Hithamar is a liminal realm, a space woven from mist and uncertainty, where the souls of the recently deceased gather. It is a place of temporary solace, serving as a metaphysical waiting room where the departed seek two final comforts: consolation and the truth of their demise.
Hithamar was established by the @Falgon @Faengur , an ancient, powerful entity whose strength is now in decline. His fading power is a result of two catastrophic events: his traumatic separation from his child, @Aeon, and the sustained disruption of the Cosmic Cradle.
@Faengur and the older @Falgon , @Grodd (creator of the previous world), are locked in a cosmic sleep-wake cycle. When one Falgon awakens to replace the other, a Universal Reset occurs. This grand cycle is governed by the Cosmic Cradle, or the Song of Unmaking, which is performed by the @Luminael —an oceanic people known for their sublime music.
The cycle is now in grave danger. If the Song of Unmaking is disrupted, @Grodd will awaken prematurely. The catastrophic result will be the collapse of the two unsleeping Falgons, ending the universal cycle forever.
@Faengur 's power wanes because of the activities of the @Cult of Ir'Kala . Their actions are distorting the Cosmic Cradle, causing @Faengur to enter an unnatural, fitful slumber during his active cycle.
The cult's power derives from the Obsidian Pact they forged with a rogue faction of Elves. This pact granted the cult a potent elixir, distilled from the soul of an Elf rich in arcane energy. The @Cult of Ir'Kala uses this forbidden elixir in their rituals, which serve to twist and poison the @Luminael 's sacred Song of Unmaking.
@Faengur lives in isolation on a secluded island. Hithamar is officially governed by a Council composed of representatives from the realm's primary races: Elves, Humans, Falcons, and the Keepers.
However, the Council is in disarray:
The Elves are a scattered people, fractured and kingless following the tragedy of @Aelorin .
The Humans are leaderless, their @King Alaric having been assassinated through the treachery of @Kieran .
The Keepers are represented by the stalwart @Galathorn .
The Skyfire Falcons hold a council seat but are openly antagonistic toward the Elves, despite the Falcon being the Elven people's official ancient symbol.
@Faengur 's personal representative, his @Imaje or aspect, is @Ivringur , who guides the weakened administration. The official governing body that carries out the Council's will is known as the @The Hand of Faengur .
The fabric of Hithamar is composed of three fundamental, magical elements, which reflect the realm's volatile nature:
Mist: Represents Uncertainty and Mystery.
Crystal: Represents Structure and Order.
Myril: Represents Impulsivity and Chaos. This shimmering, metallic wind is the most volatile. It is also the source material for the most magically potent objects, such as the Astral Harps upon which the @Luminael play the Cosmic Cradle.