Akartha

Darkness rises from the south and an ancient cataclysm prepares to return on the winds of black sand.   An ancient decree set down in forgotten times has been broken. Intended to put an end to non-consensual soul rending by those who wielded the powers of death. Another person's Aether, given willingly, may be used to reinvigorate the life of another, or to animate an unliving object as a sort of self-replenishing battery. However, Taking another person's Aether, without consent, could lead to a cascade of events, and eventually to the unraveling of the force which keeps Niflheim, the physical manifestation of the world of the dead, at bay.   “The Law of Aether Absolutis states that the registered Aether of a closed system cannot change. It has be deigned that Aether can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it can only be transmuted from one aspect to another.”   —From “The Dexos Meridian: Laws of Aethermagik” By Euphorbos Quintilius, Magister   Now a Death Wizard who calls himself God Emperor has broken the decree and set in motion the events which will lead to the world being covered in a 100 meter high black sandstorm (And creatures as large).   A boy will come in the name of Rothar (The hero who saved the world 4,000 years ago). Unbeknownst to him he is the bastard child of the God Emperor, and a lowly servant at the Keep. He escapes, running into an alcoholic and suicidal mercenary named Rei Gurkah, together they set off on a long and arduous journey; facing betrayals, certain starvation, Sandworms, and many more perils on their trek to the semi-mythical city of Gjaldar. A fortress oasis in the middle of the most dangerous place on Akartha: The Nordian Desert.   There he will gain the strength he needs and also learn about the perils of the coming cataclysm. In Gjaldar, they run into a man born of a mythical race of guardians called the Arkons. Barbarians imbued with anti-magic tattoos who have watched The Black Horizon for four millennia. He warns them that the magic holding Niflheim back has fallen and that it steadily approaches. The boy must decide, will he return to face his father risking certain death or cower behind the great walls of Gjaldar.   The ending may not be so predictable.