Post by Vix on May 12, 2010 11:37:55 GMT -5
What is Aion?
Aion is the creator god of the world of Atreia. He is responsible for making the Balaur, humanity, and all of life.
What is the Tower of Eternity?
The Tower of Eternity was a structure that spanned the interior of Atreia from the top to bottom, reaching into the sky and connecting the two sides of the world to one another. It was said to be a monument to Aion's greatness; a manifestation of the god himself. The Tower's glow illuminated the interior of the planet, giving light and life to all of creation.
What are the Draken/Balaur?
The Draken were the first race to which Aion charged the task of protecting and ruling the world. However, the Draken eventually turned on their creator. They renamed themselves the Balaur and appointed five Dragon Lords as their leaders. The Balaur began to terrorize and enslave humanity and other races to serve them.
What is aether?
Aether is a magical substance created by Aion. Daevas draw off of the forces of aether to power their exceptional abilities and flight. There is an aetheric field that protects the human-occupied territories in both Elysea and Asmodae, as Balaur are susceptible to aether and cannot pass through it.
Who are the Empyrean Lords?
The Empyrean Lords were twelve humans that Aion chose to elevate as leaders of the human race to aid them in their struggle against the Balaur. They were the first humans to be imbued with aether and are the strongest of the Daevas.
Two of the original Empyrean Lords sacrificed their own lives at the time of the Cataclysm.
The remaining Empyrean Lords are called Seraphim Lords for the Elyos, and Shedim Lords for the Asmodians. A list can be found here. To this day, the Seraphim and Shedim are still considered the leaders of their respective factions.
What is the Epic Cataclysm?
The Epic Cataclysm came at the end of the Millennium War, when after centuries of endless fighting against the Balaur, Lord Israphel and Lady Siel decided to attempt a peace conference. Five of the Empyrean Lords, led by lady Ariel, backed the peace talks. The remaining five, led by Lord Asphel, did not. Each group had legions of Daevas backing them.
Sometime after the aetheric field was lowered and the Balaur delegation was invited in for the talks, chaos erupted. One of the Balaur, Vitra, collapsed, and the violence began anew. The Balaur turned their fury to the tower. Asphel and his followers defended at the north, and Ariel at the south, but the tower splintered and finally collapsed.
Israphel and Siel sacrificed their lives to re-establish the aetheric field and hold the planet together, but the world had already been sundered in two, and its people along with it.
What are the Elyos like?
The Elyos are the humans that live on the bottom half of Atreia after the Cataclysm. Elysea is bathed in sunlight and is classically lush and appealing. As a people, they are very proud to live in such a paradise. They are good stewards of this land and delight in its richness and plenty. Their appearance has changed because of the bright sunlight, making them grow fair and beautiful over time.
Elyseans see themselves as blessed race.
Asmodians believe the Elyos to be arrogant, foolish, and weak.
What are the Asmodians like?
The Asmodians are the humans that live on the upper half of Atreia. Because their continent is cast in shadow, Asmodae is dark and cold. Resources are more scarce, and in the areas farther from Pandaemonium, the people will often war amongst themselves over favorable land. Asmodian culture favors strength above all other virtues due to the harsher environment. Their appearance also reflects this, as they have grown talons and manes.
Asmodians see themselves as a hardy and courageous people.
Elyseans believe the Asmodians to be cruel, brutish, and warlike.
Can Elyos and Asmodians communicate?
The two races can communicate through a shared ancient Atreian tongue that all humans shared before the Cataclysm. However, both the Elyos and the Asmodians have each developed a distinct language since that time, and younger Daevas are more likely to only know that racial language instead.
Note that there is no in-game mechanism to facilitate communication between the two races.
Why do the Elyos and Asmodians hate one another? Shouldn't they be fighting the Balaur?
Both the Elyos and Asmodians blame each other for the shattering of the tower and the sundering of Atreia. To the Elyos, the Asmodians are warmongers who caused it by killing one of the Balaur delegation during the peace talks and thus ending any hope of an accord. To the Asmodians, the Elyos were fools to lower the aetheric field to let the Balaur inside and hope for peace with the monsters that had turned their back on Aion.
Objection to this religious/ideological war is not well-tolerated by the leaders of either faction. Though there are a few that persist in such ideas, open dissent is generally considered a poor idea if one wants to remain welcome in the capital.
