Birth of Veth'Arden
The Origins of Veth'Arden
In the boundless expanse of the cosmos, amidst countless stars and celestial wonders, there existed a solitary, barren stone. This world, known as Veth'Arden, floated aimlessly through the universe, devoid of life and purpose. Time was meaningless in this desolation, until, from the pure aether that weaves through the fabric of reality, four beings of immense power emerged. They did not know if they were born or crafted; all they understood was their purpose: to breathe life into Veth'Arden and guide its future inhabitants.
These beings were the Aeons:
Alis Vaelkar, who would be revered as The Law Bearer.
Seraphine Valithara, who would become known as The Night Mother.
Rhoenn Theron, honored as The Verdant Warden.
Kalenroth Ralath, who was initially celebrated as The Pale Watcher.
Together, the Aeons molded Veth'Arden, shaping mountains and valleys, oceans and skies. They filled the world with flora and fauna, creating a harmonious balance. As millennia passed, life flourished, and the mortal races emerged, imbued with curiosity and the capacity for greatness.
The inhabitants of Veth'Arden looked upon their creators with awe and gratitude, bestowing upon them divine titles and worshipping them as deities. Peace reigned, and the world basked in the harmonious guidance of the Aeons.
The Fall of Kalenroth
However, tranquility was not eternal. Kalenroth Ralath, the Pale Watcher, began to feel a gnawing jealousy towards his siblings. The adoration they received from mortals kindled a resentment within him. This envy twisted his essence, and he embarked on a dark path, seeking power and dominion over Veth'Arden.
In secret, Kalenroth whispered forbidden knowledge to select mortals, introducing them to betrayal, murder, and sin. His influence spread like a shadow, corrupting hearts and minds. The once noble Pale Watcher became known as The Lord of Sin, and his malevolent touch disrupted the longstanding peace of the world.
Chaos ensued as Kalenroth's corruption sowed discord among the races of Veth'Arden. Wars ignited, and the fabric of society began to unravel. The other Aeons, witnessing the devastation wrought by their brother, faced an agonizing decision. They knew they had to stop Kalenroth to preserve the world they had nurtured.
The Gathering of Allies
Understanding that they could not destroy an Aeon—a being of pure aether—they resolved to imprison him. To achieve this monumental task, Alis Vaelkar, Seraphine Valithara, and Rhoenn Theron called forth twelve lesser deities to aid them. Some were mortals elevated to divine status; others were born from the very essence of the cosmos. These deities became champions of their respective patrons, embodying aspects crucial to the world's restoration.
Under The Night Mother, Seraphine Valithara:
Noxara, The Shadow Maiden (Kozukan Name: Izanami)
Overseer of Secrets, Dreams, and Nightmares.
Morthal, The Reaper (Kozukan Name: Jizo)
Guardian and Guide of the Dead.
Feloria, The Fallen Star (Kozukan Name: Kannon)
Mistress of Stars, Darkness, Prophecy, Compassion, and Mercy.
Under The Law Bearer, Alis Vaelkar:
Aurelius, The Sun Knight (Kozukan Name: Bishamon)
Champion of Justice, the Sun, Light, War, and Protector of Holy Places.
Ferrum, The Smith (Kozukan Name: Inari)
Patron of Craftsmanship, Industry, Prosperity, and Fire.
Valora, The Guardian (Kozukan Name: Benzaiten)
Embodiment of Protection, Sacrifice, and Duty.
Under The Verdant Warden, Rhoenn Theron:
Terranus, The Earth Shaper (Kozukan Name: Kagutsuchi)
Lord of Fire, Volcanoes, and Earthquakes.
Sylphara, The Wind Dancer (Kozukan Name: Fujin)
Mistress of Wind, Tsunamis, Storms, Freedom, and Travel.
Fulmentas, The Lord of Storms (Kozukan Name: Raijin)
Ruler of the Ocean, Thunder, Lightning, and Tempests.
The Rise of the Arbiters
In response to his siblings' preparations, Kalenroth forged his own servants from fragments of his corrupted essence. He created the Arbiters, embodiments of the Seven Mortal Sins. These malevolent beings were:
Lust
Gluttony
Avarice
Sloth
Wrath
Envy
Pride
The Arbiters unleashed untold chaos across Veth'Arden, amplifying the darkness within mortal hearts and preparing the world for Kalenroth's dominion.
The Legendary Heroes and the Sealing of Kalenroth
Amidst the turmoil, thirteen legendary heroes emerged, each bearing the blessings of the divine. They came from all corners of Veth'Arden, united by a common purpose: to stand against the tide of darkness. These heroes confronted the Arbiters in epic battles, their courage and resolve shining beacons in a world shrouded by sin.
Through great sacrifice and unwavering determination, the heroes defeated the Arbiters, weakening Kalenroth's grasp on the mortal realm. Seizing this opportunity, the combined forces of the remaining Aeons and their lesser deities enacted a grand ritual to imprison their fallen brother.
Seraphine Valithara, The Night Mother, crafted a celestial prison—a new moon to accompany the existing moon, Umbria. This second moon was named Lumina, its red hue a constant reminder of the evil sealed within. Kalenroth was bound within Lumina, his power contained but not wholly extinguished.
The Aftermath and the Shattered Blade
Yet, as the ritual concluded, a fragment of Kalenroth's essence escaped. This remnant coalesced into a mortal avatar, a final attempt by The Lord of Sin to exact vengeance. The avatar pursued the legendary heroes, and although many fell to its relentless onslaught, they ultimately prevailed.
In a final act of defiance, the heroes sealed Kalenroth's avatar within a blade of immense power. To ensure it could never be used to free him, they shattered the weapon into seven pieces, scattering them across the far reaches of Veth'Arden.
