H2: Portal of Praevus · The new chronicle of Deeds

The New Chronicle of Deeds

taken from the original game manual

Eidolon's Reign and Fall

Eidolon’s power was immense, his grip on the world absolute. Some citizens believed his hellish reign would never come to an end, yet in time he too saw defeat at the hands of a band of brave adventurers. Eidolon, the oldest and strongest of the Serpent Riders, was reputedly many times more powerful than his vile brethren. He was certainly aware of the weaknesses that led to the downfall of D’Sparil and Korax, and did his best to guard himself against similar circumstances. In addition to his own troops, he surrounded himself with the remnants of Korax’s and D’Sparil’s broken armies.

The task at hand was formidable. Whoever challenged Eidolon must destroy his minions on all four continents, then challenge Eidolon himself within his ebon stronghold. The dangers were great, from beginning to end. The dank jungles of Mazaera seethed with giant Scorpions and Spiders, while the pyramids of Thysis were replete with Mummies and dreaded Stone Golems. No less formidable were the horrors lurking in the ruined cities of Septimus, or behind the crenellated walls of Blackmarsh.

Despite all these travails, there was yet another peril: the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who served Eidolon as generals. Each governed one of the four great nations, and each had to be defeated to end Eidolon’s infernal dominion.

The Wake of Eidolon

Victory is sweet.

Peace is fleeting.

Eidolon is destroyed. Thyrion struggles on the long road to recovery. Weary from battle, four heroes return to their homelands. The Paladin returns to Septimus to rebuild the Temple of Kravnos and train new brothers in the way of battle and honor. The Assassin takes up old practices though they pale into insignificance against the challenge of Eidolon and his minions. Filled with new power and ambition, the Necromancer, strives to make Thysis his own through the subversion of its people. There are none to oppose him, for tales of his might are not exaggerated. The besieged castle of Blackmarsh stands silent and foreboding. One day the Crusader must venture in to vanquish any of Eidolon’s minions that still lurk within.

Blackmarsh is well accustomed to a variety of seasons, but the warmer climes of Mazaera, Thysis and Septimus are not prepared when a sudden and unexplained winter descends upon all of Thyrion. The harsh winds carry a taint of evil bringing devastation to all living things. Time passes, but the bitter cold and snow do not. The inhabitants huddle in the remains of cities and towns with little hope of survival.

Into this misery wander refugees from lands to the north who speak of the appearance of a new continent. Perhaps it rose from the sea or drifted in on the bitter winds of winter’s fury. As the snows subsided, it was just…there. Few who ventured into this new land ever returned. Some spoke of a temple of strange design in the snowy mountains. Fearful beasts and powerful magic prevented further exploration. The bite of winter seemed to emanate from this land bringing lethal cold and hardship to the people living there. Thus they wander in search of a warmer and safer home.

They arrive in Blackmarsh as new signs of activity appear within the castle. Deeming it time, the Crusader leads an expedition to the lair of Eidolon; the place of the final battle. After a short and decisive battle with Eidolon's minions, the Crusader's persuasive questioning of the vanquished foe reveals that these vermin serve a new master. A being of dark sorcery and magic named Praevus is now lord and master to those who once served Eidolon. He resides in a new land to the north called "Tulku". Protected within the embrace of endless winter, he works to bring his plans to fruition. Only by strong persuasion does the Crusader uncover the details. Praevus holds the imprisoned souls of the three Serpent Riders: Eidolon, D’Sparil and Korax. For years he has labored to bring about the means to transfer these banished spirits into his own depraved soul. By adding their powerful energy to his own, there would be none to stop him from taking all of Thyrion.

A heavy sigh escapes the Crusader. It seems that madness, greed and the lust for power never die. They simply find residence in another host. It is clear that he and his three companions may not yet rest. If there is to be a Thryion to live in, then their path lies north. Looking down into the blackness of the newly created tear in the earth, the Crusader decides to begin his investigation there.

In a dark and unnamed place, red-skinned hands grip the sides of a steamy basin with barely contained fury. Within the swirling steam, the watcher has seen the Crusader questioning those once faithful servants of the great one. Her heart burns with rage as she hears of their betrayal to serve this…Praevus! Blasphemy! To even consider betraying the sacred soul of Eidolon in such a way is more than she can bear. The four who were once her enemies now share a cause with this Demoness. She also will go north to confront and destroy any who would deny Eidolon his honored rest.

Praevus

Patience is a virtue with which Praevus is well acquainted. For years he has waited and carefully observed events in Thyrion. The dominion of the Serpent Riders seemed endless. Yet, he knew they must one day fall. Together, they could have been invincible. Apart, they each bore enough weakness to ensure eventual defeat. Years of study revealed the nature of power possessed by each rider. If those fools could not see the value of combining their skills, then they deserved their fate. Better that one of greater wisdom should benefit. With the passing of each rider, Praevus gathered the soul spheres containing each final life essence. Skillfully he preserved the life essence within each one until the time of reckoning would arrive. Now with all three spheres in his possession, the time has come. Soon his work will be complete and all the power of the Serpent Riders will be his to command. Thyrion will be the first world to bow before him. But not the last.

Few things are known about this mysterious being. It is clear that he is a sorcerer of great power and experience. One would do well to respect his abilities in the mystical arts. None have actually seem him, though he is said to be somewhat humanoid in nature. He resides in a temple hidden within the land of Tulku. There he works what final magic is required to prepare for the day when he will draw the souls of the defeated Serpent Riders into himself.

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Hexen 2

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