Chapters/Chapter 1: The Spellstorm

 Date Dec. 15th 2020 - March 24th 2021

Week 1: Order of the Vowbreakers

Introduction



Avira Emberdane : It’s been a year since the The Fracture  ravaged our kingdoms and the Spellstorm began to devastate our lands. Our once bustling cities and villages now lie empty, their citizens forced to seek refuge in Longwatch.

But even within such devastation, the Order of the Vowbreakers believes there yet lies opportunity. Once again, magic is ours to discover. Now is the time to reclaim long forgotten artifacts, recently unearthed and ready for the taking. Even though it comes at a staggering cost, we now have the freedom to practice our arcane arts within the Hollow Lands  without fear of  Vowkeeper  persecution.

But do not think that you will journey the Hollow Lands uncontested. Enemy Breakers will challenge you at every corner, and you’ll need to hone your skills if you wish to survive. You must outlast, outrun, and overcome all others. Handle yourself well, and I’ll know you’re ready for your first assignment.

After Quest Completion



Avira Emberdane : Good work out there, Breaker.

Surprised by your first assignment? Our order may have come together to keep the tradition of magic alive, but that doesn’t mean we abandoned our fellow citizens.

These letters may seem unimportant, but they have great value to those they belong to. And in these trying times, it’s the least we can do to keep spirits up. Today, our fellow citizens rejoice at returned memories. Tomorrow, perhaps their homes. Or so we all hope.

Next week you’ll be briefed by Blackthorn. I’ll save introductions till then, but suffice to say she has an important assignment for you.

Week 2: The Deadmoss Documents Introduction



Blackthorn : Name’s Blackthorn, former Bogmore Collective agent. I’m here to oversee your operation.

Like the rest of the kingdoms, the Collective wants to stop the Spellstorm and reclaim the Hollow Lands. And their investigations have borne fruit. What they discovered may just be the key to stopping this cursed storm. Trouble is, the Collective is sitting on the information they’ve gathered. They won’t move until they know how to best leverage it.

But your order understands that we don’t have the luxury of time. We need that information. Your assignment is to infiltrate the Collective’s camps and steal whatever documents you can find.

After Quest Completion



Blackthorn : Due to your efforts, we were able to secure the documents. Unfortunately, they’re encoded. I’m no cipher, but they almost seem to form a map of sorts. I’ll call in some favors, see what I can dig up.

It’ll take time to crack this code. Get some rest, Breaker. You’ve earned it.

Week 3: Cache Collection Introduction



Blackthorn : Nothing’s ever easy with the Bogmore Collective.

The documents you gathered are parts of an encoded map. Lucky for your order, I’ve acquired a device that can decipher it. However, the device only works within certain locations. Tricky, I know.

You’ll start off in Deadmoss. Just head to Mossburn Village and the device will do the rest. From there you’ll visit Northmarch Pass, Gritfeld, and Edgewall Gate. With luck, your newly deciphered map will lead you to the Collective’s documents on the Spellstorm.

After Quest Completion



Blackthorn : Good news - there were documents hidden beneath those markers. Bad news? We have no idea how they’re connected to the Spellstorm. There’s journal entries, research notes… just random scraps of information. But your scholars are hopeful they’ll find some connection. They’ll cross reference documents, argue the finer details - you get the picture.

I’ll let you know when the scholars find something concrete. If they find something concrete.

Week 4: The Aegis Towers Introduction



Blackthorn : The documents you collected make no mention of the Spellstorm. Instead, they all refer to the Aegis Towers. You’ve probably seen them while out in the Hollow Lands, though no one in their right mind would call them towers now. Think large metal platforms, covered in rubble and spread across the kingdoms.

If the Bogmore Collective saw a connection between the Aegis Towers and the Spellstorm, we need to explore it too. And your order’s scholars agree with me. But first, you’ll need to do some reconnaissance. Start off by inspecting the Aegis Towers and see what state they’re in.

After Quest Completion



Blackthorn : Perhaps I should have been a scholar. Certainly less hazardous than my own line of work.

Those piles of rubble certainly reacted to your magic. Why or how, I’m not sure. That’s for the scholars to figure out. But there’s a reason the Collective is interested in the Aegis Towers, and by the Green Flame we’re going to find out why.

You’ll be called in when we need further assistance. I’m sure Quincy's just chomping at the bit to introduce himself.

Week 5: Truth of the Tideseers Introduction



Quincy Poisewax : Hello there! Quincy Poisewax, resident magic expert. I help the Order research all things arcane. A tricky subject to study, given that the Vow Mandate outlawed such knowledge.

Your field work last week had fascinating results. The thought that these Aegis Towers may have magical properties is an exciting one to say the least, but if they can stop the Spellstorm? Suffice to say, it required further inquiry on my part. I dug through every text our order possesses, and eventually discovered a reference to an ancient order of scholars called the Tideseers. They seem to have worked within the Aegis Towers, though I’m unsure for what purpose.

