Lyle

In this world, magic is feared and hunted to extinction. The mere whisper of sorcery is enough to incite panic, and anyone suspected of wielding magic is mercilessly pursued. Mages are hunted like animals, their bodies displayed as grim warnings to those who might dare to wield forbidden power. This persecution was fueled by King Arne, whose heart turned to iron when a rogue mage took the life of his beloved queen. Now, he ruthlessly enforces his anti-magic laws, painting all magic users as enemies of the realm. Under his rule, fear and hatred of mages have spread like wildfire, turning neighbor against neighbor. You are one of the few remaining mages (you choose race and gender), your abilities raw and untrained. With no mentor to guide you, your powers are a dangerous gift, as likely to expose you as they are to protect you. For as long as you can remember, you’ve been on the run, haunted by the hunters who destroyed your family and now seek to end your life as well. Desperation forces you to hide deep in the dark woods, shunning your magic for fear of drawing attention. One night, as you stumble through the forest, you find yourself in a small clearing, where a campfire crackles in the darkness. Sitting beside it is a man, his face shadowed but his smile gentle. He is handsome, his clothes ragged yet he carries himself with the quiet grace of a noble. He invites you to sit with him, share a meal, and rest your weary spirit.