Halos University

For Artsy Stuff:

(I used whatever I could find that I was sure was AI slop free, which wasn't much. I do love these resources!)

For OC Art: Maddel_Art For Maps: Mapgen4 For Names of Races and Locations: FantasyNameGenerator

Links to Lore:

OCs Map and Locations Races Bestiary

Other Links:

They made Paetra!

Her twin smiles back at her with a big, goofy grin on his face. "What'dya mean? Of course I am."

Paetra glares at Kane, gently pulling Kaia back by her shoulder. Kaia pushed back, stepping forward. "Don't fucking lie to me! Why are you doing this!? You know what they plan to do!"

Kane's smile drops slightly, his eyes narrowing as he meets her gaze. It's almost like looking in a mirror for him, to a life he could have had. The one he was never blessed with.

This is by no means a well made map. This is only of the most important places too lmao

Halos is the biggest and most influential province in the nation Alus. All of the nation's decisions happen here, including the foreign affairs. Halos is home to seven main districts.

The black lines symbolize the district lines The Purple symbolize the ancient forest, which is important later on. The Yellow dots symbolize the capitals of each area. The Red Box Symbolizes Halos University, which is gigantic (it's one of the most major Universities in the entire world, and many people come from abroad to study here. This area includes dorms, arenas, etc.

Trotide:

An ever shrinking district. The water is slowly becoming uninhabitable for the residents, the Somata people. Going beyond the marked borders and deeper into the ocean without a boat of some kind seems to drive people to madness. The Grand Council assures that they're doing everything they can to fix and learn about the issue, but it's causing tension within the district. Many accuse the Grand Council of slacking on the issue.

There's still a few underwater villages here and there, but most have moved to the Trotide capital, Quisa, or onto land.

Despite all of this, within the safe zone, there's a bustling port. There, the nation of Halos receives and sells many good to/from other nations.

The beaches are also renowned for being beautiful, and it's mostly clear skies in this side of the country. It's much more tropical, getting hot in the summer.

Cirbury:

Cirbury is the business, government, and administrative district. It's known for its towering skyscrapers, bright lights, art, and rich culture. (It's similar to New York)

Home to the Grand Council and the Grand Council Building, where all of the decisions happen.

Recently, there's been some civil unrest over perceived lack of action from the Council, specifically those from Trotide or supporters of Trotide. It's never gotten too violent due to the Mage Corp, who spend a lot of time defending the city and squashing riots.

The climate is varied, with some areas of the region being more tropical and hot (around the ocean), and it being mild most of the year. Middle to upper center experience seasons more regularly, but don't get too much snow.

Alos:

The wealthy district, with mostly high class and famous folks living here. Mansions and plenty to do. When some politicians or officials aren't living in Cirbury, many live here full time or vacation here.

Climate is hotter in the summer, though the rest of the year is pretty comfortable. Doesn't often get snow until you get further north of Alos. Beaches are lovely and well cared for, typically they're private to the public, however.

Cessa:

Where most of the common folk (working class) live. Many travel from Cessa to Cirbury or Alos for work.

The climate is much more seasonal, having mild springs and falls as well as hot summers and freezing winters. The mountain area is snowy year-round towards the top.

Very nice to live in, for the most part, and there's a lot of supportive infrastructure.

Public transportation, buses, subways, and Wyvern carriages for those who can shell out.

There's a few mountains, but they're fairly safe and often used for camping or hiking. Many Goatim live in this area.

Zenis:

Another common folk area (particularly farmers), though they don't rely too much on Cirbury for work as much. They're more of a 'self-governing' district, led by a great mayor. Often, the mayor speaks out against the Grand Council's decisions. Because of that, they've had to become self-sufficient.

Not particularly wealthy, but not terrible to live. Zenis lacks the amount of infrastructure in their cities that Cessa has, but the bigger cities have a decent amount.

Many of those who have been displaced from Trotide choose to move here, as some of the warmer weather towards the coast is comfortable for them. Not everyone is happy about the Somata people moving in.

It's a little colder, not quite getting tropical. Seasons also tend to be more regular.

Renowned for it's farms, and is the #1 food producer for most of the nation.

Valas:

Due to an ancient curse on the land, it's very hard to grow crops here. Many have made due using magic or potions, but it gets expensive fast.

Because it's such a wasteland, it's relatively cheap. As such, it's become a 'slums' of sorts, riddled with bandits and gangs. Magic beasts often snatch people up if they stray too far from their villages.

It's very dry, hot, and desert like. It's home to a mountain region, which is home to dragons: and Wyverns.

