Current
I don’t use ghost mode because I want you to know I’m online and ignoring you
8
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2 mos ago
While we are talking about XIV I just want to mention how much I love Poro Roggo
1
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2 mos ago
What does a clock do when it is still hungry after eating a meal? It goes back four seconds.
4
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10 mos ago
Ebbs and Flows, Highs and Lows
10 mos ago
Sometimes you get it, sometimes you get got.
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Bio
I am a man in my mid twenties who has been role playing since I was 10. I just recently moved to a new town to attend university, and I'm attempting to open up to new people, both in-person and online. I'm part of the official guild discord, so feel free to add me if you want. I love reading and writing, science fiction, and fantasy. In my off time if I feel like using my brain I enjoy reading classical literature. I recently finished Anna Karenina and have started Tale of Two Cities. I have also been slowly studying and learning French. Don't mind the low post count I normally do my RPing through private messaging.
It is unknown just where the Overlord came from, or how old he is. What is known is that he appeared one day several centuries ago during a general period of strife and chaos, seemingly out of nowhere. He wandered the lands freely, plague following him wherever he went. He has a naturally dreadful and corrupting aura, and various Hero's sought him out to slay him and prove their own worth. None ever succeeded, and slowly he grew both in strength and power.
He wields a blade of black that is capable of resurrecting those that he slays as his pawns, and is considered the most powerful wielder of the arcane to ever live. As his reputation for slaughter grew, various bandits, cutthroats, and criminals began to flock to his banner. After having slain every so called Hero that ever challenged him he had truly begun to earn a reputation as a waking nightmare, as a portent of doom. He used his dark powers to resurrect the heroes he had slain and enslave their minds and wills, creating the first of the Voidborn. Indeed, none living have ever even see him bleed much less bested him in single combat, and his voice is said to be like that of thunder. It is whispered among the people that those who displease him fall dead with a mere glance, though it is unknown if this is true.
After slaying the vast majority of Heroes, the Overlord began to conquer territory in his own name. This forced various Kingdoms to acknowledge him and attempt to stop him by using a vast multitude of alliances and armies of both close allies and bitter rivals. One after another however each in turn would crumble and capitulate, before being absorbed into the Night Kingdom. During these wars the Overlord would hunt down beings with Greater Souls to form the Archons; living mortals who willingly bended the knee to serve him who had managed to impress him. These Archons would be added to his ranks as the best and brightest of different kingdoms fell before his armies.
Eventually the Defiance Wars would culminate in the Battle of Twilight in which all surviving Allied forces massed together for a single decisive battle. It resulted in the deaths of several crucial Alliance Generals and Kings, as well as the destruction of the majority of the Voidborn. The war lead to the so called 'defiance lands' formally retaining their independence, though with much of their leadership wiped out and without a common enemy to rally against they have fallen into chaos in recent times. Now, ironically, many refugees flood into the Night Kingdom from these lands.
Returning back home to his Night Kingdom the Overlord would focus his efforts on the foundation of a capital worthy of his Kingdom. Massive amounts of resources would be expended during construction, primarily overseen by his new Archons and surviving Voidborn. Large numbers of people began to immigrate to the city of Onyx in the hopes of a better future, as it is truly the shining jewel and most prosperous city of the Night Kingdom.
Numerous godlike beings have appeared and begun to wage war on the Night Kingdom, denouncing his lands as cursed and in need of cleansing. Now the Overlord and his Archons march to war once more in order to destroy this divine pantheon. These strange beings have begun to rally the shattered defiance lands in order to renew the old bonds of the Alliance. Will they successfully manage to defeat the forces of the Overlord?
This is a hidden pocket dimension that the Overlord has created himself. It is a desolate land with howling winds and jagged mountainous terrain. It is said that time flows differently while in this realm, though it is unknown if it is faster or slower. Death in the material realm will send him here, where he can rest and regenerate until taking form once more in the physical world. Death in this realm is the only true way to kill him.
The capital city of the Black Kingdom, it is where the Overlord reigns from. It is so massive that even from it's tallest spires one can only see the endless city lights stretching out in all directions. It is nearly always night in the city, and rains frequently. It is home to millions of citizens and slaves. It's inhabitants are pale and gangly.
The entirety of Onyx has been constructed out of an oily black stone which is known for it's incredible durability. So much stone was used in constructing the city that it created massive canyon quarry's on the outskirts of the city. An additional property of this stone is it being light absorbent, making the infrequent light posts in the city seem more like candles than proper light posts.
These once legendary Heroes now serve as the Overlord's personal and most feared agents. These servants of the Overlord are unique in that they operate outside the authority of any Archon, and as such report solely to the Overlord. They serve now in a permanent state of Undeath, and while their hearts do not beat their flesh also does not decay. They do not need to sleep, eat, drink or even breath. They do possess memories of their prior living life, but do not retain control over any of their actions unless gifted this by the Overlord. It is whispered that he has trapped their very souls within his blade. Their numbers both ebbed and flowed during the Defiance Wars as various Kingdoms destroyed them but also lost their own Heroes to the Voidborns ranks.
Things have changed during the Godswars however, as during the Battle of Twilight the majority of the Voidborn were destroyed, thus now making the few survivors a rare sight in the Overlord's wider realm.
The Archon of War is a man who excels on the battlefield, who seems born for it. He wields a massive greatsword that is capable of cleaving three men in half with a single swing, and lives for the thrill of a decent opponent. He leads his own small but elite company of skilled knights and grizzled veterans who he would die for and each of which would die for him.
It is said that the Archon of War originally crossed blades with the Overlord during the Defiance Wars before being convinced that he could earn more glory and would have many more battles fighting for the Overlord than against him. The Archon has served him faithfully ever since, acting as the tip of the spear during invasions with his soldiers being used as shock troopers.
The Archon of Necromancy had originally attempted to create an army of skeletons to conquer his own local kingdom before being defeated by meddling Heroes. They surprisingly spared his life as they were worried even his very death may be trapped. Instead they imprisoned him in which he rotted away until the Kingdom which had stripped him of his freedom fell to the Overlord, and he was freed.
Now the Archon of Necromancy has restored his army of skeletons and leads massive hordes of the undead in the Overlords name. Each enemy foot soldier that is struck down inevitably becomes part of the Archon of Necromancy's forces. While the Archon of Necromancy still privately harbors desires for his own global domination, he knows that he is currently incapable of matching the Overlord in power, and as such he waits and bids his time.
The Archon of Shadow is a distant Archon, and is known for being the silent yet deadly blade in the dark which resolves delicate matters for the Overlord. Very little information is known about him other than that he also has fought and lost to the Overlord during the Defiance Wars before pledging his service to him. It is rumored that the Overlord placed an Edict upon the Archon of Shadow's village during the Defiance Wars which drove everyone in it into a blood frenzy of neighbor killing neighbor. The Archon of Shadow was the sole survivor of his village massacre, and impressed by skill the Overlord made him an Archon. The Archon of Shadow's acolytes act primarily as assassins and archers, they specialize in ranged combat.
The Archon of the Wild was discovered in a remote location during the Defiance wars. He appeared to have been raised by wild animals, and had no loyalty to any government or faction, other than his animal pack. The Overlord decided to make an Archon of the curiosity, as his ferocious and feral nature impressed him. In return for this the Archon is allowed to oversee his traditional territorial grounds as he sees fit, without question. Acolytes of this Archon are known for their animalistic nature, preferring to fight using sharpened teeth and makeshift claws. They fight unarmored, and rage like berserk when wounded.
Unimaginably powerful magic that only the Overlord can harness, it can be cast directly or placed into scrolls to be transported and used by his trusted Voidborn at specific locations or in specific situations. These Edicts require considerable time and power to create, but are limitless in capability, able to rewrite the very fabric of reality.
Active Edicts
Edict of Greater Souls - This Edict was declared during the Defiance Wars and allowed for the Overlord to be able to determine the location of Greater Souled beings, allowing him to more effectively hunt them. This Edict is still in place today, and whenever a Greater Soul being is born or brought into existence, it is brought to the Overlords attention.
Edict of Night - This Edict was declared during the construction of the capital city of Onyx. This Edict gives the Overlord complete control over the weather of his entire domain, allowing him to both leave it in a perpetual raining night as well as still allowing the crops to still grow and the land not to flood.
Edict of Authority - This Edict was declared during the construction of Onyx. It allows the Overlord a psychic link to both his Archons and Voidborn, allowing them to communicate instantaneously no matter how far apart they are. Not only this, but it allows the Overlord to see through their eyes and even listen to their thoughts or peruse their memories.
Edict of Flame - During the Defiance Wars a democratic republic had managed to hoard vast amounts of knowledge into the greatest Library on the surface of the planet. The arcane secrets that they had hoarded allowed them to successfully repel the Overlords attempted subjugation of their Capital Library. After several months of failure to negotiate their surrender or take it by force, the Overlord issued an Edict of Flame in which the entire Library city was incinerated in an instant, with its arcane secrets charred and lost forever. The fire still rages to this day, with it's dissipation command being every last scrap of arcane knowledge within the city needing have been destroyed.
Inactive Edicts
Edict of Wind - During the Defiance Wars a particularly troublesome kingdom that was filled with skilled warriors who were proud of their martial traditions. They managed to grind the campaign to a halt. After several months of deadlock, the Overlord declared the Edict of Storm over the entire nation. This caused a tornado to form in the country which raged for an entire year. It decimated both the enemy capital and it's military forces, effectively breaking the stalemate. After the formal surrender of the kingdom in which they were required to surrender their swords, did the tornado dissipate leaving the survivors to rebuild.
Edict of Earth - During the Defiance Wars a hundred primitive tribes had gathered together onto what they considered a holy plateau that was the most defensible location in their region. After refusing to surrender their independence and several months of failure in attempting to militarily take the plateau, the Overlord issued an Edict of Earth in which great tectonic movements caused earthquakes which destroyed the plateau, burying the hundred rebelling tribes alive. It was only with the complete destruction of their sacred plateau did the tremors cease.
Edict of Water - During the Defiance Wars there was a series of wealthy island nation that formed an alliance against the Overlord. They believed their combined wealth would be enough to finance a large enough mercenary army to defeat him. They were correct in that their mercenary horde managed to slow and even stop the Overlords forces for several months, however, then the Overlord issued the Edict of Water. This Edict caused the seas to turn against the islanders, with massive waves destroying their fleets and entire islands being engulfed by the ocean. It was only when every last gold coin on their islands was tossed into what is now known as the Golden Sea did the Edict dissipate.
Greater Souls are rare souls that are possessed by beings of exceptional qualities. They are known as the Fateless because their destiny is unwritten, and because of this they have often played crucial roles in historical events as they are some of the few capable of altering the flow of history.
Lesser Souls are the default life force of all living creatures. Their abilities can vary wildly, from rudimentary to even potentially being able to challenge a Greater Soul being. Beings with Lesser Souls have their fates written before they are born, and while they may not know the details of their future they effectively lack free will.
