Formation Age

The Formation Ages are when the planet of Tessanis was forming. There were no civilizations or cultures during these times. Barely anything was alive, and most hadn't achieved sentience. It was a primal time for many. In chronological order.
Age of Stone - No light, no heat, no water, no plants. Tessanis was just a barren rock. Food chain was based around creatures that could survive on stone, such as dwarves, stone elementals, underwyrms. Everything else survived by consuming these creatures, the most dominant of which were orcs and other goblinoids.
Age of Fire - Magma began flowing freely on the planet, providing heat where there was none, allowing for more life to be born. Humans came during this time. But there was still no light, no water, and no plants. Without proper sustenance, no races had yet to achieve sentience.
Age of Water - Water then came to the planet, creating massive oceans. This led to a massive surge in life. There was still no light but some plants began forming, fueled by heat. 
Age of Light - Eventually Tessanis was pulled into the orbit of a sun, named Rook in the Common tongue, and acquired light. This gave way to massive plant life and many species of animals. Sentience began springing up in the more well fed creatures.