Aselia is a world that was once split into two separate worlds, called Tethe'alla and Sylvarant. It serves as the setting for the Student-Teacher Universe (based off of Tales of Symphonia) and the Renegades Reborn series (based off of Tales of Phantasia and set 4,000 years after the S-TU).
Author: KitKatt0430
Appears In: Student-Teacher Universe and Renegades Reborn
Heroes - S-TU = Featuring Yuan, Botta, and a young Gracie
Klutz Mechanic - S-TU = Featuring Erik, Yuan, and Botta
Enter the Student - S-TU = Featuring a young Zelos and Yuan
Trial By Fire - S-TU = Featuring a young Zelos, Erik, a young Linea, and Yuan
Security - S-TU = Featuring Bob, Botta, Erik, Yuan, and a young Zelos
Perfect World and Seraph Silhouette - S-TU = Featuring Yuan, a young Zelos, Botta, and Kratos
Solar System
Aselia is part of an eight planet system and is the only habitable indigenous planet. A rogue planet, Dherris Kharlan, was placed in synchronous orbit with Aselia shortly before Aselia's terraformation. After the completion of the terraforming project, Dherris Kharlan was allowed to drift into an elliptical orbit that took it within teleport distance of Aselia every fifty years.
Though Dherris Kharlan was brought back into the synchronous orbit once more, for a span lasting approximately fifty years, the planet's final, stable orbit in the system is that which only brings it near Aselia every half-century.
There are three planets closer to the sun than Aselia. On the opposite side of the planet is a large asteroid field covering the area where, presumably, there were once two other planets. On the far side of the asteroid field lay the three other planets in the system.
Aselia is orbited by two moons: Sylvarant and Tethe'alla.
Nations and Locations of Importance
Tethe'alla - Ruled over by a monarchy and controlled by a rigid class structure, Tethe'alla maintains a veneer of prosperity meant to hide the country's problems with poverty as well as it's institutionalized prejudices against the large half-elven population. Tethe'alla is also the more technologically advanced of the Aselian nations, but religious doctrine has begun to stifle progress while social unrest has led to the increasing popularity of anarchist activities among the poor and oppressed.
Over the course of 4,000 years, Tethe'alla transforms into the Kingdom of Alvanista, a country that places emphasis upon the equality of its citizens regardless of social class or genetic background. Scientific progress is lost, however, though it has become a haven to those who will pioneer electricity based technology as well as those who choose to study ancient history in magic, preserved within the castle's library.
Sylvarant - Unlike Tethe'alla, Sylvarant has no single form of government but is instead comprised of a coalition of city-states and towns. After the Reunification of the World, the people of Sylvarant establish a council to act as their representatives in dealings with Tethe'alla.
During the 4,000 years that pass between the events of the World Reunification and the Demon Wars, Sylvarant develops into the country of Midgard, an advanced nation focused on the development of magitechnology. Though prejudice is not noticeably prevalent amongst the populace, there is a 'glass ceiling' preventing half-elves from progressing too high within the society. Much of the history of World Reunification has been lost, though records concerning something called the Mana Cannon have recently resurfaced.
The Holy Ground of Kharlan - Originally the site of the Great Kharlan Tree, planted by the elves at the Dawn of the World, Kharlan has remained a holy place throughout the centuries. After the Great Kharlan Tree's death, the site housed the Tower of Salvation, an important fixture of the Martelist faith during that era. In the wake of the Tower's destruction during the Reunification of the world, the Yggdrasill Tree was planted in the rubble and it eventually grew into a replacement for the Great Kharlan Tree. Though the exact location of the Holy Ground is eventually lost, it continues to be venerated by the people of the world as the source of life and Mana.
Heimdall - Known as the village of the elves, Heimdall changes little over time. The population remains largely steady, despite instances where younger elves will leave and live amongst humans and half-elves. When the elder recalls the wayward elves, there are few instances where they refuse to return, even if it means leaving behind loved ones. The long-lived nature of the elves makes changing their insular and prejudiced doctrines difficult as they grow more resistant to change the older they become.
Mizuho - Often changing location to protect the inhabitants, Mizuho is considered to be home by a large clan of ninjas. The people living there are renowned for their accurate intelligence on the world's nations and are often hired as bodyguards and spies.
Dherris Kharlan - The rogue planet orbiting Aselia is known as Dherris Kharlan. Originally inhabited by the Elves, the planet eventually becomes the new home world of the Angels. Not much is known about the surface, but it is considered to be uninhabitable during the 4,000 years between the Great War and the World Reunification. Only one city - Welgaia - is known to exist on Dherris Kharlan. The city is enclosed within a biosphere to protect the inhabitants and maintain a livable atmosphere. The planet itself is believed to be a mass of nearly pure Mana, but it still requires a Great Tree to maintain the world's balance.
History
The Dawn of the World
Dherris Kharlan enters synchronous orbit with Aselia. A Great Tree seed is planted on Aselia and the planet is inundated with Mana from Dherris Kharlan in order to jump start the terraformation process. The planet eventually begins to produce life forms of its own, including Summon Spirits, Humans, Dwarves, and Protozoans.
-4,000 Aselian Calender
The nations of Tethe'alla and Balacruf have been at war with each other for nearly one hundred years. The rapid development of magitechnology has lead to the creation of experimental technology including the Mana Canon and Cruxis Crystals. Unfortunately, the testing of two competing Mana Canons coincide, causing massive damage to the Great Kharlan Tree.
No longer capable of maintaining the high levels of Mana production necessary to sustain everything living on the planet as well as the machines of destruction built for the war, the Great Kharlan Tree begins to wither and die.
