Edelith Fun Fact Fridays

Deities of Solstitheo

1. Anyways, here are the complete list of the deities and their domains:

Solidaritus (The Igniting Daybreak)
Realized God of Destiny; Ambition, Arcana, and Life

Partirnax (The Rising Dawn)
Enlightened God of Innovation; Forge, Knowledge, and War

Annuatera (The Flourishing Zenith)
Gloried Goddess of Fertility; Life, Nature, and Tempest

Hiebrief (The Decaying Dusk)
Shrouded Goddess of Deceit; Shadow, Trickery, and Twilight

Totarash (The Smoldering Nightfall)
Silenced Deity of Tranquility; Grave, Order, and Peace

Great Solstitheian Schism

Initially, the people of Solstitheo accepted each god. It was agreed that each one offered their own path to salvation, their own method to the same transcendence. This resulted in the formation of a mixed pantheon of deities. You could find each citizen resonating to their own deity and, in many circumstances, even the reverence of an array of gods. All gods were regarded as equal in their power, no domain could overpower the other.

Some say it was the commonfolk drawing their faith into simple squabbles. Others, the fated failures of these mixed religions. But, the most promising theory for where the violence stemmed from were the prophets. Starting with simple tasks, preachings and condemnations, priests and other holy men garnered more followers to their places of worship. Then, the tasks grew more extreme; slander, theft, denunciations, violence, murder... Each church spiraled out of control, retaliating against one another in increasingly brutalizing fashions. The clergy's excuse? They held accountability to the whispers of their god, swaying them to blindly carry out these acts of cruelty.

These microaggressions and acts of hate eventually spiraled out of control into what would be understood as the Great Solstitheian Schism when riots and brawls erupted in the capital. Citizens quickly dispersed themselves, forming under factions of their faith in fears for their safety. Cities destabilized into chaos as the military struggled to stifle the infighting; their own ranks weren't spared from the fury. The countryside witnessed the burning and slaughter of Annuatera-alligned hamlets by Partinax militias, the famines and disease striking isolated provinces of the empire by Annuaterra bioterrorists, and the kidnapping of innocent men, women, children by Solidaritus cultists to either be purged or experiemented on. Within Edelith's walls, Totarash banners hung high and imperial enchanters silently brainwashed those still holding on to their innocence, circus festivities performed for the on-edge and bickering nobility were interrupted with coordinated slaughters by Hiebrief assassins, and mobs took to the streets to vandalize and capture religious offenders like a witch hunt.

Cathedral of the Circlet

The city gains its title as the Liturgical Town from the cathedral highlighting the square. It once stood as a testament to the Pantheon of Solstitheo, only rivaled by the grand monastery in the Stillight Quarter. While still maintaining its religious duties, the cathedral also serves as a protector. Most places of faith still flow with the glyphs of the gods, warding off demonkind. Thus, these etched marble monuments serve as proper places to begin a settlement.

Macabrell (Liturgical Town)

Macabrell, the Liturgical Town, lies in the Eastern Fringe of the city, cradled within the center of the quarter. It is a crossroads of sort, a blending pot of the distinct cultures of ruined Edelith.

From the feudal nobility in the Western Fringe, the dockhands of Edelith Gothitas, or even the independent settlements of New Arvegum and the Bellum Citadel, Macabrell finds itself connected to all. But, the besieging of demons in the Northwest and Northeast has strained the town. Refugees book up any available rooms in the inn's lodging and support to foreign campaigns have spread rations thin.

Tarpaul Pit

While Edelith stirs with numerous independent factions, each trying to reestablish order within the demon plagued city, none live more in isolation than the quarry settlement in the Southwestern wastes, Tarpaul Pit. Developing a unique system not formed out of law, but out of respect, the residents of the colony exhibit much interest. Savagery leaves much room for innovation, after all.

Fort Adamo & Adamo's Cross

To the northeastern gate, a series of bridges known as Adamo's Cross lap several small isles to connect the Arvegum Farmlands with Edelith's East Fringe. These bridges, stony and wide, facilitated the flow of agricultural goods and foot traffic across Lake Adamo and into the walls of Inner Edelith. Upon the central island was constructed a garrison to mediate the crossing, Fort Adamo. Whilst a strategic choke point curbing attempts at a northern invasion, Fort Adamo primarily proved its use in toll collection. The taxation and inspection of goods was commonplace during this time and the regulation of trade facilitated less outbreaks of disease within city boundaries.