What is the abyss?
The abyss is a mysterious, aether-filled rift that formed outside of the aetheric field. Its formation occurred because the two halves of the shattered tower still resonate, "calling" to each other. When the Elyos and Asmodians investigated, they found the Balaur still living here in this rocky area beyond the field.
The abyss also provides the central reason why the Elyos and Asmodians must fight: the abyss is consuming aether. If left unchecked, it will drain the aetheric field of its power. The only way that has been theorized to destroy the abyss is to destroy one half of the shattered tower to end the resonance between them.
What is the relationship between humans and Daeva?
Daeva were originally humans who were chosen to go through the process of ascension. Daevas have a much greater ability to manipulate and use aether than humans, and also gain the ability to fly. The tell-tale sign that a human has suddenly ascended is the appearance of wings sprouting from their back for the first time.
Can Daeva breed? What about Daeva-human half-breeds?
Daevas and humans are genetically compatible; the ascension process does not alter the Daeva's genetic profile. So long as the Daeva was capable of bearing children at the time of their ascension, they will retain this ability afterward.
A half-breed between a human and a Daeva is always born a human. Daeva-hood is not passed on through blood relation.
How is a human selected to become a Daeva?
The exact reason a human becomes a Daeva is unknown. Daeva-hood is not passed by genetics; having a Daeva parent is not a guarantee for later ascension. The nobles of Vanahal, however, have managed to produce a fairly steady number of Daevas than other families in Atreia over the centuries. It is often suggested that the Vanahal tradition of raising their children through a strict regimen of study, training, and service is the reason for this. Others ascend through their own talent or circumstance; personal struggle and hardship seem to trigger Daeva abilities to manifest. The exact reason why some humans ascend while others do not, however, remains a mystery.
Can Daevas suffer injuries or disease? Are they immortal?
When a Daeva ascends, their body is imbued with aether. Their body is "immortalized" at that moment; aging ceases, and the body is permanently frozen in that state. This is why there are Daevas that appear to be children, but in fact can be decades or centuries old.
Ascension does not change the makeup of one's body. If a human that is missing a limb or suffers from a chronic ailment at the time of their ascension, they will always be missing that limb or suffering that ailment. There are Daevas in the world that ascended as old men and women, and one can hear them complain about the ever-present pain of their arthritic joints for all of eternity.
Daevas have the ability to resurrect using objects of concentrated aether called obelisks. They bind to them before going into battle as a matter of precaution. However, if a Daeva dies without having bound themselves to the obelisk, or dying too far away from it, the Daeva will die permanently and cannot be resurrected.
There is evidence that the resurrection capabilities of obelisks can sometimes be unpredictable. Daevas' memories often suffer from the resurrection process, occasionally losing their memories entirely. Sometimes the evidence of an incomplete resurrection takes a more physical form, as in a missing arm or leg.
(note: some of this is derived from in-game NPCs, and is not explicitly stated lore. Thread is here for more information.)
What is Vanahal, and who are the nobles of Pandaemonium?
The nobility of Asmodae live in the Vanahal district of Pandaemonium. They were given their status soon after the city was constructed with respect to their service to Asmodae. These noble houses have since become quite rich and influential, as they continue to intermarry and produce children with a high incidence of obtaining Daeva status. The reason for this is likely their upbringing, which includes study of Asmodian history and training for battle. Even those that do not ascend are likely to serve the people in some way. However, it is rumored among the non-nobles that the life of Vanahal residents is less strict than nobles would have one believe, and that instead they have allowed their lives to become spoiled and lavish in recent years.
What is a good "lore-appropriate" name for my Elyos/Asmodian?
Elysean names are often influenced by Greek/Roman languages. Asmodian names are influenced by Norse/Germanic languages. Other sources of inspiration for interesting, unique names can be found in this thread.
Why do some Asmodians have last names when others do not?
Asmodians ceased taking family names after the destruction of the tower. As it is stated in "Dedication to Asmodians", since the Empyrean Lords didn't need family names, neither did the people. The families of Vanahal are an exception to this rule, and at the present time are the only Asmodians that still take a family name.
Where can I read more about the lore?
Check out Aion Roleplayers' Elyos and Asmodian libraries for more, in-depth stories.
