Prathivi NaNoWriMo Planning

Task 1: Create a setting.
This would be where it takes place, be it a school, a house, a city, an imaginary world, etc. We want you to be detailed in this. It needs to be 1000 words or more (you will thank us for this later).

World History

The world of Caelos Prime began like most worlds do. A fiery, molten ball of rock, metal, and insanely high pressure. As the eons passed it began to cool and harden on the outermost shells. On the inside however, the core was still unbelievably, neigh impossibly hot. From this impossibility arose five powerful beings known as The Lords of the Deep. Their origins, how they came to be, or even why they emerged are as lost to time as a grain of rice is to a vast never-ending ocean.

These five beings, these Lords of the Deep, each represented a fundamental "element": Aether, Fire, Wind, Water, and Earth. Each "element" was a fundamental building block upon which the planet was shaped, formed, and given life to prosper. Fire, Earth and Water worked together to shape the barren shell of the planet into a thing of beauty. From rocky flatlands arose towering mountain ranges and cavernous valleys. From impact craters arose vast lakes and networks of rivers. From the molten core deep earth were caverns, caves, and vast regions molded into shape. Meanwhile. while Aether and Wind worked together to bring life to the world that was being sculpted. From nothing came something and through great tempestuous winds was life carried to every hidden corner, every nook, every cranny, and every corner.

Soon millions of years turned to countless Eons before the Lords of the deep were satisfied with their work. It was around this time that they decided to return from where they came. Their work done, and their goal completed, all that was left for them was to return to the molten core from where they came. But before they did Aether the strongest of the Lords gave one last parting gift to the wondrous now paradise-like world...magic. Through a still unknown method, though there is great speculation as to possibly how. Magic came to permeate the very fiber of the planet itself, seeping into everything. This magic that it would soon be known as was spread throughout the entire planet saturating everything, including the inhabitants that had evolved from the Lords of the Deep’s shaping of the world. After Aether gave their wondrous gift to the world. It and the other Lords returned to the core of the world never to be seen again.

For hundreds upon hundreds of millions of years, the inhabitants living on the planet continued to progress and evolve in relative peace, with many different races popping up and or suddenly disappearing along the way. The planet went through many changes and revolutions until a dominant race appeared. Among the most devastating of these periods was the time known as "The Great Culling". It was a time period in which wars of unimaginable scale and magnitude broke out all over the planet between the various ancient powers of the time. These were wars that completely changed much of the planet's surface and would forever scar Caelos Prime.

From the ashes of these great conflicts arose the Kumari people, a relatively young and extremely enigmatic humanoid species. With their sudden rise to the top as the dominant species as a result of many other races getting completely wiped out. The Kumari seeking a new path forward denounced magic and instead solely focused on the realms of science. Things they could rationally explain and/or observe. This over the course of many thousands of years had rightfully led to conflicts that ironically stemmed from idealism. An idealism that developed from the pride of the Kumari and their conflicting views with various other races for questioning their ways that were imposed on all of the other races.

These conflicting ideals that had resulted from an oppressive rule and lack of proper measures to squash all the little revolts that were beginning to fracture their empire after a few thousand years. Lead to another major conflict based on an oversimplified idea, “Science vs Magic”. These conflicts over who was right, which was better, and so on lead to an inevitable split that logically happens when taken to the extreme. The debate of “Science vs. Magic” turned into a war over the rights to use magic, and later into a war to eradicate the other side to prove that magic was better than science and vice-a-versa. This event between the Kumari and various other races would become known as, “The Schism”.

This subsequent splitting of the Kumari people between two major factions is what led to the dissolution of their great scientific empire and the formation of what would later be known as the world empires. One an even greater bastion of what science can accomplish and the other a foci of magic. A place known for pushing the limits of what is and isn’t possible through reliance on magic.

The Alga Consortium and Black Isle Theocracy bore infancy through that period. They cannibalized the ancient Kumari empire and took parts of the empire they felt were most useful to each. Along the way in their mad bid to quickly consolidate power, there seemed to be no hope. However, amongst all this chaos and great upheaval an unknown and tiny force began to move. They moved at such a dangerous time because of a simple dream...a simple vision. The freedom to choose one’s own destiny and to discover new possibilities without the restrictions and fears of not being able to practice one discipline over the other.