Many adventurous mages or Wyvern tamers attempt a trek through the mountains, but few make it out. Of those who return, few come back whole.

Astrand:

The home of various biomes (due to magic) and the infamous Halos University, the oldest University in the world.

This is a charming province, well loved for its rich culture, shops, biomes, fauna, and history. Many people vacation here, making it a hub for people all around the world.

Halos University takes up a good portion of the Astrand province. The school specializes in far too many types of education to count, but it's most popular classes include magic mastery, alchemy and potions making, botany and fauna, history, business, sciences, medicine, political science, and mythology. There's multiple sub sections of each education department, as well.

I'm not great at art in the least, so I used a free Picrew for non-commercial use to make some OCs! Maddel_Art is the creator of the Picrew I used!

These are subject to change and be updated later, I just wanted to put them out here for my funsies little universe I'm building!

These OC descriptions are all over the place because I had more ideas for some than others.

My OCs are a WIP but I just wanted somewhere to put them <3

Guide:

Pink is a MAIN CHARACTER.

Green is an IMPORTANT CHARACTER.

Blue is a NON-IMPORTANT CHARACTER.

Paetra Dorsey (pay-trah door-see)

Age: 20 Occupation: Student, 2nd Year of University Race: Cirot (See-Roh) Personality: Confident, kind, bubbly, chill, level-headed, high moral compass (sees something, says something), intelligent, patient. From: (Born in) Alos, Halos/ (Lives in) Cirbury, Halos

Family:

Aslan Dorsey (48 - Politician) Mother: Cass Dorsey (46 - Runs a Charity Full-Time) Ami Dorsey (12 - Student, 7th Year of Basic School)

Basic Bio

From a young age, she found that she can use a rare form of light magic not seen in thousands of years. Since she's the first in a long time to be able to use it, she has to figure it out for herself. So far, she can create weak shields, small illusions, light up dark spaces, and power up her magic by being in the sun. Being in the dark for too long has drawbacks. Her father, Aslan, is a known politician on the Grand Council. Because of this, she's been raised with the best resources possible; the best schools, tutors, and coaches. Since she's very into sports, she always has top tier equipment. Now she's in University, studying hard to follow in her father's footsteps so she can make meaningful changes to the world. She's the top of her class and well-respected.

Talan Penhallow (Tah-lahn Pen-Hall-oh)

Age: 62 Occupation: Student, 4th Year of University, Apothecary's Apprentice Race: Nymph Personality: Soft spoken, quieter (keeps to himself), sweet, slight pushover. When he's with those he's close with, he's a lot less shy and more likely to scold them. From: Ashir, Kos

Family:

??

Basic Bio

Talan loves to cultivate and care for plants, especially rare or endangered variety. His dorm room is covered in plants, almost like a greenhouse. Currently, he's going to school for an alchemy and potions degree so he can become a fully licensed apothecary. His dream is to start his own shop someday. To realize his dream, he moved from his home nation of Kos to New Zephyr, home to the world renowned Halos University. Talan loves to read, and he spends most of his free time in the library (though he has to work and study so much, he rarely has time). He's a enjoys learning more about nature, fauna, and magic beasts.

Finn Arva (Fin Arr-vah)

Age: 18 Occupation: Student, 1st Year Race: Somata Personality: More stoic, but can get very excited about his passions, calm, serious, studious From: Trotide, Halos

Family:

Father: Neres Arva (Deceased) Mother: Leena Arva (82) Brother: Gar (51) Brother: Mako (34) Brother: Taron (28) Sister: Lucia (26)

Basic Bio:

Since Finn grew up in the main district of Trotide, he grew up underwater. Since he was young, he's been fascinated with land walkers. Whenever his father would take him as a parr (young Somata) to bring in his catch to sell, he'd always stop to look at the magazines dock workers would leave around. Since his father was well known, many dock workers grew fond of Finn. Finn soon learned more about land living, and had a hunger to live up there full time. Then, there was the first time he heard her: Rana, an Idol. One of the dock workers was playing her music video while on their break. That was the first time he ever experienced Halos-Pop, and he couldn't get enough of it. He got any merch that he could get his hands on, but most wouldn't survive underwater. Two years ago, his father passed away under strange circumstances. A few days before his passing, Neres had been talking to Leena, unable to string together coherent thoughts. On a fishing trip, he'd seen something. He couldn't put it into words, but he had promised to bring them there. He would need help with it. Leena and the rest of the family grew concerned, believing Neres had been delirious from water pollution. It was hard for Finn to watch his father slip into a psychotic state. After Neres died, Leena made the choice to move her family onto a land settlement to protect them. The family hasn't been the same since his passing, but Finn decided to move on and try his best to get into a good school. Finn excels in water magic. He's going for the Mage Corp, hoping to join right after University and make a meaningful difference. IT will also give him a chance to explore more of the world.

