The Necropolis

## The Fall of Ashaya

### Introduction

There are not many records of how or why this event transpired. Whatever it is that occurred at that moment died with those who were unfortunate enough to be within the blast when it occurred. In the year 1257 CE, in a city called Ashaya (once H'rothgar), there was an explosion of gloomy green light that shot into the sky. Large and bright enough to be seen from almost anywhere in Solus. From those in the city, they would suddenly see the rising of undead and skeletons, creatures made of hanging flesh, wailing spirits and banshees. The guards were overwhelmed almost instantly, all who fell became another addition to the hoard. Families were forced to leave everything behind for the scant chance as survival. Once they left, a cry of help was put out to all nations to stop this threat. They found that a Lich had taken over the city. One who called himself:

#### **Kirash, Dread King**

Kirash, as far as we know, was a wolfen of unknown origin who became a lich. From those who fought against him, he was described as ghostly white, with trails of vibrant green magic that rippled around him like static. He commanded the undead with absolute power, and possessed incredibly strong magic. Turning the ancient capital into his Necropolis in a single catastrophic event. The city was rendered uninhabitable, and crawling with every manner of horrific creatures who would do everything in their power to protect their Dread King. It has been rumored that he possessed a number of powerful magic items that he utilized as part of his arsenal. Many of which were said to be destroyed upon his death or sealed away by those who slain him. We can never truly know for sure, for these individuals have never spoken on the whereabouts of these vestiges.

#### **Resistance**

Six months after the event, now called the Fall of Ashaya, all three nations banded together to create a blockade around the city. Keeping any and all evil from getting out, or getting in. Constantly surveyed by military and guards armed with siege equipment and heavy armaments. However, no one wished to enact a full on assault of the city as the threat was entirely contained, and the loss of life would have been catastrophic. Because of this, a call was put out to all aspiring adventurers.

*"Plunge into the Necropolis and bring back the treasures lost. Defeat Kirash, the Dread King, and avenge the fallen!"*

#### Assault on the Necropolis

Over the next fifty one years. Tens of dozens of adventuring parties would make their way to the necropolis for hopes of finding glory and lost treasures. Many would come back with tales of facing horrors beyond belief, bags filled with relics and jewels; many would also never return at all. This journal entry from one of those who returned does it justice better than anything I could offer.

*"The necropolis swallowed all light and hope. Days were spent huddled in abandoned houses, portraits of happy families hanging in gloom and shadow. We could only hope that they were able to escape, and were not counted amongst the ghouls we've slain. The air chokes the lungs, every breath a fight. This place is not meant for the living. It is not meant for the dead. It is meant for the undeath that permeates this place like a stain on parchment. With K's1* *presence always looming over us, I wonder if we'll make it out of this alive. I want to go home."*

-1 Upon the author's return, he stated that he did not wish to invoke the Dread King's name for fear that he would lay his eyes upon them.

#### The Assassination of Kirash

It would take until 1308 CE for an adventuring party known as the "Virtuous Five" to plunge deep into the heart of the necropolis and were successful in slaying the Dread King. His death, quoted: "Caused a massive beam of radiant light to erupt into the sky." All of Solus witnessed a second Fall of Ashaya, but this time it was the toppling of a tyrant. The adventurers were able to retreat from the city with their spoils before the hordes of undead caught up to them. Now without a master and king, they remain in the city. There have been efforts to remove these undead, but the Syndicate has resigned to let nature take its course and go on record saying in a public statement:

"We do not wish to risk anymore lives in the reclamation of Ashaya. The undead will fall, in time. Their king is gone, they are no longer a threat to the people of Zestros. We will celebrate the death of this tyrant and the heroism of the five heroes who stopped him!"

The Virtuous Five received wide acclaim and praise for their achievement, being risen to the status of Grade 1 Fixers, and national heroes. These individuals are forever immortalized in Zestran history:

1. Lyze of Kiel - hero of the Ice Talons.
2. Artorias Fireblood - of the Fireblood Family.
3. Sylvia Victria - of House Victria.
4. Roran of Dove's Roost - son of Earl Cadoc.
5. Rakta - the warrior in red.

#### Present Day

Ever since the fall of the Kirash, Ashaya has remained as it was. It is a necropolis without a ruler. There are still adventuring parties that venture within to claim that which hasn't been retrieved as of yet. Guards remain at the posts, but now are only stationed by Foxhound, and serve as normal outposts. Dark clouds still over the accursed city, a testament to the evil that was enacted there. As for the Virtuous Five, they have all either retired or serve as mentors all around the continent, those many remained in Zestros. There is even a national holiday on October 31st that celebrates their deed. This holiday has transformed overtime, and now involves dressing in costume and going out to receive candy and treats. A rebellion against the dark, one could say. From Hallow's Eve, to Halloween.

I hope you have enjoyed this portion of Zestran history, and have been inspired by what you heard today. Of heroes conquering evil and the forces of dark for the greater good of all.