Vrutesta - The Fields of Bone
Out of the darkness of the Vastalian Dark Ages, several different nations rose. Despite the calamity that fell over Ethessia, many people still remained across Northern Vastalia; isolated pockets of civilization clinging on to survival. It would not be long before these lost townships soon came under the sway of idealistic leaders, each trying to regain some semblance of what was lost with the fall of The Golden Kingdom before.
Vrutesta was the first of these to rise, and it is thought it was officially founded around the year 500 BA (Before Arden). At the centre of this was a group of powerful mages known as the Custa Arcanum. With their advanced magical prowess, the mages established their power at the forefront of a new nation, and dubbed if Vrutesta.
A New Age of Magical Mastery
The realm became known for its magical mastery, with great cities of enchanted structures being carved from mountains and its people coming to know a good life under the Magocracy – a Golden age that saw Vrutesta flourish lasted for centuries. Historians officially recognise this period as 200 BA to around 100 AF (Arden's Foundation).An Outside Threat
All was not to last for Vrutesta. News of the fall of Rusgomath was well known, and the Custa Arcanum sought to stop the deadly plague known as Eldritch Rot from entering their realm. Traditional magical defences were proving ineffective against the insidious nature of the otherworldly infection, and around the year 150 AF, things were looking dire. A more direct countermeasure would be needed. Thus, the Custa Arcanum delved deep in to forbidden arts. With their magical mastery and research in to the Eldritch Rot, a new domain of magic was invented: Osteomancy. The manipulation of bones through this new field of magic could channel and purify Eldritch Energies. By crafting intricate bone structures and weaving spells into the skeletal framework, the Custa Arcanum could contain and neutralize the corrupting influence of the Eldritch Rot. For years, this defence worked, with outbreaks of infection being purified rapidly. The art of Osteomancy, fuelled by the Eldritch energies harnessed from the land, became the main focus of the Custa Arcanum. Shields and blades of bone, grown from the very tissues of the mages and warriors of Vrutesta stood ready to defend the realm. The very culture of the people was changed, as this new magical technology became commonplace and renowned as the saviour of the land.The Backlash and Isolation
As many of the Shattered Kingdoms would come to know, the cursed lands from centuries ago would lead to ruin. The relentless use of Osteomancy across the realm would be its undoing. Neighbouring Kingdoms did not look so fondly on the use of dark magic, and isolated Vrutesta. Trade routes were cut, and diplomatic relations fell apart; none would be so low as to have dealings with the Land of Bones. Despite this isolation, the Custa Arcanum endured, only needing their magic to forge Vrutesta's future. Driven by their need to defend Vrutesta, little care was given to the harnessing of the Eldritch residue that once doomed Ethessia. Around the year 350 AF, as the energies hit a critical mass, a great surge of magic was unleashed. The bones that once served as defence against the Eldritch Rot began to grow uncontrollably, the entire population suddenly finding themselves at the twisted fate of dark magic. Those that were lucky died as bones burst forth or liquefied. Others were instantly transformed in to twisted abominations, which would linger on long after Vrutesta fell. The Custa Arcanum did not escape this fate, each becoming hideous beasts made of bone. With this, the countries fate was sealed. Its population devastated, the Osteomantic magic warping its land, and horrific creatures stalking the ruins, Vrutesta now stands as a haunting reminder of the perils of delving into forbidden arts.500 BA - 350 AF
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Vruteskan
Government System
Magocracy
Neighboring Nations
Mystery of Aurelius Nocturne
Within Vrutesta's history lies the mysterious disappearance of the last reigning Custa Arcanum, Aurelius Nocturne. With the rest of the magical council being transformed into monstrosities, he alone is rumoured to have escaped unscathed. Legends whisper that he delved into forbidden Osteomantic rituals to reverse the Realm's fate. His whereabouts remain unknown.
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