Pandora

> Beauty and elegance, a story unheard of, a legend forgotten, like a lost kingdom submerged beneath the waves, longing for its god to sing its drowned songs. Following the path of pure currents, traversing nature, the depths of forests, and the vastness of the sand sea, reaching the origin of all waters on the continent. At the peak of the waterfall, in the depths of the capital above the stars, the curtain rises gently to begin the show. This is Pandora, the greatest center of culture and arts.
>
> ―CK Data Base

**Pandora** is one of the nations of **Aurynthia** and one of the greatest centers of art, architecture, and culture in history for the past 50,000 years. Known as the nation of the Renaissance, it witnessed the flourishing of arts and sciences in the past. Its main exponents are found in the field of arts, although there was also a renewal in both natural and human sciences. The southern region was the birthplace and development site of this movement, which later spread throughout Pandora. The Renaissance was the result of the spread of humanistic ideas, which brought about a new conception of the human being and the world. This beautiful kingdom has around 12 regions, although it is not as large as Zhiyue or even Znaniya. It contains many rural areas and cities in its surroundings. Based on nations like France, Italy, Germany, and Great Britain, Pandora has a rich history and traditions depending on each region.

In the past, Pandora was an important center for all of Aurynthia until the arrival of the first cataclysm. However, Somnium, aware of the prophecy that would condemn Pandora after the curse of the abyss, assumed the role of the God of Dreams in the hope of saving the people of the Heart of Nightmares, who were now left without their seal when the original God, Naberius, was killed during the War of the Ancients. Before passing away, Naberius, to secure the heart, placed a seal upon Somnium, making him immortal as long as his divinity existed, but also preventing him from pursuing his own happiness, as he became merely a vessel for the heart of nightmares. According to the prophecy, the people of Pandora would vanish in a great catastrophe, with the heart of nightmares invading their dreams and drowning sinners in the darkness of the abyss. Thus, Pandora would disappear, with its remaining God weeping on his divine throne. However, Somnium's sacrifice saved Pandora for the following years. Despite his suffering, he decided to give everything for his people through a treaty in which the people of Pandora would follow their dreams and hopes to honor him. As a result, Somnium became popular, more as a celebrity than a god, but he has maintained his legacy above all else, even after the recent cataclysms.

Pandora has diverse landscapes, including coasts, mountain ranges, plains, and forests. The majority of Pandora's metropolitan territory corresponds to the temperate deciduous forest biome, although there are also temperate coniferous forests in the Alps and Mediterranean forests in the southeast. In the south, they have beautiful and extensive seas and coastal areas, while central Pandora consists of three major physiographic regions: a lowland plain in the north, the Middle part which is a plateau area in the center, and a mountainous region in the south. The lowlands, which make up the northern plain of Pandora, have varied relief, including various river valleys and a large terrain populated by heather. The coastline represents the lowest point. The eastern end of the plain has very fertile soil for agriculture. With borders with Sumeru and Znaniya, Pandora experiences a varied climate, with some areas freezing in winter and others being hot in summer. However, Pandora generally enjoys a mild climate throughout, and it contains many islands.

Pandora prides itself on its immersion in technological development, as mentioned in multiple points of history, such as La Tour de l'Horloge, designed by engineers from the Harmoniebleau Academy of Arts, and other complex systems that measure time and the movements of planets and stars. Minor events that have highlighted Pandora's technological prowess include inventions that can manufacture toys and furniture and, of course, the dome of the Heart of Nightmares in L'Opéra des Merveilles, or simply known as the Opera of Pandora, which features mechanical gear systems. In addition to its impressive technology that rivals Znaniya's, Pandora showcases unique architecture and a combination of different arts depending on the region. For example, it incorporates Gothic and Renaissance architecture, among others. Among its structures is the Palais Harmonie, where the Cour de Harmonie, the offices of its judges, is located. It is connected to the theater and the entire center of Harmonie, which serves as the residence for Pandora's administrative body and, of course, for Étienne himself.

Pandora borders the sea on three out of the four cardinal points. Broadly speaking, it is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Eden Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, connected to Sumeru, which they call "Sternenmeer" in some regions and "Astremer" in the north. This highlights the significant oceanic influence due to its extensive coastline of nearly 38,000 km, which characterizes it as one of its most important physical features, determining the climate in most parts of the continent. Pandora is mostly a temperate zone. Its climate not only varies from north to south but also from west to east due to the marine polar air currents and continental polar air currents, and to a lesser extent, the marine tropical air currents and continental tropical air currents. The regions of Pandora include Harmonie, Court of Harmonie, Lunaria, Mondlichttal, Sternenlichtung, and others with different names in various languages. In addition to its diverse regions, there is a unique energy source in Pandora, which is used in their complex clock systems and other structures.

Pandora's engineers have managed to manipulate aether and prism energy, two completely distinct sources, to use them in their gears and weapons. When these two energies come into contact, an annihilation reaction is triggered, resulting in a variety of effects depending on the environment. Similar to the energy system extracted from Sumeru, this energy can be highly dangerous, but it is also powerful and has enhanced certain mechanisms. Over time, Pandora's engineers have also developed cubes to store prism energy, imitating the arcane energy system created by the gods of Aurynthia. Energy Cubes are a piece of technology created by the Pandorians. They can contain massive amounts of energy equivalent to a "small nuclear detonation" in a stable state. The cubes are used to power certain devices, such as teleporter arches, which will only function once a cube has been inserted. They can be used to create alien tablets as well as powerful batteries and energy cells. These cubes are called ion cubes or prism crystals.

## History

### Human Era

It all began many years ago when the ancestral beings from another dimension arrived on Earth, demonstrating that one of them was responsible for the creation of the human race and the birth of the eons. The Eons are mysterious and divine beings from higher dimensions who oversee the universe. People know very little about these mysterious existences that wander through the vast stellar sea. Limited by inherent cognitive abilities, intelligent life forms can only vaguely discern that the Eons traverse imperceptible paths for mortal beings and wield unfathomable powers through some form of belief. In the legends passed down from mouth to mouth, the Eons eventually became the embodiment of highly condensed philosophical concepts.

With the creation of the eons, these beings planted their seeds, allowing their celestial flow to create the first microorganisms on the planet and other worlds they called Aurynthia. Humanity would eventually evolve from this act, making the eons the ancestors of the human race. Ancient civilization stories speak of an invasive plague emerging from the abyss, seizing the divine throne and attempting to usurp the positions of the precursor gods. It infected people's dreams, turning them violent and dangerous. A powerful and destructive entity is responsible for causing the infection. Using the Infection as a weapon of mass destruction, it seeks to erase all wisdom from Aurynthia until there is no competition in its ruthless rule.

50,000 years ago, an organization possessing arcane technologies sent a research team to Antarctica to experiment with Nyx (the eon put in a state of eternal sleep by the ancestral beings). During those experiments, Nyx suddenly awakens. Faced with that situation, the scientists decide to reduce Nyx to an embryo in order to control her and save humanity from total extinction. However, their attempts were in vain, and an explosion of matter occurred, resulting in the death of half of humanity and initiating the first cataclysm.

As a result of the first cataclysm, all souls of living beings would be gathered in the heart of the abyss and unified into a single being. This would create abstract transcendental levels of existence where no one would exist individually but simply as part of the whole. In the cataclysm, the weaknesses of each living being would be complemented by the strengths of others, thus erasing insecurities in people's hearts. Only Nyx has the power to create, affect, or destroy the abstract transcendental levels of existence, as the eons shape reality, erase stars, and leave their marks on countless worlds.

In the first cataclysm, the oceans turned red in the southern hemisphere, also misaligning the Earth's orbit, leading to the end of seasons and killing more than half of the human race. The era of darkness and global extermination would put an end to humanity in the First Era, and the firestorm of the cataclysm spread in all directions. After these events, the Earth underwent a winter, where dust and ash particles sent into the upper atmosphere blocked sunlight and reduced global temperatures for several years, resulting in a collapse of agriculture and the threat of famine for those who still survived.

The atmospheric particles from the explosions, as well as the debris from the eons' attacks, the firestorms across the continent, conventional explosives, and the burning and annihilation of cities and agricultural areas during the war, cast a mysterious red blanket over the skies worldwide. For years, the skies were tinged with bloody red. Even many years after the great explosion that ended the cataclysm, the suspended particles caused the skies at dawn and dusk to glow with an eerie red, inspiring the few people who lived through that period until their extinction to call it the Red Storm. Frozen rivers, completely extinct species, earthquakes, rising sea levels, and extremely cold temperatures were part of the fatal consequences of this winter for the following decades.

The bodies of defeated gods and monsters during the war were compressed, decomposed, and became part of the land, while the spirits of the gods lost their sense of self and were no longer capable of holding personal grudges. However, their persistent hatred and resentment still lingered, creating miasmas, curses, and monsters in all regions of Aurynthia. In the dying breath of this civilization, the gods created the architects, seeing them as the only way to restore order in Aurynthia by cleansing the planet during the cataclysm over the next 50,000 years. Meanwhile, even after nations were established by the Great Authority of the Architects, most of the defeated and wounded gods fled Aurynthia and succumbed to the Abyss, becoming corrupted and turning into tar-like evil entities.

