Directory
1) Intro
----- -Prologue
----- -General Overview
2) Map & Environs
3) Races
4) Magic & Martial Arts
5) Rules & Important Information
6) Characters
7) News & Updates
----- -Prologue
----- -General Overview
2) Map & Environs
3) Races
4) Magic & Martial Arts
5) Rules & Important Information
6) Characters
7) News & Updates
Prologue
"Long ago, when the world was young and we were innocent, the spirits smiled upon us. They sheltered us with strong arms and nurtured us with soothing rains. All were one people and peace reigned supreme for centuries. However, strange rumours began to spread, speaking of a dark tide enveloping the land." The old and grey Bard paused, leaning against his Bonded for support as the firelight danced in his still young eyes. The Ilium supported the elder's weight, understanding and concern etched into the fine aquamarine features. "Now, I believe you know which story I speak of. Anyone care to name it?"
The sun had long ago set, giving way to the mysterious stars and glowing full moon. A crisp breeze blew through the outdoor classroom, rustling the Master Bard's robes and chilling a few of the younglings. They looked around, unsure of themselves but one brave pair stood, their chests puffed out in pride. "Yes? Go on." The Bard encouraged.
"Well, sir, ah . . . that is the tale of the Plague and the Prophet. A . . . chro- . . . chroon- . . . chronicle of the country's history." They stood there, pleased and frightened at the same time.
"Very good! The Plague and Prophet recounts the time before the High King. A time when survival was the greatest goal one could achieve. Listen up now . . ." The old Bard's voice became hypnotizing, launching his spell-bound audience into the past with his passionate storytelling. The Ilium quietly broadcast images into the students' minds, bringing to vivid life the incredible story of their ancestors.
The village was a quiet one, close enough to fall under the protective wing of the nearby city but still far enough away to enjoy some privacy. People led happy lives, raising the young, learning to fly and dance, tending the fields, and holding frequent festivals. It was a serene and peaceful life that many would envy.
The smoke and orange glow first alerted the Watch in the early morning. On the horizon, the city was in flames, fallen to some unknown force. Rumour spread like wildfire, many had heard of the suffering that had taken hold of the land and juts as many dismissed them as the grumblings of malcontents.
At first, nothing happened. As a few days rolled by, some lost interest and went about their lives. It was the fourth day after the Morning Sunset that dawned with death at the door. Hordes of terrified people flooded the small village, seeking shelter, stealing. It was chaos. Ilium flew overhead, bearing their Bonded and loved ones away from the mysteriously burning city. Rumours became fact as people succumbed to the horrible contagion. The Madness had arrived, sweeping through the populace killing those not strong enough to cope and changing those who were into mindless killers.
Some escaped the horror and joined the fleeing throng in an effort to flee from the carnage. No one knew what caused the disease or from where it originated, people didn't really care. The plague was the stuff of nightmares. The disease drove the Great Migration before it, consuming those who couldn't keep up and following the people to every land they travelled to. Frustrated, some broke off to form their own groups and seek reprieve in different directions.
During the madness, many humans lost their bonded Ilium, and many Ilium lost their bonded humans. Out of this group of mourning Bondless, many committed suicide rather than continue on, for during the Madness outbreak there didn't seem much to live for. Those that decided to keep going found a white flower, called a trillium, that they put on the graves of everyone who died, especially on their own former Bonded's.
This group made something called the Trillium Pact, and vowed never to bond again, and to only stick with those who are similarly Bondless. Within a few generations, the Illium were clearly different. Their wings became more like hands, which they could use as support for walking, and their tails became longer. Their manes became real fur, and their grief seemed to be expressed in their sharper horns and elbow spikes. Then, in one more generation, they lost their hind legs and became serpentine.
These descendents were unable to bond with humans, and for the first decade or so Ilium who renounced their bonds were inducted in to the Pact. The new trillium were accepted in to Ilium society, simply because they were still dragons, and a few nobles had joined them and still held sway.
The humans, however, did not change in any way. They rejoined human society, but remained the Trillium's friends and taught others to be friendly towards the new dragons as well.
It was apparent that even the classes of Trillium changed when they lost their Bonds. The Sorcerers, former Mages, were unable to command the elements, but found new shadow elements to practice. Surgeons lost healing magic, but showed an intelligence and curiosity that allowed them to study cadavers in order to help the sick and wounded. Former Bards lost the ability to speak at all, which may have been the end of their lives if the new Warblers weren't able to sing in such a way as to tug on people's feelings.
So, their new skills gave Trillium a place in the world, rather than branding them as outcasts. They are equals to Ilium, but just different. They are a minority, because of the dependency on Ilium to join within the first years of the Pact, but it doesn't bother them.
However, despite their being dragons, some religious Ilium may consider the Trillium as tainted for they apparently sold their soul-bonds in order to achieve these new classes. General rumours when the Pact was first made ensured that cross-breeds without actually becoming a Trillium was discouraged. Now, no Ilium take the pact anymore.
The Great Migration lasted for many years, the plague biting at the weary heels of those fleeing. Finally, something changed and the plague seemed to break off. Some said it was the weather, others said the spirits smiled upon them once more. Whatever the case, the Great Migration finally ended and the Ilium were finally able to settle down once more. Few remained who had witnessed the disease firsthand were still alive and an entire generation was brought up with the warnings and legends of the myths.
The main population of Ilium settle in Myst and Fairweather while the other group, now called Trillium, settled mainly around Aurum. The two groups had grown distinct, though their culture and beliefs remained very similar. Despite their similarities, a subtle distrust pervaded the air between Trillium and Ilium. The remnants of feelings of the difference of opinion of the Migration Leaders are likely the reason for multiple groups splitting off in the first place. Peace exists between the two peoples, but crossbreeds are highly discouraged and marriages between an Ilium and Trillium are frowned upon.
"It is here that we begin our story, children. This is the time when the threads of fate unravel and the future unclear." The old man moved closer the fire, smiling a greeting at the newcomers he had captured with his words. A cup of win was proffered and gratefully drank. The Ilium curled up behind him listening to his Bonded's wonderful voice even as he filled the young minds with wondrous images. "Now, where was I?"
"The Wind of Change, my friend." The Ilium's voice a magic all of it's own, a perfect harmony to the man's.
"Ah. Thank-you. Now then . . ."
General Information
-The Great Migration is common knowledge but the plague is not.
-There are 3 main villages that been settled, Myst and Fairweather by the Ilium and Aurum by the Trillium.
-Ilium bond, Trillium do not
-only that small part of the world is known, exploration will add to the map. Please see the description of the known world for information on exploration.
-1 day's flight with good weather = about 80miles // bad weather = about 40miles
-each village has its own ruling body, usually the King and Queens
-the Pillar is a massive mountain that be seen from most anywhere
-a recent increase in population has crowded the 3 villages and exploration is a common draw from workers
-remember: Ilium bond with Humans in a symbiotic way and can communicate telepathically with their Bonded; they must speak verbally to anyone else
-year: 203 PGM (Post Great Migration)
-the world has 2 moons that rise and set at different times during the night
-currency = Rill (singular is Rillia)
-the main types of terrain include plains, tropical forest, mountains and foothills, marshland, wasteland, oceans (for more information, refer to the map)
-Questions? Just ask in the Questions, Comments, and Concerns thread
Important!
When posting, please indicate in the top right hand corner which area you are in.
Ex.
Quote:
Location : -=Myst=-
~In Character Post Here~