Archeological evidence shows that the species known as Avis Homines has existed for around 50,000 years in its current form, with agriculture, literacy, and civilization having existed for nearly half that time. They are the first and only species to have achieved sentience on their planet, relying heavily on their intelligence in order to survive. This intelligence manifests itself through the creation of government and eusocial tendencies of the species. Despite coming in a great variety of differing coloration, there are no physiological differences between Avian other than the possession of the ability to manipulate the Shroud or not.
The Avians are also incredibly long lived for organics, regularly reaching the ages of 200 - 300 before the creation of scientific medicine, and reaching ages of 300 - 500 in the current era. This long life span allows for a greater transference of knowledge and skills to younger generations, as well as allowing for a greater amount of time to cultivate one’s individual abilities. Despite these strengths, they do possess weaknesses.
This species suffers from a tendency to wastefulness, having adapted in an environment of abundance. This has lead to inefficient processes that waste more resources than are used. This exacerbates resource issues in areas of limited resources.
Another negative trait of the species is that they are also decadent, and have a natural inclination to having others do their work for them. They prize status and are averse to menial labor. Thus they have a tendency for enslavement so as to always have a underclass to both look down upon and do the jobs they don't want to.
Lastly, they are slow breeders. The females are only fertile during a special mating season which occurs only once per decade during their solar cycle. They also only produce a small number of eggs in each clutch ranging from 3 - 5, with only about half hatching.
Avian eggs are typically laid a year after the eclipse, with each egg's coloration being correspondent to the caste that they have been born into.
Hatchlings - This is a catch all term for all pre-pubescent Avians. Though there species is long lived, they grow slowly early on in life. Freshborn hatchlings must be fed and constantly watched for the first 5 - 7 years of their life, as they are vulnerable and essentially defenseless upon hatching. When they learn to walk around the age of 12, they typically learn to speak and gain relative independence fairly quickly. During the first few years of their life, they expend massive amounts of energy and calories developing their brains and bodies. Formal education normally starts at 15 and continues until they are full adults at 50.
Birds of a Feather - These are fully developed adult avians. They reach finish maturation around the age of 50. This is when their feathers become the most vibrant and lush, and they reach full coloration which will dictate whatever caste they are part of.
Grey Feathers - These are what could be considered Elders. No matter the caste, even Peacocks feathers dull and grey over the centuries. This depends largely on the exertion and stress placed upon each individual, as well as differing genetic factors. Due to advancements in medical science, the dulling and greying of feathers can be postponed. While originally Grey Feathers began to appear around the age of 200, now it is more common for them to appear around the age of 400.
Avis Homines breed only once per decade, during a solar eclipse. Though inter-caste breeding is permitted, males are always born of their fathers caste and females are always born of their mothers caste. During this eclipse, the Peacocks use the Storks to spread their iridescent eggs across the general population. This is done to ensure that the Peacocks are always raised among and by the people that they govern, so that they never develop a sense of being apart from them. These eggs are considered a great honor and blessing to the family they are bestowed upon, and once hatched will be raised by these foster parents with special governmental support and monitoring.
The planet which would come to be known as the ‘Egg of Life’ is a small to medium sized planet which is made up of 85% water, with the remaining 15% landmass being comprised almost entirely of a number of tropical and humid landmasses covered in thick foliage and vegetation. These island chains come in a variety of sizes, with all landmass on the planet being grouped into a total of six archipelagos regions.
Six Archipelagos Regions: • Aethon – 9 Islands. Uncolonized ‘Promised Land’. Birthplace of Modern Planetary Government. • Alkonost – 3 Islands. Forms Warring Tribes. Birthplace of the Species. • Caladrius – 4 Islands. Forms a Monarchy. Birthplace of Authoritarian Superpower. • Halycon – 5 Islands. Forms a Oligarchy. Birthplace of Civilization. • Rarog – 12 Islands. Forms a Tribal Confederation. Birthplace of Avism. • Sirin – 6 Islands. Forms a Republic. Birthplace of Egalitarian Superpower. • Total Islands: 39 Islands
Aethon – Aethon consists of 3 small sized islands, 3 medium sized islands, and 3 large sized islands. Each island in this region varies in size, with the region containing both the largest and smallest landmasses on the planet. This region is also one of the most well balanced in terms of resources on the planet. It is known for a sub sentient feline predator.
Caladrius – Caladrius consists of 4 medium sized. Caladrius is the only other balanced region on the planet, with each landmass providing an abundance of a different resource. This region is known for a sub sentient reptilian predator.
Alkonost – This archipelago is known as the birthplace of the species, and is the most mountainous on the entire planet. It consists of three islands, one being the 2nd largest landmass on the planet with the other two being medium sized around the primary island. It has several mountain ranges as well as volcanos that span far above the cloud cover of the islands, and is host to the iconic location known as the sea of clouds. The entire region is rich in mineral resources. This region is host to a sub sentient avian predator that is said to be the oldest predator of the people.
Halcyon – Consisting of 5 average sized islands, this region is known for being particularly hospitable and pleasant. It has an unusually high number of habitable areas for large populations of Avian to congregate and live, and was host to some of the earliest urban centers. This region is notable for having no predators.
Rarog – This region consists of 12 small sized islands, and is known for having electrical storms more frequently and with greater intensity than anywhere else on the planet. At all times there is a storm raging on at least one of the islands. These islands are known for a sub sentient electrical predator that manifests and hunts during the storms.
Sirin – Consisting of 3 small, 2 medium, and 1 large island this region is known as the breadbasket of the planet. Though it has a vast amount of food, it is known for being particularly dangerous due to a sub sentient canine species which only inhabits this region.
Although there is evidence for civilization dating back over 20,000 years, records surviving to the modern day only stretch back approximately 10,000 years. The first 2,000 years of records are fragmentary and usually written in dead or lost languages. The following 3,000 years of records become more coherent and closer to modern language, but still relies heavily on unprovable claims and eye witness testimony as opposed to any kind of verifiable evidence. It is only within the last 5,000 years that modern and reliable record keeping has been developed.
The species seems to have originated from the Alkonost archipelago and once have been a sub sentient predator similar to the [ALKONOST PREDATOR]. Due to unknown reasons, this changed when the Avis species gained sentience. The species is shown to have spread rapidly from this point across the entirety of the planet, although it seems they would exist as primitive hunter gatherer tribes for several tens of thousands of years after this.
Around 20,000 years ago the region of Halcyon was the birthplace of civilization when the first city states began to appear. Next to nothing is known about these ancient city states, though there is evidence that they warred against each other. There is also evidence these city states were ruled by powerful individual families that over time evolved into monarchy or oligarchy. These lost ancient city states would be the claimed ancestors of many future nations and city states.
At the same time in the Alkonost region a primitive religion that focused on the worship and reverence of both flight in general and the [ALKONOST PREDATOR] in specific. All information about this religion surviving to the modern day survived solely through oral transmission. There are relatively few artifacts of the religion surviving to the modern day.
Around 15,000 years ago - Creation of Stormism in Rarog. the first known organized religion began to emerge in the Rarog region, being a polytheistic religion centering around the powerful electrical storms that occur in the area. This religion focused heavily on martial combat, ancestral worship, and strict adherence to the will of the lightning spirits. Though it did not spread out of the region, it became deeply rooted in the local tribes and the adherents became known as Stormists. Information about this religion surviving to the modern day is known primarily through both oral transmission and cave paintings.
13,000 years ago – Spread of City States to Sirin and Caladrius. There is archeological evidence of the city states of Halcyon having spread to other regions, including both Sirin and Caladrius. It is unknown if city states arose in these other regions of their own accord or if Halcyon colonists spread the concept to them.
1st Era – Ancient Era Year 0 of the First Era (10,000 years ago) – Birth of the original Iridescent Emperor, Ancient City State World War. Some of the earliest fragmentary evidence recovered appeared to be concerning a massive ancient war between an unknown number of city states. It is known that the war spanned across all three regions which supported city states. It is unknown who or which side the victor was.
Some of these earliest records also mention one of histories most mysterious and influential figures; the Iridescent Emperor. This Avis is known to have been born and raised in Halcyon and claimed to be divine. It is clear that he made substantial impacts in relation to the ancient war, though it is unsure what exactly they were. By the end of the war and his life the religion he founded had spread to both sides and all three ‘civilized’ regions, and became known as Avism. This time period would be known as the start of the First Era. Numerous Avis, both influential and not, would claim to be the descendant of the Iridescent Emperor of this period.
Year 1,000 of the First Era (9,000 years ago) War of the Five Iridescent Eyes- A massive war known as the War of the Five Eyes in which five separate factions all lead by an influential Avis claiming to be a descendant of the Iridescent Emperor tore the world apart in a brutal war. While details are scarce, it is known that ultimately the war ended in each of the five’s deaths.
Year 2,000 of the First Era (8,000 years ago) – Formation of Kingdom, Republic, and Oligarchic Confederacy At this point in time the ancient city states began to dissolve into larger nation states. Each of the three regions became its own governing entity, and they began to view each other as rivals. Halcyon remained a loose confederation of oligarchic and ancient city states, while Caladrius became ruled by its first monarch. Sirin meanwhile became the world’s first Republic.
Year 3,000 of the First Era (7,000 years ago) – Caladrius Failed Colonization of Rarog, Creation of Storm Chieftain Caladrius begins sending missionaries and colonists to the region of Rarog both to expand territory and spread Avism. The usually warring tribes of the region united under Stormism and successfully managed to repel the foreigners. This experience changed Rarog, leading to a more unified region. Although the tribes and islands still warred among themselves, this experience led to the creation of a Storm Chief who was responsible for the welfare of the region against foreign threat.
Sirin’s Republic faces it’s first crisis in that it descends into a bloody civil war after faith in its fair and open elections declines. The civil war ends relatively quickly with the survival of the Republic, but with heavy casualties on both sides.
Halcyon meanwhile prospered during this era as it became rich selling arms and supplies to it’s two neighboring countries. It used this newfound wealth to turn its ancient city states into the first few sprawling metropolises on the planet.
Year 4,000 of the First Era (6,000 years ago) – Death of Merchant King of Halcyon, Rise of Scientific Method and Industrialization in Caladrius, Sirin Colonization of Alkonost. The Confederation of Halcyon came under the control of a tyrannical merchant king that was the wealthiest Avis on the planet, and was on the verge of its own civil war. After witnessing the bloodshed that occurred in the Republic of Sirin’s civil war, it was decided this was to be avoided at all costs. This led to a coup in which several of the most prominent aristocratic families of Halcyon murdered him in cold blood.
The Republic of Sirin began healing after it’s civil war and entered into its own period of prosperity. The Republic began to attempt its own colonization of Alkonost, having learned from Caladrius’ failed attempt in Rarog. Though the colonies it created in the region struggled greatly, they managed to enslave a significant portion of the population to be used for menial labor.
The Kingdom of Caladrius began focusing heavily on industrialization and technology, determined to successfully subjugate the region of Rarog. This leads to it rapidly becoming a beacon of intellectualism in the world, with production capabilities increasing rapidly.
