<style> .phb#p1:after { display:none; } </style> <img src='https://i.pinimg.com/564x/8b/37/44/8b37444cc84b5040fc288f6456334379.jpg' class='cover-image' /> <div class='cover-diamond'></div> <div class='cover-header'>Undying Lore</div> <div class='cover-splotch'></div> <div class='cover-footer'>Created by: King Hang</div> \pagebreakNum # The Undying The Undying, supernatural ushered mankind to civilization and prosperity. But when one of the Undying, Virgo, betrayed the mankind, they were introduced to the world of Miasma. ## Miasma The Miasma is strong magical and poisonous mist that slowly eats away at the body and soul. Few are powerful enough or have the proper protection to shield themselves away from the Miasma. The Undying have the ability to keep the Miasma at bay, offering their blessings to mankind in areas of civilizations. ## The Undying Lore The Undying are gods, immortal and can alter their appearance in anyway they seem fit. In history, there is known to be 12 Undying. The Undying speak a unique language, perhaps the first language to ever have been spoken: **Ancient**. The language itself is very much akin to Celestial when spoken but contains distinct differences in emphasis and the infusion of magic into the language. On paper, the writing itself mimics Celestial, but a reader who does not understand Ancient are unable to read the writing, as strong magic binds and bars the text from the reader, almost burning their thoughts and vision. The Undying, fearing that their language and power would be abused by mankind, altered their words into Celestial, hiding the true power of Ancient to only the Undying and select bloodlines. The Undying used to live alongside mankind, and as such, reports and documentations of each Undying's favored locations were noted. But it has been thousands of years since an Undying has been seen alongside mankind. With the raise of Miasma, different factions of the Undying and mankind developed, and an endless battle between two sides of the Undying have persisted, with another group that has remained neutral. Virgo crafted their alliance, and with them, Capricorn, Pisces, and Taurus have banded together to form an alliance. And in opposition to them rose four Undying: Leo, Libra, Aries, and Cancer. The remaining four: Aquarius, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Gemini. They all have remained neutral or to some degree, have played for both sides. Each Undying inhabited their own place and land in the world. Though the ownership of such lands is not official between the Undying, it is seldom that one would have found another Undying in another's home territory, especially those who oppose each other. The Undying, having formed their own alliances, have also fashioned factions of mankind that follow under their guidance. Often times, these factions obtain the Undying's Blessing: protection from the Miasma. The Undying's alliances are named as such: \columnbreak ### The Virgo Alliance - **Undying:** Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces, and Taurus - **Crest:** A circle of thorns with two sets of wings branching above it ### The Undying Alliance - **Undying:** Leo, Libra, Aries, and Cancer - **Crest:** The bust of a headless Four-armed Man, holding in each of its hands, a sword, a book, a scale, and a shield ## The Undying Named Each Undying has their own faction of followers, and for some, their own ancestry of mankind. Below is a brief history of each Undying and their faction, as reported by Sypha Goriv, a famous historian and former Phantom Magician. ### Virgo, the Virgin The most powerful Undying of the twelve. They are known for their purity and perfect morality. But in those beliefs lies Virgo’s great power of destruction. Using the other Undying for their bidding, Virgo maintains a benevolent dominance above mankind. - **Element:** Radiant - **Eidolon:** Ultima, the High Seraph - **Scion Class:** Cleric and Paladin #### The Legion of the Infernans When Virgo gave raise to the Miasma, they also fashioned mankind into another shape and form, creating Infernal beings. With Virgo's design, the Infernans were born immune to the Miasama. Today, the Legion of the Infernans, are located in the deepest parts of the continent of Jagd (pronounced: yaa-g). There, the legion makes base in a beautiful and nourished paradise surrounded by wastelands. The name itself is kept secret, but those of Infernans reference it as "The Promise Land". The Legion of the Infernans seek to bring Virgo's benevolence to all of mankind, attempting to unify the world by force. They are able work with Daemons, however, they are not able to control them entirely. The Legion of the Infernans sides with the Virgo Alliance. The Legion of the Infernans are the most populated and prominent in the world, led by their leader, **Seymour Jagd**, a powerful wizard and summoner that works directly with