Oriens, Realm of Sea:

Capital: Verum

The land of the east is known for being the only truly non-landlocked realm, and for its gently rolling hills and fair weather. The bustling towns and cities cannot boast the wealth of Arlen or Ashar, but they are unrivalled in their culture. Roads and highways are well-maintained, and connect all of their cities. The people feast on a bountiful harvest many a year. And, despite the best efforts of their enemies in times past, they have been as unbreakable as the mountain.

As a people, they tend to be cunning, and often seek victory at any cost. The nobility, governors and politicians squabble constantly, often ending in blood spilled in the arenas. Through their champions’ glory, comes the love of the people, and with it power and influence. This infighting is the only true threat of the Realm’s stability, but thus far its king holds an iron grip.

Ashar, Realm of Sands

Capital: Arbor

Ashar, in terms of landmass, is the largest of the Realms, but much of it is made up of uninhabitable desert. You can find their cities built around the few oases and rivers that, though few in number, can be found all across the sands. It is this that provides them with life, but their wealth comes from their mines – the majority of Areth’s precious stones and metals come from Ashar, granting them much wealth. The people are expert traders and travellers, and their Sultan endeavours to improve Ashar by the end of his generation.

Their arenas tend to be larger spectacles than anywhere else in the world, given that they honour death as much as they honour life. Their gladiators consider their profession an art, and if they swear allegiance to any one Sheikh, then you can be assured that they will keep it until they die forevermore.

Tyren, Realm of Snow

Capital: Fjall

Gladiators are among the only foreigners that the Tyreni allow to pass among them, for their skill and strength. Their reasoning; they encourage that others might test themselves against the mightiest of warriors, and value strength above all. It is the only way to truly earn their respect. But they will not allow those who might bring invasions with them – their chieftains war among themselves often enough.

They were once a united people, but are now a fractured shell of who they once were. They occupy the wintry forests and mountains of the north, and their dreams of conquest have long faded. However, they are still proud warriors, to every last man and woman. They have to be – the Tyreni commonly war among themselves. Though it goes unnoticed by the rest of the world, it is deadly all the same to those involved.

Noctis, Realm of Shadow:

Capital: Letum

Noctis is known as the Realm of Shadow due to the large forests that cover the majority of its land, the ancient trees blotting out all light. This leads to many dangers that the Nocti must counter – getting lost, bandits, monsters and worse. But it is also their greatest defence. Their cities, deep within the trees, are protected by magical domes, and one may only enter with the assistance of a Guide, or by someone on the other side.

There is a reason that the arenas are so prevalent in Noctis, different to those outside the Realm of Shadow; The Dauoa Cult. The prime belief in Noctis, they worship the Mistress of Death. And what better way to honour Death, than by going through it again and again within the arena?

Arlen, Realm of Sky:

Capital: Ancora

Arlen is surrounded on all sides by mountains, and has long been thought of as the center of Areth… partly because it is, each of the other four Realms on its eastern, southern, northern or western borders. But also because it has been the loudest voice in speaking for peace, and for being Areth’s leading knowledge on the ways of war and magic. A strange duo.

For Arlen, gladiatorial combat is sacred. Not in the ways of the other realms, but because they hold it as the true way to resolve conflicts when words cannot suffice. Their value of the honour of the arena is almost unmatched, but in recent years, something has changed…

Humans:
The predominant race in Areth, you will mostly see them in favour of any other of Areth’s sentient races, having spread across its entirety. They come in a great variety of appearances, depending on where they and their ancestors were born. The majority of humans look down on the ‘Beasts’, given that their ways of living are seen as uncivilised and savagery.

Humans, in all, are impossible to confine into a single idea, but they’re an adaptable and varied race, given that they have spread from the frigid north to the burning south, and the lowest valleys to the highest mountains. They also tend to see themselves as better than all other races, and have been in power for thousands of years.

