Humans and Ancients
Wanderfolk (old) or Wayfolk (newer) – mortal humans in Aurea Olam like on Earth. Represents relatively short life.
The Wayfolk, formerly known as Wanderfolk, are the mortal inhabitants of Aurea Olam, embodying a multitude of cultures, histories, and customs. Their origins trace back to a singular, ancient society of humans, akin to those on Earth. Over time, they ventured across Aurea Olam, exploring its infinite potential and cosmic mysteries.
As these early humans, the Wanderfolk, spread across Aurea Olam, they gradually adapted to their respective environments. These adaptations, coupled with their evolving beliefs and ideologies, led to the establishment of distinct races, each with its unique identity and tradition.
From these early Wanderfolk arose the Solari, drawn towards the brilliance and warmth of Aurea Olam’s stars. Their love for celestial bodies led to a society that celebrates knowledge, innovation, and celestial wisdom. Meanwhile, the Luminari found themselves entranced by Aurea Olam’s moons, developing a deep understanding of time, space, and the Cosmic possibilities, their culture heavily centered on scholarship, research, philosophy and wisdom.
Deep in Aurea Olam’s shadowy Void recesses, another faction of the Wanderfolk adapted to a darker environment, becoming the Tenebri. Their existence in the shadows has shaped them into masters of stealth and survival, living with the reality of the dark yet preserving the essence of their humanity.
Finally, the Umbri arose in the twilight regions of Aurea Olam. Living amidst the delicate balance of light and darkness, they’ve evolved into skilled tacticians, strategists, diplomats, and mediators, honoring these aspects in their culture.
Over the centuries, the term Wanderfolk gave way to Wayfolk, signifying their vast journeys and the myriad paths they’ve trodden across Aurea Olam. Yet, despite the divergence into different races, all Wayfolk share a common lineage and the shared history of their wanderings. Their mortal, relatively short lives in comparison to the Ancients and Enduralan add a poignant layer to their existence, making each moment precious and worthy of celebration. Their story serves as a testament to the spirit of exploration and adaptability, a testament to their human origins.
Radiant Legion
Main Races: Solari, Luminari
Cultures and Societies: The Radiant Legion hails from a society that values unity, cooperation, and light. They believe in the power of harmony and that the Light Undying strengthens their bonds.
Geography and Climate: Their home, the Luminous Lands, is a region bathed in eternal sunshine, with mild climates, and landscapes that sparkle like jewels in the sun. The topography is varied, including lush valleys, bright plains, shimmering rivers, and gleaming mountains.
Politics and Power Structures: The Radiant Legion is a republic led by a Council of Elders, whose wisdom and understanding of Radiance guide their decision-making. The power is decentralized, encouraging contribution and participation from all Legion members.
Economics and Trade: Economy thrives on the trade of light-infused artifacts and technology. Radiance is their primary source of energy, used in crafting, farming, healing, and more.
Art, Literature, and Entertainment: Art is viewed as an extension of one’s inner light. Vibrant murals, luminescent sculptures, and elaborate performances are common. Literature often features tales of the power of courage and fellowship.
Health and Medicine: Health care in the Legion revolves around Radiance healing techniques, using light to mend wounds, cure diseases, and restore vitality.
Void Dominion
Main Races: Members of all races who have pledged their loyalty to Obsydius, Abominari, Desolatari (Freed former Abominari), Tenebri (insurgents against the Dominion)
Cultures and Societies: The Void Dominion is a society that reveres power and dominance. They believe in the might of the individual and the entropic energy of Nihil.
Geography and Climate: The Void Expanse, home to the Dominion, is a landscape of perpetual darkness, where light is a rarity. Here, vast chasms and bleak plateaus dominate the region.
Politics and Power Structures: The Dominion is led by the ruthless Obsydius, with power held by the strongest and most cunning. Loyalty is often coerced, enforced through fear and manipulation.
