Fantasy Tales of Ayoth Lore

[Reinhardt]

THE NATIONS OF AYOTH
Etrea Kingdom

The first ever founded civilization, this kingdom was named after the king’s first daughter - Etrea Lanser. This nation grew to be the center of culture and tradition, and paved way to the rise of the other civilizations. However, everything comes at a price. Only when the royal family decided to dirty their hands was the nation allowed to prosper and flourish. Its location, being near to the ocean, makes it fare quite well economically, despite being highly populated compared to the other nations, due to the many business opportunities presented by the vast deep blue. Not only that, but this has made their naval military strength is unrivalled in Ayoth.

Knowledge and wisdom are heavily valued here, for within their most protected archives and sanctuaries lie the key to unlocking the mysteries of the arcane arts. Several academies here are made solely for learning and practicing the art of magic. If one truly wishes to fully unlock their magic potential, this is the best place to be.​

Thorus Kingdom

Shortly after Etrea’s tragic fall to her incurable illness, her elder brother, Heimir Lanser, left the kingdom hoping to repent for his inability to rid of sister’s untimely demise. His travels beyond the confines of his homeland had him encounter various kinds of people not welcomed by his home. And seeing that their lack of proper shelter and unity was the consequence of his family’s misdeeds, he atoned for their sins by forging a home for them under his watchful gaze.

This civilization, formed throughout decades, was the Thorus Kingdom, named after Heimir’s best friend, who took over his rule when he fell to his old age without leaving an heir. Honed by hardships and trials, the people of this land are united, disregarding the differences in their appearance, social status, and even their opinions. Such traits make the people of this kingdom an irreplaceable ally, and a formidable enemy. As the saying goes, “beware the lone wolf, whose howl can call upon a battalion of its kin.”​

Theocracy of Obil

Mourning for the loss of her beloved sister, Milda Lanser, eldest of the royal siblings, turned to the gods, praying day and night just waiting for a miracle to get her back. Unfortunately, no such answer was given, only silence. Furious at the gods, she channeled her rage by causing havoc to those who still worship them. She ordered her loyal soldiers to destroy and burn temples, ruin various images and idols, and even slaughter those who preached such a religion.

However, the consequences of her actions caught up to her faster than she had expected. Forced by the majority of the subjects, the king placed his only remaining daughter in exile, along with those who follow her beliefs. This only made her resentment towards the gods grow further, up to the point that she made her own religion, gathering believers and devotees as she roamed the lands in her exile. Soon enough, their numbers made their religion the most prominent one in the entirety of Ayoth. During the peak years of her religion, the Creed of Arce, she established a civilization far away from her origin, and her brother’s growing fortress. She made various rules and turned into traditions by using the name of their made-up goddess. It was not long enough until the theocracy was at its peak.

But in the years she governed as the Arch Priestess of this unnamed civilization, her secrets were discovered by an ambitious and power-hungry priest named Obil. After her sins were revealed, and sentenced to death by her own followers, this priest succeeded her reign over the nation, and brainwashed those beneath him that he was a prophet of Arce, continuing the false religion of Milda. The Creed of Arce spread throughout the entirety of Ayoth, overcoming the old religion and turning it into nothing but an old myth. The Arch Priest Obil proclaimed the nation as a holy land and center of this false religion, gaining the respect and allegiance of the other nations. Up to this day, no one truly knows that the Creed of Arce is nothing but a broken woman’s insult to the old gods.

The Theocracy of Obil has risen far deep into power, that they have their own means of creating produce to trade with the other kingdoms, and even a military force specifically made to hunt down and persecute heretics of any other religion.​

Socleidan Empire

The youngest of the Lanser siblings, Ecleid, left his home. Not because he resented the dirtied history of his family, nor the death of everyone’s beloved Etrea. Instead, he left because he found the people of his homeland to be unbearably stupid and ignorant. The young Ecleid wandered off, his mind set on the future of Ayoth. His ever-growing intellect and wild imagination granted him the tools to secure what he calls as “Ayoth’s future glory”. He made complicated constructs that made his life easier, and travelled with it. The people who saw such creations and marveled at the grandeur of such objects, he had gained followers, and in time, students who helped him generate ideas as to how to further better the future of Ayoth.

