#tyranny lore

[midaskey]

Something about dates, numbers and Archons

So, I got interested in “how long some of the known Archons served/lived” during the timeline (and I think nobody has done it yet? Idk), and got a little research and gathered some information in one place (it’s not a lot, actually + some of that information is already known), maybe someone will be interested (Everything of that is just “numbers” and “dates” speculations). Probably lots of text(?).

Archons with numbers (that was mentioned and what I could find):

- Bleden Mark, Archon of Shadows (The earliest mention: ??? TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) mentioned that he was a normal human about 300 years ago, before becoming an Overlord’s assassin. The exact age is unknown.

- Thousand Ambers, the first mentioned Archon of Fire (The earliest mention: 26 TR; the latest mention: 73 TR) was born in 26 TR and assasinated by Bleden Mark in 73 TR, which makes him 47 years old when he died.

- The Orphan Midwife, Archon of Rebirth (The earliest mention: 160 TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) born in 160 TR, but still lives during 431 TR, imprisoned by Kyros, which makes her 271 years old during the game events.

Nox Mirea, Archon of Pestilence (The earliest mention: ??? TR; the latest mention: ??? (431) TR) Rhogalus mentions that she died at the age of 20. The date of her birth and death is unknown.

- Cairn, Archon of Stone (The earliest mention: 402 TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) the age is unknown. Was serving Kyros for 28 years since 402 TR and until 430 TR (during Conquest; +1 year after the Edict of Stone = 29 years).

- Graven Ashe, Archon of War (The earliest mention: 330 TR; the latest mention: 431) the age is unknown, but he was serving Kyros for 101 years since 330 TR. (Possibly Amelia and Brennix were born after he became an Archon, according to their age. The date of birth and death of the other two of his children are unknown).

- The Voices of Nerat, Archon of Secrets (The earliest mention: 330 TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) was mentioned alongside with Ashe, when he destroyed his forces. Older then him, since he has known the previous Archon of War pretty well (maybe, or maybe not).

- Pox, Archon of Ruin (The earliest mention: 330 TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) was mentioned alongside with Nerat and Ashe too, but she already had an army by that time, which she disbanded. The age is unknown.

- Tunon, Archon of Justice (The earliest mention: ??? TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) the eldest of living Archons (the ones who work for Kyros), mentioned that he was born centuries ago, “before the dream of a unified Northern Empire was fully realized”. But was serving Kyros for nearly ~400 years.

- Occulted Jade, Archon of Tides (The earliest mention: ??? TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) the eldest known (and living, of course) Tiersman and Archon. Sailed with the first settlers at Five Wives, but exact date is unknown. Eb mentions that the School of Tides was living for nearly five centuries. ("Our patron, Occulted Jade, Archon of Tides is as old as the settlers of the Five Wives, and for nearly five centuries we were masters of the coasts and the rivers. These days, it's a school of one, you're looking at it.") Really rough and possible date of foundation of School of Tides: -69 TR.

- Sirin, Archon of Song (The earliest mention: ???; the latest mention: 431 TR) 15 years old, according to official information. Counting, she was (probably?) born in 416 TR.

- Kyros The Overlord (The earliest mention: -50 TR; the latest mention: 431 TR) the age is unknown. Visited a Spire in -50 TR, and, counting from that date, it was 481 years since that.

[elegiacescapist]

A Peek at the Food of Terratus.

Since I love world-building and food, I figured a post looking at the food and agricultural products in Tyranny was something that I had to do. I’m listing ingredients and crops here, but could be persuaded to come up with a cuisine and meal post much, much, later.

Because the game takes place mostly in the Tiers, most of this information may be only pertinent to them, if something can be linked back to the North or the rest of the Empire, I’ll make sure to mention it. Another thing to note is that a decent number of the consumable items use art assets from Pillars of Eternity, a very different setting with different influences, and that makes it a little murkier to interpret how it could fit into Tyranny’s setting.

The format will be a list (again) of named edibles found or mentioned in-game, separated into food groups. And thanks to everyone who helped me with this list or tolerated my yammering about it, you know who you are!

NOTE: VERY MUCH A WORK-IN-PROGRESS, I WILL ADD MORE IF I FIND MORE, LIKE MY OTHER LORE POSTS

WARNING: MILD TYRANNY SPOILERS

Grains & Bread

Ridgewheat: Staple crop in Azure. A good real life comparison would be an older variety of wheat, in particular Emmer Wheat/Farro, as it is rather hardy and can grow in mountainous areas and poor soil conditions, like ridges. Other wheat varieties to compare would be Einkorn, Spelt, and Khorasan/Kamut.

Rice: This is just speculation, but the terraces and general landscape of the Tiers might be right for some form of rice cultivation, and the “flour” icon in-game is the same as the icon for rice in PoE.

Barley: Implied to exist due to the existence of stout and ale, which require barley as an ingredient.

Corn: Northern Empire, Sirin’s home village is mentioned to have grown corn in-game and in her short story.  Possibly indicates that other real life Columbian exchange foods could also exist.

Meat & Fish

Elk: Lantry describes the forests of Vendrien’s Well as a place the nobles of Apex enjoyed elk hunting when asked about the location in Act II.

Boar: A NPC creature that periodically shows up in-game.

Domesticated Pig: A roast pig appears on the Marriage Bed Armistace’s card in the Conquest. The Scarlet Chorus is known to keep pigs and feed them the corpses of slaves, resisting conscripts, dead soldiers etc., indicating that the Chorus practices indirect cannibalism.