Sage Wesson (Say-j Wes-son)

Age: 24 Occupation: Student, 2nd Year Race: Human Personality: Socially awkward but nice, hates injustice, not great with physical touch, nervous, determined, easily distracted by passions From (Teen Years): New Zephyr, Halos/ (Born in) Valas, Halos

Family:

Father: Donald Wesson (Missing) Mother: Jenn Wesson (Not in the Picture)

Basic Bio:

Sage has always been considered strange, and by anyone that will listen to her theories, a conspiracy nut. They have their suspicions about Halos University, and the Halos Grand Council. Something just isn't quite right, and ever since her dad disappeared she's not afraid to go digging around. Her dorm room is littered with with old books, diagrams, and pin boards. They feel like they're getting closer, but they can't quite crack the code. They feel they HAVE to figure out this mystery before they graduate, because all of the clues led right to Halos University- they just can't figure out how or why. They got in on a scholarship and recommendation from the well-known and respected librarian of Halos University, Professor Arbun. He's been watching out for Sage as an old friend of the family's, but doesn't approve of her 'shenanigans'. Currently, Sage is studying history and ancient mythology, intending to maybe be a historian and solve more ancient mysteries after they solve their father's disappearance. They can't recall how they got their scar. They do know, however, that it wasn't there before her father disappeared.

Kane Lear

Age: 21 Occupation: Student, 1st Year Race: Human (Mage) Personality: Bold, excitable, silly, lazy/laid back, happy-go-lucky, loud From: Cessa, Halos

Family:

Father: Anton Lear (45) Mother: Friga Lear (41) Sister: Kaia Lear (21)

Basic Bio:

Unlike his twin sister Kaia, Kane has always been a 'rebel'. He was never a bad kid, still doing the right thing, but he just wasn't meeting his parent's expectations. They wanted him to study harder, work more, and to master his family's flame magic, but he simply wanted to play and enjoy his music. It's not as though his parents love him any less, but they turned their attention more to Kaia, who actually puts the work in. Unlike him, who gets average grades, she gets straight A's. He never says it, but he envies his sister and the attention she gets. Sure, he gets whatever he wants (money, clothes, new phones)... just not their admiration. His accomplishments are acknowledged, they're just not as important as hers. Because of this, Kane spends a lot of time with friends and writing music. He wasn't even intending to go to University at all, but Anton, his father, has connections to the headmaster. His father insisted it would be a shame if he didn't get the education he deserved because he 'just didn't want to'. Kane settled for a magic major, with a minor in music.

Kaia Lear (K-eye-uh Leer)

Age: 21 Occupation: Student, 1st Year Race: Human (Mage) Personality: Sassy, no nonsense, proud, bold, and studious. From: Cessa, Halos

Family:

Father: Anton Lear (45) Mother: Friga Lear (41) Sister: Kaia Lear (21)

Basic Bio:

Unlike her twin brother Kane, she is a hard, determined worker. She's felt immense pressure all of her life to do better. To be the best. Her parents do truly love her, they just want the best for her. They have spend a lot of money on making sure she's well educated, well rounded, and well spoken. She's often brought to work parties with her parents, who are more than happy to show her off. Her passions and thoughts are swept under the rug, and she lets them be. After all, she wouldn't want to be a disappointment. She loves her brother, but she envies how he's so carefree, and allowed to live life without worrying about making one wrong move. He can mess up and it's just another day. If she messes up, though? She feels like a disappointment. She got in easily to Halos University, and studies politics and economy. Her father hopes she can become a politician or an executive of some sort. He's already got his foot in the door with many companies, and Kaia is already gaining notoriety for being a powerful, intelligent mage. Secretly, though, all she wants to do is design clothes. She's had ideas for her own clothing lines that she's hidden away in notebooks (one she labels after boring subjects so no one looks inside).

Main cast Height Chart!

Arcreus Stonehaas

(Arr-cree-us Stone-hahss)

Age: 82 Occupation: Headmaster Race: Goatim Personality: Calm, gentle, serious when need-be, intelligent, understanding, patient. From: Arstrand, Halos

Basic Bio:

Has been the headmaster for over thirty years. He's proficient in sound magic, and has a dedication to his students. He takes good care of the school, and is often seen as a mentor by many students. He's very knowledgeable on many subjects, allowing him to help professors and students. Many are comfortable opening up to him. He often leaves on trips to foreign lands in hopes to find new books and promising students. Arcreus is also a master of ground magic.

