Agabond:
Within the swamps, there lives an ancient terror. Those who are not strong with both the blade and arcane arts will do well to skirt this region, for within dwells the "Eye of Agabond". There are not one, but two which dwell herein, one of good align who is kind and gracious and caring. The other, evil, cruel and vicous, bent of the destruction of order and good.
Agabond was one of the great Jahthas during the Age of Creation. He rose to great power, as well as his pride and disdain for all those he deemed beneath him.
During the Age of Creation, Agabond betrayed the Jahthas, thus beginning the Age of Conflict. They who stood by Agabond, aiding him in his designs, opened up a thousand year reign of strife known as the Age of Conflict, which preced the Age of War (a time of great darkness upon the face of Utaemia). Nearly all who trusted and supported Agabond were, in time, betrayed.
In the end, the remaining Jahtha, even those who were sworn enemies and rivals to each other, banded together as one to overthrow the rapidly growing armies and power of Agabond . . . with terrible losses. It was during this time that Talc Eerie, the Crystal City of Vannar, was shattered and its halls thrown down.
Agabond was defeated and brought before a council. For his crimes, he was titled as a True Betrayer and sentenced to death (a verdict he laughed at). The execution was preformed . . . and failed. Agabond, it seemed, could not be slain, so terrible was his dark power. Though they could hold him prisoner, Agabond could not be destroyed.
In the end, the Jahthas devised a plan. They summoned their most powerful allies from all corner of the planes.
Grondelem, the King of all good dragonkind, came forth to faithfully serve Utaemia. At his side, his sister, Tha`Shealin, also came (the graceful Dragoness, Zane, the Queen of all evil dragonkind). When she appeared with Grondelem, all hushed in fear, bowing to the dark queen.
At Vannar's side was Arial Anarias, the Mother of Life, the wife of Vannar the King of Order and Peace. During this deadly trial, Arial kept alive the majority of the armies which fought for the freedom of Utaemia, though it taxed her strength greatly to heal and strengthen so many. Without her, Agabond would have been victorious.
As Ryagg appeared within the palace of Vannar, many began to retreat from before the King of Order and the Prince of Chaos, doubting the alliance between them . . . until, to their astonishment, Vannar embraced Ryagg, stating firmly, "I was hoping you would attend this council, Ryagg, my old and trusted friend."
As Hoth, the Sovereign of all Mutants, arrived, he was welcomed warmly by all present. Genie and Djinn arrived is a cloud of light, only bowing to Vannar and none else. Vannar did not approach them, but merely bowed in respect to each of them.
Neadra appeared at the gate in the form of moonlight and silver. She entered within the castle, gliding through its halls of splendorous, shattered, crystal to stand before Vannar, smiling warmly. Arial laughed with delight to see her, and they embraced and wept for joy at each others company.
Vannessa came among them then, from the gardens of Talc Eerie, where she worked to repair the damage done therein, pleasing all with her graceful beauty; a similitude of Arial Anarias, though younger.
When Vannessa arrived, her father, Vannar, came to her and embraced her, holding her close to him, a fear etching across his face as he kissed her upon the brow.
Revin, The Wise, was welcomed by all, and Ump seemed to have the favor of the entire gathering, for he it was who graced their banquets with the most wholesome and magical of foods.
Shaylan appeared from a nearby, shattered, tower, bathed in holy light, though he remained quiet and reserved.
As Ishanti came through the main gate of the castle, all bowed in awe, for hers was the power of beauty and charm. All who spent more than a day with Ishanti loved her.
Astrous was present that day, but none but Vannar even acknowledged her, for dire spirits encompassed her, promising death to any who dared draw nigh.
Amur heeded the call of Vannar, accompanied by two Ferel Beasts, unseen by any other until now. They stalked before him in open anticipation should there be a conflict. Amur only met eyes with Vannar and nodded once, but as he laid eyes upon Vannessa, his countenance softened and his mood became more sociable. Later, the two were seen walking together.
Then entered in Terrian, The Vengeful, who was the essence of all vengeance. A hush fell upon all as he strode boldly before Vannar without bowing. Vannar smiled and bowed in respect. Only as Vannar bowed, so did Terrian.
The air within the massive crystal throne room seemed to be on the brink of shattering, and tensions rose like a black flame as Tyrrus and Goroth came striding into Vannar's throne room, which place they had never before set foot. Grondelem's eye glinted warily as they boldly strode forth before Vannar. Vannar raised a hand to Grondelem in warning and then smiled.
"Thank you, my lords, for heeding my invitation. I fear we are all doomed, every last one of us, should we not put an end to the design of Agabond. Let us put aside our differences, in at least this one task, and live." There was silence for a space of time as Goroth and Tyrrus darkly gazed upon Vannar unblinking. Many thought a terrible conflict would ensue, but it was not so. They both agreed with silent nods and turned as a presence fill the entire throne room.
Even Astrous backed a pace as Bane, the Master of the Dead, approached the assembly, hand upon the hilt of a sword which radiated a chill which could be felt by all present. Coming before Vannar, Bane bowed respectfully and raised an eyebrow to see Zane in company with Vannar.
"This is a critical moment in time for us, to see Zane, the Queen of the Underworld, here among us. I will respect your wishes, might Vannar, and put away my own designs for the moment." He then bowed to Zane in respect and locked eyes with Tyrrus unblinking, as if daring his to step out of line.
Vannar looked about the throne room.
"Where are the others? If we are the only remaining, truly death is at our doorstep.
Last of all Sentient appeared without sound before Vannar, bowing respectfully, his golden robes flowing as if within an unseen breeze. Vannar sighed in relief and smiled warmly, suddenly embracing Sentient.
"I was hoping, beyond hope, you would grace my halls with your presence." Sentient smiled, genuinely flattered and embraced Vannar in return.
"Being the Master of Time, I cannot very well make any excuse for being late." Even Goroth, the UnHoly, laughed, finding Sentient's words humorous.
This seemed to break the tension within the great hall, and many relaxed.
Many other of the Jahtha heeded the call of Vannar that day. When the gathering was complete, they held a Grand Council, lending their wisdom and mind to the overthrow of Agabond.
In the end, even though they were all hard-pressed to succeed in this task, it was decided that Agabond would be cursed. The Curse of Agabond, his destiny, was to be literally dissected into the separate regions of Utaemia, to wander forever in a weakened state of being, never to know true power again.
Though Agabond was never truly slain by this powerful curse, he was undone. But in this were created terrible monsters:
The Mind of Agabond
The Eyes of Agabond
The Mouth of Agabond
The Hands of Agabond
. . . and others . . .
His body was scattered throughout all the regions, dimensions and planes of Utaemia, never again to know true life as he once lived.
Because of Agabond's Curse, the destruction of Utaemia was thwarted, Utaemia remains safe from his power as long he remains cursed to wandered in his separated and eternal existence.
The Eyes of Agabond were banished to the Swamps. This is the fear of most who know of the Legend of Agabond. This is why the Swamps are avoided by the wise, and even by the most powerful of mortals.
