Fury of Aerðs
Story Weaver
- Intent: To create a mystical home world for the Lupo species.
- Image Credit:
- Canon: N/A
- Links: Lupo, Bloodraven Hall, The Order of The Fayth, Lunaris
- Planet Name: Islimore
- Demonym: Islimorian
- Region: Wild Space
- System Name: Wodan
- System Features:
- Planets:
- Theila
- Sarnor
- Islimore
- Evaria
- Zyrus
- Moons:
- Vars
- Sun:
- Ventos
- Nebula:
- The Prima Veil
The Prima Veil is a rosette shaped Nebula that resides behind Ventos. The nebula is nearly impossible for travelers to cross through without coordinates. Filled with dangerous comet debris and asteroid fields, most visitors that wish to reach the planet are required to take a long detour around. Every thousand years the entire Wodan system will pass through the veil, effectively hiding them from the rest of the Galaxy.
- Orbital Position:
- Theila [1]
- Sarnor [2]
- Islimore & Evaria [3]
- Islimore and Evaria are twin worlds that orbit their sun Ventos at exactly the same orbital distance, residing 60 degrees ahead and 60 degrees behind a group of asteroids that are locked between them.
- Zyrus [4]
- Orbital Period:
- Theila [30]
- Sarnor [112]
- Islimore [260]
- Evaria [260]
- Zyrus [340]
- Location: Wild Space
- Major Imports:
- High Technology
- Bacta and Medicines
- Luxury Goods
- Major Exports:
- Wine
- Textiles
- Metals
- Foodstuffs
- Gravity: Standard
- Climate: Temperate
- Primary Terrain:
- Oceans
- Forests
- Deserts
- Mountains
- Grasslands
- Tundra
- Atmosphere:
- Type 1
- Capital City:
- Blackbrook
- Planetary Features:
- Coastal Cities
- Kyber Caves
- Ancient Ruines
- Force Nexus
- Lunaris Mines
B L A C K B R O O K
Blackbrook is a sovereign city and the capital of Islimore, once ruled by the Blackmoore family before the Sabathian takeover five hundred years ago. The Blackbrook mainland is bordered to the west and east almost entirely by the sea, with the Eternal Bay residing to the east and the Winter Sea to the west. The rivers that run through the flatlands provide the country with fertile soil and enough rain and snow to keep the capital lush and green. Being the largest city of the planet it makes up for the highest population and well over half of Islimore's economy, with most agriculture and trade done locally. When Blackbrook suffers, Islimore suffers.
M E A D O W G A R D
Located to the far south of Blackbrook, Meadowgard is often regarded as the 'city of dreamers' with its picturesque landscapes, bottomless lakes, lush forests, abundant floral gardens, and bountiful crops. The city sits astride Thornroad which passes all the way through the seafearing town, Ivlyndawn, bordering them to the East. Meadowgard is often the primary target of tourists who come to visit the planet.
I V L Y N D A W N
The pearl of the Eternal Bay, the coastal city of Ivlyndawn, is prized by painters for its picturesque scenes of café terraces, old town facades and enchanting, glowing beaches. Beginning as a military outpost of Cælestos it is located on the northernmost side of the gates that lead to the ancient city. Built upon high cliffs with only one way through, the Lupo of old created this city as a means of controlling shipping in the area. As time went on, merchants transformed Ivlyndawn from a military outpost to a city of trade after discovering a handful of unique materials around the cliffed coastal city, including a unique variety of sea slug whose secretions could be used to create popular dyes.
A B O L A S E M O U N T A I N S
The Abolase Mountains, or just the Abolase, is a mountain range that extends through most of the settled continent of Islimore, dividing the Stoneshade Desert from their neighbors in the south. The mountains themselves are rich with minerals and ore, containing hidden valleys and several spring water run offs from their endlessly snowy peaks.
