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Tales From the Gamekeeper

A Tale of a Small World

as told by Sgt Bigfoot,
Giant Special Forces
Long ago, during the First Age of time, some of the Lost Tribes banded together and sought new ways of survival. One of the first groups became known as the Beast Masters. These folk rode a winged creature that swept down from the skies, destroying all the inhabitants of the fertile lands whose bounty they required for themselves and their beasts. Their time on this world was short: they lasted no longer than the Second Age, when their civilization faded. No one alive knows what led to their downfall, but many sages agree that the cause was rooted in their flying hordes.
Turn 2 Appearing later in the First Age was one of the more successful bands, which began practicing a new art known as sorcery. Fearing retribution from the Beast Masters, they negotiated a peace that would last for a generation, allowing them to enjoy a time of prosperity. Their decline began in the Third Age, but remnants of their civilization were still seen two Ages later. Many claim that as their numbers declined, a small cult began worshipping their dead ancestors in an attempt to bring them back to life. It is rumored that they were successful, and this caused the end of the Sorcerers’ peaceful reign.
The final civilization of the First Age is shrouded in mystery. It is said to have appeared one day in the center of the lands held by the Beast Masters. This band of small humanoids was adept at the mercantile arts, always attempting to open new areas to trade. Now, few traces of these Halflings remain, and nothing is known of their mysterious homelands. Traces of them were found as recently as the Fifth Age, leading many to wonder if they are still hiding somewhere in our world, burrowed in their well-protected homes.
Turn 3 Infamous and dire, the Third Age had a devastating effect on our world. It marked the advent of the dreadful Ghouls, which still ravage our land today, and many wonder if we will ever be rid of this horror.
As waves broke upon the shores in the Fourth Age, a new civilization appeared along the coast. It was a savage, powerful, and short-lived band that came to be known as the Tritons, and they pillaged the lands mercilessly as they advanced. Their first victims were the Halflings, who fought valiantly but are believed to have been exterminated by the treacherous sea-dwellers. The Tritons savaged the land for two Ages, but when the Eighth Age came, they had slunk back into the sea, all traces of them vanished.
Turn 5 At the end of the Fifth Age, the appearance of another undead race led many to wonder if our world was doomed. This group of Skeletons practiced a necromantic art of transformation, altering dull iron into bright gold. They had some small successes, but all remnants of their unholy civilization had disappeared by the Ninth Age.
Turn 6 The beginnings of the Sixth Age saw yet another savage band make its appearance. This race, known as the Trolls, were renowned for their berserk attacks. Roaring downward from the northeast, these horrid troglodytes tore a swath of destruction through the Tritons and forged their way southward. They still roam the world today, though in much smaller packs. Many rejoice to know that berserk attacks of the trolls have left many of their number dead, and it is suspected that they will disappear shortly.
Turn 7 Another new civilization rose in the Seventh Age. Though humanoid, they found evil glee in attacking any race available to them. This race, later named the Orcs, were the scourge of the southwest, raging up through the Skeletons and skirmishing with the Ghouls. Their heyday was short: it is recorded in the books of the historians that their civilization suffered a sharp decline in the Eighth Age.
The end of this Age also saw the birth of one of the most unusual races ever. They descended from the skies, stout humanoids who treasured gold and glittering gems. Dwarves, they were called, and they settled at the heart of the mountains. Despite their avarice for gleaming gold, they have come to be known as one of the most peaceful races to have ever lived. There is not one known record of an attack by a Dwarf on another being in this world.
Turn 8 In the midst of the Ninth Age, my race came to these lands. If the gods continue to favor us, we will rule this world for many ages to come. The first enemies to fall to our axes were the Trolls, in the northeast, but we continued southward, claiming a mountain stronghold in our path. Once established, we moved west, where we first encountered the loathsome Ghouls. One thing can be known for certain: we tower over the trees themselves, and the inhabitants of the world call us Giants, knowing that there are none as tall and fearsome. Training constantly for battle, we are also known for our masterful tactics. My unit, the 3rd Battalion of the Giant Special Forces, has seen hard combat in the hope of bringing peace to the world.
Turn 10 As the Tenth Age draws to a close, we have heard of a long-lived race rising against the Ghouls in the west. If these stories are true, mayhap we will be able to find common ground one day and live peacefully here in these varied and beautiful lands.