Once, we held dominion over the balance of power. We watched as mages burned brilliantly but briefly, their arcane talents consuming them like a blaze of fleeting glory. But then came the aeonbond—a distortion of nature's order—granting them longevity akin to us.
The world they've shaped since stretches far and wide, leaving a permanent mark on our continent. I lament the day we didn't snuff out that spark, for we might have unleashed a force too great to control. In my heart unease festers, a gnawing dread that our lack of decisiveness has birthed a darker future. Humanity may yet bear the brunt of our misguided mercy, walking toward our own demise. Beholding the world they've forged, I cannot shake the nagging question: have we made a grave mistake?
Triarch Mobusa speaking at the 312th edition of the Darjeen Tournament.
4380 MA.
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4522 MA
Tresta Sea, Kartas
The sky was a vast, dark canvas, speckled with the silver and gold of countless stars. The wind whispered secrets to the waves, and the waves murmured back as they cradled the ship in their restless embrace. This was a world of hues and shades, of whispers and sighs, a world caught between light and shadow.
Vyas stood on the deck, gazing at the distant horizon as if he could will the sun to rise. Sleep had eluded him; the constant motion of the ship, the creaking timbers, and the relentless slap of the waves against the hull conspired against him. He had discovered, much to his chagrin, that he was no sailor.
His first days at sea had been a nightmare of nausea and shivering in the damp sea air. He had hoped his body would adapt to the motion and find peace in the rhythm of the waves. But two weeks passed, and still his stomach rebelled, his head throbbed, and the sea mocked him with its ceaseless dance.
This left Vyas with time to think—perhaps too much time. He found himself constantly on the ship's deck, gazing at the horizon. Never had he planned on becoming a traveler, especially not at this point in his life. He had always imagined that he and his friend Maya would spend a few more years within the Viptes Order, training and establishing their foundations. Their lives had been austere, but Vyas embraced the simplicity wholeheartedly. He trained relentlessly, seeking guidance from the warriors who roamed the order's halls, studying ancient tomes in the library, and engaging in combat with mystic beasts to sharpen his abilities. It was a simple existence, but one Vyas found fulfilling.
That was until Maya approached him, her eyes ablaze with a passion he'd never seen before. It was only at that moment that he learned the life he saw as comfortable was confining to her.
"Vyas," she had said, her voice trembling with excitement, "I want to see the world. I want to know what lies beyond these walls, beyond these mountains. I want to taste new foods, see new sights, hear new languages. I want to live, Vyas. Truly live. And I want you to come with me."
He thought Maya had gone crazy, and to some extent, he still did. But her way with words and irresistible smile kindled a fire within him. Her words ignited a yearning for a world he had never imagined—a world filled with wonders and mysteries that beckoned to him like a siren's song. And so, against his better judgment, Vyas agreed to accompany her on this mad, impossible journey.
When they presented the idea to the Archon, Vyas had half expected laughter. Instead, the Archon unveiled a map, revealing he'd already been contemplating sending them elsewhere on the continent to continue their learning. Countless different options were considered, but the Archon had a few suggestions he was greatly in favor of. The old man had been unequivocal in his enthusiasm for the Auberon Institute. He stated that he saw it was the finest place for them to both to receive the needed instruction to become great practitioners, the only caveat being that it was extremely far away. When pressed, the Archon revealed it was some two thousand miles away—a fact that only furthered Maya’s fervor and made Vyas wonder if he had made a mistake.
The vast distance that lay before them had ruffled Vyas' spirits, but the Archon's planning and Maya's enthusiasm slowly eased his worries. To help them learn the skills needed to blend in civilization, the Archon assigned Captain Yelia to accompany them during the initial leg of their journey, guiding them through the various irrationalities of human interaction and culture.
Over the ensuing months, Vyas and Maya traversed the continent, braving scorching deserts and dense forests, scaling towering mountains and navigating sprawling valleys. They feasted on exotic dishes, met interesting people, and stood in awe within cities whose soaring walls seemed to pierce the heavens. Each new encounter proved to be a revelation, each fresh sight a wonder to behold as they continued their incredible journey. Their wanderings ultimately led them to the bustling port city of Kalnu a fortnight ago. Having secured passage aboard a vessel, Vyas now found himself mere moments away from laying eyes upon the place he hoped to call home for the coming years.
He stared into the darkness, not in anticipation of seeing anything, but simply to rest his eyes on something. Gradually, the inky blackness began to recede, giving way to the first blush of dawn. The sun's rays crept over the horizon, bathing the world in a warm, golden light. Entranced, Vyas watched as the sky underwent a transformation, shifting from deep violet to brilliant azure. The ship seemed to gain renewed vigor from the sun's appearance, its sails filling with fresh wind as it continued its relentless march towards the coast.
As they drew nearer to the shore, the first hints of the City of Rovos began to reveal themselves, emerging from the horizon. The city's monolithic clock tower loomed imposingly above the skyline, while the tips of majestic spires hinted at the bustling metropolis that lay beneath. As the distance between them and the city dwindled, Vyas found himself awestruck by the sight that sprawled before him. A spectacle of colors, shapes, designs, and styles, taken from numerous eras and cultures, came together to form a breathtaking vista of architectural splendor, making it a sight unlike any he had ever seen.
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Suddenly, the clouds parted, and Vyas' eyes widened as he caught sight of an airship floating above the city. A magical engineering breakthrough that seemed to defy gravity itself, its metallic hull gleamed as it caught the sun's rays, casting an ethereal glow over the cityscape below.
