Post by Ayami on Jul 16, 2020 23:23:04 GMT
Hegemon
Nature Incarnate
A planet that most outsiders would consider paradise at first glance. Hegemon is a planet roughly the size of Jupiter. An incredibly lush world teeming with life in all forms, one would almost be forgiven for believing it was entirely uninhabited by intelligent lifeforms given how pure and untouched the natural landmarks here are. A majority of the continents on Hegemon consist of forests and jungles. However, there are other landscapes at play as well: The southern hemisphere is home to both the tropical islands that the Nammu tribe call home, and the wide open desert continent Ashe that belongs to the Nuska tribe. To the North lies the ruined continent of Duskur which is guarded from the shadows by the mysterious and intimidating Erebos tribe, and the arctic regions belonging to the Boreas tribe.
However the single largest continent on the planet is Balliska; A continent that is almost entirely shrouded in a dense jungle. For most this continent would be impossible to traverse, well over several thousand miles of jungle plants in any given direction, without prior knowledge it is a simple task to lose your sense of direction and become lost. However for those native here - For those with a connection to nature itself, finding your way is as simple as tapping into the given element you were born with. The Northern regions of Balliska feature massive titan trees from which the Fae have made their home within. The center of Balliska stands as a stark contrast to the miles of jungle trees; it is home to a massive range of mountains which are heavily guarded by the Nerthus tribe. There remains one more noteworthy continent...
... And that is Loft, the flying landscape. A massive chunk of the planet's terrain that is kept high above the clouds by the Nuada tribe, it orbits across the entire planet slowly as though it were a simple cloud. For most Loft is entirely unreachable; even many of Hegemon's natural inhabitants are incapable of reaching it, because though it appears to be floating quite slowly... ... It is actually traveling at an impressive speed in order to keep itself afloat. For one to reach this place they must not only be capable of flight, but FAST flight. Those unable to do either of these have no chance of reaching the home of the Nuada. As a result of this it is considered perhaps the most well defended location on all of Hegemon, rivaling even Zeal: The city tucked within the mountain walls.
Lastly there are a few more things of note regarding Hegemon's features: The rings that surrounded the planet. Though at first glance one would assume it is merely a collection of space rocks and debris caught by Hegemon's orbit, they would be wrong. The rings of Hegemon are a collection of the powers of nature granted to the inhabitants by the Fae. These rings hold mystical energy and are visible from the surface of the world. Each month the rings change colors to represent each of the six tribes, plus one more element...
On Hegemon a year is 455 days, spread across 7 months each lasting 65 days. Each month is named for the element of nature for which it represents, and each month is considered sacred to the tribes of this world, for only on the month that matches their element may a tribe perform their Rite of Nature ritual: A ritual that ensures their connections to the elements are not severed. These months are also reserved for electing new tribe elders, and performing marriage ceremonies. To break this tradition in any of the tribes of Hegemon is considered the second gravest taboo - Only behind abusing one's gifted powers for greed.
The first month of every year is known as the Month of Light, a celebration of beginnings no matter what tribe one belongs to. Every tribe holds the festival of dawn during this month. It is the most important month for those who belong to the element of light. The rings of Hegemon are pure white during this month.
The second month is known as the Month of Gales, the month designated for those belonging to the Nuada tribe. During this month only they can perform the Rite of Nature. They also hold the Festival of the breeze, a celebration dedicated to the winds that blow across the lands of Hegemon. During this month the rings of Hegemon take on a calming green glow.
The third month is the Month of Stone, the month belonging to the Nerthus tribe, for which they can perform the Rite of nature. The month of stone marks the time when the Nerthus tribe holds the Festival of earth. A celebration recognizing the lands from which life sprouts eternally. During this month the rings of Hegemon take on a strange Earthy dirt color.
The fourth month is the Month of Spark. The month when Hegemon begins to grow warmer in temperature, it is naturally the month belonging to the Nuska tribe. As with all others they may perform the Rite of Nature for this month only. They also hold the Festival of the Hearth; A holiday which gives thanks to the fires which provide warmth to this world. The rings of Hegemon are a brilliant red color during this month.
