People
The History of The Chasm of Cavum so far
The Damned: This was a primitive race of unknown humanoid, much resembling modern man. Little is known of their existence, as they are only known from a few partial skeletons. They are the oldest known living organism to have lived in Cavum.
The Ancient Elves: This was the very first race to be created by the minor Gods. The Ancient elves were the first to truly inhabit Cavum, and as such there are a few ancient relics and ruins that remain from those times. The Ancient Elves established religious practices which heavily influenced the religious practices of modern Cavum, and where the first to make magical artifacts. Due to them being the first created race, they were able to directly control Aurum. They were nearly whipped out due to an unrecorded event. All elves are descendants of the ancient elves.
The Dwarven Empire of Grosku: Grosku was the first civilization to truly flourish after the collapse of the Ancient Elves. At this time many of Cavum's levels where incredibly dangerous and inhospitable. To avoid this the Dwarfs decided to carve their great cities out of stone, which they successfully did for almost 1000 years. During this time they created countless incredible cities, pathways between different levels of Cavum, durable magical items infused with Aurum, and a wide varity of mechanical machines also powered by Aurum.
Current Species & Cultures
Humans: The current most dominant race is the Humans. The Humans are wide spread across many levels. The most prevalent human civilization is the Aurelies, who 300 years ago united Cavum under one universal constitution (The Mark of Cavum). They have been a key player in politics ever since, and have brought about great leaps in technology and industrialization unseen since the Dwarven Age.
Elves: The Elves are the second most dominant race in Cavum, as well as the most longest lived. They are the only race capable of directly influencing Aurum without magical artifacts or prolounged meditation. They also have a far deeper connection to nature than other races, and as such, Cavum itself. Most elves keep to themselves, only interfering in politics when absolutely necessary.
Dragonborn: This race first made contact with the rest of Cavum around 700 years after the collapse of the Grosku Empire. This prompted a war between the Humans and the Dragonborn which lasted nearly 200 years. The war ended after the humans successfully invaded the Dragonborn capital, and along with emmesariers from each great nation, co-signed the Mark of Cavum. Currently the Dragonborns are a highly militaristic nation, not wishing to lose again after the defeat they suffered. The Dragonborn's all swear fealty to a powerful dragon king.
Half-Orcs: Throughout most of their history Half-orcs have been slaves to other nations, Including Elves, Humans, and Dragonborn. In the modern day they have been freed from slavery.
Teiflings: Rare and shunned by most, the Teiflings come from lands even deeper in Cavum than where the Dragonborn reside. They tend to stalk the forgotten ruins of Cavum, and stick to themselves and the criminal underworld.
Halflings: A race of carefree nomadic trancendentalist stoners. Despite the dangers of Cavum, halflings seem to traverse it with a natural ease. They make natural rangers and sherpas, ready and willing to go on any adventure.
Gnomes: Gnomes are most interested in the thought and study, often spending their many years of life grappling with lifes biggest questions. They live their lives either alone or in tight knit communities, each hidden away from other races. They only emerge after reaching a "Grand Conclussion" which they try to share with the world.
Dwarves: After the fall of the Grosku empire very few Dwarves remain. Those that do either live amongst humans or swear alligence to the Grosku Remenants, a small city who aims to rediscover and rebuild the great dwarven empire. Dwarves are taught at a young age the grand achievements of their ancestors, and are still incredibly valuable craftsmen who simply lack the polulational/political power to rebuild their empire.
