The Wildlands is a place of Magic. It flows through the entire place, one stepping into the land for the first time would think they've been transported to another plane. The grass shimmers in the dark, sometimes making patterns of light that sweep across all of the land. The trees give off magical flowers, some bloom for only a few minutes before releasing into wondrous lights. Creatures aren't normal here either, even the most mundane animal seems to have been touched by the weave. The rivers are full of magic themselves and seem to be the source of the magic, as it carries it through the lands. ====== Timeline ====== **-33,000 SG: Nue and Akumuyami** Nue and Akumuyami battled for tens of thousands of years prior through different realms. As if echoes of Edea and Ashra still warring. Once the waters and glaciers retreated, Nue sprung forth from the realms of Light and life, and made its home in the ancient Wildlands and began to slumber. ====== -9000 SG to –3000 SG: The Wildlands ====== **-9000 SG:** The Senzokuans and Maalish feud for hundreds perhaps thousands of years beforehand, many leading to bloody battles and atrocities on both sides. The reason for these feuds are lost to time but many believe it is due to the fact the Senzokuans openly welcomed magic while the Maalish held it at arm's length. Perhaps resources? Perhaps a Kitsune playing tricks? The Wildlands is home to roaming Wild Elves who tend to prefer nature's embrace to that of settling in permanent locations. Other groups of elves find permanent homes settling in small groves. **-8000 SG:** After large scale battle between two major settlements of Maalish and Seknzokuans a Thousand Year war begins. The Maalish outnumbered the Senzokuans vastly and mobilized across the Wildlands. Senzokuans were vastly outnumbered but due to their vicinity of the magic filled rivers their magics and well-fortified towns made them formidable. The Roaming Wild Elves retreat to plateaus and stay away from the two warring factions. While other elves choose sides and fight. **-7800 SG:** The Senzokuans settlements all reach an agreement to form an alliance to better counter their enemies. Any settlement that refused was razed and pillaged, sparking small battles within the Senzokuans. The During this time, many Maalish were not required to fight, as their numbers were so great. So many had the ability to settle and create vast cliffside settlements. **-7400 SG:** Wild Elves and the Maalish work together to peer into the lands, feeling the spirits that surrounded them. Together they performed a ritual near the northeastern area, that rippled across the magical land. Spirits became visible throughout the lands. Many giving them names as Yokai, Ori, Vodou or Gwinsin. The ritual used the energies of the lands to bring forth the energies of the Feywild to seep through the Wildlands, like bringing the two planes a close and thinning the veil. Spirits of the lands can become imbued with the magic and now living populations with their influence as well. Giving rise to more Feytouched in the Wildlands. **-7000 SG:** The Maalish and the Senzokuans had warred for a thousand years now, and the Senzokuans are nearly lost. The remaining group of Senzokuans, which consisted of the Jinshu, Gyeongju, Zhongzu and Loai people, made the long journey from other parts of the Wildlands, which has been dominated by the Maalish, to a vast circular valley. What had led them there is a champion amongst the surviving Senzo, Shin Akimitsu, who had a vision of the valley. **-6990 SG:** The Senzokuan people build up a large enough town and formally declare a name and ruler. Daitokai and the first Shogunate, Shin Akimitsu. **-6985 SG:** The Maalish tribes rule the Wildlands and they settle much of it. The Wild Elves remain on their plateaus, building up around, however still travel out as young elves yearn to explore. **-6600 SG:** As the Maalish numbers grew to large, they war among themselves, as resources get stripped from the lands. **-6500 SG:** The Strix make their way from the North part of the Wildlands, and settle a few plateaus of the north area. **-6400 SG:** The Maalish wars last for a hundred fifty years and eventually only four Major Clans remain. The Mwani, Habe, Nanse, and Mbio. They come to an agreement that the war needs to end and divide the Wildlands into equal and fair parts. While the Strix expand further to nearby lands. **-6300 SG** As the Strix expand, they come into contact with several groups of monsters, elves and the Maalish people. Relations between monsters never hold anywhere and they are always bloodied, but whether it was miscommunications or misconceptions or something else, the Strix came under attack by the Maalish. This led to small battles, making the Strix retreat back to their plateaus and push back in a tug of war for land and resources. This was the start of the deterioration relations between the Wild Elves and Maalish. **-6000 SG:** The population of the Senzo people recover and over time a feudal system is established. Soon 9 Major Noble Clans are named. The 10th being the Shogunate's house. Each with distinct tasks.