MrDidact

[WIP] Jedi Knight Adrian Daxoni

OOC

_OoC

How long do you usually write?
Several paragraphs
Do you enjoy writing collaborative posts for things like conversations, combat, etc.? Yes
Is grammar and depth of writing important to you? Yes
Are there any writing subjects you particularly enjoy exploring? Dialogue-heavy character scenes and intrigue as well as descriptive combat scenes.
Is there anything you really dislike and want to avoid like the plague? Not particularly.
Is there something you are uncomfortable with happening to your character? Being permanently crippled.
Do you have any short-term or long-term goals with this character? Short-term, continue to strike at the Sith and help maintain order among the Republican worlds. Long-term, to keep improving as a fighter and to gain more influence and prominence in the Jedi Order and the Republic in order to advocate for a return to war with the Empire. Seeks the title of Battlemaster. Would also seek to join the Jedi High Council. From a storytelling perspective, I want to explore the effects of a life of war on a man who was supposed to dedicate himself to peace and how far he is able to bend Jedi ethics while still trying to be a good man.

Jedi Temple Public Records

Name: Adrian Daxoni
Species: Human
Homeworld: Coruscant
Age: 34
Gender: Male
Rank: Jedi Knight
Master: N/A
Former master(s): Jedi Knight Deoni Tyali, Jedi Master Lorn Berald (Deceased)
Apprentice(s): Jedi Knight Lio Sha'an (former), Padawan Amala Thean (Deceased)

Jedi Temple Internal Records

_Appearance

Adrian is of average height, standing at over 1.8 meters with the lean build and broad shoulders of a lifelong warrior. Adrian's eyes are almond-shaped and amber-colored. His jet-black hair is shoulder length but he pins it behind his head while on missions and keeps the sides sheared short. He has high, aristocratic cheekbones and a sharp jawline along with a closely cropped beard. His skin is sun-bronzed and scars from various battles crisscross his body, including one across his right cheek. One hand is rough and callused from years of campaigns while his right hand is a black cybernetic replacement. The only adornment he has is a simple silver necklace. Adrian's temple wear consists of the traditional Jedi garments in light tan tones. In battle however he is known to sport white Republican armor specially contoured to his body for maximum mobility along with his Jedi robes.

_{Force Ability - Report on natural ability with the Force, as well as all known Force Techniques and the skill levels.}

_{Report on skills not directly rooted in the Force, including level of skill}

_{Report on known combat experience, training and lightsaber training.}

_{Detailed notes on political influence and associates.}

- Adrian is aligned with the "warhawk" faction of the Republic Senate and the Grand Army, the senators and generals who disdain the peace and prepare for a return to hostilities. While he has no direct influence on any Senatorial or military proceedings, he is known to collaborate with Admiral Tyxin Dres extensively on strategy regarding the Republic's covert operations campaign.

- Likewise, Adrian is one of the lynchpins of the faction of Jedi who are either proactively involved in the Cold War or are preparing for a return to open war. He is devoted to Satale Shan and her militaristic stance against the Sith, seeing her as something of an inspiration.

- Adrian is highly popular with the soldiers of the 117th Legion, having fought alongside them on many occasions. General Taxin Voor is a comrade and friend of Adrian, and often the two will form special strike teams to undergo covert missions.

- Adrian is a friend of the Balmorran resistance, having fought alongside the Balmorrans during and after the war. He is known to have contact with Gray Star, the leader of the Balmorran resistance. Adrian still participates in operations on Balmorra and has helped Gray Star avoid capture and assassination by Sith agents.

- As a veteran of the Battle of Alderaan, Adrian is respected by the Houses aligned against the Sith. Adrian coordinates with the Houses who wish to resist the Empire, including House Organa. Duke Organa often funds Adrian's guerrilla efforts in exchange for Adrian's support in conflicts with Sith-aligned Alderaani.

- Admiral Zale Barrows met Adrian during the Battle of Dantooine and Adrian seeks intelligence and support from the Free Spacers Fleet on many occasions.

- Adrian also has contacts in the Noble Houses of Serenno, particularly House Teramo, due to his experience in the Rim Campaign. Adrian and Count Teramo trade intelligence often and Adrian lends his assistance when he can.

