The cities Sirayn were founded along the Siresha river and its tributaries. The Siresha rushes from the slopes of the Yellow Mountains in western Chennacatt through steep ravines and foaming rapids, slowing as the current passes through Isra and Kirmlesra to become wide and lazy at its mouth in the Bay of Ormal. The cool streams and rolling grasslands characteristic of the river valley provide a welcome relief to weary travelers from Bozisha-dar or Harshendat. The breadbasket of the south, the lands of Sirayn are a prize worth holding. Even the Dark Lord and his minions scheme to control this area.

Following T.A. 1632 Tartas Izain the Taraskon ( Ta. " Wisdom-Lord") and chief councilor to the Tarb (Ta. "Might-Lord) of Tul Isra infiltrates the government. Through his dark designs he hopes to subjugate the free dwellers of Sirayn, thus cementing the Dark Lord's hold over this region of Middle-earth. Tartas Izain' s superior, The Tarb, is a weak and inefficient ruler who's flaws have allowed the Taraskon to obtain inappropriate power, effectually ruling the kingdom. Tartas Izain wishes to control the whole of Sirayn and so has undertaken a plan to subjugate all of the cities under the Tarb's rule . Once his power is secure in Sirayn, he intends to conquer Harshandat, as well as Ciryatandor and Bozisha-Dar in the west. Six of the seven Cities of Sirayn fall to the forces of Tul lsra and Tartas Izain between the years 1631 and 1636. The seaport of Tul Harar is the only city to maintain its independence. The port's distance from the other cities, due to the presence of the tangled forest Sara Bask and the highlands of Kirmlesra as well as the difficulty of leading an army through these inhospitable geographic features, make a successful campaign untenable.

Times Past

Early in The Second Age, nomadic tribes from the north and east settled the fertile river valleys of Sirayn. These people found extensive stands of wild wheat and barley growing on the banks of the Siresha. Due to the abundance of wild grains, the nomads ceased to wander. Sufficient grains could be gathered during the summer and fall to last the rest of the year. Unaccustomed to the cycles of agricultural life, the inhabitants grew restless in the leisure that followed the growing season. Craft specialization and social stratification evolved to fill the void. A priest hierarchy, temples and a noble class developed. As the population grew, pressure to expand into less fertile areas increased. The inhabitants in these less hospitable areas tried to duplicate the vast grain fields that grew naturally in the more arable valleys. Over the centuries, they developed irrigation techniques and learned the basics of dry farming. Canals and irrigation works abounded: most major highways were accompanied by irrigation tunnels running alongside the pavement. Agriculturalists expanded the plants that grew naturally and domesticated new varieties. Hybrid strains of wheat and barley, lentils, grass peas, dates, figs and linseed came into use.

Some groups returned to nomadic life and domesticated the animals ( goats, sheep, cattle, pigs ) indigenous to the locality. Other nomadic tribes entered the area and lived by raiding or adopted the new life style. The presence of bandits and desert-raiders helped to promote the foundation of defensible urban centers.

As the cities grew, temples were founded, writing was developed, trade was formalized between the urban centers and outside cultures, a fixed military was organized, and craft specialization flourished. This civilization continued developing until Akhorahil, the Blind Sorcerer ( one of the Nine Nazgul), began his conquest of Sirayn in S.A. 1929. He. commanded his generals to raze all cities that resisted. Only the seaport of Tul Harar did not oppose the Blind Sorcerer's occupation plans. Thus, Tul Harar is the only city in Sirayn that has been continuously inhabited from the mid-Second Age.

Early in the Third Age, Haradan tribes from the north resettled the river valleys and founded camps along the northern foothills of the Tur Betark (Ta. "Yellow Mountains") to the south. The discovery of rich ores and mineral resources and the new trade routes that developed gave rise to a very prosperous society.

Towns and villages sprang up again along the major rivers and peace reigned. However, this prosperity was short-lived. Shortly after T.A. 1100, Orcs and Demons from the south took over the mines and laid siege to the towns and villages closest to the Tur Betark. By T.A. 1175 even the newly re-founded city of Tul lsra had fallen to the southerly hoards. In the spring of 1201 Obed the First, of clan Masra reunited the peoples of Chennacatt, Isra, and Kirmlesra and set out to recapture the lands that were lost. Wielding the famous Blade of Masra, a sword passed down through generations of the clan, and the visor of Sirayn, a holy relic dedicated to the Master of the Sands (Tarkarun-i-Masra ; i.e. Manwe), Obed's campaign was successful. All of the lands were recovered except for some mines to the south. Obed was slain during the final battle near Horse-head's Peak and was there entombed. From that time, the Blade and the Visor have not been seen.

A number of Tarb have come to power in Tul Isra since Obed's reign. In T .A. 1380 Bazaud Izain of clan Bulgan (a rival to clan Masra) seized the crown and put down clan Masra partisans. The line of Bulgan was well known for its rule of blood and horror. Heavy taxes, oppression, and dark rites were the mainstay of their reign. At this time, Tartas Izain became the Taraskon. A sorcerer of great reknown and power, he was relied upon for advice and his control of the populace. Temples of the Silent One were founded under Tartas' influence. The Bulgan regime continued until 1436 when Bartek Tam of clan Masra regained the throne. Tartas Izain fled to Charnesra and shortly afterwards helped in leading an offensive against Tul Isra. In the ensuing years, great battles decimated the towns and villages in the area. In the spring of 1457, the forces of Charnesra laid siege to Tul Isra and destroyed a good portion of the city. Much of which has not been rebuilt. The forces of Shuftas Gabar (Sorcerer and ruler of Charnesra ) were eventually forced back to their own city walls. Charnesra resisted her foes for a full two weeks before the warriors and magi of Tul Isra broke through the defenses. The city was sacked save for the High Citadel of Shuftas Gabar. Rumor has it that the powers of darkness still guard the fortress.

