The Black Gear Prophecy

The Black Gear Prophecy of Vastiaria has the distinction of being a prophecy supposedly made by animals and beasts. Whether that fact makes it all the more amazing or the subject of ridicule seem to heavily depend on the individual. It foretells of a great danger known as the Black Gear, a phenomenon whose exact nature is highly discussed, even among those who believe in the prophecy. Some hold that it is a literal entity bent on the destruction of the world, others that it is a metaphorical danger of some sort.

Summary

It is said that a long ago, a druid wandered the lands of Vastiaria with their companion. During their travels, they came upon a bountiful land where the primal magic was strong. But as they passes through, they were assaulted by a great beast. The druid managed to defeat the assailant, but their companion was gravely wounded, brought to the brink of death. Through magic and care, the druid nursed their companion back to health, but found them sorrowful and withdrawn. Being a druid, they spoke the tongue of animals and asked them what was wrong. Their companion answered that in that moment when they hovered between life and death, they had seen a grim vision.
Troubled by this, the druid found other animals and beasts that had similar experiences. And piecing them together, he found the Black Gear Prophecy.
Hidden from Mist and spheres, the Black Gear churns, under lock and key. It grinds out cancer and bile, spews out filth and miasma, rendering all caught in it into vileness and horror. The black gear churns, churns, churns without remorse. And one day the lock and key shall burst. Strangers shall walk the land disguised as friends, their hearts cold and souls hollow. Monsters wrought of sickness and wretchedness shall stalk light and shadow. The world shall be consumed and remade in the Black Gear's image. It shall churn, churn, churn, until all spheres have been remade it its image.
The druid passed on the tale to all his descendants, that they together might ensure that the Black Gear never gets free, for surely such an event would spell doom for all.

Historical Basis

Highly unknown, with some disputing if it was ever real. While oracular insight can happen through near-death experiences, their validity is questionable due to the confused state of the person having them. In fact, it would be hard to separate a vision from a fantasy. And oracular tendencies in animals are even more poorly understood. Some posit that while the legendary druid did exist, all he did was chain together disconnected visions until it resembled a whole. But most agree that the druid probably did exist, even if his work is doubted.

Spread

The story has spread through several druidic circles and enclaves. As it mostly serves as a warning, they grimly spread it when available. If they have any knowledge of the titular lock and key, though, they'd probably guard it from those who'd misuse it. But no evidence of such information currently exists.

Variations & Mutation

The message remains the same, but the druid, their companion and even the beast often varies depending on the version. The Black Gear is also sometimes called the Engine of Filth or the Cancer Machine, colorful titles that have eventually come to be considered alternative names.

Cultural Reception

While the Black Gear can be seen as some apocalyptic threat, some think of it as a metaphor. Some druids think of it as symbolic of how civilized society can turn out if mismanaged. Other, more extreme types think of it as a symbol of civilization and industry itself. Some thing certain nations or countries are the embodiment of the Black Gear. The city of Megatropolis is often called the Cradle of the Black Gear by the Guardians of the Old Ways.

In Literature

The Black Gear Prophecy shows up in many folklore collections, as its status as a prophecy collected from animals makes it stand out. The titular Black Gear has also been used as inspiration for villains in numerous books, as well as one case where it was depicted as a misunderstood incarnation of progress, hated by the small-minded and overly conservative.

In Art

The Gear itself lends itself well to more macabre imagery and some artists have made some impressive if disturbing interpretations. Requiem Crane's Rebirth of the Spheres is one of the more well-known of these, multiple paintings depicting several spheres converted by the touch of the Black Gear. More hopeful art, such as Posasus' Triumph of the Mortals depicts the species of the spheres uniting the break the Black Gear.

Date of First Recording

2122 AIT

Date of Setting

2000 BIT