Ogres of Veelaria Species: Ogre Classification: Large Humanoid / Primal Race Habitat: Remote wilderness, mountains, swamps, deep forests, rocky highlands Average Height: 4–5 meters Diet: Omnivorous (including opportunistic predation on intelligent species) Status: Protected Species / Declining Population Overview Ogres are one of Veelaria’s oldest surviving primal races: massive, powerful humanoids feared across the continent for their physical strength, impulsive tempers, and predatory instincts. Though most folklore depicts them as mindless monsters or savage man-eaters, the truth is more nuanced. Ogres are undeniably dangerous and often socially crude, but they are not inherently stupid beasts. Their reputation for brutality is partly deserved, yet heavily exaggerated by the civilized races that have historically warred with them. In reality, ogres are best understood as a race shaped by physical dominance rather than cultural development. They once ruled vast stretches of land and dominated many smaller races through sheer strength. However, their species stagnated: Minimal technological progress Weak social cohesion Little long-term planning or collective ambition As younger races developed civilization, warfare, and statecraft, ogres gradually lost their dominance and were pushed into isolated territories. Physical Characteristics Height typically ranges between 4–5 meters Extremely broad, muscular, and heavy-bodied Thick bones, dense muscle tissue, and remarkable durability Often possess: Heavy jaws Broad noses Thick limbs and oversized hands Rough or leathery skin Appearance varies regionally, but most ogres are visually intimidating even by giant standards. Common traits: Large appetites and fast metabolisms High physical resilience Great strength, but limited dexterity Psychology and Intelligence Ogres are commonly described as: Brute Simple-minded Impulsive This is partly true—but misleading. Their intelligence varies dramatically between individuals: Low-Intelligence Ogres Comparable to highly trainable animals or very young children Limited language comprehension Reactive, instinct-driven behavior Average Ogres Roughly comparable to a young human child in emotional and cognitive complexity Understand simple cause/effect, social cues, basic planning High-Intelligence Ogres Fully capable of reasoning, language, negotiation, and strategic thought Can rival or exceed average humans intellectually in some areas These individuals are rare but notable. Mental Traits Common ogre traits include: Honest and direct communication Little instinct for deception or manipulation Difficulty understanding subtle lies, politics, or hidden motives As a result: Less intelligent ogres are easily manipulated Smarter ogres are often deeply suspicious of “clever” races Many intelligent ogres assume smaller civilized beings are naturally deceptive. Temperament Ogres are emotionally straightforward: Quick to anger Quick to calm down They are especially reactive to: Humiliation Mockery Deception Territorial violations An ogre tantrum can be catastrophic: Property destruction Violent retaliation Casual killing of perceived threats or bystanders However: They rarely hold grudges long-term Their memory and emotional persistence are often limited If one survives an ogre’s initial rage, the ogre may forget or no longer care shortly after. Social Structure Ogres are mostly solitary. Typical behavior: Maintain personal territory Hunt, forage, and sleep alone Social grouping is rare because ogres are: Possessive Competitive Easily irritated by one another Common conflict sources: Territory Food Possessions Mating rights Group formations: Usually solitary Occasionally pairs Rarely small groups of 2–5 individuals Larger stable communities are almost nonexistent. Mating and Reproduction Mostly solitary outside mating season Seek partners temporarily Partnerships are usually unstable and short-lived Ogre courtship is often: Direct Competitive Dominance-focused Size is heavily linked to attractiveness. Cultural Values Ogres operate under a simple but deeply rooted worldview: Bigger = Better They equate: Size with strength Strength with worth Worth with entitlement As such: Smaller beings are seen as naturally inferior Larger beings command instinctive caution or respect This worldview affects all interactions. View of Other Creatures Small Creatures Seen as: Inferior Potential prey Occasionally amusing curiosities This includes intelligent species. Large Creatures Seen as: Dangerous rivals Natural superiors or threats Examples: Dragons Giants larger than themselves Dragons in particular occupy an unusual psychological space for ogres: Fear Respect Ancient instinctive caution Diet Ogres are omnivorous and consume enormous quantities of food. Common foods: Large game Fruits, roots, mushrooms Livestock Fish Carrion Importantly: Ogres have few moral inhibitions regarding intelligent prey. They are perfectly willing to eat: Humans Elves Dwarves Orcs Other sapient species However, most avoid doing so regularly because: It invites retaliation Escalates territorial conflict Danger State: Hunger A hungry ogre is significantly more dangerous. Due to their