Ghalerion Uber-Reference Thread

[Kouketsu]

Ghalerion is a vast world comprised of seven major countries, three currently occupied by rulers, the countries of Ghale, Tensoku, and Calismus. Ghale is a home to legions of Adventurers and Daredevils alike. In these times of recovering chaos, the people of Ghale are without a ruler and anarchy is rising throughout the streets. Tensoku remains Ghalerion's only currently peaceful country, ruled by a humble and giving nobility that have been trained in the ancient arts of magic so as to protect their citizens. Calismus is currently Ghalerion's dominating power, ruled by a vicious war-mongering monarchy searching perpetually for more power.

And in spite of these times, there are uprisings about throughout the world. Tribes from the unidentified countries are quickly gaining strength and amassing their primitive forces. The deities above have become slack in their watchful duties and the people are beginning to lose faith. At the heart of all this conflict are the people. The people who have a choice left to them: to save Ghalerion or let it fall to pieces before their very eyes.

Ghalerion is home to people of all types, all genders, all creeds and all classes, creating a diverse world capable of producing adventure, mystery, intrigue, and anything else within the realm of your imagination. Critical to this world is an extensive cast of players that help to retell Ghalerion's history while simultaneously shaping their own. In Ghalerion, one can stake their claim, build their legacy, and play an integral part in the history that we create. Roleplayers of all types and competent skill levels are welcome to join and help to shape the very world itself!

Cities & Settlements

Ghale:

City of Ghalerion
The city of Ghalerion is the capital city of all Ghale, situated in the southwestern corner of the country. Ghalerion is known for having become a rather seedy town over the past five years, and also holds a reputation for the greatest taverns that the world has known. The Rynhart Estate, abandoned some five years ago now, lies at the southern end of the town, uninhabited and looming over the rest of the city, closed in by intimidating gates. During the day, Ghalerion can be seen teeming with all sorts of vendors with all sorts of items, along with the few families brave enough to live there.
Ghalerion really doesn't shine, though, until the evening comes around. Pubs and taverns are usually packed full and the lamps hung along the street give Ghalerion a completely picturesque luminance along the charming cobble-stone streets, a beauty that contrasts with the actual content of the city's character. Inns also line the streets, intermixing between the pubs and general stores, and are usually only checked into for a single night, as very seldom does someone traveling through Ghalerion intend to stay in Ghalerion.

Dame
Dame is the last beacon of hope remaining among Ghaleon cities, completely dignified and equally as beautiful. Dame is essentially closed in by a massive retaining wall which outlines the many acres enclosed inside. Emerging directly from the center of this near-perfect shape is the Fortress of Dame, elegantly designed but incredibly fortified. From overhead, Dame is designed with almost flawless symmetry, houses aligned in parallel rows to either side of the central stronghold, the streets and roads in between magnificently paved and immaculately clean. Directly before the fortress, in the town's famed square, stands a statue of their governor, Hanslo, atop his steed.

The people of Dame are known throughout Ghale for their friendliness and hospitality, but also for their courage and valor on the battlefield. Every single eligible person within the city's walls is enlisted in Dame's militia, and their governor Hanslo has lead them to victory many many times. In it's history, Dame has only faced one major threat, a siege in the 180th Year of Gaius, but today remains essentially protected and secure, and the people live in complete comfort.

Mount Focalor
The towering Mount Focalor in northern Ghale remains one of the mainland continent's most beautiful and yet most feared natural monuments. The towering peaks have only been touched by a very small number of men, none of which returning the same as they went up. The southside of the mountain leads down to the Harborym Valley, equally as beautiful but just as feared. On the eastern side of the mountain, a small community of Vykens has developed, who believe the mountain to be essentially harmless. It is still relatively unexplored though, and to even consider journeying to its peak is something regarded as insane.

Harborym Valley
The lush Harborym Valley lies on the southern side of Mount Focalor, burried in a beautiful shade of emerald green. The valley is well known for the Harborym Falls, a sight that many adventurers have attempted to reach, but few have succeeded in actually seeing. It is said that beneath the falls lay a series of deep caves which were once traversed by a general of Ghale known as Orias. Unfortunately, Orias and his men never returned from the caves and only artifacts of their journey there remain.

Tensoku:

Tatsuma
Tatsuma is the capital city of Tensoku and a province established briefly after the country's inception. Ruled by a noble Herald, Tatsuma is a hotbed of activity in Tensoku. The world's first established school during the reign of Gaius is in Tatsuma, and still runs to this day, teaching young Kelians the arts of magic and the history of their faith and existence. Tatsuma is also where the Elders of Tensoku meet in their administrative court and on occasion gather the people of the entire country for celebrations. Physically, the city is noted for being mostly desert lands, but has been carefully cultivated to provide for its citizenry.

Kyousha
Kyousha is famed for its impressive "Temple of Tensoku", a veritable wonder of the world standing in at a height taller than most mountains, a massive sanctuary capable of holding thousands in attendance at one time. The Temple of Tensoku draws millions of Kelians annually, coming to pay homage to whichever deity they hold loyalty to, and to give thanks to Gaius and Eden for what they have been provided over the past year. The original Temple of Tensoku is said to be even more massive than the current one, but was apparently destroyed during a physical engagement between two of the deities.

Mount Ipes
Atop the great Mount Ipes live small clans of Kelian monks, dedicated to scribing out the legends and events of the world and giving daily prayer and dedication to the Deities. The monks of Mount Ipes are also well known for taking in and raising children of all races and creeds, teaching them a life of piety, study, and dedication. Its peak was the location of the deity Lain's 100th Year Blessing, in which the land of Tensoku was made holy and Mount Ipes was granted sanctuary. Furthermore, the people living atop it are the most devout followers in all of Tensoku, and arguably the most hospitable.

Calismus:

Sparsia
The city of Sparsia is older than Calismus itself and revered throughout the world, particularly for its famous academy. Its beautiful classical design and rows of manors and palaces have made it virtually the aristocratic capital of the entire world, as it contains a populace of only the highest social standing and most elevated sophistication. Sparsia draws gentry from the world over, and most would do everything short of give their own life just for an opportunity to live there.

The famed Sparsian Academy glimmers in the center of the city, the massive edifice a symbol of the perfection for which Sparsia strives. The Academy has yet to turn out a single poor quality student and is recognized for turning out the best and being able to whip into shape any pathetic student, as long as they have talent. Sparsia routinely seeks out fresh and gifted children and scholars for its student body and faculty today, and through reputation has given Sparsia a relatively large amount of sway in Calismian politics.

Celestia
Celestia is both the oldest and largest city on the entire mainland continent, harboring a population of over 300,000 citizens. The Celestial Army alone is one major sector of Calismus' entire military, totaling some 75,000 well-trained soldiers. The city was established during the reign of Ezekial and lasted through the entire Five Years Tribal War unscathed. It is well noted for being the hometown of many prominent world figures, the most widely recognized being the Soulstice family. Savian's largest palace is in Celestia, directly across from the palace of the Soulstice family, and the two solitary spires which emerge from the two manors can be seen from miles outside of the city.

Celestia is one of Ghalerion's most active cultural centers, a meeting place for people from all around the world to come annually. Known for holding countless festivals, celebrations, tournaments, and other great gatherings, it has housed many famed figures, including valiant warriors, great politicians, renowned performers, and more. The Bathhouse at Celestia is also one of Ghalerion's greatest institutions. Open to anyone and everyone who can afford it, the bathhouse has seen more than its fair share of celebrities and common men. The women who work the Bathhouse at Celestia are also said to be the most divine creatures walking Calismus, immaculate in every single feature.

Zar
Zar is a small village town on the border between Calismus and Ghale, situated in the southeast corner of the country. Zar essentially exists today as a poor farming town, just as it always has been, but is nationally recognized for being the birthplace of Savian Yros, Czar of Calismus.

Epsym
Epsym is one of the two celebrated 'Mirror Cities' directly in the center of Calismus. Famous for the annual tournament held there which draws fighters from the world around, it has become somewhat of a training grounds and also an essential stop for any voyaging warrior. Throughout the city are world-famous craft shops which turn out weapons and armor deemed flawless and lining the roads of Epsym are taverns, inns, and combat facilities, where many come from throughout Calismus to engage in sport. It is rumored that Savian is considering constructing a massive private garden in Epsym, in which to keep his fencing skills razor sharp.

