History of Zalanthas - as known to the Immortals

0

The beginnings of recorded history. The races of man, giant, elf, and struggle for superiority. The kenku and halflings keep to themselves during much of this period.

50

The Coalition of Humanity is formed, with the many tribes of man uniting under one banner. The Wars of Racial Cleansing begin. During this time, the human sorcerers use their magicks to give birth to the half-giant race.

500

The Wars of Racial Cleansing come to an end, with the race of man victorious. The other races are subjugated and enslaved and the foundations of the Empire are laid. During this time a small group of sorcerers, collectively numbering sixteen, begin the creation of the great cities of the Empire of Man. Kabeth-Nel, the Citadel of Kings, and Jahnad, the capitol of the Vru N'Dryth, are created. Adopting the moons of Zalanthas as their emblem, this cabal of sorcerers create many works of wonder and magick. They rise to great fame and prestige among the peoples of the Empire.

1000

Having grown in power and prestige, the cabal develops a rift, with some members wanting to assert control over the Empire. Those still loyal to the Empire turn on them, forcing them to flee into hiding. The fugitive sorcerers establish an organization known as the Eye of Jihae and for the next several centuries, under the leadership of a sorcerer known as Tahlyne, the Eye begins to explore the darker practices of their craft. It is during this time that blood magicks, life magicks (known later as defiling), and vampirism are discovered. While the Eye turns itself towards the darker magicks, the sorcerers loyal to the Empire continue their practice and begin down their paths towards Avangions. The Empire begins its Golden Age of prosperity.

1200 - 1800

During one of his numerous explorations of the elemental planes Tahlyne vanishes. In his place, Rusa and Cari assume leadership of the Eye and begin to plot the demise of the Empire, hoping to drive a wedge between the Council of Kings and the loyalist sorcerers, who are by this time full Avangions. During these years, the number of human nations that compose the Empire becomes consolidated to four: The Isen'Ayun of the East, the Vru N'Dryth of the South, the Maradran of the North, and the Dol Kisiri of the western tablelands.

1850

After almost a millenium of prosperity the Empire, grown fat and decadent, begins a slow decline. Attempting to take advantage of this, the Eye recruits agents to further their agenda. The only nation truly susceptible to their influence is the Vru N'Dryth of the south. Bordering the ocean known as the Southern Basin, the lands of the N'Dryth are lush and prosperous and because of this, the Vru N'Dryth have risen to become the most powerful of the four nations. The Eye uses these spies as agents to further the decline of the Empire and spread propaganda regarding the Avangions. The agents infiltrate the highest levels of government within the Vru N'Dryth.

1935

Tahlyne returns and reasserts his control over the Eye. After establishing his control over the Eye and its agents, he pushes the Eye's agenda at a more rapid pace. The Vru N'Dryth government soon becomes flushed with agents of the Eye and popular opinion begins to turn against the Avangions.

1950

Within fifteen years, the machinations of the Eye come to fruition. The alliance between the Council of Kings and the Avangions is dissolved and the Avangions depart the Known World. Without the unifying presence of the Avangions, the Council quickly becomes consumed with bickering and infighting amongst the four nations. Within the year, the Council unanimously votes to dissolve itself. Kabeth-Nel becomes absorbed into the Isen'Ayun nation.

1951

Agents of the Eye assassinate the ruling elite of the Vru N'Dryth and the Eye of Jihae assumes complete control of that nation. The members of the Eye swear subservience to Tahlyne and begin to foment discord between the other three nations of the former Empire of Man.