During this war, Celestia led armies of sentinels against the Abyss and its angels, but her efforts were not enough to save the realms of Aurynthia from catastrophe. In a cruel battle against Nyx alongside the other gods, Celestia, with all her power, ripped the essence from Nyx's body and struck her down, reducing her to a sphere containing her essence that would be sealed with the Spear of Longinus.

Finally, with Nyx sealed and Aurynthia destroyed, Celestia replaced the old with the new and, with her technology, created the architects alongside the main gods. They were highly advanced biomechanical beings made of pure energy, seen as the hope for a new civilization in the future. Celestia saw them as the only way to restore order in Aurynthia by cleansing the planet during the cataclysm over the next 50,000 years. The Architects, though they were biomechanical beings, differed from basic androids not in their appearance and abilities but in the singularity of their underlying code. They were said to be different because they were not programmed or controlled by functions, protocols, and the need for a purpose. While normal androids conformed to the rigid structure defined by their programming, the Architects had evolved and possessed a kind of genetic code that few could barely comprehend. This internal structure of their code potentially allowed the architects to develop beyond the capabilities of normal androids.

However, even after sealing Nyx with the Spear of Longinus, there existed a prophecy, known as the Final Prophecy, which told that at some point an angel from the Abyss would be reborn and bring destruction once again, drowning people in their sins and leaving the gods alone on their thrones. Only then would the sins of the people of Aurynthia be dissolved. Aware of the prophecy that would condemn all of Aurynthia, following the Abyss curse in the cataclysm, Somnium assumed the role of the God of Dreams in hopes of saving the people of the Heart of Nightmares, who were now left without their seal when the original god, Naberius, was killed during the War of the Ancients. Before his death, Naberius, to secure the heart, placed a seal upon Somnium, making him immortal as long as his divinity existed, but also preventing him from pursuing his own happiness as he became merely a vessel for the heart of nightmares. While Somnium succeeded in this task, containing the essence of the flames of nightmares within him, he soon crumbled mentally, suffering from severe self-esteem issues and paranoia. The infection of the nightmare heart created by the Abyss spread within him, devouring his essence and slowly killing him. Somnium's sacrifice saved Pandora for the following years, and despite her suffering, she has decided to give everything for her people through a treaty, in which the people of Pandora would follow their dreams and hopes to honor him.

### Reconstruction Era (50,000 years later)

Many years after the cataclysm and the war that decimated humanity, the Architects regained control of the land according to their directive, and the seven archons of the Architects' Authority divided their colonies, including Zhiyue. Alt was responsible for overseeing a specific part of Aurynthia's society from her colony. She was the leader and in charge of establishing the identity of the Architects. Ava and the Tsarina held a second-tier status; they oversaw the military and technological advancements of Aurynthia, respectively, along with the ruler of Pandora, who would remain a mystery. Meanwhile, Neityri, Nairu, and others were responsible for the culture of Aurynthia.

Before the great cataclysm, the grand archons established their dominion over Aurynthia for the next 50,000 years, a prolonged era of multiple conflicts. During that time, many societies were submerged, lands were cursed, and most of the gods were killed or sealed, leaving only the triumphant seven governors, who used their powers to transform their terrain and rule the lands of Aurynthia according to their ideals after the extinction of humanity. Today, Somnium is condemned to possess the heart of nightmares sealed within him, wandering in the land of Pandora disguised as a mortal child performing in theaters and streets. A renowned magician genius throughout Pandora under the name Étienne. He captivates his audience with a combination of tricks and words. Eloquent, witty, and with a mind as puzzling as a cat.

Even if the entire audience knows that everything happening on stage is mere deception, they will still be dazzled when faced with a miracle. Long before the magician's elegant curtain call, the thunder of joy and applause will be deafening. Each of his movements is a delightful surprise, every word a reason to smile. His whole being is like an unsolvable enigma that you can't help but try to unravel. Magic and secrets piled up at Étienne's feet, growing like a tower. Looking down at the people as they walked through the world below, and he knew there was no turning back.

Étienne currently resides in the Hotel La Côte d'Azur, where many artists from Pandora also stay, but they say he never stays in the same place.

## Government

The government of Pandora is not as complicated as its sister nations and is composed of a simple system that believes in the freedom of its people. On one hand, we have the Order of Hollow Knights, an order responsible for protecting Pandora and its belief in freedom. Although its members are known as knights, none have been bestowed the title by any royalty; the title of knight is one they have earned through the noble duties they assume. The Hollow Knights are an organization founded thousands of years ago by the god Naberius before choosing his successor after his death, to prevent aristocrats from ruling the land and other colonies of Aurynthia, as he originally intended. The knights act as representatives of Pandora's law, keeping its citizens safe and creating and defending laws for everyone in this colony and others. Lastly, above them is Cour de Harmonie, tasked with executing all trials for those who violate the laws imposed by the gods of Aurynthia. Although considered separate institutions, the Knights and the court also assist in the administration of the Church and the Harmonie Arts Academy.

The Hollow Knights are traditionally led by a single Grand Master. In case the Grand Master is unavailable or incapacitated, the position of second-in-command exists as a reserve and will step in to fulfill the duties of the Grand Master as an interim Grand Master. The highest-ranking positions under the Grand Master and the interim Grand Master are the Captains. There are a total of ten Captains, and Knights typically belong to a company led by one of the Captains. Currently, the following orders of the House of Hollow Knights exist:

The honorary knights of these divisions have different tasks and are responsible for investigating and exploring colonies, as well as protecting their people. They have advanced technology and various automatons in their mechanical units. The abundant resources of Pandora have helped them develop higher-level technology and carry out dangerous missions under different circumstances. Meanwhile, the Court of Harmonie contains a more internal and complex system for some, as it is the highest point of Pandora where administrative affairs of the lands are handled. Palais Harmonie, the largest administrative center in Pandora, connected with its operas and theaters, is responsible for public order and security. They have a special branch known as the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol that deals with particularly challenging matters. The Court of Harmonie is, in essence, the largest administrative system in all of Pandora. It is the governmental organization responsible for managing the nation's judicial system. It is led by the current President of the Supreme Court.

Currently, Pandora is free from any direct governor, and its governance consists of a system similar to that of the Teutonic Knights. Also known as "The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem," the Teutonic Knights were unique in the sense that, like the Hollow Knights, they were not only a religious order but also a military order that governed their own sovereign state, located in the north-eastern part of the Holy Roman Empire (the medieval predecessor of Germany). Similar to the Hollow Knights, the highest-ranking leader of the Teutonic Knights was the Grand Master. Similar to real-life knight training, the training to become a member of the Hollow Knights can begin at a young age and last for many years. The exact path to the knight's title is unknown, but it can be deduced from the dialogue and history of various characters who have obtained the title of knight or are seeking to obtain it.

The Hollow Knights are responsible for both space and land exploration and the defense of the entire city and its regions. In fact, after the second cataclysm, the unit of automatons was created to fight against the Order of Abyssal Angels that were released from the seal of the Nyx aeon. Since then, the Hollow Knights have taken on additional responsibilities after the end of the third cataclysm. For example, the tasks of the logistics company have shifted to chartering and managing the baggage train, resource management, and record-keeping to rebuild Pandora. Nowadays, the Hollow Knights serve the Church of Harmonie, which worships the Abyssal Angel, and its Arts Academy, under Cour de Harmonie and the laws of Aurynthia imposed by the gods.

## Military

As mentioned earlier, the order of the Hollow Knights is the sole military power in all of Pandora. There are a total of ten captains, and the Knights usually belong to a company led by one of the captains. In total, there are four houses within the order of the Hollow Knights, although there are more divisions within these houses in general. Some Hollow Knights are primarily explorers of other colonies, responsible for monitoring colonies belonging to Pandora and other nations beyond Aurynthia, which grants them the title of honorary knights. Initially, the order of the Hollow Knights began as a simple movement 50,000 years ago. In general, the Hollow Knights were an organization founded thousands of years ago by the god Naberius before choosing his successor after his death to prevent abyss-influenced tyrants from ruling the land and other colonies.

The Hollow Knights are extremely self-disciplined. They stubbornly adhere to an outdated creed known as the Code of Chivalry, believing that only through a perfectly refined body, mind, and spirit can they become truly worthy of worshiping the abyssal angel after its sacrifice to forgive the sins of Aurynthia. Sometimes referred to as the Argent Knights, this powerful organization tests its brute strength alongside the Guardians of Snézhnaya order and even the Honkai security forces. Most soldiers in Pandora are trained at a young age to become Hollow Knights. Some take on these positions at the age of fourteen or even earlier. It is quite common to see children undergoing advanced programs to become soldiers or even automaton pilots. Hollow Knights come from multiple backgrounds. Some are taken in at a young age by the program, while others are directly created to work within the system as soldiers. At least that was the operating system after the second cataclysm.

Before the second cataclysm, Hollow Knight units were responsible for maintaining peace throughout Pandora. After the second cataclysm, the role of the Hollow Knights expanded, and they became an elite military force trained to combat abyssal angel invaders, mechanical lifeforms, just like others military forces from different nations. The Hollow Knights and their assault units are known for their combat skills and enhanced power. Additionally, they are divided into different roles within their divisions, which are as follows:

The Hollow Knights also operate several terrestrial bases worldwide, including rocket launch facilities to send supplies to orbital bases and the moon. They also have a surface fleet featuring at least one large aircraft carrier, Blue Majestueux II, and an escort vessel, which maintains several powerful coastal defense batteries to prevent large aquatic machines from reaching land. Ultimately, the stated purpose of the Hollow Knights organization and its soldiers is to serve the Pandora Tribunal and reclaim Aurynthia from the abyssal angels and their mechanical lifeforms.