Jagd's Empress, and sister, **Sanaki Jagd**. \pagebreakNum Because those of Infernan blood are innately resistant to Miasma, they have a natural ability for magic. The legion itself is host to many spellcasters and boasts Wyverns and Dragons at their disposal, as well as Daemons. ##### Infernan Ancestry Those of Infernan Blood not associated with the Legion, and are not of the Promised Land, have found life quite difficult. Seen from the view of many, as being an ill omen, Infernans often keep their ancestry hidden in fear of prosecution. Treated even worse, are Infernan of mixed ancestry. All Infernan, whether of a mixed ancestry or not, have a prominent red birth mark on their body. This mark is the astrological sign of Virgo, and is said to be a mark of an Undying's Blessing, and is referred to as "The Mark of Virgo". In DnD Race, many of the Infernans are considered to be Tieflings, but natural evolution has made it possible for anyone to be of an Infernan ancestry, as well as Tieflings no longer bearing the mark. Because of this, the Mark of Virgo has become the most prominent identifier of Infernan ancestry. ### Capricorn, the Goat A great and wise Undying and second in command to Virgo. With their knowledge and assistance to Virgo, they have secured Virgo’s benevolent dominance across mankind. Often has Capricorn been seen thrashing and raging in the mountains. It is said their anger has thunderstorms of great proportion. And yet, in their peace, they gifted mankind the manipulation of lighting and electricity. - **Element:** Thunder/Lightning - **Eidolon:** Adrammelech, the Wroth - **Scion Class:** Cleric and Artificer #### The Fulgarian Legion The Fulgarian Legion, or commonly referred to as the Fulgarians, are devoted followers of the Undying Capricorn. Though no where near as large as the Legion of Infernans, the Fulgarians boast devastating control of lightning and thunder, a gift from their Undying. Those of the Fulgarian Legion have with sign of Capricorn branded onto them. The Fulgarian Legion resides in the mountainous regions of Jagd, known to the world as the Striking Trees. The region is named as such for the constant thunderstorm that hovers over the mountains, leaving no tree or mountain untouched by the storm. Because of the harsh living conditions, the Fulgarian Legion has found ally ship with beings with elementals and dragons alike. The Fulgarian Legion sides with the Virgo Alliance. **Katarina Levin** is the master tactician and commands the Fulgarian Legion. She is the youngest child of four in the House Levin, the royal family that rules over the Fulgarian Empire. The empire, led by **Emperor Gawain**, resides hidden in storm clouds, shutting itself out from the world. It is said that when the thunderstorms subside in the Striking Trees, is when the gates of the Fulgarian Empire become open for entry. \columnbreak ### Aries, the Ram An Undying who favors war and conflict. After living for so long, they have found joy in combat and warfare. It is said that warriors who have seen Aries appear beside them in battle have always seen victory. Those who have the misfortune of seeing Aries turned against them, however, have yet to live to tell the tale. It is said that they were the first Undying to extend support to mankind, offering fire to mankind. - **Element:** Fire - **Eidolon:** Belias, the Gigas - **Scion Class:** Fighter and Barbarian #### The Giant's Grasp The Giant's Grasp consists mostly of skilled fighters and mercenaries that have banded together in the pursuit of power. The Giant's Grasp is not known for its pillaging or ravaging of people, and are rather instead a faction that dedicates themselves to protecting others. Their pursuit for power stems greatly for the need of protecting those who cannot protect themselves. The motto followed by members of the faction is to "become the flame that warms the defenseless and burns the treacherous". The Giant's Grasp boasts a strong connection with Giant folk, being able to fight and live alongside with the Giants. The Giant's Grasp is lead by **Volke Seira**, a young man and next in line to the Kingdom of Rathwall . The Kingdom of Rathwall, led by Queen **Cassandra Seria**, and the Giant's Grasp both reside side by side in the continent of Illyana. The Kingdom remains open to all travelers, providing food and shelter to all who need it. ### Taurus, the Bull An Undying of great swiftness and strength, that favors its own freedom above all. Though they have chosen to remain silent throughout history, clear marks of their influence are seen throughout the world. Though they align themselves with Virgo, they are seldom seen alongside them. Taurus, in their pursuit of freedom, gifted mankind Wind. And when Virgo rose with Miasma, Taurus gifted mankind a second gift: Chaos. - **Element:** Wind - **Eidolon:** Chaos, Walker of the Wheel - **Scion Class:** Ranger and