Agares
The other 'Mirror City' directly in central Calismus, the buildings and roads of Agares are designed to be a mirror image of the city directly across the Soulstice River, Epsym. Agares differs from Epsym however, in that it is home to many cathedrals and churches. Most mortals journey to Agares on spiritual journeys or when in search of something and unaware of where to turn to, considering it to be consecrated and in direct connection with Gaius and the other deities. The city has always been a religious haven and provides refuge to Criticals, Udorists, and naturally, followers of the Deities alike.

Races

The Mortals of Ghalerion
The mortals are, most of the time, an average race which require much more effort and determination to attain strength, speed, power, or the ability to wield things such as magic. Borne out of the Kelians' need for help in serving the Deities, mortals were given significantly less natural talent and ability than the Kelians, as their primary duty was to serve them throughout their lifetime. The mortals, though, eventually began construction of their own society in which they would build shrines, homes, and other facilities they declared only accessible by mortals. They also began to establish tribes and build their own communities. Despite these advances in personal freedom, the mortals still remained oppressed by the Kelian
peoples for an extensive period of time, nearly 500 years of servitude

In the 498th Year of Ezekial, the mortals revolted. As the bickering deities began accepting sacrifices of loyalty and returning those prayers with blessings, the mortals gained strength and eventually some tribes began slaughtering the Kelians. Eventually they would fight back against the mortals, though, and would do so mercilessly and in full force. The outcome of the Five Years Tribal War, however, would be in favor of the mortal peoples, who essentially drove the Kelians off the entire Ghalerion mainland continent (Modern day Ghale and Calismus).

Currently, it is the mortals who dominate the majority of Ghalerion's land. They have established governments in the countries of Ghale and Calismus, and have also occupied the territory of other soon-to-be countries. There is no doubt that at this time in Ghalerion, most focus seems to be on the mortal peoples, who perhaps are becoming too comfortable and too overconfident with their standing...

The Kelian Race
The Kelians are the first and original race established on Ghalerion, created directly by the Deities, and are, in general, physically gifted in comparison to most mortals. But to level out this advantage, their numbers lack severely and it is much more difficult for Kelian women to conceive children. The Kelians were molded into creation by the Deities to watch over and take care of Ghalerion for the entirety of their life. Born into essential servitude, all Kelians take an oath at the age of ten, swearing to pledge the remainder of their life to serving the Deities and toiling in their names. Most Kelian peoples eventually adopt a single deity to pledge most of their labor to.

During their first 200 years serving the Deities, the Kelians developed and honed the techniques which they were blessed with, primarily the ability to manipulate matter directly into various forms of energy, channeling it through different mediums such as fire, wind, and other natural elements. The concept generally is known today as 'magic', although only scholars and people of upper class society (The minority of mortals) outside of the Kelian civilization itself actually have knowledge of it.

On the eve of the 200th Year of Ezekial, the Kelians were called together to ask for their blessing from Ezekial, and their request was the creation of mortal peoples. The mortals were borne of the Kelians desire to have lesser beings, capable of multiplying much quicker and therefore capable of doing some degree of their work for them, much like the Deities creation of the Kelians themselves. This would soon lead, though, to much conflict between the three levels of creation, primarily between the Kelians and the mortals.

During the Five Years Tribal War of the final years of Ezekial's reign, a great majority of the Kelian peoples were slaughtered at the hands of the mortals and those remaining were forced to flee to a comparatively small, fortified island continent in Eastern Ghalerion. They would establish a society there on this country, which they called "Tensoku", a peaceful society in which all members of all classes of society could live harmoniously together.

The Vykens
The Vykens are a relatively new race which evolved over time since the beginning of Gaius' reign. Following the catastrophic events of the Five Years Tribal War, Gaius thought it appropriate to create many more new species on the world of Ghalerion, for the sake of balancing out the duties of maintaining his planet. One of the first of these species were known as 'Vykes', creatures similar to the now-extinct 'wolf', although they were imbued with more supernatural abilities and walked on two hind legs. Over time, the Vykes began to breed with small tribal sectors of mortals on the mainland continent, giving birth to the first 'Vykens'.

The hybrid-creature known as a 'Vyken' assumes the general appearance of a regular walking mortal, although shares many characteristics of vykes, such as the wolf-like head and fur. Physically and mentally, Vykens are stronger than both regular mortals and the few remaining regular Vykes. To this point, many still remain in tribes across the ungoverned countries of Ghalerion and have created small, prosperous communities. The Vykens live in peace with the mortal peoples, but are far from hesitant to engage in battle to defend a community member.

The Carybs
Created directly following the Five Years Tribal War at the will of Gaius, Carybs (Female: Caryb; male: Carub; General: Caryb) are relatively common, pixie-like creatures. Ultimately, they appear the form of a petite mortal, although some breeds have been known to be born with rather odd features, including wings, horns, and a few with the ability to use magic. All breeds are born with supernatural speed, even faster than that of the Kelians, although this leaves them severely lacking in the strength department. The regular breeds though can often assimilate into mortal communities without notice of their actual race.

The Carybs are generally peaceful, but many, primarily those inhabiting the country of Ghale, have gained the reputation of seducers and seductresses. Also, many female Carybs have been spotted adorning the side of influential political figures in the countries of Calismus and Ghale, taking on an almost trophy-like position to some rather insensitive world leaders.


Other Races, Species, and groups
Because of the end results of the Five Years Tribal War, many new species and variations of races have been created since the beginning of Gaius' rule. He has implemented various new species and allowed for cross breeding in many cases so that different creatures may develop that are superior in their ability to maintain the various parts of his world.

Well-recognized among these other groups include vampires, demons (Those born mortals but evolved to use super-natural abilities, sometimes including magic), Meleans (Very rare mortal-Kelian half-breeds), among many many other creatures walking Ghalerion.

Deities

Ezekial the Absolute
No longer 'the Absolute' today, Ezekial was arguably the most lax of the Deities following their creation, but was placed in absolute power regardless. For nearly 500 years, he watched over and ruled Ghalerion, giving birth to two races in his time, the Kelians and the mortals. It was his mistake in only creating two kinds of people and making them unequal in nature and class which lead to the disastrous Five Years Tribal War, something which ultimately removed Ezekial from power.

Gaius the Mighty
Gaius has ruled for over two hundred years and proved himself most wise and benevolent. The most physically strong of the Deities and easily the most perceptive, he was the only deity not involved in the catastrophe of the Five Years Tribal War, and because of this, was placed as the new Great Deity. His physical strength is matchless across the entire cosmos and it was Gaius who actually crafted the spherical shape of Ghalerion with his bare hands.

Of all the current deities still in power, Gaius is by far the most followed and the most praised. Most mortals turn to him as their savior and protector, and pledge their unyielding allegiance to him.

Lain the Forgiving
Lain rules as the forgiving Deity, the one to whom people turn when seeking pardon for their sins. The Kelian peoples turned to Lain for reconciliation and forgiveness after the Five Years Tribal War and the establishment of Tensoku, and he was so moved that on his first 100 Year Blessing, he consecrated the entire country and granted sanctuary and divine protection to Mount Ipes there.

It's rare to find a full-breed Kelian who doesn't pledge their complete allegiance to Lain. He primarily watches over the Eastern sector of Ghalerion, particularly where Tensoku is located, and has provided them with resources in spite of their desert location. It was also Lain who finally ended the physical dispute between Detsen and Agros that nearly destroyed the Tensoku Temple.

Calin the Warrior
One of two female deities, Calin is both wise and sought after by many mortals of Ghalerion, hoping to achieve a blessing from her. The name 'the Warrior' couldn't be more appropriate, as she has been known to dispute with Detsen and Agros very often when either of them gets involved in mortal affairs. The name was given after Calin in a heated engagement challenged Ezekial to a fencing match within Eden.

