Introduction

Welcome to Death's Omen, a journey into the World Beyond - a mysterious, long-lost region of Zalanthas that has been hidden by legend and separated from the Known World for many a Kings Age.

In a realm of lush forests, fertile plains, and shadowed mountains, the people hold close their legends of Al-Kastir, an Avangion who once sealed away the greatest evil ever known. But now, whispers echo through the mountains and villages, rumors of shattered seals and sinister beings gathering under the shadow of an old power. In Aelakar, noble houses vie for influence, secret alliances are forged, and ancient magics stir once more as the Sunstar stones, gifts of the Avangion, reveal their hidden powers.

Amidst this simmering unrest, locals and brave souls from within Aelakar are drawn together, seeking fortune, defending the innocent, or defying the growing darkness that creeps ever closer. As dawn and dusk dance on the horizon, will you be the shield against the coming storm - or will you bear the mark of Death's Omen?

Al-Kastir, the legendary Avangion, is revered by the people of Aelakar as a divine protector and guiding spirit. Centuries ago, he helped shape the kingdom with wisdom and power, leaving behind tales of his strength and mercy.

To this day, his name is spoken with reverence, whispered in prayers and woven into the lore of Aelakar as a symbol of hope. His followers believe that one day, he may return to guide them again, as darkness stirs once more in the shadowed lands.

Since his Ascension to the Blessed Realm, the priests of Al-Kastir have served as his chosen agents, wielding divine powers to protect and uphold the faith in his name.

These priests, known for their unyielding devotion, uphold the tenets of his teachings and enforce his will throughout the kingdom, standing as pillars of strength and unity among the people. Their presence alone is said to carry the promise of Al-Kastir's watchful gaze, a constant reminder of the light that shields Aelakar from the encroaching darkness.

For those who serve in the Ember Legion within Velhorn, life is far from peaceful and filled with countless perils. Hostile tribes, cunning brigands, wild beasts, and deadly gith warbands are all part of the daily dangers awaiting a Legionnaire, testing their mettle and resolve. These soldiers are the most elite in all of Aelakar and beyond, forged in the fires of combat and known for their unmatched resilience and skill in battle. Trained from a young age in tactics, weapon mastery, and survival, each Legionnaire carries the weight of Velhorn's defense on their shoulders, and their presence alone is enough to deter most threats.

Many King's Ages have passed since Drak'naron invaded Aelakar and saw the ascension of the Avangion Al-Kastir. Since then the people of Aelakar have enjoyed a somewhat long lasting harmony and have thrived.

Steeped in loyalty to the kingdom, the Ember Legion stands as an unbreakable bulwark between Aelakar and the horrors of the shadowed lands. "Give me ten Legionnaires. Or failing that give me a hundred other troops."

-Arinthel Embermane, 1st General of the Ember Legion.

Drak'naron sat hunched on his dark throne, his gaunt form wreathed in shadows cast by the eldritch flames flickering from his hands. Magical seals held him bound within this desolate prison, each one a cruel reminder of Al-Kastir's treachery - a betrayal that he had lingered on for almost a thousand years. Outside, through the fractured magic of his tower's black spire, he could see the lands of Aelakar, vibrant and teeming with life, an insult to his eternal torment. His hollow, gleaming eyes fixed on the waters before him, where images flickered: villagers harvesting, soldiers training, families gathering by the fireside, all blissfully unaware of the storm brewing on the edges of their fragile world.

In a voice that seemed to rattle the very stones of the tower, Drak'naron spoke, his words wrapping around the minds of his loyal Dark Ones in distant caverns and forbidden ruins.

"For centuries, I have waited in silence, bound by the will of one who was less than dust beneath my heel. I watched as Aelakar thrived, as mortals dared to prosper, thinking themselves safe from my wrath. But ignorance is a thin veil against destiny. They do not know that even now, their footsteps are but shadows cast by the eclipse of what will come."

He rose from his throne, his form stretching impossibly in the dim light, his hands clutching at the space before him as if he could tear down the world with his grasp alone. His voice thundered through his tower, reaching his followers with a promise that echoed like a death knell.

"Let them fear the nights as the seals weaken, let them tremble as my Dark Ones draw near. For they will know soon enough, the fate they have courted all these years. And when I am free, they will find that no plea, no pact, no prayer will spare them from Death's Omen."

What is a RPI MUD?

RPI MUDs represent a distinctive subset within the broader category of text-based online role-playing games. These MUDs are characterized by an unwavering commitment to immersive role-playing experiences, often featuring intricate narratives, detailed world-building, and player-driven storylines. One hallmark of RPI MUDs is the minimal allowance for out-of-character (OOC) speech within the in-game environment. Players are encouraged to maintain a strict separation between their real-world personas and the characters they portray, fostering a deeper sense of immersion. The emphasis on in-character communication heightens the realism and authenticity of interactions, as players navigate social structures, political intrigue, and interpersonal relationships solely through the lens of their in-game avatars.

Another hallmark of RPI MUDs is the implementation of permadeath, a distinctive feature that significantly influences the gaming experience. Permadeath involves coding in the MUD that can lead to the permanent destruction of a character during the course of gameplay. Unlike conventional games where characters can respawn or be resurrected, permadeath in RPI MUDs means that when a character dies, their story concludes permanently, and players must create a new character to continue participating in the game. In essence, permadeath becomes a fundamental aspect of the risk-reward balance in RPI MUDs, making each encounter, decision, and interaction a pivotal moment that can shape the course of a character's existence within the persistent and immersive game world.

Deaths Omen is more than a game; it's an evolving story where players contribute to the ongoing narrative, shaping the destiny of Morra through their characters' choices and actions. The hope is for the community to thrive on creativity, respectful interaction, and a commitment to maintaining an engaging and welcoming environment. That being said, a big part of DO's design is to hope to create a world for which the players get to play a unique, fictional character, limited only to their RP achievements and what their imaginations can contemplate. Those new to online role-playing games and especially veteran role-players will all be welcome to DO.

Please note that the MUD is still in a pre-alpha stage.

When you're ready to create your account and your first character, log into **********.