A breath of life before death
While the four Gods retain their deity status, it has always been speculated that there was a a lone God at the beginning; a Mother. With no true name to bear, no identity of it's own, mankind had taken to calling it "Mother" ━ or so the Church had decreed. She was a deity far greater than Bolo, Asla, Otana and Nyv combined; a woman who showed only affection for her children. It is believed the divine walked the barren planet, where she touched became green and full of life; each exhale brought fresh air and mana to the world. In a month's time what was once a wasteland became a thriving world in which she had created. From the trees to the insects, each brimmed with mana, her gift to the world. But it was in this endeavor that she came to rest at the base of a young Oak tree, passing away and releasing what mana was left within her into the world, creating the source of the Dragon's Vein.
The Dragon's Vein
A source of great mana that flows through the world; acting as a primary artery for the small streams that split from it. It is in the source that magical creatures dwell: lizards growing into dragons, foxes and felines learning to walk on two legs. The Dragon's Vein is such an astounding mass of mana that the core is visible above ground; taking for of a young woman leaning against an old Oak tree. However, the sheer amount of mana can cause creatures and humans to contract mana poisoning, a form of sickness that stems from absorbing mana much beyond the limits of ones body. It is this reason that scholars and religious clerics strictly forbid wandering too close (or even in) the Forest of Birth.
From Mother, her children are born
Upon the creation of the Dragon's Vein, four beings were born, bodies burning a bright blue from the mana that coursed through their veins. Immortals yet mortal, they left the forest and aimed to continue what their Mother had ended. To maintain and balance the world was their duty and they would see it through to the end. Each was given a task to govern a section of life and an element, tasked with keeping the balance within the world and between their siblings. Each would counter the other, but each side would be equal in power. It would not be until humans and other sentient life emerged that things began to fall out of order, the newly born Gods knowing little of how to counteract the aggression among the mortals. Wars, famine, disease, and natural disasters would wrack the world for one hundred years before the deities passed from their mortal bodies and became corporal, their full capabilities finally unlocking with the loss of their physical body. In a mere year, the world was brought back into balance, the four working together to bring about a prosperous age once more.
Iraneth’s Ascent to Godhood
Finding his own race feeble and prone to slaughter at the hands of humans; Iraneth devoted his life to genocide his own race, leaving him as the last dragon. Thinking himself invincible, Iraneth entered the Land of the Gods and entered their pantheon, claiming to wish to recreate his race for the sake of bleeding out the weaklings. Doubtful, the Gods had little choice, as he would not leave their pantheon until his demands were satisfied. Reluctantly allowing the dragon to ascend, they tasked him with repopulating the dragon race in the image he wished. Instead he created four champions, each governing different aspects of nature. With the four, he influenced the world’s natural order and instructed the humans to worship only him less they want natural disasters to wipe out their kind. Out of fear, they complied and gave the dragon their full worship. The matter soon escalated to sacrifices of pure maidens and entire livestock just to appease his ever-growing greed. It was only until the four Gods intervened was the breaking point reached. Lashing out at the four, Iraneth fought to kill them. He nearly succeeded, if not for Otana’s chains, binding him in place while Asla tore his eyes from the dragon’s head, severing his omnipotence and physical sight in one swoop. Together, the Gods banished him from their realm, casting him into the depths of the Raging Volcano. Bound by both Otana’s chains and Asla’s spears, the dragon was forced into a life of suffocation and borderline death. His champions faced the same fate, being placed in locations that were opposite of their affinities. Being in such places put them into a coma, their bodies functions falling to near flat-line while they slept for eons, the binds that tied them to Iraneth weak and loose.