The strongest descendants of the Mana lineage, a family of elven descent whose Mana signatures link them to the Great Kharlan Tree, begin having nightmares about the Great Kharlan Tree's death and the world's eventual destruction. Martel Yggdrasill and her younger brother, Mithos, leave Heimdall to form pacts with the world's Summon Spirits, believing that combining Mithos' summoning skills with Martel's healing arts might allow them to heal the Great Kharlan Tree before it's death. During the course of their journey they are joined by a Tethe'allan noble, Kratos Aurion, and a high-ranking member of the Balacruf military, Colonel Yuan Ka-Fai.
The Yggdrasill sibling succeed in gathering the necessary Summon Spirits and return to the Holy Ground of Kharlan in order to heal the Great Kharlan Tree. The leaders of Tethe'alla and Balacruf join them, having called a cease fire. Intending to start off the peace talks by healing the Great Kharlan Tree, Martel and Mithos separate from the rest of the group. Before the Tree can be healed, the siblings are attacked and Martel is killed.
Deciding that peace is impossible in the current climate, Mithos seeks out the very first Summon Spirit, Origin, and forms a pact with him. Now armed with the Eternal Sword, Mithos uses his sister's Cruxis Crystal to create a Great Tree seed. He then splits the world into two overlapping dimensions with the seed at the center.
Unhinged by the loss of his sister, Mithos founds a new religion in her honor, backing it with the power of his newly created 'Angels'. Calling themselves the Angels of Cruxis, Mithos uses the strict tenants of faith to keep the populace in line and force the creation of the 'Chosen', members of the Mana lineage descended of Mithos whose personal Mana signatures are similar to Martel's. When religion alone proves insufficient to control the populace, Mithos creates another organization, the Desians, to terrorize the declining world and produce Exspheres and Cruxis Crystals.
Mithos, Kratos, Yuan, and the other Angels use their Cruxis crystals to halt their aging process and begin experimenting on methods of extracting Martel's soul from the Cruxis crystal buried within the Great Seed. Upon the successful Regeneration Journey of the first Chosen, Spiritua, Mithos reveals that the Chosen is meant to be the new host for Martel's soul.
Spiritua's inability to become Martel's host some three hundred years later marks the first failure of many.
-1512 Aselian Calender
Yuan comes to the reluctant conclusion that Yggdrasill has become mentally unstable and that, despite Mithos' certainty, Martel is truly dead. Accepting his own culpability for the state of the two worlds, Yuan decides to take action against Cruxis. Though he maintains his position as a Seraphim of Cruxis, Yuan secretly defects and forms a new group known as the Renegades.
The first Renegade base is established near Flanoir in the Tethe'allan. The Renegades begin running interference against the Desians, stealing resources and Exspheres, as well as releasing prisoners.
After the Tethe'allan Chosen completes the Regeneration Journey, the Renegades expand into the Balacruf dimension, now called Sylvarant in honor of the lost moon. The remaining moon has been renamed Tethe'alla.
Over time the Renegade operations expand from harassing the Desians to active attempts to halt the Regeneration Journeys, finally making them a credible threat to Mithos' plans.
-10 Aselian Calender
12-year-old Zelos Wilder, Chosen of Tethe'alla, runs away to the Tower of Salvation in hopes of convincing the Angels to make his younger sister the Chosen One. At the base of the Tower, Zelos meets Yuan and is taken to the Renegades. After learning about the true state of the world and the real story of the Great War, Zelos decides to join the Renegades, using his status as Chosen to undermine the control of the Church and promote human/half-elven equality. He becomes the first Chosen to actively fight against Cruxis in hopes that his half-sister might live to see the world reunited.
0 Aselian Calender
Colette Brunel, the sixteen-year-old Chosen of Sylvarant begins her Journey of Regeneration after surviving a Renegade attack.
Sheena Fujibayashi of Mizuho is sent from Tethe'alla to Sylvarant with orders to assassinate the Chosen, but after witnessing the suffering of the people in Sylvarant she reluctantly joins forces with the Chosen in hopes of finding a solution that would save both worlds. Within the Tower of Salvation, however, it is revealed that only one world can flourish at any time but the death of one world would kill the other.
Determined to find a method of saving both worlds and Colette, Lloyd Irving takes charge of the group and leads them to Tethe'alla. Once in Tethe'alla they joined forces with Zelos Wilder, who uses his Renegade contacts within Cruxis to lead an insurrection against Yggdrasill. In the wake of the insurrection, the Tower of Salvation is destroyed.
After Mithos Yggdrasill's defeat, Lloyd is able to awaken the Great Seed, causing it to sprout into a new Great Tree. Martel's soul is finally laid to rest and a new Spirit is born as the guardian of the new Great Tree. The Spirit is named Martel and the Tree Yggdrasill in honor of the once-heroic siblings.
1 Aselian Calender
Suspicion that Tethe'alla intends to annex Sylvarant begins to grow amongst the Sylvaranti. The Vanguard is established in Palmacosta, Asgard, and Luin, promoted as a group dedicated to protecting Sylvarantian interests. Due to the group's severely anti-Tethe'allan slant, Lloyd Irving begins promoting the formation of a Sylvarantian Council dedicated to peaceful cooperation with Tethe'alla and the Renegades while firmly establishing Sylvarantian sovereignty.
Approximately 75 'successful' Chosen awaken from the stasis chambers that survived the destruction of the Tower of Salvation. Lead by Spiritua, the Chosen begin terrorizing the world out of a sense of resentment for the sacrifices that were forced upon them and lingering loyalty to Yggdrasill. Targeting the Renegades specifically, the Chosen eventually capture Zelos, intending to make an example of him to the world and seize control of both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla.
Zelos is able to escape the custody of his fellow Chosen and defeats Spiritua, destroying her Cruxis Crystal in the process. Mortal once more, Spiritua is handed over to Tethe'alla to face judgment while the rest of her group is sent to Welgaia to join the Angels.
During the same time, two researchers from the Sybak Academy travel to the Otherworldly Gate to investigate a Summon Spirit known as Ratatosk. The two researchers, Aster Everett and Richter Abend, awaken Ratatosk during the course of their investigation. Once the Spirit of the Great Kharlan Tree, Ratatosk vows to destroy all humans and half-elves in retaliation for his Tree's death. Aster is killed in the ensuing fight and Richter manages to force Ratatosk to revert into a core.
