Time and History (Setting Supplement)
History
The History of the Gondwana Archipelago is divided into three stages with an elusive fourth stage said to be a period beforehand known as the Great Extinction... it is rumored that the Great Extinction is cyclical and could happen once again at the end of the Iron Age.
The Great Extinction: This was a period where Gondwana was once a tropical paradise but suddenly obliterated with fire, ice and desertification... multiple species became extinct and various humanoid races were wiped from the face of Gondwana.
Stone Age/Age of Wonders; This was the period that humans discovered the ancient world-stones and the transmuting magic of these monoliths changed people into the various new races over time.... hence the Amhara elves were born in the east, the Bantu dwarves were born in the west and the Twa halflings were born in the central rainforests. The Great World-stones also preserved many of the Dinosaurs from the great extinction that happened previously. The Forests expand and the land swiftly recovers within a few centuries... relics and ruins from the previous age can be found throughout the land. Some Neolithic cities are built and magic is mastered in this period. Pyramids are being built in this pyramid but are somewhat crude.
Bronze Age/Wind Age; Humans, Bantu, Amhara begin building great kingdoms throughout the land. The Twa begin to learn how to domesticate the dinosaurs in the great regions of Gwongo, Txalacala and Xolteca. The Gods of Suqqatra can occasionally be found on earth in their avatars, battling amongst themselves or forming alliances. The Great Wizard colleges are constructed in the lands of Quajjari and Suqqatra. Zoros the prophet becomes the leader of Quajjari pantheon and converts the gods and spirits to pay respect and fealty to the greater God Ashyuran. This is also a great period of massive hurricanes and typhoons which spill across from the Tlaxcala seas. Zolecta rises as a massive military empire but faces several internal struggles and infighting.
Iron Age/Age of Corruption; Tragically this is the final age, the Empire of Xolteca collapses into civil war and the lands of Suqqatra sees the death of their last pharaoh and the last of the line of Osiris is wiped from the earth. The Emperor Soumaro rises from Njani and conquers the kingdoms of Walata while enslaving captives and refugees to make himself incredibly rich. The King of Walata, Sunjata flees to the great deserts of El-Nagi. Ruthless pirate fleets rise on the islands of Tlaxcala and raid both Gondwana and Xolteca while also secretly purchasing slaves from Soumaro's vast empire in the West. It is prophesized that the Heroes of this time period can rise up and overthrow the great evils that plague this land and bring about an age of peace. Our Heroes begin their lives in the beginning of the Iron Age.
King Ruganzu of Gwawanda has lost his legendary spear in the Mountain of Gitama near the northern lake of Kivu, the mountainous lands of Gambela with several volcanic tunnels. It is said that trade has ceased in the north between Axum and Gwawanda has ceased because a small kingdom of Bouda (Hyena men) has established itself in this region, If King Ruganzu ever finds his legendary spear he will flood the hyena men in their tunnels with the lake water of Kivu. When reunited with his mighty spear it is said the Giant King can split boulders in half as well as punch holes through the bottom of lakes to flood the tunnels below the earth.
Queen Sheeba of Axum of Axum is known to protect a vast labyrinth of the divine; Magi and paladins alike seek this deadly place to acquire great magical potency and deadly artifacts stored in this facility. Queen Sheeba is said the be both incredibly lovely as well as have an insatiable lust.
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