The Vathian peoples spread across the world and build mighty empires. Their triumphs, rivalries, and endless wars unknowingly nourish the lingering influence of Vel.
Beneath the smoking peaks of the Halderin, Red and Blue Gahlians establish workings among steam vents, tundra, and fire-forest margins. Here flame and ice become steam. This early settlement does not yet bear the name Candemir; that joint city will take shape around it when the Duranine arrive and refine what the Gahlians have begun.
Born from the twin legacies of fire and water, the Gahlians mastered both creation and adaptation. Great forges, shipyards, and workshops rose throughout their lands as artisans and engineers transformed ideas into reality. From these halls emerged the first airships, mechanical marvels, and innovations that would carry their influence far beyond their borders.
Where once stretched endless grasslands, the Vahlwood erupts into existence. Twisted by ancient conflict and nurtured by Kalthi's touch, it becomes both sanctuary and labyrinth for the Kalthir.
To protect the Vahlwood for all ages, Kalthi, before she fractured, fashioned five mighty queens from earth, instinct, and devotion. Known as the Orm-Mara, these ancient matriarchs rule sprawling colonies beneath the roots of the World-Tree, nurturing its foundations as faithfully as the Kalthir guard its branches. Their vigilance has endured through wars, calamities, and the passing of countless generations.
Kalthi never intended the Orm-Mara to be beasts of burden, nor the Kalthir to be their masters. Instead, she taught them to grow together as partners, each dependent upon the other. Upon the backs of the great guardians, Kalthir wardens journey throughout the Vahlwood, ensuring that the balance of life remains protected from root to crown.
The Pahric establish the Great Library of Zal'Mek. From its observatories and endless archives, they record the stars above and the destinies unfolding below.
Guided by Jatu's desire for discovery, the Pahric raise the Great Library of Zemek as a monument to knowledge itself. Within its halls, Santesh Cores preserve the wisdom of generations, while observatories and colleges stretch toward the stars in search of new truths. Every question answered becomes the beginning of another journey.
The Ezhani descend into Rhuna's hidden depths, uncovering wonders untouched by sunlight. Through friendship with the Zaltar, they bring light into realms that had never known the sky.
Blind to the world above, the Ezhani listen to the song beneath it. Gathered around the radiant Shard, their voices rise in perfect harmony, resonating through stone, crystal, and water alike. From this sacred chorus flows the Auralynne, carrying their unseen blessing across the world.
The Daathru establish Vendrath in the northern reaches of Rhuna. There they provide sanctuary for the Tangled-blooded and those who struggle to find belonging elsewhere.
The Tyrru emerge as silent watchers of Balance. Ever vigilant, they guard the health of Rhun and the harmony of the living world.
Upon the storm-torn cliffs of Asherak, the Uthuru raise Hrolkrug from iron, bone, and ruin. It becomes a monument to chaos, survival, and unbroken will.
The warbands of the Uthuru descend upon the Vathian realms, driving monstrous beasts from scattered Wither pockets before them. Fueled by Vel's corruption and hardened by generations of struggle, they leave ruin in their wake. What follows is not a war of years, but decades of bloodshed that reshape the world. .