Islands of Valor/History

''This page contains the history of the Aurora Archipelago, also known as the Islands of Valor. ''

The Beginning
Before the time of man, the islands of the Aurora Archipelago were inhabited by both known and unknown creatures, remnants of which can still be found today. It is rumoured among scientists that in prehistoric days, the entirity of the Aurora Archipelago was a single large landmass, later split up by earthquakes and flooding. Concrete evidence for this however does not exist.

Known creatures were the Harpies on Islondix, marsh monsters in Kufurun and various types of strange horse-man-like creature on the planes of Agstil. Strange bones have been found in the high mountains of Ravena, which have been claimed as both an unknown species by scientists and regilous sign by various groups scattered over the world.

It is unknown when the first humans arrived on the Islands of Valor. What is known is that they probably arrived over a land bridge, which was likely located where the Runa chain is nowadays. It likely linked up to the current location of Siri, being later covered in rising waters.

Naturally, the first recorded settlement was Runa, named after strange runes found on the beaches of this city. Many settlements quickly spread across the islands, mostly in the coast regions of Ravena and Agstil, later to the islands of Islondix, Neath and Kiani. Many of the cities present on the islands were created in this time period, also called the “Age of Spread” by historians.

Elys and Agstra
Politics in this time were mostly focussed on a single city, sometimes a few more, but kingdoms and republics did not yet exist. This was changed by Lord Elys, lord of Bratton, placed where now lies Seacroft. He set out to unite the Islands of Valor beneath a single flag, his own, Making quick work of most of Islondix, Agstil and the northern parts of Ravena, Elys marched with his troops on the then largest city in the area, Runa. The only thing standing in his way were the mountains. Starting the trek at the end of fall was, ironically, his downfall. Many of his soldiers died in the mountains, more deserted, and the few that made it to the other side were tired, hungry and angry. Not three days after officially leaving the mountains, the remaining men mutinied, overthrowing Lord Elys and turning themselves in to Runa. As a reward, they would not be killed and would be transported back home.

Lord Elys’ son, Agstra, was left behind in the north. He had set up hostiptals for the sick and wounded and cared for the children and elderly, earning the respect of the locals. Because of this, Agstra was allowed to stay on the island, even given a prominent position in Virtburg. In the following years, he would work his way up to captain, admiral and even general of the army. After a devastating storm, which grounded half the city, he set up the organizations for the rebuilding, earning the love of the citizens of Vritburg.

After some reformations in the army, mainly used to get rid of Agstra’s unloyal men, he decided he would follow the path his father had laid down, and he went to war. The northern region of Ravena still remembered him and welcomed him lovingly. There were three routes he could take to the south. The path over the mountains, he ruled out because of his father’s experiences. Going west meant going through thick, bandit-infested woods with little supplies. So he decided to cross the two rivers to the east and make his way along the coast to Runa. What he didn’t anticipate was long storms making passage impossible. When he finally could pass, many of his men had gotten impatient and agitated. Because of this, when they arrived in Ocolo, and the gates for them were closed, Agstra’s men revolted and took down the city without orders. Fearing another mutiny, he fled south with his most trustworthy officers. The rowdy men quickly followed, furious at the departure of their leader. What Agstra didn’t expect were the marshes near the eastern coast, swallowing him and his men whole. His men watched him die and, not knowing what to do now, settled near the site of his death. This is now Treboro, a place known for its scummy inhabitants and unpleasant odor.