Bridge Worlds: Soterion

by Randy Blackwell

  An Akana scholar named Zohar begins rallying other Malakadam because of unfair taxation.

  The Freemans Contract The Akana, Gabad, and Yaarma came together to make a pact for the freedom of the people. The same day that the Freemans Contract was signed, Zohar went before the gates of the Noble District of Chliaros and recited the conditions of the Freemans Contract. A member of the crowd threw a rock at one of the gate guard, starting ,a riot. Zohar was killed in the fight. This battle was the beginning of civil war in Loefel Meren and was later known as The Day of Zohar’s Blood.

  752 B.E.

  The Taxation Treaty After years of civil war, both sides were willing to make peace. The Elder was invited to mediate between Randall Gabadam and King Magus. It was decided that all Miyka were to keep their Noble status and privileges, except for tax exemption. Nobles would pay the same taxes that they enforced on lower-standing citizens. This agreement at last restored peace to Loefel Meren.

  752 B.E.

  Yaarma Return

  Later that year the Yaarma separated from the other Malakadam in Loefel Meren and returned to the Emerald Forest.

  526 B.E

  The Assassin Guild. Unbeknown to Loefel Meren, Kalat formed a secret guild within Chliaros. He recruited unscrupulous Malakadam, whom he subjected to a series of trials that secured their loyalty to the Assassin Guild. Those who failed in loyalty were executed. Most of the guild members were disgruntled commoners resentful of noble rule. The first months of 526 were filled with random assassinations of nobles. However, the guild was exposed in consequence of its failed attempt to kill Randall Gabadam.

  As the story goes, Randall was asleep when Siroi crept into Randall’s house, after watching Randall for several days. When he thought the time was right, he brought out a knife doped with a strong poison that could kill with one drop. But, as Siroi silently approached, Randall awoke, though none knows what alerted him. What is known is that in the struggle for the poisoned knife, Randall prevailed and Siroi was captured.

  King Magus was able to learn from Siroi that the Kalat had been hiding in underground tunnels beneath Chliaros. Knowledge of the assassination attempt and the existence of the guild would have caused panic within the noble order. To ensure order, Magus ordered Randall to find the guild location.

  Randall scouted the tunnels until he found a door guarded by two members of the guild. He took the two assassins down quickly. Enraged that his own race would fall within such darkness, Randall burst through the door to find four Kalat. This was a fight Randall could not win. He fled back into the tunnels, his only hope for escape.

  With the Kalat close behind, Randall burst through a tunnel opening, through bushes, and found the open sky he needed. He dived at the Kalat when they emerged from the tunnel, beheading the first Kalat. The otherThe other two Kalat ran in opposite directions... Randall grabbed one and pulled him skyward, ultimately dropping and killing him. Randall then dove and tackled thetackled the other Kalat, breaking, breaking the Kalat’s back above the waist. That Kalat is in the dungeons of Chliaros to this day.

  334 B.E.

  The Coughing Death

  A deadly plague moved through all of Loefel Meren, but affected Chliaros in particular.

  Randall Gabadam disappears Some say that Randall Gabadam met his last days at the hands of the Coughing Death and that he died in the Emerald Forest looking for a cure. Others say that he found the cure in the Emerald Forest and still lives in some distant unknown land to this day. And yet there is another story that he found the cure among the Kalat and is now trapped where ever the Kalat call home and waits to be freed.

  224-212 B.E.

  War with Suchikos The Zahab Mines lie on the Suchikos side of the Suchikos and Loefel Meren border. King Magus found that, though the entrance of the mines was in Suchikos, the Adam had tunneled in the direction of Loefel Meren and found a rich vein of gold. Magus ordered that a mine be made on the Loefel Meren side. The Malakadam dug their tunnels in the direction of Suchikos until their tunnels intersected those of the Adam.

  224 B.E

  Battle at the Zahab Mines.

  The dispute over ownership of the mines between the Malakadam and Adam resulted in a bloody battle between the miners.

  Battle of Negeb Loefel Meren invaded Suchikos at the city of Negeb. Victory seemed certain until King Alagaar and his warriors joined Suchikos. Alagaar’s forces overwhelmed Loefel Meren’s military and forced Loefel Meren’s retreat. From this point on Marasimlah fought Loefel Meren alongside Suchikos.

