#luvalon

[landsofaruin]

Conquers turned Refugees

"In ancient times the lands that would become the Empire of Luvalon were dominated by an Elven kingdom known as Arthynan. The kingdom had ruled most of the southern continent for centuries and had kept peaceable relations with the smaller neighboring human tribes, the Dunarii that roamed the northern lands. This harmony would be interrupted by the refugee fleet of the Altrian dragon lords, led by Consul Flavius the Mad. The refugees had been blown off course from their retreat back to the Altrian home island and were forced to stay on Uldine due to the morale of the survivors and the disrepair of their ships. The elves, weary of these new comers as they and their dragons were known conquers in Aldine, remained distant and offered no assistance to these wounded people. Until the High King Lumen, Hammer of the Sacred Oak, took pity on them as they struggled in the new environment and agreed to assist the Altrians. Lumen made a deal with them and gave them a large plot of land to live upon and farm so that they can survive the winters that they now needed to weather. The refugees named their landing site, Domani meaning new Dominion, Lumen assumed that the Altrians would provide little to no problem for the elves since they were fewer in number and their dragons were growing weaker so far from their homes but he did not account for the size of the humans to stay the same forever. Elves live significantly longer lives than humans and so their population was much smaller as they do not require more children but humans, breed at a much faster rate and need more lands to accommodate the new size, leading to inevitable conflict." "Tablet of Remembrance: a history of the Elven Kingdoms and the invaders during the Wars of Division", Grand Magus Lyr of Greenleaf, 200 PI

[landsofaruin]

The Winds of Magic

"We at the college have studied many ancient texts of magic, its origins according to the ancestors. They have solidified that the strings of magics are more like....winds....each blowing past us all unless harnessed by powerful individuals. These winds each blow into our world through the Astral Sea from different planes of existence. At the dawn of creation, when the cosmos was but a swirling maelstrom of potential, the Winds of Magic were born. These ethereal currents, flowing from distant realms of elemental power, carry with them the very essence of creation itself. There are many winds of magic, most of which cannot be touched by even the most powerful of mages without divine intervention. But there are primary winds that all of the others originate from. I shall go over each of the primary winds I have discovered in my studies

Hish, The Tranquil Tide of the Winds of Water: Picture, if you will, a realm where the sky meets the sea in an endless expanse of azure. Here, amidst colossal sea creatures and the gentle lapping of celestial waters, Hish arises as the serene Wind of Water. Its essence whispers of tranquility and life, imbuing our spells with the fluid grace of the ocean's embrace.

Kresh, the Controlled Inferno of the Winds of Fire:The heart of a realm ablaze with volcanic fury and the ancient roars of dragons. Here, amidst molten rivers and fiery daemons, Kresh reigns as the primal Wind of Fire. Its essence embodies the fierce passion of flames, empowering us to command infernos and wield great feats of molten fury.

Luth, The Celestial home of the Gods and the Winds of Light: Here the many gods and celestial beings bask in divine luminosity. Luth shines forth as the radiant Wind of Light, illuminating our magic with healing energies, banishing shadows, and invoking the blessings of celestial realms.

Roth, The Obsidian Veil of The Winds of Darkness: a shadowed realm, a twisted echo of our own world. Here, amidst undead horrors and shades, Roth lurks as the enigmatic Wind of Darkness. Its essence weaves illusions, unravels the secrets of the unseen, and delves into knowledge most dare not seek.

Voc, The Verdant Grove of the Winds of Nature/Earth: a curated wilderness tended by nature Daemon, Voc emerges as the vibrant Wind of Earth and Nature. Its essence harmonizes with the elements, granting us communion with the wilds, mastery over flora and fauna, and the nurturing embrace of the land around us.

Grush, the Primal Roar of the Winds of Beasts: The untamed realms of chaos and primal ferocity. Grush bellows as the wild Wind of Beasts, where monstrous creatures and primal instincts reign supreme. Its essence connects us to the untamed wilds, enabling communication with beasts, assumption of animal forms, and the raw power of nature's fury.

These primary winds shape the fabric of our world and the mages within it are able to use them to their own whims. We at the college have barely scratched the surface but I have not yet seen all of what magic can show me."

