Fortune's Ring is a relatively sparce portion of the galaxy where a large number of smaller nations can be found. While historically dominated by the likes of Sagitarrium and Vaspujian, the region has recently come to embrace self-rule. Despite its sparceness, Fortune's Ring is home to more species within it than outside it, thanks largely due to Verpletter and its anomalous properties. Outside of Verpletter, the [[Dotsk]], [[Celucanti]], and [[Lyncisians]] call the region home.
Fortune's Ring is a relatively sparce portion of the galaxy where a large number of smaller nations can be found. While historically dominated by the likes of Sagitarrium and Vaspujian, the region has recently come to embrace self-rule.
===<big>'''Aggregate Aylathiya'''</big> ===
===<big>'''Aggregate Aylathiya'''</big> ===
==='''<big>Verpletter</big>'''===
[[Verpletter]] (coming from the [[Erstes Konsortium|Erstes]] word meaning "broken"), is a region of space that is filled with many disparate states vying for influence in the region. While originally under the administration of Sagittarium, the region was largely self-governing. After the [[War of the Ancients]], large numbers of refugees flooded into the region, its population increasing to almost half a quintillion by 89,450 CE. That same year, the region was later sealed off in part by the propagation of deadly space-based lifeforms and a host of automated military craft seizing the region in between Sagittarium and Verpletter. Communication was cut off for millennia.
Recently, communication was restored as the Greater Martial Consilium began tying up loose ends. Once the craft and lifeforms were cleared out enough to allow for consistent travel in 99,500 CE, the region has since fallen into chaos. The Sagittarian administrative government fell within a year as the people, disgruntled from their treatment as refugees, began looking for new government models to solve their problems. An interesting caveat is that the environment of Verpletter leant itself to a high rate of anomalous activity and, thus, an increased rate of mutation through as of yet unknown means.
=== '''<big>Orithiya</big>'''===
=== '''<big>Orithiya</big>'''===
==='''<big>Martial Space</big>''' ===
==='''<big>Martial Space</big>''' ===
[[Martial Space]] is the region of space defined by its interactionwith the [[Greater Martial Consilium/History|Neo-Terran Co-prosperitySphere]] and the subsequent political fallout involving its collapse. Filled almost entirely with monarchies, Martial Space shares a common culture, language, and history centered around [[Hal Drusus II|Mars]], the patron deity and head of state of every nation in Martial Space. Since Mars and the institutions built around them are centered on the Grand Duchy of [[Drusidia]], thisnationhas gained tremendous influence in the region.
[[Martial Space]] is the region of space defined by its heritage as former territory of the [[Triumvirate Civilization]] and the subsequent political fallout involving its collapse. Filled almost entirely with monarchies, Martial Space shares a common culture, language, and history centered around [[Hal Drusus II|Mars]], the patron deity and head of state of every nation in Martial Space. Since Mars and the institutions built around them are centered on the planet [[Scipio]], the planet and the worlds around it have gained substantial influence across the region and beyond.
Today, much of Martial Space exists with the [[Greater Martial Consilium]]; however, there still exist several that retain independence. Martial Space has a fairly high number of native species, such as [[Vexlores]], [[Naidarans]], [[Kristals]], [[Ekrosians]] and [[Farlas]].
Today, much of Martial Space exists with the [[Greater Martial Consilium]]; however, there still exist several that retain independence. Martial Space has a fairly high number of native species, nearly as many inside of it as the rest of Aylathiya, such as [[Humans]], [[Vexlores]], [[Naidarans]], [[Kristals]], [[Ekrosians]], [[Atlins]], [[Orcubor]], [[Ravis]], [[Molkor]], [[Ror Units]], [[Lentomos]], and [[Farlas]].
==='''<big>Leer</big>'''===
==='''<big>Leer</big>'''===
Leer is the region of the galactic halo dominated by the [[Un'oit]] near to Martial Space. With dozens of light years between stars at the minimum, Leer is a vast expanse dominated by Un'oit warlords with little holding it together. Officially under the jurisdiction of the Greater Martial Consilium, most of its systems govern themselves in a lawless area. Leer is set apart from most of Aylathiya's lawlessness in that there is very little in the way of space-borne life or rogue machines moving across its space, thus making it comparitively safe.
