Arcane Heart: The Reign of Aslivar

Dear my fellow Aslivarite,

Our world’s moon and its goddess, Lunai, mourn for us. May you find comfort in finding this message despite the blood that runs through our continents. Please heed my warning: the destruction you see around us was no accident, and this is just the beginning.

Seeing as you found the words I put to page, I imagine that you were able to escape what remains of Equilore. When I left our continent’s capital and safe haven, most of our home was already in ruins. I want to forget the collapsing bodies... the stench of incinerated flesh that clung to the smoky air.. The streams of warm red rolling down every street corner... the howling souls pleading... begging... for some form of mercy... anything. I’m sorry I’m... I’m getting ahead of myself... so much has changed in our world. Maliford has taken all of this too far. It seems that Aslivar will continue to change... I fear after everything that has unfolded, this planet will never look the same again. What then?

Before I get any further, allow me to introduce myself before I delve further into what has happened and why... because I can answer everything... I need to... you must know.

My name is Verna, and I am a citizen of Equilore’s high society. I made the most shocking discoveries shortly before our city’s walls began to crumble. My time is short, for I hear the shrieks of the Shadow Crawlers all around the place I seek shelter in.

There is so much to cover and so little time... I will quickly explain our home and what started all of this. You need to know, because this message has to be brought to a place that is still safe from this growing plague. Others need to know... they must be ready.

As you may recall, Maliford began his reign shortly following the suspicious death of his father, Versaro. The amount of violent quarrels that broke out… Some citizens of Equilore were quick to be wary of Maliford, even when Equilore’s Esteemed Council were ready to defend him. He didn’t make it a secret of how involved he wanted to be in the capital’s affairs, ready to take the helm at a moment's notice.

A few of us blamed our new ruler of plotting and carrying assassination, a serious accusation and they were quickly silenced. Execution by Shadow Crawlers is a very gruesome way to go. Those vicious creatures love playing with their food. They almost seem to have a bigger appetite when their meals are full of adrenaline and fear. My heart goes out to those families; after the executions, there is usually very little left to have a proper burial.

But sometimes, I still think they were the lucky ones to leave... not having to be here for what’s to come... and believe me... it’s coming faster than we want it to. Nothing added up... Maliford was never able to sit well with me... something was very off... I feared this was the beginning of the end. I had to search for some answers.

As an esteemed member of the high society, I already had more prestige than most of the citizens in Equilore. My family tree extends back to our capital’s earliest days, where my ancestors worked alongside with others to build our home from the ground up. To this day my bloodline contributes to our home, as I served as a member on Equilore’s Esteemed Council.

I had access to information that no one else did. My eyes have seen many things no one else would imagine ever existed. No one would suspect me of anything... It was absolutely perfect. As tensions grew, I knew I didn’t have much time remaining so I had to act fast.

I used my privilege to enter the deepest archives of our Capital, the pit of Equilore’s most restricted documents and information, and I was quick to learn why they were kept here. Versaro’s death was, indeed, a planned assassination, a well thought out execution after months of planning to make it appear to be a tragic accident. Maliford went at great lengths to cover his tracks. It’s funny, because even after all of that people were very ready to point fingers... ironically he didn’t hide it enough to stay off of our radar. We noticed... and now we know for sure. Sadly, I wish this was the end of it... there's so much more in store for us all.

I learned these creatures, these Shadow Crawlers... they weren’t always like this. Maliford and the council dedicated a lot of time to cultivate the perfect predator. These creatures have short lifespans, but they are able to breed like Veloran vermin, and these vermin leave their mark in the little time they have. It appears Maliford has coordinated with the council for the last several years, operating through the lands outside of Equilore. They created and operated many mating grounds before experimenting on surrounding villages with their new pets. He has created mass graves under the noses of the citizens he ruled.

It seems the Shadow Crawlers were just the beginning. Scientists are beginning to develop new horrid hybrids. There are unholy creatures of the sky called Aerial Conquerors and horrendous mutants of the waters called Marine Sweepers. Maliford is building an army... ready to conquer land, air, and sea. But why? We already had a highly trained and respectable army to protect us from what wildlife dwelled outside of Equilore’s walls. What was he planning?

