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Preface (OOC) The lore written below is to implement a new neutral Aengudaemon, adding it to the established pantheon on LotC. What we have written hopes to develop just who Lagara is, her realm, and the many beings she has created beneath her. Thank you for reading! Created by: MajesticOwyn, Wulfery, PosidonX7 and xxEnderking Lagara, strumming her harp as she overlooks the serenity of Hastilaegi. (Source) Lagara, Goddess of Lein Hahnu Aengudaemon of Devotion and Ancestry Origin From the beginning of her existence, Lagara relegated herself to the shadows, taking on a role as an outside observer. She watched on in a mixture of envy and horror as her brothers and sisters squabbled over the the mortal realm, each vying for the largest amount of control and power. She secluded herself from them, avoiding any ties or connections, determining it was the safest way to stay out of their endless cycle of conflict. With time these emotions only increased in severity, for Lagara was a being of extremes. Were she to love, it was a deep and boundless one. Were she to hate, it was as if it had taken root into her very soul, coursing through her being. After time, one emotion came to dominate the others. Loneliness. This feeling quickly spread through her, and with it a sense of existential dread. Through this torment Lagara quickly realized that she needed more than to just be the one who watched. She had not forgotten all that she had seen, however, and realized that there was no place for her among the others of her kind. It was their eternal cycle of conflict that she wished to avoid. She desired a realm of her own, one in which she was the most powerful and beautiful. A realm which she would fill with followers and servants who only desired to please her. So, Lagara tapped into her very being, channeling her latent powers into one sole desire: to create a realm of her own. In the beginning, only a seedling; a thought, an idea. Lagara poured every thread of her being into nourishing her creation, smiling upon it as a mother would her babe. As she toiled away, it grew, coursing with her divine power, one which was steadily growing more chaotic. Cradled within her hand, she brought the seed to her chest and planted it into her flesh. With that, the catalyst, which unbound the violent tempest of energy. Thus, Lein Hahnu was born. A Demand of Service Lagara sat at the center of this immense and powerful force as it spread outward, her realm forming before her eyes. The creation was chaotic and uncontrollable, and Lagara soon realized that she may have made a mistake. While she was indeed an Aengudaemon, a divine being of great power, she was immature and inexperienced. What she had forced into existence soon grew out of her control. This was not the only problem, however. She soon realized that her power alone would not be enough to sustain this crucible of creation, and that the realm would only grow in size and complexity until it collapsed, consuming itself. Just as Lein Hahnu was born, so was its death inevitable. Even with this thought on her mind, she did not despair. It was her realm, she would not stand idly by as she had done her entire existence. Lagara began to create. Her thoughts soon materialized in front of her. Landmasses, structures, even other beings, all born out of her love. Though the chaotic tempest that tore at reality loomed in the distance, a brilliant light above, and a roiling darkness below, Lagara had managed to strike a balance in the center. Her sphere of peace pushed back the threatening forces of destruction, creating a sanctuary at its heart. From her soul, she forged several divine beings called Idols. They would tend to her whims and wants, each created with purpose. With her realm and its inhabitants created, her powers were stretched to their limits. For the first time since, her gaze drifted back to the familiar, though this time it fell upon the mortal realm. With her realm unsustainable, she had concluded that the the descendants were a solution to her problem. From them, she would demand their devotion and love. In return, she would offer them a place in her realm, an afterlife for those who remained loyal servants throughout their lives. Not only did this serve to appease her vanity, it also brought a source of power to her realm. These first descendants who would follow and worship Lagara came to be known as the Gorundyr. This came from Lagara’s name for the creator, “Gorund”, who the mortals believed they were the children of. She had created a conduit that would draw in the power of these souls, the most devout of mortals, and which would also gather the threads of their memories. This spiritual energy would course throughout Lein Hahnu in the form of a vast nourishing river, though not one made of water, but instead essence. It infused itself in the realm, an unstoppable and crushing force which connected all things. Lagara now gazed out over her realm from atop the canopies of a massive tree, which towered above all. From her perch, she was able to rule with absolute authority, her song heard by all. She was, however, a prisoner of her own making. The seed which she had planted in her being, which had formed the realm she so desired, also bound her in place. This made her the anchor for all that was to be, and she knew that if she were ever to perish, so too would her realm in a violent fashion. So Lagara commanded the denizens of Lein Hahnu, both descendant mortals who had bound themselves to her, and the Idols she had born of her own flesh. It was these servants that would do what should could not, guided by her iron hand of authority, nourished by her loving heart. Blood Pact As Lagara shifted her gaze to the mortal realm, she began to influence the descendant races of Aegis. Through her powers, she and her servants would manifest before the mortals in many ways, often taking on the forms of animals and other mythological beings. They soon began to worship and appeal to these beings as gods, and while they had little idea of their true nature, their mythos was shaped by these interactions. These early peoples called themselves the Gorundyr, and it was from them that Lagara would draw the most worthy of mortals to serve her. The Gorundyr built shrines and other places of worship devoted to Lagara and the various other “gods” that influenced them. It was these places of power that Lagara and her followers could hone in on, allowing them to watch and observe their fledgling worshippers. Through her early influence, their culture and way of life was heavily shaped. One early gift was that of language. Lagara bestowed upon them the ancient tongue called Jolfmarr’tal, one which is used by the beings of Lein Hahnu itself. After many generations of observation, Lagara realized she could use these mortals to fulfil her own desires and she began making blood pacts with them. A blood-pact binds a Gorundyr to Lagara through direct connection, or with one of her divine servants. Through her will and power alone, these servants are able to manifest in the mortal realm, to be heard, felt, or even seen. While this is possible, it is extremely draining upon her, and the one manifesting has little power while present in the mortal realm. These visits are brief and few, intended to influence the Gorundyr and in a way manipulate them. To appeal to their core values, and to bind them to her will. These blood-pacts offer no benefit to the mortal who undertakes one, only acting as the truest form of devotion and loyalty to Lagara herself. It is only those who undertake the blood-pact whom are taken to her realm upon death. When a Gorundyr bids farewell to its mortal frame, it is guided by the soul stream to Ebrietaes, just as other mortals would be. It is these Gorundyr who have been marked that are allowed into Lagara’s divine realm. The only physical effect of these pacts are the birthmarks that appear upon Gorundyr who are bound under their oaths. These take the shape of varying forms and are usually connected to the soul and personality of said mortal. Lastly, the birthmarks seem to be hereditary. When one undertakes a blood-pact, their bloodline is bound to Lagara for eternity. Blood-pacts can be broken, however, for Lagara only accepts those who uphold their honor and oaths. Should one commit a grave sin, such as kinslaying, or betray the will of Lagara, their pact is broken. They lose not only her favour and love, but their place amongst in her realm. A Seer of Lein Hahnu pictured he ventures throughout the forest, seeking communion with Lagara. (Source) The Seers of Lein Hahnu Seers are those that bind their lives to their gods directly. They do not follow one, nor do they offer their service to the singular. They are vessels for Lagara and her servants to pass their divine will and knowledge onto the realm of the living, making sure that their words will reach those who need to hear them. To become a seer you may not suddenly just embark on the path of service to the gods. Seers are born to be united with Lagara. From the earliest days they are destined to walk the path guided by her will. Only those who are truly chosen may be able to change their fate, whilst others simply have to accept that fact. Taken away from their parents at their first birthday, they are then brought under the care of other Seers, as well as their servants. Treated with care for their youngest years and watched over, they are taught about language, customs, and worship. The sons or daughters of the Gorundyr that are destined to become seers are to be protected and shaped in preparation for their future of duty and servitude. At the age of five they are put under the test which determines what weapon type they are most fit for. Once that is done, the child will learn how fight with only that singular tool of war. They are taught to master it, understand it thoroughly and deeply with hours of training day after day. By the age of fifteen they have to be able to face their teacher in single combat, the outcome of which must at the very least be a draw. Even with weapon and body training, they still continue their lectures about gods, beasts, and connections with the divine. They have their first lessons about tattoos, and creating bonds with the realm of Lein Hahnu, or how to fight against souls that have been stuck in realm of living even after death. The day of their adulthood is also the day during which they have the last chance to become Seers. Whether they are ready for the ritual or not is of no consequence, as they will have to face it anyway. It is intended to test their resolve, willpower, and faith. They will have to withstand painful removal of their eyes, and yet not mutter a single word. All the time keeping themselves in prayer to Lagara. In the last part of the ritual they will have to prove that they are able to witness Lein Hahnu through visions, to prove their connection to Lagara has been established. If yes, they will successfully be taken in as Seers, able to wander off into the world, learning new ways. They are to spread fate and lead those who wish to pass into the realm of the gods upon their deaths. One of the Blessed Isles of Halvengr, floating listlessly through the heavens. (Source) Halvengr - The Blessed Isles At the core of Lein Hahnu is the physical domain of Halvengr, Lagara’s kingdom. It consists of many isles, each home to an array of denizens. These isles are chaotic and ever growing in complexity, thriving with life. There are, however, three main isles which bear the most importance within the realm: Hastilaegi, Alvegen, and Halenlaga. Halvengr was the name that Lagara and her Idols would whisper to the Gorundyr during their blood pacts, etching it into their minds. In that moment, they offer visions of the beautiful paradise that would await them. It is a world that promises eternal life amongst the gods to reward their loyalty and devotion. The river of essence that flows throughout the realm weaves between these islands, made of many condensed threads of memory. These threads are colored differently based on the type of emotion and context of each memory, but each come together and intertwine intimately. Some beings of great power can graze their fingers upon its surface and isolate single threads, catching said memories to be viewed and felt. All of the isles float within the heavenly void, suspended peacefully in the sphere of Lagara’s protection. The void roars all around them, a swirling tempest on the edges of reality. The sky, a dazzling and radiant explosion of light, and the depths below, a pulsing and ever consuming darkness. The Heart-Tree in its moment of creation with Lagara at its center, banishing the encroaching chaos. (Source) Hastilaegi - The Heart Tree Hastilaegi was the first of the isles to be, suspended above the others so as to look down upon them. It is also the smallest of the isles, acting as Lagara’s personal home, and the location of the Heart Tree; born of her divine seed. A gargantuan tree, larger than any ever seen in the mortal realm, dominating the majority of the island. She sits atop it on her throne, clad in a dress of vibrant green made of leaves and ivy. In her hands she grasps a golden harp, which she plays softly, a peaceful but commanding song that fills the hearts of her followers. At the trees base is a peaceful paradise, a collection of gardens and groves that stretch to the edges of the island. It is here that the Daughters of Lagara call their home, humanoid beings of great beauty, headed by Lokaliin. They act as tenders and matrons to all life upon the island. Deep beneath the tree rests a prisoner of great darkness, grasped at by its thick roots, and contained within. This being is guarded by a massive serpent, whose mass is largely burrowed into the earth of the island itself, intertwining with the roots of the tree. Jokull the Burrower he is called, acting as the defender and warden of the Heart Tree. Lastly, we have the resting place of Lagara’s essence conduit, Vakasul. A white tree with blood red leaves which sits in the middle of its own sacred grove, the focus point for the river of essence. It courses through the tree, it’s surrounding network of runestones, and the grove itself. This grove acts as the entrance and exit to Lein Hahnu, which is marked by a large structure made of stone and metal called the Rumdrev. Upon passing under its massive runic engraved gate, you would find yourself within a dome-like room, an ancient device built into the center. It is used by Lagara and her servants as a transporter, harnessing an immense amount of power to send the traveller between the different islands of Halvengr, as well as the mortal realm. Souls delivered from Ebrietaes manifest before Vakasul, wandering the grove in a sort of limbo-like state. After some time, an Idol named Ankou will appear to whisk these souls away to their proper places. The Gates to Alvegen, home to the Sun King and the ancestral land of eternal light. (Source) Alvegen - The Howling Vale Alvegen is the second largest of the islands and the most orderly. A vast landmass of mountains, glaciers, and boreal forests. A large inland sea covers a fourth of the landmass, contained by the rocky exterior of the island. One of the many mountain ranges towers above the rest, home to the Sun King Havardr and his Joriin, a tribe of early Gorundyr who were granted patronage by Lagara. His indomitable fortress, Haemdormr, is built far up on the side of the mountain, its many rooms and passages burrowing deep into the stone. Alvegen is also home to the majority of Gorundyr souls who have been brought to Halvengr over the many generations that have passed. As such, it is the most civilized of the islands. Several cities and settlements spread over the valleys and mountains, all ruled by various Gorundyr Clans, some of which have been long forgotten by their mortal descendants. This land was granted as a gift to Havardr and the Gorundyr and as such resembles their favored homeland. It in some ways mimics what they knew in life, though it has been warped by their own vision of a perfect paradise. Alvegen never falls under the cloak of darkness, an eternal sun looming above. Far in the mountains and the more secluded areas of Alvegen live the giants. Born of the stonefather, Oknar, they vie for the survival of their race against the Gorundyr ancestors that encroach upon them. They are broken into three types, and thus also three tribes. Stone, ice, and flesh. These ancient beings are some of the oldest in Lein Hahnu. One last major being calls Alvegen his home: Auroth. One of Beira’s pups, he is a proud and noble wolf who imposed exile on himself because of internal family conflict. After time, other outcasts and rejects flocked to him for leadership. He now found himself the leader of his own pack, a position he embraced and an oath he gladly swore. The unstable and untameable growth of Halenlaga, hiding a darkness within it’s depths. (Source) Halenlaga - The Primordial Wild Halenlaga was to be the last of the islands and by far the largest. It’s creation was shaped by the violent temporal energies that gave birth to Lein Hahnu. The island is plagued by an unstable verdant growth, utterly uncontrollable and unstoppable in nature. For this reason it is the least inhabited and is often avoided by most, for the depths of the wild are not only fraught with danger, but also a deep and unabiding darkness. In an attempt to tame this realm, or atleast control it, Lagara gifted it to one of her creations, a spirit she had cultivated from her own soul. Andarta, as she was named, tamed small portions of the growth, turning them into serene groves and lush forests. In time, she took in a mate by the name of Belenus, and with this bore many children to inhabit her forest home. They are spirits, able to live in the trees but also take on corporeal forms. Their fight against the untameable nature of Halenlaga is a never ending struggle of survival. It became apparent, however, that the chaotic force of Halenlaga was not the true threat, merely a symptom of a violent birth. A darkness had seeped into its dankest depths, one which steadily encroached on Andarta’s realm, threatening to consume it. Manifestations of ill, demonic beings, and eldritch horrors infested it at its core, born of the chaotic darkness which nipped at Halvengr from below. It thrived in this lawless wilderness, as no light ever strayed beneath the surface. This corruption worried Lagara. She knew that if it were to be left unchecked, it would consume Halenlaga and the rest of her realm. While at its core it could not be destroyed, nor tamed, it certainly could be fought. To do this, Lagara created a being named Beira and gave her dominion over her own wolfpack. A wild hunt was called by her and her children as they descended upon Halenlaga, oathbound to destroy the darkness which threatened all life. The primordial forces of light and dark locked in their eternal struggle. (Source) Beware the Darkness and the Light As Lein Hahnu was born, the inevitable conflict between the light and dark began. Both primordial forces, each unstoppable in their nature, were simply the rule of law. They would always exist, and a balance would always be required if existence were to be. At their extremes, both the light and the darkness are absolute, their nature corruptive. The light instills in someone a sense of absolute justice and purity, while the darkness is chaotic freewill, a force of unbridled destruction. While this was simple fact, it did not matter to a being such as Lagara. These certainties threatened her realm and creation, and so she would deny them as she could, just as all conscious beings do. The Isles of Halvengr exist in a sphere of peace, placed between these two destructive forces. To the light and the darkness, it was nothing more than an anomaly. A void that needed to be filled. With time, it would be so. We begin with the Light, which bore down on this realm from above. To some, reassuring, simply a tool to aid in sight and offer warmth. To others, a captivating power from which they could not tear their gaze. From their fortress in Haemdormr, the Joriin were the first to fall to the invincible Light, their very beings warped by its absolute power. We end with the Darkness, which seeped up from below, infusing itself with all that it touched. A much more obvious threat, less subtle in its destruction. From this darkness many entities were born, heralds and servants of its chaotic power. The land itself bore marks of this corruptive force and from time to time some being or another would stray too far, losing itself to madness. Thus, the beings of Lein Hahnu were in a constant struggle to contend with the two forces of power, for they simply existed to be overrun. They had no stake in this eternal conflict, and no hope of altering fate. (Source) Idol: Beira, the Denmother Animal Avatar: The Direwolf Beira, the fiercest of the Idols and the matriarch of wolves. In her soul Lagara infused her strength, wrath, and motherly nature, creating a worthy warrior and champion. From then on, the Denmother would live by these ideals breathed into her from birth. Beira was tasked with the defense of the realm, primarily from the dark corruption that had slowly began to seep through the protective sphere. She was granted the gift of motherhood in return for her loyalty. From her first litter, only three survived. Rahdonir, the first to take breath and thus the eldest. Now her most trusted and loyal kin and the second in command of her warpack. He is the embodiment of strength and leads with fanatic zeal. Korrigan, who was born into darkness, her soul tinged with the very corruption that she and her kind were tasked to destroy. She hunts alone, always at war with the consuming shadows within her. Auroth, the most noble and proud of the three. He had come to love all of his kin, a point of discontent toward his mother and siblings. Only the strongest bore any worth in the wolfpack, for only strength would protect the realm. Auroth exiled himself from his siblings and gathered his rejected kin into a pack of his own, one which would make up for any weakness through the strength and bond of family. (Source) Idol: Oknar, the Shaper Animal Avatar: The Mouflon Ram Oknar is a gargantuan being created by Lagara to act as her smith and architect. From the early stages of her realm, Oknar was tasked with the creation of the isles, and the shaping of each. He wields his massive hammer Himdah Buld, scouring Lagara’s realm in his unending duty to shape her vision into reality. From the jagged peaks of Alvegen, to the verdant wilds of Halenlaga, and all the isles in between. His desire is creation, and in its beauty he takes fulfillment. To Oknar, his grand dream of perfection will never be realized, for there will always be imperfection. It will be one that he chases until the end of time. He is regarded as the stonefather, though not only because of the valleys and mountains he has shaped, but also the beings he created. Early on, he breathed life into stone in an effort to create others like him, who could shape as he did. Mahmul, who he carved from ice, the first of his creations, born from the purest ice he could find. Gohil, who he hewed from stone, docile in nature. He roams the land, emotionless and slow-natured. Fariik, who he shaped from flesh, the last of his children. While the others showed little ability and desire, Fariik was born with a heart of aggression. In the end, all of his attempts made for poor workers. Oknar abandoned his children to their own devices, returning to his duty. While he was a master at creating worlds, he lacked the necessary spark when it came to conscious beings. Idol: Andarta, the Forest Wraith Animal Avatar: A white-pelted Red Deer Andarta bears perhaps the closest bond with Lagara, created as if to be her other half. Andarta is able to manifest in very many different forms, though her usual being that of an incorporeal spirit. Physically, she bears a lithe humanoid frame, covered in various forms of plantlife. Long brutal claws sprout from her fingers, able to gore with ease. Her face is angular and thin, with her eyes looking as if they were two orbs of polished onyx. Andarta regards herself as the Queen of Halenlaga and has dominion over the chaotic wilds which span its surface. She is distant and cold to outsiders, her desire simply to remain secluded in her forests and sacred groves. The only exception would be her relationship with Beira, as the two have grown close together, a bond forged by their mutual struggle against the darkness which infested the depths of the island. After a time, Andarta grew lonely herself, and took on a husband. A mortal man named Belenus who had lived and breathed the forests and their ways. A man who worshiped Andarta alone, tending to her shrines and offering himself to her will. Together, they created the Children of the Forest Ara, the eldest of Andarta’s children, she takes on the form of a small fawn and prowls around the forests, her true purpose unknown. She is regarded as the Spirit of Springs as she is often sighted near them. Borvo, whom appears as a white-furred bear, lives as a Spirit of the River, prowling the banks and protecting them from harm. Cernu, who was given the task of defending the realm from the darkness that threatened it. From an early age he envied Beira and her pack, choosing to take on the form of a gray wolf, stalking the brushes as they do. Aife, the Spirit of the Oak, who embodies the pride and strength that an oak tree represents. She frolics among the canopies of the trees, taking on the form of a squirrel, her small form often deceptive. Olwen, the Spirit of Luck, whose name many Gorundyr utter, both to curse, and to praise. He takes on the form of a rabbit. Sirona, the Spirit of Mischief, a popular patron of children and the like, who is regarded as a trickster. She appears as a fox spirit and often harasses travellers in the woods. Alastir, the Whispering Wind, a spirit that communes with the trees themselves. It is said that he delivers the words and desires of the forests in the breeze. Alastir is commonly associated with an Owl, with tapestries depicting him as one dating back to legend. (Source) Idol: Maratsu, the Kinslayer Animal Avatar: The Common Raven Maratsu was the first of the sky-gods created by Lagara to defend her realm, the each of them given absolute dominion over the skies. Each had a distinct form, avatars gifted to them, Maratsu’s being that of the raven. Together, they soared throughout the skies of Lein Hahnu, always remaining steadfast in their defense of their matron and creator. There was peace, for a time. Then, it was threatened to all be undone. Maratsu, the stalwart protector, in his naive desire to do good, decided to challenge the darkness which roiled below. He traveled to the very edges of Lagara’s sphere of peace, prowling along the border between serenity and chaos. In his heart, he knew the danger it posed, not only to him but that of the realm as a whole. In an instant, he shifted, plunging himself down into the dark abyss. He had done what no other had ever considered, leaving the sanctuary he had always known to venture into the unknown, to strike at its heart. In an instant, the darkness overtook him, its pure chaotic will infusing with his soul. In his moment of arrogance, the being that was Maratsu ceased to exist. From within the tempest, Maratsu returned, now tainted by an all-consuming darkness. He spread his wings of midnight and called out, a resonating cry which pierced all that heard, full of horror and pain. The chaos that now raged in his mind guided him to Hastilaegi, to the one who dared defy its absolute power. Maratsu, pulsing with shadow, reeked of tumultuous evil and existential dread. He crashed into the serene paradise below, beginning his rampage of destruction. He tore at the pristine fields and the sacred groves, devouring any being that got in his way. Lagara watched in horror as her creations perished before her. With one quick movement, she struck at her harp, a chord that lacked her usual peaceful melody; a call to war. Within moments, the remaining sky-gods arrived, Argal, the eagle and Ankou, the hawk. They struck out at their brother, entering into the fray. Destruction raged across Hastilaegi as they danced in battle, the ferocity in which Maratsu fought only fueled by the chaos that had consumed his soul. As the pair gained the upper hand, Maratsu lashed out at his brother Ankou, piercing him with a brutal talon. Ankou roared out in anguish as he fell back, his form disintegrating in part, as if an acid were eating its way into his flesh. This final strike was interrupted by an ominous and resonating roar, which seemed to come from the depths of Hastilaegi itself. The earth beneath Maratsu quaked and exploded as a massive form erupted from below. Jokull burst forth, his gargantuan form towering above the battlefield.. He gazed down upon Maratsu, yellow serpent-like eyes piercing into him. With a speed impossible for his mass, he struck, jaw unhinging as he devoured the fallen sky-god whole. Jokull carried through with his momentum, burrowing once again into the earth. Maratsu remained within his belly, carried far below the heart-tree, unable to be destroyed. The darkness so infused with his soul rendering him invincible to any attempts Lagara has made to do so. So Maratsu rages, a prisoner bound to the depths of Hastilaegi, a seed of darkness always lingering on the minds of the beings of Lein Hahnu. (Source) Idol: Ankou, the Gatherer of Souls Animal Avatar: The Ferruginous Hawk Ankou the second of the sky-gods, was left scarred and broken by his brothers betrayal, his once proud hawk-form now grotesque and skeletal. As he had writhed in the dirt, dying from the blow delivered from his brother, he had been spared by the one whom created him. Lagara struck at her harp and guided her loving hand outward, purging the little corruption which burned within, replacing it with her divine breath, and with that came new purpose. To Ankou, she gave control of the river of spirit that flowed throughout the realm, and thus made him the master of souls. Tending to the river and all souls within Lein Hahnu is his sole responsibility. When the worthy souls of fallen Gorundyr arrive in the grove of Vakasul, it is Ankou and his minions who welcome them. He is the guiding hand who sees that they arrive where they belong. It is also through Ankou’s power that one may commune with the dead ancestral souls who live upon the Isles of Halvengr. Crypts, grave sites, and other specially prepared monuments to the dead can be used to draw his attention, and that of the souls themselves. It is common for Gorundyr to make each individuals grave a sort of shrine, like the ones dedicated to the gods, so that they may pay respects. Lastly, Ankou is responsible for dealing Lagara’s justice within the realm. Should one of its many beings lose the favour of their mother or commit a grave sin, they are dealt with by him. In this regard, Ankou has an array of minions that assist him in his duties. The Valkyrie, who act as enforcers of Ankou’s will. Perfectly neutral beings who strive to maintain the balance between dark and light. They are situated in both the brightest and darkest places of Lein Hahnu, vigilant watchers and stalwart defenders. The Damned, a procession of souls who have been condemned for crimes such as kinslaying and oath breaking. The large majority of them are bound in a spectral legion which marches endlessly, an eternal prison for lost souls. Should a damned soul somehow escape from Lein Hahnu, Ankou’s wraiths can be sent from the realm to retrieve them so that justice may be delivered. (Source) Idol: Havardr, the Sun King Animal Avatar: The Canada Lynx Harvardr was the first of the mortal descendants to be given divine power by Lagara. In life, he was her most loyal servant, and is largely responsible for influencing her initial followers in their devotion. He formed a tribe of descendants that would be the early Gorundyr, and the first of the clans. While his rule as a king in life was successful, his potential would only increase in death. He was the first mortal to be given divinity in her realm. As he strode through the grove of Vakasul and came before Lagara in her throne, she poured her power into him. As a gift, she allowed him to take a council of his most trusted advisors and bestowed upon him the isle of Alvegen. Here Havardr and the Joriin settled, constructing an impressive stronghold and palace called Haemdormr, built into the side of the isle’s largest mountain. From his table, he was able to see all of the realm, ruling it beneath an eternal sun. This same light, however, was subtle in its nature of corruption. Over time, the light that had always threatened to consume Lein Hahnu from above instead gently seeped into the hearts of Havardr and his Joriin, warping their personalities. They become beings of absolute justice and purity, reinforced by their divine right to rule. Not all were naive to the Light’s seductive power and thus Ankou sent the Valkyries to watch over the Joriin with a careful eye. Were it to ever to reach a catalyst, they would be there to maintain balance. And so the Sun King ruled with a unwavering sense of justice, as did his Joriin. In total they numbered six. Hlifhildr, the Sun Maiden, Havardr’s beautiful bride and loyal queen. In life, she had been a shield-maiden and a fierce warrior in her own right. She was always willing to please her husband and answer to his every whim. Taranis, the Forgemaster. He constructed Havardr’s realm, from its massive keeps, statues, and gates, to his spear forged of light, Dagor’kaen. Rodun, the Master of Knowledge, who constructed the grandest libraries and archives to record the history of the Gorundyr and all else. Not only were these in written texts, but also memories which he extracted from the river of spirit which connected all the souls of Lein Hahnu. Muir, the Dreamwalker, who spent her time living the lives of others, rather than her own. She had become a master at delving into the river of spirit to isolate single threads. The more Gorundyr who ascend to Halvengr, the more she has at her fingertips. Barid, the Unifier, who acted as Havardr’s greatest champion and general. A masterful tactician and fierce warrior, he was the iron fist with which Havardr maintained his rule. Svalinn, the Gleeman, who was not blind to the fate of the Joriin. He was the embodiment of good nature and joy, and a true artist. He spent his time away from Haemdormr, instead visiting the many cities and villages which dotted the hills and valleys around Alvegen, spreading his love for art and joy to the Gorundyr abound. One of the many beings of Halvengr, venturing forth into the realm. (Source) Minor Beings Agantyr A gargantuan sky serpent, twin to Jokull. Agantyr’s form dwarfs some of the isles themselves, floating listlessly through the sky. He is tasked to act as a warden of the skies, protecting Lein Hahnu from any of the latent energies threatening to break in. His final duty is to prevent anyone from making the same mistake as Maratsu by venturing out of the protective sphere and into the chaos outside. Draug An ancient guardian who slumbers beneath the sea which spans over the surface of Alvegen. Draug is rarely ever encountered or seen, though it is said his form is giant, that of a many headed sea monster. He is the patron of sailors and fishermen to whom they pay respect and prayer. They whisper to him for protection, both on Halvengr and in the mortal realm. Argal of the Sky The third and final sky-god and now the last remaining, his form that of a massive eagle. Argal and his brood make their nests on Hastilaegi, placed amongst the branches of the Heart-Tree. They act as defenders of the island itself and guard the realm below from any would-be threat. Mimir and Haenir, Wardens of Lein Hahnu Mimir and Haenir are living manifestations of the river of spiritual energy which flows throughout the realm. Born to protect the Grove of Vakasul, they act as guardians to both the grove itself, and the Rumdrev. Their forms are that of twin colossal bears, shaped of stone by a loving hand. Runes cover their bodies, with the largest being on their foreheads, glowing faintly with blue mist. The runestones around the grove bear the same marks, all of which seem to pulse together, as if a unified heartbeat. Synopsis Lagara and her Idols are attracted by shrines and heavy activity of worship by the descendants. She can focus in on these to locate them. Shrines found in this way can be blessed, indicating they are places where the gods will hear those who pray and offer. These places would feel as if they had been touched by her hand, in many ways. Some examples include a passive aura, a powerful background pulse of energy which can be felt, but not harnessed. Whispers in both common and Jolfmarr’tal delivered on the wind. Passive visions for those who linger too long or choose to sleep there, teasing the wonders of Lein Hahnu and the gods themselves. These dont convey a ton of information, just enough to draw the desire and interest of any descendants. They can visit the Gorundyr in their dreams, or do so physically through apparitions or visions. This follows the current rules of manifesting in the mortal realm by Aengudaemon, and would be used to simply facilitate roleplay. The forms in which they manifest are the listed animal avatar, but can also be their humanoid forms. It is up to the preference of the individual, allowing several options. Blood Pacts offer no benefit to a Gorundyr and only seek to bond them to Lagara and her Idols. The only physical trait being a birthmark based on their personality. (To allow people the freedom to pick something most relevant to them.) Ancestral souls which have gone to Lein Hahnu (and ONLY Lein Hahnu) can be communicated with through shrines of worship in the mortal realm, acting much like ones devoted to the gods. These shrines, often gravesites or crypts, can attract the attention of Ankou, allowing interaction with the souls of fallen Gorundyr. Anyone can worship Lagara and become a Gorundyr. It is simply a group of people and a culture that were shaped due to her influence on their earliest ancestors. Naturally, larger concentrations of worship are more likely to attract her notice. The Rumdrev harnesses the power of the river of spirit within Lein Hahnu to act as a bridge between the Isles of Halvengr and the mortal realm, capable of transporting beings. The River of Memories which flows through Lein Hahnu sustains the realm and Lagara’s power. The more mortals and other beings who reside in the realm, the more the river is strengthened. This is Lagara’s main motivation for seeking mortals for blood-pacts, as it is this power she needs to maintain to keep the forces of chaos from consuming her realm. At a lesser stage, Lagara is a vain and selfish god. She desires to be worshipped and loved by many. To her, she is the most powerful and beautiful being to exist. She is a true neutral Aengudaemon, entirely self absorbed in her own world. The Idols are Lagara’s main servants, and the ones who have influenced the Gorundyr the most. Any beings mentioned under them are minor in nature, simply related to their stories. They are the most powerful beings in the realm, other than Lagara. In the end, the goal of this submission is to create actual gods that can interact with the Gorundyr culture in some way, played by the LT or ET. Unlike most Aengul and Daemon, this submission alone does not seek to give any additional boon or power to the Gorundyr or any other mortal. It is simply to take our belief beyond that of faith and add all sorts of potential for RP. The Children of the Forest are spirits that only hold any power or control within Lein Hahnu itself, and not outside of it. They are simply to add flavor to the deific realm, and do not have any involvement with the aspects or other spirits. It is likely they would not even be able to manifest in the mortal realm, or if they were able, it would be without any ability whatsoever. They could simply act as supplements to an event or messengers of some sort, their only significance being that of their connection to Lagara and her realm. That is all! Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoyed this lore submission. Please feel free to post your feedback, as well as any questions! We would love to hear it.