  221 B.E

  Battle of Stoma Gabad Rogues, acting as scouts, crept into the Adam palace in Phlox (capital of Suchikos). There they learned that King Pacal (King of the Adam) was planning an attack on Loefel Meren. The target was Stoma, a city on a delta of the Lampros River in Loefel Meren. King Magus sent to Queen Ariana for help. Caelsis made a Defense Treaty with Loefel Meren to help them onlythem only in battles where they were defending their territory. Caelsis joined Loefel Meren, where and all Adam were killed or captured.

  215 B.E.

  Battle of Teknon

  Magus mounted an army of 50,000 soldiers to raid the little village of Teknon, defended by 600 Adam soldiers. As the army of Malakadam closed in, a villager named Zeru rallied the people together. 12,000 villagers armed with farming tools joined the Adam defenders, crushing the Malakadam army. 30,000 Miyka soldiers were wounded or dead while none of the Adam were killed. To save his remaining men, The Miyka general surrendered. The villagers took the Malakadam captive and marched them all the way to Phlox for King Pacal, who held the soldiers captive but treated them well.

  212 B.E.

  Treaty of Phlox The commoners of Loefel Meren rioted in the streets of Chliaros and demanded that King Magus stop this war at any cost. They also demanded that he do anything he could to get the captive soldiers back from Phlox. King Pacal heard of the riots in the streets of Chliaros and freed the soldiers to go home to Loefel Meren. King Magus traveled with an entourage to Phlox where he had a private meeting with King Pacal. In Phlox they publicly shook hands and signed a treaty to end the war and split the gold from the mines.

  COMMON KNOWLEDGE

  THE BATTLE OF EPHER (See History of Emerailda)

  1 P.E. (Post Epher) (See History of Emerailda) The Warrior’s Gauntlet.

  20-30 P.E. (Shared knowledge with the other kingdoms) Guild Infiltration Crime began to rise throughout all the Kingdoms of Soterion even where the penalty for most crimes was public stoning (Suchikos). Prisons were overflowing and executions became a lucrative trade. King Magus could see the rippling effects of this crime throughout all the Kingdoms. He then called upon the advice of the Elder. The Elder went through all of the judicial books of Loefel Meren and found that 90% of the crimes were related to theft or robbery in some way. With further research King Magus found that almost all crimes were committed by someone related to the Rogue’s Guild. The Elder then traveled to Suchikos and found the same thing. Messages were sent to the leaders of all the other Kingdoms inquiring about their findings. After searching through their records, they discovered identical issues. All Kingdoms shut down the Rogue’s Guilds. This action resulted in a spike of crime, making it necessary to declare martial law in all the Kingdoms. Those former members of the Rogue’s Guild had infiltrated all the guilds and corrupted them.

  The Kings and Queens of Soterion were desperate to find the root of this criminal activity. Queen Ariana discovered that the criminal activity had started in Caelsis. A band of evil Nepsah abused their ability to be invisible in order to infiltrate all the Kingdoms. Ariana had managed to track five of the six original members. They were sentenced to have their wings surgically removed from their bodies by the Magi (a Guild of mystics based in Caelsis) and then were cast out of Caelsis, never to return. Queen Ariana deemed this the standard punishment for any Nepsah found to be associated with the crime. This was the origin of a new race called the Haspen.

  One of the Haspen (Buzzleberry) ma
de a bargain with Queen Ariana. In order to keep his citizenship in Caelsis and be absolved of his crimes, he would give up all the information he had about the secret Rogue’s Guilds and their leader. In this way the identity of the “King of Thieves” was discovered, although he remains at large to this day. Buzzleberry then gave Queen Ariana a list of all those who had infiltrated the other Guilds throughout the King- doms.

  Buzzleberry’s disclosures precipitated a murderous civil war among all of the Guilds of Soterion, a war that resulted in great loss of life. In Caelsis, the population of the Nepsah was reduced by one fourth. It is rumored that the Haspen stillHaspen still reside within the Caelsis swamp lands, however.

