Dawn of Champions

Written by Jossander

At the dawn of the second age, the rightful age of heroes, the peoples of Avulta set forth from the safety of the protected lands fleeing from the Void that had overtaken the land. Creatures, grotesque and horrific, twisted and corrupted, began to lurk in the shadows when the Void bubbled up from the depths searching for prey to devour. Darkness swept over the whole land, and the people trembled. But alas! Envoys from heaven were with them for they came to instruct the peoples in the basic arts of monster slaying, weaponcraft, and even the arcane mystique the celestials called Magic. In the days before the darkness, the people trained in peace and without much urgency for the Nihilistic Prophecy had not been told to them. Until the faceless emissaries came, uttering in prophetic words, "Hollow. Haunted. Cut off from its warmth, the mark of corruption will become the mark of many. An exchange for the soul of many will be sought. Fractured. Forgotten. Trials and Gloom shall beset you, but the pursuit of Valor and Wonder will be the rise of the Ascendants. Held in the embrace of the Eternals, seek that which dwells in Splendor and Grace. Light rises once again in the hearts of those who wield it. Beaten and Broken." Then the celestials who dwelt with them returned to their golden mountain in the North and brought back teachers of the most powerful art bestowed upon the peoples. The chosen few who were granted dominion over this art. A mere fraction of the potent celestial knowledge was gifted to these men and women. Dauntless. Righteous. Valiant. Champions of Fate they became. A mythical power they wielded which granted them the ability to manifest majestic and formidable tools against the dark forces that lingered in the shadows. These tools are known by the champions as mythic artifacts which temporally bond the forces of the celestial realm to the body and soul, the very form of the champions, granting to them a share in the divine mission to bring about a protected and beautiful world for all worthy creatures. But do not think that because you were named champions and chosen that you yourselves were worthy. For your worth comes in the battles ahead. The first champions are masters of the mythic artifacts and in being so were granted authority to teach it to those deemed fit. And so you were born on to the fateful stage, a new champion, readied to protect and serve. Little did you know what was in store for the age to come.
For it came silently during the late afternoon. Creeping mists of pitch black and pale green crawled across the land. Darkening the sun, shadow enveloped everything. There was no bird song. No rustling of the trees or grass. Just an eerie, enveloping silence. That is when they appeared -- the Romoth. Tall monstrous figures loomed above the mists, enveloped in shadow, save the deep, pale green stone centered in their massive faces. Shrieks of terror were soon heard from the women. Terror and fright stirred in the hearts of many. But in an unexpected flash of light, all was quiet for a moment. Looking on, there were the celestials -- the great teachers -- gleaming weapons in hand, grown to equal size to the 30 foot tall monstrosities. Besides them, the Champions of Fate stood glistening with the same mythical power and aura. And they did battle against each other until a dangerous blow was dealt to the celestial knight. His fellow celestials rallied to protect him alongside the Champions, but turning back the gleaming Knight shouted to those looking on, "Flee these lands! We shall hold them back for these are the foes that seek your life and your destruction, and not even the mightiest of them have appeared! We will follow when they are driven back. Protect the innocent and feeble-hearted as you go; avoid the encompassing mists for darkness dwells within them. The grand citadel of our people is to the north. There you shall find rest at the grand golden gates."
But as you fled, storming from the north came a celestial host so great and valiant that you were struck with awe. With multiple celestial lords at their front racing in all directions across the lands around you, they hurried to the battle scene. Noticing the lord who had often visited your village, you noticed a brazen, but deeply troubled face, racing to where you came; looking back, you saw even more monstrous figures with deep scarlet eyes looming a hundred feet in the air coming out of the black clouds which had risen out of the mists.
As you pressed on, guiding your people, you crested a hill and turning back towards the battle that raged on, your heart sank. Great in number were the forces of darkness and having caught the celestials host by surprise, the outcome was yet to be seen. But as you turned to press onwards, a sweeping, roaring wind swept from battle behind you knocking down to the ground many of the people. Getting up and looking back once again, you could see a mighty figure, taller and more fierce-some that all the rest; wielding a flaming flail in one hand a sword in another, he struck a tall and fair celestial lord that stood against him. The celestial lord caved under the weight of the blow as it clamored against his shield releasing another wave of strong winds toward you. Once more, the mighty figure lifted his flail once more, wrapped in fire and shadow, brought it down upon the celestial lord. With a resounding resistance, a valiant note was unleashed that hung on the air like the start of a song thundering from the mouth of the celestial lord and the mighty figure staggered. Easily blocking the incoming blow, the celestial lord thrust his sword into the air and sang another sharp, loud, but beautiful note. Then all the celestial host stood and in a quiet calm, the song began. With a powerful sound unlike any you had heard before save when you received your mythical artifact, nothing could move in the presence of that song. With deep melodious tunes and high fair notes, the celestials sang and began to grow so bright that you had to brace against the light. Until in a surge of echoing song, the whole celestial host burst into pure starlight that pierced the shadowy landscape. Starfire hurtled from the sky and slammed into the forces of darkness. In plangent wales of pain, the forces of darkness began to flee. You looked on and saw the celestials' light flicker and wane, and eventually go out. A quiet burst of sprinkling light that showered the entire landscape could be seen even from the distance that you were
In the brilliant flash, the moment when all the celestials vanished and shattered into stardust, their full presence has not been felt since. With dreadful screams, the hordes and the titans fled wailing in utter defeat. Most dreadful of all was the shouts of the mighty figure, as he cursed the 15 names of the celestials lords and ladies as he to fled to places unknown in the depths. Then the light of the citadels dimmed and the structures of them crumbled and broke. The peoples of Avulta, along with their wounded champions, fled into the vastness of the unknown seeking shelter and refuge. For their grand and heavenly lords were no where to be found. But in the remaining moments after the chaos had ended, you were visited by lesser celestials who comforted and healed them. Weak and laborious where their efforts, for they said that they could not maintain their form here for much longer. It would be up to the peoples of Avulta to free themselves from the darkness. Alas, they were told to fear not what lies ahead for though the hosts may not be felt, their powers dwelt within the champions and was also scattered across the world, preparing small havens of light for them against the darkness.
And so, this is where your journey begins. Cut off from the aid of the heavens, save that which was granted to you mighty champion. This was the tale you remember. Etched with a fiery words into your heart were the final words of the celestials, "While we rejoiced in each others company, we were at work in the world making it fitting for your return. Fear not, for the splendors of this world are for you and you alone. None may take them from you save those that give in to fear and darkness and the ways of shadow. Go forth, build great empires to fight against the pursuing darkness. While though we sleep, know that our powers are still at work within the world. As a final gift, we grant to you companions of delight that can be found throughout the world, who know of the mysteries of this world, and can lead you in ways we can no longer do. May peace and power be upon you and hold steadfast to the light in the darkness for the darkness shall not prevail against it."