Lexielai
Cal Bear
- Welcome to THE CODEX, Astra -
INTRODUCTION
Hey! Welcome to the Astra Veda. Our story takes place in the sci-fi/fantasy setting of Trinity, a massive, continent-spanning city divided into many districts and levels. You take on the role of an Astra, a person gifted with the ability to become a supernatural warrior in this advanced society.
This is the Codex, a post dedicated entirely to the lore of this world. There is a lot of information already here, and I intend to add more soon! Take your time, and start with the summaries tab; it has all the information you need to know. I’ll reiterate one more time that you do NOT need to read everything. The content under the summaries tab was written to help you quickly learn the most important bits!
RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
- All RPNation rules apply, and the other usual suspects: no godmodding, bunnying, etc.
- Be respectful and considerate of other people.
- Keep communication civil. Do not rage at or harass anyone.
- Do not start drama or cause problems for your fellow players.
- You may only have have ONE character for now. I’ll open up additional slots when we have everything figured out.
- This roleplay is about perseverance and failure! Your character’s weaknesses are just as important as their strengths.
- Posts must be of reasonable quality, and at least one paragraph. I am not a stickler for word count, but I expect to see content with substance to it!
- If you are inactive (no posts or word from from you) for two weeks, then you will be taken out of the roleplay. If you’re busy, just let me know!
- If you have a problem with someone, including myself, take it to PM so send me a message.
LINKS
Astra Veda(IC)
Astra Veda (OOC)
The Codex (LORE)
Astra Veda (CS)
Discord Server
THE WARRIORS
THE ASTRAS
“Astra” is a word from the ancient language which translates to “weapon.” They are supernatural warriors who draw their power from Tejas, the fiery energy. It provides all Astras with enhanced strength, durability, longevity, health, regeneration, senses, and agility. Additionally each Astra is gifted with a special power, which can be a physical trait such as superhuman strength (even when compared to other Astras), or a supernatural ability like fire manipulation. These abilities tend to be related to the Avatar of each Astra, which is a unique mythological figure intimately linked to the Atman (soul) of these warriors.
The most powerful Astras are even capable of summoning and temporarily becoming their Avatar through chanting their unique mantra, significantly enhancing the potency and quality of their Tejas as well as granting near godlike power; however the process is so exhausting that even strong Astras are only capable of entering Avatar Form once per few days.
THE ASHVAMEDHA
The Ashvamedha is the most important sport in all of Trinity. It pits two teams of four Astras against one another in competition where the goal is to either accomplish a set objective or render the opposing team incapable of continuing on. For Astras it is an extremely important part of their career as it is like a secondary education, resume, and interview all in one; not only does it teach valuable field skills for the future, but it also the primary resource employers use to evaluate potential new recruits. Each Astra is allowed to play for five years before being cycled out, making it doubly important to perform well. The winners of regional tournaments are granted the title “Champion” to celebrate their achievements.
THE SETTING
TRINITY
Trinity is divided into five districts based on the cardinal directions. The Northern District, Kailasa, specializes in industry and manufacturing. The Western District, Ayodhya, is a hub for intellectual thought and commerce. The Eastern District, Kumbh, is the oldest district and the most traditional and religious. The Southern District, Arcadia, is the primary agricultural producer and the most rural. Finally the Central District, most often called “Central,” is the capital and home to the headquarters of most Imperial agencies, and is also the most politically-minded. Each district is further divided into levels. Levels 1-30 are the lower levels and dangerous, lawless lands home to criminals, the very poor, and the unwanted; levels 31-90 are the middle levels, which are mostly populated by working class citizens; and finally levels 91+ are considered the upper levels and the domain of the wealthy and elite.
THE ONE EMPIRE
The One Empire, also known as “the Empire,” is ruled by Her Majesty the Empress and governs the advanced society of Trinity. Imperial researchers first led the charge to reverse engineer the Precursor artifacts that formed the basis of modern technology, and still do so to this day. While citizens under the Empire are fairly free, there is zero tolerance for treason. The Empire is also the host of the Ashvamedha, and the largest employer of Astras post-Ashvamedha by far.
RACES
The Manu, ordinary humans, are the most populous race and form the backbone of the workforce. Meanwhile both the Devas and Asuras are humanoid races, but Devas tend to be blue-skinned and regal while Asuras are predator-like and menacing. There is a subtle attitude of animosity between the Devas and Asuras, which sometimes develops into racism and discrimination. Only humans are able to form hybrids, and their progeny are named Half-Asuras or Half-Devas. Hybrids tend to feel isolated in society with their general sentiment being that they belong to no race but their own.
THE ASTRAS
All Astras draw their power from the energy known as Tejas. It is described as feeling like an intense heat flowing through the body, most intense in the central channel within the torso and parting into the hundreds of pathways which carry it to even the most distant of fingertips. It is completely undetectable to all but the most sophisticated of sensor technology. Researchers were baffled upon first discovering the tiny, almost imperceptible change in exotic forms of particle radiation that coincided with an Astra’s use of Tejas, and to this day they still face difficulties in attempting to understand it.
Nonetheless the long lineage of Astras have spent generations learning to harness and master this powerful energy. Among the first of their discoveries were the many boons to vigorous, strong Tejas; including enhanced strength, durability, longevity, health, regeneration, senses, and agility. Indeed, fatal injuries to an average individual are mere bruises to an Astra, who appear to be physically superior in almost every way.
Young Astras often compete in the Ashvamedha, which serves as both a sport and a training institution. Here these unproved warriors are able to learn how to use their powers in a controlled setting as well as develop the fundamentals of teamwork, strategy, and combat needed for their future. The Ashvamedha thus serves a role similar to secondary education, a resume, and an interview all in one; it provides employers insight into the skills and attitude of young Astras, as well as their growth, before they “graduate” after their five-year cycle. Many later find work suited for their skills as a part of the Empire, particularly as the leading scouts on dangerous expeditions into the Wild.
MARTIAL PROWESS
Most Astras tend to exploit their physical advantages through martial training. Most tend to train in one or more traditions of weapon techniques or unarmed combat, such as the art of the sword or bow or spear. However, although all Astras are physically remarkable in all categories, a select few exhibit characteristics exceptional even among their peers. Some are gifted with superhuman strength or speed beyond the abilities of an average Astra, or have more unusual talents like impossibly quick cellular regeneration.