  40 P.E (Shared knowledge with the other kingdoms) Reformation of the Rogue’s Guild. A group of Philos citizens in Lake City petitioned King Erestar to reform the Rogue’s Guild. Reluctantly, he arranged a meeting with those citizens to find their reasoning behind wanting to bring back the Rogue’s Guild. While he rejected all attempts to re-form the guild as a group of thieves, King Erestar did see a use for skills of stealth. Therefore, the Rogue’s Guild was to become a scouting guild. They would be the advanced eyes and ears of the armies. To guard against lawlessness, the guilds were heavily monitored and abuses were harshly punished. After 10 years of minimal corruption, the other Kingdoms began to reform the Rogue’s Guilds. King Alagaar, unconvinced by the success of the Rogue’s Guild in Philos, was the only King that did not reinstitute the Rogue’s Guild.

  45 P.E

  King Magus’ last appearance.

  King Magus publicly declared that Loefel Meren would re-open the Rogue’s Guild under strict supervision in 45 P.E. This was King Magus’ last appearance.

  The year is 225 P.E. and Loefel Meren is a rich metropolis boasting the best economy of all the Kingdoms, making Loefel Meren the richest Kingdom on Soterion.

  King Magus

  King Magus Meren was born in the Emerald Forest to parents who were leaders of the Miyka. House Meren has always been prominent among the Miyka and Magus Meren was no disappointment to the family. When Magus was young. his parents died in the Zophos Wars. The Miyka were devastated at the loss of two great leaders, none morenone more so than Magus Meren, but no one would have guessed it from his actions. Magus took the mantle of leadership, and met allmet all challenges with a wisdom matched by no other Miyka. Throughout the years King Magus has kept his relationship with The Elder and called upon him for advice in dire situations.

  King Magus has the most extensive personal library on Soterion. In the past he let King Erestar Lurin, The Elder, and Queen Ariana into his library; however, no others have ever been admitted. The entrance to the library is said to be guarded by two lions that have six wings.

  In 45 Post Epher King Magus stopped appearing in public. None have seen him since then save the Queen and The Elder. In Chliaros screams emanate from the castle in the middle of the night in the Noble’s District, sparking many rumors. Some say that Queen Elizabeth has bound King Magus to a wall and he awaits loyal subjects to free him. Others say that King Magus has gone mad. Though Loefel Meren has missed seeing its King, Queen Elizabeth has taken care of matters in his absence quite well.

  Queen Elizabeth

  Queen Elizabeth is known as the most beautiful, artistic, and powerful Miyka ever to live. All Miyka emit a brilliant glow from their bodies, but it is said that the glow coming from her could light an entire house. Magus Meren could never resist Elizabeth’s gentle smile and loving eyes. King Magus and Queen Elizabeth always had a magnetism that was evident even when they were across the room from each other. Many of the Bards of Soterion sing of their love. The story is that King Magus and Queen Elizabeth had grown up together. When King Magus lost his parents, she was there to comfort him. Many years later, after Fort Chliaros has been built, King Magus courted her and won her hand in marriage. It is said that for their honeymoon King Magus took her sailing on an adventure in the Brugmos Sea to see

  uncharted lands. They came back from their honeymoon with an entire storehouse of treasure, ancient artifacts, and tomes. It is whispered amongst the Miyka that Queen Elizabeth has been given to bouts of weeping because of an illness from which the King suffers. Because of the rumors, her subjects worry for her well being without the King to support her. are populated by Remmys and exotic beasts such as the gryphon, the kuon, and the unicorn. The Great Oak is the Caelsis residence of the Elder and his family.

  The Kingdom Of Caelsis

  Calesis is known throughout Soterion as the Faerie Kingdom, but there is much more to this Kingdom than its title suggests. On the southeastern border of Caelsis is the city of Protos-Ergon, nestled in the Tithemi Swamps. This is also the location of a historical land dispute with Philos. Traveling through the Tithemi Swamps is dangerous because of the large population of Haspen (evil Nepsah) dwelling there.

  Two other major cities of Caelsis are Ekpipto and Kamnos. These cities house Naval bases for the largest and most powerful navy on Soterion. The capital of Caelsis is Caelsis City. It is a major place of shipping due to its location at the river delta. Caelsis is populated by Faeries and Magi of all races who reside in the Tower of the Magi.

  Inside the city limits are several forests which are populated by Remmys and exotic beasts such as the gryphon, the kuon, and the unicorn. The Great Oak is the Caelsis residence of the Elder and his family.

