View source for Dragonwilds:Ashenfall

<div style="float:right;">{{Map|}}</div>
'''Ashenfall''' is the continent in [[Dragonwilds:Gielinor]] that ''[[RuneScape: Dragonwilds]]'' is set in. It is divided into various regions, each of which contains different creatures, monsters, and biomes. At the moment, some of the northern half of the continent is currently inaccessible.

It is located north of the mainland continent in ''[[Dragonwilds:rsw:RuneScape|RuneScape]]''{{CiteVideo|author=RuneScape: Dragonwilds|title=Q&A With Mod Dutch|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30mkN1Hw83Q|timestamp=2:13|date=31 March 2025}}{{CiteJournal|journal=The Story So Far |quote=Still, along with a small group of brave adventurers, the expedition members set forth, sailing north from the mainland, across the ocean in search of new horizons.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=White Full Helm|quote=Tired of being ignored and teased for his exploits, he took a boat and sailed it north of the mainland into regions unknown.}}.

==Regions==
* [[Dragonwilds:Brynmoor]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Ghornfell]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Fellhollow]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Dowdun Reach]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Umbral Sands]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Scorned Wilderness]]

==Geography==
Ashenfall is divided into three major territorial divisions: Brynmoor in the south, Ghornfell in the north, and Fellhollow to the far north. The geography becomes more wild and dangerous as one travels northward, with the Anima Twist phenomenon growing stronger deeper into the continent.{{CiteJournal|journal=Druid's Memoirs|quote=There is an oddness to this continent, a sort of curse that changes things the deeper they get toward the centre.}}

===[[Dragonwilds:Brynmoor]]===
The southern territories of Ashenfall include:

* [[Dragonwilds:Temple Woods]] - Located in the southwestern corner, this region serves as the starting point for adventurers. A Saradominist temple acts as a sanctuary against the wilderness, due to faint traces of priestly magic that keep monstrous elements from entering.{{CiteJournal|journal=Temple Woods|quote=The temple stands proud, but silent. The walls and windows remain steadfast against the onslaught of time. A faint trace of priestly magic keeps the more monstrous elements from creeping inside. It is a sanctuary against the wild frontiers of Ashenfall, and therefore the home base of the current expedition team.}}
* [[Dragonwilds:Bramblemead Valley]] - Once a thriving human settlement in the southern central region, now overrun with goblins and monsters. Previously housed the Keep of Blue Flames, the Wizard's Guild, and an Adventurer's Guild before its fall.{{CiteJournal|journal=Bramblemead Valley|quote=Once this valley was the hub of human activity, but now it sits silent, and overrun with monsters. Goblins spread across the region claiming it in the name of their new god.}}
* [[Dragonwilds:Whispering Swamp]] - A buffer zone between the human and Garou territories, this region forms the central southern area of Ashenfall. Known for strange whispers that bubble up from the water and dangerous creatures.{{CiteJournal|journal=Whispering Swamp|quote=When war broke out between humans and garou, it was the swamps that formed a buffer between the two factions. The muddy water was difficult to fight in and neither side enjoyed the idea of drowning on the battlefield.}}

===[[Dragonwilds:Ghornfell]]===
The northern territories include:

* [[Dragonwilds:Fractured Plains]] - The central northern region where Anima Twist effects are more pronounced. Features a shattered [[Dragonwilds:Velgar's Rise|Dragonkin tower]] that serves as General [[Dragonwilds:Velgar]]'s lair.{{CiteJournal|journal=Fractured Plains|quote=The anima of Ghornfell is less stable than that of Brynmoor, and the anima twist's effects are more pronounced. Plants take on the hues of dragonfire, making the entire region dance like an inferno when the summer wind blows.}}

* [[Dragonwilds:Bloodblight Swamp]] - The northeastern region corrupted by General Velgar's toxic blood, turning once-fertile plains into toxic marshland.{{CiteJournal|journal=Bloodblight Swamp|quote=But General Velgar put a stop to that dream. He was injured in battle with an arrogant god, flesh scarred in conflict, with wounds weeping. His blood, warped by the magic gifted to him by his queen, became a terrible toxin that cursed the region forever.}}

* [[Dragonwilds:Stormtouched Highlands]] - The northwestern region where a perpetual magical storm rages, littered with the bones of ancient wyrms created by the Dragonkin [[Dragonwilds:Lacrussa]].{{CiteJournal|journal=Stormtouched Highlands|quote=A great storm rages across the region, the result of desperate sorcery in a long drawn-out war. The thunder here is hateful and spiteful, striking any that walk the land, as if driven by the vengeful fury of its long-dead caster.}}

===[[Dragonwilds:Fellhollow]]===
The far northern territories include:

* [[Dragonwilds:Bleakfields Valley]] 
* [[Dragonwilds:Forgotten Temple]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Dragon's Run]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Emberwood]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Witchwillow Range]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Hope's Fall]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Lake of Lost Souls]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Silverthorn Keep]]
* [[Dragonwilds:Coalridge Pass]]

=== [[Dragonwilds:Dowdun Reach]] ===
South of [[Dragonwilds:Silverthorn Keep]], but north-east of Ghornfell, this region includes:
* [[Dragonwilds:The Approach]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Courtyard]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Nexus]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Library]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Grand Hall]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Garrison]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Pastures]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Menagerie]]
* [[Dragonwilds:The Bastion]]

