Onera

Once the land of the Stone Kings, and the place where men first learned the arts of magic, the lands known collectively as Onera were once home to the oldest of human empires in Thamrysis.
The land known as Onera is separated primarily into two major regions; Al-Onera being the land north of the Tabalim river and Nur-Onera being the land south of the Tabalim river.
Al-Onera usually refers to approximately 50 miles north of the Tabalim, though it is the name of the entirety of the old empire abandoned during [The Oneran Exodus   . Everything beyond that is considered wilderness. Sarkastrana (widely referred to as "The North Beyond") reaches as far north as common maps and knowledge go.

Geography

Al-Onera

Geologically, Al-Onera lies primarily on a deep sedimentary rock that gives way to harder crystalline outcroppings in the north, where higher elevations are found on the margins of the foothills of the Parthan Mountains. The Deshstepa (known widely as “The Great Oneran Plain”) plain gently rolls from south of the Tabalim, lying at ninety to 600 meters in elevation, north to the thick, deciduous forests in the Staphtus valley that lies below the Parthan Mountains.
In Al-Onera, the most common trees are hornbeam, oak, linden, maple, wild pear, and wild cherry.

Nur-Onera

The Deshstepa in the south has numerous ravines and gullies cut by small rivers and steams. To the east, the Kirchwen mountains break up the plain and lead to a low lying valley and lush swampy areas with tall willow trees and cypresses. The eastern side of the Kirchwen mountains is much more forested than the western side, and there are long sections of slow-moving river and creek that create the Lastina (a swamp similar to a bayou) along the banks of the Pruta River as it travels north to join the Tabalim.

The Tabalim River

The largest river in all Onera has its headwaters far to the west in the Reiga peaks of The Maw that mark the border to Hyli, and flows eastward past the low lying Deshstepa before reaching the eastern sea in the Ghost Bay. Along the Tablim are many thickly forested plain regions with rich soil.

Fauna & Flora

Flora

Al-Onera

In Al-Onera, the most common trees are hornbeam, oak, linden, maple, wild pear, and wild cherry. Great forests of oak cross the northern Deshstepa, where young oaks prevail, but some are trees aged 450-500 years old. In the deepest parts of the wilderness, there are trees from the time of the Oneran Empire that still stand.
The open fields and meadows are full of thick and close grasses: Lady's Bedstraw, White Bloodroot, and Hairy Lungwort. There are many grass plants in these forests, and there are many ivies growing on the forest floors or embracing tree trunks. This is in direct contrast to Nur-Onera, where ivies do not grow naturally.

Nur-Onera

In Nur-Onera forest tree populations include Silver Linden, Elm, Sycamore, Maple, Dogwood, Bladder Nut, Sheep Berry and Wild Pear, as well as oak and hornbeam. Loranth (an edible plant named also the Wood Garlic or Bear Garlic) grows in great amounts in Nur Oneran woods, but nowhere in Al-Onera.

The Tabalim

Floodplain vegetation of the banks of the Tablaim include Oneran saltbush, as well as abundant meadows and some reed swamps. The small berries of the Oneran saltbush vary when ripe between purple, pink, ruby red and sometimes golden yellow or orange, and have soft flesh and a hard seed was eaten, texturally similar to pomegranate. They taste meekly of fish.
In high places, which are rarely flooded, there are great forests consisting of long-limbed oaks. The oak-groves located in the floodplains are likely the oldest oak-grove in Onera. There are also great stretches of old black Poplar as the tabalim flows towards Timberland in the west.

Fauna

The forests and steppes of Moldova are inhabited by deer, bison, aurochs, roe deer, wild boar, wild ass, cave and brown bears and other large animal species who have been hunted since the time of the early men. Much of Nur-Onera is famous for its rich hunting grounds. Brown hare is found throughout the region, as well as many rodents such as squirrels, rats, and mice.
Predatory species include wolf, badger, martens, weasel, ermine, and ferrets. Fox are numerous and live in many forests, as well as in open areas, and are a reliable furrier's prey. Very few wildcats inhabit the region, but the Oneran tiger (a sleek, black pelted predatory cat) can be found in wetlands of the south east.
The most populous birds are the lark, jay, blackbird and song thrush. Hawks (especially sparrow hawks) are the primary harrier bird. The Oneran owl permanently lives in forests, and is one of the largest owl in Thamrysis. The Oneran Owl is known for its beautiful plumage and is known as "the King of Night."
Perhaps the richest avifauna is found in floodplains, including Geese, Mallards, Spoonbills, Widgeons, Heron, and Marsh hawks. White-tailed Eagle inhabit the floodplain forests, though it is very rare.

