The scrolls herein contain not only the history of Elanthia as passed down through the ages, but the place the great House of the Rising Phoenix has held throughout that history.

Over time it has become increasingly difficult to properly inform people exactly what certain things are. Certain terms such as the Unlife, Ur-Daemons and other terminology is confusing to many. It is our mission to educate those who do not know or are unaware of the vastness of evil in Elanthia.

The Unlife - A demonic power that has no known source, but is bent on consuming everything, destroying all forms of life, and ending existance as we know it. The destruction of souls and life is somehow converted to energy and given to those who are under it's sway. Using it increasing corrupts the users soul, ultimately leading to their destruction or transition to Undead.

Cursed/Sullied/Stained - Souls tainted by the demonic who are at high risk to be consumed or bound as undead.

Undead - the enslaved, cursed, and twisted souls encompass the energy manifestations in various abominations collectively called undead. Undead can be corporeal (having form) or non-corporeal (formless)

Ur-Daemons - The first and greatest known demons to come to Elanthia. The Ur-Daemons were said to be extra-dimensional intelligent creatures. They fed on mana, both that contained in the land's natural mana foci and that bound around all life. In the end, the Ur-Daemons were driven back, making a final stand before the portal leading back to their own dimension.

The Vvrael - An immortal power of extra-planar beings that feed on mana. Such was their power that all of the Arkati joined together to keep the veil sealed between the Vvrael's dimension and ours. The similar consumption of souls and nature of their anti-mana leads us to believe they are demonic in nature.

The similarities between the Vvrael and Ur-Daemons is startling and quite horrific. Both are extra-dimensional mana/life feeding beings. The Vvrael are mysterious as only their agents such as Terate and minions within the rift manifested in our realm. At the final confrontation they were heard screeching, ""...WE HUNGER FOR THE SOULS..."

The Saga of the Wolves Den - As is the case with any powerful emotion, sin, or curse at the time of death, the Wolves were bound to the Unlife and to the Den, and with them their thoughts and voices. To walk the Wolves Den now is to hear long-dead voices cry out and to see in the mind's eye the horror that was their final days.

The remains of the mass suicide can still be seen in the Wolves Den as can the minions created by the power of the curse.

House Phoenix - The first House recognized by the local government was established by a group of dedicated citizens who banded together to oppose the Unlife's growing influence.

Our goals are to prevent the furtherance of the powers of the Unlife, education of others in the promotion of Truth and Organizing those devoted to such goals for their mutual assistance and camaraderie.

The Council of Light - The lead cult of this unspeakable power that has spread all thorought Elanthia. The Poobah has sent his minions far across the lands spreading the words and temptation of the Unlife's power with empty promises and rewards for those who embrace it.

This Organization was first known as a secret sect in the town of Wehnimers Landing, but other sects are rumored to exist including in Solhaven and Ta'Vaalor. One known sign of membership is that Lorminstra will not grant blessings to those with their soul tainted by its power.

The Book of Tormtor - The ancient book written in the language of the Ur-Daemons. It held the secrets of their magic, ways of releasing them from the seal they were trapped within, and the creation of Undead. It was believed destroyed in the blast that created the Southron wastes near Rhoska-Tor.

Despana - Despana was the first mortal to have knowledge of the Undead. It is believed she unlocked it's secrets through use of the book of Tormtor. How she found the book remains unknown.

Dharthiir - Dharthiir was an arch-lich and the general of Despana's undead armies. It is also speculated he was her lover. He was last seen at the Battle of Shadowguard and is believed to have been destroyed by Taki Rassien when he lead the last charge of the Sabrar into the undead horde.

Dharthiir commanded many of the living as well. Entire tribes of orcs, drawn by promises of conquest and plunder, swore fealty to him. They brought with them their traditional allies, the trolls. Many Humans also joined Darthiir's horde. Some came for silver, many more came for power.

Luukos - The Souleater and Lord of Undeath are a few names this Lornon Arkati goes by. While he employs undeath and soul manipulation it seems to not have originated with him or even his Drake master.

Marlu - Rumored Ur-Daemon. Marlu derives power from the summoning of demons and is the embodiment of personal destructive power. He also counts among the Lornon pantheon.

The Servants of Shadow: Power through Thralldom - An unholy book written several years before Bandur formed the state-run cult dedicated to the Unlife and written by an unknown author. Rumor has it that Bandur is buried with a copy of this book, as well as several other favorite possessions. The book is said to teach charms, spellbinding, and enthralling forms of magic.

Necromancy - Necromancy in itself is not of evil. It may be viewed as 'evil' by many cultures, but it is not necessarily so, perceptually. Its primary goal of communicating with the dead and spirits isn't built upon dominance. Further, the use of Necromancy itself isn't intrinsically evil as long as you do not practice it on someone without their prior acceptance. In this way, it follows a general rule of conduct; as long as you don't trespass on someone else's personal rights, you're not in danger.

Of Demons and the Demonic - Power usage, corruption, and manifestations are connected forms of the demonic, alternate planes of existance, or beings. This power and others like it are often referred to as the Unlife or demonic in origin.

Extra-planar - Creatures foreign to Elanthia. While not all of them are demonic in nature one should tread lightly as most are incredibly powerful.

Continue to Next Section:
XI. References & Credits

Return to Phoenix in History Index