Preface and Campaign Info

Well, if you're reading this, that means that I actually worked on this enough to feel comfortable sharing it with people. This campaign is probably the most i've ever worked on something... ever. It's not the culmination of years of effort like my last world, but rather something new, using ideas i had always wanted to use but never got the chance to. It's the first time i've had enough interest in something to work on it constantly with very little breaks, and i hope that it can at least bring close to the amount of happiness the other worlds have. With that out of the way, let's get into the important details.

Cosmology of Aeroth

The Salt, also known as the material plane, is orbited by the celestial bodies Mercury and Sulfur. Sulfur serves as the sun of the world, mirroring the Salt but bathed in a constant ethereal light. Mercury is the moon of the world and a similar mirror, though showing instead a world of darkness mirroring the Salt. On another axis around the Salt, the Planes of Progression, also known as the Elemental Planes, orbit the world and bring about the seasons of the world.

Beyond the central parts of the Cosmology lie the Luminary planes, the planes of outsiders and magic. Though usually far apart from the central rotations, at each given time one Luminary draws closer to the Salt.

Aeroth Calendar

Created by the philosopher Mithalis in the Chaos Era of Signo, the Mithalis Calendar model is primarily used in Signo and is commonly used by the Xin Dynasty within Tengrao. The Mithalis calendar divides years into 347 days, based around the rotation cycles of the Luminary planes. Each month is 29 days besides the month of Progen, having only 28 days. Weeks are 7 days long, averaging about 4 per month.

Remove later, put Ionan Calendar

Luminary planes here? After Pantheon?

Magic

Magic in Aeroth is quite plentiful, with magical acts being widespread and common. While not quite at a point where it is used in everyday life, it's presence is felt throughout almost every action in the world. There are two main types of magic, those being Nomos and Ecclesia.

Nomos, or understood as arcane or "internal" magic, is a type of magic sourced from one's understanding of the self in regards to the energies of the world. Drawing on the natural forces powering the world, power over Nomos grows with understanding of one's self, their place in the world, and clarity on the world around them. Usually, users of Nomos magic draw upon a luminary plane to aid them in their growth. Compared to Ecclesia, Nomos is easier to get a grasp on, but comes with struggles of it's own. For example, a caster working through personal traumas would likely see their magic weakened until such issues are worked through. All the same, Nomos is a much more stable source and can be grown to great levels with enough practice.

Ecclesia, or more understood as divine or "external" magic, is magic sourced from the belief and understanding of the collective mortality. Ecclesia is the force that brings gods into being with enough belief, giving them power fitting of what is believed of them. Ecclesia is also magic that is given, such as that of clerics. Compared to Nomos, Ecclesia is a harder force to grasp. It is illogical and strange in it's workings, as what one does to harness it could do nothing to another. All the same, Ecclesia could be easier to grasp by some, as all it takes is belief.

Though understandings of arcane or divine magic as per regular D&D apply for the most part, feel free to shift it around to fit your character concept. A warlock would make just as much sense using Ecclesia rather than Nomos, or a Druid using Nomos. In the end, the distinction isn't one that matters much.

Though opinions on it's origins differ from person to person, most legends cite magic as the force binding the Luminary planes together, which was eventually granted to humanity in an act known as the grand sin, committed by Heresy Lord Aamon and the Archangel Tiriel.

Chapter 1: The World Soul

Teleos

Teleos is the religion dedicated to the Radiant Moon and its einherjar inhabitants. As a religion it focuses on beliefs of providing for family and community while attempting to make the world a better place through charity and giving. There is also a focus on ancestor worship and giving proper burials and remembrance for the dead who did the same in the past. Though followers of the paragons are rare, warriors who are part of this religion will generally choose one paragon to follow, bearing their symbol at all times to show their dedication. As with most Luminary religions, the month of Einhart is a sacred time of the religion. Most followers will usually take the month to remember the fallen and grant them gifts or offerings.

Thelesis

The luminary religion dedicated to the Radiant Moon and the Azata, followers of this religion focus themselves on uprooting evil wherever it rears its head. Followers of Thelesis don't believe that an authority and punishment is enough to destroy evil, but that actions must be taken in one's personal life to make the difference. While not all followers of this religion become radicalized towards vigilante justice, it wouldn't be uncommon either. However, there is also a focus on good bigger than this idea of justice, ideals of forgiveness and helping those who need it. The sacred time of Thelesis is Paxus, during which followers engage in acts of cheer and partying. After all, the greatest expression of good is in such acts.

Proarchē

A religion based off of the beliefs of the Primordials and their plane of Solution. The focus of Proarchē is that of aether, the formless matter that supposedly once permeated the world. Believers of Proarchē support the primordials in their attempt to restore the chaos and aether of the world, allowing infinite potentials to be born. Proarchē remains a rather uncommon religion, existing in small fringe groups. These groups, however, are not content to simply fade into the background and will make attempts to bring themselves into the limelight whenever given the option. By those who use the Mithalis calendar, the month of Xaomis is considered a sacred time. During this month, casual believers will typically make an effort to switch up their daily schedules or social relations to represent the eternal march of change, while more radical followers will attempt to further promote the goals of the Primordials and cause as much havoc as possible.

Henosis

The religion dedicated towards the Green Moon of Digestion and the Shrouded Moon of Separation, followers of this religion dedicate themselves to living alike to the Fae that reside on both of these planes. The exact philosophy of this religion is one that’s very disputed within it’s doctrine, as it seems to focus on both the preservation of the old but simultaneously the creation of the new. As such, many members of this religions have taken to adopting a sort of balance between the two, never allowing one to outdo the other.

Followers of this religion don’t have much attachment to the twin luminaries themselves, and so instead have taken to celebrating the solstices and equinoxes of each season, seeing them as days of balance between both aspects of their beliefs.

Sige

A religion of silence, mourning, and acceptance. Sige is the religion based around the luminary of Distillation, known by many as Styx or the Silent Moon. Sige has a focus on the idea of death and the process that happens after, as souls are taken to their eternal home of the luminary planes. As such, on the material plane followers of Sige take to living with acceptance of this eventual process, making sure it retains its sanctity and that those who do die are given the proper respect. Notable examples of this are the Sorrow Knights of Tengrao, followers of their psychopomp Kara who dictate the funerary processes of the continent.

Theletus

Theletus is the religion based off of the Blood Moon and its Kyton inhabitants. Following the nature of the Kytons, doctrine of Theletus has an integral focus on the idea of change to reach a state of perfection. While not all followers of this religion go to the brutal extent of the Kyton, most organizations dedicated to this religion tend to quickly go awry. The most notable example of this was the Black Mire Cult within Tengrao’s Forces of Nil, originally a group of likeminded worshippers; it quickly turned into a cult dedicated to transforming themselves with the corruption of the underground. The sacred time of Theletus is the month of Subgen. During this time, followers will often sacrifice something from their life in a show of devotion towards perfection.

Ageratos

The religion devoted to the plane of Ceration, also known as the Metal Moon, this religion has a focus on order above all else. The doctrine of this religion asserts chaos as the cause of the evils of the world, and says that the way to deal with these evils is an eternal order. Followers of this religion make an effort of cleanliness and order in their life. In most cases, this religion remains rather uncommon even in places with a lot of luminary worship.

