ROYALS
In the intricate governance of the Abyss, Royals play a pivotal role as appointed leaders who ensure harmony, order, and prosperity within their respective regions. Chosen by the divine siblings, Lord Accorus and Lady Noxera, in consultation with their father Acerbus, Royals are Abyssals acknowledged for their exceptional leadership, kindness, and sense of responsibility. Royals are also entrusted with wielding a weapon like the Royal guard. Trained by the Head of the Royal Guard Aevilok Cadogan to master the arts of combat using them, it serves as a symbol of protection for the community.
Leadership appointment:
Communities within the Abyss have the power to suggest Abyssals for Royal appointment. Those who have demonstrated outstanding qualities such as leadership, kindness, and responsibility may be chosen to govern their regions. This appointment is not hereditary, and the children of Royals do not automatically ascend to the throne. Once a Royal either passes away or becomes too old, a new individual is appointed based on their merits and the needs of the region.
Anchor for the Abyssals:
Royals serve as anchors for the Abyssals within their regions, providing guidance, resolving disputes, and fostering a sense of community. They act as stewards of their territories, ensuring the well-being of their fellow Abyssals and maintaining a delicate balance between the divine and mortal realms.
Communication with the Gods
Each Royal is assigned an Abyssal messenger to facilitate communication with Acerbus and Jade. This link to the divine allows Royals to seek guidance, share concerns, and receive insights that contribute to the prosperity of their regions. The divine connection is a sacred responsibility, and Royals often consult with the gods on matters affecting their communities.
Personal Abyssal Guard:
For protection and support, Royals have the privilege of selecting their own personal Abyssal guard. These loyal companions stand by their side, ensuring their safety and aiding in the execution of their duties. The bond between a Royal and their guard is forged through trust and mutual understanding.
Luminous Headmaster
While Royals govern the terrestrial regions of the Abyss, the Luminous, a unique group among Abyssals, have their equivalent figure. The Luminous Headmaster oversees the luminous temples, ensuring safety and order among the caretakers and lost souls. This role is vital for maintaining the spiritual sanctuaries and guiding the souls toward peace.
In the intricate dance of leadership, Royals stand as beacons of guidance, embodying the values of responsibility, kindness, and leadership. Their presence ensures that each region of the Abyss thrives under their watchful care, creating a harmonious balance between the mortal and divine aspects of their extraordinary realm.
THE ROYAL GUARD
Guardians of the Abyss
Established with the solemn mission of safeguarding the Abyss from potential threats and harmful events, the Royal Guard stands as a symbol of protection, loyalty, and discipline. Originally led by the ancient Abyssal Watchers, deities of a kind and the first creations of Acerbus, the Royal Guard now operates as its own order under the leadership of Aevilok Cadogan.
Leadership and Order
Aevilok Cadogan, the esteemed head of the Royal Guard, leads with unwavering dedication and commitment. Under his command, the Royal Guard has evolved into a formidable force, instilled with a strong sense of hierarchy to maintain order and efficiency in the face of potential threats.
Dark Past and Weapon Stars
In the wake of a tragic historical event known as "The War of Oblivion," the use of weapons among Abyssals underwent a profound transformation. To prevent the devastating possibility of Abyssals harming each other again, the Royal Guard emerged with a critical rule — they are the only Abyssals permitted and capable of wielding weapons.
The Weapon Stars, mystical artifacts granted to each Royal Guard member, serve as both a symbol of their status and a practical tool. These floating items follow the Guard, granting them the unique ability to summon and wield their own personal weapons. Some believe that these Weapon Stars are powered by the lingering spirits of Abyssals who perished in The War of Oblivion, a haunting reminder of the past.
Hierarchy and Structure
The Royal Guard operates with a robust hierarchy to ensure order and efficiency in their protective duties. The ranks, from bottom to top, include Lieutenants, Captains, Staff Officers, Admirals, and Generals.
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Lieutenants:
The entry level, Lieutenants undergo training overseen by Captains. They form the backbone of the Royal Guard and play a crucial role in its day-to-day operations. -
Captains:
Responsible for training Lieutenants, Captains lead small groups and oversee the development of their charges. They serve as the bridge between lower ranks and higher command. -
Staff Officers:
Tasked with mission planning, team organization, and training coordination, Staff Officers play a pivotal role in preparing the Royal Guard for their duties. They focus on strategic elements and readiness. -
Admirals:
Engaged in both bureaucratic and strategic tasks, Admirals manage guard placements, discuss promotions for Lieutenants and Captains, and plan defense strategies. They bridge the operational and administrative aspects of the Royal Guard. -
Generals:
Few in number, Generals oversee the armory and coordinate closely with Admirals. They have a comprehensive understanding of the Royal Guard's operations and occasionally assume the responsibilities of Admirals, contributing to both the tactical and logistical aspects of the force.