It was not long until he had amassed an army that can crush any enemy they might encounter. With their constructs that combine the mysterious powers of magic and the flexibility of technology, they have made what is known to be Manatech. Using these powerful tools, Ecleid and his followers laid waste to a large portion of the land, surrounded by various natural resources, and claimed it as their own. In that very space, Ecleid changed his name to Socleid, detaching himself from the miserable past that is the Lanser royal family, and devoting his life to attain “Ayoth’s future glory”. In mere months, he led his followers to create an impregnable nation, and was crowned as it leader.

That very day, the patient predator known as the Socliedan Empire was born.​

 

[Reinhardt]

THE RACES OF AYOTH
Humans - A Human is the classic slate of all other races. Most of them were patterned by the gods, using the Humans as their base forms. In other terms, Humans are the plain mortals. They bear no modification, nor any innate features. During the old days, Humans could live up to five hundred (500) years, however, the Humans nowadays can only live up to a hundred and fifty (150) years at most. It is said that what makes them better than all is their very core - their unbreakable will, and their unfaltering hope.

Syrieth - Common folk would call them "elves". In their native language, the word Syrieth means "of nature". Originating from the Caskarieth (god-born), the Syrieth carry their forefathers' traits. They are able to age eternally, but unfortunately, they could still die from other means. They commonly reside in areas where nature thrives, such as forests and jungles, using those as part of their hidden villages and cities. They appear much like a human, but with long and pointy ears, and a bit taller height. They are attributed to nature, and to the creatures in it. They have a good understanding of magic, but they are not the best at it.

Illieth - The Illieth are the opposite of the Syrieth, or as most would say the "dark elves". In their native tongue, their name means "of tainted". They too, originated from the Caskarieth, but they were headed to a different path, a different way of life. Whilst the Syrieth live in forests, they reside in darker areas - caves, ruins, and even underground tunnels. They also live in hidden villages and cities, of course. They are much like the Syrieth, but have pale gray to pure black skin, and the color of their eyes are always of dark shades. They commonly have bodily accessories and markings, though most are simply for looking tough. They have a better understanding of magic compared to the Syrieth, but they prefer to avoid using magic at all.

Dwarves - A Dwarf is a mortal half the size of a human. They usually have heavy amounts of facial hair, such as beards and goatees. They are mountain and underground dwellers, usually using some sort of highly complex mechanisms to traverse their strangely designed homes. Dwarves are able to age three to four times that of an average human. They have great skills in the arts of crafting and smiths, however, their attraction to treasure usually brings them to peril. It may not be of great use, but they have a very high tolerance of being drunk, thus they tend to use alcoholic drinks as if it was mere water.

Medians - A Median is a human with beastly features, which ranges from simply ears and tails, up to their entire body looking much like a beast itself, based on the purity of their blood. Medians live in various tribes, ruled by different Chiefs. Unlike most races, Medians tend to have great differences between each one of them, but their unity is far greater than any other. A Median ages like a regular human. Due to their strange appearance, they gain various abilities, based on their beastly counterpart, such as being able to pounce like a leopard, roar like a lion, swim like a fish, or even fly like a bird. They value honor and honesty above all.

Dragonkin UNPLAYABLE - The Dragonkin look exactly like a normal human, except for the permanent tattoos that they bear upon birth. These tattoos are a sign that they are a Dragonkin, and glow when they use their ability, which is feared by most. The Dragonkin are very peaceful, and most of them live together in a secluded area which is extremely difficult to reach, let alone locate. They are able to age eternally, but will still die to other means. The Dragonkin can transform from their human forms into a dragon should they will it, and vice-versa. In the middle of their transformation process, their tattoos will glow as an indication. In their dragon forms, these tattoos are retained. The size of their dragon forms ranges from thrice the average human up to as large as a guild hall. They are still inferior compared to real dragons. This ability is rarely used, due to the many risks it possess.

Sanguini - A Sanguinus is a human with blood red eyes, and the ability to control their own blood for many things - both physically and magically. Their strange blood allows them to age twice as long as the average human. Although they may possess greater physique and magical prowess than regular humans, the Sanguini prefer to use non-combat means to attain their goals. Most Sanguini are found to be scholars and researchers, whilst others are low nobles. Sanguini tend to reside on a place swarming with people, where they could blend in without much trouble. Some of the uneducated assume that they are vampires, though they are far from such atrocities.