Thus, the woman who would become the founder of what would eventually become the kingdom of Surdak. The objective of the kingdom’s founding was to break away from the antiquated thinking that Magic and Science could not be fused to create new possibilities. It was to be a sanctuary for those individuals and people seeking freedom from certain oppressions and the inability to freely express themselves. Anticipating this divide, a plan was put into motion many years before the actual split occurred.
Maintaining key relationships and forming lasting alliances with political allies proved to be her first step towards enlightened civilization. With cunning intellect and ingenious ambition her most valuable resources, she founded the city of Jugore. It was here she plotted the course of her [length of time] plan. She encouraged the invitation of a diverse population with many beliefs. Each welcome to settle in a place where magic and technology could co-exist and coalesce.

At first the city seemed to be failing miserably but through many hardships and aetheric machinations. It soon found momentum as a technological and cultural center not bound by the rules of either faction. Worried by the inertia of this new and unstoppable force, the Alga Consortium and [Magic faction] conspired to halt progress. [insert the founder of Jugore’s name here], having foresight enough to predict this conspiracy, had already been working on the city's defenses from the start. Using her numerous influential connections along with Jugore’s proactively augmented defenses she and her allies were prepared for all but the worst. The war was very short lasting only half a year with Jugore coming out the victor proving their nature as hybrid magi-tech to be much more effective and efficient then either one separately. It was this along with her political pull as well as a few well-placed and strategic threats that not only set up Jugore as a neutral zone but was the stepping stones for her to eventually found the kingdom of Surdak.

Current Time: One-thousand years have passed since the kingdom of surdak was founded. Since then it has expanded its Sphere of influence to about an area roughly 500 miles in diameter. This large kingdom is still considered a major cultural and technological hub for new ideas and ways of thinking. The kingdom is considered a melting pot of races and ideas taking cultures from just about every part of the world making it intrinsically diverse.

Kingdoms, Empires, and Capital Cities

Surdak
Capital City of Jugore: Here (Reference Picture Only!)
Artist- Rob Joseph
Arbitratrix: Often referred to by name or simply “The Queen” the Arbitratrix is the ruler of Surdak. Refined to be the most intelligent, open-minded, powerful, and politically competent regent of her time. She has the task of ruling over Surdak and keeping the opposing factions at bay. Beloved by the people, every Arbitratrix is a direct descendant of the original matron and is always striving to find the best solutions for her people. The Umbra Spymaster and Vindex Commander act as her left and right hands. One, a public defender known to many, while the other protects from the shadows, sworn to secrecy. Her diplomats and generals act as counsel and advisors. Their role in providing knowledge, so that she may rule peacefully, is vital to Jugore's diversity.
Umbra: Officially they do not exist, but unofficially they are a specialized, select, group of spies that serve the ruler of Surdak. Every Umbra agent reports to the spymaster, who is the individual that gives out all missions and special tasks expected of every agent. They specialize in various forms of espionage, infiltration, intelligence gather, and assassination. Their main objective is the security and safety of the kingdom from threats both external and internal.

The Umbra are one of many reasons that the two major world powers have been unsuccessful in taking down Surdak through more subtle means. They also make each power very wary because no one knows the full extent of their operations or how deep their agents are embedded within their ranks. As the Umbra go to extreme and often inhumane lengths to achieve their mission objectives. For the umbra death does not scare them, only failing their mission objective. Failure is death, and failure is never an option.

Vindex: They are the kingdoms elite guardians and military force, consisting of no more then 1000 at any given time. Every single individual who has joined this elite and unique group has been handpicked by the commander and spymaster personally. Each person that is hand selected under goes training and augmentation meant to break any but those with the strongest wills. They are further conditioned to be absolutely loyal to the throne and the kingdom of itself. Every member of this elite group possesses amazing magical ability and inhuman reflexes and bodies that have been enhanced and crafted by advanced science.

Most importantly each individual despite being conditioned to be absolutely loyal to the throne and kingdom is also conditioned to be able to think for themselves and not just be completely obedient soldiers. This ensures diversity and an incredibly devastating fighting force not bound by rigid thinking but strict loyalty, protocol, and structure that allows them to use their unique talents creatively within those confines. Except for Jugore there are never more than 4 Vindex in a city at any given time.

