The Eyes of The Emperor - Backstory

Macaberz

That's just like your opinion man
Purpose of this thread.


All noteworthy events, people and places will have an entry in this thread. If you wish to discuss these stories, please do so in the OOC thread, not below.


Legend.


  • Days, weeks, months and years on Anthium are all equivalent to real life.
  • BB - Before Brandobir's death.
  • AB - After Brandobir's death.


Timeline:


Genesis.


First, there was only light and darkness, intertwined in a balanced mixture, cancelling each other out. Without an apparent reason, without a cause, the balance was disturbed and The Union was broken. Ferlucci, the Great Demon was born and he usurped all darkness. His twinsister, Eliha was imbued with all light. He desired her and she loved him. Eliha birthed the world and brought light into it. They named it Ygil.


But Ferlucci was blinded by the light of Ygil and so he brought darkness into it, so he could see their creation. Thus, the light receded until only the stars were left as a testimony to the motherly love that Eliha had instilled in it. When she learned what he had done, she attacked him. Ferlucci had poured so much of his own substance into Ygil that he couldn't beat Eliha, and so he was defeated and chained. Devasted by the monstrosity Ferlucci had spawned, but too weak to restore Ygil, she left their creation and disappeared for good. But not before she created three sentinels. Argus, who watched over Ferlucci; Ava, who watched Ygil and gave life and Chava, who watched Ygil and took life.


Argus always watched Ferlucci so he couldn't use his powers to break free. But as Ava breathed life into Ygil, Argus looked on in amazement. Devious as he was, Ferlucci seized his only chance and broke free of Eliha's chains. He hid by descending into the world, and Argus followed him. Ferlucci foresaw this moment and shapeshifted into a Teumessian fox, the only creature that could outrun anything that chased it. But Argus was clever and with the help of Ava created Laelaps, a giant dog who was destined to catch everything it chased. Weakened by the creation of this powerful beast, Argus became bound to Ygil and could not leave it. For eons he roamed the stars until he settled on Panthos, the garden of Ava where she had crafted many life forms. Exhausted as she was by creating all the creatures in existence, she decided to rest, and fell into a deep sleep. Among her creation, Argus was revered as a God, but he did not wish to be and so he decided to become one with the world.


From the species that roamed Panthos he picked three, and three he picked. First, old and strong, were the Angi, a diverse, beast-like species who he loved very much for their fierce beauty. Second, mature and wise, were the Aleseans, they were fair creatures who lived in unison with their surroundings. Lastly, he picked the young and naive Humans, whom he respected for their undying hope and resilience. The Angi were given most of Eliha's light that resided in him. The Aleseans were second, and last were the humans, who he gave just enough light to rekindle hope. And so, magic was brought into the world.


Ferlucci heard of Argus's gift and, in his foxen disguise, came to Panthos. With Argus's power spread thin, Ferlucci began to corrupt The Angi. In their desire to grow stronger, most Angi gave in, and thus Ferlucci had Dragons, Great Snakes, Minotauri and many other Angi at his side. Secondly, he set his eye on the fair Aleseans. Most of the Aleseans were wise and withstood Ferlucci's false promises, but some succumbed to the call of infinite knowledge and Ferlucci made them his puppets to corrupt the world from within, after all: he could not linger in any one place for too long as Laelaps still chased him. Finally, he set his eye on Humans, who he deemed easy to deceive. Though he succeeded in bending many to his will, some resisted and he did not know how or why.


The Tyranny of Malik - 100BB


In this year, a fierce dragon named Malik terrorised the north and he could not be killed by anyone. Every century he'd crawl out of his lair and visited utter destruction on whoever was so bold to settle there. Despite the threat, many humans still lived there for the ground was fertile and no King had claimed the land. The barbarian Jirom was one of the many settlers and he conquered much of the land and established the nation of Bir. Twenty-six years before Malik's return, he married Stella and she birthed him Beonbir. Unlike his father, Beonbir was both fierce and wise and when he learnt of Malik, he tried to find a way to slay the beast. For many years he searched, but found nothing. Then, on the fortnight of Malik's return, he was visited by an Alesean called Astrid. She told him she could slay the beast if he gave her a son. To demonstrate her power, she cleaved a large mountain in half through magic, and since then it was known as Cleavetop. Desperate to be rid of Malik, Beonbir obliged to her strange request. After the deed was done, she left him in his house and when he woke up the following morning the ground was littered with splintered bones and chipped scales. Beonbir travelled to Malik's lair to make sure the dragon had been slain. The lair was empty, Malik had been defeated. When Beonbir returned he found no sign of Astrid.


