Chronicles of Eternia - Lore

The Isle of Uil

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:20:26 +0000

The Isle of Uil

In the far north, where ice clogs the sea and frigid winds blow down from the polar regions of the world, a lonely island sits adrift upon the tempestuous ocean. Trapped in a timeless precipice between glacier and stony seafloor, the Isle of Uil rests precariously.

The Heights

Windswept tundra covers the northern tracts of land, which come to meet the sloping foothills of the Ealan heights. Winding and wending bluffs which serve as a natural barrier to the cold northern winds, and the valley behind- providing a huddled shelter to those spare few living upon Uil.

High along the crag, few things grow. Yet even so, the sparse wildlife of Uil find a way here... sheltering upon the rocky highland. Various colonies of puffin, snow fowl, and white-haired foxes make their home in the cruel ecosystem of the frozen north. These small game serve as a fair source of food for the humans who dwell upon Uil. A pure white fox pelt above the hearth is seen as good luck for the native villagers.

The Basin

Surprisingly, the isle of Uil itself hosts a rare smattering of mortals which eke out a living on the southern bend of its landmass. Where the Callas basin meets into the sea, and southerly winds make for fairer climes. Lonely villages and cabins speckle the sloped hillocks around basin's edge, the Lake of Moin Tarn sits as its centerpiece.

These small communities are naturally tight knit, and made up of generational families of hunters, trappers, and even fishermen who brave the Moin Tarn when summer comes. For the entire thing is frozen over nearly all year round.. and many have gone missing out on the ice, especially after nightfall. Such is the nature of these places, wrapped up in mist- a frigid hoarfrost gripping at everything from shore to shore.

When daylight speckles through the dim grey of cloud cover which seems to perpetually hang over Uil, the land appears in a state of perpetual dreamlike slumber. Fog lifts and still the land carries a hazy palette with it. Colors blur and blend under the midnight sun on high... dim, but never truly put out by the careless weather which dominates Uil seasonally. Like one might wake up a thousand miles away from this place at any given moment.

A heavy mist yet clings to the land, making the snowscapes between settlements quite inhospitable to humans and their ilk. Within it, so too do things beyond legend and myth lurk between shadowed passes...

What Lurks . . .

Out of the night-

Old knights in rune-crusted armor, wyrms of folklore the world over, and all manner of outlandish beasts stalk the deep woods of Uil. So it would appear... when wild tusks and fangs gore the poor woodsman who'd not quite made it home at dusk. Acts of brutal murder which follow the wary inhabitants of the isle, seemingly perpetrated by all manner of drakes, harpies, and faefolk.

... Yet not everything is quite as it seems, on Uil.

Strange phantasms take the form of these monsters out of fable, illusions of old heroes, and the visage of unconscionable nightmares. So does the myth of Uil rear out of legend and into reality- these spectral predators giving life to the works of seeming fiction. Their origin is unknown, only those who brave the roads near nightfall can say for certain they even exist. Yet their ravenous work is known to all- when dawn comes and the unlucky are found... only a few hundred paces from their doorstep. Draining the island little by little, until some say only the ghosts will remain to watch over the timber cabins and longhouses which have served the people of Uil since stones could be hewn to tools.

Such madness is rarely talked about by those natives of the isle, all the same. To acknowledge the fantastical is reserved for particular occasion, when stories are told and boasts become as real as any other deed. On the 14th day of the lunar cycle, families gather- and the myths which are made true by the wraith-like predators of the island are put to spoken tongues. Legends gathered from both the long history of Uil, and even those passed on by unlucky sailors who've made landfall over the centuries. All of them conglomerate into the massive work of fiction which is told on the isle, each month, of each passing year.

Every beating heart knows the myths and the stories, down to the last syllable. Going to the grave with this spoken epic, is each islander's solemn duty to their ancestors- till none are left to speak it.

Indeed, if corpses could be roused from the permafrost on Uil, they could tell you stories beyond truth and fiction.

Dwarven Runes

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:24:36 +0000

Quote:
"It be our Words that every creature that breathe knows 'ta read yet speak nae,
As be yon earth 'ta be tread by all that walk,

And soil 'ta grow by all that root.
Ours that we carve be the truth upon the ground."

It is the ancient language of those who dwell within the world's deepest crevices, an oath of truth in a place where false ground and slippery slopes mean certain death upon pikes of earth or molten lava. These words are alive, they make themselves known to all, and they judge your sincerity.

Unlike the Divine Runecraft most popular in Meranthe that bends, twists, or simply rewrite the rules of Reality, Dwarven Runecraft instead builds upon them and emphasizes. Dwarven Runemancers read the Laws of Reality, focusing and reinforcing targeted aspects that would suit their needs. For items carved with Dwarven Runes: blades remain sharp after centuries of use, a wall built by a Dwarf stand strong beyond its lifetime, and a stature carved by dwarven hands never loses its definition. The Emphasis does not simply retain, of course, likewise enhancing these properties beyond natural capabilities, but the main purpose remains in the famous stubbornness and durability of Dwarven craft.

For dwarves, however, what is considered Law isn't simply in the physical matter of things but also treat their Oaths, Promises, Debts, and even Grudges as Law. For these that are writ in Dwarven Runecraft, they are granted mystical power: those that act true to them are blessed, those that break them are cursed. Artifacts with these writ Runes have them forged into their very being, and should it be broken, often destroy themselves in turn. For the most powerful dwarven artifacts, it is possible that they may even turn against their own wielder should they turn against their oaths.

A Weapon imbued with Dwarven Runecraft with a writ of vengeance will grow weaker everyday should it not taste the blood of its foe.

A Shield carved with Dwarven Runes of protection will crack should it be used to attack and maim.

A Crown of forged promises would dig into its sovereign's head should their promise to their people be broken.

Individually, the characters are foreign to most; Once strung together, no falsehood nor misleading sophistry can be writ with these runes. Sentences formed by these runes are bound by the truth of the world known to all, its absolute and unmasked intent displayed. The literacy of the reader doesn't matter, for even the most primitive animals possess the innate capability to read Dwarven Runes. It is the grounded truth.

To artifice with these Runes often involve the Dwarven Artificer to ask the Wielder-to-be their Oath to their equipment: promises for where they would bring it and for what purposes they shall bore upon it. It is not only for the smith to ascertain the sincerity of their customer, but to craft the very oath upon the artifact, that it not just be made, but born with purpose at conception.

Furthermore, for a dwarf, their craft is their children and to give them away is akin to sending a daughter off in marriage, it is paramount they know of their child's spouse's intentions.

The Spoken Runes of Koganarth: Invocation of Law

There is only a single user of this dialect of Dwarven Runes, one of the survivors of the now lost Koganarth, Lex Ferrus. Koganarth was a dwarven fortress that had been enslaved by dragons, its dwarven citizenry bound in chains; their culture, literature, and murals destroyed and burned. Their dwarves could only continue their heritage and history in silent whispers. By word of mouth, ancient oaths and grudges passed on, and only that last dwarf holds the art.
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It is one of, if not the only, runic script that does not inherently require a medium. A pinnacle art that mixes Wordcasting and Runecasting, spoken word and will alike combine and resonate with the world, manifesting the very characters themselves from thin air. Characters together form words, themselves onto sentences, these runic strings take the form of bonds and chains representing Laws. These can be from Laws of Reality, Laws inflicted upon oneself, Laws inflicted on others, etc. They bind in reality, while remaining ethereal to external forces.

While capable of being used for artificing, it is also primarily used offensively, capable of planting and enforcing Laws on the fly depending on the user's own power and authority in the area. Likewise, it can also enforce existing laws, whether they be laws of a kingdom or the Laws of Reality itself.
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The most intensive use of this art is in a summary sentencing, requiring particular care in the order and specifics of declaration. For example:
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First is the declaration of Authority:

Quote:
"By my authority as a Councilor of Stonehaven, Lex Ferrus,-"

By what power do you call upon these laws and who are they granted from? Priests may call their patron God, Artificer's prove by their skill and hammer, Governments call upon their position.

Second is the declaration of Jurisdiction:

Quote:"- with the realms of Stonehaven under my Jurisdiction -"

An optional portion, used in the more offensive use of these runes. It takes into account the area upon which the Laws are invoked, calling upon not only your own will but the will of the land and/or the people that reside within that support such laws.
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Third is the invocation of the Law:

Quote:
"-accuse you, [REDACTED] of the following crimes:

Assault of an Citizen of Stonehaven
Attempted Kidnapping
Banditry
Amongst other crimes-"

Whether it is to introduce a new Law, enforce an existing Law, impose a lawful order, or to impose an accusation and punishment to another, all details known must be clearly stated for all to hear. Furthermore, the subject of the runecraft must also be declared here. Only what is known can be acted upon.
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Last is the execution of Action/Judgement/Sentence:

Quote:
"-I judge you guilty of all crimes.
I sentence you to [REDACTED].
Shall you remain in your way, graver punishments shall await you.
May Enarr light your path."

Punishment must be reasonably relative with the crimes levied and the action imposed within the means of the mage themselves.
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Naturally, other uses exist.
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Quote:
"Only Law can tether unlawful Tyranny."

