The Lords of Order

Not much has changed in Torental for many centuries. The guilds, mage, artificer, warriors, carpenters, masons, et cetera, have worked with and for the people for centuries. There is no central authority, the heads of each guild essentially fill that position, though they are elected by the people. Protected from invasion by strong armies and stronger mages, the people have become used to peace and prosperity. Even the creatures of magic have made peace with humanity. Unbeknown to all but a very few, and old, forgotten darkness has been taking root in the deep places of the world. Deep caverns, empty mines, and even the unattended areas of the deep vaults of the great guild houses have been infected with this slinking, creeping darkness. We open our story with a young master artificer who has taken it upon himself to search the deep vaults of the artificers guild for a few of his fellows who have gone missing...