Lost Civilizations of the Greater Continent - Revision history

Siddharth1: /* Standing Column Culture, Geth */

2025-11-29T01:47:31Z

Standing Column Culture, Geth

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	===Standing Column Culture, Geth===		===Standing Column Culture, Geth===
	In [[Geth]] there exist hundreds of sites defined by free-standing stone columns. Many outline buildings that have since collapsed, or are partially buried. The layout and size of the columns indicate a cohesive culture ~~builting~~ in the same style, and based on maps of some of the sites they likely held a ritual ~~signficance~~. Unfortunately, no systematic investigation has ever been published, and may of the better-preserves sites were destroyed during Geth's tumultuous history. Several statues of a strange fishlike idol have surfaced in the hands of private collectors over the years, all claimed to have been bought on the black market and looted from illegal excavations on Geth. The [[Marcon Alliance]] also left its mark on the island nation, so without serious examination it is impossible to piece together anything about this mysterious culture.		In [[Geth]] there exist hundreds of sites defined by free-standing stone columns. Many outline buildings that have since collapsed, or are partially buried. The layout and size of the columns indicate a cohesive culture built in the same style, and based on maps of some of the sites they likely held a ritual significance. Unfortunately, no systematic investigation has ever been published, and may of the better-preserves sites were destroyed during Geth's tumultuous history. Several statues of a strange fishlike idol have surfaced in the hands of private collectors over the years, all claimed to have been bought on the black market and looted from illegal excavations on Geth. The [[Marcon Alliance]] also left its mark on the island nation, so without serious examination it is impossible to piece together anything about this mysterious culture.

	===The Works of the Old Masons, Greater Continent===		===The Works of the Old Masons, Greater Continent===

Siddharth1: /* Dating and Origin of the Ruins */

2025-10-26T02:35:53Z

Dating and Origin of the Ruins

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	====Dating and Origin of the Ruins====		====Dating and Origin of the Ruins====
	No written record of the region being above water exists. The earliest known accounts, found in the history of [[Zathra]] indicate the region had been floored at least by the establishment of [[High Tower]]. Nothing in the mytho-history or oral traditions of Zathra or the [[Narano]] indicates there was ever a well-developed culture there. ~~Inded~~, the entire history of the Narano focuses on the [[Solollo River]] and [[Nara River]] basins.		No written record of the region being above water exists. The earliest known accounts, found in the history of [[Zathra]] indicate the region had been floored at least by the establishment of [[High Tower]]. Nothing in the mytho-history or oral traditions of Zathra or the [[Narano]] indicates there was ever a well-developed culture there. Indeed, the entire history of the Narano focuses on the [[Solollo River]] and [[Nara River]] basins.

	Scientific dating based on radiometric decay has also been attempted, but has yielded wildly different results. Despite rigid experimental protocols, suitable samples obtained from well-established sites have failed to produce any sort of acceptable date. In the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], one particular test was preformed on pieces of wood recovered from what was believed to be a tomb located in one of the pyramids from the Pyramid 7 Culture. All 5 fragments were believed to be from a lacquered sarcophagus. Two yielded a radiometric dates of less than 500 years old, two more came back with dates 3,000 years apart but from a time when the temple was known to be underwater, and the fifth returned a result that would indicate it was from the future. Other tests came back with dates tens of thousands of years old, of band for the testing methods being used. One study found evidence of vitrification, or sustained high heat, on some of the submerged structures, which could indicate the use of atomic weapons at some point in the region's long history. This would also throw off any attempts at radiometric dating. Enough information to produce a reliable test simply does not exist.		Scientific dating based on radiometric decay has also been attempted, but has yielded wildly different results. Despite rigid experimental protocols, suitable samples obtained from well-established sites have failed to produce any sort of acceptable date. In the [[Ages#The Second Age\|Second Age]], one particular test was preformed on pieces of wood recovered from what was believed to be a tomb located in one of the pyramids from the Pyramid 7 Culture. All 5 fragments were believed to be from a lacquered sarcophagus. Two yielded a radiometric dates of less than 500 years old, two more came back with dates 3,000 years apart but from a time when the temple was known to be underwater, and the fifth returned a result that would indicate it was from the future. Other tests came back with dates tens of thousands of years old, of band for the testing methods being used. One study found evidence of vitrification, or sustained high heat, on some of the submerged structures, which could indicate the use of atomic weapons at some point in the region's long history. This would also throw off any attempts at radiometric dating. Enough information to produce a reliable test simply does not exist.

