Archived Features
Irathael Matacor
Kakus the Black Dragon
The Phoenix Legends
Iosic Multiplanetary Empire
The Seraphelines
The Universal Plane
The Eclipse and the Angels
Elehura Introduction
Prerarts
Ecliptic Angel of Lightning
Planar Council Lords
'Boss' Jon Cattoc
Kelet
Maria Raines
Central Agwilcress
Sorceresses
The Gray Army
Tatur's Eatery
Floating Fortress Ryell
Deliverer
Shards of Paradise
Katrin Gron/Ayra Katrin
Kaera Themes
Kaudlin Empire
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|  Archive: Front Page Features 1-12
These are Front Page Features made in October 2006 - March 2007.
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|  Front Page Feature Number 1 - Irathael Matacor
| Irathael lived during the time of the Second War in the Heart of Dragons storyline. She was a student of the Ayra Katrin sorcerers and showed immense potential, but when she grew up she broke ties with the group and became an independent sorceress. Her abilities were unparalleled, rivaled only by the original sorcerer Katrin Gron. She became famous for her acts of espionage against the Akelian forces during the war, and infamous for her seductive prowess. Even her most powerful enchanted item, the shadow suit (which allows the wearer to become invisible), looks more like something a woman would wear in the bedroom than a battlefield. So many rumors about her sprang up, including her seducing the leader of the Ayra Katrin, prince Loheyn Kylal, and even dragons. She actually lived with a family of dragons, and often would ride one of them into town, striking awe and disbelief in the onlookers.
In the game, Raeja can find Irathael's shadow suit and use it to become invisible for short lengths of time.
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October 6th 2006
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| Front Page Feature Number 2 - Kakus the Black Dragon and the Elemental Demons
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The legend of the black dragon starts well before the events of The Heart of Dragons. It began with a war between factions of a race called the Felcae. One side relied on technology, the other untapped immense magical power with “communal kaera”. The magic users created six large crystals and imbued each with an elemental power. The six elements used were fire, water, stone, wind, blade, and electricity. These crystals became the eyes of six monstrous beings, instinctually programmed to destroy the enemy nation.
Before the creation of the Elemental Demons, the Felcae had attempted to breed a dragon imbued with magical power. The result was Kakus, a dragon twice as big as any other, with near-black skin. His powers were extraordinary. However, he also possessed an extraordinarily strong reluctance to fight, and his adamant refusal to obey his masters resulted in him being locked away and the project being abandoned for the Elemental Demons. The results of that project had no trouble wreaking destruction on the enemy nation. They were much too eager, in fact. Once they devastated the enemy, they turned on their own so-called masters. In a few days, the Felcae were nearly eradicated.
It would be Kakus who saved the survivors, and perhaps the entire planet. He was released by sympathetic Felcae, who begged him to stop the monsters. In the end, Kakus destroyed four of the elemental demons. The other Felcae nation succeeded in destroying the blade demon before the others overtook them, and those who created the demons were able to use the last of their power to turn the lightning demon on the fire demon before both destroyed them, with Kakus finishing the job.
Now freed, Kakus left the Felcae lands, and eventually found a mate. The two had six children, and each child bore an elemental ability matching that of the demons. The children passed down their abilities to their children, creating the six dragon “families”. An unrealized part of Kakus’s power was long life, and he outlived his mate and children, in fact living for millennia. However, after his mate died, he fled society in grief and went into a form of deep hibernation for a great length of time. He would later be awoken by a destined child on a great adventure.
The Elemetal Demons were not completely destroyed, as weaker beings known as the Elemental Ethereals began appearing all over the world that were shards of the greater demons.
The Agwilicans, chiefly the Ayra Katrin sorcerers, adopted the elemental powers of the demons (as well as Kakus’s children) as the Six Elements, and they are often grouped together in ceremony and training.
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October 13th 2006
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|  Front Page Feature Number 3 - The Phoenix Legends
Before the rise of the Iosic Empire, Majenaea’s national symbol was of a gigantic black bird-like creature called the Sumuun Maja-ai. Descriptions of it in their legends made it sound more like a dragon in some respects. It was a symbol of Majenaea’s power. At the time, they possessed the great crystal tree, a holiest site on the planet, and were easily the strongest nation in the world.
One of their neighboring states, the Iosic Nation, discovered that the great tree’s crystal resin (which they were smuggling out of Majenaea) held incredible energetic properties, and created ways to tap into this energy for military use. With these new crystal weapons, the Iosic Nation conquered Majenaea. The Iosic Nation took the symbolism of the Sumuun Maja-ai, but changed the description of the beast to give it a white color. Eventually the Iosic Nation discovered interstellar travel and became the Iosic Multiplanetary Empire. The official seal of the Empire is adorned with white wings, representing their version of the Sumuun.
