Tai’Shalvar, “The Foul Wind” in ancient Centathic, brings chaos and madness to Jhordunne. It is believed to have existed before there was anything else in the universe. It begins blowing as a raging maelstrom somewhere far beyond the Abyss. It’s shrieking would rip to shreds any mortal being unfortunate enough to stand in its path. By the time it passes through the void of the Abyss and reaches the Pale – the barrier between the Material Realm and insanity beyond – Tai’Shalvar has slowed to a mere whisper, but is no less dangerous. It can not directly pierce the Pale, but finds the tiny cracks that exist in the bulwark. It sends hateful tendrils through those cracks, to tempt and twist its victims and reward or punish its servants.
Its followers are corrupted individuals, many driven mad by the whisperings of the Wind. They span all stations and occupations, from peasant to noble, rat catcher to king. Human, Elf, Dwarf, Ogre, or beast… it does not matter to Tai’Shalvar. All are welcome in its chaotic embrace. A sentient evil, it relishes in turning the most pious or innocent to its dark path, though it will settle for the wicked, if it can convert none other. Some of its followers have been “rewarded” with the taint of Tai’Shalvar in the form of mutations upon various parts of their bodies. Those who receive these mutations consider them blessings. Some are so corrupted that they have become monstrosities, from base beasts to the fearsome Damned Knight. Demons such as the Vile Princes, while not creations of Tai’Shalvar, harness its energy to power shape their domains.