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Harbinger

In the realm of Norewald, the title of Harbinger carries a weight of both awe and fear, shrouded in the mysteries of ancient folklore and history. A Harbinger is one who stands as a herald, presaging the dawning of a new era or the impending doom of an age's end. These enigmatic figures are often perceived as messengers of the gods or ominous omens, instilling a sense of foreboding in those who encounter them.
  Throughout the annals of Norewald's history, the legends of Harbingers echo across the ages. Tales speak of a Harbinger who brought calamity to the once-powerful High races, leading to the decline of their rule. Farther back in time lies the shadow of the "Gleaming," an apocalyptic event that nearly extinguished life itself in the realm, and it is said a Harbinger heralded its arrival.
  While the belief in Harbingers is deeply ingrained in the minds of the people, modern historians and institutions of Norewald strive to uncover the truth behind these myths. Engaging in the meticulous study of archaeology and history, they seek tangible evidence to either confirm or refute the existence of such enigmatic beings.
  The title of Harbinger is not easily bestowed, and those labeled as such carry a heavy stigma upon their shoulders. Often, it is the utterance of senile old crones or self-proclaimed seers that haphazardly attach the title to an unsuspecting individual, only to be proven false in time. Such erroneous designations cast doubts on the authenticity of true Harbingers, perpetuating an air of skepticism around their existence.
  In the heart of Norewald's folklore, Harbingers remain an enigmatic presence, weaving their way through the tapestry of history and myth. Whether they are messengers of impending doom or heralds of new beginnings, the legends of Harbingers continue to captivate the imagination of the realm's inhabitants, leaving a lingering sense of anticipation and trepidation for what lies ahead.
  What and Who are Harbingers?
  In the vast tapestry of Norewald's history, Harbingers stand as enigmatic figures, their presence signaling seismic shifts that alter the very fabric of civilizations. These individuals, often surrounded by an aura of mystique, are believed to be more than mere actors on the stage of time—they are the heralds of profound change.
  Harbingers are associated with cataclysms of grand proportions, events marked by the stark dichotomy of destruction and rebirth. The toll they exact upon the world is often measured in the loss of life, the extinction of species, and the upheaval of established civilizations. In the annals of Norewald, each transition between ages bears the imprint of a Harbinger, an agent provocateur of fate.
  These catalysts of change are deeply woven into the lore of Norewald's written history. From the ancient upheaval known as the "Gleaming" event to the shadowed era of the 2nd Dark Age, and onward to the fervent tempest of the Great Revolt, Harbingers have been central figures in the narrative of Norewald's evolution. They are the architects of destruction, laying foundations for the ascent of a new epoch.
  The true nature of a Harbinger's power remains a subject of speculation. While some attribute great supernatural abilities to them, others argue that their significance lies in the chaos they unleash upon the world. Legends abound with tales of these figures wielding forces that transcend the mortal realm, bending reality to their will. Yet, the extent of their powers remains elusive, shrouded in the ambiguity of myth.
  Debates among scholars persist regarding the foretelling of a Harbinger's arrival. Are their appearances ordained by destiny, a preordained script written upon the celestial canvas, or are they merely the coincidental byproducts of tumultuous times? The elusive nature of these figures only adds to the mystique that surrounds them, their very existence a testament to the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of Norewald's history.
  It is through the lens of fame and infamy that Harbingers are often remembered. Their names echo through the corridors of time, etched into the collective memory of Norewald's inhabitants. Whether revered as saviors or reviled as bringers of doom, Harbingers leave an indelible mark upon the world, their legacy transcending the ages they usher in.
  The known Harbingers.
  Throughout the annals of Norewald's prehistory, the concept of the Harbinger is not confined to a singular race or culture but resonates through the oral traditions of diverse ancient species. Scholars, delving into the rich tapestry of oral accounts, have been astounded by the striking similarities in descriptions and the uncanny accuracy of timelines associated with these enigmatic figures.
  In the ancestral lore of the Molokkai, the Harbinger takes the form of Gegg the Banisher, also known as Gigazos of the North. Born under the celestial phenomenon known as the lunar triune, a rare occurrence where three of Norewald's moons form a celestial triangle in the evening sky, Gegg's arrival marked the advent of the event known as the Gleaming. This cataclysmic event became a harbinger of the end of an era, signaling the departure of gods who once walked among mortals. The gods were banished to the Astral planes, and Gegg the Banisher became a central figure in the Molokkai's historical narrative.
  In another ancient account, the tale of Merut, servant of the god Togrell, unfolds as a pivotal chapter in the lore of the Great Revolt. This event, orchestrated by Togrell and carried out by his devoted servant Merut, served as a catalyst for the lesser races to break free from the influence and bondage imposed by the high races. The Great Revolt marked a turning point, propelling the lesser races to forge their destinies independently. Merut's role in this upheaval solidified his status as a Harbinger, guiding the destinies of those who sought to reclaim autonomy.
  What is particularly intriguing to scholars is not only the thematic similarity but the remarkable precision in timelines across these disparate accounts. The oral traditions of various species weave a tapestry of cosmic events, celestial alignments, and cataclysmic occurrences that herald the arrival of a Harbinger, linking the fates of different races across epochs.
  These recorded Harbingers, with their celestial births and pivotal roles in reshaping the world, transcend the boundaries of individual cultures, becoming archetypes in the collective consciousness of Norewald's ancient history. The convergence of these narratives raises profound questions about the interconnectedness of destinies and the recurring patterns that define the epochs of Norewald's past.
Type
Informal

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