The Dwarves of Ganlodur

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:48:56 +0000

Quote:"Rock and Stone."

Beneath the very soil of Eternia is a network of underground tunnels and caverns. Sprawling with beasts, undead, demons, and in some cases even goblins and drakanites, these pathways form the aptly named ‘Deep World’ and the ‘Deep Roads’ respectively. It is said that all such paths of the Deep World will inevitably lead to the mountainous fortress of Ganlodur, the capital and supposed birthplace of the Stonefolk, better known to the rest of the world as the Dwarves.

Eons have molded and shaped the Ganlodurian culture into a primarily isolationist and colonizer society that honors Ancestry, Craftdwarfship, and Legacies. Ganlodur is filled with dwarven clans which work as groups that share common goals or beliefs. It is quite rare for a Ganlodurian Dwarf to use a surname, with many preferring to use their clan name to show whom they represent. Although there are many clans, there are three in particular that stand out as the ruling parties of Ganlodur.

The Underforge who focus on craftdwarfship and the creation of legendary tools, armaments, and strongholds, the Mittelhau who focus on revering and keeping maintenance of Ancestral resting grounds alongside that of reapplication of Oaths and Grudges, and lastly the Crownforge who primarily focus on leadership, such as bureaucracy and colonizing efforts. It is not uncommon for those of the Crownforge Clan to lead expeditions, however that is not always the case. Although all three (And to a degree, all other lesser clans) participate in the vast and dangerous political battlefield within Ganlodur, the Crownforge clan is considered the true ruling party which instates an active King or Queen that has the ultimate say on matters.

As an isolationist society it is rare that the whole of Ganlodur will bother with the politics of the outside world. Tending to allow their expeditions and newly formed dwarven colonies to govern and fend for themselves. Dwarven strongholds requesting aid from Ganlodur is not unheard of, though it is left to the individual dwarves on if they wish to go. This usually ends with the younger generation of dwarves leaving Ganlodur to pursue glory and riches in foreign lands to secure a legacy and become an Ancestor worthy of being revered. While the elders remain within Ganlodur, coveting knowledge and coin to strengthen their clans of choice.

Beyond the internal politics, there is also an extreme emphasis on Grudges and Oaths as both a form of power and a way forward. It is not an uncommon practice for a Dwarf of Ganlodur to have etchings upon their weapon to denote both their grudges and strikes to mark how many they’ve repaid thrice-fold. Or for the scholars and priests to adorn themselves in ornate chains to express their oathbound ways. An Oath or a Grudge is almost always at the forefront of a Ganlodurian dwarf's mind, with Grudges and Oaths falling unto the shoulders of the next generation should the head of a family be unable to complete them within their lifetime.

In the beginning the dwarves of Ganlodur worshiped the First King, Galnur, alongside that of their blood ancestors. Yet as the dwarves dug deeper within their mountainous home they would soon unearth hidden truths. Artifacts relating to what those living in the above world referred to as ‘Gods’, Vdali and Ualdir had been resting beneath their very feet for eons. However, instead of revering them as Gods the Ganlodurians would come to view Vdali and Ualdir as Paragon Ancestors. Dwarves of exemplary status and size that all of their kind descended from, with Galnur being the first King crowned by Vdali and Ualdir. Such stories were only reinforced when tales of the Allfather of Meranthe expedition and his prophetic visions regarding Ualdir in his early life reached Ganlodur proper.

This belief only strengthened the Ganlodurian dwarves ancestral worship as they view the likes of Vdali and Ualdir as individuals to emulate, rather than Gods to be worshiped. Simultaneously, it solidified their hatred of necromancy. Viewing the act as a defilement of the earthen body, the celebrated spirit, and the resting soul. Which lead to a burial practice to ensure necromancers could not revive their dead while preserving their ancestors. This practice was the act of encasing their ancestors in amber, or in some extraordinarily rare cases, melting down their bodies to be used in weapons, armor, or statues.

Needless to say there is some controversy with news from Meranthe. More traditionalist Ganlodurian Dwarves view the rhetoric of Vdali Reborn as Vinaska as little more than heretical nonsense and view her existence as defilement of Vdali’s well earned rest, some clans even going as far as to invoke an Eternal Grudge until she is ‘dealt with’. But more open minded dwarves view the rhetoric as their Ancestor returning from his rest within the vessel of another to guide them into a brighter future, even going as far as to heed Vinaska’s wisdom in times of need. It is rumored that both sides have near equal footing within Ganlodur, and that a civil war may be an inevitability over the matter.

The Relationship that the Stonefolk have with the world above them is a strange one. Most societies tend to not even realize a Dwarven Stronghold has been erected until non-dwarven beings dig too deep into a mountain. This ultimately leads to confrontation over land rights and violent clashes as the dwarves are far too stubborn to back down from their claims. However, as seen with both the Underforge and Crownforge expeditions into Meranthe, political talks have proven to bear fruit for dwarven kind.

As for Ganlodur itself, it is for the most part barred from upworlders. With a select portion of land outside of the gates to the mountain fortress-city dedicated to trade with nearby non-dwarven settlements. Any non-dwarven kind that enters Ganlodur has either obtained a writ of entrance or has managed to illegally enter the fortress, those that enter legally are scrutinized and watched intensely, while those that manage to sneak in are hunted down if ever caught.

Some may say the risk is far too great to sneak into the heavily fortified dwarven capital, but the potential for powerful relics of Vdali and Ualdir coupled with masterful dwarven creations has motivated many to try.

All dwarves hold ancestry from Ganlodur, but not all dwarves are born within nor hail from the city directly, instead some reside in other strongholds located within vast mountain passes. These strongholds, some said to be hidden throughout all sides of Eternia, are many in make and yet few in population. Such has caused the dwarves that have settled within the mountain passes far from Ganlodur to take in local customs, traditions, and in some cases even religions. Leaving the stocky and sturdy race to be as versatile as humanity when it comes to their beliefs.

But one thing always stands true… Regardless of where a dwarf hails or what gods they worship, they always hold a deep and innate camaraderie among each other due to their ancestry. Which has lead to “Rock and Stone.” becoming a common phrase that all Dwarves recognize regardless of their origins. It is believed that the phrase is used to remind them of their ancestral ties to Ganlodur.

Quote:
Notes:

1. Not all dwarves are from Ganlodur (Though their far-back Ancestors are!), they can hail from pretty much anywhere that has Mountains, and their culture and belief may differ from Ganlodurian Dwarves because of this. My intent with that is to make the race versatile in regards to how they take their oaths, grudges, and perceive faith. While maintaining the original lore's emphasis on ancestral worship.
2. All Dwarves respect their Ancestors, it is not uncommon for distant dwarves to make a pilgrimage to Ganlodur’s Halls of the Ancients.
3. I tried to take from my experiences rping with two dwarven expeditions (One character having moderate ties, the other had strong ties), as well as the existing lore dwarves had, with my own added flair.
4. I am not the best at making things looking pretty but I tried no bully me plz…

5. If I get any formatting errors while posting this I WILL cry.

Void Mages and Void Touched

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:09:34 +0000

Void Mages

Seekers of the unknown. Those that dedicate their time to studying the void and learning about it often thriving in the chaos that is the void. Through Meranthe's history there have been few such mages many often falling to void beasts or succumbing to the often strikes of madness that come with interacting with the void. However those that persevere and impart their will onto the void become Void Mages. Mages that have gained some form of control over the void without the need to have a void entity empower them or grant them power. These mages found ways to pull on the voids energy and use it with their already powerful magics. Often times the void energies were combined with their magics making new more powerful forms of magic. The mages that hold this tittle are as varied as the magics they wield. Some bending space and time with gravity and void infused illusions while others use void corrupted water to drown their foes.

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Void Touched

Void Touched is a term that came from more recent Void mages. Its often used as a term to refer to those that have not gained power over the void through their own means but have made deals with entities to gain some of their power. Or perhaps they are a vessel of the entity or serving under them. It is a catch all term that was made to point out those that instead of taking control of the void have bent the knee so to speak and instead serve one of the many entities inside it. Those that have formed this bond often have a harder time pulling at the power of the void only being able to do so if the entity allows them. This often leads to them having to do what the entity wants if it wants to pull on its power or in some rare cases pull the entity into the world and capturing it or in some records and stories killing and eating the entity. Depending on the methods and outcome of the ordeal a void touched may be able to become a void mage in their own right gaining the ability to control and manipulate the void on their own.

Yggdrasil and the Faeries

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 01:12:53 +0000

Beyond the beginning, far from Atmos, there was only the void and the horrific abominations that dwelled within. Kraus Eternia came with a flash of light, ‘He’ and ‘His’ army carved a piece of the void for himself and his creation, tearing null apart. Void creatures and their Gods alike that could not escape fell under ‘His’ light, their impure corpses littered that which Kraus enlightened.

space

Though dead, their bodies were filled with taint and resentment against the massacre. It proved far too corruptive for the ‘Angelic Host’ and ‘His’ allies to purify completely and quickly. Having much more to do, the duty of safeguarding these vile corpses fell to a single seed which Kraus had long prepared: Yggdrasil.

space

It was Yggdrasil with which the concepts of ‘purification’ originate. She was planted upon the corpses of the Void Gods, rooting upon their hatred and draining them of their corruption. Their deaths served as the fertile soil in which life would be born, the beginning of the cycle of life and death.

