Note: Reading is not required, but strongly recommended. Take your time, this won't start for a long while. Coincidentally, the character sheet is at the bottom of all these words.
Welcome to Aurora, a world on the edge of destruction; for those that do not learn from history…
Auroran Pantheon, the Five-and-One:
Aura: Aura is hailed as the Life-Giver, the creator to the Aurorans. [Read More: See Creation Myth] Aura is said to a beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair, a strong will and a artistic, passionate, humanitarian mind.
Karic: Created Aurora [Read More: See Creation Myth] and said to bless life with magic. He is the husband of Aura and seen as the chief deity. While other gods created Aura, he controls it.
Isabella and Rowena: The Twin Goddesses that created nature, trees, air, plants, dirt, weather, clouds, sun, etc. Isabella is said to be the moon and Rowena the sun.
Sebar: Karic’s younger brother. Created animals for the humans to hunt and eat, it is said in ancient times he hunted alongside the humans. Sebar is the god of war, battle, and death.
Ban: The Mortal God. Ban ascended to Godhood after his deeds in Bennos. Ban is not worshipped as a god, rather than a symbol of the ultimate achievements of the mortalkind. [Read More: See Recorded History in the Imperium: Northern and Southern Kingdom: The Dark Era]
[More on Pantheon and how they are worshiped: See The Holy Church.]
Creation Myth:
It was Karic who created the world, but not for humans, originally. Karic was a great artist, and Aurora, named after his beautiful wife Aura, was his canvas. He created worlds and destroyed them time and again, playing with mortals as he saw fit. There were two species that he created for his enjoyment; however, that Aura took a liking to. These were, of course, the Human race and the Tiberian race. She persuaded Karic to abandon his canvass as she began to make a home for the Humans and Tiberians. Slowly, other gods began to help her create a livable world. In the end, Karic granted his seal of approval and allowed there to be life, also granting humans magic as his personal gift.
Races:
The Humans – The humans are the most populous race and arguably the most powerful since the Northern Kingdom is controlled by humans. They are remarkably diverse, ranging in skin color and hair color and everything else. The Humans are a very cutting edge people – they always want to farther their civilization through technology. They can be stubborn, however, and slow to accept change. Human history is rich, dating all the way back since before the Nomadic Era, humans lived together and had cultures that have changed over time. Men and women humans cannot exactly call themselves equal beings – it traces back to the Monarchal Era, the first official government recognized by the current powers that be. King Bannar Wolfblood treated women as second class citizens; they rarely had opportunity to excel. Since then, there have been campaigns and movements for gender equality, and for the most part it has succeeded. Women have an equal chance of becoming involved in politics and becoming Magicians. Women have always been equal in religion; the only field women are discriminated against is in combat and fighting. Very few women are ever knights, soldiers, archers, or anything of the sort. It is considered an oddity to see a woman who can wield a sword. There are, however, a few famous examples of human women who are better warriors than men. Inette Novant, a Western Kingdom Councilor and retired military general, and Cassandra Hawes, Chief Lieutenant of the Northern Guard are usually the examples advocates put forward in defense of woman warriors.
A key part of human culture is the Clans – it used to be one of the major parts of life, being strongly associated with a clan. Either you married into one or rose to power yourself, clan titles were everything and one action from a clansmember affected everyone. This has began to fade into obscurity with the passing times – but there are still very powerful families that cling to the names of their past, because it still carries weight. About a third of the population still is identified by clan. A clan member bears the same title, such as Wide-Chest or Sword-Arm. Clansmen are sometimes discriminated against because of their old fashioned ways, but there are still important clan families and even councilors, being Ginny of Clan Warm-Sun, Jack of Clan Silver-Wind, Klyde of Clan Valley-Strider, Julia of Clan Tall-Trees, Jacob of Clan Fertile-Fields, and Rebecca of Clan Wolfblood.
There are many different sub-races of humans. Yurisians are from the island of Yurised, there has recently been an influx of immigration from the small, independent nation. They resemble Asians. A famous example would be Miriam Aminah. The Tropicals are from tiny islands, nicknamed the Tropics, west of the Western Kingdom. They resemble Hawaiians and Latinos. A famous example would be Arch-Abbott Hidalgo. The Traymen were previously slaves to the apelike Trayan people, but a massive revolution created a huge burst of immigration to the Imperium. They resemble black people. A famous example would be All-Mother Briar Sanreille. A small group of desert dwelling humans known as the Tariz Clan, who resemble Middle Easterners or Indians, inhabited the Southern Kingdom long ago. A famous example would be the Magistrate Saadia.
The Tiberians – The ashen skinned people of Aurora live in the southern lands of the Sebaran desert. Their skin is pale, whitish grey, and their hair is a dull white color. Their eye color varies between purple, yellow, green, and grey. They aren’t longer lived than humans, the average life span being around 120 years. Being from the desert, Tiberians value resources and never waste anything. They are very philosophical when it comes to life and death, because a camel-ride through the desert to another city and back again can very possibly claim your life due to bandits, sandstorms or getting lost. There is a growing gap between city-Tiberians and country Tiberians. The Country Tiberians believe the cityfolk are forgetting what it means to be a Tiberian, safe from the sandstorm and poisonous and dangerous animals, and cutthroats. Tiberians are historically a tough and hardy folk, but this has been virtually erased by modernization.
Lesser Races:
The Pellfolk – A magical, dangerous group of old hags in Pell Wood, these women are rumored to be a species that is neither Human nor Tiberian. [See more: Read Magic in the Imperium, Factions, Pellwood City-Guide]
The Forgotten – The Race that lived in the Deadlands past Hunwen. [See more: Read Hunwen City-Guide]
The Trayans – The vicious barbarians from the north, beyond the Northern Kingdom, this race is more ape than man, possessing both qualities. They can operate like Humans or Tiberians but resemble monkeys. Very little is known about their culture or way of life, and it is even said they are not an intelligent species by some scholars. [See more: Read Current Events: War with Traya]
The Oceate (O-see-eht-A): The Oceate were a sea-faring race that existed before humans colonized the Western Kingdom. It is said that they were made extinct in a great war with early Western Kingdom men, but rumors persist that they still live on in small groups around the Western Kingdom. They were said to be part fish, part human and almost always human woman.