The Royal Guard, with its disciplined structure, skilled members, and a history marked by sacrifice, stands as an unwavering shield against the shadows that threaten the harmony of the Abyss.
ABYSSAL MESSENGERS
Angelic Appearance:
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Avian Heritage:
Abyssal Messengers bear an unmistakable resemblance to Avariels, the bird-like Abyssals. Their avian features include feathered wings, long feathers, and occasionally a distinctive angelic halo that hovers above their heads. -
Celestial Glow:
Abyssal Messengers emit a gentle, celestial glow that illuminates their angelic features. This ethereal radiance adds to their awe-inspiring and otherworldly appearance.
Communication Role:
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Link to the Divine:
Abyssal Messengers serve as the vital communication link between the god Acerbus, his wife Jade, and the Abyssal royals. They are entrusted with conveying divine messages, guidance, and insights discussed during messenger meetings in Caeli. -
Royal Assigned Messengers:
Each Abyssal royal has a designated Messenger who keeps them informed about matters discussed in Caeli. This personalized connection ensures a direct and secure channel for divine communication.
Selection Process:
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Born or Blessed:
Abyssal Messengers are either born with innate traits that mark them for this sacred role or are blessed later in life due to exceptional loyalty to the Abyss and a profound understanding of the divine language. -
Exceptional Loyalty:
Loyalty is a key criterion for becoming an Abyssal Messenger. Those who have displayed unwavering dedication to the Abyss and a deep connection to its spiritual essence are considered for this extraordinary role.
Residence:
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Floating Isles of Caeli:
Abyssal Messengers often reside on the smaller floating islands of Caeli, where they can be closer to the divine presence of Acerbus and Jade. These islands act as celestial sanctuaries, fostering an environment conducive to divine communication. -
High Mountain Abodes:
Some Messengers choose to dwell in secluded abodes atop the highest mountains in the Abyss. These lofty residences provide them with a vantage point from which to observe and communicate with the various regions below.
Duties beyond Communication:
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Guides to the Divine:
Abyssal Messengers not only convey messages but also act as guides to the divine realms. They assist royals in understanding the nuances of divine guidance and interpreting the messages received during their meetings with Acerbus and Jade. -
Guardians of Sacred Knowledge:
Messengers are entrusted with safeguarding sacred knowledge, ensuring that the divine insights shared in Caeli are preserved and understood by the Abyssal community.
SOUL CATCHERS
Role and Significance:
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Brave Wanderers:
Soul Catchers are Abyssals who undertake the challenging task of venturing into the darkest corners of the forest to find and guide lost souls. They carry lanterns provided by the Luminous Abyssals to increase their range of light, making them more visible to wandering spirits. -
Protectors of the Lost:
Soul Catchers act as guardians, ensuring that lost souls are shielded from potential dangers in the Abyss. Their courage and dedication are highly respected among the Abyssal community.
Connection with Luminous:
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Collaboration:
Soul Catchers often collaborate closely with Luminous Abyssals, coordinating efforts to bring lost souls to the safety of the Luminous Temples. The partnership between Soul Catchers and Luminous Abyssals is integral to maintaining the delicate balance between the Abyss and the lost souls.
HUNTERS
In the heart of the Abyss, where shadows dance and mysteries unfold, Hunters emerge as silent figures, adept at navigating the dark and dangerous realms. These skilled Abyssals serve as the primary source of sustenance for their communities, foraging and utilizing trapping methods to secure food from the abundant but perilous surroundings.
Role in the Community:
Hunters hold a vital position within Abyssal communities, providing a consistent and essential food supply. Their foraging expeditions delve into the more shadowed and dangerous parts of the Abyssal landscape, where agility, stealth, and a keen understanding of the environment are paramount.Agility and Stealth:
Marked by their exceptional agility and silent movements, Hunters navigate the labyrinthine landscapes with grace. Their ability to move quietly and efficiently through the darkened woods and treacherous terrains allows them to approach prey without alerting other inhabitants of the Abyss.Trapping Expertise:
Hunters are adept in the art of trapping, utilizing a variety of methods to ensnare smaller animals for sustenance. From intricately designed snares to carefully concealed pitfalls, their trap-building skills are honed through experience and a deep understanding of the behaviors of the creatures that inhabit the Abyss.Venturing into Darkness:
To secure the most bountiful resources, Hunters willingly venture into the more shadowy and dangerous parts of the Abyss. These areas, fraught with potential hazards, house elusive prey that requires both skill and courage to capture. The success of their foraging endeavors contributes not only to their own survival but also to the well-being of the entire community.Community Dependence:
Abyssal communities rely heavily on the expertise of their Hunters. The food they provide becomes a communal source, strengthening the bonds among the inhabitants. The silent figures that tread through the darkness, returning with the spoils of their expeditions, are revered for their contribution to the survival and prosperity of the community.