Calin has many followers throughout northern Calismus and Ghale, and into the un-governed countries to the north as well. Considered 'the Warrior', many soldiers and generals also make their prayers and blessings to her before entering battle. It is said that whichever side has gained the favor of Calin, whether outnumbered five to one or one thousand to one will come out the victor.

Detsen the Benevolent
Detsen the Benevolent is one of two deities (The other being Agros) that commonly take a mortal form and make direct contact with the people. He has been known eternally for his dashing features and kind spirit, although his desire to help people has often gotten in the way of the aspirations of other deities, primarily Agros. Ultimately, Detsen seeks out the people just as much as they seek out his blessing. Known to be almost too kind in bestowing abilities and powers upon desperate people, Detsen is sought after highly.

Agros the Beautiful
One of the only deities who makes direct contact with mortal and Kelian peoples, Agros is known throughout Ghalerion for her perfect beauty. Endowed with some degree of vanity, she has often been given to throwing out blessings and aid to those who can charm her spirit or offer sacrifice to her stunning features. Agros also has more temples raised in her honor than any other Deity, and it's far from uncommon to find ivory statues of her flawless frame adorning cities throughout the entire mainland continent.

Because of her personality, Agros has also found herself engaged in confrontation with the other Deities more than enough times. She has often argued with Detsen, who also takes a form among the mortals, claiming that he involves himself too much in the affairs of the undeserving.

Leaders & Prominent Figures

The Rynhart Family
Directly following the Gyperion Tribal War of the 32nd Year of Gaius, the Eldenhart family conquered and made claim to the lands which they would attribute the name Ghale. Over the next 110 years, three Eldenharts passed through the throne of Ghale, but during the 144th Year of Gaius, Lord Gustav Eldenhart, 3rd Lord Baron of Ghale passed away while still on the throne, leaving behind no children to assume his place as successor. The aristocracy of Ghale was thrust into a frenzy over who should succeed their pious lord baron, and all seemed to desire the spot.

To put to conclusion the issue over the throne, the aristocracy called together a council of all Lord Eldenhart's former advisors and would bring them before the public in debate and campaign, allowing the people to decide the successor. One former advisor and the only blood relation to Lord Eldenhart, his young cousin by the name of Geldyn Rynhart, engaged in a fierce crusade for the position, his vigorous speech that day before the people giving him the edge that he longed for.

"Citizens of Ghale, with the passing of Lord Gustav Eldenhart, we find ourselves at a most catastrophic juncture. We are limited in our options for procession from this crossroads, but I implore you with my heart to lend me your vote of confidence, and I will in return lend you my strength! I will lend you my soul, my heart, and most importantly my ears! We, the common man, are the pride of this sovereignty! We form the backbone of this entire nation! The great Lord Eldenhart always spoke of how he desired honor, courage, pride, honesty, loyalty, and hospitality throughout his country. Join with me to bring to Ghale the reality of his dream!"

It was without question that in that 144th Year of Gaius, Geldyn Rynhart would take the throne as Lord Geldyn Rynhart, 4th Lord Baron of Ghale. The Rynhart clan maintained a hardened stand as ruling family, instituting a guard force and setting up provincial governments throughout Ghale. In the 192nd Year of Gaius, after a long and respected reign, Geldyn Rynhart gave up his throne to his successor and son, Geldyn Rynhart II. Lord Rynhart II began his reign with a relatively stable government in position. He gave birth to a healthy young son a few years into his rule and later on two daughters.

Beginning in the 208th Year of Gaius, calls were being made throughout Ghale for an uprising against the Rynhart family. They were described as neglectful, excessive, and far from caring to their populace. Suddenly, in the 212th Year of Gaius, the Rynhart family mysteriously disappeared from Ghale. It is rumored that the son still lingers somewhere in the country and that the other four members of the immediate family are hidden away in Calismus, but the rumors are far from proven by any reliable evidence.

Savian Yros
Savian Yros was born a poor farm boy in the impoverished Calismian village of Zar. Throughout his youth, he was recognized by the citizenry for nothing beyond the sheer brute strength that he acquired being a young farmhand. Eventually, word reached the Sparsian Academy of his talents and he was taken from his parents and reared there, where his talents would be taken and elevated to their full potential. It was during his stay at the academy that he was nationally recognized for his talents and skills, graduating at the top of his class. On the very same day in which he graduated from Sparsian, Savian was approached by one Cyrus Soulstice, Czar of Calismus.

Cyrus approached Savian and announced him the successor to his place atop Calismus. At the young age of 17, Savian finally assumed complete control of the throne and immediately entered the position with broad aspirations for its future. He would soon begin expansion in all immediate directions, assimilating tribes and bringing much more innovation and technology to the already far-advanced Calismian society. Savian believed it was Cyrus' dream to create this futuristic paradise, his own technological utopia, and so he placed all his efforts into building such a creation.

Savian on the battlefield is known for his believed supernatural strength and ability, traits that were developed from the moment he could walk during his time on the farm in Zar. He's believed to be a genius tactician and ruthless in combat. Savian in the courtyard is well-recognized and greatly desired due to his dashing features and almost mystical allure, not to mention the appeal of his comfortable position of power among the world's leaders. Nothing short of peerlessly charming, absurdly sophisticated, and enthusiastically arrogant, Savian has gained as much reputation globally for his personality a diplomatic and military achievements.

The Elders of Tensoku
The Tensoku Elders appear as an almost mystical council of Kelians which have assumed administrative control of the island country for generations, the current council direct descendants of the Kelians blessed by Lain. A most furtive and mysterious group in their executive dealings, very few have knowledge of how to become a Tensoku elder or of what they actually do behind closed doors. Their identities are common knowledge among the populace, and they are often seen mingling directly with them, but very rarely do they even give mention to their position.

Known to only few historians are the general facts of why the Tensoku Elders are who they are. Most would attribute their position to the vast knowledge they hold of the planet and the enormous well of strength and energy that they possess, that rarely seen 'magic' which they hold. It is believed that to challenge an Elder of Tensoku would be to ask for one's own death. But in general, their powers are rarely seen or used at all. They are wise and generous councilmen and vigilantly watch over and protect their country, and put the majority of their effort into maintaining peace and tranquility.

Ezekial the Powerful (Human Ezekial)
Immediately following his banishment to walk the planet as a mortal being, Ezekial aspired to regain some degree of control within Ghalerion. It was during this time that he established his own separate faith upon Ghalerion, one determined to plea that Eden restore him to power as a single lone god to reign over the cosmos. Ezekial wouldn't allow the people knowledge of his true identity, but gained a significant following regardless. This group came to be known as Udorists (Udor = "restoration" in Kelian), those who desired Ezekial's return to absolute power within Eden. Ezekial assumed a title of "Ezekial the Powerful" soon afterwards and became an archbishop of the movement.

This Ezekial traversed Ghalerion's mainland continent and sent his disciples in all directions, attempting to increase the following of the Udorists, and did so with some level of success. Communities belonging to an un-governed country off the mainland continent in the northwest corner of Ghalerion began clamoring to the Udorist restoration effort and began constructing ornate cathedrals dedicated to Ezekial. Most of the movement on the mainland continent, however, dispersed as quickly as it amalgamated. Ezekial's exact location now is unknown, but he still resides as primary archbishop of the Official Udorist Sanctuary, a massive cathedral buried in the thick of northwestern Ghalerion.

Cyrus Soulstice III
Cyrus Seig Soulstice III, born and raised in the town of Celestia in the region that would later become Calismus. At the age of 25, Cyrus was appointed head of the Council for the Industrial Advancement of Ghalerion that was established by the mortals in Ghale to bring technological revolution to the planet. It didn't take long before Cyrus' intentions with the project were fully known to all those mortals involved. He intended to stake claim on the ungoverned half of the mainland continent and from it develop a scientific utopia.

In the 182nd Year of Gaius, Cyrus would name this land Calismus, which in ancient Kelian meant "Revolution". The boundary lines of the country would extend from Ghale in the east all the way to the western edge of the mainland continent, although still to this day Calismus has yet to occupy even 3/4 of the intended territory, still having to fend with revolting tribes. Throughout Cyrus' reign however, these tribes provided very little resistance to his sheer drive. In fact, the majority of them assimilated.