Moments after the 'First Breath' woke ‘His’ brethren, ‘He’ too awakened the seed. From there, it was storied that the germination of Yggdrasil and the birth of Mother Life, occurred simultaneously, sending life blooming across the growing work of the Four Dragons in Kraus' design. In its sprouting stage, the 'First Breath' guarded where Yggdrasil was rooted, remaining beyond the reach of conflicts (Ba’al & Moros) that had occurred throughout the realms. 'Her' youth was spent, slowly wrapping its growths upon the weaving lifestream weft by Mother Life and the Breath of Life.

space

As life spread, so too did Yggdrasil, growing at an unprecedented pace. No longer did the lifestream support ‘Her’ but the other way around. ‘Her’ trunk stood tall at the center of the world, branches wrapped around the lifestream until they were without distinction, ‘Her’ gleaming foliage carrying the stars. Soon enough, the differences between ‘Her’ and the lifestream slowly disappear as they begin to converge. The Mother of Life and the Breath of Life who had been bearing its weight were finally relieved of this duty as Yggdrasil and the Lifestream, now one and the same, stood tall by itself, carrying the World of Eternia.

The Redeemed Camazotz

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:47:40 +0000

Note: Serves as a simple template for those who may be interested in playing a bat. Expand on it, do as you like, enjoy.

In the shadow of the moon lay shackled and dormant the Father of Nothing, Ba’al.

By the wings of the Divine Four, the world was granted a moment of reprieve.

Perhaps by their own hubris, fragments of chaos escaped the shackling and scattered across the cosmos into creation, into life.

These embers of Ba’al power were chaotic and lacked any true purpose. While other fragments left their imprint upon the Lifestream, and thus the birth of the first of kin, the Batkin. Yet, that which was purposeless drifted into the cold of the cosmos and beyond it. To the boundless void that swallowed all. There, those that lack direction breathed into stars of abyss. These empty stars formed into cosmic bodies, nigh that of black holes, known to be Byonders. Children of Ba’al and creatures of the void. They roamed the cosmos, devouring starlight. Behind them, they left nothing, quadrants of the cosmos to return to the abyss, as the corpses of suns remained in their wake.

And among them rose the Beyonder, unlike any other, Camazotz.

Baptized by fire and moonlight.
Ushered new wings glamoured in twilight of silver.
A redemption of Chaos and a balance of Order.
It endures as the Guardian of the Stars.
Warden of the Void.

Camazotz was depraved, the incarnation of the hatred that was Bal’al, yet he was something much more than just another of Ba’al’s children. They were vast wings that could hold constellations and drink the twilight oceans of the cosmos. Yet, they were encumbered with the memories of Ba’al. And left untamed, it would soon just become its father. When the Sun Goddess Jiuweihu looked upon Camazotz, they believed there to be a greater purpose for the creature. For them to be redeemed and serve as an example for the kin left behind by the fragments of Ba’al. To serve as a pillar to those who were born from Chaos.

Thus, they called upon the Moon Guardian, Yueliang.

Together they bound the creature in both chains of pale and sunlight. Both affinities of Order and Chaos mixed, yet not without a damning battle internally that forced Camazotz to endure a mass of suffering. Reborn, Camazotz was reforged into silver radiance and abyss.

Fire and moonlight, forged into wings of radiant silver. Camazotz was reborn and found purpose as the Guardian of the Stars and Warden of the Void. Beyonders were once its kin, but no longer. Now they are hunted; he travels the vast cosmos, even the abyss, so that he may be the scourge of cosmic parasites, the devourer of star-eaters. His endless sacrifice is a noble gesture, yet he is neither divine nor corrupted but a paradox of both to protect the cleansing of souls as they travel to the stars before returning to the lifestream.

Patron of Batkin
&
The Landfallen Lights

Even in purification, the memories of Ba’al still hold to Camazotz, as is the same for his awareness of the creations born from his father. His eye often turns to the mortal world, a feeling of responsibility maybe, or even pity. The Batkin remained tied to him in essence. Cursed children, whom Camazotz offers the same chance of redemption through the blessing of the Landfallen Light. These celestial shards take the form of colorful gems, known amongst the Batkin as Master Emeralds. Each carries a blessing of Camazotz and often is tied to tenets of redemption.

Green: It represents the improvement of oneself. The idea of growth, vitality, and kinship.

Blue: It represents arcane nature. The idea of wisdom, knowledge, and balance.

Red: It represents the controversy. The idea of sacrifice, life, and death.

Yellow: It represents individuality. The idea of will, resolve, and purpose.

Camazotz does not dictate how these are used; they are only blessings he has granted for the Kin to use in their own right. Yet, in finality, what remains is the White and Black Emerald, a balance of order and chaos, the perfect duality of what Camazotz is.

There are minor traditions and beliefs the Batkin follow, who heed the role of Camazotz. They are as follows.

Stone of Spirituality
Crystals are of great importance to a Batkin. This is due to their sealing ability and is often used amongst kin in such a practice to contain corruption or the use of wards. In addition, crystals are used in burial rites. They are mummified within crystalline sarcophagi. Lastly, rituals often involve crystals under the moon to summon spirits or even creatures of the cosmos.

Blood of Blood
Camazotz was said to speak the Language of Blood. A fusion of Latin and common Spanish. It invokes ceremonies of bloodletting through sacrifice, combat, and blood sport. It draws upon the life essence of the speaker. Those who reach Sanguine are said to be able to see and interact with the now tangible strings of life.

Silver Blood
It is a firm belief that there is an ascension to the Batkin, one that grants silver moonlight hair and a second set of wings. The Na’hrem also believed something similar, through that of the Moon Chosen.

Devouring The Beyonder
An insane act, where one purposely brings forth a beyonder to challenge and devour the creature. Much like Camazotz himself, it is said to do so will gain you Camazotz's favor, yet the more you eat, the stronger you grow.

Domain of the Dead
As odd as it may sound, Kin will often find themself caring for the dead. This is mainly due to how they choose to crystallize their own dead. Thus their cities may be covered in “graves,” or more so statues of their kin. They leave the doorway of the dead open so that spirits may pass freely in their homes. Yet because of this, they frown upon the acts of necromancy. As it is one of the most vile acts that can be performed.

The Sixth Star
It displays the 6 cosmic powers, those that the Kin know to be of the story of how they came to be. At its core is the Divine Dragons, and at its points remain the following: Ba’al, Amier, Jiuweihu, Yueliang, Camazotz.

Credit and Reference Points

Written & Verified by Chibi/Mal

Sources:
Eternia Mythos
Yueliang & Jiuweihu
Divine Dragons
The Na'hrem

founding and history of nereides isle

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:41:19 +0000

(Author's Note: very rough vomit from my brain pending hammer and chisel.)
The Founding of Nereides

Nereides was founded in 2038AC by the High Priestess Maliyah, a Mermaid devout of the Shapeshifting Serpent, Yama. The new district of Dal’thala was to be a sanctuary for Sirenia, and would go on to become one of the only places within the Realm of Delphina to have a population where Faeborne and Humans are largely outnumbered.

"Sirenia - aged, weary, fearful, lost, or fresh ashore. I can only apologize for how long it has taken me to establish a home for our kind to, at the very least, convene and befriend one another. Or, as I would prefer, a place to live, swim and thrive in safety. That, is the purpose of Nereides. A haven one may find solace within, to nurture their talents and be provided the chance to grow into themselves without that spark being snuffed out by the Deep One's wretched cult.

The island is young, and there is much more to be built upon. But, it is here. A place of exploration, of rest, of calm - amidst Meranthe's ever-turbulent environment. I hold out love for each and every single one of you, kin. I will aid all I can that come to this island of ours. Be it food, shelter, mending, or classes to develop the gift of healing others. Lessons and sermons on Sirenia's history and its faith will also be provided.

May the tides push in your favor."

– Maliyah, 2038AC

Amongst the many historical figures of note to emerge from the Isle of Nereides prior to its formalization as a Duchy there was the Elzaran Commander, Ria, successor of Maliyah and the Thorn Captain Colucauda.

In the name of bringing the fellowship of both Grief’s Goddess Nemea and the First Siren Leucothea unto land a covenant was promised between King Camino de Caewynn and Lady Melionette Meandersong. She would be crowned Nereides’ first Duchess, representing a bond between those of Land and those of Sea.

Melionette would be succeeded by her son Kalione Meandersong in 2165AC following the former’s untimely disappearance, reigning for approximately nineteen years before the official retraction of his title by His Majesty in 2184AC following a major dispute.

Culture and Faith

Nereides accepts all sirenians, its population predominantly consisting of Selkie, seconded by Mermaids and Anguill.

Religion is splintered: there are for as many of the Isle’s inhabitants which choose to worship the Sirenian Pantheon collectively those that choose to worship one deity singularly. Leucothea and Yama make up the majority of worship, seconded by Galene, Scylla and lastly Inki.

Worship of Nemea is no outlier, but commonly occurs in concurrence with those of the Sirenian Pantheon – Leucothea especially. The Isle is currently bereft of any formalized structures of worship, though some inhabitants may choose to establish their own informal sects.