Though conquered and having no political power, some Majenaeans fiercely held on to their identity. A new legend of the Sumuun developed, describing a brutal struggle between one of white and one of black. The white Sumuun slew the black, and stood proudly atop its rival’s body. However, after some time its attention went elsewhere, and when its eyes were not on its victim, the black Sumuun came back to life and critically wounded it.
Because of the black Sumuun’s apparent death and return to life, the term phoenix is applied to the creatures for the sake of the Earth audience. Unlike the usual Earth version, there is no relation to fire.
Centuries later, Majenaea made good on the legend and struck the Empire by surprise, resulting in the capture of six entire planets.
October 28th 2006
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| Front Page Feature Number 4 - Iosic Multiplanetary Empire
| It is also known in some circles as the White Phoenix, especially by the enemy nation of Majenaea (the Black Phoenix). The Empire started out as the Iosic Nation. In those days it had tough competition for the world's resources, especially from the dominant nation of Majenaea. However, the Iosic Nation discovered immense power created from the sap of the Great Tree, and using this power they conquered Majenaea and eventually the world.
Later a method of tearing space was developed and the Iosic Interplanetary Empire came to be, and over the course of centuries it colonized many planets, including two that had other intelligent races on them. One was Kaprin, home of the Agwilicans, and the other was Mira, home of the Mirawak.
Some time later, the Empire suffered a massive rout when loyal Majenaeans rose up after hundreds of years of hiding and plotting to take over a handful of planets. The stress of the war with Majenaea, the loss of the Great Tree, and internal politics would result in the Empire shattering into smaller factions.
A side note for math geeks: the symbol for the Empire was created by the rules of geometric construction, meaning it can be precisely drawn using only a straightedge and a compass.
I used to call it the Solar Empire, but I happened to see that name in another game (and the name didn't click with me anyway) so I decided to rename it, though it actually was called the Iosic Empire since the beginning.
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November 1st 2006
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|  Front Page Feature Number 5 - The Seraphelines
The nation of Imbrala created a special operations group to deal with the undead scourge known as the Hessai, which by that time had taken over the lands of Lutenral to the north. The Southern Hemisphere Organized Territories Guild of Undead Neutralization (SHOT-GUN) was given the task of defending the border against the Hessai and also carrying out missions within the enemy territory. The premier group of SHOT-GUN, consisting of two officers, four or more specialist soldiers, and a variety of vehicles, weapons, and other equipment was given the nickname “The Seraphelines”. This group took on the most dangerous missions deep within Lutenral.
During the course of its greatest campaign, the Seraphelines had these six permanent members:
First officer Marsepusi “Mars” Lovure
Second officer Katherine Vylet
Sniper Sylfred Speergunur
Vehicular engineer Azel Fairbanks
Weapon master Yoseka Balron
Medic/Rifewoman Sheshai Gilms
November 24th 2006
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|  Front Page Feature Number 6 - The Universal Plane
Aeon takes place in a location called the Universal Plane. It is a small universe or ‘mircoverse’ in the shape of a lens. In the image below, the brighter front shape represents a side view of the microverse, and the disk behind it represents an overhead view. The combination of these two shapes in this arrangement is the official symbol of the Universal Plane as used by the Planar Council. The lens has a diameter roughly twice that of planet Earth.
Gravity (represented by the arrows in the image) always pulls objects perpendicularly towards the ‘plane’ (represented by the yellow line). This results in a flat surface where all objects will fall to and “float”. Open areas of this gravitational limbo are called Void.
Although the nature of gravity on the Plane means that things can be built on either side of the plane (and thus buildings could be upside-down in relation to one another), most buildings are oriented on one side, because the edge of this side of the microverse emits more light, making it a better candidate to be the ‘sky’. Not everyone follows this rule, though.
December 3rd 2006
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|   Front Page Feature Number 7 - The Eclipse and the Angels
Long before the events of ‘Silver and Gray’ and ‘Seraph Squadron’ took place, before civilization scattered to many distant worlds, all sentient races existed on a single planet. At one point in this world’s history, the nations of the many races became so blind to goodness, rapt in violence and self interest, that God intervened directly.