The fifth month is the Month of Tides. The month of year in which the Nammu tribe may perform their personal rituals and see to official matters. With this month comes their Festival of the Seas, with this they recognize the oceans of Hegemon and the life that they provide to those both on and off the land. During this month the rings around Hegemon become a deep blue hue.
The sixth month is the Month of Frost. This is the month in which the temperatures begin to cool all across Hegemon. The Boreas tribe lays claim to this month, and not only may they perform their rituals, they also hold the Festival of the Ice. A grand ceremony showing appreciation to the cold polar caps of the planet's arctic. For if there were no cold, the heat would grow out of control and snuff out life. The rings of Hegemon become a pale blue color during this month.
The seventh and final month is the darkest. It is the Month of Shade. The light across the world dims during this month, and night falls earlier than ever before. The Erebos tribe are most comfortable in this month, and may perform the rituals which they have kept secret from outsiders. The final festival of the year; the Lunar Festival is held this month, all in thanks for the night. For without the night there would be no respite from the sun. During this month the rings surrounding Hegemon vanish completely to signify both the end of the year and a dark period. The rings will not be visible again until the Month of Light and the new year, after which the cycle begins anew.
The Nuada Tribe
Grand Zephyr
Current Tribe Elders: Unknown
(Loft, the capital city of the Nuada)
From the calmest of breezes to the fiercest of cyclones, the Nuada tribe holds dominion over them all. Those under the Nuada tribe are capable not only of natural effortless flight, but also of using those self-same winds to violent push and pull foes in a wild range of directions. These facts make approaching their territory quite difficult if one intends to do so for hostile reasons. However, despite this defensive set up, Nuada tribesmen are typically quite free spirited, allowing the winds to carry them much like their home.
Their Festival of the Breeze is a beautiful artistic display where participants use their control over the element of air to create imagery in the sky using leaves and other debris. It is one of the few festivals that can be witnessed quite easily by those outside of the host tribe, as many on the ground below have reported witnessing grand works of art that quickly fell apart after mere moments of visibility. It is a fleeting festival, much like the element those of the Nuada tribe are born with.
Their capital city Loft is a sprawling cityscape surrounded by walls that is placed atop a fragment of Hegemon's land. The man-made walls of the city help to divide it into several useful districts from shopping districts, to residential. However at the center lies a grand spire in which the five elders of the Nuada tribe congregate. This spire has been carefully constructed to resist the high winds that strike at Loft from above the clouds, and during sunsets the ivory white of the tower shines brilliantly, a testament to the free nature of those who have escaped Hegemon's gravity.
The Nerthus Tribe
The life giving Soil
Current Tribe Elders: Unknown
(Zeal, the capital city of the Nerthus)
A deep connection to the land, to the very planet that provides for them. Members of the Nerthus Tribe control the elements of Earth, being able to shift the landscape itself by creating towering mountains and deep crevasses. Though they use this terraforming power with caution, for without any sort of self-control it could bring major devastation to the continents. The tribesmen of Nerthus are a resolute, hardy cast of Elfen. They stand strong and unmoving like the mountains they call home.
Their celebration, the Festival of Earth is a month-long holiday in which the Nerthus hold a grand feast of all the foods grown from the land. However, the main attraction to this festival is the "Dance of stone" in which the brightest minds of Nerthus gather to create a great statue using only the natural resources of the land. On the final day when the collaborative work is finished, it is destroyed, and its resources are scattered to be reclaimed by the land once again. It is a spectacular representation of the cycle of the world's continents - The land is shaped into something incredible, and that incredible formation inevitably falls in order to be rebuilt once more.
Zeal is the grand capital city of the Nerthus tribe, and perhaps their greatest work. From outside however, Zeal looks less like a city and more like a heavily guarded fortress; And it is this fortress-like design which was purposefully chosen to intimidate and deter would-be invaders. The city is surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs that even the most experienced climber would have a great level of difficulty trying to surmount. Beyond those sheer cliffs lie natural mountain walls, ensuring that very few projectiles could successfully be lobbed at Zeal unless one were to attack from directly above.