A L D R A R U I N S
Aldra is a ruined castle that sits high up in the Abolase Mountains just north of Blackbrook. It is overgrown with vines and forestry and barely standing. This seat once belonged to the Woudstra family who was massacred by a rival house, their enemies posing as friendly visitors before unleashing their diabolical attack on their hosts. It is regarded as one of the bloodiest moments of Islimore's recent history. Rumor has it that the Lord's only daughter survived by fleeing into the mountains, but was assumed to have died of exposure in the cold landscape. People who go to see the castle claim that an apparition haunts the area, particularly around the anniversary of the massacre.
L O R A C R E C A V E R N S
The Loracre Caverns, or the Crystal Caverns of Loracre, was regarded as an ancient site by the Lupo species before the planets isolationism and was a popular pilgrimage destination for young Lupo that could use 'magiks' [The Force]. Located deep within the Abolase Mountain range, the caverns stretch for unknown miles and are filled with precious glittering kyber crystals. The caverns were largely abandoned and forgotten after the Fayth took control of Islimore, leaving them untouched over the last few hundred years.
C O R A S I N T E M P L E S
The mystic, Corasin Temples reside on top of a spring at the base of the Abolase Mountains. No one can explain how the Temples float, or how the falls were created to flow through the structures, as the technology was forgotten when the original designers vanished. Once home to the same telekinetic shamans who could make stone men walk, the Corasin Temples are filled with indecipherable ruins carved into the walls from these early men. Rumor has it, that these may be key to the discovery of an ancient relic that was buried beneath the temple from centuries before, but, explorer beware...many who have attempted to crack the code have gone insane.
R U I N S OF C Æ L E S T O S
Cælestos was once the capital city of Islimore during the 'Golden Age' of Lupo civilization. Located east from the Corasin Temples, Cælestos sits high up in the Abolase Mountains surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls, with several parts of the ancient city integrated into the mountain itself. For more than half a millenia the powerful Lupo of clan Svärd ruled over Cælestos, until more than eight hundred years ago when the Blackmoore King invaded and brought ruin with him, destroying the city of wonderment.
S T A R F A L L R U I N S
Starfall is an ancient castle that is nearly as old as known Islimorian history. Originally the seat and stronghold of the royal clan Svärd, the ruins are situated in the mountains of the Abolase, deep within the gates of Cælestos. Historians claim that its construction took over sixty years to complete, covering more acreage than any castle found on Islimore to date and built to withstand all manner of attack. With its colossal curtain walls that were thick and sheer, and high as the mountain, Starfall was thought to be impregnable. However, it was not built with the Blackmoore King and his massive fleet coming to invade Islimore, in mind. In the burning of Cælestos, Starfall fell with it, bringing an end to the mighty clan Svärd and the Golden Era of the Lupo.
S T O R M H A V E N
Hewn from stone chiseled directly from the Abolase Mountains, Stormhaven is a wonder to behold. Once the stronghold of the Drage family, the castle sits inside over a thousand acres of forest near the fishing town of Mistbrook in the Stormlands. The holdings at Stormhaven were some of the richest in all of Islimore, claiming vast tracks of fertile green land for farming and several of the local rivers that residents of Mistbrook depended on for their fishing trade, which reached as far as the border of Blackbrook. After the purge that drove the Lupo from their ancestral lands, the Fayth seized many of the ancient strongholds to take as their own or use as gifts for loyalists. Stormhaven was no exception, passing into the hands of the Fayth leadership who currently use the ancient stone structure as a place of priestly worship and learning.
M I S T B R O O K F O R E S T
Named in relation to the fishing town built entirely from the wood of Mistbrook. Rocky streams and rivers run through most of the densely packed forest that consists of deciduous trees at the lower levels, and transitions into conifers. With sturdy sentinels, timbers, furs, hidden caves, and ever persistent mists, Mistbrook Forest is a place one can easily become lost in if you don't know the way.
M I S T B R O O K
Starting off as a small fishing village, Mistbrook steadily grew throughout the years to become one of the larger towns of the northern Stormlands. Fishing persisted as part of the town's livelihood and culture, with many of the locals eventually picking up charters that helped expand their businesses to become an important part of Islimorian trade.