_{Detailed notes on known rivals and enemies, outside and within the Order and Republic.}

- Jedi Master Reryn Fralth, as one of the main proponents of continued peace and reconciliation, often opposes the actions of those aligned with Adrian. Similarly, Adrian sees Master Fralth and all of the like-minded Jedi who agree with him as being a party that must be opposed in order for the Jedi and the Republic to survive.

- The "doves" of the Republic Senate and military high command all see Adrian and his faction as dangerous warmongers and oppose them vehemently. Adrian sees the peace-seeking doves as dangerous buffoons. Among his rivals in the military is General Buryn, whom Adrian sees as weak-willed due to his willingness to abandon Balmorra during the war.

- Lord Daemonium of the Sith is a life-long enemy of Adrian. They first met in combat when both were younger during the Great War. They came into contact again and again throughout the conflict. Daemonium was the one who first amputated Adrian's sword hand when he was an Apprentice and Adrian a Padawan. Adrian repaid the favor to Daemonium and the two have been bitter foes for decades. Daemonium killed Adrian's Padawan and Adrian killed Daemonium's. Their hatred has reached a peak after the Sack of Coruscant, where Daemonium killed Adrian's youngest brother Rhys, who was a mechanic in the Jedi Service Corps and several other friends and comrades of the Knight.

_{List and description of other known associates, including intimates.}

- Jedi Knight Mat'i Diumo is Adrian's best friend, closest confidant, and wife. They met as Padawans under Master Lorn Berald and became quick friends despite their differences. The two became closer over the years as the war intensified and other friends and comrades fell, including Master Lorn. They both saved each other's lives on many occasions and comforted each other. After they both became Knights, they petitioned the Council to be allowed to be married. The Masters agreed and they have been together ever since. The couple currently have three children: Two sons, Rian (13) and Kellam (8), and a daughter Doria (11). Mat'i was a fighter but now serves as a Consular. Mat'i is just as set against the Sith as Adrian is but sees alliance building as the best way to prevent another defeat.

- Jedi Knight Deoni Tyali is also one of Adrian's close friends. The older Knight was still a Padawan when they met under Lorn's tutelage but Deoni earned his knighthood in combat shortly after. Deoni was a close friend of Adrian's older brother Heran and the two consider themselves brothers even now after Heran's death. After Master Lorn was killed by Lord Raith, Deoni took on Adrian as his Padawan and oversaw the rest of his training. Deoni is a skilled fighter but is of a much more peaceable nature than Adrian and is not so committed to reigniting war, though he has no illusions about the Sith either. The two still spar often, each besting the other at times.

- Jedi Knight Lio Sha'an is like a younger sister to Adrian. She was only six years younger than Adrian when the two were paired up as apprentice and master. Amala Thean and Lio were best friends, but Amala was Adrian's star pupil. She took much more to saber than Lio, who had a natural talent with healing. After Lord Daemonium killed Amala, both Adrian and Lio were distraught. However Lio eventually came to terms peaceably with the tragedy, whereas Adrian sought to sate his grief with revenge. Lio would calm her master and stop him from killing Lord Daemonium's apprentice Daxos after the youth was disarmed. However Daxos would try and backstab Adrian and died. Lio would moderate many of Adrian's darker impulses during their time together in the war. Lio serves primarily as a Healer now.

- Jedi Knight Orenna Daxoni is Adrian's only surviving sibling, their brothers and sister having perished during the Great War. Orenna is younger than Adrian and entered the war later but saw her fair share of combat. She was on Coruscant during the Sack and only narrowly escaped while rescuing several younglines, including Adrian and her's nephews and nieces by their older brother and sister. Orenna is still ashamed that she wasn't able to save Rhys. She has since tried to avoid frontline missions and primarily serves as a lightsaber instructor on Tython. She is married and has children by another Knight, a Healer named Caid Sefi.

- Jedi Knight Deran Daxoni is Adrian's cousin and the only other surviving family member of Adrian and Orenna's generation. The rest of their extended family was killed during the Great War, and many of those during the Sack including Deran's parents. Deran is a talented pilot and was away from Coruscant during the Sack. He has no spouse or children but is close to Adrian and the two have been friends since childhood.