The city itself is quite simplistic, with no district organization like the Nuada tribe had done for Loft, however, businesses are typically placed closer to rear of the city, with residences in the middle, and militaristic structures placed to the front near the gate. At the very back of Zeal lies the palace of the elders: The home and meeting place of the five elders of the Nerthus tribe. It is rock solid and designed to withstand the strongest of earthquakes, a symbol of their dominance over the land.
The Nuska Tribe
The brilliant flames rising from the Ashes
Current Tribe Elders: Unknown
(Enberr, the capital of the Nuska)
The potential of a single ember, the brilliance of a blaze in the night. This is the Nuska tribe. They use their control over the flames to keep threats at bay, burning and turning to ash those who would threaten the peace of their home in the desert. However, these fires are not used solely for defense. the Nuska are a brilliant group who use their flames to progress their society like a forge being used to create the ultimate blade. The Nuska tribe are a people who are industrious, thrill seeking, and risk taking. They are not content merely idling, and desire constant progress as they seek to forge the greatest society possible.
Their holiday, the Festival of the Hearth is one in which all those within the tribe seek to create something wonderful to be put on display. A great competition is held each year in which those participating have 64 days to create five of their best weapons from the forges, and from the powers of fire they were born with. The one chosen as the winner shall be named "King/Queen of blades" until the next festival, a title which is not just for show - Those marked King of the blades are allowed to create things specifically for the tribe elders, a great honor for any Nuska. However, this is not the only thing recognized during the Festival of the Hearth. Beautiful choreographed dances involving fire are performed, and the tribe's best cooks prepare many baked goods for those celebrating to enjoy. Much like the fires which grow hotter and burn brightly for all to see, the Festival of the Hearth represents the tireless work and brilliant displays of the tribesmen of Nuska.
Their capital city Enberr is made entirely from steel and copper. It stands above the deserts, gleaming in the sunlight as if a beacon for those searching the sands. There are pipes running to and fro across the walls of this city - A pipeline designed to deliver steam all over the greater area of the city. With this steam they power everything, from their defenses to their forges. Many Nuska tribe members are given the honor to use their power to create steam from pools of water in shifts, ensuring the well-oiled machine that is Enberr can run forever.
Though it lacks in some of the defenses most other capital cities have, it makes up for this by taking advantageous routes, such as height over the surrounding area, and a place in the desert where it is impossible to sneak up on them. The steam powering their city ensures that unlike the natural defenses of Zeal, Enberr has mechanical defenses to call upon, proving the power of ingenuity to stand above all else.
The Nammu Tribe
Serene flow of Destiny
Current Tribe Elders: Unknown
(Ura, the capital that rests on the waters of the Nammu)
The calm of a gentle tide, the fury of a tsunami. The Nammu tribe are those who command the seas of Hegemon. With these powers they are unrivaled fishermen and sailors, but also fearsome defenders, as they can use this control to send any ship of their choosing to the bottom of the ocean in mere seconds. It is this strange divide between peaceful and powerful that keeps the Nammu in a position of equal power to all other tribes despite their control of land being by far the smallest of the six. The Nammu are peaceful and wise as a people, seeking the most positive solutions to any given problem before ever using the raging seas to solve diplomacy for them.
The Festival of the Seas is a celebration of major importance to the Nammu, both culturally and historically. It marks the moment in history when they finally broke away from the major continents and formed their own nation on the scattered islands of the southern hemisphere, seeking their own course. During this month feasts of meals made from the resources of the sea are held, additionally a competition of physical prowess is held, where-in contestants must compete in three trials: A 50 mile swim around the islands, underwater combat against one another, and finally a display of one's control over the waters; where those who can put on the most impressive show using their element are judged as the winner. Each of the three trials are held in individual tournaments, ensuring that the competition lasts for the entirety of the month of tides. Much like the oceans that the Nammu call home, this festival is a mixture of the calm flow of life, and the fierce powerful rush of competition.
