#orstrys

Overview

Ortos is the King of the Pantheon, God of Wisdom, Youth, and the Passage of Time, and his element is light. He is the most powerful of the Patrons, ruling over their realm with a benevolent touch. He is married to Kiiras of Dimensions, and through their love they spawned all that exists. Though he has many worshipers, few are granted his Pawning, and fewer discipleship. The Pawning of Ortos ages the victim until they are nothing more than dust. They retain their sentience, and are filled with the infinite knowledge of all possible timelines to assist their new masters as they are returned to their original form, as well as eternal youth. Ortos’ Sigil is of a cracked hourglass, and it appears on the Pawn’s forehead. One can only be Pawned if they are younger than one-third of their total average lifespan. Ortos’ Sacred Treasure has the ability to control time at will.

History

Ortos came to Orstrys from The Black alongside Kiiras with their children Shakkar, Balseer, Marrion, and Moriat. Together, they went about creating the first races. Ortos was responsible for creating the Qanala, and made sure they knew how to not only survive, but prosper. For ages Ortos would speak with the new inhabitants, especially the Qanala, but eventually Kiiras birthed Corina, Teribos, and Kairoban, and his attention was drawn to them. With his time occupied with 3 new children, Ortos could not forsee the building disaster on the horizon. When the Sakumo emerged from Corina’s shattered heart, yet more demanded Ortos’ attention, stretching his presence thin and allowing Dorinum to finally make his move and initiate the War of the Ten. During the War of the Ten, Ortos was torn between his benevolent nature and the violence going on around him, unfortunately pulling into reclusion until it was almost too late. If not for Corina joining the war, Ortos would have certainly remained inactive and Dorinum would have won. With the help of Kiiras and Shakkar, Ortos locked Dorinum away in Dustaman, ensuring he could no longer wreak havoc amongst the Orstrian population. Unfortunately, the Qanala, Ortos’ child race, had been successfully exterminated from existence. Wrapped in grief that his indecision caused so much suffering, Ortos locked himself away in Ornaria for millenia. It is only relatively recently that he has begun to return to action, speaking with his few Disciples and most devout worshippers.

Guardian Beast

Ortos’ guardian beast is the kukrunga, a golden-scaled wyvern said to be born from the sun’s rays. Kukrunga can emit blinding flashes of light to stun predators and prey alike, and use these flashes to communicate across vast distances. During the mating season, many Orstrians gather in the distance of kukrunga breeding grounds at night to watch the splendor of the lights in the sky.

Sacred Treasures

Brasswinder: The sacred treasure of Ortos’ first Disciple, Niaro. An ornate brass pocket watch with ivory decor, it appears to be unworking to all but Ortosian Disciples and their Pawns. It has the ability to control the flow of time.

Silver Ribbon: The sacred treasure of Ortos’ Disciple, Kuzu-Sim. Appearing to be nothing more than a reflective ribbon, it is actually capable of slicing through iron when used as a weapon. It has the ability to control the flow of time.

Overview

Shakkar is the Doctor of the Pantheon, Goddess of Life, Death, and Reincarnation, and her element is Fire. She is one of the most powerful of the Patrons, being nearly equal in power to Ortos and Kiiras. She watches over the life cycles of all living things, making sure they live and die when they are meant to. Her primary worshipers include Doctors and Nurses, and those of religious authority, and her rival deity is Dorinum. The Pawning of Shakkar engulfs the victim in flame, infusing them with great healing ability as well as great magical energy, before being released from the fire unharmed. Shakkar's Sigil is of a great phoenix, and appears on the Pawn's lower back. One can only be Pawned if they are dying. Shakkar's Sacred Treasure has the ability to burst into flames at the wielder's command. These flames are particularly effective against the undead.