As the ship continued its approach, Vyas could recognize the numerous buildings with indoor lighting, their twinkling illumination casting the city in a celestial glow. The architectural styles on display were an eclectic mix, showcasing the city's ancient heritage and constant evolution. Gothic spires stood sentinel beside more eclectic structures, ancient stone archways interwoven with sleek metal bridges. Smoke-spewing factories stood in contrast with tall trees that peaked over the city's walls.
Beyond the city limits, Vyas could see snow-capped mountains majestically looming in the distance, serving as a natural bulwark that protected the city. Their towering peaks seemed to reach for the heavens themselves, standing in stark contrast to the man-made wonders that filled the city below.
Maya stood by his side, her eyes wide with wonder. "Can you believe it, Vyas?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the crashing waves. "We're finally here. The City of Rovos. The Auberon Institute."
He nodded, sharing in her excitement, and together, they watched as the ship drew ever closer to their destination. The salty sea breeze whipped through their hair, carrying with it the faint clamor of the bustling city that awaited them.
As the ship finally docked, Vyas and Maya gathered their meager belongings and prepared to disembark. Captain Tia approached them, a smile playing upon her weathered features. "Well, you two, we've made it. I must say, it's been a pleasure having you aboard. I hope your time in Rovos treats you well."
"Thank you, Captain," Maya replied, her voice laced with gratitude. "We appreciate you having us aboard."
Vyas nodded in agreement, extending his hand to the captain in a gesture of farewell. "Thanks for the advice, Captain. Hopefully we'll meet again someday."
"As the winds will it," she replied, clasping his hand with a firm grip. "Good luck, you two."
Goodbyes exchanged, Vyas and Maya stepped off the ship and onto the teeming docks of Rovos. The air was thick with the scent of fish, saltwater, and the ever-present aroma of industry. The chaotic chorus of voices, the clang of metal, and the creak of wooden planks beneath their feet left no doubt in their minds: they had arrived in a place unlike anywhere they had ever known.
As they made their way through the crowded streets, Vyas was spellbound by the sights of the city. They passed cobblestone streets lined with market stalls, shops, and restaurants. The tantalizing scents of exotic spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the constant hum of conversation.
"I can't wait to try some of the sweets," Maya remarked, her eyes lingering on a nearby stall brimming with fresh fruits and tempting pastries. "So many of them look nothing like what we’ve tasted elsewhere."
"I'm sure we will," Vyas replied, his own mouth watering at the thought. "But first, we need to find a place to sleep. Let's hope that Captain Yelia's granduncle is nicer than her stories of him."
As they navigated the city, Vyas and Maya chatted animatedly about the various sights surrounding them. Vyas stopped a passerby, inquiring about directions to the Prana Guardians' complex. The kind local pointed them in the right direction, and the two friends set off towards their destination.
As they neared their destination, they noticed the streets becoming quieter, and the air adopted a more calming quality. They walked up to an open stone gate. In front of the gate stood a grand statue of the Goddess Atriya, her arms outstretched in a welcoming gesture, her face radiating kindness.
As they approached the complex's entrance, the atmosphere shifted to a peaceful, almost meditative state. Stepping inside, they were greeted by a vast, open garden teeming with lush greenery and the soothing sounds of trickling water from a nearby fountain.
Vyas and Maya approached the entrance desk, where a robed attendant sat, engrossed in a large, leather-bound ledger. "Excuse me," Vyas said, "we’re here to meet Prior Boa. His grandniece, Yelia, sent us to meet with him."
The attendant looked up, his eyes filled with understanding. "I see. Please, have a seat while I check if the Prior is available." He stood and made his way down a nearby hallway.
As they waited, Vyas said to Maya. "You know, this place reminds me of home."
Maya nodded, her gaze taking in the serene room. "Yes, there's something about the atmosphere. The monastery was disciplined, while this place is more relaxing."
Lost in thought, Vyas mused, "I wonder if powerful practitioners can influence the energy of the world around them."
Just then, Prior Boa walked in. Though over three centuries old, the tall, imposing man appeared to be in his early forties, with only a few gray hairs in his beard and wrinkles that revealed themselves when he smiled.
Overhearing Vyas' comment, Prior Boa chuckled. "Not everything is the result of mysterious forces at work, young man. Our architects and gardeners worked tirelessly to create an environment that would put visitors at ease. This is, after all, an organization dedicated to healing. I imagine your home has a similar reason for its own aura."
Vyas blushed at the Prior's explanation, and he and Maya introduced themselves. Vyas handed him a letter from Captain Yelia, which the Prior skimmed with a smile and a shake of his head.
"Yelia says you two will need accommodations while you attempt the trials," Prior Boa said, his eyes gleaming with amusement. They nodded, and he continued, "No worries. You may stay in our guest housing for the month."
With a welcoming gesture, Prior Boa began to lead them to the guest housing. "Come, I’ll walk you to your rooms."
As they walked through the corridors, Prior Boa pointed out various rooms and facilities. "On the left, you'll find the community dining hall. And just around the corner, there's a courtyard where our cultivators occasionally train and meditate. The library is also in that direction, where we store works covering both the mundane and arcane. If you'd like to browse the collection, just ask for a note later, " He continued the tour, showing them the grand temple and public baths.
Upon reaching their rooms, Prior Boa handed them each a key. "These are yours for the month. Ask for me if you need anything." Vyas and Maya both expressed their gratitude to Prior Boa for his help. He responded with a warm smile, "You're very welcome."
Before leaving, Prior Boa added, "If you two aren't too tired, I’d recommend going and watching the trials right now. They're happening not too far from here. It might give you a better idea of what to expect."
Vyas shook his head in amusement, seeing Maya's face lit up with a huge grin.