Ura is the grand capital city of the Nammu tribe, standing above the sea as a symbol of their control over the waters. Approaching this city is far more difficult than it may seem. Those looking to invade will find that the Nammu are capable of bringing forth destructive waves that would sink even the strongest ship in mere moments. The city itself is brilliant, created in and around the waters of the southern hemisphere, it spans across several islands and even rests on the tides themselves. Architecturally a majority of the city has a cathedral-like design, making it stand out above the natural islands and the blue seas.
The grand front gate to the city is a aqueduct that one can sail through, or merely use their power over water to "Skate" through on foot. The city "dams" the waters, creating several height layers between city sections. The highest section of the city is the Elder Plaza. The place in which the five elders and their families live and congregate. Every last structure in Ura is designed not just to resist the strong ocean currents and any potential tsunamis that may occur, but to allow these things to flow through without damaging the buildings. A representation of the streams and lakes, in which water flows through and around objections rather than merely forcing its way through. in this way Ura is the manifestation of the sea itself. A beautiful gleaming city standing above the waters.
The Boreas Tribe
Still as the Ice
Current Tribe Elders: Unknown
(Hyperborea, the solid ice city belonging to the Boreas)
The cold breeze of winter, the stillness that rests upon a frozen lake. Those of the Boreas tribe hold dominion over the ice and snow: As such not only can they control these things and freeze objects in even the greatest of heat, they are highly resistant to the cold - Even sub zero temperatures are no match for a Borean. Those of the Boreas tribe are often calm, relaxed. Much like the ice they live on, these people move at their own pace, not allowing life to rush them to unplanned results.
The holiday held by those of the Boreas tribe, the Festival of the Ice is a celebration of all that the cold respite from the heat provides to the people of Hegemon. During this celebration, Boreans participate in ice fishing competitions, enjoy creating ice sculptures, and celebrate with the traditional dances of the Tuaths, their predecessors. This festival is much like the ice, it is cold, calming, and slow. The cold brings the living of the world together, and in doing so forges lasting bonds. It is a celebration of the people just as much as it is a celebration of their element.
The light blue capital of solid ice, Hyperborea appears brilliantly from within the snow of the arctic. Every single part of this city is carefully crafted from ice to match the cold landscape around them. It is designed to withstand the frozen chilling winds and blizzards, ironically keeping those within warm despite the materials of their home city. Those who built the city took care to make it stand out from a mere structure. The walls are lined with ornate designs, and roof tops end in symbolic sculptures, fully putting on display the creative side of the Boreas tribe. In the center of the city lies a grand castle, "The Aurora Palace of the elders." The five elders of the Boreas tribe reside here and conduct all manner of business in its many chambers. On some days the sunrise casts brilliant colors on the land through this castle.
Hyperborea relies on the location of their home for defense. Few would be able to withstand the blizzards that frequently batter the arctic region of Hegemon, and those that do will find themselves fighting with those who are not hindered in the slightest by these errant weather patterns. It is a losing battle for any who would seek to destroy Hyperborea, and THAT is their greatest defensive measure.
The Erebos Tribe
Silent Watchers from the Shadows
Current Tribe Elders: Unknown
(Sanctum, the hidden city under the cover of darkness)
Long ago there were six elements: Wind, Earth, Fire, Water, Ice, and Light. In the eyes of the Elfen, the light stood above all else and many coveted the light, desiring it for themselves. It was this greed and absence of purity that twisted their hearts and forever changed the elements they held control over. One day those who desired the light found that poetically they now controlled the opposite of the very element they lusted for, and from this point forward the element of darkness, and the Erebos tribe were born.
The Erebos tribe are a people who hide away in the shadows - Not because of any evil nature, rather, they fear the consequences of their ancestors being thrust upon them. They have created an image of a stereotypical evil overlord ruling over their minions. However the TRUE Erebotheans are a careful, patient lot. Choosing to wait before making hasty judgements or decisions. They hold power over the elements of the dark; that is... The absence of light. They can draw forth shadows from themselves and others in order to cloak an area in pure darkness. That abyssal power can even be directed for the sake of offensive power.