Etherborn - An Etherborn is a strange humanoid mortal, who looks exactly like an average human. The only thing that separates them from the latter is their glowing gem-hearts. These hearts of theirs make their eyes glow in the same color, as well as allow them to literally see mana. The glow of their eyes are indicators of their well being, if the glow grows dimmer, they are getting close to the verge of death. Unlike humans, if their hearts are damaged, they are doomed to die, because their gem-hearts cannot regenerate like the human heart. They have the best understanding of magic, and even anti-magic, since they can see how and where mana flows. Their ability to see mana can be controlled through mastery, making the user able to turn it on and off whenever they like it.

Karsai - Untella - Untella, in the native tongue of the Karsai, means "protected". The Karsai, all in all, are humanoids that are far taller and muscular than the Caskarieth, their skin are tougher, and they have tusks on their jaws. The Karsai are considered to be the physically strongest race of all. The Karsai - Untella have green-colored skin, and their tusks are smaller than usual. They live in various tribes that are constantly waging war with the Karsai - Khantaruz. The Karsai - Untella believes that having greater strength means that they are to act as stewards, both of the world and the mortals that live in it. The common Karsai ages thrice than a regular human.

Karsai - Khantaruz - Khantaruz, in the native Karsai tongue, is "overcome with force". The Karsai - Khantaruz have large tusks, and orange and brown colored skin. They are in conflict with the Untella for protecting everything, for they believe that the only way to survive in the world is to eliminate all competitors. They, too, live in tribes.

Aendariin - Almost identical to the human race, with the exception of the wings that sprout from their backs. While their wings provide them certain advantages such as flight and wind resistance, it is also one of their biggest weaknesses - often one of the main causes for their demise. The Aendariin aren't really seen out of their hidden sanctuaries, and are considered to be one of the rarest races, next to the Dragonkin.


CUSTOM-MADE RACES
Homonculus - Artificial lifeforms made by mortals. Often times, they appear like a humanoid figure that is almost identical and difficult to distinguish from the regular person. Their hearts, rather, the main source of their life is their core - which is usually made from an amalgamation of Mana, which would then flow through their bodies. Unfortunately, due to their somewhat complex composition, they are extremely vulnerable to anti-magic, and most of the time are unable to utilize magic. Their experimental background, combined with their artificial biology would often lead to them living short lives.

 

[Reinhardt]

MAGIC & MANA
What is Mana? What is magic in Verattia? Mana has existed for a very long time, along with the Gods. It is said that it came from one of their kind, though the name, or even existence of such a being has never been known, only being depicted figures and assumptions of the mortal mind. It is a strange, ever-flowing energy that can be found all around the world, which fuels magic. It cannot be seen by the naked eye, however, the Etherborn, an old race, have the ability to see it clearly.

There are two types of Mana. The first, Mana Intra, is the energy stored within the body. The body of a mortal, as created by the gods, unconsciously absorbs and stores Mana, as it does with other nutrients and particles. However, the body can only store a certain amount of Mana, all which vary depending on the person's capabilities. If a person was to run out of Mana Intra, they would lose consciousness and stamina until they regain all the Mana they has used. This kind of Mana is the easiest to gain access of and manipulate. The second, Mana Extra, is the energy outside the body - the ones yet to be absorbed by it, the ones that flow around the world in varying manners. It is the type of Mana utilized by most magic-users, for it has of very little risk to themselves. This kind of Mana is moderately difficult to control, but once it has been mastered, it would pay off greatly, for it does not run out. Mana Extra has different kinds of purity and intensity, all based on various specifications such as the location, the current situation, the weather, etc.

Magic, much like technology, is a both a tool and a weapon that all can use. Being born with the ability to use magic is extremely rare, so most study first before they are able to do so. There are many kinds of magic, all of which vary in their own manner, carrying a certain kind of strength and weakness with them. To be able to cast magic, one must be able to manipulate Mana - to twist and turn it, to expand and contract it, to mold and reform it. Mana can be manipulated in such a manner that the growth of plants rapidly accelerate, fire is generated out of nothing, and even the dead can live once more, though at a great cost. The use of Magic has its rules and regulations - crafted, monitored, and enforced by The Arcane Guild, and if one were to violate it, one would be facing their deserved consequences.

