Veshen Timeline

### Introduction

The history of Litharos is mainly a history of the two continents of Veshen and Verax, mostly focusing on the western continent of Veshen. Events that take place after 4115 are not confirmed to be canon at the time of this article's publishing, but will be included with an "\*" marking their entry.

## Timeline

### Heros' Age (HA) <0 - 2000

In the bygone Heros' Age, the divine beings actively engaged in the lives of the people on Veshen. Although the remnants of this era are scarce, whispers of elven artifacts linger. Deliberately erased by human hands, the physical evidence has vanished, leaving behind only ancient records as testaments to its existence.

During this mystical epoch, the realm of Veshen teemed with enigmatic Dragonoid humanoids and elf-like beings adorned with feathered allure. Stories of dragons, majestic and fearsome, found their way into the fabric of myths and tales, breathing life into legends.

* **First Evidence of Insintium approx. 250 (HA)**
	+ Coins bearing the unique crafting styles of Insintium smiths have been dated to around 250 (HA), confirming their historical presence in the region.
* **The Great Shake approx. 900-1200 (HA)**
	+ Although unable to pinpoint an exact date, evidence suggests that a series of great earthquakes must have taken place between 900-1200 (HA). Ancient city remains have been discovered miles into the Sea of Veshen, suggesting something must have triggered a catastrophic change of sea level and unfathomable erosion.
	+ **The Sea of Veshen Forms 900-1200 (HA)**
		- Unknown what caused the Great Shake, but it is estimated that it helped create the massive freshwater sea. No complete maps survive showing the sea before the Great shake, suggesting that it had to have been much smaller before.
			* **Northern Veshen Scramble 900-1600 (HA)**
				+ Many nations form and fall in the north of Veshen.
				+ Ancient ship remains have been found heading toward the north west of Veshen, the first time ships have been found in the region.
				+ The cause of the scramble hasn't been confirmed but there are many theories as to why the scramble occurred:
					- The Sea Of Veshen allowed for easier travel across the continent.
					- A lost northern power declined, creating an opportunity to claim territory.
						* This is supported by the Maloc that claim to be descended from an ancient empire in the region.
						* The Hemoshen claim that an evil empire once dominated the region, led by the Maloc.
							+ Both claims are not supported by any archeological evidence, and are largely discounted by scholars.
				+ Veshen may have experienced a short period of warmer weather, causing formerly harsh norther land to be more permeable.
* **Tieflings Emerge approx. 980-1000 (HA)**
	+ Tierfling remains have been found on the coast of modern Ivory Kings, along with some evidence of ancient settlements.
		- Several stones only found in Verax have been found in these tiefling settlements.
	+ The tiefling emergence is the possibly the first contact between the people of Veshen and Verax.

### Elven Age (EA) 2000 - 2990

The Elven Age (EA) from 2,000 to 2,990 saw the ascendancy of the elves, who reigned supreme, presiding over vast and majestic kingdoms that held sway over Veshen. The remnants of their glory lay in standing ruins and scattered artifacts, while ancient accounts attested to their grandeur. Interestingly, records from this age rarely mention the once numerous gnomes, shrouding them in mystery.

* **Aasimar Exodus approx. 2100 (EA)**
	+ Having long struggled to gain a foothold in Veshen, the Aasimar abandoned the continent and moved east to Verax.
	+ Aasimar presence in Veshen was very rare before this point, but is virtually nonexistent after.
* **Coalition Of Raven Queens Fragments approx. 2400-2500 (EA)**
	+ Having survived for 3000 years, the Raven Queens erupted in civil war against each other. The wars resulted in the fall of Raven Queens and the region becoming absorbed into Sylka.
* **Sylka's Dominance East approx. 2400 (EA) - 3380 (WE)**
	+ By absorbing the Raven Queen's territory over the course of their civil wars, Sylka became the dominant power in Eastern Veshen.
* **Heth Emergence 2960 (EA)**
	+ The rise of the Heth occurred in 2960 EA, unfolding within the realm of a forgotten Gnomish kingdom whose name had faded from memory. A center of scholarly prominence, this kingdom's fate took a dark turn when a sudden tide of Heth surged forth, catching the Gnomes unawares. Swiftly organizing themselves, the Heth overwhelmed their unprepared hosts, compelling other nations to unite against this newfound threat.

