Lyras Cycle
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- Fall of the Great Barrier, Battle of Darkstone, Battle of Sorvendig's Stand, Ongoing Event
- Please see Category:Incomplete articles for more articles that are incomplete.
The Lyras Cycle were the events which took place after the fall of the Great Barrier in the mainland provinces of Kermoria from 393 to ?. The events pitched Lyras the Devourer against all of creation and the Immortals, and also reinforced the importance of the gods and the position of the Cleric's Guild.
Lyras, whose mistreatment as a child led her to become a necromancer, had grown so ravenous for absolute power that she wished to destroy everything, including the very Plane of Abiding. Wielding her dark powers she marched a vast army of various mindless undead creations across the fallen Barrier as well as specially powerful Risen. The governments of Forfedhdar, Ilithi, Zoluren, and Therengia all reacted to this threat with force while Qi mostly remained silent; however, many of their warriors struck out on their own.
Risen
Acting as Lyras' generals the risen Tachid, Klusarlaik, Gurglesnout, and Sahfra were far more potent then similar creations. Often times they would attack in pairs, commanding the movements of the lesser minions and killing those who proved far too powerful for the standard undead with necromantic magics. Each of these risen seemed to have their own personality and purpose, often hunting down their favorite play-toy or providing ominous warnings. It is said that the creation and control of a single risen is an arduous task, and that no previous necromancer was able to control more then one or two at a time; however, Lyras commanded four whose power and finesse were beyond any ever known.
Gurglesnout was destroyed at the Battle of Darkstone.
Mindless Minions
Lyras' mundane creations were primarily reanimated Prydaen and Rakash, but some were vicious machinations of many bits and pieces of flesh. These are just a small sampling of her army.
Gestalt Draugen
Elongated, blood-tainted bones bound with a lattice of resinous ligament concoct what appears to be a horrific hybrid of canine and feline forms. Most lethal attributes of both have been picked out and combined into an indefatigable killing machine, replete with scythe-like claws and razor teeth. The abomination stands seven-feet tall and moves bipedally with some degree of cunning, slinking from shadow to shadow. Its Necromantic animating force has manifested as a bilious green phosphorescence which gleams from within its bones.
Amalgamated Fleshreaper
A hideous amalgam of shattered, twisted, and fused bone, the fearsome hulk before you rises to the height of several Gor'Togs. Clearly no natural beast possesses a skeletal structure as horrific as this - with uneven limbs formed of irregular, contorted lengths of flesh-stripped bone. Its claws are incongruent and jagged, bearing the unmistakable crimson stain of dried blood. Only a Necromancer of considerable power and vileness could meld the deceased bodies of so many beasts into such a horrific construct.
Unctuous Rakash Zombie
Mangy skin covers the Rakash zombie, tightly stretched over bone and rotting sinew. Despite the fact that its features are badly distended and bloated, the lupine nature of its former race in moonskin is evident. A stench of decay rises from the zombie, and flies swarm about every oozing orifice.
Preserved Zombified Prydaen
Mangy skin covers the zombified Prydaen, tightly stretched over bone and rotting sinew. Despite the fact that its features are badly distended and bloated, the feline nature of its former race is evident. A stench of decay rises from the Prydaen, and flies swarm about every oozing orifice.
Fall of the Great Barrier
Undead Threat
After the fall of the Barrier many areas of the mainland were taken over by lesser creations. All of the great cities were besieged by the never ending flow of the undead and brave adventurers were often seen fighting in single combat versus up to a dozen at once. These peoples' vigilance helped clear the way for some travel and trade even during war.
Temple's Response to Necromancy
Having decided that necromancy was on the rise combined with the fears of collusion with Lyras the Cleric's Guild appointed Inquisitor Khurek to scourge the taint from the lands. Once permission was secured from the provincial leaders he detained and questioned individuals from lowly citizens to members of court throughout the lands. While few questioned his motives, many found his means distasteful and quickly found themselves jailed at best or at worst sent to his dungeon. Undoubtedly the temple will remain vigilant of necromancy for many years after the fall of Lyras so as to avoid another such occurrence.
Meraud's Blessing
After an evening of prayer Prince Vorclaf received a vision of what was to come. He quickly sent Princess Arilana and his children, Belirendrick IV and Inavia, along with Brigadier General Zukir to the safety of the island Andreshlew and awaited the sign of Meraud. Once received he was imbued with the blessing a magical aura that appeared as a wolf across his visage. Over time this blessing strengthened and Vorclaf's powers grew, but channeling this tired him greatly and some speculated that if this did not end the aged leader would perish.