Each Vindex is as powerful and capable as a medium-sized military company. They are another reason the two factions are cautious to invade because of how relentless, devastating, and versatile each member is.
Rerum: These are the normal military men and women that patrol the borders, cities, and populate the numerous bases of Surdak. They are the first line of defense in case of any attack and are the main military force that Surdak possess. They have some of the best trained military on all the planet as well as one of the deadliest once their technology and magic infused weapons are taken into account. The Rerum are commanded by one Grand General and five High-Generals, and work in conjunction with the Vindex to ensure absolute safety of the kingdom.

Black Isle Theocracy
It is a vast and ever-expansive empire that found its beginnings in the temperate far west regions of the world. The particular region in which its capital city was founded, had been chosen specifically for its extremely high concentration of natural arcane energy. Once settled the capital would quickly become a foci for magical research and like minded individuals, but it would always be known that Komori (sub-species of Kumari) as they would later be called were the true species on top. Through careful negotiations and smart tactics they garnered alliances with some of the elven tribes of the regions. Most notably the now forgotten tribe of magic-addicted [elf-tribe name] elves. Over the many centuries the empire grew into a vast magically centric culture that sprouted from the teachings and ideals of the aetheric religion that was worshiped at its very founding. They continued to scoop up species and individuals they felt would only further propel their empire forward. Conquering and subjugating any and all who would dare oppose their might. They are fond of using indoctrination tactics to garner Zealous loyalty towards them and their so called “cause”.
Capital city of Magoi: Here (Reference Picture Only!)
Artist- Sanghyun Kam
Archmage: The mage who rules over the magic council and is the subsequent ruler of the Theocracy, the archmage and mage council also act as a church of sorts for the god they worship a god they call Aether. Wisest and most knowledgeable of all the mages as well as normally a person or being who is considered the strongest as well. Only elves and [Sub-Species of the Kumari] are allowed for the position on the council of Mages and to be an archmage, although there are extremely rare exceptions to this rule.
Council of Mages: The ruling body of the theocracy. They make, authorize, and enact all rules, regulations, laws, and operations that happen in the theocracy. The council of Mages consists of 8 members and the archmage. Lower to them are the minor courts and other bodies that help the theocracy rule and keep its power grip.
Elven Rangers: Considered some of, if not the, greatest marksmen and trackers on the entire planet they patrol the borders and forests of the Black Isles. They are the first line of defense as in case of any attack and there are many of them. The Ranger-General is the individual who leads this elite organization and is always chosen among the elves.
Magic Knights: As their name implies they are trained knights who serve the council of mages, and act as the military of the Black Isles. They are known for their many orders of knights as well as swordsmanship and magically enhanced might. The Vindex were formed using the magic knights as a basis for their organization. The magic Knights are commanded by individual knight captains that rule over each individual order but the High-Lord Commander is the individual who acts as the supreme leader and chief voice of all the knight orders.

Alga Consortium
The Alga Consortium is a vast empire that dominated mostly the plain, tundra, and desert regions of the world. The consortium is known vastly for its technological and scientific marvel its cities looking more like pictures straight out of science fiction books. With buildings stretching to the sky and amazing flying machines the populate the many airways of Alga.
Capital city of Teplut Omega: Here (Reference Picture Only!)
Artist- Emiliano Cordoba
Minerva: The 7 smartest minds in the entire Consortium, who are subsequently considered the 7 smartest people in the entire world. That however is still up for debate. They each rule over a section of the consortium, and jointly rule it. All major scientific and technological experiments go through them or their scientist’s.
Technomancers: The military of the consortium, they are scientifically enhanced individuals with the power to communicate and manipulate technology. They are extremely dangerous individuals who are legendary for their hacking, and ingenuity. They are the second line of defense. The first line being automated turrets and war machines that constantly guard the border.
Synthetics: Artificially created intelligence, a.k.a V.I. and Lesser A.I. They are the majority of the population of the Consortium. They fulfill nearly every roll of the society from slaves, to workers, to researchers, to soldiers, to expendable shields, one is even one of the 7 minerva. Quite ironic.