Deer: NPC creature found all over the Tiers in-game.

Hare & Rabbit: Winter hares are hunted in the Northern Empire by hounds (mentioned by an analogy used in dialogue with Salveros). Kills-In-Shadow compares Disfavoured soldiers she captured/hunted to rabbits. Hares or rabbits also appear to be one of the small game animals strung up in the Disfavoured Camp in Act I.

Goat: Lantry mentions that the Sages used goat hide to make their vellum when examining areas in the Burning Library, so I imagine it’s likely the Sages ate a lot of goat meat leftover from skinning the animal.

Eel: Found in the Matani River (dialogue with Matani Sybil) and also mentioned in the phrase “simpering surrender eels”, used in the guidebook by Barik in one of the character annotations.

Trout: What the fish consumable appears to be. Another PoE art asset so take this interpretation with a grain of salt.

Pheasant: Lantry apparently knows the secret to perfectly roast these, mentioned when asking about his knowledge with Sirin around. Appears to match appearance of game birds hanging in the kitchen of the Citadel in Vendrien’s Well. 

Cod: Salted cod was stored in Bastard City warehouses. (dialogue with Lady Lucretius)

Lamprey: Lamprey eggs were stored in Bastard City warehouses. Although I’ve never heard of anyone eating the eggs, lamprey is edible, and I imagine if they catch the eggs they’ll eat the fish. (dialogue with Lady Lucretius)

Cuttlefish: Lantry uses their ink in his sepia ink.

Squid: When tasting Lantry’s sepia ink, the Fatebinder notes that it tastes like this kind of cuttlefish in particular.

Dairy (Warning: Mini-rant about Cheese)

Dialogue seems to indicate that cattle (oxen, etc.) are rare, so much of the common cheeses and other dairy products would use other sources such as sheep or goat’s milk. 

Cheese: The cheese we see in-game as a consumable is described as a hard cheese with a “crumbly texture and dull orange colour.” This describes Cheddar, and while it fits the original setting (Drywood, PoE) that the item art in question is first used, it doesn’t quite match the setting for Tyranny and the Tiers, which uses more Bronze and Iron Age Mediterranean influences than it does Medieval/Renaissance period British Isles influences like the Dyrwood. Some earlier origin cheeses such as Pecorino Romano (texture & hardness), Bastardo del Grappa (texture & appearance), Grana Padano or Aged Gouda (hardness) could be alternative references to use for writing and art instead of Cheddar, and because of the existence of corn (a Columbian Exchange food), annatto, which is used for adding colour to orange cheeses such as Mimolette, could also exist and be used to colour this cheese. 

Milk: Must exist because otherwise there’d be no dairy products at all, also mentioned by Barik when talking about the Voices. Goat’s milk is likely more common than cattle-based milk, due to the rarity of cattle,

Butter: Implied to be made and used through the use of the phrase, “butter my ass”, in the Falx Adjudication in Act I. In Act II on the Anarchy path, Bleden Mark can comment on not knowing which side of the bread Tunon butters.

Fruits & Vegetables

Apples: In fruit consumable art, mentioned in the Disfavoured helmet adjudication in Act I as part of an analogy.

Grapes: A necessary ingredient for wine and grappa, alcoholic drinks both mentioned in-game. The Northern Empire is known for fine vintages (dialogue with Pentibor and Fatebinder Cespar), and Vendrien’s Well has or used to have vineyards according to Lantry.

Pears: In fruit consumable art. (PoE asset)

Figs: In fruit consumable art. (PoE asset)

Celery:  Must exist, as celery salt is used for the Dirty Sage cocktail.

Olives: “Greenwarren olives” are mentioned in dialogue with Kosma at Edgering Pass in Act I.

Cabbage: When asking Tunon about quotas and sharing, he uses cabbage as an example mercantile ware. 

Melon: Used by Tychon the Swindler as part of an analogy about “dropping melons” in comparison to head bursting. Kind of melon unspecified.

Cherries: The Fatebinder notes that Lantry’s red ink smells of these.

Hagsberry: Verse mentions her mother’s hagsberry pie recipe when you have insufficient Favour with her whilst talking to her.

Bristleberries: Mentioned in a Tales of the Tiers random event, these yellowish-orange or bright orange berries are described as sweet, tart, nutritious, and energising. Unfortunately they are remarkably similiar in appearance to Bristlebane, which only Beasts and animals can safely eat, and is toxic to humans. “Leaves like hills, safe from the chills. Leaves like rain, unending pain.” -(The Fatebinder, remembering an old saying about these berries.)

Edible Herbs & Fungi

Nettles: The Tripnettle Wilderness once had nettles before Apex tiersmen eradicated them according to the hover text on the map. As well the name of the Nettlebog, a location somewhere within the Empire, indicates their existence outside of the Tiers.

Skycap: Found growing in the mountain ranges of Apex, these are highly valued by Sages for their alchemical properties.

Thistles: Implied to exist due to the name of Lady Lucretius’ destroyed family manor Thistlehome. While thistles are primarily used for medicinal purposes historically, their existence on Terratus may imply that the closely-related artichoke may exist as well.

Sugar & Spices

Honey: Must exist for the creation of the Mead consumable. Apex was known for it’s apiaries as described on the Tyranny website’s map of the Tiers.

