Cosmos

The Emblem of the Royal House

Cosmos is the herd of the floating isles of the Astrarium. Lovers of science, art and magic; they constantly toe the line between the acceptable and the dangerous. As bright as the stars may shine, they remain forever surrounded by darkness.

Calm and steady on the surface, but trouble brews below.

## History

The history of the Astrarium is shrouded in mystery. For a country that relies so much on knowledge, they have surprisingly little about their own past.

What they do know is this: A little over a millennia ago (1,063 years, to be exact), the previous civilization on the island suddenly vanished. What caused this, they do not know, though speculation abounds. It seemed to be a sudden event, all but destroying the life on Siex in a matter of moments. Now only ruins and questions remain. Nothing is known of what sort of lives they lived, how they ran their nation, or even if they were truly the same species. Occasionally powerful artifacts will be found within the ruins of the once great city, revealing that they were far more advanced than even the most modern inventions, but that is as far as the information goes.

Some fear that whatever destroyed the ancients will one day return and do the same to them.

In the years since, the country has rebuilt from nothing. Shortly after the disaster, a leader came forward- a stag known to history only as ‘the Golden Prince.’ His powerful magic pulled the new generation from the darkness, and his kind, fatherly leadership united them as one.

Slowly, they have rebuilt. Relearning the technology of old, with the Golden Prince’s line leading all the while.

Yet there are whispers that perhaps all is not what it seems. For the current leader, Solace, matches perfectly the descriptions of the Golden Prince of old, and no one can quite remember a time before him. All anyone truly knows is that he was alive during the event that caused the **Sightless Generation**, for his eyes bear the damage of the disaster.

If he has answers to any questions, he has declined to share them. He claims simply that his predecessor’s genes are strong, and the resemblance is based only upon that. The truth may never reveal itself.

## Culture

#### **Calendar**

Their year is divided into twelve months, three for each season. While most are named for animals that thrive during that time of year, the first and last are named for the sun and moon- the beginning and the end.

Sun, Hare, and Ram mark the beginning of the year, and springtime.

Phoenix, Snake and Dragon mark the heat of summer.

Whale, Wolf and Bull mark the gradual cooling and harvest of autumn, with the month of the whale being the peak of cetus breeding season.

Bear, Dove (commonly understood to be a mourning dove), and Moon mark the end of the year, and resting through winter’s chill.

(By human understanding, their year begins in February. Sun = February)

They count their years by estimated time since the fall of the first civilization. The current year of their calendar is 1,063. Any year before that is marked as a negative number, counting backwards from zero.

#### **Government**

The islands are governed by a parliamentary monarchy.

Officials are elected by their districts, determined by the layout of the city (or the section of farmlands they live in). Nobles generally hold the seats of power in the upper city districts, whereas the lower city tends to switch between nobles and commoners. The farmlands districts are always seated by farmers, as one would expect. There are a total of fifteen officials seated at any time. Six upper city, six lower city, and three farmlands.

Unrepresented are those who choose to live in the wilds of Tria. They are few, abiding only by one government law- that no permanent structures may be built.

Above the Parliament is the King. While he seldom interferes, all know that he can. His word overrules any pronouncement from the Parliament, regardless of the voting upon it. While the officials run the day-to-day, the king is the leader, the heart and soul of the country. It is to him that the people bow.

The nobility is status and wealth alone- they hold no power within the government. They are simply old, rich families

#### **Religion**

There is no organized religion in the Astrarium. Faith is generally considered quaint and unneeded. However, small, loosely connected sects have formed among the lower class.

The largest and most rapidly growing of these is belief in a celestial dragon, the **All-Mother Pandora**, pure black and hiding in the space between stars. It is believed her breath gave birth to the cosmic clouds, her tears turned to stars, and her scales became planets. Some sects believe she roams without interest in her creation, others believe she watches the life she began with great interest. All believe magic is her domain, and how it is used will bring forth her approval or her ire.

Some sects have begun to mix astrology in with their teachings, saying that the signs in the skies above are messages from the All-Mother.

#### **Infrastructure**

The Astrarium has fairly advanced infrastructure. The cities of the top two islands are well maintained, save for some portions of the western section of Duae. In the upper city, streets are paved with brick, in the lower city, it is a simple cement.

Aqueducts transfer water to public wells, though the royal manor, the houses of parliament and some noble homes have running water. It is a rarity, however.