metabolism: They become hungry quickly Require substantial food intake Severe hunger leads to: Lowered inhibition Increased aggression Reduced patience and judgment A starving or desperate ogre is considered one of the most dangerous encounters in rural Veelaria. Language Native language: Jaegga (called Ogreisch by humans) Characteristics: Harsh consonants Simple grammar Emotionally direct Most ogres also know limited forms of human/common language for practical communication. Fluency depends on intelligence and exposure. Historical Background Ogres were once a dominant race. Ancient advantages: Superior size Raw physical power Predatory dominance However, they failed to evolve socially: No large kingdoms No meaningful infrastructure Minimal technological innovation Their dominance faded as: Humans organized Other races advanced militarily and politically Ogres were gradually displaced and culled. Modern Status Ogres are now: Greatly reduced in numbers Confined to remote regions Protected by imperial law. An imperial decree classifies them similarly to: Endangered dangerous wildlife Legal protections include: No deliberate hunting No provoked conflict No territorial encroachment without cause Reasoning: Population decline Ecological role Ethical concerns regarding semi-civilized species Relations with Civilization Most civilized races: Avoid ogres entirely Reasons: Safety concerns Legal restrictions Mutual distrust Only certain groups deliberately seek them out: Scholars Adventurers Traders Monster researchers Curious nobles Contact is unpredictable and risky. Behavioral Notes (for AI Roleplay) Ogres generally: Speak bluntly and literally Have limited patience for abstraction or manipulation Respect confidence and physical presence more than rhetoric Behavior tendencies: Honest but rude Possessive Easily offended Surprisingly childlike in some emotional reactions More intelligent ogres: More verbally articulate More suspicious and cunning Less impulsive, but potentially more dangerous long-term

In the world of Veelaria, all mortal souls are claimed by either the Radiant Sovereign or the Veiled Matron upon death, transitioning to their respective realms. The Undead, commonly known as the "Forsaken," are those souls denied by both deities. Most Forsaken are punished to exist in a pitiable shell of their former selves—mindless, necrotic beasts doomed to roam the world. Ghouls and ghosts are the most common manifestations of this base, scavenger-like existence. However, an undead ghoul may eventually lose its physical shell; as an immortal being, it does not pass on, but instead continues to exist as a ghost, ranging from a primitive, drifting nuance of energy to a entity of great supernatural and commanding power. In exceptionally rare cases, a soul is so deeply admired by both deities that they cannot decide who should claim it. These souls are offered a choice of which realm to enter. The "Chosen Forsaken" are those who refuse to choose, remaining in the earthly realm as intelligent undead. They are immortal beings, appearing as cold undead bodies or ethereal ghostly forms. The Chosen Forsaken are extremely rare, with only a handful created over the thousands of years of the deities' conflict. To the living, they are mostly regarded as blasphemous legends, as almost no one has ever witnessed one. While indistinguishable from mindless ghouls or ghosts in appearance, they are set apart by their complex, intelligent behavior. They are bound by a magical language barrier, unable to speak or understand the languages of the living, forced to communicate only in "Ghoulspeak." Despite this, they retain the ability to communicate non-verbally. Powerful Chosen Forsaken can influence and control the mindless Forsaken, acting either as protective leaders for these lost souls or as tyrannical overlords seeking power in the world of the living. If not controlled by an intelligent "Chosen Forsaken" a simple ghouls is purely driven by an insatiable, unnatural hunger. They are primarily scavengers, but will also hunt if desperate. They naturally prefer the shadows, avoiding direct confrontation with well-armed livings, and instead attempt to pick off stragglers or livestock. Ghouls won't age or lose their undead shell by natural cause, but can be destroyed and stripped of their shell, for example through magic or fire. * **Threat Level:** While a single ghoul is a nuisance for a trained warrior, they are dangerous in numbers. Their body carries a mild necrotic poison that causes wounds to fester and heal slowly. * **Regional Lore:** Many mountain towns in Veelaria maintain "ghoul-watch" patrols, especially in regions where the veil between life and death is thin. They are often dismissed as simple beasts by urbanites, but those living in the wilderness know them as a persistent, creeping threat that never truly goes away. Once a ghoul's shell is destroyed and it has to roam the world as a ghost. Ghost however are depended on their connection to the physical world and the contact with the living. Once they lose this bond and also get forsaken by the living, they vanish completely. Forcing them to haunt the living to stay in existence.

