Archivist's Introduction
What if I told you that history has it wrong?
I remember it all so vividly: Eivrall, where all creatures commanded the power of magic. The air hummed with its energy, and it coursed through my veins like a river of fire. I have lived through the most ancient of times, and, like a phantom limb, I can still remember the sense of power that once filled these lands. Yes, the Earth's original name was Eivrall, and history has it all wrong.
The world was breathtaking, and the earth’s magic was a source of wonder to me. I had grown up seeing humans, elves and other mythical creatures walking side by side, learning from each other and helping each other when needed. Of course, conflict arose, but nothing that could shake the world's foundations. The magic bound us all together in a way that words cannot do justice. This is how the world was for thousands of years. Many years have passed, but I still find myself longing for those simpler days.
As the years marched steadily onward, new possibilities took shape. Everywhere you looked, something new had emerged from the depths of creativity and ambition. Bones and clay were exchanged for stone and leather. People quickly discovered that combining certain materials as magical conduits could augment their power. With this newfound confidence, the world ventured into the unknown and life was never the same again.
The introduction of metal changed the world forever. We saw an uneasy balance form between this manmade substance and magic that shook the world to its core, and it both terrified and fascinated us. You could feel the energy of those around you, their unspoken worries that technology was replacing magic. As if to punctuate the fear, electricity, steam, and metal took center stage in our lives, creating new modes of travel and communication that tore at our spiritual connections. Despite the tension between technology and magic, peace remained as the divide between them grew.
The world's rapid industrialization became increasingly obvious as the days passed. As our lives became easier and easier, all we could do was watch in awe as technology continued its relentless march forward. Inventions and tools arrived on the market overnight, as if by some otherworldly force. Companies competed for customers and resources and fights broke out between the major players. The magic within our world seemed to be fading away.
It wasn't long before war engulfed the world. Every corner of existence seemed to be burning and collapsing. As people lost loved ones, as I did, tear-streaked faces became the norm, and everywhere I looked there was agony and despair caused by the cruel companies who turned a blind eye to the calamity they caused.
I watched the world crumble to ashes and all hope seemed lost. Desperate and despairing, we called out to the gods for help, but we had little faith that they could end the carnage and restore peace to the world. In retrospect, I'm not sure we deserved anyone's assistance.
Only, this time, we don't have our magic.
But I refuse to let this story end in despair. I have dedicated my life to preserving the memories and teachings of our magical past, in the hopes that one day, we may reclaim what we have lost.
This is where your journey begins, dear reader.
You are about to embark on the Burning Path, a journey of discovery and enlightenment. As we travel down this path, we will explore the magic that once filled this world, the technology and science that shaped our society, and the characters that left their mark on history.
Through this journey, we will piece together our history and seek to understand the lessons it holds for us today. It is about discovering the ways in which we can avoid repeating the same mistakes and finding a way to bring peace and harmony back to Earth.
But be warned, the Burning Path is not for the faint of heart. It will challenge your beliefs and test your understanding of the world. Are you brave enough to traverse this scorching trail of truth? Dare you walk down the path of enlightenment and fully comprehend the profundity of Eivrall? Are you ready to set out on a voyage of awareness, an experience that will prepare you to read my book and understand the intricate, diverse world that led to what I just shared with you?
Then venture forth, dear reader. The Burning Path awaits you.
Oh. My. GAWDS. This is so awesome! There's so much detail, so many little things I can click! Lights! Moving things! Awesome backgrounds! Where do I start? Where do I end? Do I overload my computer with so many tabs it can't keep up? I THINK I WILL!
Ahahahaha! Thank you! I can't believe I accidentally deleted my first intro, but in a way I'm grateful! I rushed to get this done in a matter of days!
You did really well!
Danke schön!