I am glad I kept digging because, though it doesn’t sit well with me. I finally found my answer... we are all in grave danger. Aslivar, as a whole, is now about to be overrun, and Maliford is pulling all of the strings. We are about to witness the biggest conquest ever attempted, and every single city from Emervale to Auroran is now a target.

In Equilore, treason is a crime punishable by death to Shadow Crawlers. The idea of leaving my daughter, Alora, by herself scared the life out of me. I couldn’t imagine leaving her, bereaved and orphaned. But if I knew that if I didn’t act, no one, not even her, would have a chance to live. Now that I knew what was coming next, I needed to act.

Every single piece of information I found was copied by the hundreds and spread throughout Equilore. My hope was that disseminating this information would finally finish the bad blood that had been brewing for years. A coup of Maliford and the Esteemed Council was possible. The grounds of the fiery Underworld opened; I sparked a massive civil war.

But it seems that I was still too late... they were ready despite the knowledge I had. The resistance was quickly silenced, and Equilore began to go up in flames. Many of us had been gifted with the magical powers of the elements and cosmos, but sadly we were no match to the sheer numbers Maliford had built. He really was ready to conquer every land in Aslivar. Our only option was to flee and warn others.

I thank Lunai for keeping my angel safe; Alora was with other family members in Emervale away from this chaos. All I had to do was escape with the thousands of others who fled the capital. If I couldn’t make it to Emervale, at least my message might. So here we are, and this is why you read my message now. I will keep pushing to reach my little girl, but it isn't guaranteed, for these lands are now trulyy plagued. But I have to try.

If I succumb to Maliford’s forces before I am graced with the gates of Emervale, I would be most blessed by your kindness if you could make a special delivery for me. Please, if you find my dear Alora, give her this locket. Crafted from the finest silver and encrusted with sapphire to stand for Alora’s birth, the locket was meant to be gifted to her when she began showing signs of her magic. This is her arcane heart. But our darkest hour does not want to expend any more time. Please tell me dear I loved her, and I most certainly fought to my final breath to reach her.

I wish you the best in your travels during these morbid days. Stay on your toes, stay close to those that you trust, and do what you can to outwit Maliford and his forces. Please, whatever you intend on doing, I have left you many documents I stole from Equilore’s archives. Any cities that still stand need this information. It is our only chance of putting an end to this madness and beginning to rebuild what was taken from us. Protect these documents like you would yourself.

This journey we are all about to embark on is treacherous or grim, but not impossible.

May the lights of Lunai bless you and show you the way

Verna

Note in hand, Celera sighs before sinking to the ground. With the silver locket in hand, she looks at it. It glistens under the Aslivarin sun. She begins rummaging through all of the other papers left behind. Kayno, noticing, walks over and looks down at his friend, asking,

“So... what did you learn?”

She drops the note and rubs her temples before replying, “A mother by the name of Verna escaped the city walls of Equilore.” “That city collapsed within hours when Maliford’s conquest began seven years ago.” “She learned everything that was going on... she was ready…” He sighs and slumps beside her, asking, “So now what?” “We are going to Emervale.” “Wait, really? What for? Why the sudden change of plans?” “We have many documents that need to be delivered, and other survivors need to see these. They’re very important ones. Besides, it is the closest city still standing in this region. It’s our only chance of finding survivors and getting out of the wasteland. ” “How important are these documents exactly?” “They could end Maliford’s reign.” Silence. After clearing his throat, Kayno hops to his feet and replies, “Well, what are we waiting for? We better get a move on!” “Wait really?” “Why so surprised?” “Because you usually fight A LOT more than this.” “I expect you to fill me in on what you found, but you don’t have to drag my feet to Emervale. I am ready to go when you are.”

Celera Stands up on her feet, and the two begin their journey through the wasteland.

Their destination sits on the horizon, waiting for their presence. On Emervale’s doorstep, they walk toward the entrance. Kayno darts his eyes from one direction to the next, and Celera looks at the arcane heart and message before saying,

“May Lunai watch over us all.”