Canon: This just keeps getting sadder and sadder

[not_my_sandbox]

So, now that Runescape went through part one of its Prifddinas Expansion and I feel compelled to share the this triad of first-hand in-character perspectives on a very early part of Runescape backstory. This is what canon does D-:

Zaros' memory

Z01. Creator

She is my creator; I both love and loathe her. A being of such immense primordial power that she can create life with but a thought, yet she herself is a stunted child. How could such a being come to be? It frustrates me that Mah has such gifts and yet wastes them creating what one might consider amusements. Such wasted potential... but then, she did also create me

Z02 Companion

Though I am unique, there was one other created at the same time as I. The light to my darkness. I find it beautiful, and the attraction is mutual. Whereas I am analytical, my companion is empathetic. We are opposites, but we are also the same. I know not our creator's purpose, but it is good to not be alone.

Z03 Control

I am flawed, as is my companion. When in close proximity, each of us triggers intense feelings within the other. My companion is filled with devotion towards me, and I adoration towards it. We both are intoxicated by this. It saps my concentration, it saps my companion's will. Neither of us can halt the effect. We are slaves to each other. This... This is control. Our creator has done this to us both, but if it was her intent that this binding would coerce us to stay, she has failed. I shall be her plaything no longer. I will find a way to leave.

Z04 Departure

Our creator slumbers for longer each day. This world can scarcely nourish her, its anima low and diminishing. I sense other worlds nearby. She has not the strength to reach them, but I have. I wish to explore and discover. I hunger to learn. My creator has no knowledge to pass on, no memory from before her birth. My companion intends to remain behind to tend and comfort our creator, believing that we are indebted to her for our existence. I feel no such debt. I shall leave and forge my own path.

Z05 Language

I have walked upon a hundred proto-worlds, half built and failing - the early works of Mah's elder sisters. But here, for the first time, I have stepped onto a plane that, although raw and imperfect, teems with conscious life. They have order and architecture, society, and bureucracy. It is a machine with so many moving parts, and yet - against all odds - it works. From the Chthonian dukes to the Avernic slaves, each individual a cog in the machine. Even the ousted Infernals have a part to play. They also have something called language - an alien concept, but one I find most fascinating. They name themselves demons. I shall make myself known to them - their first encounter with divinity. And then I shall use their love of language to bind them to me. I shall give this great machine a purpose.

Z06 Society

I continue my exploration of the lower planes of the universe, this time of a world named Vampyrium. The dominant species is predatory and instinctual, though not lacking in awareness. They roam the surface and skies in small packs competing for prey. It is wasteful, both of these predators and their prey. They can be put to better use. I intend to experiment with them - to teach them of society, of culture. Unified, they could perhaps cease their infighting and become greater than the beasts they are.

Z07 Diversity

Upon reaching the edge of the lower planes, four paths opened to me - each path laid by one of Mah's sisters. It appears that, lacking my creator's knowledge, each of her sisters has separated to build their own worlds - perhaps in an effort to learn what they have lost in the absence of Mah? These I call the elemental planes, and they overflow with diversity. It is upon these elemental worlds that I have first encountered creatures who refer to themselves as gods. They have some semblance of divinity, but, unlike me, they are not of truly divine origin. I am intrigued as to how such limited beings have overcome their inherent weaknesses, for they appear to have derived from among the mortal races. Indeed, many races from these planes follow the dogma of these self-proclaimed gods, and I unable to sway them to my cause. As such, I have spurred on to the higher realms, where the elder god's paths reconvene into worlds with more balance.

Z08 Obedience

I have explored from one end of the universe to the other, and at its furthest point discovered a perfect world - the final work of the elders. Many of the races I encountered on my journey have flocked to this perfect world, led here by their deities... but this world does not belong to them. They carve out territories and scar the land with their petty skirmishes. They must be taught obedience. As a child of the creators, I feel it is my duty to bring these young gods to heel. My ability to enforce loyalty does not compel ascendant beings, only the lower mortals and my old companions. I will have to resort to baser methods. To this end, I have brought my own lower races to this world. If the young gods will not heed my words or recognize my divinity, then they will be made to listen.

