Primeval civilization

Before the Vaal, an unnamed primeval civilization existed on Wraeclast. Some primary figures in connection with the Proto-Vaal include Aul, the Crystal King, The First King, and The Clayshaper.

Lore

From top to bottom, these bosses can be observed at descending depths in the Azurite Mines: Ahuatotli, the Blind, Kurgal, the Blackblooded, and Aul, the Crystal King. As the depth they are buried under signify age, it can be ascertained that The Proto-Vaal is one of the oldest civlizations in Wraeclast, predating both the Vaal and the Lightless, as Aul was the last king of the Proto-Vaal civilization.

Through the name "Proto-Vaal", it can be assumed that the members of this civilization are the descendants of those of the Vaal civilization.

To date, little is known about the Proto-Vaal Civilization. However, through the Delve unique drop-only rings dropped by the aforementioned bosses, we can piece together three stages of the Proto-Vaal civilization. However, the order in which these events occurred is up for debate.

"Uzaza's" rings

Through their flavour texts, the three Uzaza's rings are centred around the life of The First King and the beginning of some civilization. It is unknown what civilization exactly the First King was the king of.

Item	Effect(s)	Flavour Text
Uzaza's MeadowUzaza's Meadow Sapphire RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Cold Resistance+20 to Dexterity 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeCold winds blasted what little grew on the icy surface. The gifts of the land lay hidden deeper, and only patience and persistence would free them.This item can be combined with a Mountain and Valley ring at a Vendor.	N/A	Cold winds blasted what little grew on the icy surface. The gifts of the land lay hidden deeper, and only patience and persistence would free them.
Uzaza's MountainUzaza's Mountain Sapphire RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Cold Resistance+20 to Dexterity 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeThe narrow path turned to rough rocks that led towards the sky. One last obstacle in a life-long journey to find a land they could call home.This item can be combined with a Meadow and Valley ring at a Vendor.	N/A	The narrow path turned to rough rocks that led towards the sky. One last obstacle in a life-long journey to find a land they could call home.
Uzaza's ValleyUzaza's Valley Sapphire RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Cold Resistance+20 to Dexterity 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeSheltered beneath thick ice, the river ferried fat fish towards the sea. But the First King knew the river's secret, and the fish were not the only ones who grew fat.This item can be combined with a Meadow and Mountain ring at a Vendor.	N/A	Sheltered beneath thick ice, the river ferried fat fish towards the sea. But the First King knew the river's secret, and the fish were not the only ones who grew fat.

"Putembo's" rings

Through their flavour texts, the three Putembo's rings detail the early life of Aul when he was a slave, the latter end of the life of an unnamed king, and the beginning of a series of cataclysmic events that would go on to ravage the Proto-Vaal civilization.

Item	Effect(s)	Flavour Text
Putembo's MeadowPutembo's Meadow Topaz RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Lightning Resistance+20 to Intelligence 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeThe fields were silent but for the plucking of fruits, the rustling of leaves, and the breaking of stone. No slave dared to speak or look the passing king in the eye. No one... except Aul.This item can be combined with a Mountain and Valley ring at a Vendor.	N/A	The fields were silent but for the plucking of fruits, the rustling of leaves, and the breaking of stone. No slave dared to speak or look the passing king in the eye. No one... except Aul.
Putembo's MountainPutembo's Mountain Topaz RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Lightning Resistance+20 to Intelligence 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeHe surveyed his lands, green and vital, watched with pride as his slaves quarried fine stone for his fortress, and thanked the heavens for his many blessings. But this pilgrimage to the peak was to be his last.This item can be combined with a Meadow and Valley ring at a Vendor.	N/A	He surveyed his lands, green and vital, watched with pride as his slaves quarried fine stone for his fortress, and thanked the heavens for his many blessings. But this pilgrimage to the peak was to be his last.
Putembo's ValleyPutembo's Valley Topaz RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Lightning Resistance+20 to Intelligence 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeWith no stone for rebuilding, each storm took its toll on the village. Huts eventually collapsed, their occupants injured or dead. Bodies were left by the river, to appease the gods. But the dead would not remain there.This item can be combined with a Meadow and Mountain ring at a Vendor.	N/A	With no stone for rebuilding, each storm took its toll on the village. Huts eventually collapsed, their occupants injured or dead. Bodies were left by the river, to appease the gods. But the dead would not remain there.

"Ahkeli's" rings

Through their flavour texts, the three Ahkeli's rings detail the life of The Clayshaper, a central figure in late Proto-Vaal history. They describe various cataclysmic events that happen to the Clayshaper's village and the surrounding areas, driving her to seek "safety in the clouds of ash above".

Item	Effect(s)	Flavour Text
Ahkeli's MeadowAhkeli's Meadow Ruby RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Fire Resistance+20 to Strength 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeWhere once had stood a village, lay naught but splinters. Some had once been her home. Some had once been her creations. Some had once been her family.This item can be combined with a Mountain and Valley ring at a Vendor.	N/A	Where once had stood a village, lay naught but splinters. Some had once been her home. Some had once been her creations. Some had once been her family.
Ahkeli's MountainAhkeli's Mountain Ruby RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Fire Resistance+20 to Strength 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeFleeing the destruction set upon her home, the Clayshaper sought safety in the clouds of ash above.This item can be combined with a Meadow and Valley ring at a Vendor.	N/A	Fleeing the destruction set upon her home, the Clayshaper sought safety in the clouds of ash above.
Ahkeli's ValleyAhkeli's Valley Ruby RingRequires Level 49+(20-30)% to Fire Resistance+20 to Strength 5% increased maximum Energy Shield 5% increased maximum LifeThe river, once fertile and fresh, and flowing briskly to the sea, now stood, stained, at a standstill. Dammed by the coagulating dead.This item can be combined with a Meadow and Mountain ring at a Vendor.	N/A	The river, once fertile and fresh, and flowing briskly to the sea, now stood, stained, at a standstill. Dammed by the coagulating dead.

