Long ago, when the world was still young, the gods looked among their many peoples and chose those of them who were gifted and bright to be their apprentices. They taught these 'chosen' the ways of magic.
Time passed, and the god eventually decided to leave the mortal plain. By this time the chosen were masters of the arts of magic. They held powers that no mortal has since rivaled, and commanded the elements in ways that only the gods themselves could best.
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Some
years after the gods departure, the Chosen decided to
build a city where they could pursue their studies
without the constant bother of other mortals interfering.
They discovered the place between plains where all the
elements met and decided to build the city there, as it
was the place where their magic would be most effective.
It is said it took only 5 years to build the city, this owing to the strength and skill with which the Chosen could wield the magic used in it's construction. When it was finished, they named the city Tormor. |
Tormor is a word in the old tongue, it
means "that which is perpetually between" or
"limbo", depending on how one translates it. The city
supposedly received this name because it lies between plains and
at the center of all of the elements.
Having a place to study and research
uninterrupted allowed the Chosen to be exceptionally productive
in their experiments. Many new spells and creatures were created.
Of course, there were a few minor mistakes. Most notable among
these was the escape of Axyllux, the first of all dragons.
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Axyllux, a few other creations had also escaped causing
problems, burning buildings, eating magi. Worst of all,
these creatures were born of magic and fed on it as much
as they did meat. This made the Chosen's magic useless
against the beasts, leaving them virtually defenseless. It was decided that a city guard would be formed from those within the city who were less inclined toward magical abilities. These new city guardians would be trained to repel the marauding monsters. They would be taught to use Polearms, spears, pikes, and halberds, weapons that would allow them to combat creatures with a far greater reach then a man. These weapons also allowed them to work in a formation, presenting a solid wall of spearheads to any creature foolish enough to attack Tormor. |
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Time passed, and the great war came. The gods assaulted Tormor leading their cursed army of Druids and Paladins. Fire rained onto the city. The Chosen saw that they were out-matched and sought the aid of Armuth the destroyer. With this evil god's help they fought the war to a stand still. After many years of battle, a compromise was worked out. The Chosen would gain partial immortality in return for leaving Tormor and some of their powers behind. |
The Guardians were sworn to defend
Tormor at all costs. Honoring this oath, they and their families
remained in Tormor even as the gods hid the city away in the
mists. Not to be seen again for centuries.
It goes without saying that Tormor has
been rediscovered. Not by the Chosen, but by a new generation of
Magi. Using the knowledge contained within those walls they seek
to reclaim the power once wielded by the Chosen. Many come to
Tormor seeking to share in that knowledge.
The Guardians are still there. As
always. Their honor and commitment is legendary. They have never
wavered in their vow to defend Tormor. The only difference now
that the city is no longer lost in the mists is that they can,
and do recruit worthy outsiders to join their garrison. There is
truly no greater honor then to be accepted into their ranks.
Words by Collin, the broken and betrayed Black mage of Tormor.