Conventional electricity doesn’t exist, but **cetus oil combined with magic** light the rich parts of the city in a similar fashion. Orbs of colorful magical light that float along the ceilings and in constructed ‘lamps’, which can be turned on and off en masse with a simple spell. The planetarium is the best example of cetus oil magic, able to replicate an entire sky of stars, turning constellations on and off at will.

The lower city relies instead on traditional candles, torches and oil lamps.

Sewage pipes were built into the island, and most buildings have pour flush toilets (whatever those might look like for a horse). Outhouses are positioned throughout the city as well, for public use. Wastewater is literally dumped off the edge of the island to whatever may lie below.

Trash is typically burnt by the homeowner, shop owner, or janitorial staff of whatever building produces it. It is typical to see burn bins and outdoor furnaces for such purposes.

Compost is collected weekly, for transport to Quator for use on farms. This is typically done by the families of farmers, with sections of the city assigned to farms by the government. Some of the more successful farms hire workers to do the job instead.

Schools are public, though colleges do carry a price of admission- all graduates must work for the people for three years after finishing their schooling. For the Triumvirate, it is five years. The government pays modestly during these years, but it is seen as a public service. Sometimes the nobility try to wriggle out of these requirements, but the king is famously harsh on such plots.

Medical costs are minimal at hospitals. Private doctors and specialists may charge more for more ‘premium’ facilities, but this is largely cosmetic; fancier beds, bigger rooms, etc.

The dead are mourned, but the corpses are considered inconsequential. They are treated in one of three ways- either they are burned, or they are taken to Tria and given a sky burial. Cremation is generally considered the wasteful option, but the state will provide the service for free. Sky burial is preferred, and considered more honorable, as one's death is helping the islands to advance. One's body can also be sold to science- a useful thing to the herd, but not holding the same honor as a sky burial. Colleges or scientific facilities will provide a lump sum of money to those willing, and will then place an invisible magical tracker that activates when the character passes. The poor and Dust often take advantage of this for quick coin.

**The Knights of Cosmos** are the policing order within the faction. They are generally considered meatheads, and not entirely appreciated by the upper class, but they do their job well and receive good compensation in turn. Corruption is quickly stamped out when found, and though they hold little affection for the nobles, they are loyal to the king, who treats them with the honor they deserve. They consider themselves public servants, and those seeking to abuse power must be wary when doing so, for the others in their unit will likely not abide by it.

There is no military force. Due to the high position of the islands, and their relative isolation, invasion is seen as highly unlikely.

#### **Herd** **Culture**

The Astrarium is a place of science, magic and art. These three values are placed above all others. Thus, the scientists, the magi, and creatives are the most prized among their citizens.

Any **art** is valued equally. Writing, poetry, sculpture, fashion, painting, drawing. All are adored. It is considered what separates the civilized from the beasts, a wisdom animals cannot possess.

**Science** is similarly prized regardless of what field it is in.

But **magic** differs slightly. Regular practitioners are valued, of course, but it is those who study the mutation of magic that are the true celebrities of the Astrarium. New magic is celebrated, rewarded with fame and fortune. As such, those who seek mutation have grown more and more willing to play outside the conventional rules to achieve something new.

The King has largely approved of such measures, outside of causing pain to fellow members of the herd.

Because of his permissive attitude, things have begun to go a little too far.

Anyone outside the three ideal schools generally has a harder time attaining fame or great wealth. That said, those things are hardly needed for a good life. Still, there is a difference in attitude between the ideals, and the rest.

Among those less valued, religion has aided them in finding a sense of worth. Belief in the **All-Mother Pandora** is growing, as is belief in **astrology**. The herd lives so close to the stars that it only makes sense that they seek meaning in them. Such beliefs began in the lower city, but have been steadily climbing upward with time. And with the upward trend comes people who seek to take advantage for their own gain, as happens with all things.

**Recreational time** is prized within Cosmos- they work hard and they play hard. Clubs and taverns are regularly full, with bands playing to earn their coin.

Mind-altering substances are big business in the Astrarium. Plant-based drugs are considered an opening of the mind, an enlightening experience, inspiring. Alcohol is considered a dulling of the mind, and thus is less popular among the nobility. Due to its far cheaper cost, the lower city consumes far more alcohol than plant-based drugs.

