Difference between revisions of "Vernal Wars"

Aeons passed as the mortal races were hunted, slowly and cruelly, to extermination. Civilisations rose and fell to the rhythm of the [[Soulless God]]s' feasts.

Aeons passed as the mortal races were hunted, slowly and cruelly, to extermination. Civilisations rose and fell to the rhythm of the [[Soulless God]]s' feasts.

Despite the overwhelming numbers, and like the Elder Gods before them, the Vernal Gods could not defeat the Soulless. In the end only nine Vernal Gods remained. They were known as the [[Council of Nine]], and were considered the greatest and most powerful of the Vernal Gods. Sometimes they were referred to as the Final Nine or, sometimes, just the Nine.

Despite the overwhelming numbers, and like the Elder Gods before them, the Vernal Gods could not defeat the Soulless. In the end only nine Vernal Gods remained. They were known as the [[Council of Nine]], and were considered the greatest and most powerful of the Vernal Gods. Sometimes they were referred to as the Final Nine or, sometimes, just the Nine.

During one such lull, a merian city of polished coral spires called [[Glomborolum]] rose beneath the [[Amberle Sea]]. The city stood for several centuries underwater without being preyed upon by the Illith, time enough for a civilisation to establish itself. In this city of gleaming white and pink, amidst the silky sands beneath azure water, there was born the merian known as Gorob, who became the most famous of all mortals.

During one such lull, a merian city of polished coral spires called [[Glomborolum]] rose beneath the [[Amberle Sea]]. The city stood for several centuries underwater without being preyed upon by the Illith, time enough for a civilisation to establish itself. In this city of gleaming white and pink, amidst the silky sands beneath azure water, there was born the merian known as Gorob, who became the most famous of all mortals.

Howling in rage, Gorob drew upon inner reserves that he had not known he had, and renewed his attack on Illith with such fury that she actually drew back. But despite this tremendous assault, Gorob could not vanquish Illith the Leviathan, and finally, he fled from her awesome power, demoralised and spent.

Howling in rage, Gorob drew upon inner reserves that he had not known he had, and renewed his attack on Illith with such fury that she actually drew back. But despite this tremendous assault, Gorob could not vanquish Illith the Leviathan, and finally, he fled from her awesome power, demoralised and spent.

[[Tzaraziko]] came to power early in the Vernal Wars and is counted as one of the most powerful of the Vernal Gods. She led many daring campaigns against the Soulless Gods, where her tactics would suddenly change for little or no apparent reason and, either through brilliant strategy or plain dumb luck, she always managed to stay alive and inflict considerable damage against the Soulless. Though little understood by the other Vernal Gods, her seemingly convoluted and brash plans were almost always followed because of this.

[[Tzaraziko]] came to power early in the Vernal Wars and is counted as one of the most powerful of the Vernal Gods. She led many daring campaigns against the Soulless Gods, where her tactics would suddenly change for little or no apparent reason and, either through brilliant strategy or plain dumb luck, she always managed to stay alive and inflict considerable damage against the Soulless. Though little understood by the other Vernal Gods, her seemingly convoluted and brash plans were almost always followed because of this.

Though it is uncertain which Edifices of Power raised Tzaraziko, it is generally thought to be either the [[Great Pyramid of Alin'dor]] or the [[Crystal Spire of Lancenti]], both cities of which were destroyed early in the Vernal Wars. Interestingly enough, [[lucidian]]s and [[dracnari]] each claim she originated as their own race, and this disagreement fomented racial tensions between these two peoples who earlier had evolved harmoniously in the deserts. The climax of these racial tensions, of course, peaked during the [[Taint Wars]] when the lucidian leadership of the city of [[Hallifax]] persuaded their trill counterparts to go to war with the predominantly dracnari city of [[Gaudiguch]]. The result of that was the closure of two higher planes of existence and both cities being lost in time. Some descendants of the survivors still search for the Hand of Tzaraziko, which many scholars believe lies hidden in the desert sands of the [[Skarch Desert|Skarch]].

