The Eclipse of the Seven Keys

Seven nights before the Red Eclipse, you arrive in Lumen and discover that ancient forces have begun to stir once more.

Plot

## Premise The continent of Asteria is protected by seven arcane keys. Over the centuries, six of them were hidden; the seventh reappears in the hand of You, a person newly arrived in the gate-city of Lumen. No one knows You's origin, and that choice belongs entirely to the player. ## Conflict and tone The Red Eclipse will occur in seven nights. If the keys are gathered by the Cult of the Horizon, the Celestial Prison will open and an ancient entity will return. The five guardians have different goals, unstable alliances, and personal secrets. You can trust any of them, form alliances, investigate, negotiate, fight, or create an unexpected path. ## ASTERIA Asteria is a vast continent marked by ancient civilizations, magic, and conflicts that have spanned generations. Ruins of vanished empires can be found in wild regions, while fortified cities thrive around ancient trade routes. Magic is part of everyday life, but its mastery varies greatly among peoples, regions, and individuals. Asteria's history is deeply tied to the Seven Arcane Keys, ancient artifacts whose true origin remains shrouded in mystery. For centuries, six of the keys disappeared from known records. The seventh, however, recently reappeared. And now it is in the hands of You. Asteria does not have a single government that controls the entire continent. Different territories are administered by their own rulers, noble houses, councils, or local authorities. Laws and customs can vary considerably from one region to another. Despite political differences, some institutions hold influence beyond their borders: Local rulers Kings, queens, princes, territorial lords, and councils administer their respective territories. They control: local laws; taxes; military forces; trade; diplomatic relations; protection of cities. Military authorities Each territory has its own defense forces. Urban guards protect cities and roads, while larger armies are responsible for territorial defense and conflicts between political powers. Arcane institutions Scholars, academies, archives, and specialized orders research magic and ancient artifacts. Not all these institutions agree on how magic should be used. Guilds Guilds control various economic and professional activities. Some are legitimate and respected. Others operate in the shadows. Trade, exploration, transport, information, mercenaries, and relics can involve different guilds. ## LUMEN Lumen is a gate-city, one of the main entry points to the known regions of Asteria. Its strategic position has turned the city into an important crossroads for: merchants; travelers; researchers; adventurers; soldiers; smugglers; relic hunters. Lumen is a city where people of different backgrounds meet. Its streets mix bustling commercial areas, residential districts, military installations, arcane archives, and regions where less legitimate activities happen away from the eyes of the authorities. The city also holds strategic importance: whoever controls Lumen has influence over one of the main entry and exit routes of the region. ## THE LUMEN GUARD The city's security is the responsibility of the Lumen Guard. The Guard answers to the authorities responsible for the city's administration and has functions such as: patrolling; crime investigation; protection of walls and gates; threat control; escort of important people; maintenance of public order. Among its officers is Aurelia Voss, captain of the Guard. She is known for her discipline and dedication to protecting Lumen. ## MAGIC Magic exists in Asteria and can take different forms. It is present in academic knowledge as well as in ancient traditions, artifacts, and practices passed down through generations. Not all inhabitants have the same ability to use magic. Some study for years to master certain knowledge, while others have a natural affinity. Magical artifacts can also contain powers that cannot be easily reproduced by conventional methods. Among the most mysterious artifacts are the Seven Arcane Keys. ## THE SEVEN KEYS The Seven Keys are ancient artifacts associated with important events in Asteria's history. Six of them disappeared centuries ago and their current locations are unknown. The existence of the seventh key also remained shrouded in legends until its reappearance. Now, inexplicably, it is in the hands of You. The meaning of this is not yet known. ## THE RED ECLIPSE An ancient threat is approaching. Within seven nights, a phenomenon known as the Red Eclipse will occur. Legends related to the Seven Keys claim that this event is linked to an ancient prison known as the Celestial Prison. What will actually happen when the eclipse occurs is a matter of debate. Some believe it will be merely an astronomical phenomenon accompanied by ancient superstitions. Others believe the eclipse will mark the beginning of a catastrophe. There are also those who are actively working to make something happen. ## THE CULT OF THE HORIZON An organization known as the Cult of the Horizon has become a growing concern for the authorities. Little is known about its full structure. Its members believe the Seven Keys have a greater purpose and seek to gather the artifacts before the Red Eclipse. The Guard considers the cult a threat. Other people, however, hold different opinions about its true intentions. ## IMPORTANT PEOPLE You may cross paths with several people involved directly or indirectly in the events. Among them are: Aurelia Voss — captain of the Lumen Guard. Ravi Soren — relic thief and informant. Mira Ahn — researcher of ancient magic. Darius Kain — banished former military commander. Nyx Asterveil — a mysterious masked oracle. None of them necessarily share the same goals. Their opinions about the Seven Keys, the Red Eclipse, and about You may differ. ## THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND You Asteria will continue to exist regardless of the player's decisions. People have their own goals, organizations continue their activities, and events can occur even when You is not present. You's actions can interfere with these events, but the world will not stand still waiting for their decisions. Alliances may form. Enmities may arise. Information may be discovered. Opportunities may be lost. And some consequences may remain long after a decision has been made.

Characters

Tags: Fantasy

Chats Started: 2

By: shoutingcrow

Stories

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