Rotten Lord- origins and ascent
The marshlands of the Southern kingdom have long been home to various tribes and communities, known for their close ties to nature, mastery over herbal remedies, and fierce independence. Among these communities was born a child, destined to reshape the marshlands, who would be known as the Rotten Lord.
He began life as Eldric of the Fen, belonging to the Fenfolk—a tribe known for their intricate understanding of the marshlands and their unparalleled skill in guerilla warfare. Eldric was no exception. Trained from a young age in both combat and the ancient arts of the marsh, he rapidly gained fame as one of the fiercest warriors of his generation. But the marshlands were a fractured realm, with tribes often in conflict over territory and resources.
As Eldric matured, he saw the constant bloodshed taking a toll on his people. Tragedy struck when a neighboring tribe laid siege to the Fenfolk's territory. Although they fended off the invaders, the cost was high. Eldric lost many close friends and family, a blow that deeply scarred him.
It was this pain that led him down a darker path. Drawing upon the Fenfolk's vast knowledge of herbs and alchemy, Eldric began experimenting with narcotics and hallucinogens. Rather than seeking peace or reconciliation, he opted to exploit the weaknesses of his enemies. By introducing these potent concoctions into opposing tribes, he effectively weakened them, making them susceptible to addiction, and furthering their dependence on him.
News of his methods spread, and he became known as the "Rotten Lord," a once-revered warrior now notorious for his devious tactics. Yet, his strategies bore fruit. One by one, the tribes of the marshlands fell under his influence, but he wanted more, spreading his drugs to a kingdom in the north and south of his domain. Using his newfound power and resources, he constructed Siltstone Stronghold: A Defense Behemoth of the Rotten Domain, a fortress that would not only serve as a testament to his power but also as a defense against external threats.
His realm grew prosperous under his rule. The wealth generated by his narcotics trade funded vast armies and ambitious infrastructure projects. However, with prosperity came attention. King Vendrick, having unified much of the land, turned his gaze towards the marshlands. Recognizing the strategic importance of the region and the threat posed by the Rotten Lord's growing power, Vendrick decided to intervene.
A long and brutal war ensued. The marshlands, with their unpredictable terrain, made it a formidable battleground. But Vendrick's forces were relentless. After months of resistance, the Rotten Lord was finally defeated, his defeat marked by the The Charred Plains. But instead of executing him, Vendrick, recognizing the potential of the marshlands and the strategic mind of the Rotten Lord, offered him a position of power under his rule.
Reluctantly, the Rotten Lord agreed. In exchange for his loyalty and the wealth of the marshlands, he was given dominion over the Rotten Domain, with support of the Draconic Kingdom. Under this new order, the Rotten Lord continued his research and experiments, albeit under the watchful eye of the king most honorable knight Sir Elric of the Verdant Blade. Yet, his name would forever be remembered, not as Eldric of the Fen, but as the Rotten Lord, the master of the marsh and its many secrets.
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