#dark centurion

[nerds-yearbook]

Astro City vol 2 22 was published with a pull date of May 2000. The issue introduced Martha Sullivan and the Dark Centurian, created by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. It was the last issue of the second series. ("Great Expectations", Astro City vol 2 22, DC/Homage Comic Event)

[landsofaruin]

Oramian, Centurion of Thal

In the heart of the Empire of Altria, amidst the towering spires of the capital city, there served a valiant Centurion named Darian. Darian was a distinguished member of the Emperor's elite guard, known for his exceptional skill with the blade, unwavering loyalty to the empire, and unyielding determination to uphold justice and order. He spent his days training rigorously and patrolling the streets, ensuring the safety of the emperor and the citizens of Altria. Darian's bond with his dragon, Astral, was as formidable as the tempests that roared across the skies. Astral, a majestic dragon with iridescent black scales, was a symbol of strength and valor. Throughout his career as a soldier, Darian earned the respect and admiration of his comrades and superiors alike. His name was spoken with reverence and admiration by all who knew him, for he was a paragon of honor and duty in a world that sometimes found itself mired in chaos and strife. But the humble soldier was merely a ruse to hide the ambitious snake he truly was. The arrival of the dark gods plunged the Empire of Altria into turmoil and despair. Thal, god of Fate sought to manipulate the threads of fate to sow chaos and discord throughout the land, corrupting the very fabric of reality itself. Darian, devastated by the corruption of his beloved empire and the weakness of his comrades, sought answers in the forbidden lore of the dark gods in a desperate attempt to save what remained of his homeland in his own pride and bid for power. In his quest, Darian was given a vision into the threads of fate by Thal. The weaver of fate offered Darian the power to manipulate the threads of fate to his own will in exchange for his allegiance, renaming him Oramian.

[landsofaruin]

Vestia, Centurion of Gorak

In the serene village of Sol, where golden fields stretched toward the horizon and the laughter of children was common, there lived a gifted seer named Seraphina. Seraphina was revered for her ability to harness the light's energies to foresee glimpses of the future, guiding her people toward prosperity and happiness. She spent her days studying ancient texts and communing with Prospera, the Altrian Goddess that blessed Sol with radiant abundance. Seraphina's bond with her dragon, Dawnwyn, was as radiant as the sun itself. Dawnlight, a majestic dragon with white scales that shimmered like sunlight on water, bonded with Seraphina at an older age than most dragon riders, as Dawnlight had been a matron dragon, laying many clutches of eggs. Throughout her life, Seraphina was known as the Sunseer, a beacon of guidance and hope for her people. Her name was spoken with reverence and admiration by all who knew her, for she was a source of enlightenment in a world that sometimes found itself veiled in uncertainty. The tranquility of Sol was shattered by the encroaching darkness brought by the malevolent god Gorak, the Ender of Light. Seeking dominion over the sun and all that basked in its rays, Gorak targeted Seraphina for her unparalleled connection to the celestial forces. In a tragic turn of events, Seraphina's visions turned into harrowing nightmares, each foretelling the imminent demise of her beloved village and the extinguishing of the divine light she so revered. Tormented by these dark prophecies, she desperately sought a way to protect her people and preserve the radiant energy that defined Sol. In her vulnerable state, Seraphina was deceived by Vespera, a sinister daemon serving Gorak. Vespera manipulated Seraphina's fear and desperation, convincing her that embracing the shadows was the only way to save Sol from total annihilation. In her misguided attempt to protect her people, Seraphina made a fateful pact with Vespera, forsaking her name and her connection to the light. Renamed Vestia, she became the daemonic paladin of Gorak, using her newfound powers to manipulate shadows and light in a futile effort to stave off the inevitable. Now, she roams the once-sunlit fields, spreading fear and despair in the name of Gorak, her actions a painful reflection of the tragic deception that led her down this dark path. Vestia can absorb and store light, converting it into raw energy. This energy can be released in devastating bursts of blinding radiance, effectively neutralizing threats and overwhelming opponents with intense light.

[landsofaruin]

