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Background Summary: Nolus TR 721 to Savor TR 722

Xhost returns to Coranan late Nolus TR 712 after visiting King Arren in Senun. He informs him of what he and his companions witnessed in the north and passed on the letters from Grand Master Bisidril. The King informs Xhost that his other companions survived and also brought this intelligence.
The king informs Zhost that his uncle has formal given his and his family’s allegiance to Arren and his cause. The Cosel clan also joined (secretly) with the Monarchist faction while maintaining their outward appearance as consolidations. Arren asks Xhost formally for his allegiance at this time, which Xhost agrees and bends knee. The compact made, Xhost is knighted by the king and promised his lands would remain his and his families. His next task was to take control of the Red Guard and prepare it for the eventual capture of Coranan.

Coranan: Albanus and Aeronor continue to hunt for Gwydriel. Aeronor again tries to contact his cousin, wishing a meeting alone. This time it's granted. Gwydriel meets with Aeronor in the night. When he returns, he is in possession of a plain black ring... the next few days Aeronor seems confused, and even slight erratic at times. He openly questions why they hunt his "misunderstood cousin at times. During these bouts, Albanus notices that he plays with a simple black ring. When questioned, Aeronor says it's a gift from someone dear to him.
Albanus, suspicious of Aeronor and questioning Aeronor's loyalty asks to see the ring and if it was Gwydriel that gave it to him. The confrontation is loud and close to violence, with Aeronor leaving... Albanus decides to act, he informs Rahel. The reply is quick in coming, find the elf, find the ring, and use whatever force is necessary. Albanus searches throughout the night and for many days, but it is clear Aeronor has fled the City. Also missing is the senator that was Gwydriel.

In the spring of TR 721, Kanday, fearing that Rethem would gobble up Tharda, joined the fight against Arren. Marshal Kronas Elernin was defeated, with the Gerium & Eidel legions decimated. The kingdom of Kanday also suffered many defeats, with the largest being the Earldom of Selvos.
Kronos was relieved of his position of Marshal and replaced by Senator Barane Khonary - A Monarchist. With his appointment, Xhost Cosel found himself named as the Commander of the Red Guard.

TR722:
The military position of the Thardic Republic at the beginning of 722 was precarious. The senate was openly divided, with the Imperialist and Monarchist actions openly advocating surrender and acceptance of Arren of Melderyn as their king, and the Consolidationists opposing. However, the Expansionist faction, which held the balance of votes, was starting to waver and many of its members – though by no means a majority – were inclined to try to offer terms. It was rumored that Arrenic agents were everywhere, and, perhaps more importantly, Arrenic gold was finding its way into very important purses. As the armies of the Republic lost ground, support for the Republic waned within the Republic’s own senate.

Heavy fighting raged in the north as the forces attacked and took the city of Shiran. Both The Shiran & Kom Legions were at full strength, with the remainder of the Gerium Legion just over a cohort. Pleas for help to the Coranan Legion were ignored by the commander of the Coranan Legion, Marshal Cobart Nordaka & his deputy Commander Albanus Grippa.
They had the "security of Coranan" to think of. 2 full legions should be able to hold Shiran. The senate agreed that to send troops to Shiran would be dangerous for Coranan. When the Arrenanic forces breached 2 gates, the republic forces attempt to fall back to the citadel. They were cut off by Arrens heavy infantry, and some say traitors in the citadel. The battle raged, from street to street and in the squares of Shiran. By the end of Nolus all resistance had been put down. Arren was master of the north with no armies between him and Coranan.

Telen surrendered and opened its gates to Arren as soon as its forces were sited. Amerak Nordacka met the Mighty King and bent knee, pledging his men and family to the King's cause. Arren knighted Amerak and bid him to join his forces with him. A small garrison of Arreniac troops were left behind and the army continued south with the cheers of the citizens following. Arrens generals were surprised when Arren decided to continue to Coranan. Winter was on their heels and it would be wise to winter in Telen.

At the end of Savor the King of Rethem marched to the gates of Coranan. They were open and waiting for him was Senator Barane Khonary, the Marshal of the Coranan Legion, and Cobart Nordaka along with his sub-commander Albanus Grippa. Also present was the Commander of the Red Guards, Xhost Cosel, a troop of Red Guards and their prisoners... Senators that had opposed Arren and the monarchist faction.

On the 23rd day of Savor, 722, the Thardic Senate voted to end the Republic and offer the crown of Tharda to Arren of Melderyn. The Thardic Republic cease to exist. Certain influential senators were knighted the next day, including Barane Khonary, last Marshal of the Republic. One senator, Quarli Jeredosta, was created Baron of Hediro. Other honors would be dispensed over the next few months and the transition from republic to monarchy was unexpectedly smooth. Nevertheless, the Eidel and Ramala legions held out at Moleryn.

King Arren entered Coranan in triumph at the head of the I Legion on the 25th of Savor. His troops marched through the streets, and he himself, mounted on a jet-black charger rode into the courtyard of the Palace of the Red Domes. There the gathered members of the senate of the Republic tendered their formal submission and homage.
King Arren pardoned all those who had been in arms against him who had laid them down, and pledged to be a good lord to the people of Tharda. A proclamation was issued, and the capitol of the kingdom was transferred to Coranan from Golotha. Although Arren of Melderyn was still formally titled “King of
Rethem,” it was at this time that the phrase “Kingdom of Tharda” first began to be used in common parlance.

The winter of TR722 was brutal. Poor weather and fierce storms smashed into the Island while King Arren's forces wintered in Coranan, his new capital.
Xhost & Albanus, for their services found themselves in high favor of the Dread King.

TR722 on the 1st of Ilvin (Years Long Night) a Blood Red comet/falling star ripped across the heavens crashing to the north. For 3 nights a fiery glow could be seen to the north at night. Cow’s milk soured, chickens/fowl failed to lay eggs, animals reacting in fear, attacking owners.
The people of Harn cried out in panic, riots broke out in most cities. The legions were called out to quell the panic and restore order. Scholars and the wise were consulted. No answers were forthcoming, but all felt a sense of unease in the world, as something had awakened. Tales were being told of strange creatures and beast roaming the wilds. Stories of witches and warlocks causing mayhem. People manifesting strange powers of magic and sorcery... it was even said that an embassy from Melderyn consisting of members of the White Hand sought council with the king.

As new year’s day approached, Arren Parkhurst, First of His Name, ordered his legions to assemble, and for his commanders to come to him in Coranan. Things had changed in the world, but before he could deal with that, the war had to be concluded. So, with his legions behind him, Arren, King of Tharda marched on Moleryn and General Kronas...

Well this is going to be epic.