Story Planning [Continued]

Main Character

Name: Mazorn Ravenspire

Nickname: Maz, or Mazzie when spoken to by the queen in Private

Epithet: Sword Saint

Faction/Kingdom: Surdak

Occupation/Organization: Vindex

Rank: Commander and leader of the Vindex

Age: 160, Still looks like he is in his late 40s to early 50s

Race: Half-Orc

Appearance: He is described as having a scarred but surprisingly rugged face. Well defined squared jaw line, heavy slightly sunken brows, large square like nose, and an accompanying pair of small tusks that protrude half an inch from his lower jaw. Mazorn is bald and has piercing icy blue eyes. In the winter months he sports an impressively thick, burly beard that is a rich raven black in color along with his clean shaven head.

A broad, towering bear of a Half-Orc with thick log-like arms, broad barrel chest, and sturdy build. When wearing normal clothing he sometimes appears as if he's fat or overweight from afar, however if one gets closer they will see what the distance carefully hid. Densely packed and honed muscle that shows no signs of degrading. He has thick,sturdy long legs to match and support his otherwise very imposing and gigantic frame.

Scars of varying sizes and severity also happen to cover his whole body. A record of his many struggles and victories through his tumultuous life.

Personality: Mazorn is an individual defined by their intense anger and hatred. In his youth, Mazorn’s hatred for his inability to save his mother is what forged him into the individual he is now. It drove him to start learning the art of war. His need for vengeance and thirst for battle that came naturally to him drove him to the art of blacksmithing. For he did not trust anyone but himself and his own weapons so he learned to forge. His anger at his own ineptitude and the continued deaths of comrades, only furthered fuel his out of control and seemingly endless rage.

This pushed him onto the way of the sword. Blacksmithing had tempered his body and his mind, but now he needed to learn to direct his rage and temper it as well. In his prime he was a serious, calculating, ruthless warrior that was as deadly as he was angry. When he spoke there was always this foreboding sense of edge like he would suddenly explode and slice you where you stood.

At the same time there was a passion and charisma that he had because of his anger. That swayed many bloodthirsty and seemingly battle-crazed individuals to his side. He had a way of garnering their absolute loyalty and knowing where to most effectively use their unbridled fury.

Although, in the current age they can be seen as fairly calm, calculating, and extremely charismatic. Beneath that carefully crafted facade lies a dormant rage that has cooled with time and age. His presence is still just as oppressive as before, but When he talks he sounds almost exhausted like there's something lost. His aura no longer has that vigor and edge of his youth. However, what still makes him terrifying is the library of wisdom within his mind. He is extremely intelligent and knows how to carry a conversation. No longer does he let insults get to him, or slurs visibly anger him.

He is a man with a now seemingly unbreakable will, a relentless machine that will never stop until his body draws its last breath. He will use whatever means is necessary to protect his kingdom and is absolutely loyal to the crown. Don’t let all this fool you however. While he hides it very well, Mazorn has grown very tired in his age. Exhausted even, and simply wishes to end it all, but he knows he cannot for he took an oath and now he has things he wants to protect. It is for them he still stands and for them that he will use his tactical genius and influence.

Like(s): Chess, story telling, inspiring new recruits, protecting the people, (dark elf sub-character), cooking, Practicing new sword styles, blacksmithing, Surdak, Serving and teaching the Queen, and Reading

Dislike(s): traitors, Alga Consortium, Black Isle Theocracy, Orcs, Cheaters, Lazy or unmotivated individuals, discrimination, and his past

Skills: Master of various sword styles, Master Blacksmith, Expert Magic user, multi-lingual, Master Tactician, Expert in warfare and close quarters Combat, and Controlled Blood Rage (Skill unique only to him)

Weapon(s): He has a total of 4 Swords. He uses two of them he can be seen constantly using.

Dolor and Rixa
Strange blades that Mazorn forged himself. They are a unity of magic, technology, and hard labor. He poured his very heart and soul into these twin swords; they are the very representation of all the pain and struggling that Mazorn has gone through in life. As well as a warning to anyone caught on the receiving end of the blades.