- Akimitsu- The Shogunate. The ruling Clan of all the Senzokuans. Hayashi – The Border Watchers. They are tasked with keeping an eye beyond the Valley, from the peaks of the mountains that surround it. Shimizu – The Protectors of the Waters. They are tasked to ensure the waters are pure and clean, and maintained. Yamada – The Cultivators. They are tasked with making sure everyone is fed. Nakamura – The Law Keepers. They are tasked to keep the law within the Valley. Takao – The Warriors. They are tasked with leading the Army. Yukimura – The Mages and Scholars. They are the ones that choose what is taught in schools as well as lead them and all the head mages. Yang – The Scouts and Spies. They are tasked with heading abroad to gather information for the Shogunate. Whether that is within the Valley, the Wildlands or beyond. Xu – The Religious. They are tasked with overseeing the religious affairs within the border. Yun- The Merchants and Diplomats. They are tasked with keeping relations not only among other settlements but within Daitokai as well. As well as ensuring all business is conducted fairly. **-5900 SG ** Feuding and distrust spread far among the Wild Elf Groves and Maalish, blaming the Maalish for their dead due to the fighting between the Strix and everyone. Strix attacks became monstrous and vicious, tales of their horrifying attacks would last for thousands of years. Strix start to hold every race at arm's length and attack any non-Strix on sight. **-5850 SG:** The Maalish people are among the first people in the Wildlands to bring the roaming spirits of the Wildlands into their culture. The name they call them are Ori. Many focus their worship to these spirits. **-5800 SG:** The Maalish Clans in the north realized they can use spirits to power themselves and create equipment that is enchanted with them. And begun doing so, in order to gain power and more control over the Wildlands. The Wild Elves and the rest of the elves found out, and condemned the actions. They were told to cease, but did not, severing any last good will between the two peoples. The Wild Elves starting fighting the Northern Maalish clans in order release the spirits. **-5795 SG:** Fighting between the Maalish and Elves grew till other Clans of Maalish caught wind of what was going on and joined. A truce was made and all those who practiced such magics were executed or banished from the Wildlands. This did not mend relations with the Elves, and degree that humans can not be trusted, then retreated back to their plateaus and Groves. **-5600 SG:** Stories of Ogres, Oni, trolls, Goblins and other beasts spread far, their horrible deeds and attacks begin to grow more frequent. **-4500 SG:** Many spirits spread throughout the land yet at the sight of the ritual, a vast numbered gathered, giving the forest that dominates the region the name; Forest of Spirits. **-4300 SG:** Monsters and non-human races take hold of various portions of the wildlands. From Oni, Ogres to Hobgoblins and Goblins and Beastkin. Tengu, Trolls and Yuan-Ti. **-4000 SG:** The Senzokuan that arrived in the Valley were protected, they settled near the sapling of a tree that one day will become the giant Sakura tree in the center of the Valley, and for 3000 years the war seemed over. The Maalish had lost track of them because the Valley became sealed and protected by powerful magics. However a singular scout from the Habe tribe had found them and informed the other Maalish Clans. **-3998 SG:** The great Clan Leaders of the Maalish meet to discuss what they should do as having found their old enemy. It takes 2 years for all of the Maalish Clans to formulate a plan and an army vast enough to gather. But they send forth a messenger in order to formulate a peace before the war ignites. The Shogunate of the time, fearful as well of what may happen and sense a trap he orders the execution of the messenger and ordered to attack. The Maalish then proceeded to launch their counter-attack. And what was expected to be a quick an decisive victory, turned into a 10 year long siege. **-3987 SG:** The Maalish brought together their entire magical force to bare on the northern