(Ok, to aid Mr. Info himself, the great Caith/Wantz, I have put together the next Vana'diel Lore, this time all about the powerful yet declineing San d'Oria! Sources were Playonline Site, Vanadiel History Site, and a few In Game stuff I found, enjoy. )

San d’Oria: The Pride of d'Oraguille Royal Family.

It was called, the Age of Power, and on the center stage of this age, stood the mighty and proud Elvaan, who rose from nothing more than insignificant tribe. With the Tarutaru monopoly on magic broken, the Elvaan would grow to become the most powerful empire of the time, making their home in deep forests of the oldest known continent. They were able to create powerful orders of knights who with an unbreakable code of chivalry feared no adversary. With their lack of fear stemmed from their deep religious beliefs in Altana and her guidance, they marched onward. A king chosen to rule, as the religious leader, the Papsque, was given great authority as well. Within a short time period almost the entire Quon continent was under their rule, after one by one Beastmen Stronghold fell and Tarutaru villages and towns were crushed by the might of the Elvaan army. At this time, one of the vassal's of the ruling d'Oraguille family discovered a small peninsula at the western most edge of Quon. From here the knights of San d'Oria could head south and sweep around the Tarutaru defenses, remaining Beastmen, and secure their domination of Vana'diel. Alphollon Tavnazia, the royal vassal, was bestowed title to the land and given the task of constructing a massive fortified city as the front lines of the San d'Orian push south. Over time these lands were known as the Marquisate of Tavnazia and became a second Elvaan kingdom, under rule of the first. From here the battles which conquered the lands of Sauromugue Champaign were planned.
But pride comes before the fall.

With all of San d'Oria's attention to the Tarutaru's and the Beastmen of the eastern continent, the southern portion of Quon remained unconquered and uncared for. Bastok quickly began to grow due to the alliance of Humes and Galkas; the Humes were deemed too weak to worry about and ignored by the San d'Oria army. Together the two forces set their eye on San d’Oria. As Bastok made quick work of the outlying San d'Orian southern defenses, the Beastmen and the Tarutaru to the east, launched assault upon assault on the Empire's eastern boarder. Finally a massive attack on the defenses at Sauromugue by the Tarutaru broke through the lines of knights. Every last Elvaan fought bravely, yet every last Elvaan were killed. After this defeat, Bastok turned its attention to the key grounds of the Konschtat Highlands. In a battle of epic nature, the San d'Orian Knights and Bastokan Army battled in the windy meadows of the highlands. The battle lasted for days, but San d’Oria made one last push under the leadership of their first female warrior Lady Eldie Mantiant. Bastok was forced from the Highlands, but at a horrible price. The legions of San d'Orian had been all but wiped out.

The Elvaan to the east, now faced with the oncoming attack of the Tarutaru, had no choice but to surrender and withdraw to the south. Also the growing presence of Bastok grew heavy on Tavnazia, which surrendered in order to keep their lands and secure a peace. This was not the final nail in the coffin, however. The Bastokan chemists and iron workers in a rush to supply their troops discovered a new powerful cutting-edge technology, firearms. With these the Bastokan army marched to the Highlands for what would be known as the Second Battle of Konschtat. Here the newly formed Bastokan Musketeer's met the most elite of the San d'Orian Knights, but it was no battle at all…it was a massacre. San d'Oria pulled their forces back to the borders of their capital; the outlying towns, forts, and legions open to destruction by the now free to roam Beastmen. Bastok shocked by their own power, stopped their assault on San d'Oria at the Highlands, holding the high ground to prevent any future counterattack. None would come.

The Elvaan could do nothing, furious with Bastok for the deemed "unchivalrous" victory and without their former power the kingdom fell into ruin. At the time of the collapse two brothers ruled the throne. The first and oldest King Raigegue was a militaristic man who saw his friends and family die at the hands of Bastok. Gathering the last of the elite troops, he formed the Royal Knights, in hopes of a counter-attack. His younger brother, Prince Fellenant, was a more religious and peaceful man. Around him gathered a loyal group of friends, who would be known as the Temple Knights. Prince Fellenant against his brother’s wishes arranged for a meeting between the Bastok leaders and his Temple Knights. There he would offer a final peace in exchange for help dethroning his brother, his proof of peace, the mysterious and powerful magic scepter known as the "Scepter Royaulais". This was bestowed to each king upon his coronation by the Papsque. Meanwhile, catching wind of his brother's plan, King Raigegue sent his best and most anti-Bastok knight, Vijortal Caphieux. He and a few other royal knights would join the prince's party saying they wished for peace, and then assassinate him.