Nex
A blade that he claimed from a fallen warrior he had slain in combat when he was much younger. It was the Alga Consortium called a high-frequency blade. The weapon was originally black, but was soon turned crimson red from all the foes and enemies that Maz has slain. It is a weapon he rarely uses in live combat anymore for it's thirst for blood is too great and the murderous it emits is almost demonic. A blade he only uses in the most dire of situations.

Uriel
A quite plain looking long sword with a golden ornate pommel and guard. It has bright yellow engravings on the blade. It is considered an ancient, and legendary holy sword one of only a few in existence. A sword that Maz obtained on one of his many worldly excursions. Obtaining was no easy feat.



Biography (be detailed):

Mazorn was born in the Orcish Wastes to a human mother taken captive by a tribe of Orc raiders. Mazorn doesn’t know why his father decided to spare him at the time, or why his mother loved him so despite the circumstances. What he does know is that his mother made those first 11 years bearable and worth living. His father was a cruel, cold-hearted Orc whose greed and bloodlust knew no bounds. His father allowed Mazorn to live only because he was able to prove his worth to the raiders and had his uses during raids.

The only reason Mazorn never attempted escape was because of his mother. Despite everything that life and the gods had dealt her, she showed him unconditional motherly love and tenderness. When he was too weak to defend himself, she was there to protect him even if it meant she got mistreated or harmed. As soon as Mazorn grew old enough, he became her protector constantly getting into fights or seriously hurt in order to ensure her safety. This broke his mother’s heart, so as a way to assuage his own guilt and to compensate for his weaknesses. The boy wisened up.

He managed to persuade his father who ruled over these raiders that it was better to tolerate him or his mother. He was well aware that they could be killed at any time but he also knew how greedy his father was. His mother was a woman so beautiful that some would go as far as saying her beauty was god-like in comparison. Knowing this Mazorn played to his father’s greed and ego which in the end led to Mazorn having to prove his worth in raids, fights, and various battles.

It was in these fights that Mazorn found his craving for battle to be troubling. This of course was attributed to the Orcish blood flowing in his veins, a fact which he hated. His mother was not foolish nor was she blind to the facts. Call it a mother’s intuition or wishful thinking, but she foresaw something great within her son. With all this in mind she began to instill within Mazorn that he was far more than what his blood made him or what people thought of him. She sought to temper his bloodlust with love, kindness, and well grounded discipline.

For those 11 years Mazorn discovered many things: a mother's love, a knack for blacksmithing, an insatiable curiosity, a love of swords and sword fighting, and something he inherited directly from his father, a voracious appetite. All of this soon ended on a clear, and cold night. The Raider camp was attacked by another tribe of Orc raiders. Mazorn's mother quickly acted, grabbing her son and fleeing the encampment on foot. They put up a savage effort but in the end. The tribe was utterly crushed. Despite their effort, the conflict still turned into a near-complete one-sided massacre.

A young Mazorn and his mother had fled as soon as the conflict had started. They somehow managed to avoid much of the conflict but as this particularly attacking tribe seemed particularly ruthless and savage. They soon found themselves on the run, for hours they ran across the frozen wastes having evaded their pursuers. However the Orcish Wastes are a barren frozen hell where only the most savage, resilient, or uniquely equipped creatures live. Because of this it made them particularly easy to track.

Exhausted and out of options by the time the Orc chief, Kharguk, and elite raiders were quickly catching up. Mazorn’s mother began to speak in an unknown, alien-like tongue. He began to glow a strange azure blue. When his mother finally finished she looked at her son with the eyes of a mother who would do anything for their child. The next part is extremely chaotic as Mazorn doesn’t fully remember what happened or still refuses to till this day. Whatever really happened all he knows is that an orc chief by the name of Kharguk had murdered his mother in front of his eyes with sickening glee and pleasure. The rest is a total blur as he woke up on the edge of the wastes covered in blood and filled with an unquenchable rage. Strangely, he also woke up with his mother’s strange pendant around his neck and a mysterious brand directly over his heart.

A few years passed, the grief and hate still strong within his young body. After a few encounters with some good people, Mazorn turned his grief and hate into drive. The drive to protect, and the strength to make sure that he could keep what he protected safe. At this time he had made a name for himself as a new and rising blacksmith. Some even referred to his skills as prodigal, but he didn't see it that way. To Mazorn it was a means to get by and as a Half-Orc he was blessed to even get that minimal respect and fame. He faced many hardships in his teenage years, his only solace were the memories of his departed mother and the thirst for vengeance that kept him going.