Arvegum Plains

The Arvegum Plains, roughly defined as the region between the north-western River Flumen, the eastern Astora Mountains, and the Southern Lake Adamo, is known as the mouth of Edelith. Outside the city proper walls, the Arvegum Plains were known for their fertile soil that fed the mouths of Her city. The town of Arvegum, flowing out from the neck of Adamo's cross outwards northernly, developed not too dissimilar to a melting pot. Residents originating from the capital melded with foreigners flowing in from the Coronal Highway and the coastal town of Cinis seeking work and refuge.

New Arvegum

The city of New Arvegum is pressed against the Astora mountains' foot as the beguiling city of sparks. Settled within the floodplains of the Twintail and Snake Eye rivers, this enchanting and sprawling metropolis began as a simple farming hamlet collecting coin by passerby on the Coronal highway.

Winds of the Wastes

After the Wake of Steel, those who had survived being outside the walls and foreigners still trickling in through the Shroud formed small, close-knit communities in the Wastes. Like the farmers that occupied the lands before them, many of these settlers worshipped Annuaterra and attributed the fall of the Edelith Pods to her. Other than food, life in the Wastes was optimal with the lack of prey and the nearby Obsidian Crystallis warding off larger demons.

An emerging community within the Wastes, Tarpaul Pit sought to exude a greater influence on the sands. Combining a collection of gangsters into a standing militia, the goals of the Winds of the Wastes were to control the landing sites of the Edelith Pods. With a siphoning of food and resources, Tarpaul Pit's growth was boosted exponentially to the point where Edelith Proper had successfully set up trade routes with them.

Steelside Legion

Since our "withdrawal" from the city as a protecting force, a new organization of laymen has consolidated to defend the city. Observations have revealed their name, the Steelside Legion, and the intricacies of their leadership.

The Steelside Legion aims to restore order to the disorganized city of Edelith. They are first responders; handling most demonic threats that linger near the sparse settlements. While officially, they claim no ties to the governance of a new nation or any politics whatsoever, most communities keep them around for policing without too much of a worry.

Their namesake is tied to their blasphemy; the use of metallurgy in their accessories. Be it weapon or armor, the Legion finds steel far more capable in combat than the wood and bone alternatives. All things considered, this practice is taboo and heretical to our fight against the Corrosion.

To stave off Corrosion from taking hold, they have captured lightning itself. An arcane canister known as "Thunderstroke" allows one to harness their metal as a conduit, surging an electrical current through the steel. Most promisingly, this acts as an unstable environment for Corrosion to take hold, creating a temporary resistance to the plague.

The Woodsworn

After an extensive study and round of questioning of the New Arvegum citizens, I am confident in publishing my findings about this new construct legion. I have dubbed them, "The Woodsworn." Identifiable by their humanoid appearance, wooden plating, and mask-like face, this "race" of beings is almost exclusive to New Arvegum. Their origins are questionable at best, however it is safe to say that these constructs emigrated into Edelith sometime after the Wake of Steel.

Most of the race serve as New Arvegum's guard. They are dressed in traditional Arvegum garb, most closely resembling the sacred robes the mythic hero Kojin dawned. They slay demons from the surrounding plains and deter them from the main city, never being allowed within the walls themselves. They are also usually "out-of-mind," acting static as constantly absorb Enfernabloom fumes from an added-on mechanism in their chest.

Wake of Steel

While many cite the emergence of demons from the bowels of the depths as the beginning of the Wake of Steel, the war truly didn't begin for Edelith until the first wave of demons crashed into them. A hoard of metallic monsters, armed with the most advanced weaponry known to man, were led by a red-maned horseman towards to province. Attacking early in the morning, this coalition of demons and man threatened to overwhelm Edelith entirely with flesh-craving demons.

The Winds of Edelith, led by General Levant Strom, were first to mobilize against the swarm. Clad with golden weapons immune to the Corrosion's deterioration, this army held out strongly and desperately in a small village outside of the walls. However, the demonic force quickly surrounded them, tearing these protectors of Edelith asunder.

The angels of the Circlet of the Sun, seeing no other possibility, launched radiant crystals from the heavens, erradicating thousands in the battle. Both man and demon were dead and the Obsidian Crystallis still holds the ruins of the village that once stood there deep underneath the black glass sands.

