The elder races lived long and peaceful lives on Erdreja. Elves, dwarves and fairy folk, all lived in relative peace for millennia. When the younger races came to the world this peace was shattered. Within a few centuries of their arrival, the Race Wars began and many thousands of lives were lost within just a few decades.
During the wars, the younger races developed a device that was powered by the magic of the elder races. Although normally long-lived, the elder races aged quickly and died while they continued to use their incantation magic.
The device was hidden from the elder races. In a desperate attempt to counter it, the elder races performed a mighty ritual, banishing the knowledge of incantation magic from all Erdreja. Only the dark elves were unaffected, shielded as they were by the miles of solid rock between their underground home and the surface. They guarded the knowledge of incantation magic against the time when it would be needed again on the surface of Erdreja.
The banishing of incantation was one of the last, desperate acts of the elder races. The fairy folk had retreated to the unseen court, the dwarves and their kin had fallen back into the far south and only the elves were left to fight the younger races. Kingdom by kingdom, the elves were gradually overrun and pushed eastwards, where they made a final stand. Over a thousand years ago, the younger races defeated the last elven army and the few remaining elven lords took the last of their people into hiding.
The wars were finally over and the younger races stood victorious. Cities were built and a great civilisation was created. Tebron, who was the greatest warlord of the younger races, was declared Emperor and ruled from the great city of Tebronia, that bore his name. The empire of the younger races was founded on the day that Tebron first sat upon his imperial throne and the Calendar began anew with the first year AF (After Founding). After Tebron’s death the capital was renamed Malkarn and it remained so until its destruction.
The elemental colleges, as guardians of the empire’s knowledge, created a great library in the north, built on the ruins of an elven city once renowned for its learning. The city of Norhault grew up around this library, which became the greatest seat of learning in the known world. The library was formally opened one year to the day after Tebron was crowned; the first day of January in the year 1 AF. For several centuries the empire prospered, and peace returned to the lands.
Just before 500 AF, a great cataclysm took place. A ritual was being performed in the capital’s great ritual circle to bring rain to the drought stricken southern farms. It is still not known how this ritual was disrupted, or by whom, but it seems that the unexpected disturbance released all the magic within the circle.
This uncontrolled power flowed to every other known ritual circle, shattering many and killing hundreds of people. Violent earthquakes rocked the land, mountains were smashed and the capital Malkarn itself was dragged beneath the waves, as the whole of the Imperial Heartlands sank. The
waters of the great seas rushed in to separate forever the northern and southern continents. Albion, Cymria, Erin and Western Norsca (now Orkneyjar) became islands as the land around them disappeared and the seas flooded in. Whole communities died, including the emperor, his family and most of the ruling lords of the empire.
The end of the empire began a period of almost six hundred years of war between the remaining nobles, over who would rule the new lands. It soon became apparent that none of them could achieve total victory. The empire was gone forever and instead the Heartland countries became
small independent nations. They were ruled over by lord generals, who warred continuously with each other over the borders of the disputed lands.
In 1091 AF, the last true battle for the city of Norhault was fought and the lord general of Caledonia took back control. This was also the year of the formation of the grand council, an alliance composed of representatives from all the factions. After much discussion amongst the people of the Heartlands, most agreed that they had fought the last war and looked forward to a new age of peace.
During the discussions of the grand council, the Gathering Treaty was drawn up and signed by all the lord generals of the Heartlands. The treaty stated... and still states... that the grand council would discuss disputes between the factions in a civilised manner. Should a dispute not be resolved by diplomacy then, at an annual Gathering, representative forces of the disputing factions would fight a battle under a magical ritual of peace. This ritual would allow combatants to subdue, but not to kill, each other. The victory conditions for these battles would be determined before the combat took place.
In 1095 a brave group of people found and destroyed the Mordred device, that the younger races had created so long ago to hide the knowledge of incantation magic from Erdreja. The courage and dedication of these adventurers allowed incantation to return to the surface of the world.
To this day, the factions of the Heartlands still hold to the principles of the Gathering Treaty. The original document has undergone revision, leaders have come and gone, nations have fallen and new kingdoms have risen from the ashes. Yet still the principles and agreement of peace remain.
The library appears to be missing information about this subject.
