Second Era

The *Second Era* of history, also know as *The Era of Darkness*. The era was preceded by the First Era and succeeded by the Third Era.

There were no distinct Ages within this Era, making it unique in that sense. It saw a great deal of time, encompassing 10,134 years.

The Second Era began with the Tahm Decimus, known as the *Mortal Paroxysm*, when Tobias Rah Sham laid waste to the known world, ending the Aeric race and their nations, wiping them out completely. The Deities, specifically the Sedii, bore witness to this event and recognized it as the first true moment that their creation was tampered with.

The Second Era ended with the redemption of Tobias Rah Sham at the Fall of Babel and his victory at the Battle of the Colossus. Rah Sham, with the power granted to him by the Avatars, including Heather of the Wood, restored much of the lost flora and fauna, and began a new explosion of culture and civilization after he sealed away Shuul'dor in the Qel, which ushered in the Third Era, formally so after he inaugurated the first Alder: Valen Dant.

The Era was plagued with strife, war, and famine. It was the entire duration of Shuul'dor's dreaded, infamous empire, which brought about the near-extinction of humanity.

## Timeline of Events

* 1 2E: The Age of Darkness begins when the Second Paroxysm, which some historians and scholars debate the intensity of as it is shrouded in myth and legend, but the entire known world is left ravaged and nearly destroyed. Some scholars debate the nature of this mysterious event. The ancient stronghold of Babel is founded by Tobias Iulus.

* First Decade 2E: To the North, the great tribes of the Aerans are decimated by the rainfall, while the Asuul (Orcs) recede deeper into the ground than any other race, creating a new world, which would become known as the Zendar in the Third Era. The Tribe of Denethwir tunnels into the mountains to escape their doom and build massive fortresses, the largest of which is called Agaria. The Tribe of Madwar embraces the storm and channels their communication with the Ald to sustain their life force. Some do not survive and either perish or become feral. The majority find respite on the island of Jokonora, which remains untouched by the Zarani’i throughout the entirety of the Era of Darkness. A few other tribes, most notably the Tribe of Saal, led by their leader, Azulem, pledge their loyalty to the Sa’rani, who emerge to exploit the situation, in exchange for deliverance from doom. The Covenant of Azulem is made. Shuul’dor gives Azulem a gemstone, known as the Curse of Sa’ran, which, while in existence, impairs the ability of mortals within a large area to reason right from wrong. The gem corrupted the Old Dominion and the Five Evil Kingdoms that followed for millennia

* 200 2E: The waters begin to wane and sink. The Descendants of Azulem found the city of Eden (near modern day Eseden) in the north. Numerous tribes that managed to survive the waters unite in the city and work for the dominating Sa’rani in conquering the known world. The Dominion of Azulem is formed

* 300 2E: The waters have gone, leaving the world in a perpetual cold winter, due to the lack of a presence of deities, the Sedii long since abandoning the world they created.

* 500 2E: The Dominion has conquered much of the north. The Thracian Mountains become the Realm of the Sa’rani. The rest of the world is given to the Servants of Shuul’dor to govern as they choose. Turmoil runs amuck

* 1,000 2E: By this point, the world beyond the Dominion of Azulem has begun to re-civilize with a few settlements that emerged after the survivors of the Mortal Paroxysm amassed into communes on the fringes of the Dominion’s borders. The **Origin Stories** of the Thradii, known at the Titans before they are commissioned by Rah Sham in the Third Era, take place in these years. Due to Incendium and his desire to free the mortal world, heat returns to the world and plans to topple Babel from the gods themselves begin. Incendium lights the Pyre of Incedium in the Northern Dreary Mountains near Agaria and the lands are given heat and fire, which is used to fight off the Sa’rani and bring back the Light of Aske, which had dwindled for so long

* 1,232 2E: The Titan, Avieci, settles herself along the northern coast of Isaria, aligning with the Chillwind Elves of the area to defend against Vjurakyn expansion to the north from Gredelwenis (Grevyl) to the south

* 1,347 2E: The Battle of Vilikshol, which takes place between the Demons of Gredelwen and the Chillwind Elves, ends in Avieci’s defeat. The Chillwind Elves are slaughtered and the land is cursed by Gredelwen herself to be covered in swampland, inhospitable to Chillwind Elves if they ever tried to return. Avieci flees to Mount Galium on the other side of the continent in shame and exile.