Qlippoth Worship

While the Qlippoth certainly have many followers, no group has been organized enough to even give the religion a proper title. It'd be more fitting to call these groups Qlippoth cults, as each is rather small and incredibly devoted. Usually cults focus their worship on one Qlippoth Lord, rather than a collective. Other than that, no rules necessarily apply to such worship, as such would go against the nature of the husk fiends. In most places, this type of worship is outlawed.

Gnosis

Gnosis is an innate part of each Luminary plane, building blocks behind each plane's existence. Though Gnosis has no clear origin, it is known that those native to a Luminary plane, with enough power, can eventually claim a piece of Gnosis to become god-like.

Holders of Gnosis are treated with great respect by outsiders, even if such outsiders don't even believe in such power structures. As such, holders of Gnosis are often treated as nobility, commanders, or prophets.

Gnosis seems to be created in response to these powerful outsiders, rather than existing prior. The amount of Gnosis between each plane appears to be uneven, with some having up to 7 holders while some only have 3.

The Grand Sin

The Grand Sin represents a turning point within the early history of Aeroth. Though mortality was hardly a feature of the world at the point, it was said that the physical world of the Salt and the spiritual world of the Luminaries were once very separate, warded from within the Luminaries from ever combining.

In this early world, the laws of reality seemed yet to be finished. Death was not yet possible, souls instead being reborn endlessly. Distance and location was yet to be defined, and blood was the only law of the world. It was, as many now call it, an age of blood.

From the Luminaries, the holders of each plane's Gnosis lived peaceful lives, separate from the chaos beyond. It was peace, the beings there being granted freedom and power to do as they wish, simply watching the plights of mortals beyond. This was how many of the holders of Gnosis wished for it to stay, and for many years, it did.

Happening such a long time ago even his fiendish kind were erased from any records, this took a change when the Heresy Lord Aamon took a shard of Gnosis from Projection. It was within his kind's nature to plot ways to gain more power, but for all intents and purposes, any power he could gain he already had. So instead, he created a plan to create more power, even at the cost of this peace.

Archangel Tiriel was given Gnosis shortly after Aamon. Seeing her as a chance, Aamon spoke with her, convincing her of the potential for a better world. He spoke of creating a safer world for mortals, where magic flowed freely and souls could enter the Luminaries. Tiriel, feeling that Aamon spoke truth, took the offer openly.

The two worked together, gathering rejected pieces of Gnosis across the Anima Mundi, and eventually the two gathered within the soon to be Broken Solace demiplane where none could interfere. From here, stories diverge from source to source. Some claim their plans went exactly as planned, while others claim a betrayal on Aamon's end, or even perhaps a betrayal of Tiriel. But what happened afterwards was what neither were hoping for.

Never truly merging, the border between spiritual and physical became visible to mortals. The end of the Age of Blood occurred truly when mortals looked into the sky and saw the Luminaries shining down on them. It granted them power, light, and warmth. The tortured souls of the world moved on, lead by masked beings of death. Belief became power, and power was belief. It was the dawn of magic.

But not just good came from this. The world was exposed to power it was never meant to have, from the corrupting power of the Luminaries to the hordes of fiends that soon followed. Those powerful enough to have bridged the gap before were wiped out, nothing but their souls being left behind. It was the dawn of the Age of Chaos.

Aamon died as part of this happening. His kind, along with all other fiends (barring those with Gnosis), were stripped of emotion and individuality and become the Qlippoth, husk fiends. Those remaining Gnosis bearer's were imprisoned, forced to ever wander the Anima Mundi.

Tiriel, on the other hand, survived through the incident though never recovered mentally. She was stripped of her title, becoming known by many as the Archangel of Heresy. Chained beneath the dungeons of Calcination, she was forced to eternally watch the twisted world she had created.

In the modern day, the Grand Sin is a part of folklore that now seems almost distant. Magic and death are such a part of normal life now, that many think nothing of this story, and with the two perpetrators gone, who's to say if it really did happen?

A final side effect of this Grand Sin was the spreading of stolen Gnosis around Tengrao. There's no reason Tengrao in particular was chosen, simply being in the right place when the grand sin happened. Appearing to the world like fallen comets, these pieces bound themselves to those in need. These shards of Gnosis were never truly accounted for, so it is treated the same as the rest of the story- a story, and nothing more.

Death and the Afterlife

After the Grand Sin, souls became free to pass on to the Luminary planes after their death. With this, came the eternal respite of the afterlife, where souls can live once more before either fading into the Anima Mundi, or becoming an outsider themselves.

This process begins right as the physical body dies. Under normal circumstances, the Psychopomp Guides of the Salt claim the soul if possible, normally aided by other psychopomps to help the soul accept their fate. If the soul is ready to move on, the soul is guided through the River Styx and given a decision of which Luminary to reside in for the rest of their existence. Once chosen, the soul is guided and takes their place as a petitioner, souls of the Luminary planes that remain mutable to their new homes influence. Those who don't accept are guided to Distillation, where they remain until their choice is made.

Though each soul chooses where they go, souls are not simply given free reign on this decision. Actions and moral choices of the soul engrave themselves onto the incorporeal form of a soul, marking them for a fitting home. Choosing a luminary that goes against your actions results in the creation of Hollowed, outsiders of the chosen Luminary with twisted corruptions implying the souls true nature. This creates a conflict for plenty of souls, deciding whether it be better to brave the befitting Luminary, or live as a twisted version of what they wished for.

More details on how to create a Hollowed will be listed in the monster template section.

Pantheon of Aeroth

At it's core, Aeroth tells the story of the mortals within, but primarily how the powers above them tend to interfere with and destroy one's way of life, but also how one can fight against said circumstances and better one's self in the process. As such, Aeroth has an expansive pantheon to fit whatever story needs to be told. This section will cover the Praesul of the material plane, and then dive into potential patrons of the Luminary planes. When making a cleric, warlock, or simply religious character, any of the options can be chosen based off of what fits your character most. Though not all have listed recommended domains or patron types, ask your DM which would fit for how they wish to portray your patron in the story.

Python, The Patron of Oracles

Also known by many as "The Eternal Seeker," Python is a praesul usually residing around Signo's Seeker's Lake. However, unlike most Praesul, Python typically does not reside around the one area and instead wanders the forests of northern Signo, eternally in search of something he will never confess. When found, however, the trials he bestows upon mortals are no joke, usually intense puzzles designed from the depths of the trial holders memories. Such trials usually grant winners with insight and knowledge on their situation, and occasionally a hint of divine power. It is from this that he gained his title of Patron of Oracles, as those who walk away from his trial alive have knowledge most can only dream of.

Python has created no race to enact his will, nor does he accept common worship.

Depiction. Python takes the appearance of a regular sized humanoid figure, covered in plants and earth to hide his true face. Over a skull like mask, flowers bloom over antlers and bone in an almost halo like shape.

Commandments of Python.

• Fate is not static, but can only be bent if you know where to fight. Do not act on a whim.

• To stop searching is to grow dull. With a whole world to experience, it is your duty to see as much as you can.