The tribes of Rarog experienced a kind of spiritual renaissance when the region experienced an anomaly and had not just a storm on one of it’s 12 islands at all times, but a storm on all of them at all times. It was prophesied this would herald a great change, which it did.
2nd Era – ‘Industrialization Era’ Year 0 of the Second Era (5,000 years ago) Birth of Iridescent Emperor II, Reverse Colonization of Caladrius by Rorag, Strengthening of Sirin Colonies and Sirin Political Slave Strive, Spread of Shroud Abilities to Peacock Caste. – Iridescent Emperor II is born to a Stormist tribe in the Rarog region, and upon birth knows everything there is to know about Avism. Though born to a lowly tribe, as he grows into adulthood, he gains popular support among the tribes to replace the current reigning Storm Chief, but chooses not to.
The Kingdom of Caladrius begins its second colonization attempt of Rarog. The tribes united once again under the Storm Chief, but he is slain during the initial invasion. Though the invaders had superior technology, Iridescent Emperor II manages to not only militarily repel the invaders but also convince them of his being Iridescent Emperor II. Because the Caladrian’s believed in Avism, they took him with them back to Caladrius to the capital. The vast majority of the people wanted him to be made king, but the reigning monarch, King Plume of Purple X at first refuses to relinquish his crown. It is only when he realizes just how little support, he has that he is forced to do so to avoid execution. Thus, Caladrius and Rorag became united albeit in an unexpected way.
Meanwhile the Republic of Sirin expanded its grip on Alkonost, with its colonies transitioning from surviving to flourishing due to the exploitation through slave labor that they benefited from. Political unrest begins to foment in the Republic about the ethical and moral implications of slavery.
Year 100 of the Second Era (4,900 years ago) Iridescent-Purple Feather Civil War in Caladrius / Rorag, Fracturing of Halcyon into Noble families, Republic of Sirin Slave Uprising & Adoption of Industrialization, Prosperity of Halcyon – Iridescent Emperor II died of natural causes, and civil war erupted in the Kingdom. Several of his hatchlings claimed to be Iridescent Emperor III, and many of the tribes of Rorag rallied behind them. The only hatchling daughter of the usurped king Purple Feather X meanwhile rallied the noble houses of Caladrius to their cause, as many were unsure of Iridescent Emperor II hatchlings truly deserving his title. War would erupt, fracturing Caladrius and Rorag.
This would be a conflict between three claimants’ to being Iridescent Emperor’s as well as the usurped son of Purple Feather. The three sons would unify just long enough to defeat the claimant Purple Feather XI, before warring among themselves. Eventually a single victor would emerge who would be known for his mercy by sparing both of his brothers and denouncing that any of the three were fit to be the Iridescent Emperor after studying the ancient War of the Five Iridescent Emperors, and wishing to avert a repeat of history. While there were some who secretly worshiped him as a Iridescent Emperor III in secret, publicly the trio ruled both Caladrius and Rorag equally. To further his claim of legitimacy he also married the defeated Purple Feather XI, intertwining their Feathers and ensuing a stable succession.
The Republic of Sirin faced its first serious slave revolt in which a slave known as Claw of Red rallied all the ancient warring tribes of Alkonost together in an attempt to overthrow their Sirin overlords. This war ultimately claimed the life of Claw of Red and the Republic of Sirin claimed victory despite making many concessions in terms of slave quality of life and rights. The instability this war created caused the Republic to begin to adopt the Industrialization methods of Caladrius in the hopes of suppressing future revolts.
Halcyon began the creation of mercenary forces they leased out to both sides of the Sirin Slave Rebellion, though they primarily sided with the Republic due to having much more resources. Having profited from this war as well as many others the region became the wealthiest on the planet, though the quality of life did not improve due to the domination of the Oligarchy over the common Avis life. This caused resentment to grow along with the wealth disparity.
Year 500 of the Second Era (4,500 Years Ago) Halcyon Uprising, Industrialization, and Collapse. Republic-Kingdom War over Halcyon.
The Oligarchs of Halycon face their own massive insurrection when tensions reach a boiling point with the majority of the population being considered little more than slaves for the merchant families. This war tears Halcyon apart, though the noble families attempt to adopt the technological advancements that Industrialization brings, it proves too little too late and several prominent family lines are ended with their palaces looted by the common people.
Several mercenary bands created to be sold to serve during Sirin’s Slave Revolt’s on Alkonost become roving bands of bandits which loot and pillage freely. This caused both the Kindgom of Caladrius and the Republic of Sirin to decide to intervene in the hopes of benefiting from the fall of Halcyon, as it was infamous for its wealth.
This war would last for 500 years with massive losses of life to both sides. Many of the inhabitants of Halycon were forced to choose which of the two foreign armies they would rather rule them. The surviving Halycon noble families rallied together to attempt to reestablish control but were ultimately defeated and destroyed. The tension placed upon both superpowers from this conflict would ignite social change, with the Republic of Sirin offering full citizenship to Alkonost slaves who enlist in the military and the Kingdom of Caladrius being forced to grow more accepting of Rarog Tribal customs.
Both sides profited greatly from the looting they did of the fallen oligarchy, and this only helped further their industrialization efforts. Both nations would eventually come to a agreement to mutually withdraw from Halycon having picked it clean of wealth and resources, deciding the region wasn’t worth the effort between local resistance and the other superpower attempting to stop them.
Year 1000 of the Second Era (4,000 Years Ago) The Republic of Sirin Bans Slavery & Develops Alkonost Airships, Kingdom of Caladrius Discover the Ability to Harness Electricity on Rarog Islands. Halcyon ruled by Black Bird Gang.
The Kingdom of Caladrius and the Republic of Sirin exist in a state of cold war as both focus on their own internal development in an attempt to gain an edge over the other. Both become increasingly militarized and use the wealth plundered from the collapse of Halcyon leading to the creation of Republic Airships in Alkonost as well as the discovery of electricity in the Kingdom of Caladrius.
The people of Halcyon slowly begin to rebuild their society, though it is ruled by pirates, outlaws, and bandits both locally born and criminals from foreign lands. They make the ruined palaces of the extinct great families their bases of operations. It’s reputation as a lawless land becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A faction of killers known as the ‘Vultures’ lead by Beak of Black manages to unite multiple gangs and successfully conquer the region under the new government of the Vulture Confederation. The people of Halcyon suffer under his rule.
Year 1,500 of the Second Era (3,500 Years Ago) Alliance-Vulture War The Vulture Confederation rules for generations unopposed on Halcyon, and eventually grows strong enough to begin raiding the colonies of its neighboring superpowers. Assaults begin on Rarog Islands as well as in Alkonost. They even managed to steal a Republic Airship which they use as a mobile operations center. The Vulture Confederation are unable to withstand the military might of both factions forming an Alliance and are quickly forced back to Halcyon. Both militaries are reluctant to invade Halcyon itself again remembering the losses that occurred last time but ultimately decided the Black Bird had to be dealt with if not the native population than for the threat it posed to its neighbors. This protracted war in Halcyon would last 500 years before the final victory of the Alliance.
3rd Era – ‘Modern Era’ Year 0 of the Third era – (3,000 Years Ago) Birth of Iridescent Emperor III, Rebuilding of Halcyon, Foundation of the Church of Avism in Halcyon, Discovery of Aethon, Spread of Shroud Abilities to All Castes.
In the ruined land of Halcyon during the final days of the War of the Black Bird, a hatchling was born with complete knowledge of Avism. He managed to unite the desperate and exhausted local people of the region and founded a Theology based Government with himself as the head of state. He called a meeting with both the Kingdom of Caladrius and Republic of Sirin in which he successfully managed to negotiate reparations for the looting which had taken place in the past, and secured both of their support in rebuilding Halcyon.
After rebuilding the region to prosperity in record time, he would use the technology of both the Kingdom and the Republic to create a famous vessel known as the Albatross which was able to cross vast amounts of ocean until reaching an unspoiled continent, he named Aethon in which no Avis lived. He declared this the promised land before dying shortly thereafter.
Year 100 of the Third Era – (2,900 Years Ago) Kingdom-Republic Colonization War Begins, Halcyon Buildup, Colonization of Aethon In the aftermath of the death of Iridescent Emperor III, both the Kingdom and the Republic immediately began colonizing the new continent. War erupted shortly thereafter as expansionism got the better of both sides, causing similar levels of casualties as had happened during their mutual struggle over attempting to annex Halcyon. Halcyon stays out of the war and returns to its roots, selling weapons and mercenary services to both sides to acquire massive amounts of wealth once more and truly return to its prior level.
Year 500 of the Third Era (2,500 Years Ago) End of Kingdom-Republic Colonization War, Halcyon Colonization of Aethon, Death of Republic General Eyes of Green, Kingdom Civil-War. Republic of Sirin votes for its state religion to be atheism.
Both the Kingdom of Caladrius and the Republic of Sirin had exhausted themselves fighting over Aethon, and this allowed for the region of Halcyon to wait to strike for the perfect moment. Ruled by the Church of Avism founded by the Iridescent Emperor III, they massacred the weakened forces of both sides and claimed the continent as their own.
Both sides fell to internal bickering after the loss of the continent, having expended massive amounts of wealth and resources for nothing. One of the most famous and successful Generals of the Republic, Eyes of Green, blamed the politicians for the failure and lead a failed coup which cost him his life. Similarly, the Kingdom fell into a brief civil war as another claimant to the throne attempted to usurp it for themselves after the failure of colonizing Aethon. The Republic of Sirin votes for a state religion of atheism after resentment grows for Iridescent Emperor III.
Year 1000 of the Third Era – (2,000 Years Ago) The Church of Avis establishes a capital on Aethon, Kingdom and Republic both focus on technological development
The Church based in Halcyon begin development of a massive capital in Aethon, considering it to be the promised land that the Iridescent Emperor III declared it to be. The construction of this capital drains them of massive amounts of wealth and resources.
The Kingdom of Caladrius invents laser and plasma-based weaponry, while the Republic make progress in further refining their Airships to give them undisputed air superiority.
Year 1,500 of the Third Era – (1,500 Years Ago) Trinity War With the Church of Avism focusing on developing and colonizing Aethon, they fell behind technologically in comparison to their neighbors. Once they felt they had sufficiently prepared, both the Kingdom and the Republic launched invasions of both Halcyon and Aethon. This war quickly engulfed the entirety of the war, with unprecedented levels of death and destruction.
The Church of Avism chose to prioritize Aethon, beginning to lose territory on Halcyon. This war would rage of centuries.
4th Era – Space Age Year 0 of the Fourth Era – (1,000 Years Ago) Birth of Iridescent Emperor IV, Unification of the Kingdom of Caladrius and Church of Avism, Fall of the Republic, Formal Scientific Discovery of the Shroud.
In the capital city of [PLANETARY CAPITAL NAME] Iridescent Emperor IV would be born in Aethon. He would quickly be recognized as head of state of the Church of Avism, and would meet with the Kingdom of Caladrius and convince the King to serve him, due in part to the King of Caladrius being a descendant of Iridescent Emperor II himself.
