Age of Legends
When pondering the origins of the Valmarans, speculation reigns supreme. Some insist they were among the revered Firstborn races, standing shoulder to shoulder with the mighty Dragons. Others argue they were mortal men who, through mysterious means, unraveled the deepest secrets of magic. Others claim that they were actually a seventh form of Giantkind. Regardless of the truth, their legacy endures.
Their civilization, surpassing all that came before or after, leaves an indelible mark upon the world. Ruins, scattered throughout the lands of Amar and beyond, stand as silent witnesses to their greatness. These remnants bear testament to the splendor of Valmaran culture, a testament that echoes through the ages.
Valmarans and the Second Born races
Concerning the Second Born races, Humans and Elves, there is little to nothing to prove that elves were awake during the early time of the Valmarans; but is it for sure that human cave carvings establish human tribes at this time. Since that both the Elves and Men are considered the Second Born races, it only makes sense that elves were present even without the lack of written proof. Possibly the Valmaran considered the Second Born races to be so beneath them that this is the reason for no mention of the elves or possibly that the elves were that skilled in evasion and non-detection.
Height of Valmaran Civilization (-2500 …almost 5000 years ago)
At its zenith, the Valmaran Empire stretched across the expansive reaches of the northern lands of Amar, encompassing the vast expanse surrounding the Sea of Ice and Fire. Although the Valmarans were never numerous, their unparalleled prowess in combat and mastery of the arcane arts ensured their dominion over all other races. Legends abound of their control over both Dragons and giantkind, bending these ancient races to their will.
Even the nomadic tribes of the northern lands, still in their infancy, acknowledged the Valmarans as their masters. Over time, the Valmaran people established five powerful kingdoms, each ruled by the most formidable among them. From these realms emerged an Emperor, chosen from the ranks of the ruling houses upon the passing of the previous sovereign. Those who resisted were vanquished or compelled to bend the knee to their new overlord, solidifying the supremacy of the Valmaran Empire.
Valmaran Decline (-2200 to -1000 New Calendar)
The great Valmaran empire is in its decline. Much has been written on the cause of this gradual collapse. Many contribute this downfall to many centuries of decadence and debauchery. There is no doubt that there was infighting among the 5 great houses of the Valmarans and this certainly contributed to the decline. But even at this time of decline, the Valmarans rule the north over man and dragons.
The war with Nedoreth (-2000 to -1350)
Emissaries from the Valmarans invite the Nedorethan nobility north for a great feast. The Elven King of Nedoreth and most of his family are captured and imprisoned by the Valmaran in the fortress Citadel Cressagrimdum also known as the Dragonforge. The war between Nedoreth and the Valmarans would last almost 700 years with great loses on both sides. This war can be one of the main causes of the fall of the great Valmaran civilization.
Time of the Immortals (-1300 to -1000)
Time of the Immortals – For the next 300 years the gods are brought into the war of the First Born. Both the Elemental Gods and Dark Court arm “immortal” champions to aid their side in the war. War rages across the North as Valmarans, elves, men and the immortals clash. The First Battle of the Battlemoor occurs during this time and is the final nail in the Valmaran’s coffin. Surviving Valmaran warlords retreat to consolidate power around their areas of influence. An elven prodigy, named Saerix is born in the elven kingdom of Nedoreth.
Ruin of Mortals / Age of Darkness (-1000 to 0)
The Sky Father, angered by the involvement of the gods with mortals, begins “The Ruin of Mortals” which would last 1000 years and cleans the world. The Northlands are torn and during this time the fall of the Valmaran empire occurs. This is a time of isolationism as humans and elves regroup to recover from the Valmaran wars. The elven kingdom of Nedoreth blocks its borders and begins a large period of isolation.
During the wars of the Cataclysm, great destruction rained across the many lands of Amar. Much of this history is lost and it is known as the age of Darkness. Broken remnants of history speak of battles raging where mountains were leveled and islands sinking into the sea. A time where fire rained from the sky and civilizations were swallowed up.
NC1 – Northlandic Calendar
Barbarian Jarl, Ulfrik Stormborn, of Kallekot claims victory over neighboring warlords. Claiming to be King of Kings or Jarl of Jarls. While his claim is questioned by other powerful warlords of the Sea of Ice and Fire, the one thing he does do is that he ordains the Northlandic Calendar (NC) from which northern history is based upon.