Ruins of Caanae

Caanae was the first official city settled on the continent of Aetherius. It was destroyed by the Horde shortly after the beginning of the Second Age. The city has never been properly rebuilt, but the ruins now serve as a crossroads and popular gathering spot for the descendants of the ancient people responsible for founding it.

History

The Age of Humanity

In the year 300 AH, Urlic, a follower of Avasyu and leader of one of the diasporic tribes of the Caan Valley, united the people of the area and built a central city to aid in the distribution of vital resources - the city of Caanae. The city was prosperous for many years and was the birthplace of Yaksha and Avya - prophets of Peace and Light - as well as Kalika Aisling, prophetess of Aesir, the God of War. A great temple to Avasyu was built here by the city's early leaders.

When the city of Stavenn was founded in the year 500 AH, it existed as a bitter rival to the more peaceful citizens of Caanae. A young man named Czevak grew up at this time and was perhaps influenced strongly by the teachings of Stavenn's patron, the God of War. He swiftly rose through the ranks of the military of Stavenn and became its General, waging war against the people of Caanae. The Generation War was fought over the course of several decades until the Elder Nathariel met Czevak in battle on the plain of Mertashi and defeated him.

In the time following the end of the Generation War, many influential leaders, scientists, and artists would make Caanae their home and led it through a long period of prosperity. Zangrilla Sylvia would found the Academia Herbalis during this time, and the Temple of Avasyu was greatly enhanced by the newly-mastered architectural practices of the city's artisans.

By the year 775 AH, Caanae was such a beacon of inspiration to the rest of the world that no one thought it suspicious when a group of Stavennites traveled to the Academia Sylvalis to ask for help in constructing the second temple to Avasyu behind its own walls. When Czezlo Tota's spies returned to Stavenn with their newfound knowledge, it allowed them to build a massive siege weapon capable of hurling boulders and other ammunition high over the walls of any target. The betrayal gave Caanae's leaders reason to suspect all Stavennites of malintent, and so it shut its gates to visitors.

Armed with these weapons, the military of Stavenn used Caanae's diplomatic sanctions to spark distrust and jealousy among the people of the city. The War of Avarice soon began in the year 800 AH and would last for seven long years.

The Age of Awakening

For centuries, Stavenn had been Caanae's sole enemy, as the walls of the city successfully kept out any bandits or roving tribes of primitive people. Twice, Caanae was able to repel the forces of Stavenn and resume peace and prosperity, but their luck was running out quickly.

In the year 914 AH, the single moon of Aetherius shattered into three distinct pieces. The Awakening, as it would later be known, released the force of magick into the world. The moons of Aetherius began to influence the world when they drew near to it, and many humans began making claims to great feats of power and supernatural abilities.

The most significant result of the Awakening would not be discovered for at least a century, though. In the lands far to the east of Caanae, Moradeim's transformative power warped the creatures there and turned them into vicious beings that would collectively be known as the Horde. In the year 100 AA, the Horde descended upon the great city of Caanae and took it by complete surprise. Hundreds of thousands of green-skinned beasts, massive giants, and indomitable trolls laid waste to the city of Caanae before returning to their home in the Gongen Mountains.

The Age of Desperation

In the year 300 AD, the moon of Aryana came very close to the land of Aetherius for a prolonged period of time. It was then that a pure spring of water was discovered within the ruins of Caanae that held the power to restore life to those who had recently perished. The spring became known as the Spring of Life, or Aryana's Spring, and would be one of the few reasons to return to the ruins of Caanae for many years, until Legion was released and tainted it.

Notable Denizens

• Tomast the Cleric
• Peravus, ancient Caananite