Locations and Terms

[Rommie Eden]

PLAYABLE RACES[/size]
You may select any of these races for your character, but please stick to the description of the race with your character's history and personality

Humes

Humans. They tend to be rather unspectacular, but they do make up a majority of Minerva's population. They are average on all fronts, which turns out to be their benefit. They also are rather clever, being best with machinery and science among all the races.

Viera

Characterized by their rabbit-like ears and tanned skin, the mostly female race known as the Viera are hyper-sensitive to Mist, the essence of Magic, as well as sound. Because of this, it is oft-said the Viera can "hear the planet". They also have superior eyesight to the Humes, making them good markswomen, however they prefer to stay out of the affairs of the other races.

Feol

Technically a subset of the Viera, the Feol have shorter ears and platinum hair. The legends say that a Viera Matriarch and an Aegyl once mated, and as a result the halfbreed Feol were born. During a time of great strife amongst the Viera, the Feol were nearly hunted to extinction by their full-blooded cousins. Despite the smaller ears, the Feol are more in tune with the Mist, allowing them to not only communicate with this world, but seemingly others, making them naturals at the art of channeling Espers. However, Feol still face a great deal of prejudice, especially from other Viera.

Bangaa

Though some of their features are lizard-like, it is generally insulting to call a Bangaa a Lizard. With this being said, they are fairly lizard-ish. They have a lot of the same qualities as Humes but with a bit more strength, and their skin can take a bit more of a beating. Though not as strong technically, as a Seeq, they are considered the "brutes" of Minerva.

Moogles

Arguably, the smartest race in all of Minerva, these cute critters not only are very comforting companions but are able to fly thanks to their wings. They make wonderful craftsmen as well as any variety of other jobs. They lack much strength, however. A popular tale for children is about the Seeq and the Moogle that formed a sort of symbiotic relationship of brain and brawn.

Nu Mou

A dog-like race that once populated much of Nabudis, but are now scattered thought the world. They are generally quiet and reserved, but seem to be able to communicate with monsters. They are also very spiritual, often becoming clerics or mediators because of this. They are talented with magic as well, but when it comes to physical combat, they do not last long.

Burmecian

Though their cat-like features make the Nu Mou uneasy, one thing is certain, the Burmecians' legs make them excellent runners and jumpers. They are very accustomed to rain as well, so desert conditions are not their cup of tea. The tend to use poles or lances as weapons because though they lack much affinity for Mist and magic, they also lack dexterity for close-range combat.

Gria

This Dragon-like race have wings strong enough to fly for very short durations. The Gria are somewhat reclusive and not very populous, and are a rather physical race. They have fairly decent strength, able to wield weapons the size of their body, which says something considering they have an average height of six feet.

Guado

The Guado are arboreal humans that are very in tune with their spiritual side. They are elvish in appearance with long limbs, over-sized hands, and plant-like hair. They have a particular talent for Summoning. Guado live primarily in Centra and Verata.

NON-PLAYABLE RACES[/size]
At this time, these races are NOT playable, but they "exist" in the world of Minerva. Don't ask to play one, you can't.

Occuria

"The Undying". They're depicted in legends as not the creators of Minerva, but as it's divine protectors. They are fallible, but are also seemingly all-powerful. They exist outside of the world and above it at once. Truely, they are a riddle of the past, but many consider them naught but fairy tales. It is fabled that they created the Espers.

Aegyl

Angel-like Humes, granted wings but forced to live on a continent lost high above the world's surface. Because of the strain of wings on their bodies, Aegyl do not live long. Legends depict them as wayfarers that once served the Occuria, though they have not been seen anywhere in generations.

Seeq

Considered one of the less "refined" races, the Seeq are fairly pig-like in appearance. Though it can be diffacult to tell a male from a female (unless you're a Seeq, of course), they do come in a variety of colors and sizes. Also, their brawn makes up for what most Seeq lack in the brain department, as they are remarkably strong.

Rebe

No one is quite sure what happened to these bird-like creatures, but it is known that they have not been seen in Minerva for some time. Though there have been an individual Rebe around from time to time, the race itself appears to have vanished. Only two are known today, one serves as a personal guard of the Emperor of Verata, and another as a n arms merchant in Centra.