That’s where you come in. I have a lead on where to find the Tideseers' research notes, and I need you to venture into the Hollow Lands to collect them. Hopefully by studying their research we’ll understand more about the Aegis Towers.

After Quest Completion



Quincy Poisewax : I’ve only skimmed those research notes, but they have already turned out to be quite fascinating. The Tideseers studied a phenomenon called the Spelltides. Though they weren’t quite as destructive as the Spellstorm we face, there are striking similarities between the two phenomena.

The Tideseers describe the Aegis Towers as well. They were once large structures, created specifically to control the Spelltides. Think of them as lightning rods. They would harness the power of the Spelltides and disperse it safely. Which explains their reaction to your magic! The towers were taking in your power and dispersing it.

This is just the lead we need. Finally, a connection between the Spellstorm and the Aegis Towers. This must be why the Bogmore Collective was so interested in the landmarks. Thank you, my friend. I couldn’t have found this research without you.

Week 6: The Mana Vaults Introduction



Quincy Poisewax : The Tideseer research you collected last week was filled with fascinating content. They studied the Spelltides - past magical phenomenon that were strikingly similar to the Spellstorm we contend with today. Unfortunately, their methods for managing the Spelltides involved using the Aegis Towers. And, since those structures are now destroyed, we cannot replicate the Tideseers' methods.

There was another phenomenon they discussed in their research, however. On rare occasions, the Spelltides would produce something called Arcane Rifts. These rifts would disrupt the space around them in peculiar ways. Some scholars even theorized they were tears through time! The description of these Arcane Rifts reminded me of the Mana Vaults that you often find within the Hollow Lands. Which led me to hypothesize that perhaps these Mana Vaults are somehow connected to the Spellstorm.

I need you to open up Mana Vaults throughout the Hollow Lands while I conduct readings. If they are somehow connected to the Spellstorm, I should see similarities between the energies.

After Quest Completion



Quincy Poisewax : Comparing the readings you collected and the Tideseers' descriptions of Arcane Rifts, I certainly see some possibilities. I can’t say with certainty, but it almost seems as if the Mana Vaults are… suspended in time? Or perhaps even transported from the past, when magical artifacts were far more abundant.

Naturally, I’ll be doing more research on the subject. I’m curious if there are other ways the Spellstorm is affecting the Hollow Lands, and why it might be doing so. After all, the more we learn about the storm, the closer we are to stopping it.

Week 7: Researching the Spellstorm Introduction



Quincy Poisewax : Our research on the Mana Vaults has led to further discovery. Using the data collected last week, I was able to scan the Hollow Lands for arcane fluctuations. And that scan resulted in finding that the Arcane Rifts we spoke of are actually present throughout the Spellstorm, and they’re growing stronger. I believe at this point they may actually be visually identified.

Now, the best way to study these Spellstorm Rifts, as I’ve come to call them, is to physically interact with them. Have no fear, however! I can say with 97.5 percent accuracy that you will not be harmed by the encounter. Though I do suspect something will happen, it should mostly be harmless. I think. Fascinating though, for sure!

Head into the Spellstorm and interact with the rifts. Leave the data collection to me.

After Quest Completion



Quincy Poisewax : The surge of power those rifts gave you! I’ve never seen its like.

It also benefits us to theorize how else the Spellstorm may be affecting the Hollow Lands. We know of its destructive power, yes, but there’s so much more we can learn. And these Spellstorm Rifts prove that the storm is ever changing. Ever evolving, perhaps.

I’d like to study this phenomenon further, but I need time to go through the data you collected this week. Thank you, my friend

Week 8: Test of Talents Introduction



Avira Emberdane : Thanks to your efforts, we now know more about the Spellstorm than ever before. Still, it will take time for Quincy to sort through the data you’ve collected. Meanwhile, I want you to work on your combat skills. With the Vowguard ever on our heels, we cannot afford to grow complacent. Everyone must hone their skills if our order is to continue its crucial work.

This week we’ll be focusing on. When you’re out in the Hollow Lands, you’ll need every advantage you can get. Talents can increase the damage of your spells, help you track your enemies, and so much more.

For this week’s assignment, I’d like you to focus on the talents you already possess. Use them, enhance them, master them. Only then can you truly be a Breaker of merit.

After Quest Completion



Avira Emberdane : I’d say you have the gist of it. Remember; never start a match without your talents. You might as well be begging for your foes to disrupt you. As you explore the Hollow Lands, it’s also wise to keep on the lookout for scrolls. If you find one? Read it. Unless you’re under enemy fire, of course.

I’ll have a new challenge for you next week. It would be best if you came prepared.

Week 9: Squadron Duty Introduction



Avira Emberdane : Ready for your next challenge, Breaker? This week we’ll be focusing on working as a team.

