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First Age -- 1 TH

During the First Age, the elven kingdoms fell into decline and were supplanted by settlements of men; the foremost of these was Thanamor. Years in this age are numbered from the foundation of Thanamor (year 1 Thanamoran, also noted as 1 TH).

Thanamor and the Empire -- 1 TH

The First Age is considered to have begun when colonies from the great city of Thanamor, located on an island in the Southern Gulf, were established in several areas in that Gulf. Within a hundred years, those colonies had become regional capitols, with the Thanamorans ruling a growing empire.

At its peak around 500 TH, the Thanamoran Empire stretched from Incarsus to the Fillimarn Republic (then called the Kingdom of Fillimarn) and Becaramon and included all the major islands of the Southern Gulf. The decline of the empire was slow; around 600 TH Thanamor lost control of the Fillimarn due to an uprising, and similar uprisings were in progress in Myrland and Becaramon by the mid-700's.

During the Cataclysm, the island of Thanamor sunk beneath the waves of the Southern Gulf, forever lost. The empire naturally collapsed; in most cases the Thanamoran governors were quickly overthrown by their former subjects.

The Voyage of Argo -- 125 TH (circa)

The Argus Sea was named after the great Ascaran adventurer Argo. Early in the First Age, this warrior explored most of the northern part of Glain. He mapped much of the Argus, and it became known as the "Sea of Argo", or more simply "Argo's Sea", which eventually changed to the modern form.

Argo was said to be a large man, even for an Ascaran warrior, and wielded a magical battle axe. This axe, named appropriately "The Axe of Argo", is said to have been reforged several times after Argo's death. It disappeared many years ago, and little has been heard of it since long before the end of the First Age.

Serenhai Wars -- 200 TH (circa)

Early in the First Age, Thanamoran traders and missionaries visited most of the southern and eastern coasts of the continent. Numerous trading posts sprang up on the coast south of the Serenhai plains, and initially the tribesmen welcomed the traders.

Eventually, traders and missionaries were followed by colonists, who contended with the tribesmen for their land. When the tribesmen began attacking colonist settlements, the Emperor of Thanamor sent armies to defend them.

Thus began the Serenhai Wars, a series of conflicts punctuated by brief truces and treaties (soon broken by one side or the other). The wars went on for more than two hundred years, and each war ended with the tribesmen controlling less territory.

A young chief of a small tribe named Karsma rose rapidly to military leadership in about 300 TH. From there it was a short step for him to be named Great Chief of the Serenhai. Karsma, called Karsma Megalos (The Great) in the most popular modern translation of the story, led his armies into a new war against the Thanamoran colonies. Initially he was successful, but then the tides of war turned.

No one living knows exactly what Karsma did, but it is believed that he bargained with the darker powers on behalf of his people. It is said by many that he was granted freedom from conquerors for his people for so long as he ruled as Great Chief. Most would expect this to mean, at the very best, fifty more years (as Karsma was then just over thirty years old). Instead, he ruled for more than 500 years!

While the wars still raged, Karsma led his troops into one miraculously successful battle after another; but when the colonists had been driven back to the coastal regions and contained, Karsma went into seclusion. He was seen, at most, two or three days a year, during the Spring Festival; his chief lieutenant, Canas, led the Serenhai people in his absence under the title of Chief-Regent.

Evidently this was enough to satisfy his side of the bargain, and the Serenhai people remained free. Karsma seemed never to age, and one of his chief duties became the appointment of replacements for the Chief-Regent. This became a formality of sorts, since he almost always selected the eldest son of the former Chief-Regent.

Karsma disappeared during or after the Cataclysm in 743 TH; the Serenhai were finally conquered by the invading Roslanian army in 772 TH.

The Independent Cities -- 250 TH (circa)

The Independent Cities were founded early in the Second Age.

Alselinath -- 697 TH

The religious beliefs of the ancient Thanamorans were much different than the more modern religions; they placed major importance on the struggle between Law and Chaos. The Thanamorans considered their empire a great force of Law, and the emperor was believed to be an avatar of the sun god Altalar.

In the later years of the empire, a great philosopher called Zorb of Tunk wrote a monograph entitled Of Law and Evil, or in Thanamoran Alselinath. Zorb created this work to bring attention to the poor treatment of the more recently conquered nations by the Empire; but his book was twisted by followers of a mystic known as Serynd Anekols, who founded a secret society he called Alselinath. Though Serynd was killed in the Cataclysm, Alselinath survived.

In the years after the Cataclysm, several different philosophies arose around the concept of alignment as proposed in Zorb's book. Some accepted the nine alignments of the monograph, while others claimed that the part-neutral alignments didn't occur in the real world, so there would only be five.

Most modern philosophical and theological systems have disclaimed the concept of alignment, as much because of the many divisive arguments the theory caused as anything. Now such discussions are relegated to taverns and public baths.

See Also: Thanamor and the Empire

The Cataclysm -- 743 TH

In the year 743 TH, a series of earthquakes struck all regions of Glain. The power of the quakes increased constantly for more than a month, destroying much of civilization. It is said that, at the peak of this period, the ground never completely stopped shaking for almost a week.