	The origins are an even greater problem. While the Blue Sea has a relatively shallow mean depth of around 300 feet, with the ~~deapest~~ points dropping off to as much as 5,000; once one reaches the edge of the continental shelf which forms the ~~boarder~~ with the great [[Northeastern Sea]], the drop off is rapid and substantial. Average depth of the Northeastern Sea, with no islands between the Blue Sea and [[Yanomano]]. There is no evidence for any sort of natural barrier that may once have held back and the sea, and no indication anywhere else that the sea level may once have been low enough for this region to be above water. Of course unknown magical means could have existed, but where and when is a mystery.		The origins are an even greater problem. While the Blue Sea has a relatively shallow mean depth of around 300 feet, with the deepest points dropping off to as much as 5,000; once one reaches the edge of the continental shelf which forms the border with the great [[Northeastern Sea]], the drop off is rapid and substantial. Average depth of the Northeastern Sea, with no islands between the Blue Sea and [[Yanomano]]. There is no evidence for any sort of natural barrier that may once have held back and the sea, and no indication anywhere else that the sea level may once have been low enough for this region to be above water. Of course unknown magical means could have existed, but where and when is a mystery.

	====The Deep Blue Library Incident====		====The Deep Blue Library Incident====

Siddharth1: /* Sunken Cities of The Blue Sea */

2025-05-02T18:46:10Z

Sunken Cities of The Blue Sea

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	The Pyramid 7 culture, so named for one of the submerged pyramids, has better preserved ruins. However much of the layout and patterns of their cities has been derived from sonar scans of the areas around the preserved ruins. The real state of preservation is unknown due to the depth and difficulty of underwater archeology.		The Pyramid 7 culture, so named for one of the submerged pyramids, has better preserved ruins. However much of the layout and patterns of their cities has been derived from sonar scans of the areas around the preserved ruins. The real state of preservation is unknown due to the depth and difficulty of underwater archeology.

	The ruins of the unimaginatively named Round House Culture are much more difficult to examine, and many researchers have suggested these were merely the minor outlying agricultural regions of the other two cultures. The Round Houses used ~~waddle~~ and ~~dab~~ construction and all remnants are in a very poor state of preservation. However dozens of sites have been identified by the terminus of roads. Dredging at the site has brought back fragments of pottery and stone artifacts. It is believed however the over-all state of technology may have been more advanced, with metal tools simply not surviving.		The ruins of the unimaginatively named Round House Culture are much more difficult to examine, and many researchers have suggested these were merely the minor outlying agricultural regions of the other two cultures. The Round Houses used wattle and daub construction and all remnants are in a very poor state of preservation. However dozens of sites have been identified by the terminus of roads. Dredging at the site has brought back fragments of pottery and stone artifacts. It is believed however the over-all state of technology may have been more advanced, with metal tools simply not surviving.

	====Dating and Origin of the Ruins====		====Dating and Origin of the Ruins====

Siddharth1: /* Direct Evidence */

2025-05-02T18:42:15Z

Direct Evidence

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	==Direct Evidence==		==Direct Evidence==

	===Canton H Culture, Iami===		===Canton H Culture, [[Iami]]===
	In Iami, spread across the Maze grasslands and the Highlands, exist traces of an ancient civilization dubbed "Canton H" for the large earthwork-structures that define the ruins. The name derives from the first undisturbed site excavated, the 8th such berm documented during initial surveys. Canton H is especially strange because, while thought to have existed during the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], the earthworks they left behind show no signs of defensive purpose.		In Iami, spread across the Maze grasslands and the Highlands, exist traces of an ancient civilization dubbed "Canton H" for the large earthwork-structures that define the ruins. The name derives from the first undisturbed site excavated, the 8th such berm documented during initial surveys. Canton H is especially strange because, while thought to have existed during the [[Mage Wars#The First Chaotic Period\|First Chaotic Period]], the earthworks they left behind show no signs of defensive purpose.

