Time of Darkness
Metaphysical / Paranormal event
The Time of Darkness is a period of 250 years at the end of the Age of Conquest, ending with the Year of the New Prophets. Beginning as it does with the rise of a number of Old Ones and the-near destruction of many civilizations, the Time of Darkness is marked by the arrival of a number of terrifying creatures in Lyranthium, and the collective struggle of all the surface races to prevail against them.
- Hubris of Arcadia: The Arcadian Empire, driven by its insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge, delves into forbidden magics and secrets of the universe. Their experimentation and overreaching ambitions attract the attention of dark forces lurking in the shadows.
- Unleashing the Unknown: In their pursuit of power, the Arcadians unknowingly unleash ancient and malevolent entities known as the Elder Things. These cosmic horrors begin to manifest in the world, spreading chaos and darkness wherever they appear.
- War of the Arcane: The Elder Things clash with the Arcadian Empire in a devastating war of magic and cosmic energies. Entire cities are wiped out, and the fabric of reality itself is torn asunder in the conflict.
- Collapse of Arcadia: The Arcadian Empire crumbles under the weight of its own arrogance and the destructive forces it unleashed. Cities are razed, libraries burn, and knowledge is lost. The once-mighty empire falls into ruin.
- Rise of the Elder Things: The Elder Things, now free from their cosmic prisons, wreak havoc across Lyranthium. They bring forth hordes of eldritch abominations and spread terror and despair among all races.
- World in Chaos: The arrival of the Elder Things plunges Lyranthium into the Time of Darkness. Natural disasters, plagues, and dark magic ravage the land. Entire civilizations are driven to the brink of extinction.
- Alliance of Races: As the races of Lyranthium face the common threat of the Elder Things, they form uneasy alliances. Humans, elves, dwarves, and other beings unite in a desperate struggle for survival.
- Chosen Champions: In the midst of the chaos, benevolent deities choose mortal champions to lead the races against the Elder Things. These chosen individuals rally their people and become beacons of hope.
- Battle for Survival: The races of Lyranthium engage in epic battles against the Elder Things and their minions. The skies are filled with cosmic clashes, and the land is scarred by the devastation of magic.
- Sealing the Darkness: Through great sacrifice and cooperation, the chosen champions and their allies manage to seal away the Elder Things, banishing them to other dimensions. The Time of Darkness comes to an end, but the scars remain.
The destruction of Arcadia and the ensuing Time of Darkness serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond mortal comprehension. The events also highlight the resilience and unity of the races of Lyranthium in the face of overwhelming adversity.