Era 2: Development of the Early States Year c500 - Year c2000

State Formation and Expansion: Over centuries, tribes consolidate into distinct city-states or kingdoms. The Eksil establish settlements along the Elvel River and the Kjede archipelago. The Hizbrann move inland to the southern plains, developing nomadic tribes. The Cytanians and Fortunati city-states emerge in the south, leading to advancements in trade, craftsmanship, and societal structures.   For the first two millenia after the Arrival, the tribes of Edane had very little contact with each other. So focused on their own struggles, most of their energies went into survival. However, by the end of the second millenia, each tribe had established colonies and outposts across the surrounding areas. While the concept of a nation was not yet fully established, the major cities in each region were impressive feats of arcitectual engineering. In an attempt to recreate a small fraction of the grandeur that had been left behind in the west, various building projects were undertaken by the different tribes.   The land in which they found themselves remained hostile. Many of the emerging nations relied upon the power of an elite group of hunters and warriors in order to keep themselves safe. There has not been any archaelogical evidence to prove it, but the stories form this time talk of vicious creatures that would stalk the edges of settlements and prey on the weak. Barbaric, humanlike beings would attack those unwary groups who would wander outside of the safety of the tribal centres.   As such, any trade, even between colonies required a well trained, armed escort. Craftsmanship developed in skills that were essential to survival. Most tribes developed a tribal structure led by a warrior chief who often maintained some remnant of the powers of the west. Unfortunately, for those tribes who had spent longer in the west, those with power also seemed to succumb to a darkness, a gnawing hunger that lay underneath their supernatural abilities.   Year 300-674 - Fertile plains surrounding the city of Fortuna are developed into agricultural land. Hot summers put a strain on production.   Year 674 - Explorers from the Avidan tribes settle in the hills in the centre of the Golden Peninsular, founding the city of Rinascere, meaning 'reborn'. A city rising from the ashes of strife with the other city states.   Year 743 - Founding of Veccara, the southern coastal town nestled in a cleft in the coastline with a very deep harbour. Led to the city becoming a dominant trading post in the Sea of Interna.   Year 866 - Tensions between three city states lead to war.   Year 868 - Rinascere is put under seige for 6 months.   Year 869 - Surrender of Rinascere, town is burnt to the ground for the first time.   Year 882 - Refugees from Rinascere found a new city to the east at the isthmus to the mainland. It is named Cytania. Mainly consists of the Vesperai, with a handful of wealthy Avidans.   Year 902 - War breaks out again between the now four competing city states.   Year 912 - Rinascere is again defeated, this time after being betrayed by Cytania, their sister nation, who agree to ally with the other cities in return for access to trade in the Sea of Interna.   Year 1024 - Foundation of the city of Nostre Calda, nicknamed 'The Burning Tower' on the southern tip of the peninsular. Controlled trade into and out of the Sea of Interna, limiting the power of Veccara.   1900 - Each of the major civilisations is on the verge of spreading out. Trade with other nations is beginning, tentatively. Economic benefits are the first steps.