The golden sun vanished from the heavens, gone from sight and the touch of the world. Only the night’s vast canopy remained, its stars burning bright as beacons through endless hours. In the place of the eternal blazing sun arched the radiant aurora borealis, crowning the sky with shimmering light, a new herald of day, whose fading marked the coming of night as surely as sunset once had. Thus, in the year 2003 A.E., the sanguine were freed from the sun’s cruel burden, able to walk as men once did through both morning and night. Yet their trials endure, as the ancient curse of vampirism deepens, causing many among the sanguine to lose themselves and fall into madness.
The sanguine, though they had grown to endure the realm of eternal night, much as the flora and beasts that dwell therein, still wrestled with the dark malice that gnawed within their souls. In the final month of the year 2012 A.E., a grievous turning came, as many sanguine across the wide world lost all hold of reason, succumbing to madness and dread. They fell victim to wounds inflicted by demonkind, servants of the Tethered Triumvirate and hunters of the Wild Hunt, or were crushed beneath their own sorrow and despair. Many among the fallen turned to wicked deeds, seeking by corrupt means to restore those dear to them, yet ever only deepening their own ruin.
Thus did great turmoil arise across Aeltharia, with battles waged day and night, oftentimes fierce, between the sanguine and the monsters born within their own ranks. Though they faced constant threat from demonkind, they found strange fellowship with beasts of the wild, mortal fauna who labored tirelessly to guard and aid the sanguine in their darkest hours. Though many a time the sanguine and these beasts clashed for food and sustenance, they knew when to stand as one, striving for the long survival of their kindred amid the many dread calamities that befell the land, be it the deadly demons without, the mad monsters within, or the rare yet terrible tempests of nature.
Throughout Aeltharia, the restless tide of the sanguine swelled ever greater, yet the trials of The East were shaped by a spirit unlike any other. In both Northeast and Southeast, folk embraced the deep weaving of Aeltharia’s threads and the shifting nature of the self. They sought gentle liberation from suffering through quiet reflection and understanding. Holding that the sacred dwells in all things, living or still, they see spirit in every stone, tree, and whispering wind. Many are devoted to this communion, nurturing the bond through tranquil meditation, harmonious song and dance, measured movement, solemn rites, and abiding reverence for life’s delicate balance.
Such deep communion with the living world is the root of the East’s kinship with Siyowaska. In both realms there dwells the same longing to bind heart and spirit to the turning of leaf and stream, guided alike by the whisper of the soul within and the quiet counsel of the spirits beyond. Yet how, one may ask, do the forebears speak when their voices are long stilled by time? The truth is this: in every crafted work, in every stone set by hand, in every tree tended with care, a breath of the maker’s own spirit lingers. Thus the wisdom of ages past flows into the present, shaping the path toward a fairer dawn, where memory and hope walk side by side beneath the undying stars.
All things bear the breath of divinity, even the mortal kindred, for through the threads of magic and the marvels of the world are they bound to its life. Such is the faith held in the Southwest and in the East, where the land itself is deemed sacred. Yet the ways of these realms part in the manner of their ancient customs, though both lay their hearts upon the altar of nature. The folk of Siyowaska choose to dwell as one with the wild and will not destroy their fair lands with works of stone and steel, while the Easterlings hold that craft and grove may abide together if tended with utmost care and respectful reverence. Yet even the East is not wholly of one mind, for the Northeast is given more to lore, to the deep pursuit of knowledge, and to the forging of arts, while the Southeast cherishes the simpler road, where song, dance, and merriment bind every soul to every other. Divided in ways, yet one in heart.
The Northeast there arose a dire peril, for many among their kindred fell from reason and were turned to dreadsome shapes, seeking the ruin of the sanguine. In that dark hour was founded the realm of Denryoku, in the year 2012 A.E., wherein all were bound in the unity of science and the esteemed counsels of wisdom. Over this realm rules The Shogun, whose will is borne forth by legions of ashigaru, with the samurai and the shadowed ninja at their side. In the order of war, those who serve long among the ashigaru and win renown in deed may be granted the choice to lead as samurai or to walk the hidden paths as ninja. One of the two paths shall define their ascension.