The Novar: The Imperium Council denies the existence of the Novar, a rumored lost magical race that can freely transform into wolves, such a feat almost impossible by even master magicians. They are spotted mostly in the woods and uncivilized lands of Doreston, Karicia, Erubury, Nexon, and Cynric, although supposed claims of Novar Sightings pop up everywhere. A popular – but highly taboo – rumor is that the Novar once occupied the Eastern Kingdom, or still do and are not allowed contact with the Imperium. Others say they were once a part of the Imperium, but rebelled and were destroyed.
Aurora:
On the continent of Banicar, there is snowy tundra to the north. To the extreme north, it is snow all year round. South of the tundra, there are seasons, switching between a cold and snowy winter and a moderate, fresh summer, revealing plains of grass and a few farmlands. Rolling hills and farms that extend for miles have been named the Auroran Great Plains, owned largely by Doreston.
To the south: a vast desert, the Sebaran Desert. A large amount of oases dot the desert, which makes it easy for people to live there. The Sebaran desert is believed to stretch on forever. The desert is known as the Southern Kingdom. To the west is the ocean, the Farlook Ocean. It too is believed to go on forever. The Tropics mark the end of mankind in the Farlook Ocean; a small island chain with colorful and primitive people.
A large island is off the coast, the Western Kingdom. The Western Kingdom is warm and tropical, with the Pell Woods, the largest forest known to man, occupying over half of the land, in the middle of the island.
To the east lies the Eastern Kingdom, more commonly known as the Forbidden Lands. No citizen knows what lies beyond the Eastern border. These are the known lands of Aurora. Not much else has been mapped out by the citizens of the Imperium.
A small island called Yurised by the natives, Sebaria by the Holy Church, is located northwest of the Northern Kingdom. A large rocky island above the Nothern Kingdom, Traya, is also present.
The roads that connect the city-states together are called the Wayroads, and are patrolled by guardsmen and full of roadside inns and taverns, bandits, travelling merchants and anyone else imaginable.
The Imperium
The Imperium is the ruling government which consists of the Northern, Southern and Western kingdoms. It is led by a High Council with a representative from each of the 31 city states around the continent of Banicar. City-states are large areas of land, many with smaller towns and villages, with a capital city. The three most powerful city-states are the capitols of the Northern, Southern, and Western Kingdom and the three representatives from each city are the three most powerful people in the country. The people of the Imperium are currently undergoing recession, war and troubling political matters [Read More: See Current Events]. People from the Imperium are called Imperials.
Technology in the Imperium:
The Imperials have become more technologically advanced in the past one thousand years, but electricity, gunpowder and modern communication still evade them. They rely on steam power and windmills to generate their factories and buildings, and magic crystals are sold by enchanters that have made candles second-rate for years now.
Imperials fight with swords and bows, using the standard variety of warhammers, daggers, crossbows, and axes. They wear metal or leather armor and move armies on horseback. Their roads are generally paved with red brick.
Magic in the Imperium:
Magic is not unlike smithing, writing, or any other craft. No individual is born with more magic than another; it is learned like any other skill. In order to master the skill of magic, one must go to school for eleven years, dutifully learning the ways of magic. Students can begin at 15, and first go to Aleron University, where they learn the basics for three years. They are considered a Magician Maverick after a year in Aleron. After basics are done, and if the student passes, they go to Malcolm University, where they learn after another three years. After one year in Malcolm, the student is known as a Magician Moderate. If they pass Malcolm, the Moderate goes to Erubury Tower, where only genius Magicians and dutiful workers graduate.
After they graduate, the former student is now a Magician Master, where they can work as an artist, writer, healer, or secure a place as a military strategist or general. They can also return to any university and work as a teacher. Many Magicians, however, are philanthropists, and choose to help the poor and weak in impoverished areas on the Imperium. Many humans tend to associate magic with Tiberians, although this is not the case. Humans make for almost half of the Magicians in the Imperium. Many Magicians choose to drop out after they gain the title of Moderate, not seeing the gain of becoming a Master after another six years of training.
One common magical artifact is a Waygate, which is a magical crystal that bonds with others of the same kind. When bonded, a person can pass through a Waygate and appear on an opposite, bonded Waygate. These are very expensive and are owned by the rich of the Imperium, as well as all Councilmen and occasionally Magicians. They resemble mirrors. The largest Waygate known to man is in Pellwood, in the Council Chambers, which allow dozens of Councilmen and woman to pass through the Waygate simultaneously and travel home and to Pellwood. The Pellwood Waygate, a huge chunk of raw crystal, is as large as a small house.
Magicians are very well respected in the Imperium for their dedication of studying for so many years around the world. There is no regulation on magic, however the Holy Church stresses it is Karic’s gift to humanity and should not be used except in dire situations. Holy men and women of the Church cannot usually possess magic, unless they are a Karmage, in which case they dedicate their life to the church in return for the gift of magic. As the Universities keep a tight track on all of their graduated students, there is little cause for worry when it comes to Magicians going rogue or becoming too powerful.
There is a council called the International Committee of Magic that occasionally passes regulations on magic, what is and isn’t allowed, and whether a new university should or shouldn’t be regulated or persecuted. The members of the Committee are the three Deans of the Universities of Aurora, Dean Ishmil, Pollock, and Aminah. Also on the Committee are Grandmaster Warryn Malimyr of the Gildur Monastery, Arch-Abbott Archester, a senior Karmage in the Church, Cadyce Stanton, considered the best healer in Aurora, and finally Magistrate Saadia, leader of the Thaum Circle.
There are few places outside the government-sanctioned universities where one can study magic. The most infamous place is in the Citadel, a magically enchanted floating castle-fortress that is home to a dangerous band of rogue Magicians. Another infamous example of magic users would the Pellfolk of Pell Woods. These mysterious creatures are all old human women and possess extreme magical power. It is rumored that they are not human. Other than these groups there is always the occasional student that defects from the Imperium and joins a roving gang of bandits or marauders. Of course, there are also the Healer’s Guild, the Chateau of Cadyce, and the Practicing Circle of Thaumaturgy (Read more: See factions).
