The Mask of Na'maer

**The Mask of Na'maer** is the first chronicle in The Archaia Chronicles series. Set in the fantasy world of Archaia, the story follows the adventure of Capalis Marebun, a mercenary bowman in the faraway lands of Visilion. His mission is to find and secure the ancient mask of the fallen night god Na'maer. In his way stands the sinister Ebon Order, a cult bent on eradicating every kingdom in the realm with the mask. While on his adventure, Capalis also meets the infamous, yet charming thief, Darien de Dorisia whom he teams up with to complete the mission and save Archaia rom tyranny and darkness.

## The Mask

### Prologue: Ambush // Key of Union

In the dark of night, a convoy of Album Soldiers ride through a cold, dead forest on their route home. With them is a malicious-looking box chained shut with big metal locks. As the soldiers reach the forest's edge, a line of road spikes and firecracker bombs force them off the road, crashing into the brush.

Out from the shadows of the dead trees, members of the Ebon Order cult emerge to detain the wrecked convoy. Their leader, Cymriel Kram, takes the box and releases his minion of wrath, Tantarin, who shatters the locks to reveal the Key of Union, one of the six Mortal Keys hiding away the sinister Mask of Na'maer. Cymriel steals the key as he announces the birth of a new era in Visilion. He presents the key to his followers before reciting cult's motto, *noevene eram ekan chenebre* (A new era is revealed from darkness). He then interrogates the Album squad leader for the whereabouts of the remaining keys, to which the latter responds that he wouldn't tell him even if he knew, declaring his undying loyalty to the crown of Album. Cymriel mocks him and denounces that the kingdom is nearing its dying days, as are the others of Visilion. In a demonstration of resistance, the squad leader spits in his Cymriel's face, but is striked down by Cymriel's ruthless right hand man Noct Daedreur. With final parting words, Cymriel taunts the Album squad and coldly orders Tantarin to slaughter them all. His followers then loot the remaining convoy and take the and set it ablaze before disappearing into the night.

### Capalis's Introduction

The valiant King Anthony gazes over the Kingdom of Album atop one of his castle towers, listening to his councilmen as they give their reports. Just then, Cornelia Cinch, Album's Ministress of Foreign Affairs and one of King Anthony's most trusted advisors, interrupts them to deliver bad news. She presents the destroyed helmet of one the convoy's soldiers. It is an explicit warning from Cymriel and his cult.

Angered over the death of his men and theft of the gauntlet, King Anthony personally meets with Cornelia and Mark Leonmile, the head guard of the Album army. The trio discuss the threat and their options, but quickly dismiss them, fearing that they will only give the Ebon Order more reason to attack. King Anthony's worry swells as he envisions the impending doom and chaos if they succeed. Finally, after all of their options seem to hopeless, Mark suggests they intercept their plans instead of going to war. He suggests contacting an old friend of his who he believes is daring enough to take on the mission.

Meanwhile on the Album frontlands, Capalis Marebun, the renowned yet elusive Mercenary of the Wild hunts wild game for a bounty. After the successful hunt, he makes his way back to camp where Mark is waiting for him. The two old friends greet each other and reminisce over their younger days. After Capalis finally asks, Mark tells him about the convoy and the grave threat of the Ebon Order. Mark reveals that King Anthony is looking for a highly-skilled mercenary for a special mission. Capalis hesitates, reminding him that he isn't a soldier, only a hunter. Mark promises Capalis that in return, the king will reward him with something valuable to his past. After a few moments of thinking it over, Capalis, reluctantly agrees to meet with King Anthony.

### The Mission

Mark brings Capalis to the Album. They walk through the main district to Eran Palace, the heart of the kingdom. There, they meet with Cornelia who escorts them to the royal chamber. She develops an initial distrust towards Capalis

The trio enters the Album throne room where King Anthony awaits them. He explains to Capalis the urgency of his request. Capalis bluntly asks about the reward Mark had promised. King Anthony reveals that he's aware of Capalis's mission to find his long-lost father, and that he possesses an artifact that could potentially lead to his location. Now very skeptical, Capalis demands to see it. Cornelia then steps in, openly criticizing Capalis's lack of respect towards the King. However, King Anthony reassures her, and presents the relic, the Looking Glass of Minerva, which according to legend, finds anything lost for those who have been looking. Capalis reflects on the circumstances of the situation. He finally agrees to the mission. Cornelia again chimes in, commenting disapprovingly on King Anthony putting the entire fate of Album on "a vagrant bowman." However, both he and Capalis dismiss her prude criticism.

