The Long Eclipse
Thauriga had endured for untold ages before darkness fell. The gods had shaped its mountains, seas, and skies, mortals had carved empires into its land, and civilizations had risen and fallen beneath the watchful gaze of Aurys. But five centuries ago, the world was nearly brought to total ruin when Nelthares, then known as the god of Change, saw flaws in the gods’ creations. He believed the world shouldn’t be bound by order, but chaos should reign supreme. His desire to tear apart the wold and reshape existence freely grew into contempt, then defiance, then action.
Light vanished. Some scholars believe the darkness lasted only a single day – a testament to Aurys’ swift victory, a momentary trial that proved mortal resilience. To others, it was years of suffering, where crops withered, stars vanished, and the world nearly collapsed under the weight of Nelthares’ corruption. Religious sects undoubtedly debate the truth. In Kaldras, priests of Aurys insist the sun was absent for no more than three days. Epylos, seat of the Oracle, records visions suggesting it may have lasted decades in ways mortals could not perceive. Scholars in Erastra argue the eclipse fractured time itself, distorting memory and making truth unknowable.
The skies remained shrouded in shadow, and the world trembled beneath the wave of infernal horrors that poured out from the Twisted Hells. Nelthares’ legions burned cities to the ground, his corruption seeped into the earth, and the will of gods and mortals alike began to break. Even Aurys, radiant and eternal, could not wrestle control of the heavens from her enemy’s grasp. It was a war unlike any other, fought not just in the divine realms, but across every battlefield, every home, every soul that still clung to hope.
The Dawnguard, the holy warriors of Aurys, descended from the heavens in righteous fury, leading the charge against the Hell Lord’s armies. But even their might alone was not enough. The Long Eclipse was not only a test of divine power but of mortal resilience, and in the darkest hour, it was the will of three mortal heroes – Kaldoran, Lathandra, and Apollis – that turned the tide. Guided by Aurys’ blessing, wielding relics of immeasurable power, they struck deep into Nelthares’ domain, confronting him where gods had failed. The heroes, radiating the will of Aurys, defeated Nelthares and cast him into the depths of Tárthos.
Their victory did not come without sacrifice. With the weight of their souls, the heroes placed three sacred sigils across Thauriga, binding Nelthares to Tárthos permanently. As his screams faded into the abyss, the sun returned, its light piercing the heavens, banishing the shadow.
Peace followed, but scars remained. Many have forgotten the terror of the Long Eclipse, dismissing it as mere legend. But others watch the sky with unease, for nothing lasts forever.