Sphere: Sidgard

[Ayzek]

The Sidgardian sphere encompasses the High Kingdom of Sidgard and the areas around it. Other major civilizations in the area are Starslagen Confederacy and the Sinne Realms—which are the dominant powers together with Sidgard. There's a multitude of smaller powers, most of which can be considered client states of the High Kingdom. This region can also be considered the "heartland" of Andlosheim, as it is home to the Pristine Fountain, a massive natural reservoir of magical power, and the setting of many historical events that affected the entirety of Andlosheim—including the Great War of the Gods.

Power in this region does not lie only with countries, however. There's many influential organizations that transcend borders. The Holy Order is the largest of such organizations.

This a great setting if you're after the general medieval-European/high fantasy flavor.


Factions

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The Kallayadeva
The fountain is home to a boy. Pretty much all he does is sit there. Never eats, never sleeps, never even seen to blink. Certainly doesn't age. He's dreadfully pale, white-haired, and silver-eyed. Over the ages, an organization of 'wise men' has gathered around him—building a sanctuary around the fountain—the Pristine Fountain, so named due to its mystically clean and gleaming water. The boy is called Siora. The organization, the Kallayadeva (the Sourcers), work to discover and protect not only the Fountain, but knowledge, both written and oral, throughout Andlosheim. They're generally treated with respect among the civilized races. Though the boy rarely moves or even talks, the few times he has Very Serious Business unfolded. He predicted the death of High King Husmund in battle against the Blackspawn, warned the Archmages of Lord Bryt's inevitable succumbing to Chaos, and even single-handedly defeated an invasion by the High Lich Gruva. It's also believed that the boy visits people in their dreams, providing advice and forewarning of things to come.

The High Kingdom of Sidgard
The largest noble kingdom in Andlosheim, ruled by the High King from his impenetrable fortress in the sprawling city of Sidgard. As Andlosheim's greatest noble power, it often leads the wars against not only the Blackspawn, but also against the heretic kingdoms and other 'rogue' states. It's most prominent fighting force is the Vittaslatt Riddareva (Whitecastle Knights)—commonly referred to as simply "the Knights". The Knight are usually at the head of a charge, though also serve as law enforcement during times of peace.

The Circle of Mages
The chief association of mages that often cooperates with the High Kingdom in it's just pursuits. Much like the Kallayadeva, the Mages value knowledge, and are lead by the wisest and most powerful magic users—the Archmages. The Circle's rights and privileges vary between states, and they are even banned altogether in some—likely due to their susceptibility to Chaos. Indeed, the Holy Order is known to kill mages on sight where it has been granted that right.

The Holy Order of Saint Augustine
Most commonly known simply as "the Order", the Holy Order is a paramilitary religious organization—the largest in Andlosheim. Headquartered in the Crystal Basilica on the borders of the High Kingdom of Sidgard, the Order controls enclaves throughout the known world—granted territory here and there by various states to help it in it's crusade against the Chaos and the Sinne-fortayadeva.

The organization is led by His Holiness, assuming a man who is believed to be the original Lord Joshua (once a member of the Sidgardian nobility, though abdicated his titles in favor of the Order), though no one has seen the man in thousands of years. Indeed, the Order is usually represented in public by Archangels—the Lord's most devout supporters who have ascended beyond their mortal bodies into holy beings. The true military strength of the Order is unknown, as, though there are only seven Archangels, their mere existence suggests the Order is capable of more. For the most part, the Order engages using mortal races.

The Sinne-fortayadeva
The Mind-eaters, more commonly called the Sinne, are a cruel group of creatures and humans that, using magic, are capable of utterly destroying a person's soul, rendering their body a mindless slave. Consequently, they are a firm enemy of both the Order and all noble states. Nonetheless, the Sinne have managed to carve themselves states in Andlosheim—states powerful enough to force a fragile peace with the noble powers.

The Starslagen Confederacy
A loose alliance of a multitude of minor monarchs and city-states, united under the banner of it's tolerant boy-king. Bordering both Sidgard and the Sinne, the Confederacy is under constant external threat, though has nonetheless largely rejected the Order—instead favoring self-sufficiency and a strong central army formed of a variety of races. Indeed, a tolerant society, many races have gathered beneath the king's banner, providing strength in return for equal rights—a relatively rare status in Andlosheim. Though some of the human lords within the confederacy frown on this, their trust in and fear of the boy-king dissuades them from defying his wishes.