- Padawan Viran Daxoni is Adrian's nephew by his older brother Arem. Arem was an extremely accomplished fighter and prestigious Knight but died at the Second Battle of Bothawui. Viran was still a child during the Sack but was rescued by his aunt Orenna. Viran looks up to Adrian and seeks to be a accomplished warrior just like his father and uncle. Viran is a newly-made Padawan and is still stationed on Tython with his master.

- Captain Sevro Baccarin of the 117th Legion is one of Adrian's oldest comrades and friends. The two met when Adrian was a Padawan and Sevro was a fresh-faced young officer. They have fought in several engagements together and have been through some of the most lethal battles of the war. Sevro is one of the only people who can regularly joke with Adrian and they both trust the other with their lives. Sevro is the leader of the Dagger Squad, a squad of veteran troopers who accompany Adrian on several missions.

_{List of all known ownerships, including vessels, (non-standard) equipment, and locations.}

- T7-R7, Adrian's astromech. The pair have been together since Adrian was a Padawan and he considers the yellow droid one of his oldest friends.

- An Aurek-class tactical fighter with white and yellow paint. It has been Adrian's personal starfighter for years and has seen him through multiple engagements.

- A Defender-class light corvette that Adrian uses for some special missions to transport his trooper teams. It used to belong to Master Lorn.

_{Psychological Profile}

Adrian is a war-born Jedi and his life of combat has irrevocably shaped his personality. Unlike some Jedi, Adrian is largely terse and stoic. He speaks very little to those whom he is not familiar with and never does so thoughtlessly. But though Adrian may sometimes seem abrasive, he is never intentionally rude or cold. He speaks his mind honestly when he feels the situation calls for it and he possesses a certain quiet charisma that is comforting and inspiring in battle. He is direct and assertive and leaves little room for ambiguity in his dealings with others. So while some may find him harsh, others see him for the trustworthy and steadfast man he is. He simply does not believe in mincing words or telling comforting lies. Despite his rough exterior, Adrian can be very warm and affectionate to the people he knows and cares for. For those Jedi whom he calls friends this usually manifests in his style of subtle, sardonic humor. Even if Adrian isn't considered traditionally friendly, he is someone that will go to great lengths to help his friends and comrades.

Even for a Jedi, Adrian is highly disciplined and strong of will. He very rarely goes a day without training and most of those were because he was in combat. He is calculating, methodical, and efficient. Adrian rarely does anything on a lark and will almost never stop pursuing a goal until it is either accomplished or it is impossible for him to continue. Adrian has remarkable concentration and focus, honed by years of training and learning to act under pressure. It is difficult to beguile or distract him and it is even more difficult to shake his composure, and the Knight is known to maintain a measured demeanor in any but the most extreme situations. If he faces an unpleasant situation he will very rarely grouse or complain and faces it with determination. In many ways his near single-minded determination can be a great asset. But at the same time his relentless drive can occasionally blind him. His stubbornness can also cause friction with those who do not share his point of view whether they be peers, subordinates, or superiors. Regardless, his willpower makes him a formidable warrior and a dangerous opponent.

Adrian is also courageous, almost to a fault. He almost never shrinks away from battle and will face dangers that more cautious Jedi would avoid. He will go at great lengths to achieve his mission, protect the innocent, and shield his comrades. This makes him a fine example of the bravery and willingness to sacrifice that a Jedi should embody. But at the same time his valor can veer into recklessness. Adrian will never back down from a foe of his own volition. And though he does not charge into danger without thought, he is more willing to accept risk than more prudent Jedi would not. This can lead to great successes but can also prove perilous both for himself and those who follow him. His fierce bravery can also make him rebellious, and though he will not disobey a direct order he will often bend the rules if he feels he should.

Despite all of this, Adrian is not a fool. He is keenly intelligent and has frequent bursts of intuition that have seen him undertake many daring and unpredictable actions during the war. He is a student of history, philosophy, literature, and many other subjects. Where some may expect him to just be a simple warrior, there is an insightful and knowledgable mind. Adrian can also be unorthodox, intuiting paths that traditional Jedi might not consider. Adrian's willingness to think outside of the box have been a great asset to him. Adrian is very self-assured as a result but can border on arrogance. He has seen enough of the Galaxy that when something is outside of his realm of experience it can be hard for him to comprehend. But once Adrian catches on he can adapt very quickly and he is known to think well on his feet.