Economics and Trade: Trade revolves around artifacts and technology infused with Nihil energy. The Dominion values resources that amplify their power and control.
Art, Literature, and Entertainment: Art within the Dominion often reflects their reverence for power and the dark aesthetic of their home. Tales of conquering heroes and fierce warriors are popular in literature.
Health and Medicine: Nihil-based techniques are used for (often unstable) healing, focusing on exploiting the destructive energy to break down ailments and force the body to regenerate. This often leaves scarring and deformity.
Phalanx Ascendancy
Main Races: Umbri, Luminari
Cultures and Societies: The Ascendancy operates within a complex paradox of maintaining equilibrium between order and chaos, drawing from both the constructive Radiance and destructive Nihil substances. They embrace the dynamism of duality, seeing both sides as crucial parts of a grand cycle.
Geography and Climate: The Twilight Territories, their abode, is a land of perpetual dusk and dawn, symbolizing the perpetual balancing act between light and dark, order and chaos. It’s a unique and complex landscape where plains of radiating light exist next to shadows of Nihil, mirroring their inhabitants’ way of life.
Politics and Power Structures: Governed by the Master of Strategy and a council known as the Paradox Conclave, the Ascendancy’s political structure embraces both democratic and autocratic elements in the form of a federation. Authority is earned through wisdom and strength, and societal decisions are guided by the understanding of both Radiance and Nihil.
Economics and Trade: The economy in the Ascendancy thrives on the exchange of both Radiance and Nihil-infused artifacts and technology. They have harnessed the art of blending both energies into their goods, making them unique and highly valued.
Art, Literature, and Entertainment: The Ascendancy’s art is a study in contrasts, often depicting the tension and harmony between order and chaos, light and dark. Literature and entertainment echo this theme, celebrating dichotomy and exploring its depths.
Health and Medicine: With a unique blend of Radiance and Nihil energies, their healthcare system incorporates both healing and transformative methods. This balanced approach to medicine is a hallmark of their society’s intrinsic paradox.]
Economy:
Aurea Olam boasts a diverse economy with each region specializing in certain sectors:
1. Radiant Legion (Luminous Lands): This region’s economy thrives on agriculture, livestock farming, and fishing, supported by the Golden Grain Valleys and the Lucidian Sea. They also mine and refine precious metals and crystals in the Crystalline Peaks. Skilled artisans transform these resources into exquisite jewelry, intricate tools, and potent artifacts, which are highly valued across Aurea Olam. Radiant Legion also boasts a strong educational sector, with many renowned institutions dedicated to studying and teaching about Radiance, alchemy, and other disciplines.
2. Phalanx Ascendancy (Twilight Territories): The economy here is more industrial in nature, focusing on mining, metalworking, and manufacturing. It benefits from the rich mineral deposits in the northern tundra and from maritime trade via the Glacidian Sea. Military equipment production is a significant part of the economy due to the Ascendancy’s militaristic nature.
3. Void Dominion: Here, the economy is heavily skewed towards warfare and research into Nihil technology. Natural resources are scarce due to the ecological devastation. Therefore, scavenging, repurposing, and recycling form an important part of the economy. Forced labor and oppressive economic practices are prevalent.
4. Caligo Wildlands: These regions have a mixed economy with agriculture, livestock rearing, hunting, and localized trade forming the bulk of economic activity. Artisanal crafts are also popular here.
The various regions engage in trade with each other to a limited extent, with independent traders and merchants playing a crucial role in maintaining these trade links. The economy of Aurea Olam, therefore, is a complex interplay of regional specializations, resources, and political relationships.
The economies of Aurea Olam rely on a mix of currencies, precious metals, and barter systems, with variations from region to region:
1. Radiant Legion (Luminous Lands): The most established and regulated economy on Aurea Olam, the Radiant Legion operates with gold coins minted with the emblem of the Radiant Legion, known as the Lumen. For more significant transactions, bars of precious metals, especially Aetherium and Solanium, are used. Radiance essence is also used as a digital currency, stored and transferred via Radiance-infused devices.