Interestingly, it seems this boy-king has sat on his throne since the birth of the Confederacy, though it is unknown how. Immortality is usually beyond those of noble spirit, and the gods aren't often will to provide it.

The Blackspawn
The Blackspawn are the agents of Chaos that seeks to destroy Andlosheim. In short, they're demons, and little is known about them, beyond their basic combat capabilities. The Blackspawn make rare large-scale intrusions into the Sidgardian sphere, attempting to spread their disease. More often than not, however, the Blackspawn are elusive, solitary creatures that murder lone or unprotected travelers, raid outlying villages, or engage in assassinations of high-valued targets—which suggest they're fairly sentient and capable of advanced thought. Furthermore, persons under high mental stress are known to turn into Blackspawn—succumbing to Chaos. Depending on their natural strength, this can bear very bad news for Andlosheim.

The most famous succumbing is that of Archmage Lord Bryt, who destroyed an entire city before being killed by the Archmages.

Other Factions
Andlosheim is a large place, occupied by various races and lifeforms. Dragons are believed extinct in the region, as they were the target of a genocide by most noble states.


Potentially Interesting Characters/Projects

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Characters
If you're interested in trying out one of the following characters, talk to Ayzek:

• Sidgardian High King during a previous Infestation or great war: human or elf
  
• Outlaw Dragon Rider: any humanoid (the adventure of a dragon rider in a world where his kind may be killed on sight)
  
• High Lich Gruva: humanoid lich (how did he become what he is?)
  
• Sinne monarch/heir: any humanoid
  
• Minor Faction leader/heir: any race
  
• Order Cherubim: human or elf (not too interesting, frankly)
  
• Farmboy Turned Hero After Having His Village Destroyed by the Evil <insert proper noun>: any race(?)
  
• Sexy, powerful mage: any race
  

To submit a character for  review, post the following:

Code:

[table][tr][td][b]Name[/b]:
[b]Gender[/b]:
[b]Age[/b]:
[b]Race[/b]:
[b]Allegiance[/b]:
[/td][td]Image or Description[/td][/tr]
[tr][td=2][u]Bio[/u]

[/td][tr][/table]

Projects
If you'd like to get involved with one of the following projects, talk to Ayzek:

• World origin story: the great war between the gods, leading to their banishment from the World by the primordial deity Lag.
  
• Order origin story: Lord Joshua's story, from the lord of a small manor at the edge of Sidgard to the warlord of what'd become the largest, most powerful paramilitary religious organization in the history of everything.
  
• Confederacy origin story: who is the immortal boy-king who founded the Confederacy and made it the sprawling conglomerate of minorities it is?
  

[Ayzek]

High King Känfrid Miklastyrithar

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Born the fourth son to High King Rolund and an Elven consort in 4083, Känfrid was considered the least likely candidate for the throne. Indeed, he was initially to be raised as a chief knight to his elder brother, largely lacking in matters of state--as is historically customary among the Sidgardian nobility. However, with his elder brothers lost to disease and what was first considered hunting accident, state management was added to Känfrid's studies. Quite wisely too, as his only surviving brother was openly assassinated a year later.

Of course, such an insult could not easily be forgotten, and, after tracing the assassin to the southern Kingdom of Gyllenheim, the High Kingdom went to war.

Though the campaign was a success and Gyllenheim was ultimately annexed, High King Rolund was killed in battle and Känfrid was crowned High King in Halvema 4098. A month later, he was wed to his elder half-sister, Kathrea, securing an alliance between he and his mother and the High Queen Mother's family--the Silvätung. Until his fifteenth birthday, the kingdom was largely governed by his two mothers—both of whom even now heavily influence court politics—his mother, Frälyn, as chancellor and the Queen Mother, Amalea, a woman with more influence due to her.

Perhaps because of this—and, indeed, his hectic upbringing, distant relationship with his father, and status as the child of a consort—Känfrid is a silent fellow, often distant from friends and family alike. Aside from when with a small circle of friends, including his wife and some of the palace children he was allowed to interact with during his childhood, the High King rarely seems at ease. No doubt the people's unease with his reign weighs heavily on his mind; after all, not only did all those ahead of him fall fiction to untimely deaths, but he has left women in charge of the realm—going so far as to appoint the first female chancellor in Sidgardian history. Some speculate the kingdom may see discord if no action is taken.

