Records of the Sands

Timeline of Goldenwind

Ancient Memories:

It has been said through generations that the first of Goldenwind lived among the ancients. The first to witness such events that shaped the Valley into what it has come to be known as today. Entering this world on the cusp of their downfall, when the golden sands of the desert were nothing but a vast sea. Being a world in which the sand folk lived on water, following the waves to survive by any means necessary.

Pirates of the sea and traders in the glittering rush of blue and white. Not much is known of this period, but many believed the first of Goldenwind roamed the water freely. Calling all those connected waters its home and never settling in one place for too long. Followers to the flow of the waves, charting courses that best fit the harshness of survival.

Rebirth:

When the Phoenix laid waste to the very waters of Goldenwind in a fit of rage, loss, and grief. All that remained was the burning gold of sands where rich water once flowed freely and uncontested. Thus, destroying Goldenwind, but at the very same time birthing it anew. Making it into the very Goldenwind the valleyfolk of the sands have settled for generations.

This new land held the mysteries of what had remained hidden underneath the deep depths of water. Telling a history of those long before, as ruins surfaced that had been buried for generations. Alongside these new landmarks and the creation of the sands, the Phoenix's pursuit continued. He created the caverns and tunnel system that run deep through the sands' vast underground. For in his desperation to find his lost lover, his search and stretch of destruction was seemingly endless.

Once he discovered his lover's remains, large bones now embedded into the very sands he had created. The fury that consumed him burned brighter, realizing he could not move them without the risk of damaging her. He was destructive but never to her. Therefore, her remains stay where they lay for eternity. Embedded in the sands of the deep desert, now a landmark and staple to those of Goldenwind, a symbol of time and knowledge.

Unable to fully join his lover in the great beyond, the ancient decided to descend deep into the very caverns he had created. Sending himself into a deep sleep for eternity. Flames dimmed but never fully diminished. As legend says, the great holder of flame vowed to remain as a silent protector to his beloved's remains. Guarding them for the rest of time until the day would come when he is to reappear...

The Great Scorpion Drought [6 Years prior to Game Start]:

Life in the desert was harsh and unforgiving, forcing the valleyfolk of Goldenwind to consistently adapt to its changes. Until the Scorpion's Drought descended upon the desert like the deadliness of a scorpion's sting. Not only was this drought the worst in history for the desert, but it also lasted far longer than any recorded. The rainy seasons brought no rain, thus not returning the flow of water.

This drought not only dried up the land, but it forced all life within the desert to migrate. Where once steady herds ran, had now shifted, moving further north toward the greener lands. Leading to the sand dwellers not only lacking a water source, but now their food source as well. Many in the clan grew desperate and started fighting amongst themselves, almost leading to an inner war. Until the current Morning Star, the great and mighty Seti called for expansion. Pushing the desert clan further north and away from everything golden, as what they lacked in resources they made up for in numbers. Though weak, their will to live and desperation drove them toward survival.

Eventually, they reached Gaelkin's ancestral lands, where the rivers ran, and greenery flourished with life. To the starving and dehydrated sand folk, it looked like a paradise in comparison to the barren sands. The Morning Star Seti quickly declared the new land as Goldenwind, expanding the territory beyond unimaginable bounds. Thus, Goldenwind became the largest territory in the valley from that day on, driving the smaller clan from their ancestral lands. Gaelkin, being no match for the mighty numbers of Goldenwind, was left in the barren strip of rocky land between Goldenwind and Eirmuir. Thus, driving both the seafaring clans, Gaelkin and Eirmuir, into a war that would last them for 3 long years.

To this day, many sand dwellers believe this drought was an omen or punishment brought forth by powers beyond them. While others believe it was a push from these forces to build the strength of Goldenwind and grow into what it has become today. Although most who lived through this period have passed, there are some that remain and continue to tell these tales. Sharing the suffering of the drought through their despair as they were forced to witness loved ones crumble and perish from the harsh conditions as Goldenwind itself almost fell apart.

Note: A joint timeline between Goldenwind, Eirmur, and Gaelkin is in the works to help people from all 3 factions be more informed! If characters are being considered to have history or attachment with this time period, please feel free to reach out to Spooky and Cole for further guidance or help!

