Age of Darkness

The Age of Darkness is the time before the Mage Wars. Exactly how long it lasted is generally established at around 1000 years.

There are no significant events or records from the Age of Darkness, and for at least the first 500 years, no known culture had invented a system of writting. The old Clans formed during this era, though they had mostly disolved by the begining of the Mage Wars.

Most cultures, and certainly all that can trace their roots as far back as this age, tell a story about a terible tragedy, massive loss of life, and sometimes great distruction. Few details are consistant, beyond those of tremendous loss.

The Age of Darkness can be best divided into two periods.

The Black Period

For the first 5 to 700 years, things were extremly dark and hopepless. This is often thought of as the "true" age of darkness, for no one possessed technology of any kind. There was some magic then, or so the old stories tell, but for many it was a desperate struggle for survival.

The old Clans formed during this time, nomadic groups to whom most modern civilizations can trace their roots.

The Gray Period

Spanning the latter 3 to 500 years of the Age of Darkness, the Gray Period shows a gradual shift away from nomadic traditions to a more sedentary lifestyle. Agriculture was invented, along with the first cities, and by the end of the age: technology, and magic.

The Age of Darkness was followed by the Mage Wars.