In the Abyss, where the balance between light and shadow is delicate, the Hunters stand as guardians of sustenance, their agility, stealth, and trapping skills weaving a vital thread in the intricate tapestry of Abyssal life.
KNIGHTS OF LIMBO
In the shadowed recesses of Limbo, a spectral force emerges as the Knights of Limbo, tasked with maintaining order within the chilling maze that imprisons the banished Abyssals and corrupted souls. Draped in the cold, eerie tones of the abyssal pit, these enigmatic figures serve as the realm's vigilant sentinels.
Patrolling the Abyssal Maze:
The Knights of Limbo traverse the fog-laden corridors and shadowed valleys of the abyssal maze, their presence hauntingly silent against the backdrop of eternal darkness. Armed with weapon stars, their movements are purposeful, as they tirelessly patrol the expanse, ensuring the containment of the tormented souls behind the forbidding gates. Equipped with the mystical weapon stars, the Knights of Limbo are masters of containment, wielding their authority to subdue and control the ferocity of corrupted souls and Abyssals. Their discipline and unwavering commitment make them the great wardens of the abyssal hell, ensuring that the imprisoned endure the torment assigned to them.Enforcers of Abyssal Order:
As the enforcers of Limbo's harsh rules, the Knights of Limbo stand as formidable guardians against the chaos that festers within. Their duty is to keep the imprisoned Abyssals and corrupted souls in check, preventing any disruption or unrest that might disturb the desolate peace of the abyssal pit.Dispatching the Hellhounds:
The Knights of Limbo hold the authority to dispatch the dreaded Hellhounds, demonic guardians with an infernal appearance, into the Abyss. These ferocious Abyssals, unleashed upon the Abyssal realms, hunt down newly possessed Abyssals and bring them into the cold embrace of Limbo. The Knights' strategic deployment of Hellhounds ensures the continuous flow of condemned souls into the abyssal pit.Guardians of Abyssal Secrets:
The Knights of Limbo operate in a realm of secrecy, their actions concealed from the common knowledge of Abyssals. Their role as guardians and enforcers remains veiled in mystery, known only to the wise and experienced, adding an air of enigma to their existence.In the haunting silence of Limbo, the Knights of Limbo emerge as silent sentinels, standing watch over the imprisoned souls and Abyssals. Their stoic presence reinforces the austere and foreboding nature of this abyssal realm, ensuring that the captured endure their perpetual torment within the chilling embrace of Limbo.
HELLHOUNDS
Within the chilling depths of Limbo, the Hellhounds emerge as spectral enforcers, demonic in appearance and draped in the shadows of Abyssal dread. Tasked with the relentless pursuit of possessed Abyssals, these otherworldly beings carry out the will of the Knights of Limbo with ruthless precision.
Demonic Appearance:
Hellhounds manifest as demonic looking entities, their forms cloaked in an ethereal darkness that strikes fear into the hearts of the possessed. With sinister features and an otherworldly aura, they become nightmarish apparitions on the fringes of reality. Their hunting form resembles that of a hellish dog.Invisibility to the Unpossessed:
Intriguingly, Hellhounds remain invisible to the ordinary Abyssals unless deciding to reveal themselves, concealed within a veil imperceptible to those untouched by possession. Their presence is known only to the corrupted souls and possessed Abyssals they are tasked to capture, shrouding their actions in a supernatural mystery.Blind Obedience to the Knights of Limbo:
Hellhounds are unwavering in their loyalty to the Knights of Limbo, following orders with a precision that borders on the supernatural. Their loyalty knows no bounds, and their actions are dictated solely by the directives of those who command them. Blind obedience defines their existence.Harbingers of Impending Capture:
Days before the chase begins, possessed Abyssals targeted by a Hellhound experience a foreboding sense of dread. Growls and husky voices echo in the distance, haunting their waking moments and infiltrating their dreams. The feeling of being watched intensifies until the inevitable pursuit begins.Distorted Reality and Hallucinations:
Hellhounds warp the perception of their prey, inflicting visual and auditory hallucinations that distort reality. As the chase ensues, the targeted Abyssal experiences a descent into a nightmarish realm, where the boundaries between the real and the illusory blur.Relentless Pursuit:
Fleeing from a Hellhound may seem an option, but hiding proves futile. The relentless pursuit of a Hellhound transcends physical limitations, bridging the gap between dimensions. No sanctuary remains beyond their reach, and escape becomes an illusion in the face of their supernatural determination.Chains of Limbo:
Ultimately, a Hellhound fulfills its role by capturing the possessed Abyssal or soul, binding them with ethereal chains. With an inexorable force, they drag the captured down into the cold abyssal pit of Limbo, where eternal torment awaits.In the shadowy realm of Limbo, Hellhounds become the harbingers of doom, weaving an intricate dance between dread and pursuit. Their demonic presence adds a layer of supernatural terror to the desolate landscape, enforcing the will of the Knights of Limbo with an unwavering and spectral tenacity.
