Secrets of the Ancients

Lore & Background

Long before the current Settlers arrived on the shores of Aeternum, a sophisticated civilization thrived in this land. They built grand cities and mastered arcane arts that blurred the line between technology and sorcery. However, their manipulation of forces beyond mortal comprehension is linked to the Cataclysm, a catastrophic event that unleashed the Corruption upon the island and drove them into extinction or hiding. The remnants of their legacy are scattered across the world in the form of ancient ruins, cryptic journals, and powerful artifacts. These relics hold dangerous energy that can corrupt those who wield them without understanding. The Corrupted, a faction driven by this malevolent force, seeks these items to spread the Corruption further, unknowingly risking another catastrophe. The true nature of the Ancients remains shrouded in myth, with conflicting accounts suggesting they were either victims of their own power or malevolent forces that brought ruin upon themselves. As players delve deeper into the main storyline, they realize that the fate of Aeternum depends on whether these secrets are suppressed or unleashed.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the skeletal remains of an ancient tower, carrying with it the scent of ozone and decay. Elara brushed away centuries of dust from a stone tablet, her lantern flickering against the carved runes that pulsed with a faint, sickly violet light. She knew she wasn't alone; the whispers in the dark were getting louder, urging her to read what was forbidden. As her fingers traced the final glyph, the ground trembled. The shadows around her coalesced into shapes of armor and bone—the ghosts of those who came before. They did not attack, but watched with hollow eyes, waiting for her to decide if their mistake would be repeated or finally laid to rest.

Reader's Guide

The narrative begins when players first arrive on Aeternum and discover the remnants of a civilization far older than themselves. Initial quests involve exploring ruins and collecting journals that hint at a great catastrophe. As the campaign progresses, players encounter the Order of the Ancients, who actively hunt for these artifacts to restore their power. The conflict escalates as the player learns that the Order's goals may destroy what remains of the island. The climax involves confronting the source of the ancient magic and deciding whether to seal it away or attempt to control it. This choice impacts the understanding of Aeternum's future, leaving players with knowledge that changes how they view every ruin and artifact they encounter.

Did You Know?

• The Corrupted seek to spread the Corruption across Aeternum, not to restore the Ancients' glory.
• Many ancient ruins across Aeternum contain environmental hazards that mimic the corruption suffered by the original civilization.
• Journals found throughout the main story are written by survivors who tried to warn future generations about the dangers of the artifacts.