Recorded history of the Northern and Southern Kingdom
The Nomadic Era: Tiberians and Humans alike had no borders, no countries, but they rarely saw each other. As it is now, Tiberians stuck to the desert and Humans stuck to the Great Plains and tundra, travelling as nomads in small, tight tribes, hunting and living off the land. They had rich culture, music and artwork, and only minor civil wars.
The Farmer’s Era: The blissful way of the nomadic people died like it existed: quietly, peacefully. People began to settle down as a desire for a peaceful and constant life arose. Farm villages appeared over the land, but they were small and spread out. The farms in the icelands and desert were centered around oases and meant for raising animals.
The Warlord Era: The farming way of life could not be effective forever; governments were needed as people grew in power. Eventually, marauder gangs formed and began to fight over land. Over many long years of fighting and political squabbles, small kingdoms were slowly forming, Warlords carving out portions of land and creating their own nation. It eventually evolved to feudalistic type governments; dozens of officially established small kingdoms rose up all over the land. For a long while, the Warlord Era existed in peace, the warlords got along and traded all very well. In fact, over time the term “warlord” was dropped, replaced simply by “lord” or “king”. That is, until an even larger lust for power emerged…
The Monarchal Era: It all began in what is now the Northern Kingdom. No less than thirteen men and women ran their own kingdoms. All was peaceful, nations co-existing alongside each other, until a single Lord rose above the rest and called for unity. His name was Bennet Wolfblood of the city of Dore, what is now called Doreston. He was contested by many as he called for other kingdoms to swear fealty, none more so than Alward Sorly of Sorly Hold (Now a smaller city in Theron’s lands). The two men engaged themselves in a bloody civil war, dragging every kingdom in the north into it. The kingdoms were at a stalemate until Bennet Wolfblood was killed, and his son Bannar Wolfblood took the throne. The son proved far stronger than the father, and was able to crush Lord Sorly and unify the kingdoms into one – called Bennos, which meant New in the Old Tongue, a dead language of the Nomads the Wolfbloods trace their ancestry back to. Of course, Lord Wolfblood didn’t do this alone; he was aided by countless individuals – his wife Margaret Wynne more so than any.
Ban, as he was called, went on to form Bennos, what is now the Northern Kingdom. Eventually, the Tiberians produced a unified leader, Ariano, who united the Sebaran desert and formed the country of Auster.
Under King Ban’s rule, Bennos grew into an economic and military superpower while Auster struggled under King Ariano. For a very brief period, King Ban annexed Auster, but was met with violent protests and forming terrorist groups, so the King withdrew. King Ariano never forgave the Humans, and once tried to wage war with Bennos; Auster was quickly beaten down by King Ban and Ariano slain by Ban himself. After the brief war, Auster and Bennos left each other alone, but tensions were never lessened.
The Magical Era: A new leader arose from Auster: Camilla the Sage. Camilla was one of the only Magicians in Banicar, and she had a vision. Modern scholars say that Camilla was just as clever and resourceful as King Ban, but up in Bennos, women were treated as second class citizens, so Ban basically wrote off the Tiberians after Camilla’s raise to power.
In order to bring her people to greatness, Queen Camilla constructed a university for magic in Aleron. Thousands of Tiberians passed through the halls of Aleron Univeristy and learned the basics of magic from the Magicians Camilla gathered to teach the people of Auster. The Tiberians were able to greatly improve their standard of living after more and more Tiberians became adept in magic.
The Dark Era: Ban’s death ended the Magical Era. It is said that when Ban died, Karic and Aura appeared over the skies of Arvall and brought Ban back to the heavens. Ban had ascended to godhood and is still recognized today in the Pantheon.
After Ban died, his son Claudas took power as King. The young liberal King made unprecedented changes to Bennos, most notably removing restrictions that made women lesser than men. He then made diplomatic contact with the Tiberian, Queen Camilla. Auster was growing in power and some people feared that the Magicians would try to invade a second time.
After diplomatic advances were made, Claudas proved that he was truly the son of Ban. Secret documents were stolen and Bennos’s own Magic University was constructed in the remotest place in Bennos: Erubury. Camilla was none the wiser as Claudas taught at least a thousand Humans the way of Magic. But one spy, a Magician named Safir, informed Camilla of everything. In retaliation, Auster launched an attack on the now destroyed town of Iber and overtook it. Camilla promised severe punishments would be inflicted upon Bennos as the Tiberians proved they would be pushed around no longer.
It never came to be, though. The same spying Magician, Safir, assassinated Claudas shortly after Iber was sacked. After a quick power struggle, a smooth talking and rich politician from Valici, named Gareth Silver-Hand, took the throne. Gareth was a conniving man, and devious too. He captured Safir and used Magic to reprogram the spy and make him a double agent. Safir entered Auster and assassinated Queen Camilla, but was killed in the process. There was no rest for the weary, however, and Gareth was killed after he traveled to Auster under the guise to discuss Auster’s surrender.
Now Bennos and Auster were on the verge of collapse, without leaders. Some feared that both kingdoms would break up and the Warlord Era would repeat itself. Other thought a war would break out that would extinguish all life on Banicar.
These worries persisted until what was known as the Intervention. Until recently, neither Bennos nor Auster communicated with the Western Kingdom. That was about to change.
The Imperial Era: The Western Kingdom was known as Advenus at the time, it was an entirely Human nation. It was running a clean democratic rule on their secluded island; everyone lived in peace, there was universal healthcare, crime was down… it was an almost utopian society. The High Council of Advenus, representatives of major cities on the island, called for Bennos and Auster to adapt their ways of government, they claimed it was the only way to live in peace.
Not seeing an alternative, Auster quickly agreed. It took a very long time, but eventually Bennos agreed to adapt Advenus’s government… for a trial period. Under Advenus’s guidance, Bennos and Auster held elections in each city-state, and politicians, doctors, artists, and other popular aristocrats were elected to represent their home. They formed separately at first, and began to sort out their government. Bennos found it surprising; they could manage an entire empire and keep the interests of the people prevalent in every debate. Auster was slower to adapt, but eventually they learned to accept Advenus’s government.