Ophiuchus, Centurion of Gilix

In the tranquil village of Elysium, nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant meadows, there lived a man named Marcus. Marcus was a humble muse, known for his melodic voice and soul-stirring ballads that echoed through the streets like whispers of the wind. He spent his days weaving tales of love and heroism, bringing joy and inspiration to all who heard his songs. Marcus was deeply connected to nature, finding solace in the serene beauty of the natural world. He would often wander through the forests and fields, seeking inspiration for his songs amidst the whispering leaves and babbling brooks. His bond with the land was as deep as the roots of the ancient trees, and he felt a profound sense of harmony in the embrace of nature. Marcus's idyllic existence was shattered when he began to experience haunting visions of a dark figure wreathed in shadows and flame. The fiery figure would whisper promises of power and glory in Marcus's ears, slowly driving him to the brink of madness with relentless whispers. Tormented by these visions, Marcus slowly descended into madness, his once joyful laughter twisted into manic cackles of insanity. He became obsessed with the idea of bringing about the end of the world, convinced that only through destruction could a new and better world be born. Renamed Ophiuchus by the cultists of Gilix, the Harbingers of Oblivion, he embraced his descent into madness, reveling in the chaos and destruction that followed in his wake. With each step, he summoned forth nightmarish creatures known as the Laughing Horrors, twisted abominations that embodied his own descent into madness. He is the only Abominatus without a dragon before his turn to darkness and is unique in not having a draconian form. Driven by his own laughing madness, Ophiuchus laid waste to villages and kingdoms, his deranged laughter echoing through the shattered remnants of civilization. He became a terror to all who crossed his path, a herald of doom and despair whose madness knew no bounds. Ophiuchus can unravel the fabric of reality itself, creating minor rifts in space and time. These rifts can lead to cataclysmic consequences, altering the very nature of existence and bringing about apocalyptic events such a earthquakes and thunderstorms. His very appearance can cause hallucinogenic visions and fits of laughter before his victims are finished. He is considered the strongest of the Dark Centurions.

[landsofaruin]

Somnus, Centurion of Nyxara

Born as Alaric of House Oraculum, he was known for his prophetic abilities and served as a revered priest of Cassian, the Altrian God of Prophecy. Alaric was deeply devoted to his faith, spending his days interpreting visions and guiding his people through the mysteries of the future. Alaric's world was shattered when a devastating plague swept through his city, claiming the lives of many, including his beloved child, his bright-eyed daughter Aurelia. Despite his efforts to heal her using his prophetic gifts, Alaric was powerless to save her, and her death left him consumed by grief and despair. The loss of Aurelia was a profound blow to Alaric, leaving him questioning his faith and his purpose as a priest. He struggled to find meaning in a world plagued by suffering and uncertainty, his heart heavy with sorrow for the daughter he had lost.

In his grief-stricken state, Alaric's faith in Cassian wavered, and he turned to forbidden rituals and dark magic in a desperate attempt to commune with the spirits and find solace in his daughter's memory. It was during one of these rituals that he was approached by Nyxara, the Mistress of Nightmares, who preyed upon his vulnerability and offered him visions of his lost child in exchange for his allegiance. Desperate to be reunited with Aurelia, Alaric made a fateful pact with Nyxara, forsaking his vows to Cassian and embracing the darkness that consumed his soul. Renamed Somnus the Dreadweaver, he became a servant of Nyxara, using his prophetic abilities to weave nightmares that tormented the minds of mortals. Haunted by the memory of his daughter and driven by his desire for redemption, Somnus roamed the dream realm, spreading terror and despair in the name of his dark mistress. Somnus can both physically and mentally move inside of the dream realm and invade the dreams of his targets and craft nightmares, each designed to exploit the deepest fears and insecurities of the dreamer. He can manipulate these night terrors to extract information or sow discord among groups.

[landsofaruin]

Empress Concordia, Centurion of Zeraphex

Empress Concordia was once revered as a beacon of compassion and wisdom in the empire ruled by Emperor Trivium. She was known for her kindness, grace, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of her people. Concordia was deeply loved by the citizens of the empire for her charitable works and her efforts to promote peace and unity among the diverse factions within the realm. At a young age she bonded with a majestic dragon named Solarius, his radiant golden scales mirrored her own benevolent and noble nature. Solarius was revered as a symbol of hope and prosperity, and their partnership was seen as a guiding light for her family. As Empress, Concordia worked tirelessly to improve the lives of her subjects, advocating for social reforms, education, and healthcare for all. Her influence and wisdom were instrumental in maintaining stability and prosperity throughout the empire. The betrayal of Emperor Trivium and the devastation wrought by the dark gods shattered Concordia's world. Consumed by grief and rage, she sought vengeance against those who had brought ruin to her beloved empire. In her darkest hour, she turned to the forbidden lore of Zeraphex, the Harvester of Souls, drawn by the promise of power and retribution. Zeraphex, recognizing Concordia's anguish and her burning desire for justice, offered her a chance to wield unimaginable power in exchange for her unwavering loyalty. Desperate to avenge the betrayal of her husband and protect her people from further harm, Concordia accepted the dark god's offer without hesitation. As she embraced the dark energies of Zeraphex, Concordia underwent a transformation that transcended the boundaries of mortality. Her once radiant visage was twisted by the corrupting influence of her patron, her form imbued with the essence of death and decay. She is one of the only champions of the Dark Gods to keep her name as she seems to have a level of control over herself than the others. In her quest for vengeance, Concordia seeks out sources of dark power that will grant her the strength to undermine Trivium and his allies. She delves into forbidden rituals and dark magic, drawing upon the energies of Zeraphex to enhance her abilities and augment her strength, even at the cost of her own humanity. As Concordia's obsession with revenge consumes her, she becomes increasingly ruthless and willing to sacrifice anything—even her own children—to achieve her goal. She rationalizes her actions as necessary sacrifices in the pursuit of justice, but in reality, she became corrupted by her own thirst for vengeance, losing sight of the line between right and wrong. She became a devoted servant of Zeraphex, wielding her newfound powers to unleash devastation upon those who dared to oppose her. She now seeks to fulfill her dark patron's will, striking fear into the hearts of mortals and reaping souls to fuel her insatiable thirst for vengeance. Empress Concordia can harness the souls she has collected to perform dark rituals and cast powerful spells. She can draw upon the unique abilities and experiences of the souls in her collection, making her an unpredictable and formidable spellcaster.

