Before the present era of international trade and exploration, before the enlightened revolution transformed it into a republic two centuries ago, the nation of Ironhull was ruled by a tyrannical oligarchy of half-elves known as the Vasatri. An elitist social class of half-elves, the Vasatri believed its mixed heritage provided its members with a racial and cultural superiority over other Ironkin. Through various means, the details of which are mostly lost to history, the Vasatri came to dominate a network of large estates and small princedoms scattered throughout the island of Kithera. By uniting together as the Vasatrian League, the aristocratic lords were able to exploit and oppress the other Ironkin including other half-elves for centuries, and while their rule was not truly heinous or evil, it was selfish and corrupt. The Ironkin suffered neglect and sometimes worse at the hands of the self-absorbed Vasatri, but the period also saw many crucial technological and cultural advances. Most importantly, it was the values of the Vasatrian League that the Republican revolutionaries rebelled against, laying the ground work for the culture of the present day.

Vasatrian identity primarily focused on the belief in their own racial superiority over other Ironkin.

Vasatrian identity primarily focused on the belief in their own racial superiority over other Ironkin. They chiefly believed that their longer lifetimes entitled them to additional privileges, and their prolonged exposure to and interaction with the conservative traditions of the elves of Elfwood led them to believe that they had become both biologically and culturally better. The elves did almost nothing to dissuade this fashion among the Vasatri, and to this day it is a source of considerable shame for the elders of Elfwood.

The power of the Vasatrian League reached its apex roughly two centuries after it was first established. At its height, they were the rulers of all Kithera, except Dankwood, and had an ecclectic, private navy with contacts among all the settlements throughout Stormseye. Ironist naval technology rapidly improved, sending Ironist settlers and explorers into surrounding islands and leading to conflict with the neighboring Boatkin. Despite these battles, the early centuries saw much progress and today most of the purely Ironist cultural traditions, such as the fusion-folk music style, can be traced back to this period. The Vasatri built villas and palaces throughout the island and especially in the “Vasatri Strip” in the west. Today, the ruins of these structures continue to serve as a reminder of the splendor of past tyrannies.

The decline of the Vasatri was a long, slow process that developed over three centuries and culminated in the enlightened revolution that would establish the Republic of Ironhull. The ongoing conflicts with the Boatkin increasingly weakened both societies in unnecessary hostilities, and the formation and growth of Salt City continued to attract refugees from both societies, further weakening them. Later, when long-distance travelers from distant shores began to arrive, the Ironkin had enough. A riot broke out when the Vasatri called for widespread conscription, and the movement grew to become what is today known as the Republican Revolution. The last of the Vasatri were eventually driven into exile, and the survivors would establish a colony on the island of Satresti, hundreds of leagues to the southwest. Rumors say that on the island, a dark god discovered them, and by his hand they were transformed into something far worse than they had once been, but no one knows for sure. Contact with Satresti was lost decades ago, and explorers who have tried to investigate have never returned.

Many Vasatrian elements and themes appear in Tempest Module #2: The Rescue of Doniert Ironvale, which is available now in the SyncRPG store. The module is free for users who sign up for SyncRPG during the beta test so check it out!

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