The Rise and Fall of Arran

Extract from Sir Arthur Rowley's 'The Golden Age':

The tale of Arran is as old as history itself, and even to this day the old wives continue to teach their young of the Golden Age.
Back in yonder days, ere the collapse of the Empire, the common-folk relished their existence under the demi-god Arran, the first emperor in all but name. The fruits of their labour and toil were compounded dozen-fold and a child could walk East to West across the realm unharmed. But as all good men must, Arran's soul passed on to Danu, leaving the Men behind to fend for themselves.
The story of Arran begins on the continent of Eridas, now known for little more than its Florens and nomads. In Arran’s time however, the realm was ravaged by invading Brutagor tribes and the collapse of the High Elven cities. Seeking refuge, he cut down an entire forest to build ships for himself and his men to travel north, to the fabled continent of Albion.
On this once inhospitable land did he and his men carve out a living. One by one they conquered its regions, and even the Black Forest was once subjugated under his rule. The Empire was formed, and it stretched from Aumont to Livon, and from Seagard to Melisia. Having provided a safe haven for his peoples over the centuries, Arran felt it was his time. He passed on the torch, his body burnt in holy flame, his ashes scattered on the peak of Whitehorn itself.
Many emperors there were after him, each a lesser man than the last. And so, as inevitable as the cycle of the moon, the empire began to decay. The sharks began to smell the blood in the water, each noble wanting a slice to themselves. Before his passing the Last Emperor had left instructions: Arran’s sword, Judgement, his shield, Valour, and his crown, Vigilance, were all to be locked away in some hidden structure, and the one to find it would rule Albion whole. Many men did search for these items, few returned alive, and none with the prize they sought. To this day they are lost to the once tamed wilds.
Once it was rumoured that the first king of Aumont had found the sword and used it to unite the scattered people of Western Albion. After the schism of his kingdom this knowledge was lost, and Judgement's whereabouts remain unknown to this day. The thought of the Empire is passed down among generations, but few consider themselves citizens of a combined state. There are some intellectual circles who philosophise about its return, but without Arran's weapons and crown only a fool would try.

Spread

The legend of Arran is known particularly well in Albion, but also in nearby Skargos and Carrick. It is passed down the generations of most humans, though the Empire was also known among the Arbor and High Elves. Many goblins and gnolls still remember the days under the Empire as their weaker times, though now they often roam the wilds untamed.

Variations & Mutation

High Elves: Arran was speculated among the High Elves to have been the dragon Aendrim the Silver, though such speculation was never substantiated. The primary High Elven researcher on the subject, Varitan, never returned from his exploratory trip to Whitehorn.
The Northern Barbarians: Among the beserkers of Trondheim, Arran was and is known as a legendary warrior and demi-god, referred to as Æsbiorn. These barbarians consider him the founding father of their colonies, particularly Viborg. It is understood that their shamans prophecise of his eventual return, though when is not known, since calendars are foreign to them.

In Literature

The rise and fall of Arran is well recorded in the following literature:

• Arran: A History - a book by monk Theodric Hotch 11AE
• The Golden Age - a book by knight and historian Arthur Rowley 162AE
• Man's Final Blossom - a poem by Duke Nicholas Fulko 338AE