Känfrid has nonetheless proven himself a proficient warrior, both with the sword and with the wand. He is known to reinforce his physical attacks with magic, a style that differs from his predecessors. Perhaps it is his Elven blood that has heightened his affinity with magic. Further separating himself from his peers is his interest in ancient lore, which sees him studying books for length periods of times; though this might also be a result of having little else to do from day to day. This is has led to a stronger than average relationship with both the Circle of Mages and the Kallayadeva, both groups that the kingdom has previously kept little more than a business relationship.

[Ayzek]

Lord Siora

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Very little is known about Siora, the caretaker of the Pristine Fountain and the face of the Kallayadeva. What little we so know is only what we have managed to observe and collect over the previous millenniums. Indeed, the boy, seemingly of only a dozen years of age, has actually lived since, some speculate, time immemorial. He is certainly older than the High Kingdom of Sidgard, the Starslagen Confederacy, and even the earliest discovered references to the gods.

How the boy had managed to survive so long is a mystery. Aside from those of corrupt spirit, immortality is predominantly beyond the reach of mortal men. Consequently, some speculate that Siora is all powerful: even beyond the Law of Conservation of Reality. It certainly seems so, given the ease with which he can exercise magic that would take even powerful mages months of time and preparation. Some of his known abilities include instantaneous, successive teleportation, highly accurate foresight, and complete mastery of elementary magic. Indeed, though it is has been hidden from the public, the secret behind High Lich Gruva's defeat is actually known to us: Siora completely wiped out the Lich's army the moment their filth moved to touch the Fountain. The lightning and firestorm was visible for thousands of leagues and the consequent thunderstorm ravaged the northeastern Sidgardian countryside for days. The sheer magnitude put even the most powerful archmages of the day to shame, the predominant reason why the affair was suppressed.

An interesting note, however, is how he has changed over the course. Early records describe him with golden hair and brighter, blue eyes, though both have taken silvery hues in recent years. The cause of this unknown, whether it is an expression of aging or some other situation. There are many theories behind this and, indeed, his sheer existence, ranging from he being the physical manifestation of magic in Andlosheim and his deterioration a result of it's depletion, to he being an otherworldly entity steadily dying within our world, to he being the source of all life in Andlosheim and it's proliferation drawing away his strength. No single theory holds a majority, and the boy himself has certainly not shed any light on the situation.

There are a multitude of ongoing studies into his person. After all, the Kallayadeva itself has its roots in a group of historians and mages attempting to study the fountain and Siora. The modern Kallayadeva is not significantly different, with it's members seeking to learn about Siora as much as the world in general. Indeed, despite being considered the leader of the Kallayadeva, if only as a figurehead, Siora is not actually involved in its activities or administration.

[Ayzek]

Reserved for the Order's leader.

[Ayzek]

King Telemadar Vorlat

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Telemadar is the young king of the Starslagen Confederacy: the diverse, heavily-centralized conglomerate of states and races he had ruled over since it's foundation. Indeed, Telemadar has ruled over his kingdom for thousands of years, much to the dismay of thousands of Confederate noblemen over the ages. Nonetheless, his immortal serves as an expression of his power—after all, no common mortal can live forever—which in turn strengthens the absolute nature of his monarchy.

The public knows very little of Telemadar's history, or even how he manages his immortality. The earliest of the Confederacy's records tell how he, as a young boy, managed to win peace between quarreling tribes, through both pen and sword. Of course, he has never fought himself, instead having a loyal troop of centaur at his service. The centaurs have maintained a central role in the Confederacy's royal government ever since.

Palace staff tell of generally warm demeanor and mannerism to their sovereign, who is credited with the Confederacy's high tolerance towards the non-human races of Andlosheim. However, there are also rumors of a frightening cold side to the boy. During state meetings, both internal and ex-, his eyes are said to achieve an eerie yellowish glow as his pupils taking on a draconian shape. Of course, this suggests that he is, in fact, a dragonborn or--more conspirative, a lizardman--though to maintain another form for so many millennia is unheard of. This isn't to say it's impossible, especially considering the strong magical power Telemadar is said to contain.

However, experts in illusionary and shape-shifting magic have reported no such residue from his person, largely eliminating such a possibility. Instead, the general, albeit underground, consensus is that he has been possessed by a dragonkind. The relatively recent discover of a new, more powerful and largely mysterious species of dragons, the majestic Kïsyr dragons, certainly makes it more believable.