The incredible variety of traditions and physical abilities, combined with the Astra’s personal inclinations, often lead to distinctive styles of martial combat. For instance, the Divya Astra known as Elvira has an erratic, highly agile style based around her twin blades. Her eerie movements, in conjunction with her shadow-stepping, are combined with Elvira’s agile style to elicit terror among her foes as she dances around their defenses. In contrast there is the strong and sturdy style of the Champion Aella, who charges into the fray and absorbs attacks with her immense durability and shield while wearing down her foes, eventually smashing a hole in their defenses to deal the final blow.
SUPERNATURAL POWERS
Those who are not gifted with talent in a particular physical characteristic instead, as the ancient order of Astras discovered, display stranger and more supernatural powers. Powers with which to manipulate the elements of nature itself, step into the shadows, fly, or any of the innumerable possibilities. Like martial skills these powers can be cultivated with dedicated practice, however due to the vast variety of abilities which arise it has become nearly impossible to conceive any universal model of all of them. As such, unlike with the martial traditions, Astras gifted with powers are often forced to teach themselves.
Examples of such supernatural powers include those possessed by the Divya Astra named Shakra, who can manipulate and release powerful storms of lightning. Or, for example, there are the abilities of the Champion Ophelia, who is able to radiate and imbue objects with searing heat, allowing her to control the battlefield to her advantage as well as enhance the deadliness of her weaponry.ABILITIES
AVATAR FORM
Although Astras are already extraordinary for their physical and supernatural abilities, it turns out there is one more ultimate height to their power. This arises from their connection to a unique, powerful entity known as their Avatar. Some postulate these entities are wandering spirits; others that they are the gods who have chosen to be incarnated among their people. By far the most popular theory is that these entities are previous incarnations of the individual Astra who are linked to to their inner Atman (soul), though no one is truly sure. Nonetheless, it is widely accepted that Astras are able to access the same powers as these Avatars to a lesser degree regardless of whether they really are carryovers from a past life or not. .
More often than not these Avatars tend to be legendary or historical figures from the old era, before the Pralaya, who were either forgotten or dismissed as fiction with the passage of time. For instance, the Divya Astra Taryon is linked to the Avatar named Agni, who was an extremely powerful Deva known for his mastery of fire.
Only the most powerful Astras with abundant Tejas and incredible skill are able to discover the unique mantra needed to summon these Avatars and, temporarily, become united as one with them. The Champion Dysen is one noteworthy example, as when he enters Avatar Form he transforms into the magnificent yet terrifying visage of an ancient, extinct dragon.
The Avatar Form is particularly exceptional in that it temporarily combines the Astra’s skill and power with the pure Tejas of their past self, allowing them to reach unprecedented heights. Terrifyingly enough, some fully realized Astras in Avatar Form have destructive capabilities matching those of tactical nuclear warheads. It is fortunate then that only a select few have access to this ultimate ability, and most of those individuals watched under the careful eye of the Empire.
As a final note, generations of Astras have attempted to communicate with their Avatars to no avail. No one has yet proved successful in finding a way to speak with or learn from these entities, leading some to conclude that the Avatars are not a previous incarnation at all but a lingering remnant of energy from the old era. Nonetheless the mystery and mythos among the Astras and their Avatars continues to live on as they forge new legends, gifted with the strength of the old gods.
TEJAS
EXHAUSTION
While Tejas is an incredible source of power, it is also precious. Like a lifeforce, Astras who overextend themselves are liable to serious injury or death. Many times the ambitious, bright lives of young warriors have been snuffed out because they pushed themselves too hard. Those few who survived complete, total exhaustion of Tejas never recovered their previous power, permanently troubled by a perpetual sense of loss like a phantom limb.
To counteract this, Astras put significant effort into enhancing their quantity and quality of Tejas. There are three common ways to accomplish this. The first is to expend Tejas while training which has been observed to build up Tejas like a muscle. The second is to perform physical training and hone the body; this is often combined with the first technique for maximal gains. Finally the most difficult and slow method is to refine the Atman (soul) through meditation, spirituality, and acquiring knowledge. Generations of Astras have discovered that focus, inner peace, a sense of purpose, and conviction are all expressions of a strong Atman (soul), which also improves the quantity of Tejas. However this technique is practiced the least as it is the most inefficient per time spent; it is mostly practiced among the most powerful of Astras, who turn to it when they begin facing the diminishing returns of the first two techniques as they closely approach their glass ceiling.
EMOTIONAL BURSTS AND "GOING BERSERK"
One more thing! While a peaceful mind does improve the overall power of Tejas, strong emotions provide do provide a significant, short-term improvement at the cost of increased expenditure of Tejas. In times of great distress, Astras have demonstrated incredibly potent powers beyond their normal limits. For this reason there are Astras who strive to maximize their inner rage to enhance their abilities, which has been called “going berserk.” Some, however, disagree with the time spent developing a technique that is inconsistent, short-term, and unsustainable for long periods. The choice ultimately depends on the personalities of the individual Astra. The Champion Kalkin, for instance, does not rely on emotional power due to his stoic nature and preference for consistency. Meanwhile the Divya Astra Elvira is a master of using intense emotions, particularly in utilizing bloodlust to unsettle her foes and settle skirmishes quickly.
THE ASHVAMEDHA
The Ashvamedha is the modern version of an ancient tradition from the old era. Where it was once a ritual performed by kings to prove sovereignty, it is now a proving ground among Astras to demonstrate their might. It is vitally important among young Astras for catching the eye of potential employers, who screen through their performance in the competition to judge their usefulness. It is thus like a secondary education, resume, and interview all in one for these young warriors. However, while an important institution, not all Astras participate in the Ashvamedha; some go on to lead successful lives without playing at all. For the rest without special connections of these individuals, however, it is one of the only opportunities for success as the only certified organizations allowed to employ Astras all use the Ashvamedha as their primary resource for recruitment.
For the last few millennia it has become the most important sport in all of Trinity. Highly anticipated matches in the Ashvamedha have become like holidays, and are often accompanied by massive celebrations. Many citizens of Trinity participate in modified versions of the Ashvamedha (which are much safer) for fun, although only Astras have access to the supernatural abilities to play as intended.