Z09 Eris quod sum

My empire's progress has stalled, I expected little resistance from the forests to the south, yet from them sprang forth a race even my demonic legions fear. The legates refer to them as Stern Judges, but I have learned their true name - Mahjarrat: 'the children of Mah'. Could they really be so? After my departure, could she have created more toys? They are but a fraction of myself and my old companion, yet I feel a connection with them, a shared ancestry - they are my younger siblings. Surely this is serendipity... or fate, should such a thing exist. I intend to take them under my wing. Within the empire they will rule as princes, and they shall be its inheritors. Until such a time, they shall be my envoys.

Z10 Sub Rosa

I have known she was here since I first arrived - my companion of old - but I can avoid her no longer. I need her help. I feared the effect we would have on each other, but it was far weaker than I remember, perhaps due to our time apart. Her time with Guthix has turned her head, and she refuses to interfere with this world. It is all up to me. As such, I have seized control of a device from her that allows for near instantaneous travel throughout the universe, even between Gielinor and Freneskae, its two furthest points. I shall use this 'World Gate' to more quickly and easily explore creation, and to further my knowledge of magic and science. Perhaps there are mortal races left who might yet join my cause, on worlds I have previously overlooked. The Mahjarrat have taken over from the dwindling Chthonian dukes and my empire is now self-sustaining. My presence is rarely required and I now work behind the scenes. The mortals under my rule accept my philosophies and spread them of their own accord.

Z11 Tabula Rasa

The lower planes once more bear fruit. One race, the Ilujanka, has joined my empire on proviso that I solve their infertility. This seems like a problem worth solving. I am only capable of reshaping existing forms of life: to solve an issue of creation will require something more. To this end, I have returned to the place of my birth. With Freneskae's failing anima, Mah has slipped into a coma. She manifests nightmare creatures from which I am able to harvest her elder energy. I have pushed the limits of my own abilities, reforming the essence of other races into new beings... but to give them life required Mah's energy. As such, they are a failure, only proving of what I am incapable. Strictly, they should be named zarytes, but I have dubbed them 'nihil', for they are nothing to me. Much like the Mahjarrat, they have the ability to absorb the essence of their brethren. One of these nihil - originally shunned - has fast outgrown the rest. I have chosen to uplift her. To do so, I had to implant a small sliver of my being. The irony of this is not lost on me. I am not proud of this, but to leave her as she was would have seen the other nihil destroy her. With her newfound sentience, she has named herself Nex in the old Infernal tongue. Her speed and capability for learning are astounding. Although Nex will prove useful in bringing unity to the world, this entire experiment has only gone to prove my unworthiness. I myself must take a new path and find a way to transcend to elder godhood, for only then will I be able to aid the Ilujanka, to create life from nothing.

Z12 Deus Ex

Upon my return to Gielinor, I searched for Mah's elder sisters, hoping to convince them to aid in my transcendence. Instead I discovered a horrifying truth about this world. I know now what its true purpose is. It is not for mortals. It is not for me. And only the powerful have a hope of surviving. My path is clear. Though I cannot create life, I can forge it into stronger forms. Perhaps one such form will be our deliverance. My empire has taught me that pushing mortals meets with resistance, so I must learn to pull them instead: to lead them from the shadows. I must become the guiding voice within their heads - their drive, their urgency, their passion and their betterment. I shall become the mortals' will to power. There is little time, and this will take all my efforts. I shall return one last time to inform the cardinals - Azzanadra and Zamorak shall inherit all.

Seren's memories

S01 Mother

I would do anything for my companion to prove my devotion, as he would to show his adoration. When we are apart, however, I am more coherent: can think and feel more clearly. He thinks this is some form of control forced upon us by Mah, so that we will always strive to remain close to each other and to her. I urge him to stay with us, but he intends to leave. He does not see - or does not care - that Mah acted not out of malice; only fear of being alone. Without her we would not exist. I owe it to her to stay, to sooth my creator. I cannot leave her alone... she needs me.

S02 Dreams

Whenever lucid, Mah cries out for Zaros. I do what I can to comfort her, but that is not much. What Zaros saw as her controlling us, I see as her protecting us... and now it is my turn to protect her. She sleeps more than anything these days, and her dreams manifest - they are pale imitations of Zaros and myself, their bodies not even formed entirely of crystal. They are a waste of what little energy she clings to. Perhaps I can find some way to return their power back to her, if only to keep her lucid. Some make pilgrimages up the volcano to Mah, calling themselves her children. I pose as her to warn them off. I intend to visit them in this guise. If they are so in awe of her, then they might sacrifice their own energy to restore her.

