The First Settlers
Brave pioneers from across Europe who built a colony only to fall victim to the island's dark magic.
The First Settlers refer to the initial wave of European colonists from various nations who arrived on the island of Aeternum decades before the Stranger. They established the foundational settlements and outposts that define the current map, but their presence was short-lived due to supernatural forces. Their story serves as the tragic prologue to the main narrative. While they sought wealth and new beginnings, they were ultimately undone by the island's volatile magic and a mysterious corruption known as the Corruption.
- Origin
- Various European nations
- Key Figure
- None named from this period
- Primary Threat
- The Corruption (the Ancients' corruption)
Lore & Background
Arriving in the early colonial era, these settlers sought fortune and religious freedom across the ocean. They constructed forts, farms, and trading posts, carving civilization out of the dense jungle. However, they were unprepared for Aeternum's latent magical energy which permeated the land and water. Conflict arose not only from the environment but also from indigenous tribes defending their territory. The situation deteriorated rapidly when a supernatural sickness began to spread through the population. This corruption warped the afflicted physically and mentally, turning neighbors into enemies and eventually driving many settlements into ruin before the Stranger ever set foot on shore.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the rotting timbers of the old watchtower. I found the journal tucked beneath a waterlogged crate, its pages stained with mold and something darker. The handwriting grew frantic near the end, describing shadows that moved against the light and friends who forgot their names before turning on them. They called it a sickness; we know now it was a curse.
Reader's Guide
The First Settlers represent the foundational layer of Aeternum's colonial history, predating the arrival of the Stranger by several decades. These brave souls departed from England seeking fortune and religious freedom, establishing the initial footholds that would eventually become major settlements like Kingsmouth and Edens Eye. However, their dream was short-lived due to the island's volatile magical nature. Upon landing, they faced immediate challenges including hostile indigenous tribes and treacherous terrain. While some managed to build functional communities, a mysterious plague known as The Corruption swept through their ranks. This supernatural affliction turned many against each other or transformed them into monstrous creatures. Today, the remnants of their civilization serve as both historical markers and dangerous dungeons for adventurers. Players can often discover their personal journals within ruined structures, offering clues about the island's secrets. Their legacy is a warning that Aeternum rewards ambition but punishes hubris with magical decay.
Did You Know?
- Personal journals from this era are frequently found in ruins across the map as collectible lore items.
- The Marauders are a faction formed by later arrivals, not by the original First Settlers.
- The island's ecosystem was already heavily influenced by the Ancients and Aeternum's magic, with no lore confirming European livestock or crops permanently altered it.
- Governor John is a figure from the later 'Settlers' period, not the initial wave of colonists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were The First Settlers?
The First Settlers were an initial wave of English colonists who arrived on Aeternum decades before the Stranger to establish a new life. They founded the original outposts that form the basis of the island's current settlements but are now entirely extinct.
What role did they play in New World history?
Their primary role was laying the physical and societal foundations for the modern colonies, though their presence served as a tragic warning about the island's dangers. They attempted to build a prosperous society before being overwhelmed by supernatural forces.
How did The First Settlers meet their end?
Despite their bravery, the group was wiped out by the volatile magic of Aeternum and a mysterious affliction known as The Plague of Aeternum. This corruption proved too powerful for their defenses, leading to the total collapse of their colony.
Who led this initial expedition?
Governor Thomas is recognized as the key figure who led these pioneers from England to the island. His leadership defined their early efforts before the inevitable tragedy struck his people.
Why are The First Settlers important to the lore?
They serve as the tragic prologue to the main narrative, illustrating the fatal consequences of ignoring Aeternum's dark magic. Their failed attempt at colonization explains why later arrivals must be more cautious regarding the island's supernatural threats.
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