Among the substances available-

**Sunbow**: A flat, pale green leaf covered in fine, powdery filaments. Is burned and inhaled, typically in a pipe. Said to make one feel floaty and happy, but can also bring panic if not taken correctly. No possibility of addiction, it is generally harmless.

**Moonwort**: A plump, round purple mushroom that is dried and then ingested. Said to spark strange, artistic thoughts. Can trigger synesthesia (feeling one sense in place of another, for example- tasting sounds). If too much is taken at once, can have lingering aftereffects such as hallucinations or tinnitus. Some possibility for addiction.

**Stargloam**: A beautiful white flower that only blooms in the full moon. The seeds, if ground into a powder, create a substance that if smoked, enhances one’s magical powers, and can even spark a mutation. Is said to make one feel powerful, without pain, intensely connected to the world. It is highly addictive, and heavily regulated. After a series of deaths decades prior, each adult is allowed only one dose a month.

Illegal drugs are a rapidly growing problem, one the knights are constantly trying to get a handle on. These drugs can be made from any number of things, and can be incredibly dangerous. Many have lost their lives to these substances.

The illegal drugs and the growing rebellion against the rules of magical discovery lead back to the same place. A shadowy group has formed, seeking to buck the rules, **a nameless cult**. They believe in improving themselves at any cost, the ends justify any means. Whether that be controlled breeding, the culling of the infirm, forced mutations, or experimentation on their fellow herd members. They even hope to one day throw themselves onto the world stage, to bring their ways to all.

Rumor has it that they work out of the **Black Hole**, but no knight has ever been able to catch them.

**Sexuality and gender** are free and open within the Astrarium. Little to no bias exists, except perhaps among the very old, or the highly religious. Generally, prejudice is seen as foul far more than any identity is.

Classism is the largest form of prejudice impacting the islands. The difference between the rich and poor is amazingly stark.

#### **Outside Relations**

Because of their difficult location to reach, Cosmos has historically not feared invasion. That's not to say they live in complete isolation, however. If another faction is able to reach them, they are typically welcomed, provided they aren't outwardly aggressive.

Immigration is allowed on a case-by-case basis, typically after one proves they would be beneficial to the faction.

In terms of trade, Cosmos takes in things not found on their own islands. Anything new to be studied is considered valuable. They export navigational equipment, artisan goods (including weaponry), experimental magic, recreational drugs, and surplus rare minerals from Septem.

Specific Faction Relations:

**Visage**- An unlikely friendship has formed with the pirates of Visage. Their visits are marked by grand feasts in celebration of the new wonders they have brought from the outside world- creatures and items to study and learn from. Plus, it's just fun to party with pirates.

**Tasnal**- Cosmos has a diplomatic relationship with Tasnal. Emissaries from the floating isles are gifted a suite in the castle for their stay. They have an amicable trading partnership as well- though every now and then one of the Cosmos scientists will mess with Tasnal technology and explode for their transgression. This gives Solace a headache- he told them to leave that stuff alone.

## Ranks

**The Upper Echelon**

* Sol - The King

* Satellites - Nobility
* System - Parliament
* Comets - Knights

**The Ideals:**

* Celestials - Artists
* Stars- Skybound
* Coronas - Magi
* Novas- Scientists

**The Lower Echelon:**

* Nebulas - Commoners
* Dust - Unfortunates
* Eclipse - Cultists

## Ancestral Talent

The Celestial Cloud

A summonable cloud used to carry objects, characters, or even homes. It also can produce light, or be used to hide.

Cloud can either be black as pitch, or look like a colorful cloud of cosmic dust. Can be entirely dark, or produce light via miniature stars. Color and light can be changed at will. Cloud can carry weight, and will float where the summoner wills it, though it's range is limited by average visual range (meaning a blind character can still move it about, and a character with amazing eyesight is still limited to the average). Cloud is solid only where items are place atop it- it cannot be used as a shield, nor a barricade. It can, however, be used to hide behind, as it is opaque. Can be used to enable wingless characters to travel in the sky.

**Level one** can summon a cloud the size of your character's head, which can support up to 50 lbs. Light produced is as strong as a large flashlight.

**Level two** can summon a cloud the size of your character's body, which can support up to twice their weight. Light produced is as strong to car headlights (the annoyingly bright LED ones).

**Level three** can summon two clouds- one very large (enough to build a floating house on, for example), and one twice as large as the character's body. The large cloud takes no energy to sustain, but can be moved using additional energy as needed. Both clouds can hold an infinite weight. Light produced is akin to daylight in strength, but not in range (so they cannot change night to day for the whole area).

