Almost Heroes Day:

Five centuries ago, a band of extraordinary adventurers rose from the shadows of history to become legends—their name: The Rising Sun. The group was a unique blend of warriors and mystics, drawn from many corners of the world. Among them were nimble wood elves, battle-hardened human fighters, a mysterious psionic, and two Tieflings—one a bard whose melodies could inspire or shatter minds, the other a sorcerer with flames dancing at their fingertips. In time, two Aasimar joined their ranks—a warlock who communed with dark powers, and a rogue, swift and silent.

This diverse fellowship wandered across the land, earning a reputation for their valor and skill. Their most celebrated moment came after they saved a beleaguered village from a terrible evil. As a testament to their bravery, the village was transformed into a prosperous town, reshaped by the adventurers themselves. That town was christened The Land of the Rising Sun, honoring the heroes who rebuilt it from ruin.

Their fame grew as they ventured forth, slaying monsters, defeating sinister forces, and righting wrongs. But their greatest—and most tragic—quest came at the behest of the king of Tharfield Palace. Tasked with slaying a great dragon in the frozen peaks of the Winter Stronghold, The Rising Sun marched to face their doom.

Deep within the dragon’s lair, they found the towering beast—an adult black dragon guarding a precious egg. Driven by their mission, they pressed on, unaware that their movements would stir the dragon from its slumber. As the creature awoke, its fury ignited, chasing them from the cavern. In its haste, the dragon stepped on its own egg, unknowingly crushing its future.

This tragic accident forged a blackened hatred in the dragon’s heart—not toward the adventurers, but toward the land itself. The once-peaceful beast became a vengeful force of nature, laying waste to the countryside in its rage. Though The Rising Sun survived the encounter, they left behind a legacy tainted by unintended consequences.

Now, every year, Almost Heroes Day honors both their triumphs and their tragic missteps—a reminder that even legends carry the weight of their choices.