THE SHADOW REALM

THE BEGINNING OF EVIL

INTRODUCTION

Not everything that embodies evil originated as evil. There exists only one primal evil in the worlds, and this emerged with the creation of all things, long before the worlds, the gods, and humankind were brought into being. To understand the reason for the existence of evil and all that it has wrought upon the worlds, one must grasp what the Master of Wizards, Yondar, referred to as "The Origin of Evil." When the gods and goddesses were created, evil in its most concrete form did not exist. Or at least, if it did exist, it was not perceived by the gods and, most importantly, it was not suspected by Naumathar. Evil arose from something far more powerful than itself: love. A feeling experienced by a mighty entity but one that could not be explained or translated into words, only felt. Evil emerged from the loss of this feeling, which we now call love, by this "Being." The love between two brothers: Naumathar and Omnathar. Naumathar was a "Divine Being" overflowing with love, but above all, love for his brother: Omnathar. When Naumathar decided to create a universe, Omnathar was cast aside, as that was Naumathar's vision. Omnathar, a "Being" just as divine as Naumathar, yet of lesser creative ability due to being of lesser expression—which was later understood as a reflection of the first—became frustrated with his brother. There was nothing more important to Naumathar than the creation of the gods and, later, of mankind, so that they might create a world of their own. And it was for this reason that everything began. Omnathar began to observe his brother’s creation from afar. With the creation of gods and goddesses, and subsequently, of men, Omnathar began to envy his brother's success. But he did not wish to create anything like Naumathar. No. His desire was to destroy the world Naumathar had created so that he would once again recognize his existence. And thus, a silent and secret war began. The target was Naumathar's creation. The primal evil already existed within Omnathar, yet it was not acted upon because the profound pain of loss, created by Naumathar’s complete abandonment, had not yet emerged. When that loss appeared, an immense rift was created within Omnathar. With this rift came jealousy, envy, feelings of abandonment, and the total lack of love and companionship that had existed for an infinite time. Omnathar's sensation was that he had lost everything he possessed in a brief moment. This triggered what came to be known as "The Origin of Evil."

THE KINGDOM OF SHADOWS

The Kingdom of Shadows began long before it was given that name. Some knights from ancient realms, such as Anghur, reported having seen great shadows covering a mountainous region in the far East during the time known as Before the First Era, or the Time Before Times, as it is called in Ernt-nador. However, for some reason, these knights did not pursue the location and diverted their path, as stories from their ancestors spoke of a realm as dark as night, inhabited by creatures and demons from the depths. These tales reached them as whispers of an ancient world they were unsure even existed, known as Anathurilis. In another time, during the First Era of Ernt-nador, in the Time of Constructions, a caravan glimpsed the shadowy place and, curious, decided to discover what it was. Only one of them survived, for his traveling companions abandoned him, forcing him to climb the winding path of the mountain on foot. This was the very reason that saved his life. His account, although regarded by those who heard it as filled with ramblings and speculations of what was truly seen or witnessed, echoed for a long time throughout the four corners of Ernt-nador. He spoke of nonsensical things, of creatures of darkness that had imprisoned and transformed everyone into demonic beasts. A stronger account emerged later, during the Time of Wars, when a great army of knights camped near the site vanished completely. The report came from a detachment of knights stationed in the area. When they returned, after not being relieved by a new detachment, they found no trace, blood, or any sign of the knights. Reports of a corner of the world of Ernt-nador dominated by darkness were heard from North to South and East to West. In the comments and stories that spread across the world, the kingdom that lived day and night submerged in sinister shadows was always present. Some spoke of the existence of dark creatures supposedly seen in that region. Others, who lived in villages and small principalities, recounted hearing discordant shrieks and deep, guttural growls on dark nights. However, the consensus spoke of a kingdom surrounded by shadows that advanced further each day over the world. Many years later, the place came to be known as the Kingdom of Shadows.

KINGDOM OF SHADOWS, WORLD OF ERNT-NADOR

THE BLACK CASTLE

Long before the beginning of the Time of Shadows and the Second Era, the Black Castle already existed. There is no exact date for its construction, as no one dared to travel to the region known as the Land of Darkness between the Time of Kingdoms and the Time of Wars. But it is certain that the Black Castle had already been built when the Time of Chaos began. Inside the Black Castle, located in the Kingdom of Shadows, it is believed — though it is merely speculation — that there existed a "Being" more powerful than any man. This creature had a grotesque and terrifying appearance and ruled over the beasts that lived and fed in the darkness.

BLACK CASTLE. KINGDOM OF SHADOWS, WORLD OF ERNT-NADOR

HÚR, LORD OF SHADOWS

The story of Húr, the Lord of Shadows, dates back to the period known as Before the First Era of Anahkólion. Although the Lord of Shadows became renowned during the Time of Chaos and the Time of Shadows in Ernt-nador, his history and existence, in truth, began many eras earlier in Anahkólion. To understand who he is, how the mighty Lord of Shadows commands creatures of darkness and other beasts that dwell in the depths of the worlds, or to grasp the reason behind his immense hatred for gods, wizards, and men, one must journey back through many eras to learn how, why, and under what circumstances he was conceived. His story ties into the existence and nature of his father, the origin and lineage of his mother, and her ultimate fate. All of this leads back to the Lord of Darkness and "The Origin of Evil." The current tale of the Lord of Shadows will be unveiled starting in BOOK II – THE SECRET OF THE THREE STARS, but most prominently in BOOK III – THE RETURN OF SHADOWS. However, his origins will already be presented in THE LORD OF DARKNESS – THE ORIGIN OF EVIL, coming later this year on The Wizards' War platform. Here, we will provide key passages that contribute to understanding the birth and rise of the Lord of Shadows.