Starting with their rookie year, Astras are each given a five-year period of play with which to prove themselves. Astras are released after their fifth year, and those that perform well often go on to bring great prosperity for themselves and their family. It is thus vital that they do the best they can in the limited time they have.
STRUCTURE
EVENTS
The Ashvamedha first begins in the mid-Fall and Winter season, leading up to the eventual Winter Regional Finals. From there the Asvamedha resumes in the Spring after a brief hiatus and continues to the early Summer, when the Summer Regional Finals are held. Based on points earned in the Winter and Summer seasons, teams from each region are then given the opportunity to go to Central District for the Trinity Championship Series, also known as the Rajasuya. Named after an ancient tradition about the consecration of kings, the annual Rajasuya is one of the most anticipated events of the year.
GAMES
Individual games are played between two teams, often based on accomplishing objectives with significant elements of strategy, teamwork, and combat. The exact nature of the game varies each season as the administrators of the Ashvamedha rotate their game designs to promote strategic variety and keep the game fresh. Some game types from previous Ashvamedhas included “Capture the Flag” and “King of the Hill” type rules, or involved scenarios resembling real-life like relic-hunting or hunting various dangerous beasts. Winners are declared when a team achieves the overall objective, the opposing team surrenders, or when one team is unable to continue on.
TEAMS
Teams are formed by a total of four players. While there are many variations on team structure, most tend to appoint one of the four as the leader to make decisions in-game. Furthermore teams often hire coaches to train players and help them design and execute strategies, although coaches are unable to participate once a game of the Ashvamedha begins. Sometimes teams are sponsored by various organizations, which provides brand revenue to both parties and helps finance team activities.
CHAMPIONS
Winners of recent regional tournaments, like the Winter or Summer Finals, are granted the title of “Champion”. Each member of the winning team is awarded the official title, but most often when mentioning the “Champion” of a particular region one is referring to the MVP of the winning team (usually their leader). In that colloquial sense there are four Champions at a time which are important to the people of Trinity. Currently these four are: Kalkin, the Champion of Kumbh; Aella, the Champion of Arcadia; Dysen, the Champion of Ayodhya; and Ophelia, the Champion of Kailasa.
DISTRICTS
Trinity is divided into five districts based on the cardinal directions. Each district except Central has a Champion who is the MVP of the winning team of each regional Ashvamedha.
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Kailasa; Champion - Ophelia
Situated atop, within, and throughout the mountain ranges north of the Golden Palace is Kailasa, the Northern District. As a region extremely rich in minerals and natural resources, Kailasa stands as the center of industrial manufacturing in Trinity. Life at such high altitudes and often cold temperatures is harsh even with the luxuries of modern technology, leading to the inhabitants of Kailasa becoming recognized for their resourcefulness and adaptability. Many end up becoming the leading engineers of the modern era. As a result the Northern District is also known for its breathtaking accomplishments in engineering, including the many hollowed-out mountains that form the basis of the living spaces in Kailasa.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Arcadia; Champion - Durga
Of all the districts of Trinity, only Arcadia has wholeheartedly embraced its connection to nature. It is by far the largest of all the districts, and also the primary exporter of food products. Tens of thousands of massive, food-synthesizing and processing plants lie interconnected with their idyllic forest and grassland surroundings. While climate here varies wildly from tropical rainforests to deserts, Arcadia has managed to incorporate all of them to produce a wide variety of tourist attractions and getaways in addition to its agricultural exports. Arcadia is also the most flat of all the districts, and the only one to remain in touch with the ground and soil at its roots, leading it to also be the site of many archaeological expeditions in search of Precursor artifacts; regrettably, few have been found. Nonetheless the people here are very welcoming and pride themselves on their simple lifestyles and prevalent attitude of hospitality. This has also led to denizens of the other, more urbanized districts to dismiss southerners as “country folk,” to the dismay of the Arcadians who have emigrated to the other districts.
WESTERN DISTRICT
Ayodhya; Champion - Dysen
Prosperous and advanced, Ayodhya is the home to most of Trinity’s top universities. As such it has also become a center for intellectuals across the continent, from artists and poets to scientists and engineers. Several prominent companies have followed in their wake, hoping to attract this top talent to gain an edge over the competition. The huge accumulation of wealth here has led to significant investments in infrastructure and private security, though primarily on a superficial level; while the top levels of Ayodhya shines as a bright, beautiful marvel in architecture, the lower levels have suffered significantly. Prevalent wealth inequality and a surge in unemployment have significantly driven up crime in the lower regions, exacerbated by the organized crime which has also found opportunity here. Ayodhya has become the site of extreme stratification become the prosperous upper levels and dangerous lower ones, although the long-term effects of this division remain to be seen.
EASTERN DISTRICT
Kumbh; Champion - Kalkin
Kumbh has maintained cultural, historical, and religious significance to Trinity for generations. It is renown primarily for being home to many sacred temples of the varying religions within Trinity and several major historical locations, as it was the first district constructed. The residents of Kumbh take pride in their spirituality and traditional roots, and religion is far more prominent here than in the other regions. It is also a major hub for military due to the presence of many prominent military academies. Combined with its many martial traditions, Kumbh produces many of Trinity’s finest warriors. Interestingly Kumbh also produces more Astras per person than any other district. Religious leaders attribute this to their people’s spirituality and connection to the gods that bless them with these gifts, while researchers are uncertain as to the truth of this claim. Due to the poorly understood nature of the Astras and the difficulty of the study itself, the reason for their relative abundance in Kumbh has remained a mystery to this day.
CENTRAL DISTRICT
The Golden Palace | Central
The Golden Palace refers to both the Central District and the actual building itself, which is home to the Empress and the Divya Astras. Often this region is colloquially called “Central” to avoid confusion and clarify whether one is referring to the district as opposed to the building. Although the smallest of the five districts, Central is the most influential. Most Imperial agencies are headquartered here, as is the Imperial Senate. Known primarily for its political nature, the residents of Central tend to favor politically-minded thinking and are some of the fiercest advocates for Imperial nationalism. However, to most citizens, Central is a distant place except during the Trinity Championship Series, also known as the Rajasuya, which livens up the district in the largest and most festive celebration in all of Trinity as individuals travel from across all the districts to attend this momentous event.
Central is also well known for its distinctive landmarks, the three mysterious Precursor rings. These ancient constructs are made of a material impenetrable to modern technology, and their purpose is still unclear despite generations of study. They linger as one of Trinity’s greatest mysteries to this day.