### Arrival Era (AE) 2990 - 3110

The Arrival Era (AE) spanning from 2,990 to 3,110 commemorates the moment humans set foot in Veshen. The earliest accounts were chronicled by dwarves who welcomed the newcomers in Insintium. Their rapid expansion and superior population growth brought them into conflict with the declining elven and other nonhuman races.

* **The First Arkon Is Named 3000 (AE)**
	+ Somewhere on the surface of Insintium, a small, but fanatical cult formed around a powerful mage, which they named "Arkon".
		- The term "Arkon" may be connected to the human title of "Archon" to describe a ruler from their lost homeland.
	+ **United Arkon Theocracy Founded 3002 (AE)**
		- The Arkon led the first humans to claim territory east of Insintium, forming the foundation of the United Arkon Theocracy's territory.
* **The Red Hand Kingdom Forms 3018 (AE)**
	+ A legendary warrior was declared king by the populace of the desert after successfully carving out territory from the Heth.
* **The Rot 3040 - 3090 (AE)**
	+ A mysterious plague spread throughout Veshen, disproportionally effecting the non-humans of Veshen.
	+ Possibly reached Verax later, as there is some evidence of a delayed population decline similar to what Veshen faced.

### Warring Era (WE) 3110 - 3455

The Warring Era (WE) from 3,110 to 3,455 witnessed the birth of human kingdoms and the ensuing strife as they clashed with the existing nonhuman inhabitants. At first, the elves and their allies gained some victories, but ultimately, the humans emerged dominant, losing ties to their original homeland and the knowledge of the way back.

* **Wyvkryzsta Established 3140 (WE)**
	+ To defend themselves from the non-humans, the Arkon formed a great fort out of mountain. This would expand into the massive capital city of the United Arkon Theocracy through the efforts of future Arkons.
* **Attempts To Return Home For Humans Fail 3110 - 3200 (WE)**
	+ Many humans attempted to return to their homeland rather than fight expansionist wars for Veshen. All attempts failed.
	+ Ship remains consistently washed up on the shores of Insintium during the humans' attempt to return home.
		- **Signing of the Veshen Accord 3200 (WE)**
			* After losing many to failed expeditions back to the human homeland, human leaders signed an agreement that no other attempts would be made, Instead, they would aim their focus at colonizing and settling Veshen.
* **Valrune Forms In The North 3290 (WE)**
	+ Having gotten lost during an illegal attempt to return to the human homeland, humans landed in the north west corner of Veshen in 3210 (WE).
	+ Goliaths have remained isolated due to the mountains surrounding the region for an unknown amount of time. This would be the first contact with Goliaths since the Hero's Age.
	+ Goliaths took in the humans, eventually resulting in a marriage between the human and goliath ruling families. The children of this union would go on to properly form the kingdom of Valrune.

### Expansion Era (XE) 3455 - 3605

The Expansion Era (XE) spanning from 3,455 to 3,605 saw the humans' dominion expand significantly, claiming vast territories across Veshen. While some nonhuman kingdoms persevered on a smaller scale, gnomes struggled to maintain their own realms, forming the Southern Hill Clan Coalition. Attempts at nonhuman alliances were made through diplomacy but proved fruitless. Notable powers like the Ivory Kings and Quipmore rose during this time.