Though it is uncertain which Edifices of Power raised Tzaraziko, it is generally thought to be either the [[Great Pyramid of Alin'dor]] or the [[Crystal Spire of Lancenti]], both cities of which were destroyed early in the Vernal Wars. Interestingly enough, [[lucidian]]s and [[dracnari]] each claim she originated as their own race, and this disagreement fomented racial tensions between these two peoples who earlier had evolved harmoniously in the deserts. The climax of these racial tensions, of course, peaked during the [[Taint Wars]] when the lucidian leadership of the city of [[Hallifax]] persuaded their trill counterparts to go to war with the predominantly dracnari city of [[Gaudiguch]]. The result of that was the closure of two higher planes of existence and both cities being lost in time. Some descendants of the survivors still search for the Hand of Tzaraziko, which many scholars believe lies hidden in the desert sands of the [[Skarch Desert|Skarch]].

[[Klangratch]] was raised as a Vernal God from the dwarven stronghold of [[Grimkeep]], which was destroyed late in the Vernal Wars by [[Muud|Great Muud]]. Never forgetting his dwarven heritage, Klangratch appeared as a [[dwarf]] male with platinum hair and full beard, albeit about 5 times larger than an average dwarf. He invested much of his power into a mighty battleaxe that was said to be able to slice through rock as though it were air.

[[Klangratch]] was raised as a Vernal God from the dwarven stronghold of [[Grimkeep]], which was destroyed late in the Vernal Wars by [[Muud|Great Muud]]. Never forgetting his dwarven heritage, Klangratch appeared as a [[dwarf]] male with platinum hair and full beard, albeit about 5 times larger than an average dwarf. He invested much of his power into a mighty battleaxe that was said to be able to slice through rock as though it were air.

Though Klangratch held no qualms of using [[undead]] as shock troops, he never allowed Urlach to touch the dwarves in this manner. Perhaps mistrusting that Urlach would keep to this agreement, Klangratch [[Stone of Klangratch|enchanted a stone]] that would immediately release the souls of dwarves onto the wheel of rebirth, rendering the bodies not able to be raised as undead. To this day, the dwarves revere this stone as their most holy artifact.

Though Klangratch held no qualms of using [[undead]] as shock troops, he never allowed Urlach to touch the dwarves in this manner. Perhaps mistrusting that Urlach would keep to this agreement, Klangratch [[Stone of Klangratch|enchanted a stone]] that would immediately release the souls of dwarves onto the wheel of rebirth, rendering the bodies not able to be raised as undead. To this day, the dwarves revere this stone as their most holy artifact.

The Vernal God known as [[Shanth]] rose from the only Edifice of Power created solely by the [[aslaran]] race, a megalithic stone statue called the [[Claws of Liberty]]. Shanth was the quietest of the Council of Nine, given to deep introspection and contemplation. Appearing as a giant aslaran with jet black fur and dressed in simple dun-coloured robes, Shanth did not appear as the most formidable of the Vernal Gods. But he certainly was the fastest. Legends often speak of Shanth sitting as still as a rock in meditation yet suddenly jumping up and moving at a speed so great that he was practically invisible. Because of this, he was often called the Starleaper, as his aslaran followers would often boast that he could leap over the stars.

The Vernal God known as [[Shanth]] rose from the only Edifice of Power created solely by the [[aslaran]] race, a megalithic stone statue called the [[Claws of Liberty]]. Shanth was the quietest of the Council of Nine, given to deep introspection and contemplation. Appearing as a giant aslaran with jet black fur and dressed in simple dun-coloured robes, Shanth did not appear as the most formidable of the Vernal Gods. But he certainly was the fastest. Legends often speak of Shanth sitting as still as a rock in meditation yet suddenly jumping up and moving at a speed so great that he was practically invisible. Because of this, he was often called the Starleaper, as his aslaran followers would often boast that he could leap over the stars.

After his ascension to godhood, Shanth was hardly noticed by the other Vernal Gods. That is, not until Crazen suddenly disappeared and D'varsha investigated, soon discovering that it was Shanth and Shanth alone who single handedly defeated a Soulless God, a claim no other Vernal God could make.