• The world is yours to make an impact on. Leave a mark when you leave this world behind.

Charybdis, Guardian of the Forgotten Bay

Charybdis is the Praesul representing the High Priestess card, residing in Tengrao's Bay of Forgotten Treasures. This bay is a channel through which merchant's generally pass through, so it is said that plenty of trade goods end up slipping into it's waters. It is these treasures that Charybdis stores, amassing them into a horde of valuables.

Charybdis is one of the less confrontational of the Praesul, very few being able to take on her trials due to her underwater dwelling. It is said, however, that her trial is once of patience and reflection rather than one of physical prowess. Her created race is the Soreia, jellyfish like creatures made of forgotten items and memories that fall into her domain.

Depiction. Charybdis is usually depicted as an aquatic humanoid, form donned with coral, shells, and various other pieces of aquatic creatures. Rather than legs she is depicted with a mass of tentacles, grasping and holding the discarded treasures she lives within.

• Fate is not static, but can only be bent if you know where to fight. Do not act on a whim.

• To stop searching is to grow dull. With a whole world to experience, it is your duty to see as much as you can.

• The world is yours to make an impact on. Leave a mark when you leave this world behind.

Echidna, Patron of Harvest

Echidna is the Praesul of growth and harvest, residing in western Signo's plains. It has been said that this area is perfect for growing crops due to her blessing upon the land. Of the trials, hers is known to be long but simple, requiring one to dedicate themselves to the tending and growth of something, whether it be crops, family, or a pet.

Of the Praesul, Echidna is often portrayed as one of the more passive, but this could not be further from the truth. A protector of those in her lands, she is known to ward off the forces of extraplanar threats to allow the residents of the plains to develop in safety. Such actions have granted her the title "The Twilight Mother." The race created by Echidna is the centaurs.

Depiction. Echidna is often depicted as a large humanoid, vines, plants, and flowers wreathing her form. In hand, she usually holds a drinking horn, a sickle, and a spear. Rather than eyes, she seems to have two orbs of blazing golden flame.

Commandments of Echidna.

• Hold yourself to your promises and duties. Of all deception, to not fufill one's duty is the worst.

• Treat those close to you with kindness, and shield them from those who would see them harm.

• Work hard to help the ones you love. Your duty could be all it takes to better one's life.

Typhon, the Patron of Kings

Typhon, known by many as the Serpent, is a Praesul residing in western Signo's Serpent's Spine. It is said that these ossian formations are the remains of his old body, once slain by a divine conspiracy. Since this incident, Typhon has grown resentful towards the other Praesul, only serving his purpose when needed.

Typhon is a powerful warrior but also commander, and his trial demands the other bring not only themselves, but an army they command. The battles fought on the Serpent's Spine are usually long and bloody, but survivors have been said to have been granted command and presence unlike any mortal.

Depiction. Typhon's portrayal depends very heavily on time period. Before the age of metal began, his form was massive and serpentine, with obsidian black scales. In modern times, he appears as a grey giant, covered in obsidian scars and wielding an oversized club.

Commandments of Typhon.

• Wield your presence like a weapon. Power is first gained through respect, which you must garner.

• See your plans through to the end. Let not your blade falter.

• Take passion in your beliefs. Do not let another insult that which you hold dear.

Chiron, The Kirin of the Lumin Tundra

Chiron is a praesul residing in Southern Tengrao, just east of the First Temple of the Warrior Saints. Chiron represents the Heirophant card. It is said that Chiron was the first Praesul the Order of Warrior Saints had challenged, setting them on the path by recovering their wounded and granting them the spiritual knowledge required to continue their path.

The area she resides is is known as the Kirin's Respite, a perpetually mist cloaked lake in which one misstep sends one falling into the potentially lethal freezing waters. Illusionary pathways and beasts roam the surface of this lake, attempting to deceive the trial bearer. Those who follow their instincts and make it to the center will be granted a feast with the Praesul.

Amphisbaena, the Patron of Family

Amphisbaena are the dual gods of family and dragons, supposedly having residing in the swamps of southern Signo. A major player in the fall of Typhon's rule, the two sacrificed their mortal forms to slay the serpent. Now, their holy place reduced to tombs and names forgotten to all but the most dedicated scholars, Amphisbaena has fallen out of the eyes of the world.

However, the Lover gods remain alive, though unable to take physical form. Notably, the children of this praesul created the Cosmic Egg, the birthplace of dragons. The Trial of these gods is one of sacrifice, seeing how far one will push themselves for those that they love.

Depictions. Depictions of Amphisbaena are usually draconic, with one taking on a white and black color palette and the other metallic. Both are typically shown with chains, representing their sacrifice.

Commandments of Amphisbaena.

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. The efforts of one are nothing compared to that of a group.

• Act with bravery and courage.

• Be vigilant and protect those you love. Don't be afraid to sacrifice everything to protect them.

Hydra, Mercy of Taifeng

Hydra is the god representing the Chariot card, residing on the island of Taifeng. The surrounding sea is usually covered in constant storms, and so Hydra is known to grant sailors safe passage through the sea. It was in this trial that Saint Marin was given the seed of the Life Tree, making Hydra a very important part of the founding of Avia.

The trial of Hydra is generally one of vehicular control, usually sailing through a storm in order to test not just the captain but the entire crew of a ship. The race of Hydra is the Candor, eyeless collections of storm designed to spread his freedom further.

Depictions. The exact design of the armor varies, but Hydra is always depicted as wearing a set of full plate, often obscuring most of his features. What can be seen, however, are two eyes seemingly reflecting the stars above.

Commandments of Hydra.

• Fight against tyranny wherever it rears it's head.

• Do not let yourself be held back from doing what you love.

• Fight for the oppressed and purge the world of evil. Let your destruction of such evil be ever raging.

Stheno, the Patron of Judgement

The Praesul of Law and Eternity, Stheno is known by many as the ruler of the Oasis court in midland Signo. A city of beautiful libraries and towers, the center of this city is the largest court hall in Aeroth. It is here that Stheno resides, judging those for their crimes and sins.

Stheno only presents herself to people she considers just, while those she denies simply wander through the desert seeking a presence they'll never find. The trial of Stheno, beyond simply finding her, is one of wit and logic, defending yourself for the crimes you had committed.

Depiction. Depictions of Stheno usually show her as a humanoid figure split in half, one side looking like a human with dark skin, black hair, and radiant golden armor, while the other side looks statuesque, as if carved from marble.

Commandments of Stheno.

• Hold yourself to the standards of the law. If the law is unjust, do what you can to change it.

• Never stand for chaos. It is your duty to preserve order in this world.

• Forgive those who have wronged you. While you should always be vigilant, anger simply breeds more chaos.

Enyo, The Patron of the Knowledge

The God of Scholars and Oracles, Enyo resides in the northernmost point of Signo, the Seer's Peak. The tallest mountain in Signo, hiking up this range is often dangerous and those who aren't careful will not go home with their life. It is this that is Enyo's trial, to have the resolve to climb such a mountain.

Of the Praesul, Enyo is one of the most reclusive, perhaps due to the weight of the trial needed to even view such a creature. What is known, however, is that those who do make it up are often taken in, a sort of apprenticeship with the Praesul.

