History of Avrid

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The history of Avrid (pronounced [avˈɾɪd] or [ˈavɾɪd], from Tevrés: Avríd [avˈɾið], also known as the Known World) is one that spans tens of thousands of years, from the very first wumbo inhabitants of the three continents of Ephenia, Eubora, and Seria in prehistory to the modern era. The Quiet Era saw inflow of wumbo from east and southeast, including Maro-Ephenian migrations, as well as the emergence of the first large-scale civilisations; the Erukkuan Empire, the palace-states of Talothas, the Kingdom of Byzara, and the far eastern Ceres civilisation. The invasion of the so-called New People traditionally marks the end of the Quiet Age. After followed a dark age until the rise of Talothic city-states across the Maraphirine. Later, the Aeranid Empire came dominate nearly the entirety of the three continents. Its fall in the Collapse marked the beginning of another dark age in Ephenia, also called Avrid's Medieval Age. The Fasser Empire took control over the Maraphirine basin and restored much of the trade efficiency and connectivity of the Aeranid Empire. In Ephenia rediscovery and reintroduction by Fasser to the classical world spurred new interest in the ancient world. Simultaneously powerful kingdoms were established in Ephenia, namely S'entin and Tevrén, halting Fasser advance.

Dates and terminology

The dating system used herein is the Common Dating System. This aligns with the New Imperial Age calendar, but the name has been changed to a more neutral one. Year one of the Common Age (abbreviated CA) begins with the Tevrés Homecoming at the end of the Tevrén-Fasser War. This corresponds to year 1216 of the Fasser calendar, the other major dating system of Avrid, and would be year 2104 of the Aeranid calendar, which despite the Collapse continued to be used in Talothas until the Fasser occupation. Years before year one are referred to as Before the Common Age (abbreviated BCA).

Names of Avrid

The name Avrid as mentioned above derived from the Tevrés word Avríd. This in turn comes from the Medieval Talothic Aplidhýn ([apliˈðy(n)]), via Ilessu Abride ([ɐˈbɾidɨ]). Aplidhýn derives from Classical Talothic Apleidoión ([apleːdoi̯ón]), meaning 'that which is upon Pleidos.' Pleidos was an ancient Talothic mythical figure; a titan upon whose corpse it was believed the world lay. This name is common throughout the Aeranid languages: Sentigneis Avri ([avʁi]), Morraol Avrit ([avˈɾit]), Deres Ăpride ([əˈpride]), Iscariano Appridi ([ äpːˈriːdi]), etc.. In Fasser, the world is called Sighma't ([sɪɣˈmæʔt]) meaning 'beneath heaven.'

Geography

Avrid is made up of three major continents. To the north is Ephenia, to the south Seria, and to the east Eubora. Between them lies the Maraphirine Sea.

Ephenia

Ephenia can be divided into eight parts. To the far north past the Contigian Mountains lies the Frost-Lands, home of frost giants and the northern barbarians. The mountains are treacherous to cross, and the land is covered in snow year round, so little is known of this place. It is believed that at least some of its inhabitants speak an Uppadic language similar to those spoken below in some parts of Fyrda.