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== History ==
=== BeforeEarly Common Era (BCE)Civilization ===
=== Formation of Tribes and Kingdoms (500 BCE - 500 CE) ==
==== Early Civilization ====
==== FormationWarring ofStates TribesEra and(500 KingdomsCE - 1764 CE) ====
=== Thurid Era (0 CE - 712 CE) ===
The Thurids were a powerful [[Wikipedia:Feudalism|feudal]] state originating in modern day Redmondburg. Their name comes from their god, Onik Zok Thur (Staynish: Wise Great Master), whom they worshipped as the [[wikipedia:Henotheism|henotheistic]] overlord of the universe, which they called “Pahlaas” or “Everything”. According to surviving historical records, the Thurids claimed to trace their lineage to Onik Zok Thur, [[Wikipedia:Divine right of kings|which they used to support their position]] as the dominant political power in ancient Aivintis. Some [[Lerasian Mythology|Lerasians]], believing this Onik Zok Thur to be their lost Hero-God Lerasi, readily converted to the Thurid religion, practicing in state-built churches in large settlements.
In January of the year 0 CE, Goraanjun Thurid named himself [[Wikipedia:King of Kings|King of Kings]], Overlord of Everything, and Heir to Onik Zok Thur. Although most primary sources have been destroyed and what remains is questionable at best, historians believe that Goraanjun spent the next decade conquering smaller tribes and villages around his capital. At some point during these conquests, he died in battle, and his son took over the Thurid Empire. Over the next three hundred or so years, the Thurids had expanded to encompass an area believed to include most of modern day Aivintis and a large part of modern day [[Joralesia]]. Scholars suggest that this was accomplished through the use of superior tactics and technology, although there is no evidence to support this other than their rapid expansion.
Thurid rule was fairly peaceful. If there were any uprisings, they were quickly put down, and any tribes or fledgling kingdoms on their borders were likely too weak to pose any real threat to Thurid rule. Multiple surviving manuscripts suggests that the Thurids maintained their empire through the use of loyal vassals - former Kings or Chieftains that were granted certain privileges in exchange for privileges. This use of former regional rulers to maintain order on a local level also supports the self-proclaimed title “King of Kings”, which was the most common title attributed to Thurid rulers in the sources that [[The Aeternus]] didn’t destroy.
The Thurid dynasty’s internal stability and longevity seems to suggest a strong military, too. One major source, the Report from the West, which was smuggled out of Aslough before [[Aeternist Inquisition|the ritual book burnings of the 19th century]], describes the state of a Thurid military garrison at the end of the year 325. Judging by this report, the backbone of the Thurid army was the cavalry. The [[Wikipedia:Cataphract|Heavy Cavalry]] was armed with spears and chainmail, while the [[Wikipedia:Mounted Archery|Light Cavalry]] were armed with composite bows. The report seems to suggest that infantry was rarely used, which would be ideal for the Aivintian terrain. The report also points out a shortage of iron that year, which meant that the Thurids did not control a steady source of raw materials for weapons and armor.
=== Warring States Era (712 CE - 1764 CE) ===
Although sovereign kingdoms had begun to break off from the Thurid Empire before their unexplained disappearance, it wasn’t until the fall of the Thurids that Aivintis truly began to divide into what are now called “The Warring States.”
==== Middle Ages ====
=== Dale Kingdom (1764 CE - 1780 CE) ===
=== AscendencyAscendancy of Aivintis (1780 CE - 1812 CE) ===
Shortly after his victory, the Aeternus declared the establishment of the Ascendancy of Aivintis, and began working to strengthen his power and reform the government into the new glorious state he promised, one which would “reign Ad Aeternum.” The Aeternus led the nation as a Supreme Leader of sorts, with absolute power over the executive, legislative, and judicial functions of the government. He relied on temporary Ministers and Advisors to administer or assist administration of certain aspects of government, often choosing prominent generals or Aeternist priests to accomplish this task. The nation was built on loyalty and devotion to the Aeternus.
=== Stuart Monarchy (1812 CE - 1815 CE) ===
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