Prologue
It was an era of mighty kings and emperors. The lands and peoples of Isla were divided not only by seas and oceans but also by the rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that defined their nations. Every patch of dry land bore the name of an Island. Each Island had its own unique name, often born from its origin story, the way of life that thrived there, or the customs and traditions that shaped its identity. To this day, few knew exactly how many Islands existed, surrounded by the vast seas and oceans of great Isla. No traveler had ever managed to fully circumnavigate the ocean, and thus, no map in the world could completely or accurately depict the entirety of Isla.
Among sailors and merchants, legends often circulated about Islands that possessed the uncanny ability to move across the ocean, constantly shifting their coordinates. Relying on a map to journey to one of these charted Islands, a traveler might find themselves stranded in the open ocean, with no sign of life to be found.
There were also Islands hidden from human eyes. Their inhabitants, wielding magic, could skillfully conceal their lands from unwanted visitors by shrouding them in thick fog or casting illusions of emptiness or impenetrable cliffs. These illusions made the Islands appear desolate, causing ships to simply sail past without a second glance.
One of the most renowned Islands in the Ocean, known to every traveler and merchant, was the Island of Seven Seas. These majestic lands were home to countless diverse minorities. Over time, the Island had become a sanctuary for many peoples fleeing dark times, seeking refuge and a place to start anew in hopes of a happier life. It was no surprise, then, that the beliefs and traditions of the Island’s inhabitants were as varied as they were distinct. Yet despite these differences, the power of the Gods was revered across these lands, even if those Gods differed from one group to another.
The Island of Seven Seas was made up of small towns and settlements, each unique in its own way. The towns were governed by lords who acted in accordance with the empire’s laws and bowed to the will of the emperor. All the towns flourished and grew wealthy thanks to thriving intercontinental trade and a robust internal economy. Human labor was highly valued on the Island, serving as a critical component of its prosperity. Magic, though no longer as abundant as it once was, was equally cherished. Those gifted with magical abilities were worth their weight in gold here.
The capital of the Island was the grand and awe-inspiring city of Citadel, perched at the very edge of the Island, washed by the sea and encircled by towering, nearly impassable cliffs. It seemed as though the Gods themselves had lent a hand in crafting this fantastically beautiful city.
Reaching Citadel was no easy feat. The first, most dangerous, and most arduous route was through the mountains. Steep ascents gave way to sharp descents, followed by dense forest. The second and third routes were by sea, and it was the ocean that became the primary path to the capital for the Island’s residents.
At the heart and as the crown jewel of Citadel stood an enormous castle, situated on a cliff high above the sea. The palace consisted of four levels and two towering turrets that flanked the main gates. Within the castle grounds was a vast courtyard with several outbuildings and a temple where the locals worshipped their Gods. This temple was the only structure on the castle grounds open not just to the nobility but to common folk as well.
Surrounding the palace sprawled the city, its stone buildings harmoniously blending with the natural landscape that enveloped Citadel. It was as if the architects had poured their very souls into creating such beauty.
Villages and cultivated fields, nestled near dense forests, added to the splendor of Citadel, making the city even more majestic and breathtaking. The warm climate, a hallmark of the capital, allowed for the fertile lands to be sown with new crops year-round.
But sooner or later, all things come to an end. The harmony and peaceful life on the Island of Seven Seas turned into a nightmare the moment Vladlen the Mighty ascended to the imperial throne. The beautiful and prosperous lands were transformed overnight into scarred, blood-soaked ruins. Cruelty swept across the Island like a tidal wave, sparing no family. Death and tears were all the emperor brought with him, slaughtering and destroying his own people. The reason for this devastation lay in the absence of a soul or heart within his long-cold and empty body.