Aster's body disappears along with Ratatosk's core.
Distraught over Aster's death, Richter formulates a plan to revive his friend, kill Ratatosk, and sacrifice himself to keep the door between Aselia and the demonic realm shut.
Due to rising anti-Martelist sentiment, the Renegades begin posting a formal guard at the Holy Ground of Kharlan in order to protect the Yggdrasill Tree and it's guardian.
2 Aselian Calender
The leaders of the Vanguard are corrupted by the use of Centurion Cores and begins taking terrorist actions, using the cores' powers to point the blame on their enemies. Marta Lualdi, daughter of the Vanguard's leader, manages to locate the core of Ratatosk and appeals to Ratatosk for help in stopping the Vanguard from causing the world further strife.
Awakening in the form of Aster, Ratatosk takes the name of Emil Castagnier and allows what he believes to be a 'default' personality to take control. Known as Emil at first, the personality begins to remember more and more of his previous life as Aster.
Aster quickly becomes aware that his alter ego is Ratatosk, prompting him to seek out Zelos in hopes that his friend will be able to help him convince Ratatosk not to destroy humans and half-elves as well as stop Richter from killing Ratatosk. It is Ratatosk's relationship with Marta, however, that ultimately convinces Ratatosk to forgo vengeance on humanity.
Though the Vanguard comes close to completely destabilizing international relations, they are eventually caught and charged with their crimes. Marta chooses to join her father in jail, promising Ratatosk that she will meet with him when she is released. After confronting Richter, he is also convinced to set aside revenge in consideration that Aster has become part of Ratatosk, though the two are slowly separating into two unique Summon Spirits.
Ratatosk begins subtly influencing the world so that all life forms, except Summon Spirits and Centurions, will cease to be dependent upon Mana in the future.
153 Aselian Calender
The people of Sylvarant choose to form two separate nations. Thor, a constitutional monarchy, is formed with Asgard as the capital. A smaller republic, Valkyria, is founded in Iselia and Triet.
1206 Aselian Calendar
Tethe'alla undergoes a civil war and splits into two separate nations, Fenrir and Odin. The two come to a reluctant peace at the urging of Thor and Valkyria.
The Renegade Flanoir Base is closed after the Renegades fail to forge a treaty with Fenrir.
1731 Aselian Calender
Valkyria and Thor join together to form a single republic. A new capital, the city of Thor, is built on the island of Thoda Geyser.
2010 Aselian Calender
Tension between Fenrir and Odin reaches an all time high. The Ragnarok War breaks out despite Thor's calls for peace. High levels of magitechnology use places the Yggdrasill Tree at risk as Mana Canon development begins in both Fenrir and Odin.
2013 Aselian Calender
A meteor, Samier, is detected on a collision course with the planet. Mana reserves have been depleted to the point where there is no method available for destroying the meteor that wouldn't also destroy the Yggdrasill Tree, thus condemning the Summon Spirits and Centurions to death as well.
The Ragnarok Treaty is signed and the people of all nations are assured that Samier will miss the planet in order to avert mass panics.
2014 Aselian Calender
Samier strikes the planet, wiping out the nations of Fenrir, Odin, and Thor, though Thor city is able to survive by sinking to the bottom the ocean. The inhabitants are protected by a force field and scientists begin working on a time travel device that might allow them to change the past and avert the disaster caused by Samier. Unfortunately, though the device is completed, the people of Thor starve to death before the world's Mana levels can recover enough for the device to be successfully utilized.
The Renegades manage to protect Yggdrasill from destruction using the power of a few remaining Cruxis Crystals. Yuan Ka-Fai is killed during the meteor strike, however, and Naomi Wilder chooses to disband the remaining Renegades in favor of forming a new community called Alvanista.
4201 Aselian Calender
Dhaos descends to Aselia from Dherris Kharlan in hopes of attaining a Great Seed from the Yggdrasill Tree. Dherris Kharlan's own Tree has been destroyed due to the overuse of magitech during a war between the angels. The Yggdrasill Tree, however, is overproducing Mana already to meet the needs of magitech being used in both Midgard and Alvanista. Martel is unable to create a Great Seed until Mana production can be scaled back. Deciding to appeal to the nations first, Dhaos approaches the monarchs of Alvanista and Midgard.
Alvanista's King readily agrees to begin scaling back magitech, moving up several energy-tech replacement programs aimed at utilizing the more-complex, but more-efficient, electricity-based technology in places where magitech has been traditionally used.
The King of Midgard is skeptical of the existence of the Yggdrasill Tree and Dherris Kharlan. He dismisses Dhaos as an alarmist and a liar.
4204 Aselian Calender
Midgard's refusal to give up magitech causes Dhaos, already suffering from PTSD from the war on his homeworld, to take radical action against the nation of Midgard and anyone else who would use promote the unrestricted use of magitech. Dhaos travels to Niflehiem to gather up an army of demons who are willing to fight on his behalf.
Dhaos also builds up a secondary army of half-elves frustrated by the 'silent inequality' they faced in Midgard. The group takes the name of the Desians and begin using captured humans to create Exspheres.
Alvanista continues changing over from magitech to energy-tech, but sides with Midgard against Dhaos' demon army. Dhaos vows to destroy humanity in response, deciding that humans are clearly a plague upon the world.
4205 Aselian Calender
Cless Alvein and Mint Adenade arrive from a future where the Yggdrasill Tree has died and Mana no longer exists. They recruit a half-elven witch, Arche Klaine, and an experimental Summoner, Klarth Lester, to return to the future with them to defeat Dhaos in a final battle.
The city of Midgard is destroyed in battle with Dhaos' demonic army and the nation itself is crippled beyond repair.
Before returning to the future, Cless and his companions engage Dhaos in battle and manage to wound him badly. Dhaos flees into the future.