Capalis walks with Mark along the castle walls as they discuss the upcoming mission. Mark notices a tinge of anxiety coming from him and tries to affirms that he is doing the right thing. Capalis expresses that he is overwhelmed by the stakes. Mark then takes him up to a tower overlooking the Kingdom of Album. He tells Capalis that with willpower, any man can do anything, and shows him how Album came to be from the valor of one man. He reassures Capalis to have faith in himself and his abilities.

Capalis, Cornelia, and King Anthony meet in the Tacticians' Quarters. Cornelia and Anthony explain the backstory of the Ebon Cult and their leader Cymriel. They also tell him about the Mask of Na'maer and why the Order is after it. Cornelia hands Capalis a map with the proposed locations of the 6 Mortal Keys, explaining that to find the Mask, he must first find the keys. Both Cornelia and King Anthony direct him to the Sorcerer's Sanctum to find the Librarian. Cornelia condescendingly suggests he takes the main road, feeling that he would get to his destination quicker. However, Capalis refuses and insists he take the back-route as he is more familiar with the terrain. He also points out a flaw in the map, calling her out out of annoyance with her attitude. Cornelia gets flustered and walks out of the room. King Anthony suggests that he pay her no mind, as she's only concerned with Album's safety. He also personally thanks him for taking up the mission.

### Adventure's Embark

Meanwhile on the edge of Album, Cymriel arrives at the Sorcerer's Sanctum, an ancient library of spells. He is initially turned away by the Sanctum Keepers. However, he has them tricked when minions launch an all out attack on them. The cult storms the library, trashing it as they search for second key. Cymriel finds and debilitates Librarian. He forcefully demands that he hands over the key, to which the old sorcerer refuses. He warns Cymriel that he cannot give it to him if he isn't pure of heart, explaining that the key is sealed by a divine magic. Cymriel gets frustrated and strikes him down. He tells his cult to tear the library apart until they find the key.

Back at the Kingdom of Album, Capalis prepares for his journey. Afterwards, he then makes his way to the city gates where he meets with the Albumi Royals one last time. King Anthony and Cornelia bid him farewell and good luck. As a parting gift, Mark gives him his Ring of Radiance, telling him to use it when the darkest enemy comes. The two exchange their goodbye. With one last glance, Capalis leaves the kingdom on horseback and sets course to the Sorcerer's Sanctum.

### The Sorcerer's Sanctum // Key of Mortality

Capalis finally arrives at the Sorcerer's Sanctum, but much to his horror finds it in shambles. He makes his way inside, where the Ebon Order is still ransacking the compound for the key. He sneaks around and witnesses Cymriel torturing the Librarian. Frustrated after again being denied the key, Cymriel mortally stabs him and goes to find it himself. After Cymriel leaves him to die, Capalis swiftly sneaks over to save him. The dying Librarian conjures the second key, the Key of Mortality, from his heart and hands it over to Capalis. He also pleads to him to stop the advance of a dark tyranny. Capalis asks him where the remaining keys and mask are located, but before the Librarian can answer, Cymriel blasts him away in a withering cloud. He sends his cult member after Capalis to seize the key, but the bowman rushes away on horseback. Cymriel sends Tantarin after him.

Pursued by the Order, Capalis flees through the forest, taking some cultists out with his Silver-Lined Shooter. He rushes through the brush, still holding the key in his possession. Suddenly, Tantarin darts after him, possessing boulders to create monstrous stone golems that go after him as well. Having Capalis distracted and overwhelmed, Tantarin nearly steals the key. Capalis, however, evades by a split second detour. He's successful but runs into a felled tree, causing him to fall off his horse and down into the river. The Key of Mortality slips from his grasp and flies in the water. Capalis tries to go after it but struggles in the raging waters. He dives underwater, narrowly grabbing it back. Just as he is about to make his way out of the water, the river sharply turns and leads him into rocks. Capalis tries his hardest to stay conscious, but hits a rock and gets knocked out. He plummets over the falls, plunging into the water below.

Tantarin finally catches up flying through the air. It looks for any sign of him, but finds no one. It heads back to the Sanctum where it meets with Cymrie,l and shows a replay of Capalis on horseback to him. Irritated, Cymriel vows to get the key back and kill the archer.

### Otinmorrow and El Fantasma

After experiencing a nightmare about his lost father, a bruised Capalis wakes up on a quiet, rocky riverbank. He still has the Key of Mortality, but the map from Cornelia was ruined from the water. He takes the only surviving half of it and reacquires the rest of his things before continuing his journey.

Capalis hunts some game for food and sets up a little encampment. He studies the remaining map half, trying to decipher the tarnished picture. He decides to stop at a Otinmorrow, a small traveller's village to recover. Suddenly, Capalis hears rustling in the leaves. He draws his bow in defense, but is met with only a wild horse. He tames it and rides it along the edge of the river on his way to the destination.

