Vann

Written by HumNummaHumma

Long ago, before Vibring, and even before Cheer stretched across this land, it was inhabited and ruled by three ancient elementals. One of these was a water elemental named Vann.
Created by the water goddess Vesi, Vann served her well in bringing beauty to this barren corner of the continent. With Vann at work, the land sprung crystal rivers, rich soil, and vibrant life. Satisfied, Vesi left Vann to his own devices as she turned her attentions elsewhere. Before long, she forgot about her little creation.
Vann hungered for power and possession of the land, and aggressively pursued both. In time, Vann’s reach spread inland considerably, beyond what most would expect for a water elemental. So strong was his push that he spread the very earth like a thin layer of flour to make room for his kingdom.
Local legends say that the mountain ranges surrounding all of Dusk were formed there by the massive force Vann used to claim his land. It was only the other two elementals, Foom and Uulk, who halted Vann’s progress. Foom and Uulk, who were considerably older than Vann, played a passive role in those centuries, leaving all the ambition to Vann. But as he encroached upon their own resting lands, they rose up together and subdued Vann. By this time, Van had captured more than half of what is now known as Vibring. Vann had obtained more than he expected. He rested, satisfied.
Then, menfolk began to inhabit the land. Vann saw this not as invasion, but as an opportunity for power. He subjugated them, crafting followers and daresay, worshipers from them to feed his lust for sovereignty. He formed the Cult of Vann Guard. He carved out brilliant halls deep within the mountains for his people. There, they ruled over the land for generations.
The goddess Vesi took notice and was not pleased. Vann had gone astray. By tasting power, Vann had forsaken his role as a beautifier for that of a dominator. As a peaceful goddess, Vesi saw the need to end Vann’s time in the world. At the same time, she couldn’t bring herself to destroy her beautiful creation. So she gave dominion over to her brother the fire god Tulipalo, on the agreement Vann would be remade into a useful creature once again.
Tulipalo was not like his sister, Vesi. He did not share her concern for beauty and peace. He rather liked Vann the way he was – except for the water parts. So instead of recreating the elemental, Tulipalo twisted, tweaked, and perverted Vann into a fiery version of his former self.
The time of Vann ended in that moment. In his place, Dusk was born.

Vann, the Ancient Water Elemental