The Long Night
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700 years ago, when the people of the world were still scattered and few, a purple streak crossed the night sky. Many tribes of the time said it was the Great Spirit leaving them behind, abandoning the world to its fate. In the days that followed, the skies filled with dark clouds, the air choked with ash, the seas frothed and raged. Once the snows began to fall that winter, they fell long and hard. Harder than anyone could remember. It grew in strength, dominating the seasonal cycle.

Food was scarce, and the tribes withdrew to their cities. As people starved, hostilities flared and wars broke out. The tribes struggled against the earth and against each other. The ice caps crept down from the north, growing thicker and stronger, pushing people together, forcing them to share land and resources. Ever tribe had to face the real prospect of extinction. Some did.

Then there came the Adanadi – The gift. No-one is quite sure when of where it first manifest. But some people began to notice purple stains or marks on some plants, animals and people. Many took this as a sign that the Great Spirit has left them a tool, a gift, something to ensure their survival. For generations it was carefully cultivated and bred, giving rise to a breed of elite warrior than none could withstand. Freed from the fear of illness, disease and famine, the tribes grew populous and strong. So did their ambition.

Great civilisations rose, clashed and sought supremacy over their rivals. So great was this rivalry, enflamed by the influence of gods and monsters, they gathered great armies to confront each other in a major battle, the greatest ever known. Such forces were unleashed that the very fabric of the world was torn. Here in Grimnest, the heart of Port Royal was swallowed up and a ghost city took its place. Strange beings not native to Tikor reached out and claimed it, and slowly built their power.

Now the tendrils of the Empire are reaching out into the heart of the country. Iron roads are being laid to export the poison of the mines onto the hills and plains and beyond, to the spires of Prime. What the future holds, we cannot say, but the Great Spirit knows his plans and when the arrow flies the eagle will follow.