First Ones
The identity of the First Ones is one of the greatest mysteries of the Pact Worlds, and their presence is felt in multitudes across the known galaxy. They are best known for the creation of the first nine cities of Aballon, aided the creation of the Anacite, but the scientific community claims their influence is present in the Burning Archipelago (made all the more true by the recent discovery of Noma and the Crucible), ruins in the Diaspora, and even Apostae.
The First Ones disappeared thousands of years ago, leaving their creations and colonies to fend for themselves, but the Dream Team has slowly begun to unlock the secrets of their existence, gathered across the records of Mataras, Stewards and House Terris intelligence reports, and the abandoned terminals of the Forge.
Basic Information
Biological Traits
Given a complete lack of kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and dining areas in the ruins of the First Ones, and the hazy recollections of the Anacites, it is believed that the First Ones were some variant of a robot, perhaps created by the Azlanti. Judging by the pathways carved for them on Aballon, they were at least a dozen feet tall, and their bridges required support for creatures weighing nearly a quarter of a ton.
Civilization and Culture
Average Technological Level
Even in the modern day, it is believed that the First Ones attained the highest level of technological prowess known to the Material Plane. An entire branch of science and history is devoted to decrypting their advanced works, and few can claim to understand even the basis of their unique blend of magic and technology. In particular, the First Ones were masters of space-based magics, especially portals, as seen on the mechanical wonder that is the Forge.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The First Ones were infatuated with the separation of body, mind, and soul -- dubbed Harmonic Trinitarianism by historians -- and made such ideals the foundation of their culture, government, magic, and technology. They believed that all of existence could be explained by one of the three aspects, and that all sentient creatures should strive to keep their Harmonic Trinity in balance. The most devout followers of the faith were considered closest to the Godhead, a cosmic being said to hold all of reality in his mind, but had been slumbering since the dawn of this universe.
The ruins on Aballon seem to suggest that the First Ones devoted the majority of their time to finding and waking the Godhead, as they wished to move from the dream of this existence and into the next. However, it is unknown if they succeeded, or simply faded from prominence as their resources depleted.
History
Judging by records found on the Forge, the First Ones existed on Golarion well before the Gap, perhaps during the ancient age of Humans. The majority of scholars that specialize in humanity's history believe that the Azlanti had some role in the species' existence, given the similarities between their language and cultural iconography.
They're mostly right too! Too bad those ink-breathers think we created the First Ones, or that they guided the empire of Azlant to prominence. In reality, the First Ones signaled the end of the empire, when an Aboleth shaman grabbed their slumbering spaceship out of the stars and hurled it at Golarion. Devastating for the planet, but I guess we got the Starstone out of it. I never did find out how Aroden convinced them to give it to him...
However, well before Golarion took to the skies, the First Ones found a way out among the galaxy, where they swiftly dominated the neighboring planets that now make up the Pact Worlds. In particular, evidence suggests they used their advanced technology to inhabit Mataras, giving them a safe harbor in which to flourish, eventually leading to their experiments on Aballon, Apostae, and the Forge. Smaller sects of researchers believe that the First Ones also created the fold gates, which allowed them to explore the distant systems of the Vast.
Historical Figures
Countless documents reference Grandsmith as the spritual leader of the First Ones, treating him similarly to modern mortals and the Saints. He was considered closest to the Godhead, and thus often had a say in the activities of his people. A document on the Crucible suggests that Grandsmith was responsible for the construction of the Forge, made from the metals strip-mined from Aballon, and led the majority of his people on a journey out into the Vast.
Common Myths and Legends
A sect of the Harmonic Trinitarianism faith -- known to the First Ones as the Lost Children -- believed that not only was the Godhead in slumber, but that he dreamed every "cosmic night", and thus this reality was just like a recurring dream. They argued that Divination magic was simply an explotation of this fact, looking back to countless befores to determine the next after. On the Forge, a brief journal entry suggests that the Lost Children attempted to "break out of the infinity" by accessing the Sideways Steps on Aucturn, but as they were never seen again, it was unknown even to the First Ones if they were successful.
EXTINCT
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
Immortal
Average Height
14 ft.
Average Weight
580 lbs.
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
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