* **Ivory Kings Defeats The Last Of Sylka's Official Resistance And "The Queen Of Sylka" Claims The South 3480 (XE)**
	+ Although some groups held out longer in the region, and claimed to be fighting for Sylka, the last official resistance to the Ivory Kings ended in 3480 (XE)
	+ In the south of the Ivory Kings, a figure known as the "Queen of Sylka" claimed to be the true ruler of the region.
		- Sylka never had a monarchy, mostly existing as a loose alliance of elves, so any claim at being the "Queen" of Sylka was not viewed as being legitimate.
		- Regardless of the legitimacy of the Queen of Sylka, she maintained a small territory in the mountains near the Southern Wastes. She would go on to harass the Ivory Kings through raids for the remainder of the Expansion Era.
* **Quipmore Supplants The Elves Of The North East Coast Of The Sea Of Veshen 3510 (XE)**
	+ Having lived in the region for hundreds of years and outcompeting the local elves for resources, a group of humans united to officially form Quipmore under the leadership of their first king.
	+ Having intermixed with the elves of the region, the Quipmorians were more willing to reach an agreement with the elves.
		- The elves agreed to leave the land east of Aerishen's river in exchange for safe passage to Aerishen for pilgrims. Due to the Quipmorians and the elves of the region both following the Veshae religion, the Quipmorians readily accepted.

### Alliance Age (AA) 3605 - 3690

The Alliance Age (AA) from 3,605 to 3,690 is a chapter in history marked by a series of events rather than a continuous narrative. United by the gnomes, nonhuman races joined forces to reclaim Veshen from the humans. For a brief period, human kingdoms dispersed under the pressure, but the elderly Arkon intervened, shattering the unity of the nonhuman leaders, leading to a tumultuous succession crisis. This upheaval gave birth to Igorland and Poros.

* **Grenden Waves Unites Non-Humans In Western Veshen 3605 (AA)**
	+ A young gnome from the Southern Hill Clan Coalition traversed Veshen to gather non-human leaders to fight against the humans and reclaim their homelands.
* **Queen Of Sylka Refuses Alliance 3605 (AA)**
	+ The Queen Of Sylka, having begun to recapture land in the Ivory Kings, declined Grenden Waves' alliance, instead forming one with the elves west of Aerishen's river and Aerishen itself.
* **Non-Human Victories 3630 - 3690 (AA)**
	+ Under the leadership of Grenden Waves, the alliance captured territory in the Red Hand Kingdom and the United Arkon Theocracy.
	+ **Central Peoples' Republic 3635 - 3690 (AA)**
		- Having succeeded in massive victories, the non-humans in modern Igorland created the Central Peoples' Republic.
		- Grenden Waves was elected as the first head of state for the republic.
		- Humans were permitted to live in the republic, but many fled the region, afraid of non-human aggression.
	+ **Sprockethaven Reforms 3639 - 3690 (AA)**
		- With their former territory restored, the gnomish clan of the Sparkwockets reformed their territory in formerly United Arkon Theocracy holdings.
		- The Sparkwockets agreed to exist as an autonomous extension of the Southern Hill Clan Coalition.
	+ **Sylka Officially Reforms And Takes Ancient Capital 3641 - 3690 (AA)**
		- The Queen Of Sylka walked the gardens of Sylka's ancient capital in late 3641, officially reestablishing Sylka as a kingdom.
		- The Queen Of Sylka declared war on Quipmore, promising to create a new line of elven monarchs in eastern Veshen.
* **The Arkon's Night Of Blood 3690 (AA)**
	+ The Arkon, now around 700 years old, simultaneously murdered the Queen of Sylka, Grenden Waves, the Sparkwocket leader, and all other leading non-human threats in Veshen.
	+ The Arkon was reported to be seen showered in blue flame striking down each leader with a sword made of pure black.
	+ The murderous avatars disappeared, leaving behind the black swords where he fell each leader.
		- **The First Arkon Passes Away**
			* After slaying the leaders of the non-humans, the Arkon finally passed away, rapidly deteriorating.
			* Once the Arkon had passed, a new one was eventually brought forward. It is not known how the new Arkon was chosen.
* **The New Arkon Helps Establish Poros 3690 (AA)**
	+ Emerging the United Arkon Theocracy, the new Arkon traveled to the north of the Sea Of Veshen and helped establish the Kingdom of Poros, placing an Arkonian warrior as the new king.
* **Igorland Forms In The Shadow Of The Central Peoples' Republic 3690 (AA)**
	+ With the death of Grenden Waves and other leaders of the republic, chaos erupted, causing the perfect opertunity for warlords to divide up the territory.
	+ Once the dust had settled, the strongest of the warlords declared themselves to be king of the new kingdom of Igorland. Eventually, Igorland would consolidate power in the region more fully.

