The Hidden Seer of Helvania, Founder of The Eclipse Syndicate
The origins of Mergen, like much of his life, are shrouded in myth and half-truths, with only a select few knowing the true depth of his existence and purpose. Born from the union of
Vaelra, a roguish and brilliant
Pukta, and Isoko-3, the Steward of Spring, Mergen was raised in secret.
His early life was far from the structured society of Helvania where his
Mother hailed. Instead, he traveled the world with Vaelra, who disguised herself as a pirate and adventurer to protect her son from celestial and mortal threats alike.
A Child of the World
Vaelra, a master strategist, ensured that Mergen received the finest education from scholars and mystics across Alathor. From pirate ships to hidden monasteries, Mergen learned about the intricacies of power, strategy, and magic. His childhood was marked by constant movement, but it was here, away from the prying eyes of the
Stewards, that Mergen's divine abilities began to manifest. Foresight and an innate understanding of the underlying truth of creation became Mergen’s greatest tools.
It wasn’t until he reached adulthood that Vaelra returned him to Helvania, where she helped him establish a secret base of operations. This move was strategic, as Helvania, a land where Pukta ingenuity and manipulation thrived, became the perfect place for Mergen to hide in plain sight.
Revelations and the Birth of a New Cause
While Vaelra desired only freedom and safety for her son, Mergen’s unique abilities allowed him to see much further. Through his prophetic visions, Mergen uncovered the harsh truth: the Stewards, the supposed celestial protectors of Alathor, were no longer maintaining balance. Specifically, Mergen saw that the actions of Zun-3, the Steward of Summer, were destabilizing the cosmos and that the eventual collapse of Alathor was inevitable if things continued on their current path. Worse yet, his visions revealed the looming threat of the Devourer, a cosmic force of destruction, all but forgotten to history and even the Stewards, which was now once again creeping ever closer to Alathor.
Driven not by personal ambition or revenge, but by logic and reason, Mergen concluded that the only way to prevent this catastrophe was to remove the Stewards entirely. Though many would have considered such a task impossible, Mergen saw the necessary path clearly. He quietly laid the groundwork for his new mission: to dismantle the celestial order that had once governed Alathor for millennia, but now seemed to be leading it toward destruction.
Thus, the Eclipse Syndicate was born, operating from the shadows, influencing events through manipulation and careful planning. Mergen, ever the tactician, guided this secret organization with precision, using his foresight to anticipate moves and counter-moves long before they occurred.
Eris, Who Has Seen Too Much, Joins
In recent years, Mergen has found an unexpected and powerful ally in his cousin Eris, a demigoddess with her own complicated history. Aware of her madness and the cause of it, she is one of the few things he finds entirely unpredictable, and while he can not ascertain her true intentions he believes her to be integral to his mission none-the-less.
Despite her mental instability, Eris remains a formidable manipulator, with the ability to influence the emotions and thoughts of those around her. She keeps her alliance with Mergen and the Eclipse Syndicate hidden, even from her sisters, knowing that many would see her involvement as a betrayal. She continues to reside in
Kyokuri, manipulating events from behind the scenes to align with Mergen's plans. Her presence has provided the Syndicate with a strategic foothold, allowing Mergen to extend his influence into one of the most secretive and powerful nations in Alathor.
Mergen: A Myth to Most, a Reality to Few
To the common people of Helvania, Mergen is nothing more than a myth, a whispered tale told in taverns and alleyways. Even the clever and ambitious Pukta, who take pride in knowing the inner workings of their land, often dismiss Mergen as a mere legend—a tale told to inspire ambition and ingenuity in the Smolfolk. Only a select few high-ranking members of the Eclipse Syndicate know the full truth of Mergen’s existence and his true purpose.
In secret, Mergen uses his position to influence political and social events, subtly shifting the balance of power toward his ultimate goal. He is careful never to reveal his identity, appearing only as a shadowy figure who whispers guidance in the right ear, ensuring that his plans unfold as foreseen. Even when Zun-3 came to Helvania, searching for Mergen, the Pukta convinced the Steward that Mergen was nothing more than a fable, a story to encourage ambition.
The Hidden Burden of Prophecy
While the Eclipse Syndicate grows in power, Mergen’s path is not without its toll. His visions of the future are often a double-edged sword, revealing not only what must be done but the sacrifices that must be made along the way. Mergen’s logical mind understands that these losses are necessary, but they weigh heavily on him nonetheless. As he pulls the strings from behind the scenes, guiding the Syndicate toward the downfall of the Stewards, Mergen is fully aware that his plans may not guarantee the survival of Alathor—but he knows for certain that without action, the world will fall.
Rather than leaving the removal of the Stewards to chance, Mergen created a false prophecy. This prophecy was designed to guide events and individuals toward the specific circumstances, characters, and situations Mergen believed could bring about the downfall of the Stewards, ensuring that the conditions would align as needed. The Eclipse Syndicate is tasked with monitoring the signs of this prophecy and manipulating events to bring about the Stewards' downfall, with Murdock as the current right-hand to Mergen.
With Eris, working within the noble houses of Kyokuri, and the Yeorian Empress Lora now in the mix, Mergen’s plans edge ever closer to fruition. As his influence grows and the Stewards remain unaware of the looming threat, Mergen continues his work—hidden, careful, and ever-vigilant—hoping to preserve a world that will never know his name.