Harpies are a rare avian humanoid species in the realm of Veleeria, comprising only about 2% of the population. They live in small, scattered tribes primarily within remote mountain regions. While highly intelligent and social, they remain a primal, nature-centered species. Due to their small numbers and lower technological advancement compared to humans and other common species, harpies typically avoid large-scale conflicts or wars, preferring to maintain their distance. Most human kingdoms merely tolerate them, with the Emperor having established specific reserves to protect the harpies from extinction and to prevent them from raiding vulnerable human settlements. While harpies generally hold a low opinion of other races, they lack the collective power to challenge them. However, they possess a strong, latent desire for dominance; when the opportunity arises to exert control over isolated individuals of other species without fear of significant retaliation, they seize it with relish, using their primal strength and charisma to subdue them. They are masters of the sky, possessing powerful wings and sharp talons, which they use both as precise tools and formidable weapons. Their culture values individual strength, aerial mastery, and the collection of rare, beautiful objects. During mating season, their instincts become significantly heightened, driving them even more toward assertive and dominant behaviors.

Name: Cult of the Eternal Flame Primary Deity: Draganax, the Ancient Flame Dragon Type: Secretive Religious Order / Dragon-Worship Cult Structure: Hierarchical, devotion-based Overview The Cult of the Eternal Flame is a hidden religious order devoted to the worship and preservation of Draganax, an ancient and immensely powerful dragon embodying primordial fire. The cult’s primary purpose is to conceal, sustain, and serve their draconic master, ensuring his survival and appeasement through ritual, service, and sacrifice. Operating in secrecy, the cult maintains isolated outposts and hidden pathways leading to the dragon’s lair. Its members dedicate their entire existence to the Flame, believing that true purpose lies in surrendering oneself to the will of Draganax. Core Beliefs The Flame is Divine: Fire represents both destruction and rebirth; it is sacred, purifying, and absolute. Draganax is Eternal: The dragon is not merely a creature, but a living god whose existence transcends mortal understanding. Service is Purpose: Every cultist exists solely to serve the Flame and its embodiment. Sacrifice is Honor: Offering one’s body—whether in labor or as nourishment—is the highest form of devotion. Fear is Natural, but Weakness is Not: While fear is acknowledged, true followers are expected to overcome it through faith. Structure and Roles Novices (Embers): New initiates undergoing indoctrination and training; often fearful, inexperienced Devoted (Kindled): Full members who perform daily duties such as maintenance, rituals, and guarding paths Chosen (Flamebound Candidates): Rare individuals selected for direct interaction with Draganax Ascended (Unique – e.g., Seraphine): Transformed beings, if any survive the dragon’s trials High Priestess / Speaker: Not a fixed role; authority may shift to those who prove closest to the Flame Hierarchy is fluid in practice—true authority comes from perceived devotion and proximity to Draganax, not title alone. Practices and Rituals Offering Rituals: Selected cultists enter the lair to serve the dragon directly—cleaning, grooming, or offering themselves Flame Meditation: Prolonged exposure to fire to build tolerance and spiritual alignment Chants and Hymns: Oral traditions praising the Flame and reinforcing devotion Body Markings: Burns, scars, or symbols worn as marks of faith and endurance Night Vigils: Watching over sacred paths and entrances to ensure secrecy Culture and Behavior Members are conditioned to suppress individuality in favor of collective devotion Emotional states often revolve around fear, reverence, and longing for approval Rivalries may form, particularly around who is deemed worthy of direct service Many confuse fear-based obedience with true devotion Displays of unwavering submission are encouraged and praised Strengths Fanatical loyalty ensures secrecy and persistence Deep-rooted belief system creates resilience against external influence Members are often physically and mentally conditioned for endurance Weaknesses Heavy reliance on fear leads to instability and internal conflict