Elves (Locked):

Remembered as a strange, beautiful, and graceful people, the elves disappeared from Areth long ago. They left behind only their tall green towers, made from a material lost long before our time. They tended to be taller and thinner than humans, with greater speed and dexterity, and were distinguishable from humans by their slanted eyes and pointed ears. They also tended to have a higher potential for magic than humans.
-Elfbloods;

The descendants of the rare half-elves, born from a union of elf and human. The only outward evidence of their lineage lies in their pointed ears. They are few and far between, but still carry a little of the magic power of the elves within them.

Infernals, or Hellspawn (Locked):

Creatures that were well known for their power to alter time and fate, they disappeared from Areth long ago. Their origins are unknown, as is their fate. The only evidence of their existence is a fortress with silver spires, which is devoid of all life, but contained much knowledge within. They often possessed multiple limbs, bestial features, and skin that was unnatural in its colour. They also had strength beyond the capabilities of mortal men.
-Hellbloods;

The descendants of the Infernals and humans, they still have the skin and horns that their forefathers bore, though human in all else. Though their hellish magic is far gone, the Hellbloods still have a modicum of their strength. Which is why they are often slaves.

---

The Beast Races

These ‘beasts’ are remnants of another time, when no humans, elves, or infernals roamed Areth. But still they live upon its earth, and eat of its food, despite their supposed inferiority, which is why they have such a name. Humans use it to categorise them when they come across something they cannot understand. It happens more often than you might think.

The arenas are one of the few places in Areth where they might be accepted by society. But they are still lesser, no more than beasts of war to be thrown at the enemy as a spectacle, for their team to benefit from.

Below is a brief description of the more well-known beast races, along with the realm they are most often seen in.

Oriens:
Dryads (locked): Elusive creatures of the woods, dryads speak not with a voice, but with their minds. Long thought to be friends and neighbours to the elves, they are now hostile to any who dare enter their territory.
Minotaurs: Rare, but incredibly dangerous. Minotaurs typically wander alone, but some attempt to cage them for the arena. As dangerous to their own side as the enemy. They are most often found dwelling in caves close to the sea.

Ashar:
Golems (Locked): Ancient constructs of stone, often found in tombs and temples, to be awoken by a spell or an unwary intruder. They have no voice or will of their own, but, when controlled by a mage, are unstoppable machines of war.
Jackals: Shaped like men, but with blackened skin and canine heads, Jackals are beings capable of insidious magic. Once thought to be harbingers of death, with their profile and spells, they are still feared in Ashar.
Nagas: Enormous snakes with humanoid torsos, Nagas were the last of the Beast races to arrive in the Five Realms before the creation of the Heart Tree. Once living and thriving in all but the coldest and darkest environments, a booming skin trade found the nagas hunted almost to extinction for their valuable skins. While the trade has been outlawed, poaching is still common and has reduced their numbers to loners and small family groups roving the deserts of Ashar. Magical prowess varies among Nagas from none at all to moderate power - though little to none is most common.

Tyren:
Hobgoblins: An isolationist race that keeps to themselves on the border between Arlen and Tyren. Distrustful and wary of all magic, which they believe transformed them from humans into what they now are. Honour is their most valued attribute.
Yeti: Tall, fur-covered creatures with glowing eyes that wander the northern forests. They are slow, but incredibly strong. They can be surprisingly compassionate when not threatened, but that does not mean you ought to underestimate them.

Noctis:
Undead: The mages of Noctis may occasionally etch runes into the bones of the dead, magic reanimating them and snatching the soul back from the Afterworld. It is most often done with slaves, servants and arena combatants, but an honoured loved one is also on occasion brought back. They cannot speak, but have none of the drawbacks of being alive – hunger, tiredness, etc. They are not uncommon in the Realm of Shadow, but elsewhere are typically destroyed on sight.
Shades: Shades are incredibly rare, due to the process in which they are created. A mage or priest must etch the runes of reanimation into their flesh, without fault of failure. Then, they cast the spell and kill themselves by self-immolation. Left behind is a powerful, ash-like creature, with the free will of any other being, but otherwise is dead. Any imperfections in the rite will sunder their bones forever.