The military doctrine of Pandora is based on the concepts of independence, military self-sufficiency, and defense. Pandora is a founding member of the Union of Aurynthia and has actively worked with its allies to adapt the organization to the post-separation aftermath. Pandora has increased its involvement in Aurynthia's military wing, including the Military Committee, fully participating in the organization's political councils. Pandora remains a strong supporter of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Aurynthia and other cooperative efforts. Outside of the Union of Aurynthia, Pandora has actively and extensively participated in coalitions and unilateral peacekeeping missions in Sumeru and Lumina, often playing a leading role in these operations. Pandora has also undertaken a significant restructuring to develop a smaller, more rapidly deployable, and better-adapted professional army for operations beyond the nation.

In recent years, the Pandora Automaton Defense Corps has undergone a universal expansion, with its headquarters located in the cities of Aurynthia. Specifically, they carry out the majority of their research and operations from the CyberCore Headquarters, a large facility located in Honkai. Apart from their primary operation in Honkai, the Hollow Knights have joined Honkai corporations and also have operations in Eden, Lumina, Zhiyue, and possibly more. Additionally, after the second cataclysm, despite already possessing weapons capable of defeating the Angels, research and development of new technologies to strengthen their arsenal have continued. Numerous tests were conducted with pilots, and the Hollow Knights have developed many new and innovative weapons.

The Hollow Knights are a faction of the Aurynthia Express in the present day, along with other organizations from different nations, openly involved in managing the Aurynthia Express and its journeys to other worlds for exploration or colonization. According to history, ancient beings traversed worlds, placing the star rail that connected the worlds in the Sea of Stars, leaving behind countless legends about the universe and exploration. The brave and curious were drawn to the tales of these adventures and followed in the footsteps of the ancient beings and eons, with the architects joining Celestia on their voyages to explore the cosmos. The architects loved to travel. They would share wine from various worlds and sing songs composed by diverse civilizations. They would disguise the moving Express as the trail of a shooting star and laugh at the awe-struck onlookers.

> Justice for the oppressed,
>  Freedom for the chained,
>  Wisdom for the deceived.
>  May the dreams of justice and freedom guide them.
>
> ― The Hollow Knights

The origins of the Hollow Knights can be traced back 50,000 years. In this distant era, Pandora was a very different nation from what we know today. During this time, the aristocratic clan ruled with an iron fist and used their influence to stray away from the ideals of freedom established by Naberius. The nobles positioned themselves at the top of the societal pyramid, hoarding all the wealth and resources for their exclusive enjoyment, while those of humble origins suffered in misery. In summary, the nobles seized all the riches and power, which they then used to enslave the people. The festivities that the god Naberius had created for everyone became exclusive privileges of the rich and corrupt due to the abyss.

During the aristocracy's reign, the Church, which worshiped Naberius with great devotion, split into two branches: On one side were the clergy allied with the nobility, who, alongside them, toppled the statues of the God and composed odes and hymns of praise. On the other side were the so-called "saints," who did not hold clerical positions and lived in cellars, streets, and outside the city walls. Unlike the clergy, the saints could only afford cheap wine, and they offered their blessings to the common people and slaves with the original sacred scriptures in hand, which reached the people through their dreams. In addition to that, they also composed forbidden poems and songs.

Naberius, despite appearing as the weakest god in Aurynthia, described that his power comes from the faith of his people and not through his governance. Enslaved and in pain, Naberius heard the pleas of his followers and slowly brought condemnation upon the nobles who enslaved their people. Before his death during the War of Ancients, he formed a rebellion among the slaves, led by a brave human who would ascend to Celestia and obtain a divine throne, but not before forming the Hollow Knights who would rise against the corrupt and fight in a battle to defend Aurynthia.

In his final sacrifice, Naberius would lose his life, and the heart of dreams would be infected by the darkness of the abyss. However, to save Pandora, he sealed the now heart of nightmares in Somnium, making it immortal as long as his divinity existed, but also preventing it from pursuing its own happiness, as it became merely a vessel. While Somnium succeeded in this task and contained the essence of the nightmare flames within, it soon mentally crumbled, leading to severe self-esteem issues and paranoia. The infection of the nightmare heart created by the abyss spread within him, devouring his essence, but Somnium remained strong and held Naberius's sacrifice high, guiding the Hollow Knights to defend Pandora's peace and freedom. Perhaps not ruling it as a tyrant, but placing trust in its people for the following millennia.

Today, the captains of the Hollow Knights are still responsible for maintaining peace in Pandora. They explore worlds, lead expeditions into the abyss, and honor the angel of the abyss who gave their life to save life in Aurynthia and forgive their sins. In summary, the Hollow Knights of Aurynthia are one of the oldest factions we encounter, and as such, their history is filled with legends that narrate incredible feats carried out by their members, including revolutions, epic battles, and heroes fighting for justice and the dreams of the people, among others.

## Law enforcement and crime

The "Cour de Harmonie" is the totalitarian center of government and law in Pandora, named in honor of its God and now the angel of the abyss. Professional judges were appointed to preside over the courts, and the judicial system operated under a more rational and recognizable paradigm. While the Sumerians also created the first professional police force to enforce the law, apprehend suspects, and testify in court, the people of Pandora were the first to create a complex mechanism to be used during trials in the temples. In a clear strategy to save Pandora from catastrophe, Naberius sealed the heart of nightmares within Somnium, a mechanism of mechanical clocks known as the "Cœur mécanique d'analyse judiciaire," a power source used in the Pandora Opera. In addition to serving as an Aether energy generator for the entire city and a timekeeper, the Cœur also appears to have its own consciousness and issues precise judgments in the Pandora court. The "Cœur mécanique d'analyse judiciaire" consists of an astronomical clock system that measures the constellations of each person in the trial, providing an analysis and rendering a verdict.

But how does this complex abyssal system work? No one knows for sure. To this day, Pandora's engineers have conducted deep studies on this arcane mechanism in an attempt to understand it, but without any conclusive results. The Cœur possesses unimaginable power, fueled by the dreams and faith of the people, which drives its mechanism and provides energy to the city and islands. It is not clear what the heart of nightmares is exactly or how it is sealed within this intricate clock mechanism. However, some documents suggest that the heart of nightmares is considered to be seeds of disasters that cause massive changes in civilizations and ecosystems, resulting in the appearance of abyssal corruptions. These corruptions give rise to the typical appearance of corrupted creatures and enemies, manifesting as crystalline substances formed from the corrupted matter.

The heart of nightmares used to be the heart of dreams, a pure power source that harvested people's dreams, created by the god Naberius with the purpose of supplying cities with energy. In the present day, the heart, which is an extension of the god Naberius, continues to fulfill the same function after being infected by the abyss. Although sealed to protect its people from destruction, it has provided energy to the city for centuries. It is not until the death of the angel of the abyss that the heart of nightmares is finally purified, along with other evils of Aurynthia, thus liberating the people of Pandora. Now, the judicial system of Pandora is quite simple, as described earlier. With the Supreme Court President at the top, overseeing the Hollow Knights, and the rest of the members of the Pandora Court. Broadly speaking, it is a religious court that investigates and punishes crimes against the faith of Aurynthia. More specifically, it is often referred to as the Holy Tribunal, which encompasses both the legal process and the institutions of the Church. According to the laws of Aurynthia, the following sins must be punished by the judges:

* Interfering with evolution
* Tampering with life and death
* Delving beyond the universe
* Revering gods without acts of devotion
* Attempting the forbidden and fearing none

However, Pandora is quite peaceful, and these laws have rarely been broken by the citizens of Pandora. Instead of punishing their citizens, the Hollow Knights seek to care for and protect them, being an independent order in many regions of Pandora. As mentioned, that has been the purpose of the Hollow Knights for the past 50,000 years. Murata, the founder of the Hollow Knights, was enslaved by tyrannical nobles. She served as a gladiator in the ancient Colosseum and became known as the Knight of the Abyss for her undefeated streak. With the help of Naberius and a Dawn Knight from the honorable House of Angels, among others, Murata put an end to the aristocracy, established the current city of Harmonie, and the Hollow Knights, becoming their first Hollow Knight and the First Knight of the Abyss.

It is said that upon her death, she ascended to Celestia and took the form of a robin bird. According to prophecy, she would return to Aurynthia, heralding the arrival of the angel of the abyss after the second cataclysm.

## Geography, climate, and environment

Pandora is one of the smaller nations, yet it is rich in culture and history depending on each of its regions. This beautiful place has around 12 regions, although it is not as large as Zhiyue or even Znaniya. It encompasses many rural areas and cities in its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from countries like France, Italy, Germany, and Great Britain, Pandora has a rich history and traditions that vary by region. Pandora boasts diverse landscapes, including coastlines, mountain ranges, plains, and forests. The majority of Pandora's metropolitan territory corresponds to the temperate deciduous forest biome, although there are also temperate coniferous forests in the Alps and Mediterranean forests in the southeast.