Depiction. Enyo is typically depicted as a winged equine creature, having a skull like face with massive antlers and wings shining with starlight. Motes of starlight seem to shine around them.

Commandments of Enyo.

• Learn as much as you can. Knowledge is the purpose of living.

• Do not let info be destroyed or lost. It is your duty to preserve such knowledge.

• Uphold truth and reason. Do not let deception guide your blade.

Lamia, the Lurking Chaos

Alternatively known as the Serpent of Chaos, this being lives on Mt. Xaoc, an isolated island to the north of Seelo. While not directly hostile, Lamia is intensely disliked by the rest of Seelo, mainly due to the Podgan, creatures of his own creation.

Lamia is an intensely chaotic being, unpredictable in all dealings. As such, his trial differs for nearly every attempt, making it impossible to fully prepare.

Depiction. Depictions of Lamia vary, but there is a common portrayal of a faceless serpent of gold and other metals, bearing a huge golden gear on it's back.

Commandments of Lamia.

• Live recklessly and without planning. Life is too short to worry about such matters.

Stymphalian, the Lord of Blades

Stymphalian is the praesul representing the Strength card. An odd mix of avian and blades, Stymphalian resides on the peak of Stymphis, Tengrao's tallest pillar mountain. It is this residence that makes up his trial- in order to speak with the god, one must climb the vertical ascent while avoiding attacks from the beasts that guard it.

Once one reachs the peak, Stymphalian grants the victor training unlike anything else the world has. Stymphalian's race upon the world are the Dao, artificial constructs made of blades similar to him.

Depictions. Depictions of Stymphalian differ, some depicting him as more animalistic while others show him more human, but the connecting theme is that of a large metallic bird like figure, wings and armor composed entirely of blades.

Commandments of Stymphalian.

• Live with determination. Do not let your passion waver.

• Devote yourself to your goals. Do not let doubt make you shy away.

• Control your own power. Do not let your strength go to waste in affairs that do not matter.

Scylla, the Patron of Liars

Often simply called the Trickster Goddess, Scylla is the patron of thieves, charlatans, and revolutionaries. Residing in northern Signo's Liar's Maw, Scylla is known for causing chaos within the nearby clans through the threat Chorryn pose to their continued existence. However, Scylla cares not for the clans but instead on freeing those from the lies such clans teach.

Perhaps the most isolated of the Praesul, she spends most of her time weaving her ever-changing labyrinth of web. Her trial, as such, is navigating this web, despite the trickery and illusions it holds.

Depiction. Typically shown with pale, almost completely white, skin and dark hair, Scylla associates heavily with the symbols of oppression throughout the world, wearing broken ropes and chains across her almost insectoid body. Her face appears human, though spider like fangs seem to break such an idea.

Commandments of Scylla.

• Challenge any and all ideas. Truth cannot be discovered without conflict.

• Do not let yourself fall victim to the chains that only serve to hold you back.

• Find beauty in all that you do.

Cerberus, the Mask of Death

Known by many as the Eternal Actress, Cerberus is a praesul residing in Western Seelo's City of the Red Curtain. An eternally shifting labyrinth that reads the fears of the trial goer, this maze will change it's shape to challenge the trial goer. Those who make it through the maze win the trial, becoming granted the power of fear.

Cerberus is, like many of the Praesul of Seelo, feared by the general populace. Her chosen race, the Agypsus, are seen by many as evil bodysnatchers waiting to steal one's place and identity.

Depiction. Cerberus varies dramatically in depiction thanks to her nature of shifting shape. The thing that remains constant is her red cloak, reminiscent of her title of Red Curtain.

Commandments of Cerberus

• Show your true self only to those you trust.

• Do not forget that your end shall come. Live despite this.

•Do not fall into the chains of identity.

Nemeah, the Fallen Angel

Nemeah is the praesul representing the Temperance archetype. Nemeah is a being of balance, said in Seelan myth to have been exiled from the heavens due to his attempts at merging the worlds of light and darkness. This myth holds a lot of truth, however, in that for years he had been a supporter of many of the Luminary religions, aiding them in their rituals.

The residence of Nemeah is the Celestial Spire, a tower in southern Seelo that supposedly extends to both the heavens above and darkness below. The trial of Nemeah is travelling to both ends of this tower in order to gain the whole of his blessing.

Depiction. Nemeah is depicted as shrouded in both darkness and light, obscuring his features. He has four wings, one set angelic and the other skeletal. Wearing radiant armor, the only part of him that remains unarmored is his hands, each bearing everflowing cups.

Commandments of Nemeah.

• Hold balance in all that you do.

• Be patient. Do what you must and allow the world to do the rest.

• Stay true to your purpose.

Chimera, the Eyes that Watch

Chimera is the praesul of Seelo's Devil Call Woods. A wretched being of rage and chaos, many describe Chimera as the embodiment of nature's wrath. It is for this reason that the hunters of Seelo are wary to enter the woods alone, lest they become the praesul's next prey.

The trial of Chimera is that of a hunt. Once you have taken down the target quickly and efficiently, Chimera will grant you his blessing.

Depiction. Depictions of Chimera are large and mammalian, a bear like beast with the head like the skull of a lizard. Mismatched horns and antlers protrude from his bony head, and glowing red eyes seem to exude from somewhere within.

Commandments of Chimera.

• Calculate all you do, but do not hesitate.

• A moment's inaction can be your downfall.

• Survival trumps any moral concerns. Do what keeps you alive.

Erymanthian, the Blade of Hakyoku

A beast of chaos and destruction, Erymanthian is the praesul residing in Tengrao's Mt Hakyoku region. Though not unintelligent in his assault, Erymanthian is known to attack at random to anyone who enters his sacred land. His tactics are of quick attacks and then running, leaving the trial goer injured. It is surviving these attacks, however, that marks one as a victor of this trial and earning you his blessing.

Erymanthian is compared to the other praesul a lot more reclusive. His blessing is given remotely without interaction with him. It is said that only Saint Mikhan who stole his sword was able to speak with him.

Depiction. Erymanthian is depicted as a massive insectoid being, covered in a metallic exoskeleton and bearing the mask of a demon. He is shown to be capable with nearly every weapon, with the weapon wielded switching depending on interpretation.

Eidolon, the Wretched Hermit

In the swamps of southern Seelo, The Apothacarist Eidolon works in solitude. Known for his ability to heal any ailment, Eidolon is sought out by many for this gift. As such, Eidolon has decided it irresponsible of him to have a difficult trial. Anyone with the ability to track him down is able to access his gift.

Eidolon's chosen race are the plagueborne, survivors of the Plague era whose bodies have combined with the cures that helped them.

Depiction. Eidolon is often depicted and a gaunt figure, face obscured with a bird like mask. Various bottles and bags line his body, giving him access to any needed ingredient at any time.

Commandments of Eidolon.

• Never lose hope. To lose hope is to lose your future.

• Learn all you can of the physical, but never forget your intuition.

• Seek what you need unendingly.

