On the Main Material Plane, Western Continent, Fresta Empire—the outer district of the Empire Capital.
In an abandoned civilian house in the commoners' quarter.
A tall yet withered silhouette, enshrouded entirely in a black robe, moved through the desolate rooms of the house, arranging items for a ritual. There were liquid-filled bottles and jars, the remains of unidentifiable creatures, magic gems glittering with light, and a peculiar, eerie array pattern.
"Oh, lofty and mysterious Black Mist," the robed figure intoned, his aged and desiccated voice addressing the silver mirror before him. "You are the clouds overlooking the world, the eternal country beyond time, and also the fog beyond the laws. Please, as the witness to a fair trade, convey to me the sublime entity from beyond the Astral Realm, the promised item within this fair exchange."
Five seconds passed.
Ten seconds passed—
Nothing happened.
