Orcs and Goblins. At that time, the volcanoes of the Worlds Edge Mountains awoke from their slumber and ash fell everywhere. The Dwarfs were driven back and the greenskins ruled the land.

As nearby Human nations gained in strength, war continued to ravage the land. First the Humans were push the greenskins back towards the east and free the coastal and western portions of the Badlands, then the greenskins would push them back. Since the Arabians were chased out over 300 years, the Badlands have remained in the iron grasp of the Orc and Goblin tribes.

Imperial Calendar

-1500	Orcs and Goblins overrun land, threaten ancient Arabian cities.
-1498	Dwarf mines in Dragonback Mountains fall.
-234	Human armies from ancient kingdoms of the Border Princes battle Orcs and Goblins, frees coast of the Black Gulf.
15	Remean Legions crush Goblins near Black Gulf and drives them back into the Dark Lands.
202	At the urging of the Cult hierarchies, the Remean Emperor Nerius orders the suppression and persecution of Wizards throughout their lands.
995	Orc and Goblin forces destroy Remean settlements along Black Gulf.
1111	Devastating outbreak of Black Plague begins in the Empire and spreads throughout Old World over the next five years.
1666	Arabian forces destroy Orc and Goblin strongholds and drive them towards Dark Lands.
1681	Night of Restless Dead. Many people die as the dead inexplicable rise from their graves and attack the living.
2198	Orc and Goblin forces overrun Arabian villages.
2199	Arabians withdraw to the Marg beh-Mard Desert.
2420	Bretonnian knights win a huge victory against Orcs at Blood River.
2488	Bretonnian army is defeated by Orc army in the Battle of Death Pass.

BORDER PRINCES:

Once the land currently called the Border Princes was home to the oldest Human civilizations in the Old World. That ancient kingdom disappeared without a trace except for the occasional odd ruin. Later, the Hellene people established a number of city-states in the southwest corner of the land near Tilea. In time, other Humans of differing origin settled in the rest of the land. Except for the Hellenic League, the Dwarfhold of Barak Varr, and the Elven realm of Ealindil in the far northeast corner, the remainder of the Border Princes are a patchwork of duchies and counties with ever-changing borders. Numerous dialects of Old Worlder is spoken in the Border Princes, some of which are not spoken elsewhere: Hellenic (southwestern and western regions), Reikspiel (parts of the northern and northeastern areas), Breton (northwest corner), Tilean (northwest area), Remansch (small area of the southern Vaults), Ugaric (northern and eastern parts), Slavic (portions of central, southern, and eastern regions), and Romany (language of the Gypsies who mostly wander throughout the Border Princes). Needless to say, wars are commonplace in this unruly land.

