The Elder Beings are a common archetype found in fiction and folklore regarding villains. Often, they are the survivors of an ancient race that existed prior to the current ruling class of deities or mortals. Normally embodying the dark and chaotic forces of pre-civilized society, Elder Beings are feared and demonized as agents of anarchy and ruin, often warring with gods and mortals. A common trait of Elder Beings is that they are imprisoned in some fashion, awaiting the day they can be unleashed upon the world again.