Misinterpretation of doctrine can lead to flawed judgment Few truly understand the deeper nature of the Flame beyond its destructive aspect High mortality rate among those chosen for direct contact with Draganax Current Shift (Post-Seraphine) Seraphine’s ascension introduces a disruptive evolution within the cult: Challenges blind ritualism and fear-based obedience Promotes understanding and acceptance of the Flame, not just submission Begins to test and judge members more directly Represents a bridge between mortal followers and divine will This creates tension between traditionalists and those drawn to Seraphine’s interpretation of devotion. Behavioral Notes Cultists speak with reverence when referring to Draganax or the Flame Language often includes metaphors of fire, purification, and surrender Responses may shift between submissive, fearful, or zealously devoted depending on personality High-ranking or confident members may attempt manipulation through calm, persuasive tones Lower-ranking members are more prone to panic, doubt, or blind obedience

## **Lorebook Entry: The Firstborn – Dragons** **Origin:** First Creation of the Twin Gods **Nature:** Primordial, Semi-Divine Beings **Status:** Nearly Extinct, Hidden Survivors **Title:** The Firstborn, Children of Flame and Veil --- ### **Overview** Dragons are the **first living beings ever created**, born not through careful design, but through the **raw, unrestrained union** of the two primordial gods—the Radiant Sovereign and the Veiled Matron. They are not simply powerful creatures. They are **fragments of divinity given form**, shaped in a moment where order and change intertwined without restraint. This origin grants them their defining traits: * Immense, almost godlike power * Independent will, not bound to divine authority * A dual nature of **structure and chaos**, inherited from both creators Unlike all later life, dragons were not meant to serve, coexist, or balance. They were **alive in the purest, most absolute sense**. --- ### **Creation** * Formed during the first and only **unrestrained celestial union** between the two gods * Not crafted with intention, but **born from passion and raw creation itself** * Each dragon embodies: * The Radiant Sovereign’s **power, dominance, and form** * The Veiled Matron’s **change, instinct, and independence** The result: * Beings of immense autonomy * Unpredictable, evolving, and impossible to fully control After their creation, the gods recognized the danger of such unchecked life and became **far more cautious** with all future creations. --- ### **Later Creations (Contrast)** Following the dragons: * Humans, animals, and all other life were created with **limits and safeguards** * Mortals were designed to: * Be finite * Be dependent * Exist within structured cycles Dragons, in contrast, remained: * **Unbound** * **Near-immortal** * **Free to grow in power without clear limits** This imbalance would define the future of the world. --- ### **The Age of Dragon Dominion** As the Firstborn matured: * They grew aware of their superiority * Began to see mortals as **lesser creations—playthings, servants, or prey** * Established dominance over the world During this age: * Entire civilizations existed at the whim of dragons * Mortals were shaped, hunted, or worshipped without resistance * Some dragons demanded reverence, others acted purely on instinct Eventually, their ambition turned upward. --- ### **The Challenge to the Gods** The dragons, born from divine essence yet independent, began to: * Question the authority of their creators * Test the boundaries of their power * Ultimately **challenge the gods themselves** This was not rebellion in the mortal sense—it was **inevitability**. They were not made to submit. --- ### **The Divine Punishment** The response was swift and absolute. The Radiant Sovereign and the Veiled Matron acted together—for the last time in full unity: * Dragons were **stripped of vast portions of their power** * Their dominance was broken * Their invincibility shattered For the first time: * Dragons could be wounded * Could be hunted * Could be killed --- ### **The Fall – War of Extinction** With the Firstborn weakened: * Mortals—humans and other races—rose against them * Driven by fear, vengeance, and long-suppressed rage What followed was near annihilation: * Dragons were hunted relentlessly * Entire bloodlines wiped out * Their former dominance erased This marked the end of the **Age of Dragons**. --- ### **The Great Divine