Nexon Wrote:

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Nexon Wrote:From the oldest scrolls crumbling into dust, in the most hidden libraries of Maple World, the ancients tell of the secret prophecy of the Black Mage. The Black Mage is not vanquished, he is not gone, they say. He merely awaits his opportunity to return and conquer.

The Black Mage defies reason, sustained by his rage. For too long the Black Mage has lain dormant, seething in his own hatred and delighting in his vision for the ruin of Maple World. The ancient prophecy warned that this day would come.

It was not heeded.

From the histories

The First Rise and Fall

“The Black Mage was born as other men, child of a mother and father who loved him, citizen of a
peaceful town filled with friendly prosperous citizens. Few remembered the preternaturally bright
child who would grow into a brilliant young man, eager to delve into the secrets of magic. Some
saw the arrogant temperament, impatience, and a ready anger that he unleashed with little
provocation, but the black hole at the center of his soul that might have foreshadowed what he
would become was hidden from their sight.

The first reign of the Black Mage began as many tyrannies did – with a call for change. The Black
Mage saw the chaos in Maple World and believed that the people could not be trusted to make
their own decisions. He felt that they needed a benevolent king to control every aspect of their
lives and he rose to power using noble ideals such as peace and freedom. The people believed
his words and embraced his voice. Soon, they found the only peace offered by the Black Mage
was the peace of the grave and the only freedom was freedom from responsibility that marks a
slave. The reign of the Black Mage was unprecedented in its cruelty, all done in the name of the
greater good.

In time, Maple World fought back. Heroes great and small struggled against the Black Mage. The
Black Mage battled against them mightily, screaming all the while that these ungrateful children
did not understand his genius and rejected his wisdom. In time, he descended into madness,
deciding if the world would not accord him the obedience and worship that is his due, it would have
to be destroyed. The last battles against the Black Mage exacted a terrible price from Maple
World but he was at last defeated, though heroes such as the Polearm-wielder and the Dragon
King sacrificed mightily for the safety of the world.”

The Sufferings of Maple World

In the years that followed, many of the Black Mage’s minions worked in ways both gross and subtle to bring about his return. Dedicated to the evil man they believed would one day return to help them rule, scourges such as Pink Bean, Horntail, and the Dragon Riders plagued the countryside, presaging the coming of their dark master.

Fortunately for the good people of Maple World, those of good will responded. Explorers and Cygnus Knights beyond number battled against all manner of evil monsters. Great heroes from the past returned and a new Dragon-friend rose to lead the fight.

The Heart of Darkness

Alas, it is said that those who struggle for right shall fail. In time, the Black Mage will return. Yet the villains who work for such an end are the greater fools. They believe that the Black Mage returns to place them as the new ruling class that will dominate Maple World but the “Black Mage” that they long for will be gone. What they bring back will be a darkness beyond anything they can imagine.
The Black Mage has spent the long years after his defeat in a place beyond light, beyond time, beyond mercy. He has planned his vengeance not just on the people of Maple World, but on all of existence. When he returns, all of creation will feel the lash of his wrath.

The Big Bang

From the Prophecy:

Know ye this if you would recognize the time of the Black Mage’s return. In a small town otherwise
hidden from the world, a secret cabal will raise the thing that used to be the Black Mage and bring
it back into the world. The day of his coming shall never be forgotten. At his arrival, all of
existence shall wink out, and when it returns, nothing will be the same.

This event shall be forever called the “Big Bang.”

Maple World will be changed. Some changes will be subtle. Monsters that were once weak will
grow strong. Others that were strong shall grow weaker. The powers of magic shall change. Spells
that are commonplace will no longer work and the heroes of Maple World will display abilities
never before seen. The world and its cities and towns will move, familiar landmarks will disappear
or be altered beyond recognition, and new lands will arise to be explored. It will be the Maple
World we love – but everything will be different.

The day is coming. Chapter One of a whole new MapleStory.

Kalovale Wrote:If only Evan wasn't such a suckfest and actually could lead the fight.

Kalovale Wrote:If only Evan wasn't such a suckfest and actually could lead the fight.

Rayquaza2233 Wrote:Why's the Nexon hype machine on overdrive again?

Rayquaza2233 Wrote:Why's the Nexon hype machine on overdrive again?

Solarboy Wrote:Also, happy normal town? Wasn't the black magician born in magatia?

Nexon Wrote:– but everything will be different.

Solarboy Wrote:Also, happy normal town? Wasn't the black magician born in magatia?

Mike Wrote:So when do we actually get to fight him?

ShiKage Wrote:Never, because this is the only way Nexon will be able to keep dishing out content with a hook.