Founding Myth of the Nyanathalas

The Founding Myth of the Nyanathalas is a legendary tale that tells the story of Thaladrin, a green elf druid who became the first mage after discovering a hidden cavern of magic crystals. It represents the Nyanathalas' transition from a nature-based tribe to a society that embraces arcane magic.

## Myth

In the ancient forests of Embria, a green elf druid named Thaladirin embarked on a journey that would forever change the course of his life and the destiny of his people. The green elves, a nature-oriented people, held a sacred duty to protect the wilds and maintain the delicate balance of the natural world.

Deep within the dense forests of Embria, hidden amidst the thick foliage, lay a series of mysterious caves. These caves were an extraordinary phenomenon, adorned with shimmering crystals that radiated arcane energy. Despite their natural origin, the green elves had long been forbidden from venturing into these caverns, for it was believed that the magic contained within could potentially harm the very nature they held dear.

One fateful day, while Thaladirin was being pursued by a fearsome owlbear, he stumbled upon one of these forbidden caves. Desperate to escape the creature's relentless pursuit, he sought refuge within its depths. As he stepped deeper into the cave, Thaladirin found himself captivated by the ethereal beauty of the crystal-lit interior.

In an impulsive act of curiosity, Thaladirin reached out and touched one of the arcane-infused crystals. Instantly, a surge of untapped power awakened within him, surging through his veins and permeating his very being. At first, Thaladirin sought to conceal this newfound ability, unsure of its origin or its implications.

However, as time passed, Thaladirin's newly acquired powers began to manifest in subtle yet noticeable ways. The elders of the green elf tribe, sensing the change in one of their own, urged him to keep his transformation a secret. They feared that such arcane powers might disrupt the delicate balance of the natural world and endanger their harmonious way of life.

News of Thaladirin's transformation, however, spread like wildfire through the green elf tribe. Some elves were curious about the mysteries hidden within the forbidden caves, while others grew fearful of the unknown powers that had awakened within their kin. Unable to resist their growing curiosity, a group of elves approached Thaladirin, seeking answers and guidance.

Seeing an opportunity to unlock the potential within his people and find a new purpose, Thaladirin shared the location of the forbidden cave with those who were closest to him. The elves who joined him were a mix of curiosity and apprehension, unsure of what they would discover but compelled to explore their burgeoning powers.

As more and more elves revealed their newfound arcane abilities, the archdruid deemed their actions a betrayal of their sacred duty to protect the wilds. In a solemn decision, the elders banished Thaladirin and his followers from their forest home, casting them out into the unknown lands beyond.

With Thaladirin now the leader of this exiled group, he shed his druidic roots and embraced his new identity as the First Mage. Determined to explore the extent of their powers and find a place where they could thrive, the banished green elves embarked on a daring journey, leaving behind the familiar forests that had once been their sanctuary.