Darkness surrounded him, his body aching all over as consciousness slowly seeped in. John opened his eyes but saw only black. Where was he? The last thing he remembered was being overwhelmed in a fight, outnumbered by a gang of thugs looking to make a name for themselves. Had he died?
A light suddenly appeared in the distance, growing brighter as it approached. A figure emerged from the glow: an ethereal woman floating effortlessly towards him. "Welcome," she said in a melodic voice. "You have passed from your old life but have been given a gift-a new world and great power, if you wish to receive it."
John realized with a jolt that he must have indeed died in the fight. But this new world, and the promise of power, piqued his interest. "Tell me more," he said to the mysterious woman.
She explained that he had been reborn in a land of sorcery, where some were gifted with uncanny abilities. She could grant him one such gift far beyond any in this realm. But she warned: with great power comes responsibility, and it would be how he chose to wield his newfound strength that would define the path set before him.
John considered her offer. His old life was a constant losing battle. Maybe here was the opportunity to come out top for once. "Very well, give me this power," he replied. And with it, he felt a surge of energy fill him, a dark force arising in his soul. He was done with the old life; now the real adventure would start.
A surge of energy swept over John's body as the mysterious power took hold. It was intoxicating, yet dangerous, like a wild beast now living inside him, struggling to break free.
"This gift shall give you the powers beyond that of any in Eldaria," said the woman. "You shall wield the elements - fire, water, earth, and air shall bow to your whim. But all this new strength must be taught to be controlled lest it turns on you as surely as your enemies."
Before John could reply, the woman disappeared in a flash of light, leaving him alone in the dark, the force now coursing through his veins. He closed his eyes, focusing his mind to call the elements to his command. Nothing happened at first, but then he felt a spark of heat in his palm. As he opened his hand, a ball of flame danced across his skin, responding to his thoughts.
A wide grin had spread across John's face, as he was certain that now he had real power at his command, and nobody was able to stand in his way. But first, he needed to find out where he landed in this new world. John snuffed out the fire, pressing onward into the void as slowly but surely shapes began to materialize in the blackness: trees and rocks, and even a dirt path that seemed to wind its way off into the distance.
As John followed the trail, lush forests came into view-El'Daria. Strange plants and animals inhabited this wood unlike any he had ever seen. Overhead, three suns shone in a multi-colored sky. The heady scent of magic was thick in the air. Walking, John began experimenting with his elemental control. He lifted stones with only a gesture, caused vines to twist at his command, and summoned gusts of wind with a thought. The raw power intoxicated him.
In time, John broke through a copse and found himself upon a grassy plain in which stood an incredible sight: tall spires and towers - a city of white marble. Nearer, he could see Eldarians of every shape and size going about their business within the high walls. Some had the features of men; others appeared as elves or dwarves out of legend. All seemed oblivious to the stranger in their midst.
John decided to explore and get a feel for this new realm. As he wandered the streets, he overheard conversations - this land was controlled by a tyrannical king who taxed the people to the point of poverty and oppression. Rebellions had formed but were no match for the king's magic-wielding army. A grin crept onto John's face as schemes began to form in his mind. With this power, it would be easy to overthrow the king and take his place upon the throne. First, however, he needed followers, materials, and information about the landscape and its defenses. Making his way to the seedier lower districts, John started gathering intelligence. Rumors of strange happenings and elemental magic in the forests had already spread. A few threats and a little show of force here and there, and soon enough, dissidents and other criminals eager to bring down the regime for their own gain flocked to his attention. John wove stories of how he was sent by the gods to deliver Eldaria from the tyrant's rule and into a new era of strength and freedom. By nightfall, he had a cadre of men under his command, willing to help him further his ascent in exchange for plum positions of power and wealth once he sat the throne.
Events were falling into place even sooner than he had hoped. Soon this land and all its people would bow before their new ruler.
John smiled as the third sun set over the city, bathing the towers in an ominous red glow. Thus began the adventure.