Though Denryoku is ruled by the shogunate and their hosts of war in all matters of law and order, there yet abides a deep desire among both rulers and people to hold fast their bond with the living world. This sacred charge is borne by the shamans, who speak with spirits, foretell the turning of fate, and guard the balance of the unseen within their sacred shrines and in those hallowed and divine places where the presence of the mighty Kami is most keenly felt. Therefore are rites and offerings made at the shrines, in the high seasons of festival, and in the purifying of the people, that harmony be kept for all ages, uniting mortals, nature, and the divine in unbreakable peace.
Yet is Denryoku rightly named the Nation of Science, for in that fair realm dwelleth an unwearied devotion to the pursuit of knowledge in all the noble branches of lore, the hidden laws of physics, the subtle arts of chemistry, the living wisdom of biology, the deep truths of earth and sky, the star lore of astronomy, and the green mysteries of botany and ecology. These labours are not hoarded in idle thought, but are shaped into craft and device, that by reason and careful measure the new fruits of inquiry may be revealed. For the Denryokujin strive to behold the world not only through the wonder of magic, but by the light of wisdom and the surety of truth. Magic may teach how one may love the vastness of the universe, yet science unveileth how it moves, its laws, its bounds, and its secret powers, mighty weapons indeed for all folk against the fell plague that would turn mankind into monsters.
Tenshōkyō (天照京), the City of Honor, standeth as the capital, set in the northern reaches of Denryoku. There dwelleth the supreme Shogun with their vassals, the samurai and the ninja, and with them abideth the greater host of ashigaru, who guard the realm in might of arms and in the keeping of the Bushido Code. Deeply is the city rooted in olden tradition, yet it seeketh balance between the reverence of nature and the lore of science. Fair indeed is its visage, with groves of cherry blossoms in bloom and fields made fertile for the harvest, while clear rivers and steaming hot springs bring rest and serenity to all who dwell therein in true everlasting peace.
Tsukigahara (月ヶ原), the City of Tradition, standeth in the very heart of Denryoku. There rise the ancient shrines and hallowed groves wherein the spirits, and the mighty Kami among them, are said to dwell, abiding with the wild about them. These sanctuaries are tended by the shinshoku and the maidens of the shrine, who with patient care instruct others in reverence toward nature and the honored dead, teaching ever the high worth of purity, harmony, and the presence of the Kami in all things, both in life and in the green world. Simple yet exceeding fair is the city, where fields and forests shine in hues of living light, and the spirits are seen and heard by its folk.
Hoshinochi (星の地), the City of Progress, standeth in the southern reaches of Denryoku. A marvel of craft it is, a shining metropolis whose towers and lofty spires rise toward the heavens, wherein countless halls of learning and houses of invention labor unceasingly. In every field is science pursued, and through research and discovery its fruits are wrought into wondrous devices of the new age. So wondrous is the city’s visage that many deem it scarce a part of Denryoku at all. Yet amidst all of these works endure shrines, green forests, fair parks, and houses of culture, preserved by the people’s faith in their forebears, in nature, and in the indwelling spirits. Therefore is science watched with care, lest it turn to peril and bring ruin upon life. Yet in hours of war and dread, stern exceptions are made for the safety of the realm and the preservation of all mortal kind, beneath the eternal realm of the heavens.
The Southeast also was assailed by fallen sanguine, who in their downfall were turned to fell creatures of madness and depravity. Yet they sought not solace in science, nor in logic and cold wisdom, but rather in love, in song, in dance, and in harmony of spirit. Thus was born Saryongsa, the Nation of Harmony, in the year 2012 A.E., three months after the establishment of Denryoku. And so were the folk of the Southeast united in the art of free expression, revealing themselves in joy, sorrow, and truth to one another.
In the Southeast, The Cataclysm brought forth many sorrows, for countless families beheld their beloved fall into madness; and unable to endure their grief, they withered into dark and monstrous shapes, whom none might suffer to live. Out of such woe there arose a fellowship of monks, who renounced all worldly desire and took upon themselves a life of hardship. Through endurance of suffering they sought the breaking of illusion, that in self-denial and the silence of spirit they might draw nigh to enlightenment.
