the beginning of Emberwake

Prologue: The Shattering

Before time had names and stars had maps, the world was whole—one great land cradled by the eternal light of the Emberheart, a radiant core of power that pulsed at the world's center. It gave rise to all things: wind, flame, storm, and beast. The ancient peoples revered it, drawing wisdom and might from its fire.



But even light casts shadows.



A god fell.



His name was Varnak, once guardian of balance, who grew bitter with envy of mortals who shaped their fates with free will. He cracked the Emberheart and stole a shard of it, twisting its power to make himself eternal.



The world shattered.



The lands split and drifted into the sky, becoming floating continents called the Driftlands. Magic surged wildly. Monsters were born from raw chaos. And the Emberheart dimmed.



A prophecy whispered through the ashes:

"When fire sleeps and stars forget, one shall rise with the storm in his steps and flame in his soul. The Emberborn shall awaken the Heart."