The Ancients

In the beginning, the Archenlord created Silar and Matar, the heavens and the earth. He opened his mouth and sang the Canticle of Creation out of the depths of his heart. In the midst of Silar he sang into being a great temple for his home and there he sang into being those now called the Ancients or the Belhadin. These were the great spirits and in the beginning, while Silar was golden and Matar yet formless, the Ancients sang in praise to the Archenlord. In the beginning the Belhadin were formless, for their form is determined by their purpose and they had not yet received their purpose. With Silar complete the Ancients gathered in the temple of the Archenlord and waited for their purpose and their form. As they waited the Mother spoke to them of Matar that would be and of its form and purpose, that it would be the home of the Archenlord's children, those that carried the Archenlord's very spirit. The Mother put thoughts into their minds of what Matar would be like, that it would be a place of great oceans, wide plains, tall mountains and flowing rivers. As she spoke, the Belhadin grew excited to take part in the preparation of this place that would be the home of the children of the Archenlord. At last the Father came forth and gave the Belhadin their purpose and their form. Some he made guardians of the celestial lights, the sun, the moons, and the stars not yet formed. He made others the guardians of the four winds that had not yet blown. Still others he made the spirits of mountains, rivers, lakes and all other features of Matar that were not yet made. He made others to rule over the forces of Matar, and yet others he made heralds that would convey his words to other spirits and to his children.

Summary

The story of the Ancients is older than mortal kind, and in fact it is not one but a hundred different stories. These Belhadin were immortal beings of spirit with vast powers. Even one could level mountains or dry out oceans with the snap of their fingers. But they each have their purpose and though their jobs might seem low or high, they are equals before the Archenlord who alone remembers when they were formless and homologous. Yet though they are ancient and powerful they in many honor the Kindred who alone bear the spirit of the Archenlord, and the title of being his children.

Historical Basis

There is no known historical basis for any of the stories about the Ancients. All said stories take place before the Kindred were even born, and stories of them are only known through prophetic encounters. And any apparent evidence of them is waved away by any skeptic.

Spread

The stories of the Ancients are spread throughout Nov Matar, primarily by followers of the Archenlord, and the stories often change and morph as they spread to different peoples with different ideals and customs. But the Keepers of Temple of the South Wind have maintained an original library of the first materials passed down by prophetic insight, and painstakingly copy manuscripts that have degraded to ensure the stories continue.

Variations & Mutation

Variants of the stories of the Ancients abound. The greatest variants are told by the followers of the Fallen, who wish to paint the stories very differently.

Date of First Recording

In 117AC the prophet Meleqon Dawuk gives the first telling of the Battle of the Ancients, a story he receives in a series of visceral prophetic visions. From then on, priests of the Belcanites painstakingly retell it and the other stories revealed..

Date of Setting

During the Age Before Ages

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