In the south, there are beautiful and extensive seas and coastlines, while central Pandora consists of three main physiographic regions: a lowland plain in the north, a central plateau zone, and a mountainous region in the south. The lowlands, forming the northern plain of Pandora, have varied relief, including several river valleys and vast heathland areas. The coastline represents the lowest point. The eastern edge of the plain features highly fertile soils for agriculture. Pandora, which borders Sumeru and Znaniya, experiences a varied climate, with some areas experiencing icy winters and others hot summers. However, Pandora generally enjoys a temperate climate and is home to many islands.

Pandora is bordered by the sea on three out of the four cardinal points. Broadly speaking, it borders the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Eden Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, connected to Sumeru, which is referred to as "Sternenmeer" in some regions and "Astremer" in the north. The extensive coastline spanning almost 38,000 km highlights the significant oceanic influence, making it one of Pandora's most important physical features that greatly influences the climate across much of the continent. Pandora is primarily a temperate zone. Its climate varies not only from north to south but also from west to east due to marine polar air currents, continental polar air currents, and to a lesser extent, marine tropical air currents, and continental tropical air currents. The regions of Pandora include Harmonie, Court of Harmonie, Lunaria, Mondlichttal, Sternenlichtung, and others with different names in various languages. Throughout the history of Aurynthia, the planet has undergone significant changes due to the cataclysms it has experienced, leading to levels of destruction and catastrophic events for that time, including floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural events caused by the forces of the Abyss and its angels. While these are the main regions of Pandora, there are also subdivisions along the map that are subregions. Among them are:

* Stellaria Plains
* Stardust Valley
* Orion's Reach
* Nebulae Ridge
* Starfell Glades
* Asterion
* Harmonie Institute of Scientific Research and Engineering Region
* Restricted Zone of the Hollow Knights
* Harmonie Church
* Harmonie Institute of Fine Arts Region

Mondlichttal consists of three major physiographic regions: a lowland plain in the north, the central Mondlichttal, which is a plateau area in the center, and a mountainous region in the south. The lowlands, making up the northern plain of Mondlichttal, have varied relief, including several river valleys and a large heathland area. The lowest point is the coastline. The eastern edge of the plain features highly fertile soil for agriculture. The region of the central plateaus, roughly bounded by the city of Stellara Prime in the north and the Abyss River in the south, encompasses a territory of gentle mountains, river valleys, and well-defined basins. The mountain ranges in the west are often referred to as the Gates to Celestia. Most of Pandora's major rivers are in the western part of the territory. The most important river is the one that connects to the Abyss Spiral and other areas devastated by cataclysms, also serving as a natural border with other regions before flowing into the coast.

Approximately 30% of the territory is covered by forests, most of which are located in the southern half of the nation. About two-thirds of these forests consist of pines and other conifers, while the rest is made up of deciduous species such as beech, birch, oak, and walnut. Vineyards cover many of the southwestern slopes of the country and also extend along the riverbanks. Orchards are a prominent feature in the west of Mondlichttal. The flora exhibits great variety and colorfulness. Mondlichttal has a relatively limited fauna. The most common mammals include deer, wild boar, weasel, badger, forest stalkers, and foxes. Among the few reptiles is a venomous snake, the viper. Finches, geese, and other migratory birds cross the country in large flocks. In the coastal waters of the North Sea, fish such as herring, cod, and sole can be found, while rivers are populated by carp, catfish, and brown trout. However, this only applies to the Mondlichttal sector, as the rest of the regions submerged in water have a greater variety of marine animals in their surroundings, including moon jellyfish, oarfish, and a wide range of enormous creatures like leviathans.

The marine biome along Pandora and Eden exhibits mountainous characteristics, including an oceanic ridge system in the middle of the Pandora region's ocean, as well as underwater volcanoes, oceanic trenches, submarine canyons, hot spring caves, plateaus, crystal caves, and abyssal plains. The remaining land not covered by water consists of mountains, forests, beaches, jungles, icy peaks in the north, non-frozen tropical forests, and other geomorphologies on the islands. The beaches of the islands are warm and crystal clear, with a great variety of marine animals and reefs. The Pandora oceanic biome features hot springs and volcanic areas, although a portion is also cold due to Znaniya, with warm currents originating from Sumeru and Eden. Generally, the ocean floor is believed to be relatively flat, although the Pandora Ocean and Sumeru are abundant in underwater mountains and deep trenches.

As known, Pandora is a nation located entirely in the northern hemisphere and mainly in the eastern hemisphere. It borders the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Eden Ocean to the west, the Sea that borders Sumeru, Astremer, and finally part of the Black Sea or Abyssal Sea. The land relief in Pandora exhibits significant variation within relatively small areas. The southern regions are more mountainous, while the terrain descends from the high Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians to mountainous highlands, eventually reaching wide and low northern plains, which are vast in the east. This extensive lowland is known as the Great Plain, and at its heart lies the Northern Plain of Mondlichttal. There is also a highland arc along the northwest coast, starting from the western parts of Lunaria and the northern islands, and continuing along the fjord.

This description is simplified. Subregions such as the Harmonie Peninsula and the Lunaria Peninsula have their own complex characteristics, as does the mainland Central Pandora itself, where the relief features many plateaus, river valleys, and basins that complicate the overall trend. Subregions such as Stardust Valley, Asterion, and Stellaria Plains are special cases as they border the nations of Znaniya and Sumeru.

This particular region predominantly has an oceanic, temperate, and maritime climate with cool, often cloudy and humid winters and summers. The weather can sometimes be unpredictable. In the middle of summer, one day can be hot and sunny, while the next is cold and rainy. However, truly extreme weather conditions such as severe droughts, tornadoes, hailstorms, extreme cold or heat, etc, are rare. Although large-scale floods have been observed in recent years due to cataclysms, they are generally uncommon. In summary, most of Mondlichttal falls within the cool/temperate climatic zone where moist westerly winds prevail. The maritime influence softens the western coast. Meanwhile, the southern territory of Pandora, Lunaria, consists of three geographical areas: continental, peninsular, and insular, with a total area of 301,338 km². It is mostly a narrow and elongated peninsula that has the general shape of a boot. Additionally, Lunaria includes numerous islands, two of which are the largest and border the sea to reach Sumeru through Stardust Valley. The relief features four major regional units of Lunaria: the Alpine system, the Po Plain, the peninsular sector articulated by the Apennines, and the insular lands.

Pandora shares borders with two nations, Znaniya to the north and east, and finally Sumeru to the south, crossing the Astremer or Stardust Valley towards the Ether Desert. Due to its small size, although it presents diverse ecosystems including polar deserts, tundra, forested tundra, taiga, mixed and deciduous forests, snow-covered forests in the north, steppes, semi-deserts, and subtropical zones in the south, Pandora's largest ecosystem lies in the water. While it possesses a wide range of forests, shrublands, steppes, meadows, savannas, and even deserts that connect it with Sumeru, it also has a vast sea surrounding its water lands and different islands, some large and some small, some natural and some artificially made. Among them, there is the Lunar Peninsula, the Stellar Oasis, Pandora Reef, and of course, its southern islands, the Astral Archipelago of Lunaria. In addition to that, there is the large island in the west called Andromeda.

The Astremer Sea contains numerous small islands, atolls, wastelands, sandbanks, reefs, and shoals, most of which have no native settlements. Many of these naturally submerge during high tide, while some are permanently submerged or floating in the air. The extreme weather phenomena in Pandora make the night sky spectacular at all times, mostly adorned with electric storms that mark the twilight, meteor showers, or other constant astronomical phenomena depending on the region. The Astremer Sea is divided into smaller biomes, both terrestrial and oceanic, such as the Kelp Forest, Lily Pad Islands (similar to those in the zero sector), Pandora Reef, Constellation Strait, Grand Reef, Deep Mountains, Underwater islands, and others.

    Harmonie borders four seas: the Znaniya North Sea, the Harmonie canal, the Eden Ocean, and the Astremer Sea, which also surrounds a portion of Sumeru to the north. The highest mountain ranges are the Alps and the Pyrenees. The Central Massif has gentler elevations with ancient rounded peaks. Low sandy coasts are predominant. The main geographical features of the coast are the Gulf of Pandora and the Harmonie Point on the eastern peninsula. In the Harmonie Ocean canal, you can find the Gulf of the Angel, followed by the Stellaron Bay and the Somme Bay. After the narrow canal known as the Palais Harmonie passage, there is a small stretch that leads to the Znaniya North Sea.

Regarding the climate, although Harmonie is part of the temperate zone, it can have hot summers. The influence of Sumeru is manifested by mild and short winters and scorching summers. The relief's arrangement accentuates temperature contrasts, as the mountain massifs prevent the ocean's influence on the eastern plains. In summer, temperatures increase significantly from north to south. The northwestern regions enjoy a moderate summer without excessive heat, contrasting with the warmer summers in the south.

From a hydrological perspective, Harmonie holds a strong position in Pandora. Precipitation is relatively high, nourishing powerful rivers that flow towards the sea or neighboring nations (north, east, and south). Harmonie is the region with the most subregions within Pandora, including the Institute of Research and Engineering, the Institute of Fine Arts, Palais Harmonie, Cour de Harmonie, the Center of Philosophy, and even the Grand Opera of Pandora. In addition to the Church of Harmonie or the Hollow Knights' Restricted Zone, there are places like Stellaria, Orion's Reach, Asterion, and popular districts in the City of Harmonie, including commercial and tourist districts with art galleries and theaters.