TECHNOLOGY
Trinity has come far, if stories are to be believed. Although there are few records of the city’s early history, historians are well aware of the rapid advancement in technological prowess since Trinity’s inception. Many of these groundbreaking discoveries were reverse-engineered by studying Precursor artifacts.
As a result of previous generations’ hard work, citizens of Trinity now enjoy many unprecedented benefits. Health, longevity, flying vehicles, and genetic manipulation are all available, though often gated behind a price barrier. Indeed, with time has come a stark division in society between the very wealthy and the poor. The former has access to all the most beneficial technologies in the world while the latter struggles to make-do with leftovers and improvisation.
For instance, cybernetic technology has become a popular alternative to bio-prosthetics, as its is much easier to acquire a jank, make-do machine in a shady alley than it is to travel and pay for a the prestigious medical services of many prosthetic clinics. Computer and mobile technology is also very prevalent, with the upper levels employing the latest holographic and quantum technology while the rest of the population settles with larger, beat up datapads on physical screens. Meanwhile most commercial weaponry, which have risen in importance due to the dangerous nature of the lower levels, involve hyper-advanced versions of traditional designs such as swords, bows, and arrows. While certain versions of specialized weaponry like firearms exist, they are tightly regulated and exclusively used by elite agents of the Empire.
Notably in recent years scientific advancement has slowed as fewer and fewer new Precursor artifacts are found, leading researchers struggling to engineer new discoveries. The long-term effects of this slowdown remain to be seen.
LEVELS
Trinity was always designed to build upwards. Each district is thus further divided into over a hundred levels. Although not officially divided in this way, levels of residence are often also used as markers of social status. The lowest levels, 1-30, are the domain of the poor, criminal, and unwanted, who live in a dangerous and lawless society where the Empire rarely ventures. Meanwhile the middle levels, 31-90, are the most populated. Most citizens here are working class, often as service workers or in blue collar jobs. Finally the upper levels, 91+, are home to the wealthy and elite.
THE ONE EMPIRE
The One Empire is most often referred to as “the Empire” or sometimes “Trinity,” the latter due to the entity’s intimate association with the city. The Empire traces its lineage to the first Empress who united the three races to build Trinity, and thus christened the name “One Empire” in remembrance of how the Asuras, Devas, and Manus absolved their differences in pursuit of one goal. In all of history the Empire has always been defended by its seven holy guardians, the Divya Astras or Divine Weapons; although the holders of the title have changed over the course of history, they have always prevalent icons of the Empire. Furthermore the Empire and Trinity have always been one and the same, and as such for some the names are interchangeable. Some are working to change that through expansionist policies and colonization attempts in the Wild, but these efforts have historically ended in catastrophic failure. For now the territory of the Empire lies primarily in Trinity, though considering the size and population of the city that is hardly a small area.
THE EMPIRE AND ASTRAS
The Empire is also one of the primary employers of Astras, as it hosts the Ashvamedha and later recruits Astras as key players of many of its agencies. For example, most of the elite operatives and leaders in law enforcement and the military are Astras, as is the security detail for many classified research projects. In recent years Astras have also been employed more and more often to explore the Wild, but even they have trouble with its dangers.
Astras are also employed in roles outside the field. Although they are exceptional warriors, young Astras tend to also exhibit exceptional personal character during the Ashvamedha. As a result they often prove themselves to also possess the intelligence, strategic-mind, charisma, and resilience needed to excel in any trade or business. Some Astras even go on to become government officials, such as the Lords and Governors who manage the districts or the Senators that represent the people in Central. A very select few even become Divya Astras, the most prestigious position an Astra can ever attain.
GOVERNMENT AND CITIZENSHIP
The Empress, and the Divya Astras, wield near unlimited power in the Empire and Trinity, although they tend to only exercise their absolute authority when necessary. In regards to governing practices, the Empire is both centralized and decentralized. To facilitate better management it has divided Trinity into five districts, each of which is led by a Governor who then appoints several Lords to manage the subdistricts within each region. Citizens are able to participate in a limited democracy that allows them to elect certain representatives in their local government and the Imperial Senate, although often official decisions are in the hands of higher Imperial officials like the Governors and Empress. Meanwhile many critical Imperial institutions are managed from a single headquarters at Central District, which carries out operations regardless of district borders. This includes law enforcement agencies, who work with local district officials to carry out their duties. The Senate as well is one of the major lawmakers in the Empire, and is headed by the Divya Astra named Artanian. Ultimately, however, while the Senators have a limited ability to exert influence and voice their opinion on official Imperial law and policy, it is up to the highest ranked officials (such as Artanian and the Empress) to approve of all important decisions.
Citizens of the Empire tend to be fairly free. While they are not immune to extensive attempts at national surveillance, people are more or less given the right to practice religion and act as they please. Besides, the infrastructure for such monitoring has fallen into disrepair in the last few centuries. Furthermore, with a growing ability to counter such surveillance, the lower levels of Trinity have tended to become lawless lands where criminals rule. That is a fine outcome for most of Trinity’s law enforcement, who are more concerned with keeping the peace in the high-middle and upper levels. There are, of course, limits. The Empire, while it does not resort to it often, maintains the right to do whatever it pleases to root out traitors and conspirators against the government. While lawyers are available and often helpful for petty crimes and sometimes serious violations, they find their clients’ prospects to be abysmally grim when formally accused of treason.- MANU
Humans
The most populous race by far. In the old age the primitive Manu, or humans, viewed the advanced Devas and Asuras as gods. They worshipped their masters and decided to serve in their armies on either side, with the only alternative being annihilation in the crossfire. In the modern era they are short-lived compared to the Devas and Asuras, but make up for it with versatility and adaptability. Humans form the backbone of the workforce of Trinity, but few of them ever join the ranks of the elite.
ASURAS
Demons
Asuras have a subtly poor reputation in Trinity. Their ancestors waged a vicious war with the ancient civilization of the Devas and, although the two races are now at peace, the Devas have never forgotten. This is exacerbated by the menacing appearance of many Asuras, who tend to be humanoid yet draw characteristics from dangerous predators such as sharp teeth. The humans and Devas often see Asuras as dangerous, criminal, or evil due to their appearance and history; this ends up becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, placing Asuras in the lower levels of society. While they do share a preference for individuality and freedom, which sometimes leads to chaos or anarchy, the widespread judgement of their people is entirely unfounded. They are also long-lived compared to humans.