==Unique Phenomena==
===Anima Twist===
{{Main|Anima}}
After the [[Dragonwilds:rsw:Elder_Gods|Elder Gods]] created [[Dragonwilds:Gielinor]], and prepared to sleep while their eggs consumed the planet's anima slowly, they discovered some impure, "wild" [[Dragonwilds:anima]] which they disliked, and they used the continent of Ashenfall to "vent out" the impure anima from the world.{{CiteVideo|author=RuneScape: Dragonwilds|title=Developer Deep-dive|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j9CcdWKTc8|timestamp=27:03|date=15 April 2025}} This resulted in the anima twist phenomenon enveloping the continent, with its effects getting stronger further into the continent.{{CiteJournal|journal=Druid's Memoirs|quote=There is an oddness to this continent, a sort of curse that changes things the deeper they get toward the centre.}} The anima twist affects not only the environment, but the creatures and people living on it, as well as magic itself. This results in common materials like wood and stone being capable of lasting hundreds or even thousands of years, and the inhabitants of the continent to become [[Dragonwilds:Amalgamated]],{{CiteJournal|journal=Dragonkin Diary Page|quote=This continent is remarkable. It is flush with energy that seeps into the stone, the trees, the water, and even the air, and it feels alive with possibility. The creatures here are transformed, taking on aspects both elemental and primal. What wonderful possibilities this place offers. I can do a lot with this continent. The stone looks sturdy, the metal firm. Even the wood feels as though I could make it last centuries before it rots into nothing.}} creatures that would be enhanced with elemental properties due to the land's wild anima. The effects of the Anima Twist can be observed in the transformed wildlife, with wolves developing manes made of leaves, deer possessing reed-like fronds, and trees displaying leaves in unusual hues resembling sunset.{{CiteJournal|journal=Druid's Memoirs|quote=There are wolves with manes made of leaves and deer with reed-like fronds as natural a part of them as their antlers. Trees, with leaves of shifted hues that emulate the sunset. Grass the colour of candlelight.}}

===[[Dragonwilds:Dragonkin Vault|Dragonkin Vaults]]===
Hidden across Ashenfall are numerous Dragonkin Vaults, ancient facilities containing lost knowledge and technological wonders. These vaults are protected by guardians created by the Dragonkin [[Dragonwilds:Lacrussa]], using refined rune essence.{{CiteJournal|journal=Dragonkin Vault|quote=Hidden across Ashenfall are the Vaults, the ruined remains of Dragonkin research. Each contains lost knowledge or riches, sealed away so that none but their jealous masters might possess them.}}

==Inhabitants==
===[[Dragonwilds:Garou (race)|Garou]]===
Garou are bipedal lion-like beings, who once worshipped the moon goddess [[Dragonwilds:Lougrim]]. Their society is divided between noble-born (larger, stronger, capable of magic) and common-born.{{CiteJournal|journal=Garou Berserker|quote=Noble-born garou are larger than their common-born kin, resulting from very careful breeding practices. The noble bloodlines are stronger, faster, and capable of magic, clearly superior to the lower class of their society.}}

===[[Dragonwilds:Amalgamated]]===
Humans and other creatures affected by the Anima Twist can develop elemental mutations, becoming known as the "Amalgamated". These traits can include fiery skin, leafy hair, or other magical characteristics. Throughout Ashenfall's history, the Amalgamated faced persecution from "pure" humans.{{CiteJournal|journal=Ancient Journal Page|quote=Our hatred must have been like poison to him. To see this tranquil home we had created fall to bitter infighting and needless hate. For there is nothing so human as to despise.}}

===[[Dragonwilds:Goblin (race)|Goblins]]===
Goblins are green-skinned humanoids who were brought from the mainland by their "God of War" [[Dragonwilds:Bandos]], during the [[Dragonwilds:Third Age]]. They were abandoned in Ashenfall when he retreated from his battle against Velgar; they now worship Velgar as their new "Big High War God".

=== {{RSL|Ogre (race)|Ogres}} ===
Ogres are large humanoids who sought refugees from war. They were turned into [[Dragonwilds:Zogre|Zogres]] when Imaru infected the region with necrotic energy.

=== [[Dragonwilds:Dragon (race)|Dragons]] ===
Dragons (''Draconis rex'') are a dangerous race of reptiles with wings and the ability to use a fiery breath attack. After being cursed by the [[Dragonwilds:Elder Gods|Elder God]] {{RSL|Jas}} to guard her most powerful artefact, a creed of [[Dragonwilds:Dragonkin (race)|Dragonkin]] known as the [[Dragonwilds:rsw:Dactyl|Dactyl]] wished to create a race that would be similar to them, but without suffering the Curse's effects. In Ashenfall, a group of Dragonkin refugees known as the [[Dragonwilds:Cabal]] would also create and empower their own dragons, using them as slaves. Today, they roam across Ashenfall, all servants of [[Dragonwilds:Kuldra]].

=== [[Dragonwilds:Undead]] ===
Undead are creatures that have died and were reanimated through magic. These creatures resides within [[Dragonwilds:Fellhollow]], controlled by the dragon general [[Dragonwilds:Imaru]].

=== Humans ===
Human were among the first inhabitants of Gielinor and Ashenfall, brought over by Guthix. Although they were seemingly wiped out in Ashenfall, today an expedition had led new humans to explore and reside in Ashenfall.

=== {{RSL|Elf|Elves}} ===
Elves are pale humanoids brought to Gielinor by their goddess {{RSL|Seren}}. Some had traveled to Ashenfall, exploring and even settling within the region.