 

[Reinhardt]

RELIGIONS OF AYOTH
The Creed of Arce

Founded by Milda Lanser, this religion worships the goddess of fate - Arce. This religion is spread throughout Ayoth, with almost its entire population following its teachings and traditions. Many pray upon the goddess for the guidance, to lead their path to where they should rightfully be, their fates under her molding hands. Temples are forged all around Ayoth are forged for this religion, and many, if not all, consider other religions to be of heretic and pagan origin.​

The Old Gods

An old religion that worshiped many deities, who each hold domain over various aspects of life. Unfortunately, due to the influence of The Creed of Arce, this has been forgotten to near obscurity. Granted, there are a few who continue this religion, though their number grow thinner and thinner each passing year - due to the frequent inquisitions that are done in the name of The Creed of Arce.​

​

There are four main gods of this religion, namely:​

Cavalle, the God of Creation, is known for his honor and desire for order. Due to such, he has imposed several laws upon the gods that would prevent them from ever setting foot upon the mortal realm again. So far, he has sentenced two gods to be restrained in violation of these laws.​

​

Cerpus, the God of Longevity, is known for extending the life of mortals and his great interest in magic. Most of the Caskarieth-descent see him as their patron god and would usually call upon his name when doing magic incantations. He is currently seen as the "God of Magic", despite having no relation to it.​

​

Xenos, the God of Death and Destruction, is considered as the group's sheep by the common mortal. He is the one of the two who broke Cavalle's laws, and is now currently restrained to a form of a small orb of dark-colored energy, surrounded by chains. As such, his powers are greatly weakened. People see him as the one who gets to choose who will die and who will not, hence, he is prayed upon during dire situations.​

​

Crea, the Goddess of Dreams and Nightmares, is the most loved of them all. More than half religiously worship her and give offerings. In return, the goddess grants her faithful pleasant dreams - a relaxing escape from the stressful mortal realm. Unfortunately, she has broken one of Cavalle's laws and is subjected to an indefinite sleep.​

The Ancients

A religion that goes alongside the old gods, almost non-existent in the land of Ayoth. They worship the Ancients - the ones who came before the gods, as their scriptures would say. Like the old gods, these Ancients hold domain over the aspects of the world. Though their traditions are similar with those of the above, they are considered to be very different.​

​

Unfortunately, only a countable few know of this religion even know of such things.​

 

[Reinhardt]

AYOTHIAN CALENDAR
In his 8th year of reign, the Emperor Socleid revealed a way to track the days of the year - a calendar. Initially, it was only used by the Socleid Empire but eventually, people from all over Ayoth heard of such a thing and became very intrigued. It wasn't so soon that the calendar began to be used by all of the four nations - earning its moniker.

The calendar shows the following:

There are four months in a year.​

​

First is the Coksrum month, named after an ancient mythical creature who symbolizes prosperity. Those faithful to Arce tend to call this month Destana, a name belonging to a prophet in the holy writings. It has 76 days, and springtime usually comes on the 2nd day, and ends on the 70th day.​

​

Next is the Hearthglow month, which spans for 81 days in total. During this time, the weather usually ranges from warm to very hot - people tend to avoid staying out under the sun during this month. Granted, the hot season does fade out in about 40-50 days.​

​

Then, it would be Barvax month, named after yet another mythical creature, this time symbolizing rebirth. The believers of Arce call this month Leraol, the name of a hero guided by Arce in the stories passed down from generation to generation. It lasts for a lengthy 112 days, where snow begins to fall usually on the last 4 days of the month.​

​

Last but not least, is the month of Sanactia, named after Etrea Lanser's pet bird. It lasts for 91 days, with snowfall fading out on the last day. The weather this time is colder, as expected.​

​

Each nation has their own day of celebrations and festivities, but there are two days that all four nations unite to celebrate and remember:​

The 15th day of Hearthglow, is Etrea Lanser's day of birth - where festivities are held all over the lands for an entire day. And the 8th day of Sanactia, where lanterns are lit up all across the land to remember the untimely passing of the beloved Etrea Lanser.​