"There's a book I want to show you." Rosaline's voice was soft, but there was an unmistakable urgency behind it as she led Celestia into a dimly lit building. She gestured to a table, her expression growing more serious. "Sit. I'll get the book. It's about the history of Nyxterra—something most people here don't even know."
Celestia took a seat, watching Rosaline walk away, her footsteps fading into the shadows. A moment later, she returned, carrying a heavy tome with a deep crimson cover. She placed it carefully in front of Celestia. "This book is always available for anyone to read, though few do. It holds secrets of Nyxterra's past that have been forgotten by most."
Rosaline settled across from her, watching as Celestia's fingers brushed the textured cover, revealing the dragon scales intricately embossed across its surface. With a quiet exhale, Celestia opened the book to the first page.
"My name is Yon Rigard. I am writing this account as the third leader of the Nyxterrian people. The year is currently 3401 of the Rigard cycle. The following is what I have come to understand of these lands since the day I was born here.
All twenty great lands of Cresbel were once united, their borders seamless, until a war broke out—a war of such magnitude that it engulfed the entire world. During this war, divine beings descended upon Cresbel in physical form. Among them were a colossal serpent, its scales shimmering like galaxies, and a figure composed of pure energy, along with countless other entities. Nyxterra stands apart from all other lands in Cresbel. The sky, perpetually swirling with deep purples, dark blues, and streaks of crimson, gives the land the appearance of an eternal dusk. The sun, a faint, blood-red orb, barely offers enough light to call it day, yet never fully vanishes, denying the land the true cloak of night. This unending twilight has endured for centuries, making Nyxterra one of the most enigmatic and eerie regions in the world.
Legends tell of a time when Nyxterra was like every other land—basking under a golden sun, with clear skies and vibrant landscapes. But that era is lost, swallowed by an ancient calamity so devastating that even its cause has been forgotten. My grandfather spoke of it often, though his words were little more than fractured memories. Some claim it was a failed ritual—an attempt by a long-lost civilization to control celestial forces. Others speak of a battle between gods, one that left scars on the heavens themselves, trapping Nyxterra forever in a state of twilight."
Celestia paused, looking up at Rosaline for a brief moment, her emerald eyes reflecting the weight of the words. After a lingering glance, she returned her focus to the book.
"Despite its unnatural sky, life thrived in Nyxterra. Strange, luminescent flora blanketed the land, glowing softly in the dim light. The rivers mirrored the sky, their waters flowing like veins of liquid amethyst. Cities and ports flourished under the glow of countless lanterns, firelight, and magic-infused crystals, the light of which was a poor substitute for the sun that never shone.
But three times a year, something miraculous happens.
For a single day, the sky clears, and the true sun shines upon Nyxterra. These rare occurrences, known as the Solemn Dawns, are celebrated as holy events. On these days, people of all races gather in the open, basking in the warmth they rarely experience. Farmers seize the opportunity to cultivate their crops, merchants hold grand festivals, and even criminals call for a temporary truce. It is a time of peace, renewal—a reminder of what Nyxterra once was, and what it could be again if fate ever chose to lift the eternal twilight.
As the current leader of the Nyxterrians, I am proud to call this land my birthplace, my home. But I must also acknowledge the dangers that lurk within it. Countless creatures, both in the forests and oceans, and even beneath the ground, remain hidden from sight. But on the days of the Solemn Dawns, they vanish. I do not yet understand why, but my guess is that it has something to do with the unique rays of the sun on those rare days. During the rest of the year, crimson rays fill the land in pieces, but on the days when the sun is fully visible, those rays cover the entire land. It could be that the creatures are responding to something in the light, or perhaps I am simply mistaken. My knowledge is limited, considering that all textbooks of the past were destroyed over a thousand years ago.
I continue to search for answers, though the truth seems ever elusive. Perhaps one day, the remnants of the old world will rise again, revealing their secrets to those who dare to seek them. But for now, I must focus on the present. Nyxterra is a land of paradoxes—where beauty thrives in the face of calamity, and where the people, carry on with their lives beneath the shadow of an eternal dusk.
My predecessors spoke of the possibility of restoring the balance, of undoing a curse that keeps us trapped in this twilight. But I do not believe it is a curse. It is a gift—a mark of our survival. No matter how bleak the skies may seem, the land endures. The people of Nyxterra endure. And as long as we live, I believe there is hope."
Celestia looked up at Rosaline, whose violet eyes watched her intently, as though waiting for Celestia's reaction.
