Empyreans:

The following news files will give you information about the sky-faring Empyreans; one of the four elemental races of this world. If you would like to choose an Empyreal background for your character, please read each one carefully, and contact a member of the staff if you have any questions.

For more information about the Empyreans, visit the Empyreans - Rulers of the Sky web-page, created and maintained by Eos@Aether.

History:

The Empyreans have always been a proud people, to whom hierarchy, status, and a rigid caste system are of the utmost importance. Many of them boast a lineage that goes back for centuries, and the oldest royal house can trace its roots clear back to the "golden age," claiming Zeus himself as their forefather. For Zeus was not a god to the Empyreans; he was one of their first Emperors, and to many, the greatest.

Earth-lore abounds about Zeus and his pantheon, and though the stories contain a seed of truth, too many of them have been embellished to the point where that truth is lost. The ancestor-worshipping Empyreans have managed to preserve their history through art, literature, and music, with a strenuous attention to facts and details. Though their tales may hold more merit than the imaginative Earth accounts, it is still only their version of the truth. The facts have been lost in antiquity, leaving only the legends, but perhaps in the end, that is for the best.

The story begins roughly some three thousand years ago, when classic paganism was in full bloom on Earth's ancient Greece. This was the age of heroes, gods, and mythical monsters. The boundaries between the worlds were thin in those days, and could be manipulated by Aether's "rift mages," who have since been destroyed. But in that time, traversing the boundaries was not impossible. Denizens of Aether crossed over from time to time, and were worshipped, feared, loved, hated, and revered by Earth's men and women ... but they were never forgotten. To modern-day man, they are no more than myths or fairy tales, but to our ancestors, they were living, breathing deities.

Perhaps the most famous was the thunder-god of the Greeks and Romans: Zeus, Jupiter, Jove, the Kronian, Soter, Terminalis ... he had many names and many guises. A lusty, womanizing rake to some; a wise, fatherly judge to others; and a powerful, wrathful god to many. To the Empyreans, he was lord and Emperor.

The Aegis had not yet been formed, and the Emperor's word was law. Under Zeus Jupiter's leadership, the Empyreans rose to power, and thus began their five-hundred-year "Golden Age" as the most powerful and dominant of the races. Their "Civitas Dei" had not yet been built, but they ruled from mountain tops and distant aeries; above and apart from the rest of the world as an aristocracy should be. Their fame and glory stretched across the worlds' boundaries and colored the beliefs of Earth's citizens. Some facts were lost in the transit; Zeus and his "court" became human gods, without the broad wings of their kind. They were suddenly believed responsible for human success and failure, and supposedly influenced many aspects of life over which, in reality, they had no control -- nor did they wish control. While bound, Earth and Aether were becoming estranged, and the magic-less citizens of Earth were merely tolerated as adoring fans for as long as they provided amusement.

Though the Empyreans enjoy longevity, they are not immortal, and Zeus Jupiter eventually succumbed to frailty and age just as any man. During the waning years of his reign, his "Consentes Dii," or council of twelve advisors, took over more and more of the mantle of government. They formed the core for what would later become the Aegis. After his death, a new Emperor was appointed, but none would ever have the fame, popularity, or power of the "storm-bringer" who first led the Empyreans into glory.

A few decades later, their grand city was built and empowered with magic so that it would float among the clouds. No greater spell has since been performed or achieved, and it was only the sheer power and tenacity of Apollo Acesian that allowed it. He was an Avatar arch-magus who had a gift for healing, shaping, and the elements. He had helped found Delphi, and while it eventually became an independent faction, there are still strong traces of Empyreal influence in its make-up.

The years to come were prosperous for many. With Delphi established, and the neutral city of Haven springing up around it, the races were given a chance to interact -- to forge alliances that might not have been possible in the past. The Empyreans and the Atlanteans, especially, flourished under this new "peace," and formed a truce between their two races. But while the Sylvans retreated further into the forests at this progress of civilization, the Varati chafed under the new rule. Battles and small skirmishes between the races broke out, and soon the tenuous balance began to crumble. It was further exacerbated by strife within the Empyre's government. Bad enough that the races were warring with each other, but fighting amongst their own kind could only spell ruin. When their own Emperor was cast out by the Consentes Dii, it was the beginning of the end of Empyreal reign.