Tarandos, the Lantern of Yueliang

Within Tengrao's Yueliang Forest, a light can be seen beyond the obscuring fog. Known by many as the guiding light, Tarandos is the protector of these sacred grounds. Though most focus on his themes of light and guidance, Tarandos is just as much a god of shadows and illusion. It is because of this nature that the Yueliang Forest is perpetually covered in fog. To gain the blessing of this praesul, one must navigate the fog strewn forest.

The chosen race of Tarandos are the Shen, sentinent wooden masks made to serve as guides through the woods.

Depiction. Tarandos is often depicted as a being crafted from wood and bone. His form is a mix of animal and plant, the most notable feature being the deer skull face made of the same substances. In hand he is always shown carrying his lantern.

Commandments of Tarandos.

• Always hold to your word— but make it your weapon. use bureaucracy to your advantage and play by Fae rules

• If someone under the protection of the moon calls to you, it’s your duty to defend them.

• Never die having given the truth to an enemy. Use every word as an illusion, to the bitter end.

Keres, the Patron of War

Residing in western Signo's deserts, Keres is a being of warfare and command. Supposedly the leader behind the crusades of Enosi, the warriors who took part of this crusade wore emblems of the sun as a form of protection. The domain of Keres is the Eternal banner, an ancient battlefield marked with weaponry of wars long past. The trial of Keres is to face off against various warriors of history, proving yourself fit to lead.

Depiction. Depictions of Keres show a heavily armed figure, blades covering armor and weaponry alike. Behind him, a banner bearing the symbol of the sun. Though his helmet masks his features, eyes of glowing radiance shine through.

Commandments of Keres.

• Be a paragon to others. Let your example guide the path.

• Respect those above you.

• Fight until death, and die with honor.

Orion, the Duelist of Kettonoba

Residing in Tengrao's Kettonoba, this plateau is littered with craters and scorch marks at every visible location. The guardian of this battlefield, Orion is an extremely powerful but honorable warrior. The trial of Orion is to fight him one on one and disarm him of his weapon. Those who succeed are given his blessing and a weapon forged in the core of this domain.

Though many have supposedly defeated him, the only one to remain in the eyes of history is Saint Khanos, who went on to found the Xin Dynasty.

Depiction. Orion is often depicted as a blue skinned muscular figure, though his face appears skeletal with fiendish fangs and horns. In his hand always lies his trusted blade, while his other is devoted to magic.

Commandments of Orion.

• Show honor in all that you do. Be a light to others.

• Give everything your all. Hold back only when needed.

• Those who are beyond redemption should be ended with swift justice.

Ouroboros, the Metamorphasis

The Praesul of Alchemy and Transformation, not much is known of this praesul beyond her existence. The island of Chrysopoeia seems to be warded by astral magic, preventing most from accessing it. However, it is said that Ouroboros perhaps has power over some secret that the praesul all deny. Perhaps these wards are not a barrier preventing others from coming in, but a prison.

Depiction. Ouroboros is depicted as a humanoid figure made of stars, surrounded by motes of starlight, halos, and rings. The stars this figure seems to be made of reflect the current movement of the Luminary planes.

The Spiritual World

The Luminary Planes are the planes created to make up the fundamental building blocks of reality. 12 of these planes exist, moving eternally along with another in a geometric pattern. At each time, one of these planes takes a position close to the Salt. It is said that at this time, beings from that plane are empowered and can influence the world easier. While such a claim is hard to prove, worshippers of the Luminaries do tend to hear from their figures of worship much clearer during these times. From the Salt, all of the planes are visible to various degrees depending on their location. Along with this, faint white lines appear to connect the Luminaries together from this view. These lines are the mysterious River Styx, serving as a way to transport souls from Luminary to Luminary, the souls of the dead taking their final places.

Despite this sight, the River Styx never physically connects to them, it's idea remaining within the spiritual world. In truth, what is seen from the Salt is not the true Luminaries, but rather the physical projections of them created by the Grand Sin. Were one to physically access a Luminary, they would find not empty space between them, but rather a massive landmass in which the planes physically connect. This is known as the Anima Mundi, an ever changing reality shifting eternally with the movements of the Luminaries. Nothing is certain within the Anima Mundi, as even the fundamental laws of reality warp within. More on the Anima Mundi will be listed here, and after that the 12 Luminaries, along with the holders of each planes power and the outsiders that reside within.

The Luminary Planes

The Luminary Planes, serving as 12 vital parts of reality, they are anchors within the ever-shifting reality of the Anima Mundi. They work to spread the ideas they embody throughout reality, serving as conduits of inspiration, dreams, and in plenty of cases- corruption. The following segment will explain each Luminary plane, the pantheons that reside within, and how they can affect those on the material plane through corruption and influence. The following segment will detail the Luminary planes, and various mechanics and tables to customize your character around them.

Corruption

For a time, the Salt and the Luminary planes were locked away from one another, the Luminary's ever longing for change that could not occur. It was only when Heresy Lord Aamon and Archangel Tiriel committed the grand sin that this changed, the wards of Gnosis that protected the material plane being spread across the Salt. This granted humanity access to magic of Ecclesia and Nomos and communion with the outsiders of the Luminary planes, but left them susceptible to the influence of the Luminary planes. Now, while still uncommon, the Luminary planes can begin to change the souls of beings that bind them to the Salt, transforming their essence to match their own.

A Corruption is this idea embodied, a character taking on aspects of extraplanar beings. There are many ways this can occur, with some willingly grafting the corpses of outsiders to their own, while others may unwillingly end up down this path by drawing too much on the power of a Luminary. The easiest way to fall down this path is being a bearer of Gnosis, in which any indulgence in the desires of your Luminary draws you closer to it in soul. Eventually, one who is fully corrupted eventually loses their soul's binding to the Salt, becoming an outsider themselves.

Corruptions are gained at a DM's discretion. Each person has 5 Corruption slots, those being head, arms, organs, torso, and legs. You may only have one Corruption in each slot. Corruptions are not entirely negative, giving the holder unique benefits for each slot. You may only have Corruptions of two different types at once.

Additionally, for each corruption you have, an ability score of your choice goes down by 1. However, you gain an additional point in an ability score of your choice after 1, 3, and 5 corruptions.

Madness

Madness is at it's core simply stress upon the brain resulting in negative effects. However, with the barriers between realms having worn thin, madness can be influenced and changed by the Luminaries, pushing those who go mad under it's skies towards unique effects.

When you gain a madness caused by a force related to a Luminary plane or during a Luminary solstice, you gain an additional effect, which will be listed alongside the Dissonance for the plane.

When a characters mind is broken by madness, the corrupting forces of the Luminaries often take control, imparting a state known as Dissonance. When under Dissonance, a character's connection to the physical world falters. Beliefs and goals shift, essentially turning the afflicted into a puppet to the Luminary's whims, albeit with their unique takes on the commands. The Dissonance for each plane will be listed after the long term madness tables. Dissonance generally lasts until cured. Curing Dissonance can happen various ways, but helping one get over the incurring trauma is the most well known, along with finding some way to bind the soul to physicality once again. While under Dissonance, a character shifts in personality, goals, and belief, but remains in control of the player for the most part.