The Archwrights
(aka Architects)
The Archwrights are specialised Abyssals who mastered the craft of constructing and engineering buildings and monuments within society. They have a keen sense of material properties and choose them wisely. With these skills they are able to plan out entire settlements and structure civilization to be in tune with their needs. Be it transit or trade roads, neighborhoods, temples and significant buildings that the community needs. They are workers by heart but do stand out from your regular builder Abyssal, with precise measurements and meticulous planning through blueprints. Testing structural weak points before and after completion. As well as hearing out the community they are building for. After the War of Oblivion had destroyed vast parts of the infrastructure in the most significant areas of the Abyss, morale of rebuilding was weak. The builders that rose their homes from the ground had fallen or were no longer able to rebuild with their injuries sustained. The first Archwrights that built the first settlements as an example had long passed and their work was now unrecognizable. Eventually, one Abyssal stepped up, with a great speech “This land is our home, stone, wood or dust, it will be our home until we fade as one and nurture the ground we stand on. The Archwrights were no gods, not a tale, not a wish granted, they were like us, determined and passionate. We just need to make it feel like home again.” promptly a few Abyssals felt a strong sense of duty to reclaim their lost craft, researching, studying materials and old scriptures and blueprints. The mysterious Abyssal that stood to speak is told in tales to have been a watcher who supported the first Archwrights in the very beginning. To this day, in the Archwrights first district, this Abyssals likeness is seen carved into the delicate adorning trims and archways of the oldest structures throughout the Abyss.
The Gloomgrowers
Unlike farmers or gardeners who work with the methods known by many for eons, the Gloomgrowers are those that uncover such methods and stand time. These Abyssals have a vast knowledge of flora and other organisms found in the nature of the Abyss. With great care they research, preserve and cultivate vegetation, fungi, fruit and other crops above but also underground. A great focus lies on the main challenge the Abyss poses for sustainable agriculture, the low-light environment. Their knowledge surpasses those of many Abyssals combined in this field. They know which plants thrive in total darkness versus areas surrounded by glowing light, even the nuanced difference of artificial light and the weak natural “daylight” the Abyss is bathed in. Using glowing minerals found underground for a passive aid to lighten the crop just enough and crosspollinating species to combine attributes like photosynthesis in low light, nutrient low soil resistance or being able to withstand competing plants that tend to cover these crops if left without maintenance. Creating symbiotic relationships between plants and pairing plants with similar needs are also a constant in their research. Some plants have wilted and were never seen again over the years, extinct fallen in the storm of passing time, the Gloomgrowers made it their duty to preserve what they had and what was seemingly lost. While the Gloomgrower generations have not been able to withstand the War of Oblivion, the ones that found their calling to continue the work of their fallen ancestors afterwards made an incredibly valuable discovery. In the ruins of who once were keepers of diversity, delicately packaged seeds and propagations were found intact, species that were never heard of or long believed gone with the corrupt souls that plagued the land. With great effort, over many years, through dire seasons and an immense amount of care and the help of the most skilled Archwrights known to Abyssal, they constructed the Viridarium. A colossal botanical garden, multiple different sections with vastly different climates simulated by the perfectly tuned mix of soil, terrain, temperatures, humidity, and artificial weather events to replicate the climate that has always shifted for change within the Abyss. Every flower, tree, bush, fungi… every singular plant that has ever grown its roots into the realms soil has a place in the Viridarium to live on. Even the Abyssal rose blooms in the Atrium once in a while. It is said Gloomgrowers are the Goddess Jades blessed children. Her love for the Nature of the Abyss has carried through their very bones and shaped them into who they are.