    Pandora has multiple biomes and subregions, some of which consist of taiga forests and mixed forests, including arctic deserts like tundra, mountains, steppes, and even the Astremer Ocean, in addition to its borders with Znaniya and Sumeru. It presents a beautiful combination of modern and ancient architecture blended with the surroundings. Pandora is also a highly industrialized and technological nation, with cybernetic factories and stations in all its regions and small cities. Even so, Pandora has thousands of unknown places throughout its nation, from the lands of Naberius to the ship graveyards of the travelers from the time of the aristocrats 50,000 years ago. Sacred places, such as the ancient colosseum where the founder of the Hollow Knights, Murata, once fought for her life and to defend the common people from the corrupt nobles of the abyss, exist. According to myths, these remains and ruins are part of the war led by the eons against the Abyss.

Legend has it that the spirits and beings that perished on this sacred land made flowers and life bloom with their scattered essence. Historians and scribes claim that many beings were defeated and shattered in combat, describing the past events on the battlefield as "a maelstrom of destruction and death". Within the beautiful landscape of this place lie ancient weapons buried in the earth, such as swords and bows. Murata, in particular, served as a gladiator in the ancient Colosseum and became known as the Knight of the Abyss for her undefeated streak. With the help of Naberius and a Dawn Knight from the honorable House of Angels, among others, Murata put an end to the aristocracy, established the current city of Harmonie, and the Hollow Knights, becoming its first Hollow Knight and the First Knight of the Abyss. The legends that exist about the eon Naberius are many, but they all point to this god defending his nation until his last breath. When he finally died, his essence spread into the soil of Aurynthia, nourishing itself from the faith and dreams of the people, bringing forth a new land for future generations.

The oldest legends tell of how Naberius once roamed the land and made people's dreams come true, creating art and beauty along his path through Pandora. Naberius taught the people of Pandora about philosophy and technology, inspiring them to invent and innovate, and soon Pandora became the land of innovation and the future due to the achievements of its people. The eon often celebrated with his people from other worlds of Aurynthia, with parties featuring the finest wine in the nation and joyful festivals with smiling children and people singing in operas and performing in theaters. Of course, all of this was during Pandora's golden age, before the arrival of the aristocracy. Even after the Pandora Revolution, which freed the people of Pandora from the aristocracy, Naberius fought in the war of the ancients, driven by the faith of his people, until his death, leaving Somnium as his ultimate legacy.

Today, there are thousands of shrines and temples honoring the sacrifice of Naberius, as well as the Rites of Descent at the end of the year, which commemorate his departure from Celestia. Most of these temples are found in the stellar forests. This taiga forest region is characterized by coniferous forests mainly composed of pines, firs, and larches. In the Znaniya taiga, for example, depending on the region, firs, pines, and larches are particularly found, while in other regions, such as the Zhiyue and Pandora taigas, it is a vast forest of larches. It is within these forests that the Dreams Sanctuary, among others, is said to have statues of the gods whispering their blessings to these sacred lands. In the history of Aurynthia, Pandora is responsible for a Renaissance Era before and after the Human Era, bringing innovations in the world of arts and sciences alongside other nations. This era was called the New Renaissance, which, after the almost third cataclysm, brought innovation to the world of Aurynthia and celebration to the angel of the abyss for his sacrifice.

The sacrifice of the angel of the abyss marked a new era for all of Aurynthia. An era that Pandora successfully led by bringing the New Renaissance, with celebrations, music, plays, art, and new architecture. Speaking of architecture, Pandora focuses on the modern and the Baroque, a highly decorative and theatrical style. Baroque architects took the basic elements of Renaissance architecture, including domes and columns, and made them taller, grander, more ornate, and more dramatic. Sculpted angel groups and painted figures fill the ceilings. Light is also used to achieve dramatic effects; it filters through domes and reflects off abundant gilding. Twisted columns are often used to create an illusion of upward movement, and cartouches and other decorative elements fill every available space. In Baroque palaces, grand staircases became a centerpiece. However, the most popular architecture in Pandora is modern Rococo architecture, which is used in Harmonie. It uses light tones, curves, and gold leaf accents, resulting in a more elegant and intricate style than the Baroque of the Lunaria region.

Pandora has colonies on different worlds and other planets throughout the universe. From planets to star systems or clusters, Pandora's expansion has reached a very high level and has led extensions of this nation to other places. Worlds like Jericho-VI have been sites of construction and collaboration for the creation of other colonies. Pandora has expanded its territory with terraforming ships and the Aurynthia Express, creating places like Ether City and its ports known as Stellar Port. All these extensions of the nation have exposed a great universal theater, with performance stars and artists from all over and other worlds. Overall, all Pandora's colonies feature advanced technology and transportation systems that take them across the Astremer Sea and its oceanic channels, as well as the sea of stars in the multiverse through their ships.

Stardust Valley is an interconnection between Pandora and Sumeru through islands and the Astremer Sea, specifically in the Lunaria region. The few interruptions in this sea of sand are small patches of alluvial clay. Generally, the steeper sides of the dunes face opposite to the prevailing winds. The main oasis within this small desert is the sea. Except for its eastern side, it is surrounded by tall mountains from which mighty rivers flow. When they reach the borders of the desert, they have been harnessed, giving rise to towns and cities near the Stardust subregion. As not all the water was consumed, it was lost in the desert. The desert is practically devoid of plant and animal life and is characterized by vast undulating sand dunes under a dusty and cloud-covered sky.

In addition to this, Pandora has multiple unique structures and advanced ferry transportation systems. Among its greatest monuments is the Cathedral of the Abyssal Angel in Lunaria, built after the last cataclysm at the end of the War of the Machines. Dedicated to the first angel and father of humanity, it is situated on the small island that interconnects Sumeru, surrounded by the waters of the Astremer Sea. It is one of the most prominent and ancient buildings constructed in the Gothic style. The innovative use of ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, the enormous and colorful rose windows, and the naturalism and abundance of sculptural decoration differentiate it from Romanesque architecture. The Cathedral of the Abyssal Angel is often visited by people from all nations and other colonies, who often leave their offerings and celebrate religious gatherings between December 24th and 25th. At the center of the cathedral stands the monument of the "Piedad," where a massive statue of the Abyssal Angel holds a cross while opening its ten wings, surrounded by red-breasted robins and a crown of stars above its head. With golden and crystalline decorations, the cathedral is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries of the first angel and a reminder of his sacrifice to save Aurynthia.

### Climate

Pandora is generally characterized by a temperate climate. Most regions have an oceanic climate, with cool to warm summers and cool winters with frequent overcast skies. The southern part of Pandora has a distinctive Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and cool to mild winters with frequent sunny skies. In other regions, there is a humid continental climate, featuring warm to hot summers and cold winters. The climate in most major cities, including the city of Harmonie and its court, experiences four seasons. The climate varies depending on the region. The coast has an oceanic climate, while the rest has a tropical or rainy climate. There is a rainy season in early summer, and typhoons hit parts of the country every year in late summer. The climate in the mountains is generally cold, and it can snow during certain times of the year.

The hurricane season in the Pandora Islands is approximately from June to November, similar to Eden, when hurricanes and tropical storms are more likely to occur in the region. These storms tend to originate off the coast of Lumina and move westward or northwest toward the islands. As the storms cross the sea, they tend to weaken if they head north and encounter colder waters. Among the cities with a population of over 100,000 inhabitants in Pandora, the coldest winters are primarily found in Znaniya, with average daily highs in winter around 0°C (32°F), while the milder winters on the continent are in the south, that is, in Pandora. Temperatures at sea level generally range from 84 to 88°F (29 to 31°C) during the summer months and 79 to 83°F (26 to 28°C) during the winter months. Temperatures rarely exceed 32°C (90°F) or drop below 16°C (60°F) at lower elevations. Temperatures are lower at higher altitudes.

Due to the first and second cataclysm, Aurynthia underwent various changes throughout history that altered the planet's climate and that of each nation, leading to many changes over the following 50,000 years. In the first cataclysm, the oceans turned red in the southern hemisphere and also disrupted Earth's orbit, leading to the end of seasons during that period of time and killing over half of the human race. The era of darkness and global extermination would bring an end to humanity in the First Era, as the cataclysmic firestorm spread in all directions. After these events, Earth was plunged into a winter, where dust and ash particles sent into the sky entered the upper atmosphere, blocking sunlight and reducing global temperatures for several years, resulting in a collapse of agriculture and the threat of famine for those who survived. Pandora, in particular, experienced changes in sea level and some earthquakes. The anomalies caused by the Abyss infection changed and shaped the land into what it is today, but unlike Znaniya, which experiences eternal winter due to the curse of the Abyss, Pandora suffers from floods and cyclones in its climate, and even after the second cataclysm, they faced the biggest flood in their history and the destruction of lands that led to what it is now.

Today, Pandora has a tranquil climate after the near-third cataclysm, but the destruction brought by the Abyss Angels left many parts in ruins that are now submerged under the Astremer Sea. Beneath this beautiful place lies the largest center for astronomy, specifically observing astronomical phenomena, from meteor showers to the visualization of celestial bodies beyond Aurynthia. Pandora has been a major contributor to the factions of the Aurynthia Express, with its largest space station positioned at different points in orbit and even beyond other worlds. The faction of the Hollow Knights was the first to discover the world known as Jericho-VI and suggest its exploration.

