Death leaves a mark, particularly when caused by magic. The thousands that gave their lives for both sides in the initial War of Magic left deep scars on the earth itself, permanently corrupting the lands known as Tenaerul. This corruption began to spread, and would have consumed the entire continent had Ypolita, then-Champion of Iomedae, not sacrificed her life to contain it. The bright light she gave was enough for Iomedae to permanently ward the area, stopping the corruption from spreading... and leaving it as a mournful reminder of past wrongdoings.