Growth of the Desert:

The great drought had taken many in its wake, and while they had claimed new land to ensure survival, the damage of the drought for some could not be undone, and quickly following the claim to these lands, the Morning Star Seti and Evening Star Noor passed. Forcing his successor and son, Helios, to take over as the new Morning Star, and his mate, now Evening Star Mene, to rebuild the clan. Except now they had a land of green in mixture with the gold of the desert.

Thus was birthed the custom of migrating to the Dawn Throne during each Tidal Ensemble. Its purpose was to combat the heat of the Skyarch, while also paying respects to all sand dwellers who suffered from the drought. In this bloom of regrowth, the future of the clan was born: Perseus. The soot colored valleyfolk was the only one born to his parents, yet carried the 'eyes of the star'. Thus, instantly making him their successor and the future of Goldenwind alongside the other bloom of the new generation. Under the rule of the new Star, Goldenwind flourished in what is commonly known as its 'Golden Era', a time when peace grew as did their numbers. Holding on strongly to their title and place within that valley as their connection to it grew stronger.

However, nothing good ever lasts forever. It was in the late stages of Perseus’ early adulthood that his parents first showed symptoms of a mysterious illness. As with every pair of Stars that walked through Goldenwind's skies, their souls were connected. A bond formed when they took the mantle as leaders of the sands. While it was as strong as it was true, that also meant whatever is done upon one shall be done upon the other. It’s unclear who came down with the illness first, as by the time it was noticed, the Stars were in a more advanced stage of progression.

Light of the Star:

Eventually, the time had finally come when neither of the previous Stars were able to continue their reign. Instead, they remained in the care of the Sayers located in the maze of dens within the Skyarch. It was rare to see the previous Morning and Evening Star from that day forward. Their bodies too fragile and weak to continue with tasks they once found flowed through them like second nature. 

This left Goldenwind in the paws of their only son, Perseus. While the new star was bright, his fire burned in a way the older generations hadn't seen in years. Ushering in a new era of change for the sands, one that brought forth conflict from opposing sides. Old and New. However, ultimately, the new Morning and Evening Star, as he declared himself, would guide Goldenwind with ambitions that pushed beyond the sands… 

GAME START AUGUST 2024

The No Named Beast [September 2024 to December 2024]:

The sandstorms within the Deep Desert grew heavy and more frequent, only increasing with each passing day. They seemed to be unnatural in nature, the likes of which the newer generation of Goldenwind had never seen before. Almost appearing within an instant, as if the moment someone stepped across its burning path, it was enraged. Specifically, near Chimera's Ridge, which led to the Morning and Evening Star Perseus to realize this was a known omen.

Calling to all of Goldenwind, the Star led a faction-wide expedition for all able bodies to participate in. The desert had sung her warnings to the sand dwellers, and now it was up to them to venture in deeper to discover the cause. Ultimately leading to the discovery of a creature...a beast like none other the desert had ever seen. Large, with four bat-like ears atop its head and wings that stretched widely across the sands. Its eyes were white and as piercing as the screeching that came from its lungs.

That discovery led the Star to organize a team to follow him deep within one of the hidden holes, taking the group further than ever imagined. It was as if an entire ecosystem-one of supernatural origins lay in the depths of these tunnels. As each location explored offered an entirely new threat and experience to navigate through:

• • • Webbed Tunnel:

      • These spider-infested tunnels were tight and uncomfortable to venture through. However, guided by small lights that littered the webs, the group soon discovered these lights were, in fact, spiders. Unusual in nature, their webs were thick and sticky, carrying a striking scent. As they traveled further, the group disturbed the webs, alerting something dangerous and becoming covered with spiders; many found themselves trapped in the thick webs, leading to a fight against the overwhelming swarm in a race against time as danger approached. However, not all was lost, as it seemed some of these critters were helping. In the end, an echoing clacking sound caused all movement to stop as the swarm scattered.

      • Upon discovering a small opening, the group split into two parties against the Star's orders. One team followed Perseus toward the danger of the echoing noise, and the other escaped through the small opening with the injured. Those who followed the Star would come to discover a very dangerous giant spider Queen. This led to an all-out battle against the gigantic creature, which resulted in the group tumbling into the darkness of an open pocket the spider had pushed them toward. Those who stayed back and drove into the small opening found themselves at the very base of the Midnight Slopes.

    • Midnight Slopes:

      • The group at this location was completely surrounded by darkness, with their only source of light being glowing mushrooms scattered along the base. While injured and exhausted, the group managed to make it up the steep incline. Discovering the benefits of the spider webs and glowing mushrooms (Cave Stars) found in this area along the way. Only to be sent sliding down the other side of the slope the moment they reached the peak by a heavy gust of wind.