Imperial Calendar

-1000	Rise of Hellene City-States. The renowned city-state of Myrmidens is founded. Achaen League forms to battle Orcs and Goblins from Badlands.
-239	Alesandr of Achaes succeeds his father, Philus, as leader of the League.
-237	Alesandr subdues City-State of Myrmidens.
-232	Dwarfs begin trade with the Hellenes.
3	Remean economic domination of the Hellenic city-states of Myrmidens and Achaes begins. Trade with the Dwarfs begins in earnest.
202	At the urging of the Cult hierarchies, the Remean Emperor Nerius orders the suppression and persecution of Wizards throughout their lands.
999	Suffering great losses, Remean Legions and Hellene levies defeat invading Orcs and Goblins.
1000	Remean Legions withdraw from area.
1022	Escaping the King's forces, some of Bretonnia's nobility and their retinue invade and carve out their own petty realms.
1111	Devastating outbreak of Black Plague begins in the Empire and spreads throughout Old World over the next five years.
1235	Last of Bretonnian noble families absorbed in the local ruling families.
1681	Night of Restless Dead. Many people die as the dead inexplicable rise from their graves and attack the living.
1712	Arabian forces attack petty kingdoms, overcoming the easternmost.
1724	Battle of Matorca halts the Arabian advance in the southeastern region of the Old World.
1980	Imperial "Wizard's War" spreads throughout the Old World.
1991	"Wizard's War" ends in the banishment and execution of a number of Daemonologists and Necromancers. Cults emerge greatly strengthened and violently suppress sorcerous activity. Many secret societites of wizards are formed to protect ancient learnings.
2179	Last of the Crusading forces drive the Arabians out of the Old World.
2417	Bretonnian knights cross over the Nuvolone Pass to northeastern Tilea before struggling over small mountain tracks to the Border Princes.
2420	Bretonnian knights win a huge victory against Orcs at Blood River.
2432	Riots over the Bretonnian occupation range throughout the area near Zenres.
2449	An incident in Somjek causes an uprising in Slavic held lands against the Bretonnian interloper.
2453	Orc raids across the Govina Marches bring Slavic and Bretonnian skirmishing to an end.
2457	Arabian pirates attacks Hellene shipping off Myrmidens.
2474	Skirmishing arises between the Slavics and Bretonnians again. Only the intercession of the Bretonnian commander and the Duke of Zenres prevents a wider conflict.
2482	Morale of Bretonnian army sinks as their stay in the Border Princes begin to wear on them. Some of the foot soldiers have already deserted and returned home.
2488	Demoralized Bretonnian army is defeated by Orc army in the Battle of Death Pass.
2490	Last of the Bretonnian forces leave the Border Princes.
2503	Mysterious object falls from the night sky and seemingly lands in the central plain. No evidence of its landing can be found.
2505	Mutations in the central plains near Zvorak increase.
2512	Increase in sightings of Chaos Beastmen in the Black Mountains and nearby forests. Travel on the Old Dwarf Road between Black Fire Pass and the Worlds Edge Mountains becomes extremely hazardous.

BRIONNE, BRETONNIA:

Brionne is known as the "City of Thieves" throughout Bretonnia and Estalia. For hundreds of years, Brionne was not much different than any other Bretonnian port. Unfortunately, its location made it the first city to feel the impact of foreign invasions from the south. The Arabians were the first to come after they overran Estalia. Their attempt was short-lived and eventually they were pushed off the continent. Next came the Estalians nearly 900 years later, but they were also beaten back in time. Being furthest away from the Bretonnian capital of Gisoreux, Brionne decided that an more independent means of handling its affairs was in order. Unfortunately, to do so required money. Lots of it. The only real industry Brionne had was its thieves, smugglers, and pirates. Realizing the large sum of money that can be made from skimming off the profits of these "entrepreneurs," Governor Poing d'Or declared (to the appropriate channels) that Brionne would be a safe haven for their activities. All he asked in return was some "consideration" (bribe in other words) for himself and selected individuals of the City Watch (like the Captain of the Watch). This arrangement continues to the present and has made the Governor of Brionne very rich, powerful, and influential. Unlike the great merchant families of Marienburg, however, the Governor of Brionne has not amassed a great fortune. This is due to the Governors' tendencies to spend money on frivolous toys and questionable money-losing enterprises.