Monster Effects

Later

Luminary Relic

Luminary Relic are magic items uniquely made from the energies of each plane. Though these can be found scattered throughout the Salt, these will normally be found in a place related to the Luminary they represent. A character who suffers from Corruption or Dissonance to a single Luminary can attune to a single Luminary Relic without using an attunement slot. Other than that, Luminary Relics function like regular magical items. The most commonly known Luminary Relics are Gnosis, though there are plenty of lesser relics that can be found.

Grace

Graces are minor gifts and powers granted by a Luminary plane. These are normally quite minor in nature, granted by Gnosis Holders for fufilling tasks or furthering their goals.

Traits of the Blessed Souls

Mortals with connections to the plane of Calcination often take on minor changes to their appearance or personality features to reflect their connection. Consider adding one or more of these traits when creating a character connected to the Ringed Moon. These traits do not provide any mechanical benefit.

Gnosis Holders

The gnosis holders of Calcination are the Archangels, Blessed Souls who have worked up the ranks and gained recognition by the plane itself. The crowning of an archangel is a huge event that almost every soul within the plane attends, though one has not occurred since Tiriel was stripped of her ranking.

Archangels are divine leaders and commanders, but are not distant from their people. Every action made by these beings are to aid those beneath them. It is said that it is not angels that serve the Archangels, but rather the other way around.

Archangel Tiriel

Archangel of Heresy

Tiriel was the last crowned Archangel, given the Gnosis of Devotion. Her coronation was one of the largest events of Calcination, providing a hope for the plane that they could continue to expand and thrive. Unfortunately, that is not what occurred. The naive archangel was noticed by Aamon, the Lord of Liars. He made contact with her, telling her of a task that needed to be done in order to better the world and allowing mortals to access the glory of their Luminary even while alive. Tiriel followed along, eventually growing something akin to love with Aamon. The stories of how the betrayal happened differ, but all that is known is that Aamon was killed in a struggle and was the final sacrifice to break the barrier and finalize the Grand Sin.

After this, the heartbroken Archangel was taken captive in the depths of Calcination's dungeons, never to be freed. Her name is spoken only in hushed whispers, the archangels referring to her as the traitor angel. Though the emissarys of the plane speak of her betrayal as an occurrence only happening through the manipulation of Aamon, no archangel has been crowned since to prevent another tragedy.

Tiriel appears as a being made of pure flame and energy, bound to a set of copper armor. This armor has rotted over time, decaying and taking on a green oxidized tone. She is bound by chains of holy energy, binding her perpetually to a stone prison in the depths of Abatur's domain. Her gnosis bears the power of Devotion, though it's power is not quite yet understood. Despite her betrayal, her gnosis has yet to be truly revoked.

Angelic Corruption

Drawing upon the Ringed Moon of Calcination, you have taken on aspects of the angels that reside within. Though less monstrous in nature compared to other Corruptions, taking on this corruption is not all good. Those corrupted by this are permanently upheld to laws of good.

Luminary Relics

Traits of the Bloodied Souls

Mortals with connections to the plane of Sublimation often take on minor changes to their appearance or personality features to reflect their connection. Consider adding one or more of these traits when creating a character connected to the Blood Moon. These traits do not provide any mechanical benefit, but can help describe your character through roleplay.

Gnosis Holders

The gnosis holders of sublimation are referred to as the torments, uniquely formed kyton who serve as aspects and organs of the plane. Unlike most other planes, only 7 gnosis holders can exist on this plane at any time. The eight gnosis, currently lost on the material plane, stands as an outlier, exiled from the plane to spread its ideals. Though the Gnosis have existed since the planes birth, the holders were often bloodied souls who were taken by the plane.

Kyton don't believe in a hierarchy, instead following a hyper individualistic worldview of personal perfection. As such, the Torment's don't necessarily serve a position of power within the plane, but rather as speakers of the will of the plane itself. Each of the torments has claimed a small portion of the plane for themselves, twisting the terrain to their personal ideals of perfection.

Cairya, Throat Kyton

Deep within the plane of Sublimation, those mortals who wander for too long will eventually, inevitably, find themselves at jagged cliffs of blackened flesh, rising towards the heavens like blades that had once pierced the skin of a massive beast. Stretching as far as the eye can see, giving way to valleys and mountains of char and rot. These lands, marred with blades and bone, sing with many mouths a song of death. A song of an end soon to come at the hands of the executioner and the pain she shall inflict. It is this song that heralds the presence of Cairya, provoking the fear of the pain she causes in those that hear it. The Torment of the Throat, Cairya is known to many as the executioner. It is said that her origin lies in the soul of the first person brought under torture by the Pale Flame, the rage she felt in her final moments carried on, and she now carries the rusted axe that once removed her head.

Goust, Heart Kyton

Rust, Plexus Kyton

Sanguine, Sacral Kyton

Duldir, Root Kyton

Age of the Sword

While many historians debate whether or not the recent events should be considered the herald of a new age, the fact remains that the assassination of the emperor has drastically shifted the political and cultural tides of an already volatile time, tensions finally boiling over until a point of all out warfare. Beginning in 132 A.E. and extending to the current 134 A.E., it is in this time that the Divisus has split into seven warring states, all vying for control of the Xin crown.

The Warrior Saints

Considered to be a turning point for Tengrao, the legend of the Warrior Saints is one of the few culturally unifying parts of the nation. Though their exact origins are unknown, what is known is that once the seven had gathered from various parts of the Divisus they set off on a journey to take on the trials of the praesul, hoping to gain knowledge on how to protect the world from the hordes of the luminary planes. Beginning in the northern reaches of Yueliang Qiao, the group ventured across the entire divisus, taking and winning each trial along the way.

Though the exact history of it has been lost, it was during this time that the Kingslayer March fell to the hands of the Saints. For reasons still unknown, the Saints demanded the destruction of any records of the Kingslayer's March, so the exact methods of this battle remains unknown.

After the trials were complete and the Brigade defeated, the Warrior Saints split to various parts of the Divisus, constructing the Mirus. It was said by many that the Saints were destined to die at the time, a prophecy foretold by the withering of Saint Khanos's rose. Once the Mirus were constructed, the Warrior Saint's sealed themselves in the tombs of the Mirus, and presumably passed away, never to be seen again. Though the Mirus have been scavenged by researchers, the exact location of these tombs or if they even exist has never been confirmed, and with the loss of the maps of the Mirus, it'll likely stay that way.

Though now dead, the Saints have permanently rooted themselves into the culture of Tengrao and it's religions, with many taking on worship of single saints under the idea of patronage. The following section will list the Warrior Saints, the Mirus they constructed, and groups who claim their patronage.

Saint Sylphan

Also known as the Saint of Command, Saint Sylphan was once the leader of a band of mighty warriors, but was eventually killed in a battle between invading fiends. However, her soul remained in her body even as it decayed, forcing her to move onwards. Bringing her men along with the saints on the trials, it was said that her bond with her crew was what kept her going. She was granted an artifact of a shield from the Praesul Charybdis. She later constructed the Mirus of Mt. Hakyoku, where she supposedly died alongside her crew. She is considered the patron of anyone in a position of authority.