Rouge #### Walkers of the Wheel The Walkers of the Wheel, or The Wheel, though working in tandem with The Fulgarian and Inferan Legions, operate at their leisure. Following in the footsteps of their Undying, the Walkers of the Wheel are nomadic and ever moving. Often times are the members of this devote faction traveling merchants or mercenaries, and seldom are they ever all grouped together in one location. Because of this, members of The Wheel, often communicate via messengers. It is not uncommon for members of the Wheel to be in constant disguise. The leader of the The Wheel is **Yoriza Shien**, a renowned assassin and ninja with many connections and guises. He is a master in disguise and deception, and because of this, very few have ever seen his face. \pagebreakNum ### Gemini, the Twins An Undying of split mind, heart, and form. Their presence can exist in two places at once, and sometimes, can even be pinned against each other. Oftentimes this Undying contradicts itself. Where there is debate lies Gemini’s influence. Where gray areas spawn, is where Gemini finds its home. Burdened with the knowledge of the world, Gemini gifted mankind death, allowing mankind to be free from the burden of living. - **Element:** Necrotic - **Eidolon:** Zalera, Angel of Death - **Scion Class:** Warlock and Rouge #### The Parallel Faction A democratic faction that operates within the walls of the Republic of Sumia, located on the northern part of Illyana. The Parallel Faction works mainly with manners of the law and diplomacy. However, clear divide exists as for the methods of negotiating laws. Hence, the name of Parallel Faction: one side ushers for the use of violence, while the other, for pacifist. The elected leader of the Parallel Faction is headed by **Odion Inimeg**, a young man who was born with the Mark of Virgo, despite having no Infernan ancestry. Because of this, his is looked to as an ill omen by some, and by others, a sign of great change. Regardless, he treads and leads carefully, aware of the position he is in. Odion wishes to use both violence and word, understanding the importance of both options in correlation with specific problems. ### Cancer, the Crab An Undying that is seldom seen with its other compatriots. However, they are the most outwardly prominent influence in mankind, teaching them how to survive, thrive, and punish those who derive from its teachings. They often appear before great figures of power, lending their knowledge of the world. Seeing Virgo raise the Miasma against mankind, Cancer took pity on the them, and was the first to gift mankind their blessing. - **Element:** Force - **Eidolon:** Zeromus, the Condemner - **Scion Class:** Paladin and Sorcerer #### The Judges of Impetu The Judges of Impetu, or the Judges, are a faction of powerful authority figures, that also serve as the council of the Scion Empire. The Empire itself is located in the center of the on the island continent of Lysthiea. Emperor **Kurthnaga** and his son **Sojrn**, are the sole surivors of the Scion bloodline. Kurthnaga, however, has grown weaker with age, and with that, Sojrn's ascension to the throne is neigh inevitable. However, the Judges themselves, operate on their own accord, acting under the guise of the Scion Empire. Just recently have they commandeered control over the Scion Empire. Though the population of the Impetu Judges are small and few, they are fearsome for their ability to mass produce lifeless warforged known as Machina, to do their bidding. \columnbreak ### Leo, the Lion A loyal and unwavering Undying. Throughout their existence they have found loyalty and their pride to be the things most worthy of maintaining. Mankind has seen this Undying appear before those who have broken promises and oaths, punishing them and bringing order. Because of this, Leo is but only second in direct influence with mankind. Wanting to keep mankind just, he gifted mankind, judgment. - **Element:** Earth - **Eidolon:** Hashmal, Bringer of Order - **Scion Class:** Paladin and Fighter #### The Laguz Alliance Within this world exists the ancestry of Laguz. Having the blood of the Laguz in one's veins allows them to shift in to incredibly powerful animals, beasts, and even dragons. Because of their ancestry, those of the Laguz maintain certain physical characteristics of their shifted state, such as a tail or wings. Though not uncommon to see in the world, what makes Laguz appear threatening to the uneducated human, is a branding on their skin, similar to that of the mark of Virgo. This mark, though also red in its color, differs in pattern. Even then, those of the Laguz have found great prejudice and have often opted to live instead, with each other. And thusly, the Laguz Alliance was formed. This alliance is headed by nine members of royalty. **Princess Kohana** of the Hawk Tribe, **Prince Sylvain** of the Raven Tribe, **Prince Zihark** of the