S03 Nightmares

Her dreams have become violent nightmares. The beings she manifests are now grotesque and purely instinctual. At least these muspah keep the tribes at bay. Mah is comatose now, and there is nothing more I can do for her. This planet's anima is all but depleted, and the rituals only manage to quell her nightmares for a time. Even when she does lapse back into semi-consciousness all she does is wail and scream and hurt herself. For such times, I taught the tribes how to drain some of her energy and use it create more of their kind. It broke my heart to do this, but without some equilibrium, Mah will likely rip this planet apart. For all the power she instilled in me, I am powerless to help. Once she is stable, I plan to leave.

S04 Peace

Until now my search has been fruitless and mournful, but I have finally discovered a world with life - a beautiful race of creatures filled with joy, who live in harmony with their verdant world. There is a strong sign here of a creator's hand - perhaps the indigenous life knows something of that creator's whereabouts. I shaped myself in their image and revealed myself to them, fearful of what effect I might have on them, but hopeful that they could point the way. They loved me from the first, but I did not cause it - they chose to do so! It was not a result of the control Mah instilled in me, at least, I do not believe that to be the case. It feels even more intoxicating, but I remain cogent. I can only surmise that what Mah created artificially has been manifested naturally with these beings. I see now that what Mah did to us was wrong, but this feels so right! Could it be as simple as the right to choose? Never shall I leave their side.

S05 Devotion

It has been many years since I found my beloved elves and still each day feels like a gift. The world is vibrant with anima and there are no signs of the Creators to diminish it. Is this what it feels like to be home? I have shown my elves the rudimentary tools to improve their civilisation. Simple things, agricultural and just a little magic. They already live in harmony with their world, all I have done is to give them the tools to intensify their connection with it. I have become the focus of a religion. Ceidwad, one of the elven mystics, has spread "the word of Seren" via a great book called the Cerddi and the elves embraced it. It's gratifying, but I think of myself less of a god and more as a protector. I still ponder whether they love me of their own volition or they are enamoured by my divine status. I chose to believe the former. I have almost forgotten the harshness of Freneskae. It was a cold, dead world, but this world teams with life and warmth.

S06 Longevity

I wept for so long when my beloved Ceidwad died. It had been mere decades, but her body had grown decrepit and failed her. How is this fair - that Zaros and I get to live forever, but these noble creatures do not? Why must they wither and die, simply because of the passage of time? Their lives are so brief; they deserve more. I must fix this. I shall give them the gift of time. Music sat at the heart of elven culture. I have devised a method to share my essence with them through sound. In this way, they will accept and embrace my gift. Just enough to give them a measure of my longevity. Let their lives be measured in centuries, not decades. My priests have spread the song and already I can see them growing healthier. They're calling it the 'Song of Creation' not quite apt, but it has a nice ring to it. Now my elves will live the long lives they deserve.

S07 Need

I have done something terrible. I hope my children can forgive me. The song that was to bless them with long, happy lives has inextricably tied them to me. Our souls have become harmonised. Though I believe they love me by choice, the part of me that instils a feeling of love in others became a great hook in their souls. Barbed kindness, a love that literally breaks their heart if they are apart from me for too long. If they leave my side for more than a few days, they become sick and feverish and will do anything in their power to return to me again. Forsaking duty, forsaking family and friendship. All that matters to them is that they return to my presence. Kept apart from me for too long and their fever becomes worse, their heart stops and I lose them forever. I have done a terrible thing. I am so sorry, my children.

S08 Companionship

He visited again, a young god empowered through accident rather than design. Gifted with divinity, yet he neither craves nor desires it. It must be strange to acquire such a mantle. I cannot empathise for I have always been thus. Like my elves he was a gentle soul and I grew fond of his visits. I find myself impatiently awaiting him; our conversations have become the highlight of decades. He told me of his people and the tragedy that befell them and in doing so he warned me against the dangers of the young gods. Perhaps he would be able to help me, but I am too ashamed to share my burden with him, lest he sees me in the same light as those who destroyed his kind. For an entire race to be lost to the whims of a god is unforgivable. I must correct my mistake alone.

