Strange Mythos

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Effervescent

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Krimblekree and the Tinker Tailor
Locations: Allied Kingdoms, Sus, Edros, and Estwynd
Origins: Human

When humans crash landed onto the planet, they brought with them their mythos from Earth. A particularly popular one was the concept of Santa. The first human colonies in Estwynd still celebrated Christmas each year in the Season of Winter despite being stranded and so far from home. Over the centuries and immigration, the concept evolved steadily over time or merged with elven lore as the Elves of the Northlyn Continent were particularly intrigued by the idea that a man would bring toys to the good and punish the bad.

Estwynd's version remained entirely whimsical, yet no longer held the narrative of a jolly man at the North Pole with elves crafting toys for all the children. What once was Santa became known as the Tinker Tailor; a skilled craftsman who could create anything the heart desired. He is a strange and secluded immortal who lives in the skies above the clouds. He watches over Estwynd as a silent guardian manipulating the weather based on the good or bad deeds he sees. And then once a year during Winter he drops presents from the sky to all the good boys and girls as a thanks for being so morally good. Colorful lanterns are strung about towns and villages and homes to light the way so that the mysterious Tinker Tailor knows where to drop the presents. It is said those who are bad have their lanterns burned by his rage. This likely derived from early lantern models being crafted from paper and accidentally set aflame by the candles within. In the last century of the First Era, lanterns were traditionally blown from colored glass, though the burning from rage still exists in the lore.

The mythos in the Northlyn Continent was twisted rather differently. Where once was a merry gift giver was replaced with a haunting wraithe named Krimblekree. Krimblekree was a being meant to be appeased by good deeds and for three days in the Season of Winter it would haunt the houses in Edros, Sus, and the Allied Kingdoms either punishing bad children with nightmares and lashings or gifting them with presents for good deeds. Krimblekree is said to be able to see into one's soul, and that if one is good they never have to fear Krimblekree. It comes up through the floorboards at night for three nights, and each morning leaves behind presents for the good families by the fireplace or furnace. There is a festival held during these three days where Krimblekree games and dancing are held, and on the third day there is a ritual effigy burning of Krimblekree to offer it warmth as a gift for the final Winter weeks.

The holiday is known by all as Winterwyst.
 

The Bone Fae
Locations: Sus, Allied Kingdoms
Origins: Humans

The Tooth Fairy was another mythos adapted to this magical world thanks to the open existence of fae and the elves fascination with the concept. It grew into the Bone Fae; a race of fairies that feasted on bone. Baby teeth are encouraged to be pulled in offering to these ravenous fae so that they do not resort to nefarious means of procuring their food source. Children are praised for giving their baby teeth and told to place their tooth at their bedside so that when the fae smell the exposed bone they will take the tribute in the night. In exchange the fae leave their special hard candies or exotic sweets. The parents say it is to encourage more teeth to fall out and provide a platform lesson into accepting sweets without parental permission. Those in Sus speculate the Bone Fae are real and traditionally burn their dead so as to not have their loved ones tainted and disturbed in the Afterlife.
 

Kalbane, the Orc of Justice
Locations: Usun'drovad, Drasa, Edros, Sus, and the Allied Kingdoms
Origins: Orc

It is believed by orcish society that there is an immortal orc named Kalbane who transcended life by exacting justice. It is a legend born from an orc long ago who was so fierce after the Sundering that she was believed to be otherworldly. Her efforts won them many wars against the encroaching elves and humans, though no one knows which continent this orc once presided. Her death was never witnessed which brought about the belief that she was immortal. Some orcs claim victories were won by her favor which brought about the belief that their victories were just.

Orcs are not a religious people, but Kalbane comes the closest to a diety. Women dress in the regalia of Kalbane when headed to war in efforts to garner her favor. It is also believed that Kalbane will grant an intelligent child to those who are just. Kalbane brought to their society a notion that men and women are equals and hold as much of a stake in their lives as the other. This also brought about moral issues when birthing children with mental disabilities. Orcs are known to kill their children at any age should they prove unintelligent, and thus their population never seems to grow as well as it should.

"May Kalbane grant you favor" is a respectful phrase of good fortune.
 

Nuhmerun
Locations: World Wide
Origins: Elves

The Nuhmerun are known in ancient folklore as the Chosen of the Tree. Before there were humans, but after the Sundering, elves were banished from the canopy of the World Tree for committing the First Murder. Shadow Magic began to plague the lands with no way of pushing it back. The Nuhmerun were branded to help fight back what sickened the land, given a great burden they could either accept to bear or refuse to take.

Their deeds became legend, passed on now only as bedtime stories of great warriors against incredible odds. It’s uncertain if the stories are at all true or if they are romanticized or even completely fabricated. The origin of the legends are unknown, but it is certain it came from the elves.

In some cases, each elven society has their own version of tales. This can be seen in the story of Dalsethrin and the Orcish Horde. Elves of Northlyn recount the tale as Dalsethrin fighting an entire army of Orcs single handedly to protect a farm while the Southlyn version has him championing over the most powerful orcish leader and striking fear into the remaining army. The orcs have no stories of a Dalsethrin, but it is suspected the cautionary tale of Burzak the Idiot could be its sister story.

Sometimes the Nuhmerun are depicted almost like deities with god-like powers, and sometimes they are depicted only as fighters. With the rise of Shadow threats towards the end of the First Era, the books gained more popularity even in the human civilizations. Prints were sold and plays were written and new renditions and tales were created alongside the legends muddying the legend and striking a discourse between purists and the new generation of fans. Estwynd in particular received backlash from Elven nations for their more seedier and romantic rendition of the Tale of Monrenal. Instead of the hero hunting down the elf who committed the First Murder and bringing him to Eternity, Monrenal is seen to have been a lover to the murderous elf, and after a shared night the hero instead poisons him. Stricken with grief, Monrenal kisses his poisoned lips and dies alongside him.

While controversy surrounds the legend, the roots remain the same. Whether or not it is true is inconsequential, but which version is bought or told is defining.
 
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