Lore

Texts

For rumors sold at bars to ancient Empyrean texts and everything in between, please see the List of Texts.

History of Auberean

Isparians on Dereth - Prior to P.Y. 10.

The history of Isparians on Dereth, from the earliest arrivals up to Portal Year 10 (the launch of the game).

Story Arcs

The Fourth Sending of Darkness

A Lost exploration party on a failed expedition would lead to the release of the dreaded hopeslayer Bael'Zharon.

The Fourth Sending of Darkness - Monthly Summary

The Rise of New Singularity

The order of the Virindi is about to be threatened by a new enemy - Individuality.

The Rise of the New Singularity - Monthly Summary

Elements of Revenge

Martine's lust for revenge against Asheron was nothing compared to that of Gaerlan.

Elements of Revenge - Monthly Summary

A Time of Chaos

They say an Olthoi Queen never forgets...

A Time of Chaos - Monthly Summary

The Shattered Coil

The magicks began to flow through ancient Falatacot temples again, and the curious nature of Isparians would open the path for the Burun to assault the homeworld of the Blood Witches.

The Shattered Coil - Monthly Summary

The War of Blood and Shadow

In an attempt to gain the upper hand and crush the lands of New Aluvia, the power hungry Viamontians woud end up releasing a Child of the Shadow with more rage than even the Hopeslayer.

The War of Blood and Shadow - Monthly Summary

Current Story Arc - Name Unknown

Trouble with the Sho assassins of the Tanada Clan and evil Falatacot plots were just the beginning. Aerbax would make his return, creating his Prodigal Children.

Monthly Summary delayed until story arc name is known.

History of Ispar

Aluvian

Aluvians are a fiercely individualistic and warlike people, quick to anger but with a strong love of justice and fairness. Though often suspicious of things new and strange, they are friendly and always prepared with a little help if they can spare it. They are loyal to their feudal lords, but expect to be well-treated in return.

The first people to arrive on Dereth Island, the Aluvians, have settled in the fields and hills around Lake Blessed.

History

In olden days, the land now known as the High Kingdom of Aluvia was home to feuding clans of warriors. Seeking conquest, the neighboring nation of Viamont invaded and instated a king, Alfric I, to rule over the clan chiefs. The native Aluvians rebelled, but with little success; subject to often brutal Aluvian House (game rendering)reprisals, they remained thralls of a foreign monarch. That changed, however, with the coronation of High King Osric. Though a Viamonter by birth, Osric dedicated his reign to mending his divided country. He made peace with the rebellious nobles, lowered backbreaking taxes, and even named his son after an Aluvian saint, Pwyll. To this day, folk sing the praises of Osric the Wise.

By the time of the rule of Pwyll III, the peoples of Aluvia had united as one, prospering under the High King’s kind and just reign. Pwyll III banded together the kingdom’s knights, forming an order of honor and chivalry, and so began a golden age. When he was slain by a treacherous ambassador from Viamont on the eve of war between the two nations, Aluvia’s knights and commoners alike fell upon their enemies and destroyed them. With Pwyll’s death, Aluvia’s glory began to wane, but it is said that, when the kingdom is at its greatest need,Aluvian Blacksmith (game rendering) he and his knights will walk the land once more.

Aluvia remains a strong nation, though it shines less brightly than before. Good king Cedraic has Aluvian Town (game rendering)opened up trade with nations across the sea including the Gharu’ndim and the Sho and with that trade has come prosperity. To the west, however, Viamont bides: it will only be a matter of time, some say, before war returns to the land.

When the first Aluvians came to Dereth Island, they were enslaved by the vicious Olthoi. Two of their number, the warrior Thorsten Cragstone and the lady Elysa Strathelar, fought to liberate their people with the help of the mysterious sorcerer Asheron. Though Thorsten did not live to see the end of the campaign, the Aluvians are now free once more. Though this new land is strange to them, they have made it their home. In time, it is said, a new High King will rise to rule them like wise Osric and noble Pwyll.

Factions

Here are some of the historic organizations known to have existed in the homelands of the Aluvians. How will these groups - and other groups not written of here - fare in the new land of Dereth? Your actions will doom some to the dull dust of obscurity, and raise others to the fiery glow of fame.

The King’s Men

Motto: "King above all."

Background: This is an alliance of some nobles and commoners who believe the king, as a descendent of High King Pwyll, should do away with the Aluvian feudal system of government (the Laws of Rulership) and seize direct control. They believe the king’s wisdom should prevail in all matters.

Current: Though none of the immediate Aluvian royal family has appeared in the world, believers in the reign of High King Pwyll are staunch supporters of Queen Elysa Strathelar. Should the King’s Men be re-formed in Dereth, they would surely fight to bring her reign over the entire island.

Knights of the Golden Flame

Motto: "Let Justice reign."

Background: This is the old knighthood of Aluvia. They are trained from an early age to be the judges and caretakers of the kingdom. Members of this group travel the land and offer their services as impartial judges in disputes. They also try to help those in need and right what they consider wrong. Membership is by invitation only.

Current: Queen Elysa Strathelar has made it known that she wishes the Knights of the Golden Flame to be official knights of her realm. However, because so few original Knights have arrived in Dereth, how this might become reality is still in question.

Knights of the Shield

Motto: Unknown

Background: Among the knighthood of Aluvia, there is a growing faction of those who are dissatisfied with the king’s justice, and feel that the knights should be given more power, above and beyond the current laws. A few secretly formed the Knights of the Shield, in order to better render their own justice upon the land. The Knights of the Golden Flame are officially at war against these secretive, renegade knights. However, rumors say that some Knights of the Golden Flame are actually double agents.

Current: What happens with the Knights of the Shield in Dereth is unknown.

Order of the Gauntlet

Motto: "Justice is bought with blood."

Background: On the opposite end of the spectrum from the Knights of the Shield is the Order of the Gauntlet. These knights believe that no one should be exempt from the king’s justice; the rule of law must be absolute if order is to be maintained. The justice of the Gauntlet is untempered by mercy or circumstance, and they spend a great deal of their time hunting down and slaying those who have committed crimes and escaped what the Order considers sufficient penalty. As such, the Order is highly secretive.

Current: It is thought the Order – or something like it - may be resurrected in Dereth, due to the need for harsh and strict justice. The love of a stern and unyielding justice is not an uncommon trait, after all.

League of Merchants

Motto: "Free and fair trade for all."

Background: This group was formed to help protect the merchant class from the nobility. Its primary concern is with the protection of its members and the making of profit. Members are required to pay a due, and only people who meet approval can join. The League of Merchants formed a formidable network of trading partners throughout Aluvia.

Current: Here in Dereth, merchants in general have been seriously hampered by a lack of customers, dangerous conditions, and low resources. Still, the new world is a great opportunity for commerce. Should the League become established in Dereth, surely establishment of safe pathways to other Heritage Groups’ lands, whether by road or by portal, will become a top priority.

Scholars of Pwyll

Motto: "Knowledge is that which brings wisdom."

Background: This group of sages and artists are dedicated to continuing the traditions of scholarly research and artistic exploration begun by High King Pwyll. They seek to share information among themselves and protect valuable texts and knowledge. Their exclusive library of mystical knowledge is famous throughout Aluvia. Prospective members must have a sponsor within the Guild to join.

Current: Now, old magics no longer work, and few of their old Aluvian texts have made the passage through Portalspace. Perhaps a new group of Scholars will form and re-create the traditions of their predecessors.

Source: http://www.zogblaster.com/tweb/asherons-call/heritagegroups/index.htm