### Wildlife

The Astremer Sea is home to around 230 species of fish. Cod, haddock, whiting, hake, sole, flounder, mackerel, herring, pouting, sprat, and sandeel are common targets of commercial fishing. Due to the varying depths of the Astremer Sea trenches and differences in salinity, temperature, and water movement, some fish only reside in small areas of the sea. Commercially harvested crustaceans include langoustines, deep-water prawns, and brown shrimp. The coasts provide a breeding habitat for dozens of bird species. Tens of millions of birds use the Astremer Sea each year for breeding, feeding, or migratory stopovers. Populations of northern fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes, Eden puffins, northern gannets, auks, and various species of petrels, seaducks, grebes, cormorants, gulls, auks, terns, and other seabirds make these coasts popular for bird watching.

Pandora, with its entirety of continental and overseas territories, is present in three oceans. This makes Pandora the largest country despite its small size and the second largest country in terms of maritime area. The diversity of animal species is greater than plant biodiversity, especially when considering the animal species found in overseas territories. Therefore, in this section, we will highlight the most representative fauna species not only from continental Pandora but also from overseas Pandora. Pandora's marine fauna is the second richest after Eden, making it the second nation with the most marine animals and marine flora, alongside the nation of Honkai. Each biome contains its own set of flora and fauna to discover and resources to harvest. In the depths of the sea, marine animals such as whales and dolphins reside. Its islands are abundant with sea turtles, mantas, and various types of fish and squids in large reefs. The warm oceans feature coral reefs and numerous marine preserves.

## Demographics

Pandora is one of the most extensive and open nations compared to the rest of the nations in Aurynthia, with a large number of travelers from other places and colonies, including from other worlds. It is the third most populous and multi-racial nation, with inhabitants originating from different regions. The majority of the population consists of Pandorians, with a small portion of people from Eden, Znanians, and others, but the Honkai people represent 10% of the population. In the city of Harmonie, we can see a small variety of both native and non-native inhabitants compared to other regions. Approximately 50% of the population is of Pandorian ethnicity, while the rest is composed of ethnic minorities. More than four-fifths of Pandora's population come from nations such as Sumeru and Znaniya, including Lumina.

There is a small percentage of nomads in the desert regions of Pandora and its coasts, scholars and travelers from Sumeru, especially in regions like Stardust. As such, there is no official language within this nation, as it varies by region and there are often more dialects. Pandora is a multilingual nation like many others; approximately 100 languages are spoken throughout the country. 140.7 million people in the country speak variants of French, English, German, and Italian, 8.9 million speak variants of Zhiyue languages, and 1.1 million speak variants of other languages such as Filipino, Thai, and Sumerian. Another percentage speaks variants of English from the Lumina region, as well as Japanese and Russian variants, Honkaian, and Znanian.

While architects are predominant in the Pandora region, as in the rest of the nations, approximately 50.5% of second-generation humans make up Pandora's population, totaling 52,380 after the dispersal of their species following the Great Machine War. The other percentage is made up of architects of different types, terrestrial and flying, among others. Additionally, there are no characteristic traits for the people of this nation, other than some blends from other nations.

### Familiar structure

Family structures in Pandora are often nuclear, single-parent, or adoptive, mainly due to the system that Aurynthia operates under. It has been confirmed that architects and second-generation humans do not reproduce naturally, despite possessing reproductive organs. Therefore, architects and second-generation humans are created through different means. Architects reproduce by creating machines, with their biocomponents and mechanical parts being incubated with minerals extracted from the earth. They are nearly fully developed physically and mentally upon birth in the nurseries. They possess the necessary knowledge to survive, although they retain the innocence of a child and require many decades to fully mature.

On the other hand, second-generation humans are also created in nurseries through genetic engineering, utilizing the DNA of adults and the first human, Robin. Unlike architects, humans do not require the extraction of minerals from the earth for reproduction. However, they rely on other technological resources for their reproduction and expansion.

### Health

The healthcare system in Pandora is based on a universal health insurance model. It is a social security system that provides medical coverage and access to healthcare services to all residents in Pandora, regardless of their nationality or employment status. Therefore, the healthcare system in Pandora is quite advanced, and there are hospitals in different regions that provide services and care to patients 24 hours a day. Medical services offer vaccination and comprehensive medical examinations to each patient, as well as an extensive healthcare staff. Healthcare professionals in Pandora can come from all over, including distant nations, and they bring with them a part of their cultural medicine. However, Pandora mostly does not rely on traditional medicine, although they still make use of some plants and water gnosis for patient healing. Within Pandora, there are institutes of Medicine dedicated solely to the physiological study of the human body and the architect, as well as other forms of life. Pandora is one of the nations with an advanced medical system along with Honkai and Sumeru.

### Education

Pandora is one of the largest centers of study, along with Honkai and Sumeru, with most of its regions filled with institutes dedicated to science and the arts. The basic school system in Pandora is lengthy and time-consuming, similar to other nations. It bears a particular resemblance to Sumeru's curriculum, with connections to the Akademi of Alexandria. It consists of primary school (six years), middle school (three years), high school (six years), and finally, a bachelor's degree at the Harmonie Institute of Scientific Research and Engineering Region. The traditional school in Pandora, much like the Akademi of Alexandria, educates natives in various fields, ranging from technology to science, culture, and philosophy. Education in Pandora is highly valued and considered one of the largest educational centers along with Honkai, Zhiyue, and Sumeru. The only difference between Pandora's educational system and those of Zhiyue and Sumeru is that they do not have schools of thought but do possess institutions dedicated to the arts, such as theater, painting, and music. Pandora is particularly renowned for its emphasis on teaching arts and culture, as well as promoting critical thinking and creativity.

While children do learn calculations, land measurement, and problem-solving, they also learn to read and write in languages from other nations and study sacred and literary texts in Pandora. Additionally, they are taught about astronomy, arts, and theater. Astronomy, in particular, holds great significance within Aurynthia, so from a young age, children and youth study the stars and the worlds that exist beyond the Aurynthia Express. Some dedicate their entire lives to studying at these research institutes even after graduating, demonstrating their profound passion for the sciences of the universe bestowed upon them by the ancestral beings. Many architects in Pandora engage in the beautiful task of traveling between worlds and studying the cultures of all societies, calling themselves starwalkers beyond the universe. This is why Pandora is home to numerous explorers and engineers.

## Economy

The economy of Pandora is one of the largest in the world and is classified as a mixed economy, along with the Honkai economy. It is characterized by being highly developed, diversified, and service-oriented. Pandora is mostly known for its manufacturing industry, which includes sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, technology, fashion, and luxury. Pandora exports its technology to other nations. Due to the intense mechanical nature of Pandora's products, there seems to be a lack of organic items, which are in high demand. However, the nation has an extensive network of trade agreements. It exports a variety of products, including vehicles and ships, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wine, and fashion. Similarly, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, famous for its cultural heritage, landscapes, gastronomy, and iconic cities like Harmonie. Tourism plays a significant role in the economy, generating employment and foreign currency. Pandora actively participates in the production of commercial aircraft, satellites, space rockets, and exploration vessels for other worlds.

Like Honkai, Pandora is a nation of progress and is dedicated to study and scientific advancement. Therefore, it has a growing technology sector, with emerging companies and startups in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, and e-commerce. Harmonie, in particular, is considered the world capital of fashion and hosts renowned fashion events and shows, as well as festivals of various kinds and advancements in various branches of science. Additionally, Pandora's food industry is recognized for its quality and diversity. Harmonie is known for its production of wines, cheeses, dairy products, bakery goods, and confectionery. Pandora is renowned for producing exquisite wines from fruits extracted from its best fields, and its trade is quite open. Not only that, but Pandora is also popular for its extensive artistic works and theaters, giving it one of the top positions as the nation of the arts, also known as the Renaissance of the Second Era, given its artworks, theater, and music. Fashion and luxury are prominent features in Pandora, so it is common to sell clothing and accessories of all kinds to other nations and worlds beyond Aurynthia.

Pandora also has a strong tradition in the manufacturing industry, including the production of machinery, electronic equipment, chemicals, construction materials, and consumer products. A large portion of Pandora's corporations has invested in the construction of cities and complex water transportation systems, given the geography of its regions, transportation systems such as the metro or ferry buses, with long and extensive tracks above water level that allow the mobility of vehicles to other sectors and also of ships. Similarly, The Songbird is a newspaper that originates from Pandora, and it has readers and writers all over Aurynthia. Pandora's communication and news system extends throughout Aurynthia and even other worlds, sharing specific information about each nation and being particularly popular and widely sold to this day. Pandora is not only popular for this, but it has also made a significant contribution to the film industry, creating unique works that have been sold worldwide. As seen through this overview, Pandora is a nation rich in all possible aspects, and its economy seems to be constantly expanding despite not having an elected governor, other than the Hollow Knights system and the Harmonie court.

Engineering and architecture have been one of Pandora's greatest strengths for the past 50,000 years after the first cataclysm, which has made the nation resilient and never collapse even after the events of the second cataclysm. The aerospace industry is a prominent sector in Pandora, with a long tradition of excellence and innovation. Pandora is recognized as one of the world leaders in this field, and its aerospace industry has contributed significantly to technological and economic development. Even after the events that led to the destruction of most of the world, Pandora remained steadfast and, along with Honkai, assisted other allied nations and actively participated in the Machine War with its production of advanced security systems. Even with this, Pandora has also made a considerable contribution to the Aurynthia Express, with the Hollow Knights faction being one of the most active at the moment.