Named in relation to the fishing town built entirely from the wood of Mistbrook. Rocky streams and rivers run through most of the densely packed forest that consists of deciduous trees at the lower levels, and transitions into conifers. With sturdy sentinels, timbers, furs, hidden caves, and ever persistent mists, Mistbrook Forest is a place one can easily become lost in if you don't know the way.
M I S T B R O O K
B L O O D R A V E N H A L L
Hidden within the Abolese Mountains Bloodraven Hall stands majestic. Seemingly untouched by time the hall once served as the home of Islimore's proudest clan, the Lechners. The warriors built the hall to serve as a strategic stronghold, high on a cliff and surrounded by the two main rivers which run through Blackbrook itself, Leithrex and Cheryux. The stone structure is rumored to be impenetrable, and the keeper of secrets long lost to Islimore and those who called it home.
B L A C K B R O O K W O O D
Blackwood Wood is one of the greatest wonders of Islimore. The trees of the forest stand almost as tall as the mountains which surround them, the base of many of them wider than the average home. A portion of the wood extends onto the property which was annexed by the Lechner clan to serve as private hunting grounds. Many young pups would often be led by an elder through their first change in the mysterious forest, often celebrated by their first hunt and kill as a wolf.
T H E W O L F S W O O D
Over six square miles of deep elder wood whose trees defy belief. The trees have pale ivory bark with golden leaves, while bushes of blood red scatter the floor, making everything appear to be washed in blood. This holy site has deep ties to the Lupo of Islimore and it is said that anywhere the Lupo thrive, so too will follow a Wolfswood, as long as the gods give their blessing.
X Æ I A R ' S R I N G
Named for the Lupo Goddess of divination and prophecy, Xæiar's Ring is what most in the Galaxy would consider a phenomenon of the Force, a nexus, while the locals think of it as magic. In the middle of standing circles, the 'ring' draws in the energy of everything around it into its vortex. Many Lupine come here searching to receive visions of the future and prophecies from deceased ancestors.
S T O N E S H A D E D E S E R T
The Stoneshade Dessert, known for short as 'Stoneshade', is a peculiar location on Islimore. Giant stone guardians sit littering the vast expanse of red sands and look to be frozen in motion. They are from another age and early folk religion, some of which is still largely practiced amongst the more common folk. The current priesthood are believed to be holdovers from the very 'battle shamans' that gave life to these stone giants. Early shamans were thought to be comprised of powerful mentalists from an ancient unknown species that once dominated the planet, though over time as faith shifted and new practices were implemented, the ability to waken the stones was entirely lost.
H A R D H A V E N
Hardhaven is the name of the ancient long hall belonging to Clan Kanaka and the surrounding village. Hardhaven has been the seat of Kanaka's Alpha for six millennia. While not nearly as grand as some of the other major seats of power in Lupo history, Hardhaven has the distinction of remaining in the hands of the clan that built it, no doubt its location having been the greatest benefit to its survival through the many wars with the humans. Hardhaven both the hall and the village are built on the great bay of Fafnir's fall, bordered to the east by the great northern sea and the abolese mountain range, with the most direct route coming from the south through The Wolf's Wood on land or over the ocean where enemy ships have to contend with numerous watchtowers along the crags and cliffs of the coast. Once they reach the bay they would have to face the naval might of Hardhaven which over the millennia has grown formidable due to the alliance and relationship with Clan Ylva, the greatest known ship masters of the north and perhaps all of Islimore. The largest settlement in The North, Hardhaven has grown and expanded over its lifetime, now fifty times larger than when first constructed and twice as large as Mistbrook, its sister city. The reasons for such expansive growth are many fold but – stand out among the rest. Trade is one of the foremost means of the city's success. Over the northern tract into the mountains and down in the valley lay the black bark yronwood forest. The wood from this forest is some of the hardiest found anywhere, with yronwood shields being thrice as strong as any other, the material is prized for the construction of anything from ships, to long halls, or weapons. The yronwood forest is as ancient and as hallowed as The Wolf's Wood, so items crafted from its trees are considered very rare and very valuable. The forest was not the only natural resource to yield riches to Hardhaven. Several ore rich mines were established helping grow the prosperity of the city and Clan Kanaka through trade of raw ore, and items crafted from the minerals pulled from the ground. It has been said that there are no finer stone workers than those found near and around Hardhaven and the weapons forged in the city are amongst the best to be found on the continent.
