Ruins of ancient civilizations lie scattered throughout Aerastam and new dungeons appear in places thought to be charted. Odd magical effects and terrifying haunts block mankind from fully understanding what lies beyond their reach.
As the records of the ancient world have been lost and destroyed, so has the level of education on Aerastam. Slowly each intelligent race regains knowledge as more and more of the ancient world is rediscovered. Sages study every crack, every detail of relics brought to them as wizards continually attempt to create new ways of doing things and more powerful spell effects. The people to benefit first from these gains are always the adventures who bring these treasures home.
Novices as they where at the whole creation bit, the gods chose to grant the world her own sentience. This allowed the world to more effectively maintain herself while the gods focused on the growth of their followers. Aerastam as she is now known quickly took on the role set for her. Though at this time she was merely a drone that worked for the gods functioning of an extremely intricate array of derectives. The error in this plan was that to grant Aerastam sentience and power on such a large scale meant that she would require a certain amount of divine power to continue to be so. The gods in their egotistical ideal of infinite wisdom saw no problem with this and each divided a piece of thier own souls to infuse into Aerastam. Aerastam was now an eternal living deity like the rest.
With the home of thier intended followers arranged, the gods set about creating the various races that now populate Aerastam. The mortals settled into thier lands well and began to populate and harvest the lands on their own. The basics of life where working perfectly. Now came the time for direction.
The gods knew that the mortal races would need guidance and quickly set about making the giants. These large beings where introduced as the divine shepards of the smaller races and were acknowledged as the first blatant act by the gods to make themselves known. The giants came in good faith and showed the smaller races the way of the gods. They taught them who the gods where and how to worship each of them. The giants and the smaller races lived in peace and aided each other in all aspects of their mortal lives.
Steadily the number of followers grew and with that, the powers of the gods. After many years of bleeding thier powers out to create and arrange the beginning of things, they where finally seeing the pay off. Even Aerastam benefited as she herself was recognized as a god. Thousands of years went by in this fashion before significant troubles began to brew. The amount of time is unofficially known but many scholars and sages believe it must have been tens of thousands of years. Many theories give different numbers and why the number is what they beleive it to be but as of yet, nobody has an absolute number simply because a vast majority of these years where not recorded. The begining of the calender years was without a doubt not the begining of history for mankind.
Throughout this period, Aerastam continued to perform her tasks and created the elemental beings to assist her in everday maintainace. The gods took notice of this as the ability to create sentient life on her own was not a power or a choice they had granted her. It seems that over the years, Aerastam had evolved her understanding of how exactly her tasks needed to be handled and thus designed her own means of doing so. Under the nose of the gods, Aerastam had created a force unlike anything ever seen by the gods or mortals. She had created arcane power. Though she has never revealed how she accomplished this, the arcane power was created by mutating the excess power she was collecting from the followers she was gaining. The gods had created Aerastam and allotted her an amount of divine power to function as needed. They neglected to realize that as she would gain power from followers she would have an excess to do with as she pleases. Over time, Aerastam became highly efficient at performing her tasks and as such, reached a point where she needed less power to accomplish them. She however continued to collect divine power until she had enough to create arcane power. With this new "mutation" of power, she became a perpetual source of power and now longer needed the divine power that was being fed to her. Unlike the gods, she was not concerned with the gain of divine power or the need for it and as such, allowed the excess divine power to bleed off of her and into the cosmos, effectively wasted.
Now, while the mortals flourished and lived thier lives, and Aerastam positioned herself as an independent deity without need of followers, the gods struggled to collect enough power to grow themselves while their own power was being filtered into the many workings of the world. As many clerics understand, thier power comes from the gods which means that the gods grant them a slice of thier power in trade for worship. Though small, it is a steady gain for the gods. Or atleast it was until Aerastam changed the pace. Her bleeding out the excess divine power instead of returning it to the gods as well as diversifing the options of powers and worship at the mortal's level, began to make it difficult for the gods to gain power at all. The gods found themselves suffering the loss of many potential follwers over the generations as many of the mortals began to follow Aerastam. Druids became a new and popular occupation for the races as Aerastam's power was so unique compared to the divine norm.