Imperial Calendar

52	Remas establishes its furthest trading outpost at Brionne.
202	At the urging of the Cult hierarchies, the Remean Emperor Nerius orders the suppression and persecution of Wizards throughout their lands.
504	Remean Legions clash with Bretonni peoples over trade rights.
756	Remean Legions retreat to south as troubles plague Remas' Tilean holdings.
977	Gilles le Breton of Gisoreux begins 70 years of dynastic conquests that leads to unification of Bretonnia.
982	The Legions begin a 10 year campaign to recover lost territories and clashes frequently with le Breton's army.
1002	Declining Remean influence collapses.
1005	Le Breton sweeps foreign armies out of Bretonnia. He dies later and is succeeded as King by his son, Louis. King Louis the Rash recognizes Athel Loren as an independent realm.
1111	Devastating outbreak of Black Plague begins in the Empire and spreads throughout Old World over the next five years.
1342	Arabian forces lay siege to Brionne and threaten the south of Bretonnia.
1344	Rollo d'Chinon dislodges the Arabians.
1347	d'Chinon drives them back to Estalia.
1681	Night of Restless Dead. Many people die as the dead inexplicable rise from their graves and attack the living.
1806	King Louis VIII (the Simple) dies leaving no clear heirs. Central authority collapses. Duchies and baronies war against one another for next 250 years.
1812	Southern Bretonnia is ravaged by another outbreak of Red Pox. Great fire of Brionne razes three quarters of city.
1813	Two Skaven armies appear, razing several villages and small towns along the River Brienne. Brionne and Quenelles are besieged. Skaven army defeated and driven off by Wood Elves and Bretonnian knights from Pavarron. Red Pox brought under control.
1980	Imperial "Wizard's War" spreads throughout the Old World.
1991	"Wizard's War" ends in the banishment and execution of a number of Daemonologists and Necromancers. Cults emerge greatly strengthened and violently suppress sorcerous activity. Many secret societites of wizards are formed to protect ancient learnings.
2232	Alliance of northern Estalian kingdoms of Tigarre and Novareno (with allied troops from the Duchies of Alquezaro, Barboza, Guaniar, and Serpicio) invade and conquer southern Bretonnia.
2267	All provinces send troops to drive out the Estalian invaders.
2274	Siege of Brionne results in the end of Estalian domination.
2282	Governor Jacques Poing d'Or declares Brionne a safe haven for Bretonnian corsairs plundering Estalian shipping. Secretly welcomes Sartosan pirates as well.
2302	Through kickbacks from pirates and smugglers, Governor Poing d'Or of Brionne becomes one of the richest men in all of Bretonnia (and clearly richer than the King).
2325	Governor Poing d'Or and his family are found drowned in wine barrels of vintage red wine. Rumor has it that he tried to extort even more money than the pirate captains and smugglers. His killers are never found (though some suspected the Watch Captain Charles l'Gauche).
2326	The new Brionne Governor, Charles l'Gauche, helps finance the Tilean war against their Estalian oppressors. In this manner, he helps drain the treasury of the Estalain kingdom of Astarios and her allies while keeping the rest of them from turning their attention to Brionne once more.
2352	Governor l'Gauche mets with an unfortunate hunting accident. The incident was suspicious as he was hunting for frog-legs, but nothing comes of the investigation. He is succeeded by his second-in-command, Henri Faucon.
2356	Governor Faucon ends Brionne's assistance to the ungrateful Tileans. His threats to convince the Bretonnian King to conquer northern Tilea goes unheeded.
2362	Governor Faucon disappears mysteriously after he unsuccessfully tried to pass a law to make the office of Governor hereditary. Thieves' Guildmaster Roger Avare becomes the new governor.
2385	Governor Avare hoarding of kickbacks and demands for more pushes the wrong people in the wrong direction. Body found in an alley with his mouth stuffed with copper coins. Succeeded by the moneylender (and part time coin clipper) Gerald Palombe.
2415	Nearing 65 years, Governor Palombe marries a young woman in her late teens, Jeanette Megere. On his wedding night, Palombe apparently suffers a major seizure of the heart and dies.
2420	King Charles L'enorm announces intention to carry the Errantry Wars east into the Border Princes and beyond. Brionne Governor Jeanette Megere bankrolls the expedition (which ensures that the King's men turn a blind eye to Brionne's "business" dealings.
2429	Renaissance of sorcerous studies across entire Old World. Governor Megere employs a number of wizards with questionable reputations.
2445	Massive rioting in Brionne is put down ruthlessly.
2452	Governor Megere dies from a mysterious ailment and is succeed by her daughter Marie-Therese.
2455	Governor Megere the Younger's genteel ways cannot save her rule and she is shut up in a nunnery. Watch Captain Andre Canaille replaces her.
2488	King Charles II declares Errantry Wars at an end. His demands for additional funds nearly bankrupts Brionne. Bretonnian army arrives to ensure prompt payment. Governor Canaille disposed.
2489	Next twelve years see a rapid succession of inept Governors rule Brionne. Anarchy threatens Brionne's frail peace.
2501	Watch Captain Marcellus Mainfonte assumes governorship and restores Brionne's fragile balance. Kickbacks begin to restore Brionne's treasury and Mainfonte's purse.
2510	The influence of Governor Mainfonte on pirate activity now rivals that of the Sartosan King of the Pirates.