The Tarantulas are one of ten factions that attend the Gathering of nations. In 1092, following the collapse of the last Drow empire and an extended period of isolation from the surface world, various Drow Houses elected to return to the Heartlands with the gathered tribes of Teutonia, known as the Vipers.
In 1093 AF, the Houses of the Underdark unified in purpose and formed a new nation called the Tarantulas under the leadership of Valsharess Shinane Moor'Den'Aar.
For the next few years, the Tarantulas were beset by in fighting as the major houses, Naxos D'Fey. Moor'Den'Aar and Gereshen fought for control of the faction. This tradition of in fighting spread amongst the other emerging houses and allied groups. In the end, Gereshen emerged as leaders, before Valsharess Saravay Gereshen was taken to become a handmaiden of Llolth.
The rise to power of Valsharess Inzil Talos marked a change in the Tarantulas. The infighting of before began gradually to subside as the identity of the faction began to solidify. However, this did not establish itself until the rise to power of Valsharess Al'De'ath Karrash Morr and her advisors Lord Lastarius Cruentatus and Lord Hellbron Karrash-Morr. Together, this powerful set of leaders finally forged a faction from its disparate parts. Evidence of this was the Tarantulas showing on the Gathering battlefield of 1101 and the faction's victory at the Heartland Games of 1102.
It was during the reign of Valsharess Al'De'ath Karrash Morr that the Dark Alliance between the Vipers, Bears and Tarantulas was formed. This agreement, that also included elements of the Wolf Faction at times, created a strong accord that came to dominate the political arena of the Heartlands.
The strengths of the Tarantulas were gainfully employed in the pursuit of the Alliance's aims. This period saw the return of Satuun and the rise in use of demonic magic. The powers of necromancy became more widespread in their use and vampires walked in the night.
The alliance ended in 1104 with the cessation of the Bears Faction from the agreements. This brought war between the Bears and Tarantulas, each supported by their allies. Both factions suffered terrible casualties, most notably for the Tarantulas, the destruction of Lord Helbron Karrash-Morr.
From the wreckage of the Dark Alliance, the charismatic leader of the Vipers, Lord Ordos, constructed a second pact; the Northern Alliance. This treaty, between the Vipers, Wolves and Tarantulas continued the polices of the previous accord, allowing its members to labour in the interests of their common good.
The Northern Alliance began to fall apart when, in 1107 led by Lord Gabriel, the Tarantulas massacred the Unicorn Faction. This forged a unified opposition against them and an alliance of the Lions, Dragons and Bears rose up in the years of 1108 and 1109 to culminate in the sacking of the Tarantula faction camp in 1109.
Since their inception, the Tarantulas have experienced periods of both persecution and aggression. The Tarantulas learnt from their tormentors well and struck back very successfully against those nations that threatened or harmed them.
The once strong alliance between the Vipers and the Tarantulas fell apart when a large number of Tarantulas from House Mlezzir and House Cruentatus were killed whilst visiting the Vipers camp. There are many stories of what really happened that night, all that is really known is that many of the oldest and most respected of the faction were killed by our strongest and oldest allies. Over the course of a weekend the violence escalated, with the Vipers and Jackals attacking the Tarantula camp directly. There was no way we could hold up against such numbers and the camp fell. Many of the lighter factions saw this brutal attack and rallied behind us as we took our fight to the Vipers.
Wolves, Unicorns, Bears and others all rallied behind us. Even the Jackals would not directly stand with the Vipers and they fell quickly. Our retaliation was brutal, many of those responsible for the deaths of our fallen were executed on that field. A truce was called between the two nations, both were uneasy but officially the fighting stopped for a while. That was until 1112, whilst forming up for an honour battle the Vipers switched sides and found themselves lined up in front of the Tarantula lines. The Tarantulas naturally wary held back to avoid any confusion. Once the main line had moved forward the vipers turned and drove straight into the side of the Tarantula lines. Here they then executed J'bri'thk, Advisor to the Valsharess. Once again a retaliation was swift. Led by an Avatar of Lolth, the light factions once again rallied behind us as we took the fight to the Vipers. Their queen escaped into saftey, her people fell. The Avatar of Lolth stood amongst a pile of Viper bodies, she had claimed them as her own and nobody would be taking them from her.
The Vipers offered up the person responsible for the death of J'bri'thk and another uneasy peace was drawn. Regent Tepesh of the Vipers has since left the throne and new leadership rules the Vipers, time will tell how long this peace can last.
