A day like any other in the shining capital of the Kingdom of Valantis. Having been ruled by generations of just, wise and above all powerful kings, the city of Url Ryoness was known far and wide through the thirteen realms for its beautiful architecture, every building festooned with superb statues and grim gargoyles each building telling a tale betwixt these sentinels and stained glass windows that cast a kaleidoscope of colours through the streets. But these were not mere decorations of wealth and culture; mighty magic coursed through the masonry, the stained windows themselves were wards. There were whispers that enemies caught plotting against Valantis by the riskbreakers were handed over to the masonmages. The fate of those who coveted the wealth and secrets of Valantis was to stand vigil over them for eternity.
No such rumours had any meaning to you however. Though in direct service to King Teer XV himself, you Vank are little more than a court jester. It is your acrobatics, juggling and general showmanship that won you your position on the royal amusement troupe, certainly not your jokes, which being so bad they almost claimed the life of a court mage, were sealed away. It is a humble life you lead, and though you hold no rank, your homely wife is even a maid to the seventh princess, Quiche. What your wife, Piplyn, fancied about still confounds you, while you are by no means ugly, your skinnyness lends an unnatural look to your body like flesh stretched over a puppet, such that the King and Troupemaster have you wear baggy clothes and a silvery smiling full-face mask. Your hair, red as the fox's fur is long and wavy reaching to the small of your back. The castle chefs tried to fatten you up, but no matter how you gorged, puppet-like did your limbs and face remain. The troupemaster was depressed for days, as he was sure that with a bit more meat on your bones, you'd be the most handsome man in the realm. Piplyn seems not to care, having been terrifying vigorous in her nightly duties since your marriage. You did try asking why she requested the King to be your wife, blushes and smiles were her only answers.
Everyone thought the peace of Teer XV would continue as his forebears had, you even looked forward to your first child, but before that joy could enter your life, on a day like any other...
The Kingdom and the thirteen realms shook.
Darkness. An almighty shattering noise, screams and before you know it, oblivion claims your mind. When you waken, all is deathly silent, save your own breath. You were in the throneroom, and there you remain, all would be in darkness, but oh horrors...
All within the throneroom are trapped in green crystal, and it is only by the ghostly glow of these crystals you can see at all. All save King Teer XV are frozen in terror. Your noble lord, instead is frozen in a state of quiet realization, though sunk in the ink of his eyes is a hatred that chills your heart.