Database[]
- Padaviggo Aroditi
- The Empire of Athomo
- Permeno
- Permenies
- Sanctuary of The Four Temples
- Septimius Pullo
Escape From The North[]
In a land to the North, The Empire of Athomo, a fierce Civil War had torn the once-united kingdom apart. Amidst the chaos and bloodshed, a Prominent General found himself on the losing side of the conflict. Determined to escape the clutches of his enemies, he embarked on a treacherous journey southwards, towards the shimmering body of water that stretched out as far as the eye could see.
As the General neared the shores of the sea, he couldn't help but feel an inexplicable sense of calm washing over him. The cool sea breeze whispered soothingly through his hair, and the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore provided a melodic backdrop to his thoughts. Little did he know that the mist that enshrouded him during the day and the thick fog that blanketed him at night were the mystical protectors against the assassins dispatched to end his life.
Curiosity sparked within the General as he explored the intriguing shores of the sea. One fateful day, as he ventured along the coastline, he heard the distant sound of galloping hooves behind him. Instinctively, he sought refuge in the thick fog, using it as cover to silently maneuver towards the approaching assassins. With his senses heightened and his heart pounding, he emerged from the fog like a ghostly specter, swiftly silencing his would-be executioners, one by one.
Having dispatched the threat, the weary General sought respite near the shore. He lay down to rest, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. As he drifted into slumber, his dreams were interrupted by a soft chorus of melodic hymns. Stirring from his sleep, he noticed a group of monks, their voices carrying through the air as they followed a trail leading up a nearby hill.
Temples Upon Hill[]
Intrigued, the Prominent General decided to silently shadow the monks, capitalizing on the dissipating fog to conceal his presence. Step by careful step, he ascended the hill, his anticipation growing with each passing moment. As he neared the summit, the mist began to clear, unveiling a breathtaking sight before his eyes.
Atop the hill stood four magnificent temples, their grandeur reminiscent of the enchanting structures found in the bedtime tales told to children in the southern lands. The General gazed in awe at their intricate architecture, each temple adorned with vibrant colors and delicate carvings, brought to life by the warm rays of the sun that now bathed the hilltop.
Filled with a newfound sense of wonder, the Prominent General approached the temples, his footsteps echoing against the hallowed ground. The air buzzed with an otherworldly energy, and he could almost hear the whispers of ancient wisdom carried on the wind. Though unsure of the purpose behind his arrival at this ethereal sanctuary, he couldn't help but feel that fate had guided him to this extraordinary place.
The Prominent General stood amidst the temples, his heart still racing from the recent events. He felt compelled to share his story with the awe-struck monks who surrounded him. "I have escaped from the north," he began, his voice tinged with gratitude and bewilderment. "Since reaching the shores of the sea, I have been protected by the mist and fogs, shielding me from my enemies."
The monks listened intently, their eyes widening in astonishment as the General recounted his encounters with the assassins and the inexplicable shield that had safeguarded him from harm. Their faces reflected a mix of reverence and wonder. Finally, one of the monks stepped forward, his voice trembling with reverence.
"General," the monk said, "the gods have foretold a prophecy long ago. They saw that a man worthy of ruling the seas would emerge, protected by mists in the day and fog during the night, ensuring his victories over all who dare oppose him." The monk paused and then asked, "May we know your name, General?"
The General, wearing a puzzled expression on his face, took a moment to absorb the profound revelation. With a steady gaze and a voice filled with determination, he replied, "I am Padoviggo Aroditi."
The name echoed through the hallowed halls of the temples, carrying with it a weight of destiny and purpose. The monks bowed their heads, their belief in the prophecy strengthened by the General's confirmation. They saw in General Padoviggo Aroditi the embodiment of the divine decree, the chosen one destined to rule the seas.
"The mist and fog have shielded me from my enemies," the General continued, his voice filled with conviction. "I am ready to accept the responsibility bestowed upon me by the gods."
The monks, now more certain than ever, pledged their unwavering support to General Padoviggo Aroditi, recognizing him as the chosen one. With hearts filled with faith and devotion, they stood ready to assist him on his path to fulfill the ancient prophecy.
As the night settled around them, the name "Padoviggo Aroditi" resonated through the temple, carrying with it a sense of purpose and destiny. The General found solace in the ancient sanctuary, his mind focused on the challenges ahead, and his heart filled with determination to fulfill the role that fate had chosen for him.
Sanctuary Rebuilt[]
Over the course of a decade, General Padoviggo Aroditi dedicated himself to building the sanctuary into a formidable defensive fort atop the hill. With the fort's completion, a small village began to develop near the coast of the sea. Word spread of the sanctuary being rebuilt by the man chosen by the gods, attracting numerous pilgrims who sought to settle and start anew in the sanctuary village with their families.
As more settlers arrived, the sanctuary grew to a significant size for a coastal town. Recognizing the need for governance and security, Padoviggo made the decision to establish a governmental body. A council was formed, consisting of respected individuals from different backgrounds, and together they worked to enact laws, maintain order, and ensure the well-being of the sanctuary's inhabitants.
Realizing the importance of defending the sanctuary and its people, Padoviggo further established a standing army. He recruited able-bodied men from the growing population, organizing them into a disciplined force tasked with safeguarding the sanctuary from any threats that may arise.
Looming Threat[]
Meanwhile, in the north, the once-mighty empire had crumbled under the weight of internal conflicts and external pressures. The empire fractured into nine factions, each claiming to be the rightful successor to the Empire of Athomo. Among these claimants, one figure named Permeno had managed to carve out a sizable realm along the northern edge of the Sea, which he named Permenies.