==History==
===Discovery===
During the {{RSL|First Age}}, the [[Dragonwilds:Gods|god]] of balance, [[Dragonwilds:Guthix]], discovered Ashenfall and explored it with some of his followers. After some time, they founded a village in [[Dragonwilds:Bramblemead Valley]] to settle in and explore the wondrous continent. Here, he found the land was rich with anima.{{CiteJournal|journal=Rune Essence|quote=A magical stone with the ability to absorb the ambient anima around it. On Ashenfall, the rocks hover in the air as if resting on some invisible structure, held aloft by invisible currents of magical energy.}} Guthix discovered [[Dragonwilds:Rune Essence|strange rocks]] hovering through the air.{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=All over a rock. A piece of stone that he found hovering in the air as if it found gravity disdainful}} Sensing the stones holding magical properties, Guthix took instant interest and began to experiment on them with several of the humans,{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=He was fascinated immediately, sensing in it a potential our mortal gaze could not see.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=Over the months, he has poured into the stone what energies he can gather.}} taking great joy in experimenting with the "strange rocks" which would be known as "rune essence"{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=There is a whimsiness in him that is usually crushed by a hidden melancholy, but now the mirth is on full display.}}, something that seemed to perk up his usually grim demeanor.{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=Even gods make mistakes, though his bring him laughter. Even as the lab explodes, Guthix's latest experiment brings him almost child-like joy.}} After several experiments and failures,{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=We pick ourselves up from the rubble and are met by mischievous giggles.}} Guthix began to expand his experiments, bringing the {{RSL|Stone of Jas}} to assist him.{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=We knew he was serious when he brought the great stone with him. Power radiates from it, and there's a pressure to it like it's the wall of a dam, and it's about ready to burst.}} He was finally successful, binding the air itself into the essence, creating the first [[Dragonwilds:Air Rune]].{{CiteJournal|journal=Soot-stained Diary|quote=But it worked, and Guthix laughed with glee when he bound the very air itself into the rock.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Preserved Diary|quote=Today, I summoned a miracle. Thanks to these new stones, gifts from the great Guthix himself, I have performed a spell warding wood from rot.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Preserved Diary|quote=He calls these stones "Runes". Within each of them is an element imprisoned and waiting to be unleashed.}} While his followers on Ashenfall start practicing [[Dragonwilds:Runecrafting]], Guthix would then travel to the mainland to share his discovery there, using the Stone of Jas to create more. His followers would remain on Ashenfall, forming small settlements and villages over time.

As the humans grew to inhabit their new homes, a strange phenomena began to happen: their beards turned to leaves, skin glowed like fire, some humans began to transform taking on qualities of the elements, they became '''amalgamated''', gaining elemental abilities. These amalgamated humans were viewed as "impure" and "imperfect" by some of the human settlers there, suffering persecution and even being murdered by the humans who feared them in an event known as the [[Dragonwilds:Schism]].{{CiteJournal|journal=Hard Leather Body|quote=During the schism and the inner conflicts between 'pure' humans and the Amalgamated, Wild Knights would sneak into the village and rescue persecuted Amalgamated under the dead of night.}} When Guthix returned, he was horrified to learn that the majority of the humans were slaughtering the Amalgamated humans. As such, he took some of the humans with him, those who had not fallen to cruel prejudices.{{CiteJournal|journal=Ancient Journal Page|quote=So many dead, far too many, and we justified it because we told ourselves that they were no longer human. They were Amalgamated. They were impure, imperfect -- wrong. Our hatred must have been like poison to him. To see this tranquil home we had created fall to bitter infighting and needless hate. For there is nothing so human as to despise. He left. Took some of the faithful with him, those who had not fallen to our cruel prejudices.}} He would then task the [[Dragonwilds:Wild Knights]], an order of skilled humans that were safeguarding the Amalgamated humans, to uphold their oath in protecting both the humans from the wild, and the wild from the humans. As he left, he placed a veil over Ashenfall, hoping to hide the continent before he, too, hid himself. But, the veil was not as good as the god had hoped, as the [[Dragonwilds:Cabal]], a group of [[Dragonwilds:Dragonkin (race)|dragonkin]] were amongst the first to settle in Ashenfall shortly after.{{CiteVideo|author=RuneScape: Dragonwilds|title=Developer Deep-dive|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j9CcdWKTc8|timestamp=27:34|date=15 April 2025}} Currently, only five Dragonkin are known to have been a part of the group: [[Dragonwilds:Lacrussa]], a Dactyl scientist who gained the elemental power of ice and water, created the vault guardians, and experimented with dragons, [[Dragonwilds:Viika]], a "time swept" seer with prophetic abilities, [[Dragonwilds:Brakka]], a Nodon architect who gained the elemental power of earth and built [[Dragonwilds:Brakka's Folly]], [[Dragonwilds:Rasthin]], a Necrosyrte who gained the elemental power of fire from Ashenfall's mysterious vents and created a device known as "Jas Moksha" to share elemental powers with her fellow Cabal members,{{CiteJournal|journal=Fractured Cape|quote=When Rasthin shared with him the elemental power she had wrung from Ashenfall's mysterious vents, Brakka became a master of the earth itself.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Blue Dragonhide Body|quote=It was a device that imbued Avisk with the element of air.}} and [[Dragonwilds:Avisk]], a dragonkin who gained the elemental power of air and experimented on the minds of living creatures.{{CiteJournal|journal=Blue Dragonhide Coif|quote=His focus was on lower species, humans and the like. He saw room within human minds to crawl and make them his own.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Dragonkin Diary Page|quote=Rasthin urges patience, Avisk calls for calm, and Lacrussa ignores us, content to have her family returned to her. All of us stand in defiance of our kin's traditions.}} Like their kin in the mainland, the Cabal would experiment in creating more and new [[Dragonwilds:Dragon (race)|draconic]] creatures, such as [[Dragonwilds:Dragon Wolf|dragon wolves]].

===The arrival of the Garou===
Sometime after Guthix's departure and the arrival of the Dragonkin, the Garou, a race of beastmen, arrived from their homeworld of [[Dragonwilds:Antumnos]]. Led by their moon goddess, [[Dragonwilds:Lougrim]], they settled primarily in the highlands of what would later be known as Ghornfell. The exact timing of their arrival remains uncertain, but by early [[Dragonwilds:Third Age]] accounts, they were already established inhabitants of the continent. The Garou's arrival created a new dynamic on Ashenfall. The Garou maintained their territories and traditions. The Garou society was built upon strength and practiced the sacred tradition of the '''right of challenge''', where leadership was earned through combat prowess rather than birthright.{{CiteJournal|journal=Garou Writings|quote=My people have a tradition that is sacred above all others; the right of challenge. There is nothing we respect more than strength or cunning. When one defeats a challenger, they prove themselves rightful of their position. When one fails, they prove themselves inadequate.}} The Garou initially claimed territory rich in resources, particularly iron deposits that would later become coveted by human settlers. Their presence and continued devotion to their goddess fostered envy among the abandoned Guthixian humans.{{CiteJournal|journal=Forgotten Diary|quote=We were abandoned. They were not. Aren't we more deserving than the beasts?}} Brakka, at some point during this period, used the Garou for slave labor to build his [[Dragonwilds:Velgar's Rise|tower]] before learning how to siphon anima and gaining the power to control the earth itself, making slave labor obsolete (the timing of the tower's construction is not known; enslavement either happened before or during the human-Garou war).

