Act II: The Reluctant King
The Marquesa de'la Forenza
CHAPTER 9:
Seed Crystal
The Adarian Protectorate has sustained a critical wound. The arcane forces that were the lifeblood of the society have been critically destabilised: Faroud's ritual magics, which were once used imprisoned a dragon, have been unleashed across the entire continent. Unpredictable tides of dispelling energies spill over Adar; airships fall from the sky, communication collapses, napthic trains fall from their tracks. This woeful cataclysm was designed to strike at the mechanisms of government, but has nevertheless also caused a tremendous loss of life. Society itself is fighting a rearguard action.
The 13th have chosen to fight for the forces of civilisation, and are at the heart of that action. They are granted new ranks and powers, and Darian, now elevated to Knight-Commander, is their commanding officer. Their speciality, however, is still in irregular actions.
One such is needed now. In a cruel twist, whatever psionic energies power the Inspired's domain have been unaffected by Faroud's ritual. Having been in near parity, the Adarian Protectorate is now utterly vulnerable to the neighbouring empire, and the Marquesa is under no illusions that they will view the crippled young nation as anything other than prey.
The 13th must travel deep into Reidra and discover why their empire is unaffected. They should learn the secret of their power so Adar can either copy it, or, if necessary, nullify it. As a sanctioned mission this would be a naked act of war, however; should the 13th be discovered, then they will be disavowed and utterly alone. And unfortunately, the 13th will find the Inspired are anything other than unprepared.
CHAPTER 10:
Orientation
The 13th enjoy a drink with a friend, and the world will never be the same again.