For twelve hundred years, the desert belonged to [[The Argentyne Order of the Mirror Moon]]. The Order, keepers of the desert's ancient wisdoms and secrets, had long maintained a stranglehold on the sands of the Vastuum. Their members were many, and common sight in the bustling bazaars and quiet oases. The shimmering, pale blue woven into their white robes was a mirror to their place in the desert. Just as those delicate azure threads were inseparable from their fabric, so too was The Order bound to the very fabric of life amongst the dunes. But the sands of time are ever shifting, and they once again whisper of a new era. Deep in the heart of [[Kald/Locations/Shards/Vastuum|Vastuum]], hidden beneath centuries of windswept dunes, lie ruins of impossible antiquity. Their discovery has sent shockwaves through the desert, drawing the eye of the [[The Arcanum]]. This distant body of scholars and mages, ever hungry for knowledge, has dispatched its brightest minds to uncover the secrets buried in the sands. The Argentyne Order claim these ruins as their birthright. To them, they are the remnants of their order's earliest days. Yet as more foreign resources pour into Vastuum, the Order's grip on their desert home grows tenuous. Soon, this delicate balance threatens to shatter. Accusations fly, alliances shift, and the desert itself seems to hold its breath, waiting. However, as with all mirages, not all is as it seems. The greatest discoveries are often met with terrifying consequences, and the echoes of truth sought by desert dweller and foreigner alike are bound to resonate through the ages. ## Creating a Character There are lots of ways to tie yourself to the newly discovered ruins of Vastuum. You might be... ##### Arcanum Research Assistant A young scholar who's just completed their initial studies and is eager to prove themselves in the field. You might have have basic knowledge of magical theory but limited practical experience. ##### Mirror Initiate A young member of the Order who has just completed their initial training. You're deeply committed to the Order's teachings but also curious about the outside world. Your loyalty to tradition is at fierce conflict with your fascination with the new discoveries. ##### Desert-born A local who grew up navigating the treacherous dunes and has been hired for their invaluable knowledge of the terrain. ##### Relic Hunter An independent treasure seeker drawn to the promise of ancient artifacts. The origin of your coin is of no importance so long as your head stays firmly planted on your shoulders. ##### Mercenary A skilled fighter hired by either the Arcanum or The Order, but seeking purpose in fighting for a cause while uncovering a personal connection to the desert's mysteries.