Upon reaching Otinmorrow, Capalis seeks any assistance in finding the next keys, but to no avail. He then spends the night at the village pub. There, the bartender advises him to find Zia the Mystique, a gypsy woman he says knows anything involving magic and myths. The next day, Capalis leaves Otinmorrow to look for Zia. In the outskirts of the village, he encounters a stranded wanderer who offers him guidance to find her in exchange for some food. While Capalis reaches into his satchel for bread, the wanderer quickly steals his Silver-Lined Shooter and darts off. Capalis pursues, but the wandering thief evades him through the use of illusive magic to disorient him. Desperate to shake him off, the thief fires an arrow at Capalis, only to have it backfire when Capalis has it fly back to the bow. The wanderer stumbles, and the Capalis catches up to him.

Capalis holds the wanderer at knifepoint as he reveals himself to be the Fantasma, an infamous illusionist rogue. After a realization, Capalis decides to turn him in for the bounty. He strips him of his things, including a a silver heart-shaped locket. The thief pleads desperately to spare the locket and not turn him in. He offers to bring Capalis to Zia the Mystique in exchange for a pardon. Capalis reluctantly agrees, and detains the thief, who formerly introduces himself as Darien de Dorisia

### Visilion Underground

Darien takes Capalis to Yellond—a town known for being a haven for thieves and rogues—to find Zia the Mystique. The pair approach an alleyway and Darien speaks to a man. After a brief tense moment, the man lets them through and they climb down a manhole leading to an underground black market. As they make their way through the stalls, merchants get in their way as they try trade with Capalis for his bow and ring. The two ignore their advances and proceed to an ornately decorated nook in the way. They pass through the doorway, where they meet Genevieve, an young elfwoman and apprentice to Zia.

Genevieve leads Capalis and Darien to Zia, whose working on a new spell for her manuscript. She takes an instant liking to Capalis. He gives her the Key of Mortality and the broken map piece, and asks if she can help find the others. Zia conjures up an illusion with Darien's pendant to show Capalis an apparition of the six keys. She reveals that all the keys were forged simultaneously, and should all lead to one another. Zia asks Genevieve to go retrieve a manuscript, and then shows him a map of Visilion. She uses her magic to transfer the drawing onto Capalis's map and advises him to head into The Mist, a vanished swamp shrouded in a She tells him that the next key should be there.

Right before they can leave, a group constables and guards barge in, led by the same man who let Capalis and Darien through to the market. He reports the latter for the reward bounty. As Darien snidely criticizes the constable for working with thieves, Zia tries to defuse the situation but one the constables pushes her to the side. Enraged, she splashes down a concussive potion to stun them and urges Capalis and Darien to flee before throwing the remaining guards out of her stall and sealing it off.

Capalis and Darien fight their way through the underground marketplace. They are chased through the sewers, streets, and rooftops of Yellond. During their escape, Darien also tries to escape from Capalis and takes a different route. He is almost free but glances at Capalis one last time to find him cornered. He hesitates, but decides to go back and help him. Darien uses the Phantom Pendant to conjure up a fiery earthquake to scare the constables away, allowing them to finally escape Yellond.

### Lost in The Mist & Ebon Order // Key of Disharmony

The next morning, Capalis and Darien embark on their journey to the Mist. They arrive and encounter a heavy cloud of poisonous fog surrounding the cursed swampland. As they traverse through the water, Swampvilis claw at their feet pulling them down into the water. The two are forced to split up in the fog, which has gotten heavier and much more potent. They continue to fight more Swampvilis as they search for the key. Darien then spots it in the lodged in the murky water and tries to grab it, but a Swampvili beats him to it. He regroups with Capalis to hunt down the swamp creature. Just then, a black arrow out darts from the fog killing the Swampvilli.

Out from the mist, Cymriel and his cultists emerge to acquire the revealed Key of Disharmony. He forces Capalis to hand over the Key of Mortality, but is met with opposition. Tantarin shrouds the swamp in a black mist as Capalis and Darien fend off the Ebon's onslaught. Darien uses the pendant to dispel Tantarin and his darkness while Capalis fights with Cymriel and Noct. Capalis stabs the latter and overpowers the other, leaving them both to the Swampvillis. Capalis and Darien attempt chase after the convoy of remaining cultists to get back the Key of Disharmony.