2. Phalanx Ascendancy (Twilight Territories): In this region, the official currency is a gold coin called the Dualim. However, due to the militaristic nature of the society, weapons, equipment, and other military artifacts are often used in trade. Ore and essence of Nihil is also used as a digital currency, although it’s less refined and less secure compared to the Radiant Legion’s system.
3. Void Dominion: The economy here is harsh and less structured. Officially, the Void Dominion mints its own coins called the Voidmark, but in practice, the currency is often overlooked in favor of barter involving scavenged goods, Nihil technology, and Nihil ore and essence.
4. Caligo Wildlands: In these frontier lands, there’s no official currency. Trade is conducted primarily through barter, exchanging goods and services for precious metals or Radiance/Nihil artifacts. In some more established settlements, they might use Lumens, Dualim, or Voidmarks, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
The economic tremors resulting from Obsidian’s tyrannical rule echo through all aspects of life on Aurea Olam. The eastern lands, once rich in diverse metals and gems, have been plundered relentlessly. The Monolith of Despair and Nihil technology have rendered these areas barren and toxic, a wasteland of desolation that once teemed with vibrant life and prosperity. This desecration has a cascading effect, rippling through the economic structures of the region, affecting trade, causing inflation, and fostering black market trading of scarce resources.
Under Obsydius’ rule, the Void Dominion hoards resources. Gold, once freely mined and minted, is now a scarce commodity. This scarcity is compounded by Obsydius’ strict control over the Nihil artifacts and technology, limiting their availability to his loyal followers. His monopoly over these valuable commodities has created an imbalanced economy, where the powerful grow richer while the poor struggle for survival.
The southern lands, though distant from Obsydius’ direct control, feel the sting of his influence. As the supply chains for various resources are disrupted, prices skyrocket, making common goods unaffordable for many. This economic instability stokes tension among local warlords, igniting conflicts and territorial disputes. Survival in the south becomes increasingly precarious, making the nomadic lifestyle more difficult yet more necessary.
Even the Radiant Legion and the Phalanx Ascendancy, while more economically stable, grapple with the repercussions of Obsydius’ rule. The constant conflict consumes resources, diverting them from economic growth to warfare. The Legion and the Ascendancy are forced to ration their resources and tighten their belts, focusing on their primary mission to contain and ultimately defeat Obsydius.
This constant economic turmoil underpins the urgency of Leo James’ mission. The stakes are not just political or ideological, but fundamentally tied to the survival and prosperity of all beings of Aurea Olam. The restoration of balance and the defeat of Obsydius are as much an economic necessity as a moral imperative. The defeat of Obsydius wouldn’t merely liberate Aurea Olam politically, but it would also free its economy, restoring the flow of trade, resources, and prosperity across the lands.
Transportation and Travel
This transportation system on Aurea Olam offers a fascinating mix of fantasy and science fiction elements. In terms of domestic travel, citizens and soldiers alike rely on a variety of creatures for personal transportation and logistics. These creatures, sometimes gifted with speed and endurance through Radiance infusions, carry riders across vast distances, traversing the planet’s diverse terrains with ease. Moreover, their chariot-like vehicles, drawn by these enhanced creatures, provide a swift and efficient means of transport for both goods and people, imbuing the world with a unique blend of primitive and advanced technology.
When it comes to military movements, Obsydius uses the Monolith of Despair to a terrifying effect. This ominous device allows him to open small blackhole portals, instantly transporting his armies across Aurea Olam for sudden, surprising assaults on his enemies. The Monolith’s terrifying power has made it a symbol of Obsydius’ rule, a reminder of his might and the ever-present threat he poses to all of Aurea Olam. Yet, its limitations, including the necessity of Obsydius’ presence, restrict its use and offer a glimmer of hope to those standing against his dark reign. This transportation system adds another layer of depth to the world of Aurea Olam, highlighting the contrasts between its various factions and adding an additional dimension to its conflicts.
