Horseman Isles

The Horseman Isles, formerly known as Outer Faulkheim, have a rich and tumultuous history that culminated in the War of the Deeps. This conflict emerged as a struggle for control among the elven, dwarven, and human kingdoms that had colonized the Isles over time. The war was so devastating that it not only resulted in the destruction of the existing structures of power but also transformed ordinary soldiers into revered heroes.

## The end of the war

To consolidate their forces and bring an end to the war, the diverse cultures and species of the Horseman Isles united under a new organization called the Order of the Cavalry. This alliance, led by Ruvarious Rotnar, a Dwarvish Knight, represented a unified front consisting of humans, dwarves, and elves. Together, they fought for the future of their respective kingdoms and aimed to establish a new era for the Isles. The War of the Deeps finally concluded in 1376 PD (Pre-Divine) with the event known as the Desolation of Tethe. This catastrophic event left the old rulers of Faulkheim behind, and the only remnants of their once-great kingdoms were found in the Horseman Isles. Now, the fate of the Isles lay in the hands of those who were deemed worthy to usher in a new age. It is in this context that the Horseman Isles, marked by their tumultuous past and the unification of their peoples under the Order of the Cavalry, move forward into an uncertain future. The Isles became a symbol of resilience and the potential for new beginnings, as they awaited the arrival of new leaders and the dawn of a fresh era.

## The Divine Age

The Horseman Isles continued to undergo significant growth and transformation between the years 1376 and 1400. As the islands expanded, the original world that the founders had fought to establish began to crumble, giving way to a new era. During this period, within the Belly of Tyragel, the Layu-nó bore witness to the emergence of a new divine entity known as Turven, the God of the Seasons. With his guidance, beings of both Light and Shadow came into existence. The first among them were Turven's daughters: Omaela, the Goddess of Civility and Peace, and Mefrieta, the Goddess of Darkness and the Incorporeal. Their presence within Tyragel brought about a profound impact on the people of The Horseman Isles, who embarked on journeys from the farthest corners of Faulkmenrir in search of devotion and purpose. In response to the arrival of these divine beings, a druidic force known as the Undying Sect took on the role of Turven's Grovetenders. They devoted themselves to upholding Turven's Will and Fortitude within the Isles. One of their significant actions was raising the Mountains of Faulkmenrir, effectively preventing the return of the Old Kingdoms that existed prior to the rise of Turven and his daughters. With the growth of the Horseman Isles and the influence of Turven and his divine progeny, a new age began to take shape, marking a departure from the old world and the establishment of a new order driven by the forces of nature and the divine.

## A Second Divine Presence

As the Divine Age began to flourish, the emergence of the second divine presence from the jungles of Severost marked a significant event. 1410 DA (Divine Age), Mithandros, a human witness, encountered a majestic serpent adorned in red and black scales rising from the rocky shores of the deeps. This serpent was named Colanthrad'ul, known as the Wish Serpent of Severost. In response to Mithandros' request for great power within the realm, Colanthrad'ul bestowed upon him a final act of divinity. The shores surrounding them became consumed by intense heat, transforming the once thriving trees and life into ashes. This act fulfilled the desires of all who sought power, establishing four divine beings with their respective domains. Nylbanthryn the Gold, the God of Devotion and Honor, represented the ideals of unwavering loyalty and integrity. Ysarael, the Goddess of Fortitude and Will, embodied strength of character and resilience. Tricheas, the God of Cunning and Knowledge, held dominion over intelligence and strategic thinking. Lastly, Darchus, the God of Power and Blood, symbolised raw strength and the primal forces within. However, the birth of these new divinities brought forth an unprecedented darkness. Unlike previous instances where divinity was born from faith and belief, this time it emerged through force. The consequences of this forceful manifestation of divinity remained to be seen, as it introduced an element of uncertainty and potential turmoil to the Divine Age. While the wishes of individuals were answered and power was established, the source of this power was tainted by its origins. It became evident that the divine presence was no longer solely guided by faith, devotion, and spiritual connection. Instead, it had become entwined with the human desire for power and the pursuit of personal gain.

