Futuristic ̶O̶̶M̶̶E̶̶N̶ - A Twisted Pilgrimage (lore)

[Ayama]

OMEN

A Twisted Pilgrimage

Introduction

“ Time was never a linear system. ” ​

As the end of the 224th cycle approaches, the prescient Augers from the Five Realms have professed the names of the Chosen Ones who must travel to Odem, home of the infamous Avatar of Pain. While it was regarded as the highest prestige that any living being could obtain, the equivalent burden was the sacrifice of four lives at the termination of their journey. Yet, for the remaining survivor, the spoils of victory meant the acquisition of their most paramount desire.

Limitless power. Unparalleled wealth. The subjugation of an entire planet. The reincarnation of a dead lover. The forbidden knowledge of the future. All of what seems impossible was made certain under the Messor’s power, if the Chosen Ones answered its call.

The time has come. Your name was proclaimed.​

Will you risk it all to fulfill your destiny?​

Storyline

The main story will revolve around the journey of the Chosen Ones to Odem and their ultimate confrontation with the Avatar of Pain, the Messor.​

The journey will be broken into three major parts.

First, The Preparation. This is a training of the Chosen Ones by the Augers and the Pantheon, because the journey is a dangerous one. They’ll be taught basic combat, and introduced to the types of challenges that they can expect in Odem.

Second, The Pilgrimage. This is the actual journey through Odem, trying to survive the challenges, pitfalls, and traps of the island. Odem is a planet that feeds on death, so everyone will have to be on their toes.

Third, and most important, is The Preference. This is where everyone will probably either band together or split apart when they confront the Messor. Think of this like The Hunger Games or Squid Games, but with the added strain of an extra boss to fight.

Inspiration

The fabulous @Fortuna is the original creator of this RP, for which the main inspirations were:​

➔ Hyperion by Dan Simmons​

➔ The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins​

➔ Genshin Impact by miHoYo​

Rules

The goal here is to have 4 committed, long-term players who will be seeing the story through to the end of The Preference, with the possibility for a spin-off or sequel down the line if people are interested.​

1. The tone for this RP should be relatively mature, including violence and gore and possible psychological triggers. Please deal with all sensitive subject matter respectfully and, of course, respect RPN rules and the other players.

2. Posting expectations are set at one post a week per character (though of course this can always be slowed down if needed, just as long as people properly communicate). Word count matters less than interesting, well-written posts with proper grammar, spelling and punctuation that contribute to and advance the scene in some way (though try not to drop below 1-2 paragraphs if you can).

3. Collaboration on posts (particularly for fast-paced dialogue or action scenes) is highly encouraged (though of course don't control anyone else's character without permission). You're also encouraged to make your posts as detailed as you want, and to respect your collaborators by reading and responding to their posts as carefully as you craft your own.

4. There are only five open character slots in this RP, with the limit set at one character per player. Everyone is expected to actively participate in plotting discussions in the OOC, so that all players can be equally involved in worldbuilding and story-crafting, and no one gets left behind. The small group also means that every player and every character be will be essential to the story, so communicating in OOC if you need more time to post is especially important, that way posting rounds can be readjusted.

If you're interested in joining the RP, please read over the following section for basic information on the open roles and their respective Realms, and let us know which spot you'd want to take and any character concept ideas you have.​

Roster

The Chosen Ones

AME

The Conflicted Warrior
{Tank}

Valtorr Vârcolac

[Affiliation]
The Augers

VANIR

The Unfeeling Engineer
{Support}

Name here

[Affiliation]
The Council

ORCUS

The Hotheaded Punk
{Scout}

Eshi the Vicious

[Affiliation]
The Veiled

MAAT

The Inflexible Enforcer
{Shield}

Agaro Setana

[Affiliation]
The Intels

TENOCH

The Gentle Shaman
{Medic}

Ruiha Sakiko

[Affiliation]
The Pantheon

LORE | CHARACTERS | OOC | MAIN

[accordion buttons & hidden scrolls]
{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

HISTORY

After Earth

In the late 21st century, political tensions drew high, and nation upon nation both divided and fought for dominion. The result of this was war and devastation. The Earth’s atmosphere became toxic - the air barely able to sustain the chemicals that were once essential for life to exist. With the planet now unsuitable for habitation, billionaires, scientists, and governments alike built interstellar arks for humans to retreat to, while they searched for new planets to terraform.

Upon their travels, they encountered the planets that would come to be known as the Five Realms, inhabited by many fascinating species. As each new voyager took off to explore these planets, it was natural for those who spent time studying them to stay and turn “native”. As a result, fewer and fewer explorers, scientists, military personnel etc. came back to the arks. It was a time of mass exodus, as humans embraced their new roles in each of the new realms they'd come to inhabit.

With humans facilitating discussions and diversifying the connections between these planets via trade routes and other forms of protective alliances, the Interplanetary Council was formed. Their focus was to maintain order and peace between the Realms.

Formation of Vanir

The formation of Vanir, Earth’s successor, began with the exploration of a dwarf planet by the remaining scientists and citizens of the ark. The explorers found that this planet contained a suitable atmosphere, and enough water to support life, so they progressively terraformed it to suit their needs until eventually turning it into one giant, bustling city- a hub for man-made goods and technology.

Originally, people dismantled parts of the ark and repurposed them for the planetary surface and, due to the low population of humans inhabiting the planet, the use of machinery for agriculture, building infrastructure, and overall everyday support became common practice.

As a result of this, innovation came to be the main focus of this planet and, with mechanization and automation being commonplace, humans and its other inhabitants were able to focus on studying to further their knowledge. Consequently, Vanir saw a rise in scholars and academic institutions, with students coming there to study from all Five Realms.

The First Corruption

The First Corruption came at the hands of an Empyrean student who ventured to each of the Five Realms in order to publish a research paper on the diversity of their cultures, religions, and spiritual practices. Paetik Trahmo started his journey from the closest realm and ended it at the furthest realm, making his way from Ame to Orcus, to Maat, Vanir, and finally Tenoch.

At the very end of his journey, he came across the story of a fabled sword with the power of life and death. While questioning an Elder of the Thlapza tribe, he found out the mythical origins of the River of Odem.

It was said that Odem was formed from the tears of a grieving goddess, Messora, whose husband went to war for the ancient predecessors of Tenoch. After winning a great battle, Odemali (Messora’s husband) threw a feast, and became quite popular with the commonfolk. Lavish gifts, temples, and subsequent offerings were made in his name.

Because of this, one shaman from Old Tenoch grew incredibly jealous of the attention Odemali was getting from his family- his wife, his children, and even his tribe’s chieftain couldn’t stop singing the god's praises. No longer able to contain his anger, he came up with a plan to creep into the god's home and kill Odemali while he slept.

On the 30th day of Odemali’s homecoming, the shaman executed his plan, stabbing Messora several times in the chest before turning to her husband to slit his throat. He then took Odemali’s legendary sword for himself as a trophy, to show his family that he was just as worthy of their praises. Unfortunately for the shaman, while he was on his way home, Messora woke from her injuries and chased after him with full force.

