The Triumvirate

The assumed progenitor races of Zol: Dwarves, Elves, and Humans. Many theories exist about the origins of these races and their place in the world. Some of which include: the will of Zolaen Gods, a product of The Undoing, or the most popular theory being some manifestation The Trinity’s power.

The latter theory is largely based on artifacts uncovered from The Grand Nothing. These discoveries only include mentions, or remains, of Dwarves, Elves, and Humans. Each of which seemed to have possessed a lifespan centuries long, and a special connection to one of The Trinity’s forces. The Dwarves with Observance, the Elves with Viridescence, and Humans with Arcana. These races also make up the largest percentage of the Zolaen population.

Much is inferred based on these 3 main facts. The information is also paired with many other smaller discoveries like biological traits, and what little history is available from the time directly after The Awakening, before The Dragon War. Since Humans do not normally live for centuries in the modern age, it is largely assumed that The Undoing had something to do with Humans, and effected their Great Magic as a result. Those who subscribe to the idea of The Triumvirate largely believe one of two things. Gethsemnean Triumviratism and Kapeshian Triumviratism.

Gethsemnean Triumviratism theory originated amongst the elven and dwarven cities of Gethsemane. It views Humans unfavorably. The theory says that Humans strayed from the light of the Gods. As punishment, their longevity (also referred to as Great Magic in this context) was taken from them. This lost power was fragmented into the Off-Human races. This theory charges many polarized beliefs in many cultures, and is to blame for many dark parts of history. Including Slavery, unethical arcane practices, and wars like the Triumvirate Battles or the Alderian Rebellion. This is the most widely accepted belief regarding Great Magic.

Kapeshian Triumviratism theory originated within Kapesh, and was largely founded in Ashian belief. It views Humans as a sacrifice in the context of The Undoing. Ashian belief says that Humans fought alongside the Zolaen Gods against The Shroud of the Void. In the later stages of the battle, The Shroud of the Void began to take over the minds of Humans. So the Humans willingly gave up their Great Magic, giving the Zolaen Gods the upper hand to seal the Void Gods away permanently within The Void.

There are many facts that contest this belief as well which include: longevity in Off-Human races, the fact that most of this is based on very little archeological information, the diverse difference of Language present after The Awakening, and there being no modern true biological differences in the proficiency of harnessing The Trinity’s powers when regarding the races en masse.