The Ember Vigil

An elite, semi-clandestine order loyal to Caelvaris charged with the containment of Primordial relics, the prevention of apocalyptic awakenings, and the investigation of heretical threats against The Fourfold Accord. They walk the line between duty and heresy.

Founding & Origin (770 AR)

Context: In the decades leading to 770 AR, Caelvaris saw a spike in unauthorized relic awakenings, rogue Esper activity, and black market relic smuggling, especially near the Nyssavren and Vhar-Khazel borders. Fragmented pieces of ancient Primordial artifacts were being unearthed—each radiating volatile magical energy.

The Trigger Event (769 AR): An illegal excavation near the dormant vent of Mount Ilthrakar unearthed a Primordial shard linked to Ifrexus. Within three days, firestorms swept through two villages, and an Esper trained in traditional academies triggered an uncontrolled eruption. The Royal Guard, ill-equipped to handle arcane fallout, suffered massive casualties.

Royal Edict of Flame (770 AR): Queen Aelira Vaelwyn—still a young ruler at the time—signed the Edict of Flame, authorizing the formation of a dedicated order of magically capable operatives to locate, contain, and guard dangerous relics.

Timeline of Major Events

770–779 AR — Foundation & Initial Missions

770 AR – The Ember Vigil is formally established, drawing its first recruits from exiled Espers, retired battlefield mages, and spiritual monks from the Flamekeeper Monastery.

773 AR – The Vigil Charter of Relic Containment is ratified: Espers within the Vigil are granted license to act without noble oversight when relic activity threatens the Accord. This cements their quasi-autonomous status.

778 AR – Operation Black Pyre: The Vigil recovers the Relic known as Pyreblood, a blade forged from molten obsidian that emits heat even in snowfall. The operation leads to the destruction of a rebel hideout near Ashveil.

780–799 AR — Expansion & Strained Relations

781 AR – Tensions arise with the Royal Guard after a Vigil-led raid in Tindrel’s Hollow results in several civilian deaths. An oversight tribunal rules in favor of the Vigil, citing "unstable relic contamination."

785 AR – The Vigil establishes its Northern Spire Chapterhouse, led by Warden Lys Vaeleth, in a converted mountaintop monastery near Vaelgard. It becomes the primary site of relic containment and Esper training.

788 AR – The Mirror Reversal Crisis: A rift in reality opens briefly near the Nyssavren border. Vigil agents seal it using a recovered Gravah-based artifact that manipulates dimensional boundaries. Rumors circulate the artifact originated from a sealed Vault beneath Thessryn.

799 AR – The Concord of Oversight: The Royal Guard is granted observer authority during Vigil operations in populated zones—but the Vigil maintains operational independence in relic matters.

800–811 AR — Into the Shadows

802 AR – The Disappearance of Sentinel Arden Morn: A famed Vigil relic hunter goes missing in the desert ruins of Vhar-Khazel after pursuing a rumored airship relic. His final message refers cryptically to “the storm within the shard.”

807 AR – Integration of the Espers’ Codex: All Vigil members must now pass the Fourfold Esper Trial—a test of magical alignment, resistance to corruption, and fieldcraft. This period marks the Vigil’s increasing arcane specialization.

810 AR – Covert Treaty with Vhar-Khazel: Though never made public, a mutual aid pact is struck between the Vigil and Aetherwrights' Guild. The Vigil gains access to experimental magitek suppression cages.

812–814 AR — The Emberfall Rebellion

812 AR – The Ember Vigil deploys covert cells to monitor rebel activity under Lord Verathen. Their efforts to recover stolen relics are met with unusual resistance—Vulkari manifestations.

813 AR – Internal Division: Some members argue the Vigil should destroy relics altogether. Warden Lys refuses, citing the need to contain, not erase, relics of Primordial origin.

814 AR – Fall of Velkareth Hold: The Vigil’s southern chapter leads the assault that brings about the final collapse of Verathen’s rebellion. Several key relics are either lost in the lava flows or recovered and re-sealed.

815–Present — Shifting Shadows

816 AR – Charter of Expanded Vigilance: In the aftermath of the rebellion, Queen Aelira authorizes broader jurisdiction for the Vigil, granting them full investigative rights across Caelvaris in matters involving relics, Cinderborn, or Esper anomalies.

818 AR – The Theft of the Ember Crown: The Vigil is dispatched in full force to track the stolen relic. The revelation that Prince Dareth may be alive sends shockwaves through the hierarchy. Warden Lys Vaeleth recalls all active relic hunters to Solance.

Present Day – Internal debates stir over the ethics of containment. The line between the Cinderborn cult’s doctrine of cleansing and the Vigil’s relentless suppression of forbidden knowledge has never felt thinner.

Key Aspects of the Ember Vigil

Operates Semi-Clandestinely: Only the Queen and the High Flamekeeper have full knowledge of their actions. Even most nobles fear them.
Espers in Every Cell: At least one trained Esper accompanies each mission team, their school of magic chosen for the task at hand.
Carte Blanche Enforcement: With the Queen’s writ, the Vigil may detain, question, or neutralize any threat without the Guard’s consent.
Tense Alliance with the Royal Guard: There is respect, but little trust. Joint operations are rare and fraught with protocol disputes.

Notable Recovered Relics

Pyreblood (773 AR) – A molten blade with a soul-bond. Once wielded by Vigil champion Alric “Ashbane” Dorn.

Shard of Thalith (785 AR) – A corrupted Gravah relic used to trap Vulkari essence in mirror-prison.

The Crown of Nithralis (811 AR) – An illusion-based circlet that induced madness and visions. Currently sealed beneath Vaelgard.

Ashen Reliquary (814 AR) – A Cinderborn-crafted container made to house something for a profane ritual. Recovered but empty.

Notable Non-Player Characters

Warden Lys Vaeleth – Relic-Witch of the North Spire Title: Grand Warden of the Ember Vigil Background: Former academic turned battle-hardened relic keeper. Once led a failed expedition to a forgotten ruin where something ancient stirred. Survived, but barely. Personality: Stern, principled, and practical. She speaks with calm authority, but her eyes betray sleepless nights.
Alric “Ashbane” Dorn – Reforged Flameknight Title: Senior Field Operative of the Vigil Background: Once a brigand condemned to the pyre, he was spared and conscripted into the Vigil after saving a Warden during a relic hunt. Now a loyal and unflinching soldier of the flame. Personality: Brusque, sarcastic, honorable to a fault. He has no love for nobles but protects the innocent fiercely.
Novis Anelle – Star-Eyed Seer Title: Dream-Acolyte of the Inner Flame Background: A teenage orphan adopted by the Vigil after her dreams led them to a buried relic. Since then, her visions have grown darker and more coherent. Personality: Kind-hearted, soft-spoken, and painfully aware of how fragile she is compared to those around her.