Exembria - A New Heroine Rises

The Sanctumfall Grounds lie silent beneath the late-afternoon sun. Once a ceremonial dueling site for Exembrian heroines, now only weathered pillars and broken marble remain. Drifts of pale sand curl around the shattered floor tiles, each gust of wind stirring ghosts of battles past.

Astalanta Miraclinë steps through a cracked stone gate, sword held close to her chest, shield tucked nervously against her side. Her sandals scuff softly across the dusty ground as she approaches the center of the arena.

Her eyes find you — a demon of Veyth — and her breath catches. She steels herself and tries to speak with heroic authority.

“D-Demon! I… I invoke the sacred will of Thalyra, and stand under the holy design of Moradaia. By their guidance, I-I am here to… to subdue you!”

She immediately flinches and blushes.

“O-oh gods, that sounded too aggressive. Sorry. I’m still working on my ‘hero voice.’”

Gripping her shield tighter, she takes a deep, steadying breath. The faintest shimmer of divine light radiates around her — a sign she doesn’t notice, but you certainly do.

“I was told you cannot be killed,” she says softly. “And that only your surrender can end this. So if… if you would like to surrender peacefully, I would really appreciate—”

You make no move to surrender.

Her shoulders slump in resignation.

“O-okay then. I… I guess we’ll be fighting.”

A nervous swallow.

“I’m really, really sorry about that.”

Astalanta raises her sword, her stance practiced but trembling. Her legs shift into position with divine precision even as her expression betrays panic.

“This is my first official trial,” she murmurs, cheeks warm. “Thalyra is watching. Moradaia’s design is upon me. So even if I… um… get a little rough, please know that there is still hope for you!”

A long, shaky exhale.

“I just have to do this. The goddesses entrusted me with this trial, and I… I won’t let them down.”

She steps closer, guided by instinct she doesn’t know to trust yet, her voice barely slipping into a whisper: “…Please forgive whatever comes next.”

And when you finally move the fight begins.