History

Shakkar came to Orstrys from The Black along with Ortos, Kiiras, Balseer, Moriat, and Marrion. Together, they went about creating the first races. Shakkar was responsible for creating the Kruk and ensured they would understand the value of life and death. Later on she would create the Quastani from the souls of the Qanala. Throughout early Orstrys, Shakkar contentedly watched over the life cycles of their creations, reincarnating the dead into new life. Much of her free time was spent with her brother, Balseer. When the minor patrons were born, however, she was designated to take over Ortos' and Kiiras' place. As she struggled to maintain the same level of order that had persisted throughout history, Dorinum struck and started the War of the Ten. Shakkar was deceived by Dorinum and gravely injured as she attempted to protect Balseer, but persisted in leading the Nine Lords against Dorinum's forces. For millennia the battle raged, until finally Kiiras and Shakkar convinced Corina to join the fray. With their combined efforts, Dorinum was defeated and sealed within Dustaman. Shakkar returned to her original duties, though she now kept a close watch over the barriers to Dustaman.

Guardian Beast

The Flameclaw, or Taraset to the Kruka tribes, is a fearsome drake with pincered claws at its shoulders and a scorpion's tail. As Shakkar's guardian beast, it is drawn to places where many deaths occur, and as such is typically seen in wartorn areas such as Zukar or in the aftermath of Bukushari raids. It is believed that they shepherd the souls of the dead to Shakkar's court, where they are sentenced to Ornaria or Dustaman. When taking flight, the joints of a taraset's shoulder claws release plumes of flame that take on the appearance of fiery wings.

Sacred Treasures

Lifeblood Elixir: The sacred treasure of Shakkar's first disciple, Simi-Pan. A vial of deep red liquid that replenishes of its own accord, ingesting it instantly heals any damage incurred. The liquid has the ability to ignite in flames at the disciple's will and purify curses and the undead; it also prevents those killed by it from rising again.

Deathhunt Sickle: The sacred treasure of Shakkar's disciple, Hiilian. A large, jagged scythe that emits a ghostly mist, the wounds inflicted by it are so devastating that even the wielder is harmed. It has the ability to ignite in flames at the disciple's will and purify curses and the undead; it also prevents those killed by it from rising again.

Flame Claw: The sacred treasure of Shakkar's disciple, Nimi. A set of 4 claws with flame motifs, they allowed the user to emit flames and use them to fly. It has the ability to ignite in flames at the disciple's will and purify curses and the undead; it also prevents those killed by it from rising again.

Zombiebane: The sacred treasure of Shakkar's disciple, Kabuto. A tower shield with a skull motif, it emits an energy that causes pain to undead who approach it. It has the ability to ignite in flames at the disciple's will and purify curses and the undead; it also prevents those killed by it from rising again.

Flashfire: The sacred treasure of Shakkar's disciple, Muku. A bottomless bag of white powder that creates blinding flashes of light when blown. The powder has the ability to ignite in flames at the disciple's will and purify curses and the undead; it also prevents those killed by it from rising again.

A bit late, but I’m finally done with all the races of Orstrys! Well, except for the demi-races, but I’ll save those for the bestiary. As always, I love any feedback I can get! Next week I’ll be starting on the religions of Orstrys, so that should help explain a few of the things mentioned in the race bios.

Half-Lobaas

Magic 8 - Half-Lobaas, like their canine parents, are naturally gifted druids and mages. The Lobaasi pack bond tends to give them more leeway in their society, granting them proper training in their rituals and magics.

Intelligence 8 - Half-Lobaas remain curious even past their younger years, allowing them more chances to learn. As such, they tend to be a bit more intelligent than their full-blooded packmates.

Defense 5 - Half-Lobaas are more capable of healing severe wounds thanks to their human side, and as such can bear to make more mistakes while hunting large game. Where a broken leg would permanently cripple a Lobaas, combies can be back in action after a month or two.

Offense 6.5 - Wielding the powerful claws and teeth of their Lobaasi parents, Half-Lobaas are just as fearsome hunters. Their human half also grants them a bit more fluidity in their movements, which makes them more capable in one-on-one combat.

Speed 7.5 - Half-Lobaas aren’t as nimble or fast as their packmates, but can chase and fight prey for much longer. This extra stamina tends to lead them to over extend while chasing down prey, occasionally causing tension between the hunting parties.

Half-Cyora or Catkin

Magic 7 - Half-Cyora are just as magically gifted as their parents, which helps them keep up in their society. Using their magic, they can build and innovate just as well as their peers.