In the oppressive regime of the Void Dominion, the daily travel and transportation of its citizens, both average and elite, are shaped by the harsh environment and the despotic rule of Obsydius.
For the average citizen, travel is primarily on foot, or if they are fortunate, on the backs of domesticated, hardy creatures that can withstand the bleak landscapes. Some families own simple wheeled carts pulled by these beasts, offering a more efficient mode of transportation for goods and people across the sparse settlements. Necessity has also driven them to map out and utilize an intricate network of underground caves and tunnels that crisscross beneath the scorched surface, providing a safer and more discreet means of travel.
For the elite of the Void Dominion, travel is a manifestation of their status and power. They command the use of Nihil-infused beasts, stronger and faster than regular creatures, a dark mirror of the Radiance-infused animals used by the Radiant Legion. These elites also have access to Obsydius’ Monolith-assisted teleportation, although its use is selective and under strict control. The experience of being transported via black hole portals is both terrifying and exhilarating, a stark reminder of the power that Obsydius holds.
Despite the Void Dominion’s desolate and dangerous landscape, its people adapt and persist, their modes of transportation testament to their resilience and ingenuity under Obsydius’ rule.
The Void Dominion, under the rule of Obsydius, harbors a grim history of exploitation and cruelty towards the natural fauna of Aurea Olam. Unlike the Radiant Legion’s respectful and compassionate treatment of their animal companions, the Void Dominion sees these creatures as nothing more than tools, resources to be exploited and molded to serve their bleak purpose.
Obsydius’ ruthless pursuit of power and control extends to the animals of the Void region. They are captured and subjected to harrowing experiments, their natural forms corrupted and twisted by Nihil. This insidious energy seeps into their beings, mutating them into monstrous Abominari-like beasts. Robbed of their will, they become subservient to the Dominion, their once vibrant essence extinguished and replaced by an empty, consuming void.
These twisted beasts become instruments of terror, utilized by the Dominion to instill fear and exert control over their territories. The sight of a once majestic creature, now a grotesque shadow of its former self, serves as a chilling reminder of the Void Dominion’s power and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their objectives.
Yet amid this darkness, there is one creature who stands as a symbol of respect and fear – Nihilus, Obsydius’ trusted Panthawolf. Towering at eight feet tall, this formidable creature escapes the fate of the other animals. It is Obsydius’ favored pet, feared by all, including Shard, due to its intimidating presence and the ruthless nature it shares with its master. Its ferocious loyalty and deadly efficiency in battle make it a formidable enforcer of Obsydius’ rule.
In the Void Dominion, where cruelty is commonplace and the strong exploit the weak, the twisted beasts serve as a testament to Obsydius’ iron-fisted rule and the perversion of natural life under the influence of Nihil. This stark contrast to the rest of Aurea Olam’s reverence for life and balance further highlights the darkness that has consumed this region under Obsydius’ rule.
The Radiant Legion, situated in the Luminous Lands, draws on the powers of Radiance to facilitate their travel. They employ a variety of land, air, and sea creatures, all infused with Radiance to increase their speed, strength, and endurance. These creatures are used for personal transportation, logistics, and warfare. Furthermore, larger beasts of burden have been domesticated to pull chariots or to carry multiple riders, creating an efficient and effective transportation system that aligns with the Legion’s affinity for Radiance.
In the Radiant Legion, the bond between the Legionnaires and their transport animals extends far beyond a mere tool for travel. These creatures are considered part of the Legionnaire’s family, akin to a loyal pet, or in some cases, a trusted partner. Whether it be the swift stags, the sturdy mammoths, or the magnificent fenixes that roam the skies, these animals are treated with the utmost respect and care.
The training of these animals is seen less as a matter of domination, but rather, a process of building trust and mutual understanding. Young Legionnaires are taught to communicate with these animals, reading their body language and emotions. This symbiotic relationship reflects the Legion’s overall philosophy of harmony and balance with nature.