We Want YOUR Screenshots! A lot of Orcish RP revolves around the Spirits & Ancestors, and particularly our ways of worshipping them. You’ll often hear a victorious Orc praising his chosen Spirit, or a Orc returning from a hunt dedicating his trophy to Votar. Unfortunately, few track our progress, and thus our Shamans cannot keep RP the Spirits or Ancestors being happy with an Orc’s dedication during the Spirit walks. So, if you ever construct a Shrine, sacrifice an Elf, dedicate a victory or in any other way please your chosen Spirit or Ancestor, send the screenshot in the comments. That way the rest of the Orcish community can share in your victory, and our Shamans can keep an eye on who is most active. Who knows, maybe one-day your fanaticism to Laklul could please the swampy boi and make you devote to his name, and give you Roleplay buffs. Here’s an example of why you may want to keep track of your dedications to a Spirit or Ancestor:

(THESE ARE NOT MY PICTURES NOR DO I CLAIM THEM) Introduction The Southeron people, also known as the Southernos or the Southerners - are inarguably the darkest-skinned of the human subraces/subcultures. Natives to Aegis, the Southerons are known as one of the products of Horen’s Firstborn Son, Harren; alongside the Adunians. Although its a common stereotype to believe they are aggressive, Southeron are quite calm and care-free(although combative). Many of their chief values include but are not limited to : independence, isolationism, unity, family, honour, tradition, and filial piety. Though they are typically associated with tribalism, some Southeron have opted to live in Feudal societies; forming great families or houses. Culture The culture of the Southeron are varied and unique, consisting of a mixture of various tribes that each have their own unique characteristics. Southeron culture is expressed in its art, folklore and religion, clothing, cuisine, music and language. Though Southeron cultures are host to a wealth of diverse subgroups, it is also, when closely studied, seen to have many similarities. For example, the morals they uphold, their love and respect for their culture as well as the strong respect they hold for their elders and their importants (Kings and Chiefs). Traditional Southeron music is as diverse as the various populations. The common perception of Southeron music is that it is rhythmic music centered on the drums.Although the drum does play a central role in many Southeron musical traditions, that is not fully the case. Other important musical traditions also involve strings, horns and very little rhythm. For example, an important instrument to the Mengesha Tribe is the Kora, a twenty-one-stringed guitar-like instrument made out of a halved, dried, hollowed-out gourd covered with cow or goat skin. The strings are made of fishing line. It plays an important role not only in Mengeshan musical tradition, but also folklore and the Mengesha’s rich oral tradition, as the primary tool of Mengeshan griots. Although most Southerons are known to live sedentary in the desert, they prefer tropical environments that boasts water sources such as: desert oasis’, jungles, desert coasts, lakesides, riversides, etc... - the sun is their friend. Due to previous Southeron interactions with general foreign influence(trade, diplomacy, etc...) - it is arguable to say that there are many languages that Southeron’s speak, the most common of them being Caeole, the Common Tongue, and Qalashi. This does not mean that many Southeron are not weary of foreigners – most can easily feel intimidated around groups of people who are unlike them and become more competitive if an event warrants competition. History It is commonly believed that when the world began all Humans appeared largely the same, based off of the image of their father, Horen. Due to Human restlessness, drive for discovery and quickly growing population, various groups split off from the first Human settlements. Some lived in the hot, tropical, and flat plains in the area of what would become Whisper Isles and Al'Khazar. They would be the first Southerons. Living in an excellent climate for farming and the growing of crops meant that Southeron grew to become a people well suited for agriculture. In time they grew taller as a result of excellent nutrition, darker skinned with exposure to the sun, growing harsher physical attributes due to their environment, and built up large cities. The Southeron were once seen as a subrace exclusive from their Farfolk brethren. However, when the change of continents began to arrive - the Southeron began to falter as a people; it seemed as though every time there was a Great Descendant Migration - the population of Southeron people would decrease less and less in size. The first migration being arguably the worse, as the geography and environment of the continent was reversed fatally. This caused obstruction - to many of the Southeron, who mainly stayed in one place for the duration of their lives, the geography reverse of the continent caused them to either adjust for survivability or to accept death. Many of the Southeron people failed to adjust, the few remaining being forced to migrate to live with their Northeron cousins for survivability; slowly assimilating into Northeron society, sometimes mating and procreating with them until sovereign Southeron communities were nearly impossible to find after Asulon. As Great Migrations became more frequent, the Southeron community’s population began to decrease. By Athera the Southeron communities had largely died off - though you did find independent Southeron occasionally. The remaining Southeron that adapted to Northeron society had adopted feudalism and joined various Houses, eventually forming great families of their own in the nations they were with. Places such as The Sultanate of Haria and Empire of Oren had at least one demographic group with Southeron ancestry or heritage. The Southeron people were slowly making a return come Axios, adapting to Feudalism fairly well. It was not until Atlas that many of the surviving remnants of the Southeron people, displaced on the new continent, found themselves divided and separated into disparate tribes adopting their own personal traditions. Tradition In Southeron societies, tradition is a large and important part of the Southeron culture. Filial piety to one's elders and ancestors especially, are one of the most important aspects of Southeron social relations. Social behaviors such as the respect for parents and elders, raising children appropriately, providing hospitality, and being honest, trustworthy, and courageous are highly valued and even revered as virtues one should live by. This plays into traditional religious thought, as morality is associated with obedience or disobedience to Deities regarding the way a person or a community lives. Most traditional Southeron societies worship various spirits as well as veneration of their ancestors. These spirits are believed to serve as intermediaries between humans and deities. Rituals honoring deities and spirits through libation and sacrifice are common across a number of Southeron cultures. A common form of southeron spiritual tradition is through communal ceremonies or divinatory rites in which members of the community, overcome by force, or spirit, are excited to the point of going into a meditative trance in response to rhythmic or mantric drumming or singing. Divination is a common facet of Southeron culture and Diviners are sought out on a regular basis for wisdom as counselors in life and for their knowledge of herbal medicine. Similar to their Human brethren, the Southeron people are victims of the mortality curse casted upon Horen by Iblees. Appearance/Physicality Clothing, as is true of Southeron culture on a whole, is widely Diverse. Each tribe has their own specific cultural garbs and customs. They can range from the Khonma Tribe who are known for their unusually light and sparse clothing, typically consisting of little more than an apron or loincloth, to the Mengesha known for their long white shawl like robes called a “Shamma”. If anything is to be said of the commonality in Southeron dress, it is the use of beads, shells, feathers and pelts as decorations and symbols of wealth and status. Use of color also tend to be common amongst many Southeron groups as well. The Southeron are well known for their dark black skin. This is a commonality shared broadly among the disparate groups, besides those of mixed heritage, where there may be more variance. besides that, there is a wide range of physicality as is the case with any of the human races. The hair of a Southeron ranges from tight coils to free-flowing curls - it isn’t uncommon to have more than a single hair type. Though their hair is typically always black in color unless the persons is of mixed heritage or has dyed. Some Southeron, especially those who live in feudal societies, see jewelry as a sign of wealth or a prestigious rank - other Southeron who live without the need for international currency see them as worthless as rocks. Many tribalistic Southerons, similar to the feudal jewelry, see face paint or masks as a sign of prestigious rank - usually sporting the colors of their tribe through them. Terminology Specific Terminology for the Southeron include but are not limited to : Sun people(Hou-zhi) Sahiri(Ghanyans) Southeron/Southernos(Other) Southeron Prominence Notable Characters - Forrest Sarr - A notable pirate and Steward of Privets Ford Vallero(The Ear-Slicer) - A notable killer and member of the White Rose who typically targeted Elves, ironically settling down with an Adunian. Juumane M’Baku - First Neguš of Ghanyah and one of the first Southeron persons to lead on a national level. Haadi Mubdee - A powerful mage and an Archmage/Founder of the Mages Guild or The Tamed Arcane. Notable Families - House Denaseth - A Harian Noble House House Atatis - An independent Mounsidian Noble House Credits @LicorishLicorish - Co-writer @KribKribbitz - Co-writer @ChamoChamo - Original Lore Writer @MalocchioMalocchio - Original Lore Writer @ViolinoViolino - Advice, Aid, and Info @FordEbonsquire - Advice, Aid, Info, Char Mention @SodaiKamikazeNalatac - Advice, Aid, Info, Mention @FinalAwakenMyLove - Advice, Aid, and Info @Elad™ Elad - Character Mention @Appie Appie - Character Mention

Zarelek... Time to wake up... Zarelek had been scrying for hours on the boy with his Ethyrian Star, watching over him from his throne room in his ever-decaying castle within the Realm of Oblivion, a vast realm of nothingness and structures built of the Oblivion Energy that is constantly generated. He had no idea of how long time had passed since time meant very little in the Realm of Oblivion. To the many, it was a hellish plane of existence, meant for those who were too powerful for their own magic and consumed by their own feelings of guilt and bound by shackles forged from their dying ethereal light. Zarelek ruled over this Realm as a god, but he craved something infinitely more precious than this realm of his own. He craved the presence of others. He wished to teach others of his knowledge than rather have people wage war on each other. He was one of the only gods of Dark Magic that did not crave absolute power or the attention of rituals done in his name, but rather to crave the attention of others and teach them of magic that would benefit themselves as well as others. Sadly, he did not believe that his powers of Oblivion or Shadow could be used by those who had the mindset of balance. Calm before the storm. Darkness before light and light before darkness. After a thousand years of being bound to the Realm of Oblivion and feeling the power of Oblivion Magic course through his veins, he felt like his unending stasis of decay had not let up since he left the mortal world when the denizens of Atlas had left the continent to all of the other continents. This did not mean he didn't keep a close eye on the people he sought to teach his powerful yet ferocious magic to. Using his knowledge of Shadow Magic, he created the first Shadows which were his eyes in the mortal realm. Unseen and virtually undetected, these Shadows were able to take root everywhere, even in places that Descendants would consider too dangerous to sustain life. They were not creatures of undead origins, but only Zarelek understood what the Shadows were made of. The Shadows were also immortal or gave the semblance of immortality as they could not be seen by mortal eyes. He was, in the literal sense, old and decrepit with nothing to live for. He did not have any children of his own before or after his confinement, yet he also wished to give his power meaning. Zarelek observed the many people of Atlas, searching for those he considered worthy of his knowledge of the Dark Arts. These people, he believed, possessed an aura unlike any other. Prismatic color with near-infinite potential for any magic and when he found one, he kept an eye on that person to see how they use their potential. However, this aura was exceedingly rare to find in all of Atlas. Zarelek spent countless years searching for someone with the perfect aura to teach his magic to, utilizing his network of Shadows to spy on the many people as they went about their daily lives. This changed when he observed a high elven man doing some kind of calcuations, seeking knowledge to crack the calculations and access power beyond the Voidal, Deity, and Dark magics. Zarelek noticed his aura shining with a prismatic aura and he had a charming nature to him, which made Zarelek think that he could divert the high elf's calcuations to his own benefit. It took many years in the mortal realm for Zarelek to make up his mind and decide he would offer up the man a deal to which he would benefit greatly while also giving the man what he wished. More or less. Upon his final decision, Zarelek sent a Shadow to suppress the high elf's magical potential and granting the boy irrevocable denial to nearly all magic, save for those that Zarelek would teach him. He found himself a student, but the man would not know it until his calcuations were complete that he had been noticed by a dark deity of magic unseen in millennia... ~(+)==(+)~ Deity Information Name: Zarelek, the Empty Lord Age: Unknown Race: Divine Entity Alignment: Chaotic Neutral (1000 years ago; Artwork not by me) (Present time; Artwork not by me) ~(+)==(+)~ Abilities Zarelek has many abilities due to his masterful skills in Oblivion and Shadow Magics including changing one's identity, hiding in plain sight, and enhancing one's own spellwork. He teaches such knowledge to the most elite of his students or disciples and even teaches his most powerful students to become creatures that constantly draw upon the powers of Oblivion itself to fuel their magic and their very existence. Such creatures are not Shadows, but they represent the caster in the most darkest of lights and can even hear Zarelek speaking to them directly as if he was right next to them. He has the power to possess one of his disciples at a time to help augment their magic in their time of greatest need, which is helpful against foes that are too powerful for the caster alone to handle. However, he does not possess the power to possess those attuned to other magics other than the magics he himself possesses. Zarelek has deep respect for those who practice magic of nature itself and does not interfere with matters of the druidic or shamanistic type, though he allows all races and all genders to be taught his magic, but however he possesses the ability to corrupt soul trees with his powers of Oblivion Magic and even destroy them if he so wished. Not all of his abilities are known to all people, even those he teaches his magic to. [EDIT: In the Extended Lore, the redlines for the deity abilities are listed.] ~(+)==(+)~ The Laws of Oblivion Completely aware of the advantages that his magic would produce for those who learn his magic, Zarelek wrote down an Edict of Oblivion that all those who learn or wish to learn Oblivion Magic will adhere to lest they risk to lose Zarelek's favor and risk losing their connection to him and succumb to the wild power of Oblivion Magic, dying from the damage it would cause. (OOC: These laws apply to the Oblivion Magic submission that I will write if this deity is accepted. These laws will be enforced by the Magic Lore team or the Lore Team in general and anyone caught breaking these rules can lose their magic after 1 OOC week. They can avoid this by adhering to the rules for 1 OOC week and they may regain their power.) Thou shall not kill innocents with the use of Oblivion Magic. Keep thy word of honor. Do not perform rituals in Zarelek's name. Do not reveal your brethren to those of authorative power. Thou shall keep eternal silence of the Shadow Network save to share information with Shadow Mages or fellow Oblivion Mages. Do not reveal thyself to those who are not worthy. Thou shall not practice other Dark Magic while wielding the powers of Oblivion, save for Shadow Magic. Thy shall not adhere to the usage of Deity Magic of the holy kind, save for Druidism or Shamanism. Oblivion Magic shall not be abused to grant one true immortality from death. Thou shall be able to learn Voidal Magics, but thou are not allowed to use Oblivion Magic to enhance thy spellwork. ~(+)==(+)~ The Laws of Shadow Aware of how dangerous and intoxicating Shadow Magic is to those not used to such power, Zarelek wrote up another Edict, one of Shadow, so that those who wish to learn Shadow Magic or learn Shadow Magic must adhere to lest they wish to lose their ability to deceive and conceal. Being incredibly wise, Zarelek hates those who abuse such power and if they broke his rules, they would lose his favor and risk losing their powers forever and letting themselves succumb to their own deceits which would become known to all who were influenced by the mage. (OOC: These laws apply to the Shadow Magic submission that Melkor will submit if this deity is accepted. These laws will also be enforced by the Lore Team and anyone caught breaking these rules can lose their magic by the end of 1 OOC week. They can avoid this punishment if they adhere to the rules of this deity for 1 OOC week and they may regain their power. However, all deceits or acts of betrayal that the mage created in roleplay will degrade over time and all those who felt the mage's power will start to see the trickery that the mage in question had done if they lose their power completely. This can be avoided if the mage has regained their power by adhering to the rules.) [EDIT: These rules are null and void due to the first amendment within the Extended Lore. This was done as a request from Melkor.] Thou shall not kill Oblivion Mages. Do not betray your fellow Shadow Mages or Oblivion Mages. Thou may perform rituals in Zarelek's name. Do not break thy word of honor to those who wield Oblivion Magic or Shadow Magic. Thou shall keep eternal silence of the Shadow Network save to share information with Oblivion Mages or Shadow Mages. Thou shall not reveal their magic to those unworthy. Thy cannot practice other Dark Magics save for Oblivion Magic. Thou shall adhere to not using Deity Magic of the holy kind save for Druidism or Shamanism. Shadow Magic cannot grant thyself true immortality from death. Thyself shall be able to learn Voidal Magics, but thou is not allowed to use Shadow Magic to enhance thy spellwork. ~(+)==(+)~ Extended Lore Below ~(+)==(+)~ Zarelek sighed within his Realm of Oblivion, wondering on how everything turned out this way. Being bound to this unyielding, ever-decaying, black nothingness that Zarelek had the unfortunate luck of being bound to. Over a thousand years ago, he had been able to interact with the mortal races freely and without consequence, allowing him the chance to meet and possibly even be friends with the mortals who lived out their lives daily. He had been able to sate his craving for attention that long ago, but then something happened that forced him into exile into this realm that was created to specifically bind all who abused their power due to their overwhelming feelings of guilt and sorrow. Zarelek did not know who or what created this Realm as they remained hidden from his Ethyrian Star when he last tried it. He believed that this was his punishment for what happened a long time ago. During the War of Gods. ~(+)==(+)~ The war lasted eons. Between the forces of the Daemons that Iblees led against the Aenguls that the Creator had lead into battle, Zarelek was not on either side, choosing to remain neutral. Before he had begun his penace within the Realm of Oblivion, he lived in peace within the town of Dunshire. He loved being around the little halflings who enjoyed their relative peace from the War of Gods that raged on outside of the city’s gates and even enjoyed being in their festivals and silly games. Being a god himself, he did not have the ability to truly be a part of the mortal realm and had even considered giving up his godhood to enjoy a mortal life with the halflings he enjoyed being with so much. Though this was not to be towards the end of the War of Gods. Zarelek had been found by the Daemonic forces of Iblees. They desperately wanted his help in defeating the Aengulic forces of the Creator as they heard of his power over the forces of Oblivion, his natural magic. Shades, necromancers, wraiths, and all manner of dark creature came into the city in waves, killing all who stood in their way of Zarelek. Naturally, the halflings banded together in an attempt to hold back the forces of Iblees and giving Zarelek time to flee, but their attempt was short lived. The halflings screamed out in pain as women, men and children were slaughtered by the forces of Iblees and their desperate need for Zarelek’s help in the war effort. However, a select group of halflings survived. The surviving halflings did not know how or why that they had survived, but Zarelek did know. He saved them from the massacre of the daemon forces who were after him and his powers of Oblivion Magic and this infuriated Zarelek to the point where he broke his promise of neutrality in the war and sided only with himself, using his powers of Oblivion to drive back the daemons from Dunshire and even corrupt their souls to the point where Iblees could not even revive them from the blackened pit of Hell. “You wanted me and you got me. You got me pissed!” Zarelek screamed out as he pulled out his wand made of elderwood with a core of a stem of an unknown plant. He ignited his wand, which glew a dark purple as his eyes glew purple as well, signaling that he was channeling his powers in spellwork that the daemon forces were not at all prepared to fight against. He began to speak in a deep guttural tone of authority as if he was embodying the power of Oblivion itself within him. “You wanted my help and you slaughtered innocents this day! I’ll never join Iblees or the Creator’s forces in this war! Die, you pieces of Dark filth!” Within the town of Dunshire, Zarelek had begun to use his powers in the most deadly way possible against the forces of Iblees. He was going to make sure that they never existed from that point onward, even if it meant he’d pay for it later on. He began to cast spell after spell towards the forces of Iblees to the extent that he would run out of magical energy at times and wait some time to regain his power. During these instances of low power, the forces of Iblees would come back and tear apart Dunshire in the feeble attempt to collect Zarelek for Iblees. This happened for a few years until they forced his hand and captured a halfling, one of the very distant ancestors of the Applefoot clan whose name was lost to Time and who was vital for their formation. Zarelek heard of this and went to rescue the halfling, leaving the town defenseless against any other attack. This would prove to be the nail in the coffin for Zarelek because once he arrived at Iblees’ camp, he was tricked. There was no halfling to rescue, but a mere illusion by one of Iblees’ own in a gamble to see if Zarelek would come running to them. The gamble worked in their favor and Zarelek came running to a trap that Iblees himself organized. Before anything else happened, Zarelek felt himself become energized with Oblivion Energy. Even for a god, he felt someone watching his every move and before too long, he knew what he had to do. Zarelek was bound by one of Iblees’ generals and forced to his feet to face judgement by Iblees himself. Apparently, Zarelek had killed one of Iblees’ favorite generals and one that was vital to Iblees’ campaign against the Aenguls of the Creator, which meant that the War was soon to end. Zarelek smiled once he knew what he did against Iblees to force him to resort to mere trickery. “Master Iblees, we have the Oblivion Mage.” one of Iblees’ commanders said as they entered into the room where Iblees was standing in. To Zarelek, he’d suspect the fallen Aengul to be grossly daemonic, but for Zarelek, he was impressed slightly with the sight of the Aengul in front of him. He didn’t look heavenly like the Creator’s own Aenguls, but he did know of Iblees’ heavenly origin before his fall from grace. In fact, all the lesser known deities knew of the Fall, but Zarelek was there to witness it. Another story for another time. “Bring him in,” Zarelek heard Iblees say to his commander, who then had him thrown into the room. Zarelek was attuned to the forces of Oblivion, but he could tell the murderous psychopathic aengul he now faced. The Father of all Shades, Iblees himself, was close to Zarelek himself and if Zarelek could forcibly regenerate himself, the blast of Oblivion Magic would be enough to brutally injure the fallen Aengul and his forces so that he can make his escape. However, Iblees seemed to have other plans for Zarelek. “You killed my general, Zarelek the Wise,” Iblees said to Zarelek, sounding utterly pissed. Zarelek smiled even if he was not injured himself. “Your people killed innocents. Seemed only fair that I slay your generals as well as demolish your forces as retribution.” Zarelek replied, seemingly happy that he caused Iblees pain. “What’s stopping me from taking out the big bad Iblees himself for the Creator? I could easily use my magic to tear your camp apart, leaving you all dead.” “You cannot kill me, mage. You bluff on how powerful your magic truly is when all it is good for is what Voidal powers can do. Stale and unoriginal.” Iblees said, grabbing Zarelek’s throat and choking him out. “You aren’t a god but a mere toy of Fate. Of your own power.” This forced Zarelek to play his hand too early. Zarelek, though bound, made the rope that bound him decay at over a thousand years a second and forced himself to regenerate by Oblivion Magic. Now, Zarelek knew the consequences of regenerating forcefully as it could make his state of decay worsen over time as well as not be as effective as it would be if Zarelek was dying himself, but he had no choice. He began to glow a violent purple with the various enchantments to protect himself from the Reaper and before Iblees could stop him, he exploded like a supernova, emitting purple light that seemed to attract the attention of the wizard and the Aengul forces. Zarelek screamed out in pure agony as he regenerated and forcing a lot of brutal injuries onto Iblees and his nearby squadrons, thereby weakening them a bit to give the Aenguls a true fighting chance. Iblees, however, knew only one spell that could save his army from the magic that Zarelek had power over. The banishing spell. Iblees, in the middle of Zarelek’s regeneration, casted the banishing curse upon Zarelek to happen within the year of Iblees’ defeat by the hands of the wizard and the aengul forces. When the spell was casted, Zarelek’s regeneration was finished and Zarelek laid unconscious, having to wait for the day he’d awaken... ~(+)==(+)~ Zarelek woke up a few days later, back in the town of Dunshire. He had a splitting headache and felt like he was extremely woozy after the forceful regeneration he had suffered. He began to get up when the wizard came in with two archaenguls behind him. “Seems like I have the pleasure of meeting Zarelek himself,” the wizard said as he noticed Zarelek sitting up in what appeared to be a Dunshire medical room. “Regeneration by Oblivion Magic. Nasty form of resurrection.” “Yeah, it is. Dangerous if you’re not already dying.” Zarelek replied to the wizard. The wizard smiled a little before he spoke up, sounding sad. “Well, it seems that Iblees has cursed you, Zarelek. He put a banishing curse upon you, but I have enough power to shorten it to at least a few millennia if you want.” Zarelek thought about it for a moment and he nodded to the wizard, who worked his magic to shorten the banishing curse by a few millennia. After a few moments, Zarelek felt at ease with the wizard and said simply “Thank you.” After that, Zarelek faded away from the mortal realm, his banishing curse taking hold. A few millennia later, he worked out a way to give himself some time in the mortal realm before the curse took hold once more, the chains of Oblivion dragging him back into the desolate wasteland of nothingness where all Oblivion Energy is generated. Well, you know the rest... ~(+)==(+)~ Redlines Zarelek may have powerful magic at his disposal, but even he is not all-powerful. This deity has weaknesses as well that any Holy Mage can do as well as a Voidal Mage of a high enough caliber. These same weaknesses translate to his followers of Shadow and Oblivion, which makes them susceptible to these kinds of magical power. However, Oblivion Mages do not have the same curse that Zarelek himself has, being dragged into Oblivion itself. (OOC: I will provide the redlines for this deity and Oblivion Magic whereas Melkor will provide the redlines for Shadow Magic) ~(+)==(+)~ Amendments Now, the original lore of Zarelek was left with some holes in it, which was made to allow for adaptability. In this part of the extended lore, I will write some amendments to the deity Zarelek that were left unanswered or need to be fixed. Zarelek’s Laws of Shadow are null and void. These tenets were made in place ahead of the full written Shadow Magic lore that Melkor has yet to write and has requested me to remove these tenets so that he can work with the freedom it provides. I will, however, write up another set of tenets with Melkor’s input for this deity. Shadows (Zarelek’s feeble attempt at creating life) are Oblivion-enhanced creatures that feed off the infinite Oblivion Energy that his Realm provides. These creatures are animals that have been heavily affected by the presence of the Rifts and have grown to obey Zarelek and any of those who are bound to his power. In the extended lore, I have made mention of Rifts. Rifts are small tears in the mortal realm that delve into the inhospitable Realm of Oblivion and only allow objects, Shadows, or those imbued with Oblivion Magic to enter. All other people are excluded. They also affect the environment and offer new herbs and plants that can either kill or heal people. Oblivion Magic is both a Creative and Destructive magic. I was talking to Quavinir in voice chat when he asked me about Oblivion Magic and what it is, which made me a little annoyed. However, the criticism was received and I’ll point out what it can do. Oblivion Magic can be used to heal those inflicted with soul damage, physical injury, and mental injury while it can also be used to take away someone’s life completely or even give them a true death. However, this only applies to kinetic Oblivion Energy. Raw, untapped, potential Oblivion Energy can outright kill anyone that is not protected from the magic, making the Realm of Oblivion an instant death (PK kind). The Realm of Oblivion is desolate with very little true life to exist. The energy that the Realm provides can make any Oblivion Mage truly godlike, but the only true god is Zarelek the Empty Lord within the Realm of Oblivion. Of course, it can be a place to visit if you have the powerful Oblivion enchantments and a Rift to access it. If you do not have protection, you will have to PK your character upon entering. These enchantments last indefinitely while within the Realm of Oblivion and starvation is not possible or thirst. This does not protect you against any injury you may sustain. While within the Realm of Oblivion, there are some kind of herb that is exceedingly rare to find. This herb has magical properties of healing (crushed) or killing (not crushed) the person who takes it in. This herb can only be applied into drinks and represent the alchemical symbol for Earth. It is called the Herb of Oblivion. -Redline: This herb can only be found in the Realm of Oblivion and is a lore item. Can only be acquired with a trowel and cleansed by water blessed with holy magic or druidism. Telepathic communication between Shadows and Zarelek exist as a unique form of Possession where the Shadows are an external form of Zarelek, allowing for Zarelek to receive near-instant communication from his Shadow network, even across the dimensions. This connection cannot be severed, even with his “death.” Regeneration for an Oblivion Mage is exceedingly difficult to perform, even if they are near-death. It can be forced by the caster themselves to regenerate themselves, but no one can force a regeneration to occur onto another Oblivion Mage save for Zarelek himself. It allows for a loophole in the death rules as they can regenerate on the spot of their deaths before going to the nearest Horcrux without losing thirty minutes of their memory. Redline: Regeneration is a Tier 5 ability due to how it loops around the death rules. It also takes one Horcrux per Regeneration and cannot refund that Horcrux. Maximum of Regenerations is ten. Horcruxes (yes like from Harry Potter) are inanimate or animate objects that have a piece of the Mage’s soul within them. These objects can be anything, save for Oblivion-enhanced or Oblivion-enchanted items. However, these items are exceedingly dangerous and nearly indestructible. Redline: Only ten horcruxes can be made at a time. If a Horcrux is destroyed by magical means (Voidal Fire, etc.), that piece is refunded to the caster to make another Horcrux. However, if the user attempts to Regenerate, the nearest Horcrux is used up and cannot refund the soul piece. Any magic user of this deity is prone to sickness by digesting Gold or being burned by Tier five voidal fire. No Holy Magic can cleanse the user of the magic of Oblivion or any magic that this deity is tied to. This includes Ascended and other such Holy Magics. Monk Magic has no effect on those who are tied to this deity. Zarelek has a deep affinity to teaching those he considers worthy of being taught Oblivion Magic. This excludes Shades, Necromancers, Frost Witches, and Mystics. He allows some Holy Magic users like Clerics and Paladins to be taught, but it would take longer for them to learn the magic. Voidal Magic users are also allowed to be taught magic tied to this deity. No one knows why he has such an affinity. ~(+)==(+)~ Rifts Rifts are cracks in the fabric of Reality where magic from the Realm of Oblivion seeps through and infects the area around it with Oblivion Energy. These Rifts affect the area surrounding it by killing off the natural flora around it and infect the animals around it with Oblivion Poisoning, a gruesome plague that can only be cured with Oblivion Magic (Tier 3) or with a cleansing ritual by a Holy Mage (Tier 5). These Rifts cannot be closed by any magic other than Oblivion Magic (Tier 4) and they allow travel between the Mortal Realms to the Realm of Oblivion and back again. ~(+)==(+)~ Credits Original Author: TheDragonsRoost Contributors: Melkor__, Farryn, Quavinir, FlamboyantRage (Clarification on Scrying tools), Fitermon (Ethyrian Star), Farryn

