Prologue

The ancient city of Guun-gehad, the Jewel of the West.

Many have walked the long road to the ancient city, but few, if any, have ever made it there. Winding through such harsh environments as the dense Gallangir Forest, where the canopy is so thick little light reaches the forest floor; over the cold, windy peaks of the Anboian Mountains; perpetually enveloped in ice and snow; across the hot, dry sands of the Maraban Desert; down the marshy delta of where the Rameny River empties into the Sea of Jade, and finally through the land of Pasrial, a land so flush with magic it seems to defy the laws of nature. The flora and fauna that call it home are unlike any other found across Menatir, and both are immensely dangerous to any would-be traveler or pilgrim. Indeed, the land itself appears to be against those who would trespass into there, causing one to continually find themselves walking in circles, even when following a landmark, that no amount of walking appears to come closer. One can only hope to pass through safely by having a strong will, and by either themselves or traveling with a companion with a strong magical connection who can hope to navigate such a beautiful, inhospitable place. This land has been the end of many journeys, either causing one to turn back in defeat, or continue forward towards their inevitable demise.

Despite these dangers, this road is often undertaken by travelers and pilgrims of all walks of life, races, and social standing, from all ends of Menatir, for the hope of even laying their gaze upon that city which has so much untold mystery and promise.

In fact, so few have ever completed the journey that no one man can agree what lies there, how it looks, or even if it truly exists. Some say it was a holy site for Hafen, others the capital of a long gone empire, still others a city of untold wealth, but a select few know it for what it truly is.

An overgrown ruin that hides a slumbering evil of power beyond comprehension. 

Even less know the horrible truth, that the slumbering evil is beginning to wake.