The Legend of the Phantom Village
The legend of Eldoria is commonly known throughout Luingern Province. It was related to me by a shepherd high in the foothills who lives only two days away from where Eldoria once stood. Here is the legend as Qrolius told me, although I have not carried over his speech patterns, for ease of understanding the legend.
Vibris Ceza, Explorer
Many years ago, nestled within the heart of the haunted valley, there stood a prosperous village known as Eldoria. The villagers were known for their craftsmanship, farming, and peaceful way of life. In the center of the village stood an ancient oak tree at its center, said to be blessed by benevolent spirits. The tranquility was shattered when a great calamity befell the village. Accounts of the disaster vary - some speak of a powerful curse unleashed by a vengeful sorcerer, while others attribute it to the wrath of long-neglected nature spirits. Regardless of the cause, every single resident sickened and died. One man left a handwritten message to whoever might find it. According to his note, the illness spread fast, and not a soul was spared. By his account, the sickness took the ability to breathe easily first, causing bloody coughing, gasping, and finally, death. He reported the majority died within two days of the beginning of the coughing. Eldoria was wiped off the map, its buildings crumbling to ruin and its once-lively streets falling silent. Only the ancient oak tree remains. Legend has it that, from that night onward, Eldoria reappears as a phantom village when the full moon hangs high in the night sky. Those who dare venture into the valley might catch a glimpse of ethereal figures moving through the ghostly remnants of the village. When it appears, the phantom village is said to be an unsettling blend of the past and the present. Spectral villagers continue their daily routines, seemingly oblivious to the fact that their homes are in ruins and the once-lush fields have turned to wild overgrowth. The village square is illuminated by an otherworldly glow, and the ancient oak tree at its center stands as a spectral reminder of the village's former glory. Brave souls who have entered Eldoria report hearing snippets of long-forgotten conversations, children's laughter echoing through the ruins, and the distant tolling of a bell. However, those who attempt to interact with the ghostly inhabitants find them unresponsive, as if trapped in a loop of time, forever reliving the night of their village's downfall. Rumors persist that the key to breaking the curse lies within the village's enigmatic past. Some believe that a lost relic, hidden deep within the ruins, holds the power to unravel the mysteries of Eldoria and bring peace to the tormented spirits. Others caution that meddling with the supernatural forces that bind the village could lead to dire consequences.
The phantom village, with its tragic history, has become a source of both fascination and fear in the haunted valley, drawing adventurers seeking to uncover its secrets and lay to rest the restless spirits that haunt its spectral streets. I, Vibris Ceza, have decided to gaze upon Eldoria for myself. I will report my experience. If I survive.
Many years ago, nestled within the heart of the haunted valley, there stood a prosperous village known as Eldoria. The villagers were known for their craftsmanship, farming, and peaceful way of life. In the center of the village stood an ancient oak tree at its center, said to be blessed by benevolent spirits. The tranquility was shattered when a great calamity befell the village. Accounts of the disaster vary - some speak of a powerful curse unleashed by a vengeful sorcerer, while others attribute it to the wrath of long-neglected nature spirits. Regardless of the cause, every single resident sickened and died. One man left a handwritten message to whoever might find it. According to his note, the illness spread fast, and not a soul was spared. By his account, the sickness took the ability to breathe easily first, causing bloody coughing, gasping, and finally, death. He reported the majority died within two days of the beginning of the coughing. Eldoria was wiped off the map, its buildings crumbling to ruin and its once-lively streets falling silent. Only the ancient oak tree remains. Legend has it that, from that night onward, Eldoria reappears as a phantom village when the full moon hangs high in the night sky. Those who dare venture into the valley might catch a glimpse of ethereal figures moving through the ghostly remnants of the village. When it appears, the phantom village is said to be an unsettling blend of the past and the present. Spectral villagers continue their daily routines, seemingly oblivious to the fact that their homes are in ruins and the once-lush fields have turned to wild overgrowth. The village square is illuminated by an otherworldly glow, and the ancient oak tree at its center stands as a spectral reminder of the village's former glory. Brave souls who have entered Eldoria report hearing snippets of long-forgotten conversations, children's laughter echoing through the ruins, and the distant tolling of a bell. However, those who attempt to interact with the ghostly inhabitants find them unresponsive, as if trapped in a loop of time, forever reliving the night of their village's downfall. Rumors persist that the key to breaking the curse lies within the village's enigmatic past. Some believe that a lost relic, hidden deep within the ruins, holds the power to unravel the mysteries of Eldoria and bring peace to the tormented spirits. Others caution that meddling with the supernatural forces that bind the village could lead to dire consequences.
The phantom village, with its tragic history, has become a source of both fascination and fear in the haunted valley, drawing adventurers seeking to uncover its secrets and lay to rest the restless spirits that haunt its spectral streets. I, Vibris Ceza, have decided to gaze upon Eldoria for myself. I will report my experience. If I survive.
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