With the arrival of Valsharess Al'tath and Her more openminded policies concerning the surface dwelling nations the Tarantulas have begun to open up new avenues of understanding with the heartlands, which has allowed new alliances to blossum and old wounds caused by years of conflict to begin to heal, however deep below the surface a new conflict has begun
In late 1115 the Daemon fey an ancient foe of the Tarantula nation began a covert war against our empire, which errupted into a full scale conflict by mid 1116, Armies have clashed and some of our home cities have been destroyed, tens of thousands have been slaine or worse "converted" to serve our enemies cause... the eradication of our way of life.
However this war is far from lost for we have faced these foes before and triumphed even though the cost was great, and so we shall defeat them again with Faith, cunning & steel
Over the years many people have submitted reports to the libraries, detailing the various events that effect Erdreja. You will find this section of the library open to you, and if you wish to submit your own to the library, please do so.
Reports are named as follows to make searching easier.
{In-Character Year} {Event (Host)} - {Event Name} - {Location}
e.g.
1120 Gathering (Wolves) - Arcadia
1120 Social (Tarantulas) - Requiems and Revelations - Darkhaven
This section is an assortment of the gathered documents that have been researched within the Lorien Trust over the years. Only research that has become widely known will be included as we do not wish to take away the experience for anyone that wishes to roleplay disseminating new information.
Research Article
The information contained in this article is the result of research done by players from within the Game World. The contents are only as factual as the original author intended and should not be unduly modified.
The Demonfey are a race of abominations, created by the ritual impregnation of a Dark Elf by a Demon, during the second age. The child this created was able to pass on her demonic/drow heritage, although the original ritual was never recreated. This child went on to become the self proclaimed Empress Sarya Kenafin.
Read More: The Paladin Vlonryn
Il'haress Sarya Kenafin, leader of House Kenafin
Xephonis Kenafin Eldest daughter of Sarya, and to date the most affable towards the Tarantula Faction. Xephonis has been responsible for saving some notable members of the faction.
Tarvin Kenafin Killed GEF 1118 during peace talks. Sarya's son, he is a formidable creature, a demon of war as it were. Will fight with fierce determination and loyalty in defence of his family
Read More: The Life & Times of Lord K'Hafran
The Demonfey's origins begin during the age of the first Drow Empire. House Kenafin, a relatively minor house at the time was striving to be more than they were. They Lacked the royal connections usually needed to do this, and weren't strong enough to force a military rise.
So the minds of House Kenafin formulated a plan. Using research performed by Lyander Al'tath, they summoned a powerful demon known as K'Hafran and using their ritual magic he becomes patron of the household, and father to Sarya Kenafin.
Following the death of her mother, Sarya Kenafin becomes leader of House Kenafin, and takes K'Hafran as her patron. Due to the unique nature of her birth, she is capable of creating children with K'Hafran, and begins creating the Demonfey.
Shortly before the Third Age and as part of the Great Purge, the Paladin Order of Lolth assassinate K'Hafran, we believe this information is still not known by the Demonfey.
Read More: Testament Statement 1116
House Kenafin was once a minor household, struggling for power and risking falling to the ever increasing warring nature of the dark elves. In their desperation they looked to demonic powers to bolster their own.
Following their pact with Lord K'hafran, he became patron of House Kenafin, and helped to guide them. In time the house grew stronger, not just because of their new found demon-hybrid forces - but K'hafran pushed them to be more. The armies trained harder and for longer. The smiths smelted finer armour and weapons. Most importantly, K'hafran taught them to use their small numbers to their advantage, he taught them to use their skills tactically.
Over the course of a few decades the Demonfey of House Kenafin had been executing a large number of raids into the surrounding areas of the Underdark. They had gained notoriety, prestige and the respect (if not anger) of their neighbours. This is not the beginning of their war in the Underdark, this was the simply lust for power held by all.
Eventually this drew the ire of the some of the older and larger clans. The Order of Lolth is sent to admonish House Kenafin, resulting in the Demonfey being discovered and forced into service within the armies. This was a huge blow to the ego of House Kenafin, but they did not allow this situation to deter them. They continued to produce more Demonfey, and the reappropriated forces were still blindly loyal to Lord K'hafran and Sarya Kenafin.