The Yggdrasill Tree is healed and Martel creates a Great Seed, which she sends to Dherris Kharlan.
4286 Aselian Calender
The greatest fighters of the world are brought to the place where scientists have predicted Dhaos' return will occur. The group includes Maria Capel, Miguel Alvein, Meryl Adenade, and Trinicus Morrison. Using a stasis chamber recovered from the sealed Renegade Base in Flanoir, they are able to trap the wounded Dhaos after he appears. The chamber is keyed to two Cruxis Crystals, which are entrusted to Miguel and Meryl for safe keeping.
The Desians have, by this time, taken over the territory that once comprised the nation of Midgard. Desian scientists begin the first stages of Cruxis Crystal development.
4305 Aselian Calender
Cless Alvein, Chester Burklight, and Mint Adenade are attacked by the Desian army, lead by the Dark Knight Mars. The Cruxis Crystals entrusted to the Alvein and Adenade families are stolen by Mars, allowing him to awaken Dhaos from stasis.
Unprepared for another battle against Dhaos, Trinicus Morrison sends Cless and Mint 100 years into the past. Upon their return with Klarth Lester and Arche Klaine, they are able to defeat Dhaos. Dhaos flees them again, however, retreating another fifty years into the future.
The five adventurers travel to the last known location of Thor and raise the city in order to make use of the time travel device.
After their return from the future, Chester is captured by Desians and put through experiments with a Cruxis Crystal, becoming the first new angel in over 4,000 years. Chester manages to escape and, with Arche, Cless, and Mint, founds the new Renegades. Triet Base is rediscovered thanks to research Arche performed with Klarth in Alvanista one hundred years previous.
4356 Aselian Calender
Dhaos is defeated by Cless Alvein, Mint Adnade, Chester Burklight, Klarth Lester, Arche Klaine, and Suzu Fujibayashi. They then send a Great Seed to Dherris Kharlan.
Chester leads the Renegades in defeating the Desians, wiping out their strongholds and freeing their prisoners. The truth regarding the harm caused by magitechnology is revealed to all nations, leading to a world-wide ban on the development of magitechnology. Energy-tech development begins to flourish.
Important Leaders
Student-Teacher Universe
Tethe'alla
Callista Starr - Founder of the Starr Syndicate, an underground organization dedicated to rescuing wrongfully imprisoned half-elves, Callista worked closely with Zelos Wilder to rescue hundreds of half-elves from wrongful death sentences. After the World Reunification, the anti-half-elf laws in Tethe'alla were struck from the books and Callista was made adviser to the King.
She becomes the first half-elven Princess of Tethe'alla after marrying Prince Jareth, later becoming Queen when her husband ascends to the throne.
Princess Heather - As the middle child of the Royal Family, Heather used her influence to encourage the development of a Peace Treaty between Flanoir city and the Penguineer race, as well as subtly encouraging better treatment for half-elves. Though not as out-spoken as her fiance, Zelos Wilder, Heather strove to make life better for the people of Tethe'alla. Her life was cut tragically short on her 20th birthday when assassins murdered her in the middle of Meltokio Square.
Prince Jareth - Crown Prince of Tethe'alla, Jareth is destined to take the throne one day. Despite being raised to consider half-elves inferior to humans, Jareth becomes instrumental to fixing the societal problems Tethe'alla faces. He eventually falls in love with a half-elven woman, Callista Starr, and, in a highly controversial move, weds her.
Duke Regal Bryant - CEO of the Lezerano Company, Regal owns Toize Valley where the majority of Exspheres are mined and the entrance to Moria is hidden. After discovering the disturbing truth that Exspheres can only be activated through human suffering and death, Regal shuts down the mine and becomes instrumental in the quest to collect and destroy all Exspheres currently in circulation.
Sylvarant
Colette Brunel - As the last successful Chosen of Regeneration, Colette bears much of the credit for the success of the World Reunification, as well as the blame for the events surrounding the Great Seeds brief, out of control growth that destroyed Palmacosta's shipyard and market. Colette often struggled with her decision not to become Martel's host, a choice made in defiance of the sacrifice she'd been conditioned all her life to make. She uses her influence, and hard won wisdom, in the reunified world to strengthen Sylvarant as an adviser to the council and as an Ambassador to Tethe'alla.
Lloyd Irving - Known as the Hero of Reunification, Lloyd's charismatic personality and strong ideals were the guiding force in the defeat of Cruxis, the reunification of Tethe'alla and Sylvarant, and the germination of the Great Seed. Renowned for his acts of kindness and unmatched skill as a dual swordsman, Lloyd has forged a reputation as a true hero amongst the populations of both Sylvarant and Tethe'alla. He's largely clueless, however, when it comes to utilizing his fame and often needs to be reminded not to take on every task he sets for himself alone.
Mayor Pietro Langford - After the Desians destroyed Luin, Pietro started a fund to restore the city and eventually made it greater than it was before the attack. In light of his efforts, and the way he won the hearts of the people, Pietro was elected Mayor of Luin. Thanks to Pietro's efforts as Mayor, Luin eventually becomes the home of the Sylvarantian Council.
Governor General Neil Conners - Governor General Neil Conners of Palmacosta began as Acting Governor General after his predecessor's death during an attack on the nearby Human Ranch. He was officially voted into office not long afterwards and oversaw the rebuilding of the city twice during his time as Governor General. Under his administration, Palmacosta was able to grow into the largest port city in Aselia.
Cruxis
Lord Mithos Yggdrasill - Once known as a Great Hero, Yggdrasill descended into madness when his older sister, Martel, was murdered in front of him by a human he'd once trusted. Though he created Cruxis with the intention of returning the world to its rightful state one day, his growing insanity has subverted his ideals and twisted his organization into a tool to revive his sister in the body of someone else.
