Cosmology

Creation Myths

The whispers of ancient beings tell of a universe born from the embers of a fallen predecessor, a cycle of creation and destruction shrouded in mystery. Life, in its myriad forms, bloomed abruptly upon a world known as Saphera, the Obsidian Depths – a name that speaks to the world's hidden depths and the darkness that lurks within.

Fragments of lore, etched in stone and sung in hushed tones, hint at a time when dragons were not tyrants but benevolent allies, their wisdom sought and their power revered. Were they truly present at the dawn of this world, their origins entwined with the very fabric of existence? Or were they, along with the other races, brought to Saphera from some unknown elsewhere, their memories clouded by the passage of time? Some scholars, delving into crumbling texts and half-forgotten legends, theorize that Saphera is but a stage for a grand cosmic drama, a battleground where the gods themselves wage war by proxy, their champions clashing for dominance.

Prophecies, veiled in metaphor and riddled with ambiguity, speak of a coming apocalypse, an end to the universe as it is known. In these visions, humanity ascends to a position of unparalleled power, their dominance forcing the other races into a desperate exodus. Fleeing Sapherafor realms beyond mortal comprehension, they sever their connection to the arcane, their magic fading into myth. A dark age descends, where technology, born of necessity and desperation, slowly replaces the lost art of sorcery.

Yet, human prophecies weave a different tale, one of triumphant liberation. Dragons, their numbers dwindled and their arrogance humbled, forge an alliance with humanity, their ancient wisdom guiding the ascendant race. But even these mighty beings eventually depart, leaving humanity to forge its own destiny, masters of their fate and architects of their future. Such tales, however, are rarely spoken aloud in this age of draconian oppression, for to dream of a world free from their tyranny is to invite the wrath of those who rule the skies.

Planes of Existence

The inhabitants of Saphera know, with chilling certainty, that theirs is not the only reality. While no magic yet discovered allows for deliberate travel between these planes, evidence of their existence is undeniable. Elemental beings, ripped from their native realms through rituals of immense power, serve as terrifying proof of worlds beyond.

Whispers persist of otherworldly visitors – beings who seem to defy the laws of nature, appearing and disappearing with an unnerving grace. Most dismiss these tales as the ramblings of the superstitious, yet a lingering doubt remains. Are these merely figments of an overactive imagination? Or could they be something more... divine? Some scholars, poring over ancient texts and forbidden lore, theorize that these enigmatic figures are avatars of the gods themselves, walking among mortals in veiled forms, their true motives shrouded in mystery.

The Nature of the Soul

In Saphera, the soul is believed to be an eternal spark, a fragment of the divine that animates mortal flesh. Upon death, this spark departs the mortal coil, embarking on a journey to the realm of its patron deity. This divine homecoming strengthens the deity's power, their influence waxing and waning with the ebb and flow of mortal devotion. While the whims of mortals may shift, the true measure of a deity's power lies in the souls they shepherd through the veil of mortality.

The return of a soul to its forsaken body is a feat of extraordinary magic, a testament to the mastery of divine forces. Such resurrections are rare, achieved only by those who have delved deep into the mysteries of life and death, their connection to the divine unwavering and profound. Those who have traversed the threshold of mortality and returned bear the mark of their experience, forever changed by their sojourn into the beyond. They are known as the Reborn, a testament to the enduring power of the soul and the enduring bond between mortals and their gods.

Fundamental Forces

In Saphera, magic is a unique and intrinsic force woven into the very fabric of existence. It is not a singular, monolithic power, but rather a spectrum of energies, each with its own distinct properties and potential applications. This diversity is reflected in the myriad ways magic manifests, from the elemental magic wielded by druids to the arcane arts practiced by wizards.

The source of magic remains a mystery, shrouded in ancient lore and mystical speculation. Some believe it to be a divine gift, a spark of celestial energy bestowed upon mortal beings. Others contend that magic is a manifestation of the world's soul, a primal force that animates all things. Still others propose that it is a byproduct of the clash between order and chaos, a delicate balance that, when disrupted, unleashes extraordinary power.

The connection between magic and the world itself is undeniable. As the prophecies foretell, the departure of different species could lead to the fading of magic, suggesting a deep-rooted bond between the two. Perhaps Saphera, in its generosity, granted each species a unique affinity for magic, a reflection of their inherent nature and potential.

Celestial Bodies of Saphera

In Saphera, the celestial bodies hold profound significance, influencing the ebb and flow of magic, the alignment of divine powers, and the very rhythm of life itself.

The Sun and Moon

The sun, a blazing orb of golden light, is revered as a symbol of life, energy, and divine power. It is believed that during the day, when the sun reigns supreme, the forces of good and order are strengthened. The sun is often associated with the gods of light, creation, and justice.

The moon, a mysterious orb that casts its silvery light upon the night, is a symbol of mystery, magic, and the unseen. It is believed that during the night, when the moon holds sway, the forces of chaos and darkness are more potent. The moon is often associated with the gods of shadow, dreams, and the unknown.

The Constellations

Saphera's night sky is adorned with countless stars, each one a tiny beacon of light in the vast cosmic ocean. Certain constellations hold particular significance, their patterns and alignments believed to influence the world below.

The Dragon's Claws: This constellation, shaped like a fearsome dragon's claws, is said to represent the tyrannical rule of the dragon gods. It is a reminder of the darkness that can consume the world.
The Phoenix's Flight: This constellation, shaped like a phoenix rising from the ashes, symbolizes rebirth, hope, and the enduring power of the spirit. It is often associated with the gods of renewal and resurrection.
The Serpent's Coil: This constellation, shaped like a serpent coiled around a celestial orb, represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It is often associated with the gods of time, fate, and the underworld.

By studying the movements of the celestial bodies and interpreting the signs of the constellations, astrologers and sages can gain insights into the future and the workings of the divine.

Time & Space in Saphera

While the flow of time in Saphera generally follows a linear path, there have been documented anomalies, whispers of temporal distortions and echoes of events that seem to defy the natural order. These occurrences, though rare and shrouded in mystery, suggest that the fabric of time is not as immutable as it appears.

Chronicles of Temporal Anomalies:

The Wanderer of Aeons (circa. 500 years pre-Dragonfall): A mysterious figure known only as "The Wanderer" appeared in the bustling city of Eldoria, clad in strange garb and speaking in an archaic dialect. He claimed to be a historian from a distant future, seeking to witness the "Age of Dragons" firsthand. The Wanderer spent several months studying ancient texts and observing draconic society before vanishing as suddenly as he arrived, leaving behind cryptic scrolls filled with prophecies and warnings.
The Oracle of Shadows (circa. 100 years pre-Dragonfall): A cloaked woman, her face obscured by shadows, emerged from a swirling portal in the midst of a raging battle between dragons and elves. She possessed an uncanny knowledge of future events, accurately predicting the outcome of the conflict and the fall of several elven strongholds. The Oracle warned of a growing darkness that threatened to consume Saphera, urging the elves to seek unity with other races. Her words were heeded by some, but ultimately dismissed by many as the ravings of a madwoman.
The Chronomasters (present day): Rumors persist of a secret society known as the Chronomasters, a group of mages who have allegedly mastered the art of temporal manipulation. It is said that they can peer into the past and future, and even influence the flow of time itself. Their motives remain unknown, but some believe they seek to alter the course of history for their own nefarious purposes.

These accounts, though fragmented and often dismissed as mere legend, suggest that time travel is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility in Saphera. Whether these individuals were truly travelers from other eras or simply charlatans remains a subject of debate among scholars and historians. However, their presence hints at a deeper mystery, a hidden layer of reality where the boundaries of time and space become blurred.