Intelligence 8.5 - Curious to a fault, Half-Cyora are always trying to figure out something. Whether it be how a contraption works, why society is how it is, or where the best materials can be found, most Half-Cyora become stuck in a cycle of wonder.

Defense 5 - With their human half boosting their natural healing processes, Half-Cyora can recover from injury better than a full-blood. Regardless, their physical defenses are still the same as their Cyoran parent.

Offense 6.5 - While they inherit the sharp claws and strong muscles of their Cyoran parent, Half-Cyora have a jaw structure almost identical to a human and their claws are far less durable. As such, they’re all but useless for combat and are primarily used in utility.

Speed 8 - Half-Cyoran skeletal structure is much closer to a human than a Cyora, and as such they’re not as agile as a full-blood. However, they still outclass most races in their flexibility and speed.

Half-Sakumo or Gylls

Magic 8.5 - Half-Sakumo are just as capable mages as their purebred counterparts, with the additional benefit of not being limited in their elements. Still, few actually pursue further than water and air magic.

Intelligence 8 - Half-Sakumo are just as intelligent as their parents - and just as business savvy. With access to their emotions, however, they tend to be more variable when it comes to future professions.

Defense 6.5 - Gylls are covered in tiny scales that feel smooth to the touch, but still give moderate protection from attacks. Additionally, they constantly secret a form of mucous that traps moisture, but also makes them difficult to grab onto.

Offense 6 - Gylls have sharp teeth and spines on their joints, granting them more natural weapons than many pure Sakumo. They also have impressive strength, and can crush trees with their bare hands.

Edit: Accidentally posted this too early, so I may or may not skip Tuesday.

Overview The Goruk-Tai, or simply the Tai, are ape-like humanoids that rule Karikos. They are among the strongest of the races, though they generally keep to themselves. Though a few subraces exist, they all refer to themselves as Goruk-Tai. MIDOS Score Magic 6 - The Goruk-Tai are above average in their magical ability, adept in both earth and water magic, as well as alchemy and light magic. Their healing salves and herbal remedies are second to none, and even Lobaas covet the knowledge of their creation. Intelligence 7 - Goruk-Tai are surprisingly intelligent despite their strength, and have vast libraries filled with knowledge in their canopy cities. In their rivalry with the Quastani, they often use this knowledge in their attempts to outwit the avian race. Defense 6.5 - Tai have thick bones and hides that protect them from falling great heights while climbing. These also protect them from many conventional weaponry. Offense 9 - Built with powerful muscles, Goruk-Tai, particularly the Goruk-Nali, are capable of truly spectacular physical feats. A small unit can even take down a Bukushar Wartusk with no casualties. Speed 6.5 - The Tai use their natural agility and acrobatics to swing from tree to tree and avoid the deadly predators on the forest floor. While on the ground, they’re a fairly average speed, when in an environment that permits a multitude of hand and footholds they reign supreme. Biology Goruk-Gua An orangutan-like subrace. Far more rare than the others, and typically hold leadership positions. Goruk-Nali A gorilla-like subrace. Generally act as enforcers due to their stronger bodies, but are welcome in almost any position. Goruk-Mao A chimpanzee-like subrace. The most numerous of the Goruk-Tai, and often the ones encountered outside the kingdom. Generally the most empathetic of the Goruk-Tai, and will rarely utilize Kurot-Nor. Politics Despite keeping to themselves, the Goruk-Tai have a few notable relationships with the other kingdoms. The Goruk-Tai and the Quastani have had an intellectual rivalry for centuries, always seeking to one-up each other in the pursuit of knowledge. The Sakumo had remained relatively peaceful with the ape-race, until the fish-people began to use the term “Shinshin” as a nickname for the Goruk-Gua due to the similarities between the two creatures; an act that nearly sparked a war. The Bukushar make regular attempts to attack Karikos, but remain unsuccessful. Between Goruk-Tai, there is a general hierarchy for political positions; Goruk-Gua are at the top, Goruk-Mao are in the middle, and Goruk-Nali are at the bottom. This is not a set-in-stone ruling, however, and many Tai villages have been and are led by Nali and Mao over the Gua. Regardless of the political atmosphere, the one thing that remains the same is that the Kurot-Nor remain slaves.

