Archons

Unknown Origins

The Archons are thought to have been a race of demigods of such incredible power that they were able to challenge the Pantheon itself after conquering all the known world. Yet, if they were truly demigods, then whom served as their sire? No prophets or priests have claimed them to be children of any known gods; not even The Breaker, allied to the Archons, has shown his worshippers their origins.

Appearance

Very few records remain mentioning what the Archons looked like, though all speak only of their armour, for none were ever seen unadorned. Forged from the corpses of the dragons they slew, gleaming dragonscale and mighty dragonbone used for unparalleled defence and offence both.
They seemed to measure between 7 and 8 feet tall while wearing their armour, with builds that would put even a Goliath to shame. Beyond this, only theories remain.

Abilities

As with any knowledge about the ancient past, myth and legend are more common than documented facts. But these myths claim that The Archons were stronger than giants, wiser than elves, and more gifted with arcane power than even the great archmages of old.
Regardless of the myths, it is known that as a host they were capable of killing ancient dragons, the most powerful of all creations, and even spilling godblood.

Revelations

In recent months ancient warriors have awoken, and given eye-witness accounts of these ancient foes. Unit 316 of The First Battalion explained many things, including the greatest powers of the Archons:

• Near immortality - they were immune to poisons, aging, and starvation, and able to regenerate quickly from even fatal wounds. Their fortitude could be overcome with enough damage (such as a score of ballista bolts fired at once), though beheading seemed more reliable.
• Power - even without their mounts, even grounded and alone and lost, each and every Archon was more than a match for a dozen of the finest warriors the ancient world had to offer.
• Authority - an Archon's voice was by far the greatest and most terrible ability they had. Any who heard them speak would obey, even unto a mother mauling their child or a hero slitting their own throat at an Archon's command.

The Archon War

The details of why or when this war started is lost to time. The vast majority of events during it have been forgotten. But relics of the war remain; great artifacts of power used as weapons by both sides are some of the most sought-after and treasured items in the world.
What is known is this: The Archons declared war on all creation, with elves as their soldiers and Fidain as their ally. Between the skill of the elves and the combined might of demigods and gods, they were able to drive dragons to extinction and slay beloved Kiderha, conquering all the known world. Mages of old were granted incredible power to fight back, ensuring the survival of mortal folk until, at last, The Champion was born.
This new demigod turned the tide, driving the Archons back and aiding the Gods when it came time to imprison The Serpent. She saved the world and slew the Archons, leading to the turning of the age.

Riders

So great was their power that even after death, the spirits of some of these beings remain. Labelled Ashen Riders by the common folk, these ghosts ride upon snow-coloured beasts, killing anything unlucky enough to get in their way. They wander across the world seemingly without purpose, though thankfully avoiding each other for reasons unknown. These spirits cannot be destroyed, so whenever one wanders too close to civilisation, the best that can be done is driving it away.