Unsurprisingly, Telemadar has not addressed such accusations; the Confederacy has even prohibited making them, on penalty of losing one's tongue. Of course, this has not prevented foreigners from gossiping. Still, Telemadar's powerful position has king of the Confederacy places him beyond the reach of even the Order, which would otherwise have him executed for defying his natural life.

Telemadar has a youthful appearance, that of a early teenager, though his cunning, intelligence, and knowledge fit one hundred-times-that. Indeed, most noblemen in the Confederacy have learned to look beyond his short physical stature and boyish looks, lest they be caught off-guard and ruined. His amber eyes generally have a stoic human gaze within except when engaging in state business or warfare, when they assume an icy reptilian glare. For the most part, with his young looks, high-quality clothes, and aristocratic mannerism, Telemadar might pass for a common, privileged young lord. He carries nothing that might serve to channel magical energy, nor even a full-sized sword, except when commanding troops. He does carry a dagger, however, and is never without an armed escort.

Interestingly, he is of noble spirit, being behind the Confederacy's progressive society. He has also not hesitated to punish the wicked, though is known to have signed treaties with the less welcomed-species of Andlosheim: goblins, orcs, and trolls serving in his Royal Army. However, even he frowns on the Sinne and their brutal ways. Perhaps as the latter wittingly ruin others for thrill, while the other races have merely been pushed into corners.

[Ayzek]

Royal Mage Titus Kattarig

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Abandoned at the footsteps of a church within hours of birth, Titus never expected to end up in the service of the High King--directly, no less. Indeed, through a bizarre sequence of events, Titus found himself taken into the residence of the Sidgardian Royal Family, befriended by the future king, and enrolled into a private magicking school within the capital. Shortly after graduation from a four-year term in tertiary mage school, he even found himself ushered into the Sidgardian Shadow Society--an obscure group that served as the High King's eyes, ears, and dagger. Thereafter, he found himself stuffed into the Sidgardian Civil Service--more specifically, as an investigator of reported public disturbances. Not only did it allow him to travel throughout the kingdom without raising much suspicion, but it also planted him at the front of potentially interesting situations.

To date, however, he has not had a breakthrough. He does not mind. He has always had a lax atmosphere--perhaps how he went from an orphan to a Kingdom official in what he considers "before he knew it".

Titus never knew his parents. The closest was the administrator of his orphanage, a woman by the name of Melissa. Once a nanny under the Crown, Melissa managed to remain on the Royal Family's radar--which one day led to a visit from Frälyn, Känfrid's mother. She was searching for a child to introduce to her own, and ultimately chose Titus.

He and Känfrid got along from an early age--as much as two docile figures could have, at least. Titus was trained in light swordplay and even received a proper noble's education. His affinity for magic was discovered in his early teens and, after the death of Känfrid's eldest brother, he was shipped off to mage school.

Though his studies began late, between special classes and an urge to outshine those who bullied him due to his background, he managed to crawl to the top ten percent of his class.

After Känfrid's accession and his own graduation--and with little else to do--Titus was easily pressured into the Sidgardian Shadow Society--where he has been since. He does visit the palace reasonably often, as well as the orphanage that accepted him in his youth--which is also his main expenditure.

Titus's equipment is provided by the Shadow Society--though it isn't unheard of for a Civil Service agent from a well-to-do family to be well-equipped. Believing staves archaic, Titus instead has a custom-made, organic bookbag that serves as his primary source. He's also got a variety of other foci: his glove is attuned with flames, his collection of earrings are able to reinforce his senses and enable him to see temperature differences and detect magical residue, while even his clothes and accessories are reinforced with magic power. His belt can heighten his agility, his handkerchief allow him to breath under difficult conditions (including underwater), while his clothes itself is as strong as chain-mail armor. He also carries a few potions--mainly to revitalize himself.

For the most part, however, these are tools he uses to uses in the course of his investigations. His actual combat capabilities are lacking compared to dedicated mages and warriors, though he can generally best common thugs and all but the highly skilled.