It was then, camping in what is now called Ordelle's Cave that the plot was to take place. But, by some strange twist of fate, Vijortal turned against the assassins and stopped the attempt. Though he saved the prince's life, he was mortally wounded. The prince continued on to Bastok and there the Temple Knights and Bastokans agreed to usurp the throne from King Raigegue. Gathering forces he took San d'Oria and crowned himself king, but just before a counter-offensive by Raigegue. It is said that Fellenant had a great vision granted to him by the Scepter Royaulais, and decided not to fight. Though it is unknown what was seen, he stepped down and surrendered to his brother. Since it was deemed long ago that royal blood could not be spilled, Fellenant was placed in the dungeons underneath San d'Oria. With the help of his Temple Knights, he soon escaped through underground tunnels into Junger Forest. It was from here, in the deep woods of Davoi that he waged a war against his brother. This was the start of the great civil war.

Lasting for countless generations the war between the two sides of San d'Oria raged through their lands. Finally, the leader of the Temple Knights, Ranperre, led a final assault on the capital. Carrying a mystical sword he found deep within the caverns of Davoi and surrounded by his vanguard of Dragoons (which would later grant him the name - The Dragon King) he led his troops into battle. His sword, the Lightbringer, struck a fear into the hearts of both his troops and his enemies. Before the battle could begin, the Royal Knights surrendered for fear of the sword. Without having even unsheathed it, Ranperre had united San d'Oria at last. From his throne he decided the power held by the Lightbringer was too much for one man, and it was sent forth from San d'Oria to Tavnazia as not only a sign of trust and peace, but to be locked away deep within the halls below the city. There it would be protected by the royal family for all time. San d'Oria had come full circle, once a great empire, now a small fledgling kingdom again.

The Kingdom Now:

After the Civil War, the Kingdom of San d’Oria is one again, thanks to The Dragon King Ranperre. The Kingdom itself has been ruled by a succession of kings from the d'Oraguille royal family for a span of more than five hundred years. The Kingdom's capital of San d'Oria is a walled city defended by two orders of Knights: the Royal Knights, who patrol the country's borders and seek to expand its territories, and the Temple Knights, responsible for protecting the city itself and maintaining domestic tranquility.

Culture- San d’Orian blade smiths, with traditional methods passed down over generations, forge weapons that rival the swords of the East and are known throughout the world for their quality. The Elvaan culture also centers on a "better than thou" attitude regarding foreigners and especially Humes. This is most prevalent amongst the royalty and military, still angry over their defeats to Bastok. The arrogance and pride of Elvaan, often makes most foreigners and adventures dislike or almost hatred toward the Kingdom. The Kingdom also has a strong religious view, and they often try to preach the teachings of the Goddess of the Dawn, Altana.

Living Standards- The ancient forest capital shows signs of deterioration, but with population growth in a state of gentle decline and many residences left vacant, overcrowding has not become an issue. The region is also blessed with an abundance of fertile land for crops, and food is plentiful. However, heavy taxes and long military tenures leave few hands to work the fields, making life a challenge for the citizens of San d'Oria.

Climate- Even though it lies in a relatively cold region, San d'Oria has long been able to export its verdant crops of wheat and rye, along with shipments of lumber, through the independent town of Selbina. Also, large imported Selbina sheep can be seen grazing in the furthest reaches of the kingdom.

San d’Orian Military:

Royal Knights- The Royal Knights are under the direct command of the King, forming the backbone of the San d'Orian Army. Their main duties include regular punitive expeditions against the Beastmen, along with patrolling and defending the country's borders. The order consists of around one hundred units led by a general. A single unit is headed by one Royal Knight, with a retinue of two to three Royal Swordsmen and four to five Royal Squires of the same bloodline. The body of the unit is made up of around sixty Royal Archers and Royal Spearmen. A Grand Knight of the Realm has ten Royal Knights as subordinates, and accordingly commands a force ten times the strength of a normal unit. The Royal Knights are generally well-trained Elvaan nobles or adventurers with extensive battle experience–men and women of unfailing morale and unquestionable loyalty to the crown. In times of war, numbers are bolstered by provincial troops from all corners of the kingdom.

