Chapter 7 - The Undead Reign and End 10.012 Like most things, nothing lasts forever. Not even the good. The soldier was known as Cillus and had a plan: Take Simul for his own people. Isn't that how it normally starts? Impending war due to greedy others? Of course. Never the less, what the skeletal warriors didn't realize was that Simul had it's own dimming darkness. A hell of a kick off of chaos, a random army of undead overtook Korrig, destroying and enslaving all that they could. Once on the move, they then attempted to talk Astu Aether, a new city that had come to Simul for safe haven, into becoming their ally with promises of glory and more money then they knew what to do with. The leader of the floating city promptly decline with the mention of war. Sudbury was not so lucky. The city of magic soon fell victim to the next random attack. By this point, The King was becoming desperate, doing what he could to gather as many allies as possible. Calling upon the Dwarves of Dun'Lorn and the man who held a castle in the northern lands, Silver Drafaylum, Alfred Fortescue asked for the impossible; Help to take out the invading forces. This lead to a treaty between the snow elves and Guardians, the Dwarves, and the King's Army. The long empty lands of Concordia was soon settle into once again and he meeting alone helped the Dwarves realize that not everyone outside of their mountain was evil... Oddly enough, the noise above attracted the attention of one man that the land had tried, for hundreds of years, to forget about. Timothy Slade. He came silently to the city of Korrig, wiping out what was left, including the innocent enslaved. His Master of Beasts soon did the same in Sudbury. The people rose though, taking on the small trolls and rogue 'soldiers' and taking back what little was left of the city. Timothy and his minions disappeared shortly after, but not before word of mouth could tell the tales of his epic and oddly helpful return. They spoke of the demon woman at Timothy's side. And they spoke, even more than the former, of the old man himself. Though the people were scared, the Royal Family has offered aide and rebuilding efforts to both cities, as well as fortification efforts for Ferax Villum. If there is to be another attack, Simul will be ready.

Salus and Malus: The Gods of Good and Evil Created with Bing AI Right: Salus Left: Malus Since the beginning of time, there has always been good and evil. Right and wrong. Light and dark. For Simul, it came in the form of two brother Gods. Salus and Malus. The story goes…: Salus and Malus had always fought over who should be the more influential. Good and light was pleasant. It was hard, but worth every stress. However, evil was easy. Just doing what one wanted with no thought to another. As Simul grew and the population increased, Salus and Malus would argue over how the nation would lay out. As the two brothers fought, the land suffered. From the anti-magic followings to bad crops, evil seemed to be winning over the people for the worse. Even Salus, the pleasant of the two, had begun to notice the changes. Not only within the people, but within himself. Salus made a compromise; One he was not proud of, but knew it was for the best. As the emotions of the brothers flared, so did the heat down on the land of the living. He wanted to give the people something to believe in. Something good and promising. To do that, he needed to show himself. This alone, was a difficult task to achieve. If the people did not believe in good anymore, no one would see him. Oh, the particulars of being a deity. As tempers grew and suspicions blazed through the paranoia of Simul, Salus came to an agreement with his brother. If the people could see him, and he could preach the teachings of good and coexisting, Malus would lay up on his hatred. Malus agreed. So, one night during the harsh winter of the year 972, Salus took faith in not only himself, but the one he planned on revealing himself to. The man’s name was Herald Fortescue: The soon to be crowned King. While the man slept, Salus came in and woke him with words of the future. The future that would unfold if the people did not come to a consensus and life in harmony. Less than a year later, Herald took the word he had received and spoke them out to the people. He would later be crowned King, his family to hold the title for all time. The words Herald spoke those days were nothing other than extraordinary. He spoke of the spirit that had come to visit him, claiming to be the guardian of Simul. He recited the awful things that had already happened between the people. The paranoia and pointed fingers. The accusations and thieving. Herald also spoke of the promises this spirit, Salus had made. That if things were not to change, his brother, Malus, would reign supreme; destroying all that they had built. Though the majority of people could tell the King was telling the truth, there were still a handful of people who refused, taking up the following of Malus and refusing to live in peace with their neighbors. These people eventually took up hiding and living in a far off mountain range. The rest of Simul had taken hands and sang their joy to their new King and the promises of Salus. The followers of Salus, of all that is good and right in the world, practice just that. From being selfless with charity and doing their best to live a life to be proud of, they also tend to be more forgiving than others. Even when one has done them wrong, a Follower of Salus will swallow any and all pride and anger in order to keep the coexisting ideal of Simul alive. Most Followers are very clean and tend to their surroundings with care. They also do worship Salus, either at home, or in various temples throughout the kingdom. The most popular being that temple within the Temples of Unity. It is the largest white building toward the north of the island with double stairs leading up to the grand doorway. Often being met with priests and priestesses that will offer food and a bath should the traveler be in need. The followers of Malus, however, stay fairly hidden within the depths of a mountain range north of Sudbury. It is said there is an entire village inside of the deepest caves where those who have come to hate magic and its users, and just about anything that is not considered a regular humanoid as well. These people, though peaceful to one another, tend to be rather paranoid and avoid those who use magic or supernatural abilities. Some who have tried to explore the area have come home to say that they had a hard time using any magic or enchanted items in the secretive mountains. It has also been said that there is an extremist group of these Followers of Malus who take and torture those who are vulnerable in order to cleanse Simul of the wicked they perceive. The Church of Benitoite just outside of SkyHaven seems to be one of these extremist groups.