Despite his general compassion and protectiveness of the innocent and his comrades, Adrian has also learned to compartmentalize. He is warm with his friends but keeps many of them at a certain emotional distance. This is due to a long history of loss but also of a general abiding paranoia of deception and betrayal brought on by his conflicts with the Sith. Even Mat'i sometimes finds Adrian to be remote, though she is one of the people he cares for most. Adrian has had to leave loved ones behind and send men to their deaths, and he feels the losses keenly. But his intense belief in the ideals of Republican democracy and equality and the ideals of the Jedi Order have allowed him to keep faith and continue being able to make hard choices. Time will tell if Adrian will be able to maintain his resolve.

Adrian is remarkably capable of keeping his emotions in check, but he is known to have an extremely dim view of the Sith and does not believe that peace with the Empire is possible. Though Adrian believes he has moved on from the many tragedies that afflicted him, he still blames the Empire for the loss of nearly everything that was dear to him. He believes that war with the Sith is an eventuality and displays little tolerance or willingness to attempt to reform them. In battle, Adrian will seek to end any Sith as quickly and completely as possible. The Empire is an affront to everything Adrian believes in and he would see the Sith's power broken permanently. Adrian is also a staunch abolitionist, having seen too many innocents taken into bondage during wartime. For all of his remoteness, injustice still rankles his sensibilities and he will go to great lengths to correct what he perceives as wrong.

_{Known or Suspected Flaws}

Adrian is intelligent but diplomacy is not his greatest virtue. He prefers to end conflict with displays of authority rather than compromise, and often opts to end potentially violent situations by eliminating threats first rather than using de-escalation. This makes him an efficient warrior and he is far from socially or politically inept but his skills as a negotiator and diplomat are rather limited. And while he would die to protect an innocent, his stern and reserved nature makes him somewhat unsuited to direct interaction with many civilians.

As noted above, Adrian is cunning but his unconventionality often means that he bends regulations and takes his own initiative. Sometimes despite the advice of his superiors. Furthermore his courage can edge into recklessness and impulsiveness, as he throws himself into dangerous situations that more patient and cautious Jedi would avoid. His determination to succeed also cause him to undertake desperate, even futile odds without a second thought when the wiser thing to do would be to concede or withdraw. On a few occasions he has pushed himself past the point of exhaustion and close to death simply to succeed. And sometimes he must be outright forced to retreat by his superiors lest his mission lead to certain death.

Adrian is noted to be slow to trust and has only a few close confidants. He has faith in his fellow Jedi and the soldiers of the Republic, but also believes that his way of thinking and his plans are almost always right and are the ones that must be undertaken. Thus, he will often jockey to assume a leadership position in almost any given situation and is usually not content to be a subordinate. His conviction is not without support from his war record, but still borders on arrogance and even hubris. As such while Adrian is difficult to manipulate and coerce it is also very trying to convince him of anything that goes against his personal opinions and thoughts. He allows collaboration only with those that have earned his respect, a difficult prospect in itself.

His many losses have steeled Adrian's resolve. He no longer fears death and is willing to make sacrifices necessary to complete his mission and protect the Republic. His willingness to perform cold and seemingly heartless acts in the support of his objectives have sometimes opened the Order to criticism from the public. Adrian is compassionate but war has hardened his heart. He will go to any possible lengths to save a comrade or his subordinates, but will ultimately sacrifice them and indeed himself if needed. And despite his general aloofness towards civilians he still abhors the suffering of innocents, particularly children. When faced with flagrant injustice Adrian may seek to correct the situation even if it puts him at great risk. His wife and children in particular are his primary tether to morality and are a clear vulnerability for a Sith to exploit. If anything happened to them, it may send Adrian beyond the point of no return.

As a user of Juyo, Adrian delves close to edge of the dark side in a manner that few Jedi do. But beneath the veneer of control is an almost limitless fury, built up by years upon years of grief. Adrian has never truly lost his control, but if it were to ever happen he may never again regain control of it and would let anger and thus the dark side, take a permanent hold on his heart. And he would be lost.

