A Brief History of Valence

In the early days of Valence, when the world was young, recently stabilized from millennia of upheaval, one vast landmass named Galan dominated the globe, surrounded by a boundless ocean. Over time, this great continent became rich with diverse flora and fauna. Giant fungi towered like trees in the wetlands, starkly contrasting with the desert plateau's open ravines and the southern glaciers' icy landscapes.

As time marched forward, Galan's primitive life forms began exhibiting rudimentary Aetherial abilities. A small mouse, for instance, could momentarily slow time to elude predators, while a stalking feline might teleport to catch its unsuspecting prey. These instinctual uses of Aether hinted at the latent powers within all creatures, shaping the evolutionary path of the planet's inhabitants.

Our ancestors, not yet fully evolved during this early period, relied on primal instincts for survival. But as the millennia passed, a pivotal event reshaped our world and its destiny. One ordinary morning, the land trembled under a seismic event of unprecedented magnitude. This cataclysm triggered a reaction in the core of Valence, activating the Flux stone buried deep within the mantle.

A large chunk of Galan tore away from the surface in a spectacle never seen before or since. Unlike typical tectonic movements, this landmass ascended into the sky. As it rose, the planet's gravitational pull moderated its ascent, allowing it to come to rest, floating serenely above its former resting place. This dramatic upheaval caused other land segments to follow suit, containing the right balance of mass and Flux stone. Those sections too small or overly saturated with Flux drifted away, settling into an orbital dance around Valence. Meanwhile, the oceans rushed in to fill the voids left behind, and over time, the debris orbiting our planet merged into a spectacular ring.

This cataclysm heralded the birth of the world as we know it—a world of floating islands and continents, each with its unique ecosystem and climate. As the new ages dawned, so too did the Valencians evolve. Natural selection, influenced by these floating landmasses' isolation and varied environments, gave rise to distinct clades or kinships. Some developed elongated ears and limbs in the vast grasslands, adept at detecting predators and escaping danger. The inhabitants of the mountain regions adapted short, stout bodies to navigate and shape the earth. At the same time, those in the marshlands evolved leathery, camouflaged skin ideal for stealth and survival in the wetlands.

Despite our physical differences, the ability to harness Aether unites all Valencians. This innate power allows us to manipulate the energy within and around us, profoundly altering our world. Over centuries, we have honed these skills, learning to use Aetherics to survive and enrich our lives. Today, our continents and surrounding islands thrive in stability and cultural diversity. Airships crisscross the skies, and great machines powered by steam and Aether enhance daily life, marking this era as the Golden Age of Valence.

From the early days of instinctual magic to the sophisticated Aetheric practices of the present, our journey is a testament to Valencians' resilience and ingenuity. As we continue to explore the limits of Aetheric potential, we remain ever mindful of our shared heritage and the transformative power of the Aether.

~Thomas Bree, Professor of Aetheral Histories