Thû Usiktwě (concept)
The Thû Usiktwě, or the Time of Fear, was a dark age of the Mtuwê during the late 8th century, which began when the Kyaali Magi Xibal performed the long-thought impossible feat of assuming the form of the Tshê-tlâ, and used his power to conquer much of Southern Rojihlat Mara. It is said that Xibal implanted Tshê-tlâ ants in the brains of both the living and dead, which allowed him to control their bodies as he saw fit. Xibal himself was thought to be invulnerable due to his power, leading to a period of complete domination in the south by the warlord.
The Thû Usiktwě ended after Xibal's death at the end of the century, after he spontaneously combusted into a pillar of flame. The Kyaali took this as a sign of divine intervention and swiftly destroyed the remnants of Xibal's armies, which was greatly lessened after the death of the Magi. The suffering and devastation caused by Xibal nearly killed out the Kyaali, and splintered its worshippers into separate and isolated tribes.
Aliases: Time of Fear