Ar’rin history can be chronicled in four distinct ages. These ages are defined by actions, personages, and key aspects of the continent that occurred during their times.
The Age of Myths is defined by the actions of the godlings and the establishment of the mortal and immortal races. Much of this age is based on the histories recorded by the Elves, and later other races. The immortal peoples establish their kingdoms during this time,
The Age of Kings followed, and is known for the rise of the Great Empire of Balinor, the War with Arkon, and the Legend of the Greystone. Much of this is recorded by the cities and peoples that survived the upheaval and Fall of the Empire, by the failings of Balinor’s descendants. During this period mortal peoples establish cities and kingdoms.
The Age of Shadows begins with the loss of the Greystone in the wake the empire’s collapse, and the ensuing Mage Wars that dominated the continent’s destiny for centuries. The Storm Elves, Shar Order, and the Guilds of Arised kept the most complete records of this time, but much is cloaked in mystery, intrigue, and secrecy, which is where the origins of the age’s nomenclature.
The Age of Light begins with the hope that is brought by the rediscovery of much that was lost from the first ages of myth and kings, and often seen as beginning with the reemergence of the Greystone. However, it is worth noting that the treaty between Arised and Westgate, which establishes the Golden Road, is a critical moment that brings knowledge and cooperation to many of the peoples of Ar’rin.