Perhaps most immediate of all is Adrian's constant battle with his past traumas. Jedi meditative techniques can only take one so far and Adrian has been noted to suffer from nightmares on many occasions. Sometimes, he will even see visions of past losses or potential loss that will impair his ability to think clearly and control his emotions. As of this point, Adrian has yet to seek in-depth assistance from counseling and keeps his own counsel.

_Interests

- Adrian is a noted student of history. He is often seen in the library to consult with records on pivotal military battles, significant political events, and the traditions of both the Jedi and the Sith. Often he will listen to audio recordings of historical tomes while training. He pursues this both for personal enjoyment and out of practicality. Areas of study also include philosophy, culture, and literature relating both to the galaxy at large and the major civilizations that shape it.

- He is something of a writer himself. He has been known to have started keeping journals even as a Padawan and has recently begun transcribing his memoirs. They are something of a contentious topic among Knights as Adrian's writings are somewhat unflattering of certain parties in both the Jedi Order and the Republic. His account of battles he was involved in during the war are classified material but are highly respected by military historians both for both their detailed first-hand accounts and the visceral flair of his prose.

- Adrian trains extensively but also as a recreational activity. He is known to swim, run, practice acrobatics, and rock climb all as both diversions and to keep his body honed. Most of all he is known as a particularly skilled and graceful dancer. Adrian finds many parallels between swordsmanship and dance, particularly the emphasis on speed, finesse, and grace. Dancing thus helps train his body and his skill with the lightsaber and in martial arts. When dancing, Adrian feels intimately connected to everything around him, allowing the Force to move through him and guide him.

_{Notes on skillset specialization, if applicable.}

_{Major achievements on record.}

- Trial of Skill - At age 15, Adrian successfully held off an enemy force and allowed several medical transports to escape with their passengers during an engagement on Balmorra. In the skirmish he defeated and killed a Sith Apprentice. The heroic act was a great morale boost for the embattled allied forces and the day's battle was won.

- Trial of Courage - At age 18, Adrian would come into contact with the Sith Lord Raith during another battle on Balmorra where Adrian's unit was ambushed by the Sith Lord. Adrian held off Raith in a protracted duel and the Sith Lord and his apprentice even took flight once Master Lorn arrived with reinforcements. Raith's forces were defeated and the skirmish won.

- Trial of Flesh - During the same year, Master Lorn and his apprentices undertook a covert assault on a fortified Sith position on Balmorra using intelligence from a supposed traitor. It was a trap by Lord Raith. Master Lorn held off a large enemy force before being killed by Lord Raith. Raith's apprentice Tiran Sallas, later Lord Daemonium, cut off Adrian's sword hand. Adrian managed to escape with Mat'i and Lorn's lightsaber and even saved the rest of their unit from the disastrous assault. Though the mission failed, Adrian's resolve was commended.

- Second Trial of Spirit - Adrian failed his Trial of Spirit once when his inner darkness threatened to overtake him while he recuperated from his wounds. He was saved by his future wife, who intervened. But Adrian faced his darkness once more and went into a meditative stance for several hours. He came out of the other side stronger and with greater resolve, even if the darkness was not completely dissipated.

- Trial of Insight - A few years later at age 20, Adrian managed to spot a Sith ambush before the trap was sprung and averted a repeat of the same tragedy. He alerted Knight Deoni and the pair fought their way through Lord Raith's trap and Deoni killed Raith while Adrian killed one of Raith's apprentices and drove Tiran off. The death of Lord Raith and the defeat of the cream of his troops allowed the Republic to win several battles on Balmorra and Adrian was knighted on the field.

_{Major failures on record. Confidential.}

Interview

_{Personal biography, as detailed by the candidate for use in Jedi archives. Acquired shortly after last achievement of note.}

Takanis - A Dark Fantasy Nation RP

Name: The Kingdom of Arcana (WIP)

Species: Aureate highborn ruling class; mundane human plurality; significant elven enclave; populations of dwarves, trolls, ogres, centaurs, satyrs, halflings, gnomes, nymphs, merfolk, and members of multiple elder races