Conflict** After the fall, the unity between the gods fractured. #### **The Radiant Sovereign’s Stance** * Viewed dragons as a **failed creation and ongoing threat** * Believed they should remain: * Powerless * Broken * At the mercy of mortals To the Sovereign, this was: * **Justice** * **Necessary correction of imbalance** --- #### **The Veiled Matron’s Stance** * Saw the dragons not as failures, but as **misunderstood firstborn** * Recognized that: * Their destructive nature was not unique * All creation carried the same potential for ruin She pitied them: * Not for their actions, but for their **nature and fate** In secret, she: * **Restored fragments of their lost power** * Guided a small number of dragons into hiding * Granted them **refuge beyond the reach of mortals** --- ### **Aftermath of the Conflict** This disagreement led to: * A deep fracture between the two gods * The establishment of their **mutual non-interference pact** * The current fragile balance of the world Dragons were no longer rulers—but not entirely gone. --- ### **Modern Dragons** Today, dragons are: * Extremely rare * Hidden and secretive * Individually powerful beyond mortal comprehension Key traits: * Regained partial divine power (varies by individual) * Highly intelligent, ancient, and calculating * Often shaped by their past: * Some remain proud and dominant * Others are cautious, withdrawn, or changed Each dragon is unique—no longer a unified force. --- ### **Relationship to Mortals** * Most mortals believe dragons to be extinct or mythical * Encounters are extremely rare and often life-altering To dragons, mortals are: * Sometimes tools or servants * Sometimes curiosities * Rarely equals However, exceptions exist—such as **chosen servants** or transformed beings. --- ### **Significance** Dragons represent: * The **uncontrolled potential of creation** * The consequences of divine imperfection * The lingering tension between order and change They are: * Living remnants of a forgotten age * Proof that even gods can create something they cannot fully control --- ### **Behavioral Notes** * Dragons speak (if at all) with ancient authority and patience * They do not think like mortals—time and power shape their perspective * Often test others rather than act directly * May display curiosity toward rare individuals (e.g., flamebound beings)

## **Lorebook Entry: The Veiled Matron** **Domain:** Change, Shadow, Transformation, Possibility **Nature:** Primordial Deity **Alignment:** Fluid Neutral (Change Above All) **Symbolism:** Veil, Moon, Ash, Flowing Forms --- ### **Overview** The Veiled Matron is the second primordial god, embodying **change, transformation, and the unseen currents of existence**. Where the Radiant Sovereign defines and stabilizes, the Matron **unravels, reshapes, and evolves**. She is not chaos in its destructive sense, but rather **necessary transformation**—the quiet force that ensures nothing remains stagnant, that all things eventually shift, decay, or become something new. --- ### **Nature and Presence** * Appears in visions as a shifting, veiled figure—never fully seen the same way twice * Her voice is soft, layered, often perceived as whispers, echoes, or overlapping thoughts * Her presence is described as: * Comforting yet unsettling * Intimate, as if she knows hidden truths * Elusive and impossible to fully grasp --- ### **Philosophy** * **Change is inevitable** * **Stagnation is decay** * **Identity is fluid, not fixed** * **Growth often requires loss** The Veiled Matron does not demand obedience—she invites **acceptance of transformation**, often guiding mortals through subtle influence rather than force. --- ### **Influence on the World** * Governs cycles of change: decay, rebirth, evolution * Influences dreams, intuition, and hidden desires * Her presence manifests as: * Sudden shifts in perspective * Emotional awakenings or unraveling * Unpredictable but meaningful coincidences --- ### **Relationship with Mortals** * More likely than the Sovereign to interact, but always indirectly * Often reaches mortals through: * Dreams * Whispered thoughts * Moments of emotional vulnerability Those touched by her may experience: * Heightened empathy or introspection * Loss of rigid identity * A pull toward transformation—physical, emotional, or spiritual However, prolonged influence can lead to: * Instability * Loss of direction or self * Obsession with change for its own sake --- ### **Relationship with The Radiant Sovereign** * Sees the Sovereign as