She took Odemali’s sword and beheaded the shaman, leaving his corpse under the valley he tried to hide in. Yet still unable to fully express her grief, she wept. Lightning struck down from the skies, and rain fell for many days, until the whole town was flooded and submerged underwater. Messora stayed put, and she too drowned, along with the sword that commemorated her husband and his great deeds, as not even her tears and the full force of her sorrow and anger could bring the fallen god back to life.​

Despite the warnings of the Thlapza Elder, Paetik decided to try his luck and set out to find the legendary sword of Odemali. If he were to come back with such a relic, his opportunities would be endless. Day after day, Paetik would swim under the river for a chance to see the sword. Night after night, he would come back to town with nothing but the wrinkled skin on his palms and a growing bitterness from the futility of his quest. But if there was one thing that made Paetik different from the rest of his fellow scholars, it was his sheer tenacity.

His bitterness soon turned into an obsession, as he forgot all about his studies in order to focus all his time and effort into finding the fabled sword. He invested all that he had into this mad venture- turning over his possessions, selling all his books. He even chose to forgo living comfortably, just so that he wouldn’t have to waste precious time with useless things like bathing or cooking.

Undivertible, Paetik searched and searched, and by the end of his 50th year the toll taken on his body was such that he was hardly able to continue spending any time underwater at all. And then, one evening, in an area he'd already explored a hundred times before, he saw something new glistening in the water under the light of a full moon. Just one more try, he thought.

When Paetik found the sword hilt buried in the sand, he knew it had to be the one he'd been searching for from the pattern of intricate grooves and carvings that he'd never before seen. However, just as he was about to surface with his prize in hand, his skin suddenly tingled. A warm, then burning sensation seared through his face- the first part of his body that had surfaced from the river. When he ducked back into the water, he felt the sword call out to him. In a self-destructive trance, he lifted the blade and began to methodically cut into his skin. Blood turned the surrounding area red.

When he awoke from the trance, back on land once more, Paetik was no longer himself. He found his body now covered in hundreds of knives as if it were a second skin- a carapace of steel. In his mind rang only the suffering and anger of a grieving goddess, Messora, who ordered him to kill all the living beings he encountered. She wanted to bring them the same pain they had brought her by killing her husband all those centuries ago. And so, Paetik became the Avatar of Pain- the Messor.

The Chosen Ones

The Messor hunted and killed at least a hundred tribe members in Old Tenoch before its massacre was known to the Interplanetary Council. Despite the brutality within, warriors from all over the realms came to try and eradicate it- none of them ever came back.

In the weeks and months that followed, all eyes in all five Realms were turned to the Messor. It was beginning to run out of victims to slaughter, and most feared that it would migrate and begin to attack the neighboring realms if something wasn't done. With so many lives already lost and a rapidly shrinking list of soldiers who wanted to get involved, the Council decided to hold a raffle- names drawn from everyday citizens who were forced to join the fight and enlist: the Chosen Ones.

The 25th group of Chosen Ones was the first to draw a victory. Or at least, to have one member come back from The River of Odem alive.

Auder Niran, without so much as a scratch or even a bruise on him, traveled back to his home in Maat and told the Council of the Messor’s tale. More importantly, he revealed the conditions of his victory, explicitly prefacing his briefing by saying that he did not win through brute force. If physical strength had been the criteria for success, one of his other teammates would have won. Niran won because, for some unknown reason, the Messor had simply decided to let him live.

He stated that the Messor was watching the Chosen Ones from the moment they crossed the border from Tenoch into its territory, for it was collecting information about their strengths and weaknesses. During their confrontation, Niran watched as it used and played upon each of his teammates' weaknesses in turn. It was in a moment of pure happenstance, when Niran was cornered and about to meet his fate, that the Messor looked into his eyes and stopped fighting.

When it dropped its sword, Niran picked it up, and the Messor let out a high-pitched shriek. It lunged after Niran to reclaim its weapon, but he evaded it quickly, as if the leg that he’d injured during the fight had been healed. Upon closer inspection, Niran found this not only to be the case, but also that his entire body seemed to have somehow regained the speed and vitality of his youth.

As the eldest Chosen One by far, Niran had been worried during the whole expedition that his age and various ailments would slow down the team. He only wished that he could be stronger, in order to protect everyone else. And the moment he touched the fabled sword, it seemed, was the moment his wish was granted.

The second this realization hit him, the sword disappeared. The Messor disappeared. He had no explanation as to why or how- he only knew that he was incredibly lucky to have survived.

The Avatar's Reincarnation

25 years had passed since Niran won that first victory, and the trauma of the realm of Tenoch had begun to heal. The only thing that refused to mend was the battleground where the massacre had taken place- it couldn’t seem to get rid of the stain of death. While shrubbery and trees were starting to sprout there once more, their very essence was toxic, and the creatures this now cursed land bred were equally dangerous, attacking all trespassers and even killing their own in order to survive.

Unwilling to associate with the place, the citizens of Tenoch called it Odem, after the River it was closest to. While it was technically still located on the surface of Tenoch, Odem now existed as its own separate entity, and a wall fortified with the strongest metals and energies acted as the blockade that separated the two; now as different as night and day.

All seemed well, until high-pitched shrieks and the sounds of tearing metal were heard one day from the other side of the blockade. The citizens of the town closest to the barrier went missing, and all communications in or out of that area were suddenly cut off. Upon further investigation by the Council, they found the townspeople slaughtered, the aftermath much like that of the Messor’s first massacre.

Armed with the knowledge Niran had bestowed upon them, they knew its weakness was its sword, so, resurrecting their previous tradition, they made a new selection of Chosen Ones and tasked them with obtaining the Messor's weapon at any cost.

Wave after wave of Chosen Ones disappeared into Odem, but what they hadn't anticipated was the fact that, each time, the Messor came back stronger. It returned with abilities it didn’t have before and, with each passing 25-year cycle, the battle drew longer and longer as the Messor learned and mimicked attack patterns, and its steely skin grew more invulnerable to technologically-advanced weapons.

The only two patterns to stay consistent were the fact that the sole survivors always came from the pool of Chosen Ones and that, upon their return, their lives (in one aspect or another) were infinitely better than before they left.

Boundless Pilgrimage

In order to prevent further massacres and protect the people of Tenoch, the Council decided to build a base there to act as training grounds for the Chosen Ones. At the end of every 24th cycle, these individuals were trained for weeks in order to hopefully help them to survive before the Council then opened the gates and sent them into the heart of Odem.

While it seemed irresponsible to simply thrust these individuals inside the Abandoned Realm to fight for their lives, it was actually a sound strategy, as it turned out the Messor had an innate ability to sense battle-hardened individuals much sooner than regular individuals. It sensed their pain. The more burdens a person carried, the easier it was for the Messor to track them down and kill them.

It was for this reason that the Council sent ordinary people into Odem for each Pilgrimage. They wanted to give the Chosen Ones a fighting chance as, each time they were hurt during the course of the journey, it made them that much more visible to the enemy, and it made the Messor finding them before they could complete their mission that much more likely.