Sugarcane: Staple crop in Azure, and an indication that the Tier’s climate must be Sub-Tropical or towards the warmer end of the Temperate range in order for this crop to grow.

Cloves: Vagrant’s Chaw smells a bit like it. (Implied from dialogue with Sterling Hagnon and his inventory)

Garlic: Strings of what appears to be garlic hang from market stalls in centre of Echocall village and Lethian’s Crossing.

Celery Salt: Ingredient for Dirty Sage, indicates existence of celery, and may also indicate the existence of celeriac, a close relative to celery.

Chili Peppers: Strings of what appear to be small red peppers hang from the market stalls in Lethian’s Crossing.

Recreational Drugs, Alcohol, and other Unusual Drinks

Note that a lot of alcohol in this game is beer-based, and beer requires a bittering agent such as hops or gruit (a herb mixture).

Mead: The flavour text for the consumable indicates that it is loved by both the Disfavoured and Chorus. May have been produced in Apex, as they had apiaries, and is likely also produced in the North if the Disfavoured like it.

Brotherhood Stout: A stout which, judging from it’s name, was either named after the Bronze Brotherhod or is something the Brotherhood makes themselves on the side.

Banebrew: An alcoholic concoction made from boiled Bane essence, spices, and ale.

Wine: See grapes entry. Vineyards are mentioned to be found in the North and (possibly formerly) in Vendrien’s Well.

Ale: Ingredient for Banebrew.

Marshberry: A berry that acts as a potent stimulant, known to be eaten by Bastard City merchants to sustain a nights of drunken revelry. A lifetime of use can result in crippling joint pain and a dullness of wits.

Dappleseed: Something you can apparently get “sloshed” on. (dialogue with Erenyos about Barik’s armour)

Grappa:  An ingredient for the Dirty Sage cocktail.

A Dirty Sage: An alcoholic drink made with grappa, olives, and celery salt. Named in “honour” of Lantry. Tastes vaguely like paint thinner, and he loves it. (mentioned when recruiting Lantry in Act II instead of Act I)

[kittymaverick]

Tyranny Tarot Card Motifs: Major Arcana

So some folks in the Discord asked about Tarot Cards and who would be what. I’ve some knowledge in tarots, so I’ll post what I think are good symbolic equivalents with explanations below. There might be some spoilers so read at your own risk. Edit: Made to finish some entries that were missing (?) and a few place with weird wording.

The Fool: Young Fatebinder This one’s pretty simple. The fool is a blank slate, ready to begin it’s journey. The Young Fatebinder at the very start of the game is therefore the perfect example of the fool.

The Magician: Lantry At first it might look like this is because sage = mage, it’s actually a bit more than that. Lantry isn’t actually necessary a good representation of a Magician is like, perhaps minus his versatility, breadth of knowledge, chronicler and jack of all trades tendencies. Rather, he’s more of a WITNESS to the Fatebinder’s actions, all of which can be classified under the Magician card.

The High Priestess: Verse This one surprised me, because it was a coincidence post elimination, but Verse, murderous and ruthless as she may be, exhibited an incredible amount of insight, especially in a fight. It’s part of how her ability to learn any skill comes from, without her really knowing exactly what is going on.

The Empress: Amelia This is from a bit later in the game unfortunately, plus some say Eb would be a good candidate, which I agree, except emphasis on the would part. (See the Hanged man below for why.) That leaves the very protective mother of the unexpected baby as the perfect, almost literal (it runs in the family even! Look below!) representation of the nurturing and protective nature of the Empress.

The Emperor: Graven Ashe Graven Ashe is the stereotypical representation of the Emperor from the get go: in command, laying down the rules, protective and paternal. There couldn’t be a better candidate for this.

The Hierophant: Tunon I know, I know. WTF is Tunon doing HERE instead of Justice. I’ll explain part of it here. Tunon, though he is the Archon of Justice, is one who IMPLEMENTS Kyros’ Law upon the newly conquered Tiersmen. He is the one who introduces them into Kyros’ empire and the society at large, and helps them conform to it. Not only that, he HAS an organization under him that helps him implement those rules. Though he may look like a representation of Justice, he role in Tyranny lore is in fact the very definition of what a Hierophant is.

The Lovers: The alliance? This one really threw me for a loop, because there wasn’t any significant relationships that is obviously romantic, nor do we know of any couple in game where both parties are alive, nor in a healthy relationship. Death Knell and Fifth Eye was suggested at one point, which I thought of for a while, then rejected because that’s more “carnal catharsis”, as Lantry would put it. So instead, we’ll have to settle for the next best representation of forming relationships that can be found in the game: forming an alliance on the rebel path. There IS an option though that may be considered, even though it’s not romantic (lovers in tarot doesn’t automatically mean romance, though it heavily leans toward it). It’s not in the game itself, nor does it actually pass the “both parties are alive” test, technically. But if anyone has read the short story “The Epistolary of Song and Stone”, you would know that Cairn and Sirin had the most innocent, pure, and healthy friendship on the face of Terratus going on. Next time you kill Cairn, think about what you just did and feel guilty.

The Chariot: Barik Chariot and Strength are actually two very commonly confused cards even in general Tarot culture, because Chariot represent Strength, while Strength represent...while...itself. XD However, there is indeed a different. Chariot is about using the strength one possess to work towards a goal. It’s about gaining control and steering you to where you want to be despite obstacles. It’s about bringing an order to the chaos around you. All these are very well represented by our resident stuck-in-his-armour Disfavoured, Barik.

