7 BD (Before Dulan)

Beginning of written history

Long ago, the Elementals infused their power into the very stones of the continent of Chantra, creating a land of magic and mystery whispered about in legends around the world. The most seductive story was that five of the gemstones - Archons - bestowed unimaginable power upon their bearer. Adventurers from many lands sought to make this power their own - including humans and Orcs from the western continent. But though they were in a new land, they brought their old racial hatreds with them.

Two heroes emerged in Chantra around the year 7 BD - the human warrior Nathan and the orc magician Walcure. Both set out on their own quest to find the Archons. Their paths crossed in the heat of the Windrill desert as they searched for ancient ruins. Their instinctive hatred gripped them and they launched into a fierce battle, magic against strength and steel, clashing for hours on end. But they were evenly matched, and finally they collapsed from exhaustion. Recognizing each other as formidable fighters, both worthy of respect, they shared their water and formed a lasting friendship.

Together they continued the quest for the Archons, finally finding the old ruins. The tumbled rock and broken roads of the ancient city were not entirely abandoned, however. Destiny had one final trial for them. As they explored the remains of the city they discovered a great hall. Wandering deep into it they saw before them a throne richly decorated with carvings of warriors in fierce battle. As they stood there marveling, a man stepped from behind the throne. He was dressed in armour matching the carvings and he raised a menacing sword. This was Salamander, the last remaining guardian of this once amazing city. He was left by the ancients to defend their treasures to the end. He launched into a ferocious attack. It took the skill of both heroes to defeat the great Salamander.

As the mighty warrior fell, a huge door at the rear of the hall slid back revealing two incredible weapons. Both carried an Archon, infused with primordial Elemental power. The sword held the Archon of Fire, the staff held the Archon of Earth. Moving forward each claimed one - Nathan chose the sword and Walcure took the staff.

Their adventure finished, they knew it was time to return to their own people. As the battlebrothers parted ways they lifted a ring from the fallen Salamander and split it between them as a reminder of their shared journey and newfound allegiance to each other. Nathan earned a reputation as a righteous warrior and built a great castle on Chantra called Manas. Walcure came to be called the greatest magician in all of Orc history. Countless tales of their achievements were told for generations, and over time, even their weapons took on names of their own. Nathan’s sword became known as Brumhart, while Walcure’s staff acquired the name Gaiahon. But the most important event of their lives would happen six years later.