Nocturne

Once a thriving kingdom, Nocturne is now a desolate region covered in ruins and shadow. It is believed that Nocturne was the site of an ancient evil’s imprisonment, bound beneath the land by the creation of the Aegis Veil. The region fell into ruin after a cataclysmic war, and the kingdom that once ruled it disappeared overnight, leaving behind only legends. Explorers, treasure hunters, and dark forces are now drawn to its forgotten ruins, as the shattering of the Veil has begun to stir what lies beneath.

Current Struggles

• Ancient Threats Awakening: With the shattering of the Aegis Veil, dark forces long bound beneath Nocturne have begun to rise. Strange occurrences like unnatural weather, twisted shadows, and nightmarish creatures have plagued the region. The once quiet and haunted land now seethes with growing danger, as many believe the Sorcerer-King Vargis is returning.

• The Hidden War: Various factions, many operating in secret, seek the hidden power of Nocturne. Some believe fragments of the Aegis Veil, or even the key to controlling the Transdimensional Passageway, lie buried here. This secret war has turned Nocturne into a battlefield, with powerful forces competing for dominance in the shadows.

• Nomadic Struggles: The Nomads of Nocturne have long survived in the region’s hostile conditions, but the growing threats have made their way of life almost impossible. Forced to choose between aligning with one of the factions or maintaining their independence, the Nomads face increasing peril.

Important Figures

1. Vargis – The Sorcerer-King of Nocturne

   • Vargis was once a powerful ruler of Nocturne, who dabbled in dark magic in his quest to breach the realms beyond Arion. He vanished along with his entire kingdom after performing the Great Binding, a ritual designed to lock his power deep beneath the land. Whispers now suggest that Vargis stirs once more, his presence felt in the strange occurrences plaguing Nocturne.

   • Vargis is a mysterious figure, his true goals unclear, but his power is immense and feared by many. Some believe he seeks revenge on the world, while others think he intends to unlock the secrets of the Aegis Veil for himself.

2. Mara of the Storm – Leader of the Nomads

   • Mara leads the Nomads of Nocturne, a group that has long roamed the desolate land, surviving its dangers and guarding its secrets.

   • She is fierce, pragmatic, and deeply connected to the land. Mara has always maintained the Nomads’ independence, but as the forces around them grow stronger, she faces pressure to align with one of the factions.

   • Mara is torn between preserving her people's way of life and ensuring their survival in the face of growing danger. She values freedom above all else and is wary of those who seek to exploit Nocturne’s power.

3. Draven Blackthorn – Leader of the Blackthorn Syndicate

   • Draven is the head of the Blackthorn Syndicate, a shadowy organization seeking to control the fragments of the Aegis Veil within Nocturne.

   • Cunning and ruthless, Draven will stop at nothing to gain power over the land and its dark secrets. His forces are scattered throughout Nocturne, engaged in secret battles with rival factions.

   • Draven is pragmatic and willing to make alliances when it suits his needs, but he is always focused on his ultimate goal—unlocking the secrets buried beneath Nocturne.

Factions of Nocturne

1. The Blackthorn Syndicate (Power Seekers)

   • The Blackthorn Syndicate is a group of mercenaries, thieves, and dark mages who seek to claim the power of Nocturne for themselves. Led by Draven Blackthorn, they are ruthless in their pursuit of the fragments of the Aegis Veil and any other powerful artifacts hidden in the region.

   • The Blackthorn Syndicate is well-funded and organized, with a network of spies and enforcers operating in the shadows. They are willing to make deals with other factions but will betray them when the time comes to seize control.

2. The Nomads of Nocturne (Survivors)

   • The Nomads have roamed the desolate landscape of Nocturne for generations, surviving its many dangers and living off the land. Led by Mara of the Storm, they are deeply connected to the region and its mysteries. However, the rising threats have forced them into a precarious position, as they must now decide whether to align with one of the factions or remain independent.

   • The Nomads are skilled in survival, knowing the land and its secrets better than anyone else. Their goal is to protect their people and their way of life, but the growing conflict threatens to consume them.

3. The Shadowed Hand (Secretive Scholars)

   • The Shadowed Hand is a clandestine group of scholars and mages who believe that Nocturne holds the key to controlling the Transdimensional Passageway. They seek to uncover the ancient secrets of Vargis and the Aegis Veil, believing that with the right knowledge, they can shape the future of Arion. They work in the shadows, often employing adventurers and mercenaries to do their bidding.

   • The Shadowed Hand is elusive, rarely seen, but their influence is felt throughout Nocturne. Their ultimate goal is to unlock the full power of the Aegis Veil and harness it for their own purposes.