mountains of the valley. And what happened next would change the Wildlands forever. They unleashed a powerful ritual, destroying two mountain peaks and creating a massive hole in the defenses of the Senzokuans. Before the Maalish could take the opening, the tree in the center grew and grew, and began to glow. It unleashed a warmth and light that calmed all around it. A massive wave of water formed and carved out a vast river leading out of the valley. These magical water carried out and through the Wildlands changing it forever. Magic seemed to spring forth from every corner and the Wildlands was revitalized and changed. The long war between the two peoples finally came to an end, and the Senzokuan people held their Shogunate accountable on an avoidable war. The Prince was named ruler and the former Shogunate executed and head brought to the Maalish. Peace was negotiated and the Maalish people left. However some chose to stay and were even invited to do so, but they took of residence near the valley walls and the cliffs of the mountains. **-3900 SG:** Many Senzokuans set out to reclaim lost lands and homes from their past and resettle the rivers of the Wildlands. And the old enemies became friends, working to build their new homes together. Many settlements grew into cohabitation of both peoples, with the Senzokuans settling the valley floors and the Maalish the mountain cliffs. **-3800 SG:** The first Maalish Noble Clan, Onai, named in the Daitokai, who now work with the Hayashi Clan in protecting the border and Leaders of Spiritual Relations. **-3700 SG:** A powerful vortex opens above the one city and out spews forth shadowy wooden aberrations. They lay siege to Daitokai, attacking it's citizens. For the First time since the founding of the city, the central tree shined bright, expelling all the shadowy monsters from within the wall and closed the portal above. The Shogunate at the time, Sho Akimitsu was given a vision of Nue and Akumuyami. And given a mission that the One City would take on. **-3699 SG:** The entire city began a rework and reconstruction, building up large walls in circular patterns within the city, and magical barriers and plans for mage towers. The Daitokai gathered a large army and asked the Maalish for aid, making the largest army that the Wildlands have ever seen. **-3695 SG:** Attacks by the shadowy aberrations became frequent across the lands, but the army was not prepared and set off towards the northeast of the Wildlands, deep into the mountain range. They fought bravely, and met with not only monsters but the Shadowy Aberrations what were given the name Shinzen. Once they arrived it was as the leaders of the army was told, a singular rotten tree that seemed to corrupt and destroy all life within the surrounding area. The armies gathered their magical casters and launced an attack on the tree, nothing would work, the tree was from harm. The Shogunate Sho Akimitsu, told his generals and the Maalish generals what he has to do. With the blessings bestowed upon him, he named his son Shin Akimitsu ruler and then walked down towards the tree. His Samurai followed, protecting him along the way from the Shinzen. Holding his hand out at the tree, it said that it was a light that was brighter than anything they had seen, and with a flash it was over. The tree turned to dust in the wind, an what came forth was the true challenge. The essence of the Tree was set free and out came the Night Corruptor, but it was in a weakened state due to the Shogunate. The army started it's battle with the creature, and even so, suffered heavy losses. More than three quarters would not make it back. But the creature was defeated, and the young Shogunate was given a vision, and he relayed it to the remaining generals. The 7 priests were asked from the lot to sacrifice themselves in order to contain the pieces. Without hesitation everyone raised their hands, both Maalish and Senzo alike. 7 were chosen and they performed a ritual that prepared their bodies to contain the pieces of the night corruptor as they severed them. Ryo Yasuda (Speaker of the Kami) Sealer of the First Box Badru Balewa (Seer of the Habe Clan) Sealer of the Second box Jahira Bello (Shaman of Ori) Sealer of the Third Box Aki Koyama (Priest of the Okami) Sealer of the Fourth Box Jae Bong (Seer of the Kami) Sealer of the Fifth Box Gen Zhao (Soothsayer of the Kami) Sealer of the Sixith Box Iseul Jang (Priestess of the Kami) Sealer of the Seventh Box **Individual Names Not Known Yet** Each given a piece and sealed within their bodies. This act alone killed them, and as each was sealed their bodies taken set aside, preserving them