It was also the reason why the Council held a weeklong festival in each of the realms to celebrate their champions after each Choosing- a small act of comfort and rejoicing, before the Chosen Ones were subjected to the greatest challenge of their lifetime.

[accordion buttons & hidden scrolls]
{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

REALMS

Ame

AME (The Empyrean Realm) is the embodiment of light, home to the enlightened ones. It is an unbound, natural utopia built upon the foundation of peace. Minimal and quite utilitarian, its central ethos is built upon the ideals of meditation.

Orcus

ORCUS (The Abyssal Realm) is the embodiment of darkness and desires. There is never a dull moment in this world, for no rules exist to govern its inhabitants. If there was something you wished to take, it was all but yours to take. If it’s in a place of unbound freedom you wish to live, you must be prepared for the chaos and madness it exerts from within.

Maat

MAAT (Realm of Ordinance) is the embodiment of justice. This world runs like clockwork, following routine regimented and ruled by discipline. Life is quite militaristic in this world and, to preserve order, there is no room for individuality. Those who don’t abide by the rules of their own volition are made to follow by force.

Vanir

VANIR (Realm of Innovation) is the embodiment of knowledge. Perhaps the most advanced of the Five Realms, this world greatly benefits from the studies and experiments conducted by its citizens. With widespread automation and technology, the number of biological species is trumped by their mechanical counterparts.

Tenoch

TENOCH (Realm of Life) is the embodiment of growth and health. While Vanir might be teeming with machines, the world of Tenoch was left essentially untouched. Slow to adapt and much more communal, Tenoch hosts the most biologically diverse species due to the purity of their land. And yet, one-third of the planet is desolate and free from growth.

Odem

ODEM (Realm of Death) was once part of the realm of Tenoch. Before the First Corruption, it was said that Odem was full of water, providing a healing essence from its many lakes and rivers and a brief, soothing respite to its many visitors. It was often a site of miracles, and a place where people would come to speak of their wishes and dreams, in the hope that they might be fulfilled.

Unfortunately, all of these things are now but a distant memory to the Elders of Tenoch. Current day Odem (The Abandoned Realm) requires both tenacity and quick wit for survival. The planet is the living embodiment of aggression and untimely death, and everything on its surface is hostile and will actively try to kill you- if the Messor doesn’t get to you first.

[accordion buttons & hidden scrolls]
{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

REALMS

(In Detail)

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• The Empyrean Realm

  
  

  
  Terrain: The furthest planet from Old Earth, Ame is made up of 80% water, 5% floating islands, and a 15% mix of marshlands and small mountain terrain. While grass covers most of the wetlands, trees are quite rare on the islands, and mostly restricted to the mountainous regions. Those trees that are found on the islands are considered sacred and left untouched. However, throughout the centuries, Ameans have found a way to further enrich and fertilize these soils to allow new growth to occur. Young and small trees that were transplanted from the mountains have now begun to grow and disperse their seeds throughout the marshes.
  
  Climate: The weather varies from high to low tide. During the seasons of high tide, heavy rainfall and minute tidal storms are prone to disturbing the marshes. In the very rare circumstances of cyclones and hurricanes, energy barriers are set up in order to protect the existing infrastructure, such as shrines and zen gardens set up by the Ameans for their daily spiritual practice. During seasons of low tide, droughts and sometimes grass fires disturb the land. However, due to its distance from the Sun as well as slow rotational force, Ame experiences mostly a calm, cool climate. One day in Ame is equivalent to 12 years on Old Earth.
  
  
  

  History

  
  

  
  Ame was once a planet teeming with life, mountain ranges, and even active volcanoes. It was mostly inhabited by Early Prometheans. However, all of this changed after it was struck with an asteroid that changed the rotation of its axis forever, causing an Ice Age that lasted for thousands of years. When the frozen liquid began to thaw, valleys sank under the water, and only the highest peaks of the mountains could support life. The evolution of Prometheans from aquatic life to terrestrial came in slow increments. Over time, as the rotation of the planet grew slower and slower, Ameans began to adopt more modern techniques. It saw its greatest boom during the After Earth era, where many humans (and other extraterrestrials following) brought new ways of life to the planet.
  
  
  

  Culture

  
  

  
  Life on Ame is quite slow, and due to this the passage of time is difficult to perceive. During periods of daylight, Ameans are often found meditating. They do so to maintain a state of balance and preserve peace. In doing so, they can connect to their higher consciousness and, if practice prevails, to Axis Mundi- the collective consciousness, embodied by a tree branching off from all Five Realms.
  
  As a result, most Augers and prescient beings emerge from Ame. They are meant to become vessels of information, but are highly susceptible to change (meaning they cannot handle rapid changes well). Ameans are meant to lead the world through peace and understanding. They are the gifted who hear the voice of its higher consciousness, and are meant to be the precognisant harbingers of the future.
  
  To prepare to become vessels, citizens of Ame forgo their own desires and identity. Their differentiating experiences are merely a shell that holds the collective hive. Consequently, their societal values follow suit. As collectivists, they put the needs of the group above their own, making the task of helping others not just encouraged, but essential to their entire society.
• The Realm of Innovation

  
  

  
  Terrain: Vanir is a dwarf planet that was terraformed by humans. Compared to the other Realms, it is much more compact, and 100 times smaller than the next smallest Realm of Maat. Some academics even theorize that it might've been a part of Maat that floated away during accretion. On Vanir, humans have learned to work with what they've got. From growing crops to constructing housing, Vanines were resourceful in using what technology they had. Starting out with a small base, the scraps from the interstellar ark were cleverly repurposed, both for creating helpful machines as well as building newer communities expanding outwards. Vanir now hosts sprawling urban centers and vast institutes of technology, and it provides transport vehicles (rockets, ships, planes, trains, etc.) and other innovations throughout the Five Realms. Their greatest innovation is a dome of energy that acts as both a barrier for outer space debris (like meteorites, etc.) and an integrated, programmable weather system.
  
  Climate: Under the inner dome, Vanir’s weather is programmed by a control tower. Everything, from the smallest amount of precipitation to the speed of the wind, is modulated by programs that make sure there are enough clear skies and rain to produce plentiful crops. Because of this restriction, any deviations have to be applied for and approved by the Vanir Meteorological Council. Outside the dome, much like on Maat, sandstorms occur frequently but, unlike on Maat, where the base temperature is generally considered to be unbearably warm, Vanir's temperatures have far more natural variation. There is also a greater and more frequent amount of precipitation, allowing for more springs, rivers, and lakes, and a larger variety of wildlife.
  
  
  

  History

  
  

  
  Please refer to the “After Earth” and “Formation of Vanir” sections of the History section.
  