The earthquakes finally died away, and the humans, demi-humans and humanoids began rebuilding. It was premature; about a week after the last earthquake, flaming meteors fell all over Glain, and what they didn't destroy by direct impact was likely burned in the fires that followed.

It was only after that time that the disappearance of Thanamor was discovered. Sages assume that Thanamor sunk during the earthquakes, but no one survived to confirm this tale.

Second Age -- 743 TH

The Second Age of Glain began with the Cataclysm in 743 TH, and is considered to have ended with the formation of the Argossean Empire in 1272 TH.

Rusk War -- 750 TH

Rusk warriors from the Savage Coast invaded Shellas around 750 TH. The war lasted a hundred years, ending with the signing of the Treaty of 851 TH. See the Shellas entry for more information.

Lupinus and Alopex -- 800 TH (circa)

Perhaps the most legendary inhabitants of Glain are the thieves Lupinus and Alopex. Starting from humble beginnings in the northern frontier of Enterone in the Second Age, these two cunning and very lucky men went on to greatness. The events of their lives are so fantastical that most sages discount them; after all, they are said to have ridden dragons, handled many of the artifacts of the gods, and even to have travelled to the moon!

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the story is that it has no ending. Lupinus and Alopex are said to have sailed off in search of a rumored second continent, and never returned.

Gruven Ket assumes power in Vortesia -- 1200 TH

Gruven Ket assumes power in Vortesia.

Third Age -- 1 AR

The Third Age began with the rise of the Argossean Empire in 1272 TH, and continues to the present day. The Emperor decreed the creation of a new calendar in that year, so that the year 1272 Thanamoran would become the year 1 Argossean (or simply 1 AR).

Argossean Empire -- 1 AR

The Argossean Empire was founded almost ten centuries ago by the evil wizard Thassius Phi. His lands stretched around the great Argus Sea, from Glantra to Alambar and back to Montau. Phi ruled his Empire from Danlan, in Roslane. His great armies were sworn to serve only him. Demi-human races were called sub-humans, and made slaves of the Empire.

The Empire dominated the known world for almost two hundred years. It was a dictatorship, and oppressive to some, but most Imperial subjects lived in safety and comfort. Though other nations feared the Empire, none dared to go to war against it. The Undying Emperor used spies and other agents to foment distrust among the neighboring nations, preventing them from rising up against him.

Thassius Phi was relatively kind to the nation of Glantra, assuming control there by means defeating the entire Council of Mages in magical combat. None were slain, and after he had them in his control he agreed to free them in return for their vows of fealty to him. Thassius Phi did this for them in return for their service to him in the past (see the entry for Glantra for more information).

Argossean Rebellion -- 187 AR

At last, in 187 AR, a knight from Alaxtar, Prince Crom Larad, with his stalwart companion, the elf knight Camduke Sorl, entered the Argus Sea in the Ship of Calldarris. The Ship is said to have been magical, since Crom and Camduke passed through the well-defended Strait of Gevering without being seen, and subsequently were rarely detected by the Imperial Navy.

Crom and Camduke met with the existing resistance leaders in the territory of Montau, bringing them weapons and armor both magical and mundane. They helped to organize the resistance into a true rebel army, and they led this army around the Argus to Roslane. This is known as the Great March, and it was a hard-fought battle at each step. While passing through the territory of Alambar in 189 AR the rebel army received much-needed supplies and additional troops from the Southern Gulf nations. When the rebel army reached Roslane the rebels in Glantra attacked from the other side, squeezing Thassius Phi's forces between them.

Crom and Camduke went ahead into Danlan, in search of the evil emperor. Phi attempted to hide deep in his dungeon, but Crom, armed with Grimclaw and Archen, his magic swords, followed him in and slew him there. Though Crom was seriously wounded, Camduke found him, and he survived.

Tombald Rogal, a leader of the resistance, was appointed by Crom Larad as the new Argossean ruler, to rule over a much smaller empire (Roslane and Glantra). He could not hold even this together, however, because of the common sentiment against the empire, and soon ruled only Roslane.

Crom and Camduke sailed in victory back to Alaxtar, where they were greeted as heros. The next year, a Roslanian assassin slew Camduke, and Crom spent three years searching before he found the assassin and slew him. Crom later married a Shellan princess, Sonia, and ruled for a time as King of Alaxtar after his older brother died without heir. He is said to have lived one hundred and twelve years.

Alliance of Argo -- 436 AR

The Alliance of Argo was created in 436 by John D'Kerin, a paladin of Aturahs, and his company of adventurers in Ovarin Dar (now in Montau; then, it was an independent city). The Alliance was an elite group, permitting only capable fighting men of the finest character and reputation. All members of the Alliance swore to "Uphold Justice, fight for the Common Good, and Obey those above your Station." They were led by one called the Prince of Alliance, a man who was always a paladin of Aturahs, so that none would question his orders.

The Alliance did good works and had an excellent reputation for many years, until the Battle of the Deveron Isles brought it all to an end.