This world had no moon, but one day an eclipse blotted out its sun, casting the entire planet into long-lasting dusk. Seven strangers appeared on the world that day, one for each race. These seven had incredible power, enough to single-handedly defeat armies and bring mighty kings to their knees. These seven would come to be known as the Ecliptic Angels.
Tatyakore Vacha, the Dragon of deep silver, Angel of Blades.
Aeda Ata the Grepir, Angel of Stone.
Suyeen Myryn the Felcae, Angel of Wind.
Palades Kethil the Akelian, Angel of Water.
Selevet Femilen the golden-haired Pritar, Angel of Lightning.
Seros Salmandano the red-skinned Agwilican, Angel of Fire.
Soceri Anjadaes the human of silver hair and eyes, leader of the Ecliptic Angels.
The magnitude of the powers each Angel bore reflected the level of corruption and violence each race had achieved. Tatyakore had the least, as the Dragons were still a mostly peaceful people. Humanity was the worst offender, and for this they were granted the most powerful of all beings in mortal existence… as the executor of their nemesis.
Here is a dialogue between one of the human kings and his adviser who faced this Angel:
Lucero’s adviser spoke with a grave air to his liege, ‘The Gray Sorcerer, who defeated your rival Kejyet and his army not twenty days ago… he is heading here… he is fast approaching the city.’
The king responded, ‘I have heard of these powerful magicians. They derive their power from some source, and discovering this source will reveal their inherent weaknesses. We must find it quickly. From what artifact or devil does he draw from? Do you have an idea of what it is?’
The adviser paused with unease. He came close to his King and spoke in a near whisper, ‘They say… they say his power… it comes from God. It is God’s own power. Kaera Absolus. This man is the very sword of the Ultimate Creator and Destroyer.’
King Lucero fell silent and short of breath. When he spoke again, his voice was muted and it fearfully wavered. He said, ‘…Then we shall surrender immediately and unconditionally. I pray that his mercy to those who yield is as great as the devastation he brings upon the defiant.’
January 3rd 2007
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|  Front Page Feature Number 8 - Elehura
Elehura is not one of the 'big six' projects, but it's captured a decent amount of my attention as of late, deserving a mention here.
It is the story of a man named Muhar Naferene, who traveled to the isolated holy city of Elehura. He was tormented by very powerful nightmares, which holy men of his native country feared were prophetic visions. Joined by his friend Buridamer the Prerawil, a creature similar to a wingless dragon, he set out across the desert and arrived in Elehura, only to find a place plagued by a disease of both physical, mental, and spiritual incarnations.
It is the story of a woman named Maria Raines, adopted child of one of the high priests of Elehura. Powerful newcomers to the land were supposedly helping to fend off a rash of sickness and famines sweeping the area, for which the people lovingly accepted and gave thanks, save for Maria. Tensions caused by her mistrust grew so strong that she fled Elehura, and joined a school of magic-wielding warriors that specialized in Spirit Blades. She vowed to return and unmask the strangers and their true intentions.
Surrounded by desert, the land of Elehura was a small, usually prosperous city-state. The area was dominated by Mount Elehura. Somewhere within that great rock was the gateway to Paradise, a land from whence all water and life flowed on to the once-dead planet. Stories told of great temples built by angels, and three artifacts of power that granted the bearers near immortality. Once long before, three men found Paradise and returned to elevate humankind from an inferior race to the rulers of the entire world, only to have it all collapse some years later.
A legend also spoke of a man who sought Paradise, compelled by temptation offered by a disembodied voice he heard when all else was quiet. He found the sacred land and claimed one of the artifacts of power. He became known as the Demon King of Paradise, and posed perhaps the gratest threat the entire world had ever faced.
Speaking of Elehura, I'm now planning on it being part of the Ecliptic Angels storyline along with Silver and Gray and Seraph Squadron.
Elehura is a bit of a prequel to the other stories, as it happens before the Angels arrive. Elehura takes place on the same planet as the great Eclipse. Further integration with the Ecliptic Angels stories is being planned, including a link between the prime antagonist of Elehura and the cause of the Angels' arrival.
January 4th 2007
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| Front Page Feature Number 9 - Prerarts
Prerarts are closely related to the Agwil (dragons); in fact they are almost a miniaturization. Unlike their larger cousins, however, Prerarts lack the ability to fly and have stubby vestigial wings. Also, Agwil have a large upper body due to their heavily built pectoral muscles, while Prerarts tend to have rounder... cuddly bodies. Oh goodness, they have that cute thing going for them. One Ayr Katrin described them as 'Disgustingly cute, hideously adorable, and intolerably lovable.'
