The Magicians, witches and cultists

There are few figures shrouded in more mystery than the magicians. Who they are and from whence they came is unknown. Many even claim they do not exist at all—mere dark spirits or figments of the imagination. Yet their appearances in dreams and depictions on ancient rock walls are beyond dispute.

They are towering figures, dressed in black robes and veiled. Some veils are black, woven in twisting patterns; others are blood-red, adorned with woven eyes along their length. Why one should be haunted by these figures remains unclear, but those who have encountered them often report it happening after close proximity to cyclopean ruins or other strange artifacts.

In addition to the wall paintings, there is another symbol often found—a petroglyph of a squatting man, always carved on north-facing outcrops. The significance of this figure remains unknown, but the mountain folk shun these carvings. If they stumble upon one, they will ring their bells loudly to ward it off. They say he is connected to the northern lights, and whenever this strange phenomenon appears in the sky, they hide themselves beneath rocks or in crevices—even in the midst of battle.

Throughout the cursed realm, there are witches who practice dark arts. Though feared and shunned from society, they are sometimes sought out by naive villagers who wish to use their powers—often for something trivial, like a love potion or revenge. Some believe witches can strike a man with sickness, steal his vigor, or perform other superstitious feats. It is said these women gained their power by communing with the magicians under the full moon, enacting their will upon the world.

These witches wear black cloaks that conceal their features, and crowns of thistles upon their heads.

There are even whispers in the holy capital of Hurriaä of a secret group, disillusioned with elven rule, who have fallen under the magicians’ dark influence. This society is said to worship the magicians as gods and seek to enact their will—whatever they believe that to be. Many tales are told of bored bureaucrats who, seeking excitement, join the cult, only to find themselves entangled in ritual killings of influential officials and their families.

The grand temple works tirelessly to root out these cults from the capital. It is known to even send expeditions across the land, aiming to purge it of the magicians’ influence. The temple is fervent in its task, denouncing the magicians as malevolent entities bent on bringing about the Age of Darkness—an age the Lord of Lords is said to have sacrificed himself to prevent, when he rid Tenehu of the voracious false gods and their followers, who would have consumed the world but for his noble deed.

From the Tablets of Imilik