Vaynite

The Vaynites where a human tribe whose range encompasses the southwestern lands of the Druyen Highlands and the Valley of the Sun.

Statistics

History

Refugee Period

The origins of the Vaynites lie in the wars fought between scattered human tribes living in the Three River Valley. Years of conflict between the dwarves of Stoneheart Hold and orc and goblin tribes in the valley drove them from the valley. The refugees settled in the southern reaches of the Druyen Highlands. It was a difficult land, poorly suited for agriculture. Adderroc, a great monastery gave the refugees shelter and food during the winter. The refugees returned the gesture by pledging themselves to Vayne, patron god of the priests.

Clans Period

By Y1415 AE the people of the valley had carved out many settlements. Extended families began to take hold driven by the competition to grow given the limited resources. Within two hundred (200) years these early families became large extended clans of blood-relatives. Vayne was the god of battle and so the vaynites fought. When not fighting among themselves, they warred with their neighbors.

In Y1701 AE the two largest clans joined together to conquer the Valley of the Sun to their southwest. It was not as fertile as their original homeland, but it provided enough food and timber to do more than just survive. These years the vaynites reached the height of their civilization.

Dakarian Invasion

From Y1742 - 1767 AE the Kingdom of Dakar warred with the vaynites for control of the Valley of the Sun and much of the highlands. The highlands were rich in coal, copper, and tin. It cost the vaynites their finest war-leader, but they drove the Dakarians from their lands.

Irillian Invasion

Y1767 - 1842 AE the Irillians crossed the river and tried to wrest control of the Valley of the Sun. Unlike the Dakarians the Irillians had greatest success. They drove the vaynites back into the highlands. It was the first military defeat the vaynites suffered and they took it as a sign of Vayne's disfavor.

The monastery at Adderroc had fallen into disrepair as the priests left it to teach the fighting arts in the settlements. The vaynites rebuilt the library with a religious fervor. This building would now serve as the home of the Chief of Clans, who would rule them. Disagreements among the clans about who should rule led to more internal fighting.

A greater creation during this turbulent time was the creation of the Guardians of Order. These Guardians swore to uphold the highest ideals of Vayne, dedicating themselves to the study of war and battle. In the last battle the greatest among them would stand beside Vayne and fight to the bitter end.

Krandryia Period

The period starts with the uprising of reavers in an isolated settlement in the highlands. The most eastern settlement, the clan fell victim to Danshi. They slaughtered the nearby villages and marched upon Adderroc. The largest clans were too caught up in squabbling with their neighbors they never considered the consequences. It was the Guardians that stopped the army on the plains east of their holy ground. They fought against a foe who knew know surrender or mercy - and they slaughtered them. The Guardians demonstrated arts of war and battle unknown to the vaynites. Their ranks flushed with new members.

In Y1849 Kran of the Kingdom of Dakar arrived in the highlands with his personal armsmen and retinue. He negotiated with several of the clan for provisions. He offered no violence to those that treated with him fairly. Those that did not he conquered. After conquering several tribes he acquired enough power to challenge the larger clans. With nearly a third of the land under his control, he went to the ruins of Adderroc and fought the beast within the Great Hall. He emerged victorious with a favor from Vayne himself.

With Kran declared the new king the land became known as Krandryia.

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