Fall Of The Násr

Hoping to bring an end to decades of war across the galaxy, the Násr unleashed their plan to defeat Rhïarrh in orbit over Vónekh VII. Though fearful of the dangers of the Void, their resolve was set and their path unwavering. Their minds linked through means both mechanical and telepathic, they tugged at the frayed edges of the material universe and beckoned the devouring darkness to flow forth. They were folly to believe they could control the Void, for what came was no trickle, but a flood. The sinister tentacles of non-space seeping from the wound in reality were washed away by a rapidly expanding black halo.

Reeling in terror and unimaginable pain, the Násr let go, allowing the edges of reality to snap back. But it was far too late. No more than a second later, the dark tsunami stuck and sent both fleets tumbling sickeningly through space. Many ships were annihilated and torn apart in moments. The few who survived stood as silent and helpless witnesses to death and destruction on a titanic scale as friend and foe alike were swallowed by the hungry darkness.

Much of the combined forces of the Násr had hung in low orbit, prepared for the occupation of Vónekh VII. Their deployment proved disastrous, as the shockwave of the expanding Void shattered the fleet and sent the remnants on a meteoric path toward the planet below. The pale sky of a dead planet awoke with storm and fire as the Násr were cast down. The ruined vessels of the Násr fleet smashed into the earth in thunderous reports that tore at the planet, sending shards of rock, ice and shattered starsteel flying into the air.

It would seem that the annihilation was utter and complete, but as more than mere creatures of flesh and bone, many of the Aëdr would survive the fall. Days, months, even years later, flaming figures and blackened husks could be seen emerging from the shattered hulls. They crawled slowly, suffering silently in wordless agony, but they moved with purpose.

Gradually, the fallen Aëdr gathered in silence and exchanged only cold stares of reflected and shared hatred. Once beautiful visages now looked back with the skeletal grin of death. Once proud, white wings now were blackened and glowed with the embers of unquenched fire. The dark smoke of their destruction wreathed them all.

Soon many warriors stood together in stern ranks awaiting command, but none came. For the Násr were not among them. They were alone on a desolate and alien planet. Defeated and leaderless, but not for long. It was then that Aëron strode forth and spoke.

"We are no longer of the stars. We are Aëdr no more. We are the Kheïtanni. The Fallen. And we will have our vengeance."