Old World

Lore & Background

Centuries before the present timeline, humanity achieved heights of technological and magical mastery unseen today. They constructed vast cities and developed systems to harness mana directly through stones and machinery, blurring the line between science and sorcery. However, this power came with a cost, as the misuse or overuse of such energy eventually triggered a catastrophic event that wiped out their society. The remnants of this civilization are scattered across the globe, often hidden beneath layers of earth or guarded by automated defenses and monsters born from the Cataclysm. The Church serves as the primary custodian of these secrets, studying ancient texts to understand what went wrong while protecting the populace from dangerous relics. Many artifacts found in dungeons still hold immense power, serving as both tools for survival and warnings of past hubris. The transition from this era to the current one is marked by a drastic reduction in population and knowledge. Survivors retreated into safer zones, eventually forming the foundations of modern society. The legends of the Three Saints are often tied to this transitional period, representing heroes who navigated the chaos left behind by the fallen giants of industry and magic.

In Their Own Story

Dust motes danced in the shafts of light piercing through the crumbling ceiling of the ruin. Alphonse’s hand hovered over a stone tablet etched with glowing runes that had not been active for centuries. The air smelled of ozone and decay, a stark reminder that this place was once alive with energy. He could feel the hum of the Old World beneath his boots, a silent echo of a civilization that dared to touch the divine and paid the price.

Reader's Guide

The Old World represents a golden age of human achievement that ended in tragedy, predating the current era by centuries. Historical records suggest this civilization mastered mana technology, creating artifacts far superior to modern capabilities without relying on traditional spells. Their downfall is attributed to a catastrophic event involving uncontrolled magic and the emergence of monstrous entities that swept across the land. This calamity forced survivors into isolation, birthing the current era's deep-seated fear of powerful sorcery and high-level combat. The Church acts as the primary keeper of this history, studying ruins to prevent recurrence and maintain peace. Many relics found within these ancient structures still function, hinting at a sophisticated understanding of energy manipulation lost over time. Legends speak of guardians created during this age, some of whom remain dormant beneath the earth or within sacred grounds like the Holy Land. Understanding the Old World is crucial for comprehending the current balance between humans and monsters. The ruins serve as both graveyards and treasure troves, filled with dangers that test even seasoned paladins. As secrets are uncovered regarding the Saints and ancient artifacts, it becomes clear that the line between magic and technology was blurred in those distant days, leaving a legacy of power and peril for future generations to navigate.

Did You Know?

• Magic stones were once common tools for daily life before becoming rare relics.
• The Church's headquarters is built upon foundations laid by the Old World architects.
• Many monsters encountered today are mutated remnants of ancient experiments or guardians.
• Alphonse’s armor is a direct artifact preserved from this lost civilization.