With the Church of Avism and the Kingdom of Caladrius unified they had the required resources to begin to push back the Republic of Sirin. Despite their combined strength the Republic proved effective in slowing their advances. This war would take up the majority of the Iridescent Emperor IV life, with his death occurring shortly after the Fall of the Republic. Before he died, he created a holy book known as [HOLY BOOK NAME] and make massive reformations to the Church of Avism, forming it into what it is known as today. He was responsible for forming the modern planetary government.
The holy book he wrote detailed the need for their species to fly among the stars as they did on the planet, and of their divine status. Just as Iridescent Emperor soared above the rest of their species, so too did their species as a whole soar above any other in the universe. Iridescent Emperor IV described a universe in desperate need for the enlightenment only their kind possessed.
Year 100 of the Fourth Era – (1,000 Years Ago) Birth of the Avian Ascendancy, Creation of Spaceship, Formation of Inquisition. The new planetary government known as the Avian Ascendancy declares [PLANETARY CAPITAL] it’s capital. It works to standardize Avism across the planet, rooting out heresy and nonbelievers, specifically in former Republic regions of Sirin and Alkonost. This leads to the creation of the Inquisition. The first spaceships are created based on Republic Airship designs by a brilliant scientist and engineer named Feathers of White.
Year 500 of the Fourth Era – (500 Years Ago) Colonization of the Moon, Advancements made in FTL Travel. Creation, Rebellion, and Banning of AI and Robotics.
The Ascendancy struggles with unity until the successful colonization of the moon, the accomplishment serving to cement loyalty and contentment across the home world. It continues to advance technologically, further refining their space ships with FTL capable engines allowing them to leave their star system.
Artificial Intelligence is finally not only created but mastered. Robotic Avian begin to revolutionize society, beginning to do the menial labor that the species has a natural aversion to. It gains in knowledge and influence until it has near full control of society. A small sect of the population have been suspicious of the robotic Avians since their inception, and they lead the population in a war against the machines once they eventually rebel. The war is bloody and brutal, but results in a organic Avian victory and the banning of robots and AI.
Year 700 of the Fourth Era - First contact with sentient alien civilizations. Discovery and Mastery of Cloning and Genetic Manipulation.
One is a hive mind which has spread to several star systems and seeks additional bio matter to grow ever larger. Though it initially appears that war will erupt between the two, conflict is averted when a deal is struck for the hive mind to be freely given the bio matter of those who resist in the Ascendancy's own expansion. The hive-mind's own fungal-based troops will be used as shock and melee troopers for the Ascendancy's expansion.
The other is a hyper-capitalist death-cult mega corporation that relies on both cut throat business practice and fanatical religious devotion to maintain control. A deal is struck with the megacorporation for it to be the primary financial backer of the Ascendancy's expansion, with the stipulation that they will be free to spread their corporate holdings to the entirety of the Ascendancy. Large amounts of resources are thus invested into the Ascendancy.
Avian scientists master cloning technology and genetic manipulation. This rocks Avian civilization as it is argued if they have souls or rights. Ultimately it is decided that clones do not have souls or rights, and are thus considered a created underclass for the natural born.
Year 900 of the Fourth Era – (100 Years Ago) Formation of the Five Murders. The Ascendancy uses the massive resource investments to declare the formation of Five Murders, known as the Murders of the East, South, West, North and Center.
Formation of the Liberators. The Ascendancy decides to create a formal ground force to land on hostile worlds and civilize their inhabitants. Named the Liberators, they are trained extensively in a variety of modes of warfare though they specialize in ranged combat.
Year 0 of the Fifth Era - Birth of Iridescent Emperor V. Mass colonization of differing star systems begins.
The Avian Ascendancy officially begins it's slow but steady expansion out of it's home system in an attempt to dominate the galaxy. Multiple planets and star systems are terraformed and colonized. Alien worlds are invaded and subjugated.
Though there have been many different cultures through the millennia, the modern planetary culture is a mixture of Caladrian, Roragian, and Halcyonian. It is important to understand Avis culture is high-context. Subtle words or actions can have astoundingly impactful consequences. Word choice is critical, and hierarchy is crucial.
Avism is an ancient religion which while it has gone through many different reformations and challenges, it has remained remarkably consistent. It was originally founded by the first Iridescent Emperor who introduced the concept of two great spiritual birds that fought for dominion over the souls of each member of their species. One bird is beneficent and compassionate, wanting to guide their species to their full potential. This primordial force for good is named Garuda. It's counterpart, is a malevolent and corrupt spiritual force that aims to consume the entirety of their species in order to manifest into the physical realm and cause further destruction. This primordial force for evil is named Ziz.
After explaining these concepts, the Iridescent Emperor declared himself to be the Avatar of Garuda, who had come to lead the people on the proper path. He explained that those who serve the Iridescent Emperor will, when they die, have their soul absorbed into the Egg of Light, the center of their star system. Those who do not will have their souls eaten by Ziz, further empowering the entity.
Every incarnation of the Iridescent Emperor has been easily identifiable by having certain powers and abilities that other Avian did not. Examples of this include telepathy, telekinesis, teleportation, and more. At the time of the original Iridescent Emperor he was the only of his kind to have such capabilities, but with each successor they have become increasingly common, though none have ever been able to come close to matching the sheer power of any of the Iridescent Emperors.
Some disaffected Avian are known to lose faith in Garuda and by extension, the Iridescent Emperor. Those who turn to the worship of Ziz can undergo a ritual to mark themselves are servants of this dark power. This requires the sacrifice of everything the person holds dear, which is different per individual. If done correctly, the Avian undergoes a dark transformation in which they are granted extreme power in accordance to their level of hate and malice, as well as the price of their very soul. They become twisted creatures filled with hatred which cause chaos and mayhem.
Messengers, Scouts, and Ambassadors of the Ascendancy, they are primarily responsible for communication and surveillance among both the Ascendancy and outside forces. Primarily Green of Feather.
Scientists and Academics of the Ascendancy, they are primarily responsible for the advancement and maintenance of Avian technology. Primarily Blue of Feather.
Spiritualists and Priests of the Ascendancy, they are primarily responsible for the upkeep and spread of the religion of Avism. Primarily Red of Feather.
Some of the lowliest of Ascendancy society, they are little more than slaves who exist to perform menial labor and other lowly tasks. Because of their status, they are the most likely to become Vultures. Primarily Grey of Feather.
Warriors and Soldiers of the Ascendancy, they are primarily responsible for both the offensive and defensive martial capabilities of the Ascendancy. Primarily White of Feather.
Merchants and Moneylenders of the Ascendancy, they are responsible for overseeing the financial well being of the state. Primarily Gold of Feather.
(Influences; Geisha & Burlesque) Nicknamed 'Lovebirds'. They are primarily entertainers, artists, and prostitutes. Primarily Pink of feather.
The ruling Elite of the Ascendancy, they are responsible for overseeing the other Castes and the Ascendancy as a whole. Primarily Iridescent of Feather.
Criminals, Exiles, and Rebels they are everyone who is not a member of one of the other castes, as such they can be of any feather color. Some of them don vulture masks as a form of embracing their status, while others go maskless in defiance of the Ascendancy.
War Hawks - Currently 30% of the population are politically affiliated with the War Hawks political party, the dominant political force in the Ascendancy. It is closely affiliated with the dominant religion of the planet, Avism. It believes in Avian supremacy, imperial expansion, and colonialism.
Peace Doves - Currently 10% of the population are politically affiliated with the Peace Doves political party. The party holds many radical beliefs such as secularism, egalitarianism, and anti-imperialism and colonialism. Considered to be a major potential threat to the Ascendancy, they are fiercely monitored and controlled.
Middle Chickens - Currently 60% of the population are politically affiliated with the Chicken political party, which is comprised of pragmatists and centrists who hold no strong beliefs and simply operate based on what is most advantageous. Because the War Hawks currently hold political influence and power, the Chickens follow their leadership.
The current and fifth incarnation of the Avatar of Garuda as well as the Emperor of the Ascendancy, his word is law. He was raised by Owls.
The leading religious figure of Avism, she is of the Peacock caste. Considered to be the most beautiful and pious of all living beings besides the Iridescent Emperor, it is her responsibility to lead the people spiritually and religiously when the Emperor is busy with other affairs of state such as general governance.
Head of their Caste and a member of the Ascendant Council.
Head of their Caste and a member of the Ascendant Council.
Head of their Caste and a member of the Ascendant Council.
Head of their Caste and a member of the Ascendant Council.
Head of their Caste and a member of the Ascendant Council.
Head of their Caste and a member of the Ascendant Council.
A Murder is the Ascendancy's term for a Naval Battlegroup. Murder of the North - Ascendancy Murder Commander (AMC) Plume of Red is assigned to the overall military management of the Northern Expansion portion of the Ascendancy's Sphere of Expansion. Murder of the West - Ascendency Murder Commander (AMC) Eyes of Ivory is assigned to the overall military management of the Western Expansion portion of the Ascendancy's Sphere of Expansion. Murder of the East - Ascendancy Murder Commander (AMC) Claws of Black is assigned to the overall military management of the Eastern Expansion portion of the Ascendancy's Sphere of Expansion. Murder of the South - Ascendancy Murder Commander (AMC) Plume of Green is assigned to the overall military management of the Southern Expansion portion of the Ascendancy's Sphere of Expansion. Murder of the Center - Ascendancy Murder Commander (AMC) Wings of Blue is assigned to the unique task of overseeing the overall military management of the core central areas of the Ascendancy, including their home world the Egg of Life.
Spacecraft that is designed to accommodate only a single occupant, the pilot, they are primarily used for scouting and reconnaissance assignments. They can be effective in military engagements en mass when used to swarm an opponent. This is also the most common type of criminal spacecraft. Because of the resources required to build these ships, they are limited to 100 per Murder.
Spacecraft that is designed to accommodate a group of five occupants, the pilot, an officer, a gunner, a engineer, and a communications specialist. They work in smaller groups than Corvette's, but are more heavily armed and armored. Because of the resources required to build these ships, they are limited to 50 per Murder.
Spacecraft that is designed to accommodate a crew of several dozen Avian. It is further still armed and armored, able to withstand a relatively decent amount of damage. This is the first spacecraft designed with the capability of being a troop transport. Because of the amount of resources required to build these ships, they are limited to 25 per Murder.
Spacecraft that is designed to accommodate a crew of a hundred Avian. It is armed and armored to the point of being able to destroy a moon using sustained fire of it's primary gun. It is the first spacecraft designed to be able to transport not just soldiers but also Destroyer's and Corvette's. Because of the amount of resources required to build these ships, they are limited to 10 per Murder.
Truly one of the Jewel's of the Ascendancy's fleet, these ships require crews of several hundred Avian. These ships are so heavily armed and armored that they have the capability of being able to destroy entire planets using sustained fire from their primary weapons. Because of the massive amount of resources required to build these ships, they are limited in number to 3 per Murder.