1951 - 2000

Warfare breaks out between the various nations of man. The Dol Kisiri are conquered by the Vru N'Dryth and strife between the Maradran and the Isen'Ayun escalates. Taking advantage of the conflict, Tahlyne and the Eye assault Kabeth-Nel, driving the Isen'Ayun from the citadel. Tahlyne proclaims himself ruler of a new dominion and promises the lesser races a greater role in the new government. He calls to the citadel the entire race of Kenku, luring them with talk of power and vengeance. Once they are assembled, he absorbs the life essence of the entire race to use as a catalyst in his transformation. Kabeth-Nel is completely destroyed as he ascends, becoming the being that will be known as the Dragon. Once his transformation is complete, he moves swiftly to the lands of the Vru N'Dryth and absorbs the life force of those lands, turning what was once a lush jungle into a barren and arid wasteland.

2000 - 2005

The Dragon fulfills his promise to the Eye, bequeathing a portion of his swollen essence to them. Now Dragonsthralls, they march forth with him and the might of the former Vru N'Dryth towards the Plains of Gol. There, they meet the marshalled forces of the Maradran. Before any conflict can break out, however, the M'Raen commanders turn on their leader, Driask Krathu, and slay him. They proclaim the Dragon as the lord of the land and submit themselves to his will. Servants of the Dragon roam the earth, crushing all opposition

2000 - 2400

The Dragon rules the Known World for four hundred years. Most life, poisoned by the Dragon's magick, spread black plagues among the populations. Elves, dwarves, and men scatter to the furthest reaches of the realm to avoid the terrible Dragon, his dread servants, and the killing plagues which accompanied them.

2400/0

Sensing the return of the Avangions, the Dragon departs the Known World to ensure that they are unable to restore the Empire of Man and bring vitality back to the land. The Empire of the Dragon, unable to function, crumbles within five years.

* 77

First Age ends.

* 154

Second Age ends.

* c.170 (Year 16 of Age 3)

Nomadic tribes begin to settle at Vrun Driath and Gol Krathu.

* 231

Third Age ends.

* c.290 (Year 59 of Age 4)

The powerful cheiftan Quintus Tektolnes conquers and unites the tribes at Vrun Driath into a small kingdom. The tribes called Doombringer, Tan-Muark, and Shadow are among the conquered.

* 308

Fourth Age ends.

* c.312 (Year 4 of Age 5)

Quintus' son, aged 22, treacherously slays his father and assumes control of the kingdom, now called Allanak.

c.320 (Year 12 of Age 5)

Work begins on the walls of the city-state of Allanak at Vrun Driath.

c.370 (Year 62 of Age 5)

Rumors that at least one servant of the Dragon still abides in the Known World reach Allanak.

385

Fifth Age ends.

c.400 (Year 15 of Age 6)

A hitherto unkown warrior named Muk Utep sacks the twelve tribes at Gol Krathu with an army of terrible barbarians out of the northwest. The tribes called the Elves of Mallok and the Twin Warlocks are among the conquered. The city-state of Tuluk begins to rise under Utep the Sun King.

c.450 (Year 65 of Age 6)

Nearly one hundred years of warfare grips the Northlands as Utep wages campaigns of conquest to expand his domain.

462

Sixth Age ends.

539

Seventh Age ends.

616

Eighth Age ends.

628 (Year 12 of Age 9)

The armies of the city-states of Allanak and Tuluk clash at Wyntek Harzen, east of the Red Desert. The battle is short and inconclusive. During the war, a black fortress is discovered in the sands. It is believed to be the home of Luir Dragonsthrall, last living servant of the Dragon.

c.650 (Year 34 of Age 9)

The city-state of Steinal rises in the far east under the vile sorcerer Valasurus.

693

Ninth Age ends.

744 (Year 54 of Age 10)

Tektolnes confronts Luir Dragonsthrall deep in the obsidian mines of Allanak. By use of incredible magicks, Tektolnes buries Luir under ninety-nine feet of rock.

770

Tenth Age ends.

847

Eleventh Age ends.

888 (Year 41 of Age 12)

The armies of Allanak and Tuluk clash on the scrub plains near the Shield Wall. The battle continues, inconclusively, for an entire year.

