The Laconian people trace their origins to a larger ancient power that existed some two thousand years ago to the modern day of Alm - the Andoraic civilization. Still enwreathed in mystery due to the ravages of time, the history of the Andoraic people is mired by conflicting interpretations codified by their descendants; one of them being the Laconians.

Those who have a stake in the Andoraic legacy all agree that their resultant societies bloomed from the collapse of this civilization. While what caused this cataclysm is unknown, the Andoracs region that they lent their name to was soon overtaken by a series of successor city-states. The Laconians, then called the Lacons, were outliers in this place; they mostly consisted of nomadic shepherds that moved further inland to avoid the conflicts that erupted all too easily in their homeland.

As a raucous century of conflict passed, the Lacons would soon be found in the courts of the other Andoraic powers - as mercenaries and envoys. Their lifestyles afforded them an impartial appearance to the many who still fought over the corpse of the Andoraic empire, seeing them as a minority that could hold no power on their own. This was true by sheer numbers alone, but their eventual rise to prominence was not brought along by military conquest. They would instead give their words to the major language that was soon spoken by all among the warring cities; Laconic. It would become the only language spoken between the emissaries of the Andoraic city-states as both representatives were often Lacons themselves.

Linguistic developments would soon bring rise to an event that all consider a turning point for the Lacons; this momentum would culminate at the Siege of Ismaea, where several Lacon officials would use their shared language to enact a conspiracy of misdirection during a campaign involving three other Andoraic city states. Exchanging careful terms for bargaining and issuing doctored orders to the sellsword legions of the Andoraic powers, the envoys from Lacon orchestrated a diplomatic event of sheer absurdity; the simultaneous surrenders of many army officers and local leaders under the guise of a peace talk. With no one but those from the Laconian countryside at the negotiating table, they sued for a peace that was conducted behind raised hands and silent snickering.

Once the other Andoraic leaders saw partially through the act, they released themselves and sent their honor guard to slaughter the Laconic envoys. Yet, each was under the impression that this was the machinations of the other side, taking advantage of the Laconic language barrier to misdirect the other. This incensed the still-gathered phalanxes, who had no context for the situation besides that the messengers and leaders of their respective sides were slaughtered. Many happened to be Lacons, or had their wages negotiated for and dictated to by a Lacon. This confusion and uproar culminated in an astoundingly messy siege of the city of Ismaea is said to have lasted for ten years.

The Laconians, now known as such as proper Andoraic successors, eventually found themselves settling all throughout their precursor's homeland.

• With proper enclaves, they become a major demographic in many Andoraic states. Eventually grow into their own nation, as conflict has disenfranchised many of the older city-states.

• They hearken the old Andoraic practices of theatrecraft and diplomacy, and are deeply affected by a series of philosophers that would help forge Laconism. Pen-and-sword philosophy, in scarcity. Be a master of both so you may need neither.

• The Prospokra mask becomes widespread as an indicator and identity. Their assimilated cultures help form the practices of mask-making and bronze-working that continues to this day.

• Laconians begin to leave the Andoraics, first by foot and soon by sea. Many find work as mercenaries and make it a point to be presented as "premiere" elite warriors who advertise their cunning with displays from their homeland.

The Laconians

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