HAESENI PEOPLE THE HANSO-RAEV CRUCIBLE VE EDLERVIK TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. HISTORY III. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS IV. WAY OF LIFE V. RELIGION VI. LANGUAGE VII. MONARCHS OF HAENSE VIII. NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS I - INTRODUCTION A BRIEF SUMMARY The Haensic people (also known as Haeseni, Haensetians, or Edlervik in their native Naumariav) are the national and ethnic natives of the Kingdom of Haense, one of the only autonomous highlander states in existence. Their identity can be traced to the waning end of Schismatic Wars in the late 1400s, where the recently-conquered Hansetians were subjugated to Raevir governors and ruling elite. The ethnonym and national name ‘Haeseni’ and ‘Haense’ comes from the canonical city Hanseh, the capital of Saint Joren’s realm and its successor states. Historically, the considered ‘beginning date’ of the Haeseni is usually the coronation of Petyr Barbanov in 1579 to the thrones of Hanseti and Ruska, soon being shortened to Haense in vernacular lingo, though the process of cultural infusion of the lords and commoners started much earlier. Throughout the years prior, Botch was phased out in favor of languages either in Flexio or Marian, and to maintain order in the provinces, the upper class adopted Hansetian customs and legal systems, and especially following the disastrous War of the Ducal Confederation of the late 1510s, began to associate themselves as natives rather than Raevir settlers. As noted by John Macdonough in the 1560s, ‘... when you enter the halls of the crow lords, it is almost baffling to gaze at Sigismund and King Mark sharing motifs, and how no man would ever admit to having more Rusk than Marian in their blood.’ The military remained dominated by the Raevir, and it remained the most stubborn to hansetification, and the nation maintained the unique cavalry traditions and hierarchy, though in recent years the modernist reforms of the heartlands have trickled in. The upper class specifically also maintains a heavy precedence on Karovic lineage and Sigismundic decent, keeping many of the classical clan institutions of its ancestors, albeit more formalized and generally for ceremonial purposes. --- NOTE ON ETYMOLOGY The most common demonym in referring to the culture is ‘Haeseni’, especially popular vernacularly, and ‘Haensetian’. However, the latter has caused confusion among historians, with only a letter difference between ‘Hansetian’ and ‘Haensetian’. In most writings, it is common to see Haensetians referred to as “Haeseni” or “Haensic people”, in order to mitigate this confusion. “Edlervik” is used in Naumariav to refer to Haensetians, transliterating into ‘the Edel folk’. Other, rarer demonyms, include “Hanso-Raevir” (made popular by the writings of Stanimar van Rytsborg at the beginning of the sixteenth century), “Edelites” in reference to the canonical city of Edel, or “Haensian” which is more popular by southern writers and authors. --- PLAYING A HAESENI CHARACTER | OOC There are no special requirements in making a Haeseni and is especially encouraged when playing in the Haense player base. This guide will (hopefully) help you in making such a character and give more flair in roleplaying your character. However, every character is different! Nothing on here is set in stone, and you may act as you wish. This culture is not some ancient people deriving back thousands of years, but an organic population founded almost entirely through roleplayed events and history. Everything is subject to change and it is our belief everyone can add their own little bit to this evolving culture. II - HISTORY OVAREVED SENOEHR AND THE NORTHERN QUESTION [1491-1578] Most historians consider the foundation of Haense at the first settlement of Raevir in Hanseti- namely in Ayr, Hiebenhall, and Drakenborg- during the waning years of the Schism War in the 1490s, when the Kingdom of Aesterwald began to crumble and kossak bands took control of a vast majority of the country-side. Vanderfell itself, the capital of Aesterwald, would fall in 1492 to officially end the Schism War, and in its remnants a puppet state was formed under a Hansetian governor known as Otto Heinzreich. However, the nobility was almost completely replaced by newly arrived Raevir lords, such as the Barbanovs and the Kovachevs, and eventually Otto Heinzreich would be later succeeded by a raev himself, Karl Barbanov. Karl reorganized the state, forming a true ducal realm, and it was decided to be called ‘Haense’, after ‘Hanseh’, from the biblical name of the Joren’s first and capital city during his conquests of the northmen. Karl therefore became the first ‘Duke of Haense’, a title which has suck upon the Barbanov familial holdings for generations. In these early years, the focus was the Third Human-Dwarf War, and the Duchy of Haense became a warzone. Scattered throughout former Waldenian realm lied numerous dwarven outposts, and control of the mining and lumber industries became vital to both side’s war efforts. Famous battles include the Siege of Drakenborg and Karl’s Capture of Hiebenhall, which marked the end of dwarven occupation in the highlander realm. Hiebenhall was reconstructed into Siegrad, the first de jure capital of a Haeseni realm, and it prospered to trade on the rivers. Shortly after war ended, Karl launched new attacks upon the pagans deep in the hinterlands, pushing many out of the region (including future pagan settlers on the isle of Avar). Karl died in the Great Worm Attack of 1518, and the duchy continued into a regency led by the Hansetian Tarcell Othaman. The War of the Ducal Coalition went into full swing following the Wett Massacre, and regent Tarcell declared for Duke Hugo Sarkozic in his bid for kingship. For majority of the war Tarcell remained near Haense, defending against numerous attempts at an invasion. Karl’s son Siguine reached of age near the middle of the war, and when Hugo died mere months after his fourteenth nameday, he was elected the Duke of Adria and Lord Paramount of the Coalition. Many Haeseni soldiers followed Siguine south to Brelus, where Siguine suffered defeats both at the Blackwald then Barrowyk. Brelus soon after was sacked and destroyed by royalist forces, and the Ducal Coalition admitted surrender the following day. Despite this, Tarcell remained stubborn in rebellion and continued to be defiant till his untimely death a year after in 1522. The Haeseni soldiers, now without a leader, fell quickly to an Orenian company led by the northman Jan Kovachev, who later was granted a fair majority of Haense’s ducal lands. This status quo did not remain long, however, and the Horen Restoration in 1526 saw Haense once again reorganized into the rump state of Carnatia, given to the Sarkozic-claimant Otto Sarkozic. The imperial reformation founded a sense of calmness in the land, but soon it once again came to disorder. Throughout previous empires, there has been at least one form of autonomous highlander state, and many looked who it would be led by. The hinterlands during this were split three-way- Carnatia, the heartlander-controlled Courland, and the Horen principality of Alamar. The Duke of Carnatia and Viscount of Alamar came to an agreement known as the Sigismund’s Day Compromise, to form an autonomous realm with the emperor as king. However, they did not include the Duke of Courland, and the proposed government never came to be. The Eighteen Years’ War stretched a good majority of this time, which gained the mixed Raevir-Hansetian Carnatians a military tradition. Two of the war’s most famous commanders, Jan Kovachev and Josef Vladov, came from their ilk. The Capture of Avar under Josef Vladov was also a celebrated success in Carnatia, and the company known as the Carnatian Hussar gained rapid fame throughout the imperial army. What became now known as ‘the Northern Question’ ripped apart relations between the two power-houses of the hinterlands, Haense and Courland. The return of the Barbanov-claimant Petyr to Carnatia and the Duke of Courland’s illegal seizure of Kraken’s Watch (a fief owned by the Vanir family) sparked the bloody Riga War. Command was given to Petyr Barbanov, supported by talented commanders such as Jan Kovachev, Fiske Vanir, and the later Palatine Rickard Barrow. The war ended in a Haeseni victory at the Sacking of Riga in 1564. Petyr look the position of Lord Governor of the North by the imperial government, and he helped lead the pacification of the Krajian Rebellion from 1565 to 1576. Haense’s most famous victories during the entirety of the Anarchy include the Sacking of Riga, which ended the Riga War, the Battle of Krajia in 1570, raiding and looting the de facto capital of the hetmans, and the Standoff at Eroch River, where Rickard Barrow bravely saved the imperial crown prince. Only two years after the submission of the hetmans, Petyr was granted the crowns of both Hanseti and Ruska, to which he called after his ducal seat: ‘Haense’. Historians consider this the founding moments of what is to be the ‘Haeseni people’, a culture that is not wholly Raevir or Hansetian. --- THE FIRST REGIME [1578-1603] With now total legal control over most of the hinterlands, Haense expanded immensely. New fortifications, villages, cities, and estates sprang up overnight. Marian was adopted as the official tongue of the nation (though Raev Iliyric was still used in rare occasions). Karlsborg was constructed as a planned city under the direction of Rickard Barrow, designated to be a true Haeseni royal capital. He also designed the palace of Ottostadt, the first home of the royal family. Petyr only ruled for four years, and though it was a large blow to the nation, his popular son Andrik II took the throne. Haense continued to blossom and thrive, its population boomed, and its culture thrived. In 1585, Andrik II was supposedly disrespected by the reigning emperor at the time, John IV. In rage, he killed the emperor, then fled north to commence the short-lived Deep Cold Uprising. It ended quickly in 1586 by a pro-Imperialist faction led by Sergey Kovachev, the Duke of Carnatia, and he forced Andrik II to abdicate to his infant son Marius. Andrik was later captured by the veterans of the Carnatian Hussar, and he was boiled in milk by the insane emperor Philip. Andrik’s brother and Marius’ uncle Karl Sigmar took power as regent, and unlike his father and elder brother, he could not rally the nobility behind him. His centralization efforts with the military was an intense struggle, and numerous lords were placed in power due to personal relations with the monarchy rather than true talent. By Marius’ accession as king in 1598, the nobility forced him out of court. The nobility of the time was controlled by two main factions- the Sergeyists and the Andrivists, who quarreled for control. A small royalist faction under Stefan Bihar and later Lukas Vanir existed, though it struggled to keep the peace maintained between both sides. Throughout all the political turmoil, Haeseni culture continued into its golden age, producing countless works and the creation of the first proper Haeseni language, known as New Marian. Marius attempted nationalization of his country, and he reached some success, and continued the vast effort of colonizing the Haeseni hinterlands. He founded countless cities, roads, and forts, though majority soon after left abandoned following the coming war. A few short rebellions, such as the Brawn Rebellion in 1600, but the nation resumed a tenuous peace. To the south, the empire had fallen to the Coalition Wars, and was divided amongst the ruling warlords. Due to multiple diplomatic blunder, include the Haeseni councilor Diedrik Barrow’s murder of one of their princes entered Haense into the First Northern War. The military of Haense at this was disorganized and weak, the blunder of Branimar Vanir’s command taken its toll. Both at the battles of Elba and Vasiland, Haense experienced bloody defeat, and soon the monarchy of Marius left in exile to an allied court. --- GREYSPINE REBELLION AND THE RESTORATION [1603-1655] The loss of the nation is perhaps one of the greatest forces which bonded the now divided Haeseni people, when occupied by Heartlander warlords. Much of the nobility fled to the southern city of Mardon, where Marius made his court-in-exile. The lower nobility and minor landowners stayed, however, and there grew a great friction between the highlander natives and now newly-arriving heartlander colonists. In a pact led by the Count of Ayr, Eirik Baruch, and the Rutherns of Metterden, short incursions began, which soon spread wildfire throughout the former Haeseni realm. The exiled government soon took interested, and now in leadership of Stefan Barbanov, they met at the climax of the Second Battle of the Rothswood, where the occupier’s army was annihilated, chased by the soldiers of Harren van Metterden. The first true Karovic duma in years began, and the Karovic houses met to choose a new king. The Ruthern, a primary combatant in the war, wanted their own as king, yet the royalist faction wished for a return of the Barbanovs. In a landslide victory, Stefan won and was elected king, appointed numerous famous officials such as Henrik Bihar and Alessa Grendok. In the beginning, raids by the western pagans were common, though after the brief Battles of Rostig and Alban, they halted further incursions. Palatine Henrik Bihar oversaw the construction of the new capital of Alban (the former Karlsborg was destroyed following the war) and vast reforms spread throughout the state. Despite imperial losses to the south, the Haense state militarily rebounded dramatically, and due to the Pruvian Inheritance the economy boomed. Alban thrived under Stefan and his two successors, Otto I and Otto II, and Haense continued to maintain themselves as one of the dominant powers in the human realms. Barbanov grew to become a wealthy family not only in terms of their own realm and came to exhibit strong influence. Otherwise in the brief conflicts on the Vasiland Coast during the War of the Beards in the Siege of Kraken’s Watch in 1635, Haense remained relatively peaceful, while the south was rocked by scandals such as the Adelburg Coup. Otto II joined the Third Crusade, helping remove the pagan threats to the west, and constructed the new capital, known to the present day as Markev. When his son Otto III took the throne, he greatly expanded both Markev and his new palace of Krepost. However, the cultural golden age was running on fumes, and as tensions increased between the heartlander states and Haense, war came to everyone’s mind. For a decade, no conflict happened, though intense diplomatic meetings did not help the situation. In 1653, conflict broke, and while initial successes were had, the Curon front was decimated by their opponents. Belvitz, one of the main trading partners with Markev and the main breadbasket of humanity, was cut off by embargo from the Horen crown. By 1654, the capital of Markev experienced famine and later the Great Plague of 1654, which decimated the populace. Both Otto III and his heir (though on mysterious circumstances) died due to this plague, which left the realm to his second son Karl II. --- MODERN ERA [1655-Present] Haense experienced multiple losses to their heartlander enemies, though Karl II, joined by his cousin and Palatine Franz Bihar, were able to maintain their overs from crossing the River Czena. Karl II attempted to fix the lack of food by constructing more farms, expanding the wheat production of Haense tenfold. Though with heavy embargo upon Haense’s goods, the economy suffered, and trade was little to be had in Markev. Liberals under a constitutional radical message attempted to overthrow the government late in 1560, though Karl II and his forces were able to beat them off. When Karl himself died in 1666, an intense succession crisis occurred. Nobility expected a duma to be called, but Jakob Bihar, the former Palatine, seized control as king short after. However, he was captured mere days since becoming king, and executed. Now in a status of emergency, Franz’s nephew, Sigmar Lothar, was quickly rushed to the throne to ease tensions. Under Sigmar, he convinced the embargo to be lifted and trade flooded back in, with Markev receiving a short boost in population and wealth. He loosened control on his vassals and pursued policies of weak central authority, which angered his family’s more centralized focus. Sigmar was unable to reverse the military blunders of the past, however, and his army was crushed as the Battle of Karl’s Hill in the beginning of his reign. Soon after, he looked to appeasement with his aggressors, and swore under their monarch Aurelius, forming a new imperial state. Sigmar passed away to the flu, leaving the throne to his son Robert. III - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS PHENOTYPES In the decades of inbreeding between waves of migrations, settlers, and the natives, there are three basic phenotypes for the Haeseni people - the High Marians, the Low Marians, and the Vezuchet. The average height of a Haeseni man is around six feet, and for women around five foot eight. Vezuchets are the tallest, averaging around six foot one, with High Marians around six foot to six foot and a half. Low Marians are the shortest with an average at five foot eleven to five foot eleven and a half. --- HIGH MARIAN - THE ELDER NOBILITY The High Marians are the elder nobility - namely, the Karovic household. Traits of this phenotype is black or blonde hair, and green or blue eyes. The traditional green-eye with Crow-plume for hair is very common, though intermarriage with Hansetian lordlings put a high desire on the typical blonde-hair, blue-eyed highlander. High Marians remained tall along with their kin, though they are slenderer than the rugged peasants of the frontier, with larger heads compared with the average Haeseni. --- LOW MARIAN - THE LOW NOBILITY AND BURGHERS The middle class of Haense, they display a mix of Hansetian and Raevir features, though favor more towards the former. Brown and blonde hair is the most common, with blue or grey eyes. They are bulkier than the High Marians, though on average shorter, though still maintain a larger head compared to the poorer class of the Vezuchet. --- VEZUCHET - THE COMMONERS, FREEMEN, AND SERFS The Vezuchets are the largest, yet poorest class, and exhibit mostly features such as brown hair and grey to brown eyes. From surviving the hinterlands has made many of them larger than the average High or Low Marian, both taller and larger in size. Their heads are smaller, with longer torso compared to legs. IV - WAY OF LIFE CREMATION OF THE DEAD AND THE ASHERN In highlander tradition, cremation has always played a part in paying respects to the dead, and it continues strong in the Kingdom of Haense. Kinsmen are burned by their family members in great pyres, and their ashes collected in urns called Ashern. Everyone is typically given their own ashern to house their ashes. However, in the higher nobility, it is common for patriarchs and extraordinary individuals to have their ashes collected in the Haucashern, a large urn which is home to the ashes of previous patriarchs of the family. The size of a family’s Haucashern is a symbol of status, and the oldest of families typically have the largest of haucasherns. Both kinds of urns are usually ornately decorated, and the more prestigious a house the better quality of urn. This practice resurged namely after the War of the Ducal Coalition, where it became a trend to carry ashes of the burned dead of Brelus in urns, typically used by knights as a sign of respect and honoring the dead. In the heartlands the fad faded quickly, though the tradition remained strong in Haense. Many veterans and lords of the war requested to be cremated as an honor, and it soon evolved into the norm for last rites. --- THE LAST DRINK OF DEATH Following the funeral ceremony and the cremation of the dead’s body, a solemn feast begins in memory of the fallen kinsman and comrade. At the beginning of the feast, a toast is given to the fallen, called the ‘Last Drink of Death’, to which each pours half the contents of their glass upon the floor. After which, everyone must finish the drink. A prayer is given shortly after, and the feast commences. --- PERMISSION FOR COURTING Although the courting process itself remains similar to the heartlander traditions, Haense maintains a very strict protocol in the asking of permission for a lord or sir to court a lord’s daughter or female kinsman. The man must gather exactly two sheep, a goat, and four chickens, and give them as an offering to the family patriarch. The gifts are taken by the patriarch, and the man in question is invited to a feast in the patriarch’s house. At the end of the dinner, the man is given one of two dishes - the lok (goat intestine filled with pork) or the erkindelir (boiled pig heart). If the man is served lok, then the patriarch has given his permission for the man to court the respective female of his clan. If the man is served erkindelir, however, he is refused permission. If the erkindelir is covered in a spicy sauce known as uli (milk and cream mixed with spices), then the denial is extreme, to a point where the man is forbidden to see his desired female companion again. --- BREAKING THE BREAD It is the commonly-held belief of a naturally enforced peace amongst those eating under the same roof, a common and old highlander custom. Feasts and dinner gatherings are seen as times of house bonding but also a rare instance of vulnerability. And so, it is very common for rivals and enemy parties to ‘break bread’ before a diplomatic meeting, to make the gathering a ‘feast’. Violence of any kind is strictly prohibited, and it is very taboo if it is allowed to go unpunished. In the case of political and diplomatic meetings, it is common to dip the bread afterwards into Carrion Black, and shortly thereafter eaten. --- TRIALS OF ULRIC TIBERAN Published late in the sixteenth century, the Trials of Ulric Tiberan is a collection of children stories all featuring the title character as protagonist. The stories are commonly used by Haeseni parents and teachers in schooling young children. They commonly feature virtues of loyalty, dedication, and humility. Numerous stock characters are used in the tales, such as the twin crowns ‘Alvin and Darren’, the greedy Sir de Viri, and his squire Enoch. He commonly uses ‘Soulstrung’, a bow and his signature weapon. His most famous story is the ‘Trial of the Dragon’, where he slays the frost wyrm Toruug. --- PERISSEM NE PERISSEM - PERSISTENCE At the core of Haeseni lies the chiefest of virtues - persistence. Persistence in the hardships of life. Persistence in the hardship faced by the Haeseni people time and time again. Unlike other realms, Haense boasts a continuous history, filled with peaks and troughs, and through it all, despite all violence against it, the Kingdom of Haense and its people remain. This is commonly shown in the famous Haeseni proverb: “I would have perished had I not persisted.” Time and time again, Haense has been brought to a low position, yet every time it resurfaces and returns to the days of glory and its manifest destiny. Only through persistence and dedication can the Haeseni people live on. --- PERISSEM NE PERISSEM - SELF-RELIANCE Throughout history, Haense has found itself either surrounded with allies or swimming in enemies, and the Haeseni people have attempted to a staunch belief in self-reliance. No matter political affairs of neighboring states and outside world, Haense must focus in relying upon its own to rebuild itself up from any destruction. Many in the world will promise help, and while some will actually give, to depend your entirety on the whims on foreigners never bodes well. --- PERISSEM NE PERISSEM - SELF-ASSURANCE With their concept of self-reliance comes their belief in self-assurance, that no matter what path Haense takes, the people are ready and will stand together to face any threat. Haense must not look at the total outside for their evaluation, but look within, and seeing together as a united Haeseni people. This is embodied in the Haeseni saying, “Lest my shield turn to ash, but I shall not falter.” --- BIHARISM - THE AGRARIAN DREAM Haense has, and for the foreseeable future will be an agricultural society, and with it the social concept of land ownership. It is considered culturally the proper Haeseni way to law ownership to land and live from the bounties of the earth. It has been the cornerstone of the Haeseni political thought of Biharism which is that every freeman of Haeseni stock to own their own farms, provide for their own families, and raise that proper family to follow in the same tradition. --- BIHARISM - JEREMIC LIBERTIES From the beginning of Karl’s first warrior bands in the fledgling Duchy of Haense, the military followed a pseudo-cossack code. Not following many of the traditions, they still maintained the famous concept of the ‘Jeremic Liberties’, which are the freedoms given to each freeman within the realm. These, of course, have been adapted heavily in more Hansetian tradition, though the base meaning remains the same. The liberties are as followed: “To each freeman is his own life, to take it is to be a thief, To each freeman his own time, to take it is to be a slaver, To each freeman his own sword, to take it is to blind him, To each freeman his own wife, to take it is to injure him, And to each freeman his own farm, to take is to make him no man.” These five principles are the core freedoms of each free Haeseni man- rights which, culturally, cannot be taken away. --- BIHARISM - HAESENI DESTINY The Haeseni Destiny is the belief is required colonized of nearby lands, that the homeland of the highland peoples must be expanded to allow for future growth. This has been a common policy carried on by many administrations, and remains a common belief held by the Haeseni public. The hinterlands are wild and dangerous, and it is the Haeseni duty to colonize and bring order to the land which God had given us. --- CURSE OF FRANZ The ‘Curse of Franz’ is the popular belief that misfortune will fall upon lords and kings named Franz. This superstition has begun after three kings with the similar name Franz meeting horrid fates: Franz the Martyr was killed in his own court, Franz the Faultless was executed for his brother’s war, and the Franz the Unfortunate’s murder before even receiving the crown. It is therefore taboo to name heirs Franz, else fall prey to the curse. --- HOLIDAY - SIGISMUND’S DAY 7th of the Sun’s Smile Sigismund’s Day is the national holiday in celebration of Sigismund, one of the patrons of Haense. This is typically a private family affair, and usually involves house and clan unions. During this day, it is tradition for all members of the Karovic household to feast in the halls of the current Karovic Patriarch. Common foods during this meal include veal, iskov (blend of potatoes and vegetables), and restineol (salted horse brain). --- HOLIDAY - BAROVIFEST 2nd of the Amber Cold Barovifest originally was the celebration of Barbov the Black’s victory over the Nzechs at the Battle of the Elks, although in time it has transformed to the largest harvest festival within Haense. It is tradition, after sunset, to burn five large hay crows, with the typical locale playing music and other assortment of activities, such as apple bobbing and squash hurling. Many during this event wearing hand-carved wooden masks, called Maskoe, which are either in the shape of animals or famous individuals (including mockeries of disliked politicians). Throughout the festivities, the staple drink is yopil, a mixture of Carrion Black and fruit (berries and apples). --- HOLIDAY - FEAST OF SAINT TOBIAS THE PURE 15th of the Snow’s Maiden The Feast of Saint Tobias is the celebration of the winter solstice, and typically includes a large feast and play in the village center. Traditionally, the holiday was a very solemn affair, although in recent years it has been combining with the similar traditions of the heartlander Saint Tobias’ Day, which includes traditions of gift-giving and selfless acts. --- HOLIDAY - FEAST OF SAINT JULIA AND THE FIFTY VIRGINS OF PARADISIUS | JULIYEAFEST 21st of the First Seed Juliyeafest is considered the ‘festival of love’ within the Kingdom of Haense, and it is considered a Canonist fertility festival. Marriages on Juliyeafest are very, very common, and it is considered romantic for a male to give their female companion and crown of lilies, known as a Liliekongis. --- CORONATION OF THE KING - GOLDEN BULAVA The first item given to the king during his coronation is the Golden Bulava - the symbol of authority over the army. In the early days of the Duchy of Haense, the military was heavily dominated by the Raevir elite, and in their traditional fashion used the bulava as the sample of hetmanic authority. Eventually, the bulava has been adapted in Haeseni tradition and used as symbol of power for the commandants in service to the royal crown. --- CORONATION OF THE KING - MARIAN SWORD The second item given to the king during his coronation is the Marian Sword - symbol of the people. During the original settlement of the Duchy of Haense, the clear majority of the peasant population remained Hansetian, and so at the opposite of military life rests in the left hand the sword of the people. The sword is reputed to be the sword Gaius Marius, first monarch of Hanseti, and even in battle is worn by the king, in order to always carry the will of the Haeseni people with him. --- CORONATION OF THE KING - CROWN OF BL FRANCIS THE MARTYR The Crown of Haense is known officially as the Crown of Blessed Francis the Martyr, and since the coronation of Petyr I, has been the symbol of the Haeseni monarchy. The eleven jewels on the coronet (six blue and five red) each to signify a martyr of the Franciscan Massacre. --- SIGN OF FEALTY - KISSING THE KNEE In swearing the oath of fealty to a monarch or lord, it is common practice to ‘Kiss the Knee’, which is the literal pecking of the liege’s right knee. This is typically done following the reciting of an oath, such as an Othamanic Oath, and must be done with both knees on the ground. Before kissing, the words ‘Belei doe [name of liege]’ must be recited. --- MILITARY - CAVALRY TRADITION Since the ridings of Jan Kovachev and the warrior-general Alessa Grendock, Haense and the Haeseni people have always maintained a strong cavalry force and tradition. Numerous Haeseni have made names for themselves as horsemen during the countless wars, and it is considered an honor to be allowed to ride in one of Haense’s many horse divisions. Majority of these companies maintain a traditional dress of colorful robes and fur hats, typically accented with feathers. --- ROYAL FAMILY - KAROVIC’S HAND The Karovic’s Hand is the traditional advisor to the Patriarch of Carrion- a tradition which has survived in Haense under the Royal House of Barbanov. For many years, the Karovic’s hand followed the young Bihar line while the patriarchy followed the senior Andrivian line. The Karovic’s Hand maintains the household of the royal family and the integrity of the family in full- in the Karovic’s Hand who monitors and keeps the peace amongst the Karovic household. This, of course, includes not only those of the direct royal line but any family within the borders of Haense which draws male-line descent from the House of Carrion, which includes a plethora of cadet houses and bastard lineages. In times of strife, it is the Karovic’s Hand who calls the Royal Duma in place and organizes what is required, typically the selection of a king. Example of this can be seen when the National Duma was called after the Second Battle of the Rothswald, as the meeting officially proclaimed by the standing Karovic’s Hand at the time, Heinrik Bihar. Typically, the Karovic’s Hand would appoint a Palatine in place, though in recent years the Palatine and Karovic’s Hand have been one in the same. Anyone of the Karovic household can technically be Karovic’s Hand- however, traditionally it has been a cousin or of a specific line which receives the position. --- ROYAL FAMILY - KAROVIC NATIONAL DUMA In times of crisis and the lack of a central figure, the Karovic’s Hand may call the Karovic Duma to meet. The Karovic Duma is a body of elders within the Karovic household- the total sum of those claiming male-line descent from Carrion within the borders of Haense. By a vote of majority, the elders of each branch of the Karovic household select who shall be consider the Velkipadreil, or Karovic Patriarch, and assume the title of king. Even in the extremely Hansetian-influenced Haense, the concept of Karovic blood is still maintained strongly amongst the elder nobility- which almost entirely dominated by Carrion-descended houses. Kingship is, culturally, tied with the concept of being the Karovic Patriarch, and so whoever is the reigning monarch is technically the Lord of Carrion. The voters are typically the recognized patriarchs of respective houses which claim Karovic descent- examples, Kovachev, Ruthern, Sarkozic. Those considered ‘patriarch’ are only so if they are by complete majority recognized by the current standing electors. In some cases, a house that does not have patrilinear Carrion descent can join the electorate in the Duma. This is called a Matedervik Karoveo, or ‘Crow by the Mother’, and is typically restricted to those who have had a line of marriages with the Karovic household. Example of this is Vanir. However, a ‘Crow by the Mother’ cannot wear the Haucvogir feather in their cap during court or during a duma and may not display any Karovic heraldry upon their arms. --- ROYAL FAMILY - HAUCVOGIR PIEREN The Haucvogir Pieren, or the Grand Feather, is the symbol of Karovic lineage in the eyes of nobility. Those of the Karovic household- male-line descendants of Carrion- are granted the privilege of wearing a crow feather in their cap to signify their prestigious lineage. Those of the royal family wear golden crow feathers, while those not of the royal family wear black crow feathers. Each patriarch of the Karovic household can have two feathers, the second being a color of their choosing (typically a color of their house), as well as the Karovic’s Hand, whose second feather is white. The King of Haense, and therefore the Karovic Patriarch, is allowed to wear three feathers, in the colors of yellow, red, and black (original colors of Carrion). V - RELIGION CANONISM The Kingdom of Haense and the Haeseni People follow the Church of the Canon. More information on the Church and the faith of Canonism can be found in their respective subforum. --- SAINTS OF HAENSE Every culture which follows Canonism maintains a set of cherished saints and holy figures, patrons to their homeland and examples to follow by their people. Haense and the Haeseni people are no different, sporting a wide array of specific saints commonly referenced and revered. · Saint Joren of Paradisius · Blessed John Jeremus · Saint Julia of Paradisius · Exalted Sigismund · Saint Tobias the Pure · Saint Wilfriche of Hanseti · Blessed Francis the Martyr · Blessed Demetrius of the Dreadfort · Blessed Frederick of Royce · Blessed Andrew Vydra · Blessed High Pontiff Sixtus III · Blessed William of Herman · Blessed Stephen Himmel · Blessed Vytanis Andruikatis · Blessed Marius of Ayr · Saint Otto the Bald · Saint Emma of Adria · Saint Charles of Haense · Blessed High Pontiff Sixtus IV · Blessed High Pontiff Owyn II · Saint Henry of Haense · Saint John of Ruyter · Saint High Pontiff Everard IV --- PONTIFFS OF HAENSE Haense has also boasted a sizeable number of pontiffs from its own people, one of the largest numbers to sit upon the throne of the Vicar of God. · High Pontiff Theodosius I – Gregor Nikovic van Kvasz · High Pontiff Sixtus IV – Berengar Gotthold van Krinford · High Pontiff Lucien IV – Jan van Luka · High Pontiff Everard III – Bernard Baruek van Ayr · High Pontiff Adrian I – Lothar Sarkoz van Carnatiya · High Pontiff Owyn II – Jan Othaman van Karlsborg · High Pontiff Everard IV – Josef van Alban · High Pontiff Clement III – Jan Amador van Mondstadt VI - LANGUAGE I’ll be honest I can’t be assed to finish this language so here are my notes/Floop’s notes, who helped me work on this. LINK VII - MONARCHS OF HAENSE KOENG PETYR I SIGMAR - HAES BARBOV Petyr var Sigmar | eddywilson2 R. 1578 – 1582 Peter Siguine of Barbanov Petrus Siguinus Carovus Primus Curonicus “The Butcher of Riga, the Founder, the Bold, the Strong Crow” Petrus Curonicus, the founder of the modern State of Haense and its first king, is by far one the most legendary Haeseni figures in its history. Born during the late end of the War of the Ducal Coalition, Petyr was raised in exile following he and kinsmen’s banishment after the Sacking of Brelus. He did not remain outside the Orenian and Haeseni lands for long, however, and in the deal made between Otto Sarkoz and the emperor, Petyr could return. He lived in the rump state of the Duchy of Carnatia, compromising a of a sizeable chunk of Petyr’s family former holding of the Duchy of Haense. The first mention of him in his own right come from the Eighteen Years War, where the young Petyr served as cadet under Josef Vladov and later Jan Kovachev, fighting in the famous brigade known as the Carnatian Hussars. After the Peace of Avar, Petyr returned to Carnatia, where partook in the regional politics, known at the time as the tense Northern Question. He was one of the first supporters of Britanus Vanir following his disposition by the rival heartlander Duke of Courland, where he and famous commanders Fiske Vanir, Jan Kovachev, and Rickard Barrow formed the Carnatian League, kickstarting the Riga War. Petyr successfully commanded numerous battles, including the Siege of Kraken’s Watch and the decisive Battle of Curonswald, though he is mostly remembered for his successful Sack of Riga, which formerly ended the Riga War and left him in control of most of the highlander hinterlands. Petyr furthered showed his talent in the later Krajian Rebellion, successfully subduing rebel hetmans under the pretender Sveneld Ivanov by 1576, later being named Lord High Governor of Hanseti and Ruska. In 1578, under intense pressure by himself and his supporters, Petyr was bestowed the titles of King of Hanseti and Ruska, to which he became crowned as later in the year. In reference to his family’s traditional title, the realm at first was vernacularly called ‘Haense’. Under his rule, countless cities and forts were created, and the population in Haense soared. His military continued to serve under the larger imperial army, and his forces led multiple victories during the concluding dunlander revolts. Petyr’s technical reign as king only last four years, though, and he fell to old age by 1582. By the end of his reign, his kingdom and standing army had reached quadruple the size of their formers, and the first true city- Karlsborg- had been founded. --- KOENG ANDRIK II OTTO - HAES BARBOV Andrik var Petyr | Seannie22 R. 1582 – 1586 Andrew Otto of Barbanov Andreas Otis Carovus Secundus “The Winter King, the Rash, the Black” As son and later crown prince to his father, Andrik was extremely popular by the Haeseni military and nobility alike. He was known for his charismatic nature yet was prone to rash thinking, and in the fledgling kingdom he was cherished as another titan to succeed his father. In 1582, he was crowned to much fanfare, and the groundwork laid by his father and Palatine Rickard Barrow left Andrik a bountiful realm. Andrik was originally remembered fondly for his work in settling new villages and forts throughout his kingdom, as well as first highway between hinterlands and the heartlands. He joined the imperial conquest of the ork peoples, where Andrik as monarch led the vanguard in the famous Siege of San Uruk. Andrik led multiple forced-expulsions of pagans outside his realm, even from his time as crown prince. He commanded multiple army incursions against native territories deep inland and performed numerous successful raids against them and their third-party Avarite supporters. His bold and almost arrogant nature made his movements near impossible to be predicted by his enemies, and he won many conflicts against larger numbers. However, Andrik is most infamously known for his role in the unsuccessful and chaotic Deep Cold Uprising, where he slew the emperor John IV in his court and declared open rebellion. This move was very unpopular with some of his followers, and while half of his lords swore to him (under the leadership of Branimar Vanir), the other half declare Andrik insane. The powerful noble Sergey Kovachev, a staunch imperialist, captured the royal capital of Karlsborg and forced Andrik to abdicate. --- KOENG MARUS ANDRIK - HAES BARBOV Marus var Andrik | Piov R. 1586 – 1611 Marius Andrew of Barbanov Marius Andreas Carovus Primus “The Good, the Beautiful, the Exiled, the Young, Defender of the Faith, the Loyal Dog of the Empire” Marius first succeeded to the throne as a babe, following his father’s abdication during the nation-wide scandal of the Deep Cold Uprising. His government was led by his uncle Karl Sigmar, who acted as Palatine and regent, and left the ultimate raising of the infant sovereign to his aunt Juliya. His uncle was unpopular with the restless nobility, and by Marius’ fourteenth nameday, and was quickly crowned king. As monarch, Marius suffered from a divided cabinet, split between the Sergeyists and the Andrivists, and Marius had a difficult in reach bipartisan compromise between the two. Royalist powers were undermined by both factions at the time, and his officials were most of the time picked for nepotistic and political reasons rather than true talent. During this time, Marius did find success in pacifying rebellions following his father’s mess, including the Brawm Rebellion of 1600 and nativist revolts in the extreme northern regions of the kingdom. His policies of land reform struck well with the commoners, however left his nation in economic strain and unable to fully maintain the standing army of his predecessors. Marius was also a patron of the arts and culture, and sponsored numerous artists, including the young Jakob Madonvik. He opened the first theater, the Gilded Duke, and held the first Edmond Manston play outside of the imperial capital. His patronship included many, such as the author Blakton Alvitz, poet Alistair Wailer, and his famous painter aunts, princesses Juliya and Natalia. Karlsborg became a heaven of Dumatic and proto-Biharist thinkers, encompassing the larger Sanoist movement sweeping the heartlands at the time. In the heartlands, the Coalition Wars destroyed imperial authority, and thanks to multiple diplomatic blunders, a southern coalition of forces declared war upon the State of Haense. The army under Stefan Bihar attempted to strike first, however, yet most fell at the disastrous Battle of Elba, where in only a few years Marius soon fled to exile and left to the realm in occupation. Marius lived out the rest of his life in exile, continuing to style himself as the King of Hanseti and Ruska. --- KOENG PETYR II MARK - HAES BARBOV Petyr var Marus | Pureimp10 R. 1611 Peter Mark of Barbanov Petrus Marcus Carovus Secundus “Prince of Nothing, the Poxed” Petyr II only ever ruled in exile, succeeding his father Marius for only a short time. Before his death, however, the Greyspine Rebellion had begun, and Petyr was prepared to return and become figurehead of the revolt. He died of the pox, however, only three months after his accession, leaving the throne to his brother. --- KOENG STEFAN KARL - HAES BARBOV Stefan var Marus | yopplwasupxxx R. 1611 – 1624 Stephen Charles of Barbanov Stephanus Carolus Carovus Primus “A Foe to All Humanity, the Green, the Duelist” Unlike his elder brother Petyr, Stefan was not raised to ruled by his father nor the court, and traditionally was expected to enter the church as his counterpart took the throne in Haense. His brother’s death to the pox thrusted Stefan to kingship, to which he was elected in heated debate during the Duma of 1610. His candidacy was supported mainly by the established nobility, who wished for a weaker monarch to maintain noble autonomy. First few years of his reign was left mainly to the nobility, and Stefan remained mostly in the heartlands in the fortress of Hochspitze. Through a deal with the Prince of Pruvia, he secured the Pruvian Inheritance, which included not only a large sum but control of many of the famous ‘Pruvian Banks’. This and the shrewd work of his advisor and later Palatine Henrik Bihar, a new army was established in direct control of the crown, which made the nobility more prone to compromise. Karlsborg was destroyed in the First Northern War, and without a capital, the royalist war camp during the Greyspine Rebellion soon evolved into the royal city of Alban- the de facto Haeseni capital. Veterans flocked to the restored state, and despite imperial losses in the Santegian Rebellion of 1617, the Haeseni army gained numerous victories, including the Battle of Asaili. In the spring of 1616, his army under command of Alessa Grendock and uncle Prince Otto Henrik beat back several attempts at raids by natives and Avarite mercenaries, fully pacifying them by 1620. Stefan meddled greatly in heartlander affairs, in contrast to the isolationist views of his predecessors, and was the focal point of many conspiracies and plots. He was first revealed in the Mardon Letter of his plans for a coup d’état of the emperor John V, and later his successful uproar in removing the imperial regent Robert of Marna. There were numerous assassination attempts against his life and he fought numerous duels against political opponents, including against the former heartlander archduke Odo d’Amaury, and his most famous showdown against his rival Robert of Marna, who he fatally wounded and killed. Stefan died a young death in 1624 due to genetic Hodgkin’s disease of his mother’s side, passing the throne to his uncle as he died without trueborn heirs. His reign marked the beginning of an era of regrowth for Haense following the disastrous Coalition Wars, which continued well into the reign of Otto III. His seemingly arbitrary political moves left Stefan a vile reputation in the heartland states, to which he gained his famous moniker by Prince Philip, ‘A foe to all Humanity’. --- KOENG OTTO I HENRIK - HAES BARBOV Otto var Andrik | NJBB R. 1624 – 1627 Otto Henry of Barbanov Otis Henricus Carovus Primus “Hero of Alsaili, the Equestrian, the Elder” Most of Otto’s life was in service to the crown as prince and commandant, fighting in nearly every war since his brother Marius took the throne. The failures of the First Northern War sent Otto reeling, and through most of the period he remained as an outlaw soldier, raiding the occupier’s settlements and supply trains. During the decisive Second Battle of the Rothswald, he commanded the left flank and fought with valor on the field. He and Alessa Grendock commanded the Haeseni cavalry during the numerous imperial wars, such as the Santegian Rebellion, and retained Haeseni forces despite imperial losses. He took the throne after the death of his nephew and ruled a paltry three years. Haense continued its flourish under Stefan and Otto maintained the peace following the transition. His eldest son, also named Otto, would succeed him as monarch. --- KOENG OTTO II GEORG - HAES BARBOV Otto var Otto | Pureimp10 R. 1627 – 1644 Otto George of Barbanov Otis Georgius Carovus Secundus “The Temperate, the Prudent, the Quiet Crow, the Younger” Before his rule, Otto George served as a courtier in the restored Haeseni court and worked as a diplomat under the Palatine Henrik Bihar. He was known for his humility and strict adherence to moral doctrine, which clashed greatly with his cousin’s more extravagant court. Otto maintained a close circle of advisors and friends, mostly of ordained clergy, which included the future pontiff Everard IV. In his father’s three years, Otto served as crown prince with dour respect, creating the record-long sixteen-hour hymn for his elevation as heir. Otto ascended to the throne in 1627, and his reign saw Haense continue its economic and cultural boom. He, as a committed Canonist, created many royal hospitals and institutions of faith within Haense, as well as the first irrigation system stretching across the Rothswald and Wickswald. Lavish donations were bestowed upon canonist charities and orders within Haense, and Otto encouraged a theological revival in Haeseni sciences. To pay for much of this, Otto II cut down spending on the armed forces and military. Haense maintained relatively peaceful throughout his reign, except the brief of Vasiland by dwarven forces in 1635, where the army faced a considerable loss when allied with a coalition of fellow imperial vassals and dwed loyalists. In the beginning, Otto’s management of the army led to few blunders, such as the controversial dismissal of commandant Cullen Valrein, though by the end of his promotion of talented military minds such as Berengar Helvetz and Geralt Rauen led to sizeable martial influence. Otto also joined the Third Crusade in coalition with the heartlander states, successfully sieging and capturing the pagan capital in the process. Towards his final years, he finally unveiled and started construction upon the planned city of Markev- a new royal capital to replace the cramped and poor-looking Alban. This took considerable fortune, though his strategic placement upon the River Czena allowed for better trade through river travel. He died in nthe city he created and was succeeded by his son Otto Stefan. --- KOENG OTTO III STEFAN - HAES BARBOV Otto var Otto | NJBB R. 1644 – 1655 Otto Stephen of Barbanov Otis Stephanus Carovus Tertius “The Haughty, the Defender, the Builder, of the Czena” With a newly-constructed capital from the previous rule of his father, Otto Stefan’s blooming years as monarch were fruitful. Markev prospered under the diligent administration of the newly-appointed Lord Ruslan Amador, with trade along the River Baltas-Czena, especially with the river-port of Belvtiz, making the city one of the wealthiest in humanity. His newly-wed wife Ingrid Sarkoz was popular with the commoners, and since the turmolous beginnings of the Ale Riots in the 1600s, the realm was finally in a state of peace. He reversed funding cuts to royal forces done by his father in a military build-up between themselves and Renatus, putting strain upon the royal treasury. Otto favored the arts and commissioned many public works. He and his Palatine Robert Bihar attempted to modernize the Haeseni nation and reconstruct many of the haphazard sites made following the Greyspine Rebellion. He created the first royal parks and named the black-coat crow the national animal. Universities also continue to flourish, and under Otto especially who gave massive sums to benefit their studies. Arcane arts especially became popular, and under him the first schools of magi were formed. Diplomacy soured between Otto’s government and the heartlander states, such as Renatus and Marna, and in response Haense attempted to form its own coalition under the Czena Confederation. Conflict first broke out in 1653, and in the beginning Haense experienced some success. Under the leadership of commandants Geralt Rauen and Jan Wick, they won strategic victories at both the First and Second Battles of Stallion’s Hill and the Battle of the Dam. Lack of a central leadership within the coalition, however, stopped any progression. Assaults upon Curon, one of the member states, became more frequent, and the ineffective allied troops did little to stop enemy successes. Belvitz, one of Haense’s main export locations and its main importer of grain, was under enemy influence, and soon all trade from the city stopped. The large population of Haense and its lack of consistent farming effort did nothing to help, and by 1654 the city and country were in a national-wide famine. In 1655, the Great Plague broke out, devasting the nation. Otto caught this sickness and died in 1655, along with his heir Otto Josef, leaving the throne to his second son Karl Marus. The final years of Otto’s reign marked the beginning of a string of military defeats by Haense, and its diminished influence in the next few decades. --- KOENG KARL II MARUS - HAES BARBOV Karl var Otto | cruzazul8 R. 1655 – 1666 Charles Marius of Barbanov Carolus Marius Carovus Secundus “The Stubborn, the Unyielding, the Excommunicated” Karl, unlike his father before him, was handed a nation dying of famine and exhausted from war, with a restless nobility. By 1656, the Czena Confederation officially became defunct, as numerous states either left or were conquered, as in the case of the Principality of Curon in late 1655. Haense and the remaining states reformed into an alliance, which began to include non-human and pagan states, much to the ire of Karl’s nobility. He was unable to reverse the military losses from before, and the allied coalition suffered numerous defeats, most importantly the Storming of Cyrilsborg and Siege of Ruriksgrad in 1662. Karl was able to keep the enemies from fully crossing the Czena River and entering Haense proper, creating many dug-out forts along the river in defense. He commanded much of the military works personally and left control of the city in hands of his Palatine Franz Bihar. By 1665 the war had reached a stalemate, and the Karl remained on the defense. The city did little recovery, and Franz Bihar maintained his work in suppressing liberal radicals popping throughout the city. Briefly in early 1666, the palace was stormed by peasantry, though beaten off by soldiers under command of Franz. Karl in 1666 died childless, as he never took a wife, and the state entered a succession crisis. --- KOENG FRANZ II JAKOB - HAES BIHAR Franz var Henrik | Birdnerdy R. 1666 Francis James of Bihar Franciscus Iacobus Carovus Secundus “The Unfortunate, the Unready” Franz seized control of the government shortly following the death of his cousin, and shortly proclaimed him regent. Only after one month, he fully couped the state and proclaimed himself king before the duma could be called. Franz’s history in the capital and the loyalty of the military stationed there allowed him intense sway over the lords, who begrudgingly agreed to his accession. During his coronation, however, the city was surprise-attacked by a sizeable blitzing force, and Franz was captured in the defense. Stating his refusal to bend the knee, he was executed by his captors, and the throne passed to his nephew. --- KOENG SIGMAR LOTHAR - HAES BIHAR Sigmar var Robert | Arkydog R. 1666 – 1681 Siguine Lothar of Bihar Siguinus Lotharus Carovus Primus “The Short, the Shrewd” Sigmar took the throne following the death of his uncle, to which the duma did not contest. He attempted a policy of appeasement with the heartlanders, and through diplomatic work, lifted the embargo on Haense and allowed grain shipment back into Markev. The city recovered from its recession and the economy went positive once again. With the famine relieved, the population slowly began to recover within the urban cities. His attempts at military conquest, despite his success in diplomacy, was not as graceful. Sigmar received a damaging blow at the Battle of Karl’s Hill, and put ravaging repercussions upon the country. He swore under the Renatus state in 1678 and reformed an imperial state, formally ending all hostiles between the two countries. He allowed a freer reign for the nobility, and much of the land was granted or fell under control of powerful barons. Royal power suffered, and the nobility gained massive influence over the affairs on the government. Sigmar would die in 1681 of a disease for the throne to pass to his son, Robert. VIII - NOTABLE INDIVIDUALS OTTO VAR DIEDRIK HEINZREIK Otto Arius Heinzreich | yopplwasupxxx Otto Arius, of the Rovin-Heinzreich clan, was a minor cousin in the Aesterwald royal family, until his defection from his home nation during the Schism Wars of the late fifteenth century. He became an important courtier in the papal court, and with backing from the High Pontiff and Count of Drusco, claimed a majority portion of former Vanderfell following the conclusion of the conflict. He founded numerous towns amidst the ruins, and though not as successfully as his successor, began a policy of unification from the balkanized Hansetian states. During the 1490s, he abducted the twins of his sister, children of the late Emperor Alexander, and kept them in his custody to raise him. When Otto ascended to the seat as Grand Duke of Vanderfell, he groomed Karl for heir, picking him over his own children with Lady Frederique of Savoy. With loss of support by the Count of Drusco, he was forced to abdication following pressure by his liege King Andrik and the blunder of the Petrus Scandal. Following his death in the late 1510s, he was canonized in the Church of the Canon as Saint Otis of Vanderfell. --- KARL VAR ALEKSANDER BARBOV Karl Barbanov | Arkydog Born to the Rovin-scion Princess Annabelle and the Carrion Emperor Alexander, his early life moved him across Oren during the infamous Schism Wars. His mother abducted Karl and his sister when the war began, and during transit was stopped by Otto Heinzreich, who took the children for himself. He raised and named Karl, choosing him to succeed as the Grand Duke of Vanderfell- and later, the Duke of Haense. He also spent much of his childhood with the High Pontiff Daniel I and Emma Vladov, the warrior-female, and garnered huge support from Duchies of Adria and Akovia, both led by former loyalists to his father. Karl led multiple raids against dwed fortifications during the Third Human-Dwarf War, capturing fortifications such as Polaris and Hiebenhall, the latter of which he made his capital and renamed as Siegrad. His accession to the ducal coronet came with much fanfare, and he tightened his grip upon the Hansetian hinterlands, as well as forcing mass conversion upon the native tribes. When he died following the Great Worm Assault upon Siegrad, Haense has become one of the leading powers in Oren at the time. Following his death, he was canonized in the Church of the Canon as Saint Carolus of Haense. --- CARR VAR JULIYUS COLBORN Carr Colborn | Julius55 Carr entered the service of Karl early in his career and became one of Karl’s most loyal lieutenants. His claim to fame comes from his extensive work upon fledging Haense’ infrastructure and economy. He created numerous highways to cut through the hinterlands and expanded the weak mining industry to produce on par with their southern neighbors. The fortune he amassed became notorious throughout the realm, and he was one of the richest, and for a time the richest, peers of Oren, owning a fat monopoly upon Haeseni trade and goods. He was also a known amateur historian, and chronicled numerous novels covering his family’s history and the history of the highlander peoples. Following his death, he left much of his wealth to the state, and his funds later maintained Haense from total financial disaster during the end of the War of the Ducal Coalition. When a sum of his vault came missing, it created a craze throughout the hinterlands, with numerous treasure-seekers, or Geltisaar, settling throughout Carr’s former trading posts, hoping to find the hidden gold upon his former estates. --- TARCEL VAR JAN OTHAMAN Tarcell Othaman | Eddywilson2 Though Tarcell was of Hansetian-blood, he was one of the first to bend to Karl following his accession as Duke of Haense and became commandant of his forces. He spearheaded assaults on numerous dwarven fortifications in the hinterlands during the Third Human-Dwarf War and was a general during the War of the Ducal Coalition. He expanded the military of the duchy greatly, issuing levies upon newly-conquered land on the hinterlands to bolster their numbers. Following Karl’s death, it was Tarcell who became regent, and it was he who commanded the war effort against the Savoyard-led Oren. He won skirmishes on the northern border during a short attempt at invasion in the north, though when Brelus fell at the end of the war he was forced to a defensive position at the Haeseni fortress of Norvik. Throughout the war he raised and helped the young Siguine, who after Hugo’s assassination was elected Duke of Adria alongside being Duke of Haense. Siguine’s disappearance, or to him, his death, left Tarcell distraught and bitter, and remained defiant against crown. His untimely death in 1525 though left his remaining troops in chaos and Norvik eventually fell to a contingent led by Jan Kovachev in the late summer. Tarcell’s military organization would become the basis of the Haeseni royal military. --- SIGMAR VAR KARL BARBOV Siguine Barbanov | Arkydog At the age of fourteen, Siguine was elected as Duke of Adria amid the War of the Ducal Coalition, succeeding Hugo the Headless following his assassination. Though chosen by the lords, he held little authority, and when he left to fight the Savoyards at the Blackwald his army was disorganized and unruly. He was defeated badly in the marshes and retreated to the fortress of Woldzimir where he attempted to push back Oren by a siege defense. He failed, however, and he fled following Woldzimir’s fall. --- JAN VAR VARON KOVACHEV Jan Kovachev | 6xdestroyer Jan rose through the ranks of the Orenian army during the War of the Ducal Coalition, and when he was able to be captured Norvik in 1525, he was granted the castles and the estates he conquered. He supported John Horen during the Horen Restoration, and later became one of his most trusted commanders during the Eighteen Years’ War. Jan commanded the Carnatian Hussars, and with his fellow peer Josef, was the leader of the Haeseni contingent during the war. He served alongside Petyr Barbanov during the Riga War and the Krajian Rebellion, subduing fully the Hansetian hinterlands and helping unify what later became the Kingdom of Haense. His death left him as the Duke of Carnatia and his family to continue as one of the principle Karovic houses within humanity for centuries. His veteran cavalry became a staple of the Haeseni army, and his descendants would continue to dominate the Haeseni army for some decades. He lived well into his nineties, and for it he was called ‘Jan the Old’. --- JOSEF VAR FRANZ VLADOV Josef Vladov | Burkester Along with Jan Kovachev, Josef Vladov was one of the two leaders of the Haeseni contingent during the Eighteen Years’ War, commanding multiple battles as imperial generals. Josef’s crowning achievement is the Battle of Cape Bronson and later the Capture of Avar. His family diminished in influence within Haense following death, though he remains as one of Haense’s and Oren’s more proficient commanders. --- GREGOR VAR NIKOLAS NIKOVIC Georgiy Nikovic - H.P. Theodosius I | Dakota Georgiy was one of the first in a string in Haeseni pontiffs, first serving as the Bishop of Carnatia then being appointed High Pontiff in 1562. His greatest deed was the removal of the Revelation Doctrine which was created by his predecessor Daniel III, and attempted a fail revival of reforemd Raevir Iliryic as the Haeseni holy tongue. He would appoint his successor Berengar Gotthold to his previous position of bishop, and maintained close relations with the hinterland lords. --- EMMA VAS BRITANUS VANIR Emma Vanir | Julischlong Emma was married to an imperial cousin following the attempted peace of the Second Diet of Saltstone, and while at first it kept the peace, it soon fell through. She carried an extramarital affair with one of the rebel hetmans of the Krajian Rebellion and a Savoyard princeling, called the Ancelcourt Scandal, which continued the Anarchy for another decade. --- BRITANUS VAR BIGORN VANIR Britannus Vanir | Pureimp10 The War of the Ducal Coalition left the Vanir family in shambles, and reduced to their fortress of Kraken’s Watch, though Britanus dreamed of one day returning his family’s fortune. He acted as one of the crucibles for the Riga War, which although at first left his homeless, later regained him a large portion of his family’s former estates. In his spare time, Britannus worked as a mathematician, and together with Edmond Manston, discovered the ‘Manston-Vanir Constant’, which is used by modern day architects in constructing arches and domes. --- FISKE VAR BRITANUS VANIR Fiske Vanir | InfamousGerman Fiske the Bloody, a title earned as one of the survivors of the Siege of Seahelm, is one of Haense’s most effective company leaders, having been known for his brutality. He led the vanguard during the Riga War and Krajian Rebellion, as well as throughout the Anarchy of Oren, where he gained a reputation of combat prowess. Following his death, he left his family at its peak as Margraves of Vasiland, as well as one of the only non-Karovic families to be invited to duma. As mentioned, he was called ‘Fiske the Bloody’ for his valor at the Seahelm in the Avarite theater. --- LERALD VAR TEODOR VYRONOV Lerald Vyronov | Flapman Commander of the Carnatian Hussars under Jan Kovachev, Lerald worked his way from his position as serf to a peer of the realm, serving loyally to his realm and gaining the fief of Rytsborg. He fought throughout the Eighteen Years’ War and the Anarchy, later retiring following the coronation of Petyr Barbanov. --- ULRIK VAR ULRIK TIBERAN Ulric Tiberan | Giambro No child in Haense has not heard at least one of the tales of Ulric Tiberan, one of Haense’s most famous knights. Known for his acts of bravery and his slaying of the Dragon Toruug, he has become a local legend to the poorer classes. In his life, he served under the Carnatian Hussars, seeing battle from White Mountain to the Siege of Dunland. His stories are collected in the novels known as the ‘Trials of Ulric’, though there is some variation. He is commonly pictured with two talking crows, named ‘Alvin’ and ‘Darren’, who guide him (and sometimes hinder him) to his next goal. --- ARIK VAR CARR COLBORN Eirik Colborn | Julius55 One of the successors to Carr’s fortune, Eirik Colborn continued his father’s legacy within the mercantile businesses. He founded the colony of Metterden in Erochland following the Peace of Avar and organized a rapid colonization of the Eroch River Valley. Eirik later served under Petyr Barbanov during the Riga War, helping rebuild much of the lost infrastructure after the Anarchy. For his wealth, he was known as ‘Eirik the Rich’. --- RICKARD VAN WOLDIZMIR Rickard Barrow | Arkydog A bastard of lowly origin, though it did not stop him in becoming of the most influential Haeseni politicians. He served as first Palatine to King Petyr, and he laid the foundations of Haeseni administration which continue to present day. He followed a strict policy of land colonization, coining the term ‘Haseni Destiny’, standing for the ideology of full highlander colonization of the hinterlands in its entirety. He oversaw the first royal capital of Karlsborg and the palace of Ottostadt, which became the seat of the royal family. Rickard was also well known in his martial talent, and saw intensive action during the Riga War, and become one of the fiercest proponents for total annexation of the former Duchy of Courland. --- KARL VAR PETYR BARBOV Karl Sigmar Barbanov | Birdnerdy Karl Sigmar became his eldest brother’s Palatine following the latter’s coronation, and he continued his predecessor Rickard’s policies of colonial expansion and centralization. However, when King Andrik II rebelled shortly from Oren and later was forcefully abdicated, Karl was placed as regent for the babe King Marius. In the shambles Karl attempted to rebuild, though the now restless nobility splintered, and Karl became vilified. The nobility pushed hard against his attempts at a centralized army, and when Marius finally came of age, Karl Sigmar left his office in shame. Despite the unpopularity of his attempted policies, they would be continued by his successors in the string of Bihar Palatines, and his ideological thought became the basis for his son’s Biharism during the reign of King Stefan and the Ottovars. --- JULIYA VAS PETYR BARBOV Julia Barbanov | DreamInSpace If there was one-person King Marius always listened to, it was his aunt Julia, who maintained a strong influence over his life. She, along with her good sister Reza, maintained the royal court during the regency and continued to do so well into the reign of her nephew. Julia also painted numerous canvas and scenes, which are displayed in the Royal Haeseni Guild of Art. --- BRANIMAR VAR FISKE VANIR Brynden Vanir | assassinofawsome The good-brother then good-uncle to the King of Haense, the Margrave of Vasiland rose rapidly through the court. He eventually reached the rank of Grand Commandant of the armed force, though because he was picked more from nepotism than true skill, his inefficient leadership weakened the army. By the time of the First Northern War, the Haeseni military was ill-prepared to face the coming battles. After the war, he was captured, where he died in captivity in the court of Aleksandria. --- TATIANA VAS PETYR BARBOV Tatiana Barbanov | Starry Tatiana had married Branimar, one of her brother’s chiefest supporter, and it was to her which kept the remnants of the Andrivist party in line with the crown. Later in life, she remarried to the elder Lord Viktor, sparking short controversy. She was known for her stitching and drawings, with many of her works displayed in the Royal Haeseni Guild of Art. --- SERGEY VAR JAN KOVACHEV Sergei Kovachev | NJBB During King Andrik II’s short rebellion of the Deep Cold Uprising, Sergey stood as the uncontested leader of the Imperial faction within Haense, and rallied loyalists to his cause. He single-handedly marched into Karlsborg during the chaos, forcing Andrik’s abdication and flight, before having his captured by the remnants of his father’s Carnatian Hussars. Even through this strong show of power, he resumed an alliance with the royalists under Palatine Lukas, forming coalition against the squabbling Andrivists under Branimar Vanir. Sergey’s death upset the balance of the Haeseni court, and many attributes his early demise to one of the factors in Haeseni military defeats during the Coalition Wars. For his use of stealth and hit-and-run tactics in the Anarchy, he was referred to by the soldiery as the ‘Ghost of Turov’. --- REZA VAS SERGEY KOVACHEV Reza Elizaveta Kovachev | marques Daughter of the powerful lord Sergey and shortly queen to Andrik II, Reza spent most of her life as Queen-Mother to Marius. However, she set the role as consort and matriarch within the royal family, establishing numerous courtly customs which are followed to this today. To the female body, she became a role-model for the epitome Haeseni lady. --- MARKUS VAR HEKTOR LOTHSTON Markus Lothston | Legoman Markus Lothston, though kinsman to the Brawms, fought for the Kingdom of Haense during the Hounden’s Rebellion, acting as one of King Marius’ commanders on the field. After the short and bloody conflict, Markus served as King Marius’ personal champion. He followed his king into exile and continued to serve the court-in-exile faithfully. He was known far and wide for his skill at the sword, and he was known in life as ‘Markus the Mutt’. --- LUKAS VAR BRITANUS VANIR Lukas Vanir | Pureimp10 Serving as Palatine during the later years of King Marius, he performed numerous capital and law reforms, though was cut short following the Coalition Wars. Forced into exile along with the rest of the royal court, Lukas worked as an author in philosophy, specifically the school of Political Lukasism, and the concept of the ‘Greater Man’. His status left him as a cultural symbol for the occupied nation, and many of his works were smuggled in secret to the native Haeseni population. For his erudite nature, he is commonly referred to as ‘Lukas the Learned’. --- STEFAN VAR KARL BIHAR Stefan Aleksandr Bihar | cruzazul8 Stefan came ahead as the leader of the Royalists following the pseudo-exile of his father, effectively leading a coalition with the Sergeyists. He was the greatest advocate for first action against Courland, and maintained a heated rivalry with Lord Branimar, serving Grand Commandant at the time. Stefan was killed at the Battle of Elba, creating an unavoidable power vacuum in the royal court. --- OSGOD VAR JESPER COLBORN Osgod Colborn | Birdnerdy Osgod Colborn served Haense since the beginnings of the Riga War, and continued to serve well into the years of King Marius. He held commands during the Krajian Rebellion and was one of the Royalist most veteran soldiers at the time. --- DIEDRIK VAN FLOTZAM Diedrik Barrow | Knox A former burgher, he rose through the bureaucratic ranks of the royal state by sheer cunning, becoming one of the leading officials in Marius’ court. Diedrik maintained an underground smuggling syndicate during his tenure as Auditor, using his position to repossess noble land to return to crown control or his personal management. When his assassination of a heartlander prince came to light however, Diedrik was forced to resign and later executed. --- BLAKTON VAR GREGOR ALVITZ Blaxton Alwyn | Marquisalex Blaxton emerged as a knight under the Amador family, operating as a successful bureaucrat and diplomat in their court. He owned multiple companies in the lands of Haense, Mardon, and Pruvia, and began a tradition of warm relations between Pruvia and his home. His works of Memoirs of Alwyn Blaxton has made him of critical historical importance, chronicling a period of lessened literary creation. --- ALISTAR VAR HEKTOR WAILER Alistair Wailer | Flooptroop Alistair led the contingent garrisoning Ottostadt for a short duration, before and after serving as knight in the royal court and proficient swordsman. He also created poetry, publishing numerous works under the alias ‘Chad the Mad’. His greatest work, Ehr Nau, became adapted to the Haeseni royal anthem in the early 1600’s. Alistair’s skill in verse earned him the moniker ‘Alistair the Poet’. --- OTTO VAR ARIK BARUEK Otto Marius Baruch | Kiwikilla Baruch in the Kingdom of Haense up to the Coalition Wars was of middling influence, owning poor estates scattered upon the Shattered Coast. Following Haense’s defeat, Baruch remained from the exodus of higher nobility, and retained their fortresses following occupation. It was thanks to Otto Marius, the Count of Ayr, who first brought together many of the minor Haeseni lordlings into rebellion, leading by example during the Standoff at Ayr. --- HARREN VAN METTERDEN Harren of Metterden | Seannie22 A veteran soldier under the Metterden garrison, the regency of the Count of Metterden left him de facto in control of the affairs of the estate. Along with the Count of Ayr and numerous families, he led the successful Greyspine Uprising, returning the King of Haense to the throne and the land returned to royal control. Harren, however, favored the Count of Metterden as the potential sovereign, and the election of Stefan made him leave the realm. He served in the Imperial Court later in his life and eventually rose to the prestigious position of Archchancellor, where he held a staunch rivalry with King Stefan. For his reputed strength, he is commonly referred to as ‘Harren the Hardy’. --- ARIK VAR HOGMUND RUTHERN Arik Ruthern | Birdnerdy The Greyspine Uprising attracted many mercenaries to each side, and the Ruthern clansman dared not pass up a moment such as it. Arik led the band known as the Black Company, which operated in great success in the Rothsvald against the occupiers. In its aftermath, he struck a deal with the royal-candidate Stefan Barbanov for support in exchange for the County of Metterden, to which he upset the Ruthern political clique by his vocal support during the duma. --- NIKOLAS VAR PETYR RYKOV Nikolai Rykov | maxgemini Nikolai Rykov was Arik’s right-hand man and helped pacify both Metterden and dissenters during Arik’s accession. Following the settlement of Alban, Nikolas took the cloth and was quickly raised to the position of Archbishop of Jorenus. --- JAKOB VAR JAN MADONVIK Jakob Macdonough | Doggedwasupxxx Many have seen the works of Jakob Macdonough, and for his time he was one of the most prolific painters in both Haense and Oren. He has created numerous works, such as ‘The Spanking of Staunton’ and ‘Joys to the Boys of the Rothswald’. Jakob later served politically following his uncle’s selection as Palatine of the Duma, where he succeeded him for three weeks. --- JAN VAR THORMUND OTHAMAN Jan Othaman – H.P. Owyn II | eddywilson2 Othaman, a clergyman, rose to the position of Archbishop of Jorenus then to the throne of the Vicar of God, where he attempted to mend the schism plaguing the church. On a diplomatic mission, however, he was killed by fanatical schismists, becoming a martyr of the faith. --- ANDREY VAR SERGEY KOVACHEV Andrey Kovachev | Soulstrung Following the disastrous Battle of Elba, Andrey was appointed command over the Haeseni military, and took position at Vasiland. He failed, however, in stopping the enemy advance, and the Siege of Vasiland was yet another defeat. He re-emerged a decade after and launched the unsuccessful Horseman's Revolt, which attempted to make Carnatia an independent estate. Andrey, along with his rebel kinsmen, were later killed by Qali mercenaries in the Battle of Carsaca. For his hot temperament, he was called ‘Andrey the Wroth’. --- FREDRIK VAR ODRIN PRUSEN Frederick Augustus Preussen | Dabliusmaximus During both the short reign of Petyr II and the accession of King Stefan, the Prince of Pruvia held vast influence over the king, as well as naming him heir to the large sum known as the Pruvian Inheritance. This, and his willingness to grant trading privileges to the Haeseni trading clans of Amador and Alwyn, Haense experienced an economic boom following its restoration. --- HENRIK VAR KARL BIHAR Heinrik Otto Bihar | Flooptroop Following Haense’s restoration, Heinrik became the new leader of the Royalist faction and took up the mantle as Palatine like his kin before him. Through clever tactics and pacification of a now weakened nobility, Henrik accomplished what his father failed. Henrik’s policies and ideology became known as the chief thought of Biharism- doctrine agrarianism with strong crown authority. He worked efficiently as both a diplomat and a steward and reinvigorated a stagnating Haeseni bureaucracy. Through his tireless work, Alban rebuilt itself from a war camp to a capital, and his plans and designs for Alban were later carried on by the later authorities constructing the later capital of Markev. In his career he stopped many decadent procedures in the Haeseni court, and so he commonly referred to as ‘Henrik the Humble’. Following his death, he was canonized by the Church of the Canon as Saint Henricus of Haense. --- ALESSA VAS ELIZAVETA GRENDOK Alessa Grendock | Eagles Though history is not alien to warrior-women, Alessa emerged not only as a successful fight but also commander, leading successfully time and time again in the heat of battle. For her service, she was raised as a Baroness and Lady Peer, though continued her command of the Haeseni cavalry contingent for decades. The tallest mountain in the Yahtl Wastes, Mount Grendock, is named in her honor. --- FORDSEN VAR EKKARD KYNGSTON Fordson Kyngston | Devland Fordsen joined the court with his brother, being appointed numerous governorships throughout the kingdom and eventually receiving the position of Palatine for a brief few years. He was the main architect for palace of Esenstadt, as well as numerous manors and estates for the nobility, and his style, known as Kyngstonian Architecture, has become a point of study for aspiring royal engineers, and much of his work can be seen today. --- ANTON VAR EKKARD KYNGSTON Anton Kyngston | QuackerCracker Along with his brother, Anton joined the royal court in Alban and served first as a courtier, then later enlisting the armed forces, where he reached position of commandant later in his life. He also served as maer for the capital numerous times, helping violently suppress the turmoil of the Ale Riots of the 1620s. --- JOSEF VAN ALBAN Josef Baldemar - H.P. Everard IV | Piov Josef began his career as a peasant parishioner in the poor Alban diocese, and eventually rose to the seat as Vicar of God. Though his extensive charity work and preaching in the wooden capital of Alban, Josef created a powerful network of allies and contacts within the secular world and the papal court. When he eventually rose the seat of the pontificate, he brought peace following the Adelburg Coup, and re-established a position of clerical authority throughout the land. Following his death, he was canonized in the Church of the Canon as High Pontiff Saint Everardus Quartus. --- KOLTAIN VAR PIPI WICK Coltaine Wick | Hurferdurfer Coltaine belonged to the mysterious Wick clan, which rose sharply to prominence following the accession of King Stefan. He established to the first Magi Circle within Haense, constructing universities to teach theology and the arcane arts. However, in the peak of his power, he was assassinated and replaced by a supernatural entity, which was quickly destroyed by the very magi he created. During his life, he published numerous journals over his extensive studies on the arcane, including the famous Dialectics, which has become an important collection in arcane education. For his mastery of the arcane arts, he was known in life as ‘Coltaine the Elder’. --- JAN VAR KOLTAIN WICK John Wick | Kav Though the son of the famed Magi Coltaine, John pursued a career in the army. He is most famous for his brutal suppression of the numerous Ale Riots of the 1620s and became infamous for his vicious treatment of dissenters against the crown. He, along with his father, was assassinated and replaced by a supernatural entity, where he was swiftly destroyed by Haeseni magi. John was also remembered for his work in exploring the deepest part of the hinterlands called the Yahtl Wastes. For his womanizing ways and his charming looks, the court referred to him as ‘John the Handsome’ or ‘John the Pretty’. --- CULLEN VAR CULLEN VALREIN Cullen Valerin | Blago During the strike of the Metterden veterans, many lowborns rose quickly in the lack of a true officer core, including Cullen. He came quickly into the light of the royal court following his successful command against pagan raiders to the east, and he eventually rose the primacy rose as Commandant. During Otto II’s military reforms, however, Cullen was dismissed, and he retired to the countryside. For his stoic ways, he was known as ‘Cullen the Stern’. --- PETYR VAN ALRICZAN Petyr Barrow | _Gridlock Another veteran of the Black Company, Petyr served under the Palatine Henrik as a personal guard, where he performed numerous acts in service of the crown. He is most famous for being the suspected assassin of the unpopular consort Elizabeth of Courland, as well as being participant and leader of the Three Hand Plot, a conspiracy to assassinate King Stefan. --- SIGMAR VAR OTTO BARBOV Siegmar Otto Barbanov | Blauschlong The second son of Otto II, Siegmar studied in the burgeoning arcane arts, under the tutelage of the master magi Coltaine the Elder. He wrote numerous papers on his studies, mostly over the art of golemancy, and perfected the method of creation known as ‘Sigmarization’. Siegmar also hand a penchant for painting, and created numerous portraits of the royal family and the Karovic household, now maintained by the Royal Haeseni Guild of Art. --- KRISTOFF VAR SALDEMAR STAFYR I GRAUSPIN Kristoff Stafyr | Edel Kristoff was a minor lordling of middling estates of the ancient lineage of Stafyr, and served under the governments of Palatines Henrik Bihar and Josef van Alban in the position of ambassador and later emissary. He wrote numerous political treatises on diplomacy and state affairs, his most famous being Vayrkilar, detailing philosophically the concept of 'fair exchange' or 'geltostrin' and his controversial criticism of the imperial economy of the time. --- RUSLAN VAR ODRIN AMADOR Ruslan Amador | Xarkly Descended from the Amador banking clan, Ruslan continued the family tradition and maintained once again the Royal Amador Bank- the chief banking authority within the Kingdom of Haense. Ruslan was elevated to Steward and Auditor during the reign of Otto III, where he oversaw the construction of the planned capital of Markev. He maintained his grip upon the national reserves for all his life, serving till the death of Karl II. For his risky yet successful business choices, his peers called him ‘Ruslan the Ready’. --- BERENGAR VAR REINHOLT HELVETZ Berengar Helvets | Abeam1 Berengar ascended rapidly through the Haeseni military under Otto II and Otto III, achieving the prestigious rank of Grand Commandant by the end of his tenure. He was known for his quick wit and successes in the open field. After his service in the military, he retired to the colony of Otistadt, where he served as elder and maer till his death. --- INGRID VAS ADRIAN SARKOZ I ULGAARD Ingrid Sarkozic-Ulgaard | Tarrebear Perhaps the most beloved queen of the commoners, Queen Ingrid did her duties diligently as consort to Otto III. Following the example of her former peer Reza, she reinstated many traditional Haeseni customs back into court life, in addition to proficient diplomatic work with neighboring powers. The commoners referred to her as ‘Ingrid the Good’. --- JAN VAR ODRIN AMADOR Jack Amador - H.P. Clement III | bromodan Successor to Everard IV and of Haeseni stock, Jack was known for his humility and piety, yet clear bias towards the Kingdom of Haense. He wrote numerous papers upon different Haeseni saints, collected in the book ‘Yekilonsant’. --- GERALD VAR LERALD RAUEN Geralt Rauen | Pureimp10 A career soldier of Haeseni military, Geralt is well-known for several numerous victories on the field during the later reign Otto III, successfully commanding both the Second Battle of Stallion’s Hill and the Battle of the Dam. However, following setbacks as the conflict progressed and his main patron and liege Otto III dead, Geralt resigned. After the army, he settled deep into the hinterlands and Yahl, where he founded numerous trading posts and villages, including Geraltikev, Maristadt, and Tovikev. --- WULFREY VAR WULFREY SKARPEFANGER Wulffrey Skarpefanger | Wulfrey A settler of Gorundyr descent, Wulffrey Skarpefanger was an officer-favorite during his service in the Haeseni military during Otto III and recruited heavily to maintain manpower during conflicts on the River Czena. Later in his life, he led a colonization effort deeper into the River Czena valley, forming the trading post of Aberrang. Wulffrey was the most adamant in the conflicts in the inner hinterlands, most importantly against a body known as the Vaeyl- a group of supernatural entities, which squabble upon rightful Haeseni clay. The Personification of Haense = | = What truly is Sacrifice? Is it a personal burden each man must carry? Perhaps tis’ permanent or a moment in life that must be given once, or twice, or thrice? A punishment for our greed, and avarice? Is it with the grain or contrary? What truly is Sacrifice? A response to every human vice? Is there only one thing to give or does it vary? Perhaps tis’ permanent or a moment in life that must be given once, or twice, or thrice? Is it esoteric or precise? The focus of life or ancillary? What truly is Sacrifice? Oh creator what is the price? Simply a way to keep us warry? Perhaps tis’ permanent or a moment in life that must be given once, or twice, or thrice? How does one open the doors to paradise? On this I shall wonder till my body they bury. What truly is Sacrifice? Perhaps tis’ permenant or a moment in life that must be given once, or twice, or thrice? -Alistar Wailer, 1580