The Four Horsemen

In the heat of the Wake of Steel, man allied with divine in the effort to drive demonkind back within the rifts they had crawled out of. Yet, the metallic beasts were not alone neither. In defiance with their purpose given by the gods, four angels of the higher rungs of the Circlet betrayed their sworn deities and willingly gave in to the Corrosion. Each their own would divest their light, withering into mortality and transforming into commanders of this crusade; Four Horsemen.

Conquest is infamous in the badlands outside of Edelith and beyond greater Solstitheo. He seeks to subjugate all who may kneel and has amassed a force larger than any Edelithian army.

Famine has not shown their face for a while in Edelith. Tales tell of the horrid hunger that follows wherever they ride their steed, guiding man to slowly succumb to a slow starvation.

War has plagued the Edelith since the emergence of the Wake of Steel. Proclaiming the fall of the Circlet of the Sun, Edelith was once on the forefront of the of the tyrant's assault.

The Horseman of Death is unknown. No legends surround it. Now glorious triumphs or frightening mysteries. Only an unnerving, horrible silence.

Sköllarium University

An esteemed institute of the magical and technological arts recognized from across Solstitheo and beyond for its prowess, Sköllarium University of Edelith has attracted a reputation. Starting as a simple band of scholars branching out of the Ministry of Edelict, the programs were stirred to life by the intuitive Architect and Professor Yordenriser.

With the tide of the Wake of Steel, the university's focus shifted less towards urban development, and more towards war technology. Calling in many scholars from the reaches of Solstitheo, the greatest minds came together to brainstorm ideas for combatting the oncoming demon invasion. Their wits would be tested in the most impactful battle of Edelith, the Battle of the Black Valley.

Baylis

Baylis is afflicted by both the Corrosion and Refraction.

Corrosion is the disease that demons carry that deteriorates things. It infects mostly metal, degrading and contaminating it. But it is also at opposition with organic life, eating away natural substances for sustenance.

Refraction stems from angelic weaponry. It uses divine light to purge the Corrosion and demonkind, eradicating most infections. However, this energy is lethal to humanity as well, severing the immortality link with the Circlet. Refractory weapons were mostly used by angels in the Wake of Steel against demons but also people who sided with the enemy.

Baylis, his body a battle between Corrosion and Refraction, will die if either force is removed. If his body gives out, his soul will surely follow.

Winds of the Wastes Members

Although the Winds of Wastes' ranks were mostly comprised of rehabilitated gang members, Baylis stood out as a dark horse. It was by Rampax's suggestion that the heated Watchman be recruited to the skirmishing squad for his combat prowess.

Skrapp is Edelith-born, Edelith-raised, and Edelith-thrived. Her parents, Shroudcrossers themselves, passed in her youth whilst they were on an archeology expedition. So, she turned to petty thieving gangs and developed her infamous "Whistle Knives" for easy snatch and grab gigs.

No one knows where in the Hells Soko came from. Some say she wandered in from the main city, looking for a change of pace. Others say she's a Shroudcrosser taking her sweet time near the mouth of Edelith. There is only one certainty they know though; she is THE town drunkard.

Kojin the Sword Saint

According to local legend, following the ravaging of Old Arvegum, the refugees fled at the horrific sight of these hellspawn into the outer town. Trailing them down was a creature only known as "The Beast," a bloodthirsty paragon of demonkind. As it encroached upon the broken streets and burning buildings, a sudden spark of fire burst within the air and in one cut, the Beast was beheaded. Sheathing a blade wreathed in a divine blessing, a ronin from a foreign land known as "Kojin" would be recorded in the annals of history as the Sword Saint of Arvegum.

Edelith Pods

Edelith Pods are essential to the Wastes of Edelith. Originating from the Circlet of the Sun, these "seedlings" usually appear in bursts of 3-5. They were designed by the angels of the Circlet as a means to rehabilitate the desert after most fertile land was destroyed by the Wake of Steel.

Once landed, these Pod will be in a dormant state from 3-6 days. Then, in a massive and potentially volatile surge of energy, a radius is populated with what resembles a desert oasis. Over the next few months, if given the opportunity, the Edelith Pod flourishes and blankets more of the desert in wildlife, facilitating sustainable farming and natural resources.