DEVAS
Gods
Once worshipped as gods, the Devas were an advanced civilization at war with the Asuras in the old era. Although they ceased official hostilities when Trinity was established, the culture of Devas maintain a subtle animosity towards their Asuras brethren; racism and favoritism for fellow Devas is not uncommon. Most Devas appear as humanoids with skin like a blue lotus, but are exceptional for their longevity compared to humans. Other members of their race appear as regal or noble to the eyes of humans, which helps propel their often elite social status in society. Additionally Devas tend to somewhat prefer order and discipline but, like with humans, there are exceptions.
HYBRIDS
Half-Devas and Half-Asuras
There are a few members of society who possess the blood of two races. Humans are able to sire children with both Asuras and Devas, and their progeny are thus named with the elder race in mind. They typically appear very similar to humans save for a few key differences, which vary widely; some have unusually colored eyes or hair, or new physical chracteristics like wings or claws. Hybrids are viewed as “impure” in some traditional circles and thus treated like dirt. More liberal, modern culture strives to treat hybrids as equals. Regardless hybrids tend to feel isolated from society, belonging to no community but their own. Devas and Asuras have, so far, been unable to reproduce with one another.
.THE WILD
“The Wild is relentless. It will not hesitate to kill you if you give it the chance. It has no remorse; no pity. Beware of it.” Coach Zoran
Most people live out the entirety of their lives within the vast metropolis of Trinity, but the world continues on beyond. Known as “the Wild,” these endless stretches of unknown territory past the edge of Trinity remain relatively unexplored even in the modern era.
The Wild is a vibrant monument to the raw power of nature. Explorers have discovered a variety of awe-inspiring environments in the Wild, including towering jungles teeming with life and brutal mountain ranges of freezing ice. The Wild extends all around Trinity indefinitely, and encompasses the entirety of the world outside Trinity. To the south and west, beyond Arcadia and Ayodhya, is the continued landmass of the continent on which the people of Trinity reside. Meanwhile past the North is the steep, impossibly high slopes of even more mountains extending out to the horizon and beyond. And finally to the East is the boundless ocean known for its uncharted depths. All these regions collectively form what is known as the Wild.
If the environmental challenges of these territories were the only hurdles of the Wild, then it would be fairly trivial for Trinity to expand. The city, after all, has already demonstrated its prowess with environmental adaptations in the many mountain-wards of Kailasa and the integrated, nature-friendly designs of Arcadia. Yet, hundreds of colonization attempts have still failed over the years due to two confounding powers: the residents of the Wild, and intense wild Tejas radiation.
RESIDENTS OF THE WILD
The Wild is known for its extreme, wondrous displays of natural power. Lush plants grow here far more aggressively than most of the known counterparts within Trinity, resulting in massive trees growing over a kilometer tall and many varieties of aggressive, man-eating plants.
To colonizers, the flora poses significant danger. If they are not careful, they may be caught in traps by mushrooms releasing poisonous gas. However, it is often the fauna which becomes the most pressing threat. They hunt, stalk, and easily kill most colonists who venture outside Trinity. Even with the advances in modern weaponry, these predators (and sometimes even prey) of the Wild easily dispatch entire colonies on their own.
These beasts have often been named “monsters” in recognition of their truly terrifying feats. Some of them grow over a hundred feet tall, while others close vast distances and strike faster than the blink of an eye. Their bodies are menacing and alien displays of raw power that evoke primal fear. Scientists are unsure as to how these creatures have become so deadly, although they speculate there are several factors involved.
One popular opinion attributes the traits of these monsters to a snowball effect resulting from the significant quantities of oxygen produced by ever-expanding plantlife, which has fueled the growth of larger and more powerful creatures; scientists also believe that this resulted in a more competitive environment which, in accordance with natural selection, bred deadlier residents. However, as some argue, these ideas are not enough to explain the almost impossibly powerful nature of these creatures. These critics believe that the residents of the Wild have been mutated by the intense Tejas radiation believed to permeate the unknown territories. Early observations seem to corroborate this hypothesis as these monsters appear to exhibit physical enhancements similar in nature to those of Astras, but due to the still misunderstood nature of Tejas and Astras in general it has become very difficult to scientifically evaluate this last proposition.
Regardless these monsters are incredibly dangerous. In hopes of dealing with them, the Empire has sent many scouts of Astras to explore and clear out the Wild. These attempts have met little success. Over the millennia, thousands of Astras have died at the hands of monsters unhappy with people invading of their homes. With the realization that even their best warriors were unable to deal with the threats of the Wild, Trinity and the Empire has rescinded most of its colonization efforts to instead focus on developing existing territory in order to accommodate its growing population. While Astra scouts still regularly travel to the Wild, their mission is more often than not just to keep tabs on the monsters rather than to eliminate them.
In the meantime the Empire has fortified its position by building massive fortresses and walls outside of Trinity’s borders, and stationed most of its military presence in these defensive posts. As a result monsters tend to avoid Trinity, and so monster attacks are exceedingly rare. In fact, the last known attack occurred over a century ago; assignments to the border have thus become a relatively boring and risk-free position for most soldiers. Nonetheless border defense is one of Trinity’s many important traditions, and a meaningful symbolic gesture to the people. Monsters are the stuff of nightmares and scary stories for Trinity’s citizens, so showing some measure of protection comforts them immensely.
Yet, as a few rare accounts by Astra scouts suggests, there are even more enigmatic creatures in the Wild besides monsters. Named “Yakshas,” after the name for mysterious and supernatural creatures in religious texts, these beings have only been glimpsed in passing. Considering that most Astras who encounter Yakshas tend to disappear, these creatures continue to spark curiosity and alarm. Their existence is kept by the Empire as a tight secret, both to privately gather more information and to not alarm the population.