==='''<big>Circuit of the Gods</big>'''===
==='''<big>Circuit of the Gods</big>'''===
Revision as of 18:17, October 10, 2022
Template:!Galaxy InfoboxThe River of Heaven, the Galaxy of Might, Aylathiya, lies in near solitude within its corner of space with only a scant few nearby galaxies visible in its skies. Home to over forty disparate interstellar civilizations and five hundred billion stars, this three-cored spiral galaxy is the fourth largest in Cosmoria. Its civilizations ancient and its stars depleted, most every star has a megastructure around it. Most of these megastructures decay, untouched by civilization simply due to their large number, as squatters, spaceborne life, and rogue machines subsist on the remnants of once great empires.
Through the innovation of the many intelligent species found here, Thaumaturgy and related arts make up for the lack of resources. This scarcity has made galaxy-spanning civilizations almost impossible, any attempt to unify these saffron spirals ending in failure. Thanks to, in no small part, phenomena and entities still beyond the understanding of science, Aylathiya represents an ever-changing political climate often bubbling over into conflict at a moment's notice.
Primordial History
Awakening
Life first came into existence in Aylathiya not on its planets but in the vast ocean of space. This life, analagous to the ocean-dwelling life forms most common in the universe, has evidence for its existing dating back at least 4.5 billion years. Since time immemorium, Aylathiya supported a stunning array of life since well before the first planets cooled enough to entertain seas of liquid water.
Incapable of sensing the then-primordial Lux Aeterna, such lifeforms likely thrived in the rich environment of forming debris. The weak Aeterna, unable to pierce the minds of any person, may have allowed such creatures to act naturally. The still-forming Aylathiya slowly evolved, cradling the infant species like a warm, cosmic mother. Perhaps the earliest civilizations could have started in its mist, happily feasting on the endless resources before falling into obscurity. A trillion trillion stories may have began and died in this primordial age, succumbing to the ever-changing world around them.
High Warlock Aylathiya's quiet childhood erupted into chaos however, as an ebony monstrosity named the High Warlock pried itself from the tumor-like Aeterna. Being a victim, or perhaps a perpetrator, the High Warlock swam from star to star, throwing them deep in its deformed maw. Rather than wasting its years trying to combat Aylathiya, the Warlock flew to its children, the ancient satellite galaxies. From there, the Warlock grew wiser and greedier as it committed galactic murder.
It's uncertain whether the High Warlock devoured dead galaxies or squirming, lively ones. An untold amount of history may have been erased in the Warlock's jaws. Invincibility was not a guarantee, however. In a time nearing 1.2 billion years ago, the fabled Cerulean Kings deterred the Warlock back to Aylathiya. From there, it settled in its orbit and licked its wounds, nestling itself in the dead remains of its final meal.
"Sod's Seat", the now empty throne of the enraged.
Bastardborne
A direct consequence of the Warlock's arrogance stirred the rage of its first victims. Looking up from a nameless world, the population of an entire planet united with fear and rage dominating their hearts. Forming into a singular collectivized being, the new "Bastard Son" vowed to bring down the High Warlock by any means necessary. The first recorded megastructure, a "super-planet", was created as the enraged titan found itself losing consciousness.
"Primordial Thaumaturgy" is thought to have been weaker than modern Thaumaturgy. This was a direct result of the Aeterna's inferior size at the time.
Nations Blooming
Despite the looming danger, the earliest spacefarers sprouted in Aylathiya's saffron shadows. Such people date back to about 1.1 billion BCE in a region near Blumeheim. Others may have appeared even before the Warlock's time, such as those on D'Naevium and its related worlds. Information from before the Warlock's time is sparse, since there are no living records.
Its thought that the first cosmic explorers held not only technology, but primal thaumic power as well. As suggested by remnants across Aylathiya and the Aeterna, some powerful Magi may have sculpted early society. This so-called "Primordial Thaumaturgy" was not able to synergize with technological growth. Not only that, but then-plentiful resources made it far more practical. Nevertheless, ~1 billion BCE is the common date for the Aeterna's debut.