Moomba

Often employed as servants or carriers, the Moomba are unable to speak, but can understand and comprehend languages. They aren't unhappy to serve at all, though if given the chance, they could become as adept at crafts work as a Moogle. They are able to sense blood, and locate people by blood.

Ronso

A very loyal race, they often lend their strength as guardians or bodyguards. They have yet to effectively grasp language, but they work toward it. They are worse with the spoken word than even the Seeq, but they are fairly smart in their own right. Still, they will fight for the sake of fighting, and they do prise honor above all else. People are often perplexed by a Ronso's ability to fight someone brutally one moment and defend them to the last the next.

Taru-taru

Though they appear to be children, these chipmunk-like creatures are extremely adept at magic use and can "smell" Mist even in trace amounts. They have heightened awareness of smell as well. Often, they will be employed to alert guards to the use of any magic.

Mithra

A cat-human race that is very adept at theft. Because of this attitude toward theft, they are generally regarded as criminals. They are sneaky and devious at times, and have plent of potential to be as such. Mithra are very uncharismatic and not overly smart, but they are agile and dexterous. Also, only appear in old folk tales.

SCIONS OF DARKNESS[/size]
High Espers and Non-Playable Characters. Again, don'e even ask.
Pictured with their accompanying Glyphs.

Belias, the Gigas
Aries

A fire-elemental Scion of Darkness. The legends call him Guardian of the Holy Realm, and say he "was made by the gods in opposition to Loghrif the Transcendent, scion of light. Called the Gigas for his appearance: man and monster fused as one. Considered a mistake upon his making, and receiving not his intended role, the Gigas challenged the gods and lost."

Chaos, Walker of the Wheel
Taurus

A wind-elemental Scion of Darkness. The legends say he was a "tutelary deity of the sacred crystals fashioned by the gods at the time of the Great Making. Created in opposition to Mitron the Chasiter, scion of light. Upon entering the world of Man, he was enveloped in the turmoil rampant there. Lost, he died and was reborn countless times, a walker of life's wheel, eventually to rage against the gods that had so failed him. By sitting in meditation upon the Unrh Pedestal does he clear heart and mind until all that has order and reason and thought is made as nothing."

Zalera, the Death Seraph
Gemini

A non-elemental Scion of Darkness. The legends say he was a"heretic scion who wrapped the world in dark energies, seeking to take the souls of all living things unto himself. Created in opposition to Emet-Selch, Angel of Truth, and scion of light. Originally tasked with the judging of men upon their deaths, his soul was tainted by the curses of those who raged against the heavens, and seizing one of the gods' servants, a shamaness, as a hostage, he rebelled against his creators. Even now, in defeat, he clutches the shamaness to him in his right arm, and with the aid of her death-wail does he summon the soul of darkness to do his bidding."

Zeromus the Condemner
Cancer

A non-elemental Scion of Darkness. Legends speak of him, "honoring the law more than any other, a scion of holy order and condemner of criminals. Created in opposition to Knight-Star Pashtarot, scion of light. He turns his deep, abiding hatred for those who break the law into living darkness, therein to plunge the guilty in fell judgment. Over time, he came to care less for upholding the law and more for condemnation, and so tainted by hate, he sought to condemn the gods themselves to death. Thus, did he earn the title "The Condemner", and thus did he fall from grace."

Hashmal, Bringer of Order
Leo

A Earth Esper and Scion of Darkness. He is mentioned in the ancient Legends as being the "scion set by the gods to wield and manipulate the laws of this world, and with holy power lead mankind to order. Created in opposition to Fandaniel the Protector, scion of light. Desiring to bring order to all things, he joined with Ultima in her battle against the gods. He gave his body to the Thousand-Years War, and when his strength was spent, down into the burning inferno he fell."

Ultima, the High Seraph
Virgo

A grand and Holy Esper and Scion of Darkness. The legends of ages past call her the "masterpiece among the scions created by the gods, and the mastermind of the plot to rise against them. Prior to her betrayal, she was tasked with guiding souls to heaven and aiding in their reincarnation. Called the High Seraph for her angelic wings of glimmering gold, yet it was on wings of deepest black that the tainted angel Ultima rose against the gods. Since her fall, her heart is without light, and impossible to know."