## Homeland

#### **Geography**

The Astrarium is a chain of eight islands in a tight upward spiral. Each is fairly flat, save for the third from the top, which is mountainous. They are simply named (from top to bottom): **Unum, Duae, Tria, Quatour, Quinque, Siex, Septem, Oto**. There are magical lifts connecting the islands in several places each, for ease of travel. The kingdom houses one large city (split into halves) where almost all the population lives. The rest live in the farmlands (save for a smattering that lives on Tria).

[insert map here]

The first island, **Unum**, is the main hub, and holds the capital city, as well as the houses of parliament and the royal manor. On the eastern edge is the Grand Cathedral, a massive planetarium and astrology lab. It houses the most powerful telescopes in the country. The Triumvirate, a huge college, also sits on the eastern side. It is of moderate temperature in the summer, and is very cold in the winter.

The second island, **Duae**, contains the lower half of the capital city. The less prominent buildings, the cheaper stores, the smaller places to live. It is not patrolled as fiercely as Unum, but is still fairly safe. Except for the western-most portion, that is, which tends to be on the seedy side, where drugs flow freely and nothing is certain. Trouble is often centered around a mysterious club called “The Black Hole.” Its climate is the same as Unum.

The third island, **Tria**, is mountainous, and is largely left as is, for the purposes of study. It has the largest variety of life, and is a haven for biologists, as well as nature enthusiasts. Surprisingly, Tria has more varied climate than the rest of the Astrarium. During the summer it can get quite hot, has long spring and autumn that is moderate, but has harsh, frigid winters.

The fourth island, **Quator**, holds the farms of the Astrarium. Its climate is perfect for most crops, as well as the limited rearing of animals. Large forests are also kept on the island, to be harvested for wood, constantly replenished with new saplings. The climate is moderate-to-warm all year long.

The fifth island, **Quinque**, is almost entirely a massive freshwater lake. It is wide and flat, and because of its position has little directly above it. Due to this, it reflects the night sky with amazing intensity, drawing the Cetus to it. They use its waters as a nesting pool for pups too young to fly. In addition, the herd uses the waters of Quinque to feed the farmlands of the island above. The climate is moderate-to-warm all year long.

The sixth island, **Siex**, holds endless mysteries, and is constantly filled with archeologists. It holds the remains of the ancient civilization of the Astrarium, a highly advanced society that one day vanished from the islands. Magical marvels are constantly found within, but answers to the largest questions go unanswered. The climate is warm most of the year, with a brief colder side during the winter.

The seventh island **Septem**, is the smallest, but is worth its weight in gold. Almost literally- it is packed with minerals and gemstones that almost seem to magically reappear when depleted. Those who are religious see this as a gift from the All-Mother, shimmering stones and sparkling ore from the heavens to please her children. It is warm all year long.

The bottom-most island, **Oto**, is generally uninhabited due to its hot climate- it holds a core of magma close to the surface. The ash at the surface is mined for its usefulness in farming. Rumor has it that something is stirring on the island- activity in places formerly untouched.

#### **Landmarks**

Unum: The Royal Manor, The Houses of Parliament, The Grand Cathedral, The Triumvirate, The Cosmos Royal Clinic.

Duae: The Black Hole, The End of the Universe, the Apothecary.

**The Royal Manor** is home to the King and his mate. It used to be a far larger palace, but he had it reduced in size, and the extra land used for the hospital. It is of simple white brickwork construction, with large windows and open rooms. Much of it is covered in vast paintings of the history of the Astrarium, speculated to be painted by the king himself. It is surrounded by magically climate-regulated gardens, which are open to the public.

**The Houses of Parliament** houses the government structures of the Astrarium. Elected officials work from the buildings here, holding sessions and presiding over judgements. It’s often joked that you only go there if you work there, or you’re in trouble. The building styles are white, with tall, imposing doorways and pillars.

**The Grand Cathedral** may not be the heart of religion, but its purpose matches the beat of every Cosmos heart nonetheless. It houses the most powerful telescopes to study the heavens, and a planetarium fueled by Cetus oil, so every member of the herd can learn of the celestial bodies above. It is open to the public.It is made of dark brickwork, with bronze fittings and decorations.