[Severyane]

Kalevi Myllylä; Svarta Sidan

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Born to two of the most powerful individuals among the Sinne Factions, much was expected from Kalevi even at a very young age. He had not but a mere taste of normality before he was sent off to the court of the Sinne nobleman, Lord Asikainen, where he would be raised as a warrior. He showed remarkable skill with a blade during his most early exercises, and proved to be most adept at breaking and enslaving the spirits of mortals. It was because of his unique and remarkable skill that Asikainen singled him out for instruction as his personal charge. Lord Asikainen also taught him the "politics" of their people; which usually consisted of stabbing one Sinne in the back to gain personal power.

Asikainen took on several new pupils over a period of ten years and he dubbed his warrior-trainees "Den Mörkret Ryttarna" (the Dark Riders). He also gave Kalevi a new name, Svarta Sidan (the Black Apprentice), putting him over the others as his Lieutenant. Their training continued over a period of five years, and throughout they were involved in several Sinne conflicts. As the infamy and power of "Den Mörkret Ryttarna" grew, so too did the wealth and influence of Lord Asikainen. Kalevi's liege became obsessed with obtaining absolute power, a direct result of the course of overzealous expansion he had pursued. The lust for control had not left his top soldiers unaffected, and Kalevi soon began to plot the downfall of Lord Asikainen.

After spending several years accumulating a power base strong enough to challenge Asikainen, Kalevi made his move. The initial assault on Asikainen's fortress seemed to be a success. Several hundred enslaved troops and Sinne had rallied to Kalevi's cause and had surrounded the sinister castle. What Kalevi, in his ignorance, had not expected is that his ex-master had been preparing to defend against his treachery. One of the lesser Sinne he had reached out to had gone to Asikainen and alerted him to Kalevi's plans, in order to gain favor with the Lord. Asikainen had spent a near equal amount of time preparing to crush Kalevi's forces, and he had trained several new Mörkret Ryttarna for the purpose. When Asikainen's forces were released upon Kalevi's, men fell in droves. His forces began to falter as his legions of slaves were destroyed, and his Sinne allies fled. As he was left, nearly alone on the battlefield he was confronted by his former friends and Asikainen's trainees. He struck down the trainees quickly, and turned his blade on his allies. Though it was not easy for him, he slew them as well receiving a grave wound in the process. He fled, and Asikainen banished him from his hold by branding him a "Vekling" (weakling, traitor). He would be disowned by his family and could be legally killed without consequence in any Sinne realm.

He now flees to the border of the Sinne Factions and the Noble States, his future quite uncertain.

[STRATCOM]

[tr][tr]

Name: Asher and Ivond Maragharita Gender: Male and Male Age: 31 and 31 Race: Human and Human Allegiance: Port Rapier Human Purity Front
Bio The Maragharita Brothers, famous in Andlosheim for being a human duo relying on their wits and steel in a realm populated by magic users and gods. Asher and Ivond are devout humanists and loyal followers of the Port Rapier chapter of the Human Purity Front, which holds as truth that only man can be allowed to survive these times. All magic users must be stopped, all gods must be slain, and man alone must allow Nature tempered by Reason to take her course through their fates. The Maragharita Brothers are frequently deputized by local sheriffs to take down wild magic users and other public menaces, a duty that they discharge with grim delight. When not deputized, they search for the sacred texts and forbidden knowledge that will allow them to accomplish their lifelong goal: the destruction of the gods and of magic, and a universe dominated by man alone. Through their questing, they are driven by one guiding principle: Magic. Is. Illegal.

[STRATCOM]

[tr][tr]

Name: Asher and Ivond Maragharita Gender: Male and Male Age: 31 and 31 Race: Human and Human Allegiance: Port Rapier Human Purity Front	Caption: The Brothers Maragharita, on either side of a local sheriff, join him in hunting wild magic users.
Bio The Maragharita Brothers, famous in Andlosheim for being a human duo relying on their wits and steel in a realm populated by magic users and gods. Asher and Ivond are devout humanists and loyal followers of the Port Rapier chapter of the Human Purity Front, which holds as truth that only man can be allowed to survive these times. All magic users must be stopped, all gods must be slain, and man alone must allow Nature tempered by Reason to take her course through their fates. The Maragharita Brothers are frequently deputized by local sheriffs to take down wild magic users and other public menaces, a duty that they discharge with grim delight. When not deputized, they search for the sacred texts and forbidden knowledge that will allow them to accomplish their lifelong goal: the destruction of the gods and of magic, and a universe dominated by man alone. Through their questing, they are driven by one guiding principle: Magic. Is. Illegal.