Following an incredibly successful reign from the 182nd Year all the way to the 207th Year, Cyrus eventually stepped down from his position as the Czar of Calismus and gave the title to his successor, the Prodigy of Zar, Savian Yros. In his 25 year reign as czar, Cyrus brought about more technological advancement in his country than had been seen in over half a millennia. He acquired significant numbers of colonies off of the mainland continent, in addition to more central territory and has established a flourishing economy during the height of his regime.

Darlan the Wise of Sparsian Academy
Darlan Deltross, otherwise known throughout the world as 'Darlan the Wise' established the Sparsian Academy in the city of Sparsia, within modern-day Calismus, in the 150th Year of Gaius. With over 60 years of flawless instructing and educating the most gifted and talented youth from all tribes, cities, villages, countries, islands, and communities all across Ghalerion, the Sparsian Academy among schools is second to none and comes in as quite possibly the most elite and exclusive institution in all of Ghalerion. With a faculty comprised of aged historians, brilliant tacticians, valiant warriors, famed magicians, virtuoso musicians, and many more established scholars from around the world, Darlan's dream has essentially come true.

Darlan Deltross was born and raised a mortal with his brother Tarlan in Tensoku's Mount Ipes, where he was instructed in all fields of study by Kelian monks. Utilizing their teachings, he crossed the mountains of Tensoku with his brother and crossed the oceans to the mainland continent of Ghalerion, where the two began educating and voyaging as wandering philosophers. Eventually, Darlan and Tarlan would go separate ways, Tarlan opting to become a historian in Ghalerion while Darlan took off for the few established cities in the chunk of territory which would soon become Calismus. It was there that he arrived in Sparsia, a less rustic and more advanced city which had the will and the drive to become successful.

Darlan would, in the 150th Year of Gaius, establish one of the oldest academies in all Ghalerion. Taking from the standard education system developed in Tensoku, Darlan staked claim to a piece of land in the 149th Year of Gaius and with the local artists designed the impressive edifice that today is the Sparsian Academy. While builders and laborers from the region toiled on the structure, Darlan took to journeying again, for an entire year. He would seek out the world's greatest minds and collect them together until, upon returning to Sparsia in the 150th Year of Gaius, he made official the opening of the Sparsian Academy and Institute of Culture and the Arts. All students would be thoroughly educated in fencing, artistry, musicianship, philosophy and theology from the finest instructors around the globe.

Darlan today remains the academy's aged headmaster, but no longer instructs the students as he used to, instead opting to collect more information and work on his memoirs.

Hanslo, Governor of Dame
Hanslo is known throughout most of Ghale for his heroic efforts in the Great Siege of Dame in the 180th Year of Gaius. In fact, it is because of Hanslo's efforts that today Dame is one of few stable cities in Ghale. He has fought off murderers, thieves, and any other attacker that would dare attempt to disrupt the stability of his city, and has done so with complete intrepidity throughout. Revered for his master war tactics and great architectural abilities, Hanslo gained much fame in the fortress city and a commemorative statue of the Governor of Dame can be seen directly in the town square of the city.

Hanslo currently still resides as Governor of Dame, although he has removed himself from the frontlines in war-time and has turned in recent times to more diplomatic efforts in his old age.

Cassus the Courageous, of Patun
Cassus, tribal chief of Patun, will go down as quite possibly the most infamous mortal to ever walk Ghalerion. He is cited as the main instigator of the entire Five Years Tribal War and lead the mortal armies for the majority of the conflict. Cassus today is well known throughout the mainland continent for his skill upon the battlefield, but his actual honor and valiance are things often called into question by mortals and Kelians alike, as his actions directly lead to the slaughtering of millions from both races.

Cassus died in the 12th Year of Gaius from an arrow wound to the chest while engaged in warfare with a rival tribe.

[Kouketsu]

Historians & Scribes

Xenon the Divine Scribe
Xenon is a rather odd entity, existing primarily to serve as record-keeper to the Deities and Eden. Originally crafted directly from Eden and not the Deities as the gatekeeper to Eden, Xenon's duties were soon shifted to scribing down events of all time and all ages throughout the inhabited cosmos and giving access to these documents only when absolutely necessary. On more than one occasion, Xenon has traversed the entire groundland of Ghalerion, and on his first journey created the first world map of the planet.

Tarlan the Scribe
Without question, it is said that no mortal, Kelian, or any other living being inhabiting Ghalerion holds more knowledge than Tarlan. Dubbed the official "Ghalerion Scribe and Historian", Tarlan Deltross was raised with his brother Darlan by Kelian monks on Mount Ipes in Tensoku. He and his brother then sailed across to the mainland continent and split ways once arriving in Ghale's capital city, Ghalerion. It was here that Tarlan made the decision to become a scribe and began studying on all events throughout Ghalerion's history. Seeking the guidance and wisdom of the noble Xenon, Tarlan became his disciple.

After studying with Xenon, Tarlan took to the world and began again collecting information and scribing down any and all events of which he learned, from the most trifling to the most significant. The compendium of complete knowledge that is the mind of Tarlan is said to be a thing incomparable.

Institutions

Taverns of Ghale
The seemingly endless list of Ghaleon taverns has given the country a most disreputable reputation for sleaze and criminal activity. But these taverns are world famous institutions, many of which built upon hard work and dedication, and the country only owes that reputation to the character of the people who frequent it, not the taverns themselves. The Taverns of Ghale line nearly every roadside and are open and hospitable to virtually any kind of character, both a blessing and a curse to the activity there.

It's far from rare to happen upon a scuffle within one and to make it through the entire night with your drink in tranquility is even more rare. The taverns seem to have been instantly labeled as seedy institutions and for that, seem to have instantly drawn a crowd to match the description. Fights, explosions, robberies, and all sorts of criminal dealings can be found throughout many taverns, although there are still a good number around that specialize in maintaining peace.

Sparsian Academy
There is no institution throughout the entirety of Ghalerion more famous than the Sparsian Academy in Sparsia, Calismus. Established in the 150th Year of Gaius, the Academy has turned out world famous scholars, warriors, musicians, and artists alike. Known for it's rigorous instructing schedules and fervent dedication to seeking out and acquiring people with natural talent, Sparsian holds a reputation second to none, and is credited alone for turning the city of Sparsia into the high-class beacon that it has become.

The Sparsian Academy specializes in teaching fencing, artistry, musicianship, philosophy and theology, along with an incredible history program that educates its students on the true story of Ghalerion. Students there are also introduced to 'magic' in the final courses before their graduating year, allowing for them to finally gain full cultural understanding of the world of Ghalerion. Students of all races, creeds, genders, and classes are allowed at Sparsian, the only discriminating trait in relation to being enrolled being the talent, ability, and drive of the student. Most students who enroll are also expected to live at the Academy for the entirety of their instruction, acquiring more knowledge outside of class from their peers and other faculty.

Temple of Tensoku
The Temple of Tensoku is arguably the most famous sanctuary in the world, drawing in millions of Kelians yearly in pilgrimage to the Deities and Eden. The temple stands as a mammoth height, towering in the city of Kyousha, and apparently capable of holding tens of thousands of people at one time. The bishops living within it are said to be blessed by Gaius and some are even direct descendents of the very first Kelians.

Inside the temple, one will immediately notice the massive arches running down a single middle aisle, leading directly to six artifacts celebrating the Deities. These idols within the temple are worshipped and offered small sacrifice during pilgrimages there, and some would say that their position within the temple is the closest point in the entire world to Eden.

Udorist Sanctuary
The Udorist Sanctuary is a temple built by the followers of the Udorist movement, those who believe Ezekial should be restored to absolute power and the rest of the Deities should be stripped of their own. The sanctuary, a massive cathedral, lies in the northwestern corner of Ghalerion, across a small sea from the mainland continent, and is obscured by thick forests in nearly every direction. Erected almost completely by a single tribe living in that area, it stands as a symbol to the influence that Ezekial still holds, even after falling from grace.

Only mortals and Vykens are allowed within the sanctuary, although all races take part in the Udorist movement. Ezekial himself is the Archbishop of the cathedral, but his whereabouts currently are unknown, and in his wake, access to it has become extremely restricted. Trained and armed sentry are posted around every possible entrance all hours of the day, preventing only established and proven Udorists from entering it.