Ancient History
Zaphenim & Dökkálfar
The first concrete and well-documented society started not by the people but by a higher being, an Angel. The the Aeterna's first arbiter, Father Zaphenim, was not a native. Rather, he merged his own Azurade-gifted realm with the Aeterna, transforming into its purest of beings. Neither a conglomeration of "Cores" or a mutated Pylon, this being Zaphenim represented filtered, refined Thaumaturgy. With his esoteric powers, Zaphenim sculpted a nation and raised a people.
The "Dökkálfar", Zaphenim's children, is likely the ultimate ancestor of the Martial races. As beings made in Zaphenim's image, they thrived by his side. Once his mortal subjects granted him a throne and a peculiar nation, he gave back. Using his sublime abilities, the Aeterna Crystals were forged. At the time, such crystals were the only method for a commoner to gain Thaumaturgy. As such, Zaphenim commonly granted his favorite subjects with these abilities, giving them lives like never before. Some became leaders, others became soldiers, and most others went off to live their fantasy.
Mother Sachitel upon receiving Sinister's Curse. It's not known whether she has free will anymore.
Sachitel & the Bastard
The succession of Angels is a natural process. Upon the completion of one's directive, a new one takes their place. While such a simple process is clear on paper, the heir to Zaphenim was anything but. As the first Aeternaborne made from the usual 'core' process, Mother Sachitel was a victim to her tainted self. Predispositioned to mental turmoil, she acted erratically at first. It was until Zaphenim came to Sachitel and gave her orders did she see sense. From there, she founded the Hedonist Worlds and toured Aylathiya. Her primary goal was bringing Zaphenim's old species away from their self-inflicted turmoil.
Millennia of transformation helped her directive become fulfilled. Sachitel had an itch for exploration however. Before meeting Zaphenim, Sachitel wanted to see what the universe has in store. Sending her first of final goodbyes, she wandered Cosmoria until finding the High Warlock. Being tugged by its irresistible chains, she formed a pact and connected to it. As such, her power skyrocketed, sanity finding itself thrown out of her mind. Sachitel was a sort of "Icon" for the Warlock. Armed with yet another directive, Sachitel "re-vitalized" her already prospering worlds, warping them for better or worse. Saying her last of final goodbyes to an unrecognizable populous, she disappeared on Zushilo.
Rinayo and Isayo descending upon Callithyia, intending to purify Aylathiya by annihilating Mahou.
Rinayo & Isayo
While Aylathiya expected one child to rebel against the Thaumic fog, it was blindsided by two. Self-acclaimed brothers Rinayo and Isayo shook Aylathiya like no other. As arbiters of justice, they personally oversaw every civilization of note. All creatures, wriggling monsters, and other living things were subject to their gaze.
Formulative Period
A new civilization, the Triumvirate Civilization roared onto the galactic stage by the 80,000s. Its meteoric rise to prominence was a source of anxiety for the waning Sedrua. A conflict over the planet Hathia became the casus belli for a galactic-scale Triumvirate-Sedrua war in 61,814 BCE. While the Triumvirate was much younger than Sedrua, it soon became apparent that invasion of either party would be impossible. Sedrua would lose the conflict, and a significant amount of territory in 59,763 BCE.
What followed was an era in which the Triumvirate was the sole superpower in Aylathiya. While other nations such as the QPA were formidable, truly they could not hold a candle to the first Martial State. Sedrua's blisteringly fast decline after the Sedrua-Triumvirate War caused it to shed valuable territory such as Avolast and vast tracts of space that would go on to form the Commonwealth of Aggregate Aylathiya. Vurilia Jutopati would sieze power and guide Sedrua to a more isolationist phase. Several thousand years later, a coup took place, installing Thonde Yutira as the leader of Sedrua.
