Skellos the Cruel

Born into the secretive and enigmatic society of shadow elves, Shadralith Vel'Norren, later known as Skellos, manifested an early aptitude for the mystic arts. Recognizing his potential, a shadow elf wizard from the remote reaches of Teradryn took him under his eccentric wing. This mentor, proficient not only in conventional magic but also in the forbidden arts of necromancy, sought to unravel the mysteries of shadows and manipulate the forces of death.

As the years unfolded, Skellos proved to be an exceptional pupil, absorbing the dark knowledge imparted by his master with an unnatural ease. His innate connection to the shadows, combined with exceptional intelligence, marked him as a formidable necromancer in the making. However, his insatiable ambition grew, fueled by whispers of a great necromancer from ancient times echoing in the corridors of his mind.

The turning point in Skellos's life arrived when he deemed himself ready to surpass his master. Unbeknownst to his mentor, Skellos plotted a treacherous course. One fateful night, under the waxing and waning moon, he executed his master with a cold precision that mirrored the shadows he now commanded. Blind to the implications of his nefarious act, Skellos severed the thread of his master's life, unaware of the eldritch pact governing the fate of necromancers.

The fallen master, Varian Shadowgaze, eternally bound by the eldritch pact, rose from death's cold grip as a Barrow Wight, inheriting memories and arcane lore. Despite being tethered to the forest and burial grounds, Varian's body was animated as one of Skellos's undead minions. The once living mentor became a macabre undead monster, a Barrow Wight, under the complete control of his former apprentice.

Skellos's quest for the secrets in his master's scrolls led him through treacherous lands, ancient ruins, and forgotten tombs. Leaving behind a trail of animated corpses and twisted remnants, Skellos sought power at any cost. Now known as "the Cruel," his mastery over the undead terrified and captivated those who crossed his path. Tales of the Cruel Necromancer whispered through the realms, leaving darkness and dread in his wake.

Unbeknownst to Skellos, an ancient force of benevolence observed the unfolding drama. Varian, trapped in shadowy bindings, harbored a flicker of nobility. This dormant sliver resonated with a compassionate force, seeking to liberate Varian from Skellos's influence. The force, unaware of the necromantic secret binding Skellos, empowered Varian to resist.

Guided by this otherworldly intervention, Varian resisted Skellos's control. As the benevolent force sought to sever the connection, Varian's latent powers surged. Empowered and driven by his own will, Varian attacked Skellos and killed him, freeing himself but binding him to the spot due to his Barrow Wight nature. Thirteen days later, Skellos rose as a Lich.

In a subsequent battle between Skellos, now a Lich, and Varian, the Lich emerged victorious. The clash of powers manifested in waves of dark and radiant energies, creating an ethereal storm within the shadowy forest. Despite Varian's spectral brilliance, Skellos's mastery proved overwhelming, and the forest fell silent once more.

The battle had been costly for Skellos, prompting him to "fake" his death. Believed to have met his demise four and a half decades ago, his body seemingly decapitated and entombed in a special vault that could only be opened by a a priest of the Seldarine, along with his unholy artifacts, Skellos was all but forgotten. Unbeknownst to the world, an enigmatic hermit would uncover his resting place, setting in motion events that blurred the lines between the living and the departed.

The hermit, with a penchant for the arcane, unearthed Skellos's grave and passed the lost artifacts to four young Elven apprentices. Entrusted with these relics, the apprentices embarked on a journey infused with intrigue. A talented artist among them drew a portrait of the hermit, unknowingly revealing Skellos's identity. The High Priestess of the Church of Larini recognized the face, thought to be lost to history. The Party was sent to fetch everything found within the tomb and to return. The party found that the tomb had never been breached and that the artifacts they recovered were fakes, and that they had unwittedly opened the crypt so that Skellos could access it. Skellos reclaimed his artifacts leaving the fakes behind. He left the area but cursed the elves that were with him

The revelation has sparked discussions and whispers of resurrection, stolen graves, and mysterious hermits. The stolen artifacts are believed to be the keys to unlocking a chapter believed to be sealed shut. Skellos's return, casts a looming shadow over the realm, challenging perceptions and beckoning an era of unforeseen consequences. The kingdom stands at a crossroads, caught between forgotten necromantic powers and cautionary tales of a bygone era. As Skellos's silhouette looms, the kingdom holds its breath, anticipating revelations and the weight of decisions that could very well shape destinies.

The Artifacts of Skellos the Cruel are a very large source of his power.:

1. Robes of the Shadow
2. Invisible Veil of Soulbound Resonance
3. Elven Cursed Longsword of Singing - Dirgeblade
4. Unicorn Horn Wand - Enchanter's Aegis
5. Ruby Ring - Sanguine Embrace
6. Human Skin Bound Spellbook - Grimoire of Tormented Arcana