The Church and it's following
As humans need guidance, the Church answers such a task; guiding those who stray from the path to the God's holy light. The powers that drive the world seek to sacrifice others in order to make progress, it is this that the Church wishes to avoid. To save all those who would be sacrificed, to let them see the next morning's light; the Church wishes theses men, women and children to have the same future as others. At first it was pure intention, but soon after the High Cleric Valerius succeeded his father, the Church cast their partnership with the Guild aside and sought to achieve their goal on their own. It is said that in order to obtain their goal, there will be no need to pick up arms or fight those one would consider friend, instead they need to simply devote their life to the Gods and all will be rewarded. With the addition of Grand Healer Vera, holder of Bolo's Light, more and more people have come to their side, taking up the Church's views as well.
The Guild ━ Leader: Ezekiel Harris / Co-Leader: Marianne Sinclaire
Founded by Doctor Issac Martin, the Guild was created in order to maintain peace and order among the five nations. With a guild hall located on each continent and sporting over six hundred active members, the organization has become quite the well respected and feared force. With no natural law enforcement, the Guild takes it upon themselves to act as such, keeping those who bring chaos in line. It was only three hundred years ago that the Gods themselves tasked the Guild with monitoring the champion’s vitals, as they have been having spikes of unconscious activity; which has only escalated in the last ten years. The increase in their vitals have the current leader and co-leader worried, as they believe the world is not yet ready for the champions - or even Iraneth’s - return.
Lithra
◆ Known as: Lithrans
◆ Known for: primary Guild hall, yearly celebration for the Gods, frequent hunt tournaments, the Church
◆ Four districts: market, living, arena, church
◆ Well-known people: Ezekiel Harris, Marianne Sinclaire, Grand Cleric Valerius, Grand Healer Vera
◆ Races: all, melting pot city
A central city located among the Fields of Anthar. Lithra is known as the Central City of trade and hunts; named justly for the year-round markets and annual tournaments dedicated to hunters. It is here that a plethora of vendors can be found, from fishers hailing from Sianca, to even blacksmiths of Julra. The first Guild Hall is located in Lithra as well, taking up the central point in the city and standing five stories tall. Lithra is surrounded by white walls to protect it from both roaming wildlife and the wind. However the roads leading to and from Lithra remain uncovered from the threats and as such, each caravan that leaves the city will be protected by hunters, likewise with those coming to the city.
SPACE
Fields of Anthar
Named after third chief of the Guild. During the construction of the First Hall, stories tell of Captain Anthar who had protected the workers from an onslaught of abhorrent monsters. While his friends fell in battle to the beasts, the man single-handedly slew each creature that leapt at him, pushing through the constant bleeding from his wounds prior to the first ambush. By the time the attack subsided, he was found knelt before his sword, surrounded by countless monsters. Upon construction of the Hall, a statue was erected of the man inside, to forever honor him for his bravery and strength.
Iynvir
◆ Known as: Iynvians
◆ Known for: lumber, salves, healers, venison, hunters, arrows
◆ Two districts: living, guild hall
◆ Well-known people: Captain Ruvara Eleos, Goren Elandorr
◆ Races: elves, magical beings
Located deep within Otana's Wild, Iynvir has been home to countless elves and magical beings who have fled the Forest of Birth. With homes built into the towering trees, those who live within the Wild have adapted to hunting deer and other wildlife in order to survive the harsh winters. Since the birth of Iynvir, the Elandorr family has been viewed as a mayoral power and as such, it has always came to them to make decisions that would make countless lives easier or harder. Since the years long past, not a single being has questioned the Elandorr line. It was only recently that Goren rose to take over his father's duties, the boy still immature and adventurous, and already there have been problems arising with him. Complaints have been made apparent but time and time again, the boy refuses to tend to his job. It is because of this that families have began to leave, making the journey north to Lithra, some hoping to join the Guild themselves while others wanting to live in peace.
