The Making (pre-History)Since the dawn of time, the continent of Ambria was covered by glacier and ice. Giants and dragons battled for centuries over control of the frozen lands. Despite being betrayed by their frost giant brothers (exiled to the far north), the giants proved victorious. The giants' ruler, an immortal known as the Storm King (real name is Balon Thunderhorn), drives the majority of dragons from Ambria. He later begins to hunt down the remaining dragons for sport.
Mountains of Blood (Year 0)First known recorded history begins with the emergence of the dwarves. Centuries of bloody conflict occurs as the dwarves try to make their homes both above and below the mountains. War is waged with both the fire giants that lurk below the mountains and the Storm King's tribes that rule above. This era is known as the Battle of the First Stone, for it was all recorded upon a huge dwarven monolith.
Fire and Scales (1-338)Tieflings of Valhedar rise and conquer Ancient Serilia (formerly human ruled kingdoms). Their infernal numbers grow. Human refugees migrate to Ambria, Kingsmarch, and the Durning Highlands. The Infernal Empire grows and expands, conquering the Azran desert to the south (continent of Zangala).
Fire and Scales (338-348)Tiefling explorers report numerous gold mines manned by "weak" slaves in the mountains south of desert expanse. Next decade is spent amassing troops and resources to invade and conquer the Blackscale Mountains.
Fire and Scales (348)Tieflings first encounter and clash (horribly) with legions of the mighty yuan-ti empire. By using their natural psionic abilities, influence over the numerous serpents that resided with the mountains, and mysterious "pagan" rituals the yuan-ti quickly forced a tiefling retreat. The legions of Valhedar focuses their attentions and desires to expand and conquer to the northern realms.
The Great Migrations/Settlement of the West (300-500) Human refugees take the time to settle and begin building new empires. Their influence and domain quickly begins to spread and grow, forming permanent settlements and eventually cities (the known kingdoms). Life is relatively peaceful and prosperous, during these times.
Conflicts in the West (581-582)Valhedar tires of plotting and planning and now seeks to expand its empire once more. Tiefling warships reach the human island of Ebernath. Anderlanders, not wishing to be invaded, manage to finagle the tiefling emissaries into a truce; convincing them that the western lands of the Kingsmarch were much better targets to invade and conquer. Tiefling troops return to Valhedar to prepare for war.
Conflicts in the West (592)After a decade of tedious preparation, the tieflings begin their assault upon the lands of the Kingsmarch. War ensues. The nobles of the Kingsmarch were ill-prepared for such an invasion; preferring to fight amongst themselves over courses of action rather than rally together. If not for King Enir uniting what clans he could before the invasion took place, all would have been lost.
Conflicts in the West (596)Valhedrin forces conquer the Emerlyn peninsula and cross the Shield River for the first and only time. Despite their apparent superiority, the tiefling advance was halted and eventually repelled; largely in part due to King Enir's and his skillful mounted knights.
Conflicts in the West (600)The tiefling invasion of Kingsmarch officially ends. Enemy forces withdraw back across the Shield, consolidating their forces to handle other imminent threats presented (minotaurs and other threats from lower Stormfells threatened to spill out into the territory they just conquered.)
The Last War (circa 700)After centuries of warring with giants both above and below the Stormfells, one last war is fought. The dwarves are united under the dwarven rule and leadership of High King Hael Ironforge. The war was a long and bloody one, ending when an uneasy truce is eventually signed. For the most part life returns to normal for both races, though tensions and prejudices remain high. The Last War marked a pivotal time for ogres and minotaurs, one race embracing giant rule the other rebelling against it. Within a decade (circa 710) the minotaurs rebel from their giant masters. Eventually the giants grow tired of the rebellion and quickly crush it, scattering the survivors to the four corners of the realm.
The Goblin Wars (early 700's)Goblinoid races of the north begin a series of raids and invasions into Anderland. The humans of the region are ill-prepared and bloody slaughter ensues. Luckily enemy forces withdraw by spring, having taken what supplies were needed. Rulers of the Seven Cities decide such an event will never occur again. Measures taken to do so.