Bennos and Auster were at a loss for words. In a process of two years, they had become democratic and were so busy fixing their internal problems they barely interacted with each other. Advenus’s High Council persisted with their personal agenda: the unification of the entire Banicar continent. At first their attempts had failed, but a motion in Bennos changed the continent’s outlook on things.
A rogue warlord rose up in the Great Plains and gathered a small army of mercenaries and assassins. They invaded Auster and began to slaughter any Tiberian they saw. Reports say that over 2,500 Tiberian civilians were killed before the army wiped out the invaders.
Bennos realized that it had a very severe racism problem. While citizens cried in Auster over the genocide, a disturbing amount of people in Bennos seemed unaffected by the news or even appreciated the fact that the Tiberians were taken down a notch.
The Bennos High Council made immediate talks with the Auster High Council and Advenus High Council. An emergency vote was called and the majority voted to unify their countries, creating one military, one economy. From that point onwards, Bennos, Auster, and Advenus no longer existed. All that there was now was The Imperium: a continent wide nation that was experiencing reduced tensions and over many generations, less racism and issues between Humans and Tiberians. The nation’s names were changed simply to the Northern, Southern and Western Kingdoms. 27 people made up the High Council, and three had ultimate power: the representatives from the three former capitols’ votes counted three times as much than the other 24 councilors, and they had veto power on any measure being sent through the council, the lawmaker of the land. These were the councilors from Arvall, Camoran and Pellwood.
Modern Era: The previous Era ended over one thousand years ago. The Imperium was no longer a new subject; it was old and accepted. Racism was lessened, but some Humans and Tiberians alike still held old grudges. The Western Kingdom declined slightly after integration with the Northern and Southern Kingdom, no longer a utopian society but still very well off. The Western Kingdom has since built a magic university of its own, in Malcolm.
The current High Councilmen from the three capitols are: Taliesin Taye of Arvall, Caidan Marhaus of Camoran, and Constance Vaughan of Pellwood. Times have been rough on the people of the Imperium, they face a continent wide recession and poverty is rampant in every corner of the world. The gap between high and low class is widening. The Council meets in Pellwood, in their headquarters, but they live in their respective cities by travelling through Waygates.
Regarding the
Eastern Kingdom: The Eastern Kingdom is thought to have once been a part of the Imperium, but all records are strictly classified by the Council. It is unknown how they even fit into history, a subject many scholars are endlessly irritated about but can’t do anything to help it. A very common conspiracy theory is circulated around the Imperium: The Eastern Kingdom wanted to break off from the Imperium, so they started a civil war. Not only did the Eastern Kingdom lose the war, but they were entirely destroyed, wiped out, not a single survivor. How such a thing was done can only be speculated, but it is chilling to think the Council holds such power over its people.
Guide to the City-States: NORTHERN KINGDOM:
Portstown: The smallest city-state in the Northern Kingdom by area, Portstown only recently qualified as a city-state. It began as a small port town (hence the name) and slowly grew as traders wanted a base in the northernmost part of the Imperium. The employment rate is almost 100% as everyone has something to do in the port and people can make a good living if they work hard. Portstown holds around 10,000 people. The Councilman is the leader of the worker’s union and Clansman, Klyde Valley-Strider.
Valici: A very old city-state, Valici is filled with art museums and historic exhibits, including artifacts from a very large nomadic group of humans who dies out in the area. The people are wealthy and the living standard is high. Valici holds around 50,000 people. The Holding Seat Councilman is Ferdinand Zephyr, aristocrat.
Arvall: The capitol of the Northern Kingdom, Arvall is also the most populated city-state belonging to the Humans. The majority of the city is slums, with a few rich districts and an old castle from the Monarchal Era. Arvall houses around 65,000 people. The Councilman is Taliesin Taye.
Sandon: Sandon is a very spread out city, almost deserted due to its poor location within the Imperium. While Sandon can hold tens of thousands of people, the current population is only around 2,000. One of the only attractions Sandon is the Chateau of Cadyce. The Councilwoman is a local worker who ran unopposed, Ginny Warm-Sun.
Sauon (Sohn): Sauon is the coldest place in The Imperium, it is also the primary defense against any threat to the north. Because of this, Sauon consists more of military forts and garrisons than people. Citizens in Sauon are usually blacksmiths and merchants seeking their fortune. It is the headquarters for the War with Traya. Citizen Population: 6,000 Military population: 32,000 The Councilman stepped down when the war began, it is now led by a general of the Northern Guard, Jarval Jonson.
Erubury: As time has passed, the Erubury University has grown and the actual city has shrunk. Now, the University of Erubury is almost the entire town. A walled castle like structure that stretches for miles, the University is one of the Northern Kingdom’s finest pieces of architecture. Erubury nestled in nicely between three huge mountains. The Councilor is Headmaster Miriam Aminah of the University. To the north of Erubury is a very large population of miners who mine gold and diamonds. Citizen population: 3600 Magician Population: 20,000 Miner population: 18,000
Sion: Not the pride of the Northern Kingdom. Sion is completely swallowed by slums and crime. The Councilor, Oham Jura, is most surely affiliated with crime lords and isn’t the real ruler of the city. It is in a constant gang war. Official pop: 41,000 Estimated Pop. With gangs and criminals: 51,000. The councilman is Oham Jura.
Epson: A quiet enough little hamlet. It is neither large nor small, and news rarely comes out of the city-state. Its economy is better than most in the Imperium, and most citizens live a lower-middle class life. Epson has a large farming business. Population: 14,000. The councilwoman is the superintendent of the school system, Katherine Zaynar.
Overlook: A port town, Overlook covers the entire peninsula bottom. It is known for its twisting alleyways and lax law regulations. Overlook is famous among adventurers and dreamers as being home to colorful, lovably crude pirates and mysterious sailors with stories to tell of foreign lands. Is this true? Not really, but Overlook does possess some of that charm that makes you want to come back when you’re away. Population: 44,000. The councilman is the former captain of a trading vessel and a Clansman, nicknamed Old Jack Silver-Wind.