After his ascension to godhood, Shanth was hardly noticed by the other Vernal Gods. That is, not until Crazen suddenly disappeared and D'varsha investigated, soon discovering that it was Shanth and Shanth alone who single handedly defeated a Soulless God, a claim no other Vernal God could make.

Raised from a merian in the jewelled city of [[Climanti]], [[Juliana]] the Evenhanded was primarily known for her ability to mediate amongst the various Vernal Gods, bridging common cause from often disparate or even hostile individuals. Famously, she brought together Urlach and [[Dionamus]] several times after each swore never to suffer the presence of the other. Though certainly never considered the strongest Vernal God in power, Juliana was widely sought out for advice and to coordinate campaigns.

Raised from a merian in the jewelled city of [[Climanti]], [[Juliana]] the Evenhanded was primarily known for her ability to mediate amongst the various Vernal Gods, bridging common cause from often disparate or even hostile individuals. Famously, she brought together Urlach and [[Dionamus]] several times after each swore never to suffer the presence of the other. Though certainly never considered the strongest Vernal God in power, Juliana was widely sought out for advice and to coordinate campaigns.

During the last days of the Vernal Wars, when all but [[Zenos]] and Kethuru were defeated, Juliana orchestrated a subtle plot that ended up in trapping Zenos within a icy prison. First, she arranged for Klangratch and Urlach to use their undead legions to keep Kethuru busy in the southern sphere. Meanwhile, she convinced [[Vestera]] to be bait to lure Zenos to the northern icecap where Juliana, [[Kiakoda]], Dionamus and several other Vernal Gods laid waiting. Through surprise and sheer strength, they were able to force Zenos into a misty form that were able freeze and sink into the depths. The battle was not without cost, however, as before his defeat Zenos was able to consume several Vernal Gods, whose names are now lost to history.

During the last days of the Vernal Wars, when all but [[Zenos]] and Kethuru were defeated, Juliana orchestrated a subtle plot that ended up in trapping Zenos within a icy prison. First, she arranged for Klangratch and Urlach to use their undead legions to keep Kethuru busy in the southern sphere. Meanwhile, she convinced [[Vestera]] to be bait to lure Zenos to the northern icecap where Juliana, [[Kiakoda]], Dionamus and several other Vernal Gods laid waiting. Through surprise and sheer strength, they were able to force Zenos into a misty form that were able freeze and sink into the depths. The battle was not without cost, however, as before his defeat Zenos was able to consume several Vernal Gods, whose names are now lost to history.

Coming from [[furrikin]] stock, it is commonly held that Kiakoda was the smallest of the Vernal Gods in size, retaining her diminutive furrikin stature, though reports vary as to whether she appeared as a small bear-like furrikin or more fox-like. Despite her innocuous form, however, Kiakoda was the most powerful of all the Vernal Gods.

Coming from [[furrikin]] stock, it is commonly held that Kiakoda was the smallest of the Vernal Gods in size, retaining her diminutive furrikin stature, though reports vary as to whether she appeared as a small bear-like furrikin or more fox-like. Despite her innocuous form, however, Kiakoda was the most powerful of all the Vernal Gods.

Whatever the case, she was a force unto herself, repelling both Crazen and Muud in spectacular battles, which hurled them physically out of the forests they invaded. Though she was not overly concerned with what went outside the forests, Juliana the Evenhanded was able to draw her out to help out in several campaigns, where it was painfully apparent that her powers were diminished outside of the forests. Even so, she was looked upon with great awe and sometimes even jealously from the other Vernal Gods.

Whatever the case, she was a force unto herself, repelling both Crazen and Muud in spectacular battles, which hurled them physically out of the forests they invaded. Though she was not overly concerned with what went outside the forests, Juliana the Evenhanded was able to draw her out to help out in several campaigns, where it was painfully apparent that her powers were diminished outside of the forests. Even so, she was looked upon with great awe and sometimes even jealously from the other Vernal Gods.

Perhaps the most curious of the Vernal Gods arose from the edifice of power known as the [[Bubbling Cauldron]] in the [[Ghalphalshi Swamps]], a predominantly [[mugwump]] community from which Vestera originated. Interestingly, no one is quite certain what sex Vestera originated, but certainly they never manifested such bodily conceits once transformed into a Vernal God.

