An Icy Shadow

An Icy Shadow - Part 1

The age of mankind had finally begun in full among the sprawling lands of Pangaea. In the North and South powerful kingdoms had been established through Feladrun's remaining sons. A succession of valorous kings and queens ruled over the vast populations, expanding their respective borders far into the unknown. No monster or peril was to great for the skilled warriors of that day - being equipped with weapons and armor forged by fabled smiths, working with hidden metals and imbuing their craft with ancient magic.

In between the growing kingdoms Tenavast stood unchanging. Becoming a barrier that the Northern Kingdom would not cross. Though some people from their Southernmost territories did visit on occasion - the tragic events that occurred there becoming distant with time. While the people of the Earth multiplied, the spirits went out into the lands, teaching and aiding all in their labors. Gaining knowledge and skill in many areas, some of the people became proud, viewing themselves as greater than all other beings on Earth.

A millennia passed since the time when humans first arrived on the shores of Pangaea. The Northern kingdom became the might of the world. Their cities were unrivaled, their people trained for combat, and their lands secure against every kind of evil. Only a short time would pass when some dragon or sea serpent challenged their land before mighty heroes would rally together the people to slay the threat.

However in the South the people lived much more sparsely. And while there were large cities, they were not nearly as fortified, nor the people as well prepared for combat as their kin in the North. This is not to say that the people of the South were weak. On the contrary they possessed both the spirits of  Tanar and Telus, being both skilled in the arts as well containing great wisdom, making them formidable opponents to any threat. Their heroes were often mighty wanderers who faced challenges with cunning and supernatural strength.

It was at the height of mankind's prowess that the Northern Kingdom (called Danar) began to explore the outermost regions of Pangaea. Both sailing around the continent, as well as mounting expeditions into the ice shackled peaks of Dolros in the North. At first they discovered very little. The snow and ice was inhospitable to all life, making travel difficult - never melting. Only thinning every forty years to allow even a hope of passage. During these times the people of Danar would delve further, charting the lands and identifying any landmarks as they went. 

It was during these explorations that a very curious creature was found buried in the snow by a sudden avalanche. When the people uncovered it, they were shocked to find that while its form was monstrous, it possessed the face of a human, eyes closed in death. In haste they retrieved the body, bringing it back to the capital of Saduun. During their retreat from the mountains, multiple times, their keen eyes spotted obscured figures watching from the peaks.

In these same days, ships that were sailing the Western coast of the continent began to disappear. Patrols were placed all along the coast, going far South, and as North as the Mists, where large chunks of ice would grind any ship to pieces. No matter what effort was put forth to tame that region, the Western Sea remained a perilous place. Each season, the icy mists crept further South.

An Icy Shadow - Part 2

Eventually a massive fleet of iron and wood ships were constructed, harvesting an entire forest to provide the timber. In full regalia and impressive formation they proceeded abreast the coastal cities with fanfare and triumph. Sailing onward to waters hidden from sight. Three years they would be gone. Hope for any return became absent. Out of the hundreds of ships to depart, no one could come to believe all had been lost.

Only four ships would survive that fated voyage. Led by a remaining captain, Izara and her few haggard ships returned years later from the mists to the ports of Noy. Izara recounted what had befallen the fleet and the thousands of crew in the icy waters.

They had set out, experiencing trouble almost immediately, strong winds assailing their progress nearly the whole way. Early on during the nights, the floating ice proved fatal to many of the ships as many became hopelessly lodged in chunks of ice. Some even being crushed between the behemoth hazards. Making it through the thickest of the frozen waters, they discovered a warmer current where the sea opened up ahead - it was where the coldest waters met this current that the pervasive mists originated from.

Sailing North the fleet followed the coast, their progress easier until they reached dark and strange cliffs dotted with many sub-sea caves. Cautiously they sailed alongside these. And for a time nothing happened. With a full moon though a strange phenomenon took place. Water began to be drawn into these passageways, creating a large vortex, pulling every ship towards merciless rocks. 