WILD TEJAS
Those early colonists who were not killed by monsters or aggressive fauna soon succumbed to a more insidious force: an overflow of Tejas. Indeed, most people are unable to deal with the vast quantities of free-flowing wild Tejas that seems to permeate the Wild. They tend to die in writhing agony, bleeding out from every pore as their body is torn apart on a cellular level. So far only Astras have been able to tolerate wild Tejas for any longer than a few days, yet even they are at risk of Tejas overflow with enough exposure. The most powerful and skilled have sometimes been able to channel this wild energy into themselves and use it, but the process requires extremely precise control. If they are not careful an Astra can quickly become overwhelmed by wild Tejas and lose themselves. It is thus not a risk most Astras are willing to take except for Divya Astras and other similarly powerful individuals, but even they are wary of it.
Scientists are unsure as to why exactly the Wild is so suffused with wild Tejas. This is not surprising considering they hardly understand the energy itself. Some even question if this wild Tejas is even Tejas at all, as many Astras attest that the feeling of wild Tejas is very different from the energy they are accustomed to using. Even more mysteriously, wild Tejas only spreads selectively. It appears to mainly be confined to the Wild, and for some reason, has absolutely zero leakage into Trinity itself. Today it and the Wild remain just another mystery of the world, and one that will likely remain so for a long time in the future.- THE FAITH
Trinity is host to many religions both new and old. The most ancient, dating back to before the founding of Trinity, is known as the Faith. It has always been the most influential religion in Trinity, and remains the most prominent; it is and has always been so ubiquitous there was never a need to denominate the Faith as anything but. Unlike other religions, the Faith has no single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed upon set of teachings. Throughout history, there have been many holy figures teaching different philosophies and writing holy scriptures. For these reasons, the Faith is less of a singular religion and more a way of life, or a family of religions.
While the Faith remains significant for its historical influence and its importance to traditional society, it is not all-important in the modern world. Younger generations are increasingly driven towards scientific thought, self-determinism, and divergent beliefs. While in many traditional communities it remains a way of life, the practice of the Faith has become more disputed than ever before. Nonetheless, its traditions have rooted themselves deep in Trinity’s culture. Even in a tumultuous time for religion, the legacy of the Faith continues to carry on in the lives of Trinity’s people whether they believe in it or not.
TRADITIONS OF THE FAITH
The Faith is not easily defined because of its variance. Some claim one is born into the Faith through Manu heritage, but there are now many followers of non-Manu descent. Others claim that its core feature is belief in an impersonal Supreme deity, but important traditions have long described and worshipped a personal God. Outsiders often criticize the Faith as being polytheistic, but many adherents claim to be monotheists."Man cannot answer his own questions; for if that were so, we would know all there is to know." Manu, Ancient Sage and Progenitor of the Manu People
Followers of the Faith also revere the ancient Vedas, the four sacred texts believed to define cosmic truths. These texts were believed to be gifted directly to scholars by God, and then passed down to generations thereafter. Orthodoxy is often defined as compliance with the teachings of the Vedic texts, yet even this is disputed. Others instead identity their tradition with ‘dharma”, the eternal order of conduct that transcends any specific body of sacred literature. It is therefore important to recognize that The Faith is flexible, and is a highly divergent family of traditions which branches out from the roots of a few core beliefs.
WHAT IS GOD TO THE FAITH?
By IDA TORSION
Director of the Imperial Academy of Sciences
While there are many deities in The Faith, it is too simplistic to define it as a polytheistic religion. Most members of the Faith believe instead that there is a Supreme God, whose qualities and forms are represented by the multitude of deities which emanate from him. God, being unlimited, can have unlimited forms and expressions after all. As a result the many traditions of The Faith acknowledge the existence of these many deities, but are divided on who among them is the true Supreme God from whom all the other gods are derived.
This supreme being has also been referred to as the “ultimate reality”, which may seem like a confusing term at first. It has been defined as the deepest nature of things, an existence under all that exists which transcends the physical and non-physical dimensions of our world. It refers to the most-powerful, all-inclusive state of how all things are, not how we wish they were.
To clarify, ordinary reality is the product of the individual conscious mind, but the ultimate reality is independent of observation; it exists without man’s help. Belief in the ultimate reality is therefore the belief that there is a an eternal truth or principle governing the universe that exceeds human mentality, and from which is derived the origin of all things; in other words, the ultimate reality has also been defined as God.
The traditions of the Faith approach this ultimate reality, and the God synonymous with it, in a number of ways. Devout believers can relate to God as a majestic king, as a parental figure, as a friend, as a child, as a beautiful woman, or even as a ferocious Goddess. Each person can relate to God in their desired form. For example, some may be drawn towards Lord Krishna, and others toward Kali.
Today the modern traditions of the Faith are defined by their attraction to a particular deity. Most followers of the Faith also universally recognize that, above all other gods, there exists a triumvirate of deities believed to be the most supreme: Vishnu (the Preserver), Shiva (the Destroyer), and Devi (the Goddess). The three major traditions, which have persisted historically to be the most influential and popular across time, are distinguished by their worship of a particular member of this triumvirate as the Supreme God from whom all other deities, including the rest of the triumvirate, are born.
Vaishnavism
Worships: Vishnu, the Preserver
Followers: Vaishnavas
Vaishnavism is centered on the devotion of Vishnu and his avatars. They believe that Vishnu is the supreme person, and acknowledge that all living beings are eternal persons. Thus, all life’s problems are rooted in the individual soul’s forgetfulness of his or her relationship with God. Some Vaishnava sects even believe that the observable world is illusory (maya), and that true reality is Vishnu, the ultimate reality. Regardless, most Vaishnavas hope to spend eternity in Vishnu’s presence after achieving liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Vaishnavas are also notable for their avatar doctrine, wherein Vishnu is revered through his many distinct incarnations. They believe that he, the Preserver, defends righteousness and goodness in the world in keeping with the moral law (dharma) by descending down to Earth as an avatar. The extensive mythology attached to Vishnu is largely from these avatars. Although this notion of gods incarnating among mortals as an avatar is found elsewhere in the Faith, it is basic to Vaishnavism.
The classical number of incarnations is ten. They are Matsya (the Fish), Kurma (the Tortoise), Varaha (the Boar), Narasimha (the Man-Lion), Parashurama (Rama-with-the-Ax), King Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and the future incarnation, Kalkin. Notably, Kalkin has since become a popular name for newborns in Trinity, whose parents hope it will bestow good fortune and the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
Shaivism
Worships: Shiva, the Destroyer
Followers: Shaivites
Shaivism is a very deep, devotional, and mystical denomination of the Faith. It is considered the oldest tradition, and its followers hold Shiva to be the entire universe, or the ultimate reality. Shaivites believe Shiva reconciles in his person semantically opposite, though complementary, aspects: he is both terrifying and mild, destroyer and restorer, eternal rest and ceaseless activity. These seeming contradictions allude to his mysterious duality. He is also expressed as the cosmic dancer, who is the originator of the eternal rhythm of the universe. He is the master of both tandava, the fierce, violent dance that gives rise to energy, and lasya, the gentle, lyric dance representing tenderness and grace.
