Departure From Paradise Grove

For centuries, the three families of humanity—the Ashwoods, the Sandmyers, and the Waterspurs—had flourished in Paradise Grove, the cradle of their creation by Elto, the Creator God. This idyllic sanctuary, abundant with life and sustained by divine blessing, had sheltered them from the hardships of the outside world. Under Elto’s guidance, they grew into a harmonious community, each family contributing to the whole: the Ashwoods brought strength and ambition, the Waterspurs nurtured life, and the Sandmyers sought understanding of the world’s edges.

But as their numbers grew and the boundaries of Paradise Grove could no longer contain them, Elto, in his infinite wisdom, revealed to them that it was time to leave.

Elto’s Farewell

Gathered beneath the great tree at the heart of the Grove, the families stood united as Elto spoke to them for the last time.

“My children,” his voice resonated, warm and sorrowful, “you have been my most cherished creation, shaped to grow, adapt, and build a world worthy of my vision. But the time has come for you to leave this place. Paradise Grove has given you life, but the world beyond awaits your touch. Go forth, and let your gifts shape the lands as they have shaped this sanctuary.”

With tears and resolve, the three families embraced one another, pledging to remain kin even as their paths diverged. Guided by their unique strengths and the lessons learned in the Grove, they prepared to face the unknown.

The Path of the Waterspurs

The Waterspurs, deeply connected to the rivers and life-giving waters of the Grove, chose to settle in fertile lowlands where the land and water intertwined. They ventured westward, following the flow of rivers and streams until they reached vast plains cradled by the Giant Tears River.

There, they became the first farmers, cultivating the soil and planting seeds gifted by Elto. Their settlements grew around the waterways, their villages thriving with crops, livestock, and lush gardens. The Waterspurs took pride in their role as caretakers of the land, nurturing not only their own people but also the earth itself. Their settlements became known for their abundance, their fields golden with harvest, and their hearts welcoming to travelers and outsiders.

The Path of the Ashwoods

The Ashwoods, bold and ambitious, saw the departure from the Grove as an opportunity to expand humanity’s reach and carve their legacy into the world. Traveling northward into the rugged foothills and forests, they sought to build, shaping the land with their tools and their determination.

Their settlements were constructed with purpose and strength, their timber halls and stone walls reflecting their vision of permanence and growth. The Ashwoods became leaders and builders, forging new paths for humanity through construction and conquest. Their growing villages transformed into towns, and their influence stretched further as they laid the foundations for what would become the great human kingdoms of the north.

The Path of the Sandmyers

The Sandmyers, driven by curiosity and adaptability, turned their eyes to the horizon. They traveled southward, drawn to the endless expanse of the Shrieking Seas and its shores. There, they discovered a way of life shaped by the tides, learning to fish the bountiful waters and craft vessels to explore distant coasts.

The Sandmyers became sailors, fishermen, and explorers, their lives tied to the rhythm of the sea. They navigated its mysteries with courage and ingenuity, discovering new lands and forging connections with those they encountered. Their settlements, scattered along the coasts, became bustling ports filled with the scent of salt and the sound of waves.

The Legacy of Departure

The separation of the three families marked the end of humanity’s time in Paradise Grove but the beginning of their impact on the world. Each family carried with them the blessings of Elto, though their paths would lead them to different destinies.

• The Waterspurs cultivated life and brought prosperity to the lowlands, becoming stewards of the land.
• The Ashwoods built kingdoms and expanded humanity’s reach, forging the foundations of civilization.
• The Sandmyers explored the unknown, mastering the seas and establishing humanity as a force of discovery and trade.

Though the families grew apart, their shared origin in Paradise Grove bound them as kin, and the memory of their time there endured in the stories they passed down to their descendants.

In the centuries to come, the Waterspurs’ fields, the Ashwoods’ halls, and the Sandmyers’ ports would become vital in The Ancient Reach, a testament to humanity’s enduring strength and Elto’s greatest creation.