To prevent this growing power getting out of hand, the Order of Lolth assassinate Lord K'hafran. House Kenafin remain unaware of their lords death, and is simply presumed to be missing. It is during this time that Maediir steps in impersonating Lord K'hafran.
As the Underdark is rocked by the great purge, Maediir convinces the Demonfey to push their rebellion and start fighting back against the other Houses of the Underdark. With forces stretched by the purge, they are able to strike far across the Underdark.
After nearly a century, the Order of Lolth was able to muster enough strenght to be able to push the Demonfey back until they were left defensively holding the city of Trentarus. It was at this point the Order of Lolth discovered Maediirs involvment.
Using a powerful ritual, the Order of Lolth imprison the demonfey within Trentarus, were they slumbered for a milenna. During the same conflict, Maediir was bound into his body, and the body parts seperated. To this day, the Demonfey believe these body parts to belong to Lord K'hafran.
Following the death of K'Hafran, the Demonfey believed him to be missing. In time many of this children began to call out to him through Incantation. K'Hafran could never answer that call, however another saw an opportunity. Maediir, a lieutenant for Satuun, saw a chance to subvert the Demonfey and pit them against the Drow Empire.
Under Maediir's leadership, the Demonfey waged war against the Drow, causing significant damage to the Empire. The Paladin Order was eventually able to defeat them, and ritually imprison them within their home city of Trentarus.
Recognising that Maediir was in fact an agent of Satuun and not K'Hafran, the Paladins bound him to his body and scattered the remains, trapping him on Erdreja.
During their imprisonment, the Demonfey were oblivious to the true nature of Kh'afran. Following their escape from Trentarus, Satuun continued to gift them power, under the guise of K'Hafran.
Some Demonfey have come to realise the true nature of the new found power, and in realising its source are as disgusted as any Dark Elf would be, they have since been seeking to aid the Tarantulas in their war.
Research Article
The information contained in this article is the result of research done by players from within the Game World. The contents are only as factual as the original author intended and should not be unduly modified.
Troops of the yellow sign sowed carnage across the market place at the first moot of 1109 in what appears to be a first attack against the wider nations of the heartlands. With the notable exception of a fleshcrafter, who fell in an attempted assault on the Paladins of Lolth in the guild tent area and caused wide spread destruction in the alchemists guild when his corpse exploded into shards of bone, the yellow sign's campaign has been solely targeted against the Tarantulas.
Perhaps, it was the death of his general and original host Lyander at the hands of a multi-national war party at the recent consecration of the new Incantor's guild headquarters near the Underdark city of Dyer'Turic, which has finally focused the attention of the yellow sign on the surface nations.
The Tarantulas were first drawn to the city of Dechenza in 1106, when Adin D'Brassik's remaining forces marched on the city. Facing an army, whose numerical superiority, they could not beat, the Tarantulas discovered a tomb, sealed by 4 locks, echoing with the promise of power enough to destroy D'Brassik. Nathaniel of the Wardens followed the instructions contained within scrolls found near the tomb and used one of the primary elements (earth, air, fire and water) to destroy each of the locks. The words from within proved true and for 25 minutes, Nathaniel's body blazed with power, as he decimated Adin D'Brassik's army with storms of magebolts and waves of dismissing power. By the time, the magic finally released Nathaniel, the yellow sign had arisen from the tomb and taken possession of the closest body, that of Zyme, a paladin of Lolth. Zyme thanked the Tarantulas and informed them that he would see them shortly.
True to his word, Zyme attended the big gatherings of the year, offering the Tarantulas what he called 'Utopia', if only they would follow him. His initial approaches were not hostile, but by the gathering, he resorted to the ultimatum, 'Join or Die!', but declared hostilities would not commence until the impending cataclysm had passed.
Although the message of utopia was not heeded by the nobles of the Tarantula nation, its words found fertile ground in the ears of the down trodden of the Underdark, badly shaken by the cataclysm and the ensuing hardships of the aftermath, and in April 07, the city of Matron Mother Naxos De Fey and the current capital of the Tarantula nation erupted in revolt, orchestrated by the newly formed cult of the yellow sign. The Tarantulas failed to curb the riots and Guallidurth fell to the yellow sign, although the Tarantulan forces were able to flee with a sceptre and throne, two of the original keys to Lyander's tomb. The Tarantulas also learned that Lyander was originally locked away by the sacrifice of 4 members of his bloodline. Meanwhile, news emerged that armies of yellow sign had attacked the Cave of Whispers and Stormspike.