    • Slithering Trail:

      • The group at this location found themselves surrounded in a pit of snakes, and while unable to make them out in the darkness, every movement could be felt. This group was just as injured and exhausted as the group they separated from, but they managed to make it through the dangers of the pit. While a little soaked from the water within the pit, the snakes had remained calm enough for them to make their escape.

    • Screeching Depths:

      • Ultimately, the two separated groups reunite and rejoin before they tackle the Screeching Depths head-on. Discovering the Runic Bats that roam these depths as their patterns glowed brightly against the darkness. Some would battle these creatures, and others would befriend them. The group's journey came to its conclusion as they ventured deeper, until everything fell silent. As a black fog slowly spread through the area, the beast they had been searching for stepped from the shadows...

      • The creature, who they discovered to be known as No-Name, spoke to them in a broken language. Just enough for them all to make out its words and piece them together. It spoke of the Star's parents and Goldenwind's Light; Citrine as if it personally knew them. Making it known, it had led them all down here, just so it could snatch Citrine and the previous Stars right underneath their noses. There was no room left for speaking after that realization, as No-Name charged at them head-on.

The battle between Goldenwind and No-Name was one that rocked the very walls of the underground tunnel system. The sand dwellers managed to gain the upper hand by using the creature's blindness against it. However, No-Name's eyes flashed green before a death curling screech had the valleyfolk stunned. The noise was deafening as the creature's black fog began to swirl and spread until it engulfed the whole area to the point where no one could see. The end looked near for the sand dwellers, but in a twist of fate, No-Name and its black fog vanished...leaving only the stunned sand dwellers.

Note: For a further in-depth look at all the details of this event, please see this journal here! It is highly encouraged, as this journal covers everything from this event, which isn't able to be completely captured in this timeline summary!

Hauntings at the Hollow [July 2025 to November 2025]:

Since No-Name's arrival to the sands, they've been continuously restless, sending warning signs such as a blood moon and rivers that bleed. The strangeness only continued as the Star's cousin, Dusk, returned with a warning from No-Name and information about mysterious happenings outside the sands yet somehow connected to them. Leading to the discovery of camels wandering the sands, specifically ones that carried strange purple markings on their back legs.

As a result, the Star formed a small group to track the camel and follow it beyond the sands. The journey had them venturing well past the golden glow of the sands and into the shadows of the Haunted Hollow. Until they come across a large portal with black, twisted and thorny branches coiled together. Forming a makeshift circle as it inwardly gave a glow of purple, illuminating the dark bark. Yet, that portal was only the beginning, as ghostly wisps circled the group and a voice, or voices? Spoke to them, feeding the group a tightly woven lie that claimed what was discovered was the Eternity. Giving false promises and sweet words that twisted the rotting truth that lay beneath their lies. One’s so sweet, the sand dwellers believed in them…though some had a lingering suspicion of their deception. 

Underneath these lies, Goldenwind helped 'feed' the portal with offerings to bring it back to its full power. This included bringing prey animals, conversing with the souls in frequent capacity, or praying to them. However, all of Goldenwind would come to realize the consequences of their actions. None more so than the very Star himself, as only once power had been restored was the truth revealed.

This wasn't the Eternity but, in fact, the Abyss, and in this lie the real goal of these souls was shared. What they sought was the Star. Taking hold of his soul in those moments of darkness when death was on the very brink. Other voices spoke to him as beings who claimed themselves to be the forgotten Gods of the desert clan appeared. Gods who never truly left them, as the sun, moon, and stars had always been beside Goldenwind, as is the cycle of life and death.

They managed to free the Star that night, as a pulse surged through the valley. Echoing through the ground in a primal rage as magic twisted into the very soil, spreading far and wide. Thus, birthing a new era for the valley and shaping it into a world full of magic once again. However, the Abyss, now back at full power, could no longer be subdued. Far greater than that, they now had a debt to settle with Goldenwind, and they would achieve this through whatever means necessary. For no one escaped the Abyss, not even a Star...

Note: For a further in-depth look at all the details of this event, please see this journal here! It is highly encouraged, as this journal covers everything from this event, which isn't able to be completely captured in this timeline summary!

New Discoveries and Forgotten Gods [December 2025 to Current Time]:

TBA