Peace reigned for almost 100 years until clan Bulgan carried out a bloody coup at Tul Isra. Once control was cemented in the surrounding countryside the power of Bulgan spread. Of the Six remaining cities, all fell to the armies of Tul Isra with the exception of Tul Harar. Logistics problems and the quality of the Haran Navy made the seaport victorious. Plans were laid to conquer this important site while the people of Sirayn searched for the true heir to the throne.

History of Greater Harad

The lands of Greater Harad have been occupied for millenia and have seen many dynasties rise and fall . The following is a time line in the King of Gondor's reckoning covering the Second and third ages. It covers important events in the history of Sirayn and the surrounding lands. The calendar of Sirayn begins in T.A. 1201 during Obed the First's rule. His unification of the peoples of Chennacatt, Isra, and Kirmlesra created the political entity of Sirayn out of mere geographic proximity.

Second Age

ca. 1-100 Apysaic speaking peoples move into and inhabit the fertile river valleys of Sirayn ca. 450 The now-settled peoples start to build cities in Chen- nacatt and Isra.

ca. 600 - Thirteen independently self-governing cities are fully established along the Siresha river and its tributaries.

1211 Bavor's Folk found the city of Mablad-dum in the central Yellow Mountains.

1929 Early in the year, the Blind Sorcerer attacks Baud Selen. By the end of the year, all of Chennacatt has fallen to his Ciryatandan forces.

1930 - Akhorahil, the Blind Sorcerer, sends his general Wyatan to conquer Isra and the lands east.

1933 Early in the year, Rask and Tul Isra fall to Wyatan's forces. Late in the year, Tyarett succumbs.

1935 The forces of Wyatan attack the city of Charnesra. The combined forces of Charnesra and Tul Harar are able to win the battle at the expense of the city which is ruined in the process.

1940 Wyatan re-assembles his forces and starts a 59 year campaign against Tul Harar and Harshandat.

1979 - The nomads of Kirmlesra submit to Akhorahil after 10 years of internal strife.

1995 The surrender Of Tul Harar spells doom for Harshandat.

1999- Harshandat falls one day before the new millennium. The Blind sorcerer places governors in each province and city and begins his rule in the South.

2280 - A Numenorean army defeats Akhorahil and razes his capital. He flees to Mordor.

2281 - The people of Sirayn and Harshandat rise up and over throw their current rulers. In the process, the remaining cities of Isra and Chennacatt are destroyed. Only Tul Harar remains standing.

THIRD AGE

83- Tul Isra is re-founded by members of Clan Masra from the Tarnet Bazain (Ta. "Red-sands Desert-island'').

ca. 93 - Tyarett and Charnesra are rebuilt.

ca. 115 - Reconstruction begins in the cities of Chennacatt.

ca. 400 - The first Tayee Temples are built in Sirayn.

ca. 550 -A group of young slaves being brought through the area from Northern Endor escapes in the Tur Betark. They form a mountain group called the Danac.

777 - The city of Narad-dum is founded by Nar and his followers.

They believe that the city will never fall due to the circumstances of its founding.

1051- Akhorahil moves to the fortress of Ny Chennacatt. From this stronghold, he begins his plans for reconquest of the South.

He gathers Orcs and Demons for his army.

1103 - The Blind Sorcerer's forces are turned loose in Sirayn.

The cities of Isra and Chennacatt are attacked. Narad-Dum closes its doors to the outside world.

1111 - The Mablad Dwarves found the city of Blackflame.

1201 - Obed the First of Clan Mira unites the people of Sirayn and destroys the southerly horde. He enlists the aid of Nar's Folk in the battle. The first year of the Siranean calendar.

1350 - Tartas lzain is born in Isra.

1380-Clan Bulgan led by Bazaud Izain, a follower of Akhorahil, takes over the government of Tul lsra through bloody coup.

1385 - Tartas Izain becomes the Taraskon of Tul Isra.

1397 - Temples to the Silent One are first seen in the cities of Sirayn.

1436- Clan Masra regains power and frees Tul Isra. Tartas Izain flees to Charnesra where his uncle Shuftas Gabar rules.

1457 -- The forces of Charnesra attack Tul Isra. They are defeated and forced back to their own city walls by the combined armies of Tul Isra and Tyarett. Charnesra is destroyed in the process.

Tartas Izain and Shuftas Gabar escape.

1555 - Clan Bulgan again takes power in Tul Isra through a bloody coup.

1526 - The Keepers of the True Flame first roam Sirayn.

1557 - The Tarb of Tul lsra begins a campaign to take the other cities. Over the next 25 years, they fall in the following order: Rask, Tyarett, Baud Selen, and Tartaust.

1578 - Internal strife stops the advance of Tul lsra's forces.

1629 - Tartas Izain comes to power again in Tul Isra.

l640 - The populace riises against the Bulgan rule and overthrows the government. Clan Masra comes to power again. Akhorahil prepares to return to Mordor.

2858 - Jenna Chy of sari takes the port city of Tul Harar.