Introduction to Myths of Atalan

Welcome to the World of Myths of Atalan.

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

Eramere is 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 eighty 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 have freed themselves of the Undead assault, and have 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.

After the Great Rising of the Restless, Eramere has known two decades of relative peace and prosperity. High Reaches has continued to grow as the center of commerce on the continent, though it no longer boasts the majority of Eramere's human population. A number of small settlements spouted up, though many have been lost to the violence of a continent, that even in peace, is a dangerous place to live. Torica, free of both Halmorian, and Kalimvaran influence has also continued to flourish, providing the main port for trading with the human nations to the West. The rise of The Crimson Crusade, a military knighthood built on the bones of the Order of the Shield has provided much needed protection to the various farming settlements that finally have a chance to grow around the land.

The Blackspear Nation has all but collapsed, the once hated and defunct Valhurk Clan of Haerkglar finding homes among the smaller towns, and even some reuniting with their kin in Skolden'fel Fortress. The Tauroc tribes have also mostly left the mountains, settling more firmly in the Acentian hills as was their preference before they and the other savage races were united by the now dead Dragon Bazi'kalith. The Karr remain the largest threat to trade throughout the continent, their war parties bolstered, and driven by their faith in the Fiery Overseer Scorsheth.

Rumors have spread throughout the continent that the Syl'vae are dealing with a new threat, though they have not sought outside help in the matter, and the nature of which is still secret. The Haerkglar of Skoldn'fel have used the past two decades industriously, opening several new mines under the ownership of the Ironstoker Trading company, and their Hrasonai have continued to become closer the legends of old. The Chorav remain in the Daiobi, content to trade with visitors, and mostly stay out of the politics of the rest of the world. The Gnomes of THIMBLE have mostly locked themselves away, working on some new project, when encountered on the mainland they offer polite but terse responses, and offer no information on the goings of their strange city.

Whispers among the traders from the Western continent tell of a Halmorian Empire resurgent, it's new Emperor Levistus the Wise leading it back to it's former strength, even defeating a Kalimvaran army in the field, and proving they no longer need to live under their rival's sanctions. The tradeways between the two continents remain a dangerous place however, with Lakoi Free Raiders, and sea monsters that have seemed to have awoken some time ago plaguing them.

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.