Expansion of the Faren Cultural Sphere

The expansion of the Faren culture was a major shift in the cultural landscape of the Southern Continent taking place during the Early Kingdom Period, 0 - 418 AFS. It can be further divided into Establishment period 0-150 AFS, Early expansion period 150-300 AFS and Migration Period 300-400 AFS.

Origins

The Farens originated as a farming culture of the river valleys of Farensal. Traditionally they trace their origin form Wanderers, that had arrived from the east, and ended up as slaves of the Stone Giants.

Later their ancestors managed to gain freedom again in the Great Slave Rebellion of Stonelords' Throne, and they ventured in the Old forests of Farensal, and founded the first towns and cities there soon after the Peace treaty of Farinos.

Establishment Period 0-150 AFS

The establishment period is characterised by the beginning of urbanisation and the founding of the first larger town and cities. Developing agricultural methods produced a food surplus that made the urbanisation possible. The first cities, such as Silford and Artana flourished.
In this period the the old forests of Farensal were increasingly deforested, and turned into fertile fields, as well as building material.

Early expansion period 150-300 AFS

The main innovation of the Early Expansion Period was the Nem script, the earliest known writing system. Internally the script made the Faren administration and trade more effective, but also allowed the Faren culture to become more well-defined. Many of the foundational faren myths, such as the Songs of Daursan and Kauteirin and the Great Slave Rebellion of Stonelords' Throne were first written down. The shared language and mythology increased unity between the rival city states.

The skill of writing was fast transmitted to the surrounding lands as well. But writing was taught in Nem, and through the Faren example texts. Thus the Faren language, myths and culture spread fast to the

surrounding areas. For example, the Tašals who adopted the Nem script at this time, now trace their origins from a hero Dašar who escaped the Great Slave Rebellion of Stonelords' Throne along with the Faren ancestors.

Migration Period 300-400 AFS

The Migration Period is believed to have been iniciated by a food shortage, caused by multiple failed harvests, possibly due to the continuing Deforestation of Farensal. This period saw many conflicts both between the Faren city states, as well as state-internally in the form of civil unrest and changes in the political structure. Fleeing the war or being exiled by their city states, a lot of people migrated to the surrounding non-Faren areas.

Until this the core Faren cultural areas had been in the inland river valleys, but now many new states were now founded along the coast east and west, and also to West Island, bring Farens to a close contact with Zeribians for the first time. Many of the emigrants were from the higher classes, and brought a strong cultural influence with them.

by Met museum

The stories of the Faren cultural heroes, such as Daursan and Kauteirin are now known all over the Southern Continent.

Affected location
Farensal, Southern Continent
Period
0-400 AFS

All the maps in the article are drawn by me