Siddharth1: /* The Deep Blue Library Incident */

2025-03-23T00:26:00Z

The Deep Blue Library Incident

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:26, 23 March 2025
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	The archaeological team involved made the find at the end of summer, and were not able to recover any of the tablets. Some managed to be photographed, but the negatives were stolen. When the team returned the following season, no trace of the ruins could be found. The entire site - a well-known and well-established one - was now just a sandy sea bed.		The archaeological team involved made the find at the end of summer, and were not able to recover any of the tablets. Some managed to be photographed, but the negatives were stolen. When the team returned the following season, no trace of the ruins could be found. The entire site - a well-known and well-established one - was now just a sandy sea bed.

	That same winter, hundreds of wet-navy ships of the [[Crimson Blade]] were sites in the region, many more than were usually present(as the [[Foundation]] had no bases and no influence in [[Narano]]. Along with it were several mobile drilling rigs. The Foundation claimed the mission was for oil and natural gas exploration in the area (already well-known to be practically devoid of fossil fuels). While the fleet was spread out, other boats were prohibited. However, civilian flyovers did report significant activity at the site of the library find.		That same winter, hundreds of wet-navy ships of the [[Crimson Blade]] were sites in the region, many more than were usually present, as the [[Foundation]] had no bases and no influence in [[Narano]]. Along with it were several mobile drilling rigs. The Foundation claimed the mission was for oil and natural gas exploration in the area (already well-known to be practically devoid of fossil fuels). While the fleet was spread out, other boats were prohibited. However, civilian flyovers did report significant activity at the site of the library find.

	The Foundation never admitted culpability, but made numerous donations all over the region. While no proof has ever been found, it seems clear the Foundation took the library and associated ruins. Many attempts have been made to force them to admit to this, but the official line remains the same. However, a leaked [[White Paper\|white paper]] circulated around a thousand years after the event which hinted at the language having been deciphered.		The Foundation never admitted culpability, but made numerous donations all over the region. While no proof has ever been found, it seems clear the Foundation took the library and associated ruins. Many attempts have been made to force them to admit to this, but the official line remains the same. However, a leaked [[White Paper\|white paper]] circulated around a thousand years after the event which hinted at the language having been deciphered.

Siddharth1: /* Fluted Colonnade Culture, Iami */

2025-03-23T00:21:15Z

Fluted Colonnade Culture, Iami

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	Beside, and sometimes on top of Canton H is the Fluted Colonnade Culture, so named for the distinctive fluted stone columns found at many of the sites. This culture is perhaps even more enigmatic that Canton H. While the nature and purpose of the ruins left behind is far easier to discern, it is the lack of accompanying evidence which makes the remains so puzzling. Several concourses of colonnades have been found all over the continent in a distinct and well-developed style, but no record of their builders. No villages or structures of the same style; indeed no sign habitation for miles around any of the sites, at least none that can be conclusively dated to the same timeframe as the colonnades. Radiocarbon dating seems to show that all of the colonnade sites were constructed within a relatively short time frame somewhere between 3300 and 3600 [[B.G.A.]].		Beside, and sometimes on top of Canton H is the Fluted Colonnade Culture, so named for the distinctive fluted stone columns found at many of the sites. This culture is perhaps even more enigmatic that Canton H. While the nature and purpose of the ruins left behind is far easier to discern, it is the lack of accompanying evidence which makes the remains so puzzling. Several concourses of colonnades have been found all over the continent in a distinct and well-developed style, but no record of their builders. No villages or structures of the same style; indeed no sign habitation for miles around any of the sites, at least none that can be conclusively dated to the same timeframe as the colonnades. Radiocarbon dating seems to show that all of the colonnade sites were constructed within a relatively short time frame somewhere between 3300 and 3600 [[B.G.A.]].

	In stark contrast, all of the sites attributed to Canton H were abandoned by 3700 B.G.A., and no sign of a transition has ever been found. The Colonnade sites are religious or ritualistic in nature, with some theorizing they may have magic properties. Unfortunately auramancers studying the sites have not been able to find anything.		In stark contrast, all of the sites attributed to Canton H were abandoned by 3700 B.G.A., and no sign of a transition has ever been found. The Colonnade sites are religious or ritualistic in nature, with some theorizing they may have [[magic]] properties. Unfortunately auramancers studying the sites have not been able to find anything.

