No one living now can remember as far back as that which was. Opakaw now just lives in legend, handed down from storyteller to storyteller through the generations.
To hear the tales of it now invites the listener to envision the paradise that that empire must have been. It is stated that it was an empire ruled by families of humans, elves, and dwarves. Each race living in harmony with the others, despite them all living in different parts of the realm.
The humans, of course, founded their cities upon the river that the empire took its name from and its tributaries. They were industrious and expanded quickly. And ever seeking out better materials and better methods of which to do things. Which led them both to their future partners.
To the south, of course, were the elves. The forest was thick but still traversable, unlike that which we find ourselves in today. And the elves were very knowledgeable with their magics and the humans quick learners. Through the bond forged over magic the elves and humans banded together, and the first division of the races began with that as the two even bred together to create a half-breed. First reviled, these half-breeds eventually began to be lavished upon. Many of the later Consuls were from their stock.
And to the north were the dwarven smiths. Found by the humans as they traveled further up the Opakaw seeking the source of the minerals that would occasionally wind up in the river. And there they found the Dwarves, living along the mountains that formed The Roof Of The World. There they mined and smithed, and the best metals in the world were theirs to command. Desiring the access to such resources, the humans welcomed them into the fold.
And soon the realm was at rest. The three primary races stood in harmony and the tales tell us all was at peace. Common knowledge, even now, states that a citizen could traverse from one end of this empire to another and worry not of any hazard befalling them. Bandits were unheard of, and dangerous animals warded off with magical tokens freely available to all. The God, with its benevolence, shown down its light upon all of civilization. Do not give me that look, for I have not named It nor would I. But It must be included for a tale to be complete.
A true peace, a strong empire that lasted for a thousand years. So the tales say, anyhow. Some hint at even longer. The tales state such fantastic things were commonplace. The water was always crystal clear and the food could be kept for days on end. Diseases were unheard of and it was said that a common man could live for a hundred years without troubles. Paradise indeed.
But tales of paradise do not get told without dwelling upon what happened to paradise. And there are indeed many tales of how that paradise got shattered and of how we ended up as we are now. But that is for tomorrow as the night draws us to our sleep.
Please remember to keep that fire well lit for it will ward off the lizards. And those who stand guard tonight; do not break the circle for that is what will keep us safe from the dangers of this jungle.
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