The worship of Inki is a divisive subject given ancient history, made all the more divisive when the whisperings of him being the age-old enemy of Sirenia, the Deep One, were confirmed to be factual.

Some view the stipulations of reigning as Duke or Duchess as controversial, given it is a mantle rumouredly reserved for only Selkie.

Military

Nereides has close ties with the Realm of Delphina’s Suladari, a militant force with a central focus on water operations. It was founded as the Abyssal Dragon’s armies fast approached the shores of Meranthe, with many of Nereides’ Sirenia being leveraged to help combat the demonspawn horde travelling the Northern Sea.

Sirenians still make up a majority of the personnel, given their natural affinity for water.

Notable Events: Leucothea’s Consolation

The Isle’s recent history is largely entwined with the First Sirenian, Leucothea. Lady Melionette Meandersong took unto herself the curse of the Selkie, promising to protect Her children. This steadily culminated into King Camino de Caewynn asking her to seek audience with her Goddess, leading her through the frigid waters of Uraheim and eventually Leucothea’s Realm.

Beseeching Leucothea and Nemea both she pleaded fellowship between the two, leading to, as told in tales, clouds parting and radiant light which would bring with it the Grief Goddesses’ blessing. Glacial ice would become a grove, and at its core a pond allowing a glimpse beyond the veil, allowing Leucothea to look over her beloved children within the Realm of Delphina.

The newly established connection between Land and Sea could be found even within Delphina’s reaches – a bridge of sand and earth would soon connect the Isle to the Realm’s heart, Dal’thala.

Notable Events: Scylla’s Call

Upon the shores of Nereides a song was played, attempting to rouse the attention of Scylla, Mother of the Anguill that had long cloistered away after the war between Land and Sea. Her child Gemtri would answer this call, condemning the idea of asking Scylla to reunite with the Land, given how much it tormented her.

In concession Gemtri granted a trial: six winners of a tournament would be granted the opportunity to travel to Scylla’s depths and speak to her. Those of the expeditionary force travelled through Scylla’s islands, made to simulate and surmise if Yama and Inki could ever co-exist.

In their travels Gemtri, tasked with overseeing Scylla’s islands, would be revealed as Trigem. Come the final trial Trigem, fond of the group he accompanied on their travels, sacrificed himself so they might meet Scylla. She would reveal the fate of Galene, prisoner of the Deep One, entrusting the quest of saving her from Hel to Lord-Marshal Kalione and his contingent.

Notable Events: Galene’s Rescue

In a ceremony to try scry the whereabouts of the chained Galene within the Temple of Yama a cursed elegy sent the proceedings into disarray. In the midst of peril the Great Whale, Inki's true identity was revealed: he had, in fact, not died in totality but had evolved into the Deep One so many of Sirenia fear and loathe.

In the aftermath three beasts were set loose from Hel: a Sea Serpent, Water Bull and Kraken. The former had taken the active Duchess, Melionette, whole within his maw, leading to speculation of her death and Kalione's ascent to Duke. Combined forces across the continent successfully dispatched these threats, but not without residual unrest.

Eventually an expeditionary force travelled to the Deep One's domain, setting off from the Landfallen's Light. The Trident of Galene and Galene herself were successfully wrest free from the manacles of the accursed domain, their escape supposedly watched by the looming, vengeful eye of the Deep One himself: to who else could that feeling of terror be owed?

Notable Events: The Sisters Reunite

Upon the shores of Nereides did Galene, Scylla and Leucothea appear together for the first time since ancient history. The emergence of The Three Sisters was headed by Galene, and the question that shook all that bore witness to it: "Do you welcome us?"

Confronting Duke Kalione she would inquire as to whether it was within his and his people's ability to save the Great Whale, to which he replied he could, but not alone. A test of mettle proceeded, wrought by Galene. The battle was disturbed partway by a Shadow of the Deep One and an old, bygone cultist rumoured to be one of Scylla's scions from primeval times, abandoned when she fled to the depths.

Calaven of House Nubia made haste after the unknown cultist, attempting to halt her escape, but efforts found no purchase, the man allegedly sent undersea, later washed up by the tide. Galene and Scylla pursued her, leaving Leucothea alone come the Shadow of the Deep One's defeat. The now-diminished shadow was captured by the deity herself, cloistered in a lustrous bubble of light.

Before her sorrowful departure King Camino de Caewynn was seen returning unto Leucothea one of her erstwhile tears. It was not taken but, instead, transformed, crackling into a divine bloom after its frozen potential was finally kindled after years upon years of dormancy.

The Gateway Of The Dead

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 15:12:49 +0000

Gateway Of The Dead

Somewhere on an island in Meranthe, there stands an old Torii gate. It looks old and poorly maintained, but despite what some might call poor maintenance, it still stands.

It is a path meant for the dead, a convergence point to the spirit realm, and an artifact of Mortyl. Watchful crows linger over the island, watching the steps of everyone treading on it.

Obvious danger rests on the isle because of it, should one be careless in their steps. Walking through the gate itself will lead one through a black, swirling vortex. An almost guaranteed death sentence to anyone without a guide.

Ever since the invasion of the perfect demon Indras, the island has been overcome with a sheen of rot and corrupted plant life, left behind by the sage of rot. A few ruined walls and stones from a tower litter the ground, half sunken into the earth even now.

Rumors

Touching the gate itself is said to bring harm and death to an individual, and all contact with it should be avoided.

There exist 4 gatekeepers. Of those, Salem, the oldest daughter of Mortyl, and Christophore, a mortal magi turned spirit, can sometimes be seen conversing with overly curious mortals.

While exploring appears to be permitted, trying to build or otherwise on the island appears to only bring ruin from large crows.

A peaceful end to one's life can be requested from the gatekeeper.

The Warden of Fate

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:45:29 +0000

As some know, fate and time are closely linked. Those that follow the weave of the stars might even believe that fate is predetermined. That none can chart a path that is not already laid out. Thus, then, time must flow towards those fates without alteration. Without change. However, both time magi and seers are quick to point out how both the flow of time and fate can be changed. Diverted. Primarily in small ways, of course... There are many events that loom in the future that are so large that they can seem to be impossible to get away from. But individuals often can yet affect the flow.

However, there are those who are not satisfied with the small changes that they can enact by making different choices. They desire greater control, greater influence, and so will often seek to manipulate time itself in order to change fate. Oneiros, the Master of Fate is one such individual that sought such power. Stealing an unwritten page from Memoria, this Nethradin gained the power to alter time and fate. Cultists and witches of Oneiros, and others inspired by such acts, might seek their own ways of changing the flow of time to their own benefit.

That is not, however, to say that the flow of time is undefended. Champions of Memoria and Gala both seek to preserve the proper way of things. Their priests, their faithful, safeguard much in the world. And some few go beyond, leaving this world behind to become eternal wardens of Fate and Time.

It is said that one such Warden, tied deeply to Memoria, can yet be contacted by those in Meranthe. To those attuned to the flow of fate, and in places where such things are stronger, they can call upon this strange spirit for advice or aid. Some claim this spirit was once a citizen of Meranthe, whilst others believe it is merely a manifestation of time's whims. But spiritmancers who look towards the flow of fate do occasionally mention a strange entity that seems more concerned with the fate of Meranthe than most.

Warnings before damnation

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:34:44 +0000

During Atrellya's invasion of Meranthe, there were many individuals who rose up to fight against the coming darkness. Those that fought with blade and spell, and those that enacted grand rituals to slow the tide. It is the result of one of those rituals that resulted in a curious phenomena to all would-be witches from then on.

Those that are contemplating signing a book of shadows, willingly or otherwise, often receive a vision of warning. This vision can take many forms. Some report seeing a woman with green hair showing them distant 'what ifs' of what they may be asked to do in this life. Some report seeing visions of lives not their own... The lives their soul may yet have, if it remains free. Rarely are these visions enough to truly sway those that are committed, but for those with doubt in their heart, or those that do not fully understand what it is that they are giving up, this can provide a final warning. A reality check in which to change course, before they cross that terrible point of no return.

Fate is a fickle thing, and many view these visions as little more than illusions. Some lingering curse placed upon witches by a dying chronomancer. And yet, the signing away of one's soul is such a massive alteration of one's fate across lifetimes that some worry if the unknown guardian of time has something to do with this...

The Roses of Caius

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 01:19:54 +0000

Well.
There aren't very many of us left, are there?
Far as I am aware, those who follow I, are the last of Caius's following, have been for a while now...
... might as well put pen to paper and at least codify what I preach.
Let people know.

The Roses of Caius, a sect name given to the Radiant Champion Grey Aundeoth by his wife, Junnodem, after having proselytized, baptized, and Championed him as Radiant herself, are a small sect of Caians largely centered around the castle-city of Martyr's Vigil. The god himself had even come into their distant home at Juno's invitation, for a drink. Beliefs shaped entirely through experience and conversation with others, Grey had little formal education in the history of his deity, aside from knowledge of the past relations with necromancy. The practice of Caian faith had, by the time of 2150, largely died out across Meranthe- save for this small group.