So, as I said last week, I’ve decided to take a break from Tabletop Tuesday for awhile. Instead I’ll be posting some lore for the novel I’m writing. The series is called the Korrosin Chronicles, after the main character Sarah Korrosin. It’s a high fantasy YA that follows a half-human girl on her quest to gather other Chosen Champions of the gods. The dominant races are many, with humans being a fresh arrival to the world through some unknown occurrence; in fact, humans have only been in this world for about 20 years.

To start off the workshops, I’ll be describing the many different races that will make a notable appearance during the series, starting with the Quastani. There are a total of 10 races besides the humans, and I will describe one each week. And now, for the Quastani!

The Quastani are bird-like humanoids that rule Xitarka. Excellent scholars and mages thanks to the energy rich land they inhabit, they show little interest in the dealings of the outside world. Ruled by the notorious Council of Wisdom, they retain their neutrality and peacefulness even during all out conflict unless they are actively threatened. Unlike the other races, the Quastani change radically as they age, which confuses newcomers as to whether or not there are subraces. The appearance of these stages seems to tie into choices and events that occur throughout a Quastani’s life, meaning one can potentially determine exactly the kind of character a Quastani has solely based upon their appearance.

The Quastani came to be several thousand years ago during a time of great strife. The mammalian Bukushar slaughtered the ancient, reptilian Qanala under the deceit of Dorinum. When the Blood Raids succeeded in killing every last Qanala in Orstrys, the balance of the world had been destroyed. Shakkar, the goddess of life, death, and rebirth, took it upon herself to create a new race to fill the void using the souls of the Qanala, at the cost of their memories and culture.

Magic 9.5 - Quastani are inherently magical due to both their origins with Shakkar and their magic infused homeland. They are excellent mages at any age, and only get more powerful. Intelligence 9 - The Quastani way of life ensures that knowledge takes precedent over all other pursuits. It is for this reason that the most scholarly citizens bail from Xitarka. Defense 3.5 - Despite being gifted in the magical arts, a Quastani’s natural physical defenses are extremely poor in comparison. Their bones are hollow to aid in their flight, and as such break very easily. Offense 6 - While young Quastani aren’t the best physical fighters, adults and elders tend to develop talons and increased musculature and can cause quite the nasty wound by swooping in from above. Speed 7 - In addition to being excellent flyers, Quastani are also fast on their feet. Some Quastani even grow up to be flightless, but make up for this by being much faster on the ground.

Infant The infantile stage of the Quastani is similar in appearance to your typical chick. Eventually they grow their down, and will retain this until their third molt.

Child The child stage of the Quastani is similar in appearance to that of a songbird, though varying in actual appearance. They will remain in this stage until their 12th molt.

Teenager The teenager stage of the Quastani is entirely unpredictable, in that one’s appearance seems most dependant on environment and can change abruptly should one change that environment. Typically, a teenage Quastani will appear similar to a raven, however. They will retain this until their 21st molt.

Adult The adult stage of the Quastani is similar in appearance to a bird of prey. Molting slows down once reaching adulthood, gradually increasing in time between. They will remain this way until their 50th molt.

Elder The elder stage of the Quastani is similar in appearance to an owl. These are among the oldest and most experienced Quastani, and tend to make up the Council of Wisdom. Molting slows down even further once in the elder stage, and some Quastani Elders have been recorded to reach 400 years old, with outside influence. Typically, this is the last stage a Quastani will achieve before death, though one more exists.

Ancient The ancient stage of the Quastani is similar in appearance of a Phoenix. It is unknown just how a Quastani reaches this final stage, with various Ancients having done many different things to become one, but its existence has led many to believe that the Quastani are the direct offspring of Shakkar, and this belief is well established in folklore and religion. Once achieving the Ancient stage, a Quastani is unable to die by age or sickness, although they can be killed.

The Quastani were the first to learn the secrets of the Qanalan ruins, unlocking vastly advanced magic and technology and cementing themselves as the central governing body across most of Orstrys. Despite following an impartial ideology and focusing on personal enlightenment, most of the other inhabitants of Orstrys turn to them for political and spiritual guidance. They act as mediators in political disputes to ensure it doesn’t escalate to all out war.

