Speaker of the Sun (DLCO)
Article written by Kranar Drogin

The Speaker of the Sun title was created by the great elven leader Kith-Kanan, when he formed his new nation of Qualinesti. He created it in honor of the past of the Silvanesti title Speaker of the Stars. Other names that a Speaker can be called is Lord of Qualinesti or Honored Speaker. The title has sometimes been called Speaker of Suns and the Speaker of the Sun and Stars which are both incorrect.

The Speaker of the Sun wears his traditional yellow robes of office and the Sun Medallion, which can't be removed by force unless the Speaker removes it himself. He resides in Qualinost.

Past Speakers of the Suns
Kith-Kanan (2140 - 1893 PC) was the founder of Qualinesti. He was killed by his son Silveran who was being influenced by magic from his other son Ulvian Kanan. Kith-Kanan lived long enough to declare Silveran the next ruler, than passed on from his wounds.

Silveran Kanan (1893 - 1792 ca. PC) Was passed the role of Speaker of the Sun by his father Kith-Kanan on his deathbed. It isn't known how long he served in the position of Speaker but he was known to have been serving in 1792 PC.

It is unknown how many Speakers there was during the time between Silveran and Solostaran. Some day the Qualinesti Elves may allow us to get this information.

Solostaran Kanan (ca. 249 - 356 AC) was Speaker during the War of the Lance. He was the first Speaker in hundreds of years to invite non-Qualinesti Elves into the nation of Qualinesti. He dies of old age while serving as Speaker, passing the role onto his son Porthios.

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As the War of the Lance erupted across the continent, Qualinesti once again faced a great threat. Due to their isolationist attitude, the Qualinesti nation was unprepared for the war that approached their lands. With the reappearance of dragons and the massive armies forming on their borders, the elves knew they would not survive the coming invasion. Weighing their limited options, King Solostaran ordered the complete evacuation of Qualinesti. The population fled westward across the Straits of Algoni while the elven rear guard protected their retreat and cut the last few remaining bridges into Qualinost. Those that remained were never seen alive again; however it was said that as the dragonarmies invaded, the last of the elven guard made them pay for every step taken into their lands. Leaving from Porliost, the final refugees witnessed the horror as great dragons swept over the land burning the towns and massive tracts of forest. The elves that had inhabited this land for thousands of years were now exiles.

Arriving on Southern Ergoth, the population of Qualinesti joined their eastern Silvanesti cousins who were also forced to evacuate their homeland. Here the populations of both former nations tried to survive. Prior to the evacuation, King Solostaran had ordered for the construction of refugee city. Living in their new home of Qualimori, the elves eked out a humble existence.

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Qualinesti

Age of Despair
Although Qualinesti fared better than most nations during the cataclysm, it too shared the destruction and after effects of the disaster. Most of Qualinesti's northern forests and towns disappeared instantly as tidal waves swept them away into the New Sea. Disease and famine soon swept through land taking its toll on the population. As lawlessness erupted across the lands, raids became frequent. Large bands of starving humans invaded Qualinesti, pillaging and looting anything they could. With most of the outlying communities being destroyed, the Speaker of the Sun (King) Solostaran ordered the border nations sealed. All humans were expelled from the land and the elves set up a defensive perimeter to their lands. Any non-elves entering the land were killed on site. With this act, Qualinesti turned away from the world.

As the War of the Lance erupted across the continent, Qualinesti once again faced a great threat. Due to their isolationist attitude, the Qualinesti nation was unprepared for the war that approached their lands. With the reappearance of dragons and the massive armies forming on their borders, the elves knew they would not survive the coming invasion. Weighing their limited options, King Solostaran ordered the complete evacuation of Qualinesti. The population fled westward across the Straits of Algoni while the elven rear guard protected their retreat and cut the last few remaining bridges into Qualinost. Those that remained were never seen alive again; however it was said that as the dragonarmies invaded, the last of the elven guard made them pay for every step taken into their lands. Leaving from Porliost, the final refugees witnessed the horror as great dragons swept over the land burning the towns and massive tracts of forest. The elves that had inhabited this land for thousands of years were now exiles.

Arriving on Southern Ergoth, the population of Qualinesti joined their eastern Silvanesti cousins who were also forced to evacuate their homeland. Here the populations of both former nations tried to survive. Prior to the evacuation, King Solostaran had ordered for the construction of refugee city. Living in their new home of Qualimori, the elves eked out a humble existence.

Even after the war had ended, it would be ten long years before the Qualinesti would attempt to return to their former homeland. Upon arriving, the first scouts were horrified at what they found. Great regions of the forest were devastated. Even using woodshaping magic, it would take decades to restore the woodlands to their natural state. Upon arriving in Qualinost, their hearts sunk upon seeing the city. A good portion of the city was in a state of ruin. With the bridges cut, the invading army was not able to make it across the ravines; however the dragons wreaked havoc upon the ancient city. Two of the great arched bridges that spanned alongside the city had collapsed. Fragments of rose quartz which once formed some of the taller buildings lay scattered about. Portions of the streets were gouged up and the trees were burned. Reporting back to the Speaker, the elves knew it would be a long time before Qualinesti was ever restored.

Over time the elves returned and they rebuilt their war-torn lands. The capital was restored to its former glory and the forest began its healing process. Throughout the land rejuvenation came about. The Qualinesti nation reestablished ties with their dwarven neighbors to the south. Trade that has not been seen since before the cataclysm emerged between the nations of the region. As the decades passed, the elves were once again able to prosper.