Shattered Kingdoms

Dabu's life has been far from easy. Born with a crippling lung illness, he has never been as strong as his father or brother, both of whom disappeared after attempting to challenge the Trials of Ancients. In the wake of the Tyrant King's war, his village has fallen under the control of the Purus, a vicious gang of magically enhanced cutthroats. The Trials offer the promise of power to any who can clear them, but Dabu has been forbidden from entering. After a violent encounter leaves his family in danger, he faces a difficult choice — leave to challenge the Trials or stay and risk starvation. The Trials are monstrously difficult, filled with dangerous beasts, deadly obstacles, and tribes of challengers who control areas within.

After exiting the Trials, Dabu and Uhane set off in pursuit of Phoenix. After encountering a magically charged sandstorm, the pair find themselves far from their intended course and running short on food and water. They find deserted villages, rumors of a terrifying beast that stalks the night, and no way to turn back. All they can do is forge on to find supplies and discover what sort of creature can send entire villages fleeing for their lives.