It was whispered that the Searing plague began its wrath after a cursed banquet of the ages. Ever astute, King Edward XIII of Tyria felt it was only fitting that such a horrid chapter in time be closed with a blessing and a gathering intended to be even greater. The plague was over; the tribes of Mann had prevailed!
Except, one could hardly call themselves victors. Not with souls of their loved ones lost throughout the lands. Not while the suffering, tears, and utter ghost towns remained. No, the remaining individuals were one thing, and one thing alone; tired survivors. As the king watched the stench of aftermath and depression suffocate the people of Tyria, the King asked himself a single question: “Could giving the people some kind of hope make a difference?”
Hope.
The single reason he commissioned an extravagant weeklong faire full of games, music, and friendly competition. A day crafted for smiles and laughter. Hope, the single reason hundreds upon hundreds of the weary citizens that remained summoned the courage to walk into open crowds for the first time since the outbreak of the plague. Hope, the reason for the birth of Ardonia.
The celebration was an enormous success. Those who were displaced by the plague ended up settling in what could genuinely be considered as “the happiest place in Tyria”. Ardonis Corialli, with the permission of the king, created the settlement as the capital of the newly formed county of Louise. An entire county of individuals united by tragedy, yet each inspired to pursue a new beginning.
Ardonia holds a candlelight vigil every ten years as a symbolic reminder of this new “spark of life”. The vigil honors those lost in the past, as well as reminds us to keep moving forward and to embrace new life for those who never got the chance.
Seeking to honor its roots, the first major venue created was a stunning arena that became the permanent home of the “Dueling World Cup”. Shortly after came the Ardonia Wildlife Preserve and Zoo, an extensive ecological preserve of wildlife from multiple biomes, intended to save the ecosystem that had been so badly affected by the plague.
This endeared Ardonia to many in the county even more, as Louise often boasted of lush farmlands, industry, and animal husbandry. Over time, an entertainment renaissance emerged. Various parks and gardens were created for elders on their tranquil afternoon walks, and young lovers roaming the gardens among a backdrop of flowers, fountains, and fauna.
A racetrack and jousting list eventually accompanied the now-famous arena, adding to the thrill of competition the crowds so enjoyed. Individuals of more cultured tastes were able to experience completely new forms of entertainment after the construction of the Theatre District. This in turn gave birth to the Ardonia School of Arts, an institution formed to meet an ever-increasing demand for artists, performers, and musicians.
As time passed, Ardonia did not wane in its determination to inspire the world. Upon the arrival of yet another candlelight vigil, the people sought to pay respects to those who had done so much to help the healing following the plague, as well as to help future generations to remember the famed talents of those individuals who helped breathe life into the spirit of a dying kingdom. The Sports & Competition Hall of Fame and Museum, the Visual & Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Museum of Natural History serve as the crown jewels to the county of Louise. An immortal pedestal every champion, artist, and performer of Louise dreams to one day earn their place in, as well as a place to recall our world’s history.
Year after year, Ardonia’s name reached farther and farther to even the most distant of tribes. The city’s coastal views, competitions, beautiful venues, and entertainment eventually catapulted it to worldwide fame as the tourist destination. An entire dining district of restaurants and cozy inns slowly established itself to accommodate the needs of its vast array of travelers from all over the world.
It was hope that laid the foundation of this city, but the city serves as a symbol that Mann can overcome any tribulation.
(Written by one of our citizens, Bronwyn)
