Iron Gate Saga

General

The Iron Gate Saga serves as the current focal project within the world of Áváhé, serving as its narrative flagship. Consequently, events within all storylines falling under this saga are often referred to as "the present," considering the extensive timeline spanning over 7000 years.

Comprising multiple storylines, "The Iron Gate Saga" features arcs that commence, converge, or conclude at various times, with diverse characters and settings woven into its narrative tapestry.

Summary of the most relevant aspects

Major Spoiler Warning

In essence, the Iron Gate Saga unfolds across the early 7th-millennium A.I.D. in Áváhé, portraying a tapestry of significant events transpiring concurrently, ultimately converging towards a climactic finale.

Central to this narrative are pivotal driving forces embodied by the Akrehdei and Magotho arcs (see: The Arcs), which intertwine with and shape the overarching storyline across various fronts.

Factual beginning

In 7006 A.I.D., the Akrehdei, dwelling in religious exile upon the Iíbor, make a decisive resolve to reclaim their ancestral homeland, the desert peninsula of Kehda. This aspiration arises over a millennium after their defeat in the Great War of Faith. Largely forgotten in both Kehda and Áváhé, the Akrehdei clandestinely orchestrate preparations for their invasion, leveraging their obscurity to advance their ambitions from the shadows.

At the same time, the two last descendants of the Magotho - Raecar and Ceñua - in their own exile on the Thorntoll in Quaräa dream of restoring the great empire of their ancestors, which fell over a thousand years ago.

In 7010 A.I.D., both parties become aware of each other's existence and commence collaboration. The Magotho, recognizing common objectives with the Akrehdei, pledged their network's support to aid the Akrehdei in their forthcoming campaign against Kehda. In return, they negotiate to acquire control over the territories of Aerznia and Quaräa, which the Akrehdei are obligated to traverse but have no desire to possess.

Looming Threat

In the background, the ancient magical terraforming infrastructure of this Old Empire begins to fail. The infrastructure is making parts of Áváhés habitable in the first place. However, all this is not noticed by anyone at first.

Narrative beginning

In the far Upper North of Áváhé, the Dragons of Dracoš are locked in a bitter conflict with the Humans of the Mahr. Over an extended period, the Humans have inflicted heavy casualties on the Dragons, confining them to their archipelago.

Upon learning of this conflict, the Magotho Raecar and Ceñua decide to intervene by dispatching two of their offspring, the half-Dragons Len and Lourem Werthan, to mediate in the war. Len, raised in neutral Thôsco in the Mid-South, is taken aback by the revelation of his previously unknown brother, as their mother had never disclosed his existence.

Given Dracoš's historical ties to the Magotho Empire, the Dragons there retain memories of their former rulers. Raecar and Ceñua hope to leverage their intervention in the conflict to restore their dynasty's prestige and popularity.

Len and Lourem heed the call of their mother and uncle, relocating to the North as instructed. In the year 7011 A.I.D., the Mahr is ultimately defeated, albeit Len and Lourem's direct involvement in the victory is minimal. Nonetheless, their parents' strategic maneuvering proves successful in achieving their desired outcome.

Consequences

The victory of the Dragons plunges the North into instability, leading to the de facto secession of the Mahr from the High Reich of Luyieverian Estates. This abrupt shift leaves the people of Luyieveria grappling with the new reality and its profound implications. Dragons, once regarded as mythical beings or mere animals, now emerge as formidable forces in the political landscape.

As Len and Lourem navigate the political fallout of the Dragons' victory, the Akrehdei escalate their activities. Provoking conflicts between the Aerznian Empire and Quanar, they aim to sow discord and divert the attention of these powerful states, thereby tying up their resources.

In 7012 A.I.D., the Dragon Lung, hailing from Dracoš, falls victim to capture and torture at the hands of Humans. Months later, he is liberated by Free Wanderers and joins their ranks. Motivated by vengeance, Lung assumes leadership of the Free Wanderers and orchestrates brutal assaults against the people of Luyieveria.

In mid-7014 A.I.D., Lung experiences a change of heart and begins to regret his actions. He departs from the North, leaving the Free Wanderers without leadership, effectively halting the war by the year's end.

Shortly thereafter, Len falls victim to Human traffickers and is sold into slavery in Aerznia. Despite Lourem's desire to search for his brother, the political turmoil following the war prevents him from doing so. In the absence of stability, the Dragons turn to Lourem and designate him as emperor. Parts of Luyieveria swiftly submit to his rule.

In 7017 A.I.D., Len is liberated by his cousin Mero, a half-Dragon member of the Aerznian Elite who was placed there by his father and aunt. Meanwhile, the Akrehdei emerge from the shadows and launch their campaign. Unprepared, Aerznia quickly succumbs to their onslaught, plunging into chaos. Lourem, having relinquished his rule, reunites with his brother.

By 7018 A.I.D., the capital of Aerznia falls to the Akrehdei siege, resulting in the collapse of the Aerznian Empire. Seizing the opportunity, Quanar moves to conquer Aerznia, further solidifying its position in the region. As the Akrehdei advance, Mero assumes leadership of the remnants of Aerznia, supported by the clandestine network of the Magotho, albeit unaware of the extent of their involvement.

Shortly before their planned invasion of Kehda, unexpected developments among the Akrehdei lead to a change of course. Instead of waging war, they peacefully unite with the Kehdei, averting the impending conflict.

In 7019 A.I.D., Raecar and Ceñua return from exile and establish themselves in Quanar, where they are still revered. Exploiting the political instability, they seize power from the faltering monarchy and redirect Quaräa's military efforts towards Aerznia. With Mero already in control, they swiftly defeat Aerznia and declare the restoration of the Imperii Draconi in 7020 A.I.D.

However, as the failures of terraforming escalate, landscapes, particularly in Aerznia, revert to their original state. Disagreeing with their family's actions, Mero, Len, and Lourem overthrow Raecar and Ceñua. Despite their efforts, they cannot prevent the worsening climate crisis.

As continental chaos ensues, the Iron Gate Saga concludes with an uncertain future looming over Áváhé.