Strength: Sirin I didn’t pick this just because it’s a tiny girl opening a lion’s mouth in the picture, I swear! The card Strength itself is different from Chariot in that control itself is the goal. In Sirin’s case, she’s still a budding archon learning to use and expand her powers over the course of the game. Her power itself is a form of mind control. Of course, we know she gets stronger at the end of the game should you guide her, but does she become someone who use that power for good, or someone who use that power for evil? The dual nature of nearly all tarot card is actually also part of the consideration of which symbol represent what.

The Hermit: Kills-in-Shadows With this one, I did take some artistic liberties in why Kills is the Hermit. Killsy’s motivation in game was to survive by being in the shadow of the strongest person in the Tiers, which is very far flung from the typical Hermit, representing introspection and solitude. However, on closer examination, you can see a resemblance, as the hermit isn’t just about looking into one self, it’s also about hiding yourself away. Killsy’s powers and intention is very much that, and who could blame her, given that she’s the sole survivor of the Shadowhunter’s clan?

Wheel of Fortune: Ascension Hall Runic Hall Edit: Somehow I missed writing the explanation for this one! The wheel of fortune is the representation cycles, luck and turnings points of life. Think of the dharmachakra, if you will. In Tyranny, I think the runic halls, especially Ascension Hall Runic Hall, is a good symbolic equivalent given that it is the location where the Fatebinder took their first step towards becoming the what they will be.

Justice: Tunon’s gavel, his mask, and the Scales of Mercy Okay, back to the topic of why Tunon =/= justice. Tunon himself pointed out that Kyros’ Law doesn’t ACTUALLY serve justice in principle as much as it should. By extension, he, the instrument that her laws are delivered though, therefore cannot be justice ITSELF even if Kyros is adamant of making him the very symbol of it. In fact, the endeavour itself is impossible. He knows Justice a notion that you reach for, not something you can truly embody. That being said, the gavel, mask and scales, however are symbols that can represent what is it he technically wants be serving.

The Hanged Man: Eb Other than being the only one with enough rope to tie herself to a post, Eb has sacrificed everything to the war with Kyros. Family, the School of Tides, Country, home, she’s pretty much lost all of it. At the same time, she’s forced to contend with the new life of living under the Overlord’s rule. This is the embodiment of the Hanged Man: Sacrifices and change in perspective. Of course, being incredibly stubborn, Eb isn’t quite ready to hand everything over yet, which is often represented when the Hanged Man is upside down.

Death: Kyros Death represent change, it represent endings, beginnings, and transition. While Kyros, faceless like our representations of Death IRL, never shows up in the game, she’s the driving force of introducing change to the Tiers, all be it through her armies and Archons.

Temperance: Matani Sybil The reason why I associate Temperance with Sybil is mostly because of the water motif. Whether she embodies the virtue is a matter of debate, though I think giving rude gestures across a river is rather reserved in comparison to other actions. XD

The Devil: Bleden Mark Ah, the Devil. The Temptation, materialism, addiction and surprise surprise, bondage. Mark doesn’t seem much of a threat on other paths until he stabs you at the end of the game, but on anarchy he plays the role of the Devil down to the “is he serving you, or are you serving him” bit. Also, the Binding of Shadows? It’s like he can’t wait to put something on you that says “THIS ONE’S MINE”.

The Tower: The Mountain Spire The Tower is the one frigging card in the Major Arcanas where the meaning does not change no matter which way you turn it, other than perhaps your reluctance towards what is to happen. It’s destruction, it’s upheaval, an explosive conflict. So what better object can we find than the Spire from which we rain destruction and upheaval upon as the game’s representation of the Tower?

The Star: Tarkis Arri The Star is the thing that brings hope to someone (you know, because you wish upon it), or inspires you to do something. It’s about what makes you start something new, or in this case, a rebellion. Arri, being the leader of the rebels, is therefore a good fit for the card.

The Moon: The Voices of Nerat Moon is the symbol of illusions and lunacy. Nerat is all about trickery, secrets and being off his rocker. These two were made for each other like Ashe was made for the Emperor.

The Sun: Florian Pelox, or should it be Travost? Or maybe ELDIAN? We might just have to go with Vittles here... @elegiacescapist, you might be right. Okay, with this one, I just wanted to throw someone from the first act in. My justification was “you know if he wasn’t so hostile Florian is pretty much a cheery and boisterous guy”. And if you don’t think about it too hard, it fits! Actually, you know what? He’s kinda a bravado-fill war jockey. Florian’s brother, Travost, seems chill though, and I think they have the same game model so we don’t have to change anything. The alternative of Eldian is really weird because usually, the Sun is represented by a boy toddler (a bit of a reference to Apollo) and associated with youth. However, Eldian does exhibit some of the traits of the Sun, especially in the positivity and warmth. Plus you know, he lives under the Sunset Spire... Though in honestly, Elegia’s suggestion of Vittles is a pretty good fit that you can’t argue too much against. Soooooo until further notice, I think we’ll go with the poor forced into conscription boy.

Judgement: Edict (of Execution, though all fits) Speaks for itself.

The World: The Tiers Speaks for itself.

[elegiacescapist]

Lore Post Update

An Index!

I finally made that Index for all my Tyranny lore posts I promised, and included some links to other people’s lore stuff.