  Caelsis City can be quite an experience to those new to the faerie kingdom. Living accommodations alone can tax the understanding of the first-time visitor. The Nepsah live in miniature to large buildings, flowers, and sometimes random places. The ‘Am Mayim reside in the underwater homes of Deep Pond (600 ft. deep). Kat-ken reside in homes built in wooded areas. Each house is a unique expression of the owner, with a range of variations which makes the normal building practices of other kingdoms look like cookie-cutter conformity.

  Caelsis is known to have the best exotic and antique shops where one can find rare items and pets located on market square. Castle Enigma is heavily guarded by the most renowned Magi. Only the Royal family and visiting dignitaries have ever entered Castle Enigma, and some that entered have never come out.

  Ariana is the Faerie Queen of Caelsis. She has rarely been seen in public since the Battle of Epher. Regardless, the daily affairs of Caelsis are managed within House Enigma.

  Nepsah, Haspen, Kat-ken, ‘Am-Mayim, and the Remmy call Caelsis home. Nepsah, the majority of Caelsis, are tiny creatures with iridescent wings, pointed ears, a large appetite, and quirky personalities. Haspen, kin to Nepsah, are dark hateful creatures who had their wings removed for committing evil acts. They are not allowed to reside in the cities of Caelsis, but rather are banished into the swamps. The smallest group of citizens, the Kat-ken, are wily and mischievous cats that walk and talk. ‘Am Mayim, the people of the deep, have gills and webbed digits. Remmys complete the list of Caelsis’s citizen races.

  Tower of the Magi

  Located in the city of Caelsis, the Tower of the Magi is the tallest building in the world and has no apparent entrance. The guild master of the Magi is Omar, an Akana. All Magi receive their training and initiation at the Tower. Magi must be citizens of Caelsis and most magi remain sole residents of Caelsis, though there are a few who have dual citizenship. Suex (brother and chief advisor to Queen Ariana) holds the title of Deuteros, second in command.

  The Nepsah

  Description: 1 finger to 2 fingers tall, any bright or pastel color hair, any bright color eyes, Peach color skin, Thin body type

  Naural Abilities: Auto Invisibility (invisibility is a Nepsah’s natural state. It takes a conscious effort to be visible), Flying skill of 10, Detect Hidden (creatures who are using stealth to hide)

  Cultural Facts

  Queen Ariana rules this mischeivous race with an iron fist. Corruption is not tolerated in Caelsis. Nepsah are generally happy-go-lucky creatures who get as much out of life as possible. Their high metabolism allows them to eat 10 times their own body wei
ght. Additionally, they have a tendency to be clumsy.

  Most people with any sense do not slight the Nepsah. They are known to pester, or better said as obsessed with, those who slight them for an entire lifetime. Some races believe that the Nepsah are all crazy. Others believe that they must have some special destiny. What is indisputable is that they are among the most quirky of the races on Soterion.

  There are three kinds of Nepsah. These varieties are cultural rather than racial. The three kinds of Nepsah are as follows: The Gearling--enjoy taking things apart and figur- ing out how they work or fixing things, The Flower--enjoy beauty and strive to make things beautiful, and The Mischief--These Nepsah like to spice things up by pulling pranks on others. Mischiefs like to be the center of attention and enjoy making others laugh.

  Origin: Nepsah were made by the Creator from the same dust used to make man as well as a rib from an unknown angel. “You want me to tell you about my race? Do you have a few hours? Who could sum up the Nepsah in just a few sentences? Who are you? Why do you want to know everything about me? Are you a spy? Would you like some tea? Why are you writing that down? Why haven’t you drunk your tea yet? Did you poison mine? You are one of them, aren’t you?!?! Ah!” ~Seux, Queen Arianna’s brother and second in charge of the Magi

  Life span:

  Average life span: The average Nepsah lives 500 years. Child – 0 through 13 years

  Adolescent – 14 through 20 years

  Young Adult – 21 years through 99 years Mature Adult – 100 years through 249 years Older Adult – 350 years through 400 years Senior Citizen – 401 years through 450 years

  The Kat-Ken

  Description: 1-2 feet tall, All natural cat hair colors, Green Yellow or Blue eyes, All body types

  Racial Dislikes: Kat-Ken have disliked the Nepsah for many years. They believe that a KatKen should sit on the throne of Caelsis.

  Natural Abilities: 1d8 physical strength attribute, +2 agility attribute, 9 lives, obsession-shiny things.