Beneath the storm-tossed seas and far from the reach of daylight, a mythic abyss whispers tales of the Great Deep and its cursed rulers the Accursed Archthrones. Shrouded in darkness and mystery, this ancient dominion has long been the subject of fearful legends told by sailors, scholars, and adventurers alike. The Archthrones are said to command forgotten power, dwelling in submerged fortresses carved into the bones of drowned gods. Each throne is not merely a seat of rule, but a prison of sorrow, binding its master to duty, madness, and immortality. Exploring the lore of the Great Deep and the Accursed Archthrones is to peer into a world where time bends, sanity fades, and power comes at a soul-crushing cost.
Origins of the Great Deep
The Great Deep is believed to be a realm that predates surface civilizations. Hidden beneath layers of ancient oceanic crust, it is more than just a geographical trench it’s a metaphysical space. Some claim it was the first domain crafted by the primordial entities, long before the stars. Others believe it was a refuge for the world’s rejected gods, who buried their secrets beneath layers of time and pressure.
Shaping the Abyss
Legends tell of titanic beings that molded the Great Deep with their own despair. As their memories faded from the surface, their essence sank into the oceans, shaping a dimension of water, shadow, and sorrow. This place became the cradle of the Archthrones.
The Accursed Archthrones Explained
The Archthrones are not just seats of authority; they are living relics fused with the spirit of their holders. There are said to be seven Archthrones in total, each bound to a different aspect of the abyss. They were once meant to guard balance between surface and sea, but now they serve as prisons for their lords, cursed with the burden of forbidden knowledge and twisted power.
Nature of the Curse
- Eternal Vigil: Once seated, a ruler can never leave their throne without dooming their realm to collapse.
The longer they sit, the more fragmented their memories become, confusing time and identity. - Soul Tithe: Every cycle, a soul must be sacrificed to maintain the Archthrone’s integrity.
Despite the horrific terms, each Archthrone promises unmatched strength and command over facets of the deep, from storms to shadows, making them tempting prizes for the power-hungry.
The Seven Archthrones and Their Domains
Though details vary between cultures, most stories identify seven unique Archthrones. Each one has a unique purpose and guardian.
1. Throne of Brine
This Archthrone controls the tides and currents. Its holder, known as the Brine King, is both worshipped and feared by sea creatures. He is chained to an ever-churning maelstrom and is said to speak only in tidal surges.
2. Throne of Silence
Hidden in the Tranquil Trench, this throne silences all sound and thought. The Silent Queen sits unmoving, her presence numbing the minds of all nearby. It is believed that even thinking too loudly in her domain leads to madness.
3. Throne of Coral Blood
Encased in a living reef, this throne feeds on memory and blood. Its ruler, the Coral Warden, grows coral from his own flesh to expand his dominion. The reef itself is semi-sentient and hostile to invaders.
4. Throne of Blackglass
Shattered obsidian mirrors form this seat, reflecting not one’s image, but their fears. The Mirror Lord who occupies it has forgotten his own form, and uses illusions to project terror and confusion into enemy minds.
5. Throne of Leviathan Bone
Carved into the ribcage of an ancient sea beast, this throne grants dominion over sea monsters. Its master rides the skeletal remains of titans, commanding them in silence. Known as the Bone Admiral, this figure guards the abyssal border.
6. Throne of Forgotten Stars
This throne glows with constellations that no longer exist in the sky. Its occupant, the Star Drowner, can manipulate gravity and light beneath the sea. Scholars claim his throne connects to other dimensions where dead stars still burn.
7. Throne of the Last Depth
The deepest, most mysterious throne, it lies in a trench with no known bottom. The Abyss Empress rules here, and her domain warps time itself. Some say she is the first and final Archthroner, looping through eternity to prevent a cataclysm.
Artifacts and Relics of the Archthrones
Ancient mariners and deep-sea divers have occasionally surfaced with objects believed to be fragments of the Archthrones. These artifacts carry powerful enchantments but at a terrible cost.
Notable Relics
- Blackglass Shard: Grants insight into enemies’ fears, but causes uncontrollable hallucinations after extended use.
- Coral Heart Pendant: Accelerates regeneration but spreads living coral across the wearer’s skin.
- Tidecaller’s Horn: Summons sea beasts, but each use shortens the caller’s lifespan.
- Stellar Compass: Points toward the Star Drowner’s domain, even in total darkness. It functions only under starlight.
These items are highly sought after by collectors and cultists who worship the Archthrones and their enigmatic powers.
The Cults of the Great Deep
Throughout history, secretive cults have worshipped the Accursed Archthrones. They believe the surface world is a temporary illusion, and that true divinity lies within the crushing embrace of the sea.
Common Beliefs Among the Cults
- The Archthrones are divine judges of mortal sin.
- Humanity was banished to the surface as punishment.
- Returning to the sea is a form of sacred purification.
- Each Archthrone will rise during the Time of Tides to reclaim the surface world.
These cults are known to conduct rituals near coastal ruins, sink ships intentionally, and raise new worshippers from the drowned dead.
The Great Deep and its Accursed Archthrones are more than myths; they represent a forgotten power buried under layers of fear, pressure, and time. To pursue their secrets is to risk losing everything identity, sanity, and even one’s soul. Yet still, some are drawn to the darkness beneath the waves, driven by ambition, curiosity, or madness. Whether the Archthrones are remnants of an ancient reality or figments of collective dread, their influence continues to ripple across the known world. And for those who dare descend into the abyss, the sea remembers everything.