Taurtus Civilization

**The Taurtus Civilization** was one of the most powerful and notorious civilizations in the history of the known world. They were a society that worshipped Valhalla as a deity and believed that his powers could be harnessed to create a utopian society. They were known for their advanced technologies and magical abilities, which made them a formidable force in the world. During the Taurtus War, they fought alongside Valhalla against the Four True Enlightened, who were a group of powerful knights and mages that sought to quell the unchecked world's magic. The Taurtus Civilization was instrumental in the war effort and their forces played a key role in defeating the Four True Enlightened. However, after the war, the Four True Enlightened successfully locked Valhalla away by using their Enlightened Energy deep down in the depths of the capitol building, Eldritch Overlook. When the Four True Enlightened used their energy to lock Valhalla away it caused a mass genocide that wiped out most of the Taurtus civilization, and innocent lives across the globe. The remaining survivors scattered across the world, some trying to rebuild their society while others became nomads or isolated themselves in the wilderness. The downfall of the Taurtus Civilization became a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and magic.

## History

The Taurtus Civilization was a powerful society that existed in the distant past. They were known for their unwavering loyalty to Valhalla, who they worshipped as their divine ruler. The society was structured around a strict hierarchy, with the most powerful members occupying the highest positions. At the top of the hierarchy were the Taurtus Elite, who held immense power and wealth. They were the most skilled warriors and were responsible for leading the civilization's armies in battle.

Below the Taurtus Elite were the Taurtus Nobles, who served as advisors to the elite and were responsible for the administration of the empire. The Taurtus Commoners made up the bulk of the population and were responsible for farming, trade, and manufacturing. The society was highly advanced and had developed a sophisticated system of education that was available to all members of the population.

The Taurtus civilization had a strong military presence and was involved in numerous wars, including the Taurtus War. During this conflict, they fought alongside Valhalla against the Four True Enlightened. However, the war ultimately led to the downfall of the civilization when the Four True Enlightened successfully locked Valhalla away by using their Enlightened Energy, causing global genocide. The Taurtus Civilization was left in ruins, and their once-great cities were abandoned and forgotten.

Despite their downfall, the legacy of the Taurtus Civilization lived on. Their sophisticated education system and military tactics were studied and adopted by future civilizations. Some even attempted to replicate their society's structure, although none were able to achieve the same level of success as the Taurtus. Today, their ruins serve as a reminder of the power and influence they once held, and their unwavering loyalty to Valhalla continues to be remembered in myths and legends.

## Notable Locations

### **Eldritch Overlook**

The Eldritch Overlook, the center of the Taurtus Civilization, was a grand, imposing structure that towered over the surrounding buildings. The building's outer walls were made of a dark, obsidian-like material, with intricate carvings and etchings covering every inch. As one approached the entrance, they would see two enormous, intricately carved stone pillars that framed the doorway. The interior of the Eldritch Overlook was equally as impressive, with spacious halls and massive rooms that were adorned with ornate tapestries and murals depicting the history of the Taurtus Civilization. The floors were made of a shimmering, polished stone that reflected the light and made the entire interior glow with an otherworldly aura. The grand throne room at the heart of the building was where the Taurtus Emperor would hold court, flanked by his most trusted advisors and guards. The room was dominated by an enormous throne made of solid gold and studded with precious gems, and was surrounded by intricate carvings and sculptures. The Eldritch Overlook was a symbol of the Taurtus Civilization's power and grandeur, a testament to their unwavering loyalty to Valhalla and their belief in the superiority of their civilization.

### **Horuke's Manor**

Horuke's Manor is an enormous, foreboding structure located on the edge of a dark, empty, craggy fields of Hell's Reach outside the Taurtus Civilization. The manor is made of dark gray stone and has turrets at each corner of the building. The structure is three stories high and has a pointed roof, which makes it appear taller than it actually is. The windows of the manor are small and square, and they are made of stained glass in various shades of blue, green, and purple. The entrance to the manor is a massive wooden door that is carved with intricate patterns of vines and leaves. The inside of the manor is dimly lit, with torches lining the walls and casting flickering shadows throughout the halls. The furniture is made of dark wood, with heavy, ornate chairs and tables filling the rooms. The air inside is musty, and the scent of old books and dried herbs is heavy in the air. The manor has a reputation for being haunted, with rumors of strange noises and ghostly apparitions that wander the halls at night. Despite the eerie atmosphere, Horuke's Manor is known for being a place of great knowledge and wisdom, with many seeking the expertise of the manor's inhabitants for various matters.