Exodus, the Judge-Sal
Libra

A non-elemental Scion of Darkness. According to myth, he is the "most ancient of the scions, created in opposition to Halmarut the Arbiter, and scion of light. Tasked with keeping watch over the world, with the authority to judge the value of all things. As he watched, unseen, unknown, his attachment to the world dwindled, and faded until it was as nothing. Fitting that he would desire to make the world, too, as nothing. Yet he fell in the war against the gods, and was thwarted, imprisoned in punishment for his heresy."

Cúchulainn, the Impure
Scorpio

An Esper of Poison and a Scion of Darkness. Legend has it, he was the "scion created to rid the world of its impurities by swallowing them within himself, in opposition to Nabriales the Majestic, scion of light. The world, however, was more filled with impurity and corruption than even the gods dared imagine, and having swallowed it all, the once beautiful Cúchulainn was transformed into a hideous thing, a deity of filth, and so did he turn against his creators. Wherever his feet should fall, there all life withers to dust."

Shemhazai, the Whisperer
Sagittarius

Another non-elemental Scion of Darkness. As it says in Minervan myth, she is a "scion that is both horse and woman, wielding utter control over the souls that wander the underworld, in opposition to Igeyorlm the Martyr, scion of light. Though she once served the gods as a guardian, when Ultima announced her rebellion, Shemhazai went to her, whispering of the gods' hidden weaknesses. She then descended upon the land without leave of the gods, and taught men of destruction and evil. For this was she stricken down and bound."

Adrammelech, the Wroth
Capricorn

Lightning Esper and Scion of Darkness. Legends call him "emperor among the scions", who was "able to reduce to nothing aught he strikes with a single vengeful blow of his fist, created in opposition to Deudalephon the Benevolent, scion of light. Though he was made by the gods to quell the fiends that raged in the Otherworld, his immense strength and fearsome visage drew the fiends to his side, and turned him against his creators. Adrammelech rose to prominence in the Otherworld, whence he led a fiendish horde against the gods, but in the end, he was defeated."

Famfrit, the Darkening Cloud
Aquarius

Esper of the Water and Scion of Darkness. Ancient writ speaks of "the hideous, darkly clouded form of Famfrit, scion in opposition to Holy Queen Emmerololth, scion of light, was anathema even to his creators. Thus, after a great battle, was he broken and sealed within armor laced with wards. The confines of his armor are void of light, and so is he called the Darkening Cloud. Men fear the rain that falls from the black clouds that ooze from that giant ewer as a herald of chaos and waste."

Mateus, the Corrupt
Pisces

The Frozen Esper of the Ice and Scion of Darkness. Songs and dark tales of old speak of a "scion of darkness ruling and protecting those who live in the underworld, in opposition to Lahabrea the Abyssal Celebrant and scion of light. In the course of his rule, he submitted to avarice, and the darkness took his heart, transforming him until he was both evil and corrupt. Then in his cowardice did he bind a Goddess of the Demesne of Ice, and using her as a living shield, he challenged the gods. Defeated before their might, he fell screaming into the depths of hell, there to be imprisoned for eternity."

Zodiark, Keeper of Precepts
Ophiuchus

The Esper and Scion of Darkness both. This terror is oft cited as the Great Serpent or the Dark Serpentarius in ancient tales, and as one legend says, is the "Strongest of the scions created by the gods, they feared his growth, and so kept him a child. So indomitable is his strength that all things are by him twisted and pressed into oblivion. He alone fashions the laws governing all things, and administers punishment in place of the gods. So is he Keeper of Precepts, and his authority is absolute."

NATIONS[/u]
The five nations of Minerva, one of which each character will be from.

Aralon

The Republic of Aralon is a very prosperous democracy on the western continent of Minerva. Its location between the Cetra Kingdom and the Sea (with Lenecia on the other side) has always been important on those trade routes. A strong merchant class drives Aralon to be excellent in terms of it's airship strength, as the nation has a passenger or cargo fleet capable of blocking the sun. The military is lax, however. But as Aralon is a country of peace this poses little problem. This country is also mostly populated by Humes.

Centra

The Ancient Kingdom of Centra is as ancient as it's name would suggest. The Centra people pride themselves on their tradition and past, and will happily point out that over the course of recorded history, the only thing that changed about the Centra kingdom was the N being added to the name. There is a lot of charm to the Centra, and it is one of the most open-minded countries about the myths of old. Faith in the Occuria here is stronger than anywhere else in the world.