Cat Tribe, **Princess Mingan** of the Wolf Tribe, **Prince Sheung-Li** of the Tiger Tribe, Princess **Robin** of the Lion Tribe, **Prince Ephraim** of the Heron Tribe, and **Princess Nalia** of the Dragon Tribe. The Laguz Alliance operates all over the world of the Undying. The Alliance meets monthly at a different tribe's homeland each time. ### Libra, the Scales The most just Undying. They seek to maintain the balance of the world and mankind. With the help of Leo and Taurus, they have formed an alliance in opposition against Virgo. When the Eidolons rose against their masters, Libra was the first to strike down his own Eidolon. It was with this first strike that Libra gathered their fellow Undying in opposition to Virgo. Without their Eidolons to aid them, the Undying left the world in a great unbalance. - **Element:** Magical - **Eidolon:** Exodus, the Judge-Sal - **Scion Class:** Wizard, Druid #### The High Summoners The Eidolons themselves are but an extension and voice of the Undying. And the High Summoners are no different. Highly devoted Summoners, they boast the incredible feat of being able to conjure powerful monsters and creatures. Before the betrayal of the Eidolons, **Sujfra Arbil**, the leader of the High Summoner, was able to call forth Exodus, Libra's Eidolon, to aid him in battle. Entryway into the High Summoners requires not only devotion but incredible talent in forming Pacts with creatures. Now, the High Summoners reside in Elician, a remote region of Illyana. \pagebreakNum ### Scorpio, the Scorpion The most out casted Undying by mankind. It is sometimes said that, when mankind first formed, it was Scorpio who ushered and ferried mankind into a prosperous world. However, there is much debate as to who first extended help to mankind, Scorpio or Aries. And it is for this reason that the two oppose each other greatly. However, Aries popularity grew and eventually overshadowed Scorpio, leaving them to be forgotten. In a final attempt to help mankind once more, Scorpio gifted mankind the gift of cleansing, washing away evil. But Scorpio quickly found out that mankind's evil deeds were too great to cleanse. And with their beloved Eidolon tainted by mankind's evil, Scorpio withdrew from the world. - **Element:** Poison - **Eidolon:** Cúchulainn, the Impure - **Scion Class:** Sorcerer and Barbarian #### The Silver Haired It is said that when Scorpio made their attempt to cleanse the evil from mankind, that those touched by Scorpio were blessed, having their hair turn into a sliver color. With Scorpio's blessing was the innate ability to take away pain and suffering from a creature, sacrificing one's own life force to do so. This blessing was passed down in ancestry, and was tracked by the continual presence of silver hair. But, those of silver hair naturally as they begun to mature, began to produce a magnetism for malicious intent, as the presence of evil in mankind found themselves allured to them. And for this reason, were the Silver Haired looked to as an ill-omen, and out casted from civilizations as to protect the greater good. And so, the Silver Haired instead, found each other, and hand in hand brought themselves into seclusion, as their Undying has done before them. ### Aquarius, the Water-Bearer An Undying of neutrality, seeking not to aid Virgo nor Libra in their fight for balance and power. Rather, they seek to serve what benefits them both, playing for both sides. The Undying gifted mankind water, and with it did mankind drown themselves in the troubles of the Undying. For this, Aquarius turned their back on mankind and the Undying. They bear only for themselves. - **Element:** Water - **Eidolon:** Famfrit, the Darkening Cloud - **Scion Class:** Artificer and Wizard #### The Servants of Clouds The Servants of Clouds are a faction of entertainers, bards, dancers, artists, outcasts, and things of the like. Their assembly is innately diverse, taking in even former members of other factions or legions. The Servants of Clouds main goal is prosperity and nourishment for its members. However, they serve with ulterior motives as well. It is not uncommon for Walkers of the Wheel and Servants of the Clouds to be working in tandem with one another. \columnbreak The leader of the Servants of Clouds is **Issiah Mila**, a youthful man with an affinity for fun and crime. He is often quick to make an appearance, and even quicker to come up with a plan that'll benefit him and the Servants of Clouds. ### Pisces, the Fish An Undying of duality of much more control in comparison to Gemini. Though they can exist in two forms, they are often found posing as Gemini, seeking to stir the seeds of debate further towards their liking. For this did they align with Virgo, wanting to corrupt mankind. And with their alignment, did they gift mankind the gift of duality. - **Element:** Cold - **Eidolon:** Mateus, the Corrupt - **Scion