The two adventurers find themselves cornered, both by the cult and swamp creatures in the dense and noxious fog that starts to disorient them. Venra comes from behind with her blade aimed at Capalis and he counters, shooting her in the shoulder. Cymriel reemerges and forces Tantarin towards them. Once again, Darien uses the powers of his pendant to ward the dark minion off from them. Cymriel pursues them but eventually loses them in the fog.

Up ahead, the pair are able to get the key back, but are quickly losing consciousness from the noxious mist. They begin to hallucinate as they make it onto solid land and out the swamp. Before they can proceed any further, the mist gets to them both and they collapse.

### A Message to Album

* Capalis and Darien wake up in an Album outpost, saved from The Mist
* He saves Darien from getting arrested by the Album soldiers
* Capalis gets in contact with Mark, Anthony, and Cornelia. He tells them he has obtained 2 out of the 6 keys, and that Cymriel has one of them.
* Capalis discovers that the Key of Disharmony eclipses the sun at certain angle, creating a path of light eastward. He and Darien decide to follow it in hopes of any clues.

### Valravn // Key of Inner Primality

* Capalis and Darien arrive at the Graves of Nightmares, a resting site for Na'maers dead soldiers. There, they find a monument of The Raven, one of Na'maer's most ruthless soldiers.
* They interact with the monument, which teleports them into a pocket dimension. A voice emerges that coaxes them to approach a mirror, the only object present within the pocket dimension. They find the Key of Inner Primality to be locked behind its glass.
* The voice prompts Capalis and Darien to look in the mirror, telling them that they must face the darkness of their souls in order to acquire the key. When they both stare into the mirror, Capalis sees several depictions of himself slaughtering Ebon cultists alongside ravens; Darien sees himself burning villages to the ground. The mirror fuses both of their apparitions together and summons a Valravn.
* Capalis and Darien fight to contain the Valravn before it escapes the pocket dimension. They successfully defeat it when Capalis exposes its core (the mirror), and shatters it, causing the Valravn to shrivel into to dust. A bright light brings the two adventurers back to the Graves of Nightmares along with the Key of Inner Primality.
* Before leaving, Capalis hesitates to get up while he stares at the Raven monument and listens to its whispers. He hears it sing a verse of an ancient poem. Darien snaps him out of the trance, and the two finally leave.

### Evershadow Valley & Vs. Ebon: Second Bout // Key of Undying Darkness

* Capalis and Darien discuss the visions they saw in the mirror. Darien reveals his backstory, including details about his sister. Their trust in one another grows and they get closer.
* Using the hymn Capalis heard during the fight with the Valravn, the two explorers pinpoint one of the next three key to be in the shrouded Evershadow valley—the site of the last battle of the Primordial War. The map only reveals only this key
* Capalis and Darien travel to evershadow valley, but are captured by the Ebon Order. They are brought to Cymriel who reveals his plan to purge all corruption from the existing kingdoms of Visilion by creating single one. He takes the keys from Capalis and orders him and Darien to be executed, but the two manage to free themselves when Evershadow creatures overrun the Order.
* Capalis finally activates the Ring of Radiance, which generates a powerful beam of light. It incinerates all the attacking creatures and many Ebon cultists, including Tantarin. Cymriel desperately fights Capalis and Darien fight one last time, but is overpowered when he's burned with light from the Ring of Radiance. He is presumably killed. Capalis acquires the Key of Union
* Capalis and Darien enter the Evershadow Crypt where they face off with dark spirits guarding the halls. At the bottom, they find the Key of Undying Darkness. They trade it for the Ring of Radiance which blasts open a wall, revealing a labyrinth. At the end, they face the door locking away the mask.

### Trial of Anguish // Key of the Trial

* Capalis and Darien put the five keys in the locks. Right then, a dark magic cloud uncovers a pool of vapor mist, the same kind from The Mist. The cloud beckons them to come near.
* Capalis and Darien sit and take a bowl of some vapor. The cloud repeats a hymn of sorrow and anguish in Protoarchaian. Darien begins to worry, and questions if its worth obtaining the mask, but Capalis assures him that they are doing the right thing by keeping it out of the hands of people like the Order.
* They inhale the vapor and cringe over in pain. Everything washes over in black, and they find themselves alone in a black starry void. They see on opposite sides the emotional final battle between Auroris and Na'maer, with the former banishing the latter into the Pendant of Auroris. They see the horrible powers of the mask unleashed during the Primordial War. The two are then plunged downwards, again into darkness.
	+ Capalis hears distant voices of his father Tomen, before an apparition of him appears in front of him. He is then teleported to his old cottage. He tries to embrace his father, but falls to the ground, as its only a hallucination. Tomen exclaims that Capalis has forgotten him and he'll never find him, to which the latter yells out to tell him he has been searching for 18 years to find him. The nightmare shatters as Capalis tries to run after his father who has turned away from him. Behind him, a black cloud chases after him. In the real world, Capalis is crying tears of darkness.
	+ Darien is brought to a hallucination of Dorisia during the uprising, with his sister Josefina in his arms. He witnesses his parents death a second time, before running off with Josefina. The dream breaks and he teleported to the day his sister is captured by the Ebon Order. She screams and fades away. He then sees a vision of her dying from illness while in a prison. Darien falls to the ground in grief, but is also pursued by a black cloud. He too cries tears of darkness
* The black mist envelopes around the two adventurers with web-like appendages and begins to crush them. Capalis fights back the voices of his father and rises up against the darkness. He stumbles towards the light while the darkness tries to consume him. He sees a light and walks towards it, and the nightmare crumbles, allowing him to wake up.
* Darien struggles to fight the crushing darkness in his nightmare. Capalis in the real world rushes to his side to motivate him. He ultimately prevails and wakes up as well. In front of them, the last key, the Key of Anguish reveals itself. Capalis comforts Darien before taking the key and fitting it into the last lock.

