The Age of Struggle

01.01.0AF - Manus and his several thousand followers depart Akrotir with their fleet. After sailing for a day they hear a tremendous and terrible sound from the east and see clouds of dust and flame rising into the sky. A massive volcanic eruption decimates the western half of the island with landslides and earthquakes while sinking the eastern half into the sea, generating a wave that destroys the neighboring island of Mu. It’s gleaming cities built by the Golden Men millennia before disappear beneath the waves. There are no known survivors on Mu. The Akrotiri population is completely wiped out by the volcano. Those not killed outright by the blast were soon engulfed in the burning ash clouds that blanketed the entire island. The island is believed to be cursed and is now home to pirates, outcasts, and those who do not wish to be found. Eastern hunters make occasional trips to the island to root out the odd necromancer.

02.01AF-03-.03.05AF Manus sails west along the coast of Lemuria, searching for the place from his visions. At last he finds the rocky coastline with an immense natural harbor surrounded by steep hills that he had been drawn to.

04.05.0AF Phrygia is founded by Dohran settlers led by Manus I Stardya, beginning of the AF (After Founding) year notation by the new settlers which becomes the standard dating method in human lands west of the Jadestone Mountains within two centuries. The warlike Dohrans name Manus their king and force out native tribes and beasts from the area, establishing a city-state.

The Rhagi warhound is introduced to Akara by the Dohran settlers. It is a large, fierce, and loyal dog breed used in battle in the east. It proves to be an invaluable guard dog in the western lands where creatures and monsters roam the night. They can reach 28 to 30 inches in height and weigh up to 150lbs. They have shaggy coats around their necks and bellies which offers some protection. Their jaws are incredibly powerful, capable of crushing bone and savaging other creatures. They are loyal and protective of their homes and families.

The Widow Valley War- first known conflict between the ancient Lunari (meaning 'hidden ones') elven tribes of central Akara and Dohran settlers of Phrygia led by king Lydus. The Lunari had lived in the region for the entirety of their recorded history and were capable warriors and accomplished magi. They fought numerous skirmishes against the heavily martialized Dohrans, and after a few years both sides mustered field armies and faced each other along the banks of the Altona. King Manus fought the Lunari champion Galeron, ending in the death of both. A ceasefire was called and peace negotiated, granting hunting rights on the western bank of the Niveron. Despite ending in a slight victory for Phrygia, the cost in lives had been high and the loss of their hero king was a grievous blow that set the realm back for many years.

10.09.15AF Lydus Stardya becomes king of Phrygia.

22.04.34AF Agron Stardya becomes king of Phrygia.

30.05.38AF Masalia is founded as a hunting camp and swears fealty to the king of Phrygia, establishing the kingdom of Andros, meaning the Land of Men, in the old Akrotiri tongue. The new settlers soon learn of the fertile soil in the area which leads to a boom in agriculture. It's close proximity to the Beastwood and the multitude of dangerous creatures within it lead to the city investing in robust defenses and guard forces paid for by higher taxes levied against the population.

Nomadic human tribes along the Altona River rediscover agriculture and settle into villages, the largest growing into walled towns.

04.11.61AF Gyges Stardya become King of Andros.

12.18.82AF Croesus Stardya becomes king of Andros.

01.11.92AF Cetus is founded by an enterprising merchant lord who enlists the dregs of Masalian and Phrygian society to join his expedition. Native tribes are defeated and their women made wives of the settlers. Cetus becomes an important port city and trade hub on the coast and its slave market becomes the largest in Akara. The merchant lord refuses to pay homage to the aging Androsian king Croesus.

The Dohran settlements establish trade with the tribes of Galat.

A beastherd of massive size emerges from the Beastwood, led by a minotaur of incredible size. The Lunari elf tribes unite to protect their ancestral lands. In a series of devastating battles the beastherd is destroyed but the Lunari are decimated and never again reach their prewar population.

The humans of the far east are united by a dynasty of conquerors from the steppe led by Haizua whose empire becomes known as Angko. The realm eventually spans from the northern tundras south to the boiling jungle archipelagos. Upon his death his sons fight for his empire which is then partitioned into several competing kingdoms who in theory owe nominal allegiance to the elected emperor in the capital Kangar. These realms are collectively referred to as the kingdoms of Angko by the people of Akara.

30AF Nekogas of Shadowfern and smaller settlements are first encountered in the deep forests of the Southern Maw (peninsula) and are forced to become subjects of Cetus, offering tribute in the form of tradeable goods in exchange for protection and access to Dohran markets. Due to their dexterity, nimbleness, and stealthy nature, they develop a not unearned reputation for thievery and are shunned in most human settlements.

The first encounter with the Saemu of Auriga ends in bloodshed when the forest folk follow the migratory herds of forest deer northeast into Androsian lands. The Saemu respond by launching raids into the countryside around Blackshore and Riverwatch. Walls are constructed around the settlements and local lords pool their forces for increased patrols and counterraids. Low intensity warfare continues for many years.