Not content with the laws of the common world of Aurynthia, the Hollow Knights set their sights on the inexplicable phenomena of the galaxy, hoping that those distant mysteries would satisfy their curiosity. With this goal in mind, they led the establishment of a spaceship-like museum and launched it onto the stellar rail, initiating the research work to encapsulate all the strange phenomena among the stars. And thus, the famous Pandora Space Station was born. Researchers from different planets come to work here as a researcher and most of them are faithful followers of the Hollow Knights. Qualifying for a researcher role in the Pandora Space Station is a hard process and is a cherished goal of the scientific community. Today, the space station possesses countless curiosities and serves as a true space museum. A large number of researchers also live on the station. They continuously collect relics and curiosities from across the galaxy, record their appearances and functions, establish systematic methods to observe and study them... and ultimately encounter even more perplexing mysteries in their studies.

### Research Departments of the Pandora Space Station

The Pandora Space Station has conducted multiple studies on the Abyss, delving into mysterious dead ends regarding the arcane origin of this place and its forces. However, unlike the Abyssology department of the Lumina Space Station, they have not established experiments involving direct contact with the Abyss due to the inherent dangers it would entail. Ultimately, the security department has collaborated with the Abyssology department to detect Abyss infection on other worlds and travel there using the Aurynthia Express to cleanse those planets and eliminate potential threats.

## Infrastructure

Pandora has a modern and well-developed infrastructure in various sectors that is similar to Honkai, probably because both nations are surrounded by water. It has an extensive transportation network that includes roads, ferries, airports, and seaports. The country has a wide network of highways and roads that connect major cities and regions. The high-speed ferry system, known as Aquabus, is recognized worldwide and allows for quick travel between cities within and outside the country. The most important international airports are located in Harmonie, as well as ship ports to receive stations of the Aurynthia Express. The city, in particular, has aquabus stations that enable mobility from one island to another and other regions, as well as a complex system of elevators separated by levels of the port.

### Transport

The Aquabus is a watercraft that can be found in Harmonie and throughout Pandora. It operates on an exclusive transportation system called Aquarail, which offers scenic rides and efficient transportation for its passengers. The Aquabus system was designed in collaboration with the Cathedral and the Harmonie Court. Three lines were created, providing service from the Court of Harmonie to the Harmonie Research Institute, the water and space ports, and the Cathedral. In addition to this special transportation system, Pandora has the Aurynthia Express faction, which provides internal transportation within the ship and its stations using stellar rails. Pandora has an advanced communication infrastructure that includes landline and mobile telephony, broadband internet access, and extensive mobile network coverage. The country has leading telecommunications service providers offering a wide range of services for both businesses and individuals. One of Pandora's most popular transportation systems is its cable car, which moves between mountains on the islands from one point to another.

### Water supply and sanitation

Access to an improved water source is universal in Pandora. 98% of the population receives tap water from public utilities, and only 4% relies on private wells or small unregulated systems, mainly in rural areas, which are very few. Access to improved sanitation services is also universal, either through sewerage systems or on-site sanitation.

### Energy

Pandora has a diversified energy infrastructure. Pandora's engineers have managed to manipulate the energy of Ether and Prism, two completely distinct sources, to use them in their gears and weapons. When these two energies come into contact, an annihilation reaction is triggered, producing various effects depending on the environment. Similar to the energy system extracted from Sumeru, this energy can be highly dangerous, but it is also powerful and has enhanced certain mechanisms. Over time, Pandora's engineers have also developed cubes to store Prism energy, imitating the arcane energy system created by the gods of Aurynthia. Energy Cubes are a piece of technology created by the Pandorians. They can contain enormous amounts of energy equivalent to a "small nuclear detonation" in a stable state. The cubes are used to power certain devices, such as teleporter bows, which will only function once a cube has been inserted. They can be used to create alien tablets as well as powerful batteries and energy cells. These cubes are called Ion Cubes or Prism Crystals. This could be a reference to matter and antimatter. When matter comes into contact with antimatter, they mutually annihilate each other and releases an immense amount of energy as the matter is converted to energy.

## Major cities

### Harmonie - 90 Million

Harmonie is considered the largest center for arts and studies, along with other sites like Sumeru and Honkai. This beautiful city is enormous and has multiple places to visit, from beaches to ports, theaters, its opera house, and the famous Harmonie Court and Abyss Angel Church. Harmonie has long been regarded as the capital of all types of art, with artists from all over Aurynthia showcasing their talents in its theaters and art galleries. Harmonie is a city known for its beauty, charm, and rich history. It is recognized as one of the world's top tourist destinations, famous for its iconic monuments, sophisticated culture, and unique lifestyle. The city has a rich history reflected in its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and enchanting neighborhoods. Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are examples of ancient districts with narrow streets, cozy cafes, and elegant boutiques. However, Harmonie's significance extends beyond that. It has been a leader on the long journey as a pioneer of the universe, exploring worlds beyond with its faction and others, studying planets, and creating powerful automatons during the War of the Machines.

Pandorian cuisine is renowned worldwide, and Harmonie offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes where one can enjoy exquisite dishes. From freshly baked croissants to gourmet meals in Michelin-starred restaurants, dining in Harmonie is a delightful experience. For a long time, Harmonie has been home to cinemas, cafes, and restaurants of all kinds, including festivals celebrating special events or hosting games. Harmonie is also considered a fashion capital and a center of style. The city hosts important fashion events, such as the Harmonie Fashion Week, and is home to renowned designers and Pandorian fashion houses. It is known that within popular culture, Pandora is the nation with the most artistic monuments in all of Aurynthia, with grand museums that have been the creations of ancient civilizations from 50,000 years ago. Vibrant and full of life, Pandora competes with Santo Domingo from the Eden nation for the title of the most popular city with exquisite dishes. However, in addition to this, Harmonie claims the number one spot in the film industry with its enormous and beautiful historic theaters.

Harmonie is home to the second largest science center in Aurynthia and a space station hub. It is there that the Pandora space station was born and its creation was initiated. The Pandora space station, connected to the Aurynthia Express via stellar rails, is constantly aware of Harmonie, and its crews are prestigious researchers hailing from this beautiful city. The Pandora space station features special ports, education centers, laboratories, supply zones, dormitories, infirmaries, and other important facilities for the daily use of all crew members. There are even schools within the space center! And yes, there are child crew members who are being prepared to become star travelers and researchers!

## Culture

The culture of Pandora is characterized by its history and diversity. Its influence has shaped many cultural and political expressions in Aurynthia and the entire world. The values embodied by the motto of the Republic of Pandora (Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity") have endured for the past 50,000 years and have been upheld by the order of hollow knights throughout history. Pandora has made significant contributions to society in the fields of science, literature, art, and other disciplines. It still maintains the reputation of being a founding country in terms of protocol and good manners. It has valuable traditions, including gastronomy, where its cheeses and wines stand out, as well as high fashion and other luxury-related traditions. Among the most important customs of the people of this nation is attending theatrical, musical, and cinematic performances. The people of Pandora are sailors, warriors, artisans, fishermen, artists, scribes, as well as inventors of technology, researchers, and explorers. A variety of sources shed light on the culture, activities, and beliefs of the people of Pandora from Aurynthia and beyond.

The Pandora space station is home to the oldest scientific institutions still in operation, including the botanical garden, observatory, Institute of Science and Engineering, scientific research center, polytechnic school, Pandora Academy of Arts, and others. Pandora is a nation constantly advancing, and its people consider themselves educated individuals and defenders of freedom, as well as space explorers and contributors to science. Similar to Sumeru or Honkai, its members dedicate their entire lives to the study and investigation of their world and other planets. Pandora's culture is rich and extensive, open to many doors that present different facets of this nation during its growth over the years. Pandora is known as a nation abundant in art and sciences, competing with great nations like Honkai and Sumeru.

In Pandora, women's attire seems to be inspired by the fashion of the Belle Époque, which is characterized by decorated hats, lace blouses, and straight falling skirts. Some are less based directly on historical dress and more on modern subcultures that take inspiration from history, such as steampunk and lolita. Boys' clothing seems to be inspired by the kind popular in Europe between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first and second versions of adult men's attire, however, are more similar to those from the mid-to-late 19th century, as that was when that style of cravat/bow-tie and waistcoat were most popular.

Pandora is known for being the birthplace of renowned artists and writers. The country has a long tradition of art and is home to some of the world's most famous museums, even in its space station. Pandora and its people are known not only for their good manners and sense of fashion but also for their defense of the freedom of all nations and peoples around them. The Hollow Knights are a highly esteemed faction within Pandora's society, to the extent that it is considered an honor when a family member becomes part of this organization. The people of Pandora are faithful believers in justice and hold the god Naberius in high regard even today, 50,000 years after his death, during the time of the aristocracy when he defended people's dreams. The people of Pandora not only admire Naberius but also worship Murata as one of the first Hollow Knights to defend the freedom of the now city of Harmonie. Murata's birthday is unknown, but even today, the people of Pandora celebrate the day she liberated Harmonie and founded the city after destroying the aristocrats, until the day of her ascension to Celestia and the prophecy. The people of Pandora are highly religious and devoted, even after the near-third cataclysm and the death of the Angel of the Abyss, all of Aurynthia's sins were forgiven, and the people of Pandora began to worship the Angel of the Abyss for the sacrifice he had made to save everyone. Members of the churches formed celebrations and understood that the Angel of the Abyss was a benevolent being and paradoxically an eon of unique light.

