Marakii

The Marakii began as a tribal population on the Utmarii Plateau at the start of the Classic Age. They became part of the Sorcerers Kingdom in 957 CA when King Huddlefurd claimed the entire plateau as his territory. Although they never became a large part of the kingdom in terms of population in terms of power by ruled the throne by the turn of the century. Using the magic taught to them by the Feuledalyre they created large spirit portals to enhance their power.

With the death of their patron, the Marakii culture became increasingly unstable. Religious, ethnic, and old tribal factions tore apart their society. The power that held their culture together fell under the influence of the spirit portals that Aegrin damaged during his battle with X'toltn. In less than a century the culture ceased to exist.

  • Timeline:
  • Total Population:
    • Current: 0 (460 AH)
    • Largest:
  • Languages:
    • Primarily Mak
  • Religion:
  • X'toltn after 750 CA

There are four distinct phases of their history.

Tribal Period

The Marakii began as a small tribal society that settled on the banks of the Flumen dei Animas (River of Souls). They were visited by Feuledalyre and his followers and taught the basics of magic. The nature of the land made it simple for Feuledalyre to teach them about the Shadow Realms as the veil between the worlds is frail along the river. The magicians of the Marakii were called Walkers and became revered among the people. The Walkers became the first of their tribal leaders.

When a Walker gathered enough of a following they would leave their village to build their own settlement. The heart of the settlement was the El'Shar - a building in which a Walker worked their magic during the day. A Walker needed darkness to open portals to the Shadow Realms. When Feuledalyre left a new entity arrived to teach the walkers. X'toltn was of the shadows and whispered to the Walkers dreams of power.

There was no central organization among the tribal settlements so when King Huddlefurd and his soldiers arrived the Marakii surrendered quickly. A few Walkers resisted their subjection, but most listened to the voice of X'toltn. X'toltn told them to allow the King his time now for they will rule his land within a decade.

Sorcerer Period

The Walkers that followed X'toltn grew in power and surpassed those who kept to the teachings of Feuledalyre. The most powerful became known as the Circle of Eight. Behind the throne they controlled all the true power of the kingdom. With their power they walked the dreams of their victims. Once they held the reins the Marakii people grew in prominence inside the Kingdom. Although making up less than ten percent (10%) of the population they became the chosen ones.

Between 989-1000 the elven hero Aegrin visited the land. He was one of the greatest heroes from Elendar and had come to destroy X'toltn. Although in reality X'toltn had long ago enslaved the Marakii in reality they felt they had power and control. A few Marakii resisted Aegrin, but most just fled the area until the fight was over. On the first day of the second century - Aegrin killed X'toltn.

Shadow Period

The greater Marakii were freed from the control of X'toltn and rebelled against the Walkers. A few of the Walkers were killed, but most fled into the caves beneath the plateau. From these dark shadows they sought out power and control. The rulers of the kingdom still listed to them. The walked the half-shadows just outside beyond the veil. Aegrin destroyed most of the portals, but a few of the most dangerous survived. The Shadow Walkers joined together to capture them and use their power.

The rest of the Marakii separated themselves from the Sorcerers Kingdom. A new culture, without the influence of the Walkers, rose at the Utmarii Plateau. It was a time of Renaissance with huge and dynamic leaps in art. This time only lasted for a few decades before the Shadow Walkers reasserted their control.

Disappearance

With the death of X'toltn the power of the Shadow Walkers was broken. They were powerful individuals, but their ability to control the kingdom was broken. The Sorcerers Kingdom itself was falling into factional fighting. With no power in the kingdom the Shadow Walkers turned to increase their own power. Many of the Shadow Walkers fought over resources among the others. The portals were becoming increasingly unstable and dangerous. Ritual sacrifice of their followers became normalized among the Marakii. The Shadow Walkers killed any of their blood to sustain their own life. A few had achieved the eternal life of the Lich and retreated from the world. The Marakii were killed by their own leaders.

Ukudo

The oldest religion among the Marakii. They worshiped a great toad spirit that lived in the southern forest and journeyed among the plateau. This releigion was supplanted and its followers killed with the arrival of X'toltn.

X'toltn

X'toltn is a Dark Vampire that was only known as a whispered voice in the dark. His true followers became the Shadow Walkers and were taught skills far beyond what Feuledalyre was willing.