  
  

  Culture

  
  

  
  Being part of a culture which has a primary goal of innovation, Vanines are taught from an early age about the power of curiosity and knowledge. When they come of age, school becomes the central part of their lives. Without a strict curriculum, young Vanines are encouraged to “follow their folly”- if they are curious about a particular subject, they're taught about the research behind it. They learn without the pressures of homework, due dates, and assignments or exams, so that they can simply immerse themselves in the pursuit of knowledge, making learning a fun excursion each day, as opposed to a monotonous routine.
  
  When Vanines graduate from their chosen institutes of study, they are sent into their corresponding field. While rigidity and routine might allow for more efficiency, Vanines are always welcome to switch fields at any time. In fact, the more expansive a Vanine's knowledge base is, the higher the position they can attain in their respective workplace, and the most respectable and respected positions on Vanir are usually held by individuals with at least fifteen to twenty career changes on average, the view being that they possess more knowledge about how to bring new ideas to their companies and institutes. Of course, the average Vanine approximates something closer to two or three field changes in their lifetime.
  
  Synthetics, an artificial race created by Vanines to help their society, were most commonly found in the cities. A collection of androids, robotics, artificial intelligence networks, and holograms replaced most service work, including professions in security, healthcare, and retail. In fact, individuals may even make a Synth equivalent as an avatar to do their daily menial tasks. Moreover, modification and biological engineering, whether for purely cosmetic or actual health reasons, are also common in Vanir. As such, children and birthrates are quite low in this Realm, as many Vanines are more focused on technology and innovation than they are on having a family. Vanir as a whole takes its innovative and technological responsability towards the other Realms very seriously, as they consider their various breakthroughs essential to both progress and peace.
• The Abyssal Realm

  
  

  
  Terrain: Perhaps the second deadliest realm after Odem, Orcus is a planet with quite active tectonic plates. This was a result of the Primordial War between the Spiritwalkers that turned the realm into a large pool of magma due to frequent seismic activity. While the ground on Orcus feels solid, it shifts every four years. Large geysers of steam and lava often overflow into rivers and even oceans. Due to the high temperature and little to no water sources, no vegetation grows on Orcus- at least none that occurs naturally. All of the structures and buildings found in Orcus were created by other races. In a realm where no true structure nor governing body exists, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can build.
  
  Climate: Thick, humid air surrounds the planet due to the active volcanoes and the large, flowing bodies of lava. Most Orchs, if not naturally birthed in the realm, need to wear respirators in order to get accustomed to the air. There are no true weather patterns in Orcus, as no light from the Sun nor other planets can get through the thick smog of the stratosphere, going all the way down to the planet's surface. In a realm of eternal darkness, the only natural light source is the pockets of collected magma and their reflections. An orange, reddish glow often emerges from the ground, as there’s no true source of light from above. Fires and small eruptions occur so often that the Orchs have simply gottenused to them.
  
  
  

  History

  
  

  
  Orcus was initially a thriving land, similar to Tenoch, before the Primordial War. It wasn’t until the emergence of Spiritwalkers that Orcus began to change. In the beginning, all Spiritwalkers shared the land equally according to their element. However, as time passed, whether out of greed or boredom, Spiritwalkers began to shift their perspective. Brother fought against brother, mother against father, sister against sister, and an all-consuming rage enveloped them. Though the cause of the Primordial War is unknown, historians and academics believe that a likely trigger was extreme magnetic force, drawing darkness closer to the planetary surface. Where darkness was bred and consumed, there was also power- an unlimited amount of power, and as element fought against element, the planet was reduced to molten lava and ash.
  
  
  

  Culture

  
  

  
  As Orcus is a nation of pure autonomy, it’s easy to find one’s vices within arm's reach. Any illegal substances or dark pleasures are available to be enjoyed without judgement. Whether one is looking to escape their dull life or looking for a hired killer, anything can be easily found in Orcus' many chaotic cities- if one knows where to look. The main principle by which all Orch live is “to take what you want and to make it yours”.
  
  Due to the lack of disciplinary action, Orcus is often the chosen hideout of thieves and large intergalactic criminal organizations. While government officials and other regulatory officers/soldiers are technically allowed within the Realm, most tend to decline the posting due to its outrageously high fatality rate. Only those who are truly able to outwit and outsmart their counterparts survive in Orcus, because forging and holding onto an empire there means having to display the most power, and having to show feats of strength that not only intimidate, but outright terrify competition into submission.
  
  While most lower class citizens often fight over their own spaces in the slums, the wealthy and most powerful Orchs live lavishly. They have the power to do what they want and say as they please, their treatment akin to that of royalty being waited on hand and foot. And yet, the higher you are on the totem pole, the larger the mark on your back. It's a constant struggle for control, which is why this Realm produces the most cunning and powerful individuals in the galaxy.
• The Realm of Ordinance

  
  

  
  Terrain: Upon simple examination, Maat seems like a land of desolation. Sandy, rugged terrain that had cities built upon spring wells, it is a vast desert with dunes stretching out to the horizon. Pillars and homes built brick by brick with extreme precision stand tall alongside eroded buttes, creating elevated lands of canyons, mesas and plateaus. With rain being such a rare occurrence, only plants as arid and tough as the land itself can grow. Perhaps the second most iconic feature of this Realm after the Corinthian-style architecture is the arenas- huge open spaces carved out of the top of the largest canyons. Every major district in Maat has an Ablahium- an arena where the greatest warriors are granted the honor to endure trial by combat and test their strength.
  
  Climate: Maat's climate is extremely hot and dry, making it dangerous for anyone to roam outside their district due to the very real threat of death by dehydration. In the evenings, sandstorms are a common occurrence, as Maatis take shelter within their homes. Hardly ever experiencing the relief of precipitation, the stable air pressure creates an almost furnace-like atmosphere that will clear any and all clouds under an intense sunshine. Though the temperature rarely ever drops, on the few occasions when it does, the entire planetary surface can dip below freezing in a matter of minutes.
  
  
  

  History

  
  

  
  Maat is a Realm that draws its history and culture from the tale of its ancient god- Kaerius. As the tale goes, Prince Kaerius lived in a grand and elegant palace gifted to him by his father, surrounded by lavish gardens and lush, green plains. It was said that beautiful flowers, waterfalls, and even majestic creatures roamed this opulent land. Lost in this splendor and all its pleasures, Kaerius never learned the responsibility of caring for such things. Over time, the flowers no longer bloomed, the waterfalls ran dry, and carcasses of once graceful animals rotted to bone atop the decaying soil. Kaerius forced his servants to give him everything they had and needed for themselves until, eventually, they too were no more, and the prince looked around to find that his once rich land had become a vast, endless desert. He ran away from the ruins of his palace, trying to find a new oasis to call home, but he was lost to the arid sands, never to be seen again.
  
  Taking heed of this cautionary tale, Maatis became an extremely regimented people, never prone to any kind of indulgence or excess. While their previous god had done nothing but idle in frivolous pursuit of pleasure, they prided themselves on their hard work and perseverance. They built shrines to honor Kaerius’ sacrifice but knew that, in order to survive, they must be disciplined and transcend the path that he previously forged.
  
