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In the 10th month of 292 NB, archaeologists, ever searching for the original inhabitants of Arcanum, unearthed some peculiar massive black orbs. Over the following months many more were found, and the Council ordered them to be brought to New Landing to be inspected by the Throstos scholars. The orbs were the size of a man and had strange carvings all over their glossy surfaces. They were made of thin, translucent stone that emanated a dark light. The most prominent scholars and professors traveled to New Landing to see the black orbs.

In the 5th month of 293 NB, a terrible plague broke out in New Landing. It seemed to start at the site where the orbs were being kept and radiated outward. Thousands died from mysterious wounds and bleeding, including some members of the High Council. No race or group was safe. The healers couldn't keep up with the epidemic and entire wards of New Landing were sealed off to quarantine those inside.

This incident caused great unease in many of the inhabitants of New Landing. The Orcs in particular decided that many of them would be better off somewhere else. They left en masse and traveled north. Some found a home in Dur'bagar Forest, while others crossed the Strait of Meridar and settled in the Wolfstone Mountains. One of the scholars made the mistake of theorizing that the cause of the plague was the orbs.

This idea spread like wildfire and the public took to the streets. They rushed the doors of the Council chamber and insisted that the orbs be destroyed. The council conceded and ordered that the orbs be shattered. As the hammer came down on each of the orbs, a great, dark wave burst forth from them with the sound of great rushing water, knocking back all who were standing close. Each orb was shattered and the shards were buried deep in the ground. The plague subsided about a month later.

Shortly after the great black orbs were shattered, some of the Humans started to exhibit strange behaviors and ablilities. They were able to do incredible things, such as heat water with a thought, perform incredible feats of strength, or even fly. Some were met with superstition and fear, but most were hailed as a new race. They were called the Adepts by the Council, and many were given leadership positions around the continent. Adepts tended to have children whose powers manifested in their adolescence. Those with Human blood were the only ones affected by this change. Pure-blood humans had the most impressive amounts of power, while those of mixed descent had a lesser amount of power. No non-human has ever been documented as being an Adept.