Mehkolo (A lone Mehkolo worm) Mehkolo originate deep within the mountains of Atlas. These worm are one of the more peculiar creatures of the continent, Mehkolo come in a variety of colors, from darker grey/black to a dark orange. Additionally, Mehkolo blood is luminous which gives some a glowing appearance. Individually, the worms possess only basic intelligence, comparable to that of a animal. Mehkolo experience some other limitation, due to largely living underground these creatures have very limited eyesight during the day. Their eyesight improves as the sun sets, but it is still subpar. However, once Mehkolo bind together, the colony of worms is capable of higher thought and intelligence like the other numerous races of Atlas. The larger these colonies grow the more intelligent, sluggish and incapable of basic tasks they become. In terms of size Mehkolo vary greatly, with some being as long as two meters while others being only fifteen centimeters in length. Colonies are much longer, most take bipedal forms and stand around 2.2 to 2.4 meters talls and weigh as much as 1200 pounds. The race survives primarily on naturally occuring minerals though plant and animal life is a viable option. Communication for lone Mehkolo is impossible but colonies are capable of basic communication through the formation sounds via vibrations. In addition to this, colonies are usually extremely reserved, rarely speaking to any race outside their own. All Mehkolo colonies are directed by a single Mehkolo within the colony. The colony leader is usually a deep shade of red and its death almost assures the dissolution of the colony. Not much is known about Mehkolo culture or beliefs due to their intense isolation and limited communication. Mehkolo colonies are fond of violence, they incorporate any available material into their form to serve as armor whether it be logs, rock, or metal. Though they are rarely capable of forging weapons they are still capable of combat with weapons that happen to stumble into their possession. Even without the use of weapons, Mehkolo colonies are a force to be reckoned with, they are extremely strong and robust. Intense heat & fire is known to frighten Mehkolo. Exposure to direct sunlight is deadly to the creatures, without proper materials infused into their form protecting them, they will dry out and die. Upon the death of a Colony leader, the Colony loses cohesion and disperses. There is a off chance that throughout the confusion that a new colony leader can be chosen and keep the colony together but this is a rare phenomenon. Usually after the colony disperses several of the dispersed Mehkolo become Colony leaders forming many weaker colonies from the previous colonies remnants. However this process takes a deal of time and not immediately after original colonies death. (Mehkolo colony wearing a rare set of Mekholo-made armor) Mehkolo communities thrive deep within the cave systems of Atlas, though colonies are normally solitary they sometimes group together into communities. These communities are usually located in wide open caverns where the walls and roof are adorned with glowing larvae. The colonies constantly expand the caverns and tunnels by constantly tunneling for materials to consume. When solitary, Mehkolo colonies asexually reproduce, however, when grouped together they are known to reproduce normally. For Mehkolo living below the surface, minerals are the main source of food. Colonies that have ventured above ground sustain themselves on diets of meats, fruits, & vegetables. Mehkolo rarely domesticate livestock, being so unfamiliar with the surface creatures. (cavern covered in Mehkolo larvae) How the Mehkolo emerged onto the surface is largely a mystery. Many speculate a cavern housing several colonies was breached while mining. Others speculate Mehkolo worms may have burrowed to the surface themselves. Redlines -Mehkolo are incapable of learning magic -If the Colony leader is to die the Colony dies as well -Prolonged exposure to sunlight results in death -Mehkolo weighing more than 1000 pounds experience trouble regarding movement but benefit from increased intelligence -Mehkolo weighing less than 600 pounds benefit from better motor skills but experience much weaker intelligence -Though generally slow, Mehkolo are capable of fast speeds in short bursts -Mehkolo are terrified of fire as well as extreme heat and avoid it at all costs -All Mehkolo suffer from weaker eyesight the brighter their surroundings are