Class:** Artificer and Rouge #### The Corrupt The unofficial title of the faction of criminals with bounties on their heads. These faction of people live in the underground or in harsh conditions of the like, aiding in each other in the life of crime and murder. Unlike the Servants of the Cloud, or the Walkers of the Wheel, the Corrupt will kill any and everyone if need be, as long as the reward is worthwhile. Easily, can they be swayed, and even easier, can they change their mind. The Corrupt is led by a person, known only to the world as "**The Yellow Flash**". The Yellow Flash leads The Corrupt in stealth and has long been able to keep their fellow companions away from the hands of the law. ### Sagittarius, the Archer An Undying that wishes to spend its time attuned to the world. They favor the Wood above all, and see the world’s balance as a direct influence to the health of the Wood. Because of this, they were the last of the Undying to gift mankind, the gift of secrets. And with their blessing did they fashion mankind into the Viera, an ancestry capable of communicating with the Wood, and with the understanding of the tongue of the Undying. - **Element:** Psychic - **Eidolon:** Shemihazi, the Whisperer - **Scion Class:** Ranger and Druid #### The Viera The Viera are humanoids that are able to commune with the Wood, able to freely speak with the earth and trees around them. Doing so, makes them incredibly attuned to the state of the nature. Hence, many Viera undergo a state of rage should the environment around them prove too densely packed with magic or otherwise. For this, have Viera become magically trained, and even more so trained in suppressing magic. The majority of Viera have secluded themselves away, magically hidden in the deepest parts of the forests. And yet, there are often Viera that choose to leave their homes behind in order to travel the world. But those who do are never able to hear the Wood's voice again. \pagebreakNum # The Phantom Magicians Unlike Servants of the Cloud, the Walkers of the Wheel, or the the Corrupt, the Phantom Magicians are comprised of members with no affiliation to other factions. The Phantom Magicians work towards assisting mankind against the Virgo alliance while also allowing its members to pursue their own personal goals as well. Think Robin Hood on the base level, but on the operating scale of Akatsuki (from Naruto) and State Alchemists (from Fullmetal Alchemist). Essentially, the Phantom Magicians operate as a mercenary band with personal motive and good intentions as a whole. The founding twelve members of the Phantom Magicians banded together 10 years ago, and is headed by **Daedalus**, the creator of the Phantom ring. Though Daedalus is rarely seen in public with the founding twelve members, Daedalus holds the highest position in executive ruling in the Phantom Magicians. With the creation of the Phantom Ring, the Phantom Magicians were able to raise in popularity and proficiency, making a name for themselves within the world of the Undying. The name Phantom Magicians comes from the unique powers granted by the gemstone of the ring, as its wearer is able to draw on some power of a obscure being. The Magician aspect arose from the ring's innate power to magically produce and vanish items inside of it. The power of the Phantom Ring generated enormous boons to its wearer, giving them tremendous advantage in not only combat but survival in this world. Perhaps a major feat of the Phantom Ring is its ability to temporarily provide cover from the Miasma. The ring is able to produce a small barrier that ventilates Miasma out from it's wearer. However, the ring fails in ventilating incredibly dense Miasma, such as the mist found in Jagd. Regardless, the barrier lasts roughly an hour before the magic that is bound to the ring begins to weaken. Because of this, seldom are night missions assigned to lower ranking Phantom Magicians. Currently, Daedalus is near completion on the creation of the a Phantom Chalice. A mobile chalice capable of providing a portable, wide-area barrier from the Miasma as well as collecting various liquids. What liquids are yet disclosed to the members of the Phantom Magicians. #### The Phantom Island The Phantom Island is where the the main base of operation of the Phantom Magician resides. In the center of the island, resides the Phantom Keep, a very large building, brimming with magic to allow housing of all Phantom Magicians and services. On each cardinal direction from the keep, are Phantom Towers that stand watch over the island and its activities. As of now, the Phantom Island's location remains hidden from the world (though the players themselves have knowledge of where it roughly may be). The island itself is incredibly remote and removed from the continents, making direct travel to and from the island difficult. However, the Phantom Island boasts an incredible epicenter