The backstory
The land of Iris
Long before war ravaged the lands of Iris, Eres, the God of Darkness, joined with Apollon, the God of Light, to create the world of mortals. Both gods poured into this world, and its inhabitants, qualities that were unique to each. To populate the world, Apollon created the Elves born out of his love and care for all living things. From Eres, Humans were created to be ambitious, anxious to explore and enjoy the world they lived in. One among many gifts to the people of Iris, the Ethereals were created to oversee use of magic in the world and teach the Irisians how to harness its use to better their lives.
Upon finding the world complete and to their favor, Eres and Apollon returned to their own realms to rest; Eres to Nephinth, the Realm of Darkness, and Apollon to Arosel, the Realm of Light. Occasionally the Gods would bless the Irisians with their presence and bring along with them their gifts. When visiting, Apollon's presence brought joy and delight to the people, while Eres' presence seemed to bring only woes and darkness in the heart of Irisians.
Eres grew jealous of the people's love for Apollon. After all, hadn't they both contributed to the world they so loved? He began hating Apollon and the world they had created. For ages he schemed while building a secret army deep within the depths of his world. Becoming totally engrossed with the task, his visits became less frequent and finally nonexistent. Over time Apollon's visits became irregular as he noticed less rejoicing when he visited the people. It seemed without the contrast of Eres' visits to dampen their spirits, the Irisian people had less need for the refreshment his presence brought.
Upon finding the world complete and to their favor, Eres and Apollon returned to their own realms to rest; Eres to Nephinth, the Realm of Darkness, and Apollon to Arosel, the Realm of Light. Occasionally the Gods would bless the Irisians with their presence and bring along with them their gifts. When visiting, Apollon's presence brought joy and delight to the people, while Eres' presence seemed to bring only woes and darkness in the heart of Irisians.
Eres grew jealous of the people's love for Apollon. After all, hadn't they both contributed to the world they so loved? He began hating Apollon and the world they had created. For ages he schemed while building a secret army deep within the depths of his world. Becoming totally engrossed with the task, his visits became less frequent and finally nonexistent. Over time Apollon's visits became irregular as he noticed less rejoicing when he visited the people. It seemed without the contrast of Eres' visits to dampen their spirits, the Irisian people had less need for the refreshment his presence brought.
Reign of Terror
At a time when the people of Iris had not seen or heard from either God in many generations, Eres chose to unleash his hordes. From the depths of Nephinth a bridge was created releasing into Iris thousands of Orcs, Werewolves, Drakes, and other terrible creatures born of hatred and evil. Eres created a dreadful race of enormous size, ferocity, and brute strength known as the Titans. By bonding them to his power flow, they received regenerating abilities and innate talents for battle, making them the most fearsome warriors the world had ever seen. Having caught Apollon by surprise, the monstrous army swept across the land largely unchallenged. Infuriated by Eres's treachery, Apollon responded by imbuing an army of humans, giving them great skill in weaponry, speed, and battle tactics. These elite warriors became known as the Knights of Apollon and were garrisoned in the city of Randol. The Knights were, and continue to be, a powerful symbol of Apollon's love for the world and its people.
Both sides put out a call for Healers, Mages, Rogues, and Sorcerers to join the battle. When thousands responded, father fought son and friend bested friend in what became a worldwide civil war. For generations the war continued with tens of thousands perishing by the sword, magic, or bow; most fighting for a cause no longer known beyond their own survival.
As the Irisians fought against the invaders and each other, in the Spirit Realm a climatic battle occurred between the gods of Light and Dark. In his arrogance, Eres challenged Apollon to a duel to control Iris. Apollon accepted the challenge, hoping it a quick way to end the violence, and the two mighty beings clashed in the battle of the Ages. They fought in levels of power Mortals couldn't imagine, incredible amounts of energy being used by each god in hopes of total destruction of the other. They matched blow for blow for what was many long bitter years in Iris, until each collapsed, exhausted from the exertion of fighting their equal. Both wounded and spent, they retreated to their respective realms to heal and recuperate. Knowing his bond to the Titans could not be restored, Eres severed his connection with them in order to preserve what power he had left. Apollon, happy the battle accomplished something other than Eres' retreat, left his people with a promise of his return.
