The Darkness in the South.

The spell was powerful. So powerful, in fact, that even non-mages like you could feel it. The power of it burned like a beacon, showing you where to go, and filling you with the knowledge that whatever this magic was, it was too powerful to be left alone.

You leave Lysander in charge of Arlheim, Taking only Kyra, Elisa, and Siris along with you as allies. You also take Xilyra, restrained only in hand irons and the collar. Since finding the armor and sword, the collar's power over her has vastly increased, to the point where she cannot disobey any order you give her. You are still wary of her, but you figure that having an obedient succubus is too valuable a resource to waste.

The journey is long, and along the way you hear much talk of the fall of Brikstrat, and of the mysterious city ruled by a demon upon the slopes of the Wekgorond.

Estara's countryside is in turmoil. More than once you are stopped by male bandits, but more often than not they react with fear and reverence when they see you.

You pass by the ruins of Brikstrat, barely being held together by a struggling reconstruction effort, and come upon the city you have heard of. It seems to be cut from the rock of the mountain itself, and it's rear stood a titanic tower of black, glassy stone, cut half-out of a massive cliff face.

You have arrived at the city of Ultopja.

And that's when you run into trouble.