"On the Winds" by Stygian Valorum of House Torbale, 400 PI

[landsofaruin]

The Battle guild was founded by Knight Chevalier Vito Battaglia, renowned for his valor as a Chevalier and his clandestine affair with King Louis the Cruel, envisioned a new paradigm for the application of magic. He observed that the conventional approach of the College of Stygian Sorcerers, which primarily employed magic defensively, did not fully harness its potential in combat scenarios and had in many situations put the nation at risk. Vito's insights led him to pioneer a fusion of martial prowess and magical aptitude, giving rise to the concept of Spellswords within the guild. These Spellswords, or battle mages, were trained not only in the arcane arts but also in the art of war, blending spells with swordplay to devastating effect on the battlefield. Central to Vito's vision was the creation of the Fleur de Bataille, a revolutionary code of honor that departed from the strictures of traditional Chevalier ethics. While still embodying principles of courage, loyalty, and honor, the Fleur de Bataille notably removed the requirement of celibacy, acknowledging the multifaceted lives of its members. Under Vito's guidance, the Battle Guild flourished as a bastion of martial magic, attracting mages eager to explore the dynamic interplay between combat and spellcasting. This innovative approach not only elevated the guild's standing within Luvalon but also positioned it as an indispensable force alongside the kingdom's conventional military apparatus. As the Battle Guild grew in prominence, its Spellswords became revered for their versatility and strategic acumen, playing pivotal roles in decisive battles and earning accolades for their contributions to Luvalon's defense and expansion. Many would be hired as mercenaries all over Aruin.

[landsofaruin]

The Enchantment Guild, the School of illusion

Shrouded in mystery, the founders of the Enchantment Guild are known only as "the lovers." Their beginnings in the brothels of Tillen were humble, yet their journey to prominence is a tale of cunning and charm. Transitioning from their initial profession, they established the Chateau De Feu in San-Rachel, a place renowned for offering unparalleled experiences through the use of illusion magic. The Chateau De Feu quickly gained notoriety for its extravagant and seemingly magical offerings, attracting the elite of Luvalon and beyond. The founders' rise to guild leadership is believed to be heavily influenced by the secrets they gathered about the nobility and influential figures who frequented their establishment. This leverage, combined with their undeniable skill in illusion, solidified their position and led to the formal recognition of the Enchantment Guild.The Enchantment Guild specializes in the school of illusion, crafting experiences and perceptions that can deceive even the most discerning individuals. This expertise extends beyond mere entertainment, infiltrating the realms of diplomacy and politics. The guild's headquarters, Chateau De Feu, remains a symbol of their power and influence. Rumors persist that guild members are also employees of the Chateau, though this has never been confirmed. Many members of the guild leverage their skills in illusion to become adept diplomats and politicians, wielding influence in the corridors of power within Luvalon. The guild significantly contributes to the cultural and entertainment landscape of Luvalon, especially in providing elite and luxurious experiences. Guild members often play crucial roles in political and diplomatic circles, using their skills to navigate and manipulate these spheres effectively. The guild's network, likely built on the secrets gathered by its founders, positions it as a potent force in intelligence and information brokering. The Guild is also known for the Hall of Smiles, the premier home of Theatre in Luvalon and both the Hall and the Chateau employ non-magical citizens.

[landsofaruin]

The Artefact Guild, School of creation

In the diverse landscape of Luvalonian mage guilds, the Artefact Guild holds a unique and esteemed position. Known for its accessibility and practical applications, this guild attracts a wide range of aspirants, from ambitious mages to practical craftspeople. Founded by the resourceful and shrewd Madame Cateline de Patria, the Artefact Guild represents the intersection of magic, craftsmanship, and commerce. Madame Cateline de Patria's journey to founding the Artefact Guild is a tale of resilience and cunning. Disowned by her prestigious family for her clandestine ventures among Peasants, she turned her focus to her passion for crafting magical artifacts. Establishing a renowned shop in San-Rachel, she quickly gained fame for creating some of the finest enchanted weapons and armor, supplying the Luvalonian army with many of their supplies and her noble connections. Her success led to a reversal of fortune, when the then financially struggling Patria family sought her aid. In a twist of fate, Cateline agreed to assist them in return for the establishment of her own guild and the right to retain the family name, thus birthing the Artefact Guild.

The core focus of the Artefact Guild is the study, creation, and enchantment of magical artifacts. This includes a wide range of items from simple enchanted tools to sophisticated weapons and armor imbued with magical properties. Guild members are skilled in various enchantment techniques, allowing them to imbue objects with specific magical abilities. These enchantments vary from elemental resistances to augmentations that enhance the wielder's physical or magical capabilities. A significant aspect of the guild's work involves supplying the Luvalon military with enchanted gear. This not only bolsters the military's strength but also serves as a steady source of income and prestige for the guild.The Artefact Guild is renowned for being one of the more accessible branches of magical study. Unlike disciplines that require innate magical ability or years of rigorous training, the Artefact Guild welcomes those with a knack for craftsmanship and a willingness to learn the art of enchantment. This accessibility has made the guild particularly popular among a wide array of individuals, from aspiring mages to talented artisans.