In response to increasing dangers along the frontiers from monsters and beasts the Royal Kynigoi of Phrygia are founded as a department of the military by king Gyges of Andros. They adopt orphans and noble bastards into their ranks and train them into monster hunters. The other Dohran cities soon establish their own organizations.

Humans become the most numerous mortal race in Akara despite their brief lifespans in comparison to elves, dwarves and beastfolk.

Ogre Invasions- a period of roughly 50 years in which several migration waves of ogres, trolls, and goblins entered Akara from the eastern mountains in search of food after devouring everything in the eastern steppe. The creatures sacked farms and settlements, devouring food stores, livestock and people before being killed or driven off. The people of Galat begin to transition from a fully nomadic lifestyle to establishing a network of fortified structures which they encamp around for protection.

A young Galat man named Velkan, faces an Ogre herd-tyrant in single combat during the Ogre migrations. They slay each other and the ogres honor the outcome of the duel, sparing the settlement from destruction. The settlement establishes a hero cult for him and he becomes known as Velken Ogreslayer.

**1st Great Hunt**- Over-hunting of deer in the Maw region depletes the prey of numerous monster species causing them to venture further into human lands where much devastation is wrought. Several great hunts are organized and many hunters are lost before the attacks are brought under control.

Androsian king Coresus dies after a period of illness with no heir.

### **The Time of Woe**

The **Time of Woe** begins, a period of roughly 200 years featuring a large number of horrific natural disasters, wars, and other tribulations. Religious fanaticism grows during this time, leading to wars of religion amongst the peoples of Akara.

After 3 years of political maneuvering and bickering, the influential nobleman Cleitor Maleinos is declared king by a conclave of noble houses.

War breaks out between Andros and several Galatean tribes over trade disputes. During a standoff between the two sides across the Altona River, prince Andreas of Andros and princess Rosalia of Galat meet and fall in love. They convince the opposing sides to stand down and together found a new city where they met which is settled by tribal Galateans as well as Dohrans and grows into the major city of Vari, known as the City of Lovers.

Andros launches a campaign to bring Cetus to heel. The invasion fleet is attacked by massive sea creatures as they near the Darkwave Expanse and is forced to turn back.

Massacre at the shrine of Gasho - Beginning of the rift between the Lunari elves. Two tribal alliances engaged in a political dispute met at a shrine to their god of wisdom, Basho, to negotiate. The next day it was discovered that everyone present at the meeting was murdered. Both sides blamed each other. After a short but devastating war (**Winter of Tears**) the losing side left their ancestral lands and migrated south, calling themselves the Sotika (meaning 'new dawn'). Centuries later both groups remain distrustful of each other.

2nd ork migration from the east. After years of war, the invaders are defeated and the major mountain passes are fortified at great expense. Several years after the migration was defeated a reconnaissance in force is sent across the Jadestone Mountains and discovers a depleted wasteland with few animals, arid dessert, and the ruins of tribal villages. It is believed that the ork migrations stripped the land of resources before moving west after being repelled by the armies of the kingdoms of Angko.

**2nd Great Hunt** - roughly a century after the foundation of the Royal Kynigoi, the entire department was mobilized with hundreds of local huntsmen and warriors to make safe the road leading from Phrygia to Cetus. Numerous trade caravans and Nekoga settlements had been attacked by beasts in recent years. The primary goal was the destruction of a Baboulas, an extremely rare and dangerous creature that dwelled in the deepest, darkest forests and emerged to feed on the unwary. Many brave men are lost but the beast is finally felled by Volus Vataxes, an apprectice monster hunter. Dozens of other dangerous beasts are hunted down and killed and the roads and villages in the southern Maw rest easy for several decades.

### **The Great Calamity**

A massive wave devastates the southern coast of Akara from Solta to Bahi, causing massive loss of life. Most ships at sea were destroyed but sailors further from the shore describe seeing a bright ball of light hurtling from the sky into the ocean, emitting a piercing, human-like scream as it shot across the sky. Hundreds of coastal villages were destroyed and hundreds of thousands killed. The depopulation and economic ruin caused by the aftermath led to a 100 year period of wars and religious fanaticism as the majority of the population viewed the event as a form of divine punishment for lack of piety.

The Seafolk, a piratical and seaborne nomadic tribe of elves, arrive on a flotilla from the south. Their island home had been completely washed away by the Great Calamity and they established new temporary settlements among the various islands in the Sapphire Sea. Still reeling from the devastation of the Great Calamity, Andros was unable to mount any serious response to the pirates. Within a decade the Seafolk had established themselves as a force to be reckoned with commercially and, when necessary, militarily.