Their festival is one known simply as "The Lunar Festival". This celebration is only held under the light of the moon. Unlike the other festivals which are about joyous and active displays, theirs is one of calm silence; of atonement for their ancestors. The Erebotheans spend this festival creating displays representing the other six elements, a sign of respect to each of them; these displays will later be gifted to the other tribes during their own months. Those of Erebos also spend this holiday to reflect upon themselves, to seek out any weaknesses that presented themselves this year and decide how best to overcome these in the coming year. It is a far more somber celebration, much like the night they command the elements of. With nightfall comes rest from the busy work of the day: And from rest comes reflection.
The capital city which the Erebos tribe calls home is Sanctum: A city that is visible only under the light of the moon itself. Their greatest defense is one that is rather unorthodox compared to the other tribes, rather than forming an unbreakable defense, the Erebos tribe conceals Sanctum in a cloud of pure impenetrable darkness. This dome of black stretches on for miles around, meaning that even when someone finds this dome of shadows, they will still not know the exact location of the city. Once night falls on the land, their greatest guards come out in full force, patrolling the mountains surrounding Sanctum to ensure no one is waiting to strike.
Sanctum itself is a city build on the side of a mountain, the districts divided according to height. The business districts lay at the foot of the mountain while the residential and royal districts lie closer to the peak. At the very top of the mountain lies the Shade District: The place in which the five elders of the Erebos tribe and all those related to them live. The castle at the center of this district is the place in which they congregate to discuss matters of great importance to the Erebotheans as a whole. During the Lunar Festival, the gates of this district open to the public, allowing them to pray for peace for their ancestors in a place considered sacred to all Erebotheans.
The Light Elfen
Those with no Tribe
Long ago the Light Elfen were as plentiful as the other elements, they thrived in tribes of their own. However, a war broke out between them and those who wanted to control the light for themselves. Those who instigated war against the Light Elfen were twisted into the people of the Erebos tribe. And the Light Elfen... Their numbers were reduced to a fraction of what they once were. It was this war that created the greatest taboo in all Elfen culture: Abusing one's elemental power for greed. Ever since this war the six tribes have all been in a "Cold war" state where none wish to attack the others for fear of the same results occurring once again.
This is why there is an air of tension among the tribes, this is why all of them have such great defenses in place. None can predict whether or not Hegemon will ever again be consumed by the flames of war, certainly none currently living among the six tribes intends on casting the first stone, but if it should come to pass, each tribe intends on protecting their own people no matter what may come. Sadly, were all the tribes to work in perfect unity, Hegemon would become a paradise rivaled by nowhere else in the entire Galaxy - Perhaps even the known universe.
Though their numbers are small, Light Elfen still hold their own culture, they are a nomadic people, traveling whereever Hegemon takes them. Their numbers are bolstered once every year: When the Rite of Nature is performed during the Month of Light by Light Elfen, the rings of Hegemon produce a drop that falls to the planet's surface: From this drop of pure energy, a new Light Elfen is born. This cycle sadly ensures that the element of light remains scarce, however it is a special moment in their lives. They are the keepers of the light, and without them there would almost certainly be a permanent schism on the planet.
Their special holiday recognized during the first month of the year is the Festival of Dawn. Unlike all other festivals which are recognized by their respective tribes only, this festival is celebrated by all tribes equally. During this time Nomadic Light Elfen arrive in each of the tribe territories to share in the festivities with their fellow race. It is a celebration of renewal, of new beginnings and the promise of a fresh start for all on Hegemon. Those celebrating this festival share food and drink with their fellow Elfen, engaging in dance with one another. Each capital city opens their gates for five days only, with the sole exception of Sanctum; whose citizens instead travel to the other capitals enmasse.