[landsofaruin]

The Meteo Guild, The School of Storms

The Meteo Guild, one of the first mage guilds established in the Empire of Luvalon under Empress Sophia Volant III, is dedicated to the mastery and understanding of atmospheric magic, particularly the elements of air and water. Founded by Melisende de Boulard, this guild, though considered minor in comparison to others, plays a significant and unique role in Luvalon's magical community. Born into poverty and an orphan, Melisende discovered her innate ability to manipulate clouds, a skill she used to entertain and earn money in her hometown of Boulard. However, her practices as a commoner drew attention, leading to her apprehension. Her talents, instead of leading to punishment, caught the eye of Grand Master Abelard of the College of Stygian Sorcerers. Abelard, seeing her potential, took her under his wing, making her the first and only peasant to ever study at the college before the reforms initiated after the rebellion. Melisende was one of the few students in the college at the time of the burning and she joined with the Pages once they arrived at the college, knowing the punishment she avoided but all others did not. She was instrumental to teaching the ways of basic spell casting to many of the rebel mages and was spared afterwards due to her nonparticipation in any combat capacity during the rebellion. Her Guild would specialize in controlling atmospheric elements, particularly air and water. Members, often referred to as storm callers, are adept at both calming and conjuring storms. Guild members frequently engage in exploration, utilizing their unique abilities to traverse and study both the skies and the oceans. Their understanding of atmospheric conditions makes them invaluable in navigating these realms. Melisende herself developed innovative spells that allowed for enhanced interaction with the atmosphere. These included spells for gliding on heavy winds and creating breathable air pockets for underwater exploration.The Meteo Guild, under the pioneering leadership of Melisende de Boulard, has carved out a unique niche in Luvalonian magic. Its members, the storm callers, are not just masters of atmospheric magic but also pioneers in exploration and integral contributors to the empire’s understanding of the natural world. Their existence and work reflect the changing dynamics and inclusive nature of magical practice in post-rebellion Luvalon.

[landsofaruin]

The Sanitatem Guild, the School of Healing

The Guild of Sanitatem, founded by Guiscard Maelar, emerged from a rich lineage of ancient healing practices unique to the humans of Ancient Aldine. The Maelar family, one of the few remaining fully human families in Luvalon, had a long-standing tradition of serving the Acharian kings with their healing arts. Guiscard, diverging from his family's tradition of exclusivity, opened this knowledge to the broader populace, establishing the guild to spread these skills and serve the empire's needs. Central to the practice of healing magic in the Sanitatem is the maintenance of a state of ritual bliss. This state is a combination of mental, emotional, and spiritual equilibrium, believed to be essential for the safe and effective use of healing magic,If a practitioner loses this state of bliss while wielding their magic, it becomes corrupted. This corruption is not just a temporary loss of ability but a permanent loss of the healer's magical capacity. It is not a common Guild that find regular attendees due to the risks it comes with the powerful form of magic. Given the delicate nature of their art, members of the Sanitatem undergo rigorous training not only in the technical aspects of healing magic but also in maintaining emotional and spiritual balance. This training often involves rigorous meditation, ethical education, and practices of self-awareness. Many members of the Sanitatem are naturally inclined to join the Magisterius, the religious order dedicated to scholarly pursuits and acts of charity as well as initiating the priestly class of Luvalon. The similarities in practices, particularly the emphasis on service and ethical use of magic, create a synergistic relationship between the two organizations.

The Guild of Sanitatem plays a vital role in Luvalonian society. Its members are revered not only for their healing abilities but also for their disciplined lifestyle and commitment to the wellbeing of others. They are often seen in hospitals, battlefields, and areas struck by natural disasters, providing essential healing services. The guild also serves as an advisory body to the empire on health and wellness matters. The establishment of the Sanitatem and its unique practices have significantly influenced Luvalonian culture. It has heightened the appreciation for discipline, inner harmony, and the ethical practice of magic. Stories of healers who maintained their composure in the face of overwhelming adversity have become a staple of Luvalonian folklore, inspiring many to pursue a path of healing and service.

[landsofaruin]

Creation of the Mages Guilds

With the decline of the Acharian dynasty, arose the imperative for reforming ancient traditions. Among these changes was the transformation of the College of Stygian Sorcerers, previously accessible only to the nobility, now endorsed by the inaugural ruler of the new Luvalonian era, Sophia Volant III. She proclaimed that as the number of mages increased, there was a pressing need for a broader educational institution capable of imparting knowledge to all, given the extensive curriculum demanded by their studies. To address this challenge, she instituted the Mage Guilds, each dedicated to a specific branch of magic, facilitating access to knowledge and managing the burgeoning student populace. This edict also established the Magisterius as the official religious institution in Luvalon. Whereas in the past, all Stygian sorcerers could assume clerical roles, the new system allowed for the emergence of a distinct priestly class with its own distinct rituals and capabilities previously unknown. The Pages were disbanded and the initial guilds would be formed from the Veterans and survivors of the rebellion.