Hecate Schism - Upon the death of the High Priestess, her chosen successor, Juno takes up her title. However, a pretender named Hecate arises in Cetus with the backing of the archiereia of Solta, Khazin, and Vidutina. The dissent is allegedly due to differences in interpretation of temple dogma. A council is held in which the dissenters share some alarming views. The King of Andros orders agents to infiltrate the temples. Most agents are never heard from again but those who make it back bring tales of corruption of the highest order with the arch priestesses serving the Fallen in exchange for eternal youth and vitality. A holy war is declared by Dievites against the heretics. Civil war breaks out in the corrupted cities between adherents to the false temples and followers of the true faith. Elite kynigoi teams consisting of hunters, assassins, templars and mages are dispatched to the cities to assassinate key figures in the upheaval. After much death and destruction the blasphemers are crushed and a brutal Inquisition purges all suspected of demonic taint. The truth of the corruption has been hidden from the general population so as to maintain trust in the temple.

The **Magi Wars** begin. A battle of supremacy between different magical schools led by grandmasters rages for decades. Many schools are wiped out completely along with the unfortunate settlements they were located in. Many spells and mystical disciplines vanished in the destruction and these lost arts become the subject of immense study and treasure hunting.

The Flying City of Kitezh is laid low during the Magi Wars. Dozens of magi are killed, thousands of city residents and irreplaceable texts are lost when the city crashes to the ground. The ruins sprawl across the forest east of Wolfbane and are home to outlaws, treasure hunters, and monsters. The ruins are known as the Garden of Kitezh.

A pirate king based on Roche Braziliano who disappeared and is believed to have hidden his treasure hoard on an unknown island to the west of Khazin. He sacked a fortified city and crushed a force sent to apprehend him. He later looted another city in an orgy of violence that lasted over a month before he withdrew in the face of determined resistance. It is said his father was a sea dragon who abducted a fisherman’s wife.

A remote barony in the southern maw fails to pay it’s annual taxes. An ducal agent from Cetus goes with a small guard detail to investigate. The baron and his family are secretly part of a demon cult and attack the party soon after they arrive. The agent barely manages to escape with his life. A hunter team arrives a few weeks later and purges the castle after a bloody struggle. The incident is covered up so as not to panic the commoners. Only advanced rank hunters are told of the demon threat.

220AF - Racial tensions erupt between the Sotika Elves and the Dohran humans of Masalia. Local laws enacted by the ruling petty king serve to exclude the elves from large parts of the city and drive merchants from their shops. Bloodshed is inevitable until King Theron of Phrygia hears of the plight of the Sotika Elves and invites them to settle in Andros with full protection and citizenship. A mass exodus of 50,000 elves leaves the city, crossing the bridge over the Niveron and is escorted to lands on the eastern fork of the eastern and western Niveron River. The city of Kaarina is founded and within a decade grows into a prosperous city almost entirely inhabited by elves. The lords of Kaarina swear their undying fealty to the kings of Andros for giving them a home and treating them fairly. Later, the settling of the elves would prove to be in Andros' favor as they make excellent warriors, shrewd diplomats, and have a greater affinity for magic than humans. Elves would be among the first Androsian troops to march through the gates of Masalia in the **Warring States Era**.

Talavan Holy War against the Sea People: costly crusade against a technologically superior but outnumbered enemy city that lasted for several years until through trickery King Brolovis the Wizard Tyrant used magic to ignite the explosive powder used in their weapons. The stockpile exploded, detonating the entire armory and obliterating the city in the explosion and ensuing firestorm. Almost all Sea People were killed and the few survivors were either butchered or sold into slavery.

50 years later, trade caravans discover that the towns of Dread Point and North Watch have been put to the torch and their entire populations have vanished. Footprints indicated attackers came in by sea and escaped with their loot with little to no resistance. The townspeople are never seen again.

Dievite faith spreads throughout Akara through the work of traveling priests and charitable undertakings sponsored by the high priestesses of the temple. Local religions are assimilated or stamped out when necessary over the decades.

**3rd Great Hunt** - An unusually large and cunning female werewolf called Asena terrorizes the town of Greenhaven, slaughtering much of the population. Talava puts out a call for a new Great Hunt with a large bounty on the head of the beast. The reward money draws the attention of many fortune seekers and foolhardy amateurs. The newcomers are ill-prepared and fail to take proper precautions once in the town. The werewolf attacks in the night and in the commotion a fire breaks out, destroying most of the settlement. Trained hunters from Phrygia and Masalia track the beast and slay it in the ruins of the town. The town is rebuilt and renamed Wolfbane. The hide of the creature is kept on display in the local monster hunter lodge.

A stream of war-like people arrive by sea from the east. They raid coastal settlements from Bahi to Blackshore before being engaged and defeated by the Androsian navy. Most enemy crewmen are killed in the battle but the slower moving cargo ships carrying women, children, and supplies are captured. They reveal that their people, distant relatives of the Dohrans, were fleeing a brutal nomadic horde. The survivors are enslaved and sold in the markets of Phrygia and the Androsian navy begins scouting further to the east.

A demon summoner attacks the shrine village of Danmir to obtain a sacred relic. The templars and priestesses held the temple against the onslaught for 3 days before aid arrived in the form of a ragtag mercenary band led by a monster hunter. Most of the town’s population was butchered to power the magic binding the summoner. At last, the summoner was ripped apart by the demons and his soul taken to Appolyon.