The world of Lithoterria, a realm once full of the promise of discovery and wonder, has long been shrouded in the mysterious Mists that creep along its edges, threatening to consume all in their path. For generations, the Mists were an enigma that lapped at the edges of the nations that make up Lithoterria, feared, but respected, yet not one soul knew of its true depths or that its hunger could not allow it to remain locked in the void below. The Mists were a force of nature distorted, growing ever closer, as if the world itself was being swallowed whole, as tendrils of the fog came to the surface and began pulling it down into the abyss, piece by piece. For many, it seemed that Lithoterria was doomed to fade into the depths, its lands lost to the fog, its people and their history forgotten.
As the final few great cities began to vanish, a flicker of hope in the endless dark sparked anew. The tales tell of a group of brave souls known as the Challengers of Fate, individuals who refused to bow to beneath the crushing circumstances. It was in the shadow of New Ashen, a city nearly consumed by the treacherous Mists and the profane within, that their legend began. With strength, cunning, and a deep dedication towards the city they sought to protect, the Challengers brought forth the first light of justice within the mysterious Obsidian Circus, the raw arcane energy driving back the Mists and reclaiming a swatch of land for those who dared to dream of a tomorrow, and of a future unburdened by the profane. In the aftermath, a lost settlement reemerged: Little Ivywood, a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching black fog.
But their journey was far from over. The Mists, though it had been pushed back, still lingered at the edges of Sildrake forest and across the realm, barring travel and isolating communities from one another. The law abiding citizens of Lithoterria had seen what the Challengers could achieve, and they looked to them for guidance, for salvation. The world was grievously wounded, but not beyond healing. With each victory, the Challengers of Fate proved that the Mists were not invincible, that with courage and determination, they could be driven back, inch by inch, until the world was whole once more.
In the distant arid lands of the Sanctuary, the influence of the Challengers was felt once again. The streets of Somati had long been plagued by corruption and unrest, a darkness gnarled within the people of their society that seemed to mirror the Mists themselves. It was here that the Challengers sided with the infamous guild known only as Rot, a group that, despite their ominous name, sought to restore balance to the city. Through their alliance, the streets were cleansed of danger, and the path to Akutcha, a city once cut off by the Mists, was cleared. The people of Somati could once again walk their streets in safety, their eyes turned towards the horizon, where the Mists still loomed, but no longer seemed invincible.
The world of Lithoterria is changing through these acts. With each act of bravery, each quest completed, and each alliance forged or burnt to the ground, the Challengers of Fate bring transformation to a world that had nearly forgotten what it felt like to believe in a future. The Mists with its hive of hungry profane, a once unstoppable force, are revealed to be a challenge that might yet be bested, a trial for those who would dare to shape the destiny of their world.
And so the tale continues. The Challengers of Fate, with their growing legend, venture forth into the unknown of Little Ivywood and Akutcha, the path of the world guided by the lights lit and shadows cast by their choices. There are still lands to reclaim through acts of fate, Little Ivywood, Akutcha, and other cities to rebuild with grit and determination, and mysteries yet to unravel. The Mists may linger, but they no longer hold unshakeable dominion over Lithoterria under the Challenger's watchful eye and careful work. The world waits with bated breath, for the next chapter in the saga of the Challengers of Fate has only just begun. And with each step, each battle won, each citizen influenced or aided, the Mists recede a little more, revealing the true potential of a world reborn.
OOC Note: (Suggested Read)
Welcome, brave Challengers of Fate.
What you have just read is not only the status of the world of Lithoterria, but it is considered the "main story quest" of the world as it currently is.
Lithoterria is fractured, marred, and most of it is covered in a shroud of Mists that hide terrifying mutative monsters born of the darkness that dwells in the hearts of mankind and the madness that accompanies it. Not even airships are safe and risk being plucked out of the sky by colossal creatures that live in the abyss called the Mists.
The world that was Vortua has been reborn in darkness and given a new name, Lithoterria. Its people have been scattered across the realm to cling to what precious little they have for survival. Challengers of Fate, such as yourself, venture across the world pursuing hosted quests or transforming their own little corner of the world through the actions of your character, interactions with other Challengers of Fate, and actions upon the world itself.
Mist clearance accompanies the end of large quests, significant actions, or significant interactions between Challengers of Fates- like side stories you plan with other players or that just naturally happen through your interactions with friends.
As the Mists clear, new cities or regions will become available. For veteran players, this will not only include transformed the old cities you loved, but new cities to be discovered. The landmarks and lore will transfigure in response to the virtuous, dastardly, or middling choices that your characters make. After being uncovered, the citizens will be a little foggy of mind from their time in the Mists and rebuilding efforts will start.
During the rebuilding phase, establishments will have to be repaired or built anew to fill vacancies in the cities. Special deals regarding buildings or property lots will become available to aspiring shopkeepers, and resources can be donated to directly influence what buildings are built in the city and to what quality. The choices and results are largely reflective of the community's whims.
The initial phase of uncovering cities will spotlight the capitals of each nation, facilitating travel across all regions. However, once the first stone is set, the full extent of undiscovered cities, landmarks, and other intrigue in each nation remains a mystery for you to uncover.
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