1. The Age of the Warlocks – this first is the first
recorded age, which lasted for at least two millennia.
This was a
crucial period for Palâdnith, the age in which the population exploded, cities
were built and culture developed.
During this
period, a secretive order of warlocks founded the Citadel of Lies and
Deep-Spire. The name of these Warlocks was lost – only the name of the last
warlock was recorded: Gregnor.
During the
Age of the Warlocks, Moden was created by the powerful magic of the warlocks,
which has now been lost. Moden was an underground prison – said to be
accessible from a secret spot somewhere in Palâdnith, although no one has ever
discovered where, not even the Sentorân. Those who were incarcerated there are watched
over by the Keepers of Moden, strange shambling creatures that patrol the dark
abyss. Once there you will never age, never feel hunger or thirst – and never
die.
The warlocks and kings of old, and even the first realmlords banished their
enemies to Moden using the Blood Stone. These are now lost, and as far as
anyone knows there is no way in or out of Moden. There were originally ten of
these stones, fashioned from the heart of a volcano. In order not to lose the
stones, every time they cast them at the feet of their victims, the rulers would whisper a counter-charm which would bring the stone back
after its use. This was lost with the last king – and for that reason only the
first realmlords used the Blood Stones, and ran out quickly.
2. The Age of Chieftains – this age lasted 1300 years,
and began with the fall of the Warlocks. The order turned inward and
disappeared from the world after a lengthy battle within the walls of the
Citadel of Lies.
The Sentorân
were established during the second half of this age – warrior sorcerers dedicated
to the protection of Palâdnith and the promotion of peace. There were also the
first records of the Sister of Sial, an order of witch women living in the
forests of Sude, in this period.
The
population continued to grow, and the cities of Isenlock, Dunethport, Catedrâl,
Haithwell, Tarrancrest and Narn are founded during this age.
The dominant
language is Goranthian.
3. The Age of Kings – this age lasted 900 years and
culminated in the War of the Realms that brought about the downfall of the
aristocracy.
This age
began with the chieftains of the six principal cities proclaiming themselves
kings and defining their borders. Right from the beginning, there were border
clashes.
The Sentorân
were advisors to the kings of Palâdnith, but could not keep the rot from
setting in as the six kings all vied for dominance.
The War of
the Realms began eighty years before the end of this age, and ended with civil
wars that tore Palâdnith apart.
4. The Age of Darkness – this age lasted 150 years.
Chaos ruled before the Sentorân helped bring order to the world.
Deep-Spire
becomes the Sentorân’s stronghold.
Poverty and
violence brings Palâdnith to its knees.
The
Goranthian language is lost, spoken only by the few scholars and sorcerers left,
replaced by a more direct, cruder language called the common tongue.
The Sentorân’s
influence in this period gradually wanes, especially towards the end when the
population recovers from the desolation and the six realms formed.
5. The Age of the Realms – this is the current age in Palâdnith.
Just over 350 years ago, the six realms of Paladnith were established: Omagen,
Sude, Farindell, Westhealm, Marl and Cathernis.
During the
first century of this age, the Sentorân retreat to Deep-Spire, with one or two
sorcerers working in the service of the realmlords. However, unlike the Age of
the Kings, the Sentorân’s power is limited.
Year 315 –
Riadamor leaves the Sentorân order and goes into hiding.
Year 322 –
Battle of Deep-Spire. Death of Serina, the last leader of the Sentorân. The
Esquill win. They take possession of Deep-Spire. Riadamor begins tracking down the
remaining Sentorân.
Year 327 –
Riadamor disappears and Marin takes control of the Esquill. Many of Palâdnith’s
realmlords accept Esquill sorcerers into service as advisors, yet there is
still a widespread distrust of sorcery and those who practice it.
Year 357
(early spring) – The first of Riadamor’s servants reaches Dunethport and
attacks Seth Falkyn. Eni Falkyn witnesses a stabbing and is accused of murder.
Val Falkyn is sent on a perilous quest to the Citadel of Lies to retrieve a
mysterious artefact, on behalf of the Realmlord of Farindell.
Our story
begins…