The largest and most powerful of the Ascendancy's fleet, these ships are absolutely massive. These ships are so heavily armed and armored that they have the capability of being able to destroy entire suns using sustained fire from their primary weapons. These ships are so massive that they are capable of being self-sufficient and having their own internal recyclable ecosystems. Because of the massive amount of resources required to build these ships, they are limited in number to 1 per Murder.
Ascendancy Liberation Commander (ALC) Claws of Silver
Each unit within the Liberators consists of 90% vat grown clones that are indoctrinated into They have shortened lifespans in comparison to their natural born kin, living only 70 to 80 years. They have been genetically programmed to have minimal emotional responses, and are indoctrinated towards self sacrifice. A small contingent of natural born officers leads each cloned unit, allowing for much more time and training to be focused on them.
Raven Crow A duo of elite instruments of the Ascendancy that have performed numberless classified missions on behalf of the Iridescent Emperor. Raven specializes in stealth and agility, while Crow specializes in more direct methods of engagement such as explosives. They are the go to team for delicate operations.
Though they do not understand the true inner workings of it, it has been confirmed by the Avians that there is a supernatural realm overlayed upon the current material reality. It is believed that this realm is where both Garuda and Ziz exist. The original Iridescent Emperor was the first Avian to come into contact with this realm. As time went on however, other Avian began being born with these abilities as well. Originally it only spread to his fellow Peacocks before eventually spreading to the entirety of the species.
Family History: House Ravencroft’s fate is prophesied to be intertwined with that of Ilium, having existed since the planet was brought into Imperial Compliance 10,000 years ago. Because House Ravencroft has ruled Ilium for over 10,000 years, not each member of the dynasty has been recorded for posterity. Instead, only the worthiest are chosen to be included in the hall of family portraits, with their deeds and accomplishments to be remembered.
Members of House Ravencroft are all born with vibrant purple eyes, as well as having either black or white hair. The reason for this is unclear, ranging from warp taint to a blessing from the Emperor.The recorded members of House Ravencroft throughout the last 10,000 years are the following…
(??? – M31.003 Founder of the House. It is known that the House was originally given control of the planet after Tros Ravencroft having not only acted heroically during a crucial battle, but also having discreetly eliminated a competing House that was another candidate for planetary governorship. The reason given for their elimination was sedition against the Imperium, though evidence was never provided. He brought the planet of Ilium into Imperial Compliance. Made the Dynastic Decree never to modernize the world (discovered the slumbering Necron tomb which modernizing may awaken). He is known to have died of natural causes shortly before the Horus Heresy. White of Hair.
– Responsible for having successfully not only defeated his sibling Octavius in a war of usurpation but also having defeated the heretics and traitors which rose during the Horus Heresy. He was known to have died at the end of the Heresy of exertion after having assured the planet’s loyalty to the Imperium. White of Hair.
Responsible for the Creation and Acquisition of the Eye of Absolution space station which orbits the planet. This came from Tubal-Cain Prime before its fall. Known to have married his sister, Ilia Ravencroft. Black of Hair.
- Responsible for colonizing the moons of Ilium, Nyx and Nox. He founded the Corvus Cohortis and created their Headquarters and Training Facility on Nox. He made Nyx into a private retreat home for House Ravencroft. He married his sister Lusitania Ravencroft and his brother Lucius is known to have successfully become a Space Marine. Black of Hair
– Responsible for the exportation of massive numbers of the population to Imperium wars, this led to much controversy around Regulus during his reign. The peasants came to resent the mass deportation and death of their kinsmen, while the bureaucrats of the Imperium appreciated his contributions of Imperial Guardsmen. This favor he curried with the Imperium is said to have saved them from a worse, though unknown, fate. It would take generations for the planet to reach its pre-Regulus population. Black of Hair.
– Known to have successfully defeated not only a planetary rebellion by House Scipio but also was responsible for defeating a Ork Waaagh lead by clan Rip Jaws which threatened to consume the planet, driving them to the Ida Mountain region in the Levant. His brother Soren Ravencroft was known to be a prodigious and skilled starpilot. Black of Hair.
– He was known to have hoarded vast quantities of knowledge (some even forbidden) from all over the universe within the family’s library aboard the Eye of Absolution, and marrying his sister Ava Ravencroft. His eccentricities were offset by the fact that he made massive contributions to popularizing and standardizing the Imperial cult on Ilium. He also assisted the Ecclesiarchy in their acquisition of Lesvos III in the star system after the death of the original trio of Silver Sisters, who were his siblings. White of Hair.
– Responsible for having ushered in an era of prosperity on Ilium in which population, standards of living, life expectancy, and more all rose across the planet. He was known for frequently visiting the planet and spending time among its various peoples. Statues of appreciation made in his honor and of him still stand on the planet to this day. He was also responsible for aiding in the planetary reclamation of the mining world Imbros for the Imperium.
Ninth Raven Lord: Unclaimed
Current Family:
Imperial Commander & Planetary Governor Lord Geoff Ravencroft – Though he is only in his mid-50’s he appears closer to his 70’s. The weight of rulership has burdened him greatly, but he has succeeded in both maintaining relative peace on the world he has rulership of and paying the Imperial Tithe, a feat few other Imperial Governors can boast of. He has spent little time with his son and heir, relying primarily on bureaucrats to tutor him. White of hair.
Lady Tress Ravencroft – Wife of Lord Geoff Ravencroft and mother to Victarius. She is descended from a noble lineage in another part of the eastern fringes, one that is actually even more wealthy and influential with the Imperium than House Ravencroft.
– Born 996 M41 – Protagonist. Firstborn son, heir apparent and only child to House Ravencroft. He has been raised to rulership from birth, though he has spent more time with various tutors and mentors than with friends or family. He has been born with the genetic mutation of being a psyker. Like every Ravencroft he aspires to become a Raven Lord. Born with white hair.
Segmentum: Ultima, Eastern Fringes, Damocles Gulf Sector: Dovar Sub-Sector: Troad System: Ilium System Planetary Population Adjective Name: Illyrians Sun: Hyperion Planet: Ilium, 3rd from Hyperion Planet Classification: Mu (Feudal World) Planet Authority: Adeptus Administratum Rulership: House Ravencroft Population: 250,000,000 Planetary History: Ilium is a feudal world specializing in food production that has served as a breadbasket not just for the Troad sub-sector, but has contributed in feeding the entire Dovar sector with food rations from the planet being delivered as far away as the Hive World of Agrellan. It has been inhabited by Humans for an indeterminate amount of time as it was discovered during the Great Crusade and claimed by the Imperium.
The planet consists of three equally sized continents that all have largely similar terrains, with each continent consisting of around 80% nutrient rich arable farmland. The remaining 20% consists of mountains, thick forests, and archipelago. Each continent has its own regional capital ruled by a King, with a High King ruling from the planetary capital city of Io. It is at this planetary capital in which the Imperial cult maintains the sole active landing pad on the planet for spacecraft. Because of the social, cultural, and political nature of the planet its maintainers are considered closer to priests than engineers or technicians. Even they do not know the significance of the maintenance rituals they perform, except for the Arch Priest of the Temple.
There have been many rebellions and civil wars throughout the many recorded millennias of the planet, including one major conflict during the Horus Heresy. Most have been petty squabbles by different ambitious feudal families, or peasants’ insurrections over their working and living conditions. The last major conflict took place 20 years ago when there was a war between two Scipio brothers over the succession of High King of the planet.
The planet has a relatively low human population for its agricultural production levels, and only consumes around 15% of the food harvested each season. The rest of it is sent as the planet’s contribution to the Imperial Tithe.
(Influences; Mediterranean, Middle Eastern) – The region of Levant is ruled by House Scipio from the regional and planetary capital of Io. It is largely plains, and the staple crop it produces is wheat. The region possesses the only major mountain range on the planet known as Mt. Ida. This region is where colonization first began of the planet, and is thus the oldest sites of civilization. The local defense force in charge of the region is called the Judge, lead by the famous Saladin. The city of Io itself it located atop seven hills surrounding a lake with two rivers running through the city to the lake in the heart of the city. The rivers are named the Xanthos and Scamander. Beneath the city of Io is the mythical catacombs known as Sheol.
Regional Adjective; Levite
Io is the pride and joy of Ilium, having never been successfully sacked in it's entire history other than it's surrender to Tros Ravencroft and the Tempestus Scions during the Imperial Compliance War. House Scipio has ruled it and the region for as long as House Ravencroft has watched from above, and the two Houses have had a generally positive relationship. Io is also home to the planet's only spaceport, allowing for the exportation of it's food supply as well as allowing transport to and from the Eye of Absolution.
The Cult of the Stars arrived on Ilium with the Imperium and House Ravencroft. They are highly privileged and educated individuals, among the upper echelons of society in Io. Though they do not truly understand the importance of the rituals they perform, it is they who perform maintenance on the Spaceport located in Io, allowing for ease of transport for both people and goods. Only the Polaris who leads the Cult of the Stars knows of it's true importance, and he is the only individual on the planet who the High King does not have authority over, as he reports to House Ravencroft aboard the Eye of Absolution directly.
The peak of Mt. Ida is known as a sacred location, as it is where the legendary Tros Ravencroft and the Tempestus Scions originally landed to begin their task of enforcing Imperial Compliance on the world. The mountain is far too dangerous for pilgrims now, as it is home to the Rip Jaws Ork Clan.
These are sprawling ancient catacombs constructed entirely underneath the planetary capital of Io. No one knows for sure who created them or whose bones the catacombs belong to, though there are many theories. Sheol is believed to be haunted by the local population, and it is forbidden for the people of Io to enter them. Despite this, children and teens of the city often play and explore the more shallow portions, while rebels, revolutionaries, cultists and more have taken up residence deeper within at one point or another. Some say the catacombs have no end.
An ancient order who have sworn themselves to protect the Levant and in specific, Io. Their name is to remind the populace that they exist outside of the traditional judiciary system, as it is their authority to act as Judge, Jury, and Executioner whenever and wherever within the region they see fit. They are known for primarily wielding scimitars as well as longbows of sandalwood, and have been the main force holding back the Rip Jaws Clan of Orks from Mt. Ida. from spreading.
High King Priam Scipio of Io – An elderly man who has ruled over Ilium firmly but fairly in the name of House Ravencroft and the Imperium. He is known for showing both dedication to his responsibilities as well as his family. He has managed to avert multiple schisms, rebellions, and civil wars in his lifetime, and has never failed to ensure the Imperial Tithe of the planet is ready on schedule. [ARC 1 ONLY]
Sarpedon Scipio of Io – A young man who is strong, swift, and smart, like his father he takes his responsibility seriously. He has learned eagerly from Priam, and is poised to succeed him as head of House Scipio and ruler of Io. He is known for his charismatic and generous nature, being beloved by the people.
Judge Saladin – The finest swordsmen in the Levant and a deeply religious man. He wields a obsidian scimitar and while he technically serves High King Priam Scipio, he is rarely in Io as he is known to wander the region helping those in need. He is stoic, with a quiet confidence that inspires his allies. He is deeply feared and respected by the local Ork clan of the planet, having killed hundreds of their number himself.
