Alter Aeon The Great Library

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Note - as with any topic, researchers should question the reliability
and veracity of these texts.  The library's aim is to preserve
documents, not verify accuracy.

AABN:  48739
Title: a book entitled, 'Ralnoth, the Cradle of Humanity'

Ralnoth, the Cradle of Humanity by Resaech, Guildmaster of Mages

The actual creation of mankind is a legend lost to the ages, but advanced
magic can confirm that the oldest human settlement in existence is Ralnoth.
When Dentin created humankind, he placed them where Ralnoth is today.  It
is said that the gods themselves had a hand in the original erection of
Ralnoth's walls, which certainly accounts for their durability and
longevity, although they have long since left the affairs of the city in
the care of mortals.  The name "Ralnoth" is a combination of two power
runes: "ral", which usually connects runes together, but in this case is
used as a superlative, and "noth", which is the rune that denotes the human
race.

Ancient Ralnoth was little more than a hilltop fortress, consisting of the
southern portion of the modern city known nowadays as "Old Ralnoth". 
During the ages that followed, the world was terrifying place for
humankind, full of monsters far more powerful than any human being.  Humans
attempted to tame the land roundabout, only to be forced to retreat behind
the safety of their indestructible walls time and time again.  Only after
harnessing the powers of magic did humans finally start to gain an edge
over the savage races, and slowly but surely, the world was colonized and
conquered by humankind, bringing the reign of dragons and giants to an end.

Far-flung human tribes then began to break up into their modern phenotypes
during the later years of the Age of Creation, but the humans of Ralnoth
appeared then much as they do today, having a light complexion and medium
build.  Ralnothians' hair comes in a variety of colors, ranging from red to
blond to brown and even black.  Common eye colors are blue, green and
brown, although yellow, orange, purple and gray are not unheard of.

Unlike other races of humankind, Ralnoth's political influence has remained
largely confined to itself as an independent city-state, with a couple of
client villages such as North Ralnoth and Siviri.  Ralnoth's only
participation in a larger nation was a period of time when they were a
partner of the Wallachian Confederation.  Ralnoth broke its alliance with
the Wallachians when the latter went to war against the Rubicon
Principality because Ralnoth was unwilling to sever trade relations with
the Rubicons.

Ralnoth's primary business has been that of trade.  The city has little in
the way of natural resources, but it has been hub for merchants all over
the world and is regarded by many as the capitol of the continent.  Indeed,
Ralnoth is the most populous city on the mainland and second-most in the
known world, trailing behind only the city of Naginag.  The vast majority
of residents are humans, although a small population of elves, evenly
divided between green elves and high elves, also lives there, as well as a
handful of halflings and half-orcs.

Ralnoth continues to draw water from the ancient well underneath of it,
although the means of obtaining that water has drastically improved and
become more efficient over the ages with the construction of the city's
sewers.  The city also boasts one of the greatest schools of higher
learning in existence: Ralnoth University.

Like many settlements that have a long history, Ralnoth has been governed
in a variety of ways over the years.  The city-state is currently a
theocracy, with the high priest of Dentin acting at the city's chief ruler
(whom presumably receives divine direction in his governmental affairs),
and city officials being selected by a committee of priests.  The Temple of
Dentin performs double duty both as the center of the city's administration
and focus of the residents' worship.  Dentin is considered to be the city's
patron god.  Even before obtaining direct rule, the Church of Dentin has
enjoyed considerable influence and power due the god's popularity amongst
the people.

In keeping with faith of Dentin, Ralnoth's citizens deign to create and
avoid to destroy.  Since the dawn of the Reign of Dentin, Ralnoth has never
attacked another nation.  They have had to muster their defense against
invaders several times, however, against demons, giants and dragons.