History of Polaqu

Creation and Legends

Overview

Creation myths abound as the many faiths and religions of Polaqu vie for followers. The gods and goddesses may know the truth (if there is one), but meanwhile Their anointed leaders expound Their favored tenets to the betterment of Their worship...

Similary, the many races and cultures of Polaqu have a multitude of accounts of the "ancient times". Shrouded by antiquity, sages for the most part classify these stories as legends. However, there are certain stories known across the seas.

The Watcher

From the beginning of the world, an ageless archmage known as "the Watcher" has recorded the history of Polaqu. The location of his tower ("Zoo-Zeb-Te'es", or "The Tower of Silent Watching") has been attributed to many places but never found. Most accounts say that the Watcher does not speak and employs many assistants, magical and mundance, to help collect information as history continues to unfold.

The Age of Dragons

Legends of an epoch in which dragon-kind ruled the world span many cultures across Polaqu. Indeed, the ancient Draconic language is still studied by scholars far and wide, and underlies many place names in the world.

The stories differ, but most include an idyllic "golden age" followed by a gradual decline and then a sudden violent downfall. One tale has it that the dragons battled amongst themselves, another says there was a protracted war for supremacy with giant-kind that led to near mutual destruction, and still another says that an ancient human race of "dragon wizards" enslaved them for a time until the dragons revolted in a cataclysm that razed both cultures.

The remaining dragon-kind are few and reclusive. However, even those consulted (in the few successful attempts to speak with them on the matter) have admitted that they do not know of the truth.

The World of Antiquity (Circa 3000BC to 1BC)

Year ???

The elves expel the last tribes of orcs, goblins, and kobolds from Nord and proclaim the whole island as the Bright Realm.

Year ???

Culi Kori, the great dwarven kingdom, was formed by King Hadrad Thickbeard.

Modern Times (1CR to present)

Year ???2

The Confederacy of Sandobar was created under the rule of Sir Percevus Hoss.

Recent Events

Year 723

After rising tensions between the nations over territory disputes, treaties of protection began to appear. It first began with a treaty between the dwarven nation of Culi Kori and the human nation of Stormhold, but slowly the nations were locked in a confusing network of treaties.

Year 771

The great half-orc Fruhak Half-Blood, He Whose Fists Crack Many Skulls, kills his father via unarmed decapitation to gain control of the orcish tribe Krish. As a half-orc, Fruhak is forced to prove his worth at every turn. This has the unfortunate effect of making him the most savage and ruthless leader the tribe has ever known.

Year 778

The orcs of Krish invade Nord to war on their ancient elven foes. This invasion triggers the treaties of protection and soon most realms are embroiled in war. The sealanes darken with blood, lands are devastated, rulers fall, and the world is thrust into turmoil.