Permeno, ambitious and seeking to solidify his claim to the imperial throne, recognized an opportunity. He realized that by conquering the sanctuary and eliminating the escapee from the previous civil war, he could gain substantial support for his bid to become emperor. Gathering all the Mystics in Permenies, he sent an envoy to The Sanctuary, ostensibly to discuss surrender, the handing over of Padoviggo, and the absorption of the sanctuary into the Realm of Permenies.
News of Permeno's intentions reached the sanctuary, causing concern and unease among its inhabitants. The council convened an emergency meeting to discuss their response. General Padoviggo Aroditi, now a revered leader among his people, listened to the council's deliberations, his mind filled with conflicting thoughts.
Finally, he stood before the council and the gathered citizens, his voice filled with a mix of concern and resolve. "We find ourselves facing a formidable enemy," Padoviggo began. "Permeno's forces are strong, and their intentions are clear. They demand our surrender and the handover of myself. I believe it is my duty to protect our people, even if it means sacrificing myself."
A murmur of dissent rippled through the crowd, and one voice rose above the rest. A citizen, his face etched with determination, stepped forward.
"General Padoviggo," he said firmly. "We understand your concerns, but surrender is not an option. We have built this sanctuary, fought for it, and we will not give it up without a fight. We reject your offer to surrender. We demand that you stand up for the sanctuary and lead us to victory or death."
Padoviggo was taken aback by the resolute response. He looked into the eyes of the citizens, seeing their unwavering determination and trust in him. Slowly, a smile crossed his face.
Death or Victory[]
"You are right," Padoviggo said, his voice filled with newfound determination. "This sanctuary represents our hopes, our dreams, and our freedom. We shall defend it with every ounce of strength we possess. I will lead you, my people, to victory."
With the resounding support of the people, Padoviggo prepared his army and led them towards a strategic pass where the east had a steep mountain and the west had the sea. The pass provided a natural advantage, allowing them to control the narrow path, restricting the enemy's movement.
Padoviggo, aware of Permeno's plan to utilize his superior cavalry to intimidate the Sanctuary's army, chose to secure the choke point and set a trap. He pitched his camp at the strategic pass, patiently waiting for Permeno to fall into his carefully laid snare.
As Permeno's forces reached the pass, they were taken aback by the sight of the Sanctuary Army led by Padoviggo. Permeno, eager to break through and assert his dominance, called upon his soldiers to rush forward. But as they advanced, they soon realized the grave mistake they had made.
The pass was a narrow, tight chokehold, and the Sanctuary Army held their ground, forming an impenetrable wall of defense. Just as the enemy's confidence shattered, a dense mist enveloped Padoviggo and his forces, rendering them invisible to the eyes of Permeno's army. Panic and chaos erupted among the enemy ranks as their horses, spooked by the mystical mist, lost control. Some plunged into the sea while others trampled over their own comrades, further adding to the disarray.
Seizing the opportunity, Padoviggo's commanding voice pierced through the mist. "WHO DO THE TEMPLES BELONG TO?!" he bellowed, his words echoing with authority. The Sanctuary Army, filled with unwavering loyalty, responded in unison, their voices roaring back, "TO THE STRONGEST, TO PADOVIGGO!!"
With their spirits ignited, the Sanctuary Army marched forward in disciplined formation, their footsteps resounding with determination. They advanced toward the remnants of Permeno's shattered forces, their presence a formidable sight.
In the midst of the chaos, Permeno found himself consumed by immense fear. The mist closed in around him, obscuring his vision and isolating him from his own army. He could no longer see anyone around him, lost in a haze of uncertainty. Suddenly, in the distance, he witnessed one of his generals falling, his neck slit by the hands of Padoviggo himself.
Permeno, crawling backward in desperation, realized his attempts were futile. Padoviggo, without uttering a single word, approached him with a resolute gaze. Drawing his mace, he swung it with unparalleled strength, its force crushing Permeno's face into his skull in a single strike.
Death of a Realm, Long Live Padova[]
As the war reached its conclusion, the mist gradually dissipated, revealing the aftermath of the gods' intervention. The four temples had indeed saved the Sanctuary and Padoviggo from imminent destruction. The battlefield now lay silent, with the Sanctuary standing triumphant, and the fallen enemy testament to their unwavering faith in their chosen leader.
After the fall of Permenies, Padoviggo seized the opportunity to expand the borders of Padova, extending the realm to encompass the pass where the decisive War of The Pass had taken place. He deemed it a fitting tribute to the valor and sacrifices of his people during the conflict. Padoviggo, respecting the plans of the gods of the four temples, refused to pursue further expansion unless provoked by aggression.
With the realm secured, Padoviggo focused on reforming the entire sanctuary. He recognized the need for a well-organized and disciplined army. Uniforms were provided to the soldiers, instilling a sense of unity and pride. Mandatory enlistments were established to ensure the defense of Padova, and he personally oversaw the raising of his own cavalry units, bolstering the military strength of the realm.
Turning his attention to governance, Padoviggo implemented significant changes. He embraced the role of the first King of the sanctuary, a title befitting his leadership and dedication. In a move to ensure a smooth transition of power, he elected his successor, Septimius Pullo, who would be groomed to rule after Padoviggo's passing. This succession plan provided stability and continuity for the burgeoning realm.
In honor of his transformative reign, Padoviggo bestowed the name "Padova" upon the newly formed realm. From that day forward, its inhabitants proudly identified themselves as the people of Padova, carrying forward the legacy of their revered leader.
As Padoviggo's reforms took root, he continued to rule for a few more weeks, diligently guiding the realm. However, the time eventually came for the aging king to peacefully pass away in his sleep. The news of his demise plunged Padova into mourning. For 40 days and 40 nights, the citizens wore black as a symbol of respect for their beloved First King. The men of Padova, as a further demonstration of reverence, shaved their heads to honor his memory and the profound impact he had on their lives.