Kevin May

Welcome to Agotis, a world away from worlds. Isolated in the outer planes of existence, beyond the gods of discovered universes, Agotis drifts deep within the vastness of the cosmos.

At its heart lie seven Celestials, each bound to one of the pure energies of the world—energies that take physical form as Agotis Crystals. These crystals, scattered throughout the land, serve as magical conduits, unlocking the latent power found within all Agotis-born beings.

Agotis is protected by two moons, Lunora and Kaelis, celestial guardians with a tragic tale of rivalry and sacrifice. They race endlessly around the world, forever cursed to observe its evolution from afar, their soft lights curiously tracing the dreams and conflicts of its people.

Tonight, under the gentle glow of the sister moons, Lunora and Kaelis share a rare harmony, their waxing auras casting a tranquil shimmer over the Ikkothian Region. The bustling town of Clearview, alive with the Fair of Winds, welcomes evening guests with a special performance.

The Auradancers, a famed troupe from the Harmonium Conservatory in Eston, begin their approach to the square of Clearview:

As the orchestra’s music softened, the energy of the feast began to shift. One by one, glowing orbs blinked to life along the edges of the market square, casting a soft, chromatic glow over the cobblestoned streets, highlighting the various merchant carts that lined the edges of the market square.

As the music softened and the lights dimmed, a hush slowly enveloped the crowd. One by one, the soft glows of light along the edges of the market square dimmed, casting the market square into darkness; only an eerie stillness remained. The air itself seemed to thicken, captivated by the magic forming at the heart of the square.

There, a cluster of floating crystals pulsed faintly, their muted blue glow flickering like a heartbeat. The crystals began to shift, rising and falling in gentle arcs as if caught in the rhythm of an unseen wind. They circled one another slowly at first, then faster, spiraling toward an unseen center. As they spun, their colors shifted—blue to green, violet to gold—until their light blended into a dazzling kaleidoscope. The music swelled, the anticipation of the crowd drawing them to the edge of their seats.

Then, in a moment of breathless expectation, the crystals exploded outward. Shimmering fragments of light shot skyward, forming a cascade of sparks that lit the darkness above. As the fragments ascended, they coalesced into two glowing ribbons of light: white for Lunora, purple for Kaelis. The ribbons arched across the night sky, their silken forms trailing behind them like celestial tails. Silken ropes attached to hidden poles began to tug gently, guiding the ribbons into place as they outlined the twin moons.

A single drumbeat echoed across the pavilion, marking the start of the race. Kaelis and Lunora, two perfectly sized spheres of light, floated side by side as they traveled across the sky. The music softened to a haunting melody, the eerie sound of wind instruments weaving through the silence.

Then, a sudden shift. The music slowed, its edge darkening, as a flash of light shot upward from the surface of Agotis. The glowing ribbon that formed Kaelis trembled, disrupted by the impact. Purple strands unraveled, drifting behind her like the remnants of a wound. The drumbeat quickened, matching the frantic motion of Kaelis as she surged forward, now smaller and lighter than before.

Lunora, steady and radiant, collided gently with the fragments left behind by Kaelis. The audience watched in reverent silence as Lunora absorbed the remnants, her white glow dimming to a softer, pale hue. Now larger, Lunora moved with grace, unbothered by the chaos. But Kaelis, desperate and fleeting, raced ahead.

The two moons neared the horizon, their glowing ribbons trailing behind them like fading memories. Kaelis reached the edge of the night first, her light flickering as she disappeared beyond the horizon. Lunora followed, her pale glow gradually dimming until she, too, was gone.

The music faded into silence. For a moment, the whole town held its breath.

Then, applause erupted like a storm, breaking the spell. Lights around the market square flared to life, illuminating the performers as they stepped forward. Their all-black attire shimmered under the lights, crystals adorning their chest, arms, and legs in swirling, wind-like patterns. The long black poles they carried, with silk ribbons attached to their ends, swayed gently in the afterglow of the performance.

They bowed deeply, and the audience roared with cheers and whistles as the performers stepped aside to reveal the crew behind the spectacle. From rooftops and cart tops, technicians with ropes and poles waved at the crowd, their faces glowing with pride.