During the main gatherings of 1107, the yellow sign continued to harass the Tarantulas, sending out drones to attack them and cultist assassins to recover the lost lock pieces. Drones make up the main stray of Lyander's armies and are purpose built from the flesh of fallen cultists to fulfil the role of soldiers. As their purpose is to fight, they have no intelligence or other abilities beyond combat skills.
In the campaign season of 1108, Tarantula forces assaulted and recaptured the city of Guallidurth from the yellow sign, as well as repelling the forces from the cave of whispers. However, in a disturbing turn of events, the cultists forces of the yellow sign proved be easy pickings for the undead forces of the Akari General Thorn, who had recently emerged as a third power in the Underdark and the city Trentarus, home of the newly freed Demonfey, came under heavy and sustained attack from Lyander's forces.
Summer 1108 saw the Tarantulas continually harassed by forces of Lyander's drones, backed up by the healing skills of his fleshcrafters. Fleshcrafters not only heal drones, but they are the means by which Lyander assimilates new knowledge and they can often be found studying the bodies of the fallen for new tools and abilities, which Lyander incorporates into this latest creations. Experiment of House Karrash-Morr, learnt that contained within her is the third of the four keys, during a trip through her creator, Elkintaar's tower in Do'Bluth. The Tarantulas finally secured a decisive victory over the yellow sign at Trentarus, only to learn that Lyander's forces were seeking to secure the power contained within the ruins of the second founding capital of the Dark Elf Empire, Telantiwar.
Forces of the Tarantula nation beat Lyander to Telantiwar in October 1108, only to find it was the Akari, who were actually assaulting the city; the yellow sign appearing content to watch from the background. With the help of the Baelnorn, an order of unliving paladins born from the spirits of those who died during the destruction of Telantiwar, the Tarantulas managed to secure the fourth key; the heart of a Golem trapped within Telantiwar and activated the defences of Zy'Liir to protect the city from the Akari and the yellow sign.
On the battlefield that day, the yellow sign betrayed his alliance with General Thorn of the Akari, taking the general as his third 'improved' host and in doing so gained control of all Akari troops in the Underdark as well as a full knowledge of unliving.
By April 1109, the yellow sign had changed tactics and instead of trying to capture cities, it targeted the nobles of the Tarantula nation at a gathering to consecrate the new incantor's guild headquarters, near Dyer'Turic. The ensuing battle did not go as planned; the yellow sign's forces were rebuffed from Dyer'Turic and his general Lyander fell during the fighting and was dedicated to Dracos. The Tarantulas, meanwhile, had turned their attention to the locks for the tomb and a mission was undertaken to the heavily guarded stronghold of Dechenza, from where the first of the lock was successfully retrieved. At the first moot, a second lock was reclaimed from a heavily guarded cave in Mauritania.
Read More: Lyander Al'tath
Read More: Ashiira Mistrivven
Lyander was a first age Elf, an immensely powerful ritualist and a member of the white council. Like many of the Elves of his time, he devoted a great deal of time to researching the issue of ageing. He sought answers by studying creatures from the void, which he gradually came to call Daemons and in doing so, pioneered the art of daemonology. He came to learn of a being of immense power beyond Erdreja that promised cures to aging and all the other ills that ravaged their lands. Lyander could not refuse such an offer and summoned this creature, the yellow sign, but it was too powerful for him to control and took possession of him, forcing him to kill his beloved wife Ashira.
For many months, Lyander roamed freely unleashing untold destruction upon the Elves, until they realised that they could not destroy him, but instead elected to lock him away in a permanent state of torpor. They locked him into a tomb sealed by four locks, four keys and the sacrifice of four of his living relatives. Of the origins of the yellow sign, little is actually known, save that it originated from beyond Erdreja, although it is believed that destroying it may be impossible and locking it away again may be the only resort.
War scouts of the Tarantulan Armies have reported that in the last 24 hours, the yellow sign has pulled back its armies from all other fronts and appears to be marching them in the direction of Duanrahel, the only surface city of the Tarantulan nation.