THE ARMY OF SHADOWS

The Army of Shadows wasn’t always known by that name. When the Time of Chaos began, in the First Era of Ernt-nador, it was also called the Black Army or the Army of Darkness. These names varied greatly from kingdom to kingdom, depending on the expression used to define the era. Since communication between the realms was neither fast nor efficient, there may be errors or discrepancies in the names used by the peoples of Ernt-nador for the army that brought death and chaos to their lands. Considering this, in some kingdoms, the so-called Time of Chaos, as recorded in the Book of All Times, went by the same name, while in others, it was referred to as the Time of Darkness. For those who lived closer to the Black Castle, it was called the Dark Time, though this term eventually fell out of use by the majority. Thus, the army that spread shadows and darkness across the land, bringing death, despair, and devastation, could be called by different names depending on the region. However, when it was documented in the Book of All Times, Yondar chose to register it as the Time of Chaos, to avoid confusion with the earlier Time of Darkness in the world of Anahkólion. The soldiers who served the will of the shadows and the Lord of Shadows became known as the Army of Shadows.

ARMY OF SHADOWS, TIME OF CHAOS, WORLD OF ERNT-NADOR

ÜRWOM
THE DARK WARRIOR

Once, in a time long forgotten, a man glimpsed in a vision the power he had always craved: the power of an unbeatable army. Though he was already powerful, it wasn’t enough. He wanted more. His thirst for blood and death was insatiable. All that mattered was having power in his hands. Without regard for the future consequences of his actions, this man sacrificed everything he held dear, betraying all who knew him. Not only did he turn on his own army, but he also betrayed a rival force, uncaring of the fate of those involved. His name was consumed by time, for none remained who could remember him as anything other than an abomination. As a reward for his treachery, this man was transformed into a mighty and invincible warrior. But the roads you travel never return the same way, and the journey changes both the traveler and the path. Everything has a price, and every price must be paid. The cost for this man was high. After his transformation, he lost his family, his children, and everyone who had ever truly mattered to him. But that was not the worst of it. He lost his identity, becoming known only as Ürwom, the Black Warrior, faithful servant of Húr, the Lord of Shadows.

THE TWELVE NÁRAX

The Twelve Nárax – The Cursed – did not simply appear; they were created during a time of great wars between the kingdoms of men in Anahkólion and the Lord of Darkness. The story of The Origin of the Nárax, the name given to these creatures banished by Thuror, the God of Gods, speaks not of twelve, but of only one. The creation of the First Nárax is deeply entwined with the beginning of The Origin of Evil. Despite attempts to understand how a good and loyal being could be cursed, the story of the First Nárax is far too complex. After all, regardless of which side you are on, betrayal—whether divine or not—is always hard to comprehend. Much later, after the creation of the First Nárax, a small group of demigods committed an act of betrayal. In this case, the betrayal of a divine Order made the situation even more complicated. The story harks back to an era when the gods were mighty, and the God of Gods enforced the law—especially if that law reflected His will and protected Mount Naumathar. This was before Thuror abandoned mankind entirely and retreated to His divine abode. It is a tale of loyalty, brotherhood, and betrayal, a story that speaks of punishment and exile, filled with hatred and revenge—a revenge that is about to take its first step.

MÓRAGH,
LORD OF THE NÁRAX

Often, those born long after historical events have little understanding of how much has transpired and how greatly things have changed. Those who do not know the tale of Móragh—the vile and malevolent creature who commands the Twelve Nárax in defense of the creatures of darkness—are unaware that he once fought for the gods of Anahkólion. Móragh, along with his subordinates, was part of the army of the Guardians of the Gods, defenders of Mount Naumathar. However, for reasons that will be revealed in The Lord of Darkness – The Origin of Evil—involving divine misunderstandings, affronts to sacred principles, and other factors—he and his followers are branded as traitors by the High Council of the Gods. According to the council, they betrayed everything they were created to protect. This betrayal came at a great cost, both for the gods of Anahkólion and, of course, for Móragh and his followers. Moreover, during the trial held by the High Council of the Gods of Anahkólion, an unexpected event occurred—something no god could have foreseen. After all the evidence and proceedings were concluded, Móragh and his followers were declared guilty of treason against the very foundations of divine law. As punishment, they were all banished and condemned to the shadows until the End of Time, with Therbás, the god of Darkness, tasked with carrying out the divine sentence. Unfortunately, something unforeseen happened: a rebellion broke out within the ranks of the Argonas, led by the companions of the twelve Nárax. A fierce battle ensued, and divine blood was spilled. Móragh cursed Thuror and all the gods. In response, Thuror, the God of Gods, was forced to take harsher action, punishing all the traitors by transforming them into grotesque creatures, henceforth known as the Nárax, meaning "the Cursed" in Idhílion. Afterward, Móragh and the Twelve were imprisoned within one of the Laienürimim, to remain there until the End of Time. But Thuror did not foresee another act of betrayal—one that could spell the downfall of all the gods of Anahkólion.