- Native Species: Lupo
- Immigrated Species: Humans
- Population: 2 Billion
- Demographics: 99% Human, 1% Lupo
- Primary Languages: Galactic Basic and Wufi (Native Lupo Language)
- Culture: Islimore houses two diverse cultures as it is inhabited by two different factions. The human faction is predominantly patriarchal with a central monarch figure at the helm of governance. In contrast, the scattered Lupo culture comprises various tribes and clans that believe in gender equality. They are organized into a caste-like society led by the Kaiha, with select individuals holding the esteemed Anasi/Anasa title.
- Government:
- Absolute Monarchy/Feudalistic
- The monarch exercises control over legislation, administration, and the judicial system, making decisions without the need for consulting a representative body, their authority based on divine right and hereditary claims. At the same time, local lords and nobles do retain significant power and control over their own territories and are trusted to govern their lands as semi-autonomous entities. However, it is worth noting that the monarch retains ultimate authority over the entirety of the kingdom, and while the local lords do enjoy some degree of autonomy within their domains, they can lose those same freedoms in an instant, should they fail to supply the monarch with military support and goods during times of need.
- Absolute Monarchy/Feudalistic
- Affiliation: Currently under the rule of the Fayth and King Ancelas the Righteous (also referred to as the 'Unworthy') of House Sabathian
- Wealth:
- Medium-low:
- The planet's natural resources and trade make it moderately wealthy; however, systemic issues prevent widespread prosperity.
- Medium-low:
- Stability:
- Medium-low:
- Despite having a structured government and enforced laws, tensions between the humans and the oppressed Lupo factions have led to sporadic conflicts throughout the planet's history. This balance poses a threat to its long-term stability, with the high potential of escalating conflict. In addition, the planets strict patriarchal structuring and the imbalance of wealth distributions, has left many on Islimore dissatisfied with the current workings of the planet.
- Medium-low:
- Freedom & Oppression: Oppressive – The majority ruling human society has exercised significant control over Islimore at the expense Lupo rights and freedoms, nearly driving the species to extinction. Furthermore, the prevailing patriarchal structure and governmental system, along with their strong religious beliefs, intensifies the oppressive conditions for their own human citizens and other minority groups. This leaves many with limited options but to comply with the demands of those in power. As a result, individuals are often faced with ethical dilemmas as they betray neighbors and family alike to ensure their own safety and/or participating in what most would consider to be morally ambiguous acts. The increasing discontent and sense of hopelessness form the crux of Islimore's civilization, giving rise to a cycle in which fear reinforces control, and control perpetuates fear.
- Military: Islimore's military primarily relies on the local lords and nobles to provide troops and resources in times of conflict. Drawn from their respective territories, these forces form a patchwork of semi-autonomous units, loyal to their lord but ultimately answering to the monarch. The space fleet, while small, serves as the central command for coordinating actions among these various ground-based forces across the planet. However, due to the planet's limited investments in technology, Islimore's military capabilities tend to fall short in comparison to more advanced galactic powers.
- Technology: Islimore imports advanced technology from other regions, such as communication systems, weapons, and transportation equipment. However, due to religious beliefs and past disputes with trade partners, the planet does not invest in cutting-edge tech or research, leaving their technological capabilities lagging behind those of other developed regions in the galaxy.