* 1,500 2E: By this point, the Dominion becomes anxious to claim their own destiny and forge in secret a blade to pierce the abdomen of Shuul’dor and end his reign in the Eld. They call this blade the Immortal. It is forged by the smiths of Agaria in secret commune with the Dwarves (former tribes of Denethwir). Eventually, Shuul’dor is alerted to this betrayal of his servants and orders Agais and Kiraav to destroy the village of Eden. Three heroes, not known by name and lost to the annals of history (Raxius [Kenthwir], Grethwen, and Drayt) defend the city from destruction but ultimately fail as two are killed and one escapes into the nearby forest with the Immortal. The surviving hero known by the ominous name of Kenthwir (meaning friend of the Dwarves) confronts Shuul’dor in his floating palace of Sa’ranis but is defeated. The Immortal is broken into two pieces, but it cannot be destroyed by a Sa’rani Lord, so the two halves of the Immortal are hidden in the far northwest and northeast reaches of Aria. There, loyal servants of Shuul’dor guard the two surviving halves of the Immortal. The northeastern kingdom is called Cantould and the northwestern kingdom called Larisuld. A few years pass after the Sack of Eden and the Old Dominion falls. Splintered kingdoms of evil men rise and fall

* 2,000 2E: By this point, raiders in the west, outcasts from the Old Dominion, known as the Demons of the West in the south near Babel

* 3,000 2E: By this point, the Demons control what is now known as the Undermarsh and poison the beautiful marshlands with dark magic and necromancy. An evil man, known as Craas, settles in the Undermarsh and, through the necromancy of the demons, obtains a twisted version of immortality. He becomes possessed by and takes the name Karagk, Demon King of the West and son of Agias

* ca. 3500 2E: Senlin the Forest Imp is born and dies in the region of Kioko on Seccai

* 4,000 2E: By this point, the Demons of the West and the Men of the East have continuously raided the Walls of Babel to no avail

* 5,000 2E: By this point, thousands upon thousands of mortals are flooding out of Babel and populating the Wastes

* 6,000 2E: By this point, civilization is based in the town of Es Sharam, named after the Ruins of Sharam, the ancient metropolis that lies in swampy ruin to the north of the city; the Sharam Dynasty, spearheaded by Antius Sharam, the founder of Es Sharam. This begins the Classical Antian Period. This period is marked with the Sharam Dynasty establishing stability in the Wastes. Art and architecture had a distinctive, open style. Privacy was sidelined in favor of practicality and convenience and the visual media reflected as such. During this time, Castle Sharam (Dant) was built

* 6,321 2E: Considered by many scholars to be the Middle Antian Period as King Harma Sharam was defeated by Chief Fekius Tarda from the southwestern Rumaru tribes. The highly conservative, strict Tarda Dynasty took over. This was a largely transitional period in Es Sharam. Three dynasties ruled over Es Sharam during the Middle Antian Period: the Tarda, the Genma, and the Skali. The Tarda of the Rumaru were weak, but religious. They enforced decency, closing off the openness of the culture, and had strong social control. Art was largely elaborate and praised the monarchs and the architecture was large and ornate. It was during this dynasty that the Parliament building was constructed. The territorial Tarda orbited the city closely around Castle Tarda

* 6,411 2E: The short-lived Tarda Dynasty was eradicated by General Hudari Genma who took her seat as Queen Hudari of the House Genma after a military insurrection that left the Royal Family of King Hysser II Tarda slaughtered. Queen Hudari created a military government and placed emphasis on populace control and military defense in the harsh wastes. During the Genma Dynasty, the city expanded to its greatest extent and the walls were constructed. The city consolidated local feudal lords and created a fully centralized authority. This was known as the Dark Age of Es Sharam. Art and architecture is bleak and sparse

* 6,879 2E: The powerful Genma Dynasty fell to the wealthy aristocrats of the Clan Skali from Eker. The Skali had been amassing influence in the city and incited a rebellion. The Rebellion of the Purple District was a militarization of the powerful families of Es Sharam against King Dunamur X Genma. The Skali Daynasty ushers in a powerful oligarchic regime. The art begins to use more color and the architecture is ornate. Much of the legendary architecture of Es Sharam was built during the Skali Dynasty. Unfortunately, the Skali Dynasty used slavery, serfdom, and indenture servitude on the lower classes to build their imperial-esque kingdom

* 7,120 2E: The Slave Rebellion of 7120 brought an end to the Skali Dynasty and left a power vacuum that was filled by the noble Clan Tarsya. Queen Elise Tarsya was named monarch after the rebellion after aligning her clan with their efforts and promising to free the slaves. After assuming her throne, Elise did as she promised and built a somewhat liberal society that ushered in the High Antian Period of Es Sharam’s history. This was a period of wealth and prosperity under the Tarsya Dynasty. Art was elaborate, colorful, complex, and detailed. It had themes and meanings and provided social commentary. Architecture was somewhat modest and focused on practicality once again and brought about an Architectural Renaissance that reflected the style of the Classical Antian Period

* 7,500 2E: By this point, five dynasties have cycled in and out of power in Es Sharam and small settlements to the north and west have cycled in and out of influence in the region