Internally, their value of wisdom and age leads to their central governing body to consist of the oldest and wisest Quastani. With their centuries of experience they guide Xitarkan society by trying to avoid the mistakes of the past. Many younger Quastani disagree with this approach, leading a lot to travel the world instead.

Overview

Marrion is the Farmer of the Pantheon, Goddess of Plants, Agriculture, and Nature, and her element is water. She is a peaceful Patron, though her power to control nature is not to be trifled with. Should you present yourself as an enemy to the balance, she will not hesitate to deal with you swiftly... and often messily. Her primary worshipers include Farmers, Ranchers, and Alchemists, and her rival deity is Moriat. The Pawning of Marrion entangles the victim in brambles, breaking the skin and filling them with hypersensitivity to nature. This allows them to have minor control over plants and animals, as well as innate herbal knowledge. Marrion's Sigil is of a twisted tree, still lush with greenery, and appears on the back of the left hand. One can only be Pawned if they would willingly sacrifice themselves to protect nature. Marrion's Sacred Treasure has the ability to create seeds that, when planted and given even a single drop of water, can turn even the driest desert into a lush jungle, complete with wildlife. When consumed, these seeds can also cure any ailment, including those caused by a Disciple of Dorinum.

History

Marrion came to Orstrys from The Black alongside Ortos, Kiiras, Shakkar, Balseer, and Moriat. Together, they went about creating the first races. Marrion was responsible for creating the Lobaas, and ensured they would understand nature's importance. Marrion had always been a relevant presence on Orstrys, using the Lobaas to safeguard the balance of wilderness and civilization. Even as the other races developed and invented and built, Marrion helped ensure there was enough unaltered wilderness that the rest of the life on Orstrys could prosper, much to Moriat's chagrin. Marrion instantly developed a close relationship with Corina after she began learning how to be a Patron, and tutored her consistently. Even after Dorinum intitiated the War of the Ten, Marrion's Lobaasi armies allowed her time to be there for her fellow deity, practically filling in for the goddess when needed. Once Dorinum was sealed away, Marrion returned to her original life, and although she and Corina lacked the closeness they once had, they remained close friends.

Guardian Beast

Despite the unusual appearance of a plant, the diodendron is actually a dragon, and is considered Marrion's guardian beast. Diodendron have thin, flexible bodies to allow themselves to blend in with their jungle environments, and are masters of trapping and ambushing prey. Their saliva has a sweet, mind-altering aroma, and is especially effective on Kruk. Instead of wings, they have prehensile tentacles covered in sticky slime, which they use to capture prey.

Sacred Treasures

Lifesower: The sacred treasure of Marrion's first disciple, Niliis. A simple farming sickle in appearance, its handle appears to constantly sprout small branches that must be pruned. The branches have the ability to create seeds that, when planted and given even a single drop of water, can turn even the driest desert into a lush jungle, complete with wildlife. When consumed, these seeds can also cure any ailment, including those caused by a Disciple of Dorinum.

World Mother: The sacred treasure of Marrion's disciple, Haragos. A simple cloth bag that naturally sustains the holder without the need for food, water, or sleep. It has the ability to create seeds that, when planted and given even a single drop of water, can turn even the driest desert into a lush jungle, complete with wildlife. When consumed, these seeds can also cure any ailment, including those caused by a Disciple of Dorinum.

Overview

Balseer was the Librarian of the Pantheon, God of Art, Magic, and Energy, and his element was Earth. There are many stories of what happened to Balseer, ranging from being killed by Dorinum to spark the War, to having been absorbed by Dorinum during the War, to the ever darker idea that is they are one and the same, cursed by their own power. His primary worshippers included magic users, artists, and scientists, and his rival deity was Shakkar. The Pawning of Balseer fires an arc of electricity into the victim, paralyzing them as the current flows throughout their body. As the energy spreads, massive amounts of magical energy is infused into them, until finally the current is fired back out into the sky. Balseer's sigil was of an eye with crossed lightning bolts, and it appeared on the solar plexus. One could only be Pawned if they possessed an inquisitive mind. Balseer's Sacred Treasure had a record of every spell - past, present, and future - hidden within the jewel that adorned it. When wielded, even if the user was barely an apprentice, they could outclass the most master of mages. 