It is common for Legionnaires to bring their animal companions home, integrating them into their daily lives. These animals are a source of comfort, companionship, and camaraderie, often participating in community events and celebrations. The bond between a Legionnaire and their animal partner is a cherished relationship, reflecting a deep level of empathy and mutual respect.
In the Radiant Legion, the ethical treatment of animals is not a mere guideline, but a sacred rule. Unnecessary harm or cruelty towards animals is considered a grave offense, punishable under Legion law. Hunting and fishing are done with respect for the circle of life, taking only what is needed and ensuring a swift, painless end. The Legion abhors any form of animal experimentation or abuse, seeing it as a violation of the Light Undying in all creatures. Such actions are dealt with severe penalties, further reinforcing the Legion’s commitment to the sanctity of all life on Aurea Olam.
Meanwhile, in the technologically-advanced Twilight Territories of the Phalanx Ascendancy, transportation adopts a more mechanized form. The Ascendancy has developed a range of vehicles powered by both Radiance and Nihil, showcasing their duality and advanced technological prowess. These vehicles, from armored land rovers to swift aerial crafts, are common sights across their territories, emblematic of their progress and innovation.
The Phalanx Ascendancy has a pragmatic approach to the creatures of Aurea Olam. To them, animals, creatures, and beasts are a part of the vast system of knowledge and resources waiting to be understood and utilized. Guided by their philosophy of balance, they understand the necessity of maintaining a harmonious relationship with these creatures, but their utilitarian perspective also recognizes their potential use in advancing the Ascendancy’s interests.
Driven by their dedication to knowledge and technology, the Ascendancy conducts controlled studies on these creatures, seeking to understand their biology, behavior, and capabilities. They do not indulge in the needless cruelty of the Void Dominion but adhere to stringent ethical standards in their research. The results of these studies often contribute to technological advancements and military strategy, providing them with an edge in their defense and intelligence efforts.
Their approach to these creatures extends into their military and espionage practices. Trained creatures, like birds or swift land animals, are sometimes used in surveillance and message delivery. Animals capable of carrying a rider or a payload are carefully conditioned and integrated into their military, providing transportation and logistical support. However, the Ascendancy, with its preference for knowledge and strategy, primarily relies on technology and human skill in warfare.
In line with their commitment to preparation and discipline, the children of the Ascendancy are also educated about these creatures from a young age. They learn to understand, respect, and, when necessary, effectively utilize these creatures. This pragmatic yet respectful approach molds their perspective, reinforcing the idea that every component of their world has its place and function, and should be understood rather than feared or mindlessly exploited.
Thus, the Phalanx Ascendancy’s relationship with animals, creatures, and beasts reflects their guiding principles of balance, understanding, and utility. While they do not form the deep emotional bonds with these creatures seen in the Radiant Legion, they nonetheless maintain a level of respect and understanding rooted in their core values.
The Tenebri rebels residing in the Void Dominion primarily traverse their treacherous lands on foot or via swift animals. The desolate landscape of the Void, coupled with the presence of Obsydius’ ground-to-air ranged Nihil weapons, makes air travel risky for these rebels. Instead, they’ve adapted to the harsh environment by developing an extensive network of underground tunnels and cave systems, providing a safer and more covert mode of travel.
The Tenebri Rebels, living amidst the hostile environment of the Void Dominion, have a unique, survival-driven relationship with the creatures of Aurea Olam. Forced to adapt to life in the underground caves and tunnels beneath the blighted landscape, they have learned to rely heavily on these creatures for their survival.
Food sources in the Void are scarce due to the harsh conditions and the corrupting influence of the Monolith of Despair. As a result, the Tenebri have turned to subterranean creatures for sustenance. These creatures, adapted to life in darkness, form a critical part of the rebels’ diet. Hunting these creatures requires stealth, patience, and a deep knowledge of their behavior – skills the Tenebri have honed over time.
