Magna Serpaensism/Bursus and Nymkos

This text has been translated from the Ancient Atamaran texts held by the Dark Python Brotherhood.

Far to the North and West of Atamara, there is a barren region on the Darkan peninsula. Little grows there, and the very earth has been scorched to black. I have been translating texts written by the ancient Ashlanteans concerning this region, and I have discovered that the devastation of the region came as a result of a clash between Bursus, the Bear, judge and destroyer, and Nymkos, the Wolverine, walker of shadows.

In an age long since passed, Glaux, the owl, known now as the usurper, served Magnus. Glaux was was the most knowledgeable of all living things, and advised the Great Serpent.

But Glaux grew covetous. Not satisfied with the wealth of knowledge he possessed, he sought also power. Glaux schemed, wishing to overthrow Magnus and rule Atamara. Unable to succeed in this aim through might, Glaux sought first to undermine Magnus's strength.

To this end, Glaux betrayed Bursus, the most powerful and loyal of Magnus's servants. Glaux knew of Bursus's hatred of Nymkos, and so told Bursus where he might find his enemy upon Mt. Sinclair. Glaux then warned Nymkos of the Bear's approach, and flew back to his stronghold (it is unclear from the text where this stronghold lies).

Bursus was not a wily creature, but he knew enough caution to approach quietly, suppressing his desire to bellow his challenge from across the continent. Hoping to catch Nymkos by surprise, he moved quietly across the land.

Looking upon the mountain, Bursus saw what he believed to be his enemy upon the peak. Bursus's caution dissolved and his war cry was heard for miles. The massive bear charged up the mountain and lunged at Nymkos.

But Nymkos had prepared for his foe's arrival. He had weakened the rocks of the spire, and had left a hollow simulacrum of himself there as a decoy. When Bursus struck at the wolverine's image, the rocks crumbled beneath him and he tumbled down.

Nymkos, who had been hiding in the shadow of the mountain, struck then. His teeth and claws tore great gashes in the flank of the mighty bear, and pressed his advantage. Their battle ripped the ground down to bare rock and broke the very mountain itself.

Glaux's deception very nearly succeeded. Nymkos had wounded Bursus, and though the bear dealt heavier blows and was in possession of greater stamina, the wolverine compensated with its brutal ferocity. Thinking himself assured of victory, Nymkos mocked Bursus. He spoke of Glaux's betrayal and the plot against Magnus. He laughed at the sight of the bear, slumped low to the ground, labored in breath.

Bursus was ever a simple soul. His loyalty to Magnus was absolute, and his single-mindedness sometimes blinded him to the obvious. But now, knowing that he had been deceived, a blinding rage filled him and his wounded frame shook with immense strength. He said not a word in rejoinder but flew at his enemy who, caught mid-laughter, was not prepared for the sudden onslaught.

The record, which is based on Bursus's recounting (all other creatures having fled the site of the battle) does not contain the details of the battle's climax. We can presume that the bear's bloodlust consumed his memory of the event, but we do know that the wolverine's screams filled the air caused shivers in the trunks of ancient trees miles away.

At some point, Bursus had fallen unconscious. When he regained rational thought, his enemy was nowhere to be seen, though the destruction of their combat could be seen in all directions. Tracks, belonging to Nymkos, left the scene of the fight and led to the sea, where they met tracks of unknown origin (we can speculate that they belonged to Calamar, who came to aid his servant in retreat).

Bursus returned to report to Magnus about the machinations of Glaux. But when he returned, he found that Glaux had already made his move and had been smitten by the Great Serpent. Glaux knew the outcome of Bursus's battle as soon as it had ended, and was forced to act before he was ready.

But the smiting of Glaux is a story for another day. This ends the chronicle of the ravaging of the Darkan peninsula.