LORE
Wild and hairy Eldryn roam the dark and gloomy mountainside of an active volcano on the planet ████████. The landscape is harsh, covered in a dark purple soil, a result of the planets rich minerals. The surrounding moons cast a dark and eerie glow on the surface, making the night a terrifying place to be along in the dark.
These beasts are extremely fast, capable of outrunning the many dangers of these highlands. Despite their fearsome appearance, they have a remarkably calm temperament and have been known to assist the lost souls who wander these mountains.
The Eldryn's interactions with lost travelers may have led to their inclusion in local folklore. Stories suggest that those aided by the Eldryn have also been bestowed with a crystal, rumored to be made of pure light and cool to the touch. These crystals are said to contain the essence of the volcano's fiery heart, their glow able to pierce through the densest ash storms and illuminate the safest paths. Some believe the crystals hold otherworldly powers, capable of healing wounds and calming troubled minds. However, no such artifact has ever been documented, and sightings of the Eldryn are exceedingly rare.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the belief in these mystical beings persists. The inhabitants of Valdera, a massive megacity of a dystopian industrial future, often recount tales of miraculous rescues and mysterious lights in the fog, attributing these events to the benevolent Eldryn. Towering skyscrapers and sprawling industrial complexes dominate Valdera's skyline, casting long shadows over the dark landscape. The city's neon lights flicker in the perpetual twilight, a stark contrast to the natural glow of the volcano. In the harshest winters, when the volcano's activity is at its peak and the ash falls like snow, some claim to see the Eldryn moving through the smoke, their eyes glowing with a reassuring light.
The few who have encountered the Eldryn and returned speak of an almost spiritual experience. They describe the creatures as not just part of the landscape but as its very essence, embodying the spirit of the volcano and the surrounding wilderness. The Eldryn are said to communicate through a series of low rumbles and melodic hums, sounds that resonate with the earth itself. These sounds are believed to have calming effects on both humans and animals, easing fears and fostering a sense of peace.
What little is known about the Eldryn comes from those rare interactions and the cryptic symbols found in the ancient caves near the volcano's base. These symbols, etched into the rock long before the megacity of Valdera was established, depict large, furry creatures standing beside humans, both gazing towards the mountain's peak. Some interpret these images as evidence of a time when humans and Eldryn coexisted more closely, perhaps even working together to survive the harsh conditions of the region.
Modern inhabitants of Valdera continue to hold the Eldryn in high regard, incorporating their imagery into local art, music, and holographic displays. Festivals celebrating the Eldryn are held annually, where citizens don costumes and masks inspired by the creatures, reenacting the legendary tales of old. These cultural expressions serve as a reminder of the deep bond between the people and the enigmatic beings who share their land.
The Eldryn, with their blend of strength and serenity, remain an enduring symbol of hope and resilience. They reassure the inhabitants of Valdera that the harsh life within the city's walls will not last forever, as long as the volcano speaks and the Eldryn roam. Their presence serves as a reminder that even in the face of great danger, there is always a way through—often guided by the light of kindness and respect. As long as the volcano stands, the stories of the Eldryn will continue to be told, inspiring generations to come.
