The History of the Federation

Following the Breaking and the collapse of the Old Empire, the southern kingdoms of Lumios fractured into warring city-states. Each of the major cities held their territory fiercely, and constant skirmishes over land and vital resources became the norm. Seeing their enemies’ former unity weakened, the gnolls, saurins, and other warlike tribes redoubled their efforts to reclaim the territory they had lost during the Old Empire’s expansion.

Humans, elves, and vargs warred against each other. Gnoll raids and saurin war parties became a constant threat. Bandits, thieves, and cutthroats ruled the lawless borderlands between the struggling city-states. As trade routes closed and their foes grew ever bolder, even the common folk of the southern kingdoms began to fear that civilization itself would soon collapse.

It was in this chaos that Averdo Sorza rose to power.

The son of wealthy merchants, Averdo received the finest education a failing empire could provide. But after his schooling—rather than turn his mind to commerce—he forsook his inheritance to train with the elven rangers who patrolled the wilds. During this time he traveled the length of breadth of the ruined empire, working alongside many people of different races and means. He defeated powerful foes, took down dangerous gangs, and creating a vast network of allies for himself—earning the respect of military leaders throughout the southern kingdoms.

When he finally returned to Sperios, House Sorza’s prodigal son used his newly-won reputation to put a bold plan into motion: He worked tirelessly to bridge the divisions that had weakened the individual city-states, decrying the petty politics that had once driven them apart. He called for a united military, which could work together to defend the southern kingdoms against the threats it faced. Through cunning, diplomacy, and sheer tenacity, he convinced the leaders of each kingdom to lend their might to a fighting force that could finally restore order to the lands of the once-great empire.

With the promise of mutual preservation, Averdo Sorza forged the grand alliance that would become known as the Federation.

United under a common banner, the combined militaries of the Federation fought as one to push back their enemies. Trade routes were protected, and defense pacts were formed. The bandits were defeated, and the hostile tribes were driven back into the wilds from whence they came. The people of the southern kingdoms rejoiced, and Averdo Sorza was hailed as the hero of a new and golden age.

But the unity that had once defined the Old Empire was a thing of the past. The rulers of the southern kingdoms were loath to relinquish their power, and feared that Averdo’s influence would spell an end to their independence. He had the loyalty of their generals, and the love of their people—in time, they feared, he would become the de facto ruler of the Federation as a whole. In secret meetings throughout the Federation, its kings and nobles began to speak of secession.

In the end, rather than allow his hard-won Federation to collapse, Averdo sacrificed his own position to preserve the alliance he had formed. He called a council of the Federation’s rulers, announcing that he would step down from his position as the head of the alliance if they would elect a new Consul to rule in his stead. With a single act, the most powerful man in the Federation disappeared from public view—swearing to give up all influence on the Federation’s affairs to ensure that the modern era of peace and prosperity could continue.

To appease the people of the Federation, the Council elected Averdo’s son, Carmine Sorza, as the new head of the allied government. A skilled politician, Carmine excelled at the subtle negotiations that would guarantee peace between the Federation’s disparate factions—but, importantly, he lacked the charisma and connections that had made his father such a potent threat. In this way the alliance was preserved, and the individual city-states retained their precious independence.

As for Averdo Sorza himself, little is known. He vanished on the day of his abdication, as promised, declaring no greater goal than to enjoy a well-earned retirement. But those who knew him doubt that such a man could so easily relinquish power. They whisper that his spies serve him still, forming a secret web of influence that stretches across the southern kingdoms… and that House Sorza’s true ruler works in the shadows to this day, ensuring that the Federation follows the path its founder first intended.