Temporum Sphaera
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
Edited and updated by Estress of the Oraladax
translated from the Illithid by
Richard J. Pugh and Ville Lavonius.
Additional input by Michael Bauser and Patrick Stutzman
Edited by Patrick Stutzman
The history of the known spheres is best viewed in sections, as with the history of many other areas. This work has been divided into the following sections: The Aetaus Primus (prehistoric), The Pre-Classical Age (of the "First Migrators," the Reigar, and the Juna), the Classical Age, and the Modern Age (itself divided into sections).
Most of the events covered in this work have little or no effect on the histories of ground dwelling nations, however. The natives of groundling nations have rarely had any contact with the goings on of the worlds beyond them. There are exceptions, and space travel is part of almost every worlds history. But rarely has space travel been an important part of a world's development.
Two calendars are included. One is an abstract calendar, listing events in relation to today. The other is one of the Elven calendars, the Olven Chronicon, which is one of the few standard calendars in the known spheres. Use of this calendar is limited mainly to elves (the elves of Oerth in Greyspace being the best example), but others have adopted it as well.
For the earliest dates, historical records are unreliable, being based mainly on mythical records and artifacts. As such, they are subject to debate. They are included here because they help to put later events in context.
The Aetas Primus
~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~~
Relative: estimated -1,100,000 to circa -105,000
OC: estimated -1,095,000 to -100,000
This is the collective title for the "prehistoric" age of the known spheres. Little or no written records of this age exist, and even artifacts are few and far between. It is assumed that life evolved (or was planted) on approximately a dozen worlds in as many spheres throughout what is now known as the Trulian Ring. This stands to reason, because for reasons described below, this is where the known spheres came from.
Whatever the case, for close to a million years space appears to have been devoid of any travellers. One should note the implications of this: for more that 90% of the universe's history, the beings that eventually evolved into the space faring races of today were, at best, nomadic tribes restricted to a handful of worlds.
The Breaking of the First Sphere
Relative: estimated -1,100,000
OC: estimated -1,095,000
Almost all cultures have a story dealing with the creation (or rebirth) of the known universe. There is physical evidence that at some point in the distant past (the above dates are approximate), the crystal sphere that once resided at the center of what is now the Trulian Ring, literally exploded. When one visits the Trulian Ring today, the remains of this sphere still float in the phlogiston inside the ring. Considering the positions of the spheres in the Trulian ring, and the locations of other known spheres in relation to that ring, it is assumed that this sphere, upon breaking, released all of the other spheres into the flow. The spheres traveled away from the explosion, and eventually settled in their current locations.
Note that one should not confuse this First Sphere with the broken sphere that is the assumed origin of the Spelljammer. That sphere, while also dwelling within the Trulian Ring, is a different entity.
Oddly, all of the known spheres reside on roughly the same plane, where the phlogiston is thickest. As to why the spheres traveled and settled on the same plane, the most accepted explanation is the existence of an immense gravity plane which is holding the spheres in place, as well as the phlogiston material that travels between them.
Some travel logs state that the phlogiston eventually tapers out, several trillion miles from the Trulian Ring and becomes so thin that it is nearly impossible to use it for travel. If the theory of a massive gravity plane holds true, then where the phlogiston tapers out to nothing is the end of this gravity plane. The phenomenon is similar to that of the atmosphere of a disk world: the atmosphere ceases as soon as the gravity plane is left behind.
This collective of crystal spheres and phlogiston is often referred to as a "Galaxy." The "galaxy" that contains the Radiant Triangle and the other spheres known to all space travellers appears to be disk-shaped, like a flat world. Some theorize that it slowly spins around its center (the Trulian Ring), like an enormous top. If this is true,
then the spheres within the galaxy would collectively create the image of a whirlpool, or spiral. However, since no one has ever traveled out of the galaxy to take a look, this remains to be proven.
It is alarming to note that while no one has ever traveled out of our galaxy, at least four other galaxies are supposed to exist. No one knows if it is possible to reach them, or how long it would take. But then again, no one has ever tried. The most noteworthy researcher on this is the gnomish astronomer Hub-El, who developed a massive, magical telescope for viewing objects outside and beyond the galaxy. While his works are frequently viewed as gnomish gibberish, many more respected researchers are beginning to put stock in Hul-El's research.
The Pre-Classical Age
~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Relative: c. -105,000 to c. -6,000
OC: c. -100,000 to c. -1,000
This period marks the true beginning of space travel, even though it went in fits and starts, and with several failed attempts. It is known that one race, the "Real Ancestors," achieved space travel prior to any others, and appears to have made extensive use of the technology. The period is also characterized by two other civilizations, detailed
below. It is also during this time that the first confirmed sightings of the Spelljammer occur. Records from this time tend to derive from mythical accounts and from artifacts. The existence of space travel from this time, however, is a confirmed fact.
The Migration of the "Real Ancestors."
Relative: c. -105,000
OC: c. -100,000
According to historical (and mythical) records, at about this time an advanced, intelligent race achieved space travel and actively spread primitive races around the spheres, for reasons of their own. Exactly who these people were, what they were doing, and why they transported intelligent races around the spheres has never been adequately explained. However, if such events did occur, it would explain why there are so many intelligent species in the galaxy, and why many of them have similar characteristics. Humans and demi-humans are the best example.
At any rate, the "Real Ancestors," whoever they were, were the first space travellers. Most records of them are from primitive art works suggest that they were humanoid, and with strong powers, either magical or telepathic. How they traveled through space is still a mystery. It is unlikely that they used spelljamming helms like the ones used today. If they had, some of the primitive races they transported would have certainly gotten a hold of them and used them. There is no evidence to suggest that this ever happened. The most likely means of transport, barring helms, would be some sort of dimensional travel.
