The Myths of Misthria
Misthria is a land steeped in the echoes of its past, where history and legend intertwine to shape the fabric of its present. Across its vast landscapes, the deeds of ancient heroes inspire the brave, while whispered tales of mythical beasts and powerful relics fuel the dreams of adventurers. In these stories, the line between truth and myth blurs, creating a world where the extraordinary feels tantalizingly close.
This section delves into the timeless myths that haunt the shadows of our world, the ancient heroes whose courage and cunning altered its course, and the places that still resonate with their power. These tales are more than just entertainment, they are the foundation upon which Misthria’s cultures, values, and ambitions are built.
For the adventurers of today, these legends are not just stories of the past. They are challenges to be met, mysteries to unravel, and treasures to uncover. Whether you seek the wisdom of the Dragon Sage, the hidden threads of Kaelir’s Tapestry, or the haunting whispers of the Veilscar Marsh, the legacy of Misthria’s myths and heroes beckons you to step boldly into the unknown.
Legends and Myths
The Serpent of Emberwell Lake
Long ago, a monstrous serpent terrorized the region around Emberwell Lake, west of Are-Asi . Said to have been spawned from the tears of a betrayed water spirit, the serpent could only be pacified by a hero pure of heart wielding a blade forged from the lake’s still waters. To this day, locals claim the serpent’s spirit guards a trove of magical relics hidden beneath the lake.
The Cursed Peaks of Aetherhold
These jagged mountains south of Darrowmere are said to whisper the voices of long-dead kings who once ruled an ancient empire. According to legend, the peaks were cursed when the empire fell to betrayal. Adventurers who ascend the heights claim to hear offers of power in exchange for their loyalty but none have returned unchanged.
The Phoenix Crown
Forged in the fires of an immortal phoenix, this mythical crown is said to grant wisdom and dominion to those deemed worthy. Legends tell of it being stolen during a cataclysmic battle between rival kingdoms, and many believe it now lies hidden in the depths of Mossak Dum, guarded by the eternal flames of the phoenix itself.
The Tragedy of Elaryn and the Broken Veil
Elaryn, a seer of unmatched skill, foresaw the end of her homeland, where Fenroth now stands, through a magical veil that bridged worlds. Despite her warnings, the leaders of her time ignored her visions. In a desperate attempt to save her people, Elaryn tore the veil, unleashing spirits of chaos. Her tale serves as both a warning and a lament for those who ignore wisdom in favour of pride.
Ancient Heroes
Ardyn the Everbound
A paladin bound by a sacred oath to protect the innocent, Ardyn was said to have wielded a shield forged from a fallen star. He was cursed during his final battle, his soul bound to his shield. Supposedly the Everbound Shield now acts as a sentient relic, appearing to those in dire need of protection.
Kaelir the Weaver
An enigmatic figure known for their ability to bend time and space with enchanted threads, Kaelir was said to have woven the first magical barrier to protect their people from an otherworldly invasion.
Vyrnalok, the Dragon Sage
A human who forged an unlikely alliance with an ancient dragon, Vyrnalok earned their trust by solving the riddle of the Dragon’s Nexus, a powerful Essence conduit. Vyrnalok’s final fate is unknown, but some claim the Dragon Sage ascended, merging with the Nexus to guard it for eternity.
Shara of the Grove
A powerful Mer ranger and protector of the living forests, Shara led a rebellion against the tyrant known as the Iron Sovereign, who sought to turn nature into an industrial empire. It’s said her spirit lives on in the heart of the grove she protected, though noone knows the its location, where the flora thrives unnaturally, and her name is revered by Mer and rangers alike.
Dornathal the Undaunted
A warrior who stood alone against a demon prince, Dornathal’s courage is immortalized in the tales of the Bloodstone Battlefield. Legends say he defeated the demon prince with a blade blessed by the spirits of the battlefield, but in doing so, his soul was bound to the land, ensuring its eternal protection, his legend is a driving force for why the Tyrian’s spill blood on his sacred ground.
A Living Legend - The Red Dragon
Shrouded in mystery, the Red Dragon is more than just the ruler of Elathir—he is a living legend. Often depicted in stories as both a cunning tactician and a benevolent unifier, his rise to power reshaped the political and cultural landscape of the land. Though his true form remains unknown, whispers claim he may not be entirely human, given his unnaturally long reign and unparalleled strategic brilliance.
The Red Dragon is credited with bringing peace to a fractured Elathir, uniting its disparate kingdoms under his rule. His reign is marked by gothic grandeur, stern justice, and a delicate balance of power between the Heartland, Darrowmere, and Tyrus.
Before ascending to the throne, the Red Dragon recognized the need for a force that could transcend borders, factions, and petty politics. The lands of Elathir were rife with chaos, banditry plagued the Heartland, dark cults threatened Darrowmere, and ancient beasts prowled the forests of Tyrus. The kingdoms were too fragmented to address these threats cohesively.
Determined to create a solution, the Red Dragon proposed an unprecedented idea, an independent, neutral organization of skilled adventurers who would safeguard the realm without the constraints of loyalty to a single crown. Thus, the Adventurers’ Guild was born.
To ensure the Guild’s success, the Red Dragon personally oversaw its founding. He funded the construction of guild halls across Elathir, where adventurers of all races and backgrounds could gather, train, and take on quests. The first guild charter, penned by the Red Dragon himself, outlined its principles.
While he rarely appears in public, the Red Dragon remains a guiding force for the Adventurers’ Guild. His decrees are conveyed through the Guildmasters of each region, and his wisdom is revered by all who serve under its banner. Some say he still dons a crimson cloak to visit guild halls in disguise, listening to the tales of adventurers and offering cryptic advice.
The Red Dragon’s involvement in the Guild’s operations has diminished over time, but his shadow looms large. Adventurers speculate about his true identity and motivations. Is he a man blessed by divine powers, or a being far older, perhaps tied to the draconic myths of Misthria? His enigmatic nature fuels loyalty, curiosity, and unease in equal measure.
Locations of Myth
The Whispering Hollow
A dark, enchanted forest where the spirits of betrayed adventurers offer cryptic guidance. It’s said the forest hides the remnants of an ancient guild that fell to treachery, along with their magical hoard.
The Moonlit Spire
A solitary tower that appears only during a full moon, said to house the knowledge of forgotten gods. Those who enter must solve celestial riddles to gain access to its treasures, or risk being trapped within its shifting walls forever.
The Veilscar Marsh
A swamp twisted by Elaryn’s broken veil. It is teeming with otherworldly entities and bizarre flora. Fragments of the veil are said to hold powerful enchantments, but retrieving them risks attracting the ire of chaos spirits.
The Crystal Sepulcher
A hidden crypt where the Phoenix Crown’s creator, an ancient artificer, is believed to rest. The tomb is filled with animated constructs and tests of ingenuity, designed to keep intruders from disturbing its secrets.
The Shattered Sanctum
A once-holy site, deep in the center of the Bloodtone Battlefield, where Dornathal fought the demon prince. The sanctuary’s ruins glow faintly with his lingering spirit, and the area is said to drive back any demonic presence, though adventurers report strange, booming whispers warning of an ancient debt yet to be repaid.