Arch-Magician Fabio of the Desert

Arch-Magician Fabio knew his time in the Red Wizard Capital would soon expire. It was inevitable now.

In these trying last days, he often wished he could return to his home in the sand. Despite the burning sun, the sand there had always felt cooler and softer than any other. It had been so many years now he could barely remember the secret route through the twisting dunes -- past Zaro's Oasis, over the southern ridge, then... he snapped out of it, there were bigger problems now.

The Arch-Magician's fragile alliance with the red-hats had deteriorated drastically in recent weeks. Wizards across the Runiverse were gathering to perform an unholy act -- the unlocking of the Gate of the Seventh Realm. Fabio knew that releasing the beasts inside would have grave consequences, not just for his old homeland, but for the Capital too. Sealed within the confines of the Seventh Realm were seven fearsome creatures; gods from an ancient time, now forgotten by the world. And these fools would see the creatures return.

He drew on every political connection he had, imploring the Capital to intervene before it was too late, to keep the gate sealed forever. Maybe if the Red Wizards could destroy enough keys they could ensure that this train of destruction would be stopped. And yet, Fabio knew that even if he could convince them, the most determined wizards may still find another way to open the realm.

But Fabio's pleas to the Capital fell on deaf ears. At one time, the Red Wizards were masters of financial strategy and political persuasion; they were not afraid to use their financial might to steer the course of the Runiverse. In a way this was still true, but internal rivalries, squabbling, and betrayals had significantly eroded the Red Wizards' ability to form a unified strategy. When confronted with Fabio's concerns over the beasts soon to be unleashed, the Capital elites could barely draw their minds away from the vast riches said to lay inside the Seventh Realm.

Now, the Unlocking ceremony is done. The seven beasts have been released, their spawn already already multiplying at a dangerous rate.

Fabio exited the Great Hall and gathered his scattered belongings in a flurry of swift motion. The Midas Rod, still glowing from his last Arcane ritual, was tucked tightly into his pebbled leather backpack along with a vial of glowing liquid and a book titled Other Worlds Vol III. Skramps looked up at him with questioning eyes. Fabio felt the need to explain himself. Afterall, he was going to need Skramps' help.

The Red Wizards have failed. We are wasting our time here. We have to stop the beasts before they overrun the whole land. Don't worry buddy, I know someone else that might help us...

Entered by: 0x400a…f934 and preserved on chain (see transaction)