Legacy of the Aeons
The world began to heal. The influence of sin waned, and the teachings of the Aeons guided mortals back towards harmony. The stories of the Aeons, the lesser deities, the Arbiters, and the legendary heroes became the foundation of myths and legends, passed down through generations.
Veth'Arden continued to thrive under the watchful eyes of The Law Bearer, The Night Mother, and The Verdant Warden. Yet, the presence of the red moon, Lumina, served as an eternal reminder of the fragile balance between creation and destruction, light and shadow, order and chaos.
And so, the tale of the world's genesis and its first great trial became etched into the very soul of Veth'Arden, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people and the ever-watchful guardians who guide them.
Millennia After the Great Sealing
Countless millennia have passed since the legendary heroes defeated the Arbiters and the Aeons sealed Kalenroth within the crimson moon, Lumina. Over time, the memory of these events faded into obscurity. The War of the Gods became myth, then legend, and finally was forgotten altogether. Kalenroth's name was stricken from all holy and historical texts, erased from the annals of history to prevent his influence from ever resurfacing.
Yet, despite the best efforts of the remaining Aeons, a looming apocalypse now casts its shadow over Veth'Arden—a prophecy known as "Nocturne's Fall." The seal containing Kalenroth within Lumina weakens, and ominous signs manifest across the land. Whispers tell of the Arbiters walking the mortal realm once more, their purpose clear: to free their father and plunge the world into eternal darkness.
The Gathering Shadows
The scattered fragments of the shattered blade that once housed Kalenroth's essence are mysteriously reuniting. These pieces, imbued with dark power, seek out hosts among the unsuspecting populace of Veth'Arden. One such fragment finds its way into the hands of Mahvra, a Nightshade Elf and a member of the adventuring party known as "Mor Cala."
Drawn by the blade's allure, Mahvra becomes a vessel for Kalenroth's insidious whispers. He promises her power and the means to protect those she loves—specifically, her sister Kahvra. Desperate to save Kahvra from impending danger, Mahvra succumbs to Kalenroth's temptation. However, the dark influence does not stop with her; it spreads to Kahvra as well, ensnaring both sisters in a web of corruption.
Realizing the peril of their situation, Mahvra and Kahvra muster their inner strength and manage to break free from Kalenroth's grasp. Scarred by the ordeal and fearing that others might fall prey to the same fate, the sisters choose to part ways. Each embarks on a solitary journey, determined to prevent the dark fragments from reuniting and to protect Veth'Arden from looming disaster.
The Arbiters' Return
Meanwhile, the Arbiters intensify their efforts. They scour the realms in search of the blade's remaining pieces, intent on finding suitable hosts to house their father's essence. Their goal is singular and unwavering: to reforge the shattered blade, resurrect Kalenroth's avatar, and break the seal on Lumina. Should they succeed, "Nocturne's Fall" would unleash hordes of Kalenroth's nightmarish creations upon the world, potentially leading to the total annihilation of Veth'Arden.
The Harbinger Awakens
Anticipating this dire possibility, Seraphine Valithara, The Night Mother, had long ago devised a contingency plan. She created a being known as The Harbinger, destined to awaken when the world stood on the brink of catastrophe. The Harbinger serves as both a herald and a protector, endowed with the power to either save or doom Veth'Arden.
In this pivotal era, a new Harbinger emerges: Oosmir, another member of "Mor Cala." Plagued by cryptic visions from The Night Mother, Oosmir grapples with the weight of his newfound destiny. Unaware of the full extent of his powers or the magnitude of his responsibilities, he is torn between his own ideals and the overwhelming influence of the Harbinger's mantle.
As each day passes, the Harbinger's essence digs deeper into Oosmir's soul, challenging his resolve and threatening to consume his identity. Yet, he remains steadfast, relying on the support of his companions in "Mor Cala" to navigate the treacherous path ahead. Together, they vow to thwart the Arbiters, prevent the reforging of Kalenroth's blade, and halt the impending "Nocturne's Fall."
The Final Stand
The fate of Veth'Arden hangs precariously in the balance. The Arbiters grow stronger, and the dark fragments draw ever closer to one another. Legends speak of ancient prophecies and hidden truths, suggesting that the world's salvation may lie in forgotten knowledge or untapped powers.
Oosmir and "Mor Cala" embark on a perilous quest, delving into lost temples, confronting corrupted beings, and seeking allies among the lesser deities and mortal realms alike. They must decipher The Night Mother's visions, understand the true nature of the Harbinger, and find a way to reinforce the seal on Lumina—or perhaps, to destroy Kalenroth's essence once and for all.
Legacy and Hope
Amidst the encroaching darkness, whispers of hope emerge. The tales of the legendary heroes who once defeated the Arbiters inspire a new generation to take up arms. Old alliances are rekindled, and even the Aeons cast their gaze upon the mortal plane, subtly guiding events through signs and omens.
The journey ahead is fraught with danger, and the line between victory and defeat is razor-thin. Yet, the spirit of Veth'Arden's people—their courage, resilience, and capacity for unity—shines brighter than ever.
Epilogue
As the red hue of Lumina casts an eerie glow over the land, the final chapters of this age-old saga are yet to be written. Will Oosmir embrace his role as The Harbinger and lead his companions to avert the apocalypse? Can the fragmented pieces of Kalenroth's blade be contained or destroyed before it's too late?
Only time will tell whether the sacrifices of the past and the struggles of the present will secure a future for Veth'Arden—a world caught between the enduring light of its creators and the encroaching shadow of a fallen Aeon.