It is assumed that this race held sway in space for about 30,000 years, but records are so sketchy that it is very difficult to give a definite time frame. It is known that by the time the Reigar rose to prominence, this race had long since faded from the picture.
But again, whoever they were, they were the first space travellers.
Height of the ancient Reigar civilization.
Relative: c. -60,000
OC: c. -55,000
The ancestors of the current day Reigar were among the first spacefaring races on record, but it is also known that their command of space (at this time) was restricted to about four spheres. They used early versions of Aesthitics for transport, and when forced to do so, they would travel the space lanes on creatures like kindori, while the more powerful ones travelled through the spheres via dimensional travel. Clearly they traveled in small groups, but there was enough communication between the reigar worlds to keep their civilization intact.
The Reigar lost their hold fairly quickly. Artifacts suggest that a disease of some kind effected the most powerful Reigar spellcasters, including their dimensional travellers. This cut many of their communication links, thus isolating the reigar groups. The reigar civilization rapidly decayed, and the race reverted to an almost tribal status. It would remain so until the time of the Chiten, almost 50,000 years later.
The Height of the Juna Civilization
Relative: c. -22,000
OC: c. -17,000
As with the Reigar, there is a distance gap between the ascension of the Juna and the fall of the Reigar. Of all the Pre-Classical civilizations, the Juna are the best documented, but the least understood. The Juna, who ascended to space long after the Reigar, are known to have been tri-symmetrical beings, of approximately human height. They are also known to have used spelljamming helms of some sort, but they were very different from any of the helms used today, apparently telepathically based. Their ships were very large and very durable, designed to undertake long voyages with large numbers of passengers. The leviathan ghost ships were probably built by the Juna, for example. It appears that the Juna were primarily a spacefaring race, having little to do with the fledgling civilizations on the hundreds of worlds seeded by the First Ancestors.
At the same time, they are also known to have teraformed some planets in the Trulian Ring and elsewhere, apparently for colonization. Why a race whose primary interest was in space would expend so much energy in making worlds suitable for colonization is a mystery that no one has attempted to solve. One theory is that the Juna had two or more sub-races, or "castes," and that one of these was planet based in outlook.
The Juna civilization, thought it did not decay, became somewhat of an arrested culture about 18,000 years ago. The few records that exist suggest that the race reached a certain level of development, and simply stopped.
The First Confirmed Siting of the Spelljammer
Relative: -21,453
OC: -16,414
Every race in the known spheres has claimed to be the builder of the Spelljammer. In truth, none of them have grounds for it. The earliest confirmed sighting of the Spelljammer is from (interestingly) human cave paintings on Oerth, dating from this period. Similar artwork exists on several worlds, all depicting a huge, manta-ray shaped flying craft, about 2000 feet wide. The ancient Reigar, oddly, have no such references. It may be that they simply never saw it, and considering that they did not have a major presence in space, even at their height, this is quite likely. The role of the Juna in its creation is constantly questioned. There are also those who say it was built by the "First Ancestors," which is another way of saying they haven't the slightest idea who built it. Others even go so far as to say it was built by whoever broke the first sphere. This is one mystery that may never be totally solved, but what can be said is that intelligent races have been travelling in space for about 100,000 years, and that the Spelljammer has been with them for the last 22,000.
Recent studies have suggested that the Juna were at least partially responsible for the construction of the great ship. A particular strain of humans with strong telepathic powers has also been linked to the ship, along with an insectoid-like race like the contemporary Rastipedes, and a type of air-dwelling ray-like creature. It is assumed that these ray creatures served as a model for the great ship.
This theory is rapidly becoming the most widely accepted explanation for the Spelljammer's origin, but it has plenty of detractors, mainly among the elves. Simply put, they can't accept the fact that the ship is not of elven design. They assert this despite the fact that archeological evidence has proven that the Spelljammer was travelling the space lanes back when the elves were still beast-riding, cannibalistic savages.
Start of the Nivil Histories
Relative: c. -20,000
OC: c. -15,000
At about this time, the recorded history of Nivil began. To be more specific, the collective historical works that are now called the histories of Nivil were collected and their dates standardized. The histories are still maintained today. The most reliable set can be found in the Great Archive of Compact, on Crescent in Heartspace.
Disappearance of the Juna
Relative: c. -10,000
OC: c. -5000
At about this date, teraforming of planets by the Juna ends abruptly, and the race vanished within less than a century. Since no physical remains of the Juna have been found in any sphere, many historians believe that the Juna packed up and left.
Another theory is that the Juna were somehow "lonely" and saw no change forthcoming in millennia. They then went beyond the event horizon of a black hole, or sealed themselves into a thus uncharted crystal sphere, to be recalled by the next civilized race.
Unfortunately, those races that would follow have been more busy conquering planets than exploring space. If the Juna are in hiding, they remain undiscovered to this day.
Either way, where they went is anyone's guess. An interstellar "Dark Age" began after their disappearance, which lasted almost 3000 years.
The Classical Age
~~~ ~~~~~~~~~ ~~~
Relative: c. -6000 to -2957
OC: c. -1000 to 2082
This period is fairly well documented, and most of the records are reliable, at least within context, because the one in power always writes history to their advantage. Regardless, it was during this period that the stage was set for most of what we find in space today. Intelligent races spread around the galaxy like wildfire, civilizations rose and fell, and wars were fought left and right. And through it all, the mighty Spelljammer floated about like a ghost, silently watching.