Arlen:
Harpies: Predominantly female, a people whom have wings sprouting from their shoulders. A myth that surrounds them is that they drink poison in proxy to water or wine – but they are just naturally gifted with it, and immune to its effects. They are also gifted with incredible speed, but are vulnerable to magical attacks since they have little of their own.
Centaurs:Proud warriors, predominantly male, who move in groups across the plateau, they will occasionally trade with the outlying villages, and are rarely seen in towns or cities. Some are also born with the gift of prophecy, leading many humans to seek them and their sanctuaries out.
(Note – given their outcast natures and gender ratios, many harpies and centaurs become life-mates. Strangely, it does not produce halflings, but full-blooded children of either race, leading some to believe that they possessed a common ancestor.)

Magic is a wide field, and as such, only a few places in the world have more than one practice. However, there are categories that assist in identifying the masses.

Spellweavers: Children of any race, born with an innate pool of magic. It manifests through magical interaction, known as a ‘trigger’, and can apply to any race. They tend to be more powerful than the average mage, but also have less control over their powers.

Ancient Magic: The main magical art. No matter your race or origin, many have the potential within them for magic, and all carry a spark. It comes in many forms, and even today’s mages are discovering new principles and spells. Most of them can only master a single principle, however, though each principle has benevolent and harmful spells.

Runic Magic: The art of using runes is a dangerous one, given its high potential of failure, and so few are permitted to learn it. However, once engraved into any surface, the spell will endure for many centuries, needing only a spark of magic to activate. (Note – possessing a rune-item, be it a weapon or possession, is unlikely this early in the game. If your character possesses one, they ought to be extremely wealthy, had it in their families for generations, or stolen it from someone who fills any of these three criteria.)

While there are many beliefs in Areth, there are three primary ones. These are briefly detailed below.

Ibisina/Quillads: The belief most humans follow, of The Mother, Ibis, and the Father, Quill. Ibis teaches unity, wisdom, and love, while Quill teaches protection, truth and justice. While individual branches of this faith often differ, these things will always hold true. Another fact of this faith is that they believe that this pair led all citizens of Areth across the sea from a cursed land, and gifted it to them.

Eleska, Spirit of the Heart Tree: Within Areth, there is a tree rumoured to grow deep underground that gives life to the Realms, and should it die, Areth will fall with it. And is Eleska that the beast races attribute all life to. Eleska is known only as the Beast that used their lifeforce to create the Heart Tree, and thus, saved all Areth from ruin – only their name, and their spirit remains. While no human has ever seen it and lived, it is said that all of Beast-born blood innately are drawn to it. It may just be a closely-guarded secret. Only Shades are barred from knowing the Tree, as they are not truly born, but made, though the Undead are given pity.

The Dauoa Cult: Though outsiders generally look down upon it, they cannot deny that it keeps order in Noctis where there would be anarchy. The Mistress’ belief is also not as dark as it seems; every ten years, due to the atmosphere above the realm, Noctis’ sun turns blue. During this time, the priests lead a festival, and temporarily summon the spirits of those who have left this world. Arena tournaments are doubled during this time, and solace is brought to many who have lost loved ones.

Alignment:

A touchy subject. While Humans have their names to derogate Beasts, beasts have their Alignments. Part of their Eleskan belief, they believe all are born with an affinity to a single element – Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Thunder, Darkness, or Light. There is no pattern, and it seemingly has no effect on the lives of those who possess them. Another gift that the harpies and centaurs possess, is being able to see the Alignments. They call those who are born with Light or Darkness Celestials, and those with the others Bloodlings. Celestials are incredibly rare, and the Beasts begin to wonder if they are gone forever.
(This is really just me wanting to know what people like. In case you haven’t noticed, I like fantastical stuff and this links in. It will have no effect on the story; however, both Light and Dark are locked.)

Full Name: Kyra
Titles/Nicknames: The Firebrand
Age: 23
Race: Hellblooded
Gender: Female
Sexual Orientation: ???

Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Blue
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 170 lbs

Appearance:
Kyra has certainly been gifted with an overt inheritance when it comes to her infernal ancestry. Thick reddish horns protrude from her temples, as long as the face they sit perched above. Her eyes are rounded orbs, shining an uncanny blue that reflects when exposed to light. The skin of her torso and thighs are a sickly green, pale to almost resemble ordinary skin tones in poor light. Her limbs and head carry a stark contrast, however, as they are all a deep red, almost scorched to a burned copper. Finally, a pointed, prehensile tail extends behind her, nearly as long as the hellblood herself.

From her decidedly more natural parentage, Kyra has earned the flowing oaken locks of her mother, a rich head of hair that cascades down over her back and around her horns, only barely contained with several strips of cloth. Kyra is built like a natural athlete, with a slim silhouette that still is nothing but muscle.

She isn't afraid of showing off her imposing form, and when allowed to dress herself often opts for minimalism, wearing only what is required to be 'decent'. A common feature is for her to be painted in gold and yellows, either by herself or others. These arcane markings decorate many parts of her body, but serve no real purpose other than aesthetics for the masses.

Personality:
Kyra has entirely bought into the stories about her, and her kind. Content to play the villain to a world that expects nothing else, she most of all desires validation through awe. Whether it be cheering, fearful silence, or cowed hatred, Kyra knows she is a force to be reckoned with, and enjoys showing others the same. Victory is important to her, whether it's a brutish beatdown or a match of wits, she is keen to prove her mettle.

She is vain, easily enticed by worship from those foolish few who'd stoop so low. Power speaks to her, and any scrap of it will be greedily accepted when given. She is envious, particularly of those who master things she never will, such as magic. With enough provocation, she will go to any length to 'outdo' someone else. Still, she remains a rebellious spirit, content to entertain as long as she feels validated. Every conversation is a scheme, another budding ambition. She might posture about honour, but is ultimately not concerned with following through. Most of all, Kyra will never be forgotten, or belittled. She will make sure of that.



Strength: 10
Dexterity: 9
Intelligence: 6
Cunning: 6
Magic: 1
Willpower: 4
Endurance: 5
Charisma: 6

Weapons of Choice: A crooked axe, and a relatively short chain with a hook. Kyra is a weapon.

Armor/Combat Apparel: Given the choice in a 'regular' match, Kyra will not wear much at all in the way of protection. In more dangerous matches, she will wear basic plates on her torso and legs, but not much else.

Fighting Style:
Kyra is a bruiser of intense strength and high-octane speed. She thoroughly enjoys whipping into the backline and sowing chaos, but is most in her element when she is able to face down a single fighter in a one-on-one bout, where she will dance around, taunt and use her immense strength to make a show of it. A favourite of hers is whipping weapons out of her opponents hands or tripping them up with her tail. She has no way to fight at longer ranges beyond running to close the distance, and has no magical abilities whatsoever. She is also relatively fragile for her impressive build, and relies heavily on hitting first, and hardest. She will use her chain oppressively to bog down her opponents, and swing in for a kill with her weapon.

Magical Affinity: None.


Place of Birth: On a wagon, on the road.
Social Status: Slave
Alignment: Fire

History:
Kyra has only ever known a life of servitude. Of chafing under chains, being ogled and gawked at between cage bars. As early as she can recall, she belonged to entertainers. Never the same troupe for long. Sold, stolen, escaped. It didn't matter how she moved, or where she went. It always ended up the same; in a cage, or made to dance. Grubby humans with fear in their eyes and desire on their mind. Though never truly allowed to be a gladiator, she was made to kill when still a teen, dropped into dark pitfight deals where her appearance was a boon.

Unlike the expectations of her masters, Kyra never stopped fighting, even when in back in her many cages. Whipped, starved, spat on. There was always another remark, another threat. She listened to the stories they told, to the bold claims of archaic power nested deep within her. As she grew, her determination and unkempt disregard for authority grew stronger. Bolder.