Perhaps the most curious of the Vernal Gods arose from the edifice of power known as the [[Bubbling Cauldron]] in the [[Ghalphalshi Swamps]], a predominantly [[mugwump]] community from which Vestera originated. Interestingly, no one is quite certain what sex Vestera originated, but certainly they never manifested such bodily conceits once transformed into a Vernal God.

Vestera is also credited for the development of the arcane skills of [[illusions]] and, most especially, [[Dreamweaving|dream crafting]], for only in the dream state could mortals truly visit Vestera.

Vestera is also credited for the development of the arcane skills of [[illusions]] and, most especially, [[Dreamweaving|dream crafting]], for only in the dream state could mortals truly visit Vestera.

Along with D'varsha and Juliana, Dionamus also came from merian stock, arising from the [[White Shell]] in the lost city of [[Alabellalum]]. Dionamus was perhaps the first to discover the higher planes, making a connection initially with [[Celestia]], which was later the inspiration for the creation of the [[Pool of Stars]] in Celest. Unlike Kiakoda, who kept the existence of the fae secret even from the other Vernal Gods, Dionamus actively sought and received assistance from the [[Holy Supernals]] of Celestia. It is unclear why the Soulless never attacked the higher planes, though it is widely believed that the denizens of the outer planes were considered lesser food as their souls were only [[half-formed]] as [[Dynara]] never finished creating them before she disappeared. Equally likely, the Soulless could simply have forgotten or overlooked their existence during the [[Elder Wars]] and later in their pursuit to devour mortal kind.

Along with D'varsha and Juliana, Dionamus also came from merian stock, arising from the [[White Shell]] in the lost city of [[Alabellalum]]. Dionamus was perhaps the first to discover the higher planes, making a connection initially with [[Celestia]], which was later the inspiration for the creation of the [[Pool of Stars]] in Celest. Unlike Kiakoda, who kept the existence of the fae secret even from the other Vernal Gods, Dionamus actively sought and received assistance from the [[Holy Supernals]] of Celestia. It is unclear why the Soulless never attacked the higher planes, though it is widely believed that the denizens of the outer planes were considered lesser food as their souls were only [[half-formed]] as [[Dynara]] never finished creating them before she disappeared. Equally likely, the Soulless could simply have forgotten or overlooked their existence during the [[Elder Wars]] and later in their pursuit to devour mortal kind.

Though Dionamus surely earned his reputation as a healer, he was neither passive nor averse to martial campaigns. Extremely powerful, especially when backed by the angelic hosts sent to him from Celestia, Dionamus figured in countless battles. Both he and Juliana are credited for trapping Zenos in an ice prison during the final days of the Vernal Wars.

Though Dionamus surely earned his reputation as a healer, he was neither passive nor averse to martial campaigns. Extremely powerful, especially when backed by the angelic hosts sent to him from Celestia, Dionamus figured in countless battles. Both he and Juliana are credited for trapping Zenos in an ice prison during the final days of the Vernal Wars.

The name of the Edifice of Power that raised Urlach has been long lost and forgotten, but he definitely originated from [[orclach]] stock. While many other orclachs were raised as Vernal Gods, they took the path of their orclach heritage and became enormous warrior gods, expanding their strength and might. They were also the Vernal Gods most likely to perish in their first forays against the Soulless. Urlach, on the other hand, chose instead to channel his powers into expanding his mind and consciousness. In the end, his intellect rivalled that of D'varsha. He often appeared as a dark figure shrouded in shadows.

The name of the Edifice of Power that raised Urlach has been long lost and forgotten, but he definitely originated from [[orclach]] stock. While many other orclachs were raised as Vernal Gods, they took the path of their orclach heritage and became enormous warrior gods, expanding their strength and might. They were also the Vernal Gods most likely to perish in their first forays against the Soulless. Urlach, on the other hand, chose instead to channel his powers into expanding his mind and consciousness. In the end, his intellect rivalled that of D'varsha. He often appeared as a dark figure shrouded in shadows.

