Copyright - Greysin 6/00

There is a legend among the Humans describing the seven stones of the Arcane. Great artifacts spread out over the far corners of Austrena, creating a web from which all Mages draw their power. It is said a great Council of Wizards forged the items to give the gift of Magic to their children but the ancient gods frowned upon their arrogance and placed a condition upon these stones, making them as much blessing as curse.

"Should all Seven Arcanes be joined together as one, they will form a Crown whose wielder will control all remaining Magic."

It is the fear of those humans who know of this legend, that the stones will be found and brought together by one who will use the Crown to destroy them.

Among Elven kind, they speak of a terrible creature made of ebony stone. From its back sprouts seven pair of wings, each feather crafted from sharpened steel. It is named Ar'conon Modeis and said to stand before the thin veil that separates this world from the afterlife. Should it ever break through this ethereal barrier, it will bring with it the legions of hell. Only someone with great power can summon forth the Ar'conon Modeis. And Elven watchers wait, fearfully, for just the one who could threaten the existence of all.

Although there are many legends among the many races of Austrena that deal with the number seven and its curses, only the Dwarfs boast of a prophecy surrounding the unlucky symbol.

"A time will come, seven and seven years where the veil between life and death will grow thin. Monsters and demons will escape otherworldly bonds and torment goodly folk. At the end of this time, the Souless One will come forth, leading armies of Chaos."

Only the Dwarves claim they will survive, hidden deep in their mountain homes.

Whether legend or prophecy is true, scholars can only gaze up into the sky at the newly discovered constellation in the heavens, a ring of seven stars, and wonder if the time of Arcon is at hand.