-1000 - -800 I.C.

This period saw the lands that came to be known as Bretonnia inhabited by humans for the first time. Bands of hunter-gatherers gradually migrated over the Grey Mountains from the lands now known as the Empire. These kinbands were very primitive, and there was no uniformity of 'culture' as such. Clothing consisted of crude furs and weapons were stone and wood - essential in the constant fight for survival against the nomadic tribes of orcs and goblins that had already settled in the lands. The insular Wood Elves watched the encroaching humans with curiosity and some concern - whilst they were easily chased from the forest at present, they realised that the expansion and development of these men would bring fresh threats to them in time.

Collectively the people who moved into the land are now called the Bretonni, although the name was not yet used by the folk themselves. Their religion was too primitive to be compared directly with those of today, although worship of the Earth Mother is evident from some cave paintings that remain. As such the Bretonni followed an early incarnation of the Old Faith, trusting to nature and animistic spirits for survival and well-being. Wise men and women were early 'druids' - rare figures of mystery and power.

In addition to the migration from the east, there was limited migration north from the peninsula to the south. These people may have been forced north by the depredations of the skaven - the ratmen were beginning to encroach on the lands now known as Estalia, scouring the land for warpstone with little success.

Today, almost nothing is known of the earliest settlers of Bretonnia. The Dwarfs of the Grey Mountains have some records deep in their holds as do the Wood Elves of the Loren Forest, but neither has seen fit to tell the men of the land of their ancestors. Some druidic legends may refer to the people of this time, but these tales are veiled in allegory and symbolism. Examples of rock art has been found, most notably in the caves of the Pale Sisters and the Massif Orcal, and some standing stones may originate from this period. Most interesting is the recent find in a desolate part of Artenois - six stones stand around a deep lake in a grove of the forest. At the north edge of the lake is a cromlech, and painted on the interior walls is what seems to be a representation of a woman with broad hips. She is clutching two small humanoid figures, while dead bison, aurochs and fish lie at her feet.

-800 - 0 I.C.

This period saw the first true tribes begin to emerge in Brettonia, with nomadic hunter-gatherers settling and establishing agriculture on a small scale. Kin-bands fused together around fertile areas such as the river valleys of the Grismarie, Sannez and Morceaux, and along the coastlines, and with settlement came stable hierarchies and craft specialisation. External threats from orcs and goblins encouraged banding together yet further, but with larger groups of people defence became easier, and the population grew accordingly. With agriculture came domestication of animals - horses (possibly stolen from the Wood Elves), pigs and cattle were raised for food and labour. Metalworking began, possibly with the dwarf influence.

Dependence on the land for subsistence lead to the further reliance on the Old Faith, and it is at this point the true druids became more important amongst the Bretonni. Although some worship of Taal, Rhya and Ulric was apparent in the north, the role of the druids became dominant. They formed an important class within society - not just as religious leaders, but as judges, teachers and . Although affiliated with the tribes of the land, they were bound by no chieftain and they came and went as they pleased, establishing an aura of power and mystery around themselves.

The expansion and settlement of the tribes did not go unnoticed by the Wood Elves of Loren, who began to perceive the potential threat of human civilisation to their kingdom. They made tentative contact with the Bretonni through the druids, frightening them to stay clear of the forest, and to leave the trees alone. The druids did not comprehend fully the nature of the Wood Elves, but through surreptitious insinuation the elves succeeded in imparting to the druids the means to increase their own power.

Towards the later centuries of this period the druid's power was at it's height. Through the influence of the Wood Elves they realised that if the tribes were to advance and grow in numbers they would no longer fear and revere nature, but would begin to conquer it. The druids acted to suppress advancement and alliance between tribes, using the awe in which they were held to maintain the status quo.

A distinct culture within the Bretonni began to emerge during this period, and existing artefacts show a distinctive style which has some parallels with that of present day Albion. Metal was worked with swirling elegant designs, and heavily stylised animals are apparent. Warfare was conducted from horseback and on foot, with some use of primitive wooden chariots. The men would paint themselves with dyes such as woad, in imitation of the fearsome Wood Elf warriors that were occasionally glimpsed by terrified Bretonni.

A famous relic of this period is kept in the royal palace in Oisillon - the incorrectly-termed 'Helm of Le Breton'. This horned helmet predates Gilles Le Breton by at least 1200 years. It is a beautiful artefact, worked in gold and bronze with the characteristic swirling patterns of the Bretonni tribes of the period.

Another famous artefact from this period is the 'Marguilles Cauldron'. This impressive iron pot was found in a lake near to the town that bears it's name - cauldrons are known to have had symbolic significance to the Bretonni. The front of the cauldron bears the image of a woman's face - even the stylised representation conveys beautiful and fearsome aspects of her character. Scholars have identified her with the Lady, whose worship is generally taken to have spread throughout the Bretonni during this period. The celebrated and patriotic Imperial scholar Galirus of Nuln stated that the Lady was the 'anthropomorphic representation of a primitive water spirit, akin to those feared by superstitious Kislevites'.

Legendary figures

Therouix - several songs recount the adventures of this doomed hero, who fought against many legendary monsters in the Grey Mountains. He met his death at the hands of his fellow tribesmen, who did not recognise upon his return to his home 10 years since departing.

Merhuil - a mysterious druid who is said to have helped and terrified the mightiest warriors in equal measure. Myths tell that he had great power, and knew of things before they occurred.

Gringda - a witch who lived alone in the forests around what is now Gisoreaux. The stories tell that she had dealings with daemons and was the sister of Merhuil.