Lord Kratos Aurion - Having raised stoicism to an art form, Kratos maintains the appearance of a jaded Angel, uncaring about the fate of the world. In truth, however, Kratos wants to see the world saved and is willing to take any risk to help his son, Lloyd Irving, achieve that goal, even if he must betray the man who was once his pupil to do it.
Lord Remiel - As the Leader of the Archangels, the main council of Cruxis, Remiel is often referred to by his detractors as Yggdrasill's pet. Though not necessarily the brightest bulb in the heavens, Remiel's vicious streak has led him to annihilate the competition.
Lady Martel Yggdrasill - Though her body has been dead for millennia, Martel's soul lives on within the Great Seed. Through the Mana dispensed to the two worlds by the Great Seed, Martel has been able to keep watch on the world. Horrified by her brother's deeds, Martel desperately wishes to see the world saved and the Great Seed germinated. The germination of the Great Seed, however, will mean a second death for her, allowing her to finally rest in peace.
Though the Summon Spirit Martel looks like Martel Yggdrasill and bears the same name, they are not actually the same person.
Chosen Spiritua - As the first successful Chosen of Regeneration, Spiritua was heartbroken to realize that she still wasn't good enough to house the soul of Martel. To make up for what she viewed as a terrible sin, Spiritua became Yggdrasill's most trusted enforcer, even traveling to Tethe'alla to protect the line of the Chosen there. Eventually she fell in love with Yggdrasill, but he trapped her, and the other Angelic Chosen, in stasis pods when he learned of her feelings. The destruction of the Tower of Salvation, however, interrupted the stasis pods and released Spiritua once more into the world.
Jeran Quin - Though unaffiliated with the Church of Martel or the Desians before being inducted into Cruxis, Jeran and his twin, Jonas, were brought to Cruxis because they once saved the life of an undercover Angel. Though his brother eventually sides with the Renegades, Jeran embraces the ideology of Cruxis and is willing to pay any price to achieve the 'Age of Lifeless Beings.'
Flanoir Renegade Base
Lord Yuan Ka-Fai - Once a loyal member of Cruxis, Yuan created the Renegades when he finally accepted that Yggdrasill did not actually have the best interests of the world at heart. Though he identifies himself as being a half-elf, Yuan evolved into an Angel long ago and could, theoretically, live forever, assuming no one kills him.
Lord Botta Emmberlen - Botta was the last Second in Command of the Renegades not to hold the additional title of Triet Base Commander. Though he played an instrumental in destroying the Desians and thus dealing a great blow against Cruxis, Botta did not live to see the two worlds reunited.
Lady Grace "Gracie" Emmberlen - Gracie is the Chief Medical Officer of Flanoir Base and one of a handful of Renegades, including her brother - Botta - and Zelos Wilder, who will oppose Yuan when she feels he's stepped out of line. Because of this, Yuan has a great deal of respect for her and, after Botta's death, he often consults her as his 'conscience.'
Chief Erik Marik - As the Chief of the Engineering department, Erik is responsible for general upkeep around the base, Rheaird and Elemental Cargo maintanence, and innovating new technology. Though credited for possessing a brilliant intellect and good leadership abilities, Erik has a tendency to speak his mind without considering the consequences and often annoys his leaders.
Chief Robert "Bob" Wellington - Though a superb Security Chief, Bob's sense of humor is often lacking. He doesn't respond well when he's forced to decrease security regardless of the reason and is often accused of sulking whenever this occurs. However, his friendship with fellow Senior Staff members Botta, Gracie, and Erik have helped him loosen up to some degree, leading him to help in the creation of the Triet Base quirks that annoy Yuan so much.
Triet Renegade Base
Lord Zelos Wilder - As the youngest Second in Command of the Renegades in the history of the organization, and the first to hold he title of Base Commander as well, Zelos has a great deal of pressure on him that his predecessors never had to deal with. Fortunately Zelos has managed to earn both the respect and the loyalty of the Triet Base Renegades.
Lord Jonas Quin - Jonas lost his fiancee and twin brother when he revealed his true allegiance to the Renegades. Though he doesn't regret siding with the Renegades, or his position as Zelos' right hand man, Jonas' recent losses have uncovered a reckless side to him that worries his friends.
Lady Raine Sage - Though her affiliation with the Renegades is fairly recent, Raine has been placed in charge of the Medical division of Triet Base and is in the process of learning non-magical healing techniques to augment her magical knowledge. Despite her youth, Raine's intelligence and willingness to learn have won her the hearts of her staff, who already respected her for the part she played in reuniting the two worlds.
Chief Jeremy Aster - Once a member of the Starr Syndicate, Jeremy joined the Renegades upon the Syndicate's dissolution. He was placed as the Chief of Security of Triet Base by Zelos due to his previous skill in hiding safehouses for the Syndicate under the nose of the Tethe'allan Guard.
Chief Aron Donovan - Considered to be an unlikely candidate for Chief Engineer, Aron's personality often conflict's with his Commander's more laid back attitude. Though at first resentful of Zelos, Aron eventually comes to respect Zelos and even become friends with him.
Lady Jade Emrys - Having been a Desian, an Angel, and a Renegade spy, Jade's resume is the most checkered of the Renegade's leaders. Made Chief of Operations under Zelos' command, Jade is made responsible for presiding over all off base military operations. She is also placed in charge of dealing with one of the Renegade's most unlikely recruits, Kuchinawa of Mizuho.
Desians
Pronyma - As the leader of the Desian Grand Cardinals, Pronyma does not actually run a Human Ranch. Instead she works closely with Lord Yggdrasill in planing the next moves to be made by the Desians under the command of the four other Cardinals. Because of Kratos' previous betrayal of Cruxis, Pronyma distrusts the human Angel and would like nothing more to break him by killing his son, Lloyd Irving.
Rodyle - Jokingly refered to as the 'purple turtle' of the Grand Cardinals, Rodyle's paranoia and intelligence make the eccentric half-elf a formidable opponent. Wanting the power of the Cruxis Organization for himself, Rodyle manipulates his fellow Cardinels into funding the construction of a Mana Cannon in order to attempt the destruction of the Tower of Salvation.
