Illuminating Darkness, the true history of the Dark Mountains

Below is the totality of the last four years of research into the true history of the Dark Mountains. It is my (Sol’s) hope that through that this knowledge the past can be illuminated so that the Acerbian people can make a brighter future. The research is truthful and backed up with evidence that I (Sol) placed in this library. I (Sol) bless any who wishes to take up the task of continuing my research.

Roughly 700 to 1000 years ago the Dark Mountains was actual a collection of valleys known as “The Acerbian Tower States”. The reason for their name was because the only above surface structure was a large tower that reached toward the Sky lit by ten suns. Toward the base of the Tower there were no windows because the ground itself was scoured by the awesome power of these ten celestial bodies. Toward the top of each tower window began to appear as the environment was not so harsh. It was through the use of powerful rituals, most likely by the rulers of these Tower States, that allowed the “Valleys” to be inhabitable in any meaningful way.

Inside each tower resided the two distinct class of people. One was the Acerbains, also known as “People of Sun-Blindness”. These people were considered the lower class in this time period because they lived toward the base of the Tower. The upper class of this age were the Oscurians or “People of the Forgiving Shade”. These people lived toward the higher part of the towers. As for the specifics of the social dynamics, I cannot say. All I know is that some time toward the close of this age six or more individuals gathered together in what are known as the Caves of Light and began a campaign to over throw the current regime. These six, or more, were consider revolutionaries against brutal tyrants. The culmination of this rebellion was the ascension of what are now the six Dark Lords of the Valleys. Over the many years since their ascension they have become ever more inhuman. This is the price they have paid for their immortality. Another aspect of the ascension of the Dark Lords was the advent of what I (Sol) consider the “Blanket of Shadow”. This blanket covers the Valleys in darkness, protecting them from the brutal aspects of the Dark Mountain’s ten suns. The sides of effect of this blanket, besides what I have already mentioned, also allows the Dark Lords to maintain their immortality and reign over the Valleys.

As part and parcel to the factual history of the Dark Mountains, I need to mention that the Dark Lords over throwing the Rulers of the Acerbian Tower states is a case example of my world’s Theme. I (Sol) use the Worldstrider term because it is the best way to explain the situation of my world. The Theme is based around Tragedy. The most tragic of any story is for the Hero to become the Villain. This is what has happened to the Dark Lords. They may, at one time, been saviors of the Dark Mountains, but at the moment they became the Dark Lords they lost themselves to their power and have become the brutal tyrants they once fought against. This has given rise to the Seekers of the Dawn, and if everything goes to plan, the next Dawnbringer.

Penned by the hand of Sol,

Seeker of the Dawn, Petitioner of the Mantle of the Dawnbringer