Identities of Uzaza, Putembo, and Ahkeli

Ahkeli is known to have been the name of The Clayshaper. (See the Abyss Scarabs) Thus, loosely following the pattern of the rings, some guess that Uzaza is the name of The First King and that Putembo is the name of the king Aul has looked "in the eye". However, this is pure speculation.

The Language

Little is known about the language of the Proto-Vaal. However, during the fight with Aul, he speaks several lines of dialogue which can be presumed to be belonging to the language of the Proto-Vaal.

Situation	Line spoken	Number of variants
Introduction	Uor al-Nahm!	5
Introduction	Habra Ahn!	4
Introduction	Utem Zazul!	3
On skill (A)	Hur-nak!	3
On skill (B)	Zem Zamarr!	3
On skill (C)	Otemba!	3
On skill (D)	Azu Azar!	3
On death	Am-... amta...	3
On death	Zurra... sha...	3
On death	Ahkbo tel... zar.	2

The Murals

In the Proto-Vaal ruins, six stone murals can be found depicting various scenes with relevance to the Proto-Vaal history. The order in which they are listed is arbitrary as the true sequence of events is unknown.

Mural	Description
	In this mural, chained slaves are depicted in the foreground carrying large stones to build a pyramid, while mountains and a shining sun stand in the background. The story of chained slaves building with rock is told in Putembo's Mountain, and referenced to in Putembo's Valley and Putembo's Meadow. The pyramid resembles the Temple of Atzoatl. Beyond just the Vaal taking inspiration from their predecessors, there are many parallels between both stories. Both involve the ruler of a civilization ordering the construction of a large pyramid for undisclosed personal reasons at the physical cost of their subjects, both constructed right before the unclear and disastrous end of their respective civilizations. Secondly, in Putembo's Mountain, an unnamed king is planning a "pilgrimage to the peak". Perhaps this "peak" has connection to the peak of the pyramid, or this "pilgrimage" was the catalyst for the destruction of the Proto-Vaal, much like Doryani's final experiment.
	In this mural, a golem is depicted, with the Clayshaper weapon above it. This mural references The Clayshaper, a pivotal figure in late Proto-Vaal history. She created the golems, presumably through "shaping" clay with the Clayshaper and giving them life.
	In this mural, an erupting volcano/mountain is depicted. The clouds of ash depicted are likely those which The Clayshaper sought refuge in, as stated in Ahkeli's Mountain.
	In this mural, a figure is depicted with a helmet, sword and shield shaped like Ahn's ContemptAhn's Contempt Praetor CrownArmour: (257-444) Energy Shield: (81-139)Requires Level 68, 62 Str, 91 Int+(15-20) to all Attributes (60-140)% increased Armour and Energy Shield +(60-70) to maximum Life -1 to Maximum Power Charges Gain (8-12)% of Physical Damage as Extra Chaos Damage while at maximum Power Charges You take 50% reduced Extra Damage from Critical Strikes while you have no Power Charges"To touch it is to be overwhelmed with the need to carve your name into history. A face no one remembers, yet once you have seen it, you will never forget." - Icius Perandus, Antiquities Collection, Item 48, Ahn's MightAhn's Might Midnight BladeOne Handed Sword Physical Damage: (115-150) to (249-304) Critical Strike Chance: (5.75-6.25)% Attacks per Second: 1.30 Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 68, 213 Str, 113 Dex40% increased Global Accuracy RatingAdds (80-115) to (150-205) Physical Damage (15-25)% increased Critical Strike Chance -1 to Maximum Frenzy Charges 10% increased Area of Effect +100 Strength Requirement +50% Global Critical Strike Multiplier while you have no Frenzy Charges +(400-500) to Accuracy Rating while at Maximum Frenzy Charges"Impossibly heavy, yet the ancient edge is keen as any modern blade. A reminder that, in the end, when we lie in the bellies of worms, it is what we make that makes us." - Icius Perandus, Antiquities Collection, Item 47 and Ahn's HeritageAhn's Heritage Colossal Tower ShieldChance to Block: 29% Armour: (783-1202) Movement Speed: -3%Requires Level 67, 159 Str+(10-20) to maximum Life(50-100)% increased Armour +(60-80) to maximum Life -1 to Maximum Endurance Charges -10% to maximum Chance to Block Attack Damage +6% Chance to Block +2% to all maximum Resistances while you have no Endurance Charges You have Onslaught while at maximum Endurance Charges"It's not Karui, Azmeri or even Vaal in origin, but one thing is certain. It is very, very old." - Icius Perandus, Antiquities Collection, Item 46, respectively. A crowd is shown revering said figure.
	In this mural, clouds are depicted raining over a city. These clouds appear to be the storms described in Putembo's Valley.
	In this mural, a giant skull is depicted with a lightning bolt/crack in its forehead. Coming out of the skull's mouth is the same as that which descended from the clouds in the previous mural, and the clouds are shown on the ground, at the base of the mural. The skull appears to have shoulders with spiked formations coming out of them. On the ground, tiny, are humans with their arms raised. It is difficult to ascertain whether they are fleeing in terror, worshipping the skull, or doing something else entirely.