An Uneasy Peace (circa 701-800)Anderland takes time to prepare defenses against further invasions. Numerous forts and troops are raised; one of which being the Griffin Company (group of vigilant ranger-knights who patrol the realm in search of invasion).
The fey known as gnomes and elves enter the known realm through a portal located in the primeval forestlands of Sildanyr. Their emergence goes unnoticed by the outside world.
Other than occasional border conflicts by the forces of Valhedar and fire giants all civilizations take the time to grow and prosper, raising armies, monuments, and cities.
Discovery of Tamerland (967-972)Maruphel of Seagarden sails west across the Sunset Reach, returning with tales of a wild new land, untamed and undiscovered (Tamerland). The next 30 years are spent attracting explorers and/or adventurers, slowly colonizing the region forming the frontier town of Landsgate.
The Kingsmarch Invasion (995)While the rest of the world was consumed exploring Tamerland (Maruphel's discovery) the tieflings plotted their next assault on the Kingsmarch. They attempt a second invasion, this time rumored to have the assistance of the mighty yuan-ti.
The soldiers of the Kingsmarch, though still under the rule of more than one king, were different; having directed their hostilities and differences into codes of chivalry and honor. Fueled by this, one of the bloodiest battles ensues.
Once again the Valhedrin legion was repelled, this time by a single female of unwavering courage (Valia Perenor) and her knights adamant. Valia single-handedly lead her knights literally into the pits of hell, breaking through the tieflings' seemingly impenetrable line of defense. Though the battle was won, the war is far from over.
Current Day (997)Dwarves and giants stand opposite one another in an uneasy truce, the fire giants below periodically waging havoc, threatening open war. The elves of Sildanyr are engaged in a full-fledged civil war (the night elves influenced by a mysterious immortal named Lathail), as the humans of the west recoup from their own bloodshed. The new continent of Tamerland draws adventurers to it on a daily basis, each day revealing more and more of its dark secrets. The tiefling legions of Valhedar constantly plots and plans its next conquest. Tis truly a Time of Legends!
Mountains of Blood (Year 0)First known recorded history begins with the emergence of the dwarves. Centuries of bloody conflict occurs as the dwarves try to make their homes both above and below the mountains. War is waged with both the fire giants that lurk below the mountains and the Storm King's tribes that rule above. This era is known as the Battle of the First Stone, for it was all recorded upon a huge dwarven monolith.
Fire and Scales (1-338)Tieflings of Valhedar rise and conquer Ancient Serilia (formerly human ruled kingdoms). Their infernal numbers grow. Human refugees migrate to Ambria, Kingsmarch, and the Durning Highlands. The Infernal Empire grows and expands, conquering the Azran desert to the south (continent of Zangala).
Fire and Scales (338-348)Tiefling explorers report numerous gold mines manned by "weak" slaves in the mountains south of desert expanse. Next decade is spent amassing troops and resources to invade and conquer the Blackscale Mountains.
Fire and Scales (348)Tieflings first encounter and clash (horribly) with legions of the mighty yuan-ti empire. By using their natural psionic abilities, influence over the numerous serpents that resided with the mountains, and mysterious "pagan" rituals the yuan-ti quickly forced a tiefling retreat. The legions of Valhedar focuses their attentions and desires to expand and conquer to the northern realms.
The Great Migrations/Settlement of the West (300-500) Human refugees take the time to settle and begin building new empires. Their influence and domain quickly begins to spread and grow, forming permanent settlements and eventually cities (the known kingdoms). Life is relatively peaceful and prosperous, during these times.
Conflicts in the West (581-582)Valhedar tires of plotting and planning and now seeks to expand its empire once more. Tiefling warships reach the human island of Ebernath. Anderlanders, not wishing to be invaded, manage to finagle the tiefling emissaries into a truce; convincing them that the western lands of the Kingsmarch were much better targets to invade and conquer. Tiefling troops return to Valhedar to prepare for war.
