Ilvash and the Kingdom of Ahatils

In the last story, we gave an overview about the mysterious beginnings of this new world, the powers of the Henakor, and the unexplored islands created out of the collision thousands of years ago.

Today, we want to continue the lore of Mysthea. This time, we'll learn about the potent artefact recently created by man that will change the way the citizens of Ilvash view the Heankor forever.

The artefact increases humans' power to manipulate Qoam crystal shards, and will give them an opportunity never possible before.

Ilvash, capital of the Kingdom of Ahatils, is a sprawling city built upon the biggest floating chunk of land that broke off from Icaion when the crystal hit. It has existed for so long, it is hard to remember much of its expansive history. It is the strongest city, and the center from where the dynasty of Ahatils rules.

For all the inhabitants know, the continent where Ilvash is situated is the only human presence in the whole world. And although it is a Kingdom, the King has long since ducked into the shadows of his empire, delegating the management of the state to sovereign Guilds.

Each Guild is tasked with representing the interests of a particular part of the population.

The Guilds and society as a whole have benefited greatly from the power of Qoam—the name given to the shards of crystals broken off in the crash thousands of years ago—and the human ability to manipulate it. Qoam itself, but more particularly rocks with the crystal embedded in it, have been used for the most diverse applications, from something as simple as a tool to a base material used to build whole cities.

Recently, for the first time ever, two Guilds have partnered to research Qoam manipulation and have managed to create an artefact that is able to amplify the power humans have over the crystals. The manufacturing of this artefact was extremely difficult and expensive, but they succeeded. They created an object that in the right hands could allow people to perform unimaginable feats, moving immense quantities of Qoam, maybe even whole cities.

One artefact was gifted to every Guild, and is able to greatly increase the power of Qoam manipulators. The true consequences of this new creation are about to be revealed.

One artefact for every Guild was created. They were considered tools of immense power, to be used with extreme care and responsibility, and only to further the progress of the species. For a while, they were used rarely, mostly in ceremonious circumstances: the power they could deliver was so intense that even the elders of the Guilds were afraid of the possible consequences.

Until one Guild realized that with the aid of the artefact, they could send an explorer to the uncharted islands around the Henakor. The artefact would allow for a talented Qoam manipulator to travel in a Qoam-powered vehicle for long enough to reach the closest island. For the first time in history, they would be able to explore those terrifying, sacred places. They could touch those lands considered holy by some and damned by others.

What would be waiting for them there? What would happen to them so close to the power of the Henakor? What answers would they be able to bring back with them?

The kingdom buzzed with excitement when each Guild announced that they would fund expeditions, entrusting the artefact to a Champion who would travel to these harsh new lands in hopes of finding great rewards.

Next time, we will introduce you to the first and the most feared of the city’s Guilds. Stay tuned to learn about the Kaetur, Guild of soldiers.

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