Throwing down anchors and chaining ships together, the armada tried to resist the grasp of the sea. Even despite their efforts, some further ships were still lost. The closest to the cliffs being unable to react in time before being smashed into the stone. Others getting run through by ships pulled in the current. In the following day, wreckage littered the waters.

Many of those aboard began to question the success of such a voyage if they were to continue. Wondering if their exploration was destined to be cursed. It was only courage and a sense of defiance that was enough to propel them onwards in the face of their great dangers. Each month of travel became slower and more labored and their challenges increased.

They battled swarms of harpies, outran krakens that lurked beneath the waves, and staved off cold and hunger. No matter how far they went, the coastline seemed to extend ever North. Occasionally there would be strangely hospitable shores and small islands where they could shelter from fierce storms that would come on quite suddenly. In these place it would be be uncharacteristically warm, housing their own small ecosystems with unique and abundant plants and fruits. Providing supplies while the crews would wait out the worst of the weather - which could last weeks at a time.

The fleet went on for some time like this until it was clear that if they went any further, they would not have the ships to make it back. The conditions had only deteriorated the further they went. A growing malaise was on the people. The nights were darker. The seas became inky and impenetrable to sight. The smell of rot permeated the air, which now was static, without even a breeze. It was as if this part of the world was dead and decaying.

Dark beasts walked the shores, obscured in the mists. Never making themselves fully known but watching every movement the captains would make. They rivaled the size of the crooked and twisted trees that grew from the rocky crags that littered the rocky embankments. In eerie moonlight the sailors heard sounds that made even their stout hearts waver. 

When the order came to turn the fleet around it was when they were navigating a chain of small islands. Having many natural rock bridges between them, jutting high out of the water, creating a maze of tight passageways and sheer walls. In order to circumvent the majority of the obstacles, those in charge led the way further from the coast, following the chain into deeper waters.

Gradually as they sailed, the gloomy light that was hidden behind dark clouds faded from the sky completely. Leaving the ships sailing blind. The wind that had been absent before began to pick up, turning to a gale. Towering waves began to drive into the rocks. All aboard the ships, broke out oars and rowed desperately to avoid collision. Some were successful. Other weren't. Eventually the remaining fleet made it to the last landmass before open ocean.

The furthest island out was a large one - the size of many large cities combined. Wicked looking spikes erupted from its sides, making it look like an impact zone for some evil celestial body. A deep dread fell on any who looked upon that place. During the windstorm, any who were washed off their ship into those waters did not even swim. Becoming paralyzed and sinking to their deaths.

One final wave that dwarfed the rest thundered through, driving every ship forward with a fury. Those that weren't instantly sunk were spewed from those waters, carried uncontrollably by the force of the swell. Some of the most brave in that moment looked upon the island one last time. When they did a flash of lightning illuminated all, revealing a fortress, sprawling and grotesque. Encircling it was a colossal black serpent. Then all went dark again and many aboard fainted.

An Icy Shadow - Part 3

In the years that followed, a vigilant watch was kept on the Northern lands. Meanwhile the Kingdom of the Danar had grown large, and they had lost their initial fear of the world that they had from their first days in Pangaea. So despite warnings from the wise, settlers began to establish towns and cities far North, in icy regions. For a while they lived in relative safety, regardless of the harsh conditions.

This didn't last for long though. Cashes with wild creatures, who appeared always unexpectedly and ferocity, started to happen with increasing frequency. Whole towns of people would disappear, their structures being reclaimed by the snows in short order. Leaving no trace of them when merchants or travelers would take the roads back in warmer seasons. The reports of the few survivors were of coordinated attacks from all manner of cruel beings.

Pushed back at the furthest reaches of the Kingdom, for the first time on Pangaea, mankind was forced to retreat from a challenge. Facing a force they could not overcome. Armies were raised and sent forth, but the extreme environment and elusive nature of their foes proved to be too much - wasting the soldiers time, while further along another settlement would be raided. Permanent garrisons began to be built to create a boundary between these wild bands and the ordered world that had been established to the South. While this did help, it wasn't enough to deter the creatures fully.