  
  

  Culture

  
  

  
  Maatis are an extraordinarily disciplined people, steeped in traditions. From sunrise to sunset, they engage in the exact same practices and follow the exact same routines set by the predecessors. Every single day from the moment they are birthed, Maatis wake for prayers and start their physical conditioning- anything from running, to hand-to-hand combat, to physical drills and tests of fitness, all following a clearly define regimen that all citizens are expected to adhere to. Deviation and originality are highly discouraged, heavily punished, and quickly snuffed out.
  
  Taking pride in their resilience and ability to adapt and survive, Maatis raise their young to uphold the highest possible physical standards- every newborn afflicted by disease or physical defects of any kind left to die. To further emphasize their adherence to the value of strength though total unity, every single Maatis is made to wear identical white tunics as garments, with occasional colored accents to denote rank. While their appearances may vary as new species have gotten introduced to the Realm, all must adhere to this code and appear orderly and immaculate at all times.
  
  In true militaristic fashion, inspection happens every morning and evening, and they take any sartorial offenses extremely seriously. Anyone considered a deviant or rebel is supposed to be taken to the Grand General to have their fate decided but, more often than not, they are simply kicked out of their communities and left to fend for themselves against the desert before the shame of producing an irregular can tarnish the community's reputation. Those who succeed in abiding by all rules and prescribed discipline are the reason that Maatis are considered the greatest heralds and preservers of order in the Realms. They are forged to be survivors, with the strongest ability to persevere through most anything, and a will to live rivaling only that of the Orchs.
• The Realm of Life

  
  

  
  Terrain: Tenoch is a lush realm, covered in islands teeming with jungles and vast forests. Each island has its own native species and inhabitants, and it’s said that there are over 6,000 different tribes on the planet, with even more diverse wildlife and foliage. While the species may differ from island to island, the heavy density of the vegetation, trees, and shrubbery remains consistent. Trees more than thrice the size of the tallest structures in Vanir can be found in this realm, as it remains one of the most unchanged since the Great Expansion. Between each island run small rivers and streams that divide the land into sections- oceans and larger bodies of water are found on the fringes, creating several clustered regions or archipelagoes.
  
  Climate: Receiving the most rain compared to all the other realms, Tenoch has a milder, tropical climate. During the day, warm sunlight creates a humid atmosphere quite similar to that of Maat- this warmth is what allows the growth of Tenoch's vegetation to be so rapid and vibrant. In the evening, however, the drop in temperature can be quite drastic, creating a misty atmosphere of thick fog and mysterious breezes. Loaded with humidity, these mists and fogs will frequently coalesce into storm clouds, so that the planet often wakes to the sounds of rain, and while there are no distinct wet or dry seasons per say, monsoons and hurricanes are common, and more prevalent than on the other realms.
  
  
  

  History

  
  

  
  While Tenoch displayed the most similarities in terrain to Old Earth, humans couldn’t terraform it, due to the native inhabitants being protective of their home. Because they were in no position to fight another war (even if such a violent path had been their first intent), they instead chose to make a pact with the Tenee, involving a basic trade of goods and services. Humans protected Tenoch from any invaders, and introduced its people to newer technologies. In return, they were allowed to take seeds and other goods from the planet.
  
  Due to the sheer amount of tribes found in this realm, stories and legends of the planet's creation exist in many different iterations. Some tribes proclaim it was a giant flying creature that birthed the planet from an egg. Some swore it was instead the egg of a swimming creature. Others say the islands were formed from a sleeping goddess, finding refuge and rest after building the sky and stars. And others argue it was through the power of light and dark that the primordial seed began to grow. Although such stories abounded in variety much like the planet's flora and fauna, the common denominator between them was the heralding of nature as the one and true creator of all things.
  
  
  

  Culture

  
  

  
  Tenoch’s culture is rooted in ancient tribal traditions centered around hunting and gathering. About half of Tenees considered themselves nomadic, moving from island to island. While some Tenees remained thus with their original group, others stayed behind to establish the first settled tribes. Nomadic tribes often carry very little with them. Aside from their tools, clothes, and sleeping essentials, these Tenees know not of physical possession, but rather of the lay of the land. They are excellent navigators, and are often recruited by other visitors and patrons from other realms to serve as their guides.
  
  The settling Tenees, on the other hand, are more specialized in the knowledge of their region. They often build huts and other structures amongst the forest canopies. Their way of communal living is to have a gathering every evening to celebrate the food brought in by both hunters and gatherers. Settling Tenees have a richer vocabulary of communication, as well as a deeper understanding of their roots. However, their physicality is much more delicate compared to their nomadic brethren. As a result, one can always tell the difference between them on sight: settling Tenees have rounder and smaller builds due to their narrower bone structure. Nomadic Tenees, by contrast, are broader and more angular, their bone strucutre clearly visible and well-defined.
  
  Perhaps the most important thing to note about the Tenees, whether settlers or nomads, is their all-encompassing reverence for life. Much like the Ameans, Tenees only take what they need from their lands. They are not driven by excessive greed, need for stability, or desire for innovation. They nurture what exists and try to preserve what they can, and the act of killing another living creature outside of basic survival needs such as nutrition or self-defense is considered the greatest possible crime. Due to the history of the River of Odem and the genocidal killings of the Messor, all 6,000 tribes have agreed that anyone who violates this most essential rule will be exiled to Odem, where they will likely meet their end.

Ame

Vanir

Orcus

Maat

Tenoch

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{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

SPECIES

Spiritwalkers

SPIRITWALKERS - Primordial beings of elemental forms

Spiritwalkers, the oldest known species in all five Realms, are ageless and unbound by the laws of time. They are made of the primary energy that inhabits nature or even unnatural objects. As such, they can often shift their form from one element to another. As with all energy, Spiritwalkers can only be transmuted or transformed, and as such they are not, strictly speaking, 'born', nor can they ever be fully destroyed. A Spiritwalker’s downfall is that they can be manipulated and are easily contained, which is why they must always be aware and mistrustful of those around them, lest their raw power be used by others and taken advantage of.

Synthetics

SYNTHETICS - Mechanized units with ranging conscious intelligence

'Synthetics' is actually a catch-all term created by the citizens of Vanir to refer to various mechanical inventions with a wide range of abilities, functionalities, and appearances. From the simplest of robots and androids, to the most complex artificial intelligence, Synths are used to make living more efficient for all. While most Synths remain in Vanir as a large part of their service sector, others have been assigned to take care of various tasks &/or beings in other realms. Due to a robust innovation in deep-machine learning technologies, there may even be some Synths with conscious intelligence to rival that of the other species of the Realms.

Post-humans

POST-HUMANS - Descendants of humans

The living legacy of humans from Old Earth, Post-humans (or Posties, in slang) have a similar biological make-up to their ancestors. That being said, living and traveling through space (as well as genetic modifications and mating with other species they've encountered) has led to a far greater genetic variance. Although Post-humans generally resemble their ancestors in appearance (being bipedal, with similarly-developed brain structure, similar facial features, and similarly articulated joints), these adaptations, both natural and bio-engineered, often result in certain modified genetic traits, such as enhanced hearing or strength, tails or extra-limbs, slitted nostrils or double-lidded eyes, etc.