Sianca
◆ Known as: Siancans
◆ Known for: pure water, furs, fishing, boats, oils, ice
◆ Three districts: living, guild hall, docks
◆ Well-known people: Captain Ilari Hawthorne, Oswald Gale, Rgihh Grayhand
◆ Races: Humans, some elves
Nestled between snow-capped mountains and layered with snow year-round, Sianca rivals Otana's Wild in terms of beauty. With an expansive snow wonderland, exotic wildlife thrives in the freezing temperatures. It is also that the waters around the land are far colder and are viewed as pure to the Church. It is because of this that a small shipment of the glacial water is sent to the Church and used to any ceremony. Within these pure waters live a variety of fish, each of varying taste. For both pure water and delectable fish, Sianca is a center for anything aquatic related, including boats. Yet with the thriving market, come the need for protection from the predators that lurk close to the city, looking to prey on any meat available. The most notable predator is the Iwari, a creature sizing a mammoth in size and rivaling a dragon in terms of brute strength. It is these monsters that - when killed - add another valuable trade (and key to survival) to the pile: fur.
The Iwari
A fearsome predator, the Iwari are lone hunters and often wait for their prey to be secluded from others to strike. While they are very large in size and sport strong muscles and an even stronger jaw, the Iwari lack in stamina. Prolonged fights tend to end up in death and sometimes captivity. Little is truly known about their behavior outside of hunting and captivity, it is known that females are considerably smaller and do not hunt. Scholars hope to one day come across a clutch of Iwari eggs and take them into custody for study and perhaps even raising if they were to hatch.
Oswald Gale
A half human, half elf. The Gales are a family dating back to the first settlement on the main continent. Finding the race to acquire more land barbarous and displeasing, the family moved south to colder lands, settling down and calling such a place home. Generations later, Oswald would take up the flag as Mayor, working day and night to keep tensions low in both the city and the world. With knowledge of the potential war, the man does his best to keep Sianca from such disaster. It was recently the Church had extended their hand in aid to his efforts, saying they could relieve the city of any sufferings if a war were to break out. However skeptical Oswald may be, Sianca's safety comes first and because of this, he accepted their proposal.
Rgihh Grayhand
A dwarf who moved from Julra to Sianca on request of an old friend, Rgihh is the mind behind the building of boats and their upkeep. While he teaches the men who fish how to maintain their boats on their own, the dwarf handles the repairs in the mean time. This is due to his hardworking nature and rough attitude, believing that until he is dead, the Siancans will have him as their repairman.
Julra
◆ Known as: Julrans
◆ Known for: glassware, metals, pottery, statues
◆ Five districts: living, guild hall, mine, craftsmen, market
◆ Well-known people: Captain Sianna Eirswolf, Yukrem Metalbrewer, Sarmoni Whitforge
◆ Races: dwarves, humans
Resting in the exceptionally hot desert, Julra has made itself known as the forging capital. With a vast number of dwarves living within the city, they have managed to build Julra downward, entwining it with their mine. The feat is well known but a mystery as to how such a thing was possible. With the Julrans keeping the procedure a well-kept secret, many scholars have came to the city in hopes to uncover the truth, but time and time again they have been sent away by Yukrem. While the dwarves continue to expand underground, the same is said for above, the city expanding outwards, eating away at the expansive desert. It was only recently that a guild hall was erected on the surface and a road constructed to the ocean's edge and a dock built to make traveling to the mainland much easier.
Rysna
◆ Known for: poisons, fossils, reeds, paper, research, books
◆ Two districts: living, study/guild hall
◆ Well-known people: Captain Julius Eri, Scholar Len
◆ Races: melting pot
Surrounded by Nyv's Bog, Rysna is home to countless poisonous wildlife and tattered ruins. Ranging from old temples to cities, Rysna was founded in order to study these relics of the past and develop antidotes. Together with the Guild, the Scholars have split a base of operations, enabling a large amount of researchers to live in the treacherous lands to study to their hearts content. With a mixture of books and research, Rysna has grown to be much more than just a scholar's paradise; craftsmen and diggers have come in order to recreate and dig the pieces of the past. Alchemists have joined the ranks as well, finding various snakes, mushrooms, plants and the like and studying their properties.