Theron: Another port town, Theron hugs the coast for twenty miles. There are no tall buildings, just beach villages and homes along the ocean. Guards just patrol from one end of the city-state to another. Most of the citizens get by by working on their own, and rarely receive help from the government. Population: about 9,000. The councilwoman is the locally elected activist, Brittany Garnet.
Nirid: Nirid is a very bustling city; in fact, the entire city-state is one huge city. They are the major industrial city of the Northern Kingdom, making damn near every product imaginable. Citizens live in huge apartment complexes packed together like rats. Population: Around 70,000. The councilman is the owner of a textile company that supplies clothes all over the Imperium, Saul Kirkland.
Nexon: Nexon is a major mining town, most buildings built around several iron and copper mines. Along with the mines, Nexon is the headquarters of the Northern Guard, the military of the Northern Kingdom. It holds the Imperial Fortress, a giant construct that is the base of operations for the soldiers of the North. Population: 41,000. The Councilman is the head of the largest mine, Varric Tenson, yet also equally home to the High General of the Imperial Army, Archon Broad-Sword.
Doreston: The major livestock exporter in the Imperium, Doreston has hundreds of thousands of chickens, cows, pigs, and other animals in thousands of farms and farming communities spread out over the Great Plains. Doreston takes up the most area out of any other city-state. Population: 30,000. The councilwoman is the daughter of a dairy farm mogul and a Clanswoman, Rebecca Wolfblood.
Karicia: Named in honor of the chieftain God Karic, Karicia is the most religious city-state in the Northern Kingdom and home to the Celestial Cathedral, the largest temple in the Imperium and which is made of pure gold. The Cathedral is home to the All-Mother, Briar Sanrielle, the head of the Church of Aurora and the Councilor. The city is mostly urban and higher class due to charity work and donations to the Church. Population: 33,000
Gildas: The Northern Kingdom’s main gateway into the Southern Kingdom. Gildas, unlike the other city-states, is very integrated and has almost a 50% population of Tiberians. It is a major trading outpost between the two kingdoms, filled with a mix of cultures: bazaars down one street, supermarkets down the next. Population: 17,000. The councilman is the owner of the Bazaar, Theore Azarnel.
The Moggwood: The Moggwood is famous for being the oldest recorded city in the Northern Kingdom, Moggwood the city has stood the test of time: during chaos and peace alike, Moggwood remains untouchable in the Mogg, a swamp full of deadly creatures and an ever-present mist that shrouds the city inside the swamp. It is said that the Moggmen of Moggwood, a dying bloodline of only a few hundred now, possess the power of the Mogg, and can control it at will. The Universities and those who are experts on magic, however, still refute the claim that one can be born naturally affiliated with magic. Surrounding the Mogg itself is the Moggwood, a forest even darker and more ominous than the areas of Pellwood controlled by the Pellfolk. It is whispered The Moggwood is cursed by the souls of those who the Mogg have claimed. Despite the legends, there is a road leading from the Mogg to the outside world. The population is 17,000 and the councilor is Thoren Harlow, one of the fabled Moggmen.
Guide to the City-States Southern Kingdom:
Aleron: The Southern Kingdom’s foothold into the North, Aleron is the only city-state that is not in the desert. It houses the Minor Institute of Magic in Aleron, the university where beginners and Magician hopefuls go to learn. Unlike Erubury, the Institute does not take over the city and it only makes a small part. The Institute is what was a castle from the Monarchal Era. Other than the Institute, Aleron is a sparse territory with several large villages and towns, including some port towns. The Councilor is a politician who approves of the Institute, Pliny Grato.
Population: 40,000
Caeli: Caeli is the major exporter of fish and marine life in the Imperium, and over a third of the population consists of fishermen. The city is a huge port town. Just east of the city is The Spire, the tallest building in Aurora which serves as the headquarters of the Southern Watch, the military of the South. There are several small forts and camps around The Spire which houses the bulk of the Southern Watch. Population: 53,000. The Councilor is, oddly enough, at constant odds with heavy military presence. Her name is Alexandra Gordian.
Bellia: Bellia is named after Isabella, one of the twins that created Aurora’s natural environment. Bellia is home to the Silver Pyramid, a huge pyramid that is dedicated to Isabella. Inside is a museum and history exhibit detailing the Southern Kingdom’s glories. Bellia is a very scholarly town with many teachers, doctors and magicians and is home to the most prestigious college in the world, the Horrigan Institute. Bellia is a very large and active city with the pyramid in the middle. Population: 43,000. The Councilor is the Dean of Horrigan Institute, Serena Perinax.
Auria: Auria, a tribute to the Creator-God Aurora, is home to the largest theater in the world, the Origin Theater. People from all over the world go to Auria to see plays at the Origin, and Auria is well off because of it. Population:: 16,000. The Councilman is the head of the Separatists, Justinian Ilos.
Hunwen: Hunwen is the last city-state before the Sebaran Desert stretches into the Deadlands, a stretch of desert never explored. It is rumored that it never ends, and that past Hunwen is where Aura decided to stop creating life. A very long time ago, before even the Nomadic Era, a strange, unknown people inhabited the Deadlands. They built the most peculiar fortresses in the stretch of desert, that appeared to be made of a light blue crystal that resembled diamond. Only three of these were ever found, but inside they contained unusual and advanced artifacts that now reside in the Silver Pyramid in Bellia. This raises more questions than answers, and often fuels countless expeditions into the Deadlands, looking for a fortress to arise from under the sands after a sandstorm. Population: 26,000. The Councilor is Avita Romana.
Rowenia: Tribute to the sister-Goddess Rowena, Rowenia is home to the Gold Pyramid, which is made of pure gold. It is the head of the Church in the Southern Kingdom, and home to the Arch-Abbott Archester, one of the highest ranked men in the Church. He is also the Councilor. Rowenia is similar to Karicia is being higher class and religious. Population: 36,000
Camoran: The Capitol of the Southern Kingdom, Camoran is the largest and most populated city in the world. It has miles upon miles of white sandstone buildings, with alleyways, bazaars and castles dotting the landscape. Full of art, military power, and learning institutions, Camoran rivals any Northern or Western Kingdom city. Much of the city, however, is slums with a high crime rate. Population: 75,000. The Councilor is Caidan Manhaus.
