The Endbringers
In the annals of Ortalon's history, the tales of five individuals stand out as a beacon of hope and resilience in a world fraught with chaos and uncertainty. They are known collectively as the Endbringers, Arwen the Star, Batya the Holy, Damien the Freed, Mirith the Devil, and Rolim the Possessed, embarked on a perilous journey that culminated in the defeat of the ancient god Cornasus, the World Father. Their deeds have become legendary, woven into the fabric of Ortalon's culture and serving as the foundation for countless stories of bravery, redemption, and sacrifice.
The Endbringers' journey was marked by critical events that shaped Ortalon's destiny. From halting a civil war in Aurodan to their controversial role in the destruction of Ulset, their actions have been the subject of much debate and speculation, such as releasing the World Knife that, despite the catastrophic consequences, ultimately led to their victory in the final confrontation with Cornasus. In defeating him, they prevented the immediate destruction of the world but inadvertently caused the death of all the gods, ushering in a new era of magic and uncertainty.
Arwen, a druid of the Circle of the Stars, hailed from the mystical town of Feyfalls. She was the last in a long lineage touched by the divine blood of Nylah, the True Goddess of the Moon and Stars. This celestial connection made her a prime target for the Court of Cornasus, who sought to use her lineage for their dark ritual to resurrect Cornaus. Though they failed to capture her, they managed to create a clone using her blood. After the fall of Cornasus, Arwen took a solemn oath to protect Feyfalls, ensuring it would never again harbour such evil. Batya the Holy
Batya was a devoted paladin of Edis, the True God of Life and Death. Her journey began with a quest to save her brother from the clutches of the Court of Cornasus. Her divine mission led her to join the other heroes with whom she formed a bond. Following the defeat of Cornasus, Batya helped rebuild a destroyed temple dedicated to Edis and helped lead it for many years. Damien the Freed
Once an agent of the Court, Damien's fate changed when the World Knife, an artifact of immense power, altered his destiny. Guided by the knife, he turned against his former masters to protect Arwen and prevent her capture. After the final battle, he was freed from the knife's influence and dedicated his life to protecting Arwen, serving as her advisor and bodyguard in Feyfalls. Mirith the Devil
Mirith's journey from the Hells to the mortal plane is one of remarkable transformation. Initially an incubus, he found camaraderie and purpose with the other heroes. His death and subsequent reincarnation as an aasimar underscored his unique place between two worlds. After the defeat of Cornasus, Mirith sought to reclaim his proper form, becoming a demon once more. Legends about his fate vary, with some claiming he met a tragic end and others suggesting a more peaceful death. Rolim the Possessed
Rolim's tale is intricately tied to the ancient wizard Truwyn and the perilous pursuit of lichdom. As an acolyte at the Grand Atheneum, Rolim was manipulated into reassembling Truwyn's spiritkeeper. In a climactic inner battle, he defeated Truwyn, but the strain left him non-magical. Despite this, he retained enough power to aid in the final confrontation with Cornasus. Returning to the Atheneum, Rolim began relentless research to regain his magic and hunt down powerful artifacts.
"Though their hands bore the blood of gods and their actions forged the fate of Ortalon, the Endbringers remind us that no act is without consequence. Their legacy may be one of victory, but also the profound consequences that come with choices made in the crucible of desperation and hope." — Elowen Greenroot, Scholar of Divine Myths
Members
Arwen the StarArwen, a druid of the Circle of the Stars, hailed from the mystical town of Feyfalls. She was the last in a long lineage touched by the divine blood of Nylah, the True Goddess of the Moon and Stars. This celestial connection made her a prime target for the Court of Cornasus, who sought to use her lineage for their dark ritual to resurrect Cornaus. Though they failed to capture her, they managed to create a clone using her blood. After the fall of Cornasus, Arwen took a solemn oath to protect Feyfalls, ensuring it would never again harbour such evil. Batya the Holy
Batya was a devoted paladin of Edis, the True God of Life and Death. Her journey began with a quest to save her brother from the clutches of the Court of Cornasus. Her divine mission led her to join the other heroes with whom she formed a bond. Following the defeat of Cornasus, Batya helped rebuild a destroyed temple dedicated to Edis and helped lead it for many years. Damien the Freed
Once an agent of the Court, Damien's fate changed when the World Knife, an artifact of immense power, altered his destiny. Guided by the knife, he turned against his former masters to protect Arwen and prevent her capture. After the final battle, he was freed from the knife's influence and dedicated his life to protecting Arwen, serving as her advisor and bodyguard in Feyfalls. Mirith the Devil
Mirith's journey from the Hells to the mortal plane is one of remarkable transformation. Initially an incubus, he found camaraderie and purpose with the other heroes. His death and subsequent reincarnation as an aasimar underscored his unique place between two worlds. After the defeat of Cornasus, Mirith sought to reclaim his proper form, becoming a demon once more. Legends about his fate vary, with some claiming he met a tragic end and others suggesting a more peaceful death. Rolim the Possessed
Rolim's tale is intricately tied to the ancient wizard Truwyn and the perilous pursuit of lichdom. As an acolyte at the Grand Atheneum, Rolim was manipulated into reassembling Truwyn's spiritkeeper. In a climactic inner battle, he defeated Truwyn, but the strain left him non-magical. Despite this, he retained enough power to aid in the final confrontation with Cornasus. Returning to the Atheneum, Rolim began relentless research to regain his magic and hunt down powerful artifacts.
Legacy
The Endbringers' legacy in Ortalon is shrouded in both admiration and uncertainty. Their combined efforts in defeating Cornasus prevented the immediate destruction of the world, yet the consequences of their actions have left many questioning the true impact of their decisions. Stories of their bravery in Aurodan and their controversial involvement in the destruction of Ulset create a complex narrative. Some accounts praise their heroism and sacrifice, while others cast doubt on their motives and effectiveness, highlighting the ambiguous nature of their legacy. Their decision to break the seals on the vault holding the World Knife, leading to the collapse of Truwyn Bridge and the deaths of many, is a particularly contentious point. This act was crucial in their fight against Cornasus but came at a significant cost. Whether they foresaw these consequences or if they acted out of desperation remains a topic of heated debate. Their choices' moral and ethical implications continue to be analyzed, reflecting the complexities of leadership and the heavy burden of making decisions that affect countless lives. This uncertainty fuels ongoing discussions about what it means to be a hero in a world without clear divine guidance. The spiritual and cultural impact of the Endbringers is equally nuanced. While they are revered in some circles as quasi-religious figures and their stories are celebrated throughout Ortalon, the shadow of doubt lingers over their legacy. The inadvertent death of all the gods as a result of their victory against Cornasus has plunged the world into a new era of uncertainty and struggle. This duality—their role as saviours and the unintended architects of a godless age—ensures that their legacy remains a complex and evolving narrative that continues to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought among the people of Ortalon.
Type
Adventuring Party
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