Temple Knights- The Temple Knights are a religious order charged with maintaining civil harmony within the capital. In times of peace, the Temple Knights are responsible for arresting criminals and heretics, providing security for the Chateau d'Oraguille and the cathedral, and putting down civil strife. When war engulfs the kingdom, they are often sent to the battlefield; in war, their duties extend to holding prayers for victorious outcomes and punishing crime and acts of immorality within the San d'Orian army. The Order of the Temple Knights consists of around sixty units led by a general. An average unit is formed by thirty Myrmidons under the command of a Temple Knight and ten Temple Squires who have been baptized by the Papsque. A Grand Temple Knight has ten Temple Knights as subordinates, and accordingly commands a force ten times the strength of a normal unit. All funding for Temple Knight activities comes from the San d'Oria Cathedral, so while they are theoretically under the command of the king, any large-scale mobilization requires the permission of the Papsque.

Royal Guard- The Royal Guard is unit of knights responsible for the protection of the king and the royal family. Exact numbers are unknown, but this unit is thought to hold close to one hundred members, traditionally chosen from the two orders of knights. It is considered to be an extremely high honor to be offered a position in the Royal Guard, and recently many adventurers of remarkable achievements can be found within their ranks.

Reserved Knights- This title is given to mercenary and volunteer groups that have been officially sanctioned by the King of San d'Oria. Since they are only paid during times of war, most members of these groups take up adventuring while waiting for the call to arms.

Dragon Knights- The knights in direct service to the king, these warriors were skilled for their ability with the spear and to control dragons. However, their distinct armor soon vanished from the battlefield, and the last Dragoon soon left the capital on a secret mission never to be seen again. However, word in the streets is that these proud warriors have been seen in the lands to the east. Perhaps their order will someday be reborn.

Head Figures:

King Destin- The aging ruler of San d'Oria, who's wife has long since passed away. He finds himself leading his kingdom in a time of its decline. Orcs attack from without, and his two sons both seek power within.

Prince Trion- The elder prince and leader of the San d'Oria military, Trion is viewed by many to be overly aggressive and not the right choice for ruler of San d'Oria. But does he have a softer side he hides from the world. Many see him as the next heir, even if he may not be the right choice, he is a proud warrior and hero among the Order.

Prince Pieuje- The youngest son of Destin, he is the head of the Temple's forces and has studied under the Papsque since he was a child. Many people see him as too much of a debater, and not an action taker. Some believe their might be a conflict between him and his brother due to his possible jealousy of his brother.

Princess Claidie- The Kings youngest child, Claidie is quickly reaching adulthood. Fond of her mother, she frequently visits her grave. This weighs heavily on her mind as her coming of age ceremony approaches.

Papsque Muchavatte- The leader of the San d'Oria church, the Papsque is considered by many to be the most pure man in all of San d'Oria. Many would even like to see him as leader of the entire nation. However a few find him to be a bit shady.

Curillia- The leader of the Temple Knights, Curillia is the bravest warrior within the military, and receives all the benefits of it - especially being a woman. The side of her face has been scarred due to an accident while sparring with Trion. While understanding it wasn't on purpose, she still hides her face for shame and believing herself to be ugly. However, a few rumors have reported her having relationship between one of the royal heirs.

Rahal- The leader of the Royal Knights, his past includes some shady characters, but his heart is pure. He is known especially for is knowledge of most things military, from the training of knights to ancient orders, and the goings on within the nations holdings.

Past Figures:

Acheufagais R. d’Oraguille “The Warking”- The ninth king of San d'Oria who ruled from 558 to 567; fourth son of Harvest King Resviel. At the age of sixteen, he personally slew his stepbrother–a contender to the throne–to become king. Unlike his father, who concentrated on domestic affairs, Acheufagais focused his efforts on war, leading campaigns against foes such as the Orcs and the Republic of Bastok. In his short life, he fought in thirty-three battles, and was feared by enemies and allies alike as the "Warking".

King Acheufagais' bold, lively personality and undaunted courage on the battlefield were beloved by knights and soldiers, but he would conversely earn the scorn of the aristocracy. When the Warking suddenly died at the young age of twenty-five, rumors of foul play by the aristocrats ran rampant throughout San d'Oria.