Word had come all the way down to Kyra about a grand tournament. Though she was not to compete - too dangerous, too expensive - she was carted to Risha for exhibitions and deals all the same. It is there she first caught her first glimpse of real warriors. The thought of fighting as they practiced was enough to make her heady.

So it was that the Hellblood escaped her bonds once more. With the tournament drawing closer, Kyra once again made her move. It wouldn't be long until someone - the guards, a cartel - found and locked her away again. But perhaps this time would be different. This time she would find a way to be free.

Other: I hope this is alright.

Full Name: Alia Noname
Titles/Nicknames: of the Knife
Age: 22
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual

Hair Color: Sandy blond
Eye Color: Grey
Height: 5’4
Weight: 112lbs

Appearance:

In a word, plain. Alia is short and slender, relatively unscarred, and unremarkable. Nothing in her appearance gives any indication of her more lethal abilities except perhaps the way she moves. She has a certain economy of movement that one typically only finds in cats, thieves, and expert swordsmen.

Personality:

Alia is cunning, secretive, and solitary when at all possible. She has little or no patience with others and even less trust. The knife fighter says little, and never repeats herself. Her temper is vicious and quick to appear, but then again, so is her sense of humor.

More than one person has dubbed Alia stubborn and unfriendly, and this is undoubtedly the reason she works solo rather than with a gang of thieves. Her wily intelligence would be priceless in any criminal organization if only she could compromise on a point once it's been made.



Strength: 3
Dexterity: 9
Intelligence: 7
Cunning: 8
Magic: 3
Willpower: 5
Endurance: 5
Charisma: 1

Weapons of Choice: Two wicked looking knives the length of her forearm



Armor/Combat Apparel: A leather half-breastplate, leather fighting skirt and matching bracers and grieves. Unlike the pictures, all of her armor has a stuffed, worn appearance.



Fighting Style:

In combat, Alia’s strengths are her speed, her ability to quickly assess an opponent, and her ability to attack stealthily. She is vicious with her knives but is not much of a match for anyone when it comes to brute strength. This makes her bad at defensive positions that require her to be exposed for the safety of others. She also cannot attack from a distance, apart from throwing a knife: her one magical ability only enhances her melee attacks or allows for retreat. In a team fight, Alia is best used for her cunning in the planning stages, or simply let to attack at will. Due to her speed and Cloak ability, she can also quickly come to aid other members of her team.

Magical Affinity: Shadow

• Spell 1: Cloak – For a short amount of time, Alia can make herself near invisible. This works best when not moving or when in shadowed places.

Place of Birth: Verum, Oriens
Social Status: Criminal
Alignment: Fire

History:

The first few years of Alia’s life might as well be ancient history for all she knows about them. She has no memory of either parent, any siblings or any family for that matter. The earliest memories she has are of growing up in the shadows of the prosperous city of Verum, where she joined a small roving gang of other street kids to survive.

Alia’s education started early. After becoming a member of the small unnamed group of orphans and runaways, Alia was quickly taught to pickpocket, a skill she took to with ease. Her small, lithe form and quick fingers meant that she excelled at relieving the wealthy of their purses. Fighting came much harder, and at the expense of plenty of cuts and bruises.

Over time, Alia’s stubborn, secretive nature got her kicked out of gang after gang, until she finally decided that she would be better off on her own anyway. The young woman continued honing her skills in thievery, and eventually, knife fighting, until she earned such a reputation that those on the criminal side of the law started dubbing her “Alia of the Knife,” no little feat considering her small stature and unimpressive appearance. She has little to worry about in the way of bruises these days.

The problem, however, is that stealing in the city of Verum just isn’t as profitable as Alia would like it to be. She's interested in a more comfortable way of life: fine wines and plush carpets and no more sleeping in dark alleys. So, shortly before the tournament in Risha, Alia bought a horse, stole back the money, and headed to the coast.

Now, the thief just has to convince a sponsor that she’s more than a street rat in secondhand armor. Winning should be the easy part.