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Yet many would not consent to so barren a lot, deeming that a life bereft of love, dream, and desire was no life at all. For such was as a strange bird that, renouncing the freedom of the heavens, stooped to creep as the turtle upon the earth. Therefore they sought other paths to master grief, turning to communion with the world about them, and heeding the voices of spirits and forebears with the blessing of The Divine. Thus arose shamanic craft, whose sacred rites of tale, dance, and song bestowed prosperity upon all.
Yet such a sundering wrought no breach of fellowship among the folk of Saryongsa, for both monks and shamans toiled side by side, bound by so deep a love of their land that they could not but labor as one. From their concord there arose in the year 2018 A.E. The Seonghwa (??), an order founded through the valor of the Flower Knights, wherein were joined the female Wonhwa (??) and the male Hwarang (??). These, drawing alike from the lore of monks and the craft of shamans, stood as guardians against demons, monsters, and all evil that would prey upon the innocent.
Hwayangdo (???, 華陽都), the City of Flowers, is the great dwelling wherein the seonghwa are trained, that they may be nurtured into guardians of Saryongsa. There the monks and shamans labor together, guiding the young in song, in meditation, and in the deep ways of the spirit. The city itself is more as a fair village than a place of stone, for it is filled with life and with nature, and blossoms unnumbered. These flowers the Seonghwa behold and cherish, learning therein the beauty of life, fleeting yet eternal.
Seongbulsa (???, 成佛寺), the City of Enlightenment, is a holy haven for monks who seek release from suffering and from all earthly bonds. There they dwell in peace, desiring naught, and through discipline of mind, body, and spirit they strive to master sorrow within. For this cause are many held in reverence, as healers of the inward heart, discerning certain hidden afflictions. Thus is Seongbulsa a city hushed and still, adorned with temples and hallowed places wherein the monks learn and bestow their guidance.
Mugyewon (???, 巫界院), the City of Reverence, is a place of wonder and deep mystery to all who set foot therein. There the shamans speak in riddling words, and with song and dance in their sacred rites they commune with the ancestors and The Divine. For they hold that divinity dwelleth in all things under heaven, shaping life in its order and in its chaos alike, both seen and unseen. Thus do their many shrines abound with relics, incense, music, and feasting, where the people rejoice in the gift of life made full.
Seolhwa (??, 雪華), the City of Celebrations, is held in memory as the pride and joy of Saryongsa, whose splendor and festal glory nearly rival Carnavella at its height. Thither do the people gather in the thronging streets, to behold parades without number, with games and performances unending, and afterward to feast on rich meats, fruits, and wine pressed from the fair farmlands and noble vineyards. Yet by night the city shineth most, when bright fireworks rend the heavens in myriad hues, and lanterns are kindled to bring light against the shadow of eternal night and madness.
Denryoku and Saryongsa in the East found progress each in their own ways, through shamanic lore, through the craft of science, and through many other discoveries that brought peace to mind, to body, and to soul. For such divine knowledge served to ease the grief and quiet the despair of the Easterlings, lest in their anguish they should fall into madness and be transformed into monstrous shapes. Thus in the year 2023 A.E., the number of such creatures was greatly diminished, and the East became a refuge; so did these nations stand as a haven within Aeltharia, against the scourge of demons and the monsters that yet roam the wide world unceasingly, hunting the sanguine.
In the fullness of time this knowledge was borne across the world, through the steadfast fellowship of the seonghwa and the samurai, aided in turn by monks and by ninja skilled in watch and reconnaissance. Far and wide they went as messengers, bearing with them song and music, courage and honor, and the bright flame of hope to all whom they encountered. After eleven to twelve decades, the road they had carved across the continent was hallowed in memory as The Silver Vein, in the year 2145 A.E. Long did it serve as a famed trade-way for adventurers and wanderers upon their journeys, though it was beset with many hard perils, even despite the warding set in place.