911 (Year 64 of Age 12)

The Dragon appears in Tuluk and an obscure exchange occurs between Muk Utep and the dread beast. At least one-fourth of Tuluk is destroyed by the Dragon. Afterward, the Dragon once again departs the Known World.

924

Twelfth Age ends.

c.950 (Year 26 of Age 13)

The well-known dune traders of the realm begin to organize into merchant companies.

1000 (Year 76 of Age 13)

The ancient tribes begin to reclaim their identities. The Elves of Mallok, the Shadow Clan, the Doombringers, the Tan Muark, and the Twin Warlocks all resurface in various places across the realm.

1001

Thirteenth Age ends.

1020 (Year 19 of Age 14)

Feudalism experiences a resurgence as the ancient tribes occupy and rule various parts of Utep's and Tektolnes' kingdoms. Small wars take place between the tribes over territorial disputes.

1055 (Year 54 of Age 14)

The armies of Allanak and Steinal clash just west of the Great Salt Flats. Enraged, Tektolnes summons powerful magicks and puts down Valasurus, burying both him and the destroyed city of Steinal under the sands.

1078

Fourteenth Age ends.

1092 (Year 14 of Age 15)

The Clan Wars begin. Pressed beyond their limits, the Shadow Clan claims right of revenge against the Elves of Mallok for the death of one of their number. The Elves refuse to admit guilt, and war is begun. The Doombringers and the Tan-Muark, through conflicts of their own, also enter into the war, as do the Twin Warlocks.

1149 (Year 71 of Age 15)

The last members of the ancient tribes are presumed dead. The fierce warfare between the tribes deprives them of sufficient numbers to survive, and the Clans vanish. Feudalism declines, accompanied by a rise in mercantilism.

1155

Fifteenth Age ends.

1161 (Year 6 of Age 16)

Merchant House Kadius establishes an emporium in Tuluk. Other Houses quickly form and follow suit in both Tuluk and Allanak.

1200 (Year 45 of Age 16)

The clerical orders begin to rise. For unknown reasons, the powers of the elements experience greater access to the elemental planes.

1232

Sixteenth Age ends.

1300 (Year 68 of Age 17)

Mercantilism grows extremely rapidly. By 1301, almost all of the economy is in the hands of Merchant Houses.

1309

Seventeenth Age ends.

1348 (Year 39 of Age 18)

Without warning, Tektolnes bans the use of spice in Allanak. Tensions begin to grow between House Kurac (who controls the spice), Tuluk, and Allanak.

1386 Eighteenth Age ends.

1394 (Year 8 of Age 19)

The joint forces of the Clear Waters Oasis tribe and the Ironsword clan attack Allanak's obsidian mine, managing to free the slaves. Thrain Ironsword dies in the battle along with several templars. After the attack the Clear Waters Oasis tribe, joined by a horde of former slaves, lay siege to Allanak. During this time, Tektolnes is mysteriously absent.

1395 (Year 9 of Age 19)

Exactly one year after the beginning of the siege of Allanak, Tektolnes reappears in the guise of a dragon and breaths death upon the sieging army - the army ceases to exist. Over the course of the next few years, a temple is built near the entrance of the city, in which the newly formed white-robe templarate preach the worship of He Who Rescued Us, the Mighty Dragon Tektolnes.

1399 (Year 13 of Age 19)

The first Defiler in over 1500 years is found and killed outside of Tuluk. Ancient texts resurface which detail much of Defiler magick.

1403 (Year 17 of Age 19)

An unprecedented meeting of the three great merchant houses - Kadius, Kurac, and Salarr - takes place in Allanak, presumably for them to discuss trade matters of the Known World. It ends, however, in the death of one of the Kuraci representatives and as a result, cooperation between the houses is set back even further.

1409 (Year 23 of Age 19)

For reasons unknown a large clutch of mantises emerges from the Tablelands and attacks a sprawling encampment of gypsies near Luir's Outpost. With the aid of Blackwing elves, the mortal enemies of the mantises, the gypsies are able to totally defeat the onslaught.