Upon observing the Triumvirate become increasingly unstable, the Commonwealth grew wary of a potential lashing out. Defense was made against the Triumvirate in the following years. More concern appeared after, as Sedrua finished licking its wounds proceeding the rebellions. While Sedrua remained isolationist for many centuries more, the Commonwealth thought it was best to defend itself from them as well. In the following millennia, the political climate was stable enough to allow for regular expansion and trade. The Commonwealth began to evolve, changing from a type of alliance to a confederacy.
Common Era
Post-Triumvirate Period
The Common Era begins with the collapse of the Triumvirate Civilization in 1 CE. The Post-Collapse Period is defined by the general chaos experienced by most inhabitants at the time, particularly within the territory once dominated by the Triumvirate. Even though Erstes Konsortium would soon replace the Triumvirate as its leaders fell into obscurity, the economic ramifications of the galaxy losing its largest economy would remain for millennia. The Commonwealth in particular faced great stagnation. The Triumvirate was one of its largest trade partners; its collapse brought about an era of economic decline.
While the QPA attempted to take the place of the Triumvirate, the territory left behind by the Triumvirate proved impossible to govern, let alone influence from the outside. The greater powers of the universe had no choice but to stare at the congealing remains of the Triumvirate, effectively taking no action to colonize this space. Sedrua saw its own upheaval causing it to abandon its isolationism. Tension returned as both the Commonwealth and the QPA align themselves.
The so-called First Galactic War in 10,000 CE saw the ascension of Erstes Konsortium to galactic power. It would lead directly to the Great Empyreal Crusade, or Second Galactic War, as the nation of Empyros failed to conquer Erstes Konsortium and would end up absorbed into it. The Anarian Fever Crisis in the late 19,000s to early 20,000s would lead to the foundation of the Lewis Nations, as those effected by the Fever Crisis embarked to the Lewis Galaxy on twelve massive colonial vessels. These conflicts would only serve to expand the influence of Erstes Konsortium.
Expansion Era
Contemporary History
Aylathiya entered a new era upon the end of Jezebel's War. With the rise of the Greater Martial Consilium came the rise of the prosperity of the entire galaxy. Technology such as SICTIRIAD have revolutionized galactic travel and has served to make the governance of galactic-scale civilization far more practical.
The ecology of Aylathiya is diverse and highly influenced by both the natural and artificial species that populate the galaxy's wild areas. While many galaxies have life common across their wild areas, Aylathiya is strange in having a robust space-based ecosystem. Approximately one half of the galaxy is considered "untamed," meaning areas where the "natural" ecosystem flourishes and colonization is difficult. Large portions of the galaxy will likely never be colonized due to higher densities of life making colonization impractical.
Natural Flora and Fauna
Aylathiya has a large number of natural flora and fauna known as the "Noirae." Noirae, singular Noirum, are a domain of life that presumably have a single common ancestor given their use of the same genetic material. Noirae are most commonly space-based organisms; however, numerous planets have become host to naturally-forming ecosystems featuring Noirae through panspermia.
Common Noirum species include The Pestilence and Maledicta. Outside of these prolific species, most other species are heavily localized to a particular system or region. Over one hundred star clusters in Aylathiya are host to dense colonies of Noirae dating back billions of years. There exists a small subset of the Noirae that are capable of producing warp bubbles, often for faster-than-light travel. These warp bubbles, operating on ludicrously small amounts of energy, still ellude the grasp of scientific understanding. Many scientists hypothesize that this subgroup, known as the Celiratids, have an artificial origin. The Pestilence is also the most common example of Celiratid.
Artificial Ecosystem
Artificia are a form of life common to Aylathiya that rival the Noirae. Artificia are space-based forms of life descended from the ancient self-replicating probes of previous civilizations. Some Artificia have origins so far back in time that the civilization that created them is entirely unknown. Over one thousand of these craft are thought to have evolved into Artificia. There are also twelve models of extant self-replicating von Neumann probes that have not diverged enough to be considered Artificia. Aylathiya's long history of civilization has resulted in the release of thousands of von Neumann probes.