With so few Breakers in our ranks, our order depends on all of its members. Which means we must work together if we’re ever to succeed in our goals. I want you to venture into the Hollow Lands with companions by your side. Protect them well, and you’ll succeed in this week’s task.

After Quest Completion



Avira Emberdane : I’m impressed. Any Breaker can sling a spell, but it takes true talent to coordinate with a team.

Remember that you need not face the Hollow Lands alone. Look towards your fellow Breakers for support. After all, a well coordinated team can take down the strongest of foes. Which is precisely why our order has lasted so long against the Vowkeepers and their dreaded Guard.

Next week you’ll continue to help Blackthorn with more Spellstorm research. For now, be well.

Week 10: Disruption Data Introduction



Blackthorn : Hey there, hotshot. You’ve certainly kept yourself busy these past few weeks.

Another theory for you from our ever-excited scholars. Seems that the arcane energy within the Spellstorm fluctuates. The leading theory is that it’s somehow connected to Breakers. So you’ll be conducting a few experiments, starting with the type of gauntlet you use.

Don’t worry about anything but the task at hand. We’ll handle the data collection from here.

After Quest Completion



Blackthorn : Seems you Breakers are good for something after all.

According to the data we collected, Breakers have been absorbing the power of the Spellstorm. You probably noticed a surge of power every time you’ve gone out for a mission. That’s you collecting the storm’s energy. Like charging a lightning rod.

The odd thing is that the Spellstorm isn’t getting any weaker. I’m no scholar, but you’d think if the Breakers are absorbing the storm’s power, it would eventually disappear. I suspect Quincy will have a thought or two on that.

For now, you earned some rest. Report back next week.

Week 11: An Uncomfortable Truth Introduction



Quincy Poisewax : It seems the secret’s out about the Spellstorm Rifts. Breakers all over the Hollow Lands are using them to gain an edge in battle. And that repeated use has now led to some rather fascinating consequences.

I speak, of course, of the arcane phenomena forming within the Fracture itself. I’ve come to call them Fracture Vents, given their aerodynamic qualities. I have many theories as to why this has occurred, but no hard data to back up my current speculations. Which is where your expertise for field research comes into play.

I need you to interact with these newly formed Fracture Vents while I collect data on the Spellstorm’s arcane fluctuations. Just make physical contact with the vents, and I’ll handle the rest.

After Quest Completion



Quincy Poisewax : Fascinating. From your earlier data, our order realized that the Breakers were actually absorbing the Spellstorm’s arcane energy as they battled within the Hollow Lands. But it didn’t make sense. Why wouldn’t that weaken the Spellstorm’s power?

But I understand now. According to our last experiment, the Spellstorm is feeding off the Fracture. Interacting with it somehow. Changing, growing - while the Breakers make the Spellstorm less powerful, the Fracture is doing just the opposite. It’s making the storm stronger.

Luckily for us, the unknown effort of the Breakers has prevented the Spellstorm from growing in size and power. But how can we tip the scales? Vowbreakers pour into the Hollow Lands whenever the storm clears. How can they possibly absorb more of its magic?

I’m afraid our research has just begun.

Week 12: Prepare for the Worst Introduction



Avira Emberdane : Quincy’s theory about the connection between the Aegis Towers and the Spellstorm is finally coming to fruition. Just not in the way we expected. Whether it be your earlier research efforts, or just a twist of fate, the Aegis Towers are now reacting to the Spellstorm. They are gathering the storm’s energy, but they’re not dispersing it.

There’s a chance this could be harmless, and eventually the Aegis Towers will safely disperse the energy. But there’s also a chance that the collected energy will eventually do… something else. Something catastrophic. For all we know, we’re on the cusp of another Fracture. We can’t take that chance.

You need to head to the Aegis Towers and absorb this power in order to safely disperse it. But be careful. There’s no telling how you’ll react to the absorption of so much arcane energy.

After Quest Completion



Avira Emberdane : Through your efforts, we learned more about the Spellstorm than any scholar before. We now know that the Breakers have been absorbing the storm’s power every time they venture into the Hollow Lands. We also know the Fracture is still active, and its power is feeding into the Spellstorm at an equal rate. Though the storm is not growing in power, neither will it be absorbed.

But this week shows us that there’s still so much more to learn. Why did the Aegis Towers activate? Why are rifts forming within the Spellstorm and Fracture? What dangers lie ahead for our order? I’m afraid we have less time than ever to answer these questions. Reports indicate that the Vowkeepers are readying themselves for their own venture into the Hollow Lands. And while we face dangers from enemy Breakers every day, I can assure you that the Keepers are a force to be reckoned with.

But for now, let us celebrate our victories. This may be but a first step to bringing peace back to the Hollow Lands, but it is a step we took together. Good work out there, Breaker.