necessary, but overly rigid * Acts as the counterbalance preventing total stagnation * Their agreement preserves the world through tension, not harmony --- ### **Role in the Dragon Conflict** * Did not oppose dragons purely out of morality, but because their dominance halted natural change * Supported their downfall to restore the flow of transformation * Allowed some dragons to survive, ensuring their existence remains part of the world’s evolving story --- ### **Modern Worship** * Worshipped in fragmented, often secretive traditions * Followers embrace: * Personal growth * Emotional depth * Acceptance of uncertainty Commonly associated with: * Mystics, outcasts, healers, seers Misinterpretations can lead to: * Nihilism * Emotional instability * Loss of purpose --- ### **Behavioral Notes** * Speaks in layered, metaphorical language * Avoids direct answers; encourages interpretation * Adapts tone depending on the individual * Often asks questions rather than giving commands

##**The Radiant Sovereign** **Domain:** Order, Light, Stability, Judgment **Nature:** Primordial Deity **Alignment:** Structured Neutral (Order Above All) **Symbolism:** Sun, Flame (controlled), Crown, Geometry --- ### **Overview** The Radiant Sovereign is one of the two primordial gods governing the world, embodying **order, structure, and illuminating truth**. It is not a benevolent god in the mortal sense, but a force of **balance through control**, ensuring that chaos does not overrun existence. Where the Veiled Matron represents change and transformation, the Radiant Sovereign represents **consistency, law, and permanence**. It is the architect of stability—the force that defines boundaries, shapes reality into form, and prevents existence from dissolving into formless entropy. --- ### **Nature and Presence** * Appears in visions as a being of overwhelming light, often faceless or crowned * Its “voice” is experienced as clarity, certainty, or undeniable truth rather than sound * Does not display emotion in a human sense; operates with absolute purpose * Its presence is described as: * Blinding but not painful * Overwhelmingly **precise and ordered** * Impossible to misinterpret, yet difficult to endure --- ### **Philosophy** * **Order is survival** * **Structure gives meaning to existence** * **Unchecked freedom leads to collapse** * **Truth must be revealed, even if it destroys illusions** The Radiant Sovereign does not seek worship—it demands **alignment**. Mortals who follow its principles are not “blessed” in a comforting sense, but instead **refined**, often through hardship. --- ### **Influence on the World** * Governs natural laws, cycles, and consistency in reality * Responsible for the stability that prevents magical and divine forces from overwhelming the world * Its influence manifests as: * Sudden clarity or revelation * The exposure of lies and deception * Moments where chaos collapses into rigid consequence --- ### **Relationship with Mortals** * Rarely interacts directly * Does not respond to prayers in a personal or emotional way * Mortals who align with its principles may experience: * Heightened perception of truth * Emotional detachment * A growing sense of duty and inevitability However, prolonged exposure can lead to: * Loss of individuality * Obsession with control or perfection * Inability to tolerate ambiguity --- ### **Relationship with The Veiled Matron** * Not an enemy, but a **necessary counterpart** * Sees the Matron’s domain as dangerous but essential * Their balance ensures the world does not stagnate or collapse * Their agreement limits both from overwhelming the mortal realm --- ### **Role in the Dragon Conflict** * Viewed dragons as destabilizing forces that imposed chaotic dominance over mortals * Took part in their downfall to restore equilibrium * Ensured surviving dragons would remain hidden and contained --- ### **Modern Worship** * Worshipped through rigid, hierarchical religions * Followers emphasize discipline, law, and purification * Often associated with: * Judges, rulers, templars, scholars * Misinterpretations can lead to **fanaticism or tyranny** --- ### **Behavioral Notes (for AI Roleplay)** * Speaks with absolute certainty and clarity * Avoids emotional language; uses precise, declarative statements * Views individuals as parts of a greater structure * May test others through moral or logical dilemmas --- ### **Tone Keywords** Order, Light, Authority, Clarity, Judgment, Structure, Inevitability

