Qalia Lore

Quick and Easy

Qalia is one of the many continents of Telon. Though much of it is still shrouded in mystery we do know a few things. It is a vast desert of many cities and places, and it is home to one of Sigil’s big three heroes of Vanguard: Idara, the diplomat. Many places and people make up the continent, but much has yet to be revealed.

People

Tanir is the son of a merchant in the lore Idara. His family has prospered in the city of Khal. He and his father set out from Khal to the city of Ahgram for the funeral of his uncle and mentor Zulran. Tanir, however, is reunited with Idara, a young girl from his childhood. She has been unjustly treated within the city of Ahgram. Tanir is amazed by Idara’s beauty, falls in love with her, and wants to help her out of her situation.

Zulran was the father of Idara and a linen merchant in the city of Ahgram. Dissatisfied with the linen business he wanted more. Zulran began to have spices smuggled into the city to undercut the prices of the Zephyr trading company. Unfortunately for Zulran, he was discovered. His storehouses were raided and the spices confiscated. He was taxed and penalized for his hand in the selling of smuggled spices. The fees were so great he could not pay them, and his business was ruined. When he appealed to the council in Ahgram he was denied representation since he had not paid the citizenship tax. Zulran and his daughter Idara lived out the rest of his days in poverty.

Idara is the daughter of Zulran. She resides in her father's meager dwelling in Ahgram. She wants desperately to battle the corrupt government that persecutes the people of Ahgram.

Kahlil is a collector of debts. He arrives at Zulran’s home to collect his debts before the funeral. His stay is cut short by Tanir’s father. Kahlil is concerned only with the collection Zulran’s debts. He shows very little compassion for the dead.

Harqad is a trader and sailor from Khal in the story Gray Dove. A gentle soul and skilled negotiator, he is one of few in Khal that has his own boat. His small ship, called a dhow, allowed him to access areas of the river larger ships could not. Harqad’s grandfather nicknamed him “Dove” for his calm manner. He in turned named his ship “The Grey Dove.”

Jalel is the harbormaster in the story Gray Dove. He is also a friend of Harqad. Jalel dislikes Qaraf for losing his boat and money in a joint business venture.

Qaraf is an aspiring businessman who seems to attract disaster. After losing his trading license he married the widow Fatis and began to fund another expedition in her name.

Mazhar Mateen is an old scholar living in the royal library of Ahgram. Mazhar tells Erol the tales of Ahgram in the great Library.

Erol is a small boy unschooled in history. In the lore Mateen’s Histories. Mazhar Mateen teaches Erol of the history of Ahgram.

Shidreth Ahgramun was ruler of the Qaliathari Empire. He was killed by Jathred Shazarethen a Vizier.

Jathred Shazarethen planned to assume control of the Qaliathari Empire after the death of  Shidreth Ahgramun with the support of the lower class and the help of the powerful sorcerer Khelium Ak'Zel in the lore Mateen’s Histories.

Khelium Ak'Zel was a sorcerer that supported Jathred Shazarethen. He planned to help Jathred in a coup, but after Shidreth Ahgramun was killed he turned on the Vizier.

The Sons of Ahgramun wanted revenge for their father’s death. They were backed by the nobles as the rightful heirs.

The Third Faction to arise during the Qaliathari Empire disturbance followed Khelium Ak’Zel. Khelium believed only the most intelligent should lead the empire. Mages and sorcerers of great power backed Khelium.

Fassethi Ahgramun the eldest son of Shidreth Ahgramun would regain control of the empire after years of war that cost thousands of lives. Once he regained control, Vizier Shazarethen and the sorcerer Khelium Ak'Zel were executed, as were their followers. Fassethi’s first act was to rename the Qaliathari Empire the Ahgramun Empire. He ordered the construction of a new capital city he called Ahgram.

Nelon Issan is a human alchemist. His lab was broken into in the lore Tonic.

Joley Poral and Rold Dakavstan are two Gnomish trackers that come to assist Nelon find his formula that has been stolen.

The proud Qalia was the first of two great empires of ancient Qalia before the great rift. A more advanced civilization than the Mordebi, the Qaliathari built advanced cities, and had fairer colored skin than their Mordebi counterparts. The Qaliathari Empire was eventually ravaged by war.

The noble Mordebi is the second of the two great empires of ancient Qalia. They consisted of many western tribes that eventually banded together to build cities.

Places

Khal is one of the large bustling cities of Qalia. According to Tanir in the lore Idara it is very different from the city of Ahgram.

Ahgram, according to lore, is a city roughly three days journey south of Khal. It is full of corrupt politicians, and the people of the city are forced to pay unfair fines, and in some cases prosecuted without representation, as in the case of Zulran. It is in this city that Idara looks to change things for the better.

The Port Door is the south gate of Ahgram. It is the entrance to the harbor district and the docks. Minor merchant’s families, stable owners, and dock workers make this area their home.

The Gate of the Sun or The Imperial Gate is the gate on the northern side of Ahgram. Only those of noble blood or those with special credentials are permitted to enter this gate.

The Mercantile Gate is the main route of travel and trade into Ahgram. This is the gate Tanir and his father entered in Idara.

Mekalia is the home of the Gnomish race on Qalia. They are said to keep to themselves and are stubborn folk. The Gnomes of Mekalia have been known to distrust and even cheat those they deem outsiders.

Lomshir is a city South East of Ahgram according to lore in the story Tonic.

Events

The Breaking was a period of destruction that befell Qalia. Great earthquakes ravaged the land as well as large waves shifting the face of the continent as coastal lands plunged beneath the sea waters. The Qalian and Mordebi empires were ravaged by the breaking. Lands were destroyed making farming impossible in some areas. War was fought between clans for food as the major cities lay in chaos and destruction.

Tumultuous Gahren Plains is an area that the Mordebi settled after the breaking to form more permanent settlements. A massive earthquake would destroy their settlement and drag the city into the ground. The Mordebi took this as a sign that they had angered or offended the gods, and so they returned to a nomadic style of life.

Bahman Fendir became chieftan of a Mordebi tribe after he witnessed the death of his father and three uncles at the hands of Qaliathari raiders. He also lost one of his hands in the skirmish. When the young chieftain healed he rebuilt his village, and when it was strong again he set out to destroy the raiders and avenge his father. After killing several bands of raiders the chieftain attacked a raider settlement that at the time was defenseless. He killed all except a small boy. When he looked upon the child he realized he had become that which he wanted to destroy, and from that point he decided to unify the people of Qalia instead of destroy them. He rebuilt a settlement on the ruins of the old Qaliatharian city and named it Ahgram in honor of the ancient city.

There are many cities and people throughout the lore of Telon. Qalia is without a doubt sounding to be a fascinating land of rich lore and strong character. With cities such as Kahl, Lomshir, and Ahgram there is much to look forward to in this desert land of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes.

Disclaimer: All information found here is taken from lore on the official Vanguard site. Since Vanguard is still in development, this information is subject to change.