When their tie was broken with Eres, the Titans on Iris lost their greatest advantage. Instead of being nearly invincible, they became completely mortal allowing the Knights to slay them more easily and balancing the battle lines. With the odds more even, the two armies were at a standoff, neither giving ground. After years of not gaining an advantage, warriors of both armies succumbed to the fatigue of war and began deserting. The races became more withdrawn and isolated; battalions disbanded as Humans and Elves returned home to rebuild their shattered lives. Eventually only the Knights of Apollon and the Titans retained their structure as standing armies. After centuries of bloodshed, a time of relative peace fell across the land; skirmishes with Eres's forces occurred only in distant lands.
Both sides put out a call for Healers, Mages, Rogues, and Sorcerers to join the battle. When thousands responded, father fought son and friend bested friend in what became a worldwide civil war. For generations the war continued with tens of thousands perishing by the sword, magic, or bow; most fighting for a cause no longer known beyond their own survival.
As the Irisians fought against the invaders and each other, in the Spirit Realm a climatic battle occurred between the gods of Light and Dark. In his arrogance, Eres challenged Apollon to a duel to control Iris. Apollon accepted the challenge, hoping it a quick way to end the violence, and the two mighty beings clashed in the battle of the Ages. They fought in levels of power Mortals couldn't imagine, incredible amounts of energy being used by each god in hopes of total destruction of the other. They matched blow for blow for what was many long bitter years in Iris, until each collapsed, exhausted from the exertion of fighting their equal. Both wounded and spent, they retreated to their respective realms to heal and recuperate. Knowing his bond to the Titans could not be restored, Eres severed his connection with them in order to preserve what power he had left. Apollon, happy the battle accomplished something other than Eres' retreat, left his people with a promise of his return.
When their tie was broken with Eres, the Titans on Iris lost their greatest advantage. Instead of being nearly invincible, they became completely mortal allowing the Knights to slay them more easily and balancing the battle lines. With the odds more even, the two armies were at a standoff, neither giving ground. After years of not gaining an advantage, warriors of both armies succumbed to the fatigue of war and began deserting. The races became more withdrawn and isolated; battalions disbanded as Humans and Elves returned home to rebuild their shattered lives. Eventually only the Knights of Apollon and the Titans retained their structure as standing armies. After centuries of bloodshed, a time of relative peace fell across the land; skirmishes with Eres's forces occurred only in distant lands.
As news of a new army amassing far in the North and West came, a conference was called inviting members from each class of the Irisian people to attend. Leaders from among the Knights, Healers, Mages, Rogues, and a small faction of Titans (who turned against Eres) assembled in Randol to discuss the possible threat. Only the Sorcerers refused to attend, simply sending word that they had their own plans and would wait to see how life unfolded. Several days of heated discussion ended with nothing decided. Some members of the consortium voted to attack while others wanted to wait and see what happened or ignore the threat completely.
The lack of direction has left the world of Iris in chaos without any strong alliance among its people. In preparation for a possible invasion, the Knights have increased security around the city and scouts have been sent to ascertain the threat level. Additionally, spies have been discovered within the city; while werewolves and other evil creatures approach the city walls and attack citizens with more regularity. Skirmishes occur more frequently as friend turns into foe and groups are attacked by thieves and brigands.
Squads of Knights have been sent out to patrol the areas and help keep the peace, but have had little effect. Another messenger has been sent to the Sorcerers asking for assistance; their reply has been a series of riddles to be solved. No one knows what solving them may do, but hundreds are doing their utmost to decipher the mystery of the Sorcerers.
The lack of direction has left the world of Iris in chaos without any strong alliance among its people. In preparation for a possible invasion, the Knights have increased security around the city and scouts have been sent to ascertain the threat level. Additionally, spies have been discovered within the city; while werewolves and other evil creatures approach the city walls and attack citizens with more regularity. Skirmishes occur more frequently as friend turns into foe and groups are attacked by thieves and brigands.