New Posts

My Foods of Terratus post is in a readable state, so it’s been posted for you all to read if you’d like. WARNING: excessive nerding about food and world-building

[elegiacescapist]

Tyranny: Background-Specific Biographies

I got tired of starting Tyranny over and over and over again just to look at the different biography starters each background gives, so I’m creating this post to have them on hand, and for others to use too.

I won’t include the character creation summaries, but this Tyranny wiki has them all written up if you want to compare. (link)

Will include screenshots this time, and a transcript of the entry in case the screenshot is hard to read. Also a couple of my thoughts on each background to spice things up.

WARNING: TEXT-HEAVY & TYRANNY SPOILERS

Criminal

“If donning the fancy sigil of a Fatebinder was the alternative to hard labour, so be it. Tunon could have branded my face and I would have thanked him for his generosity. I’ll take a respectable job where I get to shake down my old competitors for bribes - tithes for the Court, rather. Not to mention that I get to be the first of my degenerate family to enjoy the benefits of a formal education. On parchment this looks like a cushy deal, but I need to play it straight while Tunon is watching, or else all this goes away.”

I really like how feisty the tone is for this background! The narrative of a criminal becoming an agent of the Law is an interesting one, for sure!

“Starts out as illiterate count”: 1

Diplomat

“Public speaking is nothing new to me, though I must admit the stakes are now significantly higher than my usual pleasantries... One could argue that service to the Adjudicator is the most ambitious use of speechcraft available on Terratus. If I can use rhetoric and persuasion to convince Tunon that I’m an asset to the Court, I might live to retirement if I’m lucky.”

Diplomat is unfortunately the most vaguely-described background in the game. On one hand, that leaves it open to extensive headcanon writing for your Fatebinder, but on the other hand, it’s a little disappointing considering how interesting the other backgrounds are.

The character creation summary has a few more details, but it’s still really vague. If there was more about what their family did for Kyros, it might’ve made it a bit more interesting.

Guild Apprentice

“Life with the Seven Tree Guild was isolated and studious until the Voices of Nerat absorbed our mages into the Scarlet Chorus. I shudder to imagine how long I might have lasted as a Chorus recruit, had Tunon not stepped up to claim me as his own. Since joining the Court, my studies into spellcraft have progressed beyond anything the Guild could have taught me, and education under Tunon has opened new vistas of possible applications for my talents. Perhaps this unexpected change was for the best.”

One of two backgrounds written to have a pre-existing stance on a faction.

Also gives an idea of what non-military organizations in the Empire are like, which does help with getting an idea of what the Empire is like (despite Nerat being a dick, as per usual).

Hunter

“The Disfavored ironclads took me from my tribe, and Tunon took me from the Disfavored. I was the Hairless Hunter of the Bounding Viper, and now I am traded among diplomats as an amusement. It took me some time to realize that the Court is a hunting ground - a less obvious wilderness - and better to act the predator than the prey. Tunon thinks that he can civilize me, and that my wild ways will strip away the falsehood from his highest officers. Strong claims from someone who wears masks. I will play the pet pupil for now, but I imagine a day when I stand tall enough to bite down on the Adjudicator’s neck.”

This is the other background that seems predisposed to be “against” a faction (the Disfavoured in this case). I find it interesting there’s only two background with this disposition written into it while the others stay neutral beyond expressing an opinion on Tunon.

@evilrevan has written some thoughts on this background that I agree with and find fascinating, here’s a link to one post that I find relevant to the biography in particular! (click here)

Noble Scion

“I sold myself into Tunon’s good graces with a bit of hastily-assembled rhetoric, and spared my family the executioner’s blade in the process. That experience is a microcosm of what it’s like to live in the Court - a daily gauntlet of distrust, observation, and justification. A pity we couldn’t simply expedite justice by paying Tunon his weight in rings... but no matter. This position may yield some opportunities that I might have otherwise overlooked, and I anticipate turning a handsome profit from this misfortune no matter where I end up.”

The sheer arrogance in the tone... no wonder their family got accused of sedition. Still want to know the exact details of what nobles do in Kyros’ Empire, since there seems to be a very low opinion of them among the Overlord’s forces in-game and in the guidebook.

I forgot who mentioned it first, but there’s an interesting parallel between the Noble Scion’s background and Nerat’s origin story with the fates of their respective families.

Pit Fighter

“I spent my youth fighting to survive in the blood-soaked sand of the Proving Grounds. The most I ever would have seen of Tunon’s Court was the chopping block just prior to a headman’s axe, but somehow I managed to set myself apart as a determined killer. Is mine the sort of talent Tunon seeks for his Fatebinders? The fact that I’m here and writing my name for the first time suggests as much, but I wonder what Tunon sees that I’m missing.”

This one actually stays really close to the background summary in character creation. Not gonna lie, I’m pleasantly surprised by that considering the amount of writing contradictions in-game.

“Starts out as illiterate count”: 2

Soldier

“Though I had some formal training in combat, I never expected to see battle anywhere more exciting than the antechamber of a noble estate. They hire broad-shoulders like me as bodyguards for debt collectors, but Tunon has something different in mind. He sees potential in everyone, which isn’t always a good thing. If I keep my nose to the grindstone and focus on the book-learning, I’ll hopefully live up to whatever unrealistic standard he’s set for me. Time will tell.”