Aion is the creator god of the world of Atreia. He is responsible for making the Balaur, humanity, and all of life.
What is the Tower of Eternity?
The Tower of Eternity was a structure that spanned the interior of Atreia from the top to bottom, reaching into the sky and connecting the two sides of the world to one another. It was said to be a monument to Aion's greatness; a manifestation of the god himself. The Tower's glow illuminated the interior of the planet, giving light and life to all of creation.
What are the Draken/Balaur?
The Draken were the first race to which Aion charged the task of protecting and ruling the world. However, the Draken eventually turned on their creator. They renamed themselves the Balaur and appointed five Dragon Lords as their leaders. The Balaur began to terrorize and enslave humanity and other races to serve them.
What is aether?
Aether is a magical substance created by Aion. Daevas draw off of the forces of aether to power their exceptional abilities and flight. There is an aetheric field that protects the human-occupied territories in both Elysea and Asmodae, as Balaur are susceptible to aether and cannot pass through it.
Who are the Empyrean Lords?
The Empyrean Lords were twelve humans that Aion chose to elevate as leaders of the human race to aid them in their struggle against the Balaur. They were the first humans to be imbued with aether and are the strongest of the Daevas.
Two of the original Empyrean Lords sacrificed their own lives at the time of the Cataclysm.
The remaining Empyrean Lords are called Seraphim Lords for the Elyos, and Shedim Lords for the Asmodians. A list can be found here. To this day, the Seraphim and Shedim are still considered the leaders of their respective factions.
What is the Epic Cataclysm?
The Epic Cataclysm came at the end of the Millennium War, when after centuries of endless fighting against the Balaur, Lord Israphel and Lady Siel decided to attempt a peace conference. Five of the Empyrean Lords, led by lady Ariel, backed the peace talks. The remaining five, led by Lord Asphel, did not. Each group had legions of Daevas backing them.
Sometime after the aetheric field was lowered and the Balaur delegation was invited in for the talks, chaos erupted. One of the Balaur, Vitra, collapsed, and the violence began anew. The Balaur turned their fury to the tower. Asphel and his followers defended at the north, and Ariel at the south, but the tower splintered and finally collapsed.
Israphel and Siel sacrificed their lives to re-establish the aetheric field and hold the planet together, but the world had already been sundered in two, and its people along with it.
What are the Elyos like?
The Elyos are the humans that live on the bottom half of Atreia after the Cataclysm. Elysea is bathed in sunlight and is classically lush and appealing. As a people, they are very proud to live in such a paradise. They are good stewards of this land and delight in its richness and plenty. Their appearance has changed because of the bright sunlight, making them grow fair and beautiful over time.
Elyseans see themselves as blessed race.
Asmodians believe the Elyos to be arrogant, foolish, and weak.
What are the Asmodians like?
The Asmodians are the humans that live on the upper half of Atreia. Because their continent is cast in shadow, Asmodae is dark and cold. Resources are more scarce, and in the areas farther from Pandaemonium, the people will often war amongst themselves over favorable land. Asmodian culture favors strength above all other virtues due to the harsher environment. Their appearance also reflects this, as they have grown talons and manes.
Asmodians see themselves as a hardy and courageous people.
Elyseans believe the Asmodians to be cruel, brutish, and warlike.
Can Elyos and Asmodians communicate?
The two races can communicate through a shared ancient Atreian tongue that all humans shared before the Cataclysm. However, both the Elyos and the Asmodians have each developed a distinct language since that time, and younger Daevas are more likely to only know that racial language instead.
Note that there is no in-game mechanism to facilitate communication between the two races.
Why do the Elyos and Asmodians hate one another? Shouldn't they be fighting the Balaur?
Both the Elyos and Asmodians blame each other for the shattering of the tower and the sundering of Atreia. To the Elyos, the Asmodians are warmongers who caused it by killing one of the Balaur delegation during the peace talks and thus ending any hope of an accord. To the Asmodians, the Elyos were fools to lower the aetheric field to let the Balaur inside and hope for peace with the monsters that had turned their back on Aion.
Objection to this religious/ideological war is not well-tolerated by the leaders of either faction. Though there are a few that persist in such ideas, open dissent is generally considered a poor idea if one wants to remain welcome in the capital.
