History

The history of Vala is long and complex, with multiple, competing narratives produced by a broad array of cultures. The College of Keepers, the premier institute of learning within the Gallian Empire, long ago developed a historical schema in which to understand Vala's development. This 'Imperial Chronology' has spread to all cultures influenced by Gallia. Thus, dates in this system are usually indicated with IR, 'Imperial Reckoning,' as computed from the ascension of Irud to the rulership of Aldan, heartland of the empire. Dates before the imperial period are indicated with a minus in front of the figure, thus the Keepers declare that the Night Wars began in -2500 IR, though this very well may be an arbitrary number. Such dates are expressed as 'before the empire' or 'before the Era of Man.' There is much controversy surrounding dates, for which see the Council of Days. 
Obviously, the triumphs and travails of Gallia and its constituent tribes are emphasized in this chronology. Other nations, particularly those of the south, have very different histories. Many of Khanaan’s people, for example, more fondly recall the Zakhemite Star Empire, as the maedi had their capital in what is now central Khanaan. Even today, many Khanites are proud to boast of maedi blood in their heritage, a fact they believe distinguishes them from the more coarse and brutish northerners. To admit to ‘impure’ blood would be shocking for a staunch Gallian, but this is just one example of how historical perceptions might differ. This does not even account for the chronologies of non-human cultures, or the cultures of other continents, some of which wildly differ from the orthodox Imperial Reckoning. And of course, knowledge of the complete histories is the purview of only the most learned and erudite, who often argue about the more esoteric events in the time before the rise of Man. For the average person, history is a vague and amorphous thing, and the doings of gods and heroes are obscure at best. Any event before the time of one’s grandfather is the stuff of legends. The Divine Era might as well be meaningless to a peasant, who simply wants to know the best time to reap a crop.  The periodization of the Imperial chronology follows: 
=== Mythic Era ===
This period includes the birth of the celestial gods within Anratha, the formation of the cosmos and the creation of Vala. It is a time without real time, when all is in flux, and many interpretations of events are possible. This period ends with the Age of Giants. 
=== Divine Era ===
The Divine Era marks the beginning of true time, with mortals to observe the passage of years, though many events are still unbound from linear progression. Gods dominate the affairs of Vala, and mortals are often mere observers to the great deeds of their creators. The Divine Era ends the exile of the giants, the sleep of the great dragons and the triumph of the Maedi, who found a world-spanning empire. 
=== Twilight Era ===
This period marks the transition between the time of the gods and the time of mortals, as mediated by the semi-divine Azlan. It is during this period that humanity at lasts seizes its destiny, throwing off the yoke of the elves. In northern Altea, this is accomplished by Irud, who founds the Gallian Empire, ending the time of the elves. The nebulous Age Zero solidifies into the Era of Man, where mortals are now truly in command of Vala's fate, or so it appears to their eyes. The end of Age Zero is marked by the Timedeath, hence the name of this period, for much history is murky and unclear. 
=== Era of Man ===
This, according to the Gallian Keepers, is the era that Vala is currently in. Obviously, humanity does not dominate the planet. The continent of Devana hosts the gigantic umia empire of Pad Nerog, and Tsaiyun is dominated by the Sho. Yet as Altea is the largest and most populous continent, it is believed to play a special role in the destiny of Vala. Whether the Keepers are correct about this is, of course, impossible to say, but in the Imperial Reckoning, the Era of Man shall number five Ages, each ending in some cataclysm. As per the prophecy of Akhei-Bel, the Era of Man shall end in the Fifth Age, and either the New Sun will dawn, or the Beast will consume Vala utterly.
For further information about timekeeping, see the calendar. 
Category:History
Category:Chronology