A Brief History of Maelandris

Excerpted from the Andripodem - Andrin's premiere free online information resource

Maelandris is the largest continent on Maead, second planet from the sun. Rich in natural beauty and resources, the east and west coasts are covered in forested hills and low, tree-cloaked mountains. In between, lies a vast belt of fertile plains ideal for agriculture. To the north, the cold and perilous mountains of the Northern Realms, are home to dragons. To the south, jagged, arid peaks and desert protect the land bridge to tropical continent of Surubai, the continent from which all human life is believed to have originated, but is now largely uninhabited. 

Three major human races populate Maelandris, each migrating from Surubai in ancient times and settling distinct regions:

  • Aellivi: The first to arrive, they inhabit the western forests of Aelliviss. Slender and delicate, they average just over four feet tall and move with such grace they appear weightless. Peaceful and introspective, Aellivi live in harmony with forest and sky, steeped in natural magic.

  • Drin: Following the Aellivi, the Drin settled the central plains of Andrin. Their height can range from 5-6 1/2 feet tall. They are industrious, ambitious, and eager for advancement. Skilled in agriculture and governance, they became central to the rise and fall of kingdoms.

  • Cavrek: Last to migrate, the Cavrek established Cavri in the southern deserts. Stocky and resilient, they are known for their blue eyes, thick skin, and resistance to injury and climate extremes. Though they lack magical talent, they are gifted inventors and dominate trade and technology.

The Small Kingdom Wars

The early harmony between the races fractured as Drin clans vied for dominance. Drawing from Cavrek craftsmanship and Aellivi magic, the Drin ignited centuries of fighting,  beginning with feuds, escalating to the Small Kingdom Wars, and eventually consuming all Maelandris.

The Great Kingdom Wars

A greater threat emerged in the north: the exiled Mage King Alberoth, who united beasts, dragons, and outcasts. He mastered dragon-riding, giving him air superiority, and allied with the violent reptilian Repticin of Surubai to launch a two-front invasion.

Faced with annihilation, Cavrek, Drin, and Aellivi united. The war culminated in a legendary battle led by General Belkin and the mage warrior Willin “The Great” Pascam, whose sacrifice brought victory. Alberoth fell. The Repticin were driven to near extinction. The dragons retreated to the Northern Realms, where no human has survived since.

THE GREAT PROGRESSION

In the centuries following the war, Maelandris entered an age of peace and progress. Education replaced warfare, and while political intrigue persisted, major conflicts ceased. This era saw a flourishing of agriculture, trade, and innovation.

THE RISE OF TECHNOLOGY

In 6398, Cavrek inventor Roska harnessed lightning. His son Kasil perfected wireless energy transfer, revolutionizing communication and power. Technologies such as radios, VidScreens, ComScreens, airships, and computers spread rapidly. CavDrin engineer Sistel then connected every device into the Information Matrix (InfoMax). Cities rose. Farms emptied. The world shrank, reshaped by electrification and digital networks.

THE RACES TODAY

Andrin and Cavri remain politically distinct, but culturally and economically they are now deeply entwined. Aellivi, however, have rejected modernity. Viewing technology as a violation of natural law, they closed their borders and returned to pre-war ways. They warn that a heavy price will be paid for humanity’s disconnection from the planet.

MAGIC IN MODERN ANDRIN

As Aellivi influence waned, so did magic. Technological advances rendered it obsolete. Though rare, mages were still born, however their powers often went untrained and were misused. That changed in 7294, when a prodigy named Flint launched devastating magical attacks, forcing the government to take a more active role in searching out and training potential mages. Pascam Junior High and Jaxmin High School were established for this purpose. The Cavrek also developed containment technologies for rogue magic users.

To this day, no new prodigy has appeared. Many believe magic is fading. Others insist it sleeps, waiting for someone to awaken it and return it to the people of Andrin.