Effigen

Effigen is a nation located within Paradise, and is known for it's dark sky, and even darker waters. It consists of two islands, one large and one small, however the entirety of the population lives on the smaller island. There is a massive bridge connecting the two islands, though there lies an equally massive barricade blocking passage by it.

Effigen is not known for exporting any exotic resources, nor does it have substantial production of any good, the people living off what they can manage to grow without the grace of sunlight. The country is officially led by a mayor, though most citizens keep to themselves, limiting social interaction aside from necessities, even more emphasized in their interactions with strangers, which are often fleeting and evasive.

An aura of fear and distrust lies within the population, seemingly causing a downwards trend among everyone instead of it being limited only to some, and the gloom can be felt in every corner of the nation's only city. There are some services for travelers and outsiders, however they are extremely limited in availability.

It should be noted that this is all on the smaller island, which is cramped by urban sprawl due to the lack of space.

The larger island, which is cordoned off by the blockage of the bridge, and the dangers of the waters below, shows the ruins of a once-grand city, buildings crumbled to stones and dust, with vast, empty fields that may have once held a bountiful harvest. It is officially completely unoccupied by people, however there are some stragglers holed up in fortifications on the island, unable to cross over to the other side due to the barrier on the bridge, and the threats lurking within the murky waters.

## The Reaping

A tale known by all within the nation is that of an event that took place 7 years ago. It is uncertain as to the cause, however back during this time the skies still shone brightly, a beautiful sun granting light and bounty upon Effigen's farms and people. However one day, dark clouds moved in on the horizon, slowly, yet surely, eventually blocking every single ray of sunlight.

This did not occur alone, and in tandem with the encroaching darkness came an event known as The Slaughter. They came from the fields, many having been standing for years, with others appearing seemingly out of nowhere. Scarecrows of all shapes and sizes marched through the farmlands, entering the towns and cities with malice, slaughtering all people in their path, causing a mass-panic. There was no mercy from them, and their reason was unclear as well, seemingly mindlessly killing without ire.

The residential center mostly presided within the smaller island even at this time, however half of the entire mass of the city resided on the other side of the bridge, on the larger island. Many flocked to the smaller island, to their homes, or simply to safety, as the fields burned in the distance, the sounds of screams filling the air.

The Mayor of Effigen at the time, who had been sitting comfortably within his manor on the smaller island, made the decision to block access to the island immediately once he learned of the potential threat to his citizens, though more importantly, him. Ordering the soldiers to cordon off the bridge even as their own people yet ran towards them for safety, those people on the larger island, easily in the hundreds of thousands, were left simply to die.

The beginning of the event, and all the bloodshed that came after this decision, came to be known as **The Reaping.**

Image before The ReapingPumpkin Scarecrows
The Scarecrows yet patrol the larger island, occasionally even attempting to breach the fortification blocking them entry towards where the official entirety of Effigen's population now resides. On some nights, screams can still be heard as they break through makeshift fortifications made by those left behind, though such screams tend not to last for long.

The Scarecrows themselves are unnaturally powerful, able to surpass easily the strength of any common man. Some wield large scythes and sickles, though most kill with their bare "hands."

They are only active when it is dark, and shining bright light on them causes them to slow down drastically, as they will attempt to flee. Though how they came to be, and what their purpose was for killing (most of) their masters, there has yet to be an answer. They have simply become a part of life for the people of Effigen, something to avoid, and a painful reminder of a tragedy not even long ago.