Verata

The Verata Empire is a nation proud of its military might. Despite their drive for conquest, the Empire is the most technologically advanced civilization, with Aralon coming in second. Bangaa and Humes are popular here, with the other races playing a far more minor role. Also, the Imperial Viera tend to be more aggressive to their half-blooded cousins, the Feol. They used to share the Southern Continent with Alexandria, however they crushed Alexandria in the last great Esper War.

Lenecia

The Sovereign Queendom of Lenecia is mostly a desert nation. Lenne was moved from the lush coast to the northern Expanse to protect it better. Several oases are around the desert and have sprung up budding communities. The cation is a very matriarchal society. Though it is not their home, many Viera have come to Lenne and Lenecia because of this. In fact, the current Queen is a Viera. To the north of the Queendom is a mountain range, and beyond it lies Nabudis.

Nabudis

The Nabudin Union is a sad place indeed. Once, it was a beautiful landscape vibrant with poets, writers, and all sorts of artisans, as well as those versed in Magic. However, following a calamity of unknown origins, the entire capital was wiped out, and the beautiful fields were reduced to the Nabudin Deadlands. Those that escaped founded the Necrohol. Viera and Taru-taru are made very uncomfortable by the amount of mist in the Deadlands, but plenty of races do live in Nabudis.

TERMS[/size]
Some words or phrases it might be nice to know.

Minerva

Our lovely planet..

The Gateway of Worlds

A strange phenomenon either discovered by or created by Noss "Aya" Ortise in NE 1379. When an airship approached the location of the Gateway, in the sky above the Myu Islands, magical energies begin to swirl and rush outward before opening a great hole in the sky. This hole leads to a dazzlingly beautiful "tunnel" of sorts that opens above the Infinity Atoll on the planet Vedra..

Gil

Small gold coins that are a unit of currency in Minerva. Though they come as one-gil coins, it is often done where people will get hundred- or thousand-gil notes for large purchases.

Mist

A magical essence that floats around Minerva in varying density and intensity. It flows through people and allows for use of magical abilities. It is believed Mist comes from strange magical stones.

Magicite

Abundant stones, crystals thought Minerva, that enhance magical power slightly. They aren't useful to people, but are used often in forging weapons and armor. They're also used to fuel Airships.

Auracite

A type of enriched Magicite that is thought to give one power over Espers. The thirteen Stones of the Zodiac that control the Scions are thought to be a type of Deifacted Auracite, while the weaker forms found more commonly are often used by Summoners to strengthen the bond with Espers or in religious functions. Auracite is both rare and valuable.

Nethicite

The opposite of Magicite. It absorbs Mist and contains it. No deposits of Nethicite have been found in recent years, but old legends talk of its destructive power. Some legends link the power of Nethicite to the fall of Nabudis.

Jagd

Lands ravaged by Mist that makes airship travel difficult. They tend to be lawless regions as people have trouble with them, taming them is difficult. They are havens for illegal activity.

Esper

A monster that is unlike others. The Occuria are legend to have created the Espers. Espers bind themselves to Summoners and heed their call, but only after the said Summoner proves him/herself to be worthy of commanding their awesome power.

Scion of Darkness

The thirteen High Espers are all Scions of Darkness, each having been once given dominion over the heavens, but according to ancient legends, led by the High Seraph Ultima, the Scions rebelled against the Occuria, and after a terrible Ethereal battle, the Scions were eventually defeated. There essence was bound in glyphs and sealed in Crystal, and they have been lost since.

Scion of Light

The Scions of Light, presumably High Espers as well, were only mentioned in the legends about the creation of the Scions of Darkness. Just what they are is a mystery. Some believe they were enemies of the Occuria, others believe the Scions of Light were the original Espers who staged a rebellion, much as the Scions of Darkness would later. But speculation about the Scions of Light seems to never be more than just idle speculation.

Gran Grimoire

Powerful spellbooks from the Ancient Past, believed to be inspired by the hallowed Occuria. Though the locations of the twenty-four Gran Grimoire are not known, the common perception is that they were scattered to the worlds of Vedra and Minerva, much like the thirteen Scions. Also like the Scions, each Gran Grimoire is different and houses much different powers.