Lost Ledgends

The history of Gakwey is vast, predating even the most ancient records. Much has been lost, fallen to the ravages of war or the turning of the ages. But nothing is ever truly forgotten. Where no records exist, legends and folk tales offer us a key to the past, a way to piece together truths half-remembered in the minds of men.

For generations, the people of Elohi have told whispered tales of the Pale Lady, a ghostly woman who wanders the northern marshes, forever seeking her lost daughter. Some say she steals children who wander astray, others that her sobbing wail strikes dead all those who hear it. But behind these tales may lie a kernel of truth, for ancient records speak of 'Aumriel', a mysterious figure Tiyohali heirs battled for decades and finally sealed away.

Gixai tell the story of Xapahai 'Black-Viper', an ancient warrior who rallied his people and drove back the armies of Paret Marvella with a poison spear. Though accounts vary, they too seem to be based on an underlying truth: the chronicles of Maharaja Jahsha mention a rebel leader of that age who was eventually cornered and slain in battle, at the cost of a full legion of men.

But some tales prove far harder to analyse. Among scholars, perhaps the best known is the 'Forbidden Legend' of the Archmage Fabias.

In the dawning days of the Second Age, the story goes, there lived a powerful wizard by the name of Fabias. Wise and just, he was well known in the courts of Archmage Varius and the Maharaja's of Paret Marvella, and his aid and counsel were sought by man and beast alike.

And then he was murdered. Some say one of his sons killed him, others that Archmage Varius, jealous of his power, gave the order. But Fabias' three sons fled into the night, pursued by a company of Varius' best warriors and the Magister Cato, the archmage's personal battlemage.

A great chase ensued, from the wilds of Ravens Hold to the glacial north. One brother is said to have perished in the ruins of Folgunthur, at the Foot of Alione. The others were run to ground soon thereafter. And once it was done, Archmage Varius ordered every record of their murders destroyed, and Fabias' name and deeds were struck from the rolls of history.

Even today, few sources remain, and no bard will tell the tale. But perhaps the truth yet remains in some ancient ruin, waiting to be unearthed. For nothing is ever truly forgotten.