Prerarts are what I would describe as 'smart cute' instead of 'dumb cute' like many cute characters *CoughpikachuCough*. Prerarts are well aware of their adorableness and will even go so far as to exploit it; though usually they just do it for the enjoyment of having others fawn over them.
In The Heart of Dragons, Prerarts live in small, semi-nomadic villages that usually migrate every year or so, and most live on or near the forested shores of the great lake called Basu (which is their word for water). They have also immigrated to the outlying areas of the Agwilican and Akelian civilizations, attracted by those races’ culture (especially the food). Prerarts have their own language, which has a far smaller vocabulary than Agwil-Naryn which the Agwil, Agwilicans, and Akelians all speak.
In their culture, Prerarts keep legends of extraordinary individuals, who are collectively known as the Legendary Prerarts. Being who they are, some of their heroes’ famous traits included sleeping and eating.
An ancient legend tells the story of arrogant Agwil who were turned into Prerarts by an angelic spirit as punishment for their pride. After suffering years of humiliation and angst over their fate, they accepted their new form and began to love being Prerarts.
January 22nd 2007 
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| Front Page Feature Number 10 - The Ecliptic Angel of Lightning
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She was first named Selevet Femilen, roughly meaning Golden-haired Princess in the old language of the cat-like Pritar race. Unlike the Human Angel Soceri Anjadaes, who leveled entire cities during his mission, she did not require such use of force to bring her people to order.
The Pritar culture strongly identified strong, sensual women with leadership. Selevet Femilen was an embodiment of that identity, perfectly suited for her task. She gained her ‘royal’ title by challenging and defeating the leaders of numerous Pritar tribes, until she brought the entire race into unity.
Once she had the tribes at her command, she led them to the lands of Human civilization to help challenge the armies of the Demon King, but Soceri Anjadaes already defeated him and the Pritar only needed to help quell small uprisings of the Demon King’s loyalists.
Some time into the future she arrived on another world, and once again took her place as a leader amongst her fellow Pritar. She changed her name to what she would be best known as from then on: Slyvette Kattamatrix. Slyvette was an alteration of Selevet, and Kattamatrix meant ‘Queen of Thunder’ in the current Pritar tongue at the time, referencing her electric ability.
Slyvette is part of what is known as a Kattal ‘breed’ of Pritar (named in her honor), having gray fur with white spots and blonde hair. Unlike most Kattal, her hair is positively golden instead of a light yellowish hue.
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January 29th 2007
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| Front Page Feature Number 11 - The Planar Council Lords
The Nation of the Planar Council was founded by these three individuals a long time ago, and acted as a triumvirate head of state.
The Council Lords are all Planar Natives, born whole from the Void. Like most Planar Native races, they are ungendered (and therefore cannot have children) and live an exceptionally long time compared to Planar Immigrants.
Tatyakore Kakusul is a large, dark grey Agwil (Dragon). He deeply involves himself in the workings of the Nation's governmental administration.
Jefrei Lunarch is a mysterious being who is never seen outside his suit of armor. He is a master of 'dreaming', the process that creates new forms of magical artifacts.
Ke Madre is a friendly Tanteru with a natural gift for interacting with the common people of the Nation. The other Lords are comparatively reclusive.
Although referred to as males for simplicity's sake here, Universal Plane inhabitants have an extra 3rd person pronoun (he, she, it) to refer to the ungendered Planar Natives.
Interestingly enough, the Council Lords do not take a strong leadership role in the military. They delegated that responsibility to the Table Decagon, comprised of the ten Master Generals of the Army.
January 29th 2007
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| Front Page Feature Number 12 - 'Boss' Jon Cattoc, SHOT-GUN Commander of Logistics
Jon Cattoc was a member of the Kaudlin Empire military, taking the role of an equipment handler. During his deployment during the Empire's invasion of the southern hemisphere, he was made part of a covert mission to gather intelligence on the nation of Imbrala. Jon was secretly unhappy with the Empire at this time, and he defected during the mission and escaped to Imbrala.
Though a military man and bitter at his former nation, Jon was opposed to joining the other side of the war against it. However, news of the rise of a Hessai (undead) nation to the north caught his attention. He offered his skills in military logistics to a campaign being organized against the Hessai. He became the head of logistics of the newly formed Southern Hemisphere Organized Territories Guild of Undead Neutralization (SHOT-GUN).
The Seraphelines, being the star group of SHOT-GUN, ultimately received their equipment through Jon. He was often charged with assigning the team their mission orders as well, and because of this the Seraphelines began referring to him affectionately as 'Boss'.
March 15th 2007
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