Interlude

Interlude

Welcome to Pegasus-51d, known as Dricarro to the native inhabitants. The year is 15,954 AZ (Age of Zerathis). It has been 1.4 million years since the Ark landed on the surface of the planet. In that time, the multitude of species that have grown from the DNA database transported here are reflective of all periods of Earth’s history. There are 12 major continents on the planet and 4 oceans. The “Unknown” strains of DNA from Earth's history held the keys to what were believed to be mythological creatures. Here on Dricarro live all of the life forms that once inhabited Earth. To ensure the safety and development of each species, ACE separated the more dangerous of Earth’s older denizens onto different continents. The species most closely related, that would be capable of coexisting, were placed close to one another. The more carnivorous, large species were concentrated on the far side of the planet, separated by vast oceans.

The global religion is Zerathism; all who are capable of thought and prayer worship the God of flame and fire. He is a living God, known to appear to any when the need is great. His name is Zerathis; he tolerates no other type of deity worship. Those who have tried to start a new religion or follow a false god have discovered the wrath of Zerathis. A fiery demise in a very public setting is His calling card for atheists and pariahs alike. In exchange for this fidelity, Zerathis allows those who are capable to call upon the elements to do their bidding. This is known as “The Blessing” by the inhabitants of Dricarro. Not all are gifted with this ability, but for those who are, some are more powerful than others. The ability to use the Blessing is called “Weaving”, for the way the elements can be combined to obtain the results desired by the “Weaver”.

For those who are gifted and capable of learning to weave the elements, special groups have been created to teach and enhance the abilities of the Weavers. The groups or “Orders”, as they are called, have been separated into the elements that typically pair the best together.

The Order of Earth and Water is comprised of warriors learning to weave their elements primarily for defense. The Knights and Dames of the Order of Earth and Water are regarded as peacekeepers, they are loved and respected.

The Order of Wind and Fire on the other hand focuses on offense, Weaving their elements in powerful displays of force and might. The Priests and Priestesses of the Order of Wind and Fire are the most revered and feared of all the Weavers.

The Order of Mind and Spirit are the healer’s and politician’s. They are a powerful sect responsible for not only healing the body and mind, but also bringing the voice of the people to the rulers of the world. The Healers are the most valued and trusted of the Weavers.

The last and most secretive is The Order of Space and Time. The Spies and Assassins of the Order are despised and distrusted by everyone who doesn’t need their services. Because of this, the Order of Space and Time has no Order houses. Most people believe that they don’t even truly exist. If you need their “special” services, you have to “know someone” or display certain discreet items that will draw their attention. If you are deemed worthy or are known to have enough coin, you will be found by one of their most unsavory associates.

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There is another, more powerful form of magic that exists on Dricarro. It is believed to be linked to what would have been the original inhabitants of the planet, the life that developed here naturally. The “Efhieam,” as they call themselves, are a reclusive species. They can blend with their surroundings, meld with the planet itself. Their health and well-being are tied directly to the planet as they are in symbiosis with Dricarro. This magic is called the “Aureate” for the way that someone who is wielding it strongly becomes surrounded by a brilliant golden glow. Some of its traits allow the user to manipulate objects of any size, glimpse the future, see things before they happen, communicate over great distances, and a variety of other things that command of the Blessing does not allow. While once more common, the ability to use the Aureate has been lost for thousands of years. But now, for some reason, there is one human known to be able to wield the Aureate; her name is Obsidia Trall. Perhaps the Efhieam have decided to once again take a more direct hand in the events of their world. Or, are the ancient prophecies about the Promised Ones and the Swords of Destiny beginning to come to light?

Obsidia Trall is the Empress of the Ayan Empire, located in the north of the Ayan continent. She resides in the Black Citadel in the city of Cayana. She is a ruthless ruler, intent on the subjugation of all races. There has been a war raging between the Empire of Ayan and the rest of the free peoples of Dricarro for centuries. Obsidia is the latest in a long line of oppressors bent on bringing all the cities and kingdoms of Dricarro to their knees. Zerathis, in his divine right, has decided not to intervene directly, but to observe and let the people of Dricarro determine their fate. His worshipers wonder if this is a test, or something beyond mortal comprehension.

The city of Starfall is located on the west coast of Ayan. The city itself rests in a crater made by a massive asteroid millennia ago. It is home to the Order of Wind and Fire. The Republic of Starfall is one of the few free states on the continent. The people of Starfall are an industrious lot, famous for their forges and blade-smiths. There are no finer or deadlier weapons to be found anywhere else on Dricarro. Even the Elves and Dwarves, known to be great smiths themselves, admit to the quality and craftsmanship of Starfall forged weapons. Here we will find a newly anointed Priestess named Tempest, a Weaver of Wind and Fire. She is the youngest and most powerful Priestess of the Order of Wind and Fire in generations. She is about to undertake her final test, a demonstration of her abilities, to determine her placement within the ranks of her fellow warriors. Will her fiery temper and headstrong will dominate? Or, will she be able to control the elemental power she is about to unleash?

The kingdom of Mountainfall lies in the far southern reaches of the continent of Ayan. Its ruler, King Thorvald Stormson, is loved and respected by his vassals. His kingdom protects the Mystic Mountains, a place forbidden to all who may try to enter by penalty of death. Many believe there is a great evil hidden within the mountains, as all who have entered have never returned. They fear that by allowing travel to the Mystic Mountains, great evil may be awakened and destroy all of humanity. This is where we will find a young man named Valsigian Hunterson. A Knight’s Squire and Weaver of Earth and Water, on the precipice of becoming a Knight himself. About to be sworn to protect the realm and prevent trespassers from entering the Mystic Mountains. Will his abilities prepare him for what is to come? Or, will he allow his protective and considerate nature to be his downfall?

This is where it all begins...this is the beginning of an epic adventure. A voyage through the trials and tribulations of what may be the best of what we can become, or the worst of what we were. This is the Project Genesis Legacy.