Below is the history behind the archmage Saerix and his machinations that eventually led to the Kingdom of Nedoreth to be transported to the Shadowfell.
The early years
After the brutal wars with the Valmarans, the Kingdom of Nedoreth entered a prolonged period of isolationism, withdrawing from external conflicts and focusing inward. It was during this era of seclusion that Saerix was born, a child whose latent potential quickly drew the attention of the nation’s wizards. Recognizing his exceptional talent, the wizards took him under their wing, nurturing his growing power.
As he matured, Saerix became known for his insatiable curiosity and affinity for the arcane. He often secluded himself in the darkest corners of the Sun Spire’s vast library, poring over hidden and forbidden lore. His pursuit of knowledge led him to ancient tomes and shadowy secrets that most would dare not touch.
Driven by an unquenchable thirst for power, Saerix eventually left the kingdom, embarking on a journey of exploration and study. Rumors whispered that during his travels, he fell under the tutelage of a dark entity, likely a demon, or possibly the goddess Shadriel herself, who further honed his abilities in Shadowmancy and the dark arts.
Return to Nedoreth
When Saerix finally returned to Nedoreth, his enhanced power was undeniable. His reputation had grown, and the Sun Court, recognizing his formidable skills, invited him to join their council to represent the circle of mages.
It was within the hallowed halls of the Sun Court that Saerix first learned of the ambitious plans to move the kingdom to the Feywild, a realm of natural beauty and magic.
However, as Saerix delved deeper into these plans, he began to conceive his own sinister designs, setting the stage for the dark transformation that would eventually engulf the kingdom.
Saerix learned of the plan of the Sun Court to cast an extremely powerful ritual spell to move the entire kingdom to the Feywild. Saerix cunningly persuaded the Elven Sun Court to hold their sacred ritual on a specific day when he knew a solar eclipse would occur, an eclipse called the Blood Moon. This rare celestial event, that happens every 2500 or so years which darkens the sun in the halo of the blood moon for a period of 30 days, was the perfect cover for his sinister plot. He understood that the eclipse would create an alignment of shadows and energies favorable to his dark magic.
Simultaneously, Saerix exploited the growing discontent among the Forest Folk. These ancient beings, guardians of the natural world, had grown increasingly disappointed with the Elves. The Elves had begun to forsake the forest and its natural ways, building grand stone structures and erecting the Sun Spire, a symbol of their move towards civilization and away from their roots in the forest.
Saerix saw an opportunity in this discord. He approached the Forest Folk, empathizing with their grievances and convincing them to aid in his plans to overthrow the ritual. He promised them that by doing so, the Elves would return to the natural ways of the forest. In their desperation and disillusionment, the Forest Folk agreed, not realizing the full extent of Saerix’s intentions.
A Ritual gone wrong
On the day of the solar eclipse, as the Elven Sun Court began the ritual, Saerix enacted his plan. Utilizing the eclipse, the aid of the Forest Folk, and his mastery of Shadowmancy, he usurped the ceremony. The eclipse cast a deep shadow over the land, amplifying Saerix’s dark powers. The Forest Folk, unknowingly complicit in his corruption, disrupted the ritual’s protective wards.
In the ensuing chaos, Saerix unleashed a powerful counterspell that twisted the intended outcome of the ritual. Instead of aligning the kingdom with the Feywild, a realm of natural beauty and magic, his dark magic dragged the entire kingdom into the Shadowfell, a realm of perpetual gloom and despair.
As the kingdom was engulfed by shadows and transported to the Shadowfell, the Heart of the Forest, the great throne that was the source of the Forest Folk’s strength, was blackened and corrupted. This corruption spread to the Forest Folk themselves, transforming them into twisted versions of their former selves, bound to the dark fate Saerix had wrought.
Thus, Saerix’s treachery was complete. The Elven kingdom, intended to flourish in the light and natural magic of the Feywild, was instead plunged into the Shadowfell. The Forest Folk, once noble protectors of the forest, were left corrupted and lost, their hearts and homeland forever tainted by Saerix’s ambition and dark sorcery.