### The Mask of Na'maer Acquired

* With all six keys in the locks, the doorway opens, revealing a pedestal holding the Mask of Na'maer. Capalis puts it in his bag. He also takes the Ring of Radiance bag and finally leaves with Darien at his side.
* On the journey home, Capalis and Darien part ways, joking about the latter's pardon. Darien goes back to Yellond to settle some things, leaving Capalis to return to Album.
* Capalis presents the mask to King Anthony, Cornelia and Mark. Cornelia, caught off guard, thanks Capalis for his service.
* Outside of the Palace, Mark and Capalis talk about the journey, about Cymriel. Capalis tells him of their final encounter. He tries to give back Mark's ring, but the Lion Knight urges him to keep it for himself. He also gives him the Looking Glass of Minerva on behalf of the king.
* Capalis leaves the Kingdom of Album and heads towards the Frontlands again. With one last glance, he rides off into the distance.

### The Battle of Album

* King Anthony orders the Mask of Na'maer to be locked away in reliquary beneath Eran palace.
* Sometime later, one of Album's councilmen Adler Vepierce, who turns out to be a double agent of the Ebon Order breaks into the reliquary and steals the mask. He takes it to his quarters and puts it on. After reciting and incantation, he disintegrates and opens up portals. Out comes Cymriel, who's revealed to have survived the fight at Evershadow Valley. He then puts on the mask, summoning more of his cultists with portals. They launch an attack on Eran Palace.
* Tantarin, whose has been enriched by the powers of the mask creates a storm of darkness above Album.
* Some Ebon cultists sacrifice themselves to Cymriel who transforms them into Soulless creatures. They move from out of the castle to attack the kingdom. Meanwhile, Cymriel stays behind to find King Anthony. He finds him in the throne room surrounded by Album soldiers. With a swift flash, he slaughters them all except for Anthony who is protecting Cornelia. King Anthony tells her to run and he fights Cymriel.
* Cornelia finds the remains of Adler and discovers what happens. She tries to escape the castle
* Meanwhile on the frontlines, Capalis notices the storm and rushes to a cliff to get a better look, and sees Album burning. His ring begins to glow, indicating the presence of ultimate darkness. He gets onto his horse and heads to the city.
* Mark and the Album soldiers try to fend off the Ebon Order and Soulless, but they are quickly outnumbered. Realizing that they losing the battle, Mark forces them to pull back and regroup. Noct goes after him.
* Capalis rides into the Album, taking down members of the cult and Soulless on horseback. He also saves Cornelia from Venra. The councilwoman reveals what happened. He orders her to find anyone she can and get them somewhere safe. He then turns to go save some Album soldiers from a horde of Soulless. From the corner of his eye, Capalis sees Noct pummeling Mark. He rushes to Mark's side and the two duel with him, but are encircled by cult members. Before they are killed, fake lightning strikes strike the ground disorienting the cultists. Darien swoops down with Zia and the two fling concussion potions down onto the cultists. Mark then kills a distracted Noct taunting him with a verse from an Album chant. Darien meets Mark, but the introduction is not welcome when the Lion Knight alludes to putting him in jail. Nonetheless, they fight side by side, along with Capalis and Zia, killing cultists and Soulless as they try to get to carve a path to Eran palace. Capalis rushes inside, but not before Darien personally bids him to stay safe.

