In the annals of history, few empires shone as brightly as the Luminar Empire. A beacon of civilization, it spanned the length and breadth of the continent, a realm of prosperity, order, and enlightenment, where the arts and sciences flourished as never before.
For over five hundred years, the Luminar Empire was the very definition of grandeur. Founded by Emperor Calian the Conqueror, it emerged from a fractured land of warring tribes and feuding city-states. With vision and unyielding determination, Calian united the disparate factions under a single golden banner, his very name becoming synonymous with peace and progress.
At the heart of this empire was the radiant city of Lumina, where soaring spires and grandiose palaces touched the heavens. It was a city of wonders, where scholars from distant lands gathered to pen treatises, and philosophers debated the nature of existence. The streets echoed with the melodies of harps and flutes, while fragrant gardens painted a canvas of vibrant colors.
But the Luminar Empire’s reach was not merely cultural. From the bustling ports of the east coast to the rich farmlands of the west, from the fiery deserts of the north to the snow-capped peaks of the south, the Imperial standard flew. The famed Luminar legions, donned in glistening armor, established garrisons and outposts, ensuring peace and facilitating trade. The very existence of the massive fortresses in the north, such as Dur Tarak, testified to the empire’s architectural and military prowess. Built to keep the fierce desert tribes of the Vishodan at bay, they stood as impervious bulwarks against any who might challenge Imperial sovereignty.
Yet, in its quest for dominance, the Empire made a lasting impact in more subtle ways. Through its reign, a common language, a blend of many, evolved and spread, bridging divides and fostering unity. This language, the Elder Tongue, became the medium of scholars, traders, and diplomats alike. The Empire also introduced a universal currency, minted with the visage of its rulers, and a code of laws that was fair and just.
However, no empire, no matter how illustrious, can escape the sands of time. Four centuries ago, the foundations of the Luminar Empire began to show cracks. A combination of internal strife, economic downturns, and external pressures led to its gradual decline. The vast territories became increasingly hard to govern, and the once-unified regions began to clamor for autonomy. The outer provinces felt neglected, sensing a distance from the heart of Lumina, and rebellions began to stir in the fringes.
The final blow came not from without but from within. A series of weak and indecisive emperors took the throne, more interested in the luxuries of court life than their subjects’ well-being. Corruption seeped into the administrative ranks, and the once-proud Luminar legions became shadows of their former selves.
In its last days, the Empire, which once stood as a paragon of unity and progress, fragmented into smaller kingdoms and territories, each eager to carve its own path. The fall of the Luminar Empire marked the end of an era, but its legacy, especially the Elder Tongue and the architectural marvels, lived on, serving as poignant reminders of a bygone golden age.
Calendar
- Emperor Calian established the Luminar calendar upon founding the empire. It was meant to mark the dawn of a new era under his rule.
- The calendar is solar-based, with 12 months of 30 days each, making a 360-day year. A 13th month called Luminara was added every 4 years to account for extra days.
- Each month was named after an important concept, artifact, or person related to the empire’s mythology and history.
- Years were marked as “After Empire” (AE) to denote years after the founding.
Timeline
- 0 AE – Emperor Calian unites the warring tribes and establishes the Luminar Empire and Imperial Calendar.
- 12 AE – The great temple of Lumina, spiritual heart of the empire, is completed.
- 67 AE – Expansion northwards begins. Frontier fortresses built to guard desert frontiers.
- 201 AE – Imperial Academy established to promote education and scholarship.
- 289 AE – Mounting unrest in outer provinces signals the start of the empire’s decline.
- 305 AE – First Luminar-Vishodan border wars erupt as desert tribes raid frontier towns.
- 389 AE – Emperor Kallan the Corrupt begins reign, hastening decline through excesses.
- 421 AE – Barbarian raids increase as Western provinces break away from the empire.
- 421 AE – The sack of Lumina marks the end of the Luminar Empire after decades of decline.
- 423 AE – With the empire fallen, Vanier emerges as the forest tribes unite under Baldric the Unifier.
- 434 AE – Nishan forms as a federation of city-states along the Rohati River basin.
- 442 AE – The Kingdom of Durshan rises under Queen Ellys, emphasizing nature and community.
- 452 AE – The Vishodan houses vie for control over the arid northern expanses.
- 462 AE – The Chandani Monarchy takes shape as coastal settlements unite under King Indran.
- 467 AE – The last Luminar Emperor is killed and replaced by feuding chieftains and warlords.
- 473 AE – Kiran consolidates as a maritime monarchy under Sea Lord Caspian.
- 489 AE – Hanan forms from agrarian communities within the fertile Emerald Plains.
- 502 AE – The secretive magic users establish the isolated Zaran Collective within the forests.
- 521 AE – Nishan emerges as a major continental power promoting academic progress.
- 541 AE – Territorial disputes and trade clashes erupt between the new kingdom states.
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Last Modified: 10/26/2023