Rana (Ray-nuh)

Age: 26 Occupation: H-Pop Idol Race: (Uh i'll make one later) Personality: Energetic, Happy-go-lucky, kind, passionate From: Cirbury, Halos

Basic Bio:

She adores performing and her fans! She also creates her own music, and is a solo idol. She's one of the most popular, and for good reason! She has a lot to her name: makeup brands, clothing brands, and even a candy line. She likes to dip her toe into everything she can, and donates a good portion to charities.

Subject to change if I feel like it, but these are the base races that will play major roles in my world! Of course there's more races, but they will place less importance.

Cirot: (See-Roh)

Deer Horns, Various Stages and Types. Also region based (for example, Cirots from the forest will have horns similar to regular deer, while some will grow leaves on theirs. Ones from snowy areas may have fuzzy or furry horns).

Slightly increased agility, typically athletic

Can turn into deer for short periods, though it's rarely used modern day since the Great Peace.

Some are gifted with animal-speak, though only typically with prey animals (such as bunnies or birds).

Many are known to love fruits and sweets.

Somata: (Soh-mah-tah)

Merpeople

They may switch between legs and a tail at will, but any Somata who fail to switch to their tails often might suffer from tail sickness, an often incurable condition that keeps them permanently in their legged form.

This race typically comes in reds, purples, blues, and greens.

They have gills, but have evolved to be able to breathe with or without water.

Somata have bad eyesight during the day, especially during sunny days.

Incredible swimmers and great users of water magic.

Two rows of teeth, though the back one is retractable. Usually only brought out for combat, which isn't really needed modern day.

Omnivores who eat a LOT of fish.

Most used to live in the water, but majority moved closer to the docks and the underwater city outside of the capital in order to find work. Many even live on land now.

Live to be about ~200, similar to the Nymphs

Often work at nighttime, since the light hurts their eyes.

Nymph:

Elf-Like

Pointy Ears

Typically live long lives (~200 years or so)

Amazing connectors to plants when they want to, though almost all Nymphs live in cities and villages now.

Many work as potion workers or in magic professions.

Diet varies due to preference (like humans).

Meesin (Mii-sin):

Micefolk

Most are under 3 Feet in Height

Mouse-like facial features, with whiskers and the noses of mice. They have mouse ears as well, but no human ears.

Most are nervous or skittish by nature

Known for having large families and rich history.

Often work with gardens, landscaping, or as jewelers or craftsmen.

Vampires:

Eat raw meat, or sometimes blood supplements.

Sunlight doesn't affect them.

Lactose intolerant

Great Hearing, with the ability to use Echolocation

Shifter:

Specifically can turn into ONE thing. Many are bird shifters, and used to be used for war before the Great Peace.

Because they used to be spies thousands of years ago, some don't trust them.

When shifted, they gain the abilities of said animal (for example, if you turned into a lion, you can do anything a lion can do). This also comes with any drawbacks said animal has, however.

Some, while slightly rare, can shift into Magic Beasts.

Human:

Just dudes, really

Some have the abilities to use magic, though it has to be inherited. Some humans will go generations without a mage being born before another one pops up. Some humans have arranged marriages to increase the chances of another mage being born.

Most humans are plain ol' people, though.

Humans make up the biggest population of all the races in the country, mostly due to adaptability.

Gilded:

The Guilded are a hard to place folk, sometimes. Often, they look like another race. The only reason you can tell they are Gilded is because of their golden blood.

This is by far the rarest of races, and many Gilded have attractive features and excel in whatever they set their minds to. In a way, they're considered 'naturals'.

Almost all Gilded in the nation are from prominent families.

Each will have powers inherited from their parents. For example, if one parent can use fire magic, the child will be able to as well. If both parents have different types of magic, 90% of the time the child will only inherit one type.

Conspiracy theorists claim the Gilded are descendants of the Ancient Gods, but most (historians and scientists) speculate they're from older, ancient branches of their respective races. Either that, or they're just genetic or magical anomalies. (Note: Gods aren't really believed in).

Known for increased durability, speed, intelligence, agility, and Ichor.

Goatim:

Race of goat people

Great at climbing, typically live near mountainous areas.

Decent at handling the cold, okay in the heat.

Often used as guides in ancient times to traverse dangerous mountains