Seat of the Muses
The Seat of the Muses is a narrow passageway in the underground city of Aletheia. It is near the museum.
It is home to several frescos of anonymous origin, depicting the events leading to the Defiling of Holy Hill. They were moved to the location at the behest of an unknown benefactor.
While considered to be of historical importance, because of the dark outcome of the events depicted, it is considered a place of spiritual disquiet.
by Midjourney
The Conquest of the Half Orc Queen
Depicted first and out of order of the following frescos, the first featured work in the Seat of Muses shows the brutal conquest of Queen Yewthinca. She is shown riding atop an armored giant spider, slaying the enemies of Hindland, with many vanquished foes lying underneath the ongoing slaughter. This work of art is considered a celebration of Yewtinca's ascent to the trone of Hindland, despite its violent content.
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Two bunnies are hidden in this work of art. One is in a cloud, and another is seen hidden in the bottom corner.
The Tragedy of Lander
The prominently features frescos depict "The Tragedy of Lander MaxMarcus." They are arranged along the natural hallway, in chronological order of the events they depict.
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It shows the young paladin prince Lander MaxMarcus. He is accompanied by what are described as his "apostles and heralds," who were dedicated to restoring his family to the throne of Hindland.
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The frescos show Lander, happy and full of life, with the protection of Selûne the moon goddess.
Among them are "Gosh the Wise," "Yewthinca the Mighty," "Kurn the Generous and Trustworthy," and, finally, "Arthur the Betrayer."
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Later, "Arthur the Betrayer" performs a "dark and unspeakable ritual," depicted as him summoning fire from the ground. A further mural depicts Selûne, the patron of Lander Summergrass, turning her back on the paladin prince, removing her divine protection as the result of Arthur's ritual.
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Selûne is seen fleeing and crying into the night sky, and Lander swoons. Arthur is depicted rubbing his hands together in delight.
The holy scribes who recorded these events pinpoint this as the moment The Contingency won in this spiritual conflict, ensuring the event that would lead to the Defiling of Holy Hill.
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Visitors often report filling ill at ease viewing this series of murals. The place is treated as a quiet memorial or place of solemn reflection. Viewers of this series rarely return voluntarily.
Later, the execution of Lander Summergrass at the hands of the Dark Seer in Holy Hill is depicted. Arthur here is depicted more demon-like, with horns and a tail. He is in fiendish delight as his apparent machinations come to fruition.
This depiction is on a longer mural, with an extravagent portrait of the dirty rabble "defiling" Holy Hill as the battle wages within the central temple.
In the distance, as darkness descends over Hindland, the tears of Selûne can be seen falling to the ground.
by Midjourney
The Dark Apostles
There is a final installment of the series, further into the end of the narrowing cave. It is darkened, and essentially abandonned. It is considered religiously "improper," unlucky, or simply taboo to visit.
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This final installment, called "The Dark Apostles," depicts the unholy triumvirate of The Contingency.
It shows the The Finger of the Seer, illustrated as a non-imposing drow.
Centrally depicted is the Dark Seer. Perhaps due to the lack of eye witness accounts, he is inaccurately shown as a physically threatening, muscle-bound ogrish figure.
There is a third figure, flanking the Dark Seer. Years of neglect have allowed limestone deposits to cover the artwork. It has not been documented or investigated.
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