Step into Veridia, a realm where magic is breath and power dictates fate, but where a dystopian society groans under the iron fist of the Mad High King Tiberius. This is a land of ancient gods, powerful Runeborn, mystical familiars, and a rebellion simmering just beneath the surface.
The Pantheon and the Spark: Magic in Veridia
The magic of Veridia flows from a pantheon of twelve major deities
including
- Gaia (Earth),
- Zeus (Sky/Storms),
- Pele (Fire),
- Poseidon (Oceans),
- Hades (Underworld),
- Apollo (Healing/Light/Prophecy),
- Odin (Wisdom/Knowledge),
- Harmonia (Balance),
- Nemesis (Retribution),
- Phobos (Fear),
- Eros (Love/Desire), and
- Metis (Cunning/Wisdom)
Those descended from these gods, the Runeborn, can manifest magical abilities through runes that burn onto their skin, often during the terrifying Mandatory Testing ritual conducted at age twenty-one in the capital’s “Sacred Tears of the Gods” pool.
The more runes one possesses, generally, the more powerful they are, leading to a hierarchy from the many “Whispering Reborn” (1 rune) to the incredibly rare “Chordant Runeborn” (11-12 runes). Some Runeborn are also intrinsically bound to familiars – magical beings that can range from animals to mystical creatures, reflecting their master’s core nature and amplifying their abilities. Even rarer are Soul Bonds, profound connections linking two souls, a phenomenon explored in Eromancy. Those without magic are deemed “Nulls,” often facing prejudice and relegated to mundane jobs in a society that prizes power.
Kingdoms Under a Shadow: The Lay of the Land
The Veridia Empire is comprised of five main kingdoms, each with its distinct culture and environment. Terrawood, the earth kingdom; Aetherium Skies, realm of air and storms; Abysmal Reach, the water kingdom; Volcanta, the fiery domain; and the Imperial Heart, the central seat of King Tiberius’s power. These kingdoms are connected by roads, magical transport, and waterways, but travel between them is often restricted.
Society’s Tiers: From Runeborn Elite to Hunted Nulls
Veridian society is starkly stratified. The elite, including powerful Runeborn, generals, and knights, control immense wealth and influence. The military is a significant institution, with soldiers, captains, lieutenants, and generals forming a vast force, though many are driven to enlist by the promise of good pay and rations in a kingdom where scarcity is common. Nulls occupy the lowest rungs, often forced into manual labor or even slavery, which accounts for a significant percentage of the workforce. Arranged marriages are common across classes, often for political or practical reasons.
The Weight of the Crown: The Mad High King’s Reign
For nearly a 200 years, the Mad High King Tiberius has ruled Veridia, his reign born from patricide and fueled by paranoia stemming from ancient prophecies. He enforces his will through the King’s Legion and a series of draconian laws, including the Mandatory Testing, designed to find any who might threaten his rule – particularly those displaying a feared combination of elemental runes. His paranoia and cruelty have created a dystopia where citizens live in constant fear, and rebellion is a dangerous whisper growing louder in the shadows.
Veridia is a world of breathtaking magic and terrifying oppression, where destiny is a heavy cloak and survival is a daily battle.
Want to delve deeper into the lore, characters, and stories of Veridia? Check out my website at https://rheanight.com for more!