Fortress of Dame
The Fortress of Dame stands as a massive citadel emerging from the center of Dame and has served the populace of the state for many years. Its governor and primary architect, Hanslo, designed the building some fifty years ago, and built it with the aid of the citizens. Only once have its foundation and fortifications even been questioned, during the Great Siege of Dame in the 180th Year of Gaius. But even in the conclusion of that conflict was the great fortress left standing just as it is today.

Bathhouse at Celestia
Whether it's the relaxing atmosphere, the hot steam baths, or the beautiful women in every visible direction, none can dispute that the Bathhouse at Celestia is one of Calismus' greatest gifts to Ghalerion. Classically designed with towering marble pillars and matching marble floors that sparkle all hours of the day, it's easy to become overwhelmed upon entering and taking that long procession down the Celestial Hall towards the actual bathhouse. But all fears and worries are soon put to rest as one finally makes their way into the main chamber and can see nothing beyond refreshing wisps of sultry steam and equally sultry women in every direction.

But the Celestial experience doesn't stop at the steam baths. Massages can also be purchased and on your first visit, they're completely complimentary. And the divine experience continues on, as the right and left halls from the main chamber lead to the east and west wings where you can catch a stage show at the theatre or a fencing match on the sports ground. The Celestia Bathhouse attempts and nearly always delivers the most relaxing experience found in all of Calismus and perhaps all of Ghalerion.

Courtyards at Calisma
Directly next to Celestia, Calisma is the capital of all Calismus and essentially harbors only one home, that being the chateau of Savian Yros himself. The towering exterior of the chateau presents a most intimidating portrait, but its effect on one's emotion pales in comparison to the beauty of the inner courtyards. Four lush and thriving gardens split by a cobble-stone walking path make up the Courtyards at Calisma, one of Calismus' most excessive and most valued possessions. Directly in the center of the four gardens and splitting the walking paths is a large fountain shaped as an angel, a divine touch to the area.

At any given time in one of the four gardens, a visitor can be expected to see an instructor lecturing some interested students, watch a fencing match between Lord Savian himself and a partner, view some members of Savian's court relaxing and lounging about, or even hear a calming melody played by one of the court's many musicians, accompanied by dancing. The Four Gardens and the Courtyards at Calisma are the epitome of classical elegance and incomparable to any other sight in all of Ghalerion.

[Kouketsu]

The History

In the beginning, there was chaos. And from chaos arose a single establishment. An establishment solidified in daunting perfection. Eden. And borne of this absolute Eden were six. Six shouldered with the responsiblity of creation. They would be given the mold with which to shape the very essence of soulful being. It would be their combined efforts which would give way to a solitary orb among the vast cosmos, known as Ghalerion. Upon this terra firma, they would give breath to the first inhabitants of their creation. They were of a blessed race, known throughout Ghalerion history today as the Kelians. Their bodies were infused with incredible strength and powers of manipulating matter into energy to which people would now attribute the name 'magic'. These Kelians would, in return for such a blessing, establish throughout the land shrines and temples in dedication to these deities. It was their faith in the judgment of the deities which ultimately allowed them to retain their unusual abilities. After the creation of these beings, it was decreed among the deities that one would come to absolute power in hopes of establishing a stable system with which to govern the heavenly and mortal worlds. The first deity chosen for such a task was the one known to the Kelians as 'Ezekial'. Ezekial played a critical role in the first half-millenium of Ghalerion in his role as supreme deity. In the 200th Year of Ezekial, he established a tradition still held to today, which would be that on every 100th year dating from then on, the deities would allot a blessing to the people. In that inaugural year of such an event, the Kelians asked for purely mortal beings for their planet with which they could further develop their society with pure man-power as opposed to exerting their personal supernatural abilities. It was a mighty desire, but one that Ezekial fulfilled almost too well. He and the deities populated Ghalerion with these beings absent of extraordinary capabilities. In that 200th Year of Ezekial, Ghalerion commenced towards the existence that we see today, as the mortals, under the watchful eye of the deities and with the helpful education given by the Kelians began constructing their own society.
 
But things did not last so harmoniously. Soon, the Kelians became zealous in their leanings towards the deities and thought themselves invincible with their protection. It was due to this that the powerful race began oppressing the mortals of Ghalerion. They were forced to toil their days away, erecting ornate temples and detailed statues in the image of the deities. Over a three hundred year period, the mortals grew in numbers exponentially while the Kelian population remained rather constant. During this time, they had also crafted what would be the first weapons while concurrently increasing their knowledge of the worlds of people above them. Many inhabitants made a shift towards certain deities, expecting their protection in return for their pledge of loyalty. This shift towards faith produced an adverse effect for all those involved. The deities soon became jealous of one another. Because of this, many began defying the laws of Ezekial and granting certain mortals enhanced strength, speed, and longevity. Soon, the mortals divided themselves into tribes and primitive countries. It was at this time, on the 498th Year of Ezekial, that the mortals declared war upon the Kelians.
 
For five years, vicious battles were fought across Ghalerion between the Kelians and the mortals, effectively killing much of both their populations. When all was said in done, in the 503rd Year of Ezekial, the Last Year, the mortals had swept from the main continent all Kelians. The deities placed the blame on Ezekial. He was ousted from power and exiled from their heavenly kingdom to walk the planet itself, powerless. Taking his place was the strongest of the original six deities, Gaius. Gaius established a much more stable system among the deities, directing them to each remain separate from the others and maintain their own sector of the heavens while remaining separated from mortal affairs. On his first 100 Year Blessing, each deity would now be allowed to give a blessing to the people should they desire. We now find ourselves in the 217th Year of Gaius.

[Kouketsu]

Documents

The Kelian Pledge of Faith

Gentle Eden, bare our declaration.

Manifest from the primordial fountain from which commenced existence, there was chaos. It was this veritable chaos which gave existence to a solitary paradise which preceded even the furthest reaches of the cosmos. Eden. Forged in perfection and immaculately calculated, Eden grew of Chaos in the primordial fountain and existed as the single plane of existence for millennia before giving birth to six. Six entities, six single existences that would, through celestial birthright, shoulder the burden of shaping the very world that we have come to call our own. Blessed be these six, as we would come to call them, "Deities." Six were forged in the image of chaos, granted the gift and curse of bestowing meaningful existence. Holy are their names. Ezekial, Gaius, Lain, Calin, Detsen, and Agros. Through the work of these six, a single nameless terra came into being, the place that we as Kelians would now know as home, Ghalerion.

For the sake of maintaining their world without constantly intervening and without having to leave Eden, the Deities gave breath to the first inhabitants of this world, ourselves. We were bestowed the title of "Kelians" and have been instructed by our great Deities to develop, maintain, and protect this world of Ghalerion. The Great Deity, Ezekial, made eternal decree, speaking to the language of their hearts, his declaration heard only in the depths of their soul.

"Kelians! Our people! You have received the eternal duty of keeping and developing this beautiful landmass which we have so graciously established for you. As long as you toil, in the greatest goodwill which exists through these cosmos, we will bestow upon your souls the sustenance of power!"

We must strive to answer Ezekial's declaration! Brothers! We must strive to protect these lands! Sisters! The Deities have given to our people what couldn't be repaid even in lifetime of infinite toil. They have given us existence. Let divine exigency ring along the lands, flow along the streams, climb atop the mountains and search in between the valleys! Let it roll along the plains, break along the oceans, whisper in the winds! For the sake of our wonderful, beautiful Deities, who have rendered us existence, sustenance, and power, we will toil in their name!

The Five Years Tribal War

Tarlan's Preface

Dating from the 498th Year of Ezekial, the Five Years Tribal War remains the most calamitous blemish upon the legend of Ghalerion's stable existence. Its occurrence is something looked upon by the modern historians today as an event unworthy of mention, one to be omitted in detail from the history books. The Five Years Tribal War, under the reign of Gaius has been forcibly stripped down in its retelling to a mere skeleton of what flesh it truly was. Perhaps the events it retells are something to be forgotten and forged from. But some scholars would argue that such a significant incident should be taught in full to our young and enthusiastic next generation, so that they may learn from such errors. Ah, but to continue along such a route in my recitation would be to digress and concurrently risk my own livelihood as an established historian. I will do as all good historians should, and supply only the facts to which I am known and allowed, and let my audience formulate their own decision on the matter.