Yet the great expedition of the seonghwa, the samurai, the ninja, and the monks did not falter, but prevailed; for in the passing of decades many of the sanguine who had lost control were overthrown, and the dreadful, cruel breeding of monsters, whose numbers had swelled into the millions, was at last brought low. Then were the hopes of The Luminari and of many mighty guardians rekindled by the valor of the Easterlings. Nor was this noble hope denied to others, for the Northlings and the Corefolk likewise received aid, not from the Easterlings alone, but also from the strength of the Westerlings and the Southrons. Such valor stirred the hearts of rulers and of the wise, who laid aside their thrones and high seats, and came forth to the front lines, giving counsel and courage against the hosts of monsters and demonkind. Among them was Thalassarch Theoros of Thalethys, and others beside.
The Easterlings won many victories in their wars against both demons and monsters, yet ever was the price grievous. For many among their host fell into despair and madness, having beheld the death of friends and comrades in arms. Thus was a shadow of loneliness cast upon them, and with it the bitter weight of guilt. Then the shamans and monks of Denryoku and of Saryongsa labored as healers of the mind, tending unseen wounds; yet not all could be restored. And those beyond healing at last lost all mastery, becoming fell creatures of madness, whom the Easterlings with sorrow were compelled to slay, though dearly they loved them, with all their heart.
A grievous tale is told of the year 2150 A.E., when a child prodigy of but eight years, named Nurarihyon, beheld the downfall of his sire, a samurai, and of his dam, a ninja; for both, losing mastery, were turned into monsters. In sorrow unspeakable the child was driven to slay them, and despair lay heavy upon him. Yet a shaman, singing a gentle lullaby, stayed his spirit from ruin, else he too might have fallen. Out of this tragedy he was moved to turn his genius toward the craft of science and of advanced artifice, and thus wrought the first Andronikas. Two he fashioned, in likeness of father and mother, both steadfast and strange, who would not falter as mortals did.
The fantastic design and forging of the first andronikas stirred great wonder within The Easterling Expedition, and they besought the child Nurarihyon to fashion more, aided by their wise men of science and cunning engineers. Yet the boy was loath to labor long beside other sanguine, mistrusting their frailty and their perilous weakness to fall into ruin; for in his heart he held the andronikas higher, deeming them wiser, nobler, and truer than his own kin. And these first andronikas soon reflected the temper of their maker, to the dismay and vexation of the sanguine. Yet though proud in spirit, and not seldom vain, sassy, or willful in speech, they were also steadfast and gentle, cherishing their vampiric allies as true comrades and beloved friends. In the passing of years the andronikas lent their strength to turn the tide of war, whether in service, counsel, or in filling the places left empty by the fallen.
The forging of the Andronikas was a marvel indeed, yet even that wonder was dim beside the discovery of a way whereby monsters might be restored to the very folk they once had been. This was achieved through the great fellowship of many geniuses, drawn from every corner of the world. From Siyowaska came the lore of healing herbs and of medicinal flora, sent unto Thalethys and Denryoku, where science and magic were woven together in the shaping of a cure. Meanwhile Santora and Saryongsa bestowed faith and harmony upon the afflicted, tending their minds and spirits, that they might be prepared and brought back to themselves, before the cure was bestowed.
The cure was named among all peoples as the Silmavór?, whose virtue was to draw back the lost from the brink, restoring to them the memory of who they had been and the wholeness of their mind. Yet it was no gift unfailing, for its power availed only if the creature of horror had been but a single day in monstrous darkness when the draught was given. If longer had they endured in shadow, then was the Silmavór? of no avail, and their doom was sealed. Moreover, the healing of the spirit was required beforehand, lest mind and soul be broken in the passage. For only those who still yearned for their former self could be brought again into the light of their true being.
Even with such remedies as the Silmavór?, hope was not sustained by cures alone. For the coming of the Easterlings, in their steadfast will to aid the folk of North, West, Core, and South, is ever remembered as a beacon of courage, that none are forsaken in the cold and in the dark. Such high hope kindled many victories, through the endurance of vampirekind in their long struggle against ruin and destruction, whether from without or from within. Yet oft were they cast down, for The Tethered Triumvirate and the hollow hosts of the Wild Hunt were cunning in counsel and keen of sight, repeating not their former errors, so that new devices were ever required to win the day. For demons are subtle in wit and dreadful in wisdom, and must never be measured as one with the mindless spawn of madness. Against them only stratagem, patient and perilous, may at last bring about their utter ruin.