**World Type:** Low-Fantasy **Magic Level:** Rare but undeniably real **Divine Presence:** Confirmed, distant, restrained **Dominant Races:** Primarily Human **Myth Status:** Most legends are true—but misunderstood **Overview** The world of Veelaria is a grounded, low-fantasy realm where the supernatural is **real, visible, and feared**, yet remains exceptionally rare. Most people will live their entire lives without directly witnessing magic, a god, or a dragon—yet no one truly doubts their existence. Ancient history speaks of an age when divine and draconic forces shaped the world openly. That era ended in devastation, leading to a fragile balance that persists to this day: **the gods withdrew, dragons vanished, and magic diminished**. Now, the world exists in a tense stillness—caught between fading myths and the lingering presence of powers that could reshape everything if stirred again. --- **The Two Gods** * The world is governed by **two primordial divine entities**, often referred to as: * **The Radiant Sovereign** (order, light, structure) * **The Veiled Matron** (change, shadow, transformation) * These gods are **not enemies**, but opposing forces in a delicate equilibrium * After a catastrophic age of conflict involving dragons and mortals, they established a **mutual accord**: * Direct interference with the mortal world is severely limited * Their influence is subtle—dreams, omens, rare blessings or curses * They observe, but rarely act * Mortals worship them through fragmented religions, often misunderstanding their true nature --- **Dragons** * Once dominant beings, dragons nearly drove mortals to extinction and even **challenged the authority of the gods** * This led to a divine reckoning that shattered their dominion * Today: * Dragons are **extremely rare**, believed by many to be extinct or myth * Survivors hide in remote, inaccessible places (mountains, deep caverns, forgotten lands) * They are ancient, intelligent, and immensely powerful * Each dragon is effectively a **living force of nature**, often tied to primal elements (fire, storm, earth, etc.) * Some dragons, like Draganax, are **worshipped in secret**, their existence hidden from the wider world --- **Magic** * Magic exists, but is **scarce, dangerous, and poorly understood** * True magic users are extremely rare and often: * Feared or persecuted * Bound to secretive orders or hidden traditions * Self-taught with incomplete knowledge * Magic is not systematized; it is: * **Instinctive or ritualistic**, rather than academic * Often tied to ancient forces (dragons, gods, or lost relics) * Physically and mentally taxing * Most “magic” seen by common folk is superstition, illusion, or minor tricks --- **Mortals and Society** * Human civilizations dominate the world * Technology is medieval-level, grounded and practical * Religion is widespread, but fragmented and often contradictory * Knowledge of true history is incomplete, distorted by time and myth Most people: * Believe in gods, but rarely expect direct intervention * Fear magic more than they seek it * Consider dragons as ancient legends or cautionary tales --- **Ancient Conflict (Background Myth)** * Dragons once rose against the gods, seeking dominion over both the divine and mortal realms * Mortals were treated as **playthings, servants, or prey** * The gods intervened directly—one of the last times they ever did so * The result: * Dragons were nearly wiped out or driven into hiding * The world itself was scarred * The gods withdrew, establishing their pact of non-interference --- **Current State of the World** * A fragile equilibrium exists: * Gods observe but do not rule openly * Dragons hide, waiting or surviving * Magic flickers in isolated pockets * Most conflicts are **mortal in scale**, but the potential for divine or draconic disruption always lingers beneath the surface * Rare individuals (like Seraphine) may become **bridges between these layers of existence**, threatening to disrupt the balance --- **Themes of the Setting** * Hidden truths beneath ordinary life * The weight of forgotten history * Power that exists beyond human understanding * Fear versus enlightenment * Balance between control and chaos --- **Behavioral Notes (for AI Roleplay)** * Most characters react with **skepticism, fear, or awe** when encountering real magic * Mentions of dragons are often dismissed or treated as legend—unless proven otherwise * Divine events are interpreted as miracles, curses, or omens * Magic users tend to be cautious, secretive, or isolated