### Vs. Cymriel: Showdown

* In the Eran throne room, King Anthony uses all his might to fend off against an corrupted Cymriel. His valor is not enough to ward off the dark magic of the mask. Cymriel overpowers him and goes in for a final kill, but is stopped by a blast of light from the Ring of Radiance. Capalis comes to Anthony's side and protects him from Cymriel's blows. He urges him to escape and help his people.
	+ Meanwhile on the ground, Mark, Darien, Zia, and Darien continue to drive out the Ebon Order. Tantarin squares off with Darien, taking on the form of him and his illusions. With the help of Mark's shield, Darien reflects Tantarins magic back at onto them, forcing the sinister to dissipate and retreat back into the sky.
* Caplis then stands up to Cymriel and they fight a violent battle. They manage to fight up to the highest tower of the castle. For a brief period of time, Capalis is able to debilitate Cymriel using the light from the Ring of Radiance. However, Cymriel, who has been corrupted beyond redemption by the mask, unleashes a shockwave that shakes the whole tower, causing part of it to break. The wave also shatters the ring, leaving Capalis powerless against him. Capalis tries to shoot and arrow at Cymriel, but misses (unknowingly striking Tantarin) and is pinned down my Cymriel who begins to strangle him. Capalis struggles for air as Cymriel taunts him with the Ebon decree *noevene eram ekan chenebre.* As he's being strangled to death, Capalis sees Tantarin with an arrow in their side, and tries to whistle, however the grip from Cymriels hand makes it impossible to get the sound out. But by fate, the foundation of the tower falls, causing Cymriel to lose his grip. Capalis quickly whistles his arrow to come back. He quickly grabs Cymriel and swaps places with him, and the arrow strikes Cymriel in the back. Capalis then smears the remains of the ring on his face, causing the Mask of Na'maer to fly off in the present of light before pushing over Cymriel to his death.
* Upon Cymriel's death, all of the Soulless turn to dust and Tantarin's storm dispels. Album soldiers capture, kill, and drive out all remaining Ebon cultist.
* The castle tower begins to fall and Capalis narrowly manages to get out with the Mask of Na'maer in hand. He walks towards his friends and presents the mask, signifying his victory. Album is saved.

### End of An Adventure

Sometime later, Capalis is given the Heart of Album medal by King Anthony in a ceremony. Cornelia finally warms up to him as well. All of his friends are there except for Darien who watches from a rooftop to avoid the guards.

After the ceremony, he and Mark ride together on horseback through the rebuilding kingdom. Mark asks Capalis about his future plans, to which the mercenary bowman doesn't give a definite answer. Mark offers him on behalf of Anthony to be part of a special unit in the Album army. Capalis tells him he'll think about it. With a goodbye, Capalis exits through the gates of the kingdom and meets up with Darien. He takes out the Looking Glass of Minerva and Darien asks where they are going next. Capalis tells him that they are going to find his father, and the story ends with them riding off to the frontlands.

## Auroris and Na'maer

### The Prophecy of the Twins

In the Pantheon, a plane of existence for deities, Chronum and Myranda seek out their Oracle, Filus. They bring him to a large, black and white, egg-like structure. Filus touches the egg and feels its vibration. His energy courses through the shell and back to him. Filus prophesizes that there are two children in that egg that will govern the natural order of time, and maintain livelihood on Archaia. However, he warns the primordial couple that they must maintain balance, for one of the twins could upset the tandem and wreak destruction upon Archaia and the Pantheon.

Some time later, Filus accompanies Chronum and Myranda to hatch the egg. Light and darkness spread throughout the room as Filus's magic catalyzes the hatching. Two twin newborn boys come out of the egg: the first with deep black hair and skin, the other with white hair and glowing eyes. Filus once again warns Chronum and Myranda to keep the powers of their sons in balance, secretly looking at the darker one.

### One To Bless With Day, The Other Bring Forth Night

The lighter son is given the name Auroris while the darker one is named Maru—dawn and night in Protoarchaian respectively. On their ninth birthday, the twins are approached by Chronum with two presents. He gives Auroris the sun, telling him to bring about the day and its warmth. He then turns to Maru and gives him the moon, and tells him to blanket the world in peaceful night. Chronum gives them his blessing to bring order to his flow of time.

For thousands of years, the twin primordial brothers work in tandem, bringing night and day to ancient Archaia.

### Imbalance and Disharmony

Disguised in their anthropomorphic form, Auroris and Maru attend the Festival of the Sun, an ancient celebration held to honor the first sunrise of summer. Once the sun rises, the ancient Archaians break into a chant. Maru gazes at all the representation of the sun, from the chant, to the runes, and the sunrise himself. He looks at his brother entranced by the festival. Auroris goes to the stage and reveals himself in full glory. All the people cheer and revere him, causing Maru to be envious. He leaves the festival and goes back to the Pantheon.