The Text

Riotous incitement. No alternative diction could supply such force and such reality as that. With the arrival of the 498th Year of Ezekial, Ghalerion as a whole sat teetering in fragility between violent conflict and peaceful coexistence. During the inaugural months of that 498th term in which Ezekial sat the Great Deity, a certain degree of control appeared to have been scattered among our powerful lords. Seen within the Deities and Eden was a certain dispersion. The divinities each began appropriating regions of control upon Ghalerion, taking fancy in the offerings and sacrifices towards their name. The mortals inhabiting the world, seeing that devotion to a single deity would bring them vivacity and prosperity, erected temples and other tangible forms of idolatry. Ultimately, the Deities would be driven to jealously and envy of one another, entering into what appeared competition for the loyal pledge of faith given by the mortals and the Kelians. This initial conflict would generate a conflict which would bring ruin upon Ghalerion. It began with Agros.

Agros, whom many mortals had attracted to for her immaculate beauty, developed a firm love for her followers. Upon a single day in the 497th year of Ezekial, a visibly weak mortal in danger of having his family slaughtered for refusing to toil under a Kelian fled to Agros and made call to her for help and protection. This mortal would be consecrated by the deity and given enhanced strength and awareness so that he may protect his family. Seeing that Agros had answered the prayer of one mortal, more began building her shrines and laboring in her name so that they also may receive blessings and aid. By the time of the 498th Year of Ezekial, thousands had been blessed by Agros upon visiting her shrine in what is modern-day Calismus. Soon after, Calin became jealous of Agros holding onto such powerful followers and began calling out to the Kelians, a naturally formidable race, to call them on as his disciples. Soon after, Detsen and Lain also engaged in the activities, blessing their followers with new abilities, added longevity, or greater strength. The mortals being the largest race in number, many of them began consolidating into groups and establishing communities which would attempt to conquer regions. In combination with what the divinities had given to them, the mortals soon began challenging one another, and eventually, a single clan from the mainland would issue challenge to the Kelians. Leading this solitary tribe in what is modern-day Ghale went a man known by a single name, Cassus. This warrior, a follower of the deity Calin, amassed considerable numbers within his tribe, establishing their base on the Ghalerion mainland in a well-fortified stronghold. On a day unspoken of during that 498th Year of Ezekial, Cassus called forth his people to gather within the square of his stronghold, where he would deliver unto them a single proviso.

"My people, we have felt the sting of oppression, the sorrows of toil, and the pain of living our lives without meaning long enough! On this very day, of the 498th Year of Ezekial, before the processions of the eager, before the cries of the impoverished children, before the war calls of the willing revolutionaries, I, Cassus of the Patun Tribe, declare war upon the entire Kelian race! Give me a blade and I'll give you deliverance!"

According to what has been passed down of the specific incident, the people let forth a unanimous call to arms across the Patun lands, charging outwards with a fervor and passion never seen before on Ghalerion. Armed with blades and spears, slings and arrows, hearts and minds, the Patun tribe drove outwards in every direction across the mainland, slaying Kelian as they went. That infamous Patun zeal soon drew the aid of other mortal tribes across the mainland country, who also engaged in the Kelian slaughtering. At the beginning of the 499th Year of Ezekial, enthusiastic Kelian leaders began emerging, urging their people to fight back, denying their typical pacific values in favor of preserving their race and their livelihood. Many declared the mortals a pathetic lineage of creatures, unfit to remain upon Ghalerion. Many mortals responded in kind by calling out all Kelians as an oppressive breed, determined from the beginning to rid the planet of all mortal beings. The two aggressive sides developed their plea for conflict as if it had been foreordained in the annals of creation. On that 499th Year, all-out war was unleashed upon the fragile terra known as Ghalerion.

The Kelians, naturally gifted in strength and speed, tore across the mainland country, rending out the very hearts of virtually any mortal unfortunate enough to cross their path, whether innocent or full of destructive passion. The mortals would meet the Kelian assaults with nothing but sheer numbers on their side, sending wave after wave of warrior sacrifices to meet the slaughtering of an angry Kelian people, the casualties not seeming to put a single dent in the tribal forces. The mainland country of Ghalerion would be stained with the blood of millions, the death toll from either side reaching unheard of heights. Cassus refused to give in, and the Kelian forces refused to be beaten by such brash leaders.

Around the 502nd Year of Ezekial, the mortals began achieving a veritable psychological victory over their Kelian enemies, in that during the four years since entering into the bloody struggle, their population actually increased in number. Achieving an exponential growth rate during such a time of chaos would ultimately give the mortals the edge in this tribal war. Whereas the Kelian race could do little to repopulate themselves, let alone train up the youth in that time, the mortal population continued sending wave after wave out to the slaughter without remorse for their losses. The tribes were fierce, their tactics unorthodox and unpredictable, and their numbers virtually insurmountable. Within the next year of Ezekial's reign, the Kelians began being pushed back towards the lower east region of Ghalerion's mainland continent, their forces having taken considerable damage. And with the warfare leaving their country already in ruins at that juncture, many of the Kelian leaders and generals began losing their will to continue for something they believed worthless. A few ardent extremists would remain on their side, throwing themselves at the other side for the sake of glory, many of their tales still kept alive through the whispers of eager Kelian youth, but the majority of the remaining race determined escape to be their only option. Being isolated to the southeastern corner of the mainland landmass, they would begin construction of a sailing fleet to reach the closest uninhabited continent, a large isolated island. There, the Kelian peoples would construct themselves a peaceful dream-world, determined to flourish under a banner of harmony and goodwill. The name they would bestow upon this landmass was "Tensoku." The country, coastline shielded with mountains, would serve them incredible fortification should any extremist mortals desire to attempt an attack on their newfound homeland.

By the 503rd Year of Ezekial, the Last Year, all remaining Kelians had been scattered across the Ghalerion mainland, and the Deities called a council to discuss the matter of the Tribal Wars, the state of the planet, and the ruling deity, Ezekial. On the day that such a council was held, the only deity lacking any involvement in the conflict was declared the new Great Deity, Gaius. Ezekial would be exiled from Eden and given eternal punishment for his deeds. Following the Five Years Tribal War, the tribes on the mainland continent began diverging to form their own provinces, sovereignties, and communities. With Gaius in command, the Deities also began taking more involvement in the betterment of Ghalerion and her resources, and less involvement in mortal affairs, something which would lend to the rapid expansion following the destruction. Gaius instituted a much more balanced system, and allowed each deity to bestow a blessing every hundred years. On the 1st year of Gaius, he also brought together both Kelian and mortal leaders to conference on what had happened during the war, and to smooth out remaining conflicts and differences. Both parties came to diplomatic conclusion on the matter, declaring that three of Ghalerion's seven major countries be occupied by Kelian establishment and the other four by mortal government. To this day, only three of the seven available countries have come under sovereign control during the rule of Gaius, but they have been maintained in a much more stable state than during the reign of Ezekial.

Tarlan's Epilogue

For the sake of balancing out the affairs of Ghalerion, Gaius also developed and gave life to various other new species on the planet, each endowed with their own special talents or abilities for the sake of keeping his planet safe and secure for generations to come. The Five Years Tribal war was the most catastrophic conflict that Ghalerion to this very day has witnessed. Only serving as one of many humble scribes etching my own portion into the tapestry that is history retold, I can only supply to all the meager facts which I feel privileged to have received on the matter. The only certainty of such incidents from our past is that we, as scholars and as citizens, are given two choices with them. We may take from such mistakes and lend the knowledge they have provided to improve ourselves and our society, or we may simply ignore them, leaving chance to find ourselves repeating the disastrous errors of antiquity once more. As only a simple scribe, I can do naught but implore that you take my offering, scholars of the future, and build upon it. Glory be to Gaius. Glory be to Ghalerion.