The savage creatures were not idle. From the forts and outposts the Danar's scouts found them constructing their own secure places. Defiling and transforming the land wherever they built. Skirmishes broke out often between the races. The humans never being able to fully drive them back, as their numbers seemed to ever grow. Also, due to internal strife within the Kingdom, the threat of such a growing force was not given the adequate attention in order to protect the people.

Once established, these creatures began to make places for even darker and viler creatures to inhabit. Welcoming monsters that were beyond just wild, but that participated in the darkest of the old legends. These beings inhabited the desecrated places, drawing their power from a primal, ancient and evil source.

This conflict raged on for a century. Neither side being able to exterminate the other. Whispers and rumors spread through the world of one who wished to destroy the kingdoms of men. A usurper to take humanity's place as the ruler of creation. 

None knew the identity of such an entity except the learned spirits that still lived in the land and amongst the people. They spread the word of a power risen again, from times past, before the coming of people to Pangaea. Describing the war fought with Baalion. Who, when the world was still being formed, turned from his path to remake the world according to his own desires. This was the fall of the mightiest Primal Ithralas - the master of the forces that bound all matter together.

The spirits of Pangaea knew that one day he would return. Emerging from his underground realm to wage war on the children of Ulmec. So while dismayed, they were not surprised by such a force assembling in frigid lands.

An Icy Shadow - Part 4

During this conflict, the king of the Danar and a descendant of Tanar named Teerlan, had captured many fel spirits in battle - his artificers and magicians had found ways to bind the evil spirits, inquiring of them for information concerning their foe. It was from these creature that he learned of spies infiltering the lands. Reaching into peoples minds and planting the seeds of fear, concerning death and mans passage from this world.

Even Teerlan was not immune from these influences, as he became enraptured with understanding this secret knowledge of the afterlife that the dark spirits possessed. For beings of light who knew of such things would not share that mystery with any mortal. The more he learned, the further doubt consumed his life. Devouring his attention and desires.

With a physical threat to the North, and a perceived existential threat that lingered in his mind, Teerlan began to search the world for a way to stave off inevitable demise - trying rites and elixirs, spells and rigors. Some methods had positive effects, others took their toll, leaving marks that could not be undone.

When he learned of a powerful being in the North, who held the keys to death, deriving details from the captured spirits, he redoubled his efforts on the warfront. Assembling a mighty host. Training them and preparing for anything that might be encountered. Looking to fulfil his quest to live and protect his people for many long ages to come.

In those days the will of man was strong and their strength fierce. While their battles were hard fought, their progress through the lands of Dolros was steady and triumphant - bolstered by the full attention and support of the Northern Empire. Eventually they reached the Western coast to find truly desolate and ravaged lands. Appearing as an alien world, so changed and warped were they. Upon that coast was many large islands, leading to a solitary fortress. The very same the fated fleet had found many years ago.

In arrogance, Teerlan called to the master of the citadel, ordering him forth. Though he knew not the identify of who he called. For this was Baalion, the fallen Primal. His power exceeding anything those advancing could envision. Not wishing to reveal his true form, Baalion took up a lesser body to treat with the trespassers, and proceeded forth from the fortress. For the first time, the humans saw their greatest adversary with their own eyes. Though they knew it not at that time.

Then Teerlan and Baalion met face to face. Baalion as a proud and tall spirit with black armor and the face of a man with burning eyes, into which Teerlan stared back defiantly. Inquiring of the Primal, if he was truly the one he had heard about who held the secrets of life. Sensing the man's ambition and greed, Baalion produced a flask from under his cloak, assuring him, that he indeed knew the ways.

