Long ago, a batch of students from Sharlayan gathered in the Maker’s Quarter and devised the means of fast, non-aetherial travel; a magical rail system that connected all the colonies of the Dravanian Hinterlands and beyond. After the assault of Garlemald, the Sharlayans abruptly discontinued their efforts in the Hinterlands, thus abandoning their extensive work with the rail station system. The several stations would find themselves giving way to the bedrock and dense foliage over time, especially after the Calamity. Thus, many became lost to the surface world...or so it was thought.

“Platform XIV” it was called; its namesake inscribed on a plaque within its halls. The construct is one of Sharlayan as a long-forgotten structure similar to the Great Gubal Library. It resides deep under the ruins of the Asulon, in the depths of the Answering Quarter. Once the Asulon fell, the foundation of Platform XIV was soon encased in its debris. Despite this, the station has mostly survived the test of time; the railways and cars are inoperable at this time, but their integrity is intact. Pipes and hints of magic still clamor within the space, some functionality of the machinations spared. The central portion, riddled with debris and dust, once seemingly served as space for the gathering of minds and dreams. And yet, this marvel of a building may stand as one of several stations that have yet to be discovered.

The ruins were first discovered by a small band of goblins looking to salvage what they could amongst the wreckage of abandoned Sharlayan tech. While investigating the Asulon, and finding much of what once was had fallen into the crevasse below, they stumbled upon the entrance to Platform XIV. The goblins unearthed what they could, cleaning most of the overhanging brush and debris from previous cave-ins. A valiant effort, though they began to realize the daunting task that restoring the place would become. Admittedly, it may have been too great for them alone.

In the community of Idyllshire, whispers of an old, nearly untouched Sharlayan ruin out in the Hinterlands began to catch the wind. Treasure Seekers, Historians, and all sorts of adventurers had their interests piqued in one way or another when hearing of this place. Thus, have many found their way to the halls of the abandoned station, to both steal away with untold knowledge or help rebuild what was once long lost. The goblins still squat in this place, seeking aid from “uplanders” to either fix/restore objects or machines within the place or to further their agendas and projects. Much mystery remains to be explored with Platform XIV and the Sharlayan Rail System itself.

Despite the difference in time, people back then and those now find themselves drawn to this place to express themselves.

Will you journey to the depths of history?

And what may you find?

- Written by Cyion Zweihest