Forcystus - After witnessing the massacre of his hometown as a teen, Forcystus' immense magical talent revealed itself and allowed him to destroy the humans responsible for the murders. Afterwards he joined the Desians and quickly rose through the ranks. Eventually he became a Grand Cardinal and leader of the Iselian Human Ranch. Of all the Cardinals, Forcystus is the most honorable.
Magnius - Having suffered an unfortunate encounter with a rodent of unusual size as a child, Magnius is particularly vermin conscious as an adult. He runs the Palmacosta Human Ranch with an iron fist and turned the wife of Palmacosta's Governor General Dorr into an Exbula in order to keep the rebellious citizens of the seaside city under control.
Kvar - As the most ruthless of the Grand Cardinals, Kvar will do anything to achieve his goals. His constant use of an activated Exsphere without a stabilizing Key Crest (he maintains his mana levels through sheer force of will) has turned his eyes an unnatural shade of red, earning him the nickname 'Demon Cardinal.' Kvar is responsible for the events leading to Anna Aurion's death.
Renegades Reborn Series
Runeglom - Considered to be a rogue by his fellow Elves, Runeglom ignored the orders issued by the Elder of Heimdall to return to the village when the Elves retreated from the rest of the world. He holds the position of Court Sorcerer to the King of Midgard and is considered to be the most valued advisor. His knowledge as a historian and his natural longevity also made him invaluable to the Temporal Heroes.
Cless Alvien - Known as the leader of the Temporal Heroes, Cless traveled through time on several occassions in an effort to defeat Dhaos. Later Cless becomes a member of the new Renegades and acts as the organization's liason to the Kingdom of Alvanista.
Chester Burklight - Chester was one of the Temporal Heroes, proving himself to be a powerful fighter capable of holding off Dhaos on his own while awaiting backup. Once Dhaos was defeated and he returned to his original time period, Chester was kidnapped by the new Desians and subjected to the final stages of the Angelus Project. After his escape, Chester gathered together a group in opposition of the Desians and named them after the Renegades, an organization his ancestors had been part of.
Mint Adnade - Known as the greatest Healer of her time, Mint used her abilities to heal the Yggdrasill Tree when it grew ill from the over use of Mana. She was one of the Temporal Heroes and eventually joined the Renegades as the Chief Medical Officer of the new Triet Base.
Klarth F. Lester - Renowned for being the first Summoner in over a thousand years, Klarth was able to track down the majority of the Summon Spirits of legend. He was one of the Temporal Heroes and, though he died long before the formation of the Renegades, Klarth left behind research into the origins of the Renegades and the truth behind the Angels of Cruxis that was invaluable to his friends in the future.
Arche Klaine - Arche was a half-elven witch capable of charming broomsticks to fly in the air. Though she was the second youngest of the Temporal Heroes, the use of time travel made her the eldest of the new Renegades. In terms of both power and skill, Arche was the most powerful magic user of her time.
Suzu Fujibayashi - Though she never actually traveled through time, Suzu was one of the Temporal Heroes who defeated Dhaos. Though only twelve, Suzu was a skilled ninja and the leader of her home village, Mizuho. Her parents, the previous leaders, had their wills subverted by Dhaos and wiped out half the village. Though she wishes to preserve the heritage of her people, Suzu, as well as the rest of Mizuho, are slowly coming to the realization that this might be the end of the Mizuho ninja clan.
Dhaos - A mysterious figure from another world, Dhaos' motivations are largely misunderstood by his enemies. Though his goal is to save his homeworld from destruction, Dhaos' experiences in the war on Dherris Kharlan have eroded his diplomatic skills.
Davros - The appointed leader of the new Desians, Davros truly hates pure humans. Though he never experienced the cruelty of unbridaled prejudice that half-elves endured in the past, Davros feels that humanity never paid for its crimes. Considered by his enemies to be a sociopath, Davros does not understand the concept of mercy and he will not rest until every full-blooded human on Aselia is dead or enslaved.
Major Cities
Student-Teacher Universe
Tethe'alla
Meltokio - Meltokio is the capital city of Tethe'alla and home to the Colliseum, which is world renown for being the ultimate testing ground for weapons experts. The Elemental Research Laboratory is located in Meltokio, where the only known 'artificial' Summon Spirit was created. Though currently the largest city in Tethe'alla, Meltokio suffers from obvious class divisions amongst its citizens.
Sybak - Nicknamed the City of Academics, Sybak is best known for its University and vast libraries. Sybak is also the birthplace of the Starr Syndicate, an organization dedicated to freeing Half-Elves from wrongful imprisonment and borderline slavery.
Altamira - Home of the Lezareno Company, Altamira hosts the first themepark to be created in Tethe'alla and boasts the strongest economy in the world. Altamira's success becomes a point of contention for the Vanguard, who attempt to use the Lezareno Company's CEO, Regal Bryant, as a bargaining chip to destroy the city.
Flanoir - An isolated city on Tethe'alla's frozen continent, Flanoir is surrounded by the mostly peaceful, sentient beings known as Penguiners. Though Flanoir's citizens come into conflict with the Penguiners on occassion, their relations with the natives is typically genial. Flanoir is close to the Ice Temple where Celsius and her companion, Fenrir, reside.
Ozette - Though considered to be out in the boondocks by the majority of Tethe'alla's citizens, Ozette is the hometown of many pivotal figures in Tethe'allan history (Pope Pheran, Presea Combatir, the Quin Twins, etc.). Additionally, many important events (i.e. the Angelic Masacre and the Chosen Murders) involved Ozette directly. Once considered the worst concentration of Half-Elven prejudice, Ozette becomes one of the first Tethe'allan towns to desegregate.