	===Standing Column Culture, Geth===		===Standing Column Culture, Geth===

Siddharth1: /* Canton H Culture, Iami */

2025-03-23T00:20:48Z

Canton H Culture, Iami

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 23 March 2025
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	However, they were highly organized and in possession of a widespread, unified culture. The most curious aspect of the Canton H sites is the lack of any evidence for warfare. At all of the sites examined, no sign has been found of spearheads, sling shot, or defensive fortifications. Small arrowheads, as would be suitable for hunting small game, as well as flint knives, have been discovered, but no evidence for weapons.		However, they were highly organized and in possession of a widespread, unified culture. The most curious aspect of the Canton H sites is the lack of any evidence for warfare. At all of the sites examined, no sign has been found of spearheads, sling shot, or defensive fortifications. Small arrowheads, as would be suitable for hunting small game, as well as flint knives, have been discovered, but no evidence for weapons.

	The exact age of Canton H. is difficult to determine, but thought to be during the [[Age of Darkness]]. The more telling aspect is the way in which it relates to the other ancient civilization in Iami. The funerary practices of Canton H were the use of urn burials and stone cairns, some of which can still be seen today. Curiously, they did not appear to build cemeteries, making it uncommon to find any more than a few burials in a large area.		The exact age of Canton H. is difficult to determine, but thought to be during the [[Age of Darkness]]. The more telling aspect is the way in which it relates to the other ancient civilization in [[Iami]]. The funerary practices of Canton H were the use of urn burials and stone cairns, some of which can still be seen today. Curiously, they did not appear to build cemeteries, making it uncommon to find any more than a few burials in a large area.

	===Fluted Colonnade Culture, Iami===		===Fluted Colonnade Culture, Iami===

CourseDirector at 17:42, 22 March 2025

2025-03-22T17:42:19Z

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	Tailings and surface entrances were eventually located, but no signs of settlement. A mine of that size would have needed a labor force in the tens of thousands, in turn requiring a very large population to support, no trace of which was ever found. The spoils piles were examined, and found that the gold was extracted from them by an unknown yet highly efficient method.		Tailings and surface entrances were eventually located, but no signs of settlement. A mine of that size would have needed a labor force in the tens of thousands, in turn requiring a very large population to support, no trace of which was ever found. The spoils piles were examined, and found that the gold was extracted from them by an unknown yet highly efficient method.

			===Ulanat and the Enigmatic Weapons of the Undying Age===
			The [[Ulanat]] civilization was not discovered directly, but by their funerary offerings, the [[Enigmatic Weapons of the Undying Age]] which were discovered during the [[Mage Wars]]. Ulanat has not been identified directly but some information about their customs and people has been pieced together.

	==Discovered in Secondary Sources==		==Discovered in Secondary Sources==

CourseDirector: /* Discovered in Secondary Sources */

2022-04-01T19:34:43Z

Discovered in Secondary Sources

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	Cadolonima is unique because, unlike many of the other lost civilizations, there are some direct sources. Thousands of documents bound into folios were found in the [[Library of Arindell]] proport to be from Cadolonima, and tell of a rich culture that may have been one of the earliest constitutional monarchies.		Cadolonima is unique because, unlike many of the other lost civilizations, there are some direct sources. Thousands of documents bound into folios were found in the [[Library of Arindell]] proport to be from Cadolonima, and tell of a rich culture that may have been one of the earliest constitutional monarchies.

			The script found in the Library should make discovery of the location fairly simple, but no matching inscriptions have ever been found. The leading theory is that Cadolonima existed somewhere in modern-day Korrinth, and all traces of it were erased by the Kori.

	===The Sea People===		===The Sea People===

Siddharth1 at 19:08, 24 February 2022

2022-02-24T19:08:04Z

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	The [[Greater Continent]] on [[Aren]], and the surrounding land masses, are home to many strange and enigmatic ruins. Among them, many distinct lost civilizations have been identified, about which virtually nothing is ~~none~~. This section will document a few of them. All of these civilizations are known or thought to pre-date the [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], and many are known to have been wiped out by the [[Marcon Alliance]].		The [[Greater Continent]] on [[Aren]], and the surrounding land masses, are home to many strange and enigmatic ruins. Among them, many distinct lost civilizations have been identified, about which virtually nothing is known. This section will document a few of them. All of these civilizations are known or thought to pre-date the [[Mage Wars#The Dynastic Period\|Dynastic Period]], and many are known to have been wiped out by the [[Marcon Alliance]].

	==Direct Evidence==		==Direct Evidence==