Suel

The Suel: A Brief History

The Suel are one of the most ancient Human races of the World of Greyhawk, known for their fair skin, light eyes, and often blonde hair. Once the rulers of the Suel Imperium, a vast and powerful empire, they were a dominant force in the southwestern Flanaess until the cataclysmic events that led to their downfall. The Suel’s reliance on magic and their eventual defeat has shaped much of their history. While many of the Suel migrated eastward after the destruction of their empire, a significant number stayed in the west, where they would shape the future of the Dominion of Kesh—a kingdom of Suel heritage that remains a key player in the ongoing conflicts of the region.

“The Suel migrations, driven by catastrophe, reshaped the Flanaess in ways that still echo through the ages. Yet, in the west, they clung to their power, refusing to let their ancient empire die.” – Lord Faelar Moonshade, renowned historian and keeper of ancient texts

The Suel Imperium and its Decline

The Suel people first rose to prominence in the Suel Basin, a region known for its natural resources and strategic position. For centuries, they dominated the southwestern parts of the Flanaess, creating an empire renowned for its magical prowess, advanced architecture, and decadent lifestyle. However, their overreliance on magic ultimately led to their undoing.
The catastrophic Rain of Colorless Fire, an event triggered by the Suel’s unchecked magical experiments, shattered their empire, leaving vast portions of the land uninhabitable. The remnants of the Suel Imperium were scattered, with survivors fleeing to distant lands. While many migrated to the west, seeking refuge and rebuilding their lives, others stayed closer to their homeland, ultimately forming the Dominion of Kesh.

“From the ashes of the Suel Imperium, Kesh arose like a phoenix, reborn through blood, fire, and divine ambition.” – Lord Faelar Moonshade, renowned historian and keeper of ancient texts

The Suel in the West: The Rise of the Dominion of Kesh

While many Suel migrated eastward following the fall of their empire, a significant portion remained in the western lands and became the founders of the Dominion of Kesh. This kingdom, built on Suel bloodlines, preserved the ancient magical and martial traditions of the Suel Imperium. However, the Suel people of Kesh also embraced a new and more rigid religious structure—devotion to Hextor, the god of war, tyranny, and conquest.
The Dominion of Kesh is driven by a strict devotion to Hextor’s divine mandate, fueling both its military expansionism and the dominance of its ruling classes. The people of the Dominion are known for their strict adherence to order and strength, both in their martial prowess and their unwavering belief in Hextor’s divine mandate.

“The Dominion of Kesh is a kingdom born from the ashes of the Suel Imperium, where war and divine will reign supreme. Its people are bound by the chains of their god, and their might lies in the strength of their armies and their unyielding belief in Hextor.” – Lord Faelar Moonshade, renowned historian and keeper of ancient texts

Magic, once a tool for enlightenment and arcane discovery, has been repurposed in Kesh for the purposes of war, control, and the consolidation of power. The Divine Blades, powerful war priests of Hextor, are the enforcers of this belief, ensuring that the will of the god is maintained across the Dominion’s lands. The blending of martial discipline and divine magic has made Kesh a formidable military power in the west.

The Suel Migrations and the Formation of Gorundia

The Suel migrations following the Twin Cataclysms reshaped much of the Flanaess. The Suel who fled to the east settled across various regions, sometimes clashing with the native Flan and Oeridians for control of territory. In the aftermath of these migrations, the Oeridians, pushed north and east by savage humanoid hordes employed as mercenaries by the Suel and Baklunish, gradually rose to prominence, mastering many of the conflicts with the Suel due to their alliances with the native elves, dwarves, gnomes, and halflings of the Flanaess.

“The migration of the Suel was the spark that ignited the flames of conflict in the Flanaess. Their ambitions met with resistance, as the Oeridians and their allies sought to push back the Suel invaders and claim the land for themselves.” – Lord Faelar Moonshade, renowned historian and keeper of ancient texts

Gorundia, primarily composed of Oeridians, broke away from the Dominion after a series of devastating wars. The Oeridians, dissatisfied with the Dominion’s oppressive rule and religious dogma, rebelled, eventually founding the Kingdom of Gorundia. The Orenic family, a Suel-descended noble family, played a key role in this rebellion. Though originally aligned with the Suel, they broke away from the Dominion’s influence and sided with the Oeridians, securing a place of power in the newly independent kingdom.
The formation of Gorundia marked the end of the Dominion's dominance in the east. The Orenics, though Suel-descended, solidified their place in Gorundia's monarchy, navigating the delicate balance between their Suel heritage and their new Oeridian allegiances.

The Orenics: From Dominion Loyalists to Gorundian Nobles

The Orenic family, once prominent in the Suel-dominated Dominion, played a crucial role in the creation of Gorundia. Their decision to break away from the Dominion and join the Oeridians was a pivotal moment in the history of the Flanaess. The Orenics’ martial prowess and their deep connection to Suel magic made them invaluable to the Oeridians, and they quickly rose to power within the new kingdom.
While their Suel heritage remained important, the Orenics had to adapt to their new position within Gorundia. Their Suel traditions and the remnants of their magical knowledge were respected, but they also had to align with the Oeridian political structures to ensure their survival. Despite their past, the Orenics have proven their loyalty to Gorundia, aligning with its goals while balancing the remnants of their old Suel identity.
The Orenics now hold substantial power within Gorundia, though their former ties to Kesh continue to cause friction. This political tension is still felt today, especially in matters concerning military strategy, foreign relations, and the deep-rooted distrust between the Oeridians and their Suel neighbors.

Current Tensions: A Legacy of War and Rivalry

The rivalry between the Dominion of Kesh and Gorundia has shaped much of the political landscape in the east. The Dominion of Kesh, once a mighty empire, now struggles to maintain its influence in the face of growing resistance from Gorundia and its allies. Though the Dominion has recently regained some of its former power, its military and religious zealotry remain a source of tension with Gorundia.
Meanwhile, Gorundia, a proud Oeridian kingdom ruled by a tsar, has flourished since its independence. However, the memories of the Suel and their attempts to dominate the east still haunt the people of Gorundia. The Orenics, though loyal to Gorundia, remain a reminder of the complex history that binds the two nations. Their position in Gorundia is secure, but the memories of their former allegiance to Kesh still haunt them.

“Gorundia and Kesh will never see eye to eye. The scars of the past run deep, and even as the world shifts, the rivalry between the Suel and Oeridians burns on.” – Lord Faelar Moonshade, renowned historian and keeper of ancient texts

The future of the west remains uncertain. The Dominion’s desire to reclaim its former glory, combined with the Oeridians’ reluctance to forget the past, ensures that the rivalry between the Suel and Oeridians is far from over. As both nations stand on the precipice of potential conflict, only time will tell whether the tensions of old will once again spark the flames of war.