The Bloodkeepers
Keeping track of ancestry through the eons seems like an impossible task, and sometimes it remains to be, however, these Abyssals have specialised in devoting their time to ancestry research. In the Abyss, ancestry is not like you would imagine, Abyssals are not conceived, nor born, they are manifested between two Abyssals bonding. Yet every Abyssal carries a remnant part of the bond that brought them into existence. While this remnant is always a piece of the soul matter that makes up an Abyssal it is never just that. History plays an even bigger part in where they came from. A great line of hunters, guards, soulkeepers or other crafts they seem to have been skilled with since their first day in the Abyss can be a lead. Tales and family stories, familiar faces in scriptures, related names, a mark that matches another's. All these hints and clues are essential to mapping out an Abyssals ancestry. The Bloodkeepers therefore aren’t really going by blood, many see them as Archivists and call them such as well. Mostly seen around the great library, studying old scriptures and stories written but also very actively talking to the community. It takes a lot of detective work at times, but many Bloodkeepers like the thrill of exactly that, solving the mystery. Sometimes being able to reunite Abyssals that never knew who they really were beside a name feels rewarding. The Bloodkeepers are bringing a little sense of knowledge to something before, during and after the War of Oblivion, something highly sought after given the mystery it is shrouded in as not many lived to tell its tales. Some Bloodkeepers have done the work even before an Abyssal is seeking the answers. Looking for a long lost relative assumed to be dead, maybe alive, a Bloodkeeper might just lead you to their doorstep the same day, or sit with you at their resting place to hear their voices once again or maybe even for the first time.
The Artificers
A Jack of many trades, master of one. An Artificer is an Abyssal that has always loved playing with rocks, sticks and string to make rather weird and often considered useless contraptions. A head full of ideas and projects that could change an Abyssals life forever. While not all ideas always come to fruition they are all at least given the attempt of being made. The Artificers are incredibly creative Abyssals often hopping from one idea to another until one day something sticks. With a lot of ideas comes the need for a lot of skill and knowledge, which one singular Abyssal simply cannot acquire alone. Known as the inventors of things used in daily life today and maybe tomorrow they are a well connected group of craftsmen and craftswomen. To be able to give an amputee Abyssal the ability to participate in life again by creating a mechanical leg is only one of such inventions, the Artificers Consortium. Artificers work together, one has mastered the art of blacksmithing another versed in carpentry and once another may be a clockmaker. When an Artificer has an idea that requires more than one skill they do not hesitate to collaborate. The blacksmith forges the metal gears, the rods, the bolts while the carpenter carves the shape of a leg in wood, the clockmaker assembles the mechanicals to make it move the way it should and there you have it, a prosthetic, one of a kind.
While not only for the community, the Artificers also work with the Royal Guards. The military aspect of the Royal Guard is clear and their equipment always leaves room for improvement. These Artificers are usually handpicked by Aevilok Cadogan, the very head of the brigade and therefore only few have the honor of serving the protection of their kind.
Most Artificers are running their day to day with the skill they specialised in, blacksmiths, carpenters and such, they usually do not boast about their inventions or creative drive, but the quality and attention to detail in their craft is often very telling.
The Ferrymen
This role seems more like a gift of nature, yet there are Abyssals teaching its virtues to new holders of this gift. The Ferrymen, keepers of the Thyravai, are Abyssals who have come into contact with a large beast called Thyravai. These beasts are massive wolf-bear like creatures, bearing wings of all kinds like Abyssals. Usually the Thyravai stay secluded and away from civilization, they are loners and wander the dark forests on their own. Their diet consists of animals and berries but Abyssals have fallen victim to hungry Thyravai before. However, should an Abyssal cross paths with one and not be eaten, it is possible for one to bond with the feral creature. Long winded dedication is needed to do so, some spend years feeding their beast in the wild, some move to be closer, rarely some just simply click and remain inseparable from the day they met. Ferrymen are sought after as a contact since their bond to a Thyravai can extend to them assisting with heavy lifting tasks. Thanks to their abilities they can drag heavy loads or fly things from one region to another. The only danger around these bonded creatures is their master. Thyravai can be commanded to do their masters bidding, they would not stop at hurting another Abyssal when told so by their keeper. Attacking a Ferrymen will not only bring the wrath of the Royal Guard upon you, but the pure bundled rage of a creature willing to kill for their master. Only the Ferrymen can pull their beasts off a target, loyal as they are. Should a keeper ever disrespect or abuse their beast intentionally, the same fate awaits the Abyssal as a piece of meat on a bone. Thyravai can look vastly different from another, most are dark colored but just like souls, they can adjust to the lifestyle of their keeper with time. They are usually large, fluffy and have their eyes covered, being naturally blind as a mole the floating eyes in front of their face serve to see, especially well in the deep dark. The name Ferrymen originated from after the War of Oblivion, when Keepers aided with making their Thyravai help transporting materials and wounded abyssals across the split ground ravines.