History

Balseer came to Orstrys from The Black alongside Ortos, Kiiras, Shakkar, Marrion, and Moriat. Together, they went about creating the first races. Balseer was responsible for creating the Bukushar, and, following a different path than the other patrons, ensured they would be his opposite in all things. Balseer tended to keep to himself during the time before The War of the Ten, only interacting with his sister, Shakkar, on a regular basis. Due to this, Ortos and Kiiras rarely asked of him, and when the time came for someone to step up and fill their roles until they could return, Balseer was passed over. Angered that his knowledge was not being put to use as well as it could be, he secluded himself even further in his work, even shunning Shakkar, whom he had always welcomed into his life. Sadly, Balseer was killed during this period by Dorinum, sparking The War of the Ten and plunging Orstrys into chaos.

Guardian Beast

Beithir were the guardian beasts of Balseer before his disappearance from the Pantheon. They primarily resided in mountainous areas and river valleys before their sudden extinction. The enormous snake-like dragons were highly toxic, and when combined with their ability to generate and travel through lightning bolts, they were considered some of the fiercest guardian beasts in Orstrys.

Sacred Treasures

Overview

Kiiras is the Queen of the Pantheon, Goddess of the Planes, the Elements, and Space, and her element is dark. She is the second most powerful Patron, assisting Ortos in his rule by providing a firm hand on all who require judgement. She birthed all that exists, including the other Patrons. Her primary worshipers include Judges and Astronomers, though many others openly worship her. The Pawning of Kiiras opens a black void that sucks the victim inside, before closing up completely. During their time inside the alternate dimension, they are imbued with mastery of all 4 main elements, before being promptly spat back out. Kiiras' Sigil is of a spiral galaxy, and it appears on the Pawn's sternum. One can only be Pawned if they have no elemental affinity. Kiiras' Sacred Treasure has the ability to open portals to many different locations, and also serves as a pocket dimension. 

History

Kiiras came to Orstrys from The Black alongside Ortos with their children Shakkar, Balseer, Marrion, and Moriat. Together, they went about creating the first races. Kiiras was responsible for creating the Goruk-Tai and ensured they would understand how far a firm hand would take them. Kiiras spent much of her time reeling Ortos in from his interactions with their creations, though with the birth of the minor patrons they were both occupied for several centuries. When Corina and Teribos started to become close, Kiiras warned them both to stay away from each other. Corina ignored these warnings, and suffered the consequences. Kiiras was stretched even thinner than Ortos due to her controlling tendencies, and was all but powerless when Dorinum struck. Had Moriat and Shakkar not headed the defense, Kiiras surely would've died from overexertion. During the final decades of the war, Kiiras, with Shakkar's help, managed to coax Corina into action, and the war was soon won. Kiiras, along with Ortos and Shakkar, sealed Dorinum inside Dustaman, and went about rebuilding Orstrys. Kiiras and Moriat took charge of the operations, and once they were done Kiiras remained watchful, certain Dorinum would return.

Guardian Beast

The shadowy ying lung that twist and slither through the night sky are known as Voidserpents, and are viewed as Kiiras' guardian beasts. Though few have ever seen one of these magificent beasts, those who have accidentally stumblef upon them attest to their ability to seemingly teleport potential threats into precarious situations such as onto the edge of a cliff or in the dens of deadly predators.

Sacred Treasures

Warpshadow: The sacred treasure of Kiiras' first disciple, Shina. A pitch black cloak crafted from Voidserpent hide, it allows the wearer to become one with the shadows. It has the ability to access a pocket dimension that puts whatever is placed inside into a form of stasis.

Vorpal Spear: The sacred treasure of Kiiras' disciple, Krii. Appearing as a crude wooden spear with a stone tip, its punctures open small portals into another dimension, causing intense internal bleeding. It has the ability to access a pocket dimension that puts whatever is placed inside of it into a form of stasis.

Judgement: A metal gavel with an intricately carved head, it can summon chains from the earth to bind a subject it has struck. It has the ability to access a pocket dimension that puts whatever is placed inside into a form of stasis.