Ascension of the Syllix
Relative: c. -6000
OC: c. -1000
During this year, the Syllix entered space using the first true spelljamming helms. Their helms were called Magestars, and worked in a matter similar to the contemporary lifejammer. It would be nearly two centuries before they would become the dominant race in space, however.
Founding of the Syllix Emirate
Relative: c. -5800
OC: c. -800
The exact date is in question, but at about this time the various Syllix kingdoms were united under a single group of leaders, who formed the Syllix Emirate. Within a decade, the Emirate would be renamed the Chitin Empire, named after the Syllix homeworld, Chi'tan (supposedly). Chi'tan, in turn, is named for the substance chitin, which makes up the exoskeleton of insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and some amphibians.
First Thri-Kreen space travellers.
Relative: c. -5500
OC: c. -500
Again the exact date is in question, but by this time the Thri-Kreen were traveling in space, using spelljamming technology of their own and not that of the Syllix. The Thri-Kreen, being a subject race of the Syllix, however, would not become a major player is space for some time.
Arrival of the Arcane.
Relative: -5453
OC: -486
Nobody has been able to determine where they came from, and they won't say, but as soon as the Arcane arrived in the worlds of the Chitin Empire, they quickly established themselves as the best merchants around. At first their goods covered all natures of products, but as time wore on they became more and more concerned with spelljamming technology, using helm designs that were better than anything else available. They were able to carve out a monopoly on most of this technology, which they hold to this day.
The Age of Ascensions
Relative: c. -5050
OC: c. -450
With the Chitin empire quickly sprawling all over the known spheres, the Syllix begin to use intelligent species native to the various worlds as both skilled and unskilled laborers. This eventually resulted in several races becoming acquainted with spelljamming. The motives of the Syllix were far from altruistic: they had an empire to
run and they needed laborers to do it. However, the results proved positive for everyone: the Syllix had control of their empire's economic resources, and the primitive races gradually became advanced races. Collectively, these new space travellers were referred to as "client races" of the Syllix. The Thri-Kreen, who controlled about ten percent of the empire in their own right, eventually followed suit.
The Founding of Evermeet
Relative: -5038
OC: 1
The elven kingdom of Evermeet in Realmspace is the oldest functioning government in the known spheres. At the time, the elves were simply a client race of the Syllix, who cared little for their internal doings, or even that the elves were experimenting with
spelljamming technology on their own. They were simply one race of several dozen, and as long as they kept their lawn in order, the Syllix were unconcerned.
To put things in perspective, the tiny Evermeet spacefleet became the core of the mighty Imperial Navy, over 4000 years later. The elves are not proud of their humble beginnings as servants to the salamander-like Syllix, and for a time they tried to erase all record of this. Sadly for them, the fact is too well documented to erase completely, so eventually they went from denying their origin to embracing it, proclaiming themselves the successors of the Syllix. If this is the case they have done very well: they even make the same mistakes.
Formation of the Tears of Selune
Relative: -4806
OC: 233
Sages have yet to adequately describe the sudden appearance of the Tears of Selune. All accounts indicate that they simply appeared out of nowhere. Two theories have been posed: that they are the byproduct of a battle between two dieties, or that they are the remains of a small planet that was somehow destroyed near Toril and Luna.
Zenith of the Chitin Empire
Relative: c. -4500
OC: c. 500
At its height, the Chitin Empire had full control over 20 spheres, and partial control of another six, had 25 space faring races to its credit, as well as over 100 ground based races and a total population that numbered in the trillions. The Chitin Empire, which by now had existed for over a millennia, would enjoy about two centuries of prosperity. The Syllix were harsh rulers, but so long as everyone pulled their weight, they were fine.
When troubles came, however, they came quickly and in droves. As the Syllix rulers became more decadent and more tyrannical, several of the client races began to rebel. Most rebellions were crushed without quarter before they became widespread. By -4200, they had increased in number to the point where the Syllix couldn't control the empire any longer. At first individual worlds were lost, then entire spheres.
The Screaming Migration
Relative: c. -4000
OC: c. 1000
The long series of revolts came to a head around -4000, when the Thri-Kreen declared themselves a sovereign nation. This initially effected three spheres, and eventually spread to another six, so naturally the Syllix resisted. Most of the client races native to the effected spheres sided with the Thri-Kreen, and in the end the Syllix
were forced to grant the Thri-Kreen their independence.
This show of weakness spurred increased resistance in the rest of the Chitin Empire, and in the end the Syllix were literally forced to flee across the phlogiston. Many suspect that they moved on and simply set up shop elsewhere, while others think they died off. The Syllix that can be found today are pathetic in comparison to their ancestors. In fact, they are descendants of the servant caste.
This combination of internal strife and external conflicts completely destroyed the Chitin Empire, the largest political entity in recorded history. The Thri-Kreen Empire, which followed the same pattern as its predecessor would endure for another millennia. The Thri-Kreen were much more tolerant rulers, having once been client races themselves, but they lacked the tenacity and savvy of the Syllix. While the Thri-Kreen Empire would not suffer from external conflicts until near the end of its existence, it was constantly bereft with social problems that made it increasingly disjoint and ineffective.
Crusade of the Celestial Mantis
Relative: c. -4000 to c. -3800
OC: c. 1000 to c. 1200
After the collapse of the Chitin empire, the Thri-Kreen became the dominant race in known space. In an attempt to secure their position, they embarked on a series of small wars to convert the natives of the old empire to their religion, that of the Celestial Mantis.
