**The Demon Convergence** _Cataclysm of the First Age_ **Time Period:** Circa 1750 Before [[Anam|Arkular]] **Classification:** Multi-Planar Incursion / Celestial Crisis **Opposing Forces:** Mortal Realms, Celestial Hosts, and the Prime Pantheon vs. the Abyssal Hordes and Godspawned Horrors --- ### Overview The **Demon Convergence** was the most catastrophic incursion of extraplanar forces in Solare's history, marking the slow collapse of the First Age. During this time, **[[Anam|Arkular]]**—still a noble paladin and not yet [[Anam|the Withered One]] known as **[[Anam]]**—was one of the first mortals to wield the **[[Shield of the Gods]]**, predating Sir Caldrin Thorne by many years. His valor and divine connection made him a beacon of hope amid the rising darkness, decades before his eventual fall into undeath. Demons, corrupted titans, and abyssal godspawned horrors erupted into the world from shattered veils in the planar boundaries. It is believed that multiple rifts between the Abyss and the Material Plane opened simultaneously, coordinated by unknown forces seeking to weaken divine order. of extraplanar forces in Solare's history, marking the slow collapse of the First Age. Demons, corrupted titans, and abyssal godspawned horrors erupted into the world from shattered veils in the planar boundaries. It is believed that multiple rifts between the Abyss and the Material Plane opened simultaneously, coordinated by unknown forces seeking to weaken divine order. Where once only isolated demonspawn could breach the mortal world, entire armies now poured in through rifts called **Bloodgates**. These gates formed naturally—or were forced open—at sites of extreme magical devastation, divine apathy, or mass death. --- ### [[Anam]] and the Bloodgates During the later years of the Demon Convergence, **[[Anam|Arkular]]**—who would one day become the lich **[[Anam]]**—began seeking forbidden knowledge to combat the ever-growing darkness. His journeys led him into shattered sanctuaries, corrupted archives, and crumbling planar crossroads. It was in these lost places that he discovered early records and firsthand accounts of the **Bloodgates**, the unstable rifts that allowed demons to pour into Solare. Though still a devout paladin at the time, [[Anam|Arkular]]’s obsession with understanding and ultimately controlling these rifts grew. He theorized that with the right ritual and anchor, one could bend a Bloodgate to their will. This dangerous insight would plant the seeds for his eventual fall. Some scholars now believe that his deep knowledge of these planar tears was what allowed him—centuries later as **[[Anam]]**—to weaponize similar breaches and develop artifacts like the **Spell Engine** and awaken threats such as the **[[Necrotic Behemoth (Awakened Form)|Necrotic Behemoth]]**. ### The Forgotten Wound of [[Anam|Arkular]] Though [[Anam|Arkular]] would later become the dreaded lich [[Anam]], the first crack in his divine path came long before his fall—one he no longer remembers. During his early research into the Bloodgates, the paladin unknowingly began to sever his bond with the Great God. His growing obsession with controlling the portals—while driven by a desire to save Solare—was perceived by the gods as pride and heresy. As trust between [[Anam|Arkular]] and the celestial host eroded, the gods turned away from him. In what would become a defining tragedy, they failed to intervene when agents of **[[Sorgoganis, Evil God of War|Sorgoganis]]** slaughtered [[Anam|Arkular]]’s family. Abandoned and broken, he believed the gods had forsaken him. This belief festered into hatred and vengeance, driving him to master lichdom and ultimately become **[[Anam]]**, [[Anam|the Withered One]]. Now, as [[Anam]], he remembers none of this early betrayal. The memory of his own role in fracturing the divine trust has been lost to time—and perhaps erased by his own will. He sees only abandonment and wrath, fueling his crusade to destroy all gods. ### Origins and Theories - **Divine Apathy:** Some scholars blame the Prime Gods for turning inward during a time of celestial reflection, leaving the Material Plane vulnerable. - **The Whispering Void:** Others believe an entity beyond even [[Sorgoganis, Evil God of War|Sorgoganis]] may have seeded madness among the planes, unifying demonic forces for the first time. - **Shattered Leylines:** The collapse of multiple leyline nexuses is cited as a major cause, as these served as stabilizers for planar boundaries. --- ### Effects on the World - **Collapse of Kingdoms:** Dozens of civilizations fell, including elven empires in Lialandra, dwarven strongholds, and the great flying citadels of the Skyspire. - **Rise of Heroes and Martyrs:** This age produced the most legendary figures in Solare's history—such as **Sir Caldrin Thorne**, **Queen Almeira of the Blazing Sun**, and **Erasmus the Planebinder**. - **The Shattering of the Shield:** The climax of the convergence resulted in the breaking of the **[[Shield of the Gods]]** to halt the advance of the corrupted demigod **[[Xerithul]]**. --- ### Legacy The Demon Convergence is commemorated with mourning and reverence across Solare. Entire religious orders were born from its aftermath. It is widely taught that should the fragments of the Shield be misused or fall into evil hands again, a second Convergence may occur—this time without divine intervention to stop it.