What is the abyss?
The abyss is a mysterious, aether-filled rift that formed outside of the aetheric field. Its formation occurred because the two halves of the shattered tower still resonate, "calling" to each other. When the Elyos and Asmodians investigated, they found the Balaur still living here in this rocky area beyond the field.
The abyss also provides the central reason why the Elyos and Asmodians must fight: the abyss is consuming aether. If left unchecked, it will drain the aetheric field of its power. The only way that has been theorized to destroy the abyss is to destroy one half of the shattered tower to end the resonance between them.
What is the relationship between humans and Daeva?
Daeva were originally humans who were chosen to go through the process of ascension. Daevas have a much greater ability to manipulate and use aether than humans, and also gain the ability to fly. The tell-tale sign that a human has suddenly ascended is the appearance of wings sprouting from their back for the first time.
Can Daeva breed? What about Daeva-human half-breeds?
Daevas and humans are genetically compatible; the ascension process does not alter the Daeva's genetic profile. So long as the Daeva was capable of bearing children at the time of their ascension, they will retain this ability afterward.
A half-breed between a human and a Daeva is always born a human. Daeva-hood is not passed on through blood relation.
How is a human selected to become a Daeva?
The exact reason a human becomes a Daeva is unknown. Daeva-hood is not passed by genetics; having a Daeva parent is not a guarantee for later ascension. The nobles of Vanahal, however, have managed to produce a fairly steady number of Daevas than other families in Atreia over the centuries. It is often suggested that the Vanahal tradition of raising their children through a strict regimen of study, training, and service is the reason for this. Others ascend through their own talent or circumstance; personal struggle and hardship seem to trigger Daeva abilities to manifest. The exact reason why some humans ascend while others do not, however, remains a mystery.
Can Daevas suffer injuries or disease? Are they immortal?
When a Daeva ascends, their body is imbued with aether. Their body is "immortalized" at that moment; aging ceases, and the body is permanently frozen in that state. This is why there are Daevas that appear to be children, but in fact can be decades or centuries old.
Ascension does not change the makeup of one's body. If a human that is missing a limb or suffers from a chronic ailment at the time of their ascension, they will always be missing that limb or suffering that ailment. There are Daevas in the world that ascended as old men and women, and one can hear them complain about the ever-present pain of their arthritic joints for all of eternity.
Daevas have the ability to resurrect using objects of concentrated aether called obelisks. They bind to them before going into battle as a matter of precaution. However, if a Daeva dies without having bound themselves to the obelisk, or dying too far away from it, the Daeva will die permanently and cannot be resurrected.
There is evidence that the resurrection capabilities of obelisks can sometimes be unpredictable. Daevas' memories often suffer from the resurrection process, occasionally losing their memories entirely. Sometimes the evidence of an incomplete resurrection takes a more physical form, as in a missing arm or leg.
(note: some of this is derived from in-game NPCs, and is not explicitly stated lore. Thread is here for more information.)
What is Vanahal, and who are the nobles of Pandaemonium?
The nobility of Asmodae live in the Vanahal district of Pandaemonium. They were given their status soon after the city was constructed with respect to their service to Asmodae. These noble houses have since become quite rich and influential, as they continue to intermarry and produce children with a high incidence of obtaining Daeva status. The reason for this is likely their upbringing, which includes study of Asmodian history and training for battle. Even those that do not ascend are likely to serve the people in some way. However, it is rumored among the non-nobles that the life of Vanahal residents is less strict than nobles would have one believe, and that instead they have allowed their lives to become spoiled and lavish in recent years.
What is a good "lore-appropriate" name for my Elyos/Asmodian?
Elysean names are often influenced by Greek/Roman languages. Asmodian names are influenced by Norse/Germanic languages. Other sources of inspiration for interesting, unique names can be found in this thread.
Why do some Asmodians have last names when others do not?
Asmodians ceased taking family names after the destruction of the tower. As it is stated in "Dedication to Asmodians", since the Empyrean Lords didn't need family names, neither did the people. The families of Vanahal are an exception to this rule, and at the present time are the only Asmodians that still take a family name.
Where can I read more about the lore?
Check out Aion Roleplayers' Elyos and Asmodian libraries for more, in-depth stories.