History of Gendara
Much of Gendara's history is incredibly dull - less a study of names and dates as it is an inventory of production and reams worth of efficiency statistics. As such, history is rarely taught to the young.
There are some crucial moments which occurred in Gendaran history which are considered important, however, and these are taught to children as young as six - the most important of these is the Wars of Ascendancy and the Unification of the Empire.
The Wars of Ascendancy
The earliest history of the region now known as Gendara is lost to the mists of prehistory and oral tradition, but the first acknowledged stories begin during a time known as the Wars of Ascendancy.
A number of petty kingdoms warred with each other, each vying to control the plentiful resources of the land. Kingdoms rose, kingdoms fell, borders shifted day-to-day, and the rivers ran red with blood.
To the north, the kingdom of Värja expanded outward, conquering the neighboring kingdom of Cerion. In the mountains, border disputes kept the tribal nations of Brisus and Sa'ar are in a constant state of war. Farther south, Firiel warred against M'narra, and Asteria utterly conquered its neighbor, Malann.
It was in this time of strife that a man named Adrian appeared, claiming to be of the House of Blackburn. Many scoffed at this, as there WAS no House Blackburn - when asked, he merely smiled and suggested that even the greatest of legends must begin somewhere.
Adrian carried a strange silvery blade, which he claimed was a gift from his mother, named Celanteinn. It was not his only weapon - he also possessed unmatched tactical genius, and a charisma that drew people to his side. Where he led, others followed.
With but a handful of followers (including Tarine d'Aquitaine and Julien Andreana), they conquered the city of Alaris, and Adrian declared the new city-state Gendara.
Over the next few years, he recruited warriors and slowly gathered allies.