Still, decades and conversation with deity and long-lived alike have brought him to crystalize his views, inducting several others into the faith in quiet succession. A perhaps odd worldview, yet Caius's champion remains in possession of his powers, and is well regarded as a follower of his deity. Clearly he's doing something right, and in his eyes, if Caius disagreed or cared enough to correct, then he would.

Though certain parts are treated more casually than others, and the faith itself is oft practiced quietly by the few in following, some outstanding principles or evident beliefs can be clarified thoroughly. Of note, the following is at odds with the Witnesses to the End, finding the practice of never lingering and taking the extremes of abandonment to be cruel to those you love and yourself, and the veneration of the god to be a missing of the point.

The Aspects of Caius
'His was the aspect of Amier that wished to be a man and live a life.'
Caius did not abandon that which he cared for. Only that which he did not.

Love
Love is the first aspect of Caius, and the one held most closely by the Champion and his following. In light of the idea that Caius had fled his seat of power to chase his love for Mortyl, the aspect's place as the First is held high. It is the most important, the one that he placed even before his duty as a member of the pantheon. So too, do followers place the desire of their heart above all else: Those you love matters more than any duty or station. Cherish the time that you spend with them. Your family, those allowed within your heart, and your spouse should you have one, are your highest concern in this life and the next.

Weddings are part of the purview of the faith, the following oft invoked to conduct such.

The Dead
Perhaps a mistake, yet owing to how he was raised and how he preaches unto others, Caius is viewed not so much as a god of death itself- but rather, as one who's domain encompassed those who had already gone. Mortyl is held as the reaper that claims life, whilst Caius was the shepherd who guided those spirits and souls onto their resting places and new lives. Those of the faith are encouraged to keep memory of those that have fallen - especially ones close to them - and to honor that memory to the best of their ability. Abuse of those fallen is anathema, while they have no compunction about a willing spirit's return, to desecrate or defile the dead in their afterlives is a grand injustice.

Abandonment
Whilst many take abandonment to extremes, it is viewed in part as a cautionary tale and in part as a targeted thing. It is, in their eyes, antithetical to love to let go of those you cherish at a moment's notice. The opposite of love is, after all, indifference, not hatred. Instead, abandonment is invoked to help others shed their burdens and ails, to break free of that which they do not want and what only brings them pain. One is cautioned not to become detached or let go of things that truly matter, lest one hurt those they love and bring them torment.

The Grave
Graves are seen as a memorial site towards the dead, for loved ones to visit and mourn. It is common for followers to erect statues or consecrate gravesites, to attend funerals and say last rites. Grief is naught but love enduring, and those who have lost must grieve to be at rest. Grave sites are defended and consecrated by the following, and grand memorials can be seen as some sort of 'holy ground,' due to their importance to so many people.

Easy Rest
The final aspect, easy rest, lays atop the others in a way that guides and shapes them. One is, of course, most at rest in the arms of their love. Abandonment, likewise, is intended to bring one towards such rest. Inflicting unnecessary misery and torment on the world is anathema to this principle, when rather, a follower should seek to help lift the burdens of others and guide them towards such rest. Likewise, magic or accursed effects that compel an individual's afterlife into one of torment are held as vastly profane.

As a result of this principle, many followers become healers, though not all do so. Others become warriors or craftsmen, or even counselors, each in their own way working towards easing the burdens of those they cherish.

Every flower, no matter how beautiful or sweet, in time will wither.

Yet- if one focuses only on the end, they miss the beauty of those blossoms...

... and the new ones that come to bloom in their wake.

Yes, everything good comes to an end.
That does not make it any less beautiful while it is here.

Petals must fall.
Enjoy them while they last.

Practices and Principles
Don't treat him like a god. If he wanted that, he would've stayed in his seat.
Don't ask him for favors or to solve things for you, he has no interest in that kind of affair.

A focus on Mortality
Caius is held as a god who left his station to pursue life as a mortal, to experience life as a man. Graves, too, are nothing for gods to attend- only mortals build such out of care. The gaze of the followers rests firmly upon the world of men, without care for the disputes between deities until such affects the mortal world and spirits. They build no churches in his name, nor beg him for aid in their prayers unless truly desperate. Instead, the words of such prayers are urgings unto the recipient towards the aspects, and the followers work to bring those aspects further into the world. It can be said that rather than worshipping the god directly, the roses view him as an example to follow.

This focus also tends towards a primacy of the spirit over the soul, as while souls are immortal and divine, the spirit is an inherently mortal thing. A soul may live many lives, yet it is never the same person that you once knew and loved. That is not to say the soul does not matter, but in matters which the two conflict, the spirit is held higher. This is common in affairs relating to the undead, in which the soul's out of place nature is seen as less important than attempting to help the spirit that has formed around it and usher it towards a proper life - or in some cases, a peaceful end, free of the annihilation that usually awaits them.

A key tenet or idea, that You are not Caius, is held. One does not need to ape his every move to further the aspects and the principles thereof. Be yourself. Be mortal. Struggle, fail, fall, and stand back up to push forwards again. Embrace that you are a flawed and fragile being, a struggler, and carry onwards with that towards a better world. Towards one filled with love, rest, and peaceful endings. That is what it means to be mortal, as the god so desired.

Thus, one is less focused upon trying to discern and see his will done, and more in the realm of attempting to grow the presence of those aspects in the world. To live your life as long as best you can. You only have the one, after all...

Peaceful Endings
As opposed to Mortyl's daughters, the known three representing violent, sorrowful, and uncaring ends, Caius is held in opposition. The aspect of rest denies such ends, and so it is believed that the "Father in Death" represents peaceful ones. Dying in one's sleep, surrounded by family, or simply resting your eyes to never open them again. Though a sorrowful thing, death is part of life, and yet the followers are in no rush to meet it... only to try to ensure that when it comes, one is at peace. That one is ready.

Violence and War
Though some may assume that the god of love's following would be pacifistic or peaceful, the world itself is far too dark and harsh for any such ambition. Nothing inspires utter rancor like pain unto a loved one, no man fights with so much fury as when he is fighting to defend- or avenge- heart and home. Many a fervent warrior has been seen under the banner of Caius. Often reactionary in their reproach, the followers seldom lay the first blow - but are determined to lay the last, that rest can return.

If you want peace, prepare for war.

Though some may espouse no hatred unto others in such times, and try to ensure a peaceful end... ultimately, mortals are flawed by nature, and it is not uncommon to hate the foe in excess of the idea of a peaceful ending when matters of the heart get involved..

Wine & Blood Roses in Rites
There is a noticeably tendency towards consuming an awful lot of wine- or just alcohol in general- by the living followers. It is questionable if this is a facet of the religion, or the half-dozen known magi are just raging alcoholics. However, Caius himself seems to enjoy the drink, and it would be in line with the desire to live well to party it up from time to time.

Sinka are often invoked in funerals or memorials, as well as present in any iconography displayed. The flower that is said to bloom where two fought to the death, or that blooms from shed blood, is held as a symbol of death. It is not uncommon for a blessed sinka to be lain upon a fresh grave or memorial, or left in passing. Roses, like life, are beautiful - but not without their thorns. Likewise, Sinka may also be given as an expression of love, the blood rose can be taken as an indicator one wishes to stay by another until the end.

Druid Lore (Druidism, Druidry)

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 20:55:11 +0000

Hello ! The lore page has now an official wiki page here : https://chronicles-of-eternia.com/lore/i...itle=Druid

For any question in regards of the lore of Druids, you may ask them on Discord either in the lore channel or in DM @tristrian

Tragedy/Lady Vigilat

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:49:21 +0000

Now that the administration of our favourite game has made the mistake of bringing ancient lore to Meranthe, I will post this here. Whatever is in here is likely known by faelings and they can pass it on. Otherwise, it would not be known to Meranthe as a whole.

Art by FerrousLeonine. Pictured: Tragedy, Eiphraem (in hand), Nyphadora (on chair), Ikkaku and Hatsune Miku (dead on floor), Kayeliun (apprentice, pillow).

History (Early)

Tragedy is the self-granted name and title of the Archon of Chaos- her true name, Vigilat, lost to time even during her reign. For much of the time that the human expeditions spent on Agatha, she was the reigning creature, bane to Jianghu and beacon around which all wicked forces rallied.

The early life of this demon is unimportant. Rumors say it was discovered in a cave by Sima Kang and a small armed expedition. At this stage, Vigilat was already a Kaor and its companion, Eiphraem, was a useless mega yokai. They entered an uneasy alliance with the Valmasian expedition.

Shortly after their ascension, Tragedy was expelled from Valmasia by the new leader (name forgotten to the annals of history). To her surprise Eiphraem had already started a new settlement without her even knowing, so Tragedy simply walked over and became the 'lord' of Crafthold. This was not a popular move with the peaceful denizens of Crafthold.

During the early stages of her gathering power, she made key allies other than her most loyal and loved retainer, Eiphraem. There was the fairy Nyphadora whom Tragedy saw the potential in, telling them that their true power was wasted serving Valmasia. There was the genius inventor Illaron, who's experiments pioneered a loyal brand of half-demon soldier based on the old Malpercian curse of Valmasia. And there was Zaruma, another powerful Archon, a general of sorts and the closest to a rival in terms of power. Finally, there was Dylerun, conspiring smith who helped forge the greatest items in this decades-spanning conquest.