Saint Tranquility

Also known as the Saint of Power, Tranquility was born to a nomadic tribe of Qlippothspawn to the west of Tengrao's deserts. Though his tribe was opposed to magic, fearing it would draw the attention of the beasts they ran from, Tranquility was quick to master it and use it to grow in strength. It was only when his tribe was attacked and he managed to fight off the horde that he was permitted to continue his studies. Eventually he joined the Saints, gaining the wings of the praesul Stymphalian. Saint Tranquility's Mirus is the Tower of Earth and Heaven, a symmetrical tower that seems to defy gravity, leading up to an upside down floating island. Tranquility is considered to be the patron saint of scholars and mages.

The Mirus

Often referred to as the wonders of Tengrao, despite supposedly housing the corpses of the saints the Mirus remain the largest landmarks Tengrao has. Though the Dynasty holds unity as it's core tenant, the Mirus were perhaps one of the main reasons for their conquest- symbols of the strength and beauty of the divisus. The following will describe the Mirus and the mythology around them.

Xin Dynasty

The Xin Dynasty was once a unified government spanning most of Tengrao, though it's claim to the far corners of the land are disputed. Primarily functioning under a decentralized feudal system, this governments main point of control was a cultural one, utilizing the legend of the Order of Warrior Saints to claim their place as rightful owners of the divisus. It is through this and claims of similar power to the saints still possessed by the King that the Dynasty has continued to expand it's borders and control over the continent.

Or, so it did. With the rise of iron weaponry and newfound resistance against old ideals, the dynasty has found itself in a slow decline, only worsened by the assassination of the previous King Xin Feng during the Night of Blood. Now, the once unified nation finds itself in a power vacuum of sorts, the crown open for the taking.

Despite the death of King Xin Feng, the dynasty remains operable due to it's previous feudalistic system. Though far less unified than it's previous rule, the noble families within have formed a council which serves as a provisional government until the banner of King is reclaimed once more. This council has split governing duties between 7 head families, while the other families serve as a voting body on issues. The Jung family handles commerce, the Zhang family controls the military operations, the Liu family controls law enforcement, the Sung family oversees agriculture, the Huang family oversees religion, the Yuen family handles taxes, and the Meng family runs the courts.

With the assassination of Xin Feng, government operations have essentially been limited to the En Highlands of mainland Tengrao, where the Capitol city Jiuanping is. Jiuanping is a massive city, built over a gorge with a multitude of bridges connecting both sides of the river. Nobles and aristocrats live higher, closer to the peak of the mountain around the now empty Xin Palace, while the lower classes live closer to the river in agricultural sectors or underground in a web of connected tunnels. Though many resistance groups exist, the general populace of the city is supportive of the provisional council after witnessing the destruction that occurred the night of the King's assassination and how the council helped in recovering from the attack.

Outside of Jiuanping, most government is run by assigned members from the council families, often referred to as overseers. Overseers are responsible for enacting the will of the council and reporting any necessary info to the head families.

Of nobles, it is tradition for each to be given a retainer once the noble has reached 10 years of age. A retainer is typically one of noble blood as well, and such a position remains for life. The relationships between retainer and noble are in an interesting place culturally, existing as a person closer to you than even your spouse. When a retainer dies, a noble is traditionally not meant to take on another, though this tradition has been notably ignored by Xin Feng prior to his death, replacing his prior retainer with Arlya Phosphorence. A retainer's job varies on the position of the noble in question, but generally they are meant to serve and advise their noble as needed.

Military service in the Xin Dynasty is legally required of healthy men who have reached their races age of maturity, as well as anyone with magical talent. The Xin Dynasty has around 11 legions of around 5,000 soldiers each, with most of it being focused around the western border of the highlands to defend from the aggression of the Lihtos Brigade. Religion in the Xin Dynasty is unrestricted but still has a large majority towards one. The most common remains worship of the Order of Warrior Saints, but it is not uncommon to find smaller churches dedicated to the religions of the Luminaries, though such are generally frowned upon. The Praesul are often invoked in worship of the Warrior Saints, but as guides for self improvement rather than gods to be worshipped, following the journey the Warrior Saints once embarked.

Life in the Xin Dynasty is perhaps the most luxurious of the nations, though not without it's costs. Education is operated by the government and mandatory, equal access granted to every registered citizen. Extreme poverty and homelessness are required to be handled by the local family heads, giving most people access to basic food and shelter if need be. And though some hostility remains to some races, anyone of any background is given easy access to citizenship and jobs sponsored by the Dynasty if need be.

All the same, the Dynasty remains harsh and unforgiving. Extremely high taxes force those who cannot pay into military service, and speaking against the Crown can easily spiral into a death penalty. For most, a life of peace can be lived within the Dynasty's borders. But those from enemy states fear it and it's goal of expansion and how it'll impact their way of life.

The Zhang Family

The Zhang family is a wood elven family lead by Zhang Raz. Primarily serving to oversee military operations, the family is responsible for military recruitment and operations. The family has always been close to the King before his assassination, to the point that it is believed that one of Xin Feng's children was born to a woman of this family. Public perception of this family is rather negative, and so it is not out of the ordinary for members of the family to wear ogre like masks when performing work for their clan. It is through this that they've gained their nickname, the Ogres.

The Liu Family

The Liu family is a primarily half elven family. A family with usually extreme internal politics, the head of the family has recently shifted to a young Liu Iami. The Liu family is in charge of law enforcement, primarily being in charge of hiring and training town guards and handling immigration and entry to Xin territory.

The Sung Family

The Sung family is mainly dwarven. One of the smallest of the head families, the Sung family started as a small family farm that slowly grew and expanded with wealth. The king had taken a liking to their work ethic and granted them nobility. The Sung families primary function is not just the growth of produce but also the distribution, holding managing regular locations to prevent starvation of those needing food.

The Huang Family

The Huang Family is a primarily halfling family. One of the richest families of the Council, the Huang family was close with the King previously due to running the Shanyao Academy and teaching potential court astrologists. While officially the head of religion, they are also well known for running the education system of the Dynasty. The head of the house is currently Huang Elzin, who has held the position for 50 years thus far.

The Yuen Family

Perhaps the most disliked of the families, the Yuen Family is the family dedicated to tax collection and recording. Known as Greencloaks by most because of their green silk cloaks they wear on the job, this family sends out their hires yearly to first grant an estimate of one's earnings and then gathering the money. Each member of the family has guards with them at all times, an attempt at keeping the members of the family safe from the general hatred the public has for the family. The head of the family has chosen to remain anonymous because of this fact.

The Meng Family

The Meng Family is a high elven family, the head being Meng Dao. A long lineage of spellcasters, the family had for a long time been known to aid the King in his requests. When the assassination happened the family was quick to fill the position over the courts. While the family claims impartiality in their rulings, many claim a bias towards the Council can be seen in their judgement. Other than this, the family remains rather secretive.

Goals

The primary goal of the Xin Dynasty is to fufill the prophecy of the Warrior Saints, King Xin Feng hoping to be the emperor they had once prophesied of uniting Tengrao. It was through this that he justified his war on the other nation states of the continent. But, with Xin Feng's death and the collapse of the Dynasty's power, the focus of the Provisional Council now has become to survive until a loyalist reclaims the crown.

