Istean-Patriarch-Altoda
Redeemer of Istean
Long before Allysulia, long before Chilaquand, long before everything we know, there was Istean. The name itself was taken from the great High General Isteanoc, and the herd was a reward for his services. Istean was the First Strife, it was created at it's beginning, and it existed ten millennia later, at it's end.
When Atuitá, a counselor for the High Elder, was banished from the High Realm, he made is way to Frontain. There, he corrupted many Istean, and set them at war with themselves. Then, hidden under a veil of shadow, he deceived a young captain of Istean, telling him that he could help him end this strife.
Altoda won the Battle of Graupia, but unknowingly doomed Istean. All those who followed the third line of Istean, leaders of the herd, were exiled. They would have to wait nearly three millennia until the curse was unbound.
History of Istean, transcribed by Elie of Istean
Altoda is well known for being the one who doomed Istean. His full story, however, is as much a tragedy as any other.
Altoda was born in10768 of the First Strife, the younger child of Shilda and Illaris. However, an accident near a command post claimed the lives of both his parents. When this happened, Altoda and his sister Altia were taken in by their uncle, Nimoloc, now the heir to Istean.
At sixteen, he, his fifteen-year-old cousin, Delagog, and good friend Alinqua were considered the best and brightest young officers in Istean. However, it was then when Korata took over Atuitá, and started the strife that destroyed Istean. Altoda unknowingly met with Atuitá, and agreed to let him help Altoda end this.
At Graupia, the best names of the age were pitted against each other. Patriarch Adaline had the backing of Altoda, Nimoloc, Delagog, and Alinqua.
However, facing him was General Fradic, trying to hold the forces of Istean still loyal to Elder Higenti together. Under him were those who would shape the next age: the decisive young commander Suliantig (15), of Nephic's line, Allysuntis (14), of the line of Alinda, Defoc (15) the quick, Suisande (13), whose since of honor was unsurpassed, and Alsiria (14), a young craftsman. Even with all this help, Fradic had to give up the battle at Graupia to stay alive.
Though he had ended the strife, Altoda had cursed those who followed Adaline to exile. The world of Hali, not the valley of Frontain, would be Istean's home. Now fully under the control of Atuitá, Altoda journeyed to many places, spreading strife and earning the nickname "General of Discord". While Frontain regrew from Graupia, Altoda was biding his time, and slowly coming back to his own.
There were times when he could act on his own. That was when, unbeknownst to Atuitá, Altoda planted the seeds for his redemption, and the redemption of Istean. In Elephade Zambiandë, Altoda saw a youth much like him: quick to anger, but unwittingly loyal to his family. So he appeared to do Atuitá's work, shadowing Frontain in war again. Yet he purposely lost the battle of Chilaquand to a distant relative, Elephande, leaving Zambiandë with clear instructions on the redemption of Istean.
For seven hundred more years, Altoda acted as a puppet, spreading discord amongst the Cladlen, a fierce race. However, an opportunity struck soon: the Dreg, led by Supreme Commander Sulit-Aladan, had been infuriated by the actions of Elephande's son, Afrin. Altoda appeared to Sulit-Aladan, training him not so much for war with Elephande, as Atuitá thought, but for a much larger struggle.
On Balecroft, he once agian appeared to Elephande. All the pieces for the redemption of Istean were in place: Zambiandë allied with his brother, Sulit-Aladan prepared to ally with Elephande, and a recipient for the power that was to be released. Holding true to Altoda's instructions, Zambiandë made his sacrifice: he died, killing himself and Altoda, in the final redemption of all who once were decieved by Atuitá.
Two years later, Altoda was given a gift, the Gift of Elder Higenti, resotring him to power. He returned home, not an outcast, but a hero once more. As eldest of the line of Sheldian, when Nimoloc died, he was given command of Istean. He would have the honor of leading Istean's triumphant return to Chilaquand.
At Chilaquand, the lines of Isteanoc merged once more, never to falter. The three lines were united as Altoda and Delagog of Sheldian's line, Elephande, Afrin, and Zambiandë of Nephic's, and High General Akula of Alinda's broke the back of the Cladlen force.
Altoda leads Istean still today, although his gift has nearly been spent. He is the last remaining reminder of the glory of the First and Second Strifes, and represents Istean in the High Council. His young daughter, Nipace, stands ready to continue Istean's glory.
Andrea, Record Bearer of Afrin