Birth of Rafael - 100BB


The City of Turion - 100-77BB


Now freed of Malik's tyranny, Beonbir inherited his father's kingdom and began expanding it. He renamed the land 'Ved' or 'freed' in the common tongue and erected the stronghold Turion at the foot of Cleavetop. For thirteen years he ruled in peace, but the news of Malik's death had brought foreign eyes to Ved. A mighty clan came from the east, seeking to take the fertile soil and besieged Turion. Eventually, Beonbir and his kin were forced to desert the unfinished city and flee into the mountains.


Through a twist of fate, Beonbir came across an ancient temple, build into the bosom of the mountain. He was the only one who dared to venture inside the dark temple. When he returned, two days later, many of his kin had succumbed to the cold and hunger. Only one elder had remained outside, to wait for him. The others had deserted him. Beonbir returned with four items. A shrivelled black seed the size of a pebble, a book written in a language he didn't understand and a two-and-a-half sword, light as a feather and sharper than a razor.


The elder assured Beonbir that it was not a coincidence that he had found these items, and that he should take great care of them. Beonbir carried the old man to a small town, at the foot of the mountain range. His advisor urged him to hide and take his precious treasures with him. After some debate, Beonbir obliged. Alone, he journeyed back up the mountain and was never seen again.


Dawn of The Empire - 71BB


An army cladded in the finest armour, fighting in unparalled unity descended from the mountains and purged every town and village of its barbaric leaders. All those who opposed were slaughtered, but those who co-operated were rewarded with a system of law and order. Within two decades, the black-and-blue soldiers were everywhere and the last tribes were chased away. Their leader was a man of small stature, but immense power. His name was Rafael, and after he had conquered most of Anthium, he declared himself the first Emperor and almighty ruler of the continent. After this declaration, he very rarely showed himself.


Castles and cities that had been razed in the war were rebuilt and improved at an incredible pace. People were given rules to obey and rights as well. After so much bloodshed, many eagerly embraced the new force. From the ashes of chaos, an era of new live was birthed.


Birth of Brandobir - 40BB


Death of Rafael - 16BB


Rafael perished and his son Brandobir became heir to the throne. Contrary to his father before him, he showed himself in public and constructed the Grand Capital of Anthium (Egan) in the center of the continent, over the river Aldin. He was a strict ruler, but also approachable and often mingled between the common folk to drink with them and share stories. This open-hearted approach eventually cost him his life as he was murdered during a particularly rash feast.


Death of Brandobir - 0BB/0AB


Upon Brandorbir's death, Mordin took over though no one ever saw him. The age of light-heartedness turned into one of squalor and paranoia as the ruling Emperor enforced a curfew on the entire nation and began to tighten the reigns on Anthium. Eventually, only the Heartwood in the West and the Salty Docks to the north-west remained free from the shadow of dictatorship. Many new laws were enforced, including controlled child birth (A family may only bear one child, or two if they are of opposite gender). New temples were erected and a state religion was imposed, The Union. From age twelve, boys and girls were put in temples, seperated from each other until they had learned their trade and could be put to work.


Current day - 7AB


People


- Beonbir (WIP)


- Rafael (WIP)


- Brandobir (WIP)


- Astrid (WIP)


- Mordin (WIP)


- Ava (WIP)


- Chava (WIP)


- Argus (WIP)


- Ferlucci (WIP)


- Eliha (WIP)


- Eliana (subplot RP (1x1) in progress)


Places


Panthos is the world on which Anthium, the continent this story takes place on, resides.


- Egan (WIP)


- Turion (WIP)


- Ved (WIP) 
Cultures.


Wild Elves (credit: Darkthought*)





Region


The Wild Elves are natives of the lush, nature rich region of Heartwood. The area is known and named for the massive tree that grows there and also serves as home for most of the Wild Elf population. It is an ancient and primal place that has changed little since Panthos was young and as such can be quite dangerous to the unwary outsider. Heartwood is host to a variety of unique flora and fauna that can be both beautiful and deadly. While the wildlife is one thing to be watchful of in this ancient place, the true danger comes from the Wild Elves themselves.