[landsofaruin]

Hexus, Centurion of Drakar

Originally known as Hexathel of the Verdant Hollows, Hexathel was a revered healer and herbalist, a priest of the God of death Moros, and deeply respected in his community. He and his family were guardians of ancient healing arts, using their knowledge to cure diseases and protect their people from epidemics. Hexathel, despite being a low born, was able to bond with the sickly forest dragon Venenum, a vibrant green dragon known for its connection to the natural world and its ability to spray a toxic gas instead of fire due to a disease he caught as a hatchling. Hexathel's life was dedicated to understanding the delicate balance of nature and health. He was seen not just as a healer but as a wise sage who could decipher the secrets of the natural world to find cures for even the most deadly ailments. He was eventually made the royal physician for his prowess as a healer, he aided the young Trivium during his early illnesses. Hexathel's transformation began when a devastating plague swept through his homeland, one that resisted all known treatments and cures. In their desperation to save his people, Hexathel turned to forbidden texts that hinted at dark, ancient powers capable of controlling diseases. As he delved deeper into these dark arts, the influence of the Dark God of Plague began to corrupt his once noble intentions. He began to test his cures on live subjects, not knowing what could happen. As his knowledge grew so did his pride. Hexathel began to infect others around him so that he might feel the rush of curing a patient once again, killing many in this process. Hexathel and Venenum transformed, embodying the very essence of the plague they once fought against. Renamed Hexus the Plague bringer, his connection to diseases became perverse with the morbid blessings of his god. He no longer sought to cure but to control and spread afflictions, believing in the twisted philosophy that true balance required unleashing and mastering plagues. Venenum, now a harbinger of disease, spread contagion with its very presence. Hexus Plague bringer became a feared figure, a stark contrast to their former self. The once kind doctor now only intends on inflicting pain and suffering onto his unwilling patients. Hexus can create and manipulate virulent plagues at will, tailored to specific individuals or situations. He can alter the course of diseases and accelerate their progression, making him a master of biological warfare and when in his Daemon form, the screaming tortured visage of Venenum leaves Hexus in a mucusy green color and a fowl odor unlike anything living.

[landsofaruin]

The Xiphos, Centurion of Xnara

Gaeon, known as Gaeon of the Whispering Woods, was a figure of mystery and intrigue in Altria. They were a skilled dragon rider, bonded with Mystiko, a black dragon that could blend seamlessly into the night sky. Gaeon and Mystiko were known for their stealth and intelligence, often tasked with missions that required subtlety and finesse as agents in the Altrian secret police.

Beyond their skills as a dragon rider, Gaeon was deeply attuned to the natural world. They were born into a family of shrine keepers, guardians of ancient secrets and a protectors of hidden truths. People respected them for their wisdom and their ability to navigate the complexities of both human and natural realms.

A turning point for Gaeon came when they uncovered a forbidden site deep in the Whispering Woods. This site contained relics related to the dark gods, artifacts that should have been destroyed but were instead hidden away.

Curiosity led Gaeon to study these forbidden artifacts, an action that marked the beginning of their transformation. The dark gods offered them knowledge beyond mortal understanding, tapping into their innate curiosity and desire for wisdom.

As they delved deeper into the dark teachings, both Gaeon and Mystiko began to change. His form became more ethereal, more a creature of shadow than flesh. Gaeon's connection to the natural world twisted into something more sinister. They no longer sought to protect the secrets of the world but rather to use them for manipulation and control.

Now known simply as the Xiphos, Gaeon became a master of shadows and deception. Their once noble quest for knowledge turned into a pursuit of power over others through secrets and lies. They move through the world like a wraith, unseen yet ever-present, they drift both in and out of the dream realm and learn about their targets through their dreams. They have become a symbol of how even the quest for understanding can lead to a path of darkness when corrupted by forbidden power.