The wars and missionary actions had mixed results, but in the end the Thri-Kreen gave up their attempt to conquer the universe by means of religious zeal. They turned instead to teaching and commercial endeavors.
With or without the Crusade, the Thri-Kreen maintained their dominance of space for several centuries.
The Height of the Oortlings
Relative: c. -3900
OC: c. 1100
The Oortlings are an example of a promising race that was crushed while on the threshold. Based in Realmspace, the Oortlings lived on comet-like worlds (which were actually fast moving earth worlds), and were known for having a sophisticated, artistic culture. They were small humanoids, perhaps related to halflings, who dabbled in
spelljamming. They are known to have explored most of Realmspace, as well as parts of Greyspace and Spiralspace. Evidence of their explorations have even been found in Solaris.
Civilizations in the Known Spheres
Relative: c. -3800
OC: c. 1200
By this time, there were thriving human, demi-human, and humanoid civilizations in several of the former spheres of the Chitin Empire, and in the current Thri-Kreen Empire. Examples included Greyspace, Realmspace, Krynnspace, Athasspace, Solaris, Omnispace, Hyrkulspace and many others. In a few isolated cases, humans and their kin began to travel in space. On the whole this was not the case. With the exception of the elves, space travel is only now being "rediscovered" by most humans and demi-humans, who even today are "dirtside" in outlook.
The Al'Malamut Empire
Relative: c. -3500
OC: c. 1500
In a noteworthy exception to the generally planet bound humans, the Al'Malamut, a Ptahian theocracy, became the first human nation to actively undertake spelljamming. Over a period of 100 years, they quickly conquered four spheres, including one under the Thri-Kreen. The empire would hold for a surprisingly long time, almost 1400 years.
Humans have been in space, in some number, ever since the Al'Malamut wars of conquest.
The Great Illithid Wars
Relative: -3081 to -3005
OC: 1958 to 2034
Prior to this time, the Illithids were looked at as just another former client race of the Syllix with some rather unique eating habits. Their unprovoked attacks on Thri-Kreen settlements changed that perception very quickly.
It would appear that the Illithid kingdoms, which were centered at what is now Clusterspace (Astromundi), decided to conquer the known spheres, and for seventy five years they fought a series of wars with that in mind.
Many find it truly frightening that they almost succeeded. In 2033 they destroyed Ji-Trinan, the Thri-Kreen capital world. The entire planet was pulled into a permanent portal to the Negative Material Plane, sometimes called a Black Hole. The last enclaves of the Thri-Kreen empire vanished within the year, ending with the destruction of the Thri-Kreen homeworld, Sri-Knna. The planet was transformed into a lifeless rock by the Illithids. To this day it is nearly uninhabitable.
The Modern Age
~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~
Relative: -2957 to present
OC: 2082 to present
The last three millennia have been bloody by anyone's standards. With the collapse of the Thri-Kreen empire, the last vestige of the Chitin Empire, a huge power vacuum appeared in the known spheres. Over the next two millennia, several races would ply for control, and the baton would be passed several times. All of the contenders planned to run an empire as large and as strong as the Syllix or the Thri-Kreen, but of these contenders only the elves have even come close.
Most historians consider the ascent of the Illithids to be the beginning of the modern age. Many less informed people think the Illithids were the first spacefaring race. Obviously this is not the case, but the mistake is an honest one. Most of the existing star charts and records currently in use date from the age of the Illithids.
Destruction of the Oortlings
Relative: -2957
OC: 2082
The Illithids, now firmly in control of the known spheres, made it a practice of stamping out any potential opposition to their rule. The most noted example of this was in Realmspace, where the Oortling civilization was completely destroyed. It is possible, in fact likely, that some of the Oortlings escaped the slaughter, considering their extensive travels. In Realmspace however, the Oortlings are a pathetic shadow of what they once were, barley being able to think for themselves.
Height of Illithid Influence
Relative: -2903
OC: 2136
The rampant expansion of the Illithids, which brought them into conflict with the human Al'Malamut, was cut short by the arrival of a new contender, the Beholders. During the next century, the Beholders and the Illithids would continuously battle one another for control over anything that wasn't nailed down. The Al'Malamut and the elves of Evermeet quickly sidestepped the situation and let the two races battle it out.
Defeat of the Illithids
Relative: -2805
OC: 2234
The last major Illithid fleet was defeated by the Beholders at Toralikis (Toril). This event, combined with a freakish disease that destroyed Illithid brain pools, made the Beholders the dominant race in space. Ironically, their control would last for only a decade, when internal strife drove the race into disarray. These civil wars continue to this day.
Hyrkulspace: First Appearance of the "People from the Sky"
Relative: -2314
OC: 2725
History was changed dramatically as an unknown race of humans landed on Hyrkul and set up a base of operations. Some of the human natives, the Brookmerians, allied themselves with the "People from the Sky" and raised an army to conquer their enemies using weapons the People from the Sky called lasers and new magical ships called spelljammers.
Hyrkulspace: Defeat of the Brookmerians
Relative: -2309
OC: 2730
After conquering three island-continents, the Brookmerians were defeated at the hands of the Hyrkulian gods’ divine armies. The Brookmerians were driven back to their island, and the People from the Sky were destroyed. Spelljamming technology was lost.
Athasspace: Emergence of the Defilers.