Bent on destruction and chaos, these creatures defied and defiled life. They seemed to enjoy the slaughter of all things. It was discovered that they brought with them divine powers similar to those of the gods but fortunuately they lacked the strength of the gods. What they lacked in raw power, they made up for in extreme numbers. It seemed that for the small amount of gods, there were thousands of these creatures to each of them. Body types and powers counting almost as many as thier numbers.
Quickly the gods reacted to this invation but found that they simply could not handle the sheer number of them. They simply lacked significant power to effect them on a large enough scale. Though the giants managed to protect the mortals by large accounts, the gods as well as Aerastam could not rid the realm of these demons. Aerastam found herself in a position of concern for her own well being and finally realized why she should care about the wishes and schemes of the gods. In an attempt to help out, she began to feed the bled off power back to the gods. This made a drastic change but was still not enough. It was enough however for the gods to grant the giants and the most powerful of clerics a temporary power allowing them to bar small areas from the demons access. This made protecting the mortals easier but still did nothing to remove the threat.
The reason this period is recorded as ending in 1259 GR is due to the fortunate fact that the demons where not the only thing attracted by the bleed off. A single creature of unique origins discreetly traveled to this area of the cosmos and was otherwise unnoticed due to the demon's chaos. It seems that it came to the world of Aerastam to make use of her arcane power. Through the combination of the arcane and it's already natural divine powers, it used what is now refered to as dragon magic. The being then introduced itself as the "Elder Dragon" and assualted the most threatening of the demons.
Having gained a position of gratitude by the gods, the Elder Dragon made it clear that it would be making its home on Aerastam and would be staying for some time. It's purposes are not known and to this day, the Elder Dragon has not revealed why it wishes to stay. The gods agreed without revealing that they lacked the power to do anything about it anyways.
The Elder Dragon truely left the mechinations of the mortals to themselves. During a last fourty years it would seem that the Elder Dragon had created a subrace of itself which are now known as Dragons. These dragons vary widely in purpose and power and each has it's own aggenda but still few interfered in the ways of the mortals at this time. The dragons kept to themselves in the far reaches of the world.
Even a small faction of the giants began to drift from thier divine purpose. As the mortals spread, thier preference of gods changed to suit thier needs or lifestyles more drastically then it ever had. So many variables ultimately created chaos. The humans often built huge cities and spread across the land as the elves and dwarves sought out more secluded reaches. The Ophidians became very territorial as the U'rash became more nomadic. Clashes between civilizations became more common.
The giants came to play a key role here. As they where meant to keep all faithful and prevent people from straying from the gods, they began to apply more forceful methods to maintain thier duties. As the giants themselves began to alter thier way of thinking and views on how thier tasks should be done, they came to quarrel amungst themselves. Soon entire nations where going to war spurred on by the giants. Often over 'who should do what' style arguements, the giants began to forget their place and started ruling the smaller races as if they where gods themsleves. Tyranny and Slavery became more prevalent.
Ultimately, this led to one battle after another, each ending in bloodshed and some form of oppression or eradication. Wars between nations became a constant. If one nation was not at war, someone else was. The worst was the cost of each war. Not to mention lives lost, each battle cost horrible amounts in resources, and with each battle, the cost became greater. Resources became so scarse that the war gained the nickname of "The Stone War" for having put many nations back to using rocks and clubs. Civilizations were steadily becoming more savage as costs became to high to maintain a civilized lifestyle.
In 1537 GR, mankind began reaching its limits and thus began expanding to farther reaches of the world to gain the resources needed to continue the battles. So much time had gone by that many forgot what any of the wars originated from. It was in the early summer of 1537 GR that the dragons finally took offense to the intrusion into what they felt were thier corners of the world. The years to follow proved to be far more devastating then imaginable as the dragons fought fiercly to defend thier land. Many dragons simply pushed armies back while some went as far as to hunt down factions simply for the annoyance. Though few recorded exits from this era due to all the destruction, it was recorded on several occasions that a single dragon bore the power of an entire army of giants in comparison.
