The legend of Rynkowski
The Legend of Rynkowski is a central tale in The Sundered Marches, passed down through song, literature, and oral tradition for over a millennium. It forms a key part of the historical background of human civilization in Sundermark. Although its significance cannot be overstated, the tale is largely forgotten in the present day. Once regarded as historical fact, it is now considered myth and legend.
Summary
The story follows Rynkowski on his divine journey, leading his people from the enslavement and oppression they faced in Jirgun' Mordoch to a land where they could live freely and prosper—known today as The Sundered Marches. Along the way, Rynkowski encounters demons, ancient monsters, and centaur warlords. Throughout his journey, he upholds the virtues of a true knight, with honor and justice always at the forefront of his actions. The legend concludes with Rynkowski successfully founding and ruling his kingdom in peace. After ensuring the stability and prosperity of his realm, he eventually goes to rest, his legacy forever etched in the annals of history and myth.
Detailed Telling
Birth
The origins of Rynkowski differ depending on the source. In clerical accounts, he is often depicted as a highborn son, blessed at birth by The Morninglord. Other versions suggest that Rynkowski was not born in the traditional sense but was sent down from the heavens with a divine mission. Among the commonfolk, however, the prevailing story is that Rynkowski was born a slave in Jirgun' Mordach. This version of his origin is the most commonly told in present-day Sundermark.
The lake
The first event universally agreed upon in the legend is the naming of Lake Rynkowski. According to most tellings, Rynkowski arrived at what is now Lake Rynkowski, and as he bathed in the lake’s clear waters at first light, The Morninglord himself appeared before him. The deity revealed the oppression faced by humans under the tyrannical Centaur Warlords of Jirgun' Mordoch and proclaimed that the time had come for a new dawn for his people. The Morninglord bestowed upon Rynkowski a steed named Wyatr, a creature swift enough to outrun the centaurs. With this divine blessing, Rynkowski was sent on a mission to lead his people into a new era, a new dawn, and a new home.
A journey of hope
This part of the tale constitutes the heart of Rynkowski’s legend. As he traversed the landscape of Jirgun' Mordoch, he became a beacon of hope for the humans enslaved by the Centaurs. Rynkowski spoke of a new land and a new dawn that The Morninglord would bestow upon them. The enslaved humans, having been stripped of their faith by the brutal Centaur overlords, found in Rynkowski a new source of inspiration. As he journeyed, Rynkowski performed miracles, revealed visions, and demonstrated the power of The Morninglord. His travels were marked by numerous adventures, and among these, the most renowned are as follows:
The Crying DemonIt is said that one day, Rynkowski came upon a demon wallowing in self-pity by the roadside. Instead of slaying the fiend, Rynkowski chose to sit beside it and listen. Outraged by the hero's presence, the demon lashed out wildly. However, seeing it as unjust to kill a foe weakened by sorrow, Rynkowski merely defended himself, refusing to retaliate. After hours of furious combat, the demon, exhausted and confused by the hero’s behavior, finally calmed down. Rynkowski then asked the demon to explain its plight. The demon revealed that it had grown lonely and could not return to its plane for reasons unknown. Satisfied with the explanation, Rynkowski looked upon the demon with pity and then cast both of them into the abyss. As they fell, the demon was initially shocked and even felt a fleeting sense of gratitude. This moment of unexpected emotion was quickly replaced by sheer horror as Rynkowski beheaded the demonic creature upon their landing, considering its sorrow now gone.
The journey into dawn
Finally, Rynkowski deemed his people ready for their great migration. Knowing they stood no chance against the Centaurs on the battlefield and realizing there was no negotiating with the warlords of Jirgun' Mordoch, he was left with no option but to organize a great escape. One night, Rynkowski visited every human in the steppe in their dreams, sharing the plan for the great escape. As dawn broke, The Morninglord himself sent forth his light, blinding every Centaur. With their oppressors incapacitated, the humans saw their chance for freedom and began to flee en masse, heading toward the lake named after Rynkowski, the divine messenger of their new god. As the humans surged towards the lake, the light of dawn faded, and the Centaurs regained their vision. A great chase ensued, with countless Centaurs butchering the fleeing humans. Throughout the chaos, Rynkowski rode back and forth, and it is said that Wyatr was as fast as light itself. However, no matter how fast Wyatr rode, Rynkowski could not save everyone. It is said that it took a full month for the humans to gather by the lake, and by that time, their population had been reduced to less than a tenth of its original size. But they had made it. The humans were all gathered before their divine messenger, with their bloodthirsty pursuers closing in. Rynkowski then rode forth towards the sea of Centaurs and proclaimed a challenge. He vowed to defeat every single Chieftain, Warlord, and Khan in single combat, one by one, without rest. He knew the leaders would not be able to deny a direct challenge to their personal prowess, especially by a human. Both sides made camp with a strip of land between them—the battlefield. It is said that for another week, Rynkowski never left his horse, fighting day and night against the leaders of the horde. One by one, they all fell to his sword. He was untouchable, sustaining no injuries, fighting on with the light of the Morninglord in his eyes. Finally, with a last swing of his sword, the final leader fell before him. Hundreds of dead Centaurs lay in the strip between the camps. The Centaurs looked on in horror as their leaders were slaughtered, and hatred grew in their hearts for this man and his god who had slighted their people. They dubbed Rynkowski "Uzen Yadgach," or "Hated One" in the common tongue. Despite their hatred, they also feared him. For the first time in centuries, the unchallenged warriors of Jirgun' Mordoch felt fear. In the end, the horde turned and went home. As the ground shook under the retreating Centaurs, the humans began to celebrate. It is said the horde left on the 17th of Ormane, a day that has since been one of celebration, though in the present day, few remember why.
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