So a tent was set up between the two forces and Teerlan spent three days learning from Baalion. Eventually convinced with strong words and every assurance. He then proceeded in the rite, drinking of the foul liquid. Instantly he knew his mistake. That he had been tricked, because of his blindness due to many cares and worries. Teerlan felt a part of his body flee from him, that would never return - eventually leading to an ongoing madness. In that moment though, he turned in fury on Baalion who was laughing cruelly at him, unsheathing his sword and filling the tent with light.

Surprised by the ferocity of the attack, Baalion had little time to react in his diminished form. Teerlan's onslaught drove him from the tent and into the ash filled plains. The army of Teerlan stood in waiting as the two landed blow after blow upon each other. No other mortal could have held their ground against such a foe, but the king's might was made full in wrath.

Even when struck by wounding stabs, Teerlan continued his assault. From this time forth, Baalion never again underestimated humans spirit. Then with a resounding shout and a slash, Teerlan struck Baalion's head, cleaving it from top to bottom. Black smoke issued forth from where body should have been, carried as if by a fast wind, back to the fortress.

Cries of victory were short live as the ground trembled, and the black walls opened, spilling forth it's true might. Then every demon and horror spilled forth. Causing the army of Teerlan to retreat, as they were not able to withstand such a tide. Bearing a wounded king, the host were valiant in their defense. Ultimately though, being routed and forced from Baalion's lands, and South into their Kingdom once more.

An Icy Shadow - Part 5

Much time passed since that day of battle. The king grew weak, despite holding onto life, remaining in this world longer than anyone ever had. His story ended, fading into legend, and whether he remained alive somewhere was forever in question.

A constant struggle for their border became the peoples reality. The threat of Dolros and Baalion faded in people's minds over time. Skirmishes and battles became mundane, mere side notes in the conversations of nobles. It seemed it had always been this way. But it would not be so forever. To the shock of all, the world was on the brink of a new paradigm.

Without warning, the Western shores were attacked. An endless fleet bearing the flag of Baalion, the red dragon, landed upon unsuspecting shores. None were prepared for their arrival, and the region was swept through with almost no resistance, leaving the way open to Tenavast.

The siege of the city unfolded differently from all others in time. Everyone in the region anticipated a clash of spirits in a wild array, but nothing of the sort occurred. By the time Baalion and his forces reached the city, it was deserted.

Confused by the absence of spirits, the city was sacked nonetheless. Baalion felled the great World Tree, feeding on it and growing in power. The tree's roots recoiled, tearing up the ground and sending shockwaves throughout the land. Nearby settlements were desolated, and every fertile thing in the region was laid to waste. The roots now channeled the spirit of the one who fed on them, poisoning the soil. From that day forward, the land became desolate, buried beneath endless dunes. (It stood where the modern-day Sahara Desert now is)

In contrast to the realm of the spirits, the kingdoms of mankind fought fiercely, putting up strong resistance against the dark forces. They mounted heroic defenses and launched critical counterattacks. Their souls grew wilder, as they believed the spirits of light had abandoned them, retreating in the face of evil.

Meanwhile, savage armies created a divide between the two great kingdoms, pushing at their outermost borders. In this war, Baalion revealed his true power, not only in form but in cunning. He unveiled the work he had undertaken for centuries in his realm, unleashing legions upon legions of new creatures with misshapen bodies and the faces of men to commit violence upon the world.

The origin of these creatures is a tale for another time, but suffice it to say that they were kindred to humans and were called Tarn by the Danar.

In this current day, many human cities have been captured or razed. The Northern Kingdom has nearly been wiped from existence, with only small tribes and a few strongly fortified cities remaining. The Southern realm has fared little better, succumbing to the enemy's advance. Though Baalion's fury and focus fell less upon them, for he held a deep hatred for the Danar. Life in the Southern Kingdom, (known as Arikala) continued tenuously, with the people always ready to flee at a moment's notice as wicked creatures roamed their homeland.

People sought hope in various places, but now hope dwindles, and there are fewer and fewer places to find reassurance and comfort. Many believe it's only a matter of time before they are captured or slain. Others resist. As you navigate through Arikala, choose wisely, for freedom may not endure much longer.