History and Legends

 

1. Ancient City and Catacombs

Millennia ago, Asvelgoth stood as a beacon of knowledge and innovation, a scholarly metropolis drawing in sages, arcane researchers, and inventors from distant lands. But this golden age ended in blood: fanatical zealots, fearing the city's progressive magic and philosophy, laid siege to Asvelgoth for 100 days. In its darkest hour, a desperate arch‑wizard unleashed an epic spell that buried the entire city along with its inhabitants. The spell reshaped the landscape—now, catacombs lie beneath the modern city, filled with ancient marvels and sinister horrors.

2. The Rise of the Modern City

After the disaster, survivors established a new city atop the ruins. Asvelgoth rose anew, but its foundations lay in dust and memory. The catacombs—sealed and secretive—became a forbidden layer underfoot, rumored to contain lost knowledge, arcane artifacts, and unspeakable evils. Many noble lines claim heritage from pre‑burial scholars or cultists who survived the fall; others use the buried city’s secrets to maintain power.

3. Twelve Noble Families

Power in Asvelgoth is centered around twelve influential noble houses. Each family plays a distinct role:
- Aurelian commands the city’s defenses and military might
- Valerica dominates trade and commerce
- Corvinus guards the city’s intellectual and arcane heritage

• The remaining families—Daniels, Luxsor, Silvara, Cornell, Bostoro, Alvguard, Permadon, Falaria (elven house), Esotera, Merinoct, and Menhaden—balance wealth, religion, craftsmanship, and politics. Each competes for influence over temples, trade, magic, and secret knowledge

Smaller houses, like Salarius and Sephiral, vie for attention in the shadows, often as lacemakers, minor traders, or puppet‑masters.

4. Religious Zeal and Myths

Plagued by catastrophic magic in its past, Asvelgoth’s people now cling fiercely to faith. The city is steeped in religious tension: official temples preach caution and redemption, while forbidden cults worship the old gods or the catacombs’ ancient power. Some legends still speak of the arch‑wizard’s spell as if it were divine judgment, and the buried city is occasionally echoed in nightmares and cult rituals.