Probes launched millions of years ago still persist to this day and even the most robust protections against "mutation" in von Neumann probes usually breaks down over long enough time scales. As such, the galaxy is filled with dozens of species originating from a handful of probes. Common classifications of Artificia are "Yggdrasil," "Sora," "Raqia," "Antero," "Avid," and "Celestio." Each classification relates to the model that "species" within the class evolved from. The most ancient of the Artificia are the Yggdrasil at over 3 million years old. The newest is "Celestio," having only recently formed due to the unstable nature of some of the Celestial Plague.
Anomalous Ecosystem
There are space-based life whose origins are neither "natural" nor "artificial" but a third category, "anomalous." Creatures within this category are by far the most diverse and also the most dangerous. Commonly, anomalies emerge through the manipulation of the environment by natural agents in unexplainable ways. Put differently, anomalies often emerge not through abiogenesis and do not diversify through Darwinian means, they simply exist as they are in their current forms. Natural forms of life may become anomalous through as of yet unknown means.
Examples of anomalous forms of space-based life include The Ekrosian Guardians, Celiritas lucium, and the precursors to the Naidaran species. They exhibit strange qualities that cannot be reproduced naturally or artificially within the realms of known science. The most common anomalies are the Ekrosian Guardians, a species who forms when cosmic dust spontaneously arranges itself into a form of life. Celiritas lucium and other species within the genus Celiritas exhibit the ability to open wormholes using a fraction of the usual energy requirement. The extinct precursors of the Naidaran species were incorporeal beings capable of faster-than-light travel that were akin to hunter-gatherers. They likely originated in Palioxis before entering Aylathiya.
Abiotic Ecosystem
Abiotic elements of the ecosystem, excluding von Neumann probes which are considered artificial life, are simply known as "Abiotics." Quintillions of self-repairing spacecraft sometimes millions of years old roam the galaxy. They usually remain in wild areas, often destroying each other or life-forms for the resources to self-repair. Most of them are military craft but many automated harvesters continue to gather resources to this day. Many nomads raid these crafts for resources to resell them to frontier worlds.
Many modern ships, whether manned or unmanned, also become unwitting participants in the ecosystem. Ships not built to be in combat, ships that cannot out-maneuver predatory lifeforms, or ships that accidentally enter the territory of aggressive organisms will almost invariably end up destroyed. Most ships flying through unclaimed regions need military escorts to ensure safety. Even though the risk is well-known, billions of ships, usually from border worlds, end up destroyed every year.
Another common influence on the ecosystem are individuals known as "Nachleben." A Nachleben is an individual that has uploaded their consciousness into a machine, transcending biological limitations. The most recent civilizations do not condone this behavior due to the tremendous amount of death artificial intelligences caused throughout history. Even so, Nachleben are a common facet of life in the untamed regions of space. These beings often control entire star systems used solely to supply themselves with the resources to live in simulated utopias. Many of them choose to rule over billions of cloned regular lifeforms as what are essentially, some try to create empires, and some of them may seek out and destroy other Nachleben. The reason they are considered abiotic, despite behaving as an artificial composite organism, is the sapient mind controlling them.
The average Nachleben controls trillions of advanced spacecraft and can control vast tracts of space. Their automated craft constantly war against lifeforms and other abiotic elements often without the knowledge of the uploaded mind. They usually last for several million years before having to relocate or face destruction from more powerful forms of life. Nachleben have a hefty bounty on them as they are inconvenient for governments across Aylathiya. This offer, however, is rarely taken up given their isolated locations and spectacular defenses. They are often large nuisances during wars, most notably during the War of the Ancients. An ancient example of a Nachleben is the Resonant Divinity, an entity thought to have been created by the AeternaborneFather Isayo. In the modern day, the most notable Nachleben rules over a society named Zatherim.
Esoteric Ecosystem
Arguably, the rarest forms of life in Aylathiya are those related to Thaumaturgy. Thought to have existed for billions of years, Esoteria are scattered all across the galaxy. While it is difficult to measure, there are thought to be approximately 50 trillion Esoteria all across Aylathiya. Most Esoteria exist near the Suvaren Cloud, though the barren sector of Holara and other remote areas also have remarkable densities of them. Most species are highly adaptable, capable of living nearly anywhere though they appear to prefer empty space.