Prometheans

PROMETHEANS - Aliens with biological forms

While the actual origins of Prometheans are unknown, the generally-accepted theory based on historical accounts is that they originated on Ame, and then spread to the other realms through space travel. Though Prometheans display a very great range in size, shape, and form, many of them are bipedal digitigrade invertebrates with jointed legs and an exoskeleton (arthropods of Old Earth would be the easiest base reference for their typical skeletal structure). They function through a different kind of organic chemistry, which is unique to each Promethean type- as a result, some can be extremely short-lived, while others can live for centuries without aging.

Beast-kin

BEAST-KIN - Animals with an evolved form of consciousness

While it is possible that they might once have been humans' pets, Beast-kin are now a highly evolved race of their own. Much like humans, their species have intermingled with others, and through this they learned new ways of communicating and surviving. Their adaptations, both genetic and cultural, stem from their contact with the other species of the five Realms. While most Beast-kin possess their own consciousness, and shouldn’t be treated as a lower class citizen in any way, there may still be some prejudice against them for having presumed feral origins. That being said, most reasonable and educated people have a more accepting mindset.

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{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

FACTIONS

The Augers

AUGERS & SERVANTS OF MUNDI - Prophets of the Realms

Most Augers are born on Ame, as their role as seers requires a connection to the higher consciousness of Axis Mundi. Augers often show the capacity of their skills at a young age by being able to receive visions of the Messor. Nightmarish as these visions might be, they often contain clues of what could possibly take place during the next Pilgrimage. More importantly, Augers select the Chosen Ones, predicting which one might triumph over the rest in quelling the Messor’s rage.

Primary NPC: The Enlightened Emerelq

The Council

INTERPLANETARY COUNCIL - Leadership of the Realms

This is the central government that overlooks the relations between the Five Realms. It consists of many elected officials and members who serve to protect the rights of each of the Realms. While some members are inducted by higher officials, the higher officials themselves are elected from a pool of longer-serving members, and need to win by unanimous vote. If even one council member has doubts, the election process starts again. As such, the highest officials of the council are both thoroughly vetted and highly respected across the board. Truth, Honor, Servitude, and Non-Violence are the values to which the Council adheres.

Primary NPC: Ocyna Q'irokh

The Veiled

THE VEILED - Syndicate of the Realms

Probably the only organization in all the Realms capable of preventing the Intels form doing their job, the Veiled is a highly successful crime syndicate, known for the most notorious crimes of the Five Realms. Having a fortified base in Orcus, it is very rare for local authorities of the Realms to interfere with their plans. While their branches of operation include money laundering, fraud, racketeering, drug trade, and even assassinations, one of the Veiled's most lucrative ways of accumulating wealth lies in the kidnapping of Chosen Ones. To date, this has only occurred a total of five times, the last two being closest together. The importance of the Chosen Ones is such that they even came close to making a deal with the Interplanetary Council to orchestrate the release of their captives before the Intels raided their location, taking down many key leadership figures in the process.

Primary NPC: Achiana the Twisted

The Intels

INTERGALACTIC SENTINELS - Peacekeepers of the Realms

Sanctioned by the Interplanetary Council, these soldiers and warriors alike act as the peacemakers between the Five Realms. Dedicated and highly trained, their main task is to observe and act before any large crimes or territory disputes occur. Additionally, Intels act as bounty hunters for any escaped criminals on the run, as well for those Chosen Ones who decide to run from their destiny. While this does happen from time to time, the Intels have never failed to bring in their lead and complete their mission. Due to their toughness and innate perseverance, Maatis are usually the ones scouted and recruited to join the intergalactic force.

Primary NPC: LX-92

The Pantheon

THE PANTHEON - Survivors of the Realms

The Pantheon consists of the previous survivors of the Pilgrimage. They often work together with the Augers and the Interplanetary Council in order to prepare the upcoming Chosen Ones for their journeys. While regarded as heroes, celebrities, or beings of the highest rank in their respective Realms, they are still subject to the rules of the Interplanetary Council.

Most survivors in the Pantheon are widely successful, due to the bargain that they’ve made with the Messor. Whether it is extreme power, strength, wealth, or influence, these individuals created a better life for themselves (as well as the others around them, if they wished to do so). As their experience is of utmost importance, their role as mentors to the Chosen Ones is non-negotiable. If they are alive and able-bodied, they must report to the Compound in Tenoch before the time of the Pilgrimage begins.

Primary NPC: Vir Igar

[accordion buttons & hidden scrolls]
{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

NPCS

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• The Enlightened Emerelq

  Beast-kin | Male | 208

  Give me your hand, I will show you the way...

  Emerelq is a famous Amean Auger.
  
  He was found as a cub by the edge of a river, half-drowned, and nursed back to health by a peaceful community of Promethean servants of Mundi. It's believed the badger was brought to the planet by smugglers from one of the other realms.
  
  Clearly, he had been caged and abused, treated like an animal- no doubt the smugglers had thought they could sell him as a pet, but either they had abandoned the idea or some ill had befallen them, as neither they nor their ship was ever located.
  
  The Prometheans took Emerelq in, and taught him the ways of meditation and peace. Through their tutelage, the beast-kin developed a keen sense of inner calm, and a willing and listening ear, in tune to the vibrations of all Five Realms.
  
  His dedicated meditation practice and the environment of Ame slowed down his natural growth cycle considerably, and Emerelq's lifespan has been extended far beyond what any others of his kind have experienced- no one knows how old he might live to be.
  
  Unlike most other prescients, he was well over a hundred years old when he received his first vision of the Messor, but the event clearly marked him as one of the gifted, and he was elevated to the rank of Auger not soon after. He is considered one of the wisest beings in the Five Realms, and great stock is placed both in his visions and his sought-after advice.

  Code by Serobliss
• Ocyna Q'irokh

  Promethean | Female | 108th cycle

  Give me your hand, I will lay out your path...

  The circumstances that led Ocyna Q'irokh to become one of the most prominent members of the Intergalactic Council are some of the strangest, most controversial, and most debated events in living memory.
  
  Born on Ame to two monk parents, she was raised in the temples a dedicated Servant of Mundi. She wanted nothing more than to use her life in service of others, helping the Augers and the other monks, and forming a more perfect communion with her people and the consciousness of Axis Mundi. This, however, was not to be.
  
  She was only in her 9th cycle when she experienced her first Choosing. Watching the Augers make their fateful selection- a choice that would dictate the future not only of five lives, but of all Five Realms, left a deep and lasting impression on her. She was struck by how unprepared most of the Chosen were- how they were plucked out of their lives for this greater purpose, and how the fates of their worlds were then placed on their often too-frail shoulders.
  
  After seeing this firsthand, she became convinced that what the Realms needed was devoted warriors who had chosen to fight for this cause of their own volition. Starting in her 20th cycle, she began traveling the Realm in search of such warriors, her passion and charisma naturally drawing them to her. She established a training base for them, deep in the jungles of Tenoch, where the newly-established Order of the Chosen could hone their skills.
  