Marelinne R. d’Oraguille “The Sentinel Queen”- The tenth ruler of the Kingdom of San d'Oria, who reigned from 568 to 588. Cousin to the Warking, after losing her parents while she was still an infant, she was secretly adopted and raised by the family cook. When she was ten years old, the Warking suddenly died on the throne, leading to heightened tensions between regional leaders, just when it seemed that a civil war was imminent, Marelinne's name surfaced as the rightful successor to the throne, when it was proven that she was a blood relative of the late king. However, the turmoil did not end there–the dispute was now over who would be the young monarch's guardian until she was of age. Marelinne eventually grew weary of the intrigue surrounding her, and left the capital under the pretext of surveying the outer regions. She would never again return to the capital, always issuing her orders from wherever she had journeyed.

In 588, Marelinne vanished without a trace, never to be seen or heard from again. Her efforts to bolster the defenses of the outer regions were highly praised in later years.

Ranperre R. d’Oraguille “Savior of a Nation” “The Dragon King”- Ranperre R d'Oraguille, the 24th king of San d'Oria, reigned from 782 to 832. Also known as the Dragon King, Ranperre was hailed as the greatest monarch of the d'Oraguille family. He was born the eldest son of the crown prince of West San d'Oria, and diligently studied the arts of war from childhood. Ranperre acceded to the throne after agents of East San d'Oria murdered his father.

After ten years of fighting, the Dragon King subdued the East San d'Orian forces and put an end to the long and bloody civil conflict. He continued to build his legend by expelling the Orcish hordes from Ronfaure, and ridding the kingdom of marauding black dragons. Rumors still flourish concerning the pact Ranperre supposedly made with a black dragon to protect his expansive tomb.

Erpalacion B. Ehanoix “The Last Dragoon” - From an early age, Erpalacion served as a page to the king. In addition to performing his duties in the royal court, he studied under the tutelage of a dragoon veteran. Erpalacion showed amazing promise, and, at the tender age of 16, he was conferred the rank of master dragoon.

In the year 786, his achievements as a general in the Elshimo Campaign earned him recognition in his home of San d'Oria and beyond. Following these endeavors, Erpalacion was selected to become the general of the Royal Knights–the youngest in recorded history–and went on to secure a string of victories in the king's name against the Eastern San d'Orian insurgents.

He continued to assist in the reunification of the kingdom, but disappeared while returning from an overseas expedition. Although his body was never recovered, a state funeral was held in his honor in 816. As no successors remained to continue his profession, Erpalacion is also widely referred to as "The Last Dragoon."

(I thought should mention this guy, because he is apart of their history.)

Doggvdegg “Harbinger of Disaster” “Kingslayer”- Commander of the Bloodwing Horde, an Orcish army sworn into the service of the Shadow Lord, he was also known as "Kingslayer Doggvdegg." Doggvdegg is said to have risen from the ranks of the common soldiers, but little is known of his origins. His notoriety began in 851, when Doggvdegg single-handedly slew King Grantieul R d'Oraguille and his retinue of ten bodyguards during a royal hunt. (The name of Doggvdegg became public knowledge after an Eastern San d'Orian dissident was arrested for planning the assassination, and forced to reveal the full details of the crime.) In 858, Doggvdegg acted as a captain in the Bloodwing Horde during the Orcs' clash with the armies of the Shadow Lord (the War of Savages). The Orcish forces were defeated, and Doggvdegg was incarcerated in the dungeons of Castle Zvahl for an entire year after slaughtering over three hundred demons on the field of battle. When his imprisonment ended, he was returned to the Bloodwing Horde–now the Orcish arm of the Shadow Lord's army–and was eventually promoted to the position of commander.

In the year 862–the beginning of the Crystal War–the "Kingslayer" lured the San d'Orian Royal Knights into the forest and decimated their ranks with devastating ambush tactics (the Battle of Jugner). He followed up on this victory by invading Ronfaure and laying siege to the capital for a period lasting three weeks. Doggvdegg was a gigantic Orc, and his appearance on the field, often on a bugard mount, would be accompanied by a characteristic tremor that would echo all the way to the chateau, terrifying the citizens of San d'Oria on a nightly basis.

He was also known to have commanded the Bloodwing Horde during battles fought in Valkurm, Gustaberg, and Batallia. However, Doggvdegg disappeared from the history pages after the conflict in Xarcabard, where it is said he defeated the San d'Orian general Phillieulais in single combat. (Beastmen records concur with this account.) While people remember Doggvdegg as a vicious and cunning monster, the Orcs revere his memory as a merciful and just warrior–a hero among soldiers.The Freeguard