**The Sombre**, or natively called *Le' Sombre*, is a treacherous phenomenon that originates within the [[Kingdom of Axonder]]. It presents itself at the dead of night in the form of a dark, purple mist that encroaches upon light or populated areas in an effort to snuff out light and life. Though it has existed since the dawn of the kingdom, little is presently known of it or why it exists. Despite being shrouded in mystery, there is plenty that *is* known of it and its qualities. <br> ## Description #### Appearance Emerging predominantly at the dead of night, the Sombre is exclusively dark purple in coloration and forms a mass so thick that it's directly comparable to a mist or fog. From its foggy mass stretches swirling, encompassing tendrils that creep along the dark earth and air—misty tendrils that grow fainter the closer they come to any form of light. From these dark shadows often rises grey or blackened figures, some skeletal, some bestial, but all of shadow. These creatures vary from humanoid skeletons to giant skeletal beasts both humanoid or of beast, never seeming to settle on just how much they should be on either side... Creatures of darkness that seem to aid the Sombre in its mission to snuff out the light. In addition to its physical form comes a terrible effect upon one's mind and psyche. Even from a distance, an abnormal dread will wash over the mind, no matter how confident or unwavering they might be. A dread that soon makes way unto sorrow. A wistful, depressive hold that makes one's hands tremble, their will falter, and a despair that reminds oneself of whatever loss or hardships they have faced. The more the mist encroaches upon a person, so too does the effect heighten. <br><br> ## History #### The Dawn of Axonder The Sombre has blighted the Kingdom of Axonder since its very birth, and even before. Not only is the majority of Axonder's populous built on those who originate from the lands they claimed, but of people who were scattered throughout the darkened lands due to the dangers of the night. It was upon the land being claimed and civilizations built to combat the darkness did these people aid the migrants and join their society. <br> #### The Battle of Austère Around the year 430 P.D., the Sombre slowly encroached further and further upon the greater society that Axonder had built in its midst. It was during this span of time that the phenomenon spiked dramatically in its impact and danger, bringing upon beasts of hulking shadow and mass never before seen even by those who were native to the land. Dangers that grew so dire and so severe that it so much as threatened the collapse of the kingdom itself, if not for the hospitality of the [[Kingdom of Ithor]] involving itself in Axonder's woes in attempt to combat a looming threat that they worried would potentially press forth into its territory next. It also resulted in the involvement of the [[Holy Kingdom of Sorathane]], allying solely its church with Axonder to erect a dedicated church of [[Saia]] known as the [[Eastern Church]]. This church housed and continues to house great holy paladins and priests who, too, assisted in eventually dulling the Sombre by the year 443. <br> #### Current Day Since the year 700 P.D., a slow increase in the Sombre was noted within the Kingdom of Axonder. Though never truly gone from its midst, it grew all the same until spiking dramatically around the year 717 P.D. and even more so, now, in the year 730 P.D. where creatures of darkness that have otherwise been forgotten have been sighted once more... ✶