Relative: -2148
OC: 2891
This would be a minor point, were it not for the effect it would eventually bring. Athas was at the time a typical earth world inhabited by humans and demi-humans. It was always a warm, dry world, but a thriving one just the same. At about this time, a new form of magic appeared that drew power directly from the prime material plane, as opposed to the energy planes. It was stronger and easier to access, but harder to control. When these mages, called Defilers, began to seize control of Athas, a few rebels took to the stars to find help. Spelljamming was at best a novelty, but it was available at the time. Sadly, a small number of the Defiler mages spread to the other spheres, causing havoc wherever they went.
Today, some of these Defiler mages still travel the known spheres as liches, and are generally best left alone.
Collapse of the Al'Malamut Empire.
Relative: -2093
OC: 2946
The Al'Malamut, which had enjoyed a relatively peaceful existence for 1400 years, was quickly decimated in a series of revolts by the member worlds. Explanations vary as to why the worlds revolted, but many historians blame the collapse on a combination of internal revolts, and the fact that by this point there was no controlling group in known space, which allowed incursions into the Al'Malamut to go unchecked. It is known that they fought a bloody war with the Illithids over Garlandspace, which weakened their economy to the breaking point. In short, the Al'Malamut were simply unable to deal with the constant incursions from outside, and the unrest from within. The empire basically imploded.
Athasspace: The closing of the sphere.
Relative: -1139
OC: 3910
In an event that was probably for the best, some of the Defiler kings, who had seized control of portions of Athas, sealed the crystal sphere from the inside. It would appear that this was done to prevent people from escaping, including opposing Defilers. At any rate, entrance to the sphere by normal means was terminated. The sphere has remained impenetrable to this day. Defilers and their followers can still be found in some isolated corners of the known spheres, but in the grand scheme of things they are not a threat.
There is reportedly a way to enter the sphere, and star charts of Athaspace did at one time exist, but none of them have been confirmed as authentic.
The arrival of the Neogi
Relative: -1177
OC: 3862
After the fall of the Beholders, there had not been a truly alien race running about. The neogi ended this, on no uncertain terms. The neogi were not an unknown race; they had been a Syllix client race like many others. However, after they freed themselves from the Syllix, they remained quiet for a long time, and nobody gave them much thought. There were other "spider" client races, which were often wiped out
because of their bad temper, so the neogi were often written off as a "left over." Apparently, the neogi had decided it was time to enslave the entire universe, literally.
Their first strike was in Realmspace, on what is now Garden. Of the 600 people living there, about 200 were killed, and another 200 taken prisoner. Few people gave the incident much thought, but within thirty years it became clear that the neogi were here to stay, and that they were an enemy.
Solaris: Start of the Magic Wars
Relative: -1021
OC: 4018
Solaris, one of the spheres of the Penticate, had a relatively active spelljamming society, but this changed when the order of the Nimar (a group of very powerful mages) suffered a schism. With the two opposing factions battling with one another, the planet of Cartania was plunged into a state of total war, and eventually the entire sphere was pulled into the fray.
Even though the wars started as a conflict between opposing factions of the Nimar and their personal armies, the entire population was drawn in, as the various kingdoms joined the conflict for their own gain. Solaris quickly became a sphere filled with pirates, warring navies, and marauding space creatures. Those people who travelled there were probably looking for easy loot as pirates or mercenaries.
The Years of Blight (The First Inhuman War)
Relative: -1003 to -875
OC: 4036 to 4164
Technically, this period can be included with the First Inhuman War, but is distinct enough to warrant specific attention. During this period, the various humanoid races begin to travel around the known spheres making their living at raping, pillaging, and looting. Most of the attacks were isolated, but they were consistent enough that any nation with a spelljamming fleet had a standing guard ready to engage them.
The humanoids worked in all of the spheres of the old Chitin Empire. The only noteworthy exception was Solaris, where the increased local spelljamming activity brought on by the Magic Wars made it too difficult to slip in and out without a problem. Of all the races in the spheres to take action against the humanoids, only the elves had an organized plan for dealing with them.
Charter of the Imperial Elven Navy.
Relative: -1001
OC: 4038
Based at Evermeet on Toril, the various elven nations of the known spheres devised a long-range plan for dealing with the humanoids. The various space fleets of the elves would maintain constant patrols around important worlds, and deal with the humanoids whenever then arrived. This became the basis for the Imperial Elven Navy, which exists to this day. It started out as an highly organized militia force as opposed to a unified navy, however. That would come later.
Arrival of new races.
Relative: -983
OC: 4056
With the onset of the years of blight, several new spacefaring races begin to appear. Among them were the Gromman, Hadozee, and Giff.
Arrival of the Gnomes
Relative: -924
OC: 4115
At about this time, Krynnish Gnomes begin to travel the known spheres, eager to assist against the humanoids. Their ships were described as "badly designed" and an "insult to engineers everywhere." Collectively, most people wished they had stayed on Krynn.
The Battle of Greela.
Relative: -905
OC: 4134
In response to the increasingly organized humanoid fleets, the elves begin to take the offensive. At first the battles were isolated and short, but very bloody. The first true fleet to fleet battle between the Imperial Elven Navy and the humanoids was in Greyspace, near Greela, an elven stronghold. The Battle of Greela is considered the
start of the First Inhuman War by most historians, even though the conflict had been in progress for over a century by the time the battle took place.
Within two years of Greela, humanoid and elf fleet to fleet battles, and battles between ground troops became very common in most of the known spheres.
Creation of the Batship
Relative: -903
OC: 4136
Little is known about the Batship, but one thing that is known is that it was created at about this time, in a crystal sphere far beyond the Trullian Ring. Many sages believe that the wizard who created it is still alive, and attempting to find a way to stop it.
