King Elos
King Elos VIcit
The Beginning
The founder and first king of The Kingdom of Elos, King Elos first came to Malan in 1 BCE. At the time, he was a second prince in his own kingdom, with a healthy and vibrant older brother, known as Edon who, short of some unforeseen tragedy, was sure to ascend the throne. As such, it was unlikely that Elos was ever going to be given the chance to live out his destiny - to be King.
In those days, it was not uncommon for someone to plot the death of their political rival, and whether they were strangers or family made little difference. But Elos loved his brother and accepted that the gods made the choice to bestow his homeland into the hands of Edon. Despite his desires, he would not attempt to usurp him. Faithful to his brother and his home, Elos remained by Edon's side, until, in the spring of 3 BCE, Chantria, Edon's wife, gave birth to twin sons. Though a joyous occasion, this was the final assurance that Elos needed to know he would never be king.
So it was that he set about creating an expedition. If he would not be king of his homeland, then he would create a new kingdom - a place which he could call his own. It was his destiny, and he was not about to let it slip by. And so, in his 20th season, Elos gathered to himself all his attendants, allies, and friends at court, and he withdrew as many ships as he could muster, stocking them with provisions and the comforts of home. While Edon was at first resistant to the news of his brother's intentions, as summer turned to winter, and winter to spring, he grew to understand Elos' motives. By the spring of 2 BCE, Edon accepted the plan. He drew Marks of Release for each of the crew, allowing them autonomy from the kingdom.
Elos delayed his voyage long enough to celebrate the birthdays of his nephews, for it would be the last time he would see them for many years. The celebration was one for the record books. The entire kingdom was draped in celebratory regalia, feasting continued for days, and wine flowed like a river. For it was not only the births of the young princes that celebrations raged. It was also in farewell to Elos, the beloved brother of the King.
When the feasting was done, and the wine consumed, a small, final ceremony was held at the docks. Edon pulled his brother close, whispering a prayer for safe travels and ample fortune. There were no tears shed, for while it was painful to part ways, it was destiny which would place wind in the future king's sails.
After a final embrace, Elos boarded The King's Landing, and turned to take one final glance at his family and homeland. The anchor was raised, and both brothers held each other's gaze until the ship slipped beyond the horizon.
A New Land
Elos was not hasty in finding his new land. He took the better part of a year to explore: visiting various islands, speaking with established Monarchs, and consulting with his advisors. Eventually, he and his cohort came to the shores of Malan. Records state that he did not even need to land, for as soon as he laid eyes on the shoreline, he knew this was where he was meant to build his kingdom.
Already on the continent were two kingdoms: The Kingdom of Moravan to the west, and the Kingdom of Esterlon to the east. In the center of the continent, a massive swathe of territory stood unconquered by mankind. According to legend, this was ruled over by the Dragons. Specifically, the dragon Xersorrad - The White. History is not entirely clear on what occurred between Xersorrad and Elos, but somehow, the king managed to persuade the dragon to yield control of his lands. Some say a deal was made, some claim intervention from the gods, and others say that Elos slayed the dragon.
Regardless of how it happened, Elos came to be master of the territory formerly known as the Midlands. He rechristened it as the Kingdom of Elos, and near the heart of that territory, which at the time was the extreme north of his reach, he founded the capital city of Edon - named for his beloved brother.
He moved quickly, subjugating the smaller kingdoms that called the midlands home. Elven, Dwarven, and kingdoms of men - the all fell before the might of the Kingdom of Elos. His power came through his Royal Mages - powerful sorcerers who brought with them the power of distant lands. The inhabitants were seldom bothered, aside from rival nearby cities, and so when a regimented and magical army appeared on their doorstep, they folded without great resistance. Once a kingdom was conquered, it was incorporated into Elos' armies.
Within a few years, Elos had amassed quite an army. As he cultivated the land, opened mines, and began to generate incredible wealth, he was generous, sharing the bounty with his subjects, and allowing them to grow wealthy as well. This engendered loyalty, and with the good word of natives, Elos was soon able to conquer territory through diplomacy and negotiation, rather than exclusively through violence.
While Elos' name quickly spread through the midlands, it was some time before his larger neighbors became aware of his presence. Esterlon, with its hermetic nature, was largely insulated form the politics occurring beyond its borders, while Moravan was left ignorant by the separation of the Grand Desert and Trist Mountain range.
The Middle Kingdom
Within ten years, the kingdom of Elos established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the continent.
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