The Withered One

In the frigid embrace of Kyöpelinvuori, where the icy winds howl through the desolation, there emerged a figure cloaked in the shroud of undeath. The one who would be known as The Withered One, a lich whose existence would reshape the very nature of death and unlife.
Long before the foundations of the Palace of the Bane Lord were laid, The Withered One, in mortal life, was a scholar of forbidden arts. His insatiable thirst for knowledge led him down the perilous path of necromancy, delving into the secrets that whispered in the darkness. As a mortal, his name was lost to the annals of history, but his thirst for immortality lingered.
In his pursuit of power and longevity, The Withered One embarked on the treacherous journey to attain lichdom. The rituals he performed were fraught with peril, demanding sacrifices and pacts with malevolent forces. The Withered One emerged from the crucible of transformation as a lich—a being tethered to unlife, devoid of the mortal frailties that had once bound him.
Having achieved lichdom, The Withered One transcended the boundaries of mere survival. Freed from the shackles of mortality, his mind expanded, and he glimpsed the collective consciousness of the undead. An understanding dawned upon him—a revelation that death need not be a force of destruction but a realm where peace could be found.
The Withered One, driven by newfound enlightenment and empathy, sought to create a sanctuary for the undead, a haven where they could coexist without preying upon the living. In the dormant wastes of Kyöpelinvuori, he envisioned the Palace of the Bane Lord—an architectural marvel that would house the undead in harmony.
The Withered One, wise and compassionate, recognized the diverse needs of the undead. In a bold move, he established a council comprising representatives of every intelligent undead type. This assembly, known as the Council of the Damned, became the governing body of the Palace of the Bane Lord. Their deliberations ensured that each undead being had its needs met, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
A pivotal moment arrived when the question of leadership arose. Despite the irony of a living being leading the council of the undead, it was unanimously decided that The Withered One would take the mantle of leadership. The undead, often devoid of humor, acknowledged the irony but recognized the wisdom and benevolence that emanated from their lich leader.
The Withered One's vision of a peaceful coexistence between the living and undead became a reality, and the Palace of the Bane Lord stood as a testament to the benevolence and wisdom of its lich architect. The city, vibrant and colorful, painted a stark contrast to the desolation that surrounded it—a sanctuary where the undead found solace, purpose, and a haven in the icy heart of Kyöpelinvuori.