===The God Wars===
Not much is known from there until the Third Age. On the mainland, the [[Dragonwilds:rsw:God_Wars|God Wars]] raged. [[Dragonwilds:Saradominists|Saradominist]] missionaries arrived on the continent, intent on escaping the God Wars and converting the Guthixians who had been abandoned. Unbeknownst to the Saradominists, [[Dragonwilds:Zamorak|Zamorakian]] spies were also in their midst, posing as laborers and other menial servants. The missionaries lived near the cliffs, where they could look back towards their old home but also mixed with the villagers of Bramblemead, eventually setting up the [[Dragonwilds:Temple of Saradomin]] in place of their previous encampment. The first [[Dragonwilds:Runecrafting Guild]] was created on the continent, where saradominist Wizards of the guild would research the magic of the land. Initially, the Saradominists and Guthixians maintained a symbolic alliance known as the [[Dragonwilds:Bronze Advisors]], represented by bronze armor. During this period, druids wore pins of copper while Saradominist priests wore tin pins, materials that combined to form bronze.{{CiteJournal|journal=Bronze Helmet|quote=For a while, in the third age, druids wore pins of copper, and the Saradominist priests wore tin pins. They would then stand together, side by side, in village council meetings, a promise that neither one stood stronger than the other.}} This alliance was protected by bronze-armored warriors who upheld traditions and punished those who blasphemed against either faith. The Bronze Advisors offered counsel from both Saradominist and Guthixian viewpoints, order and balance side by side. Meanwhile, the Zamorakians, having formed a cult known as the [[Dragonwilds:Children of Shadows]], plotted in secret, recognising the potential of the Dragonkin Vaults, hoping to bring a weapon home with them. Their hold over the region was further secured when a young Zamorakian discovered a mithril seam in what would become known as the Dowdun Mountains. Rather than weaponise it, the Children of Shadows treated mithril as a tool of influence, keeping it scarce to preserve its value as a means of bribery.{{CiteJournal|journal=Mithril Helmet|quote=She mined rock and hit a mithril seam. The shimmering metal stunned her, as it has to generations of dwarves.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Mithril Platebody|quote=mithril would be a metal of bribery. It would only cross palms, not swords. By keeping it desirable in this way, the Children of Shadows could control its value.}}

Things seemed peaceful, and the God Wars were contained to the mainland; however, the people of Ashenfall would soon find their own conflict. There was a power shift; at first, it was amongst themselves, with Saradominist leaders attempting to overthrow the Guthixian druids and push them elsewhere within the continent. Policies began to slip more and more in favor of the Saradominist approach as the Guthixian faith slowly dwindled. At this point in history, humans held an uneasy peace with the Garou, but the tension was building. The Saradominist humans had started to encroach on Garou lands in search of iron and other resources that had been depleted in the Bramblemead Valley. As the humans cleared the area of trees and animals to mine for iron, they attracted the attention of Garou hunting parties. These parties viewed the presence of the Saradominists as a sleightful disrespect of their sovereignty. Small skirmishes between the hunting parties and the humans became commonplace, but they rarely resulted in significant casualties. However, the conflict escalated into an all-out war when [[Dragonwilds:Kessel]], a fire-touched amalgam, struck down a Garou prince.

The war between both sides was at a stalemate as the [[Dragonwilds:Whispering Swamp]] acted as a buffer between the two factions, often drowning and ensnaring those who attempted to breach the no-mans-land.{{CiteJournal|journal=Whispering Swamp|quote=When war broke out between humans and garou, it was the swamps that formed a buffer between the two factions. The muddy water was difficult to fight in, and neither side enjoyed the idea of drowning on the battlefield.}} The humans, feeling desperate and facing a stalemate in the war, devised a plan to goad the god of war, Bandos, into joining the conflict. Saradominist priests met with emissaries of Bandos, leveraging their knowledge of an ancient slight between the Garou goddess and Bandos that occurred "aeons ago on another world."{{CiteJournal|journal=Iron Platelegs|quote=The Saradominist priests met with emissaries of Bandos and came to an alliance. The humans would claim the mines of Ghornfell as long as Bandos could claim the head of the Garou goddess, Lougrim.}} They proposed an alliance to confront the Garou and their goddess. Eager to take revenge, Bandos agreed to the plan and arrived at Ashenfall with his followers. With the goblins' assistance, the humans began pushing the Garou back, forcing their goddess to form an alliance with the Dragonkin and place herself in their servitude. In turn, the Dragonkin unleashed their creations in the battle to support the Garou, including massive wyverns that darkened the sky and dragons with elemental powers. This shift changed the tide of the war. Bandos personally confronted one of the dragon generals, [[Dragonwilds:Velgar]], who was stationed atop Brakka's Folly. With the goblins' help, the humans started pushing the Garou back, forcing their goddess to ally with the Dragonkin and placing herself in their servitude. The Dragonkin released their creations into the battle to assist the Garou, great wyverns that blotted the sky, and dragons with elemental abilities. The tide of the war changed. Bandos personally confronted one of the stronger dragons that Dragonkin had created: Velgar. Bandos struck first with his greataxe, which bounced off Velgar's stony hide but still left a deep gash.{{CiteJournal|journal=Iron Greataxe|quote=Bandos was also a fan of the aesthetic. While he favoured the sheer brutality of the Kyzaj, he chose to wield a great axe against Velgar.}} Then, in a display of bravado and arrogance, Bandos removed his weapon, armor, and protective ward, and charged after Velgar unarmed.{{CiteJournal|journal=Bloodblight Cape|quote=Yet, arrogance is not a mortal taint, and the war god reeked of it. Bandos cast aside his wards. He refused to don his armour. The god pressed into the lair of the great dragon, and tried to wrestle him to the grave.}} Bandos had Velgar in a headlock, his nails digging into Velgar's flesh and causing bleeding wounds. Victory seemed assured for Bandos, but in a final act of desperation, Velgar summoned a great stone from the air that dazed him. Seizing the opportunity, Velgar unleashed an anima-infused poison blast, which poisoned and weakened Bandos, shifting the momentum of the battle.