Amid all this, we can not forget the demons. They truely enjoyed the chaos and destruction and often manipulated people to cause more of it. Though nobody knows for sure, it is reasonably theorized that the demons played a very important role in the alteration of the races minds thus driving them to war.
The warring went on for nearly 500 years before the gods desperately stepped in. This is not to say they didn't make thier attempts. The gods went as far as to revoke powers and even kill off select mortals to alter the course of many actions. Sadly it made little difference, another reason people believe the mind altering abilities of the demons were involved. Aerastam was feeling the pains of war on her as well. The lands were being devasted and were throwing her entire ecosystems of balance. Elementals often had to get involved in battles.
In the year 1610, the gods colaborated with Aerastam and the Elder Dragon before finally putting a shuddering halt to the chaos of the living. To make thier point finally known, the gods, Aerastam, and the Elder Dragon, struck all living beings with one final attack. On the 17th of Snowgrave at roughly 4pm when many battles where at the thickest points, the world shook. Mountains collapsed and oceans boiled and churned. The skies became as dark as the blackest pitch and stars fell to the land. Lakes and rivers exploded in violent flame. The ground constantly ripped open and swallowed things. Entire regions disappeared never to be seen again.
This retaliation lasted for an entire week. Few survived. When the calm finally returned, the world as anyone had known it changed. The warring was over. Even the demons knew they could not risk invoking such a fury again and quickly retreated into the shadows of the world. The giants that survived where immediatly struck with a new curse or blessing depending on how one saw it. The giants now had a permenant ability to directly feel the anger and tension of the heavens. Despite this, virtually all of the smaller races began to blame the giants for leading them down this destructive half millinia. The giants, now in small number, retreated to any hidden reaches of the world they could find. Even the dragons retreated back to thier far corners of the world.
There was not a soul alive by that time that did not understand what had happened. The gods also learned that leading the ways of the mortals simply would not work and was not worth the risk again. From now on, the gods as well as Aerastam would have to allow the mortals to live thier lives as they choose and simply hope to sway them towards thier own purposes. Free will was now understood by the gods as well as the mortals.
Around the world, the dragons came out of thier corners and began to aid the mortals in all ways possible to rebuild thier lifestyles and homes. The Elder Dragon then choose a pupil and began to educate him on the events that had happened, for he new that for the mortals to heal from this, they must understand what had happened. The man's name was Shepo Arinoth, a simple man whom the Elder Dragon saw great potential and trust. Arinoth became the only living man to know the truth behind what happened in the last few years and made detailed records of his conversations with the Elder Dragon. He also went on to create the Arinoth Calender in the year 1611 GR, thus making 1610 GR the last year of the "Giant's Rule". Arinoth's learning where for a time distilled into the populace.
A complete century later, a second call was heard and the dragons returned to thier own lives. Many returned to thier corners of the world while some stayed and aided the smaller races. Prosperity was for the most part returned to the mortals though the gods and Aerastam suffered greatly to return it.
Shortly after creating the new calender, Arinoth was never seen again. He and his records disappeared. The Elder Dragon disappeared as well though to this day rumors state that he still resides somewhere on Aerastam hidden away from the working of mortals..
This declaration stayed in effect for a little over 7,000 years before it loosened. Though still in effect today to certain extents, it is not as tense as it once was. During this period of time, any non-elf that stepped foot on Tyrentian soil was executed on the spot. Elves however got slightly better treatment in that they where forcefully removed from the land and then left to thier own devices.
It was in the year 7,285 HG that the Elven Highlord of Tyrentia was assasinated and a new Elven Highlord began to loosen the laws of the land. He saw great potential in allowing trade with the outside lands and worked hard to improv the economic state of the country. Over the course of the next few decades, Tyrentia began to lose its reputation as a hostile enemy of the world.