ESTALIA:

Since the Arabians withdrew from their conquest of the land, the kingdoms of Estalia have grown in strength and influence. The most powerful and riches of these kingdoms is Astarios. Its lone stance against the power of Araby and its hold on its capital of Magritta has given Astarios prestige among the Estalian people. It was this prestige that allowed Astarios and her allies to build its own Empire (by overrunning southern Tilea) during the middle of the 23rd century until its coffers were depleted in the beginning of the 25th century.

The second most powerful kingdom is Tigarre with its capital of Bilbali. Like Astarios, Tigarre led her allies into expanding their sphere of influence beyond the Estalian frontier. The invasion of southern Bretonnia was short-lived, however, and lasted just over 40 years.

With the exceptions of the Obregon and Cantonia, the other coastal kingdoms and duchies tend to ally themselves with either one of the two most powerful kingdoms. Astarios can nominally count on the support of the kingdoms of Avila and Santoyo, as well as the duchies of Zaragoz and Gualcazar. In contrast, the kingdom of Navareno and the duchies of Alquezaro and Barboza follow Tigarre's lead. Obregon (with the duchy of San Luis) and Cantonia tend to follow their own respective policies and only join one or the other alliance when it suits their purposes. The small duchies and counties of the Irrana Mountains are fiercely independent of any of the coastal powers and serve as a strong barrier between Astarios and Tigarre.

As a peninsula, the sailors of the coastal Estalian Kingdoms are among the best seamen in the Old World. If not for the Norse, the Estalians would have been the first to land in Lustria. With their dream of conquest in the Old World a fading memory, the kingdoms of Astarios and Tigarre (with Obregon and Cantonia playing minor roles) have turned their attention to expanding trade and contacts with the land across the Great Western Ocean. Conflict and competition with the Norse, Bretonnians, and Sea Elves are seen as necessary evils to which the Estalians are willing and able to respond.