Cynric: Cynric is the second largest city in the Southern Kingdom. It is filled with skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology. Many businesses and companies around the world are centered in Cynric. Cynric is often called the Southern Sion, with an expensive suit. White collar crimes such as fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and corporate espionage are commonplace here. Population: 67,000. The Councilor is the former CEO of a weapons company and widely thought corrupt Seneca Farad.
Guide to the City-States Western Kingdom:
Kappa: Kappa is a major trading and port town with the Southern Kingdom. It’s sprawling coastal city and wide beaches made it an ideal vacation spot and a very serene location. Ships are constantly moving in and out and merchants seeking their fortune are known to head to Kappa. Built into the side of a huge cliff is the Sentinel Palace, the headquarters of the Western Kingdom’s military branch which expands for miles underground. Population: 47,000. The Councilman is Hugh Lorican, the owner of several hotel companies throughout the Imperium.
Mu: Mu is called the island resort of Aurora. It is less city and more coastal hotels, resorts, and casinos. It holds an embassy from the Southern and Northern Kingdoms and Councilors often go there on vacation. It is by far the richest city-state in the Imperium, and its beaches are the talk of the world. Population (Native): 21,000. The Councilman is Neville Goodman, also owner of the largest casino.
Bania: Bania is the Church’s foothold into the Western Kingdom. In a land where the Pantheon was almost nonexistent until the formation of The Imperium, the Church requested land to build in the Western Kingdom, but was denied due to lack of territory. The Councilors jokingly suggested the Church expand into the rainforest in the mid-island, but the Church surprisingly accepted. They carved out a large portion of the jungle and now have a city there, a tribute to the mortal god. Half of the houses are on the jungle ground and half are built into trees. It is the most religious city in the Western Kingdom and the most well defended in the Imperium. The Councilor is the Arch-Abbott Hidalgo of the Church. Many people in the Western Kingdom don’t believe Bania is really a part of their land. Population: 18,000
Teneu: Teneu is one of the largest industrial cities in the known world, producing almost all of the country’s coal from the mines, and armor and weapons from the factories. It has a huge population and workers who labor around the clock. Population: 55,000. The councilwoman is Inette Novant.
Pellwood: The Capitol of the Western Kingdom, Pellwood is an ancient city made of stone. The buildings are elegant and rich with history and culture, including art and playwriting. Multiple castles are home to the extremely wealthy in Pellwood because of the Western Kingdom’s past with monarchs. The largest of them all is the High Council building, where all the councilors go to discuss the Imperium’s matters and politics. Surrounding Pellwood on three sides are the Pell Woods, the forests that are home to the Pellfolk Coven of Witches, a secret sect considered the most dangerous terrorist/rogue organization in the Imperium. Since armies cannot march into the forests, the PCW remain untouched and powerful. Population: 66,000
Kea: Kea is the main trading port with the Northern Kingdom. With the port city of Kea, there are several logging towns that provide lumber and paper to the Imperium. The logging towns hug the Pell Woods and are very superstitious about the mysterious goings on in the forest. Population: 27,000. The Councilwoman is the owner of a lumber company and Clansman Julia Tall-Trees.
Malcolm: Malcolm is home to the Malcolm College, where Magicians go to study if they pass Aleron. It is a huge castle overlooking a steep cliff that is home to some of the finest professors and magic users in the world. Malcolm College was built because the Western Kingdom wanted an opportunity to teach its people Magic. Malcolm is also the Enchanting capitol of the world, graduated Magicians producing fine enchantments for all of the Imperium. Outside the College are many farms that produce grain and beef for the Imperium. College Population: 13,000 Farm Population: 7,000. The Councilman is surprisingly not the Dean, but the owner of a large farm, Clansman Jacob Fertile-Fields.
Imperium Military
The military in the Imperium consists of three separate national militaries. These are the Northern Guard, the Western Sentinels, and the Southern Watch. The Guard is the largest contributor of forces to the military, with the Watch coming in second and the Sentinels contributing the least amount of soldiers. Each City-State is required to donate a certain number of soldiers depending on its size. While the Military is guided by the Council, it is led by the Chief General, one Archon Broad-Sword. General Archon is from Arvall, and was a soldier all of his long, 70 year life. He is a renowned swordswoman and and is called the strongest man in the Imperium. He relies on his second, Cassandra Hawes, for the military strategies, which he does not care for. The Military is involved in politics, since the Chief General is offered a place as an honorary councilman. Archon accepted and is serving, mostly in Pellwood, but occasionally he is in Sauon, overseeing the war directly.
Important People in the Imperium:
High Council:
Taliesin Taye: (Human) Regarded as the most powerful councilman in the Imperium, Taliesin is a strong-willed conservative and bit of a warmonger who wants the best for his people through aggression and a sharp mind. Taliesin got involved in politics at a young age after leaving the Northern Guard when he was 20. Councilman Taye is considered politically astute and extremely patriotic, yet also stubborn when it comes to compromising. He is the youngest of the High Councilors, yet widely considered to be the most powerful, at 46.
Constance Vaughan: (Human) The pacifist from the West, Constance was a kind philanthropist born to a rich family in Pellwood before she ran for councilwoman. She believes that everyone can work together and a silver tongue is better than a bloodied blade. The 54 year old Constance ran several charitable organizations before getting involved in politics. Her peaceful and compassionate stance makes her easily likeable, which explains why she has been re-elected five times.
Caidan Manhaus: (Tiberian) Councilman Caidan was a master magician in Erubury for 40 years. He studied magic in Aleron starting at 16 and earned high honors through the magic universities. When he graduated at 28 from Erubury, he became a professor there. He became such an amazing scholar he was offered the Headmaster role, but turned it down. Instead, at 77, he retired to Camoran, his home state, and became involved in politics. He was highly respected and was elected to serve in the Council at 79. He is now 80.
The Holding Seat Councilors:
The nicknamed Holding Seat Councilors are from the more important city-states, so their voices often are heard more than the others. They don’t have much more of a say in politics, but they do dominate a large portion of Council meetings.