Social code


Wild Elves maintain a strict code which puts harmony with nature and adherence to the Cantra above all else. To this end, they are naturally wary of all outsiders and do not typically permit them anywhere near the Heartwood. However, respect of all life is also important to the Wild Elves. They will not kill unless the situation expressly warrants that course of action. These elves harbor no ill will towards any other race, save for a distaste for their city dwelling counterparts, the Gray Elves. The few Wild Elves who have ventured into the world beyond the Heartwood have developed a reputation for having an insistent type of politeness that borders on being uptight. Due to their Cantra, the wild elf is permitted to drink but not get drunk. They may not lie, steal, or break the laws of other nations so far as it does not conflict with the Cantra. Wild Elves strive to be an example for the younger races beyond the Heartwood.


Religion


Though the Wild Elves choose to follow no deity, they are instead steeped in the tradition set forth by the ancient set of teachings known the Cantra. This ancient set of proverbs dates back to the infancy of Panthos and is said to have been given to the elves by the spirit of the Heartwood itself. The Cantra plays strongly into all aspects of Wild Elf life including their dealings with other races as well as how they govern themselves. One of the key aspects of their beliefs is that no Wild Elf may use anything made of iron or steel. This is reflected in the Cantra "We do no bear Steel!" which is a phrase associated with the Wild Elves even by those who have never met one personally. Their weapons and armor are instead forged by the fabled Songshapers who have the ability to sing stone and wood into shapes suited for armor or weaponry. Of particular importance to Wild Elves is the sacred Cantra of Balance, the article on which they base their societal structure. Its condensed form is as follows:


Without Fire, the Tree would drink all the Water.


Without Water, the Fire would burn the Tree.



Without the Tree, Stone would cover the world.



Without Stone, Water would drown the Fire.



The original Cantra of Balance goes on to include Life as well, though it was removed centuries ago during the Schism of the Aleseans when their culture fractured into a number of different groups.


Lifestyle


The society of the Wild Elves is divided into different 'Songs', or castes, which are based on the teachings set forth in the Cantra of Balance. Each Song is named for one of the four parts of the Cantra; Fire, Water, Tree, Stone. Each Song works to support each of the other songs by playing to the specific talents each Song can demonstrate.


The Fire Song serves as the warrior caste for the elves. These fierce warriors are trained in the special art of using Songshaping to manipulate the destructive force of fire in order to supplement their combat skills. While in training, these fire warriors spend hours a day for years practicing their combat techniques and meditating on a single flame. This eventually leads to an intricate understanding of the nature of fire and nearly unparallelled fighting abilities.


The Water Song serve as the medical caste. These dedicated healers are gifted with the power of Watershaping, or coercing the subtle currents of water to aid in the art of healing. Those who walk the Path of Water often become great philosophers and wise people.


The Stone Song are the stoic caste of elves that are talented in the art of Stoneshaping. Once an elf has mastered the art of Stoneshaping, he/she can mold stone into fantastic shapes. They use this power to mold armor and shields for the warriors of the Fire Song. Those who have dedicated their lives to the Stone Song are praised as great artists as well.


The Tree Song are the leaders of the Wild Elf society and it is they who use the power of Treeshaping to expand the city inside Heartwood as well as communicate with the spirit of the ancient tree. Treeshapers also craft the Thorn Spear weapons used by the Fire Song.


Young Wild Elves, upon reaching physical maturity, are made to undertake the ancient Rite of the Calling. One at a time, these elves are sent down into the very heart of the Heartwood. There, the elves receive their assignment into one of the Songs from the spirit of the Heartwood itself.


Demeanour


Wild Elves of all castes are known to frequently meditate and can often be found pondering the meaning of some seemingly insignificant event in nature. Meditation is taught from birth and helps the elf attain the serenity of mind required to perform the art of Songshaping. Like their city dwelling counterparts, Wild Elves have a deep love of, and natural knack for, all music and are fascinated by the music of those beyond the Heartwood. This often leads the traveling Wild Elf to fall in with groups of musicians or take up residence in places known for good music.


While the prevailing view of Wild Elves from outside races suggest that all Wild Elves are stoic and unreadable by nature, this is hardly true. Though nearly all Wild Elves share patterns of meditation and introspection, individual personalities may vary greatly from elf to elf.


Appearance


As with other types of elves, Wild Elves have slightly pointed ears and a strange, almost ethereal beauty about them. They are usually slightly taller and more lithe than the average human. Many Wild Elves wear their hair in numerous long braids adorned with bits of leaves and wood. Some even decorate their bodies with tattoos representative of their Song. Though Wild Elves with dark hair are not unheard of, most of the race has extremely fair hair. Eye color is frequently shades of green, blue, or gold.


---


*Darkthought is an RP player from another site, but I cannot link to him due to the rules. If you'd like to contact him in any way, send me a pm.
 
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