### **Deep Taurtus Wont**

The Deep Taurtus Wont is a magnificent, towering fortress that stands tall and proud above the Ashy Sea. Its walls are made of black stone, and the tower is constructed in a perfect square shape. The tower is surrounded by a moat that is filled with dark, murky water, and its entrance is guarded by two massive iron gates that are always closed. Above the gates, there is a narrow balcony where archers stand guard, watching over the sea and the land beyond. The tower itself is divided into several levels, each with its own purpose. The ground level is used for storage and barracks for the soldiers, while the upper levels contain living quarters for the high-ranking officers. The top level of the tower features a large, circular room with windows all around, providing a stunning view of the Ashy Sea. The room is sparsely furnished, with only a large, ornate chair in the center. It is said that this chair is where the commander of the fortress would sit, overlooking his domain with a cold, watchful eye. The Deep Taurtus Wont is an imposing and intimidating structure, a symbol of the Taurtus civilization's military might and unyielding strength.

### **Ash Colossus**

The Ash Colossus is a massive prison that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Taurtus civilization. Built within the walls of a cave deep in the heart of Hell's Reach, it was used to incarcerate the most dangerous criminals and enemies of the state. The prison's walls are made of a dark and ominous stone that seems to absorb all light, giving the prison an eerie and foreboding atmosphere.

As one journeys deeper into the prison, the cells become increasingly more cramped and oppressive, and the sounds of prisoners wailing and begging for mercy become more pronounced. But the true horror lies in the farthest cell of the prison, where Exile, a monstrous amalgamation of flesh and bone, is imprisoned. Exile was created by the Taurtus civilization as a weapon of war, but it quickly turned on its creators and became a monster that preyed on the innocent.

The Taurtus civilization was eventually forced to imprison Exile in the Ash Colossus, where it remains to this day, constantly raving and screaming in its cell. Its twisted and tortured form is a warning to all who would attempt to wield powers beyond their control, and a reminder of the terrible consequences that await those who do so. The Ash Colossus serves as a powerful symbol of the Taurtus civilization's rise and fall, and a chilling reminder of the horrors that lie within Hell's Reach.

## Population

Based on the history of the Taurtus Civilization, their population was composed of highly-trained soldiers, skilled artisans, and powerful magicians. The Taurtus people were dedicated to the worship of Valhalla and were fiercely loyal to their leaders. The society was highly structured, with a strict hierarchy that placed the rulers at the top and the commoners at the bottom. The rulers of the Taurtus Civilization were chosen based on their magical abilities, strength, wealth, and intelligence. They were responsible for maintaining the order and prosperity of the society.

As for prisoners, they would likely end up in the Ash Colossus, the prison built within the walls of a cave in Hell's Reach. The Ash Colossus was a place where the Taurtus Civilization kept their enemies and other dangerous individuals. It was a highly fortified structure with numerous cells and traps designed to prevent escapes. The Taurtus people believed in strict justice and punishment for those who broke their laws, so the prisoners would likely face harsh and brutal treatment. It is said that the farthest cell within the Ash Colossus is where the monstrous amalgamation, Exile, was held captive.

## Notable People

The Taurtus Civilization was known for its powerful and influential figures who played significant roles in shaping the society and culture of the civilization. One of the most notable figures was Horuke, who was the founder of the Taurtus Civilization and the first Taurtus King. He was known for his tactical skills and his ability to unite the various tribes and clans of the region under his rule. Another significant figure was Kormus, who was a great scholar and philosopher, and his teachings had a profound influence on the Taurtus way of life. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Eldritch Overlook, the magnificent capitol building that lies at the heart of the civilization. Another notable person was Drog, a renowned warrior who played a crucial role in the Taurtus War alongside Valhalla. He was known for his exceptional combat skills and was feared by his enemies. Finally, there was Exile, a monstrous amalgamation imprisoned within the Ash Colossus. Little is known about its origins, but its immense power and destructive capabilities were enough to warrant its imprisonment within the depths of the cave.