The Festival of Dawn brings light and joy to all on this world, and gives a glimpse of unity the Elfen can currently only dream of. Like it or not, the Light Elfen play a role of deep importance to the planet itself; For without the insight and vision of an outsider, there would be only stagnation. What can one gain when they explore only their immediate surroundings and the thoughts of close peers? Like the light itself this holiday comes to shine upon perspectives missed in the darkness of night, a dawn from which the dreams are cast away and life breathes anew. But it is fleeting, for when the month of light ends, the Light Elfen become nomadic once more, saying farewell to the tribes for now.
The Fae and the Kingdom of Twyllyg
The mystical faerie-folk
Current King/Queen: None (Previously Queen Titania)
The Fae are a magical, mysterious race that came to inhabit Hegemon in Age 300, when the ancient Tuaths were in their infancy as a species. Though they can be quite childish in personality, the Fae have a strong society built atop a monarchy. Their King or Queen rules brilliantly, guiding them to accomplish more than simple pranks or lives of leisure. Ultimately their decision to call Hegemon home, and their subsequent friendship with the Elfen and their predecessors have forever tied their fates to the fate of the Elfen as well. They are a benign group that wishes only to better their world, and it is through their grand magics that the Elfen were given elemental control, and the rings of Hegemon came to be.
In time immemorial the Fae lived in a dimension entirely separate from ours. This place was merely known as "Home" to the Fae, even today this name is used when referring to the dimension long lost to them. This was a dimension where the concepts of time did not exist, and magic was as natural as walking to those who lived there. "Home" was an endless grassy field with perfect temperatures, beautiful sunny days and cool calming nights, trees that would grow to heights unseen on any other world in this dimension, and flowers that held the most vibrant of colors. However, a world with no challenge, and no change is ultimately one where those who revel in trickery and fun would grow bored.
Wishing for a place where things were different, the Fae pooled their greatest magics together and tore open a rift to another dimension. Every last Fae marched through the portal that had been drawn open, and every single Fae found themselves on a lush world. - The world that would later become known as Hegemon by the natives. Led by their queen, the Fae set up their homes in the massive titan trees of Balliska's nothern forests. Their magics turned this place from something mundane into a location that oozes mystical energies. To those who are not of the Fae, the entire Titan Forest carries an otherworldly feeling to it.
That home is known simply as "Twyllyg", the kingdom in the trees. While initially they hid this home from the Tuaths, after befriending them, all those who would eventually become the Elfen were given a deep level of trust, and shown exactly where Twyllyg resides. - However, anyone who is not part of the Elfen or the Fae will still have its location concealed from them using illusionary spells and prank traps set up all across the forest.
The Fae life-cycle is a strange one far removed from any other biological species, a natural consequence of them coming from a world that does not recognize aging and decay at all. Fae have a natural lifespan of 300, however those that can create a tether to their home dimension can live much longer, especially the stronger that tether becomes. Fae do not physically age. From the point when they are "Spawned" up until they fade away, they retain the same appearance.
Upon dying, a Fae's soul splits in half. One half carries the original's memories and consciousness into the Otherworld. However, the new half... It forms an entirely new consciousness, and through this becomes an entirely new soul. This new soul waits within the enchanted trees of Twyllyg, and when it does... The trees begin to grow a large flower. Over a period of one Earth year this flower grows and grows until on the final day it finally opens, dropping a brand new Fae out into the world - One which carries the split soul of the deceased. This is the Fae reproductive cycle. It is a strangely poetic one in which death brings forth life, and it always ensures that the Fae population neither grows nor shrinks. A Fae's parents are their deceased "Former selves" and the trees of Twyllyg.
Because of their friendship with the Elfen, in any given festival, in any given capital, you will typically see at least a small number of Fae there, celebrating alongside the race that they have protected for centuries. It is a deep friendship that spans across all tribes, all creeds, all ideologies. These two have a shared history of supporting one another, and in that shared history comes a bond that is nearly unbreakable. The Fae have changed Hegemon for the better, and through that change it has become a home unlike any other.
Though they lost the capabilities of returning to their dimension "Home", by taking those first steps into the unknown and becoming stranded in our dimension, they've gained something far greater, they gained friendship. And through that friendship, as the years passed and the sadness of losing Home subsided...The Fae have now come to call our dimension Home.