### Purge Era (PE) 3690 - 4055

The Purge Era (PE) spanning from 3,690 to 4,055 is etched in sorrow and despair. Humans unleashed a campaign of extermination, exile, and sterilization against nonhuman races, eradicating all nonhuman kingdoms except for Insintium. In the north, Poros efficiently crushed any nonhuman resistance. Though the policies from this era persist, their enforcement has somewhat waned, leaving a dark chapter in nonhuman culture.

* **The Arkon Theocracy, Igorland, Poros, Quipmore, the Ivory Kings, and the Red Hand Kingdom Declare The Purge Era Begins 3690 (PE)**
	+ United after the Arkon defeated and repelled the non-humans, the humans agreed to end non-human presence in Veshen.
* **Sparkhaven Is Destroyed**
	+ Having survived the crisis of the Arkon's Night Of Blood, many gnomes fled Sparkhaven for the Southern Hill Clan Coalition. This heavily depleted Sparkhaven of their defensive power.
	+ The United Arkon Theocracy purged the peninsula of the gnomes, ending the territory of Sparkhaven once again.
	+ The ruling Sparkwockets were eliminated, but some survivors of the dynasty survived in the Southern Hill Clan Coalition until the last ones were murdered by Quipmorian slavers.
* **Non-Humans Displaced And Human Dominance Is Solidified**
	+ The non-human kingdoms all fell but Insintium who was spared from most of the Purge Era's policies, even being allowed limited trade with the United Arkon Theocracy.
	+ **The Ungar Struggle To Unite 4045 (PE)**
		- The orcs of Veshen have managed to survive millennia in Veshen by migrating and assimilating where they could. In 4045, the orcs of the north united to form The Ungar.
	+ **The Southern Hill Clan Coalition Survives The Purge Era**
		- Despite neighboring the United Arkon Theocracy, the Southern Hill Clan Coalition survived the Purge Era through highly effective gorilla defenses. Despite never being secure enough to properly build their civilization outside of Vhenningrave, the gnomes have been able to preserve their own cultures and ways of life.
	+ **Igorland Ends Active Purge Era Policies 4050 (PE)**
		- With the purge of most of the non-humans in Veshen being successful, Igorland ended its participation in Purge Era policies.
		- King Ernard II has had many disagreements with the Arkon and Purge Era policies, even coming close to war with each other early in his reign.
		- King Ernard III would continue his father's stance on Purge Era policy when he took the crown in 4052 (PE)
	+ **Fall Of Poros 4055 (PE)**
		- Poros had been in decline for a century before it finally fell. Civil wars broke out over succession crisis and conniving nobles.
		- The last true heir of Poros died in 4055 at the hands of a rebel mob.
		- With no true heir to Poros, the kingdom fell, and became an unruled refuge for non-humans in the north.

### Present Common Era (PCE) 4055 - Present

The Present Common Era (PCE) from 4,055 onwards was heralded by the fall of Poros, marking an unofficial end to the nonhuman purge.

*\*Tales Of Ye Old Interest begins in 4115 PCE*

\*However, tension and uncertainty spread with the emergence of Aryonian Veshen in the north, threatening peace and stability. Aryonia, a charismatic Veshling, rose to power in the year 4116, capturing the hearts of the masses and reshaping Veshen with their sweeping reforms and expanding empire.

\*In the south, whispers abound about the mysterious Star Spawn that surfaced around 4116 or 4117. A cult of worm worshippers was linked to their presence, and rumors suggest they have engulfed parts of Insintium.

\*On the 8th of Arkonrana, 4119 PCE, the Southern Defensive Alliance assembles in Wyvkryszta, the Arkonian capital, aiming to forge an alliance with The United Arkon Theocracy against the looming threat of Aryonian Veshen. Talks also encompass the Theocracy's past Purge Era policies and their future role in this unfolding tale.