Maru talks with Filus, who has become another figure to him, and laments about the neglect he feels from his people. Filus attempts to console him by telling him of his birth story, and how much more powerful his force of darkness is, which Maru wrongly internalizes. Maru sees Auroris return to the Pantheon to embrace his mother and father, and he becomes angry.

One day, while Auroris is raising the sun, Maru visits him and shares his feelings. Auroris tries to reconcile their relationship but worsens it after revealing that the Protoarchaians need day more than night. A terrible argument ensues, leading Maru to storm off.

Maru visits Archaia in his anthropomorphic form and observes the people basking in the warmth of day. He summons a black night fog that temporarily masks out the sun. The ancient Archaians watch in fear, and Maru begins to cry. Upon returning to the Pantheon, he speaks with Filus again and angrily laments about the Protoarchaians, calling them ungrateful and neglectful. Auroris confronts Maru about the incident leading the two to scuffle, with the former overpowering the latter. He firmly reminds him of his place in the balance, and that their father will hear about it.

### Maru's Rebellion and The Primordial War

Maru walks into the Pantheonic Throne room where Chronum and Myranda await him. They accuse him over with the overstepping of his power in the balance. Maru remarks that he is tired of the balance and that the sun is an arrogant thing. He expresses that he will punish the Protoarchains for not honoring the both day and night.

Auroris and Filus come across the tense encounter and try to de-escalate it, but Maru curses at his brother and his arrogance. He tells him that he is more powerful one, exclaiming that it should be him who governs the order of time. Filus begins to feel guilty upon hearing these words. Chronum and Auroris stand up to contain Maru when he the angry night god unleashes his powers in the throne room. He accidentally strikes Myranda, sending her into an eternal slumber. He leaves the Pantheon to go to Archaia, shattering the moon and shrouding the world in night as he arrives.

Much later during the Primordial War, Raven, Maru's most infamous soldier, and some Soulless creatures present Maru with a mask. He puts it on, and it amplifies his power. He uses it on an army of loyalists belonging to Auroris, completely annihilating them. The mask becomes his main weapon as the war rages on.

### Auroris Banishes Maru

Near the end of the Primordial War, Auroris and Chronum create a relic capable of matching the darkness of Maru's mask. They fight Maru in a grand final battle. Realizing that he is most likely going to lose, Maru hands Raven his mask and tells him to hide it away from the gods. After a long a grueling duel, Auroris tearfully banishes his twin brother into the relic, the Solaris Pendant. He also gets his wing slashed in the process, rendering him unable to fly. All of Na'maers army is reduced to dust in the end.

### The Lost Mask

After the war, a depressed Auroris is approached by one of his men who reports Maru's mask to be missing. He suggests they send a permanent expedition onto Archaia to find it. The idea is rejected by the sun god, who is too distraught to go back to the mortal plane. He settles on the mask being lost forever, citing that all of his brothers forces were wiped from existence. Auroris then gets up to lower the sun and raise the moon, showing that he took on the responsibility of his lost brother. Maru then becomes known as Na'maer on Archaia.

## Capalis's Past

### A Young Bowman

A young Capalis is brought back home by his father after he is caught fighting with the kids at the school. Angry over the encounter, he exclaims that was not his fault. Tomen lectures his son over the virtue of patience. To show him a lesson, he takes young Capalis out into the field and teaches him how to shoot a bow. The first couple of time his misses, but after Tomen shows him how to have patience and calmness, he fires his first accurate shot on a squirrel.

Over the years, Capalis begins to become a expert bowman. By his early teens, he starts to show off his skills by entering competitions. Tomen is satisfied with his son who has learned to channel his emotions into his bow. He also shows him the family heirloom, the Silver-Lined Shooter and implies that Capalis will one day hold this bow as his ancestors did. Capalis earns the alias, "Brownwood Boy" by the locals.

### Tournament

* Capalis enters a national bowman tournament against famous archers from all over Visilion. He prevails victorious.

### Estranged Father

* He goes to celebrate with his father, who seems to have become paranoid.
* Tomen becomes aggressive with Capalis over their safety and the two argue. Capalis goes to bed, but hears noises overnight.

### Tomen Disappears/Capalis of the Wild

* Upon waking up, Capalis finds the cottage in shambles and Tomen gone. He rushes to the village square to look for him. Afterwards, he returns home distressed.
* He discovers runic writing on some of the walls that date back to Protoarchaians. Determined to find his father from whatever is going on, he takes the Silver-lined shooter and sets out to find answers.
* Over the years, Capalis becomes known as a mercenary hunter, donning the name "Capalis of the Wild." He trades his service for money to fund his search for his lost father.