This background is weird because of all the contradictions between the biography and the character creation summary. Unless the Fatebinder is unaware they were being groomed for command and possible recruitment into the Disfavoured instead of what’s written here.

Also provides a nice slang term for the setting: “broad-shoulders” (possibly meaning hired thugs?)

War Mage

“Everyone said that I was fortunate to grab the Adjudicator’s attention, but I’m still not convinced. I spent every year I can remember training for glorious battle, and now my days are occupied studying exhaustive legal precedent in the echoing halls of the Court. The education that Tunon offers is expansive, to be sure, but I wonder what he has in store for me as a Fatebinder, and what life he denied me by halting my training on the eve of war.”

This one actually gives us a small descriptor of what the Court in the North is like, which is always nice. (give me more info about the Court and rest of the Empire, obsidian D:< )

“ [...] halting my training on the eve of war,” This is neat, because it gives an idea of when the Fatebinder is recruited, in comparison to other backgrounds.

[elegiacescapist]

Mage Guilds and Schools of Terratus

Here’s a currently incomplete list and summaries of the Mage Guilds/Schools of Terratus. If a school/guild is confirmed to be destroyed, it’ll be marked by a dagger/obelisk (†), and if members of the school/guild have a specific title or name it will be included in parenthesises. The Tidecasters and Sages are both the most prominent mage factions in-game and have the most lore, and I won’t be inflicting every single bit of information about them on you in this list, just a summary and a couple facts.

This is based on my own lore collecting, and if you have any info you’d like to see added please tell me!

NOTE: I’m still chugging through my major lore-collecting playthrough of Tyranny, so this will likely continue to be updated in future.

WARNING FOR TYRANNY SPOILERS

Blood Chanters Guild (Bloodchanters and Bloodhounds): More the Voices of Nerat’s personal mage cabal than a formal mage school/guild, the Bloodchanters Guild was established shortly before the beginning of the Conquest of the Tiers in 428 TR. They derive their magic from the Sigil of Fire, gained from the absorption of the School of Wild Wrath, and the Sigil of Emotions, which they derived from study of the powers of Sirin, the Archon of Song. Most of the Seven Tree Guild, an imperial institution, were absorbed into the Chorus, and likely became Bloodchanters. Legally speaking, any members of a mage school/guild that’s masters are consumed by the Voices of Nerat are considered to be members of this guild.

The Cutter’s Guild: Practitioners of healing magic. Originally from the Tiers, they took their magic and moved to the “north” centuries before 431 TR according to Eb. The status of this school is unknown.

Earthshaker’s Guild: “Founded” by Cairn, this guild was established on the highest peak of the Tortalus mountain range. The Earthshakers are both war mages and scholars, acting as a mage corps for the Disfavoured, collecting soil samples for study, and studying the Sigil of Stone, one of the newest magic sigils on Terratus.

The Forgebound: A guild of mage-smiths sworn to the Overlord who use their magic to enhance their chosen craft, which can range from smelting and metalworking (the most common), to carpentry, weaving, tanning, and even cooking. They are the only known craftspeople on Terratus capable of smelting and working with iron, although non-Forgebound smiths are capable of maintaining and repairing iron objects.

The Seven Tree Guild (†): An isolated, peaceful, and scholarly guild of the Empire dissolved some time prior to the Conquest by request of the Voices of Nerat, as they deemed the guild a “peactime distraction”. It’s mages were reassigned to the Overlord’s armies, specifically, the Scarlet Chorus. If the Fatebinder is a Guild Apprentice, this is the guild they belonged to before their recruitment/conscription to Tunon’s Court.

School of the Boreal Forest: This school made it’s home in the Northern Kingdom prior to the Northern Conquest. The Sigil of Frost was a closely held secret of their’s for a long time, but after Graven Ashe was subjugated during the Northern Conquest, they surrendered this knowledge to Kyros. The status of this school is unknown, but may still be in existence since they bent the knee to Kyros, and you can find their staves all over the place in-game.

The School of Flowering Winter: Eb describes this school as an “inconsequential group of gardeners” implying their magic is related to plant manipulation. Status of the School is unknown, however, Eb describes their relevance in past tense, “[...] limped along,” so they may be extinct.

School of Ink and Quill (Sages): The Sages are getting their own post in the future because goddamn, these guys are too convoluted to accurately summarise. (I’ll edit in a link when that post is done.)

School of Mottled Bark: A short-lived school who turned their backs on civilisation and studied in the isolation of remote forests. They have seemingly disappeared, thought to be dead by either disease or misfortune, as all that’s been found of them are abandoned items and scraps of indecipherable lore. The Hierarch of the school was a past wielder and possibly the creator of the staff Eojah’s Calling.

School of Tides (Tidecasters) (†) : Founded by Occulted Jade, the Archon of Tides, the Tidecasters accompanied the original settlers of the Tiers on their flight from their original lands. The School made their living aiding maritime trade, and teaching music, the arts, and sailing to the children of Tiers nobles. Shortly before the Conquest of the Tiers, Occulted Jade is said to have fled along with the majority of the school across the western sea, those who stayed behind were wiped out by Kyros’ forces. By the 431 TR, there is only one known survivor of the school (Eb), and it is largely considered destroyed.

