Aeryndor
Present day Aeryndor , The age of returned Light
The unbinding of Sien by the peoples of Aeryndor ended the Shroud, but it did not heal the world completely. Light returned unevenly, and with it came abundance, growth, and a dangerous sense of finality. Nearly 5,000 Years later many believe the world is now safe. They are wrong, as Aeryndor teems with the vestiges of creatures, and unspeakable evils from a time that is now just Myth. It is here that our heroes, merchants, blacksmiths, and politicians find themselves. Few believing still in the ancient Vaelorian teachings of the Aelaryn, beings who have belonged to Aeryndor since Aio formed.
Pre-Shroud
Seeking a home for what would follow, Aio shaped the world that would one day be called Aeryndor. In the oldest myths it is named Aiohjem (The First Home)—a term still spoken in Vaelorian prayer and scripture.
Aio formed mountains as stress fractures in creation. Valleys collapsed where form failed. Rivers marked the slow settling of a world learning permanence. It is said that creation frustrated Aio, for chaos resisted perfection.
Aeryndor during the Shroud
From its brightest essence, Aio shaped Sien, a great winged bird wreathed in flame. Sien embodied motion, warmth, and longing. He pursued Aio endlessly, desiring companionship. To escape Sien’s blinding radiance, Aio shaped Luom, a great grey fox of shadow and cold. Luom fled Sien instinctively, and from their endless chase were born time, rhythm, and the turning of the heavens. Until Luom grew tired of the chase and imprisoned Sien for thousands of years draping the land in darkness and decay.