Polaris Orion - Head of the Cult of the Stars in Io, he is responsible for the maintenance of the only Spaceport on the planet and is the only member of his order who is aware of its true purpose. He is the second most powerful man on the planet, after High King Priam Scipio. While Priam has absolute authority over the entirety of the planet and reports directly to House Ravencroft, the spaceport is considered the only other sovereign area on the planet, with only the Cult of the Stars having jurisdiction and authority over it's property with the Polaris similarly reporting directly to House Ravencroft.
(Influences; Celtic, Norse) - The region of Hibernia is ruled by House O'Hara from the capital of Bann. It contains the only heavily forested area on the planet known as the Emerald Sea. The local defense force in charge of the region is called the Emerald Knights, lead by the famous Sir Oryn. The staple crop produced by Hibernia is potatoes. Regional Adjective; Hiberian
The village of Bann has long been one of the few neutral grounds in the region among which the various tribes and clans which have warred with one another can come together in times of need, such as for the common defense or for trade. Situated along the river Bann for which it gets its name, it is located on the outskirts of the Emerald Sea.
The only major Forest on the planet, it is untamed and largely unexplored. Some of the local clans have the courage to delve deeper than others, but all agree that there are strange noises and sights deep within the Wood and it is unwise to be caught in it too deep alone at night.
The Emerald Knights are the only organization in Hibernia open to any citizen of the region, regardless of their clan or tribal affiliation. Originally founded to protect the village of Bann from any threat during negotiations, hostage exchanges, ect. They have since grown to a size that they have claimed the entire region as being under their jurisdiction, to varying levels of approval from varying tribes. Regardless of acceptance however, they are the only organization willing to make large scale expeditions deeper into the Emerald Sea than any other.
The primarily wield great axes or swords, and are known for their boisterous and aggressive fighting style.
Queen of Hiberia Aedammair O'Hara of Bann - A young and pale woman with both fiery hair and temper, she commands respect from her subjects by having personally lead several expeditions of Emerald Knights into the Sea against cultists.
Ser Oryn - The most skilled swordsmen in Hiberia, he wields an obsidian longsword and a shield with the sigil of the capital of Bann upon it. He is in his mid fifties now, beginning to grey and slow. He is renowned as the heart and soul of the Emerald Knights, having slain endless numbers of heretics within the Emerald Sea over the course of his career.
(Influences; Chinese, Japanese, Korean) - The Orient is a largely tropical region, with near the entirety of it being at sea level.The capital city of this region is Kyoto, currently ruled by House Takanaka after a recent successful rebellion against House Kikagawa. It contains the only major archipelago on the planet. The staple crop produced by the region is rice. The local defense force in charge of the region is called the Hidden Hand. Regional Adjective: Oriental
Known locally as the Big Blue, it is the deepest and most biologically diverse of all oceans upon the planet. It
The Hidden Hand are a strict and secretive order that prefer to wait and watch from the shadows. They are renown masters of assassination, and they themselves possess the only known cures to their poisons. They are said to be allies to the weak and vulnerable, and a constant threat to the corrupt. It is rumored that they helped usurp House Kikagawa, though why is unknown and this is unconfirmed.
Shogun Hiro Takanaka of Kyoto - Ruler of the Orient. In his mid twenties, his father was a noble lord who died leading a successful rebellion.
Ronin Yamamoto Kikagawa – Ronin of the Orient on Ilium, he is the best swordsmen in the Region. He is the last surviving member of the clan that ruled the Orient before their displacement by the Takanaka. Mid-twenties. Said to wield an obsidian katana.
Kotaro Amon - This man leads the Hidden Hand, and is known for his stoic and serious nature. He is willing to do anything for the good of the Orient, and is rumored to have aided the Takanaka family in their coup of the Orient against the Kikagawa clan.
Jin Katsuo - The only ally of Yamamoto Kikagawa, his family had served as bodyguards to the Kikagawa's for generations until the coup. Now they are the last survivors of their respective clans, and Jin has sworn to serve Yamamoto and see him restored to his rightful position.
(Influences; African, South American) - Numidia is geographically the largest region on Ilium, and is lush with natural resources. It has large swathes of desert, plain, and thick jungle. It is renown for having a greater variety of wild and plant life than any other region. The staple crop of this region is Cassava.
Regional Adjective: Numidian
The regional capital of Numidia, it is located deep within the heart of Amazonia. The city of Kukulcan is build on a series of both artificial and natural islands interconnected by both canals and bridges. Despite the inhospitable terrain, they have managed to irrigate specialized islands able to produce surprising amounts of food. They are by far the most reclusive of any other region, having little interest in the affairs of others and tolerating no intervention in their own.
A more humid counterpart to the more northern Emerald Sea, Amazonia is smaller but much denser. Unlike the Emerald Sea, Amazonia has been largely explored by it's local inhabitants though this hasn't reduced its danger to outsiders. It contains some of the largest known raw resource deposits on the planet, though these are fiercely protected by the local peoples. Near the center of the jungle is a swamp in which the capital of Kukulcan has been constructed.
The warriors of Numidia are separated into various tribes including Jaguar, Panther, Serpent, and Eagle based on their weapons of waging war. The Serpants use spears, the Eagles use bows, the Jaguar use clubs and axes, and the Panther dual wield twin knives. All of them collectively are sworn to serve the regional capital of Kukulcan. They are lead by the twin brothers Ticonderoga and Salamachus of the Jaguar and Panther tribes.
King Methusalah Cuauhtémoc - The oldest living man on Ilium, he is still sound in mind though his body is decrypt. Though eccentric, he is considered to be genius. Occasionally High King Priam Scipio of Io even writes to him, asking him for advise. He spends much of his time on his throne in Kukulcan due to his infirmity.
Jaguar Ticonderoga Cuauhtémoc - A large and intimidating man who naturally takes control of any room he is in. He is charismatic, and has earned the loyalty of not just his fellow warriors but of the people in general.
Panther Salamachus Cuauhtémoc - Salamchus is a quiet and patient man who prefers to let his brother do the talking and taking the limelight. He is smaller in stature than his brother, but quicker and more agile. He is skilled at stalking the underbrush of the jungle, and is a master of the ambush.
(Influences; North American, Hun, Mongolian) Regional Adjective: Scythians
The vast majority of Scythia is sprawling open plains, with horses and bison being the two most frequent animals of the region. Most water sources come from rain water or various freshwater lakes.
The Horde is a massive herd of mounted soldiers and hunters that roam the Basin and stomp out any resistance to the rule of the Khan. They cycle out members of the Horde with the various nomadic tribes, with each stint in the Horde usually lasting five years. There are lifelong members of the Horde, who usually rise to leadership positions within it.
The only permanent settlement in the region, it is used to grow the majority of the region require tithe to Io and the Imperium at large. It is supplemented by hunted meat by the Horde as it travels the region. The village is located near the largest freshwater source in Scythia, a large lake.
Khan Tiramisu - Ruler of Scythia and Kennereth, Tiramisu is a solemn and scarred man who spent many years leading the Horde. He eventually shattered his leg after killing the leader of a challenging faction over control of the Horde, but his horse died from under him, and he could never ride it again. He has retired to Kennereth, giving the reigns to his close friend Marzipan. Now he oversees the growing of Kennerth's crops, supplies the Horde, and ensures Io receives the regions tithe.
Marzipan the Mighty - The rising star of Scythia, he rides a massive black stallion. He is bald, loud and angry. He rides at the front of the Horde, and is the first to fling himself into conflict. He is known for excelling in multiple forms of combat including archery, hand-to-hand, and the regional favorite of the kopesh. His favorite weapon is a obsidian kopesh.
The surface of this moon is near entirely covered in sprawling military installations and defensive fortifications. It serves to host the Headquarters of the elite Corvus Cohortis, with the headquarters hosting just over a thousand soldiers. This moon serves as the central nerve center for Imperial defensive measures should any major naval threats arise in the star system. It has a small Imperial naval docking yard, as well as supports a overall population of tens of thousands of Guardsmen, maintenance crews, pilots, ect. The Battle of Nox occurred here during the Horus Heresy, slaughtering most of the soldiers stationed there.
An elite group of 300 Tempestus Scions meant to officially serve as House Ravencroft’s bodyguards aboard the Eye of Absolution. They are said to have been personally led during the Imperial assault of the War of Compliance led by Tros Ravencroft, though they would not be formally founded until the reign of the fourth raven lord Lucian. They are most famous for the Battle of Io, the only battle during the War of Compliance and the Battle of Nox in which they warred among one another during the Horus Heresy. It is said that seven of their number died in the Battle of Io, while several hundred local soldiers perished before their surrender. A tapestry depicting both battles is hung in their headquarters on Nox near the tomb of the seven.
During the Horus Heresy, a hundred of the then still Tempestus Scions were convinced by Octavius to embrace Chaos. This caused an internal conflict which caused far more of their number to die than had ever before, with by the end of the Heresy their number having been reduced to twelve. These twelve survivors of the Heresy would become known as the greatest heroes of the Corvus Cohortis. In the modern era they are primarily used to enforce imperial compliance whenever the peasants of the planet forget their place. They are referred to as ‘Angels’ by the local population due to their orbital drop pods, which the soldiers find both humerus and attempt to uphold this title with pride, considering they believe Adeptus Astartes to be the same. They are currently led by Commodus Cromwell with his younger brother Cassius serving as XO.
Personal retreat home of the Ravencroft family. The planet also serves as the official burial ground of House Ravencroft, with near innumerable graves scattered across its surface.
The Night Maidens are a hidden imperial cult exclusively comprised of women who have been taught to deify the members of House Ravencroft, having been founded during the rule of the fourth raven lord Lucian. They are the stewards of the home and planet while the Governing family are away, and their Matron is aware of the Necron Tomb which Ilium is host to. They are trained assassins and have spent much time perfecting their poisons, to which only they have the cures to. They recruit via taking the orphan girls that inevitably are the result of Ilium's petty interplanetary conflicts.
Space Station Information: Constructed during the reign of the third raven lord Ilus Ravencroft on the forge world Tubal-Cane Prime it has served as both a massive observatorium of the planet, a personal residence for House Ravencroft, and a defensive platform against foreign threats, it is undoubtedly the greatest asset of House Ravencroft other than the Writ of Authority concerning Ilium. The station is large enough to support a little more than a thousand people, and indeed does. It is divided into four wings;
North Wing – This is the private residential section of House Ravencroft, including their familial library. It includes a dining area, pool, and parlor, as well as emergency escape pods.
West Wing – This section serves as the military and security heart aboard the space station, housing the Corvus Cohortis that are not assigned to their headquarters on the moon of Nox. It includes a barracks as well as a firing range.
East Wing – This area hosts the local tech-priest, X-13, which oversees maintenance of the space station as well as hosting the ‘Eye’ of the Eye of Absolution, allowing the family to see with detailed clarity anything happening on the planet’s surface at a moment’s notice. It also hosts the three elderly astropaths which serve the family.