Shortly after the creation of the races came the mingling of the races and the struggles to understand one another.
To aid in the growth of followers, the gods increased the harvests for this year.
With the introduction of the giants came a need for new construction to suit them.
Many of the nations began to travel with the intent of discovering more about the land they live in.
The first year in which the waters of what is now the Marion Isles did not thaw creating difficulties in travel and trade.
Though it is unknown exactly when the calender truely started getting recorded, this is the oldest year that a record of has been found.
Due to an inbalance in Aerastam's elemental energies, many volcanoes errupted destroying many miles of land.
It was at this time that Aerastam employed elementals to aid in her tasks. Elementals where spotted in large numbers select areas of the world.
A strange magical phenomenon created the image of floating swords drifting over certain person's heads. No harm was ever reported.
This was the first recorded year of infernal sightings and the start of the Divine Attraction.
As the giants gained the ability to prevent infernal attacks, many cites became covered in divine runes protecting from various sorts of attacks.
This was the year that the Elder Dragon appeared and destroyed many of the more powerful infernals.
Following the Divine Attraction, many mortals lacked trust in the gods to protect them. The diversification of the peoples began.
Possibly due to infernal manipulation, many races began to distrust the giants and thier rulership.
This date marks the begining of what is known as the Stone War.
By this time, nearly all allies and enemies were shifting causing much confusion between armies.
The giant's assualts and destructive behavoirs finally included the dragons and thier wrath.
The was the year in which Aerastam retaliated nearly killing herself in the process.
This year marks the begining of the new calender and the end of the Giant's Rule.
King Troden the Furious declares a hunt on giants. He offers rewards for returned giant heads.
-2825 HG
An elf by the name of Eshkel Tylaren became the first recorded sorcerer. His powers where never fully realized.
-2430 HG
A unknown wizard created a moving house for himself and was sighted in amny places around the world.
-1714 HG
The growth of sorcerers began to upset the druids. This year marks when the druids began killing sorcerers.
-1692 HG
This year bore the worst infestation of rats ever. RAts by the thousands appeared in many cities.
-1691 HG
Following the rat swarms, desease ran rampant. Large numbers of people where lost to the plaque and other mysterious illnesses.
-1690 HG
Excessive rainfall caused many areas to flood. This year marks the worst flooding in history and the end of the Swarms. Desease lowered as well.
1642 HG
A powerful infernalby the name of Gryth Shizxx made itself known and used an ability to distort vision to torment people. It was defeated in 1359 LF.
-1637 HG
A drug cartel began addicting people via drug using a rare yellow flower. The flower has long since been ruled as illegal to grow or posses.
-1459 HG
During this year, many rivers dried up. Some began to flow again but others never saw water again.
-1389 HG
Marking the 1,000th year to pass without the giants, this year started the annual Freedom Festival.
1325 HG
Aerastam choose this year to introduce a new being to the world. The Elitals. Thier purpose to this day remains mysterious.
Though it is unknown how long it has been around, a beast of epic proportions was discovered roaming the Savage Lands.
-1129 HG
For the first time, the beast of The Waste attacked civilization in Arithur.
-1127 HG
After the attack in Arithur, the lords of the Freelands collected to build what is now known as Canyon City.
-994 HG
With the marraige of Canyon City and Uropa's rulers, an annual festival called the Lover's Feast was started.
-983 HG
Uropa announces to the world their completion of Iktane Barest. A flaoting prison designed for infernals.
-754 HG
This year marks the discovery of dream magic. The ability to weave spells via dreams.
604 HG
Hidden from the gods, a small team of powerful infernals discovered a way to ascend to godhood. The way has sense been sealed by the celestials.
-582 HG
All over the world, the battles of several of gods as well as the newly ascended infernals could be seen in the skies.
-561 HG
The constant yes random battles of the infernal gods managed to kill nine of the weaker gods.