The Rise of Savian

In the 192nd year of Gaius, on the outskirts of the impoverished farming village of Zar in a still under-developed Calismus was born a rather bland and uninspired child. If one would venture on the conjectures of the populace of that time, the boy was really quite dumb. His parentage, two relatively poor farmers and devout Criticals named the youth Savian. Growing up as a child, Savian wasn't given much to the privileges of mentally stimulating activity. He was raised on strength, power, and speed, essentially reared by his parents to aid in their crop raising for the entirety of his lifetime.

Throughout the village of Zar, Savian quickly gained reputation for what the citizenry believed to be his complete absence of rational thought. He farmed. He worked. He planted crops. He pulled crops. An unassuming and far from precocious young man, he would help when he could, but would do so without recognition of any natural talents that he had possessed. He was unaware of his sheer physical prowess, and modest at heart. At the age of six years old, the child worked with such intensity that he could and would occasionally tug along oxen without the slightest bit of struggle. Villagers would describe his drive and hunger as utterly insatiable. He had willpower like none had seen, especially for one so young.

On what began as a rather uneventful day during the 199th Year of Gaius, a multitude of well-suited men arrived by horseback in the settlement, bearing blades and textbooks on the same carriage. The gentlemen called gathered the general public and brought them together in the dirt-covered town center of Zar. One of them, seeming to be garbed a tad more elaborately than the others, yanked the reigns of his charger upwards to call their attention and strode forwards, poised to speak.

"Dearest citizenry of humble Zar, we atop these dappled steeds have brought you together to congregation to announce that we, officials of the prestigious Sparsian Academy, pride of all beautiful Calismus, are seeking the most gifted and talented of youth in all fields for special enrollment in our academy. We have come here seeking the attention of your progeny so that we may evaluate any possible candidates for this next year of enrollment. You are all required to bring any children between the ages of six and eight forth to this place before twilight this eve."

Throughout the remainder of those daylight hours, many a child came before the Sparsian officials, offering some pathetic attempt at impressing them for the sake of being accepted into the world's most renowned establishment. One after another they would be mercilessly rejected and sent weeping back to their parents, their talents deemed far inferior to Sparsian standards. In the midst of that line waiting to display their ability stood that bland, uninteresting boy, optics glazed over. It would be beyond anyone's best estimation to definitively declare the boy either apathetic or completely ignorant. In either case, his knowledge of the academy seemed more than limited. With twilight soon upon the horizon, the youth finally stepped forwards before the representatives, all of whom sat intimidating upon their mounts, already infused with a negative bias towards the coming performance. They looked on towards the boy rather disinterestedly and began their usual questioning.

"How old are you, son?" one of them inquired.

Savian, unmindful of even the concept of aging itself, let alone whole numbers, lowered his head while shrugging his shoulders as if to indicate that he really didn't know. Each of the Sparsian representatives would exchange almost embarrassed looks before the one from before posed another question.

"My young lad, have you ever engaged in a battle?"

This time, the youth was well aware of such a concept. He elevated his head with a grin and nodded heartily towards the cast. "Yes, yes, I know all about fighting."

The officer elevated a brow and gave a sympathetic nod towards the youth before another barged into their exchange, questioning the boy on what exactly he had fought.

"Oh, sir, I've fought'in all kinds of things. Cattle, oxen, wolves, and other stuff too."

The men exchanged looks once more, thinking the child's enthusiasm to be completely born of naivete and imagination. The one who asked the very first question hopped down from his steed and gently directed it forwards towards the lad. He pulled the reigns down and placed them in his hand before glancing back towards his horse and speaking, his voice seeming to direct the words to the boy regardless. "Well, my steed here is about to buck, young one. Of course, having fought cattle, oxen, and wolves, among other things, you should effortlessly be able to hold him from elevating his legs from the earth." The man gave a solitary hardy smack against the backside of the horse before its back legs elevated and lowered, preparing to launch the front pair skywards. Within moments, it would attempt to launch its front half upwards, but found itself struggling mightily against the sturdy grip of a stubborn young farmhand.

In the 207th Year of Gaius, Savian Yros graduated head of his class from the Sparsian Academy, his talents taking him directly to graduation day a full three years before normal scholars. But Savian was far from a normal scholar. During his time at Sparsian, the one who was formerly looked upon by farming villagers as 'dumber than a rock' discovered an innate talent for military tactics and strategy. He was one unparalleled in fencing, matchless in his alluring features, and especially without equal in debate. Also was he known for having gained a feared and respected reputation from faculty and students alike throughout the academy for his abnormal ability to learn and develop concepts effortlessly. The "Prodigy of Zar" didn't make it three steps from the graduation ceremonies at the academy before being approached by an aging Cyrus Soulstice III, czar of all Calismus himself. Cyrus had been greeting and congratulating every single graduate individually, and Savian, head of his class, emerged from the egress of the academy last.

Cyrus stood and stared into the eyes of the youth before commending him like the others. Such a prodigy couldn't possibly be allowed to go to waste by seeking some menial job for some pathetic town or city administration. Cyrus dreamt a vision of an empire built upon the foundations of brilliant young innovation such as that brimming within the mind of Savian, and he sought out to consolidate the forces of intellect, power, creativity, and more importantly will. And from the reports received courtesy of Sparsian, not a mortal walking the planet held onto these qualities like Savian did.

Cyrus pulled Savian aside and wouldn't hesitate for long before delving into the meaning of his meeting with the Sparsian phenomenon, walking along some with the aid of a single cane.

"Ah, congratulations on your graduation from the academy, Savian. You know, you're the first graduate we've ever had to leave the academy at such an age. You must be quite proud of yourself." Cyrus gave a reassuring smile to the teenager, a grin that almost seemed all-too familiar, as if Savian had seen it a countless number of times previously.

"I suppose so. Just glad to be through with it, if you'd like some honestly, my lord."

"Haha, well at least that attitude shows signs of enthusiasm. You know, the future of our bountiful country entirely depends on you," Cyrus gave another smirk after concluding this time, the surface meaning of his words far from their actual depth.

"Well, I wouldn't go that far, my lord," Savian flashed his own brilliant set of teeth in response to the aging czar, but this time found the reaction of his walking companion rather unexpected, as his countenance assumed one of almost grave seriousness.

"Savian, there is a reason I have come to speak with you like this. I want you to look directly into my eyes, Savian. I want you to look at me. Do you see this? Do you see the loss of what was once a beautiful face? Do you see the elderly features, the inability to stand up without the aid of this blasted walking stick? My dear lad, I speak with you for much more important reasons beyond acknowledging your departure from this prestigious institution. Savian, I want you to listen to me right now, and give your heart to the words that I'm about to tell you."

Savian only nodded, focusing intently on every syllable which would escape the leader's lips, allowing every section of his speech to register.

"Ghalerion is growing, my lad. Growing more rapidly than any of the current world leaders can keep up with. Ghale is on the verge of falling into chaos, Tensoku is far too isolated to maintain perspective, the other countries can't establish a government which will last more than a year, and I am far too aged and have lost far too much stamina to keep up with the expansion that Calismus has been seeing. What I have established is a mere foundation, the groundwork for an empire capable of controlling the majority of this Gaia. But I have grown far too incompetent and weak in my old age to continue building it. I have laid the first boards, Savian. And of every mortal walking this planet, I want you to erect the walls. I want you to construct the roof. And you, Savian Yros of Zar, will be the one to throw open those doors when it is all completed."

Savian caught sight of the slight trembling lower lip of the old man, his eyes seeming to have calmed during his discourse. Cyrus placed a palm proudly on the shoulder of Savian and closed his eyes, shutting them evermore to the struggles of his position atop the world's fastest growing empire.

"I have searched ceaselessly for a successor, and on this day of the 207th Year of Gaius, I have finally found one."

The Trial of Ezekial

As documented by Xenon

"Record from the Trial of Ezekial"

The deities have gathered in the great white hall of their vast and glorious kingdom.

Gaius sits upon the great white throne, once occupied by Ezekial himself, the other deities sit on either side of him.

Ezekial has been chained to the floor in front of them. His once ominous glow has now faded.

Gaius speaks.