He had shown promise, and a gift for leadership to rival that of Zeus. But Adonais of the House Archeus also had enemies. His goal for peace was too controversial, for he stressed that his people were not meant to be "rulers," but "shepherds" of the other races. He wanted to usher in a new era where the boundaries between race and caste would be erased, and where the walls between Earth and Aether would crumble. His dream for "one world, one race," was just too much for many of his people to accept. When one of his daughters dared to marry outside her race, to a warlord of a Varati clan, no less, the Empyre was thrown into an uproar. But it was only when Adonais attempted to shatter the boundaries between Earth and Aether that his rivals finally took action. The Emperor was dethroned, his House decimated, and some scholars say that he and his family were murdered. One thing is certain -- the House Archeus no longer exists; doomed to obscurity in the oldest of Empyreal texts.

Not long after, war erupted between the Empyreans and the Varati, and thus began a centuries-long rivalry between the two. Even the alliance between the Atlanteans and the Empyreans was broken, for they retreated from the feud altogether after the Phorcysian Decemvirate was nearly destroyed. Since then, they have been far more pacifist in their approach; refusing to take sides and generally keeping to themselves, much as the Sylvans have done. Let wind fan the flames of war, they say, and eventually it will burn itself out.

Such turmoil had left the Empyreans weakened, both from within and without. The civil war that had been brewing for generations finally occurred, and was as disastrous as many had feared. What was once a monarchy became a republic under the rule of the Aegis, but with so many feuding factions vying for power, the Empyre was in no shape to challenge the Varati when they finally made their bid for power. When Civitas Dei was sieged, thus began the "Reign of Fire," which was to last over four hundred years.

Weakened, humbled, but still undefeated in spirit, the Empyreans began a slow climb back to their former days of glory. They strengthened their Empyre and re-established the monarchy, though each successive Emperor or Empress would never hold the power their ancestors once did. The Aegis remained a strong force within Empyreal government, yet the friction between those who favored the ancient traditions from the time of Zeus when they were revered as gods; and those who preferred to establish peace between the races rather than dominance over them, would forever keep that body divided.

That tension may always be there; the familiar strife between the old and the new, tradition and progression, the past and the future. Empyreal power always fluctuates, and it remains to be seen just what direction it will take, and whether peace or war will prevail. Cool winds can presage a storm on the horizon, or merely gentle rainfall, and only time will tell.

Society:

Empyreal society is made up of three main sects. At the highest echelon are the nobility, or aristocracy. They are the wealthiest, most privileged of the classes, and dwell in luxuriant homes in the finest sections of the city. Many of them are also members of the Aegis -- the core of Empyreal government.

The nobility is divided into hundreds of royal Houses, some of whom can trace their ancestry back to the Empyreal "golden age" of over two thousand years ago. Purity is highly stressed within the royal bloodlines, and the Empyreans believe that magical ability is a symbol of purity. Because tradition demands that an elemental mage with powers over the wind and storms be placed on the throne, they have attempted to keep all magic concentrated within the royal bloodlines. Therefore, even a child displaying a magical affinity who was born outside the nobility can become a part of it through marriage or adoption.

The magic is seen as a "sign from the gods" that the child was meant for greater things. Of course, there are some who will say that the nobility is no more than glorified breeding stock, bred to ensure a suitable Emperor each reign, who in turn is nothing more than a figurehead. But surely such rumors stem only from jealousy or rivalry between the classes.

There are five main noble Houses at the moment: Acesius, Augustus, Jove, Thanatos, and Tritonis. In addition, there is a Praetorian House, Ares, and two common families -- Chryseis and Januarius. To become a member, contact the heads of each family, by viewing +faction/list online.

The next caste is the warrior caste, who make up the Praetorian Guard. More than merely an army, the Praetorians are a caste unto themselves, and the warrior's creed is their way of life: protect and serve the Empyre unto death. Some youngsters have a calling for it; others are born into that lifestyle, and it is a harsh one. Strict discipline, intense physical training, and a Spartan upbringing make the Praetorians a force to be reckoned with; rivaling even the Varati with their aggressive ways and warlike clans.

The Praetorians were not always as large a caste as they are now -- originally they were formed simply to protect the Emperor. But their numbers grew, and so did their duties, until all of the Empyre was under their protection. And while they still answer to the Aegis -- the core of Empyreal government -- some might wonder what would ever happen if the Praetorians rose up and imposed a military rule. There are few within Empyreal society who could oppose them.

The third and last class is made up of the common citizens of the Empyre. Merchants, scholars, craftsmen, entertainers, architects ... the list goes on. They are the "middle class" of Empyreal society, but they are not much worse off than the upper. Their homes are still lavish, their lives still privileged, for most of the real labor is done by crossbred servants or "mongrels," leaving the Empyreans to enjoy a life of leisure and relaxation.