Greyspace: The Destruction of Borka
Relative: -879
OC: 4060
Most of the decisive battles of the First Inhuman War were fought in Greyspace and Realmspace. Borka, in Greyspace, was one of the humanoid's major command centers, and when the elves couldn't gather the troops to conquer it, they destroyed it. A temporal planar rift was created below the surface of the planet, which tore in apart. This was the beginning of the end for the humanoids, who were never able to recover from this defeat.
Radolespace: End of the First Inhuman War (Battle of Armistice)
Relative: -875
OC: 4164
After the destruction of Borka, the elves fought a series of quick campaigns to trap the humanoids on the surfaces of planets. Sadly, they did tear some other planets apart. The last major fleet to fleet battle was above the ice planet of Armistice in Radolespace, which ended in a decisive victory for the elves. In the treaty that followed, the
Humanoids were forced to the planet's surface, and their ships destroyed.
This event left the elves the dominant race in the known spheres, a position they have held until very recently. The elven navy remained intact as a barrier against any invaders. At first, the navy sought to protect all free races, but as time wore on they became more concerned with elven interests at the expense of any others.
The Insectare War
Relative: -871 to -865
OC: 4168 to 4174
After a brief lull, conflict resumed when the Insectare tried to seize control of the Elven navy, and the worlds it protected. It was later determined that the insectare were planted by the Neogi. During the Inhuman War, the neogi had been silent, apparently allowing one of the major groups to be victorious. Since the elves won, the neogi
sought to eliminate their only remaining rival. The plot, thought well planned, was foiled. The elven navy eventually purged itself by killing not only every insectare in its ranks, but any elf who freely associated with them. Over 10000 elves were killed, the few remaining insectare went into hiding, and the neogi were on the run.
Solaris: Close of the Magic Wars
Relative: -855
OC: 4184
Cartania's Magic Wars, which had raged without a pause for almost two hundred years, came to an abrupt end when the last of the Black Nimar were banished to the icy moon of Dirax. This should have set things back to normal, but the various kingdoms had decided they had had their fill of magic and the Nimar, and chased them to the farthest reaches of the planet. A year later, the few remaining Nimar somehow summoned the Spelljammer (how they did this has never been explained), which *landed* in a wide bay (Farbay) and carried them off, never to return. Shortly thereafter, Cartania was sealed inside a magical bubble which prevented any spelljamming vessel from entering or leaving.
This act effectively ended spelljamming in Solaris, even though ships still visited the other worlds of the sphere. With the main world inaccessible, no one, including the elves, considered Solaris to be worth the effort, and the sphere became a backwater.
The Rama'tal'ain.
Relative: -744
OC: 4295
This year heralded the arrival of a potential new menace, the Rama'tal'ain. The Rama'tal'ain are described as short, vaguely humanoid creatures with oddly shaped limbs. Without provocation, this (somewhat) humanoid race began to conquer every world in their home sphere, including the planet Trabarax. Trabarax is the home world of the Tabaxi, a feline humanoid race. The invaders were reportedly cruel beyond measure, and eventually many of the native Tabaxi were forced to flee into space. The Rama'tal'ain have not proven to be a major threat in the grand scheme of things, but they have the potential. Most major spelljamming groups keep an eye on them, just in case.
Realmspace: The Birth of Elminster.
Relative: -522
OC: 4517
During the spring of this year, the man who would eventually be known as Elminster of Shadowdale, perhaps the most powerful mage alive, was born. During the first 50 years of his life, he made his mark as a famed adventurer-wizard. Today, he is known for his knowledge of nearly everything related to the Realms, including spelljamming. A personality cult has developed around this colorful man in the last century.
Solaris: Breaking of Cartania's bubble shield.
Relative: -476
OC: 4563
After the departure of the Nimar, Cartania was encased in a large magical bubble that prevented any spelljamming ships from Reaching the planet. This magical bubble appears to have drawn its power from specific points on the planet. During this year, a major earthquake apparently destroyed one of these "terminals," and since the Nimar were no longer around to mend the shield, the gap began to grow. After twenty years, the shell was essentially gone, and within a decade spelljamming had resumed on a low scale. It would steadily increase during the next century.
Krynnspace: The Cataclysm
Relative: -365
OC: 4674
The Cataclysm is one of the most horrible, and best-documented disasters in the Radiant Triangle. Growing conflicts between the gods of Krynn, and various powerful individuals on the planet resulted in a series of magic storms that nearly ripped the planet apart. Spelljamming (what little there was) came to a very abrupt stop. Kyrnnish gnomes would return to space about a century later, but not in great numbers.
First major dealings with the Dohwar
Relative: -346
OC: 4693
The Dohwar claim to have originated in Heardspace, and shortly after entering space they made a living as freight haulers. It would not be long before they began to peddle goods wherever they could find a buyer. Their business terms tend to be somewhat shady, and their goods questionable. The Dohwar concentrate on goods that the Arcane do not normally deal with, but the Arcane still find them a nuisance, and would like to see them back in Heardspace, permanently.
Cult of Ptah forced underground.
Relative: -316
OC: 4723
The Cult of Ptah, famous for their barge ships, was scattered around the known spheres at about this time, and lost any vestige of the organized group that it once was.
Many historians have called the Cult the "Ghost of the Al'Malamut Empire." For a long time the Cult used to talk about the glory of the old empire, and often promised to rebuild it. If they had any serious plans of doing so, they were crushed due to a combination of in-fighting and external opposition.
Today the cult is becomming a major player again. Since abandoning the Al'Malamut credo (after a revolt in Holy Creche), the cult has been turning its attention to missionary work and scholarship. They may have an alterior motive, but if they do they have not revealed it yet.
