An Excerpt From:

“Inaugural Lecture on the Origins of Mankind”

—His Grace, Creipus the Pious

Head Cleric of the Holy Temple of Coriland

“When the flora and fauna of the world grew monotonous, the gods crafted two creations who could provide entertainment. The elder gods made the fae, beings of beauty and magic who shared their creator’s likeness and longevity. The younger gods made mankind, beings of passion and dedication who shared their creator’s hearts and spirit.

No one is certain when the fae realized their power over mankind. All that is known is that, like their makers, the fae eventually turned to humans for entertainment. However, unlike our benevolent creators who use suffering to strengthen the soul, the fae saw human agony as their personal pastime.

When the malice of the fae became too much to bear, the gods crafted a great golden tree deep in the bosom of the world. There, they trapped the eternal souls of the fae, thus saving mankind.

Then, our creators each gave a piece of their heart to create a new god: the keeper of the Fae Tree, who we call the Dark One. Together with his Shadowhounds, he guards the souls of the fae to this day.

Woe betide the human who inflicts cruelty upon his fellow man, for in death, his soul will be placed in bondage with the fae.”