The First Betrayal
In the beginning of time all the races lived on the floor of the Valley of Summer. Though there was goodness and plenty for all, there was only chaos and disorganization among the many races. Some argued that the growing things ruled the Valley of Summer under Berronar their Mistress, who is a handmaiden of the Ere of All, and the sister to Moradin the Lord. But the growing things cannot reason so that is folly. Others argue that the Urok ruled under the Nameless One, an apostate of the Ere of All. But as the Urok knew only destruction, and had no craft save to take that which is not theirs -- this also is folly. Still others maintain that the Little Ones ruled under their wee Lords, who were the minor servants of the Ere of All. But these Little Ones have laws without reason and know nothing of scheduling or of great works; so this also is folly. The unmistakable conclusion is that Chaos itself was Regn, for Law had not yet come.
There were many wars in those days and battles without ceasing. The Stoneborn could not feel the bite of the death and inevitably many of their number made names for themselves among the other peoples. The greatness of these heroes has never been forgotten and though they strived to toil humbly, they lived instead with great acclaim from those who were not worthy to comb their beards.
Eventually, all the world trembled for the Chaos that then was, and for the strife that everywhere was the foundation of all things. So it was that great powers sent floodwaters across the land and all the races were forced to leave the Valley of Summer. When the Stoneborn saw the Crown of Creation was claimed by none, they took it upon themselves to assume leadership for the good of all. So rose Clangeddin, Greatest of the Regns, to lead all people to the Law and into the greatness that followed.
This undertaking was blessed by Moradin the Lord, who is the greatest among the servants of the Ere of All. But Moradin is also capricious and unreliable. He does not speak plainly to his people. Ever they serve him well, but he hides his face and is mute as stone. So, despite their devotion to Law, and despite all that his Stoneborn had made and all of the excellent things that they had fashioned, he was still discontent. To this day he is sometimes called Molgolnahr or “Lord of Poor Faith” and the betrayer of his own. Because of his silence, the Stoneborn right to rule was eventually handed to the Fairies, who constantly imagine themselves greater than they ought and whose subsequent failure could not have been more stark.
There were many wars in those days and battles without ceasing. The Stoneborn could not feel the bite of the death and inevitably many of their number made names for themselves among the other peoples. The greatness of these heroes has never been forgotten and though they strived to toil humbly, they lived instead with great acclaim from those who were not worthy to comb their beards.
Eventually, all the world trembled for the Chaos that then was, and for the strife that everywhere was the foundation of all things. So it was that great powers sent floodwaters across the land and all the races were forced to leave the Valley of Summer. When the Stoneborn saw the Crown of Creation was claimed by none, they took it upon themselves to assume leadership for the good of all. So rose Clangeddin, Greatest of the Regns, to lead all people to the Law and into the greatness that followed.
This undertaking was blessed by Moradin the Lord, who is the greatest among the servants of the Ere of All. But Moradin is also capricious and unreliable. He does not speak plainly to his people. Ever they serve him well, but he hides his face and is mute as stone. So, despite their devotion to Law, and despite all that his Stoneborn had made and all of the excellent things that they had fashioned, he was still discontent. To this day he is sometimes called Molgolnahr or “Lord of Poor Faith” and the betrayer of his own. Because of his silence, the Stoneborn right to rule was eventually handed to the Fairies, who constantly imagine themselves greater than they ought and whose subsequent failure could not have been more stark.
The Benediction
The last age of Erenth looms, and the Stoneborn await the restoration of all things. Justice will prevail for the Children of Moradin and the rightful heirs of Erenth. For we are the Stoneborn!
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