It was on the battlefield where Maz found his true calling, he felt a calmness there. A calmness that he had never felt before, and at the ripe age of 20 is when Maz started taking his sword fighting seriously as he hopped from battle to battle and war to war. For the next 40 years Maz remained on the battlefield fighting with everything he had until eventually he made a name for himself as a Master swordsman. He had slaughtered countless enemies, and acquired many scars from his battles. Those battles not only gave him experience but taught him many important life lessons through either loss or comrades he had managed to befriend.

All these people and events had shaped him into a war machine and genius tactician on the battlefield. It was a combination of his clever ingenuity, sheer ferocity, masterful fighting ability, an innate understanding of war that garnered the attention of Surdak, Alga, and the Black Isle's. By the age of 65, Maz was considered one of the most venerated Swordsman of his time and even given the title of Sword Saint for his unparalleled skill in the way of the Sword.

Having grown tired of all the battling he soon disappeared from public eye to travel the world and attain as much knowledge as he possibly could. He still loved battles very much but he knew he needed a break and to be given the title of Sword Saint only made him want to focus on his Swordsmanship even more. Through the Decades Maz attained many more skills and much more knowledge, until he eventually found himself back at the doorsteps of a former enemy and occasional ally.

For 30 years Maz traveled the world not only two strengthen his sword skills but to attain knowledge to better his understanding of the world. He has made lifelong friends along the way,and helped many people along the way too. Eventually he showed up in the capital city of Jugore. Shortly after his sudden visit to the city, the old swordsman was inducted into the Vindex and took over as their new leader and commander. In his 90 long years of life Maz had faced untold hardships and losses. He's seen the ugliest side of races, but he still held firm to his mother's words and beliefs.

For the last 70 years he has served as Surdak's protector and sometimes Champion, Age has only made him wiser and smarter. He has never stopped practicing the way of the sword in his long life. But the one thing that Maz has truly cherished is the privilege to have helped raise, train, and even tutor the old and newest queen's. His fresh ideas and numerous military accomplishments, along with his extremely lengthy battle experience have been an invaluable asset. To this day he continues to help Council the new Queen who affectionately calls him Mazzie from when she was little.

Other: He was instrumental in completely reforming the Vindex into the terrible power they are now today. Many call his ideas and practices barbaric while others praise his ingenuity and foresight.

Story Planning [Continued]

Main Plot

The story of Prathivi is mainly set in the kingdom of Surdak a relatively small kingdom on the planet of Prathivi. It is a landlocked kingdom that finds itself situated between the two largest powers on the planet. These so called world empires sport two completely different ideologies, cultures, and religions. Most of all these powers view their religions and uses of either magic or science as the end all be all. Because of this they are at constant war with each other seeking to always gain some upper hand to take down the other. Because of Surdak's geographical location it is almost always caught between these massive conflicts. The other reason being for their use of science and magic working in harmonious tandem an affront each empire takes extreme exception too.

The only reason they haven't been wiped off the face of the planet is because the country now kingdom of Surdak has partnered with many of the so called "lesser races" to form a third superpower, albeit the weakest of the three. Each empire seeks the various expertise and labor forces of the various forces like the elves, dwarves, beast folk, orcs, and many other of these races. The alliance holds because while under the rule of Surdak's soverign each separate kingdom keeps its autonomy and ensures either empire cannot forcibly encroach on them. However for one reason or another the two empires are working together to obliterate Surdak and take those kingdoms and races for themselves.

But Surdak hasn't kept its soverignty, expanded its power, and avoided annihilation for over a thousand years because it is weak. Only time will tell if Surdak will survive. This story will mainly follow a few key characters Mazorn Ravenspire the right hand to Surdak's monarchy, the spymaster (character wip) who is surdak's hidden left hand, a mysterious girl from an even more mysterious noble family in Surdak, and an enigmatic dwarf, and a few characters from the empire. It's mostly going to be a story going over the preparations of war, the anxiety, stress, political intrigue involved, and disastrous consequences of all the choices made.