[@Lyla]

Hey!~

Wrote up some Lore about Harena that me and Pyro worked on. Not sure if it'll ever be relevant, but I figured it'd be better to have at least some information about it, in case it does for whatever reason. Figured you might be interested in it and maybe could use it for something if you want.

Also I just really like making lore and history for places.

[hider=Ancient Empire of Sand, Harena]

[center][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/27/89/6f/27896f05cbed8bed50af2e158ebffa66.jpg[/img]
-Artists Rendition of Palace Hill, where Harena was first founded and where the royalty stayed[/center]

Ancient land of Sun and Sand, City of the Seven Hills.

The ancient civilization existed from roughly three thousand, to fifteen thousand years ago near modern day Zidel. The Magnus twins lived in the Middle Harena period. The period where Harena's problems started to manifest. In its day, Harena saw many heroes and notable figures lead its country and lead its armies, though not all have been lauded in history for their acts of heroism and greatness.

The ancient civilization was built upon seven hills, and situated around the Great Tiberis River which flowed through them. The empire started out little more than a handful of tribes, thriving in the number of freshwater oasis that dotted the hills around them. In time, through either peace treaties, deals, or conquering, the tribes eventually became united under one banner until they built the Grand City of Harena. 

At first, the city was a series of sandstone houses built atop one of the seven hills, to help avoid the flooding of the Tiberis River that snaked through the land. As time went on though, and the city flourished they began setting their sights higher. The built massive, grandiose buildings and structures as a testament to their cities wealth and prosperity.

Of course, the seasonal flooding was always a problem - but thanks to a little inventive ingenuity from their architects and mages, they were able to combat this. Massive bridges were built from one hill to another, and when the Tiberis river flooded the residents could safely cross using these grand bridges. Indeed, they were one of the marvels of the world at the time. 

The hills themselves were each separate districts. The smallest, was the palace district, where all the royalty and important people of the day lived. 

The next most important one, was the 'Library of Vis'. The Temple to the goddess and other minor deities that they believed in, was also one of the more notable features. A massive four-sided building, shaped like a diamond. This 'Pyramid' was situated on its own hill, the 'Library of Vis' as it was called. It was a place of esoteric practices and magic study. 

The next, was the Merchant District. This was where all the shopping was held and took place, and where a majority of the more business inclined spent their time. 

Then there was the 'Entertainment District' This massive, open area was where the arts were performed. Plays in the Theater, the coliseum could always be heard roaring in the background. 

The residential districts took up the next two hills, and they were divided between the 'Slums' and the 'middle class' workers.

The last hill, which was also the largest - was where a number of the agricultural pursuits took place. Farming, livestock raising, etc.

Harena itself was a marvel at the time. Airships at their command, grandiose architecture...its not far fetched to say it was the most prosperous, largest, and wealthiest Empire in its time

The Culture of Harena was one might expect. It was ruled by an Emperor who ruled everything. It was an Empire who greatly valued both physical prowess with soldiers and gladiatorial combat, as well as offered many boons to the scholarly and academic sorts, such as Julius and Auges. It had strict policies regarding such things, however. Women were actively barred from any position in the army, and if they wanted to contribute they had to walk the path of Healer or Scholar.

[hr]

Present day:

Harena was once a great nation - but like all nations, eventually it fell. It was great, but not invincible to the tides of time, sands of the desert, or the blades of its enemies. For all its internal wealth and greatness, outside forces would eventually be too much for the Empire to handle...and without its Immortal Saints it grew so used to relying on, it crumbled.

Nashaan finally got the revenge it wanted, and with the help of its allies it beat, broke, and burned the city. Years of mismanagement, riots, and civil unrest followed resulting in nearly the complete destruction of the once grand city.

Today, almost none of its former glory is left...though, the great bridges they built, the Library of Vis and part of the Palace still stand, swallowed by the sands of the desert and only half accessible. The Library of Vis is a shadow of its former self. Years of grave robbery, looters, and other undesirables have seen that a number of ancient artifacts, wealth, and history were lost.

A few of the bridges, can still be used for travel across the Tiberis flood plain, which still exists. The ancient stone monoliths standing as the only testament to a once great nation.


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