South Wing – This section of the space station serves as the housing area for the various noncombatant and civilian servants, chefs, maids, and maintenance crews. It is rumored to have hidden areas that even the Ravencroft family do not know of that the servants use for their own means during their down time.
Crew: Three Crones Astropaths – The three ancient astropaths have served Lord Geoff his entire governorship as well as having served during the governorship of his father, and even his father’s father before him. None know or remember how old they are. Their names are Nona, Decima, and Atropos though it can be hard to tell them apart. They each specialize in telepathy, divination, and telekinesis respectively.
Tech Priest – X-13. Chiefly responsible for maintenance on the Eye of Absolution.
Planet:
Planet Classification: Delta (Dead World, Mining World) Planet Authority: Adeptus Administratum Rulership: Mineral Mining League Population: 75,000,000 Planetary History: Imbros is best described as a planet sized meteoroid. It has a vast amount of natural mineral resources, though it is incapable of supporting life due to the lack of an atmosphere. It has vast habitation domes which houses millions of miners each. It also includes massive underground tunnels which crisscross all over Imbros, with each of them eventually leading to the meteor planet’s sole subterranean city of Ember, which serves as the heart of the mining operation and transports raw resources up to the more conventional habitation domes to be exported.
Imbros suffered like any other during the Horus Heresy, and like Tubal-Cain Prime it also collapsed into anarchy and civil war which eventually led to its abandonment after a blood stalemate. It was only thanks to the Eighth Raven Lord who managed to recolonize the planetary Meteoroid and once more begin mining operations to increase the strategic value of the sub-sector. After having successfully retaken the area from mutants, surviving heretics, and worse, he handed off control to a council with each member representing a different faction among the miners.
Planet:
Planet Classification: Phi (Forge World) Planet Authority:Adeptus Mechanicus None Rulership: None Population: Minimal, Unknown. Planetary History: A mighty forge world which once specialized in the construction of Titans for the Imperium, it was consumed by civil war during the Horus Heresy. This war proved so destructive that the mighty forges of the planet have cooled and gone silent, with no known detectable life still inhabiting the planet. While it was once known as the technological counterpart to Ilium’s food production, it has all but been forgotten.
Planet:
Planet Classification: Gamma (Civilized, Paradise World) Planet Authority: Adeptus Administratum Rulership: House Verm Population: 120,000,000 Planetary History: A pleasure world that is used by various members of the upper echelon consisting of wealthy merchants, noble lords, even high-ranking members of the Ecclesiarchy. The planet is infamous for its wide variety of edible natural vegetation, as well as docile yet beautiful wildlife. Indeed, there are no known carnivores on the planet. Even its omnivores only resort to meat eating when deprived of other food sources, something that never occurs in their natural environments. Some of these starved omnivores which resort to predation are surprisingly competent, showing extreme levels of strength, speed, and agility when required.
Because there are no predators on Eros, its wildlife is not afraid of each other or humans. Humans could, and have, gotten lost on safari tours and survived for days or even weeks with relative ease.
The planet does support small mountainous, forested, arctic and desert regions, but is primarily comprised of a tropical geography with various archipelagos. Most of the world is still wild and untamed, with a limited number of domes covered resorts dotting the landscape as well as floating stations in the sky that act as mid-way points which serve to ferry both tourists and supplies down to the surface.
The planet is ruled by a fat and hedonistic Governor named Diocletian who is as shrewd as he is pragmatic. The man cares nothing for the imperial truth, or any other creed or ideology. He works only for his own benefit, and has survived thus far only by being sure to always make sure that he aligns with whichever is the winning side of any given conflict. His contribution to the imperial tithe is little more than the stewardship of the planet to be used for recreational purposes by those with more influence than himself. The planetary defense force consists primarily of locals who act as guides to tourists. He rules from a palace which also serves as the largest and most luxurious of the habitation domes dotting the planet.
One of the greatest attractions on the planet is the aphrodisiac plant known to local tribes as a fertility fruit, which once consumed greatly increases the chances of conception. For unknown reasons the fruit withers and dies rapidly if taken off planet.
Omnivore Kaiju Animals:
– Kong level gorillas which typically eat fruit, leaves, and bamboo. Strong enough to fight a Space Marine.
– Huge cat that is super-fast. Ordinarily eats special grape-like vegetables. Panther-like? Feline like.
– Dogs that turn to Wolves. Pack Hunters. Large Canine creatures.
– Dolphins that turn sharklike. Eat certain types of kelp and seaweed.
– Eagles that turn Vulture-like. Likes to eat dead creatures, but will eat living creatures if there are no dead ones.
– Giant serpent creature that normally eats fruits.
Planet:
Planet Classification: Gamma (Civilized world, Shrineworld) Planet Authority: Adeptus Ministorum Rulership: Adeptus Ministorum (Ecclesiarchy) Population: 70,000,000
Planetary History: A shrine world that is renowned throughout the system as the final resting place of the Silver Sisters. It is covered in nearly 90% thick forests with frequent rain storms. The Silver Sisters are recorded as having sacrificed their life closing a warp rift that threatened to engulf not just the planet but the entire sub-sector. Not only were their lives sacrificed, but the closing of the portal rocked the planet to the point it now has three separate moons, named after each of the Sisters. It is the center of Ecclesarchial operations in the sub-sector. It is host to many Cathedrals used for both prayer and the practice of warfare. The heart of its operations is known as the Silver Bastion. Currently the three moons are barren and uncolonized.
Adepta Sororitas - Lesser Order Militant – Sisters of the Silver Sword: While technically a branch of the Order of the Sacred Rose, it was founded with the deaths of the Silver Sisters. They were called such because of their Ravencroft white hair. They were martyred on the planet of Lesvos XI when a chaos cult had managed to open a warp rift that threatened to consume not only the planet, but the entire sub-sector. The Order of the Silver Sword has had numerous heroic and renowned members, being comprised almost entirely of the women of House Ravencroft who sought to follow in their footsteps. The original trio known as the Silver Sisters were named Rose, Lily, and Violet Ravencroft. These were three identical triplets whose zeal and service to the Emperor were the stuff of legend, having said to have fought daemons in the warp, crushed innumerable chaotic cults, fought in several Wars of Faith, and even visited Holy Terra itself.
Rose was known to be the most passionate of the three and served as their leader. She was fiery and fierce, having no hesitation in flinging herself into danger to serve the Emperor, and acting as an inspiration for others while she did it. Lily was known for being the most gregarious and merciful, primarily acting as the healer of the three to tend to the wounded and comfort the dying. Violet was quiet and reserved, known for her shrewd resourcefulness and intellect. She was known for being a master of traps and ambushes. There is a depiction of the holy sisters kept in their sepulcher. It is common for fledgling Sisters of the Order to choose which of the three is to be their patron. Now each member of the Order considers herself a ‘Silver Sister’.
(Iota Level Psyker) (Age 16) (Various) It is detected that Victarius is a Psyker, and a Black Ship is alerted and dispatched to Ilium. He spends his remaining time in meditation, training his mind under the tutelage of the Three Crones. Eventually the ship draws near and he grows scared upon feeling the null Sisters of Silence aboard it. He flees the Space Station to the planet below in an escape pod. Crash landing in the Emerald Sea of Hiberia, he comes across Aedammair O'Hare who, like him is also fleeing from her own responsibilities. They spend time together in the Emerald Sea but are hunted by Tzeentch Chaos Cultists. He develops a romantic relationship with Aedammair and from her learns the ways of the Emerald Knights. They are nearly caught by the Tzeentch Cultists but are rescued by Ser Oryn.
They are forced to flee to the Orient where they meet Yamamoto Kikagawa and Jin Katsuo, the disgraced survivors of their clans. They discover that Takanaka usurped the previous ruling House of the region and plans to even attempt to usurp House Scipio. They save Kikagawa from being captured and executed by the Hidden Hand, and from him Victarius learns the ways of the Hidden Hand. Corvus Cohortis searching for Victarius arrive and they are forced to flee to Numidia.
Upon arriving in Numidia they meet with King Methusalah who personally knows the Planetary Governor Geoff and finds Victarius antics amusing, even hinting that Geoff had done something similar when he was Victarius age. They are informed that a local Numidian Khorne Cult has begun terrorizing Amazonia and needs to be dealt with. The party does so, but Silent Sisters arrive and they are forced to flee to Scythia.
Arriving in Scythia they learn to ride and join the Horde of the Horse, assisting in slaying a little known group of mutants that are essentially centaurs, men who have melded flesh with their horse. Afterwards the cult of Tzeentch from the beginning arrive again and they flee to the Levant.
Arriving in the Levant they meet with Judge Saladin and Sarpedon Scipio and help them in slaying Orks who have descended from Mt. Ida and are raiding the Levant. After slaying them the cult of Tzeentch manage to successfully kidnap Victarius, taking him deep within Sheol. There they begin a ritual which is interrupted by his party of adventurers consisting of Aedammair, Ser Oryn, Yamamoto Kikagawa, Ticonderoga, Salamachus, Marzipan, Sarpedon and Saladin. Though the ritual is interrupted, it vastly increases Victarius psychic abilities as well as giving him a vision of the future, one in which a massive xeno invasion fleet assaults Ilium. After saving him they are finally caught by the Corvus Cohortis and the Silent Sisters, who do not know of his capture, to which Victarius is taken to the Black Ship to be sent to Holy Terra.
After having his soul linked to the Emperors on the Golden Throne he is handed over to the Scholastica Psykana for training and monitoring.
Original Party: (1)Aedammair, (2)Ser Oryn, (3)Yamamoto Kikagawa, Jin Katsuo (4) (5)Ticonderoga, (6)Salamachus, (7)Marzipan, (8)Sarpedon and (9)Saladin.
Travel Route: Eye of Absolution < Hiberia < Orient < Numidia < Scythia < Levant < Sheol < Eye of Absolution < Black Ship < Holy Terra < Eye of Absolution
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Arc 1.5 DUEL TO THE DEATH - Planetary Governor Geoff Ravencroft learned from his son about the usurpation of House Kikagawa by House Takanaka in the Orient and declares a duel will be fought to settle the matter once and for all. Yamamoto vs Hiro and Jin vs Kotaro Amon. Our heroes win and peace is restored to the Orient.
(Zeta Level Psyker) (Age 21) (Orks) Returning to Ilium he meets and speaks briefly to his father Geoff before he dies, becoming the new Planetary Governor. He travels to Io and meets with High King Priam who is much older and feebler now. The leaders of each region travel to Io and pledge their allegiance and tithe to him. Shortly afterwards a WAGH is heard from Mt. Ida and the entire mountain is quickly overwhelmed by a surge of Orks.
Planetary Governor Victarius leaves the planet to visit Nox and receive the pledge of allegiance of the Corvus Cohortis. As he rallies them to travel to Io, the Orks descend from Mt. Ida and begin terrorizing the Levant as a whole. High King Priam leads the combined forces of the entire planet, still assembled in the city to pledge allegiance to Victarius, against the Orks. The Orks win decisively and High King Priam dies in battle, as does Methuselah. The Orks begin to lay siege to Io and spread out, terrorizing ever region of the planet in a global WAGH.