Celestial Cor A creature only known to Simul, the Cor have made themselves a household vision. Even the night sky depicts their wings, promising unconditional love and bonds that cannot be broken.

Chapter 2 - Why Here? 1001-1200 As the years went on, questions began to arise once more. There was one particular question that stuck in the minds of the many: Why was the population growing so exponentially? Most of the original stories of other masses on the planet had been shared, yet, there were so many different types of souls traversing the land of Simul in particular. Many more than what could have traveled there easily. Why? How? Where did they come from? It would take a couple generations of much studying and questioning before the truth was finally revealed from none other than the mouths of the newcomers. ------------------------------------------------- Simul; a land of magics and monsters, much different than other lands that the world held. Magic was fluent in many places, yes, but not quite like it had been in Simul. Such powerful beings had been introduced, using their different magics to do many different things that the original citizens had never seen. As time went on, more and more, the magical beings held their supernatural abilities from the general populous while the people who had been there all along pretended they had never seen it. Even though the magic wielders did what they could do hide their true nature....it was a bit too late. As much as the people tried and tried, the tension nearly came to a head. Luckily for most, this caused them to question rather than quarrel. After many many years and generations had passed, the answers most sought for the conglomeration of people in one land mass were found. Piece by piece, it all fit together. Simul was not only a beautiful, fertile and prosperous land, but it was a 'hub'. What made it such a noun? That was a question that, to this day, has still yet to be answered. Eventually, people settled into the notion that something caused 'lost souls' to end up being a part of the kingdom, for better or worse. So, people did as they always had done, and learned to coexist to the best of their abilities. This is not to say that there was not an underbelly. Because...let's face it; People are only 'human'.

Ancient Concordians Created with Bing AI 📌During the War of the Brothers, most Concordians were killed off. The remaining did not return to Concordia, leaving it to nature, and most attributes were bred out with time. 📌Most Concordians were often compared to elves. Having fair, peach skin with stark white hair and sky blue eyes, they appeared fragile. Though fragile physically, mentally, they were stone. They were a tall race, often taller than 5'10" and weighing light at around 130 pounds at that height. 📌Concordians were kinetic healers by nature. They would heal organic matter and mend inorganic matter with telekinesis. This was the only supernatural ability they had. 📌Their average lifespan was about 300 years.

The Dried - Submitted by BioHazardWraith

Dark and Light 6 stars make up this beautiful infinity symbol, reminding those who find it of their beliefs in Salus and Malus. Darkness and Light. Good and evil. Necessary matchmaking in fate. South east is where it lays, brighter than most other constellations.

Compassion It is said that Eros himself attempted to draw a heart into the sky. With his unsteady hands, it turned sideways and fell to the western sky. Still, those who gaze at the messy 5 star construct are filled with a sense of love.

Wendigos - Submitted by BioHazardWraith #bipedal #nottame #dangerous

Fae of Arbrestor and Oak Silva Created with Bing AI 📌The Fae of Simul have been around nearly as long as humans. 📌Fairly short in stature, most full blood fae are no taller than 5' and weigh light at about 90 pounds at that height. 📌Fae tend to have brightly colored, translucent wings (Like butterflies, but more see through). They have an incredible flight speed as well, averaging 80 mph. 📌Simul Fae have affinity for nature based magics. 📌Fae from Simul have an average lifespan of 1000 years. 📌They have an extraordinary weakness to iron.