Councilor of Karicia, Briar Sanrielle: (Human) The All-Mother Sanrielle is the leader of the Holy Church and one of the most powerful and influential people in the world. She has dark brown skin and cropped grey hair. The All-Mother wears a white robe and carries a staff for support, seeing she is 82. She shares many ideas with Taliesin Taye, for she is a very aggressive person who seeks to expand the church in foreign lands through force.
Councilor of Valici, Ferdinand Zephyr: (Human) Councilman Zephyr is the rich, eccentric man from Valici, the aristocratic capitol of the world. He fancies whatever is popular in his state and presents the council with endless petty requests for the Imperium, such as mandatory use of mahogany for cabinets. Because of this, he is often the running joke of citizens of the Imperium. Zephyr is blind from an encounter with acid at a young age. He wears a fancy dark pink blouse and trousers along with a thin white blindfold, accompanied by a black cloak made of the finest furs and silk. Zephyr studied magic in Aleron, but dropped out when he graduated, and can ‘see’ some things using magic. Zephyr is grossly overweight.
Councilor of Cynric, Seneca Farad: (Tiberian) Councilor Farad is a greedy businessman at heart, and has been described at quite unsettling. He is considered almost as corrupt as Oham Jura, but Farad does not serve other masters, no. They say if he had it his way, Seneca Farad would run the country alone, and run it based on his needs, not the needs of the people. That’s certainly how he tries to run Cynric. Luckily, his interests also match the interests of several large companies in Cynric, so he is able to retain title of Councilor.
Councilor of Erubury, Headmaster Miriam Aminah (Human): Headmaster Miriam is said to rival only Caidan Manhaus in her magical potency. She is widely respected among magicians worldwide and well loved by the magicians at the University of Erubury. The Councilor is older, at 67, with graying black hair tied in a bun and a flowing red and orange robe. Aminah is from the island of Yurised, called by some Sebaria, therefore she would considered a minority. (Councilor Aminah would resemble an Asian woman in the real world)
Councilor of Sion, Oham Jura (Human): Councilman Jura is widely regarded to be the most corrupt councilman in the Imperium, serving drug lords and crime bosses throughout Sion and the Northern Kingdom. Jura wears his trademarked brown overcoat and tan slacks. Jura is one of the youngest councilmen at 35, with short, wavy brown hair and a thin physique.
Councilor of Teneu, Inette Novant (Human): Councilwoman Novant rose to power after becoming CEO of a mining company, after working her way to the top. Novant served in the Western Sentinels as a young adult. Novant advocates working hard for success and relying on soldiers and honest talk more than diplomacy and lies. Novant has tan skin and wears a long black ponytail. She is known for her tight-fitting black blouse, coat, boots and pants. She is 58.
Councilman of Bellia, Serena Perinax (Tiberian): Councilwoman Perinax was the Dean of Horrigan University until she retired and became involved in politics. She is a strong liberal and advocate for civil right issues in the Imperium, as well as being counted as one of the smartest (book-smart wise) councilors along with Miriam Aminah. Perinax is 64, has long, tied back white hair and dark green eyes. She wears her signature half-moon glasses along with an elegantly designed light grey robe.
The Holy Church of Aurora and Religion
The Holy Church is the dominant religion in the Imperium. They guide humanity how to live like Aura would want you to and ensure we respect the Gods and pay tribute to them, lest Aura get bored with us and have Karic destroy the world again. Whenever something bad happens, the Holy Church has been known to foretell the end of the world. The spiritual leader is called the All-Mother or All-Father, this person guides the Church and rules over it. The current All-Mother is Briar Sanrielle [Read More: See City-State Guide: Karicia and Important People in the Imperium: Holding Seat Councilors: Councilor of Karicia]. The head of the Church lives in Karicia, the Holy Capitol of Aurora (Though not the official one). The leader more specifically resides in the Celestial Cathedral, a solid-gold temple [See more: Read City-Guide: Karicia]. The current All-Mother is very determined to expand the borders of the church [Read More: See Current Events]. The church has been accused of a litany of horrors in the past, including interrogation, re-education camps, and torture. But surely none of it is true, and if it is, it is dangerous sects such as the Separatists.
The Holy Church believes that a lifetime of praise and worship will grant believers a peaceful return to the greater energy of the universe after death, although some people reach a higher state. There are churches all over the Imperium and people go to worship at their pleasure. The Church advocates living a noble, humble and good life in the effort of getting into Elysium, the Gods’ home and the life after death for heroic and good people on Aurora. Elysium is legendary for being a bastion of culture and a paradise for all; the citizens of Elysium live under the Gods’ watchful eye. There is no crime and everyone is eternally happy and content. It is said that getting into Elysium also grants your family, even your ancestors, access into Elysium as well. Not only do humans and Tiberians live in Elysium, but it is said that those that lived before Karic and Aura created the current world, Karic’s other creations, live in Elysium.
There are four Divisions of the Church, in which members are separated. There are the Holy Sisters, where women swear a vow of abstinence in order to dedicate themselves to the Church for their entire life (All-Mother Sanreille is an example of this). They serve as the scribes of the Church, serving behind the scenes. The Sisters can, however, take a husband, if he is an Abbott. The second group is called the Sworn Shields, men and women who wish to serve the Church as soldiers who guard temples, churches, and fight the occasional holy war. They are taught the history of the Church and also forced to take a vow of abstinence and forbid to have a romantic interest. The third group is an Abbott or Abbess of Aura. These men and women dedicate their lives to teaching the world about the Church, Aura, and Karic. The Arch-Abbotts are those that guide the All-Mother or Father, in this case it is Hidalgo and Archester. The last group of people is the Karmages. These men and woman learn magic in the Celestial Temple itself, usually arts of healing, and other magics that benefit people. They are considered Magician Moderates by the international magic community.
There are three ‘Realms’ in the known universe. One is Aurora, where the mortals live, one is Elysium, where the Gods and those they approve of live, and the last is the Shadowland, a special domain of the lost god Ymbr [Read more: See below, ‘The Shadowland’]. Of course, the Separatists believe that there is another realm, called Hell, where Karic banishes the unfaithful.
