Sylvanus-Khazad Empire
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The Sylvanus-Khazad Empire came into being around thirteen to twenty thousand years ago and lasted until about ten to eight thousand years ago. After such a huge time scale, details are rather sketchy. As far as can be assertained, the Empire was biracial, consisting of Sylvanus (common name: Elf) and Dodari Khazad (common name: Dwarf). Most of what we do know has been pieced together from archaelogy and Khazad written records. The Sylvanus appear to have occupied most of th epositions of authority, which would normally have been associated with book keeping, but their work seems not to have survived the ages and terrble disaster that destroyed both their empire and species.
The reason for this oddity lies in the materials used to keep records. The Slyvanus are frequently depicted in carvings holding books or scrolls, indicating that they used paper, parchment or perhaps even animal skins to write one. The Khazad wrote less frequently, but usually did so by carving it into stone, thus leaving behind rather more permanent records.
This means we see the Empire though Dwarven eyes. One of the things we know about both species is that they were very long lived, perhaps three or four times what most of todays races can expect. This goes a long way towards explaining how the Empire lasted so long, as most philosophers argue that the Sylvanus and Khazad would be inclined towards steady, sedate lives rather than violent revolution and chaotic upheavel. Tragically, this speculation cannot be verified, even if its conclusions are tempting.
Quite how the rural sylvanus and subterainian Khazad came to live in such close quarters is mysterious. Their own legends imply that it was divinely ordained. The story states that a Khazad king by the name of Orghan was digging a new tunnel when he accidently breached through to the surface, coming up in the middle of the Sylvanus capital city, Lutewelin. Orghan then asked the startled Sylvanus for directions,and othered to pay with the services of his people.
Historians speculate on how literally to interpret this. Some take it a face value, and speculate upon which gods brought them together. Others throw it aside, stating that it mearly shows that relations between the two races were always good. Cynics insist that the whole story was concocted by the sylvanus to persuade the Khazad that their subserviant position was divine will, helping to keep them in line. If the cynics are correct, it begs the question of how the sylvanus became the dominant partners. Theories range from military conquest, to trade advantages or superior magical knowledge.
