Timeline of the Isle
The Age of Isolation (2000–1500 years ago)
The Untouched Isle
Ansalim, long before it became known as the “Half-Isle,” was a land of dense forests, rolling plains, and the enigmatic Runewood dominating its eastern half. Isolated from neighboring Wyrmisle and Condrydin by natural barriers and the Wyrm Sea, the island remained untouched by dragons or outsiders. The central lake, known as Lake Miraline, was revered by the early inhabitants for its deep, mysterious waters that were said to house ancient spirits.
The first known settlers were small, scattered tribes of halflings and gnomes who lived simple lives, fishing the briny bay near what would become Pegapost and farming the fertile plains around Lake Miraline.
Notable Figure:
- Brindle Goodbarrel (Male Halfling, 3’1″, 38 lbs, curly brown hair, hazel eyes, rosy skin, age 53)
- A legendary halfling explorer who mapped much of the island’s western coast and founded the fishing village that would later become Obergrove.
The Age of Contact (1500–1000 years ago)
Arrival of Outsiders
Around 1500 years ago, the first significant contact with outsiders occurred. Seafaring humans and elves from Condrydin landed on Ansalim’s northern coast, founding what would become Absyn. These settlers brought advanced farming techniques, architecture, and, unfortunately, conflicts over land and resources.
The Runewood became a focal point of both reverence and fear. Elven scholars believed the woods were imbued with ancient magic, and they began to settle near its borders, founding Runicfield.
Rise of Mixed Lineages
Through alliances, trade, and inevitable intermingling, the first half-elves were born. These individuals, blending halfling, gnome, human, and elven lineages, soon became a bridge between communities.
Notable Figure:
- Elarion Windmere (Male Half-Elf, 5’9″, 155 lbs, long blonde hair, green eyes, fair skin, age 112)
- A diplomat who negotiated the Treaty of Miraline, ensuring peaceful coexistence between the native halflings and gnomes and the elven-human settlers.
The Age of Division (1000–500 years ago)
Conflicts and Migrations
As Ansalim’s population grew, so did tensions. The arrival of half-orc refugees from mainland conflicts brought a new dynamic to the island. While some communities welcomed them, others viewed them with suspicion. Pegapost, with its strategic southern port, became a melting pot where halflings, gnomes, half-elves, and half-orcs mingled.
Rise of the “Half-Isle” Identity
By this time, the population had become a diverse mix of half-breeds and short-statured races, leading to the nickname “Half-Isle.” Rather than viewing this as a derogatory term, the people of Ansalim embraced it, taking pride in their blended heritage.
Notable Figure:
- Grilda Stoneheart (Female Half-Orc, 6’2″, 210 lbs, braided black hair, amber eyes, grayish-green skin, age 47)
- A renowned warrior who defended Pegapost during the Briny Bay Raids, solidifying the city’s reputation as an impenetrable port.
Family Lines Begin to Emerge
Establishment of Lineages
Roughly 800 years ago, prominent families began to emerge, shaping the future of Ansalim:
- Goodbarrel Family (Halfling) — Known for fishing and trade in Obergrove.
- Windmere Lineage (Half-Elf) — A line of diplomats and scholars in Absyn.
- Stoneheart Clan (Half-Orc) — Warriors and city guards in Pegapost.
- Runeveil Family (Gnome) — Renowned for magical research in Runicfield.
The Age of Unification (500–Present)
Formation of Major Cities
Over the last 500 years, Ansalim solidified into the four major settlements known today:
- Absyn became the political capital, known for its beautiful northern coastline.
- Pegapost thrived as the economic hub, its briny bay teeming with life.
- Obergrove maintained its roots as a fishing village, steeped in halfling traditions.
- Runicfield evolved into a center of magical study, focused on the mysteries of the Runewood.
Notable Figure:
- Liora Runeveil (Female Gnome, 3’4″, 42 lbs, silver hair in twin buns, violet eyes, pale skin, age 130)
- A powerful sorceress who deciphered the Runes of Miraline, unlocking new defensive magics for the island.
The Island as It Is Today
The Runewood and Its Mystical Secrets
The Runewood, a sprawling forest that dominates the eastern half of Ansalim, has long been the subject of folklore and mystery. Ancient trees with gnarled branches tower over dense underbrush, and whispers tell of portals hidden deep within the woods that lead to the First World of the Fey. These gates, if they exist, would provide a rare and invaluable connection to the mystical realm of the fey, home to powerful and enigmatic creatures.
Runicfield: A Town on the Brink of Transformation
Situated north of the central lake and near a large inland bay, Runicfield has become the epicenter of a scholarly and magical boom. Researchers and scholars from across Hyebrenia have flocked to the town, drawn by rumors of the Runewood’s fey gates. Academics, mages, and adventurers alike roam the cobbled streets, their conversations filled with theories and discoveries.
This influx has led to rapid urban expansion. New housing, inns, and marketplaces are springing up to accommodate the growing population. The local economy is thriving, but the pressure on resources has reached a critical point.
The Parchment Crisis
One unforeseen consequence of Runicfield’s growth is the skyrocketing demand for parchment. Scholars and mages require vast quantities for their research, leading to an urgent need for new sources of writing material.
Two factions have emerged in the debate over how to meet this demand:
The Foresters’ Guild
The Foresters’ Guild advocates for controlled logging within the Runewood. They argue that selective harvesting of certain trees could provide the necessary pulp for parchment without causing significant ecological damage. The guild proposes strict regulations and the use of druidic magic to ensure the forest’s health is maintained.
However, this plan has met fierce opposition from conservationists and local druids, who warn that tampering with the Runewood could disrupt its mystical balance and potentially close the rumored gates to the First World.
The Mirepaper Collective
Opposing the Foresters’ Guild is the Mirepaper Collective, a coalition of artisans and environmentalists who propose an alternative solution: the cultivation of reed farms around the nearby gulf. These reeds could be harvested and processed into mirepaper, a durable and flexible writing material similar to parchment.
The Mirepaper Collective argues that this approach would preserve the Runewood while creating a sustainable industry. They have already begun experimental farms, showing promising results, but scaling up production to meet current demand would require significant investment and infrastructure.
A Community Divided
The debate has polarized Runicfield. Town meetings are heated, with scholars, artisans, and townsfolk passionately defending their chosen sides. The Foresters’ Guild points to the immediate need for parchment and the economic benefits of logging, while the Mirepaper Collective emphasizes long-term sustainability and the importance of protecting the Runewood’s mystical heritage.
Local leaders have yet to make a decision, but tensions are high. The outcome of this debate will not only shape Runicfield’s future but could also impact the delicate balance between the material world and the mystical realms beyond the Runewood.