Demonology of Edelith

The demonology of Edelith, while taboo by the ministry to delve too deep within, is an intriguing topic of discussion nonetheless. At their core, demons are nothing but Corrosion made form. Each demon may have their distinctive features, but these can be attributed to a decoration on one's armor; it is purely asthetic on the shell.

Demons, while varying in size, shape, and behavior, can be roped into three categories. The first and likely most common in Solstitheo are the monstrosity demons. Demons, who for the most part, are no different from the average monsters roaming around the land.

The next category of demonhood are the "higher form" demons. These demons are more humanoid than their kin and, unlike the snarling and ravaging primal demons, these ones possess a more elevated intelligence.

The final main subset are the beasts. This type, not often seen, is inherently a contradiction. Ministry word dictates that beastial aspects such as the appearance of wolves, elk, or other natural creatures are connected with the divine and harness their power.

Enfernabloom

One defining characteristic of New Arvegum are its stars, the Enfernabloom fireworks. A gift from Kojin's homeland, this unique genus of flora smolders at its center and emits a sickening smoke. With no established Ministry clergy to sanctify the settlement, these Enfernabloom's are responsible for warding off the prowling demons in the sparse woodland.

The Serpentborne

Originally thought to be simply a myth, hands on experience has proven the theory that the concept of the Serpentborne is factually proven.

From scrying various local mythos, tales, and texts, I have accumulated a semi-firm understanding of the origins of the Serpentborne are. According to legend, when the earth split open and the fissures birthed demons plagued with Corrosion, there were those who decended down into which these creatures came. Whether by choice or by tragedy, man and animal plunged into the fiery, sickening bowels of the land and faced demons head on. Many, especially those within towns that were entirely swallowed by the chasms, were met with a swift death upon. But, for those who survived and managed to scramble out of the depths in one piece, those would become the tainted Serpentborn.

Serpentborne are identifiable by the interlocking, crisscrossing metal strands seen on their skin. These seem to be a scar from their journey within Solstitheo's depths. Their namesake comes from their ability to shed off these metallic coils and ignite them into "living snakes." It is unknown if these snakes are completely independent of the Serpentborne or share the same senses are them. These snakes are demonic in nature and can converge and split off into larger and smaller snakes. They also hold ther capabilities to survive cold climates thanks to the intense, burning aura they emit.

As for the Serpentborne themselves, they hold the ability to weave these serpents as they wish, crafting various durable tools with them. More research will need to be conducted on the control Serpentborne exhibit on their snakes and if harming the snakes serves an extension of harming the user. Additionally, there are some feats mentioned within certain texts that hint towards a differnt nature for Serpentborne. Appearances of reptile-like skin and fangs, spurting venom and spits of flame out of their mouths, vanishing completely into the night as a mass of snakes—it is dubious whether these statements are absolutely true or over-exaggerations.

Serpentborne are dangerous and should not be befriended under any circumstances. All Serpentborne teeter the line of demonhood and their words are not to be trusted. They. Are. Deadly.

Corrosion & Refraction

Corrosion is the disease that demons carry that deteriorates things. It infects mostly metal, degrading and contaminating it. But it is also at opposition with organic life, eating away natural substances for sustenance.

Refraction stems from angelic weaponry. It uses divine light to purge the Corrosion and demonkind, eradicating most infections. However, this energy is lethal to humanity as well, severing the immortality link with the Circlet.

Thunderstroke Technology

To stave off Corrosion from taking hold, they have captured lightning itself. An arcane canister known as "Thunderstroke" allows one to harness their metal as a conduit, surging an electrical current through the steel. Most promisingly, this acts as an unstable environment for Corrosion to take hold, creating a temporary resistance to the plague. But, it also enhaces the wielders. Blades now slice with cackling ferocity, bolts fire out like streaks of light through demon hide, and mechanisms overclock to the extremes to deliver efficient fatalities.

Glass Angels

Refining earlier studies on light refinement and Refraction, the Upper Quarter of Edelith would be reinforced by arcane lanterns that could detect demonic presences entering the walls. Emerging from the pale lights, composed of only rays of magical radiance, polygonal guardians dubbed Glass Angels would defend the quarter from the fiendish reckoning. However, an error in the runic encoding caused man to be indistinguishable from beast and the Stillight Quarter would become an everlasting testament to the university's misguidings.