For the people of Pandora, the Angel of the Abyss is the God of the Covenant of Humanity, known as the 'Father' and Creator of the Angels of the Abyss, Lord of the Paths, and at the same time, a being of love who gave his life to ascend to Celestia as the first primordial being among the eons. According to the Church of Harmonie, the Angel of the Abyss is the Primordial Source of everything, the primary cause, the unmoved mover, the eternal, self-generated, and uncaused cause. He is the Source of existence, creation, being, and everything. He is Unique, Ineffable, and Absolute, the personification of omnipotence itself. While the Church of Pandora still debates the origins of the eons as beings created by the ancestral beings, and instead being the creators of the Architects, the Church of Pandora grants the title of father of all to the Angel of the Abyss as the primordial being of Aurynthia at the same level as Celestia itself and as its ultimate descendant.

According to Pandorian religion, the Angel of the Abyss ascended to Celestia after his death and obtained the light of the beings tormented by the abyss, freeing their souls, and they gave him their light. He, now with the light of the fallen, ascended to the throne of Celestia and took hold of the Spear of Longinus with his hands, announcing the end of the cataclysm and with it his rebirth upon crossing the gate of the Celestia realm. Some writings of the Church of Harmonie recount the following:

> He is what was, what is, and what is to come. He is the first and the last. The beginning and the end. He who lived and was dead. He holds the keys to death and the abyss. In Heaven, Earth, and beyond, only one will reign forever. He is the Amen, the Word, the truth, the way, and the life. In the midst of the destruction of worlds, an angel emerged from the abyss in eternal pain, bringing forgiveness to sinners throughout Aurynthia. He gave his life for us and entrusted his power to his people, not to rule as a tyrant, but to make Aurynthia free from all the pain that generations have suffered for years.
>
> ―Harmonie Church, about the angel of the abyss

The Angel of the Abyss is widely known for possessing an extremely benevolent and friendly personality, displaying infinite kindness and sympathy towards almost anything. He is the embodiment of the utmost fairness, purity, justice, and love in the universe, as he is the manifestation of love itself. Since his sacrifice, Pandora has established churches in his name and erected enormous statues throughout the city, beautiful cathedrals, and angelic figures. Nowadays, Pandora considers the Angel of the Abyss as the father of the new humanity, and all second-generation humans as his descendants. This is paradoxical, as it assigns the Angel a role similar to that of Jesus Christ and Adam at the same time within the context of the story.

## Festivals and Holidays

### Pandora Star Festival

Pandora has a tremendous amount of festivals that the eon Naberius created for his entire people to enjoy together. These celebrations, in particular, are also celebrated by foreigners, who participate in welcoming parties and festivities dedicated to the admiration of the stars or the world of theater. For example, the Festival of the Stars is a celebration of love and friendship. A significant part of the festival revolves around the stars and titular celestial bodies, which were said to be used as symbols of freedom and resistance during the era of aristocracy 50,000 years ago, and the people's desire to venture beyond their world and explore further. Since then, all of Pandora celebrates this festival with great devotion, as families and groups of friends gather to eat, play, dance, and sing. This fifteen-day festival is filled with food, games, and music, aiming to commemorate how Naberius taught his people to live freely and how Celestia granted them the ability to travel beyond the star rails.

Often, practical workshops are organized where participants can learn about astronomy, build planet models, or conduct experiments related to space. In addition, telescopes and observation equipment are set up to allow attendees to explore and admire the stars, planets, and other celestial objects. During these long days, the entire Pandora (including the Pandora space station) celebrates with scientific conferences, and children gather to travel through planets and stars on the Aurynthia Express. The Star Festival is also a celebration in honor of Murata, who, after liberating Harmonie from the aristocrats, founded the faction of the Hollow Knights. People commonly pray in Murata's name, hoping that their prayers will be heard by her. They also make offerings, and the Hollow Knights march through the streets of Harmonie in honor of Murata's ascension to Celestia after her death. Legends say that Murata transformed into a robin bird, but for those star walkers, Murata resides far beyond, among the stars, alongside the eons for all eternity.

### Harmonie Musique Fest

The Harmonie Music Festival showcases a wide variety of musical genres, from rock and pop to jazz, electronic music, traditional music, and more. It takes place in different venues and locations throughout Pandora, ranging from large stadiums to intimate music clubs, providing unique and diverse experiences for attendees. In addition to the concerts, the festival also offers complementary activities and events such as workshops, talks, exhibitions, and music fairs. These activities provide opportunities to learn, interact with musicians and industry experts, and explore deeper aspects of music and its impact on culture. Classical music concerts are often held in ancient opera houses and theaters within view of the Harmonie court, featuring incredibly beautiful shows and performances that attract large crowds.

### Pandora Film Fest

The Pandora Film Festival is a prominent event in the nation's cultural calendar. This festival brings together filmmakers, actors, film enthusiasts, and cinema lovers from around the world to celebrate and explore the art of filmmaking. Throughout the festival, films of various categories, genres, and styles, including both national and international productions, are screened. The festival takes place at different venues and cinemas in Pandora, including the prestigious Stellar Cinema Hall located in the capital city. In addition to the screenings, the festival offers a variety of cinema-related activities and events such as panel discussions, conferences, workshops, and encounters with renowned filmmakers and artists.

One of the prominent features of the Pandora Film Festival is its focus on diversity and inclusion. Films that address relevant and current themes are highlighted, promoting reflection and dialogue on different realities and perspectives. Awards are also given to the best productions in different categories, such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Performance, and more, recognizing the talent and creativity in filmmaking.

### Flight Season

During this season, flying architects prepare to guide birds on their migratory journey to other regions and welcome them to their nation. Exciting competitions are also organized, such as air races, acrobatics, and skill exhibitions. Participants showcase their unique flying abilities, from spins and loops to more complex maneuvers. During the flight season, which is usually celebrated by several nations, people assist smaller birds in learning to fly and cover long distances before embarking on their journey to other nations. Since Pandora is mostly an island nation, many birds travel to it or pass through the area, facing the temperature differences of each nation. Generally, the bells of the sanctuary islands announce the arrival of migratory birds to Pandora.

### Holy Eve

The Holy Eve bears similarities to the Yule tradition in Znaniya. This solemnity, which commemorates the sacrifice of the Angel of the Abyss, is celebrated on December 25th in the Church of Pandora and churches in other parts of Aurynthia. In some Germanic languages, such as German, the holiday is called Weihnachten, which means 'consecrated night(s)', similar to the English term 'Holy Eve' or 'Sacred Night'. During this festivity, people decorate their trees with angel figures and crystal stars. Some elements common to various nations include the decoration tree, advent wreaths, stockings hung by the fireplace, candy canes, and nativity scenes representing the birth of the angel. Songs are sung, and stories are told, with Harmonie particularly showcasing theatrical plays and opera performances. Families often exchange gifts, partake in lavish banquets that same night, and gather to pray, leaving offerings for the angel. It is common to see children taking to the streets, distributing sweets and desserts to people, as well as giving gifts and letters to their loved ones.

Some popular songs of this Holy Eve include compositions by artists dedicated to the church, with lyrics like "Let us laugh and cry happily, without any worry, let us enjoy today and the days to come, for the angel has blessed us". Other popular songs, such as "La Foule" and "Eleanor Rigby," are performed in operas.

## Etymology

The term "Pandora" finds its etymological roots in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first mortal woman created by the gods. According to the myth, Pandora was given a box (often referred to as "Pandora's Box") as a gift but was instructed not to open it under any circumstances. Curiosity got the better of her, and she eventually opened the box, unleashing all the evils and miseries into the world.

The name "Pandora" itself has significance in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "pan" meaning "all" or "every," and "dora" meaning "gift" or "present." Therefore, "Pandora" can be interpreted as "all-gifted" or "bearer of all gifts".

## Trivia

* Apart from their references to mythology, the Hollow Knights are inspired by the order of knights that existed in Europe throughout the Middle Ages. The main ideals of the Hollow Knights are modesty, loyalty, and discipline, and their mission is to protect the nation of Pandora. This vaguely recalls the romanticized concept of knights.
* In Latin, "Somnium" means "dream". It refers to the mental activity that occurs during sleep, often involving vivid images, sensations, and emotions. In astronomy, "Somnium" is the title of a lunar fantasy written by Johannes Kepler in the early 17th century. It depicts a journey to the moon and is considered one of the first works of science fiction.
* Mondlichttal is a German term that translates to "moonlight valley" in English.
* Astremer or Sternenmeer is a term that translates to "sea of stars" in English. It is a compound word formed by combining "Sterne" (stars) and "Meer" (sea).
* Sternenlichtung is a German term that translates to "star clearing" or "star glade" in English. It is a compound word formed by combining "Sterne" (stars) and "Lichtung" (clearing or glade). The term refers to an open space or area in a forest or natural setting where the stars are visible and can be observed clearly.
* After successfully overthrowing the aristocracy, Murata led the reconstruction of the city and established the Hollow Knights to fight against anyone who attempted to become tyrants or harm the people of Pandora. She was their first Grand Master as well as the first Hollow Knight. The accounts of her life afterward differ, but they all converge at the end of her life. According to legend, Murata was recognized by the gods for her deeds and ascended to Celestia. The place where she ascended is now known as Astremer, which is said to have emerged after her ascension.