School of Wild Wrath (†): Possibly founded by Thousand Embers, an Archon of Fire, as it’s stated they attempted to collect the archon’s essence in a famously failed ritual (The Ritual of All-Fires) after his death, but some of the information in-game contradicts this. This school rose up from the ashes of the death of Thousand Embers as one of three mage schools/guilds that claimed to be the true inheritors of Thousand Ember’s power. They made their home in the Bastard Tier, and were largely reviled as they were primarily occupied by battle and destruction. During the Conquest of the Tiers they were absorbed into the Bloodchanters Guild in circa 428 TR.

Unknown School/Guild (x2): The two other schools which rose after the death of Thousand Embers to proclaim themselves as the heirs to his power in competition with the School of Wild Wrath. Likely extinct as the School of Wild Wrath remained a prominent power in the Tiers until their absorption into the Blood Chanter’s Guild.

[elegiacescapist]

Tyranny Lore Updates

Some more new lore posts and some updates to older ones! I’ll be making a master post/page for my blog to get you guys an index if you’re looking for something specific in the near future. But for now here’s some updates!

Recently Added Lore Posts!

The Mage Guilds and Schools of Terratus have been listed in a preliminary census.

A quick collection of the background specific entries in the Fatebinder’s Biography for quick reference.

Actual Updates to Existing Posts!

List of Archons

The Archon of Blood, A Third Archon of Fire, and the Archon who wielded the original Deathbringer have been added to the list. (thanks and a shout-out to @kittymaverick and @those-strange-trees for pointing these missing Archons out to me!)

List of Locations

Added the name of the last ruler (Queen Variah Saris) of Azure to Azure’s summary

[elegiacescapist]

A List of Archons

Since I’m sickly and bored today, here’s my working list of Archons for quick reference; includes titles, a short overview, and an indication (†) if they are confirmed to be deceased. Kyros and the major Archons in the game get a short description because there’s not enough room on this list to do them justice. Again, like the post on locations, please let me know if they are any corrections or additions to be made as this isn’t 100% complete or accurate, and it’s been a while since I made some of these notes. (I am also sick, so there may be typos and mistakes that I didn’t catch).

WARNING: TEXT DUMP & SPOILERS FOR TYRANNY

Kyros, Overlord & Archon of Edicts:  Believed to be the most powerful Archon ever known.

Tunon the Adjudicator, Archon of Justice: Master and creator of the Order of Fatebinders, and one of the few archons bestowed with the powers of adjudication. He is one of Kyros’ eldest vassals. Was known as Tunon the Fair prior to his ascension to the ranks of the Archons.

Archons of War

Graven Ashe: General of the Disfavoured legion, former general of the Northern Kingdom. Father of Ashelryn (†), Priam (†), Brennix (†), and Amelia.

Blood Echo/Ruin (†): Slain by Graven Ashe during the Northern Conquest. According to the Voices of Nerat he wore his best disciples’ knuckle-bones as jewellery and fashioned a breastplate out of his brother’s rib-cage. Killed Ashe’s daughter Ashelryn.

The Voices of Nerat, Archon of Secrets: Kyros’ Spymaster and Interrogator, as well as the General of the Scarlet Chorus and patron of the Blood Chanters guild.

Archons of Shadow

Bleden Mark: Kyros’ assassin and executioner, attached to Tunon’s Court as a headsman. He sometimes teaches the more promising of Tunon’s pupils. His name or sigil (the flavour text is vague) has been used to augment the Nightwalker’s Boots.

Unknown, Beastwoman Archon (†): Her sigil/rune can be found on the Nightwalker’s Boots. A peerless stalker and trapper, she eschewed civilisation and lived for centuries as a nomadic figure. Some still believe she lurks in the wilderness, but it is heavily implied she was the Archon whom Bleden Mark killed at the Ashweald.

Unknown (†): The Everwell is thought to be his decapitated head- the ink his arcane talent and substance forever bleeding out. Might be the Archon that Bleden Mark had to challenge for his title. (I will write more on this theory later.)  Dark story bro. This is a busted theory now because of the confirmation of Bleden Mark killing the Archon of Blood around his [Mark’s] ascension.

Cairn, Archon of Stone (†): Originally known as the “Wild Man of the Hills” before bowing to Kyros in 402 TR after being subdued by Graven Ashe. Patron of the Earthshakers guild and subordinate to Graven Ashe. His original name was likely Stelio, a name Sirin used in her letters to him. (Epistolary of Song and Stone, short story)

SIrin, Archon of Song: One of the youngest Archons recorded. Sworn to the service of the Voices of Nerat, his Bloodchanters developed the Sigil of Emotions through their study of Sirin’s abilities. Occasionally referred to as “Songbird”.

Pox, Archon of Ruin: General of the Plaguebearers, who spread disease during the Northern Conquest, one of her victims being Priam, a son of Graven Ashe. A variation of her sigil of Atrophy was discovered by a cult of mages in the east to have its own powers, perhaps indicating the existence of a previous Archon of Ruin.

Icarix, Archon of Time (†): His powers allowed him to rewind time while keeping his memories of the future. Slain by Bleden Mark for using his powers on Kyros, he’s also a known womaniser, and is implied to have attempted to put the, ahem, moves on Kyros (and Bleden Mark, disguised as a woman during Icarix’s assassination). (Shush, short story)

Occulted Jade, Archon of Tides: Leader and patron of the School of Tides, arrived in the Tiers with the first human settlers over 400 years ago. Is referred to as an Archon despite not being under Kyros’ rule. Fled with the majority of the School of Tides across the ocean shortly before the Conquest. 

