For centuries, the Murloks of the Murlstrom have used dark magic, cruelty, and betrayal to gain dominance. The malicious and much-feared ruler of the Murloks Yuortric De Rigothor, the Kroeten, rules over all with totalitarian supremacy. Struggling to understand his burgeoning magic, Togan, a young Murlok, undertakes a desperate escape from the Kroeten’s kingdom before his unique Abilities get him killed. Still, he would soon find that fear of his kind and heritage precedes him in the battle-torn world.

While hesitant to use fire magic, it's saved him more than once, and his gift for destruction is undeniable. But others take note, and protecting his secret only gets more difficult. Every day bears the risk that his talent is discovered, and the Empire will force him to fight their conflicts. Those same wars that flood Morcaster with problems and cause clashes between Asterians and Khivan immigrants, including Martel's friends.

Every year, the empire administers the rite of passage into adulthood. That rite serves to identify those blessed by Aether to become magi. The new magi are shipped to the academy to learn the arts of magic. The academy is a dangerous place; the tournaments held twice each year can cripple or kill the students, and the clans of the empire will go to great lengths to recruit the students they want. Gregory had one dream: to become a magi like the legends of old. Though he was ridiculed by the residents of the village and his unsupportive father, he never wavered from his dream.

Verdan Blacke is an Imperial Wizard, a researcher by preference but soldier by necessity. Surviving an intense battle, Verdan is cursed by a hex witch in her final moments. Without any good options, Verdan escapes the ever-increasing pain the curse inflicts by performing a self-made stasis ritual.

All Ole wanted to do was become an adventurer like his brother. He wanted to romance his childhood sweetheart and bring her with on his adventures. Together they would rise in the world and take the fight to the Ashen that threaten humanity. Monsters that create portals and break into his world to feast on humans.