The last known network of Urlach's gates was in [[Shallach]], and was controlled by those orclachs who served the [[Holy Celestine Empire]] as holy defenders. When Shallach fell to the Taint, it is interesting to note that those orclach who succumbed to the mutations of the Taint degenerated into the pitiful creatures known as orcs, while the orclach who held their forms (and died) transformed into the most powerful of the undead lords, perhaps an indication that Urlach's presence is still manifest amongst the orclach.

The last known network of Urlach's gates was in [[Shallach]], and was controlled by those orclachs who served the [[Holy Celestine Empire]] as holy defenders. When Shallach fell to the Taint, it is interesting to note that those orclach who succumbed to the mutations of the Taint degenerated into the pitiful creatures known as orcs, while the orclach who held their forms (and died) transformed into the most powerful of the undead lords, perhaps an indication that Urlach's presence is still manifest amongst the orclach.

In the first skirmish of the Vernal Wars, seven of the Vernal Gods fell, but new ones rose as the mortal races quickly used the Edifices of Power to raise their bravest and greatest commanders to godhood. At first, it seemed they could not lose for two new Vernal Gods rose as soon as one fell, but resources dwindled and using the Edifices of Power became more difficult. And the wrath of the Soulless was awakened and what was once viewed as food was now viewed as a threat. There was no choice for the mortal races but to continue the fight, even if it meant they must cannibalise their resources and themselves to continue.

In the first skirmish of the Vernal Wars, seven of the Vernal Gods fell, but new ones rose as the mortal races quickly used the Edifices of Power to raise their bravest and greatest commanders to godhood. At first, it seemed they could not lose for two new Vernal Gods rose as soon as one fell, but resources dwindled and using the Edifices of Power became more difficult. And the wrath of the Soulless was awakened and what was once viewed as food was now viewed as a threat. There was no choice for the mortal races but to continue the fight, even if it meant they must cannibalise their resources and themselves to continue.

The Vernal Gods retreated to the defensive, having to create pockets in the body of Kethuru that the mortal races might survive. But it would only be a matter of time before Almighty Kethuru slowly absorbed the mortal races, and eventually even the Vernal Gods themselves.

The Vernal Gods retreated to the defensive, having to create pockets in the body of Kethuru that the mortal races might survive. But it would only be a matter of time before Almighty Kethuru slowly absorbed the mortal races, and eventually even the Vernal Gods themselves.

Of the hundreds of Vernal Gods raised during the Vernal Wars, only nine remained at the end. No more would arise, because the mortal races could not gather the resources necessary to use their Edifices of Power. The nine gods met on a mountain peak to make their last stand.

Of the hundreds of Vernal Gods raised during the Vernal Wars, only nine remained at the end. No more would arise, because the mortal races could not gather the resources necessary to use their Edifices of Power. The nine gods met on a mountain peak to make their last stand.

Once the magical working was completed, Avechna dwindled into the form of a statue, high atop Mount Shalamar. Of the nine who sacrificed themselves to save the first world, all that remained were nine small stones, living seals that contained the remnants of power that kept the Great Ones trapped. And while all nine seals remain intact, never will a Great One rise again. So came to be the Living Seals:

Once the magical working was completed, Avechna dwindled into the form of a statue, high atop Mount Shalamar. Of the nine who sacrificed themselves to save the first world, all that remained were nine small stones, living seals that contained the remnants of power that kept the Great Ones trapped. And while all nine seals remain intact, never will a Great One rise again. So came to be the Living Seals:

The Soulless Gods were imprisoned and the Vernal Gods were no more. The great cities lay in ruins, the Edifices of Power silent. Lusternia, once lush and full of life, was now devastated by the wars. Slowly, the surviving races made a slow pilgrimage to the Basin of Life, as it was known, for only there was some vestige of nourishment. And the slow process of rebuilding civilisation began.

The Soulless Gods were imprisoned and the Vernal Gods were no more. The great cities lay in ruins, the Edifices of Power silent. Lusternia, once lush and full of life, was now devastated by the wars. Slowly, the surviving races made a slow pilgrimage to the Basin of Life, as it was known, for only there was some vestige of nourishment. And the slow process of rebuilding civilisation began.