War began with Jianghu, and would continue for decades, even with the destruction of their homeland. During this time Tragedy would lose as often as she would win in pitched fights against superior numbers. The leader of the resistance at this time was the great warrior Ikkaku. During this time Tragedy also adopted arcane magic, mastering chaos unlike any that had come before or would come again.

Though she focused on the war, Tragedy's real pursuit was the old demonic kingdom that predated human arrival- the legends of Illyotha.

In the end, Tragedy would not be able to fully explore Illyotha before she died...

... and yet, due to the ring forged for her by Dylerun, clung to life and was returned from Helheim, slaying a Marquis in the process. It took years for her power to return in secret, after which she slew the woman that had adopted and worn her armor.

History (Later)

Things slowed down after Tragedy's return. Though war was immediate, there was little lustre in it from both sides. Tragedy was certainly disinterested in continuing to fight Jianghu forever, and Jianghu was appeased by Eiphraem and the futility of it all.

These slow years were marked by the death of Zaruma, the introduction of Isaac Shimasu as Nyphadora's future second half, and the creation of the Worldscape.

Tragedy and her most powerful retainers would embark on a quest to raid a divine forge, slay an angel and corrupt a weapon without equal. Their goal was a war on the divine, to attain such power that they would never have to fear again.

Once everything was obtained, Tragedy would return to Illyotha with Nyphadora, to a realm abandoned by demons long ago- and conjure the Worldscape. An infinite realm, removed from Agatha and everything else, a place where she and all that she cared for could be free. The greatest of Agatha's archons left the war forever.

History (Worldscape-Present)

For a time, Tragedy would continue to interact with the world through arcane-puppets. And yet as decades wore on, that too dissipated. Those that were close to her either perished or stayed in the Worldscape forever, yet in a realm where she was omnipotent, reality and fiction intermingled. Tragedy had in part sought to overcome her demonic nature, to prove the right for her kind to exist, yet even here it was impossible to quell the urge for destruction.

The only way to stay at peace was to rest- for a very, very long time.

In these times of slumber, the great demoness holds questionable lucidity and an unfathomable delicateness, watching the faelings and other creatures created play about like a doting grandmother. She was not the sort to ever say no to Nyphadora- and so, scouting to the various realms of Eternia became common by the much less complacent fae.

Tragedy would, from time to time, take interest in mortal affairs-- such as during an accidental rift incursion from Meranthe.

The current Faeling business is at Nyphadora's whims- Tragedy simply nods her head like a grandma.

Personality

As a creature, Tragedy's personality evolved over the decades. Early on she was an overpowered tantrum-throwing chaos baby.
Some things remained the same.
Her wants and desires are, ultimately, at war with each other. A paradox drawn forth from the chaos that granted her power.
Tragedy knows love and empathy, concepts that are completely foreign to demons. Her understanding of them is imperfect, yet arcane is an emotional magic and as such she has developed everything that reflects in a human soul.
She cares for many things. She tires of fighting, and is happy left well enough alone.

and yet,
The slightest provocation, the most subtle shift in wind, or even no stimuli at all can throw aside that facade.
Tragedy is a creature that longs to destroy. Even in the Worldscape, even with centuries to reflect, she cannot refute her nature.
Tragedy loves humanity, because the world would not be the same without them, yet she would destroy every last one of them just to bask in the sensation.
This is something she does not admit easily, but the Faelings that have seen her tear apart centuries-old segments of the Worldscape understand it simply.

Tragedy has a sometimes limited understanding of human customs and social cues. She believes that might makes right and, as the most powerful, she is free to behave however she chooses.

Personality (zoomer cliffnotes)

Tragedy likes her servants, the Worldscape, peace, destruction, learning new things, and transceivers.

Tragedy dislikes Sheng, humans, peace, being bothered.

Powers/Dev Potential

I feel like it is inevitable that some beings will enter the Worldscape at some point and thus meet Tragedy.
Tragedy is not a very good teacher.
However, she does know everything regarding the arcane and occult magic.
Her Arcane nature makes it easy for her to see the essence of people she meets and guide them.
Once again, Tragedy is not a very good teacher.
Luckily, the Worldscape makes it very easy to be taught.

Lapine Origins Lore and Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:22:56 +0000

Written by AstroClouds and Tristrian
A massive shoutout to AstroClouds in perticular for writing the history of the Lapine ancestors in details <3
Prologue
In what was originally white and black, motes of the angels and akuma, there was a spark of color. The Divine Dance of Dragons, expanding the breadth of Eternia’s distinctive hues. The Constants took their seats for the unseen laws, the Divine Beasts were born, the Realms were young, men were cultivated to the image of the angels, and monsters were painted in the mirage of the akuma. Some powerful, nascent primordials, too, emerged from this era.

Few of those entities, termed as ‘Friends of the Realms,’ came in various aspects. Be it the Constant of Life, Alacritas, the Primordials known as Gaia (of Nature) and Verdion (of the Underlands - creator of Lapine), or even considerably the Pantheons of Aschea (of Balance and Harmony - creator of Teraphim) and Nemea (of Forest and Hunt - creator of Faeborne), they are all said to have eventually been intertwined in their paths - befriending one another to some degree, as written in the narratives of yore. How much of that is true is left up for debate.

Much is known of most recognized deities, though very little by those that passed on in earlier ages where history of their people were eventually lost to time.

One of these beings, listed as a ‘Friend of the Realms,’ is known as Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms - Primordial of the Underlands and caretaker of Yggdrasil.

Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms
Written in history towards the beginning of time, it is said that Verdion was nothing more than a little rabbit in the Realm of Yggdrasil, burrowing around the world tree’s sapling and ridding the early stages of this location from any debris that it deemed potentially harmful to the environment. This effort was nothing more than a precaution in securing the protection of its home that it felt most safe around. This era was during the period of Hel, Constant of Despair, taking on the title “Moros.”

The rabbit’s endeavor did not go unrecognized by some, however. Alacritas eventually intervened, seeing as this little creature had more mind and awareness than most of its species that the Constant observed for months. For one that protected life and the safety of its home, providing a form of nurturement, could give more life - and for that, she had met with, held, and blessed this little creature with more of that very aspect under the guidance of her’s and Nyssa’s woven flow of the Lifestream, connecting Verdion to Yggdrasil on a hugely spiritual level.

The abilities to sustain life, protect the world tree by overseeing the growth of its roots and lands below the surface, as well as ensuring the sanctity of the many Realms throughout Eternia was essential for a young world to grow away from the directions of aspiring evils that appeared during this era.

This gift would prove beneficial, as the World Tree reaches its full potential, and fairies are born. Magics become more mainstream, and baptisms of the gods by utilization of the Lifestream grows common due to these ambitions and labor.

Since the beginning of time, prior to the history of his name and people becoming lost, he was well known as Yggdrasil’s caretaker, helping to sustain the young World Tree in its growth and sustaining the Great Wonder by caring immensely for the ‘unseen’ natures of the tree - the Roots.

Thus, his title as the Rootkeeper of the Realms became sacred amongst his people as something of symbolism and spirituality when it came to earthen elements and practitioners of Verdion’s mission.

Verdion was once represented as a large lagomorph with sizable antlers, carrying a bulky composure. He originates from the Realm of Yggdrasil, said to have been born in Vanaheim with soft, golden furs.

His tendencies were similar to that of a pacifist, though prepared to defend the lands when necessary against dangers imposed that could damage the world to significant degrees. Due to his efforts, he has become hugely familiar to the earthen elements of Eternia, acclimating to them and accustoming himself towards the aspects of magical abilities to help bring fertility to the lands and sustain life.

As Yggdrasil reached the pinnacle of its life, Verdion eventually left the Spirit Realm to join the material realm and explore the lands as a kindred spirit, taking on the form of a humanoid beastkin that is familiarly known as the Lapine in present-day Eternia.

The Origins of the Lapine
From within the depths of Esshar’s Greatwoods, where strange magical activity occurred that allowed vegetation to thrive beyond its standard stature, a tribe once lived. They were said to be nothing more than your average human in the wilderness - surviving on the instincts of the forestry that surrounded the centralized kingdom of Myllenoris, originally known as Moonfall. These humans familiarize themselves with the primary elements of the Greatwoods, drawing in upon nature’s essence and earthen structures from minerals below the surface of ground, and crafting abilities in the honor of these incentives to give back what they felt was provided most to them - thriving life and nourishment.

During the era of a druidic Moonfallen village, prior to the witches taking over the lands, the peoples of the village were protected from invaders by the individuals of the Greatwoods. In exchange for protection and services, the Moonfallen peoples helped bolster their magical potency by providing more insight on the care for the cycles of plant life, harvesting, and resource foraging. These strangers of the forest thrived, granting more for the village than just basic necessities to protect - eventually, they integrated themselves within the community.

They believed they were made for nothing more than to live happy and healthy, provided by the nature that they wished to see just as sustained as themselves.

