The Mystery Lands of Mar

Caran, once known as the land of Mar, derived its name from the colossal volcano situated on the Bare Mountains that spanned the western continent. Nestled along the slopes of these majestic mountains were a collection of villages, home to diverse tribes comprising Shanah, Humans, and even a contingent of Brutgors. The magical energies that permeated the air around Mar turned it into a focal point for magic manifestation, attracting talented mortals who could wield the arcane arts, irrespective of their race. In the depths of this powerful volcano, a group of wizards established an underground base, where the very essence of magic intertwined with the elemental forces of fire, giving birth to a nexus of arcane knowledge and power. The heart of Mar became a sanctuary for those who sought to unravel the secrets of magic and harness its potent energies for both study and practice.

In the absence of a formal governing body, the lands of Mar found leadership and guidance through an informal council of sages. Among these figures were the wizards of the Volcano, whose underground base served as a hub of magical knowledge. Azgo the Wolf, a respected Brutgorian Shaman, and Vaaro the Elder, a sagacious Human residing in one of the mountain settlements, emerged as influential figures to whom the people turned for direction and counsel.

Nedel, known as the Hunter, made a dramatic entrance to the western lands through a portal crafted by a group of mortal wizards. These wizards, driven by the noble intention of preventing the escalating conflict between the Sentinel and the Gods, sought to intervene. However, their attempts to curb Nedel's power proved futile, as he swiftly overpowered them, seizing control of the western continent. Unfazed by the initial purpose of his summoning, Nedel engaged in a formidable battle against both the Sentinel and the Gods. His dominance was unparalleled, and the prolonged conflict spanned years, causing widespread devastation. In a desperate attempt to contain Nedel's overwhelming power, a colossal Cell, manifested as an Amber Wall, was created. This powerful enchantment encircled the entire western continent, effectively isolating Nedel within its confines. However, the side effect of this grand containment was profound and grim—every living creature trapped alongside Nedel suffered horrific mutations, a consequence of the Cell's potent and necromantic influence.

The Shanah, unfortunate victims of the Cell's devastating effects, bore the brunt of the mutation unleashed upon them. Their bodies, unable to endure the transformative forces at play, succumbed to the catastrophic energy emanating from the enchanted enclosure. The once-thriving race now faced the tragic fate of irreversible mutations. In addition to the affliction suffered by the Shanah, the natural environment surrounding the western continent underwent a harrowing transformation. The lush landscapes that once teemed with life were reduced to a barren wasteland, void of vitality and condemned to lifelessness for eons to come. The very essence of the region was altered by the Cell's malevolent energy, leaving behind a desolate and forlorn terrain that stood as a somber testament to the unintended consequences of the grand enchantment.

Amidst the aftermath of the catastrophic Cell event, a resilient group of Shanah managed to endure the mutation, giving rise to a distinct and formidable faction known as the Lycanthropes of the Barren Mountains. This surviving subset of the Shanah displayed a marked increase in size, taking on beast-like characteristics. Under the influence of the Full Moon, they would unleash haunting howls and engage in raids against the mutated inhabitants of the west, embodying a predatory and fearsome force. Leading this pack were three figures of notable influence and dread. Asgoth the Red, Siamus the Grey, and Ilgoth the Black emerged as the leaders of the Lycanthropes, each commanding their own pack and contributing to the atmosphere of terror that enveloped the western lands.

Date of Setting

5 AC