"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
- Bertrand Russell

What is the Heart of War?

After being around for three years now, we know very little of the Heart of War. What we do know comes from rumors and horrible tales from those who have lived long enough to escape it. 

It was born on the last battlefield of the Civil War. The grass was soaked in blood as a terrible creature clawed its way from the ground. It wreaked havoc across the field, destroying all three armies that had come to destroy one another. No survivors were left, just the Heart of War, a large entity born of the consequences of mankind. Those who die to it are cursed to wander the fog of death and grieve for eternity. It does not matter who you are, women, children, civilians...The Heart takes all, just as war does. 

It's said to have a physical body, that wanders somewhat aimlessly across the Empire. But its roots of corruption and smoky fog have spread to cover every inch of what was once our home. It sows the seeds of discontent and distrust, breaking apart any remaining civilizations. 

Many say the Heart of War was a creation of the shadow realm or born from the Infernal plane as an act to destroy all mortals- starting with the Empire who was known for it's in-fighting.

One of the first major cities to fall was the Capital City. Many did not survive, but those who did fled to other states or cities. One of them was Soln, a neutrality during the Civil War and a refugee center for those escaping conflict. But the Heart takes all, and destroys Soln too, leaving the shell of a city in it's wake. 

Side Effects of the Heart

Many know that should you hear the screeching of souls and the sound of war drums it's far too late. That war has come, and only death will follow. Rumors and talk of the black fog blanketing whole cities spread as a cautionary tale.

The Fog is the most common manifestation of the Heart's corruption that has infected the land. It spreads like mist and it is nearly impossible to see through, acting much like darkness. People speak of there being both visions and creatures within the fog. Some say they see fallen family members or people they knew, trapped in the neverending fog of grief. Others say they see warlords and warriors, full of vengeance and hate. One thing is true though, that creatures born of this corruption hunt in the fog, tearing apart any who are found trapped within it.

Corruption of the Earth is another common manifestation of the Heart's influence. Dark death and decay seep into the ground typically around villages and cities. It kills plant life and crops, essentially making once lush forests into barren wastelands. While this takes a very long time, there are already places around the former empire where life has been wiped out over the past few years. But with the revival of some refugee cities like Soln, talented farmers have found ways to take more tender care of the earth. And with the help of local druids, some areas have begun to see life anew. 

Corruption of the Mind is a lesser-known but equally as terrifying side effect. Typically when one comes into contact with other manifestations like corrupted earth or The Fog, their minds can slowly be tainted with a variety of ideas of malintent. This can be anything from manipulation, anger, rage, fear, intense sadness or grief, or distrust. It shrouds the corrupted mind and often ends up in more lives being hurt. These people can fight against this corruption, and people have been witnessed talking their corrupted loved ones through the brain fog and bringing them back to normal.