History
History has become a defined discipline under the auspice of human order. Learned men and women have kept astute records since the Dawn of Humankind nearly a thousand years ago. Prior to this one must consult myths, legends and oral tradition in order to understand the world, a flawed and unreliable process. This big picture history is generally broken down into five ages.
The most definite account is The Greater Histories, part of the Compendium series.
The Age of Glass was the era of elfkind, when their civilisation dominated the world. It has been named a time of "glass" for the great elvan capital Helercadon (known by humans as Glasscastle for its formidable crystal palace). The Elves seldom kept historical records for their long lives and intergenerational wisdom endeared them to remember the past better than humans. During this time humans existed in petty kingdoms, usually on the fringes of the elvan dominions. The rivalry between elves and humans would simmer for centuries until humankind sensed a weakening in elfkind's power. The Great War ensued, which would see humans triumph over elves, sparking the Dawn of Humankind.
The most definite account is The Greater Histories, part of the Compendium series.
Ancient History: from Dust to Glass
Age of Dust
The Age of Dust is an idea. It is barely-documented, based largely on the theories of cosmologists and mystics as they strove to understand the greater mysteries of our existence. This era was supposedly timeless and formless. Light, darkness, order and chaos were one. As the planes of existence shifted away from each other the cosmos took form, and where there was only dust there sprung earth, oceans, day and night.Age of Inferno
The Age of Inferno was a period of upheaval following the formation of our reality, and we have only the oldest myths as sources. The Fountains of Creation - immense volcanic mountains - spewed forth molten rock and noxious gases. From here life slowly sprung forth, though the beings of the earth did not walk alone. In this fiery period the Titans ruled, walking the earth as massive physical beings demanding unfettered devotion.Age of Embers
According to various creation myths a great hero or demigod vanquished the Titans and ended the Inferno. The Age of Embers was what ensued. Mythology tells us it was a time of great exploits and magic. Elves, humans, dwarves and other beings built great cities and kingdoms. Many of these feats are now the stuff of folklore and fairytales, though relics of this age have been dug up to prove their existence.Age of Glass
The Age of Glass was the era of elfkind, when their civilisation dominated the world. It has been named a time of "glass" for the great elvan capital Helercadon (known by humans as Glasscastle for its formidable crystal palace). The Elves seldom kept historical records for their long lives and intergenerational wisdom endeared them to remember the past better than humans. During this time humans existed in petty kingdoms, usually on the fringes of the elvan dominions. The rivalry between elves and humans would simmer for centuries until humankind sensed a weakening in elfkind's power. The Great War ensued, which would see humans triumph over elves, sparking the Dawn of Humankind.
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