Weakened by the poison, Bandos made a "tactical retreat", abandoning his goblins on Ashenfall. In his jubilant rage following Bandos' retreat, Velgar spilled his own blood across the fertile plains in the south-east of [[Dragonwilds:Ghornfell]], a refuge where Garou fleeing the conflict had grown fields of wheat and barley; the crops blackened and the land was corrupted into what would become the [[Dragonwilds:Bloodblight Swamp]].{{CiteJournal|journal=Bloodblight Cape|quote=In his jubilant rage, Velgar spilled his blood on the once fertile plains, corrupting them with his hate-filled poison. The fields wilted. The crops blackened and then collapsed into venom.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Bloodblight Swamp|quote=Once these lands were fertile plains. Great fields of wheat and barley were sewn by the garou that made it their home. It was a resting place for a people that had been hunted for too long, a sanctuary at last.}} Meanwhile, the death of a hunter called Ulv at the hands of a Garou patrol drove the necromancer [[Dragonwilds:Ravanna]] to her first great act of destruction; using the souls of slain Garou, her grief-born curse tore through the [[Dragonwilds:Stormtouched Highlands]], twisting the clouds into screaming things filled with fractured spirits. The resulting storm destroyed countless settlements instantly and has raged ever since.{{CiteJournal|journal=Stormtouched Highlands|quote=A great storm rages across the region, the result of desperate sorcery in a long drawn-out war. The thunder here is hateful and spiteful, striking any that walk the land, as if driven by the vengeful fury of its long-dead caster.}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Willow Longbow|quote=Ravanna's necromantic curse tore through the Highlands, twisting the clouds into screaming things, filled with a fraction of the rage she felt.}} Bandos' retreat led to confusion among his goblin followers; at first the goblins continued their war without Bandos's guidance, but soon as they began to recognize the strength of the dragons and the defeat of Bandos, the abandoned goblins began to worship the dragons, naming Velgar as their new Big High War God.{{CiteJournal|journal=Muddy Scrawl|quote=Going to worship dragon now, maybe he make us dragons too? I bet goblin dragons would be the strongest dragons of all. Velgar is the new big, high war god. Glory be to Velgar.}} The ogres Bandos had brought with him fared differently; discovering peace for the first time in their lives, they followed settlers north to [[Dragonwilds:Emberwood]], where they laid down their weapons, set them alight, and took up farming.{{CiteJournal|journal=Zogre|quote=When Bandos left and the war stagnated, the ogres discovered peace for the first time in their lives. When some of the Bramblemead villagers left to travel north, the ogres followed them. When they arrived in Emberwood, the ogres offered to lay down their weapons and pick up farming tools instead.}} With the Garou victory, Lougrim would keep the peace with the humans while assisting the Dragonkin in their experimentation and returning the dragons to their chains. Through the experimentation by Lacrusa, [[Dragonwilds:Kuldra]] was created by infusing Lougrim's divine blood.{{CiteVideo|author=RuneScape: Dragonwilds|title=Developer Deep-dive|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j9CcdWKTc8|timestamp=28:22|date=15 April 2025}} For the time being, the humans and Garou held an uneasy truce.

Despite this truce, Garou were known to show some hostility towards the human settlers who were moving away from the southern settlement and into other region, such as [[Dragonwilds:Fellhollow]], [[Dragonwilds:Dowdun Reach]], [[Dragonwilds:Umbral Sands]], and the [[Dragonwilds:Scorned Wilderness]], all wanting to start a new life there. [[Dragonwilds:Imaru]] and [[Dragonwilds:Xikotal]] would eventually befriend the settlers, helping them build their city and assist them in other means,{{CiteJournal|journal=Ravanna's Second Journal|quote=these dragons watch over the villagers, help them with construction, farming, all sorts of stuff.}} where Imaru would use her magic to bring in rains, while Xikotal would calm the winds, in exchange for a few sheep and cows{{CiteJournal|journal=Lazilly-Penned Diary|quote=Her magic brought rain and his calmed the winds, so that our harvests were plentiful, and our population bloomed. All it costs is a few sheep or cows every once in a while, a pretty good deal if you ask me}}. Some of the Wild Knights would join in settling within Fellhollow, creating a keep to the west. The ogres settled peacefully in Emberwood alongside the humans there, building a camaraderie that promised a new age of prosperity.{{CiteJournal|journal=Zogre|quote=The humans and ogres worked side by side and built a camaraderie that could have brought the region into a new age of prosperity.}} The Rasmodels, nobility from the mainland who had arrived to the continent, and would later scheme in the [[Dragonwilds:Temple Woods]] and [[Dragonwilds:Bramblemead]] before their operations were exposed and they retreated to Dowdun Reach.{{CiteJournal|journal=Black Knight Platebody|quote=Their cover was blown: the youngest had been caught pouring tincture into the ears of a sleeping bailiff. Their entourage and influence no longer meant anything, and they were forced to live in the keep.}} During this time, the [[Dragonwilds:Children of Shadows]] had planted themselves into the Rasmodels house, where they would attempt to influence the noble household, only to be slowly turned into bodyguards and warriors of the Rasmodels. Over time the Rasmodel family came to dominate the Children of Shadows entirely, with Milliburn Rasmodel eventually rising to become Lord Rasmodel, Master of Dowdun Reach.{{CiteJournal|journal=Black Knight Platebody|quote=he was duly elected as Master of Dowdun Reach. The Children of Shadows took to calling him 'Lord Rasmodel'.}} Growing paranoid about Fellhollow's intentions, he established an order of knights outfitted with steel forged from coal and iron given to him by Xikotal as a gesture of goodwill.{{CiteJournal|journal=Mithril Platelegs|quote=The dragon, Xikotal, had a gift. In one claw, he had coal, in the other iron. He wanted to help the Zamorakians, to bring them an offering that might soften their determination to isolate.}} They would be formed into the [[Dragonwilds:Black Knights|Shadow Knights]], and eventually the '''Black Knights'''. The arrival of the [[Dragonwilds:Avisk|Dreaming Stone]] at Dowdun Reach brought further instability to the keep; a faction within sought to weaponise it, while Archmage Alric's infernal demon gate failed, its demonic souls bleeding into the fortress walls.{{CiteJournal|journal=Alric's Plan (Part 2)|quote=My infernal gateway is no longer a gateway. The tens of thousands of demon souls are no longer powering it. It seems that they have been quietly bleeding into the fortress itself. Each brick now whispers with the avernic.}}

