E3Q2 Homecoming

The boat drifts along out of a lava tube and slowly the steam and heat exchange let you know that you had joined the river, salty wind fanning your face as you take in the sight of the Mage city, Kath. Buildings and towers spear the sky, gold domes shining bright in the sunlight.

From the shore, people stop to stare, it was not unusual for visitors from the other islands to wander the city but with Kiva and Tharah and the rest of your party arriving by boat you were definitely something to look at. You reach for the artifact, recalling what the girl in the tower told you. You need the strongest Mages to restore the balance of the elements. But the expression on our masked faces is impassive and hard to interpret at times. Is the strength in their character, their mage powers? The citizens of the town are not qualified mages although many are strong could they be part of this? Will they want to help you?

Nearby, Kiva sits still as stone, unmoving except for the tremble of his hands. Here, away from the Sprite Underground, the energy that surrounds him looks dimmer. Weaker. He suddenly seemed all of his 80 years and then some. 

Talik steers the boat toward a quiet cliff, removed from the bustle of her city home and overlooking the glistening sea. When you dock, Kiva stands up on shaking legs, then falls to his knees on the rock and weeps.

A great time has past. Oh, how long he was trapped beneath the earth. A millennium without seeing any other human face, let alone other Mages and now he stood where his journey had begun a millennium ago.

Tharah shifts nervously beside you, and you realize you're not alone on the shore. Fire Mages approach through the ocean mist, surrounding you on every side apart from the dock, they were as curious about us as we were of them. Haden seemed Eager to know more about this stunning city so you direct her to open the Tome of Knowledge and read about Kath......

Kath

Kath is the main residence of the Mages and Karazian people. The city, located on the eastern side of Karaz Island, is highly technologically advanced and densely populated.

The city is segmented in two sections by the flow of water, infused with lava from the volcanic Mount Zaeka. Though it faces the open ocean, Kath sits high above the cliffs. It’s protected by magic from an enchanted wall overlooking the expanse of Roka Forest.

History

The city expanded rapidly millennia ago, a time of great technological renaissance due to the presence and assistance of Voek on the island.

As a centre of learning and innovation, Kath contains schools devoted to the study of the four primary elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Over the centuries, these schools have grown more independent, with little intermingling — a change that has led to tensions and feuds.

Places of Interest

The Kath Academy (shown below) — founded by the First Mage, Ky — still looms over the city as a welcome place for Mages from all schools to congregate and learn together. It’s also the site of the pathway to governance for all of Kath and the near the residence of the Head Mage, who oversees the city. The current Head Mage is Maeka, a descendant of Ky, thought lineage wasn't a prerequisite. A statue of Ky, not far from the academy, watches over the city.

Aside from the various smaller Mage schools and domains, Kath is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and waterfalls in the Solea Archipelago.

What message does Ky wish all mages to know? Enter it in Thy Quests.