In a world of liars, deceivers, and cruel, twisted minds broken from years of bloated promises of treasure and fortune, the small, mountainous island of Aestus has always stood the tests given forth by the tidal, eroding motions of time. A quiet seaside town on the northern coast of the island is well known for its exports of crystals and alchemical ingredients, known to its people by the name of “Chola'ain," better known to its importers as “The Mana Isle”. Little is known of the crystalline energy stored within the gems of which the island is known, but someone - or something - knows their secrets. With them, the fate of Chola'ain, or even Distem begins to tremble and fade.