The Faoladh ~History~ After the war of Elcihi'thilln, the leader of the Silver City turned to a researcher named Aelthos, who changed Lomal (the leader) into a snow elf. What the young Aelthos did not know was that one of those people that volunteered to be turned had a young wife who was left in the cold to wait for her beloved who had left for war. After a time of him not coming back, she packed her things and took to the snowy woods, forgetting her cloak behind her. And just like that, a snow storm wiped her farther and farther away from any civilization, while her and her undiscovered child tracked through the wind. She had not know of the child resting within her, but and only though it stress, and so, when she found a cave underneath a fallen tree, the elf women soon died. Not much time later, a Fjarrugiauga found her amongst the snarled roots, her final breath long gone, but even still, the Frost Mother cried out to the God of Winter, Wyvrun, and somehow, the message got through. Wyvrun, also known as Old Father Winter, had a soft spot for females and abandonment, and so, he told the Frost Mother to go out and find the nearest dead animal. An so, as she was told, the Frost Mother went. The Frost Mother came back with the carcass of a newly felled female Ker Wolf who had died of old age not to far from the Elf, and dropped it near the body, the two laying side by side, wolf and elf. Old Father Winter then looked inside the Young Wife, and found the babe, who was dining slowly, but not yet dead, and so He took the child from the womb and placed it's spirit into the wolf. The legends are not all completely sure of what exactly happened to make the next day possible, but they say that the next evening, a white and red pup stepped out of the cave, completely healthy and already 1 month old, and another female Ker wolf came to the pup and cried it off. And so, the first Faoladh was made. . The Faoladh race are considered a gift from the God Wyvrun, but many consider it a curse because from the point you are turned and from then on you are bound to your pack, and there is no way to reverse the transformation, unless through death. The Faoladhs have a bad side as well, they are known for their combat skills and ruthless mentality, but it get worse. On Eclipse Moon nights a Faoladhs Packs will be forced to go out on The Hunt, where their bodies become more of a werewolf shape, more humanoid, and they are forced to go to their nearest town and kill as many people as possible. This form is known as Bazerk. This is why most people hate the Faoladh Packs, although many fear them so much they offer them gift as way to ward them off, although it doesn’t help at all and most of the time gets them killed. The Clipse Moon Night is not the only time that a Faoladh become more of a werewolf form, i happens when they are overly angry or iritated. A Faoladh in human or other form is not a terrible sight, but it is not beautiful either. A Faoladh in human or elf form has a dull around it, any beauty it once had or happiness does not show in the persons "aura", and therefor they are a rather normal sight, although one can I identify them by their inability to speak. In wolf form, a Foaladh gains all of the things it lost in human form back. It is graceful and strong, beautiful and hard to resist. There are some legends that a young Faoladh female enticed a young man to come to her without anything but her looks, she then killed him and brought the hart back to her Alpha as a gift. But do do not be fooled, and human or elf that steps into a Faoladhs Pack/Den site will find their end quickly, no matter the person or time. Faoladhs go Bazerk more often than not given that they get irritated quickly and are ruthless. Many a men have tried and failed to hunt these creatures down, the hunting parties growing thinner and thinner. The Faoladh have had a long lasting hatred for the Fjarriauga, or Frost Witches, given that they are rivals in territory in the North. Although the Frost Mother from the first Faoladh did help her, the dependents soon forgot this when a young Frost Witch killed a litter of puppies. A litter of pups is a sacred blessing to the Faoladh, considering the infertility of the Faoladh is much like the elf's curse. For a human turned Faoladh a litter is celebrated but not as much as a litter from an elf turned would be. The rules for the Faoladh's are simple, although they are different for each Pack, the unanimous one are listed bellow: -No hurting or treasonous acts against the Alpha -If the Alpha has pups, they are to be protected above all else -When hunting, consider your Pack mates and remember your station -Never try to mate with an already mated male or female The territories of the Packs are operated by the climate and geography, and much of the time, they do not feel they need to expand, but as with the Leathnu Te, it has been known to occur before.There are many small packs scattered across the land, the Faoladh having split from any larger pack to form their own, although many do not make it. The other small territories have the same hierarchy system but the only exception is if there is a bigger problem going on in a Pack, one of the Season Leaders will come down to the part of their territory they are letting them have and solve the issue. Although you follow one of the Seasonal packs, your loyalty is to your own Pack. But if in any case it comes down to the life of one of the Seasonal Packs or your own Pack, you are expected to choose the Seasonal. If otherwise, your are named a traitor. Anything between the two Seasonal territories is the Nomadic Lands, this is where if a young Faoladh chooses to go off on its own, this is where you head. No one owns his territory. There should always be a sliver of Nomadic Land. The hierarchy of the Pack has one leader for each of them, and two Betas to protect and serve the Alpha. The Tiers of the system are listed bellow: Highest ranking: Alpha- runs Pack and makes sure all other Pack mates are in line. Do not challenge. Second Highest: Betas- there are two Betas, usually both women, they protect the Alpha from any attack that she does not see. They also are the go between the rest of the Pack and the Alpha Alpha Apprentice: Dara- the Dara is a young female Faoladh Trodai who will one day become Alpha, unless a challenge occurs. Middle: Trodai- the warriors of the Pack, they make up the rest of the Pack. Middle low: Baegnach- the warriors in training. Low: Pups- self explanatory. Protect at all costs Pups are the joy bringers of any Pack and if you are born a Faoladh, you are considered "High Born" and even higher born are the elf pure bloods. There is no difference between Faoladhs turned by death or born, although the pain process is different. Pack Mothers are the Women Faoladh's that have recently given birth to a litter of pups or are nursing in the den. The mating system for the Faoladhs is no different then the Ker Wolves. Once mated, you are mated for life, unless your mate dies or given that Faoladhs are also Humaoid, if your partner cheats, so pick well. Alphas of the Faoladh are known to be ruthless and kind, it depends on the leader, but all Alphas need to keep the peace and justice of the Pack, making them the executors of traitors or Leaders of Rituals. Leaders are chosen either by another Pack Mate challenging them to a fight to the death, a Dara being assigned the position when the Alpha deems them ready or by old age, in which one of the Beta's are chosen (this is rare given that Faoladhs have a very long lifespan, humans extending to 300, elves even longer then their previous enlargements). The changing of a human or other race to a Faoladh is a painful process consisting of a month of migrants and bones breaking and realigning. The stages of the process are listed bellow: The first three days) headaches begin to occur, causing hallucinations and screaming. The next five days) bones begin to crack, your spinal cord shifting to become more lenient. The next 7 days) fur begins to slowly sprout from the skin, fingernails lengthening and the skin on your body becoming paper thin. The next 12 days) The bones that had been broken begin to realign, causing another bout of excruciating pain while long canines grown in the mouth. The last 4 days) the final piece is the actual transformation into the wolf form, which is known to be the worst part, as it all happens at once. The following transformations are easier, but still painful, which is why some people prefer to stay in one form. The main drawback of being a Faoladh is that if you get any sickness, you are susceptible to becoming a wolf forever, any therefor never change back again. It is taken as a serious problem and the Pack take as much care as they can. The Packs have a system for traitors which is followed out at all costs: -If a Faoladh gives away their pack or Alpha, they will meet out rightful justice - If a Faoladh kills or harms any pack mate, they will meet out rightful justice - (The sentence they are given will be carried out by the Alpha, and so the things they do are not all considered death worthy.) Many Faoladhs go Bazerk, which is when a Faoladh decides to remain in wolf form but has such a hate for humans that they go into the Bazerk Wild form, which looks like a werewolf from American ledgers. Bazerks roam the countyside and kill off animals and any humans they can get their claws on. They sometimes join forces and wipe out towns, but it is rare given that they are so driven to kill that they often kill their own kind. It is incredibly easy to become Bazerk, and once fully Bazerk, you are forced to leave the Pack for the greater good, which causes problems with the human life around the territory. The only way to become a Faoladh is to either die, and to have a Faoladh find you within an hour of death, as to not let the decomposition process go too far, or to have the Alpha or Beta of a Pack mark you. There are four Alpha's, one for each pack: The Summer Pack Habitat: lives between Warhawkes-Krugmar Diet: Carnivore and/or Man eater Size: Ranging anywhere from 4-7 ft tall. Color Varieties: Ranging between a brown-to a golden white. Skill set: -The Summer Pack is known for it's potions and it's magic, they are rarely fighting with another clan as they are the peace makers and have given up much of their land to other small packs because of this. It is still to be seen if they will ever help in battle. -The most laid-back of the Four Packs -Avoids conflict with humans/other races at all costs The First Leader of the Summer Packs: The First Leader of the Summer Pack was known as Aofie. Aofie was a young Druid girl when she was turned by the Founding Faoladh. Having lived in the heat her whole life, Aofie left the Winter Pack to journey out, seeking a warmer pack.At this time there were another three packs that no long are here. Spring, Winter and Fall, and so her first bet was to get to the Spring Pack, but she did not make it before she fell in love in the Nomad Territory, which was not claimed by any pack yet. She stay their with her beloved until he died of old age, being a human. She was left with a litter of pups witch she delivered the next Summer, and was forced to settle down. Soon, more and more Faoladh's started flocking to the Nomad territory and she had to take control of the Faoladhs, and so she made the Summer Pack. The Winter Pack Habitat: Form the edges of the Pack to the Northern Coast (Haense-Rivia) Diet: Carnivore and/or Man eater Size: Ranging from 4-7 ft tall. Color Varieties: The Winter Pack has wolves that range from white to black, with any tint to their fur. Skill set: The Winter Pack has very little known about them, being the most secretive. The only skill set we do know of is that they are amazing in battle, but also the most brutal Pack. -Vicious to outsiders -Hate humans -Spend much of their time in Wolf form -Most difficult to conceive given the cold climate The First Leader of the Winter Pack: The founding Faoladh was the leader of the Winter Pack, en which you can read above ↑ -------------Red Lines----------- -You cannot play as a Faoladh unless turned by an Alpha or died with a Faoladh in your company or finding you. -You can only use your Packs specific magic (if it has one) if you are taught by one of the people first -If caught turning you must give the person whatever they want, unless they ask for your life or something to do with your Pack -You cannot assume you were just born into a Pack, you can either be born and your parent died a Nomad or find a Pack Mother and be born from her. -There are no rules restraining the Bazerk side, although it would be helpful if you didn’t go around killing everyone -this magical creature is open to any previous race, although if you were a frost witch turned Faoladh that’s no a thing.

Copies of the Tome are sent to the Libraries of the Naelurir, of the Mother Grove, and to the druii of the Maelstrom for all that wish to read them. They are marked with the Circle of the Emerald Way. The Tome of Strife Writings of Sister Hurricane “To will change upon the self is to change the world. Only through will can all balance be attained.” - The Axiom of Will, Teachings of Sister Hurricane I. The Absence of Understanding The Lord and Lady have blessed you with eyes to see and ears to hear, and a whole world to experience. Yet we remain blind and deaf to most of it. I remain blind, despite teachings that were meant to open my eyes and help me see the world for what it was. We consider it a great tragedy when one falls to darkness, when they stray away from the teachings of the order, and when they fall into hands that turn them to violence and disparity. Many of our students are failing, falling to darkness in their belief continuously. Those that remain follow blindly to their teachers, like sheep, unable to think past the surface of druidism. Most haven't thought yet to dive in. We are missing something within our teachings. Missing a piece that keeps the ambitious prodigies away from darkness, and a piece that allows others to break their chains and to be free from the slavery of secular thought. The teachings of our order, I find, ignore the dark of the world. They preach only the light, and are blind for it. I have sought the contrast myself, the dark to compliment the light, not to oppose it. I will not tell what I have learned here, only that the current teachings do not hold all of the answers you need. By learning what they have not taught me, I have seen what makes us weak. If you are to truly understand, then you too must seek this contrast, not adherence to this single ideal. To believe in an ideal is to be willing to betray it, to look where it may forbid you to go. It is a lesson of strength. If you do believe in an ideology, then find its opposite, so that you may reinforce it by correcting its flaws. Become what strengthens an ideology, not a slave to it by following it dogmatically. Without this contrast, we are but marionettes, tangled in the strings of weaknesses in our ideologies. II. The Value of Struggle and Self Reliance Pure benevolence weakens the self, and those to whom it is cast upon. Do not roam the world, dispensing pity and self sacrifice unto others. By giving others the chance to fight their own struggles, internally and externally, we give them the chance to cultivate their own will. Do not be a thief in the night, stealing strength from others where you would mask it with benevolence. If you truly wish to help another, recognize the value in letting them cultivate their strength and will through their struggles. When they triumph, their victory will be far greater than it would be if you would help them. Through your own struggles, cultivate this inner will, and you will find the path to balance. Create a strict reliance on yourself, rather than your connection to the balance, to the thing you protect. Too many druids of our age focus on honing their gifts to better serve the lord and lady above on this earth. I ask you, strip them of their gifts, and what do they become? Only empty shells, incapable of enacting their duty to the balance without the gifts of the aspects. And that is no true disciple of the balance. Without will, we are nothing. This brings us to a fundamental question: If a druid loses her powers, is she still a druid? The way you would answer would depend on your view. If you say no, you believe inherently that only those with the gifts can make a difference in this world, and you are wrong. The devout, druii without gifts, are simply those with greater will. With the proper will, everything can be changed, such is the nature of will itself. Druidism is something greater than simply gifts. Those that would choose death over a life without their gifts are those whose wills are weak, and were unworthy of them in the first place. III. The Nature of Life and Death The Mother above creates and cares for life throughout the world, and spreads it over the land. Helps it grow, nurtures it. Heals it. Guides it. The energy of life exists through all living things. Tt surrounds us, penetrates us. It binds the world together, and unifies it all. It is fluid, like the water that carries it. This is known. Death does not exist. This life created by the mother never leaves this world, it merely passes from vessel to vessel. The fallen elk feeds the grasses, and the prey feeds the predator. On and on the cycle moves, life being poured from vase to vase. It holds many different shapes and forms, but at its core, all forms are simply life. We are no exception to this. It is because of this that the role of the father is oft misunderstood, however. He is not death, nor is he the hunt. His name is strength, not for his ability to take life, or hold mastery over it. But for his power to move the energies of life from one vessel to the next. It is from his will that the balance exists. It is from his own will that life moves from vessel to vessel, never stagnating, never finding stillness. It is due to this change that life is truly precious, and each form just as valuable as the last. So where do we lay among all of these vessels? Where does our power come from? We cannot define ourselves by our ability to take life, to control it even or possess it. To do so is to have nothing, truly. Death does not exist, and if you define yourself by your ability to usher it, your strength is as fleeting as grains of sand in the wind. But if we define ourselves by our ability to will great change in the world, to move and change the vessels of life as Cernunnos does? That is true strength, lliran. This is what the focus of druii should be. Cultivating the will to usher change. IV. Facing Conflict I speak much against a neutral stance, and this much holds true. One should always act when they have the opportunity to, and when there is greater suffering in the world. But I have not always been clear on what it is to act on, or how one should carry themselves. In my life, I have been through many struggles of my own, and this is the view I have learned thus far, and it is the view I shall give unto the Emerald Way, that others may find a better way to approach their problems. Live your life, and act with great respect and wisdom, for you must be a beacon of change for the world, a fount of knowledge and veneration. Without strong principles to guide us through our own morality, what then can we enact our will from? A principled life, one with a strong basis for which we act is the only life worth living. But what is principle without the perspective to see the world around you as it is? Through rigorous meditation we gain clearer perspective, and can find the solution to any problem. When on your journey through life, take one step at a time, look up from your feet and observe the living world around you. Speak to all you may meet and soak in all the details you can, learn what comes to you. Life is to be savored, taken slowly. Rashness is the path toward greater suffering. Will. Principle. Perspective. These are the three great values that the Emerald Way promotes. Through these values, act with a tempered and clear mind, and seek always to see more than what you are shown. From these values, we find the strength to change anything in this world. Even destiny. V. The Place of Gifts and Tools I have said before, the druids rely on the gifts far too much. It overtakes their being, and in some cases, druids cannot function in day to day life without the use of their gifts. It becomes a crutch, one that would leave a druid crippled without it. Such deep rooted dependency is something to be avoided, something to be shut down and moved away from. And even in our divine mission, many rely entirely on this aspect-given gift to do our work. Without them, I don’t doubt that many would fail in their mission, that they would cease to protect the balance without their precious gifts. And I sense an even more sinister plot. That many druids are here only for the power that they may receive from the gifts. Devotion is a scarce thing to see these days, true devotion to the lord and lady above. Many druids fall, and when they lose their gifts, they simply move onto something else that may give them the power they seek to enact their wills. Give many of the druids of the order only silence, and you will truly see who follows the aspects. But you may see this as me having a negative view of the gifts, which cannot be further from the truth. I have only a negative view of druids that rely on such gifts, that depend on them, sometimes to the extent of needing them to live. Such reliance is weakness, and weakens the order as a whole. However, the gifts themselves are not to blame. We have many tools at our disposal to aid us in our mission of preserving the balance of life. Our mind, our physical strength, our charisma, our words, and yes, our gifts. The gifts are but one singular tool with many uses, just like the other tools. You do not need the gifts in order to protect the balance, just like you do not need the gifts in order to be a druid. To believe that one must have the gifts in order to carry out our divine mission is vanity, don’t you see it? I would rather a devout person without gifts that protects the balance to the best of their ability rather than a druid who uses their gifts for personal gain, or one that seeks personal power. The Order should enforce teachings of these inherent tools that we already possess, and their uses in protecting the balance, rather than preparing them to rely on their gifts. Teaching students that only their new power can preserve the balance is a dangerous and self destructive way of thinking, and is the reason behind many of the greatest failings of our order. There is a silent lust for power within our teachings, I think, and we are utterly blind to it. Always, the next step in learning is to master a new gift. At least, this is what I have seen in the world. There is a great flaw in this method.

There is the Void, an endless and boundless pit of nothingness that takes as much as it gives. This is the origin place of all voidal magic on Atlas. However, there may be something far more darker and more dangerous than the Void. It is called Oblivion and it affects the body and the mind in far more deadlier ways than voidal magic. Casters of the oblivion school are able to counter the effects of the voidal magics by taking the effects of the voidal magics and putting it on themselves, granting the voidal magic user more strength, however once the oblivion mage dies (even once), that strength instantly disappears and cannot ever be recovered, leaving both the oblivion mage and the voidal mage without strength. This leaves the oblivion mage with very little time before the forces of nature begin to recoil onto the mage, creating Oblivion Recoil. There is no way to counter the effects of Oblivion Recoil at all, no matter how advanced you are in the school. These same casters can mess with the natural world, spreading plagues and fracturing a small area around them. The way that fracturing works is that the caster has to spend some of their own mana to create cracks all around them in a small area and sustain at the same time as an opposite effect happens called Counter-fracture where the natural world is fighting back with a lot of forceful tension to correct the fracture that the mage generates. Fracturing is meant to act as a barrier around the mage, shielding the user from magical attacks alone for a short duration of time or after some damage has been sustained, whichever comes first. Regardless of whichever happens, the Recoil effect is given to the oblivion mage. However, there are very great dangers to the oblivion mage alone as it means the person is no longer affected mentally by the void, but by the soul-destroying forces within Oblivion itself. By taking the energy from Oblivion to cast the spell that the mage casts, they are slowly affected over time by the energy of Oblivion itself. The energy (or mana) of Oblivion means that it siphons all types of strength that the user has, no matter how powerful or strong-willed they are. It varies from caster to caster on the effects on mental instability due to the Oblivion energy, but it ends the same way with an irreversible death. Many masters of Oblivion sought out a way to counter all the negative effects of the corrosive energy within them, but as Oblivion is a near-omnipotent unnatural force, it cannot be countered. Many have also sought to gain true immortality from this unnatural force, but no one has found a way to do so before they succumbed to the mental breakdown and full-body disruption of Oblivion magic. Perhaps with the study and practice of the art, one may gain a resistance or even a tolerance to the power?

Copies of the Tome are sent to the Libraries of the Naelurir, of the Mother Grove, and to the druii of the Maelstrom for all that wish to read them. They are marked with the Circle of the Emerald Way. The Tome of Two Balances Writings of Sister Hurricane “To will change upon the self is to change the world. Only through will can all balance be attained.” - Teachings of Sister Hurricane, the Axiom of Will I. Morality as Inner Balance On yesterday's eve, I witnessed a sight most common, though for some unknown reason, it struck me strange. An elk was torn into by a beast, and ripped into, to eat. A common occurrence, yes, this is known. Tis’ the way of nature, the beasts eat the common gazelle, and so on. The predator eats the prey, and the prey feeds on what it can. There is no evil in it, the predator must eat as much as the prey, and the prey must eat what it can. There is only survival in it. The predator feels naught for devouring its prey, nor does the prey when it grazes upon the grasses, despite life being taken from the world. Such is the unseen way of all natural life. Life passes on and on and through each moving piece of it. There is no evil or good in the natural balance, only what is and what survives. Such also is the way of druidism, our gifts are given without thought of good and evil, but with only this delicate balance of the cycle of life in mind. Druids are expected to be as neutral as nature in this sense, are we not? It is the duty of druids to correct the balance, wheresoever it may be corrupted, without heed for borders. It is our duty to correct it, we must. We have been charged by the aspects above to do our sacred duties, and the order has decided we must do it this way, completely neutrally. But this charge ignores a most fundamental principle of our life as descendants, of how we have grown and developed to live with morality, to have the sense of good and evil, and all in between. It is what makes us what we are, it is what gives us our humanity, and this makes us truly and beautifully unique. We are not a part of this balance the aspects have created for us, but we surely live with it. Though, to attempt to live without morality, to attempt to live neutrally and strive to think as the aspects do, without heed of what is good and evil, this is unnatural of our own being. It makes us only as simple as the beasts and prey that are in the balance we seek so desperately to protect. We cannot, and we should not deny what we are, how we think, but we must find a balance of our own, and look over the balance of nature with a sense of right and wrong. To live along with both the balance and the descendants, separately, yet together. In this, we are allowed to exercise our sense of right and wrong and do our duty to protect the balance with great strength. It is not the nature of men to keep out of everything. One would say it distracts us from our duty, to say, be a part of a nation. This is not the case, I don't think. I might even say it better allows us to perform our duties. While we cannot live as neutral, we are able to do our best to spread what is good, and what is just. It is of the utmost importance that druids maintain strong ties to the world they live in and protect, they cannot fly above it all. Neutrality is a disease that leaves men weak, and staggeringly alone, as many beasts are. Fellow priests of the balance, I say to you. Do not catch the disease of neutrality. Hone your sense of right and wrong, fight always for the path of good for you and your people. Do not become unnatural men, stripped of all sense of what is good or evil in the world. In morality, we find our strength together. Apathy is a fate worse than death, for even a rotting corpse feeds new life. II. Will Within Balance We are inherently separate from the thing we protect so dearly, as druii. The balance consists of life around us, the seen and hidden movements of nature ever moving in a circle around us. The birds and trees die out, but there is ever a forest standing, no? Songbirds fill the air, do they not? We are ever surrounded by life, yet death lurks and strikes here and there. No matter how oft or how heavy death’s strikes may be, life ever moves on. Many druii take our duty to protect the balance as a sign that the world is weak. It is the opposite indeed, for the balance of the world knows a will far greater than our own. Life will find a way, no matter how damaged it may be. We druii exist only as a means of preserving the balance’s state, and correcting it where we find imbalance. Yet as I say, we are inherently separate from the balance of the world. Instead, we hold a force of our own within, potentially even equal to this primordial balance of the world. The balance of the self. The Emerald way is, at its core, the way of two balances. One cannot neglect this balance of the self when protecting the balance of the world, for it is far more fragile, and far weaker. This balance, in a way, is even more important than that which the druii are sworn to protect. With this separation from the balance of the world, the circle of life is entirely indifferent to us, to our very being. We have little sway over it, though many druids seem to rely on it for their source of strength. They use their gifts frivolously, and have grown dangerously dependent on them. They fail to realize that to rely on their gifts to protect the balance is dangerous, and leaves men weak. No man or woman can hope to fully control this primordial force, and they are left with atrophied bodies, defenseless without their gifts. They fail to realize that true strength comes from within, and that in order to change the balance, and protect it, we must cultivate our own will to match the strength of the world’s will. While faith is important, true strength is drawn from our own volition; The power to use your will, which is equally important as obtaining power itself. Never live for the sake of another, or an ideology. Live for yourself, and no other. With that, we empower ourselves to carry out the will of the aspects, to protect the balance. III. The Nature of Will A man can change everything if he is willing to sacrifice for it. The greatest sacrifices require the strongest wills, And we must give much for the salvation of this world. In the beginning, we have nothing. Our privilege is the dirt. In such darkness, our will guides us to light Perspective pierces the veil of dark. Our birthright is our failings, and the pain we suffer. When darkness comes, we can rely on no other to face it for us. Only in our willpower can balance be attained. IV. Beings of the Present Self The balance does not, nor can it be made to be still for long. All things move until they pass on, and even then their energies move ever forward into other forms, other vessels that will move on and on. And from movement, movement is born, ever arching outward. You, druii, are no exception to this commotion. We constantly expend our energies in creating islands of quiet within our lives, trying to still the waves that march ever onward, yet it cannot last. Time encroaches, it consumes all things. Fling yourself to the waves of life, druii, engage in the here and now, and you will find that the key to living is your own will. The will to see life for its flaws, and the will to better it, to create your own waves. One cannot focus on the waves that have long since passed, the echoes of feelings you once felt. The past does hold merit in giving us its teachings, but from there, move on. It holds nothing for you. Let the past die, and use what you have learned to shape your present. With the lessons of the past, we can focus on dealing with what is here and now, with the waves that crash over us. Use what you have learned to enact your will, and shape the waves around you. And perhaps prevent a tidal wave from overwhelming you in the future by dispersing it before it happens. By changing your destiny. There is no lasting stillness. It is impossible. Accept this. Know it in your bones. Watch the world happening around you, and through your will, forge your own echoes, your own cadence in this world. Live in the moment, and your will can shape the future. V. The Balance of the Self My words earlier in these pages were far too simple, I’m afraid, for they leave out a great deal in seeking to express the point, but they failed to truly explain my deeper meaning. Earlier, I stated that the balance within consists of the will to act on the sense of good and evil. Though I do not refute that, I’m afraid that the truer meaning of the inner balance is lost on such words. Good and evil are a point of view, different to each person. I have found better words to explain such a dichotomy. Instead of viewing the inner balance as the senses of good and evil, replace such words with selfishness and selflessness. To act for the self, and to act for others. This opens the situations to all by providing a common meaning. You cannot have one without the other in life. Pure selfishness only harms others, and amassing your own power can lead you to enact your desires. Instead, one must use the powers gained from selfishness to act selflessly in life. To sacrifice for the good of others, and of the balance. But beware, lliran. Pure selflessness is just as destructive as pure selfishness. Benevolence for the sake of benevolence leaves you in a worse position than when you started, it weakens you and sacrifices your own strength to help. In addition, it robs others of their struggles, their own opportunities to learn and gain their own strength. Never sacrifice your own strength to rob another of their struggles. As I said before. Recognize the value in letting people fight their own battles, and they will be all the stronger for it. Selfishness for the sake of selflessness- this is how we can protect the balance. By enacting our own will through this, we have the strength to alter the balance and preserve it. This inner balance is not inherent to druids, or even the balance that they protect. It is inherent to the descendants, this ability to act in selfishness and selflessness. It is where inner strength is drawn, the will to enact change upon the world. Such a principle applies to all aspects of life, and so it is important that druids hone their will to act on this sense. A druid who has mastered their ability to act on this sense will go far. A soldier who has mastered it will find his enemies falling before him. A farmer who has mastered it will know only bountiful harvests. It applies to all paths through life. If we cannot find the strength to act on this and hold balance in our sense of selfishness and selflessness, how then can we hope to protect the primordial balance of the world? We cannot.

Trolls Trolls are dangerous beasts, distant cousins of Orcs and Ologs. Relicts of the past, Trolls are introverts. Choosing to live with only themselves, it would be uncommon for a Troll to have contact with a descendant unless they were choosing to eat them for a meal. Or, if the person were to infringe on the Trolls’ territory, they would find themselves in a tough situation. Trolls are much like the Orcs, living in isolated tribes from other Trolls. They mainly dwell in caves, or huts they build from rawhide. Unknown to most, Trolls are of primitive intelligence. Smarter than an Olog, yet dumber than a man. They possess the knowledge of basic crafting with things such as flint and stone. A rare prodigious Troll may be able to learn smithing. They can also make their own huts from wood and hide, and know how to properly cook meals. They have a tribal hierachy, led by a Chieftain. Trolls have different breeds, two main types with many subtypes. Troll hide is surprisingly tough, being able to withstand the amount of damage that chainmail can. Blows would have to be made from stabs instead of slashes for them to get through their hide. Trolls also have only 4 fingers on each hand. As well as 4 goes on each foot. The Two Breeds of Troll Forest Trolls Forest Trolls are, as their name suggests, Trolls that dwell in the forests of Atlas. They carry with them a green tint from the moss and mushrooms that may grow upon their backs and arms. Expert hunters and trappers, these Trolls prefer solitary from even themselves. Although there have been a few Trolls Clans that spring up from the ground. The Forest Trolls have the most commonly seen Troll subtypes. Swamp Troll, River Troll, Flatland Troll etc. These type of Trolls stand between 11’”-14”. Rarely going over this. Generally being a stocky breed, in order to stalk their prey. Mountain Trolls Mountain Trolls dwell in mountains and caves, generally being around Dwarves and other creatures of the mountains. The Mountain Trolls are shepherds, for the most part. Choosing to raise Mountain Goats and Iron Rams. These trolls use mainly clubs made from bone, wood, and stone. Sometimes warhammers, which are just large boulders tied onto a stick. Mountain Trolls are slightly taller than their cousins in the Forests. Standing around 12’”-15’”. They use their height and strength to intimidate predators that would try to eat their herds. Mountain Trolls generally have a grey skin tone. Although blacks, pale whites, and darker greys are also found. The most common subtypes of Mountain Trolls are Cave trolls, and Frost Trolls. A Troll’s Mindset Trolls are as stated before, rather introverts. They would gladly avoid descendants of all nature, however when a descendant stumbles into their territory it becomes a problem. Trolls have also been seen on the battlefield, having been paid by factions in livestock and hides. Finding no use for mina, and preferring to trade with others. Trolls choose to live with each other, rather any other faction. Although Trolls may feel a pull towards their cousins, the Orcs. While not retarded like Ologs, Trolls certainly aren’t very smart and can be quite childish. Starting petty arguments over another Troll having one more sheep than they do. As said before, Trolls do not have the intelligence of a normal human man, rather they have the intelligence more suited to children or primitive man. Strengths And Weaknesses - Trollhide - Trollhide is extremely tough, being akin to chainmail and able to withstand just as much. - Strength - Trolls are unsurprisingly strong. Able to crush bone with their hands, as well as pick up large boulders and rocks. This is due to their increased ability to gain muscle mass, much like Orcs. - Intimidation - Trolls use intimidation to hunt and fight others, if they can win a fight by intimidation they will use it. - Sensitive eyes - Trolls’ eyes are sensitive to light, not being able to see very well in the sun. They would require places of shade to see easily. - Low intelligence - Trolls as stated before don’t have very high intelligence. Being less than an average man and more on the point of a 10 year old. - Trolls cannot learn Magic whatsoever. Like Ologs, they do not have the knowledge to do so. Trolls are a CA Only Creature. Meaning they aren’t playable to just anyone.

