Introduction to Myths of Atalan

Welcome to the World of Myths of Atalan.

This world is the fifth chapter based in the lands of Eramere and takes up the story 600+ years later after a very large catastrophe centered upon the once more abandoned city of Atalan, or 520 years after the events held during the earlier years of High Reaches.

Eramere was a world changed after the events of The Sundering, when it is said that the Overseers themselves came upon the face of the world to destroy the being known at The Varpathian as it was born from the Obelisk within the city of Atalan. This event was preceded by the Awakening of winged lizards of all size and colors, which most people refer to as Dragons. Some of these dragons seem to harbor the races of Eramere no ill will, while others have attacked without mercy.

These events were followed by a silence from the Overseers, where prayers went unanswered, and although the presence of the Overseers was felt, it seemed for that time that they were unable to hear their mortal followers. Eventually, they returned, but all could sense the change. Where once there were Eight Overseers, now there were Twelve. Who and what these new Overseers are is continuously being uncovered.

The races of Eramere have likewise been changed by the rapid events of 600 years ago. Humans fled Atalan as it burned around them, managing to make it to the new settlement of High Reaches. It is here where some found a new home among the native races of Eramere. Others left for an island off the coast, to set up the new human home of Torica on their own. The Syl’vae freed themselves of the Undead assault, and had a new zeal for life previously unseen during the Rising. The Orcs had been isolated in the swamps, but reappeared searching for old knowledge to bring to their new home in the Val'mordja Hills. The Haerkglar found a new home and an old religion.

Eramere has always been a place of conflict, but nearly five centuries ago, things came to a boiling point the likes of which even this land of strife had never seen. It began with the rise of Ashen'wrath, the great Dragon that had slumbered within the large blasted crater since The Sundering. The Dragons, Kobold, and Ssiardi armies threatened to spill out and cover the world. Niassa Nai, the Draconic guardian of High Reaches, the fraying strength of the alliance of races, though bolstered by a resurgent Haerkglar nation, and an alliance of the Human settlements throughout Eramere, were able to hold them back.

Home became a center of commerce and trade with the completion of Gaius' life work, his wondrous portals linking dozens of settlements together all over the continent. The War of Ashes however still raged on, and eventually the might of the alliance began to strain under the constant onslaught. An unlikely savior arrived a while later in the form of the Halmorian Empire. The Empire's Legions held bolstered the lines, and for the first time began to push them back. The problems began however when more of those Legions marched elsewhere as well, laying siege to Home, invading Torica, and in general stamping out resistance. Their main desire though, was High Reaches, and the Temple within.

Furious at another betrayal by humans, and besieged by horrors unleashed from below Maer'Vanim, the will of most Syl'vae finally broke, and the vast majority of them traveled north into the Frostbeard Mountains, and have not been seen since. Unsettled by this, and coming into conflict with the Empire over their reverence for Hrasqueel, the Haerkglar retreated as well, abandoning most of their outer fortresses, and preparing Skolden'fel for a long siege. Furin Ironstoker, and his mercenary company remained to help hold High Reaches. Niassa Nai, seeing all this felt the need to try and defeat Ashen'wrath quickly, taking her disciples, her own Kobold forces recruited by her First Bronze Warden Illyriel, and some of the greatest heroes of the time they struck deeply into Ashen'wrath's forces and challenged the Dragon directly. The ensuing battle wounded both of them greatly, forcing them to retreat and enter a state of long slumber.

This freed up much of the strength of Halmoria, who took the opportunity to push their conquests. They destroyed Home, channeling great divine power to swallow up much of the city and it's people. Eventually High Reaches fell, its diverse community exiled, and spread across the continent. From their two seats of power the Halmorians ruled Eramere for a time, but the Empire never did understand the nature of this continent, and soon it was left to them to deal with the horrors this land can offer. The Beasts of Legend continued to be unleashed, things armies cannot truly hold against, and it seemed every time one was felled, another arose. The Empire was strained, but still held power, and clung to the nexus that was High Reaches with an incredible force of will.

As had happened in ages past new Vested were tapped to defeat these creatures, and finally bring some semblance of order to the continent. But this time there were only Halmorians to call, and they proved to be lacking. After defeating the last of them to the Vested returned as heroes, but for reasons unknown, used their connection to the Nexus to destroy it. The resulting destruction leveled much of the city and when the dust settled, the Halmorian Clerics found that they could no longer hear the Hymn. Their sense of divine right, and initial purpose lost to them, the Empire floundered, and the people rebelled. The Kutarans of Eramere lead the charge, striking at supply lines, and smaller encampments, breaking Halmorian strength bit by bit. Eventually, much like the Syl'vae, the Empire once again abandoned the continent and have not been seen since.

As that happened, Island 21 crashed into TEST, and while the events that transpired there are to this day unknown, it is known that the Gnomes remaining on the mainland of Eramere were cut off. No attempts to reach the volcanic city have returned.

For the last five centuries the smaller settlements have struggled, but grown, and a large trade network has developed, using what remained of the Haerkglaran highways as thorough fares. The followers of Ashen'wrath continue to be a threat, and there is always a need for adventurers and mercenaries alike. To fill the void left behind by the Overseers, people have turned to worshiping the various Dragons that have continued to emerge, as well as those Primordials that accept such pacts, in addition to the older druidic, bardic, and shamanic ways.

The enigmatic city of Atalan remains a mystery, with several expeditions to the place having resulted in all hands apparently lost.

We invite you to explore the continent of Eramere with the many others who look to actively make their mark on the world.