Chapter 5 - Peace Sells 5323-9400 For thousands of years, many more cities were forged, families were formed, the land was tilled, times were good. For the first time since Simul was molded into a kingdom, there was undisturbed peace across the land. Unbeknownst to the masses of Simul, there had been growing an underground of pure evil intent. This demonic presence did not show itself for many many generations. Not until the mid 8000's. He began as a myth, a bedtime story told to disobedient children, a warning to the night. A mad man hellbent on destroying the kingdom. From one rumor to another, none of the stories really matched up. What was one to expect when this 'mad man' had never been seen? What could they expect when all there were were the stories whispered from one mouth into the waiting ear of another? The only thing these tales had in common; The name Timothy Slade. A name that most slowly began to avoid uttering. When the royal family themselves began to be secretive about such a person, and hushed tones echoed through the castle halls, as well as avoidance of saying his name in public...that was when the people knew something was wrong. The stories continued to unfold. Rumors of who this man was, what he looked like, and perhaps where he could be hiding. What he was doing was never a question, especially when some of the "constructs" began to go rogue, exposing themselves on the world at large. Some of them would come in the night, stealing the breath of their victims before disappearing with them in tow. Some, on the other hand, would seek out their own families, coming for respite and to be saved. To this day, some of these 'abominations' are still hidden from the sun. As their families have kept them in cages, hoping for a cure one day. This phenomena is quite rare, and even more seldom spoken of. The people continued to try and live their lives to the fullest. Putting the rumors and stories on the back burner, secretly wishing and praying that the problem would leave on its own. Much to their delight, it seemed to have worked. Eventually, the name Timothy was seldom heard, giving the people back the calm their minds so desperately worked hard for.