"The Solemn Dawns… That's the part that caught my attention," Celestia murmured, her fingers tracing the edge of the page. "Do you believe the creatures vanish because of the sunlight—or something else?"
Rosaline's gaze flickered with uncertainty. "I don't know for sure. No one really does. Some believe the creatures hide to avoid the sun's rays, but others think it's something deeper—perhaps a connection to the ancient magic that still lingers in the land."
"Creatures of Nyxterra" — the heading at the top of the next page read, accompanied by a detailed illustration of a towering beast. Its scales shimmered like liquid gold, and its eyes gleamed with a primal intelligence.
"Nyxterra's wilderness is home to an unsettling variety of creatures. Some are as ancient as the land itself, while others have evolved from the eternal twilight that coats the land. Below are some of the most notorious and dangerous beings known to lurk within our borders."
Soulbane Behemoth
Element: Earth (with traces of Soul Magic)
Known for: Its immense size, brute strength, and its ability to absorb life force from living creatures.
How to kill it: The Soulbane Behemoth is a monstrous creature that resides deep in the forests of Nyxterra. Its skin is as hard as stone, and its movements are slow but catastrophic. The best method to deal with it is to attack from a distance, using long-range weapons or elemental magic like fire or lightning. However, its most dangerous ability is its ability to drain life energy with each strike, so any attack must be made with precision, or the attacker risks losing their life. Targeting the heart of the Behemoth, located beneath its ribcage, is the only reliable way to defeat it.
Description: The Soulbane Behemoth is a creature covered in thick, armored plating. It is said that ancient tribes once worshipped it as a god before realizing its true nature. With each kill, the Behemoth grows more powerful, and its eyes glow with an eerie, unnatural light.
Emberwing Wyvern
Element: Fire
Known for: Its fiery breath and the blazing wings that leave trails of destruction.
How to kill it: Wyverns are known to be resilient, and their fiery breath can burn even the strongest of steel. The key to slaying an Emberwing Wyvern lies in exploiting its weakness to water or ice. A well-placed blast of ice magic can freeze its wings, grounding the creature temporarily. Once grounded, its underbelly, particularly the area just above the tail, is the weakest point. However, the fight is perilous, as the Wyvern will not hesitate to use its claws and tail as weapons in close combat.Description: These fearsome creatures have wings that span over thirty feet, and their breath can melt entire villages. Their scales are hardened by fire, making them immune to most heat-based attacks. They dwell in the high peaks of Nyxterra's mountains, often seen soaring above the clouds, looking down on those below with fiery eyes.
Thunderhoof
Element: Lightning
Known for: Its ability to harness and channel lightning through its antlers.
How to kill it: The Thunderhoof is a majestic yet deadly creature. Its antlers glow with the power of the storm, and it can summon bolts of lightning with a flick of its head. The best strategy is to avoid its direct charge, which can create devastating shockwaves. It is highly agile, and its speed is unmatched, but it can be wounded by targeting its legs. Disabling its ability to move will eventually force it to the ground, at which point its heart, protected by its ribcage, is vulnerable.
Description: With hooves that crackle with electricity and a coat that shines like silver, the Thunderhoof is a magnificent creature, often seen as a symbol of power and grace. It roams the highlands of Nyxterra, where storms are a constant companion, its thunderous calls echoing across the land.
Duskmaw Behemoth
Appearance: A massive, bear-like creature with shaggy brown fur, glowing amber eyes, and razor-sharp fangs capable of piercing through armor. It has thick, plated hide beneath its fur, making it difficult to injure. Long, jagged claws drip with a venomous saliva that burns vampiric flesh upon contact.
Abilities: Vampiric Bane – The Duskmaw Behemoth can sense vampires from miles away, becoming uncontrollably aggressive in their presence.
Sun-Blessed Fur – Its thick fur radiates a faint golden aura, making it resistant to shadow-based magic and vampiric enchantments.
Blood Frenzy – When it smells vampire blood, the beast enters a berserk state, increasing its strength and speed dramatically.
Eldertree Howl – A powerful roar that disrupts vampiric regeneration and weakens their abilities temporarily.
Sun-Blessed Heal – A powerful golden array surrounds the Duskmaw before healing all injuries instantly.
Legends say the Duskmaw Behemoth was created by an ancient Sun Priest who cursed the four beasts to forever hunt creatures of the night. they once roamed freely but was thought to be extinct. It also apparently has another ability but that is unknown to me personally.
It is feared not just for its raw power, but because no vampire has ever been known to survive an encounter with one. It always hunts in a pack of all four of them.
