The Vanishing

Even now, it remains one of the most enigmatic mysteries in the history of Asgartha. After over forty years of reign, Rune, the first High King of Asgartha, vanished without a trace, as if by magic. His quarters were found empty, his rooms abandoned. The Phoenix had just perished in one of its cyclical deaths, and its egg, which had reformed from its own ashes, was waiting on its bed of embers. His Consort, Ceren, had no idea where he could be. Astonishment turned to confusion. Initially, it was believed he had left for just a few days. At the same time, the absence of three of the Rune Knights, his friends and closest lieutenants, was noted. This could have coincided with a possible hunting trip. But days turned into weeks, and embarrassment gave way to bewilderment.

An inquiry commission was appointed under the authority of Tamrat, one of Rune’s close companions. Aksoy, Aldana, and Heeren had also disappeared, taking their weapons and armor with them, just like the High King. There was therefore no evidence to suspect any foul play. Nevertheless, Tamrat sent search parties to all corners of Caer Eidos to ensure no mishap had befallen the monarch and his close guard. He personally questioned Ceren, Aysun, Heshkari, and Caellach, encouraged the palace staff to provide testimonies or potential leads... But time was running out, and clues remained scarce. Furthermore, he faced new rumors daily — from assassination to accidental death, or even of suicide — spreading like wildfire…

Although he did not fully uncover the truth of the events, Tamrat did not return empty-handed. He discovered that other individuals had disappeared at the same time as Rune: a few sailors, as well as soldiers from the Elysian palace. A masked buyer had purchased a small caravel, and on the morning of the disappearance, a group of about fifteen hooded individuals had set sail westward... Tamrat revealed his findings to Aysun, Rune’s daughter. They talked at length, and after their conversation, he went to Ceren to tell her that her Consort, feeling he was at the twilight of his life, had gone to challenge the Tumult one final time, never to return.

The next day, after months of uncertainty, black banners were hoisted on the high towers of the Elysium. Trumpets and bells resounded in a somber lament. The death of Asgartha's first Kuningas was announced with great pomp... Ceren and Aysun, dressed in black and in mourning, bowed before an empty urn and invited the populace to mobilize for the upcoming elections: those that would decide Rune’s successor. Several months of mourning were decreed in homage to the hero of the Concord. After this interval, Cwaith, an administrator trained by Caellach, inherited the heavy burden of succeeding him. In 42 AC, she became the first Kuningatar of Asgartha, the first High Queen of the nation…

This is the official story as reported by Tamrat. However, many other rumors challenge this version of events. It is said that Rune and Aysun had a violent altercation the night before his disappearance, on the heights of the Sekent isle. It is also said that on his deathbed, Tamrat begged forgiveness for the secret he took to the grave... Following Rune's disappearance, the Phoenix Egg refused to hatch again. 350 years later, it continues to be incubated within a large brazier, protected by the Bravos. A persistent legend within the Faction says that the Firebird will only reappear when Rune’s true heir is found. This is why many Bravos have volunteered to participate in the Rediscovery Endeavor. With a bit of luck and perseverance, they hope to find traces of the first sovereign of Asgartha, and who knows, perhaps even his tomb and those of his companions…