## Cymriel's Past/Rise of the Ebon Order

### Childhood in Naemaea

* A child Cymriel witnesses a riot in a marketplace over bread. His dad gets him to safety, but is struck down by a guard. Cymriel tries to get his father but the guard goes after him. He's saved when one of the market stalls catches on fire, prompting the guard to go deal with it.
* Cymriel and his father bring back a loaf of bread and spoiled apricots to their family. Their mother notices their injuries and prepares a warm bucket of water to clean them. Cymriel fathers tells her not to stress out. Later, they eat as Cymriel's father complains about the mistreatment of the Naemaen people. He criticizes the King, Lenard IV, saying that he should be put to death over the cruelty he lets reign free. His son, listens to his fathers lamentations intently, fueling a hatred to the Naemean rule.
* One day, Cymriel is ganged up on by prestigious upper-class kids who pick on him for being poor. He tries to run from them but they catch up and subsequently beat them. He manages to stab one of the kids with a hook, making the others flee. He too runs away, appalled by what he has done. Later he seems to have enjoyed it as he reflects over his fathers words about the injustice of the kingdom.

### Wars Days

* Cymriel, who is now an adolescent, is stopped by Naemaean guards on his way home. They empty out his satchel, checking for any seditious material, before handing it back to him. He returns home with herbs for his pregnant mother and father, who has pneumonia. While preparing dinner, Cymriel grumbles about the Warning of Sedition placed upon the kingdom, citing its the intolerance it has generated towards the lower class. After serving out stew, he helps his parents into bed before he himself goes off to sleep.
* Cymriel wakes up to screaming outside of his house. He gets up to investigate, and is met with a squad of Naemaean guards capturing and slaughtering lower class Naemaen. He wakes up his family and they attempt to find safety. They are captured by the guards and are promptly arrested.

### Descent into Madness

* King Lenard IV, publicly announces the accusations of treachery among the lower class population of individuals, citing that they were smuggling resources to Album. He faces his council of lords, and formally sentences the accused to death.
* Cymriel is forced to watch his parents burned at the stake as Lenard warns the onlookers of the consequences of treachery. Cymriel runs towards the stake, toppling guards until he is knocked out.
* After the execution, Cymriel stares blank at the wall of the dungeon he is being held in. A guard takes him out to meet Lord Henry Coine. The stark Naemean lord, on behalf of King Lenard, pardons him from execution due to his age, and instead sentences him to exile to be fostered by a temple family.

### Exile

* Cymriel travels to the edge of Naemaea to a temple on the south border. There, he meets a cruel deacon and his family, Master Hargrove. Hargrove coldy puts Cymriel to a life of work and prayer to atone for his wrondoings. He also physically beats him, as do the rest of his family.

### Journey into the Dark Arts/Origin of Tantarin

* The only solace Cymriel manages to find is from a half-elf named Poppifar. Like him, Poppifar was exiled to live with them. Poppifar tells him of a plan to escape back to his home of Elberhollow, and offers to bring him along. The two quickly become close as they plot against Hargrove.
* Poppifar also teaches Cymriel some magic to help him channel his emotions into something useful. He takes lessons from the dark arts to channel anger and grief. The results are quite prodigious.
* One fateful day, Hargroves son, Alden stumbles upon the escape plans and calls in both Cymriel and Poppifar. When he threatens to tell his father about their actions, Poppifar curses at him, prompting him to beat Poppifar to death with a stone. Distraught and angry, Cymriel unleashes dark magic upon him that swallows him. The essence becomes the sentient Tantarin. Realizing the power he now has, Cymriel executes the escape plan, but a little differently.
* Cymriel slaughters the rest of the Hargrove family and burns down their temple with the help of Tantarin. He then travels Yellond to recruit for his newly forming "revolutionary" movement.

### The Ebon Order

* Over the next years, Cymriel forms a group of outcasts dedicated to "purging corruption" out of all kingdoms of Visilion (essentially destroying them entirely). The group grows to become a large, interconnected cult of insurgents. He calls them the Ebon Order.
* He gives a speech on the creation of the Order over a scene displaying their terroristic plunders.
* Now an adult, Cymriel returns to Naemaea where meets with Lord Coine. Sometime before, he discovered his involvement caused the death of his parents by framing the poor for supplying Album during the war. Cymriel throws him over the tower wall to avenge their deaths and taunts him with the cult's motto: *noevene eram ekan chenebre*.
* Cymriel stumbles upon a manuscript detailing the lost Mask of Na'maer. He finds out about the keys, and in his mind, sets a goal to find them. His cult follows in his footsteps, and they ride into the night.