How to kill it: Immune to death from anything that's been tested.
Celestia closed the book with a soft thud, her curiosity piqued but content for now. Rosaline took the book from her hands and, with a careful motion, placed it back on its shelf.
"That's just a fragment of the history of this land," Rosaline said, her tone thoughtful. "There's so much more, though not all of it is as easily accessible. When Yon wrote this, it was the year 3041 of the Rigard Cycle. But now, it's the 57th year of the Midnights Cycle. Just how long ago Yon's words were written is hard to say, but the last historical records we have of the Rigard leaders are over four thousand years old. The book remains in its current state because of the enchantment Yon placed on it. He sacrificed his own life force, using his life energy to ensure it could never be destroyed."
Rosaline's voice grew somber as she finished, and Celestia found herself contemplating the weight of Yon's sacrifice.
"There's... a rich, dark story behind everything here," Rosaline continued as they made their way out of the building. "Nyxterra is dangerous, yes, but it's also breathtaking in its beauty. Today marks the third Solemn Dawn of the year, and we were fortunate to arrive just in time."
Rosaline flashed a smile at Celestia before turning and walking off. "Follow me. We still have much to explore, and there's a lot more I need to explain about this land. Next, we'll go over the cities and kingdoms of Nyxterra. As I mentioned before, we're currently in the Midnights Cycle. That's because of the Midnights, the current ruler family.
They approached a building called 'Silver's Lining', its structure elegant and slightly foreboding, with intricate carvings along the edges of the stonework. Celestia stepped inside, her gaze immediately drawn to the walls, where sprawling maps stretched across every surface. Red ink marked the names of countless places, each one carefully labeled.
"Are these the names of the places?" Celestia asked, her eyes lingering on a particular spot in the center of the map labeled "Shades."
"Yes," Rosaline confirmed. "Shades is the name of the current empire, chosen by the Midnights family years ago. The first ruler, Ryan Midnights, was the one who decided on the name. It's stuck ever since."
Celestia studied the map more closely, the word Shades standing out as a symbol of power and history. "Shades... It sounds like a place cloaked in mystery, much like the land itself."
Rosaline's lips quirked into a smile. "You could say that. As with everything here, there's more to it than meets the eye."
As Rosaline continued to guide Celestia through 'Silver's Lining', she stopped at a large section of the map, her finger tracing the borders of several cities marked in vivid red ink.
"These are the five major cities of Nyxterra," Rosaline began, her voice rich with the weight of history. "Each city holds a unique identity, defined by its ruler and how they shape the land and its people. Let's start with the capital, Shades."
Shades is the heart of the Midnights Empire, a empire that commands both respect and fear. It is the largest and most powerful of all the cities, built upon ancient ruins that stretch back further than the Rigard dynasty itself. The city sprawls like a labyrinth, with towering spires of obsidian, narrow alleyways, and hidden corners that echo with whispers of old magic. The air is thick with an enigmatic energy, a presence that permeates every stone and every shadow.
Nox Midnights, the current ruler, is as much a shadow as the city itself. Cold, calculating, and ever-watchful, Nox governs with an iron grip, keeping his people under control through a careful balance of fear and loyalty. Though his demeanor is often distant, and his methods are often harsh, his devotion to his empire and its citizens is undeniable. His control over the shadows allows him to manipulate both the physical and political landscape, weaving illusions to maintain power and ensuring that rebellion is swiftly crushed.
"The second city is Solstice Haven," Rosaline continued, her gaze softening with a hint of admiration. "Lady Ilyana Solstice reigns here, and the city is named for her. Solstice Haven is a place of light, both literally and figuratively. Situated at the easternmost edge of Nyxterra, it is bathed in sunlight in a land where twilight is far more common. This rare light serves as a beacon of hope, offering sanctuary to those who seek healing, enlightenment, or peace from the ever-present shadow of the other cities."
Lady Ilyana is both a wise and compassionate ruler, known for her unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of her people. Her leadership is a gentle one, grounded in understanding and empathy. The city thrives as a haven for scholars, healers, and those seeking redemption. The soft glow of Solstice Haven's skies reflects Ilyana's spirit, offering respite and a chance for renewal. Her presence is calming, her guidance unwavering, and under her rule, Solstice Haven has become a city of learning, a place where light overcomes darkness, both in magic and in the hearts of its inhabitants.
Rosaline took a breath before moving on, her eyes gleaming with the quiet pride of someone who has seen the struggles and triumphs of this land. "The third city is Veilstone," she said, her voice taking on a tone of mystery. "Veilstone sits high within the cliffs of Nyxterra, where the wind never ceases to blow, and the clouds roll across the sky like an endless sea. This city is a marvel of engineering, built upon high cliffs and suspended bridges that connect the various tiers of the city."