Moramus of the Mire, Archon of Fungus: A stooped hermit who lived in the Nettlebog and produced most of it’s flora. Apparently he resembled a dapperling mushroom (He’s a funguy!). Hasn’t been seen for 300 years, but some believe he’s still alive in his land. 

The Orphan Midwife, Archon of Rebirth: Born in 160 TR, bowed to Kyros in 201 TR. Her powers caused various arcane effects around her, such as plants sprouting and the sick becoming vigorous where she walked… But they also sent most folks into fits of rage and animals into heat. Imprisoned for transgressions against Kyros, including the illegal immigration of one of her disciples into the Tiers in 222 TR. The Sigil of Life is her personal sigil.

Nox Mirea, Archon of Pestilence (†): A rather disliked Archon, when she opened her eyes or mouth, flies would gust out into the air. Died in her twentieth year after suffering a string of unusual and grotesque symptoms. It’s possible that the mass dislike towards her made everyone believe she’d die from her powers, and that belief became reality.

Thunder Mane, Archon, Unknown Aspect (†): A Beastwoman Mystic who became an Archon. Killed five other Archons before she was slain.

Fading Wrath, Archon of Concealment: Associated with illusion magic. Status Unknown.

Archons of Fire (fiery personalities here)

Thousand Embers (†): Had a strong motivation to assist others, and obsessively wrote on the “inner fire” of humanity (the drive to eat, reproduce, and destroy), and reflections on his own use of fire. Slain by Bleden Mark in 73 TR after continuously refusing to join and serve Kyros. The School of Wild Wrath was among three mage cabals that appeared after his death claiming to be the true inheritors of his powers.

Sun Queen (†): First user of the Sigil of Fire centuries ago. Was challenged by an Exarch of Fire in a legendary battle that created a swath of destruction known as the Scar.

Unknown, Exarch of Fire: Challenged the Sun Queen for her title, may have been Thousand Embers. Status Unknown.

Unknown (†): @kittymaverick found some seemingly cut dialogue for Rhogalus that indicated the existance of a third Archon of Fire (and a third style of fire magic). If their existance is still “canon”, they would likely be dead as Thousand Embers is the most recent Archon of Fire.

Archons of Frost

Ranna, Nirabel, & Slayr: Triplets that simultaneously held the title of the second recorded Archon of Frost and were never seen apart. When they were born they were thought to be stillborn because they were so cold to touch. Status Unknown.

Unknown (†): The first recorded Archon of Frost, not much has been recorded about him.

Archons of Lightning

Rin: “Accidentally” killed an Archon of Water during an electrifying diplomatic embrace. Might be the Archon of Storms under a different title.

Unknown (†): First recorded Archon of Lightning.

Archon of Blood (†): Kyros’ first assassin, and Bleden Mark’s predecessor. They were, quote, “destroyed” when Bleden Mark ascended to the status of Archon. The first incarnation of the dagger Heart’s Blood was their weapon of choice.

Archon of Enchantment (†): An ancient and long-forgotten Archon, runes associated with them decorate the Rune-etched Buckler (item).

Archon of Entropy: Fought for Kyros in the Northern Conquest, their powers were used to destroy the weapons and armour of the Northern armies. Status Unknown.

Archon of Humours: An accomplished magician in his day, known for his ability to destabilise the balance of liquids in others, such as causing internal hemorrhaging, mood adjustments, and bowel disruption. He also advanced medical practices (with trial and errors at times), pioneering Leeching and other methods of siphoning fluids, and finding medical uses for avoided herbs. Status Unknown.

Archon of Misery: Mentor of the Voices of Nerat, previous Spymaster and Interrogator. Might be the Archon of Sorrows under a different title. Status Unknown.

Archon of Sorrows: Fought for Kyros in the Northern Conquest, using their powers to sap the morale of the Northern armies. Might be the Archon of Misery under a different title. Status Unknown.

Archon of Snow: Their teachings enabled the Ice-Shod hunters to create weapons out of ice and snow before the practice was lost after the tribe was absorbed by the Empire. Status Unknown.

Archon of Storms: The Governor of the Blazing Reach district. The core sigil of Lightning is his personal sigil. May be Rin, Archon of Lightning under a different title.

Archons of Tharavis: For some reason I can’t remember, I only have the title and their association with preservation magic in my notes. Please clarify if you have more information.

Archon of Thralldom (†): An ancient Archon, known for his interest in the Bane and any means of taming them as useful servants. His runes provided the means to create the Baneward. (The flavour text on the Baneward is positively enthralling)

Archon of Turmoil: An Archon who some claim wielded the Gravebow in a war to single-handedly destroy the Bane. Unknown if they actually existed or are just part of a rumour. 

Archon of Water (†): Killed by Rin, Archon of Lightning during an allegedly diplomatic embrace by electric shock.

Archon of Wind: Received the dubious honour of being called the “Archon of Gullibility” for a decade in the Voices of Nerat’s head for losing a race with him through Nerat’s trickery. Status Unknown.

Archon of Wounds: Developed various methods of arcane healing with their powers. Status Unknown.

Archon of Unknown Aspect (†): A female “Archon of old” whom wielded the first incarnation of the weapon Deathbringer, and is described as having “brought death to all her enemies.” Likely deceased as her weapon has been shattered by 431 TR.

Unknown Archons (x2), (†): Two Archons that the Voices of Nerat was allowed to consume.