View source for The Unexpurgated History of Vyz

== Summary ==

The [[Free City of Vyzantium]] is the oldest surviving human habitation on Tierra with parts of the city dating back as far as the 17th Century FYA. Vyzanti thus consider their nation the cradle of civilization and culturally superior to post-Cataclysm societies.

== The Second Brood Wars ==

Human habitation in what is now Vyz was sparse until the area became strategically important in the [[Second Brood War]]. A small fortress was placed in the high mountain passes between [[Free Southern Elderic]] and [[Dragonbound Elderic]] in 1553 to defend the dragon-held lands from the armies of [[Sorcerer-Emperor Ryul Sieth]]. When Sieth refused to send more tributes to the Fifth and Sixth Claws and the war started, the fortress was greatly expanded into [[Xhiyu Qontre Sietii]] (translation: Bulwark Against the Forces of Sieth.) The Sietii attempted to overwhelm the citadel twice before sending an expedition by sea to take it from its less-defended north.

== The Interbellum Period ==

After the [[Accord of the Claws]], tensions stayed high between north and south [[Elderic]], but a desire for trade flourished. In 1889, Emperor Ryul signed a charter allowing a town to be built in the shadow of the Xhiyu with special privileges for citizens of all nations. This town would continue to grow over the centuries and become the [[Free City of Vyzantium]].

== The Winter-Summer War ==

During the [[Winter-Summer War]], Vyzantium was used as a staging area against the dragons of the [[Dragonfire Islands]]. At its height, 200,000 troops were stationed there and the [[Lycium Thaumaguerre]] (school of war-magic) was built. A portal to the eventual beachhead made on the Dragonfires was dug deep under the mountain and reinforced against being taken by draconic armies.

After the [[Fall of the Thirteen Gates]], the [[Burghers of Vyzantium]] declared the city fully independent in order to keep it from being used as a battleground between north and south.