Merveilles project

The main setting of this universe is #Merveilles (pronounced ;; English approximation: Mer-well | French-style approximation: Mer-veel | IPA: /mɛʁ.vɛj/ )

Merveilles is a fully original fantasy world, with its own cultures, languages, beliefs, and continents. It’s an incredibly diverse world in terms of geography, peoples, and ideas. The setting follows an “Eclectic Era” style, meaning it blends elements from multiple historical periods—medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, and even tribal influences—without being tied to any one era.

Overview:

Merveilles is a wondrous and enchanting fantasy world, rich in diverse cultures, environments, and inhabitants. Everything in this realm seems to have emerged from a dream, blending imagination and warmth into everyday life that its residents can experience.

While the people of Merveilles are full of hope and kindness, the daily lives of some groups are packed with unending adventures. Inhabitants each have their own stories, facing challenging journeys, seeking truths, and forming new alliances across continents. Every decision made in this world can shape the future of both its people and the places they traverse.

Merveilles is not only a world of marvels but also a place where adventure is limitless, and learning from experience is a part of every step taken in life.

Mysteries and Secrets:

Hidden throughout the world are secrets beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. These revelations often relate to truths about the world’s history and the immense powers that may one day alter its very fabric. Some secrets remain deeply concealed, holding potential that could reshape the universe itself.

Beliefs and Deities

Most people in this world believe in Primordial Deities, including:

Aetherial – The God of Light and Perfection

Nytheris – The Goddess of Darkness and Mystery

Eryndorial – The Goddess of Life and Nature

People believe that everything in the world is shaped by the cycles of light, darkness, and creation. The sacred Grimorium Aeternum (“The Eternal Tome”) records the creation of the world, the origins of the Primordial Deities, the balance of the universe, and the secret laws of life and death.

Among the Primordial Deities exists a hidden, enigmatic force known only as The Nameless One, often associated with chaos and transformation. The origins, powers, and full influence of The Nameless One are rarely revealed, even in sacred texts, and are considered a closely guarded secret. Some scholars believe that The Nameless One represents unseen forces that subtly test or alter the balance of the world, but the complete scope of its role remains unknown.

While most communities openly venerate a single deity, the existence of The Nameless One is acknowledged only in whispers and cryptic legends, particularly during times of turmoil or great change. Its influence is considered essential to the natural cycles of growth, renewal, and unforeseen transformation, yet the true workings of The Nameless One remain deliberately concealed from ordinary knowledge.

Additionally, each continent may have Lesser Primordials, such as deities of the ocean, the seasons, or fate, worshipped locally.

While the world acknowledges the existence of all Primordial Deities, most cultures or regions tend to favor one deity as their main focus, depending on lifestyle, environment, and personal belief. Ceremonies may mention all deities, but in times of crisis, people often call upon the one deity their heart truly trusts.

Characters

This universe features multiple groups of main characters. Stories are told through various perspectives, and the world is vast enough to accommodate key characters in separate contexts, each with their own unique roles. In Merveilles, “being the protagonist” is not limited to a single group or a single story.

Much like a fairy tale where flowers never truly die, the fate and journey of each character unfold according to their own choices and experiences. While the central narrative may primarily follow Zahir and his party, other characters’ adventures and events may run concurrently, offering additional layers and perspectives. This approach allows Merveilles to feel alive, multi-dimensional, and ever-expanding, giving each character the freedom to grow and influence the world in their own way.

Notes on the Universe

The world of Merveilles is expansive and diverse. The lore is extensive and still developing—it may change over time. There are plans to create a community, short stories, and comics based on this universe (the world already has some documents and notes for albums). Beyond the main stories, there are also many parallel universes and alternate settings within Merveilles.