By this point in time, Verdion sheds his true form in order to emerge amidst a location near the borders of the Greatwoods, from the Spirit Realm - said to be an already thin line here that was accessible for crossing compared to other spots in the material Realm, he finds himself traversing through the forestry. Deeper and deeper inside.. The Primordial ultimately discovers a society that prompts him to join under the guise of a man in order to gain an understanding of humanity. His appearance was that of golden hair, golden eyes, and rabbit-like traits - a unique appearance during his existence in the material realm; considerably, he was the ‘first’ of the Lapine beastkin. With interactions between himself and the Moonfallen, he learned of their ways. With more, they learned of his.

It is in this time that occultic magics began infiltrating the young nation.

Intrigued by the kind heartedness of the Greatwood’s peoples and how they differentiated from the Moonfallen, Verdion acknowledged their acts throughout the years by teaching more of his virtues and talents, giving them titles based upon mastery of specific expertise they all pursued. In trust, he divulged his story as Alacritas’ chosen son, having transformed from your standard rabbit, and being capable of assisting the Lifestream in various ways for protecting the lands below the surface of Eternia, just as he had done for Yggdrasil long ago.

It was in the forest people’s own customs and beliefs, communications of Life, and desire to be more closely aligned with nature that they requested a gift from Verdion in exchange that they would continue what they were doing, spread the words of the Underlands and how Rootstock is an important factor to organic support in Eternia, and protect all Realms in their livable life and Spiritual life.

Thus, in a private liturgy of the faith by Verdion, trusting of his instincts and their acceptance, his blessings were extended and bestowed, granting the first of the Lapine kind to resemble his own appearance - due to this endowment by the Rootkeeper of the Realms, these people were granted a natural affinity for the grounds whilst taking on the traits bearing leporidae features; long ears and a bushy tail.

A new epoch is marked in Esshar, and a new beastkin has emerged with the wooded areas - these locations were a reasonable and usual sanctuary for the Lapine during that time period.

“His blessings have brought a new form of people - our people. We, the Lapine, will care for the Undergroves of the lands and ensure that, just as he cared for Yggdrasil, the World Tree, we will continue his missions to provide for the Realms. We all promised.”

The Lapine of Myllenoris
With years to follow Verdion’s blessings of the Lapine, the Rootkeeper’s children became more common in the Moonfall village. Though they were oblivious to the circumstances of the Moonfallen’s occultic activity and affairs of their people, of business kept greatly in the dark, the Lapine continued being loyal in aiding them in the sustenance of the lands surrounding the Kingdom - meanwhile, Verdion was building a special grove for the Lapine near the thin veil between the Spirit Realm and Eternia as an entrance point for himself and a future project that would never see the fruits of his labrous work, called the ‘Verdant Grove’ - made for their druidic rites and communication with the Spirits, closely intertwined with the very boundaries of the World and nature.

Due to these circumstances, these children and Primordial were nescient to the Moonfall’s pursuits, reserved to themselves, until it became more widespread and threatening.

Despite his growing awareness, Verdion maintained a pacifist approach, pleading against what they were doing. He sought not to fight back against their people, having grown attached - many of his Children struggled to interpret how to approach the ordeal until..

“Our tribesmen do not wish to question the ways of Verdion, but many of us feel compelled to take action. We are afraid of their power, afraid of death, but more fearful of how life here will persist if we do not help. We are afraid of repercussions against our father’s ideals, even if he does not take aggressive stances; we will not oppose his points of view and deem them appropriate. We do not feel that the inactivity will be beneficial to the Verdant Grove.
                                        -1686 AC”

Just as the pinnacle of the Coven’s power peaked and ambitions were exposed, Verdion suggested that he and his children reel away to allow higher powers to intervene on their behalf. Fleeing to Verdant Grove, the Lapine began taking caution to defend the locations nearest the Woodlands in which they now resided. Many were unsure; the Primordial’s natural instincts boiled around the sensations of a prey animal. Few saw this as naught more than cowardice, and his inaction would prove to be the downfall of many..

..but a rise of a new kingdom.

Provoked - upon the call of a darker Spirit, the veil between Eternia and the Spirit Realm collapses, and Aschea, Pantheon of Balance and Harmony, emerges to fight back against the village overtaken by the Coven. The plight of occultism is pushed back; Verdion’s Lapine begin joining the fight for the sake of the village people who do not want to be under the control of the Coven. Many of both lost their lives, including Aschea, who took her last breath in this dire moment - signifying the end of her life, but newfound power of the Teraphim - her blessed children.

A new era - Moonfall has been taken back, dubbed as Myllenoris; it is free of any depraved influence. A new generation of the Lapine and Teraphim grow close, helping to rebuild what is lost. The rise of the Teraphim brought a form of nobility to the valley while the Lapine remained dutiful towards the lands with the lesson in mind of more awareness, for they could not allow these infiltrators to take advantage of them again.

People across the lands recognized and believed that Verdion’s inaction was cowardice rather than pacifism. Word spreads, garnering the attention of many deities that looked upon him with disdain, causing him to grow distant for a period and reserved to the Verdant Grove near the Vale left in the wake of Aschea’s emergence to the material realm. A reminder of his failures, but lands that he graciously kept up on maintenance in her honor.

Some shunned Verdion for his lack of bravery, though none knew his story, or his inheritance of a rabbit’s natural-born instincts as a prey animal. Thus, in lack of knowledge, Verdion is worked against. Having grasped the attention of none other than the Divine Panther of Night, Ixchel, the Rabbit Deity is stalked, and approached on a lit, high moon night.

“The Panther saw Verdion’s inaction as a form of betrayal after her fall from grace by Azrael, the Betrayer. For one that sustains life, he did not fight for it. The Betrayer has won. The Witches took someone great. His own people of Gehenna suffered greatly due to the Betrayer.

He speaks - our father’s power goes to waste and should be used for action against these evils. Our father did not hesitate to agree. Ultimately, he did not have a choice. It led to the end of his life at the hands of the Great Panther Spirit.

His death led to many of our sacred tunnels to collapse. Much of the Verdant Grove fell without his power. We could not maintain what stability the system needed. The main rooms remained intact. We dug out a hidden passageway where father’s crystals will stay protected.

Some of our father’s children departed in kind with the Panther to fight another day, believing that his power will be used for the same purpose, with more action against the rise of the corrupt. I do not blame them. What’s left of us will help Aschea’s children and preach our father’s views.

I’m sorry, father Verdion. I pray that your Spirit will be kept in this crystal, even if you are now powerless and cannot speak to us right now. May this ritual recover you, in time.
                                                                                                                              -1687 AC”

A variety of the Lapine departed that night with Ixchel, towards a new life, with similar purpose, but to ensure that their father’s power was used for the betterment of Life in fighting the corrupt. The remainder of Lapine pledged loyalty to the lands of the Greatwoods and Myllenoris’ Teraphim.

“This may be my last entry, father Verdion. In your passing to follow Lady Aschea, we’ve promised to care for her children and forge a new friendship. She protected us. We tried to protect her. We do not hate you, father Verdion. We never did. We understood that you were scared. We were, too.

I wish we could have saved you from the Great Panther, even if it was your own choice. I pray your Spirit will never be discovered here in this Verdant Grove. Your burrow will always be the most sacred and blessed of these lands. I will upkeep your beliefs in the Roots of our Realms and their support systems. We are your children. We will not abandon your views of Life. Grandma Alacritas made the right choice to give you more, and more, as you have given us.

I love you, father. Thank you for this purpose in Life.
                                                          -1688 AC”

The Lapine, continuing to establish the faith and beliefs of Verdion throughout time, grew more widespread from Myllenoris - eventually, the mentions of Verdion, Rootkeeper of the Realms, became less and less talk, until it was no longer acknowledged by his children of later generations; lost to time. The Rootkeeper’s Overseers passed on their torches, until there was the last, who never recorded his name. Only few entries following this tragic time period were ever made - taught by the former that passed away in kind and has been buried below the grounds of the Grove.

“Her children are becoming more insistent, father. I do not know what we should do, despite the past memories surfacing and suggesting action. She reminds me of Aschea, but she also does not. A strange woman named Lady Savarra. There is fear in my heart, and fight amongst the Teraphim. Some have taken more to impulse than logic. Her presence raises my alertness. If only the last Overseer, Mister Sanders, could be here to give me advice.

I have come to visit you each day in the Verdant Grove, but each day feels as though there are more eyes on me. If I must take action, I will do what I can to protect you and ensure your Spirit here is safe in these crystals. One day, you may be free again, even if you will never be at full power.

The Grove seems to have more questionable activity around it.
                                                                                                                -1812 AC”

—-------

“I believe they have become blind in their paths and faith. The Mistseers have taken refuge in Aschea’s Temple, but I fear there is something sinister. There are not many Lapine left of father’s children. Most of the Teraphim have departed, and their population is in decline.

The activity around the Verdant Grove is quiet, but more webs have been seen in the forest surrounding it. I may be oblivious, but my stomach tells me that I must protect this Grove at all costs, even at the cost of my life force.

Forgive me, father Verdion. I may pass here, but I will protect your sacred grove from the forces that may be trying to take hold of it.

