History of Solentia (840-1562 CE)

The Kthalaran Period: 840-1056
For the first time in nearly 4300 years, the culture of Solentia abruptly changed. Now the rulers and perhaps a half of the population were no longer the ancestral "Solentians," but foreigners. The new rulers brought changes in culture and society so profound that no one fifty years back would recognize the land. The nation was now more or less centralized and with a powerful ruler. The cultural practices were completely different; after the 400 years of the Dark Ages, the Solentians had trailed behind even the Barbarians in terms of technological advancement. The cities sprang back to life: the petty nobles were swept away and centralized rule began supreme. The old religions died and were replaced with Christianity. The dress and architecture and art were all revolutionized as well. The old, native Solentians mixed with the new-comers and racial tensions were non-existent. The military was strong and the borders were reestablished, as these invaders, having found a homeland, were here to stay.

This era of change and establishment lasted to 200 years. Later in the period, further changes brought about a second "re-fracturing" of Solentia much like in the First Theocracy. But this time, the issue was that the Niroi gained their independence, and Solentia fractured along the approximate lines of the modern 5 provinces, which are naturally separated by mountains and great rivers. But essentially, the changes here on out would be gradual and based on technological progress and the internal decisions of the Solentian people.

The Pentarchy: 1056-1498
The five kingdoms composed the Pentarchy, the "rule of five." Each domain was centralized and secure, but ruled by its own Niron. Each Niron would have a powerful court and a large standing army. Wars would occasionally occur between the states, but it was not until the 15th Century that any conquest would occur. The pentarchy was culturally homogeneous; the only separation was political. These 450 years were spent in periodic war and some cultural advancement. Namely, the power of the Christian church weakened in this period, and the secular leaders gained an increasingly prominent place of power and independence. The populace was given no new rights and the power of the Niroi was undisputed.

In 1413, the Niron Aldrinost I began a series of military campaigns that would begin the re-unification of Solentia. His brilliant military genius was matched by no other in the pentarchy. But he died in 1436 with only 3 of the 5 kingdoms united. His successor was weak and powerless. He lost one of the captured kingdoms before being deposed and replaced by Aldrinost III in 1357, a military man of prowess surpassing his uncle Aldrinost I. It took 41 years, but the great Niron succeeded in his task. In 1498, he united the last kingdom with his own.

The First Kingdom: 1498-1562
The new united Kingdom was under the control of the one Niron. The new political issue was the new unrest over the prospects of further unrestrained monarchy. The nobility and the clergy succeeded in inciting popular revolt over several royal edicts, effectively restraining the Niron's actions. But this was not enough: the nobility needed more power and they were determined to get it. There was a failed coup attempt that involved a botched assassination of the Niron. The conspirators were put to death, but this only stroked the flames of rebellion.

In 1562, the nobility planned yet another coup. But this time, it succeeded. The Niron was help captive and control of the Army was usurped by a powerful aristocrat. The Niron was released only when he agreed to the creation of a semi-constitutional system. He could not longer raise taxes, declare war, or draft legislation without the approval of the newly formed Council of Dukes. In addition, a series of ministers would be appointed by and directly responsible to the Council.