Yet, while the dancing Shiva is an important and popular representation, his abstract form is perhaps the most commonly seen portrayal throughout Trinity. Shiva is depicted as a conical shaft (linga) of fire within a womb (yoni), illustrating the union of male and female forces to generate the universe. To this end, Shiva is sometimes depicted as androgynous (both male and female). As the Destroyer, Shiva is also said to dance the universe to destruction at the end of an eon. This fate is not as grim as it may seem, as Shiva is believed to rid the bonds that confine the soul to earthly existence and liberate it from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Shaktism
Worships: Devi, the Goddess
Followers: Shaktas
Shaktism worships Shakti, the Divine Mother, and regards all female deities as her manifestations. In Trinity she is more commonly referred to generically as the Devi, the feminine form of Deva in the ancient language (modern language uses Devi exclusively in reference to the Goddess, while referring to female Devas as simply Devas). Practitioners of Shaktism conceive the Devi to to be the personification of the universe’s primordial energy and the source of the cosmos. In the details of its philosophy and practice, Shaktism greatly resembles Shaivism, as Shiva is believed to be the consort of the Devi; since Shiva embodies the male aspect and Devi the female, the two principles of Shaktism and Shaivism are believed to be complementary. The magnitude and significance afforded to Shaktism indeed illustrates the theological reverence for the female within the Faith, and points toward the fundamental necessity of a female image of the divine.
Followers of the Faith, and Shaktas in particular, approach the Devi through her many forms. Some personify her benevolent aspects; others personify her fierce, destructive aspects. Among the thousands of goddesses which exist, followers are welcome to choose the form most suited for them. Still, among these innumerable manifestations of the Devi, there are a few highly popular forms that are more widely known and worshipped throughout Trinity. These goddesses include Durga (the Aspect of the Warrior), Kali (the Aspect of Destruction and Time), Lakshmi (the Aspect of Material Wealth), Parvati (the Aspect of Spiritual Fulfillment), Saraswati (the Aspect of Culture and Knowledge), Gayatri (the Aspect of the Mother and Mantras), Ganga (the Aspect of the Divine River), Sita (the Aspect of Virtue), and Radha (the Aspect of Love). Each of these divinities is highly connected to the other goddesses as diverse aspects of the supreme Goddess, and are sometimes said to be the Shakta counterparts to the Vaishnava Dasavatara (“Ten Avatars of Vishnu”).
BELIEFS OF THE FAITH
REINCARNATION, KARMA, AND MOKSHA
The Faith believes all that exists occurs in cycles, including life and death. Known otherwise as ‘samsara’, this endless cycle of life, death, and reincarnation oversees the transfer of the Atman (the eternal soul) from one body to another. The Faith believes that, by living righteously and morally, one may generate ‘karma’, a word from the ancient language whose literal meaning is ‘action’. It refers to the belief that every action has an equal reaction either immediately or at some point in the future. Good or virtuous actions, actions in harmony with dharma, will have good responses and bad actions, actions against dharma, will have the opposite effect. In the Faith, karma operates not only in this lifetime but across lifetimes; the results of an action might only be experienced after the present life in a new reincarnation. Followers of the Faith believe that people can create good or bad consequences for their actions and might reap the rewards of action in this life, in a future rebirth, or reap the rewards of action in a heavenly or hell realm for a period of time between reincarnations.
Nevertheless, the ultimate goal of life is not to acquire karma. It is not to live well in the next life, nor to live prosperously in heaven in the time in-between reincarnations. It is, in fact, to achieve ‘moksha’—liberation from samsara, the cycle, entirely. Indeed, the Faith believes that samsara is undesirable: souls must not only endure old age, sickness, and the other sufferings of life over and over again, but also face the unpredictability of the future. Because past lives affect future ones, a person is never sure about their reincarnation and the suffering that that might accompany it because of past actions. The goal of life is therefore to dispel the illusion (maya) of samsara, and allow the self to recognize their connection to the ultimate reality. By fully grasping the unity of oneness of all things, a daunting task achieved over the course of multiple lifetimes, the believer has the potential to break the illusion upon which samsara is based and achieve moksha, liberation.
THE ASTRA CONTROVERSY
Astras have, for many years, been a hotly debated topic for the Faith. On one hand, some claim they prove that religion and the gods were merely cults following mortals who were divinized by society’s primitive ancestors. Others contest that their supernatural existence actually validates their beliefs, and even that they are the gods themselves descended onto Earth in accordance with the avatar doctrine. Both viewpoints have gathered significant traction within Trinity, and neither had managed to irrefutably disprove the other despite claiming to do so. Notably, while most recorded deities have surfaced as the Avatars of various Astras over the millennia, the triumvirate remains suspiciously absent. Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi have never been absolutely confirmed to be the Avatars of any Astra, despite false claims to the contrary. This mystery continues to accompany discourse on the debate to this day.DHARMA
In the Faith, ‘dharma’ is the religious and moral law governing individual conduct. It has no direct translation to the common tongue, but is also similar to honor and a virtuous way of living. In addition to the universal dharma which applies of everyone (sadharana dharma)—consisting of truthfulness, non-injury, and generosity, among other virtues—people must all follow a dharma specific of them to be followed according to their class, status, family, age, gender, and station in life. The dharma of a simple cleaner, for instance, may wildly differ from the dharma of an influential Astra. Following your dharma is considered your duty, and karma is the cosmic law which punishes or rewards you for your unfaithfulness or adherence to it. Thus karma is the primary justification for living an ethical life in accordance with both sadharana dharma (universal duty) and your specific dharma (individual duty).
Finding your specific dharma, however, is no easy task. Followers of the Faith often spend many years pondering what is their dharma even as they struggle to follow it. The ancient sage Manu, the progenitor of the Manu people, prescribed ten essential virtues for observance of dharma: patience, forgiveness, self-acceptance, honesty (more in reference to non-stealing than telling the truth; do not take what is not yours), sanctity, inner peace, reason, knowledge and learning, truthfulness, and absence of anger. These are guidelines designed to help followers of the Faith find their own path and live a fulfilling life.