However, the Dynasty's ambition has not faltered even with the setback. More than ever there is a focus on teaching the legend of the Warrior Saint's in hopes of invigorating the nation's inhabitants along with using the three crown royals as proxy armies to fulfill their goals while never quite choosing between one of the three.

Relationships

Having broke off of the Dynasty, the Council naturally places more trust in the Order of the Rose, the Order of the Owl, and the Order of the Torch. However, the council has refused to give a certain statement on which of the three they would prefer to inherit the crown. At the end of the day, their goal is just to make sure the crown remains in the Xin family. As such, the council has sent resources to the three armies while encouraging the war against the remaining four.

The Forces of Nil are a long enemy of the Dynasty, having been the cause of their exile into the ground. Though the Forces have yet to expand enough to come into contact with the Dynasty, the three armies have been encouraged to deal with the Forces before anything else.

Avia has always been on shaky grounds with the Dynasty, having felt disregarded by the Dynasty's conquest but accepting in order to prevent the loss of lives. The Dynasty, however, very strongly wants the power of the Shu Gen and has come into conflict with the natives over it. Now that Avia has formed its own power structures, the Dynasty considers them rebels that must be elimated.

The Lihtos Brigade are seen as unintelligent brutes by the Dynasty, with not much thought put into them beyond defending their borders. They believe that ultimately, the Brigade can remain- under the Dynasty's banner, of course.

Symbols

The symbol used to represent the dynasty is usually a downwards facing sword with a serpent wrapped around it's blade. The origin of this has to do with the myth of the Serpent of Jiuanping which the Saint Khanos slew to make way for the founding of the Dynasty.

Though not quite official, jade green is considered to be the color representing the Xin Dynasty. So much so, that when Xin Feng was given a new throne, he requested it made entirely out of jade. As such, members of the provisional council now wear green robes to designate their position.

Less common is the use of the rose. Saint Khanos once foretold that when the all petals of his rose were to fall, the Age of the Saint's would end.

Figures of Interest

The main figures of the Dynasty are the heads of the families, though there are many powerful figures that make up the nation's power.

Oleander

Unknown, lawful evil.

Though not much is known of them but their existence, Oleander is an assassin who had served directly under the king. Rumored to have been taken in as a child and raised by the king in secrecy, the assassinations of many potential threats to the crown have been attributed to this figure. Oleander is known for striking quickly and lethally with deadly nightshade poison, quickly incapacitating and leaving enemies for dead. Beyond this though, their identity remains unknown.

Overseer Huang Sanlos

Nonbinary halfling, neutral good.

Sanlos is a younger heir of the Huang family, serving as a medic under the previous rule. Now they find themselves put under the command of the council, any power they once had now designated to the head of the family. Though possessing great astrological and magical talent, they are unable to take a true position with the head being occupied. Known for their lack of seriousness when it comes to important matters, many of the Huang family have taken to disliking them due to their demeanor.

Goals and Relationships

At the moment, the primary goal of the Forces of Nil are it's own continued existence. With the ward falling, the Forces have the chance to reclaim the land they once had and secure an existence outside the dangerous prison of the underground. To this end, the Forces are more than happy to fight off any invasions from the Dynasty.

All the same, there is also an aspect of revenge in future plans. Once the River Mikhan and it's surrounding area is claimed, the next target will be the Dynasty and the three armies that have broken off of it.

The Forces of Nil and Avia have a strained and difficult relationship. Though of similar origins and belief, the two have disputes over the ownership of the River Mikhan. It has yet to break out into complete warfare, but all it would really take is one push for the two to go over the edge into complete warfare.

The Forces and the Lihtos Brigade don't have stances towards each other necessarily. Because of the space between them, the two have not yet allied or become enemies.

Figures of Interest

Though a dangerous place to be raised in, the Forces have forged many powerful warriors and scholars from the depths.

Republic of Avia

"They enter our land and claim it as theirs, with no regard to us. They steal from our sacred temple, telling us that we are lucky to be able to use what is ours. And now, they blame us for events out of our control and slay our people? Their land belongs to us, the blessed of Saint Marin!"

-Magistrate Qhoryth declares war on the Xin Dynasty.

Figures of Interest

Lihtos Brigade

The Lihtos Brigade is the largest nation of Tengrao, occupying the entire western end of the continent and approaching on Xin Dynasty territory. Though, it seems hard to claim that the Brigade is a nation. The Lihtos Brigade claims itself instead to be a movement made of multiple native clans, fighting against the corruption of the ideology the saint's left behind. As such, they mark themselves as enemies of the Xin Dynasty and it's ideas of conquest.

The Lihtos Brigade's origins differ from story to story, some saying such a pact was made shortly after the Kingslayer March was defeated, while other's claim it's formation was in response to the first crusade of the Dynasty. Regardless of the exact time, the Brigade is a long lasting alliance that potentially has the power to defeat the Dynasty if proper measures are not taken.

Of the Warrior Saint's, perhaps the most hated by the Brigade is Saint Tranquility. Seeing him as a thief of the native clans land and treasures, they gave no respect to his mirus of the Tower of Earth and Heaven, raiding it for all they could. However, it seems they've yet to fully uncover it's secrets, occasionally finding new treasures within. Despite this hatred, the mirus remains a powerful bargaining chip for the brigade which they intend to use fully. Though there's no exact capitol of the Brigade, the Tower of Earth and Heaven has become a sort of meeting grounds among the leaders of the clans.

Unlike the other nations, it is hard to speak of an exact way of life or law present within, as the Brigade leaves most of these decisions to the clans themselves. Though there is no leader of the Brigade due to how it is structured, the heads of a couple clans have taken positions of managing the actions and movements of the brigade as a whole, though they don't necessarily hold power over individual clans.

The exact number of clans within the Brigade is unknown, but estimates put it at around 500. However, not all of these clans are active members of the Brigade. The more prominent clans of the Brigade will be listed here.

The Noble Orders

The Noble Orders are a set of three splinter armies from the Dynasty, made and lead by the exiled children of King Xin Feng. Despite having grown up together, the Noble Order's biggest enemies are currently each other, each claiming the crown as their own by birthright. The three orders will be listed here, along with their leaders and noble retainers.

Mavi

"They moved like a silent march through our settlement, riding serpentine mounts with branding of symbols we did not recognize. Though no interaction occurred between them, they did plenty with us. Despite their intimidating entrance and appearance, no thanks to the masks they wore, they spoke with friendly words laced with charm. They stayed the night, and then vanished, leaving behind nothing but their coin."

-- The Mystery of Saint Laam, Jieng Lux

Artificer Specializations

Tattooist

Chimera Sculptor

Path of the Maskcrafter

In Aeroth, the core of the Soul is identity. The outward face you present to the world, will more than often become the face of your soul. It is this idea that the Matron of Masks works under, though in a twisted way. By taking on the identity of other things, one can, in a way, become it.

Barbarians of this path learn to craft masks resembling beings of power and can take on aspects of these beings by simply donning the masks.

Path of the Packmaster

Bloodhunter

Order of the Flagellant

Flagellant order church pale flame seelo hidden in basement

Cleric Domains