Culture and Society

From it's genesis, the Kingdom of Arcana has been a champion of scientific development, artistic creativity, athletic prowess, philosophical discovery, free commerce, philanthropy, spiritual enlightenment, and above all other things, the study and mastery of the magical forces. Among no other people and in no other land is magic as intrinsic to the daily functioning of society as Arcana. The Circle of Wizards, the most powerful guild in the Kingdom, is also Arcana's oldest institution and one of the oldest such groups in the world. Once the Mages performed virtually all of Arcana's religious, scholarly, and cultural functions, not just magical pursuits. From the Circle would emerge the United Church, the Alchemist Guild, and every other lynchpin of Arcanan society. It was the original Circle of Wizards who crowned Arcana's first king, an Arcane Knight. And it was with spells that the populous, beautiful, and advanced city of Arcanapolis was built by the alliance of the Aureates and the Sidhe. While other nations may have their specialties, all mystical disciplines are studied in Arcana, and it is Arcana who continually innovates magic and possesses the most understanding and knowledge of the art and science of sorcery.

Arcana is a highly educated realm, where all of the commoners know how to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic and the highborn are extensively schooled in all academic disciplines. Magical theory is likewise an intrinsic part of Arcanan basic education. It underpins the education for all skilled professions from smiths to naval officers to clergymen to doctors, who all use at least some arcane theory and even perhaps practical magic as part of their daily jobs. Public schooling is provided to commoners through schools run by clerics or by sages. An Arcanan child will receive education on mathematics, the sciences, athletics, the arts, humanities, and of course the gods and magic. Promising pupils will then apprentice themselves to a skilled tradesman or artisan, join a gymnasium, or enter seminary education. Only the brightest commoners will win a scholarship to university or gain the attention of a Mage and sponsorship to the College of Magi.

For millennia, various higher universities had operated continuously in Arcana. While affluent burghers and highborn were generally the only ones able to afford tuition, even the lowliest indentured peon could gain entrance if they showed enough promise. Foreigners would come from all corners of the globe to study in Arcanan institutions. After the Day of Black Sun, many of Arcana's famed cities were destroyed or abandoned and their schools with them. The last Arcanan university is also the first, Merlinus Academy, founded by Arcana's most famous wizard. Since magical theory is inextricable with Arcanan schools of science, earning a Mage robe has become a practical prerequisite to earning a degree in any subject and continuing any kind of career. Being a layperson as a doctor is practically unheard of unless they have achieved accreditation overseas.

The result of this practice is that every cleric, doctor, barrister, military officer, and politician can rightly call themselves a Mage, though most generally refer to nonpracticing magi as Sages while minor or middle-tier practitioners are Mages. Earning the right to call oneself a Wizard is an altogether different honor. Less than a quarter of Mages who apprentice themselves to a Wizard or join the College will pass their Arcane Trials and earn the right to forge their own Wizard's staff. The Sages who make up Arcana's academic, ecclesiastical, financial, military, and civic leadership are versed in magical theory. Practicing Mages make up the majority of the Arcanan Guilds and are essential to their operation. However Wizards are a cut above. They must master both theoretical and practical magic and display a masterful level of skill in a wide range of magic schools. Mages can also use orium, the common shorthand for magical orichalcum, but their knowledge is narrower in scope and their abilities and skills are not as complete. Wizards are highly respected in Arcana and those who enter politics or the armed forces tend to command great influence and power.

The origin of magic's influence on Arcanan society is easily discovered. The original Neraidan inhabitants of Arcana used magic as an everyday part of their lives, and the Sidhe nobility were both lords of Neraida and powerful spellcasters. The Andras settlers from across the sea were not as familiar with magic but their Imithean Lords all had court sorcerers and sought to learn magic for themselves in order to gain an edge over their rivals. Many took on wizards as lovers, even as spouses. After the Crystal War and the marriage of the Fairy and the Dragon, wizards had indelibly positioned themselves as advisers, scientists, spiritual guides, military commanders, and even leaders. King Artorius the First had been taught magic by Merlinus and his heir Torien had been a full-fledged wizard. The Imithean Archons soon followed suit, taking mystical Sidhe in marriage or studying with Sorcerers. This continued for generations, no doubt encouraged by the Circle, until Arcanan nobility was intrinsically tied with the study and practice of magic. The Imitheans would soon become so intermingled with the Sidhe that a new race arose, the Aureates, and would make up the vast majority of the noble peerage class of Magnates. Magic soon influenced philosophy, religion, the sciences, and the arts until they were synonymous with another.

