Darkness Gathers

Nethrys is a civilization of demons, spirits, and horrid creatures shaped by the twisted Realm of the Abyss. Their home is a place of suffering and decay, where death is not an ending but another stage of the inevitable. The sole motive of Nethrys is pure destruction, turning pain and chaos into a source of strength.

Its hordes have crossed into other Realms throughout history, most notably invading the Daylands and leaving behind centuries of stories concerning demons emerging from below. Since the Convergence, damage to the Veil has made such incursions increasingly frequent.

Yet their invasions serve a purpose beyond conquest. Beneath the Abyss lies something far older than Nethrys itself.

Athraxia.

The imprisoned dragon god is remembered as a creature of insatiable hunger; ruin made flesh. She was sealed away long ago by forces whose identities have been lost to the ages. Her greatest devotee is Nihilum, a fanatical dark priest who has dedicated himself to breaking her prison.

Nihilum believes Athraxia's incarceration was the ultimate act of betrayal. He believes she is destined to return to her throne and lead Nethrys to its ultimate ascension, uniting its hordes beneath her terrifying command and bringing all of existence to heel. To Nihilum, the destruction she promises is not a warning, but a prophecy of the everlasting dominion of Nethrys.

The growing instability of the Veil has given him an opportunity. Nihilum's rituals spread corruption through Nethrys and beyond, feeding the presence of Athraxia through dreams, whispers, and impossible manifestations. Her voice is clear to those who have never heard her name. Her shadow appears where no creature stands.

Nihilum is preparing a god to return, and he knows what will happen when she does. He is wrong.