Natural Resources

Much of Onera is covered by a soil type called chernozem, a fertile black soil rich in humus, with a lighter lime-rich layer beneath. In the highlands, more clay textured soils are found, and the clay from these regions is prized for its use in ceramics. In the driest portions of steppe, red-earth soil is predominant. The soil becomes less fertile in the central regions of the plain, but can still support grape, wheat, barley, tobacco, beet, and sunflower production. The uplands have woodland soils, and the area along the rivers of central Onera has extensive and well-developed vineyards concentrated on the production of dark, red wines.
Other natural resources include coal, found in the mountains in the southern part of the region, phosphorite and gypsum, iron and in the northern mountains a quantity of jade awaits anyone who can mine it. The gypsum of Onera is an opaque white, soft and prized for it's ease in carving.

History

Onera's history stretches back to the dawn of history, almost 4000 years, and much of it is tragic. Onera is the first place in Thamrysis that men built permanent structures, practiced agriculture, and developed systems of writing. It is also the home of those that originally learned the art of whorling from the Faen. Its history is extensive but can be summarized by its major periods.

ANCIENT ERA

Oneranus I (85 AE - 157 AE): Oneranus I, the Divine Emperor of All Men, unified the region and established the Oneranus Dynasty. Oneranus II (137 AE - 198 AE): Oneranus II continued his predecessor’s work, expanding and consolidating the Empire.

Jade Period (0 AE - about 200 AE)

The Jade period refers to the coming of men to the region of Onera, their contact with the Faen, and the rise of [Oneranus, Divine Emperor of All Men and lasts till the crowning of Oneranus III. It begins the 3000 year Oneranus dynasty.
Oneranus I (85 AE - 157 AE): Oneranus I, the Divine Emperor of All Men, unified the region and established the Oneranus Dynasty. Oneranus II (137 AE - 198 AE): Oneranus II continued his predecessor’s work, expanding and consolidating the Empire. 

Ruby Period (200 AE - about 1000 AE)

This period marks the growth of the Empires wealth, population, and magical prowess. Many cities that still stand today, such as Mawskawer, Tartaran, Muroma and Nihtra, are built by the Onerans.
Emperor Oneranus III (198 AE - 275 AE): Known for expanding the Empire’s trade networks. Emperor Velimir I (275 AE - 350 AE): Strengthened the military and furthered magical research. Emperor Valery I (350 AE - 425 AE): Established many of the enduring institutions of the Empire. Emperor Dragan I (425 AE - 500 AE): Initiated grand architectural projects. Emperor Lyubomir I (500 AE - 575 AE): Focused on cultural and artistic achievements. Emperor Tikhon I (575 AE - 650 AE): Expanded the Empire’s borders through conquest. Emperor Varislav I (650 AE - 725 AE): Known for his just and fair rule. Emperor Kallistos I (725 AE - 800 AE): Strengthened the Empire’s defenses. Emperor Nyomir I (800 AE - 875 AE): Fostered scientific and magical advancements. Emperor Aurelian I (875 AE - 950 AE): Encouraged philosophical and theological study. Emperor Tikhomir I (950 AE - 1025 AE): Known for his patronage of the arts.    

Emerald Period (1000- about 1600AE)

This period is marked by a kind of cultural stasis. In the shadow of the Faen, who the Onerans still worship, they do not grow culturally. While their Empire is vast and untouchable, it engages with the outside world exclusively through proxies, in a manner not dissimilar to the way the Faen engage with them. 
Emperor Kazimir I (1025 AE - 1100 AE): Maintained the status quo, preserving the Empire’s traditions. Emperor Kazimir II (1100 AE - 1175 AE): Known for his controversial and tumultuous reign. Emperor Valery I (1175 AE - 1250 AE): Restored order and stability to the Empire. Emperor Darian I (1250 AE - 1325 AE): Further entrenched the Empire’s isolationist policies. Emperor Kazimir III (1325 AE - 1400 AE): Focused on internal development and infrastructure. Emperor Kiran I (1400 AE - 1475 AE): Maintained the Empire’s cultural and political stasis. Emperor Valery II (1475 AE - 1550 AE): Oversaw a period of relative peace and prosperity. Emperor Tikhon I (1550 AE - 1625 AE): His reign marked the end of the Emerald Period.

Amethyst Period (1600 - about 2000AE)

Onera clashes with many of the neighboring kingdoms along its vast borders. Most important during this period is the rise of iron tools and weapons.
Emperor Taras I (1625 AE - 1700 AE): Led military campaigns to defend the Empire’s borders. Emperor Volodya I (1700 AE - 1775 AE): Known for his tactical prowess and diplomatic efforts. Emperor Neron I (1775 AE - 1850 AE): Expanded the use of iron in the Empire’s infrastructure. Emperor Volodya II (1850 AE - 1925 AE): Strengthened the Empire’s military might. Emperor Aldrik I (1925 AE - 2000 AE): His reign marked the peak of the Amethyst Period’s conflicts.

