Aethelgard is a vast and diverse continent, steeped in ancient history, fractured by political tensions, and brimming with both opportunity and peril. Its lands stretch from icy northern reaches to sun-drenched southern coasts, encompassing a multitude of cultures, ecosystems, and forgotten secrets. This wiki serves as a central repository of knowledge about Aethelgard, its people, and the forces that shape its destiny.
The recorded history of Aethelgard is fragmented, lost to time and the ravages of conflict. Legends speak of a primordial age, when the continent was ruled by the Aerilonians, a powerful and advanced civilization hailing from the now-sunken kingdom of Aerilon. They were masters of water magic, shipbuilding, and arcane, extending their influence across the continent through trade and, at times, dominion. The Aerilonians gifted magic to early inhabitants, but their rule was not universally benevolent, and unrest simmered beneath the surface.
This era culminated in the cataclysm known as the Sundering. While the precise cause remains debated, some whisper of a magical experiment gone awry, others of a divine punishment for Aerilonian hubris, the result was devastating. A massive upheaval fractured the continent, causing widespread destruction and ultimately dragging much of Aerilon beneath the waves. The Sundering shattered Aerilonian power and left Aethelgard reeling in chaos.
Following the Sundering, several distinct civilizations rose from the ruins. The Sylvani, a reclusive race of forest-dwellers, flourished by reconnecting with the natural world, rejecting much of the Aerilonian magical legacy. The Kryll, adept seafarers, emerged from coastal communities, rebuilding trade routes but forever haunted by tales of the lost Aerilonian empire beneath the waves. The Forged Kingdoms, a militaristic society of dwarves and gnomes, carved out strongholds in the mountains, mastering metalworking as a way to protect themselves from a world still scarred by the Sundering's magic.
These empires eventually succumbed to internal strife, natural disasters, or external conflicts. A long period of fragmentation followed, known as the Age of Scattered Crowns, with numerous smaller kingdoms and city-states vying for power. This era was marked by constant warfare, political intrigue, and cultural exchange, all taking place in the shadow of the lost Aerilonian grandeur.
More recently, a period of relative peace and prosperity emerged, though tensions remain high. The rise of powerful trading companies and the rediscovery of ancient knowledge, often fragments salvaged from the ruins of Aerilon, have spurred innovation and economic growth, but have also created new sources of conflict. The legacy of the past, particularly the rise and fall of the Aerilonians, continues to shape the present, with forgotten ruins, ancient artifacts, and lingering magical energies scattered across the landscape.
Aethelgard is currently divided into several prominent nations, each with its unique culture, government, and ambitions.
Domains: Creation, Destruction, Magic, Time, Dreams
Description: A primordial force of existence, the Architect is the cosmic weaver of reality. They shape worlds, govern the flow of time, and inspire dreams. Their power is both creative and destructive, ensuring balance through cyclical renewal. Mortals who seek wisdom often consult their visions in dreams.
Domains: Light, Day/Night Cycles, Truth, Healing
Description: The radiant Sun God, Solara embodies warmth, clarity, and renewal. She rules the sky, guiding the rhythms of life and death. Her light purifies, her wisdom reveals truths, and her touch heals. Devotees honor her with dawn rituals and seek her favor for clarity and courage.
Domains: Fire, Dominion, Strength, Trial
Description: A fiery dragon-queen, Pyralia wields the power of flames and the will to conquer. She is the patron of the Dragonborn, testing their worth through trials of fire and magic. Her dominion extends to conquest and resilience, and her followers embrace her "righteous flame" as a symbol of unyielding power.
Domains: Nature, Plant Life, Growth, Forests, Creation of Elves
Description: Sylvanna is the guardian of forests and the lifeblood of the earth. She nurtures flora, shapes the cycles of growth, and is the mother of the elves. Her magic flows through roots and rivers, and her presence ensures the balance of ecosystems. She is both nurturing and fierce, protecting her realm from decay.
Domains: Water, Emotion, Intuition, Healing
Description: Thalassara rules the oceans and the depths of the soul. She is the embodiment of emotional tides, guiding mortals through joy, sorrow, and transformation. Her waters heal the broken and reveal hidden truths. Sailors and healers revere her, seeking her blessings for clarity and emotional resilience.
Domains: Air, Knowledge, Wisdom, Communication
Description: Zephyros is the god of thoughts, ideas, and the winds that carry knowledge. He governs the skies, inspiring creativity and intellect. His whispers guide scholars, poets, and travelers. His domain includes the exchange of ideas, the power of speech, and the mysteries of the unseen.
Domains: Earth, Wealth, Craftsmanship, Trade, Creator of the dwarfs
Description: Terraflux is the guardian of the land's riches, from mountains to mines. He oversees the flow of wealth, the art of craftsmanship, and the prosperity of civilizations. His blessings bring abundance, while his wrath manifests in earthquakes and resource scarcity. Merchants and artisans seek his favor for success.
Domains: Stars, Art, Inspiration, Dreams
Description: Luminara is the celestial muse who illuminates the night sky with her constellations. She inspires artists, poets, and dreamers, weaving beauty into the fabric of existence. Her light guides those seeking creativity, and her stars hold the stories of the cosmos. Her followers honor her with music and celestial rituals.
Domains: Shadows, Secrets, The Underworld, Death
Description: Nyxara rules the mysteries of the unseen, governing the afterlife and the hidden corners of the world. She is the keeper of secrets, the guide of souls, and the embodiment of the unknown. Her realm is both feared and revered, as she balances the cycle of life and death.
Domains: Weather, Chaos, Change, Strength
Description: Virell commands the tempests, storms, and the unpredictable forces of nature. He embodies change, challenging mortals to adapt and grow. His storms bring both destruction and renewal, symbolizing the chaos of existence. Warriors and adventurers seek his favor for courage and resilience in the face of uncertainty.