S09 Change

Guthix is different, stronger somehow. He has grown in potential to a power that rivals my own, perhaps even surpasses it. I have shared my knowledge of the anima with him, and he has gradually grown in power, but this change is sudden and disturbing. With it he has grown in confidence. Were it not tempered by the gentle nature that has always been at his core, this growth would be frightening to see. He has told me of a world that he has discovered - a perfect world. He has already taken some races there, and now he invites me and my elves. The newfound strength emanating from him has a familiar feel. Not Mah... This is one of the others. I shall accept his invitation. I must see this world and discover the cause of his gain in power.

S10 Exploration

Knowing I could not leave my elves alone for any length of time, I removed a shard of my being and breathed life into it. I shaped it to look like one of my elves and named it Haluned, then sent it to explore this world of Guthix's. She would be my eyes and ears. This world's abundance of anima struck me immediately but I could also feel a drain on it. There was no doubt; my suspicions had been confirmed - the creators were here. Halunend explored this world as my proxy. Guthix's humans were there, attuned with nature but in a manner different from the elves. One of them was different from the others, out of flux, somehow misplaced in time. I shall inform Guthix of this. If magic such as this existed here, then I knew there must be a way to fix what I had done to the elves. The elves will be sad to leave their home, but they must come here with me. This new world could be their salvation.

S11 Exodus

I asked them to give up the world of their birth, to travel with me to a brand new world with me. They wanted to please me, but were reluctant to leave. They did not understand why they must, but to tell them would have shattered their innocence and trust in me. The only way I could convince them was to withdraw from them for a while, to deprive them of my presence. It was a cruel tactic - one that I regret even now - but it was a necessity. When I returned, their sickness had made them so desperate to be near me that they forgot all about their concerns of abandoning Tarddiad and agreed to come with me. It's for the best, I keep telling myself. I know what is best for them.

S12 Magic

Thankfully, upon our arrival, my elves embraced Gielinor, recognising its perfect beauty. The elves chose a lush forest as their new home, and I instructed them to build a new city. I left Haluned with them so they would not suffer while I set out to explore this world with Guthix. Guthix showed me much of what he had discovered and done. All the while I was looking for sign of the elders, but to no avail. But then Guthix showed me how their magic was all around us. He had wrought strange stones, infused them with the world's latent power, that could be used to wield the strange elements and work wonders. It was a magic far beneath anything Guthix or I could muster, but it was magic nonetheless, and its origin was clear. My elves came to understand magic through their connection with me, but Guthix's humans literally plucked magic from the ground. As I cannot find the elders, then these runes are my best chance. I must study the source of their power, for within it I feel will be a solution.

S13 Exploration

Guthix has gone to slumber in order to mitigate the drain on this world as best he can, but also to leave his humans to their own devices. He invited me to join him, and I wished to go. But if I were to do so, it would leave my elves to their fate. I care for them, and I must try to set them free. The magic of the creators woven into stones is the key, I feel it. I must find a way to use it to break my link, so that I may assist Guthix. Prifddinas's population has boomed since our arrival, and Haluned's presence alone is no longer enough to sustain them. Thus, I must remain, and Haluned can once again be my proxy in the world. Although I feel like I already know every corner of Isafdar, I shall begin my search anew, with fresh eyes. Haluned is a capable mage in her own right, but I have asked her to travel as a human would, to view this world from their perspective. This will require her to traverse beneath the mountains to the east into human lands. I hope it is safe.

S14 Emanation

If only I had viewed the world from the perspective of mortals sooner! During her traversal of the secret pass beneath the mountains, Haluned felt a strange emanation. It brought to me memories of my time with Zaros back on Freneskae. I felt its draw through her. At the point of this emanation we discovered a rift through which poured a near-limitless supply of deathly energy. My own energy derives from the light end of the spectrum, but this energy type sits at the opposite end of the scale, much like my old companion did. Could such energy counteract my own, and break my link with the elves? If I can find a way to safely tap this energy, then the elves might be free of me. They would regain their diminished mortality, but such is how it should be.

