Trial of Bjorn

The Trial of Bjorn is a sacred and grueling quest that only the chosen of The Earth Realm may undertake. Reserved for those deemed worthy by the Archon of the Earth, Bjorn, the trial tests not only physical might but also the unwavering resolve and spiritual harmony of those who seek to safeguard the balance of the earth. To succeed is to earn the wisdom of the Earthstone and the mantle of Avatar or as one of the Exarchs of the Earth.

The Pilgrimage

The journey to the trial begins with a pilgrimage to the far north of the Earth Realm, a trek that takes the chosen across the daunting Spine of the World mountain range. These towering peaks, blanketed in perpetual snow, stretch into the heavens like the jagged teeth of an ancient titan. The icy winds cut like blades, and the air grows thin, challenging even the hardiest traveler. Below the peaks, the valleys are filled with arctic taiga—dense forests of frost-laden conifers where wolves, bears, and other dangerous predators roam freely.

The path through the Northern Greypeak Mountains is fraught with peril. Ancient, crumbling trails wind along cliffsides, and the faint glow of runestones, etched with primordial symbols of the earth, guide the chosen toward their destination. The air grows heavier as the mountains themselves seem to weigh down upon those who tread their sacred grounds, as though testing their determination to reach the heart of Grimhold.

The Runic Bridge

At last, the chosen arrive at the entrance to Grimhold, a massive subterranean vault hidden deep within the mountains. Before they may enter, they must first cross the Runic Bridge, a narrow, ancient span that arcs over a seemingly bottomless chasm. The bridge is inscribed with glowing runes that pulse with the energy of the earth, each step echoing with a resounding hum as if the mountain itself acknowledges their presence.

Guarding the bridge are the Steel Sentinel, colossal constructs of stone and enchanted metal forged by the Mythar of ages past. These silent guardians are impervious to most mortal weapons, their movements slow but devastating. Only those who prove themselves worthy—by understanding the sacred runes or demonstrating unparalleled mastery over Earth-Rifting—may pass.

The final gate to Grimhold is protected by Anvel Tyrson (in the 5th age), The Seismic Sentinel, a risen Exarch of The Earth. Towering and immovable, Anvel embodies the unyielding strength of stone. His voice rumbles like an earthquake as he addresses the chosen:

Anvel Tyrson: "Show me the strength that moves mountains, or be crushed beneath them."

The Descent into Grimhold

Those who succeed are granted entry into Grimhold, descending into the heart of the mountain through a labyrinth of tunnels. The air grows oppressively warm, and the walls of the caverns shimmer with veins of gold, silver, and precious gems—natural treasures of the earth. At the end of this descent lies an awe-inspiring sight: a vast subterranean chamber where an ancient temple is suspended by colossal chains over a lake of molten lava. The lake itself is the molten form of Bjorn, the Archon of the Earth, who slumbers in this elemental form until the trial begins.

The temple, crafted from unyielding black stone and adorned with runic carvings, appears to defy gravity as it hovers above the lava. The chains creak and groan under its immense weight, but they hold firm, a testament to the indomitable will of the earth.

The Trial of Stone

Upon entering the temple, the chosen awaken Bjorn. The lava churns and rises as the Archon emerges, taking on the form of a colossal magma bear. His molten body radiates an intense heat that makes the very air shimmer, and his eyes burn like twin suns. Bjorn’s voice is a thunderous growl that reverberates through the chamber:

Bjorn: "You seek the wisdom of the Earthstone, but the earth does not yield its secrets lightly. Prove to me that you possess the strength to endure, the will to persevere, and the wisdom to wield the earth’s power with balance and care."

Bjorn tests the chosen in combat, his every movement causing tremors that threaten to collapse the chamber. Rivers of molten lava surge across the floor, forcing the chosen to adapt quickly or perish. Boulders rain from above, and Bjorn’s molten claws carve through stone and steel alike. The trial is not merely a test of physical strength but also of strategy and harmony with the earth. The chosen must harness Earth-Rifting to redirect lava flows, create barriers, and counter Bjorn’s overwhelming power.

Eyeing the Earthstone

If the chosen withstand Bjorn’s fury and prove themselves worthy, he ceases his assault, his molten form solidifying into a more tempered, earthen shape. He grants them passage to the Earthstone, a radiant artifact embedded within the temple’s altar. The Earthstone glows with a soft, golden light, its surface etched with ever-shifting runes that seem to pulse with the heartbeat of the world.

To gaze upon the Earthstone is to witness the memory of the earth itself—its creation, its triumphs, and its scars. The chosen are imbued with a profound understanding of the balance they must preserve and the unyielding strength they must embody.

Legacy

The Trial of Bjorn is a testament to the enduring strength and wisdom of the Earth Realm. Few have undertaken the trial, and fewer still have emerged victorious. Among the legends are Avatar Umber, who unified the Earth Realm and forged the Earth Kingdom, and Avatar Rok, who quelled the Earthen Wars and sealed the dark ambitions of Malekith.

The trial remains a sacred rite for those who seek to protect the balance of the earth, its enduring traditions, and the elemental harmony of the Prime Plane. To complete the Trial of Bjorn is to become one with the unyielding will of the earth, a protector of its enduring legacy.