While there is some tension between the castes, the balance can usually be maintained, and the Empyreans tend to have a stronger sense of unity as a race rather than as a faction. That is, there is far more friction between them and the other races than there is between their own castes. Empyreal pride runs deep, and each of the three classes infuses a strong patriotic belief in its younger generations, advocating brotherhood and kinship among their own kind.

This pride can border on arrogance, and it is true that most Empyreans see themselves as "above" the other races. After all, were they not given wings to fly among the clouds and look down upon all who dwell on land or in the sea? Is it not their right to rule among the heavens? Many believe this, but there are a few who would prefer that same sense of "brotherhood" among all the races.

These pacifists strive for peace and guidance rather than war and aggression, and some of the greatest leaders and Aegians have ascribed to this way of thinking. For sixty years, Emperor Justinius Jove sat in the seat of the Empyreal monarchy, and his dying wish was to see peace established between the Empyre and its long-time enemies, the Varati. But peace was not to be had; only a year later, the Varati kingdom and the Empyre went to war in a climactic clash that nearly brought the Empyre to its knees.

Now, it is time to rebuild; to revitalize the Empyre, and remind its citizens of what once made it great. Surely, many of its people harbor anger and resentment toward their erstwhile opponents, and the racial tension may be greater than ever before. But this is a time of change, and it remains to be seen whether the old-world traditionalists will triumph, or whether the more progressive liberals will at long last be able to achieve harmony with the other races, and among their own castes.

Religion:

Empyreal religion is both polytheistic and atavistic in nature; their vast pantheon of gods and goddesses is made up of family founders and ancient ancestors who had been deified once they passed into the afterlife. Furthermore, the world of spirits and gods is not separate from that of the living; instead, Empyreans believe that their ancestors are their "guardians" and protectors. They linger unseen among their living progeny, helping to guide them, watch over them, and bring them luck and good fortune.

Each family has its own set of guardian spirits or deities, referred to as "lares" and "penates" after Earth's ancient Roman customs. The older the family, the more guardians they have, and marrying into a House that can trace its lineage back through the centuries has more benefits than mere wealth and prestige. Suddenly, the powerful protector-spirits of that family are a part of yours as well. And to the Empyreans, family is of the utmost importance.

Generally, there is one main family deity; typically the founder of the House, or else one of its most influential or powerful members. Each Empyreal home has a "cella," or inner temple, wherein a shrine to their protecting spirits is constructed. Offerings of food and wine as well as prayers of gratitude or respectful requests are practiced daily by family members, who are taught the importance of honoring their household spirits from the time they learn to speak.

To the Empyreans, their relationship with these deities is natural and open -- there is no need for priests or other intermediaries in order to carry on a dialogue with the gods. Nor is a shrine or temple necessary to be heard -- the gods are always listening; yet such structures, sacrifices, and libations are tokens of respect, and a request is more likely to be granted if the ancestral spirits are appeased.

While each family has its own set of deities, there are a few that are recognized by all, and regarded as protectors of the Empyre as a whole. Most are similar to the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome, for they were the living, breathing counterparts originally worshipped by humans on Earth all those centuries ago. Pantheon gives a list of all the major deities of Aether, and the handful of central Empyreal gods and goddesses are listed there as well.

Other aspects of Empyreal religion include the belief that each man and woman is allotted only one life span, and it must not be squandered. The soul is immortal, and will remain to watch over future offspring, but its time on the physical plane is brief and precious.

Life is to be celebrated, and death to be accepted as a natural part of the "way of things." Grieving for the absence of a body that could be touched and loved is understandable, yet such grief fades with the eventual belief that the soul still remains, keeping watch over the ones it loved in life.

Funeral rites are a touching spectacle; family and friends gather to speak for the deceased -- to recount his or her accomplishments, to remember, and to lessen the pain with shared grief. The body is laid out across a pyre and addressed as though its host could still hear -- for its spirit cannot have fled very far. Then, at the close of the ceremony, the pyre is lit; the body burned to ashes and the ashes scattered on the wind. Returned to its element, the departed spirit brings comfort with every soft breeze that caresses those left behind.