Realmspace: First dealings with the K'r'r'r
Relative: -213
OC: 4826
In the vicinity of The Garden, a group of travellers encountered what came to be known as the K'r'r'r Unity Fleets. The strange, spider-like creatures were verbally aggressive, with talk of sending all groundlings back where they belong. This hostile reception did not involve any blows. To date, the K'r'r'r are a minor threat wherever they occur, and from time to time they have threatened some small worlds.
Plague of the Clockwork Horrors.
Relative: -206
OC: 4833
During this year, some of the worlds on the known spheres were plagued by Clockwork Horrors. Even worlds that had no active spelljamming were effected, so how they managed to reach so many worlds has never been adequately explained.
One historian has suggested that the Clockwork Horrors were originally designed by either the Juna or the "First Ancestors" as a teraforming tool, and that they were programmed to periodically "reset" various worlds. The behavior of the mechanical creatures lends some credibility to this theory, but it is unlikely that this will ever be
proven. At any rate, the plague was short, but highly destructive.
Realmspace: Arrival of the Batship.
Relative: -201
OC: 4838
The Batship, for reasons that have never been fully explained, settled in Realmspace at about this time. It is known to have traveled through Krynspace at one point, apparently before settling here. At first, the strange ship was seen in the vicinity of Garden, but soon moved closer to the sun. Today, it travels a random path between Toril, Anadia, and Colair, apparently resting in the Tears of Selune.
The Batship has proven to be a major hazard for anyone it encounters. It attacks other ships without provocation, and such attacks are usually fatal for the target ship. The elves have attempted to stop the craft from time to time, but to no avail.
Solaris: The First Elven Civil War
Relative: -188
OC: 4851
The Imperial Navy has never dealt with Solaris in a professional manner. This year saw the uncovering of a plot to bind the elven nations of the sphere closer to the navy. For several years, the elves had been becoming more isolationist in outlook, so this plot was not well received! The war was short, but costly to the navy, who lost whatever ground-based support they might have had in the sphere.
Spiralspace: Founding of Bral
Relative: -153
OC: 4886
The city of Bral, now known as the Rock of Bral, became an incorporated stronghold during this year, by Barron Cozar, a notorious pirate. At first the city was simply a pirates hold. Spiralspace, having direct currents to all the worlds of the Radiant Triangle, and Solaris in the Pentiacate, was an ideal place for pirates to work.
Other beings had used to asteroid before, but the humans who founded Bral were the first to attempt a serious settlement.
Today, Bral is a busy commercial sight, with space travellers from all over passing through on a regular basis. Bral has also been profiting from the conflict between humanoid and elf on the spheres main world, Spiral.
Krynnspace: The battle of Krynn
Relative: -143
OC: 4896
This battle is famous for who fought in it: The Spelljammer and a Neogi flotilla. It has been suggested that the Neogi were planning to conquer Krynn, or at least a large portion of it, but the Spelljammer intervened. The battle was furious, and the Spelljammer was eventually destroyed. However, the Neogi were badly decimated as a result of the fight, and were unable to launch their planned assault.
As an aside, the Spelljammer was sighted a year later in Greyspace, proving that the great ship does somehow "regenerate."
Arcane in the Radiant Triangle
Relative: -81
OC: 4958
By the year, the Arcane had several establishments and business operations in the Radiant Triangle. Since they had a firm commercial hold on the Pentiacate, they decided to expand. Despite their aggressive marketing tactics, only individuals took interest in spelljamming, and no large nations: the ones who would make high yield, bulk orders. The only notable exception to this was Shou Lung on Toril, who would have an active spelljamming fleet within the decade.
First contact with the Dracon
Relative: -61
OC: 4978
The Dracon, or dragon centaurs, first appeared in remote sections of the known spheres at about this time. In the time that followed, they became more common. Presently, most major spaceports have a "dracon town," with goods and services catering to the race.
Solaris: The Second Elven Civil War
Relative: -57 to -52
OC: 4982-4987
In a set of plots and schemes more devious than the first, the Imperial Navy tried again to subjugate the elven nations of Solaris. They also tried to undermine the human kingdom of Muldravia, which was becoming a potential threat. Again the navy was discovered, and the situation was quite volatile. The human Muldravians were dragged into the conflict, and quickly proved themselves a power to be reckoned with. In the end, the elves had managed to undermine their own power base, leaving the human Muldravian Empire as the dominant spelljamming power in the sphere.
First verified contact with the Scro.
Relative: -55
OC: 4984
In a number of spheres, human and demi human travellers noted the appearance of the orc-like Scro. The Scro claim to be the "next rulers" of space, the successor to the old humanoid fleets. So far they have not succeeded in this goal, but they have proven themselves to be very dangerous, and travellers would be wise to avoid them.
First confirmed sightings of Mindspiders
Relative: -51
OC: 4988
The Neogi, who had been very quiet for several decades, made their presence known again by revealing their newest ship: the Mindspider. These small, lithe ships proved to be very dangerous, even more so than the Deathspiders, which had for long been the mainstay of the Neogi Alliance.
Today, the Mindspider is one of the most feared ships in space, and the most common reaction is to either attack them on sight, or flee. There are rumors of a new, dual-helmed neogi ship, but to date no one has confirmed this.
Start of the Vodani Wars
Relative: -12
OC: 5027
In an unprecedented series of events, spelljamming powers from all of the Radiant Triangle joined together to battle the Vodani Empire. The Vodani controlled some twelve spheres just outside the Triangle, and they wanted to conquer it. Plain and simple. At first the Vodani wars were very limited in scope, but as they progressed they became more intense.
