The Ex Arcanotis
The Ex Arcanotis was a revered series of tomes penned by a conclave of sages during the middle era of Epoch II Origins. These writings, preserved on intricately scribed vellum, stood as the most significant historical documentation in the world of Eos. Within their pages, the sages chronicled the emergence of pre- and early humanoids, their existence dating back to what they identified as Epoch Origins I.
Epoch I Origins
According to the Ex Arcanotis, Epoch I began roughly 24,000 years before the present era (1427 MA) and spanned an astonishing 19,000 years. This epoch marked the mysterious creation of the lower plane around Eos, a realm birthed from a catastrophic corruption within the Shadowfield. The ancient primal sages named this plane Mophedus, meaning “Of Darkness,” a place of eternal gloom that mirrored Eos but existed as a fractured shadow of its brilliance.
The scriptures recounted that during Epoch I, the twelve celestial deities, collectively known as the Idarion Pantheon, shaped the cosmos in harmony until the Shadowfield began to twist their creation. This corruption seeped into the lower planes, birthing Mophedus as a realm where light could not fully thrive. Toward the end of Epoch I, roughly 20,000 years before the current age, the deities united their waning strength to create intelligent humanoid beings, instilling them with shards of their divine essence. These beings, the first ancestors of modern humanoids, were tasked with reclaiming the harmony that had been shattered.
Epoch II Origins
Epoch II saw the proliferation of intelligent life across Eos. The Ex Arcanotis suggested that all humanoid races appeared simultaneously, their emergence marked by the divine blueprint left by the Idarion Pantheon. Among these were ancient humans, the mystical Jurell, and the enigmatic Broodkin, who bore a strange connection to the Shadowfield itself. While they shared similar origins, the three races each laid claim to being the progenitors of civilization. These disputes fueled centuries of tension, though the sages of the Ex Arcanotis noted that all humanoid life shared a single divine source, bound to the will of the celestial twelve.
The ancient humans and the Jurell distinguished themselves early through their mastery of language. The Jurell, gifted with long lifespans and an affinity for the arcane, wove intricate glyphic texts, believed to hold latent magical power. Humans, by contrast, developed diverse dialects that spread quickly across Eos, facilitating trade and diplomacy. Soon after, other races, including the industrious Gor and the Dara, adopted language, propelling them into an era of collaboration and rivalry.
Key Eras and Events
The Ancient Age (4500 AA – 50 AA)
This age was defined by the rise of tribal societies and the conquest of territories. Tribal wars dominated the early centuries, shaping alliances and rivalries that would persist through history. The foundation of the Kings of Eos, also known as the Exarchs, marked the late Ancient Age, as powerful leaders emerged to unify scattered tribes into early kingdoms.
The Tribal Conquests
The Tribal Conquests were a series of bloody campaigns as the burgeoning tribes of Eos competed for dominance over fertile lands and magical ley lines. This period saw the creation of foundational mythologies, as tribes sought divine favor from the Idarion Pantheon.
The Kings of Eos: The Exarchs
The Exarchs were legendary figures who ruled during the latter days of the Ancient Age. Renowned for their valor and wisdom, they forged the first great cities and established the foundations of what would become the nations of Eos.
The Modern Age (1 MA – 1427 MA)
The Expanse: Reign II, Kings of Eos (1 MA – 448 MA)
This period saw the explosive growth of civilizations across Eos. With the Exarchs’ foundations, kingdoms flourished, building roads, citadels, and sprawling trade networks. Reign II referred to the resurgence of Exarch ideals, inspiring a golden age of kingship.
The Erudition (451 – 697 MA)
Known as the age of enlightenment, the Erudition heralded advancements in magic, philosophy, and the sciences. The Jurell were instrumental during this time, mentoring human scholars and refining the first schools of arcane study.
New Exarchs (699 – 1220 MA)
The New Exarchs arose as a wave of reformers who sought to emulate the ancient rulers. This era was marked by political stability, artistic achievements, and the codification of the laws of Eos. However, the seeds of the Black Age were sown in their later years as corruption crept into the courts.
The Dark Age (1220 – Present)
A time of decay and despair, the Dark Age was plagued by wars, famine, and the resurgence of Shadowfield corruption. The realms of Eos fractured, and Mophedus’ influence began to seep back into the world. It was whispered that the Idarion Pantheon had turned their faces from Eos, leaving mortals to fend for themselves.
As the current age unfolds, the Ex Arcanotis serves as both a warning and a guide, reminding the people of Eos of their divine origins and the ever-present dangers lurking in the shadows.