Hidden amongst the ruins of the ancient world, there are artifacts of immense power. Made long before the afflicted began to surface within the worlds populace, these items would give regular people elemental power beyond belief. Ancient mages could control the rain, the wind, and wildfires at a whim. For a while this was kept in check, mages watching over one another cautiously. But as the old world began to decay so too did their sense of duty and morality.

Mages would attack each other and fringe kingdoms with the might of gods. Whole country sides burned, flooded, blown to pieces. With magic, warfare became a battle of cataclysms over a battle of men. Before its end most of the known world had been nearly obliterated. As the last of the mages stood over the chaos and rubble, he was struck down by the first of what would be the new kings. Some say the last mage wasn't even evil, but such meanings as good and evil were lost after the annihilation.

With the mages slain, the first king summoned what was left of the leaders of the old world. Together they signed the Foedus Contra Magia, an agreement that would ensure magic would never again destroy the realms. All powerful magical items that could be found were destroyed, and those that could not be destroyed were buried in as deep a dark hole as could be found. Ships were chartered to dump the most powerful as deep into the oceans as possible. Yet still, there were some forgotten where their owners fell.

Despite all this, thousands of years later, magic is beginning to return. Not purely through artifact, but within people themselves. Called the afflicted, these individuals are hunted by many of the kingdoms as fugitives. Damned by birth and the Foedus Contra Magia to be slain for the safety of the world. Despite the fact many of them do not have powers even close to the old artifacts, it is believed that they are growing stronger over time. The current kings fearing soon that a powerful afflicted will once again annihilate the realms. Or worse, find the artifacts lomg buried and harness their power ten-fold what it was originally.

Among these damned souls, is an afflicted named Novus. His power the control over the unnatural shadows. Able to fade into the void and return on a whim. Easily able to evade capture, but always having to stay on the move. Despite all this, he still wants to help the world as he can, saving people when possible and showing them the afflicted are more than just monsters. Dreaming perhaps one day his actions may drive the world to change, beyond ancient fears and millenia old paperwork.

Joining him is his two companions, Ash and Kestrel. Ash is his oldest friend and companion. Though not afflicted his mind and abilities with technology is unmatched. Using simple magic he is able to make devices and constructs that would leave the most educated scholars and engineers baffled. However, his relations with the afflicted Novus leave him as on the run as his friend. Dedicated to the cause of helping the afflicted snep in finding a cure, or finding a way to more peaceful lands.

Lastly there is Kestrel, a shadow sword assassin. Originally he hunted Novus and Ash, trying desperately to apprehend or kill them. During his travels he slowly began to find them less and less a threat, and more of two good souls caught up in bad circumstances. Failing to assassinate them when the perfect opportunity came, he was re-assigned to simple guard duty. Or what should have been simple guard duty. The rest of his story is for another time, but know that he is loyal to his new friends, and he will protect them.

The journey forward is simple. Survive.


Art by the amazing  Tiaamaito

Featuring and gifted by my lovely friends  Novus724 and  AshKelling Thank you two so much! <3