Nidhogg#

  • Ancient shadow dragon sealed in the Shadowfell by the Order of Seasons during a great war centuries ago
  • Led undead legions that threatened to drown the Feywild in shadow before he was bound
  • Hates the Dusk Lord and anyone marked by the Dusk Lord or the Arbiter
  • His imprisonment is maintained by two forces: the elven leyline barrier (the cage) and Vidrir’s divine power woven into it (the lock)
  • Cannot be easily destroyed — even gods cannot readily unmake an ancient shadow dragon
  • Described as ancient, cunning, and was at the height of his power when sealed

The Seal#

  • The barrier is anchored by four leyline temples, one in each seasonal domain of the Fey Courts (Winter, Autumn, Summer, Spring)
  • Vidrir (Odin in disguise) wove a portion of his divine essence into the barrier — his power has been actively maintaining the seal for centuries
  • As the leyline barrier weakens, more weight falls on Vidrir’s shoulders
  • If the seal breaks, Nidhogg escapes with centuries of rage, cult allies, and the power to spread darkness across multiple realms

Cult of the Eclipse#

  • The Cult of the Eclipse serves Nidhogg’s goals, seeking to free him by corrupting the leyline temples
  • Serenity (night hag) cursed the village of Tannis to earn Nidhogg’s favor, communing with him through a seeing stone (crystal orb)
  • The Weaver leads the cult and plans to weaken the leyline network to release Nidhogg — though his original interest was in using Nidhogg’s image for his illusions, not serving the dragon directly
  • Xolthos publicly proclaimed Nidhogg’s return at the Autumn Court festival
  • The cult created Hollow Thresholds — tears in reality that siphon leyline power and weaken the barrier

The Weaver’s Illusion#

  • The Weaver conjured an illusion of Nidhogg so convincing and fearsome that the villagers of Shad’s village literally died of fright
  • The Weaver was not originally interested in freeing Nidhogg — he thought the dragon’s image would make for a “fantastic illusion” — but his ambitions grew to unraveling the barrier entirely

The Final Ritual#

  • The Weaver plans to execute his summoning ritual at the ancient battlefield where Nidhogg was sealed ages ago
  • The ritual tears open a portal to the Shadowfell, progressing through phases:
    • Phase 1-2: Gathering power, portal forming
    • Phase 3: Nidhogg approaches — his whispers can charm creatures, his presence radiates fear
    • Phase 4: Breakthrough imminent — Nidhogg’s shadow becomes visible through the portal; all creatures must resist or be frightened and paralyzed
  • If the ritual completes, Nidhogg would be freed and eternal darkness would reign

Historical Context#

  • Lord Farkris of the Autumn Court regretted failing to make peace with Nidhogg centuries ago
  • The Order of Seasons — founded by Vidrir/Odin — were the guardians who fought Nidhogg’s forces. Most of them died buying time for the seal to be completed
  • The Arbiter was not involved in the original sealing but recognizes Nidhogg as an enemy of the Dusk Lord
  • Nidhogg may sense Vidrir’s essence in the seal, but the Shadowfell separates them — he cannot reach through the barrier… yet