To be powerful in Arcana is to be magically knowledgeable and gifted. But while anyone can theoretically study to become a mage, the reality is that the highborn of Arcana maintain an edge in learning magic and thus a monopoly on political power in the kingdom. Magical theory requires time and resources to study that most commoners do not have and the academic apparatus to become a mage and then a wizard consistently favors the aristocratic or merchant classes. Sorcerous bloodlines are also far more prevalent among the Aureate highborn due to the mingling of fae and demimortal blood (the Imitheans of Andras had long claimed descent from the New Gods and live far longer than normal humans while Fae are nigh-immortal). The advantages of magical talent and longevity of lifespans mean that the Aureates of Arcana have a far easier time of becoming Mages and then Wizards than commoners do. In effect what should be a meritocratic system of governance has retained many aristocratic trappings and the Magnate class retain many privileges, including being the upper house of the Magisterium.

However, while in other nations the commons might resent such a caste system, the reality is that citizens are largely at peace with the existing system. The vast majority of Arcana's citizens live comfortable lives that few commoners elsewhere do. They don't worry about tilling the field or breaking their backs in quarries to support themselves. Instead they are nurses, clerks, scribes, weavers, smiths, teachers, and all manner of skilled laborers and professionals. The main societal rift is instead between the bourgeoisie "Novus Magi" or "Argent Wizards" and their aristocratic Aureate counterparts that dominate the wizardry. The Argents resent the institutional barriers to advancement that the Aureates have cultivated while the Aureates deem the Novus Magi as money-obsessed dilettantes with no true understanding of magic. Due to the fact that powerful magigenetic spells ensure that Aureates are born physically superior to humans in every way and are nigh-on immortal due to magic, their superiority is little questioned. With few exceptions, Aureates inhabit every high position of government, with few wizards of rank being born of mundane blood.

Arcanans are religiously and culturally tolerant to a degree unheard of in much of the world. The New Gods of Andras are the most popular pantheon, but the Sidhe's Old Gods still have a strong following and shrines to hundreds of lesser gods can be found throughout Arcanapolis. The gods are invoked by clerics to bless everything from baptisms and marriages to sports matches and court proceedings. But while the Aureates all pay due respect to the gods, many consider themselves irreligious, their mastery of the arcane forces proving that they have no need of deities. Humans live side by side with those of the elder races and while all largely keep to themselves, they have equal rights under the law. However no nation is without prejudice.

There is great hatred toward Orcs and other greenskins due to the Horde invasions following the Black Sun, and these are regulated to the menial labor not taken up by golems. Lilim, Lycans, Fleders, Incubi, and other nightfolk are similarly regarded with suspicion and revulsion and there is little to no opportunity for them to seek an honest living. Greenskins and Nightfolk are the majority of those who live in state housing. Above all are the Aureates, men and women of both arcane mastery and physical superiority, virtual demigods among mortals. While Aureates are given no greater legal right than any other citizen, they are revered and catered to in a manner that no others are. The Aureate lords no longer extract feudal taxes and no longer command peasants. But nonetheless they are lords and live as lords, with clients instead of peasants and rent instead of tithes.

Despite the realities of Arcanan inequality, the nation itself is rightly regarded as one of knowledge and beauty. While extreme weather lashes the outlands, the Ecumen proper is kept tranquil and calm by Aureate's magic. Arcanans revere the natural beauty of the world and strictly control the use of Arcana's natural resources as such. And while they compose poetry, contemplate morality, and seek spiritual enlightenment, Arcanans on the whole have largely abandoned their martial spirit. War is an enterprise of less advanced nations, goes the common thinking. Soldiery is limited to lowborn who have no other opportunity to advance. Adventurous young men and women become explorers, travel in theatre troupes, or become athletes. They drink and make merry and explore carnal pleasures. They try to enter the halls of Merlinus and then the College to become Wizards. They do not pick up swords and those who do, treat dueling as a sport and not a warrior's pursuit. The only exception are the Aureates, who remember the legacy of glory and honor in combat from their Imithean ancestors.