"Ezekial, our once great and noble leader. You lay here today among your fellow deities because great tragedy has struck our creation. Our mortals, our Kelians, our vast lands of Ghalerion are in ruin. Your government of our lands has gone astray, you, have caused havoc on our once peaceful lands. Your rule has been stripped from you. What have you to say Ezekial?"

Ezekial lay on the floor, never casting his eyes away from the shimmering stone floor.

Ezekial speaks.

"Free will, which was my design for the many peoples of Ghalerion, they have chosen their own paths. You forsake me my brothers and sisters? You blame me for their perils? I have nothing to say to any of you."

The deities talk amongst themselves.

Gaius once again speaks.

"Free will it may be, but you are still to blame my brother. For this you must be punished. We have come to a decision, since you have caused havoc among Ghalerion you will know how our creations feel, you will live like they live. Eat, Sleep, Pleasure will be your instinct, like them all you will thrive for it. Ezekial, once wise and noble deity of high, you will walk the earth as mortal man for the rest of eternity."

The deities rise from their seats, the white gowns illuminating the room.

They all simultaneously raise their right hands toward Ezekial.

Some kind of powerful blinding light escapes their hands as a pillar surrounds Ezekial.

Ezekial is gone, no longer in the Great White Hall. Banishment is the decree.

The account was recorded in full, but only fragments of Xenon's document were made public.

The deities make one final decree.

"On today, the last day of the last year of Ezekial, call across the land that we have entered the era of Gaius!"

The Map of Known Ghalerion

[Kouketsu]

The Sparsian Academy

Academy Rules

Student Conduct

1. Unless within an appropriate class or otherwise stated under special administrative conditions, magic usage is completely unacceptable and forbidden. Simply put, DON'T DO IT.

2. Only students second-term (Typically 8th year) and beyond are allowed personal possession of any weaponry.

3. Students are expected to treat all peers, faculty, and visitors with the utmost respect and tact. Failure to comply results in immediate discipline under grounds of insubordination.

4. In all facilities, faculty members are given seniority and are to be followed. In the case of an absence of a faculty member from any given location, teacher aides followed by senior students are to replace them in responsibilities. In the dormitories, senior students (Final term students, essentially) are given precedence and instructed to lead their respective houses.

5. Sexual harassment and deviance are absolutely forbidden and not tolerated to any degree. Students caught in such will face the harsh consequences that follow

Academy Courses

Educational Information on the Sparsian Academy (Don't have to worry too much about all this. Just general background stuff for characters/plot setting, etc.)

Fencing, artistry, musicianship, philosophy, theology, and history are the primary subjects of study taught at the academy. All students are required to take and complete at least one four-year course in each field, to select at least two fields of study in which they will progress following such, and one field in which they will specialize (To participate all 13 years in chosen field). The course listing and descriptions are as follows:

Combat

Fencing I - Mastery of swordplay is an absolute necessity in these chaotic times, and Sparsian will make no concessions otherwise, offering Fencing I students the skills necessary to wield basic single-handed weaponry, in addition to techniques, studies of motion, and light study on advanced combat tactics. All students are required to take Fencing I or have passed an equivalent assessment exam before proceeding into any advanced combat courses.

Fencing II - Picking up where Fencing I left off, the second-year fencing course focuses on much more advanced battle techniques, usage of two handed weapons and more complex arms. All students are required to pass a final live action sparring assessment to pass the course.

Competitive Combat - An alternative to Fencing II for the more accelerated or interactive learner, students wishing to take Competitive Combat will be thrust forthwith into battle! Weekly spars and leisure duels are not only common, they're a requirement for success in the class. Recommended only for those with prior experience in combat or that excelled in Fencing I.

Artistry

Aesthetics in Art - The basic [required] art course offered at Sparsian, Aesthetics in Art essentially instructs students in the elementary techniques used in creating and critically evaluating art in both visual and rhetorical form. Students will be subjected to some of the finest original works the world over, in addition to eventually crafting their own pieces. Final examination centers around producing a meaningful piece of either visual artwork or rhetorical composition.

Advanced Art - Focused completely on visual art, Advanced Art is recommended for students more slanted towards the creative graphic side of Aesthetics in Art. While extensive art knowledge may not be a necessity, personal creativity and insight are both absolutely required.

Architecture & Construction - Focusing on sculpting and architecture, this course focuses on what many consider the more practical side of artistry, in constructing tangible structures and designs applicable outside of Sparsian. Final exams consist of a class project in which the students are assigned a task to design their own structure (What that establishment is comes down to student preference) and city design. In the past, exceptional designs have actually been used as inspiration for ongoing construction in the constantly moving Calismus.

Music

Music Fundamentals - Each student will be instructed in a myriad of instruments, eventually choosing at least one to specialize in. Music fundamentals offers students an education equally in both playing/technique and personal composition.

Symphony Orchestra - If your passion following Music Fundamentals lie in wowing an audience, playing atop a stage before thousands of eyes, then Symphony Orchestra is most certainly the choice of course for you. With a specialization in actual performance, students regularly are assigned to perform outside of class, and practice is a daily requirement.

Composition - For those more interested in crafting their own symphonies and requiems, Composition imparts the skills necessary to compose pieces that even the greatest of history's composers would be impressed by. A strong focus is placed on music theory, including notation, timing, melody, harmony, and a wide variety of other topics.

Philosophy

Philosophy Concepts - Essentially the "Philosophy 101" of the Sparsian Academy, Philosophy Concepts will give students from a very young age a crash course in some of the most insightful and challenging topics concerning all matters from the general to the specific, hoping to effectively exercise the mind. Formal debate and free discourse are both common methods used throughout the four years.

Critical Analysis of Civilization & Man - A course that takes the generality of Philosophy Concept's most pressing questions and delves into them until there's virtually nothing left to consider. Discussion is heavily utilized and class participation is an absolute necessity. Course only consumes two years, only counts as half a normal credit towards graduation.

Advanced Philosophy - Advanced Philosophy is a student-centered, student-taught demanding course that stretches even the most gifted comprehensions to their absolute limits. All are expected to participate and develop their own thoughtful and provoking (Perhaps even controversial) questions and projects that are used to teach and engage the rest of the class.

Theology

Principles of Theology - Basic theology centered around the Kelian story of creation and the six Deities. While other faiths and beliefs are touched upon, they are not firmly delved into.

Critical Deity Studies - Critical analysis of the six Deities and their histories, backgrounds, actions, and judgments throughout Ghalerion history. Deity conflicts and compromises are studied, in addition to extensive civilized debate between students on the current pressing issues within the religious realm of Ghalerion.

Alternative Faiths - A course that attempts to unravel the mysteries of the currently established alternative faiths and the burgeoning ones as well. Udorism and Criticalism are the two primary faiths studied and students are expected to compare and contrast the two religions with one another and each with the Kelian faith as they further their knowledge on the wide world of organized faith.

The Fall of Ezekial - One year course accounting for half a credit, this course studies the reign of Ezekial the Absolute, the faults of his reign, his crimes, the Five Years Tribal War, and his eventual trial and exile from Eden.

History

A Brief History of Ghalerion - Two year introductory course required for all students studying the first 700 years of Ghalerion history. Topics covered in-depth include the Five Years Tribal War, the Gyperion Tribal War, Ezekial's Trial, the Siege of Dame, and the establishment of the three current countries.

Historical Anthropology - Takes a look into the interaction of the various races throughout Ghalerion's history, from both an objective and sociological standpoint. Critical analysis is made of interactions, similarities, and contrasts between the mortals and Kelians, as well as some degree of study on the various other races of Ghalerion. Not a requirement, but strongly recommended for all students.

Modern Civilizations - Focused study on the countries of Ghale and Calismus, the youngest and most thriving civilizations in all of Ghalerion currently. Close attention is paid to the most prospering cities and analysis is made on current international interactions and tensions. The final section of the course consists of an in-depth study and extensive discussion on the future of Ghalerion.

Ancient Civilizations - For those more interested in the days of old, Ancient Civilizations runs students through the major Ancient civilizations of Ghalerion, ranging from the Ancient Kelians and the Gyperion Mortals all the way to the country known as Tensoku today.