Realmspace: Pirate Bloodjack
Relative: -11
OC: 5028
With everyone busy with the Vodani, one human pirate, known only as Bloodjack, began his now legendary career in the worlds of Realmspace. His flagship is reported to be a heavily armored hammership that could go one-to-one with an Armada. Several ships operate under Bloodjack's banner, and he is now one of the most notorious crime lords in Realmspace. Supposedly, he is at odds with Clive of Garden, but all indications are that the two have an "understanding."
Bloodjack is not all together evil, but he is dangerous. One should avoid him if possible. If that isn't possible, then speak very carefully.
Close of the Vodani Wars
Relative: -10
OC: 5029
In a battle of epic proportions, a united fleet consisting of ships from all over the Radiant Triangle, and several from the Pentiacate, defeated the Vodani fleet above their capital city. The Vodani empire, which spanned 12 spheres at its height, broke into five major parts, with regional warlords plying for the vacant office of emperor. Also, despite the victory of the Elves and their allies, the power of the Elves was noticeably shaken, and they are now in decline. The Neogi also proved their worthlessness, by turning tail on the allies at the last minute.
The Geonomicon
Relative: -9
OC: 5030
After the Vodani wars, it was discovered that most "definitive" works on space were out of date. The Geonomicon was commissioned by the Seekers in an attempt to change this. Since its release, the work has proven highly influential, though somewhat flawed. The Seekers are currently discussing a new edition of the work.
Krynnspace: The War of the Lance
Relative: -8
OC: 5031
The War of the Lance is highly documented, and brought major changes to Krynn. In terms of spelljamming, however, it served to interrupt space travel in Krynnspace yet again. Space travel continued, but most ships from Krynn were used for various aspects of the war efforts, such as laying siege to flying citadels or as troop transports.
When the wars ended, most space travel fizzled out. It continues on a low level, but at present spelljamming is a novelty in Krynnspace.
Hyrkulspace: Reappearance of the "People from the Sky"
Relative: -4
OC: 5035
Rumors began rising about a return of the People from the Sky from Hyrkulian legends when strange activity began taking place near the site where the People from the Sky were reputed to have their base of operations while on Hyrkul. However, they do not appear to have any interest in the Hyrkulian natives at this time.
Telden Moore
Relative: -4
OC: 5035
According the Krynnish records, during the spring of this year a renegade Squid ship crashed into Telden Moore's farm on Krynn, destroying most of it. This marked the start of one of the biggest hunts in recent history, as *everyone* tried to get a hold of Telden and his magical cloak, which turned out to be an ultimate helm. Telden himself would eventually wander the known spheres for almost two years, searching for The Spelljammer.
Start of the Second Inhuman War
Relative: -3
OC: 5036
The reasons for renewed conflict between the elves and the humanoids has yet to be fully explained. All that is known is that the old rivals are once again bent on destroying one another. How this will turn out remains to be seen. The humanoids have yet to demonstrate a focused plan for their conquest, and the elves, still strained from the
Vodani wars, are not the great force they used to be.
The Battle of the Broken Sphere
Relative: -3
OC: 5036
The drama of "The Cloakmaster," Telden Moore, ended very abruptly and very violently in the winter of this year. Over three-hundred ships fought each other near a fissure in the Broken Sphere, in the Trulian Ring. The prize? The Spelljammer itself, which was itself involved in the battle. Telden Moore had found the great ship, but everyone in the universe was trying to claim it. In the end, two thirds of the ships were destroyed, and the Spelljammer itself was reportedly destroyed. However, psionic and magical investigation found no wreckage of any kind. Also, the broken sphere began to re-close less than an hour after the Spelljammer vanished.
Sadly, the hostilities of the Second Inhuman War resumed about six months later.
Hyrkulspace: Rise of the Second Magiocracy
Relative: -1
OC: 5038
After being resurrected by a foolish wizard, the Twelve Wizards from ancient Hyrkulian history gather their forces and conquer the known world. Reported to be the quickest war in history, the conquest took only three months. The twelve wizards establish the Magiocracy as the new world government on Hyrkul. All spelljamming traffic stops for a period of six months but begins again after that time.
Realmspace: the Avatars
Relative: -1
OC: 5038
During this year, Avatars, or gods in humanoid form, actively walked about the Realms, often causing trouble. Some have labeled this the "Time of Troubles." The increased activity by deities in Realmspace caused a temporary drop in spelljamming activity, but all indicators are that things will soon return to normal.
Today:
Relative: 0
OC: 5039
Today, things don't look very good. The Second Inhuman War is getting worse, especially since the elves are clearly loosing ground. The Illithids are preparing to make a come back, especially in Theiaspace, where they have been openly attacking human and demi human settlements.
In Solaris, the elves and the Muldravians are shouting at one another again. There is also a growing number of vigilante and pirate activity, and several people think that the Magic Wars are about to resume.
In Omnispace, the major spelljamming powers are aggressively trying to capture every major magical artifact there is to find. Sadly, this had brought about a great deal of unrest. The recent unexplained disappearance of Sphereworld, the fourth planet in the system, has been linked to this careless use of magic.
There is one piece of good news. In Heardspace, a group of elven ships confirmed seeing the Spelljammer. Apparently it had re-formed itself, or it was not destroyed as originally thought. It was reported as being slightly larger, the citadel appeared to be made of marble and precious metal, and the ship itself had a blue, crystalline appearance.