Tree of Life The Tree of Life is one of the oldest "Religions" (Way of Life) inside of Simul. From the moment the first human set foot inside of the continent, a massive tree on the island that Eleutheria now sits on ‘activated’. As the humans grew and spread across the land, the Tree stood still, awaiting the time to be discovered. Only a few hundred years into Simul’s history, the Tree was found by those who began construction on Eleutheria. It was not until the humanoids tried to cut down the massive tree that they understood it was not just a tree. An axe came swinging down. It did not hit the Tree. The sound of repelling glass could be heard throughout the area. The people stopped and stared as a ripple upon the Tree’s barrier shot upward and into the ground below. From that moment on, the people had something to believe in: The magical land that had come upon. For quite some time after, the Tree stood tall and proud as the citizens of Simul built its city’s capital around it. They thought it brilliant as the land seemed invigorated. No matter how many foot falls crushed the grass nor how many trees were cleared, the land still grew where it could. Leaving large, open places for gardens and nature’s beauty, Eleutheria came to be alongside its nature brethren. Whispers began, as all rumors naturally start. Whispers of the Tree and its magical protection. Whispers of the never wilting leaves and the never shedding bark. Some people wanted to try and take it down, to no avail. More often than not, people prayed. Though they had no gods or goddesses they worshiped, something about the tree gave them hope. So, they prayed. They prayed for good harvests and less ailments and for a good life. One day, the tree answered. The first gift upon the people was not even for the people; It was for one little old lady by the name of Juniper Florence. The story goes: Juniper had lost it all. Her husband to old age, her children to sickness and her home for lack of stable work. She had prayed every day for it all. For better health, a longer life, her husband and her children...It was not until Juniper began to pray for the last time she had promised herself, that the Tree finally made a move. From the top of the highest branch, a single leaf danced down to her lap. It was also said that Juniper heard a voice. She could not tell if it was female or male, only that it gave her very specific instructions on how the gift worked. She was only gifted one, as any other persons on the face of existence would get, should they be so lucky. It was a personal gift. One she could use for any given wish in the realm of ‘healing’. She was also asked to share this with the world. To tell them what the Tree was capable of and to prove that the wish would be granted. It asked her to wish in front of an audience, to which she said she would. What did Juniper use her gift for, you may ask? It was simple. She wanted to be young again. Specifically, as young as she was when she met her husband. In a brilliant display of light and bright colors, and in front of her remaining family, Juniper became a vibrant young lass of only twenty years old. The miracle was shared between the family members who also promised to speak well of the tree and its wish granting capabilities. From then on out, The Tree of Life was a staple for the majority of homes across Simul. This instance became what fueled the ‘religion’ or following of the Tree of Life. The people believed that such a strong symbol of nature was to be nurtured and cared for, just like the rest of the planet. Those who follow the Tree follow the simplistic, yet morally amazing, set of life choices. From protecting and valuing their land to respecting and cherishing good natured magic. Most of them are peace loving and will do what is necessary to resolve issues, big or small, with basic humanoid decency. During times of war or widespread strife, those who practice the Tree of Life teachings are often found on the front lines or battlefront healers. They protect fiercely and live the best lives that they can, surrounded by love. Oftentimes, they will decorate their home with nature in mind. Such as: Building their home with magic rather than cutting down too many trees. Decorate with items nature has given them like fallen branches, wilted flowers, or even hand carvings of the Tree of Life symbol that has been reiterated for generations. Sticking with nature-like colors as to not destroy the atmosphere of the world around them. There are many rituals that the people who follow the Tree do. However, none of them are original. As the teachings have been handed down through generations, one can see that in each individual and the way they do things. Some will practice by praying next to a Tree, or a tree that symbolizes the first for them. In the year 9401, however, the tree would take a very large hit. The battle between the brothers Jayden and Jeffry became nothing short of a massive war, with Eleutheria being at the head. It has been said that Jayden had a dream. In the dream, he was told to take down the tree before his brother came with his amassed army. It would strengthen his numbers, or so, he was promised. Little did he know, it was all an elaborate ruse from the Gods of Good and Evil. With the most powerful mages at his disposal and an axe, Jayden hacked away at the barrier and eventually exposed the tree. Six mages and the brother himself all descended upon the massive trunk and electrified the entire thing. A burst of powerful lightning came down….and destroyed the tree. Exploding it and causing hundreds of pieces to rain back down from the sky. With the tree destroyed, Jayden was sure he would be victorious and the land would obey him….but his brother Jeffry showed up just hours later, wiping him from existence. The Tree, though gone from existence, was still prayed to, and still is. Though it is no longer growing at the pinnacle of Simul, the people believe the land is still sacred and treat it as such. The followers of the Tree tend to their land and gardens with the utmost care. In the year 10,013, something erupted. Quite literally. During the season of warming, there were more quakes. This time, much smaller on scale. However, they were strong enough to cause some damage. The Temples of Unity, the center of Timberholde, the northern outskirts of Oak Silva, directly above the entrance of Dun'Lorn, and the center of Tranquillum were all affected at the very same moment. In the middle of each quake, a split in the earth appeared. Almost like large craters, these holes were deep and....pulsated. Those who bore witness tell the tale of the Trees. In less than an hour, the massive trees erupt from the craters created, fully furred with leaves and tough bark. Those who heard the stories knew what had happened: The Tree had returned five-fold. There are said to be protectors of the Tree. People who have been chosen to be the barrier between the Tree and the world. These people, who are chosen from only Gods know where, usually live within or close by a Tree. The Tree’s barrier will be weakened over time after being protected, but once the protector is no more, the Tree will automatically reactivate its own self defense. Should a protector be distracted, the Tree will defend itself. These people usually benefit from the Tree as well. A mutual love and respect that benefits both parties. (All Tree protectors must be approved by staff.) Currenty Tree Protectors: 📌None currently If one is chosen to protect a tree: 📌Within ten miles of a radius, all physical attributes of the Protector will be enhanced by 20%. 📌Natural Healing 📌Natural Strength 📌Natural Senses (Sight, touch, taste, hearing and smelling) Specifics for receiving a leaf: 📌You can roll for a leaf once per day in real life. 📌Your character can only receive one leaf for all time. This goes for all characters. Only one Leaf. They can be gifted a leaf by someone who has been gifted from the tree, but they will never receive a leaf from the tree. After receiving a leaf from a tree, they can never be gifted a leaf again. The leaf being offered as a gift will turn to dust should it be offered up to someone who has already had one. 📌These leaves can only cure ailments. A more in depth list to follow: 📌Curses 📌Poison 📌Injury (Up to death, but not including)(Only one injury, regardless of how many are present) 📌Parents may use a leaf for a child who cannot communicate 📌Deformities (Only one regardless of how many are present) 📌Illness (Cancers, sicknesses, viruses, bacteria, mental, etc. Only one.) The Temple The temple for meditation, personal reflection and giving thanks to the land is located on the island of Temples of Unity. Open and welcoming to all, the front of the building holds no doors to keep the place looking as inviting as possible. There are benches set around the Tree for people to enjoy its company and pray for their leaves. Deep inside of the building, there are chairs and couches and fireplaces to keep the place warm. Even deeper than that, there are beds to share with those who wish to stay for more than a day.