-277 HG
For the first time in years, the infernals attempted several direct assaults on various cities. Several cities fell.
-139 HG
The discovery of ritual magic by the Tyrentians started the wide spread fear of the county's power.
1 HG
The Tyrentian Elves declare thier lands closed to all outsiders.
29 HG
Uropa completes its first airship. Travel around the world just became luxury for the right cost.
143 HG
A mad man declared himself king of Shyaland and terrirized the nieghboring lands. He was assasinated on his birthday one year later.
411 HG
Though unknown who started the terror, a large number of various articals of clothing began shrinking and cruching thier wearer. Thousands died.
706 HG
Explorers in Tyrentia discover vast ruins underground. A secret tomb contianed Shepo Arinoth's body as well as his journals.
849 HG
Due to the powers of a group of druids, the sun did not rise for six months. Little is known of this occurance.
1320 HG
A large sect of Xelioth calling themselves the Unwavering Candles layed siege to Marion. The siege was unsuccessful.
1590 HG
This year marks the time of a large infernal with a black fleese. It hunted random locations for seven months before it was stopped.
1613 HG
Three seperate rulers of Belfare engaged in battles over who should be the true ruler of the land. All three where assasinated by an unknown party.
1636 HG
Canyon City nearly fell to the beast from the Waste. It retreated after destroying nearly half of the city. Forces from Uropa stopped the beast.
1751 HG
A wizard named Artigus Hendoroy discovered a way to manipulate the magic in wild zones. He effectively created wild magic.
2035 HG
Uropa's navy comes to full steam. Airships are slightly more common and applied to military uses.
2187 HG
A Tyrentian wizard known as Landarr and his brother Cyrus Econ discover a shard of essence. They apply the power to the betterment of Tyrentia becoming legends.
2188 HG
Several nations began searching for essence in hopes of gaining great powers. Several small battles between nations occurred.
2264 HG
For unknown reasons, a large land mass from Uropa drifted away from the Serpent Sea and crashed just south of it. Wakemouth Island was born.
2300 HG
This marks the year that a vast undead army claimed Ashar and it's surrounding territories.
2348 HG
A powerful orginization known as the Black Daggers secertly lay claim to Barrel City. Thier rule is still undiscovered.
2403 HG
Sightings of strange new beasts in the world gave this year it's name. The infernals began regular practive of mutating monsters in odd beasts.
2494 HG
This year marks the first recorded occasion of infernal curroption passing through generations.
2634 HG
Tyrentian wizards teamed with powerful clerics and druids or Aerastam create living weapons.
2726 HG
During this year a dragon by the name of Zthtarkilyss decided to travel the world. Through her conversations, many nations learned many other nation's secrets.
2801 HG
An overdose of seismic activity devestated Felloria. Several of this country's cities were lost in the deserts.
2873 HG
A small team of spies from the Badlands were sent to Grolet to investigate thier defenses. This led to a small cold war between the two nations.
2945 HG
For nearly 700 years, Wakemouth Island was atlering it's geographic state after crashing into the ocean. By this year, it has become a popular tropical vacation spot.
3210 HG
A strange anomoly just west of what is now Vaemen drives temperatures down for miles giving the region the name "The Unwanted Tundra".
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7269 HG
Several discoveries made this year officially spurred the world wide hunt for artifacts and the like.
7301 HG
This marks the current year of the calender.
There is another calender that is less commonly used by the world but is actively used by the Tyrentian Empire. This calender, named the Tyrentian Calender, is now refer to as the Elven Calender. It marks its years as HG meaning home guard. This represents the time in which the Tyrentian Elves claimed their corner of the world. The Tyrentian Calender begins it's count from the date of the Tyrentian Declaration. Though it's format is compatible with the Arinoth Calender, it marks a years begining as immediatly after the summer solstice where the Arinoth Calender starts a year with Spring
5 weeks = 1 month
10 months = 1 year
300 days per year
Solstice
Solstice