Imperial Calendar

-500	Founding of Bilbali and Magritta.
35	Remas establishes trading colony in the Keltoi city of Magritta.
52	Remean influence spreads to the north as another colony is estalished in Bilbali.
202	At the urging of the Cult hierarchies, the Remean Emperor Nerius orders the suppression and persecution of Wizards throughout their lands.
820	Remas crushes revolt in Bilbali.
1002	Remean influence collapses and Legions withdraw. Establishment of petty kingdoms in the wake.
1111	Devastating outbreak of Black Plague begins in the Empire and spreads throughout Old World over the next five years.
1212	Arabian forces begin conquest of Estalian kingdoms.
1224	Although greatly reduced, the kingdom of Astarios and its capital Magritta stands despite repeated setbacks.
1225	Bilbali falls.
1233	Remnants of the Estalian realms (Tigarre, Obregon, and Cantonia) withdraw to the Irrana Mountains to continue the struggle.
1448	Invasion by fresh Arabian army led by Sultan Jaffar.
1450	Fall of Estalian kingdom of Astarios and most of Magritta. Only the citadel and harbor remain in Estalian hands. Start of 600 year Crusadings.
1451	Estalian kingdoms lead fighting as Arabian forces suppress Old World religions in Arabian-held Estalia.
1452	Fall of Bilbali to the Crusading forces.
1457	Founding of the Order of the Blazing Sun. Magritta liberated by Crusading forces. Only Arabian kingdom of Alhabra remains in Estalia.
1681	Night of Restless Dead. Many people die as the dead inexplicable rise from their graves and attack the living.
1980	Imperial "Wizard's War" spreads throughout the Old World.
1991	"Wizard's War" ends in the banishment and execution of a number of Daemonologists and Necromancers. Cults emerge greatly strengthened and violently suppress sorcerous activity. Many secret societites of wizards are formed to protect ancient learnings.
2032	The last of the Arabians withdraw from Estalia.
2232	Alliance of northern Estalian kingdoms of Tigarre and Novareno (with allied troops from the Duchies of Alquezaro, Barboza, Guaniar, and Serpicio) invade and conquer southern Bretonnia.
2274	Siege of Brionne results in the end of Estalian domination.
2270	Rise of the Inquisition.
2321	Estalian coast suffers from Skaven raiding throughout summer.
2398	Struggle to maintain hold on southern Tilea nearly bankrupts Astarios treasury. Kingdoms of Avila, Santoyo, Obregon, and Cantonia pull out as their treasuries are empty.
2400	Astarios armies return home to a bankrupted kingdom. Riots ensue as taxes are increased to pay off emergency loan received from Marienburg.
2429	Renaissance of sorcerous studies across entire Old World. Each of the Estalian kingdoms rush to establish their own magic academies (many fail from lack of money and wizards). Only Magritta and Bilbali have the means to maintain their colleges.
2440	Estalian attempts to find the fabled land of riches across the Great Western Ocean rebuffed by the Sea Elves of Ulthuan. Several sea battles take place with each ending in a draw.
2461	A sea captain, Colombus Caravelle, approaches Queen Isabela of Astarios with a plan to reach the mythical Lustria.
2462	Discovery of Lustria by Colombus Caravelle. He claims the land for Astarios (even though he learned that the Norse had a couple of trading settlements already established).
2466	Colombus Caravelle returns to Lustria to establish an Estalian trading post which he names Santa Isabela.
2478	Trade with (and the occasional raids in the interior of) Lustria begins to fill the coffers of the Estalian kingdoms. King Adolfo Fernando Martinez of Tigarre passes away and is succeede by his son, Prince Carlos Martinez.
2489	Queen Isabela of Astarios dies suddenly. Succession in doubt, but nobles throw their support behind her son, Prince Carlos Aguilar. Coup attempt by Capitan Jorge Sancho Diaz de Moleno fails and he meets his end at the hands of the Inquisition. Isabela’s son ascends the throne of Astarios as King Carlos IX Montoya Aguilar.
2496	King Carlos V of Tigarre attempts to conquer the county of Siernos in the Irrana Mountains. He is slain in battle and his daughter crowned as Queen Juana I la Roja Carlota Martinez. She takes Baron Antonio Escobar de Raganos as her royal consort. King Alfredo Diego Nunez de Pacheco committed to an asylum of Shallya for dementia. His son is crowned King Miguel I.
2504	Treasury of Astarios finally recovers from Tilean debacle.
2511	Foul creatures, including Beastmen, appear in the Irrana Mountains for the first time. All coastal Estalian kingdoms begin build-up of their navies to deal with the increase pirate predations from Sartosa, Brionne, Araby, and near Lustria. Talk of naval war circulates in Magritta.

TILEA:

Tilea is a colorful and robust land whose character varies as widely as the people who call it home. In the early days of Sigmar's Empire, Tilea was dominated by the rich and militarily powerful city of Remas. Eventually, all things come to an end and the rise of power of the other Tilean cities (chiefly Luccini and Miragliano) ended Remas' domination. At about this time, Arismio del Padloa wrote a political treatise called "Civic Liberta" which was destined to change the political landscape of Tilea forever.

Tired of the old nobility whose concepts of government were deemed archaic (especially with the memory of Imperial Remas still fresh), the great Merchant families of the largest Tilean cities used del Padloa's work as a master plan to usurp the nobles' power. In time the Merchants succeeded, making Tilea unique in the Old World (until the emergence of Marienburg after the Chaos Incursion of 2302 I.C.) as large number of cities turned out the nobles as rulers and installed councils of rich merchants in their place. To the average Tilean, this meant little change as there was not much different between the old noble upper class and the new merchant upper class. Both groups of people tended to amass power and fortune on the backs of the working, lower, and peasant classes.

These new political entities are called republics as they (in theory, not practice) represented the people or citizens of the land. The great city-states of Miragliano, Remas, Luccini, and Tobaro are all republics as are the large towns of Toscania, Viadaza, Astiano, Raverno, Verezzo, and Pavezzano. In the smaller towns and countryside, the old nobility still hold sway. These are the duchies and counties of Udolpho, Campogrotta, Bellagio, Urbimo, Varieno, Egadizzo, Spomanti, Olesi, Terenne, and Capelli.