Bless father Verdion, and may his teachings remain for the future.
-1870 AC”

The last entry of the book is made, closed and in the arms of what appears to be a skeleton of the last known Overseer of Verdion in the Verdant Grove, deep in the forests of Myllenoris and its Greatwoods. This body rests near an abundance of never-before-seen crystals. A gentle power emanates from within, though it is not strong - one thing is for certain.. It holds a great sense of Spiritual essence.

Liturgies of the Lapine
Various rites include:

The conjuration of Harmony, wishing for naught but balance upon a location that is experiencing the deprivation of Life and decreasing vegetation, unable to sustain itself. Inducements of this derived from the Teraphim that wished to honor Aschea’s purpose.
The gentleness of Verdion’s blessed Lapine, attuned with the lands, by bringing together their natural affinity for earthen elements to perform unique ideas in mind. This rite is more open-ended, as his teachings pertained to the notion that the locations below the lands are not oft considered when it comes to the health and growth of an environment, or how important it is to be nurtured- thus, these are special rites performed by Lapine to help assist those teachings and cite them.
The Lifestream’s energy, utilized to supplement a summons for regeneration of a location, an object of nature and its roots, or a structure built on the frameworks of Verdion’s mission - whatever those may be, it is up to the Lapine or other followers to accurately see that the Underlands are never forgotten for these liturgies.
Others that are unlisted, but mentions of timely harvest rituals throughout the seasonal changes are not unspoken of.

Much of their liturgies are open-ended, but included a variety of sentiments surrounding the notions of Life, harvests, foraging, the lands below and their effect upon the lands above, planting of new life with seeds, etc. Roots are the most important of all, due to their structures to support the above lands.

The Rootkeeper and the Lapine
Verdion’s title as Rootkeeper is a sacred title, representing the symbolism and spirituality of the internal earthen aspects below the surfaces of Eternia. Rumored as nothing more than a title bestowed upon individuals throughout time that have shown profound guardianship of the lands below, any Rootkeeper is responsible is to oversee and protect the foundations of Life that pertained to growth, stability, and connections with nature and the Realms.

These namely peoples safeguard the health of the earthen grounds below, restoring nature per their duties.
Stability in nurturing is a priority of the Lapines, helping to revitalize the natural sanctity of Eternia’s lands - above and below.
Their sense of community is fostered by the beliefs that all Life is connected, utterly sacred, and that the foundational aspects of Life should be upheld in purity, genuity, and that Life can flourish from the ground up.
Because of these beliefs, roots are a sacred symbol to the Lapine - they constitute the organic cycles that are continuous and interconnected, vital for the persistence of these cycles and growth. Due to this, Lapines believe that what lies below the lands of Eternia are to be protected and nurtured for the world’s continued sustenance.

A new Rootkeeper must signify their new position by planting a special plant, usually a tree, in honor of their ‘ascent’ to this status under the faith of Verdion. This tends to be a celebration between the Lapine, showcasing the knowledge that a rising Rootkeeper can accentuate Eternia, carrying on Verdion’s mission to provide stability to the Realms.

The teachings by a Rootkeeper show the bravery and resolution of the Lapine; they are considered a form of ‘Wardens’ for humanity, as their natural affinities are said to assist in making a race of prey animals into a more stalwart and tenacious people. They are clever, agile, and familiar with various forms of architecture.

Lapine have an organic sense of community due to their upbringing and are often perceived as teachers, advisors, councilors, and scholars. They are very emotional.

Despite the once known deity of the original Lapine tribes of the past, Verdion is no longer a spoken name. The origins of the rabbit-beastkin has become unknown; many deem them as a godless people. It is not uncommon that a Lapine lives in the confines of nature, especially burrowing below the lands of Eternia for safety and protection. They oft take to these locations with a big heart and care for it. These instincts may have become lost to time, or are not taught to modern/present-day Lapine.

Much of the history for the Lapine has since been lost due to these generational, non-spoken children and lack of acknowledgement by their ancestors.

Lapine Today:
Lapine today that take on the original form of their ancestors are more rabbit-like - they take on a more reserved and gentle demeanor. Their appearance comes off more soft, smaller, and rounder.

Followers of Ixchel from ages past are more known to have hare-like features, are stronger built, slimmer, and tall.

Lapine are spread out and can be found in most corners of Eternia. They are a lesser sight than other beastkin, such as the Kitsune or Ookami. Many smaller clans can usually be found in the depths of forests - more particularly, in Groves underground.

Due to Lapine falling away from their roots, their instincts have shifted as time went on. Originally a more passive race has become more integrated to communities with less reservation to themselves and ambitions.

But lately, arround the year of 2125AC, the rediscovery of the Verdant Grove allowed a small group of people within Meranthe to find the origins of their ancestors. The Faith may once more return for its people.

ýynglan-yi / Serpent-folk

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 21:17:50 +0000

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A people shrouded in mystery, though by all accounts born out of a nascent 'god' that ascended to power beyond the Ghost Sea, which has conquered the coasts of the Ka Shaer and the little islands that surround such a sea...

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Humanoid in appearance but not in nature, covered with scales of beautiful colors and with the treacherous eyes of all serpent-kind, what is known about the ýynglan-yi is that they are as ferocious as they are territorial, for in the one hundred years that they have inhabited such coasts and islands, no intruder has left their controlled territories unharmed; tales of vile poisons and sorceries that border the inhumane and gargantuan beasts half-man and half-snake are common talk among the fisherman that have dared come close to the territories of such a species.

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To the ýynglan-yi there is no honor, there is no good or evil and there certainly is no limit, as their strange magical capabilities allow the members of such a race to cast curses and hexes of unknown origin against those they fight against. To the ýynglan-yi there is the empire and there is their great god, there is life and there is exultation. There is much speculation about the nature of such a god and even more-so about the empire that lies beyond the ghost sea, alas, such information is only privy to the members of the tribe that have now come from a foreign continent with unknown and uncertain desires in mind.

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Amongst the foulest rumors that turn around the ýynglan-yi is word of a punishment worse than death which may befall all who may have proven a deserving enough annoyance to be deserving of the evil eye; the curse of petrification which torments the soul and the mind until one breaks utterly or becomes but an empty husk of what once was.

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The one behind the three aspects and the one that breathed life to the ýynglan-yi. As malignant as he can be righteous. A being that achieved divinity through means unknown and which belongs to a pantheon that lies beyond the Ghost Sea. The scalekind respect him and fear him equally.

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Those that have managed to converse with the ýynglan-yi have gathered this much: their god does not care if his people live or die. He is a grim and loveless god whose attention is best avoided for he is a god of dooms, a serpent that achieved apotheosis and needs not hide his true nature not even from his own people.

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However, unto his people he spat the venomous desire to strive and slay, and to seek and achieve, thus there is nothing else the ýynglan-yi could hope to ask of their god. As a god of dooms he does not offer hope here or hereafter, the scalekind must live deep while they yet live. In the world of men one must struggle and suffer vainly; in death the souls of the ýynglan-yi enter a misty realm without color where they are to wander cheerlessly throughout eternity. There is no false promise or deception of cheerful eternity and blissful hills of paradise, the world that matters is here and it is now.

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Though the serpent god does not care for the affairs of mortals he is a god rooted in the realm of Eternia. He lays claim to the “Tacitus Squalor”, a pocket realm hidden beyond the Ghost Sea in the deep jungles of the foreign ýynglan-yi empire, guarded by abominable snake-men and the mighty hydra. The “Tacitus Squalor” is vast and jungle-like realm, covered in ziggurats and figures of broken worship that have not fared well against the test of time, this realm is veiled by unchanging crimson skies and its seas are pools of vile poisons and healing poultices which are impossible to tell apart from one another.

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Though the god roams free around his domain, in the three most prominent ziggurats within, one may the aspects of the god which speak on his nature each sacred and divine and within their respective:

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Ssspssstaý - Lord of the labyrinth

Ssstnngu - Lady of the poisons

Sssforsstý - Lord / Lady of the fang

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Many aspects of the religion surrounding the Serpent God are yet unknown, especially due to the god’s disinterest in the affairs of mortals and how, the only thing such a god brings upon those that call upon him, is doom, however in the empire exist a clergy that is devoted to the worship of such a god that the god’s wrath may be directed to the enemies of the empire. The greatest of zealots are sent to the entrance of the Serpent God’s domain where they guard day and night restless for any potential would-be intruder that may wish to disturb their god, a great honor permitted to few and a duty that sees none return from it for the only thing that breaks such is death or an edict of the three aspects, a thing that is as sacred as the word of the current empress.

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Despite the fact the ranks of the ýynglan-yi are, seemingly, straightforward and easy to understand there are many intricacies one must understand when advancing through the ranks such as the authority of the three aspects, the edicts said aspects offer unto the empire which may revoke or advance the authority of oneself and the existence of the blessed abominations, the heralds of the three aspects and those of the clergy that have reached enlightenment shortly before being sent to guard the entrance to the god's domain.

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— ¹st.

Serpent God

Empress of the Empire (Matriarchal role)

Enlightened Devout (Patriarchal role)

High Lord / Lady • High Warlord

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— ²nd.

Devout Caste • Scholar Caste • Warrior Caste

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— ³rd.

Victims of the Evil Eye

Supplicants

Slaves