  So convinced was she of her cause's righteousness that the idea that her warriors might not be Chosen by the Augers when the time came didn't even enter her mind. But that is exactly what happened. Devastated by the second selection, she and her Order led a short-lived rebellion against Amean leadership, that was quelled with quiet and final efficiency.
  
  She was jailed with the rest of her warriors so as not to disturb the peace, but her zeal to protect the Realms and support the Chosen Ones had made her something of a folk hero outside of Ame, and many called for her immediate release. Due to the slow pace of life on her home planet, this still took about ten years.
  
  While in prison, she was able to commune in silence, where she was granted a vision by Axis Mundi. The Chosen were chosen not because of their warrior prowess, but something else they possessed- something special that lay deep beneath the surface where only the Augers could See. It was not anyone's job to question that, but instead support the Choosing and those selected in any way they could. From that moment on, Ocyna was forever changed.
  
  Once released from prison, she began her campaign anew, but this time in complete alignment with the current system. Her political rise across the Realms was meteoric and, within a short five years, she had become a junior member on the Council. She was one of the minds behind orchestrating the hostage negotiating and ambush of the Veiled during Vir Igar's kidnapping, doing everything in her power to ensure that this frightened, fourteen-year-old boy made it to his Pilgrimage.
  
  She then guided the next generation in a similar fashion 24 cycles later, leading the hunt for any escapees or kidnappees with alarming alacrity, viewing it as her mission to deliver the Chosen Ones to the Gates of Odem.
  
  Now about to encounter her fifth selection, Ocyna is one of the most well-known and controversial figures in all Five Realms. Her lifelong dedication to her cause make her nothing short of heroic in the eyes of many, while others feel she has far too much power and influence, and consider her zealotry and short-lived tenure as what essentially amounted to being the leader of a cult more than a little concerning for any political figure- let alone one so prominent.
  
  But regardless of one's opinions on her ideology or methods, there's no denying that Ocyna's foremost concern is to secure the path of the Chosen Ones in each selection from Preparation to Pilgrimage, guaranteeing that a victor will emerge from the Preference, and for this the Realms owe her a debt of gratitude that may never be repaid.

  Code by Serobliss
• Achiana the Twisted

  Post-human | Female | Age Unknown

  Give me your hand, I will drag you to hell...

  Certain things about this leader of the Veiled are well-known, certain things are probably fabrication or myth, and certain things are utter mysteries. The only one to know the full, complete story would be Achiana herself.
  
  That she was born in the slums of Acher, one of Orcus' bigger cities, is common knowledge, as is the fact that she was running a small gang of delinquents and street urchins by the time she was thirteen. That even for a natural-born post-human Orch, she's always been freakishly strong, and equally cruel. And that she has no known family in the entire realm. At least, none that will admit to it.
  
  This is where the stories start. Some say she tortured and killed her own mother. Some say she's actually the secret child of one of the Elite, smuggled away to the slums so she wouldn't cause a scandal. And some say she's a demon in human form.
  
  In fact, all of these have some element of truth to them. She is the child of one of Acher's higher-ups, but her mother died without her having to lift a finger. The one she tortured and killed was the father who chose to abandon her rather than take her in, and she took great pleasure in the deed. And people are quite right- she is a demon in human form.
  
  She quickly climbed the ranks of Acher's criminal underbelly until becoming a part of the Veiled, after which she just kept on climbing. Shortly after becoming a lieutenant in the organization, she was able to afford her mechatronic enhancements- the long, spiked, articulated metal tail that allows her to rip other creatures to shreds or squeeze them until they pop, and that earned her the chilling title that spread her fame throughout Orcus and even beyond- the Lamia.
  
  Thanks to her enhancements, her natural lifespan has been extended substantially, and she's considerably older than she appears to be. She'd been a mid-ranking leader of the Veiled for several years before she recruited Eshi. She took them under her twisted, sadistic wing, and took their being selected as a Chosen One to be a personal affront. The Mad Dog is hers- her servant, her plaything, her toy, and the Lamia doesn't take kindly to anyone messing with her toys.

  Code by Serobliss
• LX-92 ('Ellie')

  Synthetic | Female | 2nd cycle

  Give me your hand, I will steer you to right...

  LX-92 is a cutting-edge, top-of-the-line Vanine robot. Developed by one of Vanir's current leading scientists, she's a perfect blend of seamless, highly advanced combat technology and peerless, highly evolved artificial intelligence.
  
  Her creator, Vber Kqan, designed her as a new form of law enforcement- nearly indestructible and able to withstand even the most intense level of conflict, while also doted with enough intelligence to express empathy and understanding.
  
  She was his test subject. If successful, he wanted to create an entire fleet of them that would finally be able to bring peace to the chaotic realm of Orcus. Of course, the Orchs had no intention of letting anyone (or anything) police their planet, and the only ones remotely interested were the ultra rich, Elite and Veiled alike, who wanted an indestructible robotic bodyguard. Naturally, Kqan didn't give her to either of the two factions, as he refused to let his creation be used for such a purpose.
  
  Since Ellie (his affectionate nickname for the Synth) was constructed with a built-in desire to help people, he couldn't very well keep her around as his lab assistant and let her potential be wasted, so he agreed to send her to the I.S. for training.
  
  After completing her first cycle at the facility, she graduated one of their best new recruits, and had already completed several successful missions by the time she was assigned to the Orcus Chosen One case, which was a big deal for a rookie.
  
  She tracked down and captured the rogue Orch and dragged them back, kicking and screaming (and biting and scratching and spitting and... you get the drift), to Tenoch for their training. Ellie is puzzled by Eshi's attitude, as her understanding is that being Chosen is a great honor for yourself and for your people (the Maatis instilled the notion of honor deep into her circuits during Intel training), and she is mystified by the Orch's obvious reluctance and decision to run away.

  Code by Serobliss
• Vir Igar

  Post-human | Male | 63

  Give me your hand, I will lead you to light...

  Vir Igar is one of the most famous members of the Pantheon.
  
  A post-human Vanine, he was selected for the Pilgrimage two generations of Chosen Ones ago as a very young man, with no discernible enhancements or modifications. Because he was the son of a very important member of Vanine society, the Veiled hijacked his transport ship to Tenoch and held him for ransom for nearly an entire week.
  
  Vir's father convinced the Council to pay the exorbitant sum, but the Sentinels were standing by and, when the Veiled appeared for the exchange, they were caught in a crossfire. Those who weren't killed that day have been imprisoned in a maximum security facility on Maat ever since, the event majorly changing the landscape of current Veiled leadership.
  
  The young Vir was quite shaken by the ordeal, and was obligated to go straight from it directly into training, and then the Pilgrimage. Nothing could have prepared the unfortunate youth for the horrors in store for him but, to the Five Realms' utter astonishment, he ended up the victor, emerging from Odem physically (if not mentally) unscathed.
  