with magics. Once the final piece of the Night Corruptor was sealed, the Shinzen vanished, and the Shogunate ordered the valley to be destroyed. The remaining mages, casters and priests called upon the last of their strengths to topple mountains and bury the valley in hopes to never allow the tree to take root. The remainder of the army returned to the One City and 7 boxes of gold were made. Each then given several dozen guard to protect and spread to far away lands, apart from one another. What they didn't know.. Is at the end. A single seed from the tree was carried off by a Shinzen and dropped, and it's roots taking hold slowly for the next thousands of years to take hold. **(Not known to history just here for reader's pleasure)** **-3650 SG:** After 50 years, four mage towers are built within the Daitokai to protect it from future assaults and aid in magical endeavours. **-3400 SG** Over time the influence of Daitokai had spread far, and several outposts are set up, towns and river settlements all become part of the One City's grasp and the Shogunate along with the Noble Clans of the city declare Daitokai to the be capital of all the Wildlands. **-3389 SG** Daitokai's self proclaimed rule of the Clans is met with mistrust all over, the Maalish Clan leaders meet with the Shogunate and they work out an agreement on making sure land is shared and honoured. However this agreement only extend as far as the Maalish. The Elves only send a diplomat to ensure their land is kept out of any rule. Which it was. **-3100 SG** A golden dragon egg was found near the base of the tree and was taken in by the Shogunate. It would take over a hundred years to hatch the egg. ====== 3000 SG to Present: ====== **-3000 SG** The Golden dragon egg hatched and rose out of it a Golden Sovereign dragon who was named Kusumera and given the name Akimitsu, bringing her to the house of the Shogunate. **-2000 SG** For the next 1400 years, things seemed peaceful in the Wildlands, time of magical advancement and technological advancement was great. But soon... The seed that was planted long ago, that had not been dealt with made it's influence. Slowly gathering strength all this time and enraging and powering those with already dark origins, like monsters. Ogres, Oni, Goblins, trolls, and more. This would start the rampage of the beasts, and they would start roaming the lands and expanding, destroying and taking. **-1899 SG** Daitokai responded to these attacks, along with the Maalish Clans. But the average human was no match for the average monster. But by working together, the Maalish and Senzokuans were able to push back. **-1000 SG** Influence of Daitokai started to dwindle, due to the growing populations of the Senzokuans and Maalish outside it's walls. They realized that they could never control it without great effort. So in order to diminish their own existence the Shogunate declared a law that no one may leave or enter the city. Anyone who wished to stay can stay, but they have three years to do so. After which the walls will be closed forever and no one is to speak of it again. The reasoning given was that the Shogunate foresaw something terrible will happen and in order to protect themselves they will need to conceal themselves. This drew many Senzokuans, Maalish, tieflings, Aasimars, some elves, even Feytouched, kitsune, spirits in, but not those who wished to venture out. **-997 SG ** The Shogunate closes the gates and the four mage towers put up a constant protection and mists around the mountains. Any who now ventured towards it will mysteriously always end up in the same spot. Never being able to find their way to it. Anyone who wished to leave the city, could, but could never return and were forbidden from speaking of the city ever. Unless agents of the Shogunate and the Noble Clans allowed it. They were given special rune stones that enabled them to pass through the powerful illusions. **0SG** The once fabled city is now lost to time, anyone not living within the walls, only know of it in stories and rumours. **751 SG:** The long night starts and the Wildlands is impacted greatly. Monsters come out of their caves and plateaus and run ravage through the lands. And an old enemy appears, the Shinzen. A powerful Vortex appears in the sky and unleashes the attack on the northern mountains of the city... ====== More Wildlands Lore ====== [[Wildlands]]\\ [[Senzokuan Lore]]\\ [[Maalish Lore]]\\ **MORE TO BE ADDED.** **SPECIAL NOTE: Please send up and avatar mail on how much your character of this may know as this is new lore and up to recent events, some of this knowledge it not accessible to the public ICly yet**