Prologue

16 0 0
                                    

In the world of Arcanumundus, the mages found themselves residing under the rule of a powerful empire, their lives governed by the decrees and laws set forth by the monarchy. This empire, established with the primary intention of ensuring the safety and well-being of the mage population, enforced strict regulations to maintain order and protect their kind.

Whispers and rumors began to spread like wildfire throughout the mage communities, tales of dark creatures and monstrous beings infiltrating their towns and cities. Fear and uncertainty gripped the hearts of the mages as they imagined the horrors that awaited them beyond the safety of their walls. In response to these growing concerns, a call was made to a renowned sorcerer, whose mastery over magic was legendary. With his unparalleled arcane prowess, he crafted towering walls of gleaming silver, a formidable barrier designed to keep out the menacing Werebeasts that prowled the lands. These walls stood as a testament to the mages' determination to safeguard their existence.

But the threat of the night did not end with the Werebeasts alone. Traps, cunningly devised and infused with potent enchantments, were strategically scattered around the walls to deter the bloodthirsty Vampires that sought to quench their insatiable thirst. The mages, ever vigilant, knew that their survival depended on their ability to repel these supernatural intruders.

Within the fortified cities and towns that the mages called home, a deep-seated belief took root - the notion that anything non-human was inherently evil. This conviction, fostered by the empire's rule, permeated every aspect of mage society. The mages, bound by their allegiance to the monarchy and indoctrinated with the idea that inhuman beings were a threat to their very existence, were duty-bound to carry out the empire's orders. They were instructed to eliminate any non-human creatures they encountered, viewing them as abominations that needed to be eradicated.

In the realm of this mystical land, where cities and towns lie concealed behind towering walls, a sense of tranquility has prevailed for countless decades. The inhabitants, particularly the mages who possess extraordinary powers, have been able to live their lives without the constant fear of inhumane species breaching their defenses. Oblivious to the hidden truth, they have carried on with their daily routines, blissfully unaware of the impending danger lurking within the very walls that shield them.

For years, the cities and towns hidden within the walls have remained untouched by any malevolent creatures. The mages, confident in their abilities and the impenetrable nature of the silver walls, have been able to live in peace, their minds free from the constant worry of attacks. Life has continued on, with the inhabitants going about their everyday activities, unaware of the silent threat that looms over them.

However, unbeknownst to the mages, the passing of the sorcerer who originally created the silver walls has had unforeseen consequences. Over time, the walls have gradually weakened, their once formidable strength fading away. The chosen sorcerers, recognizing the vulnerability of their beloved cities and towns, have come together in a united effort to keep the walls standing, to maintain the illusion of safety.

Though their combined powers have managed to keep the walls from collapsing entirely, the truth remains that the walls are still weakened, their magical essence slowly dissipating. The loss of the original sorcerer, the mastermind behind the creation of the walls, has left a void that cannot be easily filled. The chosen sorcerers, burdened with the weight of their responsibility, grapple with the harsh reality that their united efforts may not be enough to preserve the safety and sanctity of the hidden communities.

As time passes, the walls continue to deteriorate, their once radiant glow dimming like a dying ember. The magic that once coursed through their very foundations is fading, leaving behind a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. The chosen sorcerers, driven by their unwavering determination, are faced with the daunting task of finding a way to restore the walls to their former glory.

In the midst of the kingdom's turmoil, a cloak of secrecy enshrouded the grim reality of the silver walls' imminent collapse. This knowledge, a burden borne by the empire's most influential figures, was withheld from the masses - a calculated decision to maintain a semblance of order and stability amidst the encroaching darkness.

Only the royal family, their bloodline intertwined with the magical essence of the empire, and the revered sorcerers, guardians of arcane wisdom, were privy to the dire truth. The gravity of their responsibility weighed heavily upon their shoulders, a constant reminder of the tenuous thread by which their kingdom's fate now hung.

As they grappled with the looming catastrophe, the royal family's apparent indifference to the situation was, in fact, a carefully constructed facade. Behind closed doors, they wrestled with the overwhelming implications of their failure to protect the kingdom and desperately sought solutions that might spare their subjects from the impending doom.

Similarly, the sorcerers, long-respected for their mastery of the arcane arts, were not spared from the crushing weight of their knowledge. They labored tirelessly, their ancient tomes and relics spread before them, as they pursued the slimmest chance of salvation. Their once-proud visages were now etched with lines of worry, their eyes haunted by the specter of their potential failure.

Amidst the mounting fear and uncertainty, the silence surrounding the true state of the silver walls was both a burden and a necessary deception. To reveal the truth would be to unleash a storm of panic and despair that could tear the kingdom asunder, leaving it vulnerable to the very forces that sought its destruction.

And so, the royal family and the sorcerers stood as solitary sentinels, burdened with the knowledge of their kingdom's impending doom. The fate of their people rested in their hands, and the decisions they would make in the face of this darkness would shape the course of their world for generations to come.

The silver walls, though once infused with the magic of their original creator, now stand as silent sentinels, their true nature hidden from the unaware eyes of the people. To the casual observer, they appear as ordinary silver walls that were thought to stand forever, devoid of any remarkable qualities. The loss of magic has rendered them unremarkable, blending seamlessly into the background of everyday life.

Gone are the shimmering enchantments that once adorned their surface, replaced by a plain and unassuming facade. The intricate patterns and designs that once captivated the imagination now lie dormant, concealed beneath a layer of mundane existence. The walls, once a source of wonder and admiration, now go unnoticed by the people who pass by them each day.

The absence of magic has not only affected the appearance of the walls but has also erased any memory or knowledge of their former glory from the minds of the people. The enchantments that once protected and empowered the realm have been forgotten, lost to the annals of time. The walls, once a symbol of power and protection, now stand as silent witnesses to a forgotten legacy.

The impact of the loss of magic on the surrounding environment is subtle yet profound. Without the enchantments that once sustained it, the land surrounding the walls has gradually succumbed to a sense of stagnation. The once vibrant flora and fauna have faded, their life force drained by the absence of magic. The people, unaware of the cause, attribute the changes to natural cycles and fail to recognize the deeper truth.

Arcanumundus: Masters Of The ArcaneWhere stories live. Discover now