===Dragon Rebellion===
Near the end of the Third Age, the [[Dragonwilds:Dragon Rebellion]] began when Kuldra led dragons against their Dragonkin masters. In the years leading up to her betrayal, Kuldra sought counsel and may have considered other options. Ultimately, however, she was swayed by the advice of her most trusted ally, General Velgar, who insisted that brutality was the only language their masters would understand.{{CiteJournal|journal=General Velgar|quote=brutality was the only language that their masters would understand}} Velgar, however, also had personal reasons to support the rebellion, having suffered as a beast of burden under Brakka, despite his innate combat prowess.{{CiteJournal|journal= Velgar|quote=Brakka's beast of burden. A mighty warrior, forced to be little more than a pack mule for the arrogant architect of the dragonkin}} When the war against the goblins and humans brought dragons into the conflict, Velgar was finally allowed to join the battle. He slaughtered without mercy, decimating settlements and entire platoons with barely any effort.{{CiteJournal|journal=General Velgar|quote=He slaughtered without mercy, obliterating settlements and entire platoons with barely a sweat}} However, once the fighting subsided, Brakka rewarded Velgar's brutality with further servitude, forcing him to haul materials for reconstruction efforts.{{CiteJournal|journal=Velgar|quote=Brakka rewarded his brutality with yet more chains. When the conflict dulled, Velgar was made to haul stone and metal, so that Brakka could rebuild damaged fortresses}} When Velgar was recruited by Kuldra to overthrow their master, he immediately accepted her scheme, becoming her first ally aside from her offspring.{{CiteJournal|journal=Velgar|quote=accepted Kuldra's scheme without hesitation. The first to join her war, aside from her own child}}

The rebellion proved successful. Kuldra confronted Brakka at his tower, crushing him and consuming his anima-rich soul to steal his power.{{CiteJournal|journal=Fractured Cape|quote=Kuldra, the godeater, crushed him beneath her great claw and feasted on his anima-rich soul. Stealing Brakka's power for herself}} After defeating him, she bestowed his elemental mastery upon Velgar, teaching him to absorb the power of the anima font and transforming him into a dragon infused with earth magic.{{CiteJournal|journal=General Velgar|quote=absorb the power of the anima font, transforming him into a dragon infused with the might of the earth itself}} As a final mockery, Velgar claimed Brakka's monument as his lair.{{CiteJournal|journal=Fractured Cape|quote=She gifted Velgar, her most trusted general, with the elemental mastery of the fallen Nodon architect, and, to mock the dragonkin further, Velgar took Brakka's monument as his new lair}} This tower would come to be known as Brakka's Folly. After freeing herself and other dragons from Dragonkin control, Kuldra set her sights on expanding her power. She challenged Lougrim, the moon goddess of the Garou, for sovereignty over the beastfolk. This confrontation followed the sacred Garou tradition of the right of challenge.{{CiteJournal|journal=Garou King|quote=when one defeats a challenger, they prove themselves rightful of their position}} The battle between Kuldra and Lougrim was cataclysmic, causing the entire continent to buckle beneath their fury.{{CiteJournal|journal=Leathery Parchment|quote=was swift and bloody; their clashing energies created cracks in the very earth. The entire continent buckled beneath their fury}} Kuldra emerged as the victor; her many heads tore the goddess limb from limb, swallowing the pieces of her divine flesh.{{CiteJournal|journal=Leathery Parchment|quote=Her many heads tore the goddess limb from limb, swallowing down the pieces of her divine flesh until nothing of the old queen remained}} This victory crowned her as the new High Queen of the Garou and earned her the fearsome moniker '''God Eater'''.{{CiteJournal|journal=Leathery Parchment|quote=Hail to High Queen Kuldra, the god eater}}