Sylvarant
Iselia - Hometown to four of the Heroes of Regeneration, Iselia is an otherwise unremarkable town located near the Temple of Mana and the ruins of one of the four Human Ranches. Devout Martelists continue to view the town as Holy, however, since it was the birthplace of the last Chosen of Sylvarant.
Triet - Located in the desert from which it takes its name, Triet is a thriving city built upon an oasis. The city of Triet is near the Temple of Fire, home of the Summon Spirit Efreet, and the Renegade Triet base; when off base, most Renegades spend their time at Triet.
Palmacosta - Considered to be one of the most important port cities in Sylvarant, Palmacosta continues to survived despite the various damages its suffered. The port was devestated during the brief appearance of the Tree of Destruction and the market was burned to the ground during the Vanguard's attack.
Luin - Totally rebuilt and resettled after being destroyed by the Desians, Luin slowly grows in importance over the years until the Kingdom of Midgard is founded with Luin as the capital.
Asgard - Known as the City of Ruins, Asgard hosts some of the only remaining artifacts dating back to before the Kharlan War. Mostly, though, Asgard is the Sylvaranti equivalent to a tourist trap.
Dherris Kharlan
Welgaia - As the only known city on Dherris Kharlan, Welgaia hosts the entire population of Angels living on the planet. The city serves as the headquarters for Cruxis, a training center for recruits, and a holding site for the Angelic Army, made up of Angels who lack Key-Crests and any sense of self.
Renegades Reborn
Midgard - Once the Capital of the Kingdom of Midgard, the city is destroyed during the Battle of Valhalla against Dhaos' demonic army. The city's destruction, however, came from within the city, not from without; a Mana Canon was built within the center tower of the castle and was meant to be used as a last resort against Dhaos, or any other enemy that might threaten the Kingdom. Unfortunately, the creators did not realize that the amount of Mana the canon drained made it safe for only one use. The second shot destroyed the city and brought an end to the nation.
Midgard later becomes home to a group known as the Desians. An Exsphere research center is built in the ruins of the city and the Mana Cannon is rebuilt, though it is destroyed during a battle with the Renegades before it can be completed.
Alvanista - Founded by the original Renegades, the Royal Family are distant cousins to Chester Burklight. The Royal Library contains the only remaining records dating back to before the Samier meteor. Because of the kingdom's attention to history, Alvanista pioneers research into electric-based technology in order to avoid the mistake of over-using magitechnology.
Fenrir -
Euclid -
Olive Village -
Demographics
Humans
Humans came into existance shortly after Dherris Kharlan came into orbit around Aselia. They were created by the planet when mana fragments fell from Dherris Kharlan and breathed life into the world.
The average life-span for most humans is between seventy-five and one hundred years of age, making them the shortest-lived of the sentient species on Aselia. Humans also tend to feel emotions more readily than other species and are more imaginative. Unfortunately, humans are also more prone to violence and tend to fear the unknown, which leads to prejudices that hinder inter-species relations.
Physically, humans are noted for being the only species that comes in the most varied heights. Natural human hair colors are yellow, brown, dark red, and black. However, if the only notable genetic differences between someone with typically Elvish hair is the hair color (but no pointy ears), then they are still considered to be human and not half-elven.
Elves
The only species on the planet not native to Aselia, the Elves are responsible for the seeding of all life on Aselia. They arrived at the dawn of Aselian history on the rogue planet, Dherris Kharlan, and sent mana fragments to their new home in order to terraform the world. Eventually they planted the Giant Kharlan Tree to maintain the world's mana levels and settled in a remote section of their world.
Their history before arriving at Aselia has long been lost. Since arrival, however, they have often intermarried with humans, but these relationships do not typically last long. Elves tend to live for at least a thousand years and they often cannot bear to watch as their human loved ones quickly age and die.
Elves tend to be less emotional than humans and less curious. They maintain a small population of pure elves and rarely venture further than their home town of Heimdall. Those who do leave usually return after a few years, with few exceptions.
Physically elves resemble humans. Their ears, however, are pointed and their natural hair colors are green, blue, pink, bright red, purple, or yellow. They also tend to be between 5'8 and 6'3 in height.
Half-Elves
Anyone of both human and elven descent are considered half-elves.
Half-Elves take after Elves in physical appearance as far as their height and ears are concerned. Only on some rare occasions do half-elves have 'human' ears, at which point they're generally considered human. Their hair color can either be human or elvish in appearance. Half-Elves also have a longer lifespan than humans, but slightly shorter than Elves. Typically they live from 800 to 1000 years. Emotionally, however, half-elves take after humans, and are thus more curious and volatile than elves.
Throughout much of Aselian History, half-elves have been oppressed by humans. They've suffered slavery, servitude, and undue prejudices. In response, half-elves have fought back, sometimes even treating humans with the same cruelty they were shown. Over time, however, half-elves have earned a place of equality with humans and are no longer persecuted for their natural magical abilities and longer lifespan.
Despite earning a place in human society, half-elves are still largely ignored by the elves. Once a half-elf reaches adulthood, they may no longer live with the Elves in Heimdall. Most half-elves are not even raised by their elven parent (if they are a first generation half-elf) and have very little, if any, contact with the elven side of their heritage. Though this rift is caused more by the elven desire to ensure that their small population doesn't completely die out through interbreeding with humans and half-elves than by prejudice, the restrictions elves place on their half-elven children and descendants have led to many half-elves feeling great resentment for the elves.
Angels
Though they are not the Divine Angels of ancient legend, Angels are nearly immortal, winged beings. No Angel is born as such, however. Initially either human or half-elven, Angels evolve into their Angelic forms through the use of Cruxis Crystals. These crystals alter and expand their host's mana signature, improve strength, eyesight, and hearing, and can be used to make sleeping, eating, and aging obsolete.
