History of Helm ---------------- The mines of Helm were originally discovered long before Porthaven became a state. Once thought to have been abandoned dragon lair, the actual depth of the mine is often in dispute. Some adventurers say they’re explored tunnels that lead all the way to the Great Mouth volcano, although no official dares to explore past the underground river marking the deepest the regular miners go. The local militia was formed shortly after the mines discovery, as the news spread of the vast untapped gold and gemstone in its depths. Many treasure seekers have attempted to steal a share of the wealth individually, and some nations (some rumors say the nearby kingdom Karim) have also tried. As a result Helm commands a small but effective army full of boisterous and hot headed louts, whose penchant for a fight often outweighs the risks of the actual threat. A rare gemstone named “Malliphite” used in magicians crafting is sourced from this area. Seemingly infused in the local stone and quarries, it may have originally been from an asteroid or as the tales would have it, a great bronze dragon was slain and his body turned into thousands of shards of Malliphite that rained from the sky. Keep an eye out for next week’s article about The Demon Lich, which forms the premise of the Origins game. Until then, happy deckbuilding!
The Demon Lich Masters of the Undead don’t often meet with other world denizens such as Demons. Yet walkers have crossed the planes since the dawn of magic, and so began an ages old conflict between the plane of the dead and the 9 hells. One such walker is said to be born a demon, but converted part of his soul in a ritual normally reserved for Liches to conceal their essence and forever tie themselves to unlife in the dead realm. Landathos was his demon name, but once born a Lich, he no longer had use of his former name. In the realm of the dead his lust for power became a source of concern for other Keepers and demi-Liches alike, and so it was said that the demon formerly known as Landathos was cast out onto the mortal plane. It is unknown now whether the Demon Lich can be destroyed on the mortal plane, or in fact if his essence is tied to the realm of the dead or the original 6th hell from where he spawned. His quest for souls unwavering however, has lead to many a mortal expedition to rid their lands of his presence. And thus the story of Origins unfolds… Keep an eye out for next week’s article about The History of Karim and the warlocks who study demoncraft. Until then, happy deckbuilding!
History of Karim The earliest archives in the Council of Mages describe Karim as a monarchy, established by a sea faring prince long before the creation of neighbouring states. It was said a kraken forced his ship and crew destined for the far eastern coast to shore, dashing his ship and forcing them to seek shelter above the wave ravaged cliff face. With nowhere else to go, the prince and his surviving crew established a settlement and placed a warning spell there to ward off other ships from entering the kraken territory. Over the years the kraken aged and was defeated, or so it was told. The settlement opened as a port, and then eventually great artisans were invited to build the original palace walls. The two generals of the new king, eventually had a falling out. One followed Corin, a paladin of the light, whilst the other worshipped Garos, a denizen of the 4th hell. A duel ensued and the winner was granted ultimate control of the king’s army. It was suggested the demon worshiper cheated, but nevertheless warlocks soon became employed in the service of the king thereafter. In recent times the king has aged, and some reports say he lies ill on his deathbed. Meanwhile his generals transpire to raise even more recruits for their army. To what end is yet unknown. The story of Demontide can be discovered throughout the game. Next week be sure to check out the history of the Northern barbarians. Until then, happy deck building!
