The Great Migration of Humans

Lore & Background

Long before the current wars and alliances, humans originated on the continent of Rhir, and later migrated to Izril, then to Terandor. Historical records suggest they first arrived in Izril via land bridges or sea routes during an age when magic was becoming more widespread among mortal races. From Izril, further waves of settlers moved into Terandor through land bridges or coastal exploration. This arrival was gradual rather than sudden, with successive waves of settlers spreading across new territories. This expansion forced interactions with established civilizations, sometimes leading to conflict over resources but also fostering trade and cultural exchange. As humans settled, they adapted their magic systems and societal structures to the local environment, creating unique kingdoms that would later define the region's history. The migration is often cited as the reason why human cities are clustered differently than older Elven forests or Dwarven mountain holds. The legacy of this movement remains visible in the architecture and laws of modern nations, which trace their lineage back to these early founders. It represents a time of great uncertainty but also immense growth for the species, allowing them to survive and thrive as a non-indigenous power within a world filled with ancient races.

In Their Own Story

The old map was brittle, stained by centuries of salt spray and handling. Elder Historian Kael traced the coastline with a trembling finger, stopping where the ink faded into blank parchment. Beyond that edge lay the origin point, the place his ancestors had left behind to cross the endless blue. He imagined the ships cutting through storms, carrying families who knew nothing of Terandor's monsters or magic. They sailed not for glory, but for survival. Now, looking at the bustling city outside his window, he wondered if they ever dreamed their children would rule such lands.

Reader's Guide

The history of humanity in Terandor begins with a journey across the great ocean, separating them from their ancestral homelands on another continent far away. This movement is often studied by scholars as the foundational era for human civilization within the world's current borders and political landscape. Unlike Elves or Dwarves who claim deep roots in the land itself, humans are descendants of these travelers who settled along coastlines before pushing inland. During this time, early kingdoms began to form as magic became more accessible to human populations across different regions. The spread was not always peaceful; conflicts arose over territory and resources with established races and other migrating groups alike. Yet, it allowed for the rapid growth of cities like Liscor and Pallass that define modern politics today. This migration shaped the cultural landscape significantly, introducing new traditions and architectural styles distinct from older races who had lived there longer. It remains a subject of debate among historians regarding exactly when the first ships landed or how many groups arrived simultaneously in different waves. What is certain is that this dispersal created the demographic dominance humans hold in Terandor now compared to other species.

Did You Know?

• Humans are not indigenous to Terandor; they originated on Rhir and later migrated to Izril and then to Terandor.
• The migration did not involve crossing the sea from Terandor to Izril as the primary route; humans first migrated from Rhir to Izril, then later from Izril to Terandor via land bridges or sea.
• Early human settlements on Izril heavily influenced the development of trade routes connecting existing regions.
• This era predates the formation of most modern kingdoms and alliances through political evolution across multiple continents.