The Descent into the Abyss

Lore & Background

Beneath the geological wonders lie ancient Relics, artifacts of unknown origin that possess strange powers and are sought after by Cave Raiders of various ranks. The Abyss is not just a natural formation but appears to be a sentient or semi-sentient entity with its own will, guarding secrets about the world's creation and the nature of the creatures within. The descent is a pilgrimage for many, a quest for glory, profit, or answers to questions that have plagued humanity since before recorded history.

In Their Own Story

The air grows thin and strange as Riko steps past the boundary of the Third Layer, her heart hammering against her ribs not from fear, but from an overwhelming sense of discovery. The bioluminescent flora here pulses in a rhythm that feels almost like a heartbeat, casting long, dancing shadows against the cavern walls. Reg walks silently beside her, his metallic eyes reflecting the eerie glow, while Nanachi huddles close to the warmth of their small campfire. They know the Curse is waiting for them if they ever try to turn back, but down here, in this alien twilight, the only thing that matters is the next step forward into the unknown.

Reader's Guide

The journey begins with Riko's arrival at Orth and her decision to follow in her mother's footsteps as a Cave Raider. She recruits Reg, an artificial human found within the chasm, and together they begin their descent. Their initial goal is simple: reach the bottom of the Sixth Layer to find the City of the Golden Sun and retrieve the Relic that might save Ozen. As they traverse the layers, they encounter the White Whistle Ozen, who joins them with his own agenda regarding a specific Relic. The group faces environmental hazards, hostile creatures like the Great Bubbler and the Sand Whale, and the psychological toll of isolation. The stakes rise dramatically when they reach the Fourth Layer, where the Curse begins to manifest physically. The descent culminates in a tragic turning point at the Fifth Layer. A misunderstanding involving Ozen's obsession with the Relic leads to a catastrophic event that changes Riko forever. This moment marks the transition from a story of exploration to one of survival and transformation, fundamentally altering the group dynamic and setting the stage for the harrowing events of the deeper layers.

Did You Know?

• The Curse of the Abyss is unique in that it only affects those who attempt to ascend from deep within the chasm, not those descending.
• White Whistle Cave Raiders are the highest rank of explorers, but they are not immune to the Curse; all ranks suffer its effects when ascending, and no one can survive without consequences. Black Whistle is the second-hi
• Relics found in the Abyss often possess properties that defy known physics and biology, hinting at an advanced pre-human civilization.
• The deeper one descends, the more the laws of nature seem to bend, with creatures evolving in ways impossible on the surface.