Because trade is the lifeblood of the Tilea, competition between the city-states is fierce. None of these are as fierce as that between Miragliano and Remas. Their rivalry goes back nearly 2,700 years and will likely continue far into the future. In contrast, Luccini (the largest Tilean city) has been able to avoid such competition with its neighbors.

Imperial Calendar

-4000	High Elves establish city of Altheriol-ta-Mealthiel, "The Black Pearl of the Two Seas," near the site of modern day Luccini. The permananet Dream Gate is also founded.
-2700	Morr seals the Dream Gate. Few remaining Dream Elves are tainted with insanity as are their descendants.
-2000	City of Kavzar (or Tylos, depnding upon the historical source) is established. Rapidly grows to become the largest city in the Old World.
-1950	Wandering Dwarf clan takes up residence there and further builds city.
-1880	Humans begin construction of their great temple in Kavzar with Dwarf help. Work goes on continuously the next 100 years.
-1780	Temple of Kavzar is completed and warpstone starts to rain down on the city from Morrslieb. Within a year city is overrun by swarms of giant matched rats and disappears in the Blighted Marshes.
-1600	First true Skaven emerge as masters of Skavenblight (formerly Kavzar). First experiments with magic. Warpstone sought further afield.
-1590	Tunnel system under Skavenblight expanded to accommodate rapidly increasing population.
-1500	Earthquakes triggered by Skaven society devastates population of Skavenblight. The twelve Grey Lords arise forming the first Council of Thirteen and the Order of the Grey Seers.
-500	Founding of the towns of Miragliano, and Remas.
-497	Hellenic settlers land near the ruins of Dream Gate and establish the city of Photopolis. Surviving attacks of Undead, the Hellenes begin building temple to Thanation (Morr).
-496	Temple to Thanation completed.
-210	Rise of Remean Republic.
-190	The twins, Lucan and Luccina, lead an uprising against the Hellene colonists in southern Tilea. Remas leads the Tilean League into the fray and expels the Hellene colonists from southern Tilea. City of Photopolis renamed Lucinia (Luccini). Temple of Thanation rededicated to Morr.
-188	Remas sends Legions to raze Miragliano to the ground for its refusal to send troops against the Hellenes.
- 80	Tobaro founded.
- 50	Remas battles neighbors until it dominates Tilea.
30	Increasing number of daemonolgists and necromancers in Luccini. Introduction of the Sorcerors Law.
60	Remas permits the rebuilding of Miragliano.
202	At the urging of the Cult hierarchies, the Remean Emperor Nerius orders the suppression and persecution of Wizards throughout their lands.
475	Bands of Orcs invade Tilea from the east and sack most of the cities. Led by the Remean Legions, the Tileans spend years forcing the Orcs out of Tilea.
760	Civil War erupts and lasts for 30 years.
792	Miragliano leaders are executed for their instigation of the Civil War. Remean military governorship is established in the city.
1001	Civil War erupts as Miragliano and Luccini ally together against Remas.
1015	Remas domination ends. Rise of the Tilean City-States.
1030	Arismio del Padloa writes "Civic Liberta"
1111	Devastating outbreak of Black Plague begins in the Empire and spreads throughout Old World over the next five years.
1230	Miraglianese merchant fleet becomes dominant on the Southern and Tilean Seas. Only the rise of the Arabian corsairs (pirates) challenge them on the seas.
1326	To facilitate (control) trade, Miragliano establishes trade associations with other towns in Tilea and the Border Princes.
1448	Arabian forces under Sultan Jaffar attack Tobaro, but fails to take the Tilean city and forced to withdraw.
1501	Mercenary army of Prince Luciano Catena of Luccini retakes Sartosa from Emir Abd al Wazaq and his corsairs after a six month bloody siege
1563	City of Tobaro is overrun by Skaven breaking through the ancient Elf-carved network of tunnels which riddle the cliffs around it.
1565	Tobaro is recaptured by a mercenary army led by Meldo Marcelli.