Squads of Knights have been sent out to patrol the areas and help keep the peace, but have had little effect. Another messenger has been sent to the Sorcerers asking for assistance; their reply has been a series of riddles to be solved. No one knows what solving them may do, but hundreds are doing their utmost to decipher the mystery of the Sorcerers.
Choose Your Destiny
A new summons has been issued for those faithful to Apollon to gather in Randol and unite against the possible new threat. Be you Titan, Knight, Healer, Mage, Rogue, Sorcerer, or Night Shadow; your friends can become foes as alliances shift. Greed and fear have sown the seeds of terror with endless battles, bloody betrayals, and insatiable ambitions. A call for help has been put forth asking for help to thwart the advance of the Eres's forces. Will you support Apollon and all that is good to save the world from devastation? Or will you join Eres's ranks and work towards destroying Iris with dreams of personal glory? The choice is yours to make, the life is yours to live. The balance of power is in your hands, choose wisely and enter into what is the Last Chaos!
Titans
Birthed from evil, the Titans are the most feared warriors in all Iris. This race was gifted with innate talents for battle and natural regeneration. Using their enormous size, ferocity, and brute strength they wreaked havoc upon the world. Initially linked directly to Eres's power, the Titans were virtually indestructible and terrible to behold as they swept aside Elves and men at will.
With the stalemate and retreating of Eres and Apollon, the tie to the Titans source of almost unlimited power was severed so that the God could save himself. The loss of power proved catastrophic for the Titans as they lost their greatest advantage and became completely mortal. More easily slain, the Knights were able to push the Titans back as the armies became balanced and more evenly matched. Retaining a greatly reduced ability to regenerate, the Titans are still fierce warriors and the backbone of Eres' army. The most fearsome of the Titans are highly skilled and advanced warriors bearing the titles of Warmasters and Highlanders. These supreme warriors have been known to wipe out entire garrisons of men single-handedly. Rumor of a new army forming in the North and West has caused a stir among the Irisians as a summons has been issued calling all loyal citizens to Randol. A call among the Titan brethren has been heard with some being called to join the army and others being sent to Randol to see what preparations are being made in the last neutral city and Headquarters of the hated Knights of Apollon. Listen, learn, and train to become the most feared warriors in Iris and you may find yourself blessed by Eres when his victory is assured. |
Knights
"Defend Iris with Honor, Strength, and Nobility."
The creed of the fabled Knights of Apollon, passed down for generations, lives on today. Normal humans, imbued by Apollon with great skill in weaponry, speed, and battle tactics, the Knights have lived defending Iris from the treacherous Titans. Their warfare secrets are carefully guarded and only given to those who prove themselves worthy through their actions both on and off the battlefield. Those honored few, dubbed either Royal or Templar Knights, are the elite squad of the Knights of Apollon and the most powerful warriors Iris has to offer.
Headquartered in Randol, the Knights are spread throughout the country and have been put on high alert as rumors have been heard of an army building in the North and West. Scouts have been sent out and word is awaited to either confirm or dispel the rumors. Enlistments are high as Irisians answer the call to come to Randol and once again drive back evil from their land. |
HEalers
In the beginning when Apollon created the Elven people, some were made High Elves and given the charge of bringing life to the land and its inhabitants. To complete this task the Ethereals taught them how to bring healing through the use of the laylines and nodes, tapping into the world's magical energies. Being Elves, their natural lifespan was longer than most. When combining long life with their healing abilities, the High Elves gained a unique perspective on life, the world, and their cycles. With their extended years and special abilities, the Healers, as they're often called, are greatly respected for their knowledge and wisdom.
