The Huo were not the first dynasty to rule Liangyu. Centuries before, a great sorcerer and united the petty kingdoms. He built a mighty city in the midst of the realm to serve as his capital.
From this city he established great highways radiating in many directions. Broad and level they were, and those who passed along them found their journey shortened beyond what should be possible. For long stretches the highways were bordered by trees which provided shade and shelter. Their leaves remained even in winter. Where the roads passed through mountains, tunnels were carved, lit by starspeck lanterns set within the rock. Mighty bridges carried the highways across rivers and valleys. Inns were established along these roads, and arsenals for the army's use.
The sorcerer's descendants ruled for a time but gradually fell into decadence. In the reign of their last King, the upkeep of the Roads was neglected, and the rituals which prevented monsters and supernatural entities from haunting it were forgotten. By the time the Huo restored the kingdom, the Great Roads were already ill-omened. The trees which lined them were overgrown, keeping the road in a perpetual shadow. Strange creatures stalked the avenue. The inns and arsenals were abandoned. The Huo attempted to retake the roads, but it soon became apparent that whatever magic had been used in their construction made them a magnet for fell things. An area swept clean of monsters one day would soon be infested by creatures even more hostile the next. Fortunately the dangers never seemed to stray too far from the highways. In the end the Kings of the Huo contented themselves with dismantling large sections of the roads, but many still remain in remote places.
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