Conflicts in the West (592)After a decade of tedious preparation, the tieflings begin their assault upon the lands of the Kingsmarch. War ensues. The nobles of the Kingsmarch were ill-prepared for such an invasion; preferring to fight amongst themselves over courses of action rather than rally together. If not for King Enir uniting what clans he could before the invasion took place, all would have been lost.
Conflicts in the West (596)Valhedrin forces conquer the Emerlyn peninsula and cross the Shield River for the first and only time. Despite their apparent superiority, the tiefling advance was halted and eventually repelled; largely in part due to King Enir's and his skillful mounted knights.
Conflicts in the West (600)The tiefling invasion of Kingsmarch officially ends. Enemy forces withdraw back across the Shield, consolidating their forces to handle other imminent threats presented (minotaurs and other threats from lower Stormfells threatened to spill out into the territory they just conquered.)
The Last War (circa 700)After centuries of warring with giants both above and below the Stormfells, one last war is fought. The dwarves are united under the dwarven rule and leadership of High King Hael Ironforge. The war was a long and bloody one, ending when an uneasy truce is eventually signed. For the most part life returns to normal for both races, though tensions and prejudices remain high. The Last War marked a pivotal time for ogres and minotaurs, one race embracing giant rule the other rebelling against it. Within a decade (circa 710) the minotaurs rebel from their giant masters. Eventually the giants grow tired of the rebellion and quickly crush it, scattering the survivors to the four corners of the realm.
The Goblin Wars (early 700's)Goblinoid races of the north begin a series of raids and invasions into Anderland. The humans of the region are ill-prepared and bloody slaughter ensues. Luckily enemy forces withdraw by spring, having taken what supplies were needed. Rulers of the Seven Cities decide such an event will never occur again. Measures taken to do so.
An Uneasy Peace (circa 701-800)Anderland takes time to prepare defenses against further invasions. Numerous forts and troops are raised; one of which being the Griffin Company (group of vigilant ranger-knights who patrol the realm in search of invasion).
The fey known as gnomes and elves enter the known realm through a portal located in the primeval forestlands of Sildanyr. Their emergence goes unnoticed by the outside world.
Other than occasional border conflicts by the forces of Valhedar and fire giants all civilizations take the time to grow and prosper, raising armies, monuments, and cities.
Discovery of Tamerland (967-972)Maruphel of Seagarden sails west across the Sunset Reach, returning with tales of a wild new land, untamed and undiscovered (Tamerland). The next 30 years are spent attracting explorers and/or adventurers, slowly colonizing the region forming the frontier town of Landsgate.
The Kingsmarch Invasion (995)While the rest of the world was consumed exploring Tamerland (Maruphel's discovery) the tieflings plotted their next assault on the Kingsmarch. They attempt a second invasion, this time rumored to have the assistance of the mighty yuan-ti.
The soldiers of the Kingsmarch, though still under the rule of more than one king, were different; having directed their hostilities and differences into codes of chivalry and honor. Fueled by this, one of the bloodiest battles ensues.
Once again the Valhedrin legion was repelled, this time by a single female of unwavering courage (Valia Perenor) and her knights adamant. Valia single-handedly lead her knights literally into the pits of hell, breaking through the tieflings' seemingly impenetrable line of defense. Though the battle was won, the war is far from over.
Current Day (997)Dwarves and giants stand opposite one another in an uneasy truce, the fire giants below periodically waging havoc, threatening open war. The elves of Sildanyr are engaged in a full-fledged civil war (the night elves influenced by a mysterious immortal named Lathail), as the humans of the west recoup from their own bloodshed. The new continent of Tamerland draws adventurers to it on a daily basis, each day revealing more and more of its dark secrets. The tiefling legions of Valhedar constantly plots and plans its next conquest. Tis truly a Time of Legends!