Empire of the Sun

The Empire of the Sun was a kingdom that encompassed the Great Desert of Vulkhan, the Scorched Coast, and Tenmiir. It was a feudal system ruled over by a caste of Dragons.

Formation of the Empire
It is unknown exactly how long the Empire of the Sun ruled Vulkhan. The Empire formed before the Elves began recording the days. Legend tells that the first dragons sprung from the Mother Mountain at the beginning of time: Icarion to protect the world and Xalbeross to destroy it. Soon, these dragons were followed by a hundred dragons, who spread from Vulkhan to the corners of the world. Their descendants claimed dominion over the lands surrounding their mother.

The Dragonborn people, who trace their roots back to the Mother Mountain as well, deified these early Dragons and served them. The Dragons formed a feudal system, taking tribute to add to their hordes from the Dragonborn. Eventually, the elite among the Dragonborn became Dragon Priests, the speakers and enforcers of the Dragons' will.

Conflict with the Ahn'hassar
The Dragonborn shared the Great Desert with the Ahn'hassar, or the Sand Elves. They resisted Dragon rule for a time, as they believed in Ancestor Worship. However, the might of the Dragonborn and their Dragon overlords became too much for the elves to resist, and they became part of the Empire.

The Hassar Rebellion
An uprising began on the Scorched Coast in the cities of Ghen, Ko, and Vesh. Empowered by ancient djinn, the Elves were given the resources needed to fight and slay their dragon overlords. A brutal civil war erupted that ended in the deposition of the Dragons and the establishment of Ahn'hassar rule in Vulkhan.

Collapse of the Empire
With the Ahn'hassar defeating the Dragons, the Dragonborn scattered to the desert. Their lifestyle became rooted in traditionalism, blending their Dragon worship with that of their worship of the Mother Mountain. Three distinct clans formed in the Dragonborn: Clan Azer, Clan Dukal, and Clan Voduk.

The Ahn'hassar established themselves as rulers of their own cities, reforming Ghen, Ko, and Vesh into Hassar-Ghen, Hassar-Ko, and Hassar-Vesh. Their access to gold and precious gemstones leftover from the Dragons made the Ahn'hassar into economic powers in Vehn'ahn, establishing the cities of Hassar as the Merchant Cities.