The Tale of the Stonelands

Gather close, battle-friends, and hear the tale of the Stonelands!

Long ago, the Stonelands were green.  Then came a day of wrath and ruin.  High above, Cloudlanders dwelt in floating forts.  Foes shattered the spells that held them aloft.  They fell and struck the Stonelands.  

Plains split asunder.  Streams drained away.  Beasts dined on ash and died.  Stonelanders grew harsh as our newly barren home.  To win survival, we raided outsiders who lived in plenty.  But as years passed, the Stonelands sickened more, while outsiders grew stronger.  They attacked in endless waves, slaying our kin and stealing our land.  Soon we would lose all.  

From despair, a dark prophet rose, claiming ancestors’ power.  He offered a pact.  If Stonelanders gave sacrifice to grim gods, no mortal wounds would stay our hands.  We would fight forever.  Clan leaders accepted.  But not all understood what the bargain would bring.  

Much was done in those days that gained no glory.  Outsiders knew not the source of our sudden strength.  We left no survivors to tell tales.  Yet, for all our victories, we grew heartsick… seeing our kin who died rise as undead.  Such was the true nature of the pact.  Some repented and tried to overthrow the dark prophet.  They were slain and forced to join the shambling ranks.

Then came a priest of light.  She bested the clan leaders and destroyed their undead guards.  When she asked how they sunk so low, a clan mother told the tale.  The priest listened… then offered help.  Mother and priest led Stonelanders into battle.  At great cost, they vanquished the dark prophet and his horde.  They learned then that he was no Stonelander but a lich who made the Cloudlands fall.  Masked with magic, he had bent the Stonelands to his will for a hidden purpose.  They killed him a second time, and he was no more.

The Stonelands were free, but folk still suffered.  The priest of light called a great gathering.  Outsiders she trusted came and spoke with wise Stonelanders.  From knowledge shared, a promise was made.  Stonelanders would raid no more.  And the Stonelands would thrive again. 

Life-singers began slow spells, working deep magic.  Some chasms closed.  Some streams trickled back.  Some beasts returned.  Many wounds remain.  Yet Stonelanders know better days and hope our children will know better still.  

Hope dawned on the Stonelands because foes became friends.   Those with no cause for trust joined hands and thwarted ancient evil.  Not the lich alone, but the wrong that was done the day the Cloudlands fell.  Sometimes blood must be spilled.  But great are the heroes who win back captives of darkness to live in the light.

Glory to the Morninglord!  Honour to the Earthmother!  The Stonelands thrive again!