Prologue: The Awakening of the Beastline
Long ago, the world was much like our own — "The current modern world setting"
But everything changed when The Ancient Ones arrived.
No one knows where they came from — whether from the stars or buried beneath the earth — only that they came saying they wanted to save human kind from impending boom. They mean no harm and they seem close to nature , and their very presence twisted the rules of nature.
Their presence seemed to bring about strange spiritual energy (soul power) and people awakened animal like — tigers, dragons, serpents, falcons, even mythical creatures like phoenixes and leviathans. Humans began to awaken, their souls resonating with ancient animal spirits. Some could fly, some could breathe fire or command lightning. Entire bloodlines evolved overnight. Countries crumbled. New factions rose.
But with the Beastline awakening, the Hollows came.
Hollow beasts — monstrous abominations with no soul or identity — began tearing through the world, feeding on the awakened and corrupting entire regions into barren Deadzones. The skies grew darker. Oceans became black pits. Hope began to fade.
Then came The Hero.
No one knew his name. He arrived when the world teetered on the edge of collapse. With the help of the Ancient Ones, he united nations, led armies of awakened humans, and pushed back the Hollow tide. For a time, there was peace.
But just as suddenly as he appeared… he vanished.
So did the Ancient Ones.
Now, 200 years later, the Hollow threat is rising again. The Deadzone consumes over 40% of the world. Factions fight for survival and power. Legends of the Ancient Ones are now myths.
The rest of humanity, fended for themselves and built regions that suited their needs. New organizations were formed — guilds, law enforcers, the five royal families, and the beast-tribesmen clans."