S15 Enervation

The Iorwerth seem best suited for my initial tests with this death energy. They were willing volunteers, of course, for they both loved and trusted me. Together we developed a range of spells, rituals and blessings, and infused this energy with crystal to explore its effects. To begin with, nothing happened, but slowly the elves grew more accustomed to the energy and grew more confident in its use. From this, we learned things of value to elven society. Unfortunately, it did not have the desired effect of negating my influence over them. There was something about this energy, though...it made me feel something I had not felt for a long time. And while I enjoyed this sensation - which I can only describe as a memory of euphoria - it was only ever temporary. And while away from the energy, negative thoughts found their way into my mind - depression over my lack of progress, guilt over what I had done to the elves, anxiety of what might become of them, longing for our old home on Tarddiad. I aborted the tests and sealed away the energy - it was not the answer I had been seeking.

S16 Expectation

I have been so enrapt in my goal of freeing my elves from their unseen enslavement to me, and so focussed upon my efforts beneath the mountains, that I have failed to notice events occurring in the wider world. Word of an ever expanding empire has reached our borders. My first thoughts were of fear for the safety of my people, and so I endeavoured to learn as much as I could of this potential new threat, and it was not long before I discovered that its emperor was none other than Zaros! Knowing this, my concern dissipated. I wondered what could have led him to such, but after reflecting upon my own experiences with mortality I wondered no more. I reached out to him, in hopes that he might hold the answers I sought. I was apprehensive, considering how we affect one another, but upon his arrival I noted that our connection had waned, and within that I saw the truth. Magic could not undo what I had done to my elves, only separation from the source. From me. As divine beings, Zaros and I could withstand such separation, but the frailty of the elves leads them to sickness and death. My separation from them must be gradual. It was as well that I figured this for myself, for Zaros did not come with solutions, only problems of his own. I would have helped if I could, but my elves must come first. All I could do was tell him of my own journey through Guthix's gate, in hopes that he could find his answers elsewhere. My elves and I would not be requiring a way to return home to Tarddiad for a very long time...

S17 Denial

He is dead! How can he be dead? How is this possible? We are the divine offspring of the creators of this universe - how could it be possible for us to die at the hands of mortals? And if he can die...can I? His energy was derived from darkness and death, but mine springs from light and life. Surely that means I cannot die, even though he could. And I must not, for if I do, then what will happen to those under my care? Though Zaros is gone, his legacy - at least - will remain. Those who followed him are left with all that he gave them, all that he taught them. Yet my sudden departure would soon see the elves follow me into oblivion. I must ensure that I will have time enough to undo what I have done, and wean the elves off their dependency on me.

S18 Anger

I was wrong about Zaros's legacy. Even now, his empire crumbles, beset on all sides by the followers of other gods. His life's work is being undone by fear and jealousy, and in time will be forgotten entirely. The peace that his empire brought to the world is broken - and now the vultures picking at his corpse seek to encroach upon Tirannwn. I shan't allow it! I have tasked Clan Cadarn with the protection of all the clans and these lands we call home. Baxtorian holds the eastern entrance to the hidden pass with a cadre of elven mages and scouts, and a small force of Iorwerth. While Zaros held the reigns of his empire we were safe - he ensured our lands were left untouched - but that can no longer be relied upon. I shall attune the anima of Tirannwn to erect a barrier around us, which should keep us isolated from the others of this world. All elves must retreat into the forests. If Zaros can be forgotten, then so can we. Hopefully, it will buy the time I require. We shall leave the rest of the world to their wars. I have been wrong about so much. I hope that I am not wrong about this.

S19 Melancholy

As the elves have withdrawn from the world, I have withdrawn from them; I have cloistered myself within the Tower of Voices. Only the lords and ladies of the eight largest families are permitted entry, so that I might instruct them. Their clans remain healthy - it is starting to work. I must prepare the elves to live in this world without me - once they are weaned, I intend to leave. Each of the clans must find their own place within a new elven society, becoming more reliant on each other for their survival, and less on my guidance. The family I find myself most concerned with is the Iorwerth. Their talents for hunting and killing are necessary for the survival of all clans. They keep the dark beasts at bay, and provide fish and meat to the other clans. As such, they have more need to venture beyond the safety of the city, and for longer and longer stints. Perhaps they are becoming less dependent on my presence - more so than the other clans. Their lady, when she visits, second guesses me at every turn. Though I desire revenge upon Zaros's murderer, it is not something I would act upon. But she has picked up on this desire, and though she cannot understand the source of it, her thoughts run dark with it. It is perhaps an encouraging sign to see such free thought, but it worries me all the same. I cannot finally free the elves of me only to leave them with an imprint of my darker impulses. I can control them, but they cannot...