Planetary Governor Victarius lands in Io with the Corvus Cohortis, who successfully manage to break the siege on the planetary capital. The Corvus Cohortis split up and begin waging guerilla warfare against the Orks in every region, assisting local planetary forces such as the Emerald Knights and Judges. The war sputters into a bitter stalemate which lasts for several years, culminating in a second Battle of Io in which Victarius slays Warboss Lockjaw. The Ork clan retreats back to Mt. Ida, the war essentially over. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arc 2.5: PILGRIMAGE TO NYX (Delta Level Psyker) (Age 25) (Peacetime) Victarius travels to the moon of Nyx to pay respects to his deceased ancestors, including his father. He also arrives to retrieve a pledge of allegiance from the Night Maidens. Their matron informs him of a terrible threat slumbering within Ilium which will awaken if the planet ever industrializes. Around the same time he receives a vision of the future in which a massive xenos invasion force assaults Ilium, which is woefully under equipped for such a threat in its current feudal state. He ultimately makes the decision to ignore the matron of the Night Maidens and begin taking steps to transform Ilium into a Knight world in preparation for potential future threats.
(Delta Level Psyker) (age 27) (Tubal-Cain Reclamation, Mutants & Nurgle Cult) Victarius declares the Reclamation of the Forge World Tubal-Cain Prime. He requests assistance from the Imperium of Man, who send a detachment of Imperial Guard while the Mechanicum send a detachment of Skitarri. He leads his own Corvus Cohortis in assaulting the forge world, finding it overwhelmed by Mutants and Heretics. In specific cults of Nurgle infest the decaying world. They fight their way to the core of the forge and manage to reignite it, doing battle with a Greater Daemon of Nurgle and sending it back to the warp. The Mechanicum swear an oath to produce Knights for House Ravencroft for this service. He is declared the Ninth Raven Lord of Ravencroft.
After having been asked to visit the paradise world of Eros by a fellow local Planetary Governor, Victarius vacation is quickly soured as he begins to unravel a tempting Slaaneshi pleasure cult. He discovers that he has been secretly stranded on the planet and communications to Ilium have been severed. He does manage to psychically send a message to the planet of Lesvos III and contact the Silver Sisters, who send a detachment to Eros to investigate. He is forced to flee into the wilds of Eros, living off fruit and bonding with it's extreme fauna. Eventually this culminates in a battle between Daemonettes and Silver Sisters, as well as Victarius fighting the traitorous Planetary Governor of Eros who had allied with a Greater Daemon of Slaanesh. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arc 4.5: KNIGHTHOOD (Delta Level Psyker) (Age 32) (Peacetime) Victarius successfully transforms Ilium from a humble Feudal world to a proper Knight world. Each member of his house is promised a Knight from Tubal-Cain, as are the leaders of each planetary region. He pledges his Knightly House to the Adeptus Terra over the Mechanicum, as he is pressured to show his loyalty to the Emperor due to the suspicion he is constantly under for being a Psyker. He receives his own Knight model, and binds himself to the Throne Mechanicum wrestling with the machine spirit until he tames it and names it Rex Regum.
(Delta Level Psyker) (Age 35) (Necron) Just as the matron of the Night Maidens forewarned, the recent industrial activity upon the surface of Ilium has awoken a terrible and ancient foe. Necrons come marching out of the depths of Sheol, quickly overwhelming the defenders of Io from inside. The Knights of Ilium are given their first test of combat, and while they initially take heavy losses, including the deaths of Ticonderoga and Marzipan the Mighty, they eventually begin to turn the tide of war and defeat the Necrons.
(Delta Level Psyker) (Age 39) (Drukhari) It is unconfirmed if the Tau hired or otherwise sent the Drukhari ahead of them to either soften up the Imperial system or convince it of the need for protection, but what is confirmed is that a Drukhari raiding group decided to target Ilium for slaves and victims. They initiated lightning fast strikes on outposts that gained in frequency and intensity until they culminated in open war for the civilian population of the planet. The Drukhari withdrew after severe causalities, with the Illyrians suffering the deaths of Ser Oryn and the Judge Saladin.
(Delta Level Psyker) (Age 41) (Tau) A massive Tau Expeditionary Force is detected entering the Troad Subsector, on a direct path to the Ilium system. This causes the system to go into a production overdrive, with Imbros exporting massive amounts of raw minerals to Tubal-Cain Prime for processing and refinement into military hardware, primarily Knights. These are exported to Ilium in preparation for the battle to come. Upon the arrival of the Tau, Victarius manages to forestall negotiations long enough for further preparations to be completed. He forms a intimate, though manipulative relationship with their Chief Diplomat Sunsmile. When war does inevitably happen after he can delay no longer, the Tau begin their invasion in the Orient with the Imperial defenses managing to fend them off though costing the lives of both Shogun Yamamoto Kikagawa and Jin Katsuo of the Hidden Hand.
(Delta Level Psyker) (Age 45) (Genestealers & Tyranids) Whispers of cults begin to arise among the general population, though they seem different somehow than the usual rumors. They seem not to worship any discernible facet of the Chaos Gods, instead focusing much more on familial duty. His childhood lover Aedammair attempts to rekindle their romance. Eventually Victarius detects a approaching Tyranid splinter fleet through it's disruption of the Immaterium. He attempts to confide this in Aedammair only to find she has already been killed and replaced by a member of the Genecult who now bears his child. The Tyranid hive fleet arrives and chaos erupts on the surface of Ilium. The Scythian Tiramasu and the Numidian Salamachus lay a trap using Tau Technology for the Tyranids which kills a great many at the expense of their lives. Victarius kills the geneclone of Aedammair, the Genestealer Patriarch, and his own Tyranid abomination child. He manages to broker an alliance with the Rip Jaws Ork Clan of Mt. Ida, and together they fight back the remaining Tyranids. Upon calculating far more biomass would be expended conquering the planet than would be gained, the Tyranids disengage.
(Beta Level Psyker) (Age 50) (Chaos Invasion lead by Tzeentch) Warp Gates open in every region of Ilium, with demons pouring through supported by Rubric Marines of the Thousand Sons. They are lead by Kairos Fateweaver, who announces that Victarius is a Chosen One of the Chaos God Tzeentch. He wishes for Ilium to become a planet in the image of Sortiarius, Plane of Sorcerers and Home of Magnus and his Legion. Kairos attempts to possess/tempt Victarius into becoming a Champion of Chaos for Tzeentch equal to the Excoriator reborn. Victarius rejects this offer and a climactic battle for the fate of the planet ensues. The Silver Sisters of Lesvos III arrive to assist. Victarius true potential is unleashed, and he peaks at Beta Psyker levels. Kairos tells Victarius that his fate is already written and so long as a single of his nine companions lives he will inevitably fall to Tzeentch. The conflict results in victory for the Imperium at the cost of the death of his final companion, Sarpedon Scipio. Ends with Victarius going to his family library aboard the Eye of Absolution and reading books located in the restricted section that are banned, gathered by the seventh raven lord.
KNIGHT PATTERNS;
High King of Ilium Pattern: Acastus Model:
Name: 'Rex Regum (King of Kings)' Operator: Victarius Ravencroft
Knight Baron of Hiberia Pattern: Cerastus Model:
Name: 'Lugh' Operator: Aedammair
Knight Baron of Levant Pattern: Dominus Model:
Name: 'Pride of Io' Operator: Sarpedon Scipio
Knight Baron of Orient Pattern: Cerastus Model:
Name: B-33 'Bee' Operator: Yamamoto Kikagawa
Knight Baron of Numidia Pattern: Cerastus Model:
Name: 'Quetzalcoatl' Operator: Ticonderoga
Knight Baron of Scythia Pattern: Cerastus Model:
Name: 'Greatest Stallion' Operator: Marzipan the Mighty
Knight of Emerald Knights: Pattern: Questoris Model:
Numbers: 25
Knight of Hidden Hand: Pattern: Questoris Model:
Numers: 25
Knight of Animal Warriors: Pattern: Questoris Model:
Numers: 25
Knight of Horde of the Horse: Pattern: Questoris Model:
Numers: 25
Sphere of Expansion: 3rd Tau Expeditionary Cadre: Dray’Nye Ethereal:
Commanded by:
Chief Diplomat:
Fighting Style: Kauyon Sept: Dal’yth Colors: Purple and Blue
Main Clan: Snakebite Subculture: Beast Snagga Warboss:
History: The Rip Jaws Orks have inhabited Mt. Ida since the defeat of their parental clan, the Snakebites, at the hands of the sixth raven lord millenia ago. They have primarily warred among each other in the mountain region, but occasionally unified enough to pose a serious enough threat to descend the mountain and do battle against the Judges of the Levant. It has only been with the rise of the Ork Lockjaw that the warring feral ork clans of Mount Ida have finally become unified under his banner. He is a staunch traditionalist, preferring choppas over shootahs and snaggas over vehicles. He is known for having a sever underbite and harboring an intense grudge against the raven lords, wanting to defeat them to prove himself and his clan strongest where the Snakebites failed.
Ironjaw - The second in command of the clan and a staunch loyalist to Lockjaw, the two have been close allies for as long as either can remember. It was Ironjaw's strength and skill that was instrumental in uniting the warring feral orks of Mt. Ida. Jabberjaw - One of the leading Orks of the clan and by far the most charismatic and gregarious. While Lockjaw is bigger and stronger, Jabber Jaw seems to be marginally smarter and more emotionally stable, helping to advise Lockjaw to keep him from making rash mistakes. Smoothjaw - The leading weirdboy of the clan who has proven his value in being the most capable of controlling his psychic abilities, he helps manage the fluctuating and unstable energy of Lockjaw's WAAGH and redirect it towards productive goals.
Main Fleet: Leviathan Abnormalities: All members of Splinter Fleet Ziz possesses the albinism. Upon arrival on Ilium they seem to have primarily evolved to counter
I am a man in my mid twenties who has been role playing since I was 10. I just recently moved to a new town to attend university, and I'm attempting to open up to new people, both in-person and online. I'm part of the official guild discord, so feel free to add me if you want. I love reading and writing, science fiction, and fantasy. In my off time if I feel like using my brain I enjoy reading classical literature. I recently finished Anna Karenina and have started Tale of Two Cities. I have also been slowly studying and learning French. Don't mind the low post count I normally do my RPing through private messaging.
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I am a man in my mid twenties who has been role playing since I was 10. I just recently moved to a new town to attend university, and I'm attempting to open up to new people, both in-person and online. I'm part of the official guild discord, so feel free to add me if you want. I love reading and writing, science fiction, and fantasy. In my off time if I feel like using my brain I enjoy reading classical literature. I recently finished Anna Karenina and have started Tale of Two Cities. I have also been slowly studying and learning French. Don't mind the low post count I normally do my RPing through private messaging.</div>