The Dark Star
"This symbol brings doom wherever it may loom. Few men remember it's exact shape yet all can recall it's outline. Woe to those that even glance at this celestial body by mistake. Fate is never so kind." -Anonymous
Summary
A sign of ill omen that brings nothing but destruction whenever it looms above the sky. Rumors about this star vary to the point of absurdity even for legends, and because of this most people just accept it as an ill omen.
Historical Basis
First Sighting
The Dark Star was first seen during 575 3E and as such was presumably linked to the blight that had afflicted the eastern forests a year prior though no correlation was identified. After the first sighting, ships started to sink for seemingly no reason, many people were stricken with either some form of depression which subsequently led to an undocumented rise in suicide rates, and generally, the entire city of Freeport fell into a sort of a rut that lasted until the Dark Star disappeared. In response, the population was whipped into a frenzy during which they tried to find some explanation for the Dark Star. There were many differing theories, some more absurd than others. One of the most popular origin stories for the Dark Star was that it is actually a hole between planes of existence which was left behind by the last dragon once it left the world, and when it disappears it is never truly gone but the temporarily closed due to the Sky Aurora's natural magic. The explanation for the weird occurrences related to the Dark Star in this theory varies from invisible demons or the hole trying to draw in the souls of mortals in order to seal itself permanently.Subsequent Sightings
Later on, sightings of The Dark Star became less frequent, but were punctuated by great tragedy. Witnesses say that the Dark Star was spotted looking in the sky days before Freeport was invaded by demons, and in response people began to fear it. Many people have inked themselves with the Dark Stars mark using an ink made of chum, salt water, and charcoal. Rarely will you ever see someone not having the Dark Star’s mark on either the ship itself or on one of the crew with the size of the mark being inconsequential. This seems to have worked sense the Dark Star has not been seen in years, but the thought of its return still keeps sailors on edge.Spread
The myth of the Dark Star is kept exclusively into Freeport and is fairly well known in recent years. It’s said that the children of Freeport know about the Dark Star and fear it the moment they’re out of their mother’s womb. Some scholars have found interest in the myth and come to Freeport in order to see the validity of such a star. They are never heard from again.
Variations & Mutation
The Dark Star myth as remained the same throughout the years due to it being a newer myth in comparison to the Onyx Queen, The Pale Maiden, Old Brine, and Sully.
Cultural Reception
The people of Freeport dread the Dark Star with a passion. The only time you would even hear it being uttered is during the late hours of the night while tavern goers are too drunk to remember their own names. Other than those moments where poor judgement is a constant companion, the Dark Star is scarcely if ever mentioned, but its presence is still felt everywhere. You can see it in the slight hesitation when a child looks up at the sky, when a woman rubs the Dark Star’s symbol which is inked onto her shoulder, and the frantic checks of crew when a captain fears that someone is not carrying the mark.
In Literature
Due to education not being a major part in the lives of most common folk in Freeport the Dark Star is largely known through word of mouth. There are no chanties about it in the present day, but many have started to humming a tune which conveys their general attitude towards the Dark Star.
In Art
The Dark Star’s Mark is seen almost everywhere in Freeport if you look hard enough. On the sides of a ship, on the skin of both men and women, woven into the fabric of clothing, carved into the wood of a building, and even in the coloring books of children. There is a little tune associated with the Dark Star but no one would ever admit it in public.
Date of First Recording
575 3E
Date of Setting
N/A
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Related People
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