Once someone begins the Angel transformation, they gain wings. There are two known processes of transformation. The first involves attaching the Cruxis Crystal to a person and exposing them to high bursts of mana (approximately five) over the space of six months. All Angels who evolve using this process gain crystalline wings, which signify the strongest of the angels. However, in extreme cases incompatability with the Cruxis Crystal can lead to Angelic Toxicosis which, if left untreated, transforms the patient into a human-sized crystal.
The second method of transformation requires that the Cruxis Crystal be attached to a person and then bombarding them with high levels of mana, nonstop, for several days. Though this results in less powerful Angelic forms, it is the more commonly used transformation process as it takes less time to complete. The most noticeable difference between Angels who undergo this version of the transformation process are the wings, which are typically feathered (white or black feathers), though a small percentage do still gain crystalline wings and all the benefits of the first type of transformation. Angels transformed in this manner usually have less acute senses and have a higher chance of transforming into an Exbula instead of suffering Angelic Toxicosis.
Becoming an Angel, however, does not change a person's personality or general appearance. It isn't unusual, however, for Angels to develop a superiority complex where non-evolved humans and half-elves are concerned; they generally tend to disassociate themselves with their previous race.
Dwarves
Typically no taller than five feet, Dwarves physically resemble humans, but tend to be naturally more muscular and bulky. Their hair is generally only dark colors, such as brown, deep red, and black. Because Dwarves rarely leave their underground homes, there is a popular misconception that both male and female dwarves have beards when, in fact, only the men are bearded.
Because they rarely leave their homes for the surface world, little is actually known about Dwarves. The ones who've made themselves known to the people on the surface of Aselia are typically unparalleled blacksmiths, lack much in the way of curiosity, and adhere strictly to the Dwarven Vows.
Their lifespan is between 200 and 250 years.
Summon Spirits
Summon Spirits are mysterious beings that keep to themselves. It's generally accepted that Summon Spirits do not age and may very well be impossible to kill without destroying mana itself. Each Spirit is a manifestation of some aspect of mana (for example, Celsius represents ice and cold). They have no set physical appearance, but can change how they appear on a whim (Gnome looks like a giant mole-creature when he makes his pact with the Summoner Sheena Fujibayashi, but has split himself into four worm-like aspects by the time he forms his pact with Summoner Klarth F. Lester).
Some humans, elves, and half-elves have mana-signatures that are compatible with the frequency at which Summon Spirits resonate. These humans are able to summon spirits to their aid after the creation of pacts. Eventually a method of pact making using rare jems associated with the Summon Spirits' powers was developed to allow people without natural summoning abilities to form pacts.
Protozoans
Languages
Common - Common is spoken in both Tethe'alla and Sylvarant despite the 4000 years of separation between the two worlds. It's widely believed that Cruxis, through the Desians, is responsible for moderating the worlds in order to encourage the same linguistic changes in both places and prevent an unintentional language barrier.
The Angelic Language - The Angelic language was adapted from the ancient language of the first humans. Yggdrasill and Kratos developed it for use solely by Angels and clergy of the Church of Martel in order to add a sense of mystery and awe to Martelism.
A Chosen of the Church can be identified by their deep grasp of the Angelic Language. A real Chosen is taught Angelic first and does not learn Common until they are at least five years old.
Elvish - A language known only to the elves and a handful of first and second generation half-elves, very little is known about the Elvish language due to the insular nature of the Elven community.
Religions
The Church of Martel
Developed by Yggdrasill in the name of his sister, Martel, the Church of Martel was designed to subjugate its followers. Though Martel Yggdrasill was not really a goddess, the religion has proven persistent and managed to hold on as a widespread religion despite the defeat of Cruxis.
The main tenants of Martelism are that of acceptance and forgiveness. Unfortunately the leaders of the Church have not always practiced what they preached; corruption within the clergy is not uncommon. In the name of Martel there have been holy wars and oppression, things that run contrary to the religion's main themes and the desires of the real Martel, upon whom the religion was based.
Because Martel Yggdrasill and the Lady Martel, Summon Spirit of the Yggdrasill Tree, are often confused, some detractors of the Church try to marginalize Martelism by classifying it as a branch of Spritism and not a separate religion.
Mana-Theism
Mana-Theism has two main branches. Both believe that mana is the only aspect of a divine being that can be understood by mortals. Because it has been proven that all forms of usable energy come from converted mana, all magic uses mana, and every living thing has a unique mana signature, mana-theists posit that the divine being is part of all things, living or otherwise. The religion is highly philosophical and open to interpretation. The largest dividing factor in mana-theism is the question of whether or not sentient beings truly have free will or if they are simply acting as the divine being wants them too.
Spiritism
Spiritism is the worship of one or more of the Summon Spirits. The Spirits are beings made of pure mana and some Spiritists mistakenly believe Summon Spirits to be the source of mana. Summon Spirits generally try to ignore their worshipers, being more embarrassed by the unwarranted attention than flattered. The more volatile Spirits, such as Celsius, Efreet, Shadow, and Chameleon, have been known to attack Spiritists who are too persistent in their attempts to meet their gods.
Technology
Magitechnology
Magitechnology was the first type of technology developed. It originated with the Elves who descended from Dherris Kharlan and used a combination of a spell and circuitry. The magical spell was often referred to as the 'core' and it draws in mana, converts the mana into usable energy, and transfers the energy into the machine. The mana conversion isn't a 'clean' process, however, and a great deal of the mana is wasted in the process. For this reason, the Elves abandoned their technology upon their arrival on the planet, since magitech depletes large quantities of mana, which is essential for the continued existence of life and thus should not be wasted.
Since the Elves' abandonment of magitechnology, humans have redeveloped, and subsequently lost, the use of magitechnology on several occasions.
Energy Tech
Developed to take the place of the mana depleting magitechnology, electricity based technology is often viewed as less efficient than magitech. Energy tech doesn't use spells and thus does not require the conversion of mana to work. Though the viability of energy tech depends on the creation of power plants and batteries to take the place of core spells.
Energy tech is also referred to as non-magitech or non-magic technology.
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