Time of Aterleg

the Before

Time of Aterleg -- Randond Period -- Randeny Period -- Randagri Period -- Randeris Period --

Before 4800 pre-sc

The Time of Aterleg is considered a mythical age of the world. Though not offically part of the recorded timeline of the world, the term is used commonly in the modern day by scholars and historians to reference period of history before mankind. To the Jenuwan Order, the recorders of history, this era is considered the time when Alu creates the world, as recorded in the Sacred Codex in Volume 1, Book 1. Outside of the Codex, there is only a single reference to this time period in ancient accounts. The Epic of Can both coined the term we use today, as well as gives of the only other description of this legendary era. While the Sacred Codex does reference the creation of Aldern, the planting of Aterleg in Garden, and the first people, it gives little account to the world beyond Garden. It is the Epic of Can that provides some additional knowledge, as limited as it may be.

According to the Epic of Can it is a time of the creation of the world (of which the Sacred Codex has a near matching account.) Alu dwells above Aldern admiring the beauty of creation. A world of color where giant animals and great trees flourished. He plants Aterleg in his Garden and his spirit dwells in their peace, but alone. Unable to gain the companionship he desires from Aterleg, Alu creates a new creature similar in spirit to himself, the Daemon.

Though not defined as such in the Epic of Can, the Jenuwan use the creation of mankind as the start of history. Matching this point to the Siduum Calendar starting date, day one of the Randond Period. The dividing point between the 'Time of Aterleg' and the Randond Period is blurred however, as one might assume that far back in history to be. A time long before the written word, where most events are estimated or, at best, guessed by modern scholars.

“In the beginning Alu created Alunki (Existence). Alunki was formless and devoid of all life. So Alu created Linen (the Heavens), and Alan (the Heavens Above), and he created Aldern (the World) and Haaredern (the World Below.)
Then Alu said “A Nura (Light) should be in Alan.” and forth came Uatu (the Sun) and with her, light, and the first day. Alu placed clouds to hold the waters that quenched the thirst of Aldern and divide Alan from Linen.
Alu pulled the land from the sea. Dry land He created and place the Waten (Mountains) to divide the lands. On the dry land, at the heart of Aldern, in His Garden, Alu planted Aterleg, the First Tree. Aterleg reach high into Linen to drinking from the clouds. Aterleg warmed from the light of Uatu, his roots touched the heart of Aldern. Every corner of Aldern they touched.
Aterleg breathed forth, and with his breath Anon (magic) entered Alunki. Alu commanded Aterleg to multiply, and the seeds of the Elder Trees were planted. Though them all plants of Aldern grew forth. The First Tree became Grandfather to all manner of plant and tree, and all the green that grow of mud and field.
And Rok (the Spirit of Alu) was in Aldern.”

-Sacred Codex, Volume I, Book I