Most Esoteria are comprised of life forms which gained access to Thaumaturgy by some means. These are usually Artificia, Abiotics, or Nachleben which have gained Thaumic abilities over their life. Artificia and Abiotics may have evolved components which harness Aeternal Energy, while Nachleben likely chose to expand their Thaumic abilities. Esoteric Artificia and Abiotics are considered to be some of the most unpredictable of their type. Esoteric Nachleben on the other hand are thought to be high-class threats to local infrastructure.
Another type of Esoteria are the Aeternaborne, entities which emerged from the Lux Aeterna. They are comprised of one or multiple Cores, a conscious type of entity in the Aeterna. All Aeternaborne have latent potential when it comes to Classical Thaumaturgy, making them very hazardous if encountered. They are not particularly hostile, though free-floating Aeternaborne are known to act with a sporadic, unpredictable nature. The most notable Aeternaborne are Sydiah's Architects, including Mother Sydiah and the other Angels of Aeternalism.
Astrography
(redoing map.)
The Crown
Historically, the Crown, also known as "The Core," has been one of the most contentious locations in the galaxy, its riches causing both the devastating Commonwealth's Eclipse. Home to some of the largest black holes in the galaxy, in particular Aylathiya's Centrality, the Crown offers a dense source of power for the civilizations calling it home.
Today, the Crown is partitioned between Sagittarium and Vaspujian, belonging to the Greater Martial Consilium and C.A.A. respectively. Even though relations between both nations are amiable, he uninhabited regions of the Crown serve as a sort of buffer zone between them. The Crown contains the central black hole known as Central Aylathiya. Central Aylathiya supplies the plurality of the energy in the Crown, utilizing a "Penrose Sphere" named Aylathiya's Sphere. The rest of the energy is generated by the massive stars common in the Crown. Major worlds include Thalia, Sekhmet, Jezreel, and Seycara.
Fortune's Ring
Fortune's Ring is a relatively sparce portion of the galaxy where a large number of smaller nations can be found. While historically dominated by the likes of Sagitarrium and Vaspujian, the region has recently come to embrace self-rule.
Aggregate Aylathiya
Orithiya
Martial Space
Martial Space is the region of space defined by its heritage as former territory of the Triumvirate Civilization and the subsequent political fallout involving its collapse. Filled almost entirely with monarchies, Martial Space shares a common culture, language, and history centered around Mars, the patron deity and head of state of every nation in Martial Space. Since Mars and the institutions built around them are centered on the planet Scipio, the planet and the worlds around it have gained substantial influence across the region and beyond.
Leer is the region of the galactic halo dominated by the Un'oit near to Martial Space. With dozens of light years between stars at the minimum, Leer is a vast expanse dominated by Un'oit warlords with little holding it together. Officially under the jurisdiction of the Greater Martial Consilium, most of its systems govern themselves in a lawless area. Leer is set apart from most of Aylathiya's lawlessness in that there is very little in the way of space-borne life or rogue machines moving across its space, thus making it comparitively safe.
Circuit of the Gods
The final region is known as the "Circuit of the Gods." This region is a circular region immediately outside of the galaxy with few stars. Its name also comes from a legend among the crews of military vessels in the region during the Great Empyreal Crusade. Large numbers of reports of "god-like beings" residing in the region began surfacing, hence the name. Later scans and reports give no indication that such beings existed.
To this day, a large number of inhabitants of the galaxy believe the region to be the home of the legendary beings. Instead of literal gods per se, there are beings in the region known as The Ekrosian Guardians that spontaneously form from gas and other materials within the region. While dangerous when provoked, they are mostly inert. Few nations have risen in the Circuit of the Gods. There only exists two in the modern day, them being Avolast and Zatherim. Many other nations border the Circuit, though infrastructure in it is relatively rare.
