Gambler (myth)
Gambler is the title of a short, historically-based myth originating in Helmbridge. It chronicles the downward spiral of King Bran IV, an event that many men of Celadon believe was the cause of the Fall of Eolas. Although denied by the elves of western Celadon, many scholars confirm this may have been a contributing factor to the impact, but was no the single aggressor. The myth is part of the long-standing debate concerning King Harrod, and whether or not Bran and Harrod are at all related is a manner of speculation.
The Poem
Although a very culturally-exclusive tale, the short poem has been translated to Tai'ora, Lyrian, and Atherin alike throughout history. It was originally written in Proto-Atherin, and its contents are based mainly off of only one surviving document.
Upon examination, the poem's first line is "Now the Moon sees Everything", which is commonplace among poems of the human Celadon cultures. The line is added to note that the writer of the poem does not intend to offend the gods, remarking that the Moon (in this case, a representation of god in their culture) has seen it all transpire, and that the poet is not intending to say that the god is blind to earthly events. Shortly after this first line, the poem introduces the fourth king of Helmbridge, Bran IV, and mentions his death and dethroning with the remark "No longer, atop his castle stoop". It goes on to describe his jealousy of the powers of the gods (or perhaps a singular god), and how his kin are all attempting to assasinate him.
The two lines afterward are perhaps the most odd, almost making reference to another myth regarding a man being accepted among the gods, for his humility and generosity. "God among Man" implies directly to his religious cult, as well as his terrible tyranny. The most important lines immediately follow: "Threw Stones at the Stars And then the Whole Sky Fell" indeed refers to him throwing stones (whether they are metaphorical or physical) at the stars, and the anger from the gods finally resulting in the Fall of Eolas, destroying his entire kingdom as he knew it. Save, however, his subjects that survived, when the church evacuated them from their cities after their Prospects had visions of a great apocalypse. The townspeople waited in nearby caves, until the ravaging of the continent finished. Had Bran not obsessed in his wealth, he would have gotten out of the city as well.
Atherin Translation
Now the Moon sees
Everything
Our Fourth King,
No longer,
Atop his stoop.
Jealous of God,
Fearing his Kin.
No Man among Gods,
But God among Man,
Threw Stones at the Stars
And then the Whole Sky Fell.
Tai'ora Translation
Ága tu-Kol kíl
Gua
Ta'i lon Ronnaka,
Okén ektun,
Et A'er ĵuom rean.
Hůnnar ro Kutus,
Vála A'er Dar`a.
Hai Lu gala Kutus,
Durag Kutus gala Lu,
Suna moren`a lan tu-akae`a
Orn gua tu-runa arda.