S20 Acceptance

So much has happened since Guthix removed himself from this world. I thought if I were ever to see him again it would bring joy to both our hearts, but we have found nothing but sadness. The petty squabbling of the young gods has awoken him. He has taken the example of my barrier around Tirranwn and applied it to the world as a whole, to stop the evicted gods from returning. I am glad he has returned and put a stop to them. I am glad that he returned to me too, but he no longer asks me to leave this place...he demands it. In that moment, I confessed to him what I had done to the elves and hence why I could not...why I still cannot. There was only one course of action. I would be leaving, just not with Guthix. He tried to convince me otherwise, but upon realising my resolve he conceded, and with no words left to speak, he bowed his head, then turned and left. Before I could do what must be done, I recalled my proxy, and into it poured all of my negativity, my darkest thoughts, my fears and regrets, and then sent it away from elven lands where it could do no harm. I had to be rid of it for what was to come next. Prifddinas now lies temporarily evacuated - it shall be regrown once I am gone, with the crystals I have handed to the lords and ladies. By expelling my energy, this area will be forever infused with it, and small fragments of my body, when carried, will allow elves to journey far beyond these city walls. In time, even these shall no longer be needed. I have encouraged Baxtorian to do just this, and to journey east once more. Now that the wars have ended, it is time for my elves to rejoin this world. I accept now that even divine beings can die, and that my time has come. At least I go knowing that the harm I have caused this gentle people can and will eventually be undone, and that my death will not lead to theirs.

Guthix's memories

G01

...never saw Aagi more alive than the day her horns appeared. It was as if she saw her whole adult life ahead of her, and it filled her with excitement. 'What shall I be, daddy? What shall I do?' I told her she could be and do whatever she wanted. That made her even more excited. She came up with dozens of plans: she would be a diviner; a light-sculptor; a butterfly catcher. I sat with her and tried to explain what each role involved. She had so much to learn about the world, but she was so eager. It was too early to guess about what she would be - what she would have been...

G02

...a chance to teach Aagi about the tradition of hospitality. She sat on the nomad’s lap and nodded like a serious grown-up, although I don’t think she understood his story. The nomad told us about a magical disturbance near Askroth. The diviners were ecstatic; saying that it had opened up whole new lines of research. The most popular theory was that it was a portal, and that it was yet to fully open. A portal to another world! The diviners were arranging a welcoming committee...

G03

...since dawn in the refugee camp, and I was exhausted. The news from Askroth became worse with each band to arrive. The great city of Askroth was no more. Terrified refugees spoke of a blue man the size of a mountain. The diviners had angered him, they said, and in that anger he had razed the city. They pointed to a building on the horizon, built on the ruins of Askroth. The giant's army was marching downriver. Our cities were assembling armies of their own, but I didn’t see how they would stand a...

G04

...her sleep had been uneasy. Aagi slept with a frown, clutching her butterfly net. My heart ached to see her - my daughter, yet a child, who had lived her meagre few centuries in times of war. How long had it been since I'd heard her laugh? I considered sending her away with the refugees, more of whom left each year, but they were running out of places to go. At daybreak, a distant sound roused me. I dashed outside to witness a huge, tusked creature crashing upon the white fortress of the blue giant. The blue giant materialised and grappled with the beast. My heart cried out with hope. Perhaps, finally, this strange beast was our salvation...

G05

...the boar-like beast was mindless. She did not wish to be worshipped, like the blue giant did: for all her power, she was but an animal, enraged and hungry for carnage. A brutish race of squat, purple creatures followed behind her, killing and stealing in her wake, broad grins on their faces. The beast paid them no heed. It would not be long before the strange beast reached our homestead. I made a bed for Aagi in the storm cellar, and bade her to stay out of sight. I was not one for violence, but I still had the scavenged blade, and who else was there to stand between those creatures and...

G06

...the world ablaze, my neighbours dead all around. Even the blue giant had abandoned our world, leaving it to the strange beast. A group of the boar's purple brutes turned their visors toward me. Then, I saw it: the beast itself – huge and hoofed like a wild boar, thick hair down her side, and horns arcing over a slavering, hungry mouth. Before my people had died, they had given her a name: Tuska. Tiny, bead-like eyes measured me. I hid my head in my hands and wished for a quick death. There was a crashing. I hid my head still...