Notable Anomalous Phenomena & Objects
Ambrosian Remnants
Amaranth Echoes
Amaranth Echoes, also known as Fragments of Creation, are unusual strands of Thaumic energy that take the appearance of small, amaranth colored spheres of electrical light. They are invisible to the common eye, but those attuned to magic can observe them when they manifest. However, they bear a distinct feeling. They cannot be understood or felt properly. Instead, they feel 'hollow' to the touch of a Magi. As described by Sydiah's encounters, Amaranth Echoes feel 'distant, empty, and unpleasant.' It is as if something exists yet does not at the same time. They cannot be moved, changed, impeded, destroyed, or manipulated in any means. Even the most powerful of Magi can not do much but strain against the Echoes. However, several Magi have reported to 'connect' to the Echoes through great focus and concentration.
Once done, the individual will experience rapid flashes of various mismatched events. According to Aylathiya's most proficient historians, they are events that have yet to occur. However, a central theme amongst these events is the act of creation. Most will depict someone or something creating something, be it a machine, a star, a race, or a child. Such events also show beings of powers so immense they have not seen anywhere in the Universe, waging conflicts that would surely end galaxies in moments. The landscape of the events involves the same peculiar starlight that shares in the same Amaranth colors the Echoes themselves do.
Amaranth Knight
The Amaranth Knight is a name given to an enigmatic entity which emerged in Aylathiya an unknown amount of time ago. It appears to be a being of immense power, as only few in the Universe can compare itself to its observed strength. The Knight appears as a large humanoid figure of amaranth-colored light, dawned in an enigmatic set of imperishable armor. It wields a large blade of burning amaranth-laden flames, which manifests itself from the air by the Knight. The Knight appears to have great vehemence with destroying all that is deemed wicked, as many thousands of powerful people have perished to its vigorous strength. It is currently owned by the GM, who took the Knight from the Cabal of the Amaranth Truth during the Amaranthian Heist.
The Amaranth Knight seems to lack sapience. Instead, it functions more like a machine. It only moves about and acts upon the world when it is activated through unjust acts. As well, it lacks the ability to speak with in its own voice. Instead, it has been observed to speak in a variety of different voices and genders. However, each phrase is said randomly but when pieced together they make full legible sentences. In two specific instances the Amaranth Knight will always vocalize one of two words depending on the situation, with the voice used being made up of those used in other phrases. These words include "Worthy" when an individual who has been noted for their heroic deeds appears before the entity. While once the Knight engages in combat it will say "Unworthy" before destroying the target.
Baelrah
Antiwraith
Triumvirate Artifacts
Within Aylathiya there exist trillions of probes that bear the insignia of the Triumvirate Civilization. These objects are considered anomalous because there is no historical record for them. While historians debate over whether the Triumvirate actually created these or not, the scientists attempt to uncover their properties. Roughly half of these objects are four-dimensional with tests using wormholes first confirming this in 3,470 CE. It is still unknown how four-dimensional objects could be created.
Other artifacts include weapons that, while confirmed to be of Triumvirate origin, also defy explanation. The most notable example of these craft are the ERS Moon Signal, the TRS Black Swan, the TRS Night Running, and the VSS Readymade. All of these ships possess unique abilities well beyond even the normal capabilities of the Triumvirate itself. While the Readymade displays four-dimensionality like many of the smaller artifacts, the rest of these artifacts have no analogs in the common smaller probes.
Other artifacts include Demiurge and Holo's Ring, two remarkably large objects located within Martial Space. These objects have a special relationship with the Lux Aeterna, allowing them to draw and distribute energy from it.
The Ekrosian Guardians are a collection of anomalous lifeforms, machines, or other objects that pervade much of Martial Space. An Ekrosian Guardian forms as dust or other debris spontaneously reorganizes itself. Many believe this phenomenon to be artificial in origin. They vary wildly in both size and intelligence. The smallest guardians are on the scale of microorganisms while the largest are on the level of planets or even larger. Each Guardian bears a thirteen-pointed star, has the same genetic material (if applicable), and has little to no memory of their creation (if applicable). Those few Guardians that are both sapient and at least partially remember their origin credit Eve with their creation.
The Mayuneh Crypts are a series of artifacts located throughout Martial Space, responsible for the creation of the Llæns species. In the past, Llæns aged backwards, were entirely infertile, and had no memory of being born. Primitive Llænes believed that they were created by gods or, later, spontaneously generated. It was only after they industrialized that they discovered the Crypts. As technology advanced, they began to stop this aging process and used cloning to create a more manageable population. The Crypts still produce Llæns to this day through entirely unknown means.