Eirkana and Valian -- 517 AR

In 517, the evil witch Eirkana took up residence south of Tishen, in territory technically unclaimed. She oppressed and tormented the few locals until the surrounding area became almost uninhabited.

After three years of this, Eirkana was finally challenged by the good witch Valian. Valian was born on a homestead near Eirkana's holding, but she had been adventuring in far-away lands, and had not known of the arrival of Eirkana. However, when she learned of the evil witch, she returned immediately, only to find that her parents were missing and her home destroyed.

Valian gathered her powers and her allies and assaulted Eirkana's fortress. Eirkana summoned a devil and imprisoned it in a Soulstone, so that she could use its power in her battle with Valian; however, the white witch learned of her plan, and captured the stone by some unknown subterfuge.

Valian realized that the battle could easily result in her own death. She therefore took precautions to ensure that if she died, the Soulstone, as well as other items of evil that she captured, would remain untouched until some later person of Good align could claim them.

Lerrad, Faldren, and Hildron -- 525 AR

In 525, three adventurers began to make a name for themselves in the Southern Gulf region. Lerrad, a paladin of Aturahs, and his companions Faldren and Hildron defeated numerous monsters in the region.

In those days the High Priest of Cluvia had decreed that those with "wild talents," that is, magical powers of unknown origin, were in fact dangerous aberrations. It happens that Lerrad the paladin was such a man, having the ability to generate a powerful mind blast similar to that of a Mind Flayer. He had to hide his power to avoid persecution; eventually, as the trio and their allies were adventuring along the eastern coast of Glain, the secret was revealed.

For many years a lich named Gruven Ket had ruled in the wild northeastern territory of Vortesia. His secret organization, Alselinath, had agents spread throughout the human-inhabited parts of Glain; and it turned out that the three warriors had spoiled some of their plots. Ket learned of Lerrad's powers, and arranged to spread that information among the priesthood of Cluvia.

It should be noted here that Cluvia herself had not ordered her followers to persecute the "talented;" evidently it began as an idle comment by the High Priest which his underlings took for a proclamation. By the time the High Priest learned about it, the "proclamation" was widespread within the faithful and he was too embarrassed to deny it. In time, Cluvia moved against him, and he was removed from power, his "proclamation" revoked.

Before that time came, Lerrad and his companions travelled into Vortesia in a desperate bid to defeat the lich. On a cold winter's day late in 525 AR, the entire group set sail northward from Alambar; this is the last reliable information about them. A week later, a terrible ice storm enveloped Hrothgund, capitol of Vortesia, starting one night and persisting another full day and night. When at last the inhabitants of Hrothgund were again able to move about, Gruven Ket was gone without a trace.

No one knows what really happened, though there are many tales, but Gruvan Ket's evil empire fell and Lerrad, Faldren, and Hildron were never seen again.

Wind Princes of Phalaren -- 597 AR

The Wind Princes liberated Phalaren from its despotic ruler, Lidia Rogal, in 597.

Grand Academy of Sorcery -- 697 AR

The Grand Academy of Sorcery at Callidaro, Glantra was founded in 697 AR by Philmon of Grekon, a master sorceror. He had previously constructed a magical tower in this town, to facilitate the study of a magical well he found there. He took on apprentices, and they became powerful, and likewise took on apprentices, until an Academy had formed.

The current Grand Master of the Academy is Polaris Manator, who has held the office over seventy years. He is said to be a powerful sorceror, capable administrator, and harsh teacher. Manator is a Shellan, who was tutored there, and then attended the Academy.

Recovery of Eirkana's Soulstone -- 875 AR

In 875, apprentice sorceror Malin Tarseus led a band of adventurers in search of the Soulstone of Eirkana (see Eirkana and Valian). They successfully recovered it, as well as other items, and returned the dangerous Soulstone to the Grand Academy of Sorcery in Callidaro, Glantra.

Battle of the Deveron Isles -- 891 AR

In 891, the Prince of the Alliance of Argo, Sir Chadwick of Montau, became convinced that the recently formed Barony of the Deveron Isles was, in fact, the headquarters of an evil sorceror in the mold of Thassius Phi, and he called up the Alliance against it. Baron Malin Tarseus and his stalwart band of former adventurers thus found themselves in a battle against the so-called forces of good.

Sir Chadwick's forces attacked with surprise, and the battle quickly became a bloody one. Alliance forces outnumbered the Baron's troops three to one. Baron Tarseus sent his wife, herself a wizard, to seek assistance from their allies in Glantra. By the time they arrived the Alliance was besieging the Baron's castle.

The leader of the Glantran forces, Admiral Sardus Zan, attempted to parlay with Sir Chadwick, but was refused. At this, Sir Chadwick's lieutenants, who had been unhappy all along about the attack on the Deveron Isles, took him prisoner and ended the battle.

Sir Chadwick was ordered executed by Baron Tarseus, but before sentence could be carried out Sir Chadwick disappeared. His disappearance has never been adequately explained.

The Alliance of Argo faded away quickly after that.