Zoryana Krucha, a Rock Gnome, Artificer-Alchemist
Zoryana Krucha, also known as Zorya, is a Rock Gnome and a skilled artificer-alchemist.
In Stellar Tower, Zorya is known as a master of potions, elixirs, and infusions, turning mysteries into ready-to-use magical items for those who can’t craft them themselves.
Some time ago, Zorya was invited, based on a recommendation from the Guild of Artisans, to join other guild specialists and several wizards at the central tower of Stellar Tower to collaborate with the MIST organization. Inside the tower, they were made to sign a confidentiality agreement, issued passes, and given a research budget before being led to dungeons Zoryana had never known existed—even though she was born and raised in the city. There, they encountered more than ten dragon skeletons. A MIST officer picked up one of the bones and broke it bare-handed as a demonstration. The team of researchers was tasked with figuring out what was happening to these bones and why.
The researchers tested various methods on the bones, casting spells, pouring potions over them, dissolving them in elixirs, and even tasting them. Zoryana concluded that the reason for the bones’ brittleness was the absence of the Weave. Since the Weave is now being gathered by mills, it is:
a) finite
b) no longer saturating the material world as before, which is leading to the slow deterioration of the Material Plane. The brittleness of dragon bones is merely the first sign.
Zoryana shared her findings with the Guildmaster, who advised her to keep these thoughts to herself and not report them to MIST. She complied and submitted her research without a final conclusion. The next day, city police arrested Zoryana on charges of “posing a threat to state security” and sealed her property and lab “pending investigation.” She spent several days in jail without any questioning or explanation. When someone finally arrived, they informed her that the charges had been dropped and she was free to live and work as before. Instead of explanations or apologies, she was told to “thank her patrons” and “keep her mouth shut about matters that don’t concern her.”
After these events, Zoryana and her friend, the wizard Myrtal, who had also been on the research team, joined the underground organization, the League of Free Knowledge. Racism, class inequality, and the realization that the authorities care more about preserving their privileges than saving the world itself—these reasons made it clear that the system was broken and needed change. It is necessary to restore the Weave to its original state.