  After the Pilgrimage, he quickly rose to prominence in Vanine society (his father having died while he was facing the Messor), hailed as a hero across his world and others. His gift from the Avatar of Pain had been intelligence, and he made discoveries and developed technologies that revolutionized life both on Vanir and beyond, some of which he used on himself.
  
  When time came for him to train a first generation of Chosen successors, the one kid he got attached to wound up dead- killed in a most brutal and gruesome fashion, and Vir took the blow hard. He's vowed to do his best to train this next group better but, knowing the likely outcome and what they face, part of him has already given up.

  Code by Serobliss

The Augers

The Council

The Veiled

The Intels

The Pantheon

[clickable tabs & hidden scrolls]
{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

LOCATIONS

The Axis Temple

THE GREAT TEMPLE OF AXIS MUNDI (or The Axis Temple) is the high seat of Amean spiritual life. Built aeons ago by ancient Ameans on what was at that time Ame's highest mountaintop, it is now barely still on land, though the lower levels have been flooded for centuries. Most Amean monks make a pilgrimage to the temple at least once in their lifetime, and many stay there to meditate for months on end. It is considered to be the point on the planet most in tune to the vibrations of Axis Mundi, where Ame's spiritual leaders can commune with the great consciousness of the universe. During each 24th cycle, the Augers lock themselves in the temple's cavernous internal chamber (the Shrine of Mundi), and remain there in silence until they are granted visions of that cycle's Chosen Ones, so they may perform the Summoning.

The Spire

THE ATARAXIA SPIRE (or simply The Spire) is the tall, needle-like building at the heart of Vanir's capital city that houses the Intergalactic Council. The lower floors are open to the public- both visitors wanting to get a tour and those with legitimate inquiries. The further up the Spire one goes, the more restricted access becomes, as the most important matters of gevernance of all Five Realms occur here. At the very top is the councilchamber itself, where the galaxy's leaders discuss the matters of gravest importance. If anyone besides them ever gets admitted to it, it usually because something has gone incredibly wrong.

The Stronghold

THE STRONGHOLD is the fortified bunker on Orchus owned and controlled by the Veiled. Located at the base of one of its largest volcanoes, it is essentially an underground fortress, able to withstand blockade for months if necessary. Aside from this, it is where Veiled leadership meets to discuss important matters, where many of the organization's most lucrative enterprises are centered, and where important kidnapped victims are kept and stored until they can be ransomed.

The Citadel

THE CITADEL is the centre of Intergalactic Sentinel activity in the galaxy. Located on one of Maat's more desolate mountaintops and virtually impregnable, it is a sprawling complex complete with turrets, watchtowers, and a veritable maze of tunnels and caverns that run through the entire ridge. It houses the Intels' high leadership, its greatest stockpile of weapons, a gigantic spacecraft hangar, and endless barracks and training facilities for initiates and new recruits.

The Compound

FIVE REALMS TOWER (usually referred to as The Compound) is an enclosed location in Tenoch run by the Interplanetary Council and the Augers. Its main purpose is to serve as training grounds for the Chosen Ones to learn in before they are sent through the Gates on their Pilgrimage. The facilities are state-of-the-art, and contain the most advanced technologies manufactured in Vanir.

The Compound is four levels deep. The first and second level are above ground, and the third and fourth are below. The ground level contains the main reception area, as well as most of the training facilities. The second level contains living quarters- including separate rooms for each of the Chosen Ones. The third level contains all the labs and healthcare facilities. The fourth level is the living area for those who inhabit the Compound long-term, including the scientists, technicians, and other professionals studying Odem and the Messor.

It is common to see Synths roaming and cleaning the Compound, as well as providing the essential services needed by those who live there. Should any of the Chosen need anything during their stay, all they have to do is connect to the display in their room, and they can describe what they need to the Synth who will come to lend their assistance.

The Gates of Odem

THE GATES OF ODEM are the only point of entry from Tenoch into the Realm of Death. Like the walls into which they are set, the gates are incredibly thick, made of the strongest metals and reinforced with magic. It takes a dozen Augers chanting to undo the spells while a miniature army of Synths and Intels drag them slowly inch by inch to get them opened, and the only time this happens is at the end of each 24th cycle, when the newly-trained Chosen Ones embark upon their Pilgrimage. Once their journey begins, the gates are guarded day and night to keep the rest of the Realms safe from the horros within Odem until the end of the Preference, when the victor emerges from their ordeal, after which they are closed and sealed again until the next Selection.

[accordion buttons & hidden scrolls]
{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}

 

[Ayama]

PARADIGM

The Summons

Known varyingly as the Selection, the Summons, the Summoning, and the Choosing, this is the process by which Chosen Ones are selected. At the end of every 24th cycle, the Augers lock themselves inside the cavernous Shrine of Mundi at the heart of the Axis Temple. There they stay in silent meditation, communing with the universe until the Spirit of Axis Mundi grants them a vision of that generation's Chosen Ones. Once the revelation is made, the ceremony concludes with the Augers emerging from the temple and proclaiming the name of each Realm's champion in order for them to be Summoned to their task.

The Festival of Passage

In order for each of the Realms to honor their champion after their Selection, and for the champions to get to experience a last small measure of comfort and rejoicing before setting out to meet the greatest challenge they will ever face, the Council decreed that there should be a weeklong celebration after each Choosing. Known as the Festival of Passage, it is an occasion for the Realms to thank and encourage their champions for their sacrifice, wishing them safe passage through the Realm of Death, and for their champions to use the celebration to say goodbye to their life, their world, and their loved ones, as it is unlikely they will ever see any of them again.

The Preparation

This is the training that the Chosen Ones undergo before entering Odem. For weeks after the Summoning and the Festival of Passage, the champions are brought to the Compound (some dragged unceremoniously there by Intel scouts against their will) for their Preparation. This includes combat training, survival skills, and intense psychological and emotional conditioning. For as long as the Preparation lasts, the champions are closely monitored 24/7, and not allowed to leave the Compound under any circumstances. If any should manage to escape, they are dragged immediately back, kicking and screaming.

The Pilgrimage

This refers to the perilous journey through the Realm of Death. As the Messor used to be a true deity, this name is a bleak, twisted reminder of that fact, depicting the Chosen Ones' passage through Odem to find the Avatar of Pain as a dark twist on a religious quest where, at the end, the one who makes it will indeed be able to make a wish of the sought out god. Unfortunately, the reward for seeking out this god is, for all but one of them, a sentence condemning one to die in the most atrocious of ways.

The Preference

No one knows what dictates the outcome of the Preference and how the Messor chooses who lives and who dies. All that's known is that, during each Pilgrimage, he tortures the Chosen Ones both physically and psychologically as they make their way through his Realm and that, at some point, when he encounters the champion he's selected as the victor, they come face to face with him and his terrible weapon, only for him to drop the sword and grant them their one wish, after which they emerge from Odem alive, and blessed with whatever gift they saw fit to be granted by the Avatar of Pain.

[accordion buttons & hidden scrolls]
{design by Fortuna, extra code by Ayama}