[Change log located at the bottom of post; sorry for the word-heavy lore revision.] Originally accepted lore: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/150786-nephilim-lesser-dragonkin/?page=3&tab=comments#comment-1626115 The Children of Azdromoth [Credit: quite simply, Calvin of stormbrush.com] Brief History Azdrazi—or Nephilim—are a species of dragonkin created by the dragaar during a time at which they ruled the sky. Following the Titan's venture into the mortal world, during his thoughtful quest for knowledge, Azdromoth and his relatives came upon the line of Horen, the father of Man. They took great interest in their ingenuity and believed them to be capable of astounding feats, forming a pact: promises of eternal guidance in exchange for their longstanding assistance and libraries of knowledge. Azdromoth and his brothers and sisters offered their blood to those who consistently displayed prowess and reverence, allowing them to transcend to a state beyond man. This amalgam of dragon and descendant was commonly known and recorded as a Nephilim, named as such due to its old and now defunct status as a combination between mortal and god. Azdromoth, however, referred to them as Azdrazi, as they were no longer men but a species of dragons; as the ages went by and descendants grew more educated, this name became the norm, hence its use in contemporary times. [Credit: done by Numirya] Creation and Appearance Mortals who undergo the Transference—the ritual responsible for the transformation of descendant into Azdrazi—will go through two stages of change; these stages are Whelpling and Azdrazi. Both have their own set of prerequisites before partaking in a ritual, lest death upon mutation become certain. The key to a successful Transference is a wardren: a kind of sphere made of dralachite, capable of fitting in an individual's hand and typically worked by an aspiring apprentice or their mentor. Before proceeding with the rest of the process, the soon-to-be wardren must be blessed with the draan of Atuemi Laas. The object is then bathed in a boiling solution of one part descendant to one part draconic blood, portions respectively from the apprentice and their mentor. Gradually, the gem will absorb the amalgamation of blood before taking on an intense orange glow, indicating the successful creation of a wardren. The wardren is then handed off to the apprentice, and upon taking it into their grasp, dispenses the blazing energy held inside directly into their body. The colorful glow that had previously overwhelmed the wardren rapidly depletes, the flame within now transferred into its wielder, thus transforming them into a Whelpling; this change marks the first of two rituals and grants the descendant their temporarily volatile inner flame. (Note: This is an entirely internal transformation, the growing inner flame being the only notable difference between descendant and Whelpling. Whelplings do NOT change in physical appearance.) After acquiring the inner flame and before becoming an Azdrazi, a Whelpling may expel this draconic energy and revert back to their descendant form, ensuring that they aren’t perpetually stuck as a Whelpling. To do so, their wardren must simply be destroyed—this, however, means that progress can be reset and wiped at any stage of their trials if they prove to be careless. The process is equally as painful as becoming a Whelpling and is typically followed by a momentary feeling of immolation. Thankfully, Whelplings are in control of their own wardrens, meaning failure will almost certainly be brought about by their own shortcomings. The wardren they hold is now primed and bound to their newly kindled flame, ready for the remaining trials of the Transference. The Whelpling will be expected to complete a set of four to six of these trials, each handpicked by their mentor; to set these tasks in motion, the mentor must speak the instructions into the wardren in their native draconic tongue. Upon the Whelpling's completion of one of their designated trials, the dralachite sphere will fill part way, reflecting their immediate progress. The wardren will continue to fill with the formerly mentioned radiance before eventually brimming with it, a state which indicates the conclusion of the trials and stabilization of the inner flame. The Whelpling is now ready for the final stage of the Transference, in which they and their wardren will be cast into a pyre of dragonsflame (following a brief, free form ritual), their skin burning away to make way for the forthcoming Azdrazi. As they emerge and sluggishly come to their senses, they'll find themselves a foot taller and riddled with scales, now possessing a set of horns and reptilian eyes. Azdrazi share many visible traits with Azdromoth when un-polymorphed. Their skin is rigid and scaly, ranging from deep reds to plain black. Their eyes are serpentine in appearance, round pupils replaced with dark slits; irises and scleras replaced with oranges, yellows, and reds. Their teeth—mainly the canines—grow a little longer and sharper. Nails are replaced with short talons, entirely meek when compared to those of flight-capable dragons, and when Azdrazi emerge from the flame, they’ll find themselves approximately a foot taller than they previously were (this benefit stops out at 7’6”—therefore, if an individual stands at 7’0”, they would only grow six inches rather than the full twelve). Lastly, the horns on Azdrazi vary in appearance but must abide by the same rules as their skin, being that they must remain a variation of red, black or gray, and additionally the familiar milky hue of bones. Strengths: Enrapturement (Dragonflame Conjury, Polymorphing), Draan of Azdromoth Typically physically stronger than descendants, courtesy of their draconic heritage. For reference, in terms of physical strength nearly all Azdrazi are capable of standing their ground against an uruk, yet are generally incapable of overpowering them with muscle alone. Temporal Resistance: Immune to all forms of heat, radioactivity, and poison. Longevity: Exceptionally long-lived, capable of regenerating after death, although death rules still apply. Azdrazi possess a draconic soul after the Transference is complete, and are thus considered draconic beings. Weaknesses: Azdrazi are temporarily punished upon revival, unable to use polymorph or any other enrapturement for 1-2 weeks following death. Due to their draconic nature, Azdrazi can oftentimes be coerced and persuaded into carrying out mildly uncharacteristic deeds in exchange for knowledge or material items typically associated with their horde. Being in icy, wintry and gelid climates can kill Azdrazi over time since they are cold-blooded and unable to maintain body heat in low-temperature environments. In these environments, no Enrapturement but Kindling can be performed, unless an Azdrazi devises a means to keep their body temperature up. (i.e an enchanted set of garb, a zone of heat, etc.) Cannot use mana to perform any kind of deific, arcane or dark magic. Exceptions and more specific explanations will be listed at the bottom of this thread. Upon transformation, an Azdrazi’s mana pool is replaced with the inner flame. Paladinism: Extreme susceptibility due to Xan’s desire to genocide Dragons; Paladin magic will wither away an Azdrazi in a manner similar to life-drain, heavily fatiguing them upon first contact and progressing from there. [Credit: illustrated by Allison Healy] The Inner Flame and Severance An Azdrazi’s inner flame is a tricky thing, wholly comprised of a metaphysical network of dragonsflame. Said network spans the body in its entirety, beginning in an Azdrazi’s torso and twisting along the otherwise comparatively mundane circulatory system. In a relaxed state, the inner flame will remain static, having no reason to move ichor along the network; if an Azdrazi chooses to manipulate their inner flame, however, then it will seamlessly work to supply its vessel with enough of the substance to carry out desired tasks. That being said, the inner flame only operates as expected in hosts with functional organs, as it consistently transmutes mortal essence into draconic ichor: the substance that flows through the ethereal network of dragonsflame. To sever an Azdrazi’s inner flame by force is to strip them of their source of being, killing them indefinitely. Such a thing is improbable, of course, lacking any form of traceable documentation and thus feasibility; Azdrazi, however, know otherwise. There are two ways to divide one's flame from their flesh, the first relatively common compared to the second. It involves willing oneself's flesh and blood into a state of stagnation, turning their own body into stone and rendering them comatose. Few Azdrazi allow themselves to be taken by a fate so tame, but those that choose to smother their flame do so to stave off impending tragedies such as corruption—most would sooner take this form for the coming centuries than be bound by ill afflictions. Additionally, there’s the possibility that an Azdrazi will turn to stone if they become religiously, spiritually or physically inactive, a change represented by 2 months of IRL inactivity—exceptions can, of course, be made. The only method of severance is valid in its definition, undoubtedly and unforgivingly stripping an Azdrazi of their flame, and thus leaving them hollow. Tales of Azdromoth plucking the fire from excommunicated followers are few and far between, yet exist among those whom could be called his children. This fate takes the form of self-destruction: an unrelenting cancer of the draconic form that leads to the ultimate degradation of one's mind and body. If an Azdrazi chooses to betray their blood and fall out of faith, their flame will retaliate, gradually withering their bodies from the inside-out. In reality, such an illness occurs when an Azdrazi attempts to put their inner flame out entirely. Though one’s desperate attempt at expelling their inner flame may prove successful, the effects of such play out just as explained above. Though the inner flame is gone, the draconic body remains, and since such a transformation is a one-way street, the outcome is always a prolonged and painful death. Death typically comes one week after severance and is entirely irreversible. Mechanics of Severance Purpose Azdrazi are outstandingly prideful creatures, holding themselves, their company and even those without their circle of acquaintanceship to relatively high standards. They’re convinced that greater knowledge should be reserved for greater people, and will consistently take it upon themselves to be these magistrates of tuition and insight, so much so that such judgement becomes nearly dogmatic. To them, for the betterment of mortalkind, those who prove reckless or ill-fit—and thus unworthy—for the knowledge they hold should be punished if not eliminated. Depending on the severity of one’s incompetence when assessed by an Azdrazi, justice can range from a simple branding to an all out hunt. Their mission is no longer strung on solely by a want to preserve the knowledge of years past but is instead a mixture between the aforementioned, and the desire to keep such out of the hands of those undeserving. They believe this will ensure a prosperous future, one in which they both directly and indirectly pave the path for mortalkind, educating and culling all the same. Azdromoth also felt that these hybrids were the perfect substitute for children, the Titan incapable of producing his own spawn. As such, he continued to work on the formula up until the infection inflicted upon him by the Archdaemon, Iblees. Azdromoth never truly got the chance to refine his creations—evident by the Azdrazi’s lack of wings—but in the end, the mission was a success, his progeny carrying out their everlasting goal and acting as the intermediary force between dragonkin and mortalkind. Unfortunately, however, Azdrazi lack the guidance Azdromoth once provided, his tainted shackles stripping him of his own sight. It's for this reason that Azdromoth's recent run-ins with humanity have been less than desirable, and it's for this reason that his brood long to free him. They actively search for a means to cure him of his illness, believing that with both time and research, the Father will be free to live amongst them and mortal-kind once more—but only if greater obstacles are dealt with on his path to glory. Heralds Azdrazi are the product of Azdromothian blood creating internal—and essentially irreversible—changes to a descendant’s body. Alternatively, the Titan's blood can also be used to bring about changes that occur externally through an ink. Those who followed closely in the footsteps of Azdrazi were considered living wardrens, capable of storing draan in the ink of their skin. Such a process was relatively simple, involving the formulation of ink and the creation of tattoos. The ink used to mark Heralds is made of a basic concoction of one part draconic to one part descendant blood, portions respectively from the Azdrazi and their soon-to-be Herald; evidently, this is the same process used in the boiling solution of a basic wardren. The substance is then marked along the skin of at least two limbs before the individual whom bears it is blessed with the draan of nahl-wardren, the blood soaking into and searing their flesh. The process is unpleasant, though once complete, the blood that had previously stained their flesh will be no more, replaced with brazen red tattoos of a draconic origin. Heralds are capable of storing draan within their tattoos—six draan, more specifically. These draan must be obtained from Azdrazi, allowing Heralds to start a draan's cycle on their own accord, or maintain a singular draan at the price of two of their six available slots. Heralds' tattoos will give off a faint glow depending on how many draan are being stored, and how many are being used, similar to wardren; for example, a Herald with a singular draan stored will have tattoos with faint glows, while a Herald with two draan stored and one maintained will have a fuller glow. There are limitations when it comes to who can become a Herald, namely brought about by interactions with magic. Becoming a herald takes up a magic slot for fairness sake. Descendants who possess paladin magic will find themselves unable to complete the ritual, the blood remaining stagnant on their skin even throughout the draan of nahl-wardren. Dark and voidal mages can both become Heralds at the price of a magic slot. Herald Redlines and Clarifications Azdromothian Draan As draconic influence spread throughout the land of Horen in the days of old, Azdromoth and his children found themselves creating lesser gifts for those who pledged allegiance and gave aid to the flight—those most devout in their faith and those most skilled in the mundane. These gifts were less so incentives and more so a token of draconic gratitude, something given in exchanges and trades to show thanks. They came in the form of draan, a word or phrase laced with draconic influence. These phrases are considered words of power to most, yet to Azdrazi, they're much more: prayer. The reason for such a discrepancy lies in the method in which Azdrazi create draan. They first arrange a proper space for creation, which must include the following: a personally bound dracanium item, at least one precious object from each sect of their horde (for instance, if they horde gems and dinner plates, they'd need one gem and dinner plate with a "high value" relative to the rest of their horde), a nearby source of fire, and their wardren. The way in which these items are incorporated and arranged within the process is up to the conducting Azdrazi, though the idea is the same. With these items arranged in an Azdrazi’s vicinity, they'll find themselves capable of a form of “religious meditation”, essentially freeing their mind of any overly material thoughts and making way for those of faith and heritage. Gradually, an Azdrazi’s wardren will fill with the same hue which overtook it toward the end and at the beginning of their trials, which are at this point a distant memory. Such a process will only prove effective once every 24 IRL hours. A wardren has two draan slots, meaning two draan can be stored at any given moment until an Azdrazi undergoes the lengthy process of recharging their wardren once more. Though each Azdrazi is allowed the use of exclusively one wardren, there are ways to increase the amount of draan slots available. This is done in a manner similar to the creation of Heralds, wherein an Azdrazi will collect draconic blood—be it from themself or be it from a fellow Azdrazi—and decorate their flesh with it, following up with a draan blessing. To actually function as a working storage for draan, at least half an individual's torso and their appropriate bicep have to be decorated in draconic tattoos, both sides having to undergo this process if the draconic canvas wishes to gain two extra slots. This will ultimately grant an Azdrazi one extra draan slot (or two if both sides are tattooed), with the downside of them being unable to polymorph the tattoos away. With each disguise, they’ll find that the crimson tattoo remains stuck to their flesh, regardless of skin changes or polymorphed markings. Almost needless to say, these slots, too, need to be recharged, and are done so along with wardren. Draan vary in length, some even taking up several slots. To grant Heralds draan, an Azdrazi must elicit the latent energy from the recesses of their wardren and transfer it into the tattoos of a Herald’s skin; it's a fairly open-ended process, though different approaches generally result in the same outcome. The idea is that Azdrazi are able to “fill” Heralds’ empty draan slots by transferring one slot of their own into a Herald’s tattoos, thus allowing the Herald to cast draan with their tattoos as the source. Azdrazi can cast draan at the expense of the listed amount of slots, or fuel their Heralds with a singular draan at the expense of one slot; however, an Azdrazi must be specific in declaring what draan they grant, as that specific draan will be dedicated to one of the Herald’s slots until it is used (unless the Herald chooses to maintain it upon casting, in which case two slots will be consistently spent up until the draan is deactivated). [tl;dr, condensed clarification, and easier to follow hypothetical] Draan Labeling and Rules List of Draan T - 1 day, maintained Mindoraan - Allows a Herald to understand the draconic language in its entirety and grants them the ability to form complex yet muddled sentences, making them capable of brief bouts of draconic conversation. Herald only. T - 1 week, maintained Bel Zahkrii - Similar to Azdrazi, this draan allows a Herald to summon two draan-bound weapons of their choice; this can be done as many times as one would like, and cannot be used on/moved to a different weapon. Weapons of the Heralds blessed with this draan have an ashy aesthetic versus the fiery one Azdrazi have by default, allowing one to differentiate between a draconic and mock summon. You can not “conjure” weapons with this draan—you can only summon existing bound weapons. This is purely an aesthetic ability, and therefore takes one emote to summon; this is the same amount of emotes as it would take to unsheathe and sheathe a weapon. Herald only. T - 1 week, maintained Yol-zahkrii - Heralds blessed with this draan will find themselves capable of setting their weapons alight with mundane fire, the metal blades/heads of their weapons temporarily morphing into dracanium and thus preventing them from becoming worn. This draan can be used in conjunction with Bel Zahkrii, and weapons such as bluesteel, boomsteel, or any other sort of metal will take on the properties of dracanium and thus temporarily override properties of the previous material. Herald only. Kindling casting emote time applies. T - 1 week, maintained Rahus Mindah - Grants a Herald the ability to learn and read at a faster pace, their minds temporarily capable of processing information quicker than before. Along with this, they are also able to recall information in a manner similar to Azdrazi. In no way, shape, or form does this dran allow people to climb magic tiers at a quicker pace. Herald only. T - maintained Yolir - Undoubtedly one of the most powerful draan, Yolir grants a Herald or Azdrazi of whom is already missing a limb with one of draconic make. The only differences between a draconic limb granted by Yolir and a descendant one are appearance and a full resistance to normal fire. This means it has a minor resistance to true dragonsflame and absolutely no resistance against malflame. T - non-applicable, single-use Nahl Wardren - This draan is used on those who’ve been marked with the draconic ink, turning them into true Heralds. Azdrazi only. Exhausts 2 draan slots. T - non-applicable, single-use Faalvo-nahl Wardren - This draan is used to eliminate a Herald’s tattoos, stripping them of their Herald status and leaving temporary/permanent scarring where the tattoos once were. Azdrazi only. Exhausts 2 draan slots. T - lasts up until a Whelpling succeeds in their trials or their wardren is destroyed (aka up until they become a full-fledged Azdrazi or they are reverted back into a descendant) Atumei Laas - This draan is used to create wardren, and thus, Whelplings. Azdrazi only. Exhausts 4 draan slots. Must be taught. T - non-applicable, single-use Vahzah Laas - This draan is used in the final ritual, in which an Azdrazi tosses a whelpling into a pyre of dragonsflame, marking their transformation into a full fledged Azdrazi. Azdrazi only. Exhausts 4 draan slots. Must be taught. Death and Revival Azdrazi death is unlike mortal death, a reality conferred by their draconic souls and inner flames. To destroy an Azdrazi’s body is to temporarily throttle the inner flame's resources, destroying its vessel. Such a sudden lack of vital essence sends the body into a state of degeneration, rapidly breaking it down until its naught but ash. The self-destructive reaction occurs due to the inner flame pulling resources from a body that's no longer producing such—a corpse—thus devouring it in its entirety. The Azdrazi is not conventionally revived when such a thing happens, and is instead, revived through alternative means. Their body is reconstructed along with their wardren at the place of their religious meditation. This alternative method is necessary due to the vast internal and external differences between Azdrazi and descendants, as well as the inner flame's delicate nature. When an Azdrazi dies, the inner flame doesn't necessarily vanish; instead, it devours the energy left in the body and relocates to the area it's most spiritually and physically acquainted with, hence the reason it reforms at an Azdrazi’s point of prayer. Upon being fully regenerated, an Azdrazi will find that their inner flame has not yet fully recovered, struggling to evoke enrapturements as it stabalizes. For one week following death, Azdrazi are unable to use any form of enrapturement; this includes but is not limited to polymorph, kindling, and fiery breath. If for one reason or another an Azdrazi’s location of prayer has been destroyed or simply doesn’t exist, they will instead revive at the location of their horde, though this will prevent them from using enrapturements for two weeks rather than one. The Draconic Mind Hoarding As previously stated, once a descendant begins the draconic journey they take on a likeness to dragons, hoarding being one of the most prominent mental similarities. As Azdrazi age, they’ll find themselves more and more obliged to collect and hoard items which they valued in their previous life. These items vary from one Azdrazi to the next, but the urge is always present, manifesting as a sort of draconic-itch that they feel compelled to scratch. The significance of the desired items is subjective and can range from swords and axes to bottles of wine; there are ultimately few if any limits to what can be hoarded. If an Azdrazi is to reject this itch it’ll only grow stronger, turning into a constant nagging comparable to that of an unyielding tap against the skull. Once they take up the hobby, however, their thirst for stockpiling is sated, the itch—for the moment—satisfied. Eternal Mind Upon completing the Transference, an Azdrazi’s mind undergoes a transition to become stronger than their previous mortal one. It grants them the ability to store knowledge and information in a fashion similar to the immortal dragaar, and also the advantage of learning and picking up different skills and feats at an increased pace. To complement these abilities, an Azdrazi—just like the aforementioned dragaar—is able to retain and recall information in relatively recent memory with uncanny yet not impeccable precision. Dralachite and Dracanium When a draconic creature’s corpse is left to decompose, the relatively basic process of dralachite formation begins. It starts with the environmental breakdown of their organs, flesh, and scales, decaying until they’ve degraded entirely. From there, a crystalline marrow substitute from within the bones hardens and expands, splitting said bone and exposing the substance to the surrounding environment. In the final stages of this process, the soon-to-be dralachite is now at the mercy of the elements, sitting still and gathering rock and crystal alike until it takes on a more traditional, rough look. This process generally takes anywhere from 250-500 years depending on the location, but if the bone is well kept, it’s entirely possible for the process to span even a thousand years. Once it’s completed, dralachite will be produced in its most basic form. Once dralachite has settled, the only way to melt it down is with highly concentrated and high-temperature fire. Dralachite is rarely used by descendants for this reason, as conventional smelting hasn’t produced results. Azdrazi use this material in tandem with steel to create dracanium, an alloy used in both Azdrazi armor and weapons. During the process of weapon and armor creation with dracanium, Azdrazi quench and douse their works in a solution of nine parts water to one part draconic blood, binding their inner flame and granting them the ability to summon various pieces of their arsenal with ease. The alloy also allows for secure kindling, weapons and armor maintaining integrity, unlike conventional metals. Dracanium and dralachite imbued items give no extra benefit aside from this and can be stolen if taken far enough from their creator, the link dissipating in an instant. When a bound weapon is stolen, the Azdrazi it’s linked to will feel overcome with grief and forced to undergo a sort of withdrawal. If an Azdrazi is to die with their ichor-bound arsenal, the pieces will degrade to ash. Redlines: The weapon, if stolen while the Azdrazi is still alive, shall lose its binding to their body. They will be forced to either forge a new one or go through the painstaking effort of stealing the device back. Most Azdrazi would sooner melt the device down than allow somebody to take it. Only Azdrazi can bind these items because the weapons are bound to their inner flames and not their draconic souls. Any piece of an Azdrazi’s arsenal must be within 5 feet of their person if they wish to will it away unless they’re killed, in which case the object in question will always turn to ash unless the link is broken. Though a descendant could possess dracanium weapons and armor of their own (if they find a way to produce a hot enough fire), due to their lack of an inner flame, it wouldn’t be possible to reap the benefit of summoning. Willing away and summoning one’s weapon is, in essence, a sort of aesthetic alternative to sheathing and unsheathing, and therefore takes one full emote to do. Enrapturement Once the Transference is complete, an Azdrazi is wholly incapable of casting mana-based magic or magic that alters an existing mana-pool, instead relying on dragonsflame: an innate element provided by their inner flame. This fire deals concussive force when coming in contact with any variety of spectral creature, regardless of origin; on top of this, with intense focus and enough time, dragonsflame has the potential to be immensely hotter than fire evoked from the void—true dragonsflame. To acquire such an extreme temperature, an Azdrazi must first allow the inner flame to course equally throughout their entire body, effectively becoming a sort of low draconic lantern; this is to be considered the first phase, known as the enhancing phase, which will become relevant later. From there, the Azdrazi must be willing and able to let their flame rouse within them, allowing their body to become a smokey kiln of dragonsflame; this is to be considered the second phase. In the third and final phase, the Azdrazi will be capable of producing true dragonsflame, able to mold it within the context of listed enrapturements. If an outside force is to disrupt the process at any time beyond phase one—whether it be disorientation, fear, unforeseen collision, etc.—then the Azdrazi will be forced to "stoke" the inner flame once more, meant to continue the process as if they began at phase two. To further define what this means, I'll designate emote lengths to the three phases listed. The first phase—to become enhanced—consists of two emotes, the second consists of three, and the third is any emote thereafter. After the first two phases, the conjuring Azdrazi will be capable of producing true dragonsflame in the coming emotes, (emote six, seven, and so forth) unless they're as mentioned above, disrupted. The reason for this change is to discourage and generally prohibit Azdrazi from abusing true dragonsflame in combat, yet in a way that doesn't strip their ability to use it during events or during dracanium molding/smithing roleplay. True dragonsflame is still capable of melting most materials if something, organic or not, is exposed to it for a long enough period of time, while basic Azdrazi dragonsflame acts like hotter normal fire. This means it’s incapable of melting items such as rocks, gems and metal, but could potentially dull/soften them within two to four emotes of continuous exposure. Enhanced enrapturements are stronger variations of existing spells that require the draconic caster to be in the enhanced state. Upon learning all enrapturements, an Azdrazi will find themself capable of selecting one enhanced enrapturement. This enrapturement is special in the sense that it’s the only enhanced one they can use throughout their lifetime. Polymorph - A disguise is as named: a concealment of one’s true form. Polymorphing allows Azdrazi to more easily interact and work with descendants, but the ability acts as limiting shackles against one’s potential. As ichor heats and flows from the continued use of flame, an Azdrazi’s disguise will gradually fade. Long and intense breathing of flame will involuntarily reveal draconic fangs, eyes, and horns; kindling and scorching scales will immediately cast away parts of the fleshy costume, baring scales and talons on the hands or whichever part conveys dragonsflame. Protracted conflict will end with an Azdrazi completely free of a familiar disguise, the brilliance of one’s inner flame complemented by the powerful and noble grace an Azdrazi’s unconcealed form bears. Azdrazi are inherently capable of polymorphing due to their relationship with Azdromoth—since he’s a dragaar—but their slightly flawed nature as draconic beings prevents their guise from remaining intact, something evident when casting enrapturements. Emote length varies depending on the severity of one’s disguise. (Redlines: cannot adjust physical prowess, i.e. increasing strength by gaining larger muscles; can’t regenerate using this spell; cannot polymorph to grow over one-foot from original descendant height.) Kindling - A simple spell used by all Azdrazi, its draconic caster setting their weapon ablaze with dragonsflame. (Redlines: the weapon must actively be in an Azdrazi’s grasp to maintain the effect; therefore, things such as arrowheads cannot be kindled.) [1 focus emote required] Fiery Breath - When an Azdrazi focuses and pulls from their inner flame, they can lead it through their body and release it in a torrent of fire up to four meters (four blocks) long—this torrent can be sustained at maximum range for a total of two emotes; three and two meters can be sustained for a total of three emotes; one meter can be sustained for four emotes. (Redlines: insta-casting; sustaining a four meter torrent for over two emotes, a three/two meter torrent for over three emotes, and a one meter torrent for over four emotes.) [2 focus, 1 preparation emote required] Burning Heat - Azdrazi are capable of using their dragonsflame on fellow kin and themselves, closing wounds to staunch the flow of blood in other Azdrazi. Additionally, burning heat can expel another Azdrazi’s corruption, though will prove ineffective if one attempts to purge such taint from their own vessel. (Redlines: treating this spell as if it possesses healing capabilities on par with holy magic; using it on anything other than Azdrazi; cleansing one’s own corruption.) [2 focus, 1 preparation emote required] Enhanced Burning Heat - Similar to burning heat, enhanced burning heat allows an individual to heal a wounded comrade, but with minor additions. Unlike burning heat, enhanced burning heat grants an Azdrazi the ability to heal any wound of a fellow Azdrazi; this includes bones and internal wounds brought about by physical trauma (ex. crushed or punctured lung, internal bleeding caused by the aforementioned physical trauma, lacerations of one’s liver, etc.). (Redlines: treating this spell as if it possesses healing capabilities on par with holy magic; using it on anything other than Azdrazi; cleansing one’s own corruption.) [Enhanced form (2 emotes), 1 focus, 1 preparation emote required] Scorching Scales - An Azdrazi can cast dragonsflame on their very person, setting certain parts of themselves aflame to make for improvised combat. Setting an arm or leg on fire will take 1 focus emote while setting two arms or two legs (or a combination of the two) will take 2 focus emotes. Setting one’s entire body aflame will take 4 focus emotes. While 1-2 limbs can be sustained for several minutes, a full body cast will only hold for about thirty seconds due to the inner flame requiring what is effectively a “breather.” (Redlines: using this spell to produce projectiles; using this spell to heal/regenerate your body.) [1-4 focus, 1 preparation emote required] Dragon’s Spear - Through outstanding focus, an Azdrazi can draw from their inner flame and produce a tangible rod of draconic fire, one which bears the same weight as a javelin yet lacks its physical properties. When it comes in contact with an individual, said entity will feel the pain associated with being pierced or grazed by a javelin (depending on where they’re struck), yet their flesh won’t bare the wounds of such an attack. The only physical detriment would be that of a severe burn. (Redlines: chucking the javelin without proper preparation (listed in emote requirements below); treating it as if it can pierce creatures.) [2 focus, 1 preparation emote required] Enhanced Dragon’s Spear - Similar to dragon’s spear, enhanced dragon’s spear allows an individual to call upon their inner flame to produce a dragonsflame javelin. Unlike dragon’s spear, enhanced dragon’s spear removes the lack of true physical aspects, meaning the spear can interact with any surface or entity. It can be used to block, parry, pierce, strike, etc.. On top of this, the weapon still burns victims just as it states in the basic version of dragon’s spear—the produced flame is by no means true dragonsflame, however, meaning all wounds caused by this enrapturement register in the same manner as fiery breath, kindling, and scorching scales. (Redlines: once the weapon has been thrown it vanishes a few moments after striking a surface, just like basic dragon’s spear.) [Enhanced form (2 emotes), 1 focus emote required] Draconic Brand - Azdrazi are capable of branding descendants with heated hands, searing the area of contact—this means such an enrapturement can only be transferred by touch. This brand negatively affects an individual’s mind, crippling their ability to properly function with or recall information pertaining to an Azdrazi’s chosen subject matter. These brands don’t hurt upon being created and are visible to everyone, taking the form of a red hand in the touched space. If an Azdrazi deems an individual unfit for a specific craft or activity, they can set out to brand them. Brands will have different effects based on where they’re placed, and what an Azdrazi means for them to affect. If an individual is already affected by a draconic brand, an Azdrazi can not impose a second one upon that same person. They’ll find that their touch does nothing of note, causing no pain and leaving no impact. Additionally, one who is burdened by a draconic brand may get it removed either by an Azdrazi or by a Paladin. There are three types of draconic brands: tozein, lotgral, and faaz. Tozein - When one is branded with tozein, they’ll find that they unknowingly make glaring mistakes when carrying out tasks relating to an Azdrazi’s chosen subject matter. This lasts for one week following contact with a draconic brand. Examples: Lotgral - When one is branded with lotgral, they may find that their general ability to function when carrying out tasks relating to an Azdrazi’s chosen subject matter has become incredibly unreliable. This lasts for one week following contact with a draconic brand. Examples: Faaz - When one is branded with faaz, they’ll find that associating themselves and partaking in an Azdrazi’s chosen subject matter brings them constant physical pain akin to a burn. Said pain occurs throughout the area around the brand. This lasts for one week following contact with a draconic brand. Examples: (Redlines: forcing players to roleplay the reaction for more than 1 week; branding someone from afar or with a different spell.) [2 focus, 1 preparation emote required] Magic Clarification Azdrazi are capable of learning the following magics with the listed caveats: Kani Chi Manipulation Runesmithing All feats are feasible except for cognatism and voidal feeling due to the voidal connection that must be established. Clarifications and General Redlines A section meant to clarify misconceptions too strange or specific to properly slot into the lore. - Azdrazi blood is warmer than descendant blood courtesy of the inner flame which fuels them but is nowhere near hot enough to melt metal at any given point. - Azdrazi do have to eat and drink, as their bodies typically function in a manner similar to descendants; the main difference is that their inner flame transmutes existing mortal essence (which includes blood, food, water, etc.) into draconic ichor, which they need to live. - Azdrazi cannot become sick or poisoned in the normal sense. Illnesses and poison are effectively exterminated by the inner flame upon being processed. - Azdrazi are incapable of having offspring; they are very sterile. - Due to Azdrazi having draconic souls, they can not be kloned nor can they become machine spirits. - Azdrazi scales don’t grant any discernible advantage in combat and don’t count as some sort of natural armor. The only situation in which Azdrazi scales may potentially grant a buff against any sort of “damage” would be against things such as small insect bites and stings. Citations: https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/150782-an-excerpt-on-the-archdrakaar-azdromoth/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/152956-✓-into-the-trees/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/147870-dragonkin/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/160818-✓-lore-addition-world-lore-nephilim-azdrazi-smithing-dralachite-and-vehement-weaponry/ https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/150786-nephilim-lesser-dragonkin/?page=3 CHANGELOG: [6/7/2018 4:10 PM EST] [10/7/2018 6:00 PM EST] [1/11/2019 3:00 AM EST] [4/17/2019 3:40 AM EST] [5/2/2019 11:45 PM EST]

(Art found on Imgure and DevianArt, Creator is UNKNOWN) Habitat: Cliffs, snowy mountains and tree tops Size: Well known for their rather big size, Meh'kats, also often called ‘Flying Bears’, hatch from their eggs, being the size of a small wolf pup. Over the first few months the younglings will grow up to the size of full-sized wolves only to reach their mature years. Within their mature years they will continue to grow, reaching the height of around 13 feet and a length of around 20 feet. Meh'kats of those sizes are the most common ones, yet, only due to the fact that older Meh'kats are often a rare sight, thanks to hunters and exotic traders. It is, however, said that Meh'kats are growing their whole life and can grow even larger, depending on their age and environment. The normal weight of a Meh'kat ranges from around 400 to 600 pounds, once again depending on their environment. Diet: The diet of Meh'kats consists mostly of meat, sometimes ranging from the size of a human head to the size of a whole cow or even bigger mammals. Yet, it is also known that many Meh'kats are showing a love for nuts and exotic fruits, often smashing them under their claws and slurping the juicy goo or eating the delicious nut. Unlike most other animals, Meh'kats are also known to attack humans if they enter their nest, often devouring them after they killed said humans. Temperament: Meh'kats are known for their harsh and often fiercy temperament, barely allowing anyone to get near them without getting into a aggressive posture. As such, Meh'kats are known as nearly uncontrollable beasts. However, it is also known that some Druids and even some Farfolk were able to tame those beasts in the past, gaining a trusting ally and a mighty warrior on their side. Brief summary of the creature: Being the rulers of the skies Meh'kats are known as hybrids, combining the features of a bear and either an eagle, owl or other birds. Unlike their land counterparts, the Demigryph, Meh'kats are known to have a set of mighty wings, allowing them to fly and glide over a long distance. Due to them being hybrids Meh'kats are having the main body of a bear, however, they don’t have fur, but are rather covered in feathers all over. Those feathers are often showing all kind of colors, mostly colors similar to their nearby terrain or habitat. Meh'kats on snowy mountain tops are known to have white and black feathers, resembling snow owls, while Meh'kats on tree tops are often holding bluish- or greenish-colored feathers. Their head is resembling their bird counterpart, often holding a sharp peak, able to rip bits of flesh out of their prey, and also holding their sharp eyes in place. The eyes of a Meh'kat can see several miles far, able to spot prey on the lower levels of mountains or fishes inside of the ocean. Next to their mighty wings and their sharp peaks and eyes Meh'kats are also holding a set of sharpened claws at their paws, allowing the majestic beasts to climb up walls, cliffs and sometimes even hang head-over in ocean caves, waiting for a bypasser to walk into their hunting grounds. However, due to such claws and a feathery body Meh'kats are known to be slower then horses, due to them sometimes stumbling over their own claws or feathers. Meh'kats are known to live for around seventy to more than one hundred years, making them rather long-living animals in comparison to most other beasts found in the current realms. While they are alive the Meh'kats continue to grow the whole time, making them fairly unique animals on their own. Characteristic (Behaviour, Reproduction, Gathering food): Feathers: The feathers of the Meh'kat are a rare trading good, often reaching high prices on marketplaces. One of the main reason for such is the coloration of the feathers and the density of several feathers together. Many tailors are often trying to use Meh'kat feathers for coats and dresses, yet, also causing the outfit to become far more pricey. Senses: Meh'kats are known for their sharp eyesight, able to view several miles far without having any problems in spotting possible prey. As such they can spot a human before the human will be able to spot them, giving them a great advantage in regards to their own defensive nature. While their eyesight is the biggest aspect Meh'kats are also having fairly good ears and a good smell, often using those to find hiding prey. Behaviour: Like most other animals Meh'kats have a clear tendency to dwell in areas with near to no civilization and place with plenty of food and possible breeding grounds. Like Unicorns and other bigger animals the Meh'kats are known to adapt to climate and environment fairly easy, allowing them to live in jungles, icy mountains or even in desert-like areas without any bigger problems. Many people are also aware that Meh'kats move in large groups, often consisting of those born at the same time in the same breeding grounds. Due to the same age they are known to work with one another, making hunting a lot easier for them Due to their nature Meh'kats are known to be highly defensive animals, protecting their horst and often attacking intruders. As such many people are trying to avoid the habitat of the Meh'kats, mostly to avoid getting attacked by those majestic beasts. Breeding: Meh'kats are known to have no clear leader within their own rows, often allowing free breeding within their own groups. Normally a female Meh'kat is laying around three to four eggs and stays around her nest, protecting it against any attacker, until all of the eggs are hatched and the newborns are able to leave the nest on their own. Taming: Meh'kats are known to be near to impossible to tame. Full grown Meh'kats can only be tamed by Druids and after the Druid created a strong enough bound with the Meh'kat, yet, even than the Druid is in permanent danger of being attacked or even killed by the Meh'kat before the bound was created. The most common way to tame a Meh'kat is to steal one of their eggs and to imprint on the newborn Meh'kat, yet, entering a Meh'kat horst is often similar to suicide, since the angry mothers won’t hesitate to protect their eggs with everything they got. As such stealing a Meh'kat egg requires intense knowledge about the animal and it’s breeding habits, mostly when the mother will leave the eggs alone (Example: Food gathering) or when the mother will fall asleep. Food Gathering: Meh'kats are always using their flying advantage to gather food. They are known to fly over their prey, just to fall down on top of it or to strike it from above. Some Meh'kats even learned to grab their prey, fly up into the sky and drop their prey, killing the food source with the impact on the ground. Most commonly, the Meh'kats hunt in groups, allowing them to catch bigger preys and to transport more food back to their homes. This is mostly to preserve and burry food for later times, like the winter or times with less food around. Origin: Meh'kats are known to be representative in most of the realms, dating back to Aegis and Asulon. As such it is often stated that Meh'kats are able to sense danger and travel to a new realm on their own, either to protect themselves or their family's. The exact origin of the Meh'kats is, however, not known, only the simple fact that they were representative in all realms up to Atlas. Even on Atlas Meh'kats can still be found at several locations, allowing challenging adventurers to try and tame them.

Votar'Rex Habitat: Most commonly in woodland, jungles and swamps, although it is capable of living in any terrain, except the freezing cold. Size: 4 meters tall (13 feet) and 8 meters long (26 feet), 16 including the tail (52 feet). Diet: Carnivore - The Votar'Rex requires a vast amount of meat to maintain it's hyper-active lifestyle, as well as a large portion of it's diet being made up of protein to recover from the many wounds and injuries it sustains during fights and hunts. Temperament: Irrationally aggressive and highly respectful of a dominant and superior opponent. The Votar'Rex doesn't see someone as a superior by just their ability to fight them, but only if they are simply able to decide whether it dies. Due to this, there has been numerous ways someone has gained the respect of a Votar'Rex throughout history. In terms of it's attitude to someone it does not respect, it is akin to a Honey Badger, in the sense that it will attack and challenge opponents that look far more physically superior that itself, yet the Votar'Rex is a formidable opponent. Brief summary of the creature Characteristic: Behaviour: The Votar'Rex is most known for it's super aggressive approach to any other living creature. It is highly reliant on being at the top of it's social hierarchy amongst the others of it's kind, yet it's place on that hierarchy isn't decided by fights between each other. Infact, there has never been an account of two Votar'Rex fighting each other in the wild. It is simply because there's no point. Due to the Votar'Rex's highly acute sense and awareness of it's social status, a female Votar'Rex can tell a male's placement by seeing and smelling them. A Votar'Rex that loses 3 or 4 fights in the wild within a month become highly lethargic and dispassionate. In essence, they become depressed and such a Votar'Rex, 9 times out of 10, lay down and fall into a depression, soon leading to their starvation. Such is the mindset and connection to their social status that the beast is burdened, yet also spurned on by. Because of their competitive nature, the beast has been refined in terms of their physical prowess and abilities throughout the many years of their existance and anybody would struggle to find a Votar'Rex with a faulty gene or hereditary weakness. Many before have tried taming a Votar'Rex, but few can dominate one. The beast is relentless and will not stop fighting until it has completely and utterly exhausted all it's options and energy. A challenger will not only need to be physically and mentally superior to the beast to tame it, but also retain enough stamina to beat it into submission. Once a Votar'Rex has, however, given up, usually by laying on the ground unable to move as it's muscles are paralysed with pure exhaustion, or even passing out, then the beast will keenly learn it's master's commands over the next 4 days and, as a feat in itself, learn how to obey simple commands. This connection with it's master is due to it's hyper awareness of others and their social status, being able to translate that connection into understanding orders and following them without second thought. This state of submission, though, is temporary. A Votar'Rex will feel confident again within a month and the master will need to fight it again, although this time the beast is more reserved and will be much less likely to try and kill it's master, particularly not one that has treated it well with patience, caring and taking it on hunts. Infact, some Votar'Rex never challenge their masters, but it's a rare case and the act of rebelling is always a danger for the master. Finally, a Votar'Rex tamer will undoubtedly lose it's mount if it is treated as a pet or slave. Although the beast sees it's master as indeed the master, treating it like dirt will drive it to depression, which itself is highly difficult to avoid and to take the beast out of this state is almost unheard of. Because of this, a master must be the prime example of a beast tamer, showing physical strength and mental strength in the form of patience, compassion, caring, empathy and most importantly, humility. Many Votar'Rex masters even believe they are blessed by the Gods/Spirits when they possess one. Reproduction: A female Votar'Rex is much less competitive than a male and will gather with other females in a single large area and simply live their life of raising their cubs and hunting when necessary. These females will stay together in their large groups of around 20 until death, but they have no less a connection with the social hierarchy as the males. Females are always watching each other, scorning one another when they display any kind of weakness and if a single Votar'Rex displays too much weakness, their cub is slaughtered and the female is forced out off the gathering or so too be killed. Once every few years the Males will come to a random gathering, their social status and aptitude as a Votar'Rex displayed by their posture, attitude and scent, all of which is completely out of the control of a Votar'Rex, which is as connected to their social hierarchy as their mind and emotions are. What constitutes for a strong and capable Votar'Rex is their number of kills and what beasts they have killed. If a Votar'Rex kills many large beasts, it will have large doses of dopamine and in return, feel highly confident and give off chemicals that display their prowess. The most competent Males mate with the most competent females and then the tier below mate with the same tier as their female counters-parts, then so on and so on. Gathering Food: A male Votar'Rex hunts for it's food from any source of meat available, yet will choose to hunt the most powerful beast it has a scent or track of. There are very few beasts a Votar'Rex cannot hunt and kill, fewer that can actually kill the Votar'Rex without itself suffering long-term fetal wounds. Usually a Votar'Rex will suffer injuries after a fight, yet it's body has developed the ability to heal itself within a miraculously short time. Practically any wound it has can be repaired 3 or 4 times quicker than it would for another beast of similar proportions, this is due to it's ability to consume and store vast amounts of protein, then using it to repair incredibly quickly. A Votar'Rex is constantly and recklessly on the hunt, mostly due to both it's mental and emotional reliance to become 'top-dog', as well as it's body quickly using up it's resources to heal wounds and sustain it's incredibly pro-active body. For a female, it is far more reserved in the size of prey it's hunts and in turn, it's body's abilities are equally reduced. They only heal 2 or sometimes less times quicker and are also physically inferior, but this is required due to it's large time spent bringing up it's cubs, usually varying to 2 or 3 at a time. Physical Attributes: Thick, Durable Hide: On the Votar'Rex's body is thick patches of tough hide, whilst the other areas is made up of a more flexible, but still tough skin. The large pads would be incredibly hard or impossible to cut through with a sword and axe, although they are slightly easier to pierce, yet still require tremendous force, such as a thrust from horse-back after a gallop with a spear-tip that's thin and designed for piercing the famous hide of a Votar'Rex. The more flexible areas close to joints and points of rotation/bending is akin to gambeson, making them the ideal places to strike. Cuts from swords are in-effective, yet an axe is more capable of chopping threw. Spears also have an easier time piercing, but still require a spear-point designed for thrusting armour. Muscular, Conditioned and Rubbery Musculature: Beneath it's hide are thick and conditioned muscle, tough and rubbery if felt beneath it's hide. The muscles are un-naturally resistant and cutting would also be difficult, as though cutting into boiled leather. These muscles are incredibly powerful and particularly excellent at quick, powerful sudden burst of power to allow the Votar'Rex to leap distances twice it's length with a brief sprawl, or jump it's own body length when evading attacks. It's arms, legs and neck are also highly conditioned, allowing it's razor sharp claws to pierce and rip open flesh, or haul an opponent similar in weight towards it with relative ease. Teeth, Claws and Tail Designed for Combating other Beasts: The Votar'Rex possesses long retractible claws that are very durable and sharp. They are difficult to blunt and are slightly hooked with the underside sharp and serrated. This allows them to slide threw tender meat, or hook onto tougher hides and instead pull or grip onto the opponent. It's teeth, rather than being many, thin and sharp, are relatively few, thick, incredibly durable and reasonably sharp. They are designed for clenching onto a beast's neck, piercing it's hide shallowly and once holding the opponent in place, squeezing it's clamp-like jaw to snap bone, squish flesh or simply hold the beast in place to better use it's tail. The tail, although somewhat thin, possesses a large spiked club on the end, used against beasts that prove resistant to the sharp, meat carving claws and large, bone crushing teeth. The tail is unable to move the club around with agility, although when it manages to swing it through the air, it lands with a devastating impact, fracturing bone, smashing joints, hurling lighter opponents into the air and slamming the spikes deep into thick hides. As is now obvious, the Votar'Rex has evolved with combat against other beasts in mind, having a weapon to deal with practically any opponent it faces and the application of them being deeply en-grained into it's mind and nature, applying them skilfully based on the opponent. Origin: Taking it's home on Atlas, the Votar'Rex has evolved over time and found it's unique ecological niche. It has no predators and many different potential types of prey. It is incredibly hard to tame and impossible to practically domesticate and so as such, the Votar'Rex has a secure place in the world. Weaknesses: It's relentless aggression can often get a Votar'Rex head first in a fight against a beast far out of it's league. There have been a few accounts of Votar'Rex attacking even an Uzg'ga'Rex, to which it is immediately killed after brief interested and humorous examination from the colossus. LM Approval Required: Yes, although not for tamed Votar'Rex. This being said, anyone not RPing their Votar'Rex properly in anyway would be powergaming as the keeping of such a beast is both a difficult balance of caring and strictness, but also miss caring can easily cause the death of the master or the beast. Lore Holder: TheNanMan2000 If playable, what are redlines? The Votar'Rex is not a beast every Tom, **** and Harry will be able to possess. It's one of the most bestial and aggressive creatures there is and for the vast majority of people, the pursuit of a Votar'Rex is not only suicidal, but also a burden on the rest of their life as the master of the beast. When someone has a Votar'Rex, they will be expected to take it hunting at least once a week if fighting an event beast. Nobody can just RP on their own hunting a bear and then say 'That's me for the week'. They must show that they actually care for the powerful beast in their care and so atleast 1 hunt event with the beast coming along highly, highly encouraged for a healthy beast. When you own a Votar'Rex, you must have a place for it to stay that is represented IG, and actually be able to prove you can provide sustenance for this incredibly hungry beast. Some soldier living in a city would not be able to afford large swaths of meat, nor the ability and time to hunt countless game. Owning a Votar'Rex is within itself a profession which could only really be done by someone with a lot of spare time, or a job that fits well with providing for the beast.