What is it the yellow sign seeks here and why is Duanrahel, so important to it? It is the second time that the yellow sign has attempted to capture an ancient seat of power. Until recent events, it was assumed that the yellow signs failed strike on Telantiwar was an attempt to secure the key concealed there, but there is nothing related to Lyander's tomb in Duanrahel. So perhaps it is for another unknown reason that the yellow sign marches there?
Valsharess Naxos D'Fey is adamant that the city will not fall to the yellow sign and has decided to host the forthcoming Moot at Duanrahel, so the other nations of the Heartlands can gain a full appreciation of the peril that the yellow sign represents. The Tarantulas are a law abiding nation and ask that whilst on their lands you do not break their only law; 'Don't get caught' Breaking the law is punishable by death and a swift enactment of justice can be expected.
Duanrahel began life as a small unremarkable Elven town with nothing to distinguish it from any other, until it was chosen by Shaol Mistrivven and Tallia Aryvandaar in 1557 First Founding to be the site of their colleges of incantation. Ever since Lord Larethian had struck down Rulien Silvanost in the chambers of the white council using the powers of the first ancestor Lolthiriel, Shaol Mistrivven had worked ceaselessly to codify this new magic into a system that could be readily practiced and taught. His development completed, he and his wife, Tallia choose Duanrahel to be the site of their three colleges, the suns, stars and moon; each dedicated to teaching different philosophies of incantation.
In 1690 First Founding, Duanrahel was first named as a city, as the massive interest in faith based magic, swelled the population and temples to Lolthiriel began to appear on every corner of the growing city. Clan Aryvandaar were the first clan of the Illythiiri to make the growing city their home and from there they began their explorations of the Underdark.
The later part of the First Founding saw growing friction between the mages of Morias and the incantors of Duanrahel, which eventually degenerated into the start of the Sundering war. By 2602 First Founding, the Incantors or Dark Elves as they became known, were pushed back towards Duanrahel, where Clan Eclavadraar lead by Ergosal began to fortify the city against the forthcoming assault. The Dark Elves began their preparations for a retreat into the Underdark, but in order to buy themselves time Clans Cancarneyar, Kerithrion and Aryvandaar launched a daring assault on the first city of Morias, which lead to its almost complete destruction and the theft of a portion of the white tree, which was borne back to Duanrahel and eventually planted in the city of Telantiwar.
Seeking revenge, the forces of the Elves lead by Lord Larethian attacked with renewed fury against the gradually emptying city and finally laid siege to the walls in 2789 First Founding. Every member of Clan Eclavadraar gave their lives defending the city, as great magics were unleashed shattering the great peak at the city's heart, forever sealing the entrances into the Underdark and ending the Sundering war.
The ruined city witnesses in 55 Second Founding the parting between the Dark Elves and the Ice elves, as the Ice Elves return to the surface to seek out their homelands in the frozen north. They sign two scrolls of alliance before parting.
Aside from the occasional traveller seeking passage to and from the Underdark, the city remained abandoned and untouched for many centuries until it sank beneath the waves that rose during the cataclysm of water in 500AF. The city rested in its watery grave until the upheavals of the recent cataclysm of fire forced it to rise above the ocean's surface as a small island midway between Caledonia and Norsca. The island was claimed by the Tarantulas as an important part of their heritage, but in truth Duanrahel as the home of Incantation is an important part of everybody's heritage.
The library appears to be missing information about this subject.
Triel Cruentatus became a threat to our Empire in 1120, when she launched an assault against us during the Gathering of Nations which she used to claim a throne from the former White Council. Triel once held this seat on the council, and we believe has taken it as a symbol of her role to lead.
Triel Cruentatus was born late in the Second Age to Uttuku Cruentatus, at the height of the Drow Empire. At this point in time the Dark Elven Council sat at Telantiwar, and each of the houses of the Empire kept a diplomatic contingent in the city.
Triel, like much of her family, excelled in mage craft and ritual magic. She quickly gained a reputation for her skill, and her temperament made her ideal for representing her mothers wishes at Telantiwar.
During her time at Telantiwar infighting amongst the Drow Empire reached its height with the death of the Val'sharess. It is believed this may have been the catalyst for Triel's destruction of the city. Whilst little is known about the ritual, we do know that power was gathered in the circle and then that power was detonated destroying the city in the process.
Letters from Triel suggest that this ritual also led to her undeath.