[Neomage]

Foreword

Throughout these past months reports have come in from Jeunoan research facilities detailing an alarming spike in the energies of the Crystal Line. While the Duchy has launched it's own investigations of these reports, no information has been as detailed as those of independent adventurers exploring the regions. All of the following information is based on these observations of unqualified personnel and the samples brought back with them, which may or may not have been contaminated. Therefore, it is suggested that all further information is taken with a grain of salt.

Chapter One: Origins of the Emptyness

Where does the Emptyness come from? What is it? If the reports are taken to be true, it seems that it is somehow related to this massive spike of energies in the Crystal Line. Contrary to it's title, and common belief, the Emptyness is in no way any sort of void within the Crystals. But how did it develop? Based on the reports of adventurers, it seems that Emptyness is a part of all things, living or dead, organic or inorganic, and possesses a "seed" within these objects. It seems that somehow, something has recently caused this "seed" to germinate, and take root within the Crystal Line. Some reports suggest that this may be due to the approach of the ancient celestial capital of Al'Taieu coming into close proximity of Vana'Diel, but this can be discounted to hysterical thoughts and ravers, as it is common knowledge that no such capitol ever existed and is only the subject of lore.

Another story is that the crystals are being directly tampered with by some force that wishes to quench their light. Due to the fact that all life is sustained by the Mothercrystals this seems to be another faslehood, as no beings, not even the beastmen, would wish to eliminate the crystals. The only plausible explanation for this is that some sort of cult wishes to bring about the end of the world, but as of date we have not even the smallest reference to this being the case.

The most plausible reference is that the Crystals were somehow altered when power was being drawn from them while the Zilart where attempting to reach this pseudo-paradise of Al'Taieu. It seems much more likely that somehow the Crystals were changed and could no longer function at full power, and we are finally facing the repercussions of this today.