* 7,781 2E: With the death of Queen Nadine III Tarsya, the Great Succession Crisis began. Lord Amaru su’Dqaria of Endar laid claim upon the throne, being the closest in line, but Lady Fala Skali of the Purple District laid claim on the throne given her history and the forgiveness bestowed upon the Skali upon Elise the Great’s coronation. The Skali Dynasty won the war and installed Queen Fala the Terrible as King of Es Sharam. She reinforced old ideologies and brought about a Stint of Darkness

* 7,801 2E: Fala’s son, Hedras, faced instability and rebellion throughout the empire and was deposed. Lord Protector Haas the Noble became supreme leader of Es Sharam. He formed the first Parliament in 7807 and abolished the central authority upon his death in 7849. The Realm of Es Sharam was reorganized as a kingdom by parliamentary decree in 7855, bestowing the title of King of Es Sharam to Mercius Aman, a descendant of the Tarsya Dynasty

* 8,000 2E: By this point, hundreds of wars have been waged between settlements to claim dominance in the Wastes; Es Sharam comes out victorious

* 8,233 2E: King Elar XIV Aman faced a great war with Alsweir for dominance and influence in the Wastes. King Sheiwa IV of House Eyswaihi was defeated at the hands of King Elar IV at the Siege of Alsweir in 8238. This solidified Es Sharam’s dominance in the region. This was soon challenged by Karagk, the mysterious king of the distant west, who started expanding into the Wastes following Es Sharam’s newfound rivalry position

* 9,000 2E: By this point, the legendary Rann Dynasty, from the mountain basin to the north, has seized control of the city of Es Sharam, headed by the legendary king, Cassr Rann (Cassran), of whom Cassr’s Watch is named

* 9,977 2E: By this point, the Rann Dynasty has collapsed and, after recurring civil wars, the Dant Dynasty claims legitimacy as Sovereign of the Wastes, as headed by the legendary Tuvi’lia Dant

* 10,023 2E: Ramir Dant ascends to the throne at his father, Tuvi’lia the Great’s death

* 10,045 2E: Ava Dant ascends to the throne at her father, Ramir the Wise’s death

* 10,072 2E: Isamar Dant ascends to the throne at his sister, Ava the Brave’s death

* 10,081 2E: Imir Dant ascends to the throne at his father, Isamar the Just’s death

* 10,089 2E: Eslan Dant ascends to the throne at his father, Imir the Cruel’s death

* 10,091 2E: Efiris Dant ascends to the throne at his cousin, Eslan the Terrible’s assassination

* 10,100 2E: The western town of Wasar is sacked by the Demon General Tomil the Lesser

* 10,101 2E: After the Razing of Wasar, the Wasari Governor, Rakudar, appeals to King Efiris for aid in retaking the fallen town. Rakudar’s General, his cousin Azubar, commands a legion of Wasari soldiers to an encampment outside Es Sharam where he met with King Efiris and Governor Ravh Il Desh of the town of Endar, which historically provided defenses to exiles. Meanwhile, General Tomil the Lesser, along with his cousin, Karagk the Elder, and the High Chieftain of the Great Western Clans, Habagar the Tyrannical, lead a massive legion of Demons to confront the fortress capital of the Wastes: Es Sharam. The Legions of the East were awaiting their arrival at an outpost at Ramir’s Crossing. Thus, the Battle of Ramir’s Crossing broke out. The Demons were driven back into the Far West and by the end of the year, King Efiris and Ravh Il Desh retook the town of Wasar. However, the Wasari soldiers were utterly decimated due in large part to the shoddy tactics of General Azubar. Azubar was exiled from the Wasar Clan and took to the Wastes, eventually leaguing with the Demons of the West under the tutelage of Tomil the Lesser. He was granted the title of Captain of the Frontier and actively fought against the Legions of the East

* 10,117 2E: Elser Dant ascends to the throne at his father, Efiris the Humble’s death

* 10,122 2E: King

* 10,134 2E: Babel falls; the Citizens of Babel abandon their ancient language in favor of a more user friendly, far more widely used Wasteland language, which varied upon region; the Kingdom of Es Sharam annexes Babel; King Artus Highwater of Babel, Crown Prince Esris Dant, Queen Charisa and the Regency Council of Es Sharam, as well as three settlement leaders convene at the town of Endar, neutral ground far away from Babel and Es Sharam, to sign the Obsidian Covenant, forming the Empire of the Vale, which would last several decades before strife and nationalism emerge and divide the small, fledgling Empire; Heather of the Wood, as well as Arek Hai of the Ruins, Lazarus Erei of the Wastelands, and Altur Dahm of Babel, “implode their spirits”, as the books tell us, causing an outpour of life and water, flooding the once dry canyon into a massive river, which overflows into the ocean, creating the island of Jokonora, and Heather’s Wood grows into the Great Forest of the Vale; Sa’mel the Outlander of Babel is knighted as Sir Sharam of the Vale and is proclaimed by Rah Sham as the First Valsiir (Guardian of Alderia) and is granted the power of a dragon, which inhabit the Guardian Mountains to the north; thus begins the Age of Light