Malrik Soulthorn knelt in the center of a shadowed chamber, surrounded by robed figures chanting the name “Zaryth.” The dark purple glow of the rune-imprinted ground beneath him radiated around his pale white skin and short black hair. Malrik was sporting the apprentice vest and black pants of the Umbral Covenant, a religious government that follows in the belief of Zaryth, the God of Darkness.
“Zaryth has spoken to me,” the head nightweaver spoke softly, “Malrik Soulthorn, you are to present yourself to the Temple of Zaryth, complete his trials and listen to your lord's words. Only after then will you become an official member and be ranked among our people. The decision of your position will be revealed once you speak to Zaryth. Zay’thum.”
With the final word spoken, the ritual ended, and Malrik observed the nightweavers as they awaited him to decide his weapon of choice, all of which were crafted and smithed with the intricacies of the Umbral Covenant. Black in color, matte in finish, no shine of light could reflect off the surface of their weapons.
“You have choices, Malrik; the one you pick will unlock new abilities for you, and there is no going back unless appointed to alter your choice by Zaryth himself. This year of 925 P.C, Zaryth has requested newcomers to choose between three classes: Dark Paladins, who wield a greatsword and cast healing spells, Necromancers, who call upon the fallen of the Umbral Covenant to fight for them, or Assassin Rogues who can infiltrate foes while armed with two duskblade daggers. Choose wisely, Malrik.”
The braziers and torches that encompassed the room suddenly lit up. Statue heads of Zaryth with a hooded cloak were built into the walls between the pillars. However, Malrik’s attention was needed with the weapons. On both sides of the altar which Malrik kneeled in front of, was two sets of stairs, both only having five steps, a preacher’s stage if you would. The flooring was all dark cobblestone, and as Malrik approached the table that had the weapons, he harshly pondered the type of combat he would like to partake in.
Malrik thought to himself, I have a wide shoulder frame and already possess immense strength for a young man, it wouldn’t make sense to be a rogue, I likely wouldn’t succeed in that. Necromancy sounds very interesting, but I don’t like the idea of having low health and defensive stats. The Dark Paladin, it speaks lengths of a warrior who is resilient and faithful to their religion.
“I shall become a Dark Paladin.” He spoke with determination and absolute decisiveness. Two of the nightweavers carefully picked up the greatsword which was still wrapped in a black drape. They walked in front of Malrik and took a knee whilst presenting the sheathed greatsword to the newcomer. Malrik graciously wielded the greatsword after unwrapping it and removing it from its scabbard. Upon holding the blade by the handle for the first time, a dark mystical energy embodied him for a moment, and then disappeared.
“Sir Malrik, moving forward, you must simply think of the ability to visualize your inventory, view a localized map, check your class stats, track quests, and to review your actions or spells. You now have your weapon, and the energy that engulfed you is confirmation of your set class. To retrieve your official armor, you must proceed to the aforementioned god’s temple and complete his trials. We wish you the best of luck, may the shadows be in your favor,” said the head nightweaver.
Malrik looked him in his eyes and simply nodded with encouragement. A transparent interactable screen appeared in Malrik’s vision. It acted upon his thoughts, so if he knew he wanted to view the spell tab, it would switch to that instantly.
Stats.
Malrik Soulthorn:
Class: Dark Paladin
Race: Human
Lvl: 1
HP: 13
Weapons & Armor: Greatsword & Apprentice Garbs
Armor Class: 11
Abilities: STR (18) - DEX (13) - CON (16) - INT (5) - WIS (9) - CHA (16)
Actions/Spells: Basic Combat Actions, Healing Touch, Healing Pool, Cleanse Poison, Attack of Opportunity
(To view detailed information regarding actions and spells, please review their individual tabs.)
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The head nightweaver and his six followers bowed to Malrik and wished him well as the stone doors slid open behind him. Malrik strapped the scabbard to his back so he could safely sheathe the monstrous blade while he wasn’t in use of it.
Main Quest Added: Reach The Temple of Zaryth - Complete Your Trial
Upon stepping outside of the ritual house of Veingard, Malrik took in a deep breath. The air was tinged with a slight coolness, and it smelled like it was going to rain soon. Veingard was one of the towns in the province of Catadros, located on a peninsula in the north-west region. Catadros was one of two western provinces, as south of Catadros was the province of Nimerys, home to the Radiant Creed, ruled by the god of light, Lioris.
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To the north of Veingard was dense forest, overlooked by the unexplorable mountains of frost in the distance. Every other direction of Veingard was the Voidspire Ocean with small uninhabited scattered islands.
“Your day has come now, hasn’t it Malrik?” The voice came from the right of Malrik. It was his trainer, and more importantly, his Uncle, Faro.
“Uncle Faro,” he said happily, “yes, I chose to become a Dark Paladin, it felt more fitting for my personality and physical ability. I have a quest now to complete my trials at the temple, I’m eager to begin.”