Maidens of the Oak... History ~ - Over the years, there have been stories of beautiful, maidens- lovely with shining violet eyes... Their gaze capable of leading a man to their death. It all came from the discovery of the bodies of men, laying in circles in the forest. These people's lives were taken from them, their souls literally breathed out of them... and the very eyes that they used to gaze at the ladies, were gone. The stories originated from summers past, a girl who ran from her home, a broken one. She was in despair.. It is remembered that the girl was blessed with her child, but her father saw it as something disgraceful. The Baby has been conceived out of wedlock, and he wouldn't have it. The girl, whose name was known as Farrenla, ran deep into the dark forest where she became filled with sadness. She had lost her mother,years before- who was cursed with the gift of the frost- and had never seen her again. Her sadness was heard by Aeriel, and the Archaengul took pity on the poor soul. Aeriel appeared to Farrenla, and took her hand. Aeriel gave her a gift... an enchanted oak dagger. This dagger would hold the power of the souls who have died. It would give the wielder immortality... but everything comes at a price. To gain the power of the oak, Farrenla would need to take her life. She would be reborn as a servant to Aerial, to take the souls of Lost Mortals and kill them- and pass them to the Archaengul. Farrenla would stay in this endless cycle for years, taking the souls of the lost- entering villages and kingdoms- She left a trail of bodies; This was all out of sadness. she was alone.. so she would use the blessed dagger Aeriel gave her and she would bestow the gift upon other maidens. When Aeriel heard news of this, she became furious and appeared to the maidens. She cursed them to a life alone, bound by the forest, unable to leave it or the world would see their true souls, corrupted by their malicious deeds. The dagger was destroyed, and the curse of the maidens would stop. The Archengul did leave them one gift, for she was a benevolent being. They would be able to transfer the curse singing the Oak Lullaby... Over the ages, their stories were forgotten... but yet, if you wonder far enough into the forest.. you can still hear the Maidens' songs.. * Note : the sung is used to lure people to their deaths, but the song can be used to transfer the curse to women if the Maidens of the Oak desire so. Thy lost soul comes to us, o' soul.. We shall wait, across the pond Until we meet again.. O' young soul, comes to us- Thy can be free again.. Biology ~ - The Maidens of the Oak are known to be beautiful, seductive, and cunning. They lure people with their lovely voice to gain their souls, and their lifespan. They normally look like maidens of all races, and all complexions- Their eyes are always a striking, mystical violet. Under the shade of the trees, they appear this way- Beautiful and intriguing -, but because of the Oaken curse... if they dare leave their wooden threshold, they would appear as dark, vile beings.. Their violet eyes now glowing.. and their teeth would appear to be sharpened.. Their bones would be pushed up, looking very lanky and bony. They would take the appearance of their vile past... murderers and hags. The skin of the Maidens of the Oak is always cold, like their hearts. Because of the Oaken curse, any male child that a Maiden would conceive, would be deformed and stillborn. Any female child would be taken by Aeriel, never to be seen by their mother. All maidens have the power of the oak- If they cast a spell together, as a Clan.. they can save the female child, and she can grow into a maiden like them. They can also take away power from a maiden as a punishment, or even kill them. Life ~ - They live in settlements in dense forests, ruled by the maiden who has taken the most souls from the people around them. She is known as the Oak Maiden. She would be in power until a maiden more powerful came and took power; But this wasn't a peaceful transition.. The former leader would be killed. If any maiden defies Aeriel's room, the clan as a whole would have to take her power, of maybe even kill her (depending on the severity of the act).

Wyrvun Lord of the Deep Cold, Father Winter, the Redeemed, the Eternal Aengul of Virtue, Redemption, Eternity, and the Deep Cold Symbol: A wyvern born of ice, in flight over a silent tundra [You already know this was written by ya boi edel] [Long Story for Ondnarch provided by Dreek!] “It was then that Wyrvun was created, the very embodiment of the ice cold winds and the frost that settled upon the ground. For he was the Lord of the Deep Cold and the elements of his realm each answered to his call. An Aengul of great power, at his command were all that made up the realm of ice. Such was his power that he could even contest many of the creator’s divine beings.” - Ancient Dwarven Legend, The Lord of the Deep Cold "I sat upon that marbled lake when Frost was specter-gray, And Winter’s grasp made desolate the dying eye of day. The pitch-black vines scattered about like strings of broken lyres, And all mankind that haunted nigh had sought their household fires. The world’s bleak features seemed to be Eternity’s corpse outleant, His crypt the cloudy canopy The wind his death-lament, The ancient pulse of love and birth Was shrunken hard and dry, And every spirit upon the earth Seemed fervourless as I." - Fennic poem, The Fall of Wyrvun Within every land governed by snow and frost has stood the Lord of the Deep Cold. In those silent expanses his power is unmatched, with such might that even Primordials might bow. Manifest, he is among the greatest of Aengudaemons - from ancient times, the machinations of the ‘God of Ice’ have altered fates and cast great ripples across eternity, to such extents that even from his Realm do mortal lands bow. In the most ancient of times, when the first Aenguls had just been born, he was called the embodiment of Purity and Virtue, Beauty and Majesty, Winter and Patience. For he was the king of those unadulterated white fields, and his reign kept the winter's bite from becoming callous destruction. His followers, though few even in that time before time, were known to be virtuous beyond measure, as his love extended most to those pure of heart. Noble souls and heroes in white might claim his patronage, and the coming of winter less dreaded than simply acknowledged by the many. His hatred for the corrupt and dark ran deep, and perhaps this magnified the tragedy to come. His fall to Ondnarch will likely be disputed by scholars and historians for all future generations. All that is known with certainty of his fall is that a shadow of untold strength swallowed the Aengul, shattering his divinity and binding him to a corrupted physical manifestation. This event led to the birth of many more Aenguls, both major and minor, and an everlasting change in his id. It would be a millennia before the imperfections in that enthrallment of shadow and ice would allow sweet release. For as Ondnarch, Bringer of the Silent Cold, he had become a devastating scourge upon the lands of mortals. Decades of long winter expired untold masses, and his breath of black ice even the greatest of adventurers crippled. Finally a great alliance, its members inclusive of all Descendant races, would attack his fell incarnation, and the legendary Hammer of Barradin banished that dreadful form; the Lord of the Deep Cold was born again, and, weakened by a near-eternity of pain, returned to his realm once more. Long Version In modernity, Wyrvun is the Aengul of the Deep Cold, of Virtue, of Redemption, and of Eternity. He is the patron of all those that live within lands of snow and ice, and his power is undeniable in those realms for he is, in the simplest of terms, the cold incarnate. His place among the pantheons of Aengul-worshippers is often unstable, more frequently being worshipped by those that perceive themselves to be under his direct blessings. Perhaps his corruption and near-eternity of influence by that primordial shadow left the Aengul paranoid, for within those lands of permafrost, the would-be deity of all things frigid lays heavy hand. Wyrvun is among the most explicit in his purpose, one that has not changed in overarching action since his birth - the celebration of winter among mortals, protection of those lands eternally coated in winter and its inhabitants, and, after his release, the uplifting of the damned. With those long years spent in chains, Wyrvun's purpose has been honed, and in a sense, reborn. For the virtuous lost, the masses cast from society from machinations not their own, he is an often unseen savior. Called the Redeemed, it is his taken prerogative to bring a second chance to those innocent souls cursed by their once-was and had-been. His miracles are such that few would credit him - perhaps, in a blizzard, the snow might for a second seem to create a passage, or the lonely pilgrim of the wastes chance upon an abandoned shack or cave in which to rest. Depictions Though best known for the ice-wyvern form popularized by his appearance in the eyes of the Dwedmar and Mali’fenn, Wyrvun has many known identities. In the religion of the Frostbeards, Wyrvun has been called "The Mother". Taking the appearance of a young woman in white, it is their belief that Wyrvun is the wife of Yemekar. The physical manifestation that has been most easily verified is that of Ondnarch - a giant dragon made of black ice and skeletal remains with breath of dark frost, bound in chains of shadow and plague. In his restored form, Wyrvun most often takes the visage of an ice wyvern - a pure white, unlike his darkened, draconic form under the mantle of Ondnarch. This great wyvern has been described as larger than any mountain, a blue glow cast around his phantasmic form as light itself would bent. The temperature would plummet with his appearance, and the air would freeze. Perhaps, for those truly defeated, they might find a lodge in which a kindly old man known simply as "Father Winter" grants them repose. Dressed in white furs and with a great beard and ruddy features, it is said that this form was taken by his corrupted form, Ondnarch, to entice the first Frost Witch into his embrace. More recently, this form's meaning has been changed to something closer to the idea of prodigious return - that circumstance might allow the virtuous lost to become heroes and redeem themselves before society. On near-every continent, among the ruined civilizations and silent plains and tundras of everlasting cold stand the Wayshrines, statues of stone and ice holding Wyrvun, or his dark alternate, in veneration. Whether placed there by Wyrvun to be made into holy places, or built by those kingdoms long forgotten, their cold emissions have bred stories more often than not of their enablement of the devout to speak to the would-be god. The Eternal Watch Wyrvun’s realm is the Eternal Watch, and within is his sanctuary, the Gray House. The Eternal Watch is a realm ruled by winds of ice and frost - not a step can be taken where one is not on ice or snow, and it stretches past the horizon. In what can only be assumed is the center stands the Gray House - a massive fortress of white metal, surrounded by tall, gray stone walls and a forest of black trees. Within the Gray House is many hundreds of thousands of rooms, for it is here that Wyrvun’s plans in antiquity can be seen - every Aengul has a goal, and his was once the acceptance and love of the cold. It is said that these halls are reserved for those believers of Wyrvun and lovers of the cold, that they too might find an afterlife befitting them, but the existence of any soul but Wyrvun’s in the Eternal Watch has never been confirmed in any reasonable way. Following "His love for all that was of the Deep Cold was strong, and it pained him deeply that the mortal races of the world dreaded for it to begin and would soon celebrate its end." - The Lord of the Deep Cold, cont. Wyrvun is worshipped by the Mali’fenn, but his fall to Ondnarch, perhaps ironically, has doomed this lover of mortals to little worship among greater society. The first Frost Witches are said to have been born by his physical manifestation as Ondnarch, and the Mali’fenn believe that their entire race’s perpetuation is predicated on the continued worship of their “God”. That is not to say, though, that the Snow Elves are the only ones to worship this Aengul. Wyrvun occupies a prime spot within the Frostbeards' True Faith of the Brathmordakin, was once within the wider Brathmordakin, and is included in most lists of Aengudaemons in some form. In most other pantheons, though, Wyrvun generally takes no more than a minor role, if any. My boy Wyrvun was literally impossible to find real lore on except some excerpts about "ancient stories". Of course, I had to remedy that. Welcome to Edel makes lore for winter lovers, part two.

I'd mainly like to see more types of Kha allowed. I'd really love to play a Lynx / Bobcat type Kha. Also, I'm kind of confused on the panther/leopard types... Because there is no such thing as a black panther as a breed or species. It's literally just a melanistic leopard / jaguar. Ergo, they should have the same build as each other lore wise. They shouldn't have differences except the coloration. (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_panther )

Birth of the Orison Ritual Site of the first Guardian Grotto, a harrowing, yet beautiful reminder of the death of a druid. “And she appeared before them, those troubled minds, and the air was alive with sound of nature. She gave them a reassuring smile, reaching a hand out, as if to offer help. All was well.” It is a well known truth among druii and those that study the aspects or their faith, that devout druids who die ascend to the realm of the fae, to serve out their days as Soulbound Servants and Guardian Spirits. In the realm of fae, these spirits of passed druids are revered by all as wise men and oracles. Creatures of the fae flock from every corner of the realm to hear their words of wisdom. In the realm of fae, they are considered demigods, chosen of the aspects themselves. (The Fae Realm) In death, these sages reflect the souls of what they were in life. For those that sought the taste of battle in defense of the balance, they may find themselves as a spirit of fury, blessing those of the Twilight Bound. A gentler druid, a healer perhaps, may find themselves as a mending spirit of the Dayward Way. All these such spirits are revered amongst the fae creatures of the world. For those most dedicated servants of the aspects, there exists a special opportunity in life, during the most unlikeliest of times. That is, to become a Guardian Spirit capable of traversing betwixt the eternal forest and the mortal realm. These most devout servants may find themselves visited by one of these spirits to be taught the highly secretive ritual. With this knowledge, they are given the secret that they need to become one of them, to be given the ability in the afterlife to make the journey and return as a Guardian Spirit of the Descendents. However, this ritual may only be done on the brink of death. In their last moments, a druid may send out a final plea, one last wish to stay on Æos, on this place that they’ve so desperately tried to protect through their whole lives. And then, they must perform the ritual. The Discovery She saw blood everywhere. It stained the grasses around her with a deep crimson hue, glinting in the sunlight. And she looked to the side, seeing a bloodied bone knife cast aside, lying among the leaves a few feet away. And then it shot through her, an agonizing pain in her abdomen and she cried out. She looked down, and in her arms was her heart; a crying babe, wrapped in a green shawl. And her eyes slowly shut, fluttering desperately to try and stay awake as she faded into the cold embrace of death. Awaiti sat up in her bed, drenched with sweat. She rested a hand against her stomach, flat as it always was. The woman turned, pushing up out of the bed to stand, staggering over to a mirror in the room. She gripped the sides of the table, looking into her reflection with a silent, but bewildered expression. Her amber eyes stared right back at her, betraying only fear. But that was all. There was no blood, no screaming, no crying babe to hold. It left her unsettled, and compelled her to grab her cloak. And with that, she swiftly exited the room. The flames in the brazier of the shrine always shone the brightest at night, casting light in every which direction, onto the grass, onto the statues of the aspects, and now onto Awaiti, who was kneeling before it, bowed deeply in prayer. “Sweet mother, sweet mother, send your blessing unto me… preserve me…” “Father, father please. Have mercy on your faithful servant…” She pleaded like this for hours and hours, until the first rays of daybreak split the air, casting shadows of the leaves on the shrine. And on and on she pleaded, tears staining her weary face. “I don’t want to go! Not yet!” And her eyes were filled with light as she keeled over, blacking out against the cold morning ground. What followed barely made sense to her, flashes of white and green light, the crying of a babe. Visions of light took shape as fae energies and her dream came back to her. She was suddenly on the ground again, covered in blood. She was screaming, crying out in agony. And once more, her eyes began to flutter off to the cold and gentle dark. “Breathe, child,” She heard a gentle voice call to her. “Let go,” said a strong voice. And she shut her eyes for but a moment. And then opened them with white light coursing through. In an instant, the place around her was filled with a brilliant flash of fae light, all erupting from Awaiti. Flowers sprung up, creating brilliant displays of red and blue and purple. Trees sprouted almost instantly, tearing up the earth. But all was silent for Awaiti. She could hear no voices, feel no life. Life itself had all but left her battered form. Instead, it was in the world around her. And she drifted off. Her eyes shut once again, and Awaiti, just as she had in her dream, passed on from this world. But then, she was truly alive. There was warmth, and it was good. Awaiti looked down at her own mortal form, and smiled, knowing that all would be well for her child. They would live, and go on. Her eyes flung open, and she was back on the cold, hard ground. Awaiti stirred, knowing now what she had to do. And so she stood, going home to her bed to await that fateful day. The Orison Ritual Druids look on as a hierophant passes on, the air lighting up with fae mists as the energies ripple through, causing flowers and other life to spring up! circa 1650, colorized “Mother, mother please… father, look down on me… I want to be brave... I don’t want to die!” The ritual itself was used a great many years ago, in ages long forgotten, as a secret technique used amongst some of the most powerful and wise druids, in order to continue passing on their knowledge and guiding their people even after their own death. Since, it has fallen from minds, into myth, and then into legend, and then forgotten entirely. It has only resurfaced recently, discovered by Sister Awaiti Aureon, who saw glimpses of the ritual during a vision of her own death. Flashes of light, blasts of pure fae energy that rippled through nature, allowing life to flourish in its wake. These visions stayed with her throughout her whole life. What Awaiti saw was her own body expelling all of its druidic energies in one single moment. This act kills the druid immediately, but the blast of fae energy allows anyone in the vicinity to feel the effects of a fae ring for the day. The very wave of energy that is expelled from the druid has a similar effect to a fae ring, allowing those around them to hear the countless voices of nature for the rest of the day. It would emblazon druidic runes onto the stones around them, growing large trees and bushes almost instantly in the now hallowed land. A circle of flowers would sprung up all around in a spiral, creating a Guardian Fae Ring around the druid’s lifeless corpse. The wave of fae energy carries part of the druid’s very soul with it, tethering it to the land of the living. This created an anchor to Æos, allowing the traversal between these two interlinked planes. Such is the path that all those druii who wish to return to the mortal plane must follow. They must seek out a guardian spirit and learn the secrets of this most sacred ritual Guides and Redlines Requires a TA in Control and Communism to teach the Ritual, as well as being the aforementioned Guardian Spirit. In order to teach the Orison Ritual, an existing Guardian Spirit must show their student the ritual through Greensight. Attempting the ritual in any capacity is a PK. Requires a MA to perform the ritual. Attempting the ritual is a PK, no matter the outcome. Once you die, you’re dead, spirit or not. Guardian Fae Rings Fae rings have always been notoriously awe inspiring and potentially dangerous, for they create links between our realm and the Eternal Forests of the Fae. Normally though, these Fae Rings only allow lesser creatures of the realm to traverse the planes under the light of the full moon. They have the additional effect of imbuing descendants, whether they be human, dwed, or elf, the sudden ability to hear thoughts, instincts, and raw emotions of the flora and fauna around the ring, giving an experience of attunement to the unattuned. This can be very disorienting for those that are unfamiliar with the raw orchestra of nature. These fae rings have only ever been created through the magic of the aspects themselves, being naturally occuring phenomena in the world. But, with the Orison Ritual, we find the first instances of a druid themselves creating these rings through their own powerful druidic energies. During the Orison Ritual, a massive explosion of fae energy is released directly into the land around a druid’s body. Many things are birthed from this influx of energy, including the powerful Guardian Fae Rings. These large spirals of flowers cover the entire area that the blast touched, hallowing the ground that they lay upon. Over this entire area, the effect of a normal fae ring is given, nature filling the ears of those who stand within the living spire. These rings act as normal fae rings, with a few exceptions. Normally, a Fae ring allows only lesser beasts of the Eternal forest to pass through it on a full moon. However, given the druid’s final sacrifice, it allows Guardian Spirits to pass through the realm of the fae into that of the living. Guardian Fae Rings have the unique ability to be created by the living as well as the dead. However, this process is extremely dangerous, and must be preserved for times of great need. By transcending to the eternal forest, a group of three druids can seek out any such guardian spirit and re-tether their soul to the earth. By doing this, the guardian spirit channels their own energies through the bodies of the three druids, transforming the fae ring into a guardian fae ring. This allows for the creation of new guardian fae rings from normal fae rings. It is important to note that Spirits are not tied to any one ring. Instead, over time, these rings begin to create an interconnected network of points that the spirit may visit. Usually these rings are placed around groves, or other places of pilgrimage for those that follow the ways of the aspects. These points serve as the anchors for spirits in the realm, creating holy sites around the world. As stated, guardians are tethered to these Guardian Fae Rings, tying them to that one particular site until they are able to move to a different ring. Guardian Spirits are only able to go so far outside of the ring before they dissipate, the bonds holding them to the world too weak and too far to hold them in any significant way. If such occurs, they find themselves drawn back to the Eternal Forests, unable to plant themselves on the world. They must stay there for a time as their spirit regenerates and recollects in order to return to the world of the living. Guides and Redlines Powerful druids can perform the ritual successfully and be taught it. In order to be able to become a Guardian Spirit on the mortal plane, you must conduct the Orison Ritual. The Druid must first pray, opening a connection with the aspects themselves. Basically grabbing the aspects attention. After such, a druid must expel all of their fae energies in a sometimes violent blast, depending on the age of the druid and their power. This can potentially hurt those around them if the druid is very old and very powerful. The blast caused by the druid causes a surge of life in every direction, causing plants and life to spring up where possible. It can grow trees in an instant, moss to grow on rocks in runic shapes. These runic shapes reflect parts of the druid. Only the Guardian Spirit that created them knows their meaning. The blast also creates a Guardian Fae Ring, a variation of a normal fae ring, a large spiral of flowers, leading to a circle in the middle. This is the exact spot where the druid died. A Guardian Fae ring is what allows a Guardian Spirit to travel between the realm of fae and the mortal plane. Guardian Spirits are tethered to these rings, unable to walk very far away from them without being called back to the Eternal Forest. This radius usually encompasses the size of a grove, or small settlement. Guardian Spirits may only make the journey through Guardian Fae Rings during a full moon (Once every elven day). However, it should be clarified that they may remain the realm of the living after the full moon has passed. In order to perform the ritual, a currently existing Guardian Spirit must teach you it, or have someone who already knows the ritual pass the knowledge to you. This follows suit for druids to create guardian fae rings. In order to create another Guardian Fae Ring, you require a living druid that knows the ritual. Being different from normal fae rings, it is possible to have both a Guardian fae ring and a normal fae ring at the same time. To transform a fae ring into a guardian fae ring, you require three druids who know the transcendence feat. By doing this, it allows the druids to find the spirit in the fae realm and allow them to push their energy through their own bodies into the ring. This creation acts in the same way as the normal creation would, with all of the effects. Must be a druid, and currently be Tier five in both Communion and Control at the time of death. Druids cannot be pulled back from the Eternal Forest after an Elven Month, as the Eternal Forest’s call is far too strong to ignore. Such is the nature of the Fae Realm. In order to be brought back from the Eternal Forest, you must have PK’ed entirely first. It is only allowed for fully PKed druids. A Druid must be able to pray before they die, and build up the energy to release it all. Any sort of instantaneous death would prevent them from doing such, and keep them from tethering their soul. This ritual can only be done while on the brink of death. Druids who commit suicide cannot do the ritual. Any druid blocked by Strength of the Abyss or other Fi magic would not be able to complete this ritual. The blast from the ritual is not enough to kill in any case. Only potentially knock back people. If the druid’s focus is thrown off during the ritual, it ends the ritual and they are unable to continue, missing their window. In order for druids to create a guardian fae ring, they need to gather more than 3 druids to pool their energy together to create this explosion. Without more than three, the combined strain would kill the druids involved. Even with more than two, the process is extremely taxing on the body. The Orison ritual requires the unaltered soul of a druid to be in their body in order to perform this ritual. Druids with altered souls, or those who have placed their souls in other vessels cannot perform the final ritual to become Guardian Spirits. This does not apply to the creation of Guardian Fae Rings. As the natural energies release, the spirit of the animal would release as well. It remains with the guardian as part of it or depart to the aspects realm. This allows shapeshifters to complete the ritual. Guardian Spirits cannot walk outside a certain distance from their Guardian rings. In doing so, they would be demanifested, and sent back to the eternal forest until they can return. (300 blocks) Iconoclast magic would demanifest a Guardian Spirit The Spirits A Guardian Spirit watches over the forest with a careful eye, taking after their original elven form. “Go, my faithful dedicant, into the mountain! There you will find a spiral of flowers… sit in it. Call out to her, to that devout spirit. She will guide you on this task. Now go!” With their spirit tethered to both the eternal forest and the mortal plane, the Druid would wake in the Forest, awaiting that next full moon, for that bridge to open between the realms. When the full moon flies, they may find themselves on a trek across a great birch bridge that stretches far into the cosmos, into the mortal realms, allowing them to awaken inside of the center of the Guardian Fae Ring in a brilliant display of light, standing in the grove created by their own death. This is the journey that all Guardian Spirits will take, should they partake in the Ritual of Orison. Upon their awakening, spirits are met by themselves, by their new spiritual figures. At first, they appear as themselves, given a transparent glow that reflects their own druidic energies. As time goes on, these spirits realize that they can shift their appearance to some degree, to make them look as they did at any point in their life. Through this, they can remove scars, and blemishes upon that figure, or tattoos that covered their skin, appearing truly as a servant of nature, without other worldly attachment. In their journey to the spirit realm, spirits find they may change into a host of different animals, accompanied by that similar transparency and glow that other Guardian Spirits give off. However, with an additional affect. Due to the spirit’s time in the fae realm, the essence of the eternal forest has rubbed off onto their animals’ giving them fae-like attributes. The spirit is just that. A spirit. They cannot touch or interact with the world. They will never again feel the embrace of a loved one, nor the wind on their cheek. They are dead, lost to the world. Incorporeal beings that merely exist as a passer of knowledge, a wielder of the torch of druidic power. Even at their strongest, standing within the fae ring, they are unable to lay a finger on the world of the living. It is the primary mission of all Guardian Spirits to pass down their own knowledge of the balance, and to guide the druids of the world towards a heightened understanding of what their duty is, and how they might attain it. They serve as powerful guides to all that follow the path of the aspects. To dedicants, they serve to inform and teach. To Druii, they seek to offer their different perspective on the world and how it may function. And above all, to Archdruii, they serve as powerful advisors in the face of great adversity. But they are just that. Guides, advisers, wise-men. Vessels of knowledge that lasted longer than they should have. They are unable to use the powers that they had throughout their lives as druii, save but shapeshifting, but they still retain their ancient knowledge of the arts. In times of great need, these spirits are able to pass on their understanding and power into the druii of the world in several ways, detailed a bit later. In addition to this, Spirits are also given a few smaller tools that they would use in pursuit of guiding dedicants, druids, and archdruii alike, without impacting the world on a physical level. Spirits are far more corruptible than our mortal forms. Aurum weapons that affect the spectral beings of the world would affect them just as a normal blade would, cutting away at their energies. Blight that would normally sap away at the strength of a descendent would eat doubly so at the Spirit Guardian, gnawing away at the very being of the guardian, until it is so weak that they are corrupted wholly. And perhaps the most dangerous among them all, are those that carry with them the strength of the abyss. To be touched by this ability is to be scattered, cut off from the world. Upon touch, the spirit is sent back to the realm of the fae, to recuperate once more. Such is a very effective weapon against them, capable of sending them away in an instant. Blight may even corrupt a Guardian Spirit more than it normally would. The spirit is more fragile than the body, and to those who are exposed to it for a long time, it may have devastating effects to their soul. Through time, they’re physically corrupted, and the soul is damaged, leaving their spirit broken. The blight addles their mind, casting a shadow of the ancient spirit. They become destructive, a draoi spirit. Their gifts turn dark, allowing them to grant darkened boons on their followers, on those dark druids that would destroy. As they continue down this path, these spirits are corrupted physically. They may be split open, or tainted visually, their souls torn asunder by the use of these dark boons. These now Draoi spirits haunt the realm, causing chaos and sowing discord throughout the land by empowering the dark druids, until they’re put out of their own misery, and banished from the land by the very druids they were sworn to guide. Banishment is a difficult process, though not impossible. It is a technique used by druids to sever a Guardian Spirit’s connection to the mortal realm, and works similarly to the unattunement ritual. A group of three druids must corner the Spirit, connecting with them via powersharing. After this, there are multiple ways that the druids could deal with the spirit. Potentially, the spirit has been feeding dedicants or other druii misinformation, misguiding them from the path of the Druidism. Or perhaps these spirits have views too extreme for the order, and must be cast out. Both of these are valid reasons to banish a druid from the mortal plane. Or perhaps a spirit has become fully corrupted by blight, making them violent Draoi Spirits. This is another reason to banish a spirit. Or even by request of the Spirit themselves that believe their mission to be done. Banishment is the act of releasing the spirit’s tether to the realm of the mortals, recalling them back to the eternal forest to live out their days there. This action can be reversed, in the same way that a guardian fae ring can be remade. The ritual is one in the same. Guides and Redlines Newly made Guardian Spirits always begin in the realm of the fae. In order to start roleplaying, players must wait until a full moon, or one out of character day in roleplay to re-enter the mortal plane. In order to enter and leave the mortal plane, a Guardian Spirit must do so through a Guardian Fae Ring during a full moon. All Guardian Spirits take on a glow reflecting the color of their fae energy in life. Guardian Spirits take the shape of themselves when they return, appearing unaltered by injury or bodily art. In addition, Spirits may change how they look in order to reflect themselves at different points in their life, to reflect and show how they themselves have changed. Removing injury or changing which point in life they appear as is entirely optional. Due to their time in the fae realm, spirits are capable of morphing into a different host of animals, with the addition effect of fae attributes. The addition of Fae attributes applies also to normal Spirits Guardian Spirits are completely incorporeal, and cannot touch or physically interact with anything in the mortal realm. They are ghosts, in that sense. They will never be able to feel the world of the living, at least physically. Guardian Spirits retain none of their ability to perform druidic arts that they had learned in life, save shapeshifting. However, they retain all of their knowledge in the arts, and still fondly recall the feelings of using their abilities. They instead gain a few other abilities to assist in their primary mission of guiding the descendents, and granting boons of the aspects. Guardian Spirits with a TA in any given druidic magic still keep the TA, but cannot perform the magic themselves, truly being a guide more than anything. Guardian Spirits can no longer perform control, communion, thulean druidism, blight healing, or herblore. Guardian Spirits can no longer teach unattunement, attunement, or shapeshifting. Golden Weaponry affects the spirits as a normal weapon would to a person. Blight corrupts the very soul of the spirit, being far more vulnerable to the effects of the blight. This causes Guardian Spirits to become Spirit Draoi, lashing out violently with all they have to corrupt and damage the world. This, however, can only be done through their existing gifts and receive none for becoming a spirit draoi. Upon their next ‘death’, spirit draoi are permanently killed. Players accept this on making a Spirit Guardian. Upon touch, Strength of the Abyss immediately sends guardian spirits back to the realm of the fae in order to remanifest. This action is extremely disorienting for the spirit, and takes a long time for them to return and gather themselves together. This takes one year in game (One week out of character) Guardian Spirits are able to be banished by the druids of the realm through the banishment ritual. However, they can be brought back through the creation of a guardian fae ring for them. The Mission Guardian Spirits under the full moon, 1650 “I am one with the Balance.” In life, it is the path of druids to protect the balance, to safeguard nature. To protect the wilds and those that live amongst them. When these druii die, they ascend to the eternal forest, to serve as soulbound spirits, wardens and wisemen of the fae realm. These spirits are revered as wise demi-gods next to the aspects, spirits holding immense knowledge. Creatures of the Fae come from near and far in the realm, from the Twilight Bound to the Dayward way. For those Soulbound Servants that return to the realm of the living, their duties must continue. Guardian Spirits are to act as guides, figures of wisdom amongst the druids of Atlas, and all other places to come. They walk amongst the order as highly revered teachers, and advisors, opening their wisdom to all that would seek it. This is their eternal duty, to serve and guide, no more, no less. Very rarely do these druids directly intervene in anything, choosing instead to give their assistance when asked, or to offer a boon from the aspects for dire situations. In some cases, they can even take up teaching positions within the order. Blessings of the Aspects A druid completes a task with the oversight of the Guardian Spirit, 1650 Guardian Spirits tend not to intervene in worldly affairs. Without the ability to hold a sword, or travel far beyond their guardian fae rings, they take up a more guiding role. Their time spent in the realm of the fae shows now though, and Guardian Spirits find that they have a few lesser abilities that they didn’t have before. These can be very straining for the spirit to perform, and only one may be used per day, that they might serve the spirit in guiding others. Greensight Guardian Spirits have the ability to reach out to the attuned minds, able to incur visions of the past, things that the Guardian themselves have seen, or even things that the subject has seen. This ability only works on a willing subject, when they allow the guardian into their thoughts. These visions can be as vivid or as vague as the guardian wills it. This can be used to suggest certain courses of action, or to show lessons that they themselves have learned. This only affects attuned druids and those affected by fae rings. Oversight Guardian Spirits bind themselves to a druid for a time, seeing what they see, hearing what they hear, allowing them into their thoughts. This must be entirely willed on the part of the druid and the guardian. During this time, the druid is marked with a green fae symbol upon the forehead, showing that they are a vessel of the spirit. This lasts until the subject no longer wills it, or the spirit leaves the body of another. Guardian Powersharing As was their ability in life, Guardian Spirits retain their ability to control and manipulate the natural energies of the fae, in order to pass them onto another druid. This greatly enhances the natural ability of the druid far beyond their own potential, exactly like how a normal powersharing is done from a living druid.. However, due to the fact that the Guardian Spirits consist of their own Fae Energies, powersharing dissipates them over time. After they've finished, they return to the Eternal Forest to replenish their being. Guides and Redlines All Blessings of the Aspects can only be performed once per day, while their energies replenish. Any attempt to perform a second blessing in one day will result in a failed attempt. During Greensight, both the druid and the guardian enter a catatonic state while experiencing the visions, they are completely vulnerable to attack until the guardian ends the vision or it ends. Greensight uses previously existing memories from either the Druid or the Guardian Spirit. This applies even to memories that have been lost. Can be used to revive memories. Guardians can manipulate memories to look as vague or vivid as they wish. They may also alter the vision to a limited degree, in order to show alternative choices, or make symbolistic changes. Druids and guardians can experience pain from the vision that may actually linger after the vision ends. This is all psychosomatic. The Ritual of Orison is taught through Greensight memory of the Guardian’s own death. Oversight is the ability for a spirit to bind themselves to a druid’s body, connecting the two. The Guardian Spirit and the druid’s senses are linked, and they can experience the sights, sounds, smells, feelings, tastes, and thoughts. This works vice versa as well, the druid being able to experience those of the guardian as well. In addition, this links their emotions, to a degree. Should the druid grow angry, the guardian may feel a surge of anger or so on. Druids experiencing oversight are marked with a fae symbol over the forehead, glowing with the color of the spirit’s energy. Guardian Powersharing works exactly like normal Powersharing, but after they are done, they dissipate to the Eternal Forest for an Elven Day. Feel free also to roleplay discomfort when powersharing, as you're sacrificing your own lifeforce to fuel another druid. A druid does these at will, they cannot be forced into it, nor can they force them upon others. A Guardian Spirit can only use one blessing per day Greensight must be completely willed on both ends. A Guardian cannot be let into the mind of another without it being opened for them. Guardians cannot cause physical injury through Greensight Visions. This does not apply to psychosomatic illness. As soon as a Druid does not want to be shown a vision, it ends. Closing off the path renders the ability ended. Guardian Spirits cannot be demanifested during oversight. Guardian Spirits cannot use other druidic blessings during oversight Guardian Spirits cannot interact with others outside of the druid they are bound to. Once clerical magic is used on the body of one being affected by oversight, the spirit is pushed out, ending the ability. If a druid does not want to be bound to a guardian spirit any longer, they are disconnected. This applies vice-versa. Guardian Powersharing shares the same redlines as regular powersharing. ((As all things, feedback is appreciated so that I can really make this lore enjoyable for everyone! Shoutout to Leowarrior14, Delmodan, ThatGuy_777, and Gladuous for giving me ideas and letting me talk to them about this!))