Due to the dangers of surface travel in the Void, the Tenebri have developed a close relationship with the robust, quick creatures that dwell in the underground labyrinth. These creatures serve as mounts, carrying the rebels swiftly through the vast tunnel network. They are valued companions in the Tenebri’s struggle for survival and treated with respect.
In terms of utility, certain animal species are also used as sentinels against Void Dominion incursions. The naturally keen senses of these creatures, amplified through selective breeding and training, make them invaluable for detecting threats. In a realm where danger can come from any direction, these animal sentinels are often the difference between life and death for a Tenebri outpost.
However, the Tenebri’s relationship with these creatures isn’t solely based on utility. Over time, a profound bond of mutual survival has formed. In the face of the Void Dominion’s relentless oppression, the Tenebri and these creatures have become reluctant allies, both living symbols of resilience amidst darkness.
Thus, the Tenebri Rebels’ connection with animals, creatures, and beasts is both a necessity and a testament to their tenacity. Amid the stark reality of the Void, they’ve found companionship, sustenance, and a means of defense, further fueling their resolve to resist the Void Dominion.
Lastly, the Caligo Wildlands, with its vast expanses of rugged terrain, sees a more primitive mode of transportation. The inhabitants of these lands primarily travel on foot, relying on their knowledge of the land for navigation. However, a variety of beasts and creatures are also used for travel and transportation. These beasts, though typically not infused with Radiance or Nihil, are hardy and adaptable, capable of traversing the diverse landscapes of the Wildlands.
In the Caligo Wildlands, a rugged and remote frontier to the south of Aurea Olam, the inhabitants are made up of a colorful mix of Solari, Luminari, Umbri, Tenebri, and Desolatari. These diverse people, bound by their shared determination to survive in the Wildlands, have formed a unique symbiosis with the local fauna that is integral to their daily life.
The Wildlands’ geographical isolation and diverse range of environments, from sweltering desert expanses to rugged mountain passes and dense, verdant jungles, have resulted in a thriving biodiversity. The local fauna is as varied as the land itself, including sturdy mountain beasts, swift desert runners, and silent predators of the forest, each uniquely adapted to their specific habitat.
Transportation across such vast and varied terrain is predominantly done on foot or with the aid of the Wildlands’ hardy creatures. These animals are selected not only for their ability to navigate their respective environments but also for their ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the Wildlands. They aren’t subjected to the Radiance or Nihil infusions of the northern territories but are prized for their natural resilience and adaptability.
Hunting is a common practice, necessitated by the scarcity of resources in the region. However, unlike the Void Dominion, hunting in the Wildlands is a practice governed by respect and necessity. Every part of the hunted animal is used, from its meat and hide to its bones and teeth. Such efficiency is born not just of necessity, but also from a deep-seated respect for the creatures that share their harsh world.
In addition to their roles as providers and means of transportation, animals in the Wildlands are also valued for their companionship. In a region where existence is a continuous struggle, the companionship of a loyal creature can provide much-needed emotional comfort and protection. Each species of animal has its place in the local lore, with tales spun around the campfires of their traits, habits, and the lessons they can teach.
Among the Desolatari, who often escape to the Wildlands following their Illumination of Conscience, the relationship with animals is particularly poignant. Scarred by their past experiences and wary of society, they find solace in the silent companionship of the creatures of the Wildlands. In the eyes of the beast, there is no judgment, only acceptance, which provides a sense of peace for these tormented souls.
The fauna of the Caligo Wildlands, therefore, plays a critical role in the survival and culture of its inhabitants. Far from being merely beasts of burden, these creatures are respected companions, providers, and teachers – each animal, regardless of its size or strength, holds a cherished place in the rich tapestry of life in the Wildlands. In Aurea Olam, transportation is not just a means of getting from one place to another; it reflects the values, resources, and technological advancements of each faction.
