Age of Embers
Early Eras
The precise transition from the great Ice Age into the Age of Embers remains unclear, but scholars broadly agree it occurred around the year 800 of the Third World (TW). During this era, the chaos unleashed by The Cataclysm and the ensuing Ice Age finally began to subside. As the frost slowly retreated northward, the lands once again awoke from slumber and breathed anew.
The ancient Elven Empires lay shattered, their remnants scattered and isolated, having struggled desperately for an age simply to survive. Their once-proud civilizations stood on the brink, holding back the invading races with dwindling strength. Yet, as ashes settled and ice withdrew, the Elves discovered that the heart of their former grandeur remained largely intact, though fractured into numerous smaller kingdoms. Though in their proud hearts still burned the dream of restoring the empires of old.
The Humans, driven southward by the merciless Ice Age, had finally concluded their Great Migrations from the distant northern land of Hyperborea into Arboria, homeland of the Feynarin Elves. Relations between migrating Humans and native Elves varied greatly: in the west, the Jermane Humans forged alliances with the Elves, banding together against adversity. In the east, however, fierce and bloody conflicts erupted between the Elves and the invading Slaya, each side fighting bitterly for survival. Meanwhile, in the south, the Nemedi Humans established themselves in the ruined lands of Sahadra, having expelled the vile Lich Lords and their legions of undead. Yet, after the deaths of their legendary leaders, figures such as The Mason of the Slaya and Caliph Kazir of the Nemedi, the Humans fragmented into smaller duchies and petty kingdoms. Internal divisions erupted as factions argued bitterly over rightful succession and diverging interpretations of their founding faiths.
This is when the Heimer Incursions began to increase, and the spread of the Kambrona Plague began to subside.
In the distant south, the Orcs reached their apex as the mighty Orssirai Empire dominated the lands of Serenjara, forcing their eternal foes, the Krall, into retreat. Yet, as the Ice Age waned, their lush paradise amidst the sands began shrinking, slowly at first, but ominously hinting at the inevitable decline that awaited them.
Even the legendary Drakkin Empire, far to the west in the fabled realms of Avallon, felt the sting of decline. Their Dragon lords lost control over their many client states as famine and civil unrest ravaged the lands under their rule. Despite their wisdom and immense power, the Dragons could not halt the climate shifts reshaping the world. They withdrew into their heartland, fiercely guarding it from desperate invaders. As warmth returned, the Dragons quickly set their plans in motion to reclaim their former influence, but faced steadfast opposition at every turn.
Late Eras
During the later stages of the Age of Embers, the various peoples across the world gradually consolidated their territories and established control over their lands. Yet dangers remained ever-present: wild beasts roaming unchecked since the collapse of civilizations, monstrous creatures lurking in the night, otherworldly demons, magical curses, and devastating plagues. In this harsh reality, mere survival demanded constant vigilance. Eventually, as borders stabilized and societies rebuilt their strength, attention turned outward once more. Alliances were forged, sealed through strategic marriages and political unions, but these diplomatic ties often paved the way for renewed wars of conquest. Over time, smaller realms and petty kingdoms merged, slowly evolving into distinct nation-states.
In Empyrion, the Vallarei achieved unity, resurrecting the grand Vallerian Empire. Farther east, the Elven kingdoms united beneath the wise and divine guidance of their Dragon goddess, forming the powerful oriental empire of Xia.
Through a combination of daring conquests, strategic marital alliances, and economic manipulation, the Slaya re-established the borders of the old Masonite Kingdom under the leadership of Valvazir, founding the Kingdom of Ardechia. In the west, the proud Jermane Houses crowned their first König, who drew the legendary sword from the stone, marking the first decisive step toward the unification of Sturmgard. Similarly, Kyrus emerged as a unified realm through the joining of two crowns.
The land of Sahadra, divided along the eastern and western shores of the vast inland sea Klein, saw the rise of powerful kingdoms from formerly scattered tribes. Though each Nemedi realm traced its legacy back to the revered Caliph Kazir, fierce rivalries persisted as they debated rightful succession and the greater symbolic importance of the sun and moon within his teachings.
Meanwhile, in the southern regions, the once-mighty Orssirai Empire fell into ruin, reduced to fragmented remnants surviving in the lush delta of Zahamara. Orcs turned upon one another amidst the desolation, their once-thriving civilization swallowed by merciless sands. Many Orcs were forced to flee their ancestral homeland, migrating elsewhere only to face discrimination, servitude, or outright slavery, viewed as nothing more than uncivilized barbarians.
Far away in the legendary lands of Avallon, the Drakkin Dominion experienced a resurgence. Numerous races bent the knee to the deified Dragons and their followers, though fierce pockets of resistance remained. Among these resistors, none were more zealous than the Qulvir, the bull-people and former slaves of the Dominion who swore they would never again suffer chains. Having embraced a militant culture built upon absolute freedom, the Qulvir now wage relentless wars upon their neighbors, determined to liberate not only themselves but all peoples from the shackles of oppression, spreading their crusade of freedom through conquest and rebellion.
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