"Lord Kaelen Vortex, ruler of Veilstone, is a man of ambition and wit. His control over the winds is matched only by his control over his people, using his ability to manipulate the skies to influence everything from trade routes to the city's politics. Known for his charisma and cunning, Kaelen governs with an air of unpredictability, often changing his stance depending on the winds of fortune. Under his rule, Veilstone has become a hub for those who deal in secrets, knowledge, and power. The city's atmosphere is one of constant movement, as the people are driven by the desire to stay ahead of the shifting currents of life."
"The fourth city is Crimsonfall," Rosaline said, her expression darkening slightly. "This city is unlike any other in Nyxterra. Built on the ruins of a great battlefield, Crimsonfall stands as a testament to the power of the blood that flows through its streets. The city is a haunting blend of life and death, where the living walk alongside the dead."
Empress Asha Bloodthorn rules with unyielding authority, her mastery over the necromantic arts making her both a revered and feared figure. She is a necromancer of unparalleled skill, able to raise the dead and command them as her personal army. Her rule is one of both fear and reverence, as her people live with the understanding that life is both fragile and fleeting. Crimsonfall is a place where death is never far, and yet, it also serves as a place of power and rebirth for those who embrace the darker side of magic. The streets are lined with tombs and catacombs, and lanterns burn with the light of blood magic. It is a city of extremes, where the forces of life and death are in constant balance.
"The fifth and final city is Mourningreach," Rosaline finished, her voice carrying a note of forewarning. "Perched on the edge of a rift, Mourningreach is a city of constant change and uncertainty. The land beneath it is unstable.
King Alaric Shovern is the ruler of Mourningreach, a man known for his mastery over the Void, a force of chaos and destruction. His reign is unpredictable, and his rule is often as turbulent as the city itself. The city is a place where the very laws of nature seem to bend and twist, as Alaric's power warps the world around him. Those who live in Mourningreach are accustomed to the shifting nature of their environment, and the city thrives on the chaotic energy that flows from the rift. Under Alaric's rule, Mourningreach has become a place for those who seek to tap into the dangerous power of the Void, though few survive the risks it entails. It also resembles the land of Vaelith where reality bends constantly just on a lower scale than Vaelith."
After a few minutes of catching her breath, Rosaline spoke again, her tone thoughtful. "That's essentially the most important thing to understand about Nyxterra. Beyond the major cities, there are countless smaller towns, villages, and hidden criminal bases scattered throughout the land. As for me, I focus on taking down those criminals. Several years ago, Nox Midnights granted me permission to establish Lox, a task force dedicated to eradicating crime. Since its formation, the crime rate in Nyxterra has dropped by 23% in just three years."
Rosaline led the way out of Silver's Lining, Celestia following closely behind.
"I see," Celestia remarked, glancing around as they walked. "Well, I don't have any more questions at the moment. You've explained most things over the past couple of hours. But… would it be possible for me to join you in taking down these criminals? I'd like to see how it happens in action, rather than just hearing stories over the past few months."
Rosaline turned to her, an approving smile tugging at her lips. "I don't see why not. We can begin tomorrow—there's already word of a group of criminals working together. It'll be the perfect opportunity for you to see firsthand."
Celestia's smile was a picture of innocence, a facade so perfect it could deceive even the most careful observer. She watched Rosaline walk off toward her room, intent on preparing for the mission ahead, before turning to head down a narrow path leading toward the distant forest. The air felt heavy with anticipation as she took each deliberate step, her mind swirling with thoughts of manipulation and control.
The moment she entered the dense trees, a quiet, eerie laughter bubbled from her throat. "This is... perfect," she murmured to herself, her voice barely a whisper. "I know mostly everything I need to know of the land. I understand Rosaline a little more with each passing day. And now... now we're going out together to hunt criminals. Just a bit longer... I need to get closer to her, to make her trust me completely. Then, I'll strike when she's at her weakest."
Her grin spread wider, a dark glimmer flashing in her emerald eyes as the wind picked up, swirling around her. Leaves fluttered to the ground like fragile memories in the breeze. Celestia's gaze turned inward as her magic stirred, the faint green glow of her eyes illuminating the shadows around her. With a swift movement, she leaped into one of the dark trees, landing lightly on a thick branch. She closed her eyes slowly, crossing her legs as she prepared herself mentally for the next few months.