Aetherion Empire - Cloud's Embrace

The Heavens are Within Reach

The Aetherion Empire floats aimlessly through Elyrion, assimilating those that would dare exist beneath them. The city of Aegard contains the seat of the Deus Volare, a holy title granted to the one who rises above all. From this empyrean seat, Genesis III interprets the movements of Aetherion and echoes it in the form of holy teachings known as The Direction. The Aetherion Empire welcomes those who are willing to rise above their standing in life — to accept the Levitar (military inquisitors of Aetherion) as the source of salvation.

Origins

Long ago, a group of nomadic humans explored the shattered expanse in the far reaches of Elyrion civilization. They created a mining settlement named Aegard. Existing beyond the reaches of conventional trade, the citizens learned to become self-sufficient. Eventually, word got out that there was something special hidden within the floating islands of the expanse. Mining expeditions targeted a highly sought after aetherium crystals only found within the Shattered Expanse… a crystalline gemstone containing the power to float. 

347 years ago, a stray mining expedition made a drastic discovery, changing the course of Aegard forever. Their excavation uncovered the ancient dormant Primal Aetherion. Upon awakening, the earth trembled and gravity shifted. The massive parcel of land that Aegard rested upon tore itself out of the ground, floating into the air and dragging the entire city with it.

The government at the time announced a holy pact formed with the Primal God, and Genesis—the individual who discovered its body—became the figurehead of a rapidly growing religion. 

The shocked citizens of the city began to adapt, learning to manipulate the floating aetherium crystals as a source of energy and transportation. Anything that floated alongside the city by the power of Aetherion was lashed together and considered a part of the whole, creating a massive formation of chains, floating islands, and airships.

Beneath Aegard, fragments of glowing tendrils trail out below the massive stone island – vestigial organs of Aetherion’s living body. These are occasionally cut off and processed in the factories to produce new weaponry, vehicles, and armor. The material is highly valued for its ability to alter gravity. 

With the power of flight, the floating city became an imperial powerhouse, subjugating nearby tribes and outcasts within the shattered expanse. It took 300 years, but now Aetherion drifts east… towards the Wyrmscar Peaks and the other nations of Elyrion. They believe the Burden of Aetherion belongs to them, and all of civilization must be brought into the skies to be saved.

The Direction

“These poor wretched souls would be consumed by the Black Plague spreading across the land. We are pure. Untouched. Blessed.” – Genesis III, Deus Volare

The Direction is the guiding testament for the entirety of the Aetherion Empire. From the tallest parapet within Aegard, the chosen Deus Volare and his Priests of the Levitar record each and every movement of the massive landmass. A gentle drift to the south may be interpreted as a declaration of war against peoples in that direction, while a return to the west may be seen as an act of mercy from God. The Tomes of Direction are religiously preserved and arrow-like symbology reflect this around the city.

Military

Shards of Aetherion and aetherium are used as material and fuel to construct their cities and military warships. Unlike the technological advancement of the Republic of Concordia, Aetherions rely on the magic from their natural resources to fly and power weaponry.

Kinetic weaponry is common, and propelled aircraft are preferred for mobile transport from island to battlefield. However, with the rarity and value of aetherium, large aircraft are deployed only when needed, and personal equipment is favored for skirmishes. Soldiers use armor that is naturally levitational, and ‘jetpacks’ for propellant.

Demographics

Humans, Avians, and Angels are the predominant races of the Aetherion Empire. But any willing body is welcome to assimilate with the society. The Direction is interpreted as a guiding principle that does not discriminate.

As the Empire conquers neighbouring territory, small villages and tribes are brought into the fold. This is done by the ritual known as “vassal ascension.” A large levitational ring made from Aetherion’s blood is soaked into the ground around the parcel of land, then cut out of the ground until the conquered land is brought into the sky. The newly floating island is chained to Aegard, forever locked into place as a vassal state of the empire. The people are welcomed, as long as they convert and follow Deus Volare’s holy word.

• Imperial Diet: The governmental decision making body underneath the Deus Volare.

• Order of Saints: A military faction that serves as the executioners of the Deus Volare’s direct orders. They have religious iconography and Templar-like symbolism adorned on their armor. They regularly perform inquisitions to ensure assimilated towns hold their faith.

• Imperial Levitar: The bulk of the expansionary military used to cow and subdue land dwellers. This force is composed of a mixture of ground troops (lowest class of troopers, not yet deserving of aether armor), dragoons (jet troopers/angels), and airship pilots. Seeing the sky darken from a swarm of dragoons led by the fearsome General Castile is a thing of terror.

• Elevated Infantry: Populations who are captured or vassalized also must contribute to the spread of the Empire. They are used as fodder and ground troops sent into battle to die. Those that survive battle are led on by the opportunity for promotion.

The Story of Renata, Skyborne Orphan

Renata is a young Fenrir orphan who survived the Valrath Dominion's bombing of her hometown, which forced many of her people into a diaspora. Orphaned and enslaved by vampiric captors, she later managed to escape and find her way to the lawless west, settling down in a tribe of outcasts among the Wyrmscar wastelands. But even there, she met violence and subjugation. The Aetherion Empire, a civilization drifting through the sky upon the back of a dormant god, conquered and assimilated her small tribe. There was no resistance.

She became a soldier – drafted into servitude by the Imperial Levitar. But as The Direction guides, all who are capable can rise. Driven by merit, she rose through the military ranks of the Imperial Levitar, becoming a respected junior officer through skill and performance in battle. Her journey is a testament to her resilience, as she navigates her new life in the Aetherion Empire.

However, the career she now finds herself in is still just a vehicle for a deeper motive – to find revenge upon the Valrath Dominion that took everything from her.