## Experiments with Divinity and Fate

As the year 1412 DA dawned upon The Horseman Isles, the alliance of Layu-nó and Dowri embarked on a momentous quest to harness the formidable powers of divinity and fate. Their shared interest in formidability and power led them to focus their studies on the Goddess Ysarael and the God Darchus, seeking to unlock the secrets of the arcane and the divine. United in purpose, the Coalition of Elves and Dwarves delved deep into their research, aiming to create a safety net that would empower their people and protect them from any impending calamities. They believed that by understanding and mastering the forces that shaped their world, they could safeguard their societies and thrive in the face of danger. Their relentless stoicism and determination drove them to conduct daring experiments and weave complex fate-binding spells, drawing upon ancient knowledge and secrets that were long forgotten. The goal was to invoke the presence of the new Divine, Colanthrad’ul, and establish a harmonious connection with this powerful being. However, little did the Coalition know that meddling with such primal forces could have catastrophic consequences. As they continued their experimentation and weaved intricate spells, they unknowingly unleashed wild and untamed magic, beyond their control and understanding. The forces they tried to harness turned against them, wreaking havoc and devastation upon their Great Undercities. The remnant of the Fate-binding spells, which was initially intended as a safeguard, became a curse upon their people. The unleashed wild magic tore through the heart of their civilizations, causing widespread destruction and loss. In their pursuit of greatness and protection, the Coalition of Elves and Dwarves had inadvertently brought forth a calamity of their own making. The Horseman Isles were left in disarray, and the survivors were forced to grapple with the consequences of their hubris. They now faced an uncertain future, forever changed by the forces they dared to tamper with. The tale of the Coalition serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of seeking power without understanding and respect for the forces they sought to wield. The rise and fall of these civilizations would be remembered as a solemn chapter in the history of The Horseman Isles, a testament to the unpredictability of divinity and the folly of mortal ambitions.

## A Cataclysmic Event

As the powerful remnants of magic tore through the Island of Tyragel, the very fabric of reality seemed to unravel. Ancient and forgotten energies surged from the depths of the earth, giving birth to unimaginable monstrosities. These beings were not just products of magic but manifestations of the most primal emotions - hate, power, and control. Each monstrosity represented a different aspect of these emotions, and their emergence marked a dark turning point in the world's history. The inhabitants of Tyragel found themselves facing a cataclysmic event that threatened not only their island but the entire world. The forces unleashed were beyond mortal comprehension, and they defied the laws of nature. As these monstrosities wreaked havoc upon the land, the world around them changed drastically. The skies grew dark, and the once vibrant and lush landscapes turned into twisted, nightmarish realms. The unrelenting forces clashed, causing a whirlwind of fate-binding arcanas that shook the very foundation of reality. As the world struggled to survive this onslaught of malevolent power, a desperate alliance of mages, warriors, and scholars formed in an attempt to understand and counter the chaos.

## The Sect of Power

The Sect of Power, followers of the God Darchus, saw the cataclysmic events unfolding and believed that they could harness the potent magic to their advantage. They attempted a ritual of immense proportions to push back the storms and quell the monstrosities that threatened the world. Their aim was to wield the power of their deity, Darchus, the God of Power and Blood, to dominate and control the chaotic forces. However, in their arrogance and desperation, the ritual went awry. The immense energy unleashed by the remnants of magic and the storm's fury proved too much for the Sect to handle. As they channeled the divine power of Darchus, something went horribly wrong, and the God of Power and Blood was annihilated in the process. The consequences of this misstep were dire. With the death of Darchus, her divine essence did not fade away. Instead, something strange happened—the body of the slain God began to absorb the chaotic storm itself. It became a vessel for the whirlwind of fate-binding arcanas, morphing and twisting the energy into something altogether new and terrifying.

## Emergence of the Vallin

From the blood of the fallen God and the storm's essence, a new race of demons emerged, known as the Vallin. These creatures were not like any other beings in the world; they were embodiments of raw power, chaos, and malevolence. The Vallin were cruel, cunning, and fiercely potent, a dark reflection of the God from whose essence they sprang. As they gained consciousness, the Vallin immediately sought to unleash havoc and destruction upon the world. They saw themselves as the rightful heirs to Darchus's dominion, and their twisted fate-bound existence drove them to seek power and control over everything they encountered. In the midst of the chaos and conflict on the Horseman Isles, the people's counter-attack was initiated with the help of their new gods. The followers of Tricheas, known as the Sect of Wisdom, tried to amend the ritual of the Sect of Power before them by reversing the calamities in the south. However, it quickly became evident that the god Tricheas no longer aligned himself with the mortals who had summoned him. Seeking more power and control, Tricheas took a drastic step. He resurrected the ancient god Darchus, fusing the deity with himself, becoming a Vallin God, capable of unspeakable acts of domination. With this newfound power, Tricheas aimed to gain favour with the ancient arcane forces and dominate the Horseman Isles entirely, imposing his will upon the realm. The implications of such an act were concerning. The union of Tricheas and Darchus as a Vallin presented a formidable force that could pose a significant threat to the balance of power in the Horseman Isles. As Tricheas delved deeper into the ancient arcane arts, the consequences of his actions reverberated throughout the land, causing further instability and calamity.