Pre-Lupo Islimore
Islimore was once home to a nameless, ancient race, whose remnants of advanced technological advancements continue to bewilder scholars. Thought to have inhabited the planet long before the arrival of the Lupo species, many scholars believe this race may have in fact had contact with the first Lupo settlers and are responsible for heavily influencing their current belief system. Whatever the truth is, it lies in the shadows and whispers of legends.The Golden Age:
From that shrouded past emerged Thorir the Great, a legendary Lupo conqueror who would ultimately lead his people out of their dark days of constant civil war and into a dazzling Golden Age. Under his rule, Islimore blossomed with culture and artistry, its society forming the caste structure with many traditions that the Lupo still follow to this day and thriving upon a deeply entrenched native religion. Endowed with wisdom and vision, Islimore's Golden Age bore witness to unmatched advancements in art, science, and philosophy.The Blackmoore Conquest
Unfortunately, Golden Ages are all but fleeting moments. The tides of history shifted with the arrival of William Blackmoore, an adventurer hungry for dominion from the far-off Indupaar system. With a fearsome fleet at his back and complete subjugation on his mind, Blackmoore seized Islimore for himself and his House—thus ending the flourishing Golden Age of Lupo civilization.The Dawning of Fayth:
As Blackmoore tightened his grip on the beleaguered planet, a new religion emerged from this crucible: The Order of The Fayth. Born from the teachings of a Chandaari princess that married into the Blacmoore family, this faith captured imaginations across Islimore and spread like wildfire, adapting Lupo customs and celebrations into its new pantheon -- melding effortlessly into Islimorian society until it reigned supreme.The Sabathian Ascendency:
Yet even the iron rule of House Blackmoore would falter beneath the weight of its own hubris, giving rise to House Sabathian: a noble lineage intricately bound to The Fayth religion. With cunning and strategic alliances, House Sabathian usurped their rivals, heralding the downfall of the Blackmoore dynasty and the dawn of a new era.The Gulag Plague
When the Gulag Plague began sweeping across the galaxy, decimating countless worlds in its wake, it did not spare the Wodan system and had its way with Islimore. In the aftermath, the plague came to be seen as the gift the Fayth needed to act against the Lupo and purify 'their' planet of the 'animals'. After losing so many to the plague, and the lives of so many children cut short from the effects of diluted Lupo blood, getting the remaining members of the populace behind them was easy enough, and the blame for the plague was placed squarely on the Lupo. What started as political arguments between Human and Lupo because of the spreading belief that the Lupo were cursed and diseased, evolved into riots and soon, the killing began.The Great Purge
The call for spilt blood was obliged by the Fayth, who began a new era by ordering the pillaging and tearing down of Lupo altars and temples, with the first anti-Lupo laws being introduced shortly thereafter. Former friends and neighbors turned against each other, turning in anyone whom they believed were Lupo, vandalising tombs, monuments, homes, even going as far as taking the law into their own hands by taking the lives of others. It is believed that many non-Lupo were also mistakenly killed in the chaos. Though the actions were not condoned, they were also not openly condemned by the Fayth leaders. Fear was an effective motivator that they took advantage of, and in the end, the Lupo had no choice but to abandon their homes to protect their families and loved ones. Bolstered by the actions of the people and the Lupo's abandonment of their homes, the leaders used their medley of terror to enacted the entirety of their agenda. With all of their military prowess they ordered the culling of all Lupo and non-human species.The Long Shadow
Islimore has become a planet now divided by scars that may never heal, led by an oppressive monarchy that is firmly rooted in a staunchly patriarchal society, carrying the bloodstained banner of the zealous Fayth religion as its vanguard, further deepening the rifts among the diverse inhabitants and imposing harsh penalties on those who dare challenge their authority. Under the iron fist of this oppressive regime, the vulnerable people of Islimore endure with heavy hearts every passing day while the monarchs and houses of nobility rule without mercy, often exercising their 'divine' right to subject dissenters and rivals to cruel punishments and public executions—serving as a chilling deterrent to any with dreams of rebellion. Time will tell if such dreams might ever be realized or if Islimore's tragic fate is eternally sealed in darkness.