The easiest example of dharma in action is through work and how people serve others. People serve in their job to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. They do not become bad people just because their job requires them to do unpopular things; they are merely following their dharma. Naturally, of course, this comes with the distinction that if you perform immoral actions for personal and selfish gain (i.e. steal), then you are not following your dharma. On the opposite side of the coin, people with good motivation and good heart despite making many mistakes are believed to still be practicing dharma, and are automatically engaging in a virtuous life.
The ultimate purpose of dharma is not only to attain a union of the soul with the ultimate reality, and as a result achieve moksha, but also to serve as a code of conduct intended to secure both worldly joys and supreme happiness. After all, although moksha may be the ultimate goal, is it not also desirable to live a fulfilling existence leading up to it?
DIVYA ASTRAS
The Divya Astras, or “Divine Weapons” in the ancient language, are the holy guardians of Trinity. They are often placed in very high ranking positions in the Empire, and have significant influence on society. Divya Astras are also very highly respected, and so many young Astras strive to become one in order to bring honor and prosperity to both themselves and their families. The following profiles all have images of these Divya Astras in Avatar Form.
SHAKRA
Astra of INDRA, King of the Devas
Shakra is the universally recognized leader of the Divya Astras, and the Supreme Commander of Trinity’s military arm. He shares the same arrogance and drunken ways as his Avatar, and while he commands respect for his power he secretly fears being usurped. Shakra wields the power of lightning like Indra, and is known to prefer his self-conjured lightning bolts over other weaponry.
TARYON
Astra of AGNI, Messenger of the Devas
Of all the Divya Astras, Taryon is by far the most public. He is the official spokesman of Her Royal Majesty, and the de facto face of the government. His charm, wit, and eloquence serve him well in that regard. Taryon is also a master of fire, like his Avatar, whose arrival is often marked by a swirl of flames and smoke.
IDA
Astra of SARASWATI, Goddess of Wisdom
Ida presides over the Imperial Institute of Science as its appointed director, to no one’s surprise. She is one of Trinity’s foremost leaders in scientific thought, and her extensive work on studying the Precursor artifacts has recently led the city through unparalleled advances in technology. Despite her achievements Ida much rather prefers the arts, leading her to also publish poetry under various pseudonyms as well.
ARTANIAN
Astra of VARUNA, Lord of Truth and Order
As the acting head of Trinity’s courts, senate, and law enforcement (the last due to Shakra’s aversion to responsibility), Artanian is theoretically the third most powerful individual in all of Trinity as he answers only to Shakra and the Empress herself; in practice, however, he yields more influence and is far more involved in day-to-day affairs than either. He commands water like his Avatar, and is known for his inescapable lasso in Avatar form.
ELVIRA
Astra of KALI, The Black Night
There is no greater terror in the world, claims Trinity’s underworld, than the shadowy silhouette of Elvira. She slips through the night like a predator, eager to partake in the hunt. As the top performing agent of Imperial covert operations, she is often tasked with weeding out the treacherous and malicious elements in the dark corners of Trinity, all under the supervision of Artanian. It is uncertain how much of her seeming insanity, and bloodlust, are merely expressions of her Avatar, but that hardly impedes the terrifying urban legends about her.
???
The last two members of the Divya Astras remain mysteries. Theories as to their identity and titles are inconsistent, and often traverse in wild directions.
CHAMPIONS
The winners of the most recent regional tournaments in each district is awarded the title “Champion” to celebrate their accomplishments. However, when referring to “Champion,” most people have the MVP of the winning team in mind; thus, colloquially, there are only four official Champions at a time. The following profiles contain images of these Champions in Avatar Form.
KALKIN
Astra of RAMA, Lord of All Lords; Champion of Kumbh
There are mortals, and then there are Gods. Since his unparalleled rookie performance that silenced crowds across Trinity, Kalkin has quickly been proving himself to be the latter. He is known for his stoic, calm disposition on stage and succinct speech. Unlike many of his competitors, Kalkin has no set style; rather, he is simply one step ahead of everyone else at all times. Analysts have their suspicions that his incredible foresight may, in reality, be a “sixth sense” of some sort, but no one is quite sure.
DYSEN
Astra of VRITRA, The River Dragon; Champion of Ayodhya
Dysen loves attention. As a showboat who is a tad selfish, like his Avatar, Dysen is an up-and-coming Astra who has worked hard to rapidly push his way into the spotlight, and it shows. Although controversial for his trashtalking and cocky attitude, he has become a fan favorite. His enemies most fear when he transforms into Avatar form and becomes the massive, terrifying dragon which spearheaded his fame.
AELLA
Astra of DURGA, The Invincible; Champion of Arcadia
Beautiful, yet powerful, Aella has risen in popularity in recent years as a role model to young women across Trinity. Her fierce, stalwart voice challenges the misogyny prevalent among the upper class of the city. However, if rumors are to be believed, she is also experiencing her own pressures from her family, who are said in quiet circles to be linked to Trinity’s underworld. Nonetheless, with an armory of weapons in hand and her faithful lion companion beside her, Aella rises to turn the world on its head.
OPHELIA
Astra of SEKHMET, The Powerful One; Champion of Kailasa
Ophelia commands respect among the Astras. Although she is most recognized for her wide smile, sociability, and chattiness, her peers are wary of the master tactician underneath that image. More than once Ophelia has led her teams to triumph against impossible odds, even holding her own in a now legendary duel against Kalkin. Her enormous fan base is equally impressive, as is her skill at securing advertising and merchandise deals. Yet few truly fear her more than when she calls upon her Avatar and all that cleverness and warmth fades away into the manic, sadistic bloodlust of her Avatar form.
EMPRESS VAILA
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The Empress is an enigmatic figure. Her perfect, smooth skin indicates youth, yet there are many elder members of society who remember her being just as young and beautiful while they were growing up. When appearing in public she shadows her face with an elegant hood, leading many to strain their eyes in attempts to discern her appearance to no avail. These occasions are rare, of course, as she prefers to interact primarily with her advisors to govern Trinity from the shadows.
Code inspired by KaiaWolf
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