Circle of Endings

The Circle of Endings

Overview

The Circle of Endings is an ancient and forbidden site, shrouded in mystery and lost to time. Created by Ix, it served as a grim execution ground for Ancients deemed unworthy of existence. The site is steeped in malevolent magic and remains a relic of a forgotten era, known only to the First Gods and whispered of in legends.

Hidden in an unknown location, it cannot be discovered through conventional means or even most magical searches. The First Gods, such as Tempus, deliberately erased knowledge of its existence, deeming it too dangerous to ever be rediscovered.

History

Creation by Ix:
The Circle of Endings was crafted by Ix’s as a place to strip immortals of their power and, ultimately, their lives. It was Ix's ultimate tool for maintaining dominance, ensuring that any Ancient or being who defied him could be eradicated completely.
The Void Creature:
At the heart of the Circle lies a void creature. This malevolent being was imprisoned in a twisted obsidian idol, where it remains bound but eternally hungry. The creature feeds on the life essence of immortals, siphoning their power until they are rendered mortal—and then drains their mortal life, leaving nothing but emptiness in its wake. The void creature is irredeemable and insatiable, a manifestation of endless hunger.
The Fall of Ix and the Erasure of the Circle:
After Ix’s destruction, the First Gods, understanding the catastrophic danger of the Circle, sealed it away from memory. Tempus and others ensured that no records or maps survived, and even divine attempts to locate the site are veiled in layers of magical obfuscation.

Physical Description

The Megalithic Structure:
The Circle is composed of massive megalithic pillars, each carved with primitive stick figures frozen in eternal worship. These carvings date back to the time before true sentience, when primal beings instinctively revered Ix out of fear and zealous devotion. The pillars form a ring around a central sunken pit, where the most significant rituals and executions occurred.
The Obsidian Idol:
Rising from the pit’s heart is a twisted obsidian idol, an unsettling and distorted effigy. Its surface radiates an unnatural pull, drawing the essence of all living things. The idol is not merely stone but a prison for the void creature, sealed by Ix’s dark magic. Its face, though carved, seems almost alive, its expression shifting subtly when observed for too long.
The Magic of the Circle:
The Circle is infused with Ix’s power, the creator of the worlds. The capstones above the megalithic pillars are suspended by this ancient magic, defying gravity. The air itself feels heavy with dread, and faint whispers can be heard emanating from the stone—echoes of the countless lives drained by the void creature.

Lore and Mystical Properties

Unnatural Whispers:
The fitted stones along the pit’s sides are said to retain the memories of those sacrificed here. Adventurers who stumble upon the Circle might hear voices, disjointed and fragmented, murmuring in forgotten tongues. These whispers often drive mortals mad.
The Idol’s Pull:
Any immortal being who comes too close to the idol will feel their power being drained. The closer one gets, the stronger the pull becomes, until they are completely at its mercy. Even mortals can feel the idol’s hunger as a faint, gnawing unease in their very souls.
Forgotten by All:
The Circle’s location is hidden by layers of magical protections. Attempts to scry or locate it yield nothing but a void. It is said that only a being of immense power—such as a First God—could guide someone to the site, and even then, they would likely do so only under the gravest of circumstances.

Legends and Myths

The First Execution:
It is whispered that the first Ancient to die here defied Ix himself. As punishment, Ix personally cast them into the pit, allowing the void creature to strip them of immortality and devour their essence. This act cemented the Circle’s reputation as a place of ultimate destruction.
The Curse of the Circle:
Legends claim that anyone who spends too long within the Circle will have their life force slowly leeched away, even if they escape the void creature’s pull. Over time, they will become hollowed-out shells, doomed to wander as lifeless husks.
The Forgotten Pilgrims:
Primitive beings, long before the rise of sentient mortals, once stumbled upon the Circle and revered Ix as their sole god. Their carvings remain on the pillars, though their true meanings are lost. Some scholars speculate that these beings were the first victims of the void creature.

In-Game Details

Discovery:
The Circle cannot be stumbled upon. If it features in your campaign, it should be revealed only through extraordinary circumstances, such as a divine vision, an artifact with memories of the site, or a god’s direct intervention.
Effects on Players:
- Any immortal or divine being within 100 feet of the idol feels their power begin to wane. At 50 feet, they must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 20) each round or lose 1 level of divine power or spellcasting ability. At 10 feet, they are rendered mortal.
- Mortals feel an increasing sense of dread. Prolonged exposure (more than 1 hour) requires a Charisma saving throw (DC 15) to avoid gaining a short-term madness effect.
Encounter Potential:
- The void creature, while trapped, can influence its surroundings subtly. It might manipulate players’ minds, create illusions, or summon void-touched creatures to protect its prison.
- If the idol’s seal is broken, the void creature would become an apocalyptic threat, capable of draining gods and mortals alike.

Adventure Hooks

Forgotten Whispers: A piece of ancient stonework found in ruins contains echoes of the Circle’s whispers. A historian asks the party to investigate.
A God’s Request: Tempus (or another First God) reveals the Circle’s location to the party, tasking them with ensuring it remains sealed.
The Idol Awakens: Strange phenomena begin to occur, hinting that the void creature’s prison may be weakening.

This entry provides a rich backstory, detailed description, and potential game mechanics to integrate the Circle of Endings into your campaign. Let me know if you'd like to tweak any sections or add more details!