Iron Period (2000 AE - 2400 AE)

This period includes the expansion of Oneran lands and the growth of cities on the southern side of the Tabalim. Urmtia, in the south, serves as a major trading hub. With it, Oneras language, culture, and craft spreads around the world.
Emperor Korvin I (2000 AE - 2075 AE): Initiated major trade expeditions and cultural exchanges. Emperor Mikhail I (2075 AE - 2150 AE): Fostered economic growth and urban development. Emperor Valentin I (2150 AE - 2225 AE): Known for his administrative reforms and public works. Emperor Rurik I (2225 AE - 2300 AE): Expanded the Empire’s influence through military conquests. Emperor Lyuk I (2300 AE - 2375 AE): Strengthened the Empire’s defenses and trade networks. Emperor Svyatoslav I (2375 AE - 2450 AE): His reign marked the transition to the Silver Period.

Silver Period (2400 - 3000 AE)

This marks the slow changes to Oneran culture that will forment into a rebellion against the Faen. Contact with the outside world, through war and trade and even intermarriage, has created dissatisfaction in the slow growth and servitude of the Empire to the Faen. It includes the Faenwar and eventually the end of the Old Empire with the coming of the Blight of Onera. It also represents the end of the rule of the sorceror kings of Onera.
Emperor Thalimir I (2450 AE - 2525 AE): Initiated early reforms and encouraged cultural exchange. Emperor Elyan I (2525 AE - 2600 AE): Led the Empire through initial conflicts with neighboring realms. Emperor Dristan I (2600 AE - 2675 AE): His reign saw increasing internal strife and dissatisfaction. Emperor Kalik I (2675 AE - 2750 AE): Faced the rising rebellion against the Faen’s influence. Emperor Fenris I (2750 AE - 2825 AE): Attempted to quell the rebellion but ultimately failed. Emperor Varian I (2825 AE - 2900 AE): Presided over the Faenwar and the beginning of the Empire’s decline. Emperor Yaromir I (2900 AE - 2975 AE): Witnessed the onset of the Blight of Onera. Emperor Korvin II (2975 AE - 3000 AE): His reign marked the end of the Old Empire and the fall of the sorcerer kings.

DARK ERA or Onyx Period (0 - 500 DE)

The Oneranus Dynasty is no more, instead replaced with the Tolsto dynasty, who has collected the imperial court in Maskawer. The magical knowledge of the Faen has been lost to Onera. The Nur-Oneran region is all of the Empire that remains, as the Al-Onera is under the control of [[The Old Lords]]. This period ends with the final death of the Black Minister. 
Emperor Tolsto I (0 DE - 75 DE): Established the Tolsto Dynasty and centralized power in Maskawer. Emperor Tolsto II (75 DE - 150 DE): Struggled to maintain control amidst the chaos of the Dark Era. Emperor Talin I (150 DE - 225 DE): His reign saw the consolidation of the remaining territories. Emperor Ilyar I (225 DE - 300 DE): Attempted to revive lost magical knowledge but with limited success. Emperor Valek I (300 DE - 375 DE): Focused on rebuilding the Empire’s infrastructure. Emperor Melik I (375 DE - 450 DE): His reign marked the beginning of the end of the Dark Era. Emperor Tolsto III (450 DE - 500 DE): Presided over the final death of the Black Minister and the end of the Dark Era.

Alternative Name(s)

The Haunted Land

Type

Region

Included Organizations

• Leova County
• The Damned Order
• The First Cabal

Owner/Ruler

The Sovereign

Owning Organization

The Sovereignty

Related Ethnicities

• Sarka

Contested By

• Crow's Oath
• Sapphire Council
• The Damned Order
• The Magpies

Inhabiting Species

• Faen

Related Historical Events

• 2999 ME
  The Blight of Onera
• 1600 ME
  Asarka the Wolf
• Circa 200 AE
  The Emperor Spirit is Raised
• Circa 198 AE
  Oneranus III
• Circa 193-195
  Chirera & Pipistrella's Rebellion
• Circa 191-192 AE
  The Astrologer's Plot
• Circa 180 AE
  Zoran's Siege
• Circa 178 AE
  White Library Completed
• Circa 178
  Reclusiary Completed
• 1163 ME
  Mahals Complete
• Circa 175
  The Conception of the White Library and the Reclusiary
• Circa 157 AE
  Oneranus II
• Circa 150 AE
  Mahals Comissioned
• Circa 0 AE
  Stone Kings Settle Onera, Encounter the Faen
• Circa 100 - 145 AE
  Oneranus, Divine Emperor of All Men