Upon scanning, they appear empty. Additionally, they do not emit any radiation nor do they bear any distinguishing symbols or features that would clue into their origin. There have been numerous attempts to break into a Crypt; however, all energy directed into one transits the object, causing it to leave the other side. 100% of the energy transits through a Crypt, making it functionally invisible. Neutrinos, despite being notoriously hard to reflect, are reflected by Crypts. Their origins, age, composition, and purpose are unknown.
The Blessing of Mars is a curious phenomenon responsible for the great power given to the Imperator, emperor of the Greater Martial Consilium. Any descendant of Hal Drusus II, also known as Mars, can be chosen. Upon selection, the chosen individual will gain fabulous power, often surpassing every other Magi in the galaxy at the time. The effect usually manifests in Martial Space, the region where the Consilium is located; however, were the emperor to leave Martial Space they would maintain their abilities.
If the selected is somehow unable to lead, the Blessing of Mars will manifest elsewhere, causing the death of the selected. At numerous points in history, the selected would become someone in the new ruling family of Martial Space, allowing for Mars to continue exerting influence over their territory. Martial Civil Religion is the worship of Mars as well as the blessings that pour forth from the entity.
Related to the Lux Aeterna
Aeterna Cascades
Aeterna Cascades are exceptionally powerful and rare events, only found to record in Via Aylthia across all of history. They can spontaneously appear after a notably powerful Aeternaborne exits the Lux Aeterna. This cascade can eliminate a large amount of detectable energy, though only Magi can detect the brunt of it. The rest is given off as a stray wave of neutrinos and assorted electromagnetic radiation. After an Aeterna Cascade, the resulting Aeternaborne might decay, though the strongest of Aeternabornes can adapt to reality.
Aeternaborne
The Aeternaborne are a group of magical entities who are born out of Aeterna Cascades. While most Aeternaborne expire soon after exposure to reality, powerful ones are able to conform with ease. Aeternaborne are made up of Cores, usually characterized by a shining white appearance, like that of a Core in the Aeterna. Upon entering reality, Aeternaborne possess great potential in Thaumaturgy. This is thought to be a result of their link with the Lux Aeterna.
Aeterna Crystals are rare crystalline containers which hold great power. They are known to be containers of special Aeternal Energy, created by the First Aeterna Society millions of years ago. It is thought that their purpose was for bestowing or enhancing Thaumaturgy for any individual, allowing them to gain immense strength in a very short period of time. These crystals take on the appearance of bright, cosmic-looking gemstones which are warm to the touch and emit a dim, white glow.
Aeterna Crystals operate after one shatters it, releasing the trapped Aeternal Energy to the closest Pylon, typically that of the user's. It is thought that there are less than 100 full Aeterna Crystals left in Aylathiya. The first to re-discover the Aeterna Crystals was Vurilia Jutopati during Aylathiya's Totality. He learned of their immense potential, eventually using one to overcome Thonde Yutira and reinstate his leadership over Sedrua. Vurilia once vowed to keep the Crystals safe against Sydiah, spending much of his time collecting and storing them away.
Other Information
Civilizations
Deep in the confines of Aylathiya, there exist a multitude of civilizations, which have sprung up from and in the absence of Sedrua. In the many millennia since unified galactic control, these factions have spread and made their home all across the galaxy. Deep culture, which resides from nations of ages past, still affects the ones today, which allow civilizations to share a commonality. As of the modern-day, the intragalactic landscape is relatively peaceful, with civilizations still being created and administered. The C.A.A. reigns as Aylathiya's most populated faction, while the Greater Martial Consilium is arguably the most powerful. The QPA stands as the technological capital, unwavering in the face of its enemies. The ancient kingpin Sedrua on the other hand has its reputation preceded far behind it. Despite its age, it still retains Aylathiya under a firm grip. These four major forces are known to wield a vast majority of Aylathiya's potential.