=== Destruction of Settlements ===
With their Goddess replaced, the uneasy truce between the Garou and humans would not last. The dragons and Garou began to decimate human settlements, burning cities to the ground, murdering lords and knights, and forcing survivors to flee into the wilderness and other regions.{{CiteJournal|journal=Bloodstained Journal|quote=They burned the city to the ground. Murdered the lord and his knights}}{{CiteJournal|journal=Bloodstained Journal|quote=scattered into the woods, doomed}} However, within Fellhollow, [[Dragonwilds:Imaru]] and her mate [[Dragonwilds:Xikotal]] showed mercy to the settlement, protecting them from destruction and granting them a "Blessing" that allowed them to work together.{{CiteJournal|journal=Ravanna's Second Journal|quote=They even give them this weird little thing they call a Blessing, which somehow binds them together in a way I'm seriously going to need to study later}} This blessing would prove to be both gift and curse. Kuldra would learn of this act of mercy and, as punishment, killed Imaru's mate. Consumed by grief, Imaru sought a way to bring Xikotal back from the dead, seeking the assistance of the necromancer [[Dragonwilds:Ravanna]]. However, Ravanna did not have the power to resurrect him. Instead, she proposed creating a curse born of Imaru's sorrow and grief; One that would give her the power to consume the Dragon Queen's soul and exact her revenge.{{CiteJournal|journal=Ravanna's Fourth Journal|quote=Imaru. After the death of her mate she came to me seeking a way to bring him back. Necromancy doesn't work like that, at least not yet and certainly not within my skill set. Yet, still, I thought I could offer her something almost as good. I offered her revenge}}

The curse was not enough, Kuldra had proven more powerful than imagined, defeating Imaru with ease.{{CiteJournal|journal=Ravanna's Fourth Journal|quote=It did not work. Kuldra is stronger than I imagined. Her essence more powerful than either of us could have guessed}} Even in death, Imaru did not give up. She wedged herself in the {{RSL|Underworld|underworld}} using the curse Ravanna had given her, fueled by her own sheer rage and will. While in the underworld, she drank from the {{RSL|River Noumenon}} to gain more power and claw her way back from death. However, this resurrection came with a terrible cost. She became twisted with an insatiable hunger for souls and turned against the very people she had once protected. The "Blessing" that linked them was now used against them; their souls pulled from their still-living bodies. These soulless husks began to reanimate. Soon the settlements in Fellhollow would fall, and the region would become a land of rot and wither where the undead roamed. The Wild Knights were pushed back towards their keep, while Emberwood sealed itself behind a barrier. Dowdun Reach, shielded by the Dowdun Mountains, sealed all connecting pathways to Fellhollow and posted guards at the crypt as an early warning against breach.{{CiteJournal|journal=A Report on the Withering|quote=It is our recommendation that all efforts are made to seal Dowdun Reach. We should be focused on removing these opportunities for intrusion. All connecting pathways to the subcontinent of Fellhollow should be severed. We should also post knights to the crypt.}} Four priests of Saradomin, Zamorak, Armadyl, and Guthix united to keep the withering both in and out of the town. Those who were disciples of Imaru came to believe she was blessing the humans, willingly transforming them into undead. The necrotic magic spread like a virus, eventually turning even the ogres into zombies and infecting the Wild Knights as well. Those who tried to escape found the passage to the south sealed off. [[Dragonwilds:Ravanna]], the one who cursed Imaru, would attempt to fix her mistake and seal the dragon away, and split the curse into three [[Dragonwilds:Curse Fragment|fragment]], in hope that in the future, someone can use the power of the curse againt Imaru. 

Within Dowdun Reach, the Black Knight would defend the region against the dragons. Despite the stone's power helping them rebel again the draconic attack, Lord Rasmodel ultimately destroyed the Dreaming Stone with his warhammer, though the consequences of its shattering proved worse than the affliction.{{CiteJournal|journal=Rasmodel's Diary|quote=The stone will be destroyed. I will see to it. I am done with its whispering and the madness it inspires in my once glorious fraternity.}} 
===Rediscovery===
{{OccDur|The Story So Far}}
During the 13th year of the [[Dragonwilds:Sixth Age]], the continent was rediscovered; With Guthix's death, the veil that concealed Ashenfall had weakened over time. An expedition was set, adventurers from across the realm answered the call, amongst them are [[Dragonwilds:Wise Old Man|Dionysius]], the Wise Old Man; [[Dragonwilds:Vannaka]], the Slayer Master; [[Dragonwilds:Zanik]] of the {{RSL|Dorgeshuun}}; [[Dragonwilds:Doric]], the master smith; and [[Dragonwilds:Cathan]], a rising rookie forging his reputation. Their voyage was cut short as they neared Ashenfall. A massive green dragon descended upon the ship, decimating the expedition and leaving only a handful of survivors. Those who lived washed ashore and began to explore the mysterious land, scavenging what they could to construct a [[Dragonwilds:lodestone]], an anchor to the mainland and a beacon to call for reinforcements. With the lodestone activated, word spread. New adventurers, new and [[Dragonwilds:Player Character|old]] arrived from the mainland, ready to face the draconic threat and confront the Dragon Queen. While Dionysius, Vannaka, Doric, and Zanik prepared for the newcomers' arrival, Cathan set off alone, determined to slay the dragon Velgar without aid.

{{OccDur|Dragon Slayer}}

Upon the Adventurer(s) arrival, setting up their base and gathering resources, they would search for Cathan, who had ventured on his own in hope to defeat Velgar. Cathen would recruit goblin for his adventures, learning of a challenge horn. But, before they could gather the materials to craft the item, they were captured by a garou, who sacrificed him in front of Velgar. Despite being dead, Cathan would assist the adventurer(s) to crafting the [[Dragonwilds:Challenge Horn|challenge horn]]. Where they would confront Velgar and defeat him, bringing peace to Brynmoor and avenging those who died by the dragon.

{{OccDur|Withering Heights}}

After defeating Velgar, [[Dragonwilds:Death (Grim Reaper)|Death]] arrived to Fellhollow with [[Dragonwilds:Postie Pete]] and [[Dragonwilds:Muncher]]. He opens a door to allow adventurers to enter the [[Dragonwilds:Forgotten Temple]], a location claimed by Death in order to speak with adventurer(s). After being given the incantation to open the mysterious door by Dionysius, the Adventurer(s) would arrive and speak to Death, who requests that they enter [[Dragonwilds:Fellhollow]] with their comrades and speak to Cathan, who is employed by Death to find a way to confront Imaru and put an end to her torment. After discovering the seal put on her, the adventurer(s) would locate the fragments, harness its power, confront Imaru, where they would defeat the undead dragon, freeing Fellhollow, Imaru and the tormented souls.