The Bradách The Bradách are akin to the real world Celts, with an emphasis on the Welsh and Irish, although imagined as a late medieval/renaissance version of themselves in a fantasy setting. Due to this, their arms and armour are akin to the rest of the world’s and their capability at building is also improved, yet it keeps to the Celtic Roundhouse and Hillfort design. They put a heavy emphasis on a man or woman’s capability to fight and the respect they place on their Gods. Their economy is basic, offering nothing in abundance and with little expertise in any particular field, but this is made up by raids and labour of slaves. The goal of the Bradách culture is to create a space for those who enjoy the Celtic culture and want to experience it in a medieval/ fantasy environment. It is suitable for the PVP and RP minded as despite RP being at our hearts, many of the Bradáchs also serve in the Bradách-glass, which is a mercenary band, comprising of the most skilled warriors, wielding claymores, javelins and sparth-axes, whilst wearing hauberk, steel helms and their Clan colours in tartan clothing. Lore The story of the Bradách peoples started with the Daelish and the Pryderi, when some of the members of each group decided to make their own group and govern themselves. This group grew over time, soon becoming it’s own stable fold of peoples. As this group advanced through history, it’s people integrated it’s ideas and beliefs, which transformed over time with each passing generation. Eventually, the Cadeyrn family became the largest amongst the fold and for the first time of it’s existence, the group elected a Cadeyrn named Bendigeidfran Cadeyrn as their leader, claiming legacy from the Pryderi. From this election and his seat as leader, he took to creating their own set of rules and traditions, such as dropping the common form of inheritance, being Primogeniture succession, and instead deciding each leader, who was then named Rí, through an election of all the peoples. Effectively being a democracy, although each election only happens upon the Rí’s death. He also established the pantheon of their Gods, calling it the Bradách Pantheon. With this pantheon, he elected a man named Myrddin to become the Derwydd Rí, leader of the also formed Derwydd, who were also inspired by the Pryderi Druii, who were responsible for sacrifices, Religious events and keeping sacred Groves off-bound to foreigners, although not because they might cause damage, but because it is believed the Gods live in these sacred sights and can injure or kill those that wander. It is because of Bendigeidfran the Bradách peoples can claim their unique culture and is remembered in stories and tales to this day, also considered the Protector God of Clan Cadeyrn. Years later, the Cadeyrn Clan kept it’s seat in power, consistently proving it’s favour for battle, skill in combat and cunning in leadership. To this day, Caratawc Cadeyrn is the leader of the Bradách and hold many of the traits that his Clan are known for. Language Siaradbrách (The Bradách language is based on real world Welsh, whilst using Irish more commonly in naming places or things) Hello: Shwmae, helo Bye: Hwyl Thanks: Diolch Yes: Ydw No: Na Common Traits: Blonde or Light Brown hair - Most commonly amongst the Bradách, they will have blonde or light brown hair, although some might have differing colours due to the mixed heritage of many Bradách. Tall - Many of the Bradách are taller than the average man, many reaching 6’1 or taller, very few ever becoming shorter than is normal for most humans Muscular - Having strong, athletic muscles is very common, some having larger, burly muscles and very few having a less muscular physique than a trained soldier would possess. This is both due to their genes and life with an emphasis on combat. Deep and Confident Voices - Many Bradách have deep voices, but due to society often scorning the weak or timid, as well as because they are capable at fighting, the Bradách will speak words without worry of the reaction and they are rarely brought to a whisper, even if to keep something quiet. Highlanders - Practically all Bradách are Highlanders, although any race is accepted into the Clan, who sometimes stay and continue to sire children. Elves, specifically Dark Elves, are appreciated amongst the Bradách due to their extended lifespans, yet human-like strength and skill at forging weaponry. Society: As is already mentioned, the Bradách are governed by a Rí that is elected by all the Bradách and any race or gender is accepted to become one. Once a Rí has been decided, he will command all the power in the Kingdom, like any other King, even over the Derwydd Rí, but many are not eager to do so, incase they upset the Gods. The Derwydd Rí is responsible for all the religious events and responsibilities in the realm, usually the one to conduct sacrifices and the first to throw the spear in battle. The Derwydd are chosen by the Rí, who help him or her do his religious activities, but can also host various religious events and will usually attend certain events as a symbol of the Gods’ presence. Finally, there is the Brádan, who is chosen by the Rí as his secondhand man, as well as who he desires to be the next Rí, should he be absent, for whatever reason it might be. If a Rí dies but the Brádan still lives, it is most common for the Brádan to be elected. There is no-body officially called nobles in society, although there are sometimes specific families held to high regard, as well as certain peoples respected highly due to their deeds and/or favour from the Gods. The last notable group in society is the Bardds, who write songs, poems and all sorts of entertainment about people or stories. Due to the fact that people’s favours of the Gods, ability in combat and general greatness is so important in society, particularly since it is responsible for making people Rí, the Bardds are a highly respected people in society and they would all find shelter and food from the vast majority within a Bradách society. Behaviour: In terms of behaviour, most Bradách act the same as others in society, particularly Highland folk, although their emphasis on their multiple Gods is very pious, but stranger yet, they are very tolerant of other deities, believing that other Gods exist, such as the Creator, but believe other Gods protect others and that the ones in the Bradách Pantheon are the only Gods that speak for them. Due to this, the Bradách show respect for other Gods as if they were their own, as giving little respect might result in being brought ill fortune, or even being smitten down by the foreign deity. This respect for foreign Gods is all the stronger when in the territory of any Gods’, such as in Canonist cities or the forests of Druids. In these places, it is not uncommon for the Bradách to sacrifice animals or peoples to the local God, even if that God doesn’t typically receive sacrifices. The Bradách are also very comfortable around the dead and death, considering it a natural thing and that inflicting it on others is not un-natural. Due to this, many Bradách will kill someone when the typical person would spare their life. Most commonly the Bradách will cut off a dead body’s head so that their soul can escape their body and if it was their enemy, keep the head as a trophy. Festivities: Gŵylygaeaf - A winter festival during The Deep Cold in which large amounts of sacrifices are made to the Gods, specifically Myrddin, as it is believed the Other World and our world are brought the closest, causing many to accidently wander into the Other World by mistake, typically when wandering too far into the wilderness. Also during this time, it is believed the dead are more likely to rise and attack who ever it sees, or join in with the festivities. Planhadau - A festival held during the month of First Seed in which the planting of the first crops is celebrated and to gain favour from the Goddess Belisama, a large man made from wood, thatch, rope and twigs is constructed, the limbs, body and head hollow and wide enough to contain humans and animals. This is called a Wickerman, or Gwenyn, and is set alight. It is hoped this sacrifice will bring fertility to the soil and keep the crops healthy. Rhyfelwyr - This is a festival held on The Grand Harvest to celebrate the crops harvested, but also to give luck and blessings to the Bradách warriors that head out for war and/or raids they will hold. When they return with slaves and their victims harvest, some of the crops is buried in a large pit and the sacrifices have their throats slit open over the fresh soil, thanking the Gods for giving the rewards of their raid. Clothing: The clothing of the Bradáchs is practically the same as many other nations, although their clothing is decorated in a tartan pattern, typically combining blue and green, but other clan colours are also used. Many wear linen tunics in the summer, or in warmer climates, whilst in the cold, wearing cotton tunics with a woolen cloak over the top, extending down to the waist. The cloak is split down the middle, so the wearer can fold on or both sides over their shoulders when needing to use their hands, or unpin their cloak from their shoulders to fight. Their also usually wear cotton trousers or their tunics instead or as well could extend down to the knees. On their feet, leather and waterproof boots or normal shoes are worn. The hole design of the Bradách clothes is meant to make travel easy and walking through muddy terrain or rivers easy to do as you can simply raise your tunic and keep your feet dry in the water proof boots. Architecture: The build style of the Bradách is based on the real world Britons, using Roundhouses as the main type of housing, and making Hillforts for defence. The capital city of the Bradáchs is a large Hillfort, the walls holding dirt behind making trebuchets very inefficient at breaking through the walls, whilst leaving large amounts of space on the inside for everything needed. Religion: The Bradáchs are a Pagan people, worshipping multiple Gods in the name of different things. If somebody wants the blessings or favour of a particular God, doing something impressive, such as showing no fear in and great skill in battle, or defeating an Orc in a wrestling match, then dedicating the victory to a God, or sacrificing an animal or human to a God will put you in their favour. There are also events and festivals held to honour the Gods. The list and name of the Gods are; Mormaer - Goddess of all the deities. Goddess of Sacrifice and Fortune Belatucadros - God of War, Hunting and the Weather Belisama - Goddess of the Sea, Agriculture and Peace Sirona - Goddess of Fertility, Health and Love Myrddin - God of Knowledge, Wisdom, Planning and Magic. Also the God of the Undead. (Each Clan has 1 God/dess that reflects their values); Cadeyrn’s God - Bendigeidfran - The Giant God of Kings, Resolve and Decisiveness. Military: The military of the Bradáchs is best described as warbands, in which the people will choose someone they trust and if that person has enough followers, they will head out in their warband and conduct raids. These warbands however all answer to the Rí, who himself may have a warband, and usually has the largest. The Rí can call the warbands into his own to create a Fyddin, or army. Since the Bradáchs do not have a standing army, nor professional one, each member is expected supply himself with arms and armour, but may be given what is necessary by somebody else. What is most typical amongst farmers to supply themselves with is gambeson, some owning iron helmets of varying kinds, although all must have at least a spear and roundshield. The seasoned warriors typical own a gambeson and hauberk (short or long sleeved), with a steel helmet. They arm themselves with a shield and spear, but some might choose an especially long spear, with the shield slung on their back, or perhaps using a sparth-axe, or Dane axe. The elite warriors, who are often the members of the Bradáchglass, wear long sleeved hauberks that reach the knees with steel helmets and leather or maille gloves. As weapons, their own a shield (Kite or round), and spear, but it is also very common for them to own a claymore and sparth axe, as well as sometimes even a sword of varying kinds. What is not necessary, but very common amongst all the warriors, except the Bradáchglass, is a bow. Some using longbows, such as the hunters or more dedicated soldiers. Cavalry isn’t too common, but when deployed, they are almost always skirmishing units, throwing javelins and harassing the enemy, or attacking straying opponents so that heavy infantry, such as the Bradáchglass can move in and mop them aside. Military Tactics - The Rí is expected to be a skilled military tactician as the Warriors are in return expected to risk their lives for sakes of glory, loot and path to the Other World. Army Composition - Typically, armies are comprised mostly of skilled warriors, due to the emphasis the Bradách place on combat, but some farmers and such do not have the time to train, although these make up for much less of the army. There are also the elite Bradáchglass, who make up for about a quarter of the army. Archers and slingers are usually taken up by the untrained farmers, but some skilled warriors might choose these weapons. The skilled typically choose the Longbow and get deep in the mix of battle, peeking through gaps and letting a powerful arrow loose into the enemy line, sometimes bursting open maille or dazing men struck in the helm. Cavalry makes up a very small number, also taken up by the skilled, but usually the richer ones, but the Bradáchglass sometimes put their retainers on horseback and arm them with a few javelins. Preparation for Battle - For the Bradách, there is as much emphasis put on the lead-up to battle as during it. Raiding parties will seat out to harass, kill and sabotage enemy scouts, firewood parties and whatnot. This is an area the Bradách are particularly skilled at, most especially in wooden terrain. They will also poison water supplies or gather in large numbers and feign the army’s advance by scaring birds into large sudden flights into the air, as well as blowing horns and beating drums as though to represent the horns blown before battle or drums beaten to keep order on the march. Also, the Bradách will take great expense scouting their terrain, as well as setting their Derwydd to read the skies for the coming weather. Using these, the Bradách will modify their plans to best suit them. Tactics During a Battle - When two armies have met, the skilled warriors will form a long, relatively thin line and charge, hurling their javelins when close enough and dependant on the enemy’s response, as well as other factors like terrain, who has the higher ground and such, they might continue the charge and slam into the enemy, the first row responsible for defending, the second for delivering blows with their spears. If a charge is not advantageous, they will suddenly stop and quickly form a shield wall, then sometimes making a slow advancing into spear range, or waiting for the enemy’s response, all the while remaining silent. During this stalemate, the slingers and bowmen will pear threw the gaps and periodically fire, as a means to goad their opponent into an attacking. During this time, the cavalry might begin flanking the enemy, hurling their javelins, but usually they have too many missile troops, or superior cavalry. If so, they will constantly try to provoke the cavalry into movement, outside of their missile troop’s range and then hurl their javelins when in range. This will repeat until they run out of javelins or the cavalry make an overly determined charge, in which the skirmishing cavalry will suddenly turn and attack their enemy back, the farmers with their spears running into the melee to finish the cavalry with their spears, which is almost invariably the case, due to the advantage spears offers against cavalry. Then, these men will either attack the enemy missile troops or flank the enemy infantry. The cavalry, if still alive, will do the same and use up any remaining javelins they might have. The Bradáchglass - Mercenary and Elite Band - The Bradáchglass are a unique and new addition to the group of warriors amongst the Bradách. These men are funded by the Rí, or sometimes themselves, so that they can afford their equipment, as well as the time they spend from their potential occupations to become elite and highly trained soldiers. These men are usually raiding and plundering, but the Rí may give them permission to seek or accept mercenary contracts from other Lords. Thanks to @Dewper and @OneGhoulyBoi for giving me permission to claim inheritance from both of their cultures. Here's a link to their cultures; Dewper's https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/163587-daelish-culture/ GhoulyBoi's https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/164652-culture-the-pryderi/

I need this skin made. If anyone knows how to put a lot of detail in armor and can follow references well, around 2k $$$$$$$$$$$ big fat ones (lord of the craft minas) or more are in store for you. Here's references. Contact me on Discord via notxephos #1921. If you come at me with scams or weak ass pixels or Chinese quality import proposals, I will seriously **** you up. There will be no recovery.

The Shapeshifter Brief Description The ShapeShifter is a creature that has fully mastered the art of disguise, giving them the ability to transform into almost any being they so desire. While most descendant races can make faulty and flawed disguises of their fellow races, they are bound by their own limitations. However, these chaotic creatures are bound by very few limitations. The Shapeshifters enjoy bringing harm and deceit through means of all things, ranging from harmless tricks to malicious deeds. The Lore and the First Shapeshifter When the first Shapeshifter was created it was by an act of desperation and ended up being a complete accident. A wood elf by the name of Alyndar was a master illusionist and had successfully learned and taught many students Sensory Illusion. On a rather dark night he had been driven out of his chambers by a loud knocking at his front door. He had stepped down the stairs of his manor, and placed his glasses on his head. When he had answered the door a look of absolute fear had washed over his face as a group of four armed Orenian guards. Alyndar spoke in a tired and fearful tone as he gazed in shock at the guards “W-What is the meaning of this?!” He had lowered his gaze to their weapons that they had already unsheathed as if they knew things were going to turn ugly. The head guard looked to Alyndar confused as he did not expect such a man to be the one to answer the door. He had been told a few assumptions about the appearance of Alyndar, but what he saw was definitely not what he had expected. He spoke in a firm tone of voice “Ser, we be lookin’ for a mister Alyndar! A bounty has been put on his head by the nation of Oren and its high king! He was found a few years ago to be tampering with some dark magic and must be put to justice at once!” Alyndar instantly knew what they were talking about. He had been tampering with dark magic to further his illusions to make them more of a weapon than a means of escape. He had been working for years to complete his research and teach his colleagues of what he had learned, but it was much too late for that. A few Saint’s Days ago someone had caught wind of what he was up to,and they weren’t happy for him to be toying with this kind of magic. The woman responsible for witnessing his research went straight to the nearest guard and forced them to hunt and kill Alyndar. If it were not for his remote manor they would have possibly killed him already, but it seemed it was much too late for him to get away. Alyndar slammed the door shut and successfully locked it behind him. The sound of the guards banging and beating on the front door would quickly rattle through the manor as Alyndar rushed up the stairs to collect his personal belongings and research findings. He was a smart man and knew what this research would get him if it had leaked out to the Empire and their holy ways. Alyndar knew he didn’t have much time before the guards successfully broke down the door and began their search of the manor. He took down a painting to reveal a hidden door behind it. He runs out and through some tunnels, successfully getting away from the guards. After a bit of running he perched himself up atop a mountain to look and see if he was being followed. He saw nothing but his manor burning to the ground. He knew there was no going back and turned to the nearest cave in the mountain. He set all of his research materials down onto the ground of the cave and thought to himself if they believe him to be truly dead. After all no one had known about the secret exits in his manor but him and a couple of his students. He took a moment to think when he had an idea that would prove to be his downfall. He took all of his notes and took one last time to read over them before making a makeshift ritual sight for the procedure. He convinced himself that his research to become the perfect illusionist was complete and there would be no repercussions, but even he knew in the back of his head that this had a very high chance of going wrong and possible killing him. Though he would only repeat to himself “I have no choice. . . I have no choice. . . I have no choice. . .” over and over again those words rang through the interior walls of the cave as he carved the symbol of the Shapeshifter into his chest. The blood pouring down over him as he cursed himself. There was only silence for two whole days before he awoke. When he awoke he had found that his skin had turned a dark grey. The only color on his body were his green eyes, and his clothing. His wound from the rune he carved into his chest quickly scarred over. He let out a scream of fear for what he had done to himself. Alyndar sat in that cave all alone for a few days out of fear for what the outside world would think of him. All those days inside the cave he felt hungry, but when he went outside the cave to eat fruits and berries and to gather water it wasn’t enough to satiate his hunger. His newly formed body craved something more malicious. His instincts took over, and he went out to hunt for the flesh of a descendant. He had traveled through the woodlands before coming across a group of two travelers. Alyndar had complete control and knew what his newly made instincts were telling him, and he loved it. He only wanted to satiate his hunger for the time being. He stalks the two for a few hours, and waits for them to stop and rest. One of the travelers decided to take a break. The two humans had made the worst mistake of their soon to be ended lives, and split up. Alyndar followed the strongest looking one and ambushed him. Before the human could scream Alyndar used his new found strength in his true form to overpower the human traveler and jammed his dagger into the man’s skull, killing him instantly. Alyndar feasted on the man’s body and devoured him. He reveled in the thought of eating another man’s flesh. He wouldn’t be able to celebrate for long as in the distance he could hear the other human traveler calling for his companion to return. Quickly Alyndar looked for a way to escape before trying to disguise himself using his illusion magic he had known for so long. Though when he had transformed into the now dead traveler he had just devoured Alyndar felt something strange about the disguise. It was something that he had never felt before. He felt like he actually belonged in the man’s skin, and the disguise didn’t seem to falter in any way like it would for a normal illusionist. Alyndar thought of a malicious idea and called back out to the other traveler. His voice sounding just like the man that he had just murdered. He would quickly hide what little remained of the corpse before turning around to greet the traveler, and travel with him in his dead companion’s skin. The first Shapeshifter lived on and continued to do malicious acts onto the descendants, learn more about himself and his newly found powers, and even transform others into what he became. Abilities As you may have already guessed by their name, the Shapeshifters have the ability to change their form into almost anything they so desire. To start with something simple to explain: they can change into most animals they so choose as long as they wish, from a small innocent little bird to a ferocious and aggressive bear. Transforming into animals for the shifter is a rather easy feat that requires little strength. However, it will of course take time to do so! Transforming into another descendant race takes considerably more time and can be seen through easily if they do not take proper precautions to perfect the disguise! How they are able to transform into a descendant race is simple and easy to understand. The Shapeshifter must have some sort of D.N.A from the man or woman they so choose to impersonate, examples of D.N.A that can work is hair, spit, and pieces of flesh. Using D.N.A will not give the shapeshifter a perfect disguise, and if the Shifter decides to go this route they will likely be called out as a charlatan. Deciding to do this will not produce a perfect copy for the Shapeshifter and thus it will not have all the information and power needed to become perfect. In order to make said perfect copy the Shapeshifter must kill and start to consume the the body of the poor soul they want to make a permanent disguise out of (see redlines for limitations and requirements on making a player’s character your perfect disguise). Typically, making a perfect disguise is not ideal for a Shapeshifter to do as it can wield some unwanted effects. Choosing to make a descendent race into their perfect disguise will force the Shapeshifter to give up whatever perfect disguise they’ve held before as they can only hold one at a time. When the Shapeshifter transforms into whatever race they so choose they are not limited by the race, or even gender of said race. For example if a shifter used to be a dwarven male then he would still be able to change into for example a female Uruk with ease. This does not make the Shapeshifter gender less. They can still identify as male, female, or other.The physical strength of the creature the Shifter becomes is different and can vary from time to time depending on the size of the descendant race and that races age it transforms into, at least when disguised. They have incredible strength that's worth thrice that of the average human, however their strength will not change due to whatever they change into. For example if a Shapeshifter decided to transform itself into an Olog, it wouldn’t have the strength of said Olog, no matter if it was weaker or stronger. They retain the strength of which they had when they were a descendant until they go into “True Form”. The Masters These are the only other types of Shapeshifters known and their sole purpose is to loosely guide and create new Shapeshifters. These beings gain little to no new abilities due to their status. The only ability is easily being able to manipulate and control their lower Shapeshifter companions to a certain extent. Of course they aren’t able to take control of their each and every action, though they can persuade them quite easily to do their bidding. This isn’t used often however as most Shapeshifters automatically follow the Masters upon creation out of debt, or “gratitude”. Painting of a known Shapeshifter True Form The Shifters may be masters of disguise, but they are simply unable to stay disguised for a number of years without showing their true selves. Some feel it necessary to shed their disguise for some time in order to relax or enhance their fighting capabilities if something goes very wrong. Their true form would look to the mortal eyes how they would before they were transformed into a Shapeshifter. Their true form can give them many benefits but will also hinder them just as greatly. The benefits they gain are simple and non-arcane. They grow much stronger and faster. Their speed is too great to be caught by a human on foot, a horse is necessary. An alternate option would be to try to outsmart the Shapeshifter and lead them into a trap. Do not fret for there is a simple solution. In a Shapeshifter’s true from they are very much weaker to whatever hinders them. Traditionally, a Shapeshifter will never reveal their true form unless around someone they deeply trust, or unless they are in a highly dangerous situation and need a quick escape. For them to willingly show their true form to a mortal whom they feel will not betray them is a sign of immense trust and that they will protect whomever they reveal themselves to. Their appearance when they are in this form is interesting to say the least. Their soul will always remember what they had originally looked like and will reflect the look they once had when they were a part of the descendant races. The way they look will change. Their skin tone will have a gray scale look to it, and will look almost void of all color. Is some cases the Shapeshifter can be confused for a Dark Elf by someone not paying attention, a sure fire way to tell if the person in front of you is a regular Dark Elf or a Shapeshifter is to look at their ears. This may not work all the time due to the fact that some elves are transformed into Shapeshifters and will retain their signature ears. The only color they will have on them at all is their unnatural eye color which will be a brighter color than what it had used to be. Symbol that must be carved into a Descendent for them to become a ShapeShifter Appearance and How to Identify Even though the Shapeshifters are known as the masters of disguise there are still a few ways to identify them even in when they’re disguised. To identify a disguised shifter you must somehow feel their skin. You will know that they person in front of you is not who they say or look like. Their skin will feel fake, almost like someone has covered their entire body in makeup to cover up who they truly are. Another rather easy way to identify them is through their eyes. A shapeshifter’s eyes will begin to have a subtle glow to them after a while, though the Shapeshifters can suppress the shine they cannot make it fully go away or leave it all together. After waiting long enough and looking into a Shapeshifter’s eyes it will eventually reveal this light. No one knows what this light is and the only working theory to date is that's its just them taunting anyone to figure out what they are and try to slaughter them, however this is likely false due to the fact that most Shapeshifters don’t even realize it happens. Next is their true form and it's rather hard to actually not see what they are, follow the statements above that describe their true form for how to identify them in this form. The absolute hardest to spot and find is their brand. All Shapeshifters have one somewhere on their body, and it doesn’t fade and go away with time. No matter if the Shifter is disguised or not they will still have the brand of the Shifter in the same spot they had it in their true form. Finding said brand is a sure fire way to identify the shifter, even if it is the most difficult. As for their internal organs they do not seem to be functional though they will bleed, etc. Age is not a great defining factor as they can transform into beings of any age. Not only this but their bodies in their true form stop aging as well, meaning that someone who was around the age of 35 when they became a Shapeshifter would stay that age indefinitely in their true form. How They Are Created When a Descendant feels trapped, weak, and helpless, they may seek refuge with the Shapeshifters only to be tricked into changing into one of them. Though this may sound to some like a good thing, though the process of being made into a Shapeshifter is painful and irreversible. Most do not even feel any of the stated above and only want to further their own abilities and gain the powers the Shapeshifters hold. While they will be skeptical of whomever comes to them willingly wanting their power, they will put the Descendant through a grueling and dangerous trial that may result in the Descendant being caught and killed. The only shapeshifters able to create and accept new Descendants into their arms are the Masters. The way they are created is through a sort of necromancy magic that only masters or those taught would know, though outsiders knowing the magic to create them is very rare. This magic would be considered a feat and wouldn’t take up a slot because there is only in a sense one tier. A rune is carved into their body while the Master, or whomever knows the curse, curses them and changes them and makes them a Shapeshifter. The rune carved into them will never fully heal, and only a scare of the rune will remain for the entire lifespan of the Shapeshifter. A Shapeshifter’s Diet Yes, like almost all other creatures the Shapeshifter must feed on something to keep going. Unlike most other creatures however they aren’t exactly so picky on what they must eat to survive. Shapeshifters are strictly carnivores and are required to hunt, kill, and eat something about twice every 2 elven weeks. A Shapeshifter not feeding themselves properly will become starved and due to such will slowly start to become very weak. This weakened state will last for another elven week, and will become worse as the week progresses. Eventually the Shapeshifter will wither away into nothing and die from starvation. There are some however that decide to hunt the descendents and take them captive for food. A shapeshifter kidnapping and dining on a descendant isn’t a rare thing and they will usually do this due to their unusual craving for flesh. Most Shapeshifters, if asked, will tell you that the taste of flesh to them will taste like nothing they have ever tasted before. They are mostly unable to describe what it's like, but will tell you that it is divine. Weaknesses Gold and Aurum weapons. Clerical and Holy magics Heavy amounts of light- A lot of light seems to keep these creatures away. (Fire evocationists may be able to do some harm without even burning the Shapeshifter) Though even with their weakness to heavy amounts of light they will still walk freely among normal everyday people during the day. Red Lines Unless your created disguise is a “perfect replica” and you have all the things needed for so to happen you are REQUIRED to emote a flaw ever 3-4 roleplay emotes, this can be something as small as your eye color changing all of the sudden, a voice change, etc. or something on a larger scale. Note this effect is only needed to be done with Descendant races and not creatures. No Shifter can learn any type of holy or deity magic. Voidal magic, and Dark magic is acceptable however. Cannot usually give birth to children. If a shapeshifter does get pregnant she may not be able to transform into any creature or descendant lest it kill the child instantly. A shifter may not transform into any other creature that requires a creature application. For example frost witches, ghouls, liches, and dreadknights just to name a few.

So, recently it struck me that Skeletons aren't actualy playable, only Darkstalkers, Liches and occasionaly some Skeleton bodies for a necromancer. It saddens me that one cannot be a simple, plain skeleton without being a super powerfull warrior or a 'wise' Wizard. Why can we not have weak skeletons playable by people? Some may deem it unnecessary (Probably butchered that word) with the amount of spooks we have roaming around but i don't. I think it would be a great addition to hand these feeble, fun creatures into the hand of players. Although they do need lore this is something i''m willing to write but i thought i'd make a post on it first to see the results. It's that spooky time of year!

The Phantoms BY: captrivside The Phantoms (not a ghost) ancient protectors of life that in the recent years have returned. A Phantom's sworn duty is to protect the innocent no matter what. They have genetically been advanced a bit too do the job their senses are raised and their eyesight is a bit better. If a Phantom breaks their duty by killing or hurting someone the Prime Phantom will decide. If the die or will have their ability as a phantom ripped away from them either for life a certain period of time. A Prime Phantom is the leader of the Phantoms until he either dies or resigns. Or are kicked from the rank after the date of 200 years of being a Prime Phantom. If a Prime Phantom does not resign passed the date of 200 years of Prime leadership the phantoms will have to threaten them to resign or to kill them. The present Prime Taltic Van Hall formerly known as Teal’Ugluk is the first Phantom to be born for over hundreds of years. Before the people of Vailor moved to The Isles of Axois The Phantoms existed. They were different back then they did not protect they did the right thing in a large scale way. When They just learned language the Phantoms fought wars against what was and truly a threat to peace. They had no allies because their allies could have tried something bad and the Phantoms would of have to weaken them or kill them. They were lead by “Grand Empress Xyvire” she and her Phantoms eventually died off. With the rest of the original Axois races which composed of Oren, Orc, Elf, and Pale knights The Phantoms then had all races in their ranks. Xyvire became a powerful spirit and chose Taltic to be a Prime Phantom. But they did the right thing on a large scale just under that they sacrificed and brutally murdered many. This is a reason that they didn't make a come back for such a long time. To become a Phantom you either must have the blood or be enlisted by the oath. A phantom would look very dark and cultist like buts only too blend into the shadows. Rules YOU must not ever kill or hurt an innocent or you Prime will suspend you or kill you To be Phantom YOU must have the blood or have done the Oath Do not get aggravated because someone insulted you for being a Phantom DO NOT kill a fellow Phantom you will be killed When a Prime tells you what to do do it if it's against the rules tell some other Phantoms It is highly preferred that you wear your mask on duty

Ethereal Knights “Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” A being trapped betweens realms, unable to move on yet not fully in the mortal realm these beings are drawn to collect their armor’s parts for eternity, spurred on by the desire of completion. The ones who created these beings, as a way to test their might. These necromancers attempted to seal souls into inanimate objects, much like that of a dread knight and his armor, though with only their own experiments to go by. Kidnapping descendants to use their souls they fueled their experiments. A unnamed Necromancer, about to start skinning the victim, an important part of the ritual needed to create an Ethereal Knight. Within these experiments it was discovered that the soul being used must have had a strong will, for if not it will break during the ritual to seal it to the chosen object, usually a suit of armor. To finish the seal, skin is carefully peeled from the body of the victim, tanned to last long, then runes are added to it. These specially made runes draw out the energy from whoever places the armor on, creating a symbiotic link between the armor and wearer. With the runed skin applied to the inside of the armor, the last of the ritual can take place. The remnants of the soul are forced to last within the armor, unable to speak save for when the armor is worn by a mortal being. The rest of the victim’s body is discarded, usually without proper burial, this causes the soul to wish for one, and gives it a secondary purpose in the half-life it was given. Unlike Dread knights and DarkStalkers, which would ultimately be the closest cousin the Ethereal knights would have, the Ethereal knights would not have been given a goal by its creator, rather it would be used as a tool by said Necromancer. Although it cannot use magic, and any magic it had once used in its life is lost in the ritual, it is given enhanced strength, exceeding that of a normal man. In return for acquiring enhanced strength, it uses its wearers energy, using the runes engraved in its skin lining to draw the life-force through its owners skin and power itself. If one were to focus on the Ethereal Knight’s mind-link, many would claim it as a light, differentiating in color, the stronger the light the more fed the Knight. A mind link is formed through this contact, at first having another mind inside of the owners own can be disastrous, which is the reason why the Ethereal knight seeks out ones who are strong of mind, for a weak willed being could be driven to insanity if exposed to the knights warped mind. As such exposure is to be limited, which may be the ultimate reason why its creators the necromancers separate its pieces in the first place, the more pieces used the greater the drain on the wearer, and the stronger the soul’s will grows. Often pieces are lost, traded, or otherwise forgotten in places around the world as its creators change locations. With the soul being separated into multiple pieces, it enters a deep sleep, until a passerby or treasure hunter dons it. Once on the runes would fuel the Ethereal to awaken from its slumber, at first its voice would sound like what it once had as a living being, but as the new owner wears the piece, the voice would slowly change, growing accustomed to its owners voice and mind its would soon sound like the owner. If said owner were to remove the piece, though they may need help in doing so from another being, for the runes would strengthen the bond between the flesh of the owners and the tanned skin from the Ethereal knight. With a mind of strong will, the Ethereal knight could tempt others to wear it, using the natural auras that flow from the runes inside it, this is one of the only ways it can tempt another to wear it, for the runes inside were meant to bring physical strength to the wearer. As such the wearer cannot use magic while wearing the armor, the link with the void will be weakened considerably and its wearer will find any use of magic a immense drain on their body. And as it is a being born from the darkest of magic, Aurum causes pain, whether they touch it or a blade made of it hits them, the wearer will find the trapped soul screaming in anguish. Holy and Fi magics are also dangerous to the Ethereal knight, both can blind and mute them for a time, rendering them into a comatose state, much like when they ‘sleep’, although even if their wearer were to try and use them, they would find that they would be unable to use the enhancements the armor brings. The only thing that can revive them from this state is for their owner to continuously wear them for a period of time, allowing for the runes to, albeit sluggishly, sap the energy needed to restore them fully. Along with not being able to touch aurum without feeling pain the armor cannot have aurum adornments. Aside from Aurum and slayer steel, the armor can be made of anything, though the stronger the material the harder the process is to bind the soul, iron plate is the preferred metal. The armor last considerably longer than a normal set, but without proper care it will begin to rust away. Due to the trauma sustained from the ritual, the Ethereal knight cannot remember the process in which it was turned, nor the place. Memories that had once kept it alive during the process diminish, only the strongest of emotions remain and even they are diluted. While worn the armor, through the mind link, can feel the emotions of its wearer, can feel his or hers heartbeat if they have one, and is susceptible to their demands and whims. In truth they are a tool with a consciousness, born to obey and lead to serve until they rust away or is thrown into flames hot enough to burn their rune-etched linings. ------------------------ Pros: -Gives the wearer enhanced strength, the amount of enhancement depends on how much energy the Ethereal absorbs. -With the mental link the soul can advise its wearer on multiple different topics, though as the soul ages it may lose whatever morality it has left. -It can see around itself, save for the parts of its owner that blocks its sight. It focuses on one spot at a time though it has a small fifth sense for its surroundings. (IE: hearing the wind whipping past an arrow as it flies or if a sword catches the glint of the sun) the more energy it takes the better it can focus on this fifth sense. -With the skin link between the owner and the Ethereal knight, it can sense when the owners body is at its limit. - it has a very obscure sense of where the other pieces of itself are, location names are lost to them and if the piece has not been fed for awhile it cannot see through it. -It can still live if a piece is completely destroyed, but will feel incomplete forever. -It has a mind of its own. Cons: -It cannot move on its own, it needs someone to carry it or wear it. -It cannot control the person that wears it, it can tempt them to put it on but other than that it cannot control the wearer. -It can drain the wearer to the point where they pass out, though will limit this so as not to harm its owner. -It is weak to blunt weapons, as such armor is. It is weak to Fi magic and Holy Magic to the point where it is left in a comatose state. Fire and lava can destroy it out right. If all the pieces are destroyed it is killed and the soul is released to return to the soul stream. -It can only give the wearer enhanced strength in the part of body in encompasses. (IE: Gauntlet would give the wearer strength in that arm) And only for the time it is worn. (Strength will only be twice that of the wearer. IE: Human male would be twice as strong as a Human male) -Wearing it for prolonged times can cause damage to the wearer. Bone fractures, torn ligaments and tendons are common injuries. -They can rust away into nothing, their metal needs to be taken care of regularly. -While it has its own consciousness, it can only remember vague emotions and names from its past life, it uses its owners emotions and heartbeat to stay relatively sane. -It has a terrible sense of direction. It relies on sensing its other pieces to confirm its own location, it can take weeks for it to realize a piece has been moved. -The wearer cannot use magic while wearing a piece. It simply wouldn’t form and would be a waste of energy. -If its owner is weak willed they can be driven insane/pass out by having such a tortured mind inside of their own. Strong-willed owners can also sometimes become weak just by having it on for too long, or become dependent on it entirely. -While it wishes for its discarded body to be given a proper burial, its ultimate goal is to have all of its pieces together in one place. It cannot sense it’s discarded body so it hopes to someday come across it. In order to check if the body is their they must touch it. -Necromancers enjoy collecting pieces for their collections, often they hunt them down and may even attack their current owners to try and get them. They are often given a nickname by their armor’s appearance, though it's the necromancers discretion if they wear the armor themselves, as it is usually used for manual labor. -While you can wield a sword while wearing them, the armor would rather be used for hand-to-hand combat. Using a sword in its gauntlet would be as if you held one between your teeth, doable but not comfortable. -Feeling pain, whether being from a hard blow to holding Aurum and even magic, the soul will cry out in pain in the mind link, this can cause the wearer to flinch or be stunned for a moment. Having someone scream inside your head is not the best thing to happen when you are in the midst of fighting. ------- In Character: Each Ethereal Knight will have different sets of armor, each set will be comprised of no less than seven pieces. I myself will be following the below image: Armor parts ------- (OOC: Please let me know if you have any questions)