Asphodel Fields

Asphodel Fields lies on the borders of southern Fendrel and northern Galicia, where the rugged Galician highlands fade into the Fendrish plains. The Fields are a broad thoroughfare allowing access into Fendrel and Aldan beyond, and thus is of major strategic importance. Rivers flow through Galicia from the Ondos Mountains, cutting through Asphodel Fields. The waterways have served both economic and military ends for millennia. Many decisive battles have been fought at Asphodel Fields, beginning with Irud's victory over Yekkat in Age Zero. Why the plains attract such slaughter is unclear. Perhaps they are simply a convenient place to hold set piece battles. The Fields certainly provide the most obvious route for any army that intends to claim Sacris. Some believe that the death of Yekkat at Asphodel Fields left a permanent mark, and so battles here essentially recreate the mythic clash that ended one age and began another. Always a king must fight and die at Asphodel Fields, and always an usurper must herald a new age. In the Second Age, during the Reclamations, occupying Orestians were defeated at Asphodel Fields. In the Third Age, the treacherous forces of Chancellor Aytani were crushed by Ranet loyalists in 2981 IR. Most recently, Empress Karleen Ranet III fell at the Fields to the armies of the Beast. There is something powerfully resonant about the Fields. Again and again, epoch-making battles have been fought here, again and again heroes return to the Fields to clash with their foes. Perhaps it truly is a recurrence of that original struggle between Irud and Yekkat. Perhaps the Fields are simply the most suitable place for mighty armies to meet in battle. Whatever the case, the Fields have hosted much death and drunk much blood. Despite the fertile soil and pleasant surroundings, very few people make their homes here. It as if the ground is reserved for grander things. Some even believe the Fields are where the Illuminator will battle Ahriman, determining the fate of Vala. Though Vala's fate might already have been determined long ago by Irud and Yekkat. All else is merely the same performance with different masks.
Category:Geography