Timeline of major events
The Continent’s history is contested even in-universe.
Conjunction of the Spheres
Many worlds collide. Monsters and humans arrive on the Continent, eventually displacing the "Elder Races" (Elves, Dwarves, and Gnomes). Magic (Chaos) is introduced to the world.
Founding of Nilfgaard
Nilfgaard begins as a small colony in the south (roots in the 2nd century). In the 12th Century, Torres var Emreis overthrows the Senate, becoming the first Emperor and setting the stage for centuries of expansion.
The Creation of Witchers
Mages (like Alzur and Cosimo) create the first witchers to deal with the monster plague. Shortly after, the Order of Witchers is founded, and strongholds like Kaer Morhen are established in the late 10th century.
Formation of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers
Fearful rulers begin persecuting sorcerers, leading to the formation of the Brotherhood of Sorcerers as a political shield.
Nilfgaard Annexes Ebbing
Under the "Usurper," Nilfgaard invades the kingdom of Ebbing. This marks the beginning of the "Northern Wars" in a broad sense, though they haven't reached the Northern Kingdoms (like Temeria or Redania) yet.
Geralt Claims the Child of Surprise
At the betrothal feast of Pavetta in Cintra, Geralt saves Duny and invokes the Law of Surprise. This binds him to the unborn Ciri.
The Slaughter of Cintra & Battle of Sodden Hill
Nilfgaard finally crosses the mountains. Cintra falls and Queen Calanthe dies. The war ends later that year at the Battle of Sodden Hill, where the Northern mages (including Yennefer and Triss) stop the Nilfgaardian advance.
The Thanedd Coup & Battle of Brenna
War reignites after a bloody coup at the mages' summit on Thanedd Island (1267). It concludes in 1268 at the Battle of Brenna, a decisive Northern victory that leads to the Peace of Cintra.
The Wild Hunt Pursues Ciri
During the Third Northern War, the spectral riders hunt Ciri for her Elder Blood. Geralt searches the war-torn lands of Velen, Novigrad, and Skellige to find her before Eredin does.
The Duchy of Toussaint
Set three years after the main events of The Witcher 3, Geralt travels to Toussaint to hunt a beast, eventually uncovering the secret history of higher vampires and the Unseen Elder.