Darkness of the Unknown

> So it begins...
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## Summary

One hundred and seventy three years have passed since the war against Ravvas Arkanen. Ever since the new rules of the Weave were passed down by Mythra, magic has been increasingly difficult to learn and master. While it is still studied and practiced, there is an overall weaker connection to it, significantly reducing the number of those who may gain power from it.

Consequently the world has come to rely more on the conveniences of technology rather than the difficulty of magic and this drastically changed normal life. If you have any aptitude for magic, whether arcane, divine, occult or primal, you are a target for many different eyes and ears. These interested parties could be anywhere from benevolent to malevolent.

Weapons are stronger and the fire elf rifles now have developed to the point of viability in combat. Many other lands have begun producing their own models, though quality rifles are still quite expensive. They are also under extremely tight regulation, so only government officials or the exceedingly rich can afford them. As such, there are few who can master or even attempt to master them.

The general quality of life for the average citizen has improved over the years. Technology and magic have slowly been entwining, advancing all aspects of life including health, science, and city planning. Cobblestone roads are now the standard whereas thatch houses are considered low class. Clothing is far more modest now and prudery has crept into Alatastican society.

Many of the local governments have changed. Through regulations made by Regent Hana Malum and King Isaiah Malum, Directian has evolved into a constitutional monarchy, with more democratic ways to change the law. Also housed in Directian's local parliament is a national parliament, called the Board of Unity. It is made up of delegates and representatives from each of the UAA's major cities.

Gatless Town has been rebuilt, reclaiming it status as a domestic and commercial hub of the country. However, due to the discovery of other continents, it is now merely the domestic trade capital of Alatastica. Mirid Port has prospered to become Alatastica's international city superpower. Elven cities still remain within the wooded areas of Salania and Galgari, which have expanded in size over the years.

The ability to conduct commerce overseas has helped with the exchange of culture and goods. Many new races have been discovered; the Eastern Dominion contains many beastkin not encountered by those of the UAA. A land far to the east called Kakoria is very limited with it's trade and only allows such through one specific city. The Southern Kingdoms of Fenarath are not so isolationist; and they welcome trade with Alatastica with open arms. Because of the cultures and languages are so different however, it's common to see people of different lands having difficulty understanding each other and in some cases, being unwilling to adapt.

Strange coincidences have led certain individuals to encounter each other as Kord, a powerful city in the Eastern Dominion nestled against Mount Bolis. While it has only one road in or out, many different kinds of beings call this place home. The lakeside location as well as the temperate climate, access to precious ores and gems on the mountain, as well as close proximity to locations of historical significance and unexplored areas, bring many people to this quickly growing city.

Adrian and Xaillen wake up in the middle of the street. Adrian goes through his pouch and finds his pocketwatch. Xaillen complains about being knocked out again. Adrian recognizes the symbol Xaillen wears as the symbol of Amarta. They remember that they were walking a bit in Kord when a white flash enveloped them. Xaillen tries to go over every detail while revealing that he is a member of the "Blades of Amarta".

Before they can question each other further, a gunshot is heard. Xaillen quickly hides behind cover while Adrian puts up mage armor. Two minutes later another gunshot rings out. Xaillen asks if Adrian can use any flashier spells so Adrian uses magic missile while Xaillen hops from cover to cover. They hear a feminine shriek and hurry to a white haired female backing away from a twitching masked figure.
Xaillen runs up and knees the masked figure so hard it rams into the wall and dies. Xaillen checks on the body while Adrian checks on the female. She's okay and also mentions seeing a white flash of light. She introduces herself as Hoshimi. Adrian reads the figures aura as another gunshot rings out. Xaillen suggests studying the body for later as Adrian hoists it up. Hoshimi tries reading it's aura but pulls back right away.

The trio decide to stick together and follow the moving gunshot. Hoshimi spies the corpses with exploded heads ahead of her and gasps. They notice they're the same corpses that Adrian is carrying. As they move out, Adrian is held at gunpoint by a tiefling police officer from Directian. After some questions, Olwen Edgeworth introduces herself and notes that they aren't in Kord but in a dark city.

Before they can find out where they are, a gnome bars a door after escaping from it. Xallien tries to help with barring the door but the gnome says he has it. The building goes through an implosion while the gnome is talking about being a vigilante to help people. He winces in pain from a bite mark he sustained so he heals it via syringe.

Xaillen begins gathering details as the gnome, Flint, notices a glow coming from inside Adrian's robe. He asks to check it but Adrian refuses. Xaillen respects his privacy and suggests they head for higher ground. Olwen leads them to a storm drain leading to the tallest building and they leave the body behind.

## Notable events

* Campaign begins
* Introduction to party members Adrian Tanlaial, Xaillen, Hoshimi, Olwen Edgeworth and Flint