The Ancient Times

The years 1844BT (Before Tarvala) > 105AT (After Tarvala)

## The First Recorded History of the Land.

The world was a complex place. The Humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, Beastfolk, Orcs and all others known as the Mortal races, lived under the tyranny of a capricious and unpredictable Immortal race. Though this race was known by many names, including Fey, Elves, Eldren and Immortals, all cast great fear into the hearts of those with mortal blood. The Immortals wondrous skill at arms and godlike abilities to bend elements and exert more strength than was thought possible, enabled them to claim unrivalled supremacy over the mortal peoples.

Supremacy however, soon turned to oppression and cruelty. A the Immortals made their presence felt in all four regions of the world, Aearlos, Awyinn, Catheda, Stammarok. These 4 regions held very differing inhabitants, but each answering to their Fey-rulers.

## Aearlos

Taking up the entire central section of the explored world, its lands stretched from the mountain ranges north, to the sea in the south, mostly made of farming villages, the only exceptions were a small mining town in the ranges near the centre, a little port village on the southern coast and their capital settlement on the banks of their main river. The people here were poor, education-less, and often sold their precious resources to those east of them for protection and to stave them.

## Awyinn

The rivers that flowed from the mountain break to the shoreline was typically where these people resided, building small villages and settlements along its strong banks. These people often congregated in large groups. Educated and trained, the people of Awyinn were typically the most prepared for conflict, they also took payments from the people of Aearlos, to keep Catheda from crossing the river and laying waste. They cared little for expanding territory, preferring to barter and trade for resources they couldn't get.

## Catheda

The east lands and the northern cape belonged to the people of Catheda, who prided themselves on being the soldiers of the land. Here the people built forts, often fighting against local tribes and the nation of Awyinn for land and resources. Cathedian culture was one of a meritocracy. If you could kill it or make it submit, it was yours.

## Stammarok

The learned of the world. People travelled here to learn the ways of the people. Knowledge of mining, farming, trade and war was taught here. The Stammarok people also controlled a fierce fighting force, however only used it for defense and occupation when others acted out of turn. They often kept to themselves, accepting payments from Arealos in order to maintain hierarchy.

## The Downfall

Time wore on, and conflicts arose more frequently between Catheda and Awyinn. War erupted after a festival that saw hundreds massacred in a raid to try and destabilize the region. Stammarok failed to act until Aerlos and Awyinn attacked the Cathedian lands together, destroying many settlements and killing thousands. The fighting tore Awyinn to pieces, scattering many of their towns and destroying much of their Civilization. Stammarok requisitioned much of Arealos under the guise of ‘providing protection’, taking payment and killing opposition. Catheda acted in open defiance to the other nations request to cease, destroying and hunting the remains of Awyinn until their people were near extinction…

After some years, Stammarok assimilated Aearlos, with Catheda eliminating Awyinn. A standoff began between the two sides, as other atrocities took place in order to provoke the other side to attack and leave an opening.

Whilst the mortal world suffered, the Fey watched on, unflinching and unfeeling to the plight of their underlings. No action was taken to alleviate the bloodshed. At times, the Fey even stoked the flames to keep the conflict alive.

The world continued this way until Tarvala was born, an event which would change the very balance of life in Markoth. The year he was born, a war broke out over Catheda which saw the first open rebellion against the Fey. As payback for their insolence, the Fey bestowed a famine on the fields of Markoth, causing plague-like death counts worldwide, killing the citizens of Catheda and finally bringing the nation’s story to a close.