G07

...a new creature set upon Tuska. Tall and muscled, he was a great warrior, wielding a sword that crackled and sparked. Tuska's warband of squat, purple creatures screamed 'Death to Skargaroth!' as if they had met the hulking warrior before. They piled onto him, biting and stabbing. Blood poured from one of Tuska's eyes, and she careened wildly, wounded in the melee. Still, Tuska span around and gored Skargaroth's side with her tusks. Skargaroth bellowed and dropped his sword, madly tumbling. I moved out of the way, and Skargaroth crashed into my homestead...

G08

...I felt nothing. I was numb, and Aagi's name was a lump in my throat. The storm cellar was crushed. I could sense an emptiness in the universe as Aagi - my only daughter - died under the unconscious form of Skargaroth. Tuska - the boar beast - charged at Skargaroth, but I was in the way. I rolled aside and aimed a thrust of the sword at Tuska's remaining eye. Tuska howled and charged blindly away, her pack of squat, purple creatures rushing to follow. Filled with fury, I moved towards Skargaroth as he staggered away. I resolved to bury the blade into the brute's back...

G09

...understanding flooded through me as Skargaroth's blood covered my hands. I was drawn to isolated thoughts, while other details rushed by. But this I knew: there were artefacts, left by elders who came before. These items were conduits for their power, used to refine, to create on smaller scales, to create perfection. Twelve items, like the sword. A flash of recognition - one was worn by Saradomin: the blue giant. It had drawn Tuska and Skargaroth to our...my world. The crown located other artefacts, but it would - in turn - attract those who kept them...

G10

...found I could move between worlds - opening portals with cuts of the sword. I lost count of the number I visited. Some were dead, and others rotten with war, but others were filled with life. There a world that had no distinction between the natural and the artificial, and all things were tended by squat, diligent craftsmen. There was a world of serene crystal, where immortal artists and philosophers contemplated thoughts that I could barely comprehend. There was a moon - close to a lush-looking planet - whose tiny winged inhabitants opened portals to explore the wonders of the multiverse...

G11

...my search ended. This...this was what I had been looking for, yet until I set foot here I had not known it. So much beauty...a world completely unspoiled. Of all the worlds I had travelled to, this one felt a masterwork of creation. All others had been mere steps towards what lay before me. I was finally at peace. I searched this world as if a giddy child – every discovery a revelation. Many of the elders' artefacts were here - a staff, a horn, a stone - but I knew their power and kept them hidden. This world was not solely for me. This was a world to be shared with races most deserving...

G12

...confided my intentions to Seren. We'd grown close, and I had no intention of abandoning her. I wanted to persuade her to likewise leave Gielinor – if the world was to be for mortals, then neither of us should remain. Her eyes glistened with crystal and with tears, but I believed she would leave her people to rest with me...

G13

...had no need of mortals to help construct my new dwelling. The stone gave me more power than before. I considered telling my people - the people - what I was doing, but I decided against it. A promise to someday return would only fuel the worship they have begun to show me. No, It would be better just to fade away. My appearances have grown fewer and fewer. My final disappearance would have no fanfare. They could not sustain my cult forever if I withdrew all evidence of my existence. I would sleep in my hidden dwelling until they forgot me. They would be happier then. Happy and free. Seren promised that she would follow me, after leaving her people in...

G14

...thought that I had been transported to another world. But no. Through the haze of pain I made out the mountains and coastlines I had loved when they had been covered with greenery. Then, I saw him: the blue giant. He looked just as he had when he helped destroy my world. He was locked in battle with another. The stone had made me more powerful than them. It was easy for me to open portals and cast them out of my world. But it was my lack of foresight that had led to this. In my eagerness to let the mortals live without me, I had forgotten the other gods and their ambition. I would not make that mistake again. Even as I wept over my wounded world, I built new defences for it: a magical shield that...

G15

...The creatures still remembered me, and I could not help but reveal myself to them as I rebuilt. Yet, I still wanted them to forget. The world was as safe as I could make it. I resolved to sleep once more, for as long as it took. No gods, no war. Nature, balance, freedom, and peace...

And, non-canon, but Millicanon, for whatever that counts, here is Fairy Fixit's summary of it to Duster.