Other Important People in the Church:
Arch-Abbott Santiago Hidalgo of Bania: The Councilor of Bania [Read More: See City-Guide: Bania], Arch-Abbott Hidalgo is one of the two successors of the All-Mother and religious leader of the Church. He is a noted aggressive conservative and prefers to settle things with a sword, or rather, a soldier. The moderately overweight 57 year old Hidalgo has tan skin, a small beard, and a black ponytail. He usually wears a black suit and a black cloak.
Arch-Abbott Hadrian Archester of Rowenia: The Councilor of Rowenia [Read More: See City-Guide, Rowenia], Archester is the most powerful Tiberian in the church, as well as one of the few pacifists in power. He argues for the spreading of Aura’s glory through peace and talking, not through the sword. The 35 year old Archester is white-skinned with long white hair done up in a very aristocratic fashion. He wears dull purple robes.
The Separatists:
The Separatist Movement is a growing religious sect, mostly from the Southern Kingdom. They are often called evil, twisted, and demented. But their methods gain followers, fast. See, the Separatists are unique for claiming there is a certain aspect of the universe… they call it Hell, and say that all non-Separatists will burn for eternity after death, but all Separatists will live in a lavish heaven for the rest of time upon death. It is the most prevalent in Auria, and the Councilman Justinian Ilos is the head of the Separatist Church.
Followers of the Old Religion:The Old Religion was the belief system of the Nomadic humans and Tiberians alike. They worship a variety of major gods and hundreds of minor gods. The belief system is basic, no dogma or organized churches. It just asks its followers to respect nature, themselves and others. They worship Ymbr and are largely prosecuted by the Holy Church for supposed ties with the Apostles, which they claim to be false as there is no organized body of the Followers of the Old.
The Proto-Man Old Gods:
Azdehron: The Goddess of the Sea, she later goes on to guide the Oceate people (Or so they say).
Kahsennia: The Forest Queen, her domain is nature.
Ymbr: The Shadowlord, he is the most powerful Proto-Man God and actually has command over part of Aurora’s reality, death.
Endion: One of the Old Magi, a race of unlimited magic.
Saedret: A being of hurricanes and tornadoes, Saedret herself is just a presence in the wind.
Ephynir: A being that resembles a huge, ancient dragon; said to be the Father Dragon, the first of his kind.
Aeravohn: The being of flames, it is said Aeravohn can be summoned in every fire.
Zoreyles: The mistress bride of Aeravohn, known for possessing many traits of fire: fickle, resourceful, destructive, playful.
Jaederys: The Golem of Aurora, Jaederys is worshipped as the God of earth, dirt and soil.
Poreah: The divine being of light, Poreah is said to live in the sun.
The ShadowlandYmbr, commonly called the lost God, is the lord of souls and the underworld, called the Shadowland. Ymbr is also said to be the God of misery, bad luck and murder. There is a cult dedicated to Ymbr called the Apostles of Darkness. The Apostles revere Ymbr by sending him souls. If an Apostle kills an Auroran, then their soul is sent to the Shadowland to wander the dead realm for eternity, to be playthings for the lost god and to live in a world of darkness. Magicians often seek to expand their power by imbuing their magical potency with the souls of the Realm. Apostles are immortal as long as they faithfully serve Ymbr.
Some Magicians also seek immortality without the burden of being an Apostle. They do this by tearing apart the barrier between Aurora and the Shadowland, thereby stalling the normal effects of space and time, including aging. This can potentially come at great risk, however, because guardians from the Realm may come forth and attempt to seal the tear. During the breaking of the barriers, the Magician puts a part of his life between the two realms of existence. If the tear is closed, the Magician dies. This method of immortality is said by some to be just as inconvenient as being an Apostle because if you leave the area of the tear, you will age again. Because of this you’ll see secluded fortresses and forgotten castles inhabited by immortals.
Current Events:War with Traya:
The barbaric Trayan people have begun to invade the North. The nation of Traya was previously unheard of until they began to raid small towns along the northernmost border. They seem to be infinite in numbers, fearless, and merciless. Tens of thousands of soldiers patrol the northern border, protecting the Imperium from the Trayan, but the council has so far rejected invasion proposals.
Recession:
Partly because of the Trayan War and partly because of the Council’s inability to make decisions, the Imperium is undergoing a recession. Many people are out of work and the standard of living has dropped all across the Imperium.
Conflict Within the Church:
All-Mother Sanrielle is a very aggressive and passionate woman, and treats the Separatists with much hostility. She and the Separatist leader Justinian Ilos often launch smear campaigns against each other and each other’s churches. There is also a minor conflict on who will take over after Sanrielle dies, either Hidalgo or Archester.
Council Clash:
The council is coming under harsh criticism for its inability to pass laws and regulations; this is mostly because the High Council are polar opposites when it comes to personality. Councilman Manhaus is a libertarian and vetoes many proposals, and his enter into the Council threw off the delicate, conservative balance. The previous Councilman from Camoran, Councilman Valerian, was very like-minded to Taliesin Taye, so they usually got their way over the liberal Constance Vaughan. But now Caidan Manhaus, Taliesin Taye and Constance Vaughan are caught in constant infighting.
Church’s Expansion into Sebaria:
The Holy Church has recently launched a program to convert the Human Natives of Sebaria to the Church. Sebaria is a small independent island nation northwest of Portstown. The Natives call their home Yurised, but the Church renamed it Sebaria. The Church insists they have launched a nonviolent, peaceful education program, but nobody outside the Church is allowed on the island and there are rumors that the Church is slaughtering all non-believers.
The Valerian Scandal:
Two years ago, the High Councilor from Camoran, Leonidas Valerian, was overheard in a private conversation with an advisor detailing something involving the Eastern Kingdom. All that was said is “The public cannot know about the East. What is happening in this kingdom and beyond.” Nobody knows what he was talking about exactly, but it was assumed that it was about the Eastern Kingdom. The Council spun it that Valerian took control of a small army and was trying to invade the Forbidden Lands of the East. Valerian stepped down from Councilor and was imprisoned for life in a high security prison, in Arvall.[/quote]
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