“I remember the day when I chose my path like it was yesterday, I still have no regrets of becoming a necromancer myself. It allowed me to still speak to your parents which makes me very grateful. Dark Paladins are very rare, as many of the people in Catadros lack the innate strength and body like yourself. Zaryth needs more men and women like you. Also I remember watching your swordplay with the other younglings growing up, you certainly held a knack for a blade.”
“I know it requires a lot of power to call upon particular fallen, but when I complete my trials and become an official member, can you call on my parents so I may speak to them one last time before I am busy all of the time?” Malrik asked, an arm behind his head with a slight chuckle.
“You have my word nephew, I’d reckon if you are ready to head to the temple, you best leave now before high noon hits. The temple is northeast of here, of course you can look at your map and see that. If you have the aptitude to do a slight run there, you should certainly make it before nightfall. But nevermind me, take these provisions to keep yourself fed and safe.”
As Uncle Faro handed the items to Malrik, the items dissipated and a popup could be seen through Malrik’s vision. The items were sent into his inventory for safekeeping and later use.
+3 Rations
+2 Health Potions
“Thank you uncle, I appreciate you more than words could explain. I look forward to seeing you again, except in my full suit of armor. I’m gonna get going now, may the shadows be in your favor!”
Narrow cobblestone streets wound between tightly packed homes, their sloped roofs layered with thick slate tiles to ward off the weight of snow and rain. Tendrils of smoke could be seen rising from chimneys, carrying the scent of burning peat and hearty stews. Shops and workshops alike lined the main thoroughfare, offering many wares, trinkets, and tools. Parents from nearby villages, towns, and the capital city of Critwald send their children here to study under the guidance of the devout nightweavers. This town was the furthest from the borders that could be a potential threat.
Upon understanding that his abilities were new, Malrik ensured that he took some time to learn them. So, he knew of a small training area in the town where guards and others trained. He would spend a couple hours practicing before taking a short rest and moving forward with his quest. Once he had a grasp of his new sword's weight and utilization of his spells, Malrik moved on through Critwald.
The town’s centerpiece, which Malrik was just inside, was the Sanctum of Veingard, an imposing temple devoted to the Umbral Covenant, its towering spires pierce the dark clouds that indefinitely covers Catadros. Etched into the stone walls are depictions of divine battles amongst the five gods of Synthalis.
Zaryth is the god of shadows, Lionis is the god of light, Khalesh is the god of sand, Rythara is the god of mountains, and Aquarath is the god of water. A summarized quote inside the Tome of Synthalis says that “Before Synthalis existed, the gods were united in a celestial realm known as the Ethereal Convergence. Here, they were equals, bound by a shared purpose: to create a perfect world that harmonized their unique powers.”
In the early days, the gods worked together to shape the world, creating the land, sea, and sky. They celebrated their differences, seeing them as complementary aspects of creation. The world thrived as their followers revered them equally, and the cities of Synthalis were united in peace. This golden age was known as the Epoch of Concord, which ended in 864 P.C. (Post-Creation)
Over time, the gods began to desire more influence, believing their aspect of the world was most important. Lioris wanted light to dominate and eliminate shadows. Zaryth saw balance as stagnation and sought to empower the darkness. Khalesh believed only the strong deserved to thrive, pushing for harder trials on humanity. Rythara prioritized unyielding stability, resisting change. Aquarath argued for adaptability, and consistent change. A minor dispute turned into a celestial schism when the gods argued over how to guide mortals.
Their conflict culminated in the Shattering Accord, a divine battle that fractured the Ethereal Convergence. This cosmic event caused massive upheaval in Synthalis, splitting the land into distinct regions reflecting each god’s domain.
Blinding deserts and large brown hills for Khalesh. Jagged mountains and rolling hills for Rythara. Vast oceans and a crystal lake for Aquarath. Radiant plains and lush foliage for Lioris. Shadowy forests and tall mountains for Zaryth. The gods retreated to their respective sanctuaries, no longer able to communicate directly. All of this information can be found in the Tome of Synthalis and the artwork is often adorned on the sanctums of every religion, reflecting the past and allowing people to culminate their own beliefs and preferences.
As Malrik approached the northern gate to begin his quest to the Temple of Zaryth and its trials, he turned around to give one last look to the town that raised him. He hadn’t ever been outside of Veingard’s reach since his arrival to be put in the care of his uncle. His parents died in a battle to protect the outskirts of Critwald from Bringers of Dawn, elite warriors and inquisitors from the Radiant Creed in Nimerys.
He had two goals in mind, to succeed in his personal legend, and to follow the path that Zaryth wishes him to complete. His personal legend was to put an end to Lioris’ attempts to destruct Critwald, which would require him to take down their corrupted government faction by faction. However, for now he would put that off, he had no hopes in completing that goal until he was strong enough to handle that type of battle.
“Goodbye for now, Veingard.” He said softly.