{{OccDur|Black Knight's Fortress (Quest)}}

After Imaru's defeat and a period of rest, Death informs the adventurer(s) of a colleague waiting for them in [[Dragonwilds:Umbral Sands]], but something was was blocking the way for the heroes from continuing on in [[Dragonwilds:Dowdun Reach]]. Upon entering the region, they are greeted by the Wise Old Man and Postie Pete. Being informed of a barrier preventing them from passing through the next region, the adventurer(s) would go to explore the fortress, helping Vannaka, Zanik and Doric during their search for pieces of the [[Dragonwilds:Avisk|Dreaming Stone]]. After collecting all of them, and the barrier being disabled, the adventurer(s) would fight against the [[Dragonwilds:Black Knight Titan]], making the path to Umbra Sand available, once Doric opens the door of course.

==Notable characters==
===Expedition members===
* [[Dragonwilds:Cathan]] - A privileged youth who lost a leg in a childhood adventure, but was trained by mentors to become a warrior. He came to Ashenfall seeking adventure.{{CiteJournal|journal=Cathan|quote=Cathan is the first to tell you that he was raised in privilege. Wealthy family. Loving parents. Everything a growing boy could need. Yet, like for so many of us, it wasn't enough. He craved excitement, exploration and adventure, yearning more than anything to discover the wonders of the world.}}

* [[Dragonwilds:Vannaka]] - A mysterious slayer master trained under {{RSL|Duradel}}. His origins are unknown, but he seems to have some connection to Ashenfall.{{CiteJournal|journal=Vannaka|quote=The mysterious warrior, Vannaka, is regarded as one of the premier slayer masters in the world. He trained under the legendary Duradel, and the two even duelled one another once. Duradel won. Something Vannaka has never entirely managed to get over.}}

* [[Dragonwilds:Zanik]] - A cave goblin who was the first of her kind to brave sunlight and meet humans. Now searches for a lost tribe on Ashenfall.{{CiteJournal|journal=Zanik|quote=Now, she comes to Ashenfall in search of a lost and forgotten tribe. Hoping to stop history from repeating itself.}}

* [[Dragonwilds:Wise Old Man]] (Dionysius) - Once a legendary adventurer who performed great deeds but turned to crime in his later years.{{CiteJournal|journal=Wise Old Man|quote=After he settled down, finishing his book on destructive magic, Dionysius began to feel that the world was a little unfair. He had tirelessly given his youth for the betterment of the world, and he had nothing to show for it.}}

* [[Dragonwilds:Doric]] - A dwarven blacksmith and legendary craftsman.

=== Allies ===
* [[Dragonwilds:Death (Grim Reaper)|Death]] - A Guardian of Guthix and the Grim Reaper of Gielinor. Death arrived to Ashenfall and request assistance from the Adventurer(s) in dealing with Imaru and the undead corruption in Fellhollow
* [[Dragonwilds:Muncher]] - Death's undead Hellhound pet who accompanied the reaper to Fellhollow.
* [[Dragonwilds:Postie Pete]] - A postman of Gielinor who arrived to Fellhollow, informing the adventurer(s) on [[Dragonwilds:Wither]] and [[Dragonwilds:Soul Rifting]].

===Native rulers===
* [[Dragonwilds:Velgar]] - A green dragon and one of Queen Kuldra's most feared disciples. He rules over [[Dragonwilds:Bramblemead Valley]] and [[Dragonwilds:Ghornfell]]

* [[Dragonwilds:Imaru]] - An undead blue dragon who rules over the [[Dragonwilds:Fellhollow]] region.

* [[Dragonwilds:Kuldra]] - Also known as the '''Dragon Queen''' and the '''God Eater''', she devoured the Garou goddess Lougrim, and now rules over the dragons and Garou.
* [[Dragonwilds:Black Knight Titan|Milliburn Rasmodel]] - Also known as '''Lord Rasmodel''' and the '''Black Knight Titan''' is the leader of the [[Dragonwilds:Black Knights]] and Master of Dowdun Reach.

=== Past rulers ===
* [[Dragonwilds:Lougrim]] - The goddess of the Garou, she ruled over the Garou territories in Ghornfell before being devoured by Kuldra.
* Lord of [[Dragonwilds:Bramblemead Valley|Bramblemead]] - A lord who resides in the [[Dragonwilds:Keep of Blue Flames]], who watches over the village and surrounding area of the region.

==Trivia==
* Although the continent is said to be north of the mainland of Gielinor, it was confirmed by [[Dragonwilds:Mod Raven]] that this was not the initial idea, as he wanted it to be somewhere southeast of the mainland.{{CiteDiscord|author=Mod Raven|url=https://discord.com/channels/303835144073248770/436827573272576000/1394711881687502889|date=15 July 2025|quote=Hahahahahahaha, this is the problem of Mod Dutch talking. Since it's been announced on livestreams and stuff, yes, it's to the North, but no, that's not where I wanted to put it. Hahaha. I actually wanted it a little to the south east.|ctxquote=Wait Raven is Ashenfall still to the north like the Q&A said ("you're sailing to the north")}} Due to [[Dragonwilds:Mod Dutch]] announcing its location, they had to keep it there to avoid confusion.{{CiteDiscord|author=Mod Raven|url=https://discord.com/channels/303835144073248770/436827573272576000/1394712949612085288|date=15 July 2025|quote=It's tricky, as not everyone reads what's in the game, but they will have seen the videos. So it's better to try and make them work. Ashenfall is able to accomodate the variance in climate, so it's not really an issue|ctxquote=is it even a retcon if it's not stated ingame}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Ashenfall}}
[[Category:Ashenfall]]