**The Triumvirate** is the largest college in the Astrarium, covering the three ideals of the herd: science, magic, and art. It is a prestigious school, accepting only the most promising students. A degree from this college almost guarantees a successful future. It mimics the government structures with white brickwork, large windows and pillars.

**The Cosmos Royal Clinic** is one of the newest buildings in the city, being less than a decade old. It is entirely funded by the royal family, built when the king grew frustrated with the lack of consistent medical care in the herd. The very best doctors and healers work within, and everyone in the medical field aspires to be the next hire. It is plain concrete and steel, painted over with white and gold.

**The Black Hole** is a massive club in Duae, where artists both physical and musical ply their trade. It’s intensely popular among the less fortunate and the wild. Drinks and drugs of all sorts can be procured here, though oddly the illegal never seems to be around when the knights are. They say seedy sorts do seedy things in the back rooms of the club, but no proof has ever emerged. Its building style can be described as 'chaotic'. Wood, brick and metal bars seemingly at random.

**The End of the Universe** is a busy tavern in the lower city, full of smoky air and clinking glasses. It has a warm atmosphere, and plenty of private rooms to enjoy time with friends. It’s popular with the rich and poor alike, famed for its home-cooked meals and vast selection of indulgences. It is simple red brick and wood, giving it a homey feel.

**The Apothecary** is the name of the lower-class hospital in the lower city. While infamous for long wait times, it handles the bulk of the work for the faction, though there are high hopes the new hospital will eventually ease the stress. Unfortunately, in a busy workplace, things slip through the cracks, and many life-saving drugs get ‘lost’ and end up on the streets. It is plain concrete and steel with little decoration.

#### **Biology**

The biology of the Astrarium is varied and magical. It is home to many unique creatures, as well as wildlife and plants common across the world.

The forests are largely temperate in nature, full of leafy trees and evergreens. All the islands experience four seasons, though not all to the same degree. The top three islands are the most changed by the time of year. Rivers flow through islands, and sometimes form beautiful waterfalls that drop over the edge, reflecting the colors of the sky above. Tria obviously displays the beauty of the landscape the best, being untouched wilderness. It holds a tall mountain, lined by evergreens that filter into broad-leafed trees the further down it gets. The forest covers much of the island, only to be broken up into wide, grassy plains as it draws near the edges.

The fauna match the landscape. Mountain-dwelling creatures, forest dwellers, beasts of the plains, and denizens of the skies.

The more unique creatures of the Astrarium include:

**Cetus (skywhale)** are floating whales that inhabit the skies around the Astrarium, feeding off the natural magic of the islands. Similar in appearance to blue whales, save for fins that transform into sparkling, starry mist. Their bodies are purple and shimmery in color, but can vary from almost black, to pale lavender. Some migrate to other lands, but for the most part, they remain around the Astrarium. They sing at night, gentle and low, but louder during the autumn breeding season. Intensely magical beings, their bodies are highly prized in the scientific community. The oil they produce can power magical devices for years at a time.

Despite their value, they are considered sacred, and it is highly illegal to bring harm to one. They breed slowly, so dips in population are easily noticeable. All are named and tracked by the government, and their movements are common news. When one passes, it is investigated to make certain it was natural, then the body is farmed for valuables. Thankfully, high levels of magic make them decompose very slowly.

To be born on the same day as a new whale pup is considered a good omen- likewise being born on the same day as one perishes is considered ill.

**Pisces (skyfish)** is the general name for the myriad species of fish that live in the skies around the Astrarium. They are a secondary food source for the cetus, as well as other predators of the islands. They vary wildly in size, shape and color. They largely live on insects, but some hunt other fish. They are a valuable source of leather, scales and meat for the herd.

**Phasewolves** are canines of a celestial nature, unique to the Astrarium. Appear as a normal wolf, but far fluffier to survive the cold climate of the northern islands. Between black, purple and blue in color, mimicking the night sky. Their coats bear images of space- celestial clouds, stars, constellations, a wonderful camouflage while hunting at night on the plains of the skyborne isles. Their limbs and tail tend to become semi-transparent the further they are from the body. They are named for their unique magical ability- they are able to phase through objects, allowing them to hunt without disturbing a single blade of grass.

A long time ago, scientists of the Astrarium began to breed them for the purpose of keeping them as pets. Now they can be found in many sizes, colors and shapes- though special care must be taken to fit them with a collar that prevents them from simply phasing through the walls of your house and escaping.

## Misc

Discord Server

Spotify Playlist