1441 (Year 55 of Age 19)

A fire of questionable origin starts in the scrub plains south of Tuluk and almost destroys the city. Isar, High Templar of Tuluk, uses powerful magick to stop the fire, however. The fire leaves a wide path of scorched earth leading south away from the city.

1445 (Year 59 of Age 19)

After a miserably failed coup, Precentor Kul is banished from Tuluk by Precentor Isar.

1450 (Year 64 of Age 19)

A terrifying and presumably magickal cataclysm strikes the city-state of Tuluk, leaving it to be nothing more than a pile of rubble and ruins. Over seventy thousand people are killed that day in what has since come to be known as the Fall of Tuluk. During the chaos, Precentor Kul manages to overthrow Precentor Isar and gains control over what little remains.

1458 (Year 72 of Age 19)

A new government in Tuluk is formed, still headed by the Sun King Muk Utep, giving a greater authority to the common people, noble houses, and merchant houses of Gol Krathu. This council becomes known as the Northlands Alliance.

1461 (Year 75 of Age 19)

A small army of Allanaki soldiers launches a surprise attack on Luir's Outpost. After dealing a considerable amount of damage, the army sweeps northward to the Scaien Gates of Tuluk. However, they are met by an enormously larger army, and destroyed in a humiliating defeat. The first victory of either side in the ongoing Allanaki-Tuluki conflict, ever, this Battle of Tuluk re-establishes the northern powers as a force to be reckoned with.

1463

Nineteenth Age ends.

1471 (Year 8 of Age 20)

Terrorists with the use of massive amounts of flash powder destroy the Dragon Temple in the heart of Allanak. However, moments later, Allanak launches an invasion of the Xytrix-Za valley of mantises, completely annihilating what remains of the Cai-Shyzn clutch.

1475 (Year 12 of Age 20)

A minor skirmish takes place just south of Luir's Outpost between the city-state of Allanak and the Northern Alliance that results in the first-ever Allanaki victory over its northern enemy. This takes place during complex negotiations between Kurac and Allanak, after which Kurac is allowed back in Allanak, although the ban on spice still holds. One month later, Allanak seizes Luirs.

1476 (Year 13 Age 20)

Allanak, after centuries of bloodshed and war, launches a successful assault on the Northlands. In a series of bloody battles, Allanaki troops conquer the region of Gol Krathu. The lone surviving Allanaki templar, Elaira Fale of the Blue, is credited with the victory. However, the invaders are unable to finish the job, as Muk Utep holes up in his pyramid and an indefinite siege begins.

1516 (Year 53 Age 20)

After forty years of Allanaki occupation, the Sun Legions of Tuluk launch a surprise attack on the Southern forces occupying the Gol Krathu region. Composed of members of the Sun King's Legions, the Rebellion, various human tribes of unknown origins, and hordes of hideously mutated and deformed creatures, the army successfully penetrates the Scaien Walls and liberates the land inside. The Allanaki Red Robes Sathis Valika and Aquila Nenyuk are slain in a duel with Isar, who is also mortally wounded during the confrontation. In the confusion, Kul himself is also cut down as the Tuluki forces make their way towards Luirs, liberating it from Allanaki occupation as well. Here, the Allanaki Red Robe Ihsahn Kasix and his units are caught between the Tuluki army and Kuraci militia. They are summarily executed.

1522 (Year 59 Age 20)

A large explosion detonates within the commoners' quarter of Allanak. Under the cloak of night, aided by a tremendous sandstorm, a small group of terrorists detonates several barrels of flash powder within the Tor Academy, causing a tremendous amount of damage and chaos. Simultaneously, a Tuluki force led by the Jihaen templar Gavale Uaptal descends on the Xytrix-Za Valley and slaughters the occupying Allanaki forces.