There are no concepts of "heaven" or "hell" for the Empyreans. To them, there is only this one world, and one lifetime to enjoy it. Punishment for a life of cruelty, injustice, or selfishness comes in the form of neglect. For if you were not honored in life, nor will you be in death, and your spirit will be forgotten. Who can say what happens to these shunned souls -- they may seek revenge or retribution upon their living family members, but their power will fade the longer they are ignored. In time, their names will be forgotten altogether, and the deeds that warranted such neglect will become nothing more than memory. Those who lived honorably and well, on the other hand, will have their praises sung throughout the centuries, and their spirit will grow stronger with every new generation to lend its reverence.

Aegis:

The word is a Greek one meaning "shield" or "goatskin," and it was originally the protective breastplate of Zeus in classical mythology. While the literal meaning has changed, the theory is similar. Comprised of warriors, instructors, and advisors, the twelve members who acted as the Emperor's "Consentes Dii" formed the core of what would later become the Aegis. Now, their duty is to serve and protect the Emperor, as well as guide him in decision-making, especially at the outset of his reign. Many of them have served almost their entire lives, and some speculate that the Emperor is merely a figurehead, while the real power lies in the Aegis. Individually, they have a limited amount of governmental power, but as a group, they could even override one of the Emperor's orders, should it come to a majority vote.

Their number is relatively small, numbering at about five hundred, and they represent the highest caste in Empyreal society. But wealth is not their only asset, for they form the core of Empyreal government; its nucleus of leaders, philosophers, teachers, and military tacticians. New members are elected once every five years by the Aegis itself, often selected from the Empyreal royal families. Their term is usually a permanent one, though what the Aegis grants, it can also take away. They alone have the power to crown a new Emperor, or to depose one they deem unfit.

Aegians are scattered across the Empyre, helping to govern various districts with the aid of military Tribunes and jurators. They meet annually in the grand Basilica of Civitas Dei, where the Princeps, or "chief Aegian" presides over their meetings to vote on new laws, debate controversial issues, and advise the Emperor (or Empress) about his or her future course of action.

Visit the Government section of the Empyrean Web-site to get a more in-depth description of how the Empyreal government operates.

Praetorians:

The Praetorians are the warrior caste of the sky-race, and like their ancient Roman counterparts, their primary function is to protect the Emperor. However, because the Emperor is a representative of their empire as a whole, their duties extend to protecting its denizens. They basically act as a "police force" within their cities' walls; that is, during peace-times. When the threat of war looms on the horizon, their numbers are fleshed out by new recruits, and the total number of Praetorians at a given time may fluctuate depending on the level of tension between the races.

With strenuous military training and harsh discipline, they are an intimidating force, and anyone who's ever engaged in combat with a Praetor knows that the Empyreans are not the fragile, ethereal creatures that they seem. Read the section on description for more information about their favored weaponry and armor.

More information about their ranks, combat techniques, and training can be found at The Praetorian Guard page, part of the Empyreans - Rulers of the Sky website.

City:

The capital of the Empyre is a magnificent city in the sky, accessible only to those who can soar among the clouds. Its buildings are modeled after the architecture of the ancient Greeks and Romans, just as Empyreal culture revolves around those classical ideals. Stately palaces ornamented with statues, columns, and decorative friezes house the winged race, all fashioned of pristine white marble and separated by manicured gardens and shady vineyards. The city itself is kept suspended above the earth by some long-ago magic; high enough so that it is safe from storms or inclement weather, and only gentle showers brought on by their elemental wind-mages interrupt the neverending sunshine and warmth. Little wonder then, that legends of this city gave rise to Earth-lore about a heavenly Paradise or an Olympic home of the gods.

Resources:

The following lists show what resources the Empyreans are best known for:

Trade-Goods (Items/Services Empyreans need from other races):

Population:

Magical Breakdown:

Description:

The main difference between the Empyreans and the other races are the broad wings extending from their shoulderblades. With a wingspan averaging fifteen to twenty-five feet, Empyreal men and women can be an arresting sight, and with their fair hair and skin, they resemble nothing so much as angels from Christian and other religions.

Most are flaxen-haired, and their eyes are usually pale blue; the same hue of the heavens where they dwell. Sometimes the coloration varies -- there may be redheads with blue-green or grey eyes, or some might sport a mane of silver-blonde or white. And every now and then, a child will be born dark. Darker skin and hair suggest a mixed background, and these children are often shunned or even cast out, for the Empyreans believe strongly in maintaining the purity of their race (to play a dark Empyrean, players must apply to the staff -- read the section on applications for details).