1601	Village of Escantos in the south is completely devoured by swarm of rats. Fearing the same doom, rulers of Luccini sign an infamous secret agreement with the Skaven to provide human flesh in exchange for the security of Luccini.
1619	A young noble, Giovanni Antonio Soldati, uncovers the secret treaty. He leads a riot which results in the execution of the leaders of Luccini.
1634	Four year war breaks out between Miragliano and Remas.
1681	Night of Restless Dead. Many people die as the dead inexplicable rise from their graves and attack the living.
1813	Northern Tilea is ravaged by outbreak of Red Pox. People fleeing south swell the population.
1830	Luccini becomes the largest city of Tilea.
1870	Period of tolerance of sorcery begins in the Tilean City-States.
1980	Imperial "Wizard's War" spreads throughout the Old World.
1991	"Wizard's War" ends in the banishment and execution of a number of Daemonologists and Necromancers. Cults emerge greatly strengthened and violently suppress sorcerous activity. Many secret societies of wizards are formed to protect ancient learnings.
1993	The Order of the Custodes Vagantes (Morr priests dedicated to hunting necromancers) is founded in Luccini.
2169	Battle of the Blight. Miraglianese army and allies drive the Skaven back to the deepest reaches of the marshes. Thousands of Skaven die, but Tileans fail to utterly destroy them.
2235	The explorer Guido Pasolini mounted an expedition to the source of the River Cristallo, following a Dwarven legend about a route through the Vaults. Foundation of Alimento.
2236	Pasolini discovers the tunnel through the Vault connects the River Soll to the River Cristallo. He names the entire stretch the River of Echoes.
2241	Remean and Miraglianese fleets meet in a battle near Tobaro. Neither side carries the day.
2254	Estalian kingdom of Astarios establishes an empire by conquering southern Tilea.
2255	Miragliano signs treaty with Sartosa. Both sides begin raids on Estalian shipping.
2283	Riots in Luccini violently suppressed.
2310	Guido Cesare Bardi, a wizard from Miragliano, discovers the Book with the Red Cover in the ruined areas of Luccini.
2319	Skaven warships are spotted in waters off Tilea.
2321	Tilean coast suffers from Skaven raiding throughout summer.
2388	Miragliano suffers from an infectious plague called the Spotted Pestilence. Enacts the Law of Water Supply to prevent its reoccurrence.
2390	Independently of one another, both Remas and Verezzo proclaim themselves republics. Revolts plague both over the next ten years. Other cities and towns soon follow.
2400	City-States of southern Tilea free themselves of Estalian yoke.
2401	Siege of Monte Castello where a small garrison withstands the relentless attacks of numerous Orcs and Goblins.
2417	Bretonnian knights cross over the Nuvolone Pass to northeastern Tilea before struggling over small mountain tracks to the Border Princes. Republic of Toscania and County of Campogrotta devastated by the Bretonnians passing.
2429	Renaissance of sorcerous studies across entire Old World. Academies are established in Miragliano, Remas, and Luccini. Smaller colleges are established in Tobaro and Toscania.
2453	Campaign to cleanse Apuccini Mountains of bandits and goblins launched by bordering Tilean lands.
2460	Apuccini campaign ends with much fanfare. In reality, it is a failure as bandit and goblin activity barely diminishes.
2474	Remean navy catches up with marauding fleet of five Sartosan pirate ships between Tobaro and Fools Point. All pirate ships are sunk with no survivors.
2490	Last of the Bretonnian forces from the Border Princes campaign cross northeastern Tilea on way home.
2498	Bandits from the Apuccini Mountains attack Terenne and villages along the River Riati. Several are burnt down.
2503	Armies from Terenne, Raverno, Capelli, and Luccini track down bandit gang and defeat them in the Battle of Sussurrio Wood. Gang leaders executed in Terenne.
2509	Skaven fleet destroyed by Miraglianese fleet in the Golfo di Fodore.
2512	Beastmen reportedly seen in the Tettoverde Forest. Several forest villages destroyed, but no victims found nearby. Anarchist agitators begin making public appearances in Miragliano, Remas, and Luccini.