for a network of transportation circles scattered throughout the world. These teleportation circles were implemented by the founding Phantom Magicians as a means to quickly hop around the world and back to the Phantom Island in a split second. The circles themselves, however, can only be activated by a high ranking Phantom Magician, such as the founding Phantom Magicians themselves. The Phantom Magicians has a small but vast network of members that hail from all different regions of the world. And with that vast network is even wider supply of items, weapons, forges, and libraries of the like. On players' downtime, they are more than welcome to explore the island, peruse the wares that Phantom Island has to offer, or pursue personal goals until called upon. #### The Phantom Keep At the Phantom Keep, there are many things to do. Each player maintains their own room in the Phantom Keep. These rooms are akin to the size of studio apartment, and is magically bound to a different dimension or different location (Think of the door from Howl's Moving Castle). All of the rooms are found in the **Hall of Rest**. Below are all the areas of interest within the Phantom Keep, and in extension, the rest of the Phantom Island. * **Hall of Rest**: Where housing resides for the Phantom Magicians. It is a long hallway filled with doorways. * **Penelo's Apothecary**: Run by Penelo, a senior Phantom Magician. Though she specializes in potions, she also is the main provider for general goods on the Phantom Island. * **Fran's Magicks**: Run by Fran, this Magick Shop provides Phantom Magicians access to magical wares such as items, weapons, and equipment. * **Basch's Forge**: Run by Basch, his forge allows Phantom Magicians to customize their equipment, while also stocking on any weapons or armor that they need. * **The Library of Ashe**: A library with an extensive collection of books and artifacts. * **Vaan Square**: A general place of gathering for Phantom Magicians. Often times do the founding twelve members make announcements here. Side Quests are also posted here. * **Balthier's Arena**: An area where Phantom Magicians can test their might against one another, or train and hone their own abilities. Baltheir runs the area, and is keen to awarding Phantom Magicians that are able to beat his own creations. * **The Phantom Towers**: Found at cardinal direction from the keep, these towers serve as a means to not only monitor activities on the Phantom Island, but also to communicate with each other and with other Phantom Magicians around the world. \pagebreakNum * **Cave of Ordeals**: A cave found alongside the mountain range that wraps around the Phantom Keep. The cave has been modified and rigged to serve as a training ground for potential recruits and as a sort of proving ground for current members. The cave has a vast network of tunnels that stretch all the way around the island. Daedalus has found a way to even manipulate and change the tunnels should the need arise. #### Phantom Teams and Mission Cards The Phantom Magicians typically work in a three to four person team, embarking on missions that could last anywhere from a day to months at a time. However, with the teleportation circles, members of the team are able to switch out or restock on items midway through their missions. Typically, the three to four person team remains the same, as to produce better synergy in and outside of battle. However, Phantom Magicians are able to fill in vacant rolls or may even accompany teams for their unique skill sets. Phantom Magicians are also able to request other Phantom Magicians to embark on the same mission, as to build network and experience. When a team is assigned a mission, they are also given a **Mission Card**. These cards provide intel for the team, denoting task(s), who petitioned the Phantom Magicians (if applicable), and the rewards for completing said task(s). The Phantom Magicians keep close watch of their members, and therefore like to reward their members when going above and beyond their expectations or by fulfilling certain criteria for Daedulus' research. These Mission Cards will be provided to the players, and should they complete the extra tasks given, will be rewarded extra for their hard work. \columnbreak ## For the Players ### Element and Scion Class Each Undying is associated with a specific element, and class. Though it does not affect the players in any negative way, it is important to note each Undying's biases to elements and classes. ### Hand-Outs There's a lot to remember, so I will do my best to provide players with hand-outs or summaries of the content covered in session. For example, the Mission Card will be a hand-out made available to the players that will continuously updated with information pertaining the mission that the players learn in session. Please also refer to the hand-outs found in the Google Doc drive as well.