Return of the Long Night
Unlife
LYDEK TERISONEN, SPEECH TO THE ASSEMBLED LOREMASTER COUNCIL
KarilĂ´n, 2250 Third Era (of Ire)
With the help of the Loremasters, many civilisations arose on a firm setting, settling the wide lands and exploring all about them. The world seemed a peaceful place – until the coming of the Unlife and the return of the Shadow to the world.
The Unlife feeds on destruction, upon the deaths of individuals and societies with equal fervour. It is a thirst unquenched and unshakable. Indeed, the more it consumes, the more it seems to require. It has no source, but it is everywhere, waiting for a tool to open the door and allow it to enter. The Unlife found its instruments. These souls, desperate for power – for even a shadow of the strength they once had – eagerly accepted the offers of energy from the Unlife and grew strong in dark places, gathering themselves minions of many types and creating others to suit their needs. Cults and Orders of varied origins and membership took form, but their purposes were dark and evil. It was during this time that the Great Demons were first fashioned by the most powerful of the Lords.
They were seemingly mere shadows cast by clouds under the sun, but they gave me a feeling of menace with a malignant purpose. Even as I pondered this, one of the dark patches rose up the hillside and covered us. The sun went out, and suddenly the air held a chill. I have never been so afraid, before nor since. We were in the presence of the Unlife.
FROM THE VISIONS OF ANDRAAX