Like a bird's, their bones are fragile, and their frames are somewhat smaller and frailer than those of the other races. But that does not stop them from being formidable in warfare, for their wings give them a decided advantage, and many an army has cowered at the sight of a host of Empyreal warriors descending from the heavens.

Their clothing is usually light and loose to allow them freedom of movement -- many prefer Greek and Roman robes or togas with subtle patterns and pale hues. They usually wear delicate sandals; for feet that rarely touch the earth are not meant to be confined in heavy boots or shoes. For jewelry, they favor gold and silver of intricate craftsmanship, and gems of a clear or sky-colored tint are most prized.

Metal armor would be far too cumbersome, so warriors wear only a leather cuirass, gauntlets, and greaves for protection when engaging in combat. For weapons, they prefer the thrown or long-range variety, which allow them to attack from above. Spears and bows -- including long, short, and cross -- are their weapons of choice.

Please read the terms files on such clothing items as the chimere, chlamys, pallium, and toga; as well as those on weapons and armor like the arbalist, buckler, bracer, caestus, corium, cuirass, gladius, greaves, helm, javelin, and lorica.

Empyreans usually live to be about 90-110 years old.

For clothing ideas, check out the following sites:

• Armamentarivm
• Costumes and Clothing - The Classical World
• Diotima: Ancient Clothing
• Greek Costume Through the Centuries
• The History of Costume - Index
• Milieux - Costume Site

Names:

In a culture based on ancient Greek and Roman ideals, it is not surprising that parents might name their children after famous philosophers, leaders, or legendary heroes from that age. Others are inspired by later influences, and name their offspring after the angels they resemble.

An Empyrean's full name (see +finger online) consists of their given name, or first name, followed by their middle name, which is typically derived from their parents' names. Finally, the name of the House to which they are affiliated functions as a surname. For example, a daughter of the House Atreus, whose father's name is Alexander, might be called: Sidra Alexandra Atreides.

The following news files provide lists of popular names for Empyreal men and women.

Female: Adara (beauty), Aithra (light), Alala (war goddess), Alethia (truthful), Alida (little winged one), Althea (wholesome healer), Amaryllis (sparkling stream), Andromeda (spring-blooming), Arete (woman of virtue), Arianna (like silver), Ariel (lioness of the gods), Atalanta (immovable), Aurora (dawn), Bellona (warlike), Calliope (muse of epic poetry), Cassandra (prophetess), Celeste (heavenly), Cora (maiden), Coronis (crown), Cynara (thistle), Cynthia (moon), Cytherea (love), Damaris (calf), Daphne (laurel tree), Diana (divine), Electra (shining), Eleni (light), Eranthe (spring flower), Eris (discord), Evadne (good fortune), Galatea (white as milk), Harmonia (harmony), Helen (light/torch), Ianthe (violet), Ida (prosperous), Iris (rainbow), Kallista (most beautiful), Kalyca (rosebud), Larissa (lighthearted), Leda (joy), Maia (mother), Medea (ruling), Megaera (jealousy), Melantha (dark flower), Neola (young one), Pallas (wisdom), Phoebe (brilliant), Rhea (earth), Selene (moon), Sidra (of the stars), Thalia (blossoming), Xenia (hospitable)

Male: Adonis (beauty), Adrian (dark one), Aeneas (he who is praised), Aeolus (wind), Agnolo (angel), Alcander (strong), Alexander (man's defender), Amadeo (loved by the gods), Andreas (masculine), Archelaus (ruler of the people), Ariel (lion of the gods), Augustus (worthy of respect), Aurelius (golden), Caius (rejoice), Cassius (vain), Constantine (steadfast), Cyrus (sun), Damian (spirit), Darius (rich), Doran (a gift), Erasmus (loved), Gabriel (hero of the gods), Griffin (hooked nose), Hector (holds fast), Helius (sun), Hesperos (evening star), Horatius (timekeeper), Ilario (cheerful), Jason (healer), Julius (youthful), Leander (lion-man), Leonidas (like a lion), Lucian (light), Lysander (liberator), Magnus (great), Malachi (angel), Marcus (warrior), Marios (warlike), Nestor (traveler), Nicodemus (victory of the people), Orion (son of fire), Phineas (oracle), Phoebus (light), Raphael (the gods have healed), Severin (severe), Stavros (crowned), Thaddeus (courageous), Theodoros (gift from the gods), Theron (hunter), Tithonos (dawn), Titus (of the giants), Uriel (flame of the gods), Valerian (strong), Xanthus (golden-haired)

Also, see our supplemental names page for some additional examples.

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