As the Great War began, many of the Healers worked for one side or the other while others became secluded and remained completely neutral. Those involved in the war didn't intend to support either side; they only intended to keep balance in the world and keep true to their heritage of bringing life and healing. However, by joining the armies and witnessing the carnage around them, many soon found themselves changing. Equipped with new battle knowledge, these healers became not only givers of life, but battle-hardened warriors. Some became warrior Clerics, and those who also mastered the bow became Archers. Throughout the war they played a pivotal role as both warrior and healer. Now, as fighting again wages across Iris, the need for Healers is great. Both sides are actively recruiting the High Elf Healers to their cause. Will you choose a side or remain true to the original calling and give your gifts freely to all? |
Mages
The Order of Mages appeared long before the Great War occurred and with their help many battles were won on both sides. Trained by Ethereals in the use of magic, Mages can harness great power and are capable of causing great destruction. They have taken it upon themselves to become the defenders of Irisians from external influences, even those of Eres or Apollon.
After years of working with magic in its pure energy form, a Mage's skin tone takes on an irregular hue, making them easily identifiable. In continuing their studies, some mages delved into a darker magic. These darker secrets were banned from use by the Order; those who practiced them became outcasts and were driven north. Regardless of which path was taken, the most powerful mages became either Wizards or Witches and were capable of incredible devastation. With the new feeling of evil washing over Iris and tensions high between the Titans and Knights of Apollon, the Order of Mages has become active again. A small group of Mages supporting the Light have emerged from their studies to aid in the struggle against their darker brethren. Those who choose to remain neutral have also emerged wanting to remove any threat that comes against the Irisian people. Which path will you journey down? Will you swear your allegiance to a god or remain neutral? The choice is yours. |
Rogues
At the dawn of life on Iris, people hunted and foraged for their own survival. Apollon commanded the Ethereals to assist the Irisians by teaching them new skills to increase their effectiveness. The people were taught how to focus their minds and access the magical leylines of the world. With this ability they were able to render themselves invisible for a few seconds at a time while stalking their prey. Several of the greatest hunters grew restless and began using their new abilities against others becoming outlaws, murderers and thieves.
When the Great War began, life was changed on Iris forever. The hunters responded to the summons, with some fighting for Apollon and others for Eres. Rogue fighters soon became Assassins and Rangers by combining skills learned from the Ethereals with advanced military training. This new class of warrior wreaked havoc on opposing forces throughout the war. A battle is brewing and a new summons has been sent out. Will you take a side and join the fight or remain neutral? The choice is yours. |
Sorcerers
In the years before the war, the Elves communed peacefully with nature and the four primal elements. Their greatest practitioners of this magic were Sorcerers, the defenders of the Elven homelands and guides over their people. The woods, plains, and hills of their homelands breathed life into the plentiful elemental nodes, and it is there that the first Ethereals taught the Elves the art of elemental magic.
As war ravaged Iris, forests were burned and fields were destroyed. Unable to stand by any longer, the most powerful Sorcerers--known as Elementalists and Specialists--met to discuss Iris's plight. Agreeing that they could no longer rest calmly while Iris toiled in conflict, they sent emissaries to both armies. They first attempted to barter for peace and later beseeched the Gods for it. Their requests fell on deaf ears, as neither God could accept a retreat. Spurred by the unwillingness of the Gods to end the conflict, the Sorcerers took action and joined the war. Some chose a more aggressive path and joined Eres, no longer believing Apollon to be the great God they once thought. Others felt that Apollon had no choice but to continue the war; they saw Eres as the cause of the world's demise and thus joined the side of Light. Those remaining held to a neutral stance and fought to keep the devastation from the lands they dwelt within, fighting only when threatened. As the conflict receded, the Sorcerers once again returned to their seclusion, ignoring the politics while tending the land, roaming in search of damaged nodes and leylines in need of repair. The threat of war again lingers in the air and the Sorcerers feel urged to do their part to prevent a new war. Sides are being taken and new alliances made. Which side will you choose? |
Night shadows
Long ago the Night Shadows abandoned Iris and traveled north to Ascadia. For eons they have fought amongst themselves for dominance, with the opening of the Gate of Shadows they have been reunited with Iris and brought their evil nature with them.