This national attitude has shaped Arcanan policy Post-Black Sun to one of armed neutrality. The Arcane Knights and the Navy defend Arcana from its enemies so that they can do business with everyone and enjoy the rewards of being among the richest nations in the world. Free trade matters more than conquest and battles are fought by dressmakers and conversationalists. What once was a nation that was actively involved in the affairs of conquering empires has become a disinterested and relaxed enclave of scholars and artists assured of their enlightenment and exceptionalism. Surabhumi and Sanghara's wars are so far away, and the glories of magic are ever present. However, there are still those Aureates who yearn for days past. When Arcana was a kingmaker and not a banker, and when wizards were feared with both the staff and the sword.

Arcana is ruled by its Sovereign, the crowned and enthroned monarch on the Star Throne and the wielder of Caliburn, Artorious' blade. The Sovereign then appoints his advisors: the Chancellor, the Lord Admiral, the Lord Consular, the Lord Treasurer, and others to serve on the Corona Council and manage the daily affairs of the kingdom. The Sovereign is also head of the United Church and is considered to act with the will of the gods through the Divine Mandate. The Archbishops of the Olympic Temples are the greatest ecclesiastical powers after the Sovereign but even then cannot compel the Sovereign to action.

Both men and women are equal among wizards and inheritance is not based on primogeniture. Rather the prospective Sovereign must attempt to draw Caliburn from the grave stone of their predecessor and attempt the Trial of Thrones, an arcane vision quest that differs for every claimant. If deemed worthy by the blade, the heir will successfully draw Caliburn and will earn the right to be Sovereign of Arcana. Any who have royal blood have this right, meaning that any member of both the Arcanan peerage and the royal family may attempt to claim the sword. There has been more than one Sovereign who was not the eldest child or even a direct relative of their predecessor, but almost none who came from outside of House Pendragon and none who did not then forsake their former name for the Pendragon line. Further, there is great danger in attempting the Trial and failed attempts have been known to result in traumatic spiritual injury or even insanity or death to those that Caliburn deems particularly unworthy. The mechanism that decides who shall inherit is unknowable to any but the blade, which seems to have a mind of its own, and gentle Princes have failed where cruel warlords succeeded. Additionally, there have been such instances where the blade has budged but was unable to be drawn as there was more than one worthy heir of Pendragon. Such conflicts were then usually resolved in a duel and many noble princes and princesses have been maimed or even killed in violent contests of spell and sword. As such it soon became a tradition that a claimant had to receive approval from the Magisterium in order to have their claim confirmed.

The Magisterium is the main check on the Sovereign's authority. They have the authority to legislate and to veto the Sovereign's edicts. In the absence of a crowned and enthroned Sovereign, it is the Magisterium who elects the Council of Regents. The Magisterium also has the ability to force the Sovereign to step down should they overstep the Covenant, the realm's constitutional document. However only two Sovereigns have ever been impeached and neither of them peacefully abdicated. The Magisterium is a bicameral chamber, with the House of Peers and House of Commons. The Commons is staffed by Prefects who represent the scores of parishes that Arcana is divided into and are democratically elected by their parishioners. The upper chamber is staffed by Proctors, members of the Magnate class who inherit their seats. As a whole, members of the legislature are known as Magisters.

The noble houses of Arcana used to have vast feudal powers but the Day of Black Sun largely put an end to those privileges. Large estates and manors were lost to barbarian raids, natural disaster, monster attacks, famine, and pestilence. Many noble lines were extinguished. Those who survived mostly fled back to the safety of the Arcanapolitan Ecumen. Their levies were largely commandeered by the Crown in order to deal with the crises. As such, most Magnates have only their private mansions, though these residencies are often palaces unto themselves. The only exceptions to this rule are those families who still maintain properties outside of Arcanapolis, though most of these are still within the safety of Ecumenical lands. The most prominent examples are the Tritonid Sealords, who maintain massive fleets that make up the bulk of the Cerulean Navy and the Laconics who shield the far reaches of the nation from barbarian invasion under the Archduke and his Spartans.

The balance of aristocratic power has largely shifted to the Zodiacal Houses, the thirteen fraternities that make up the Circle of Wizards. The Houses all have a patron deity and emphasize certain values and philosophies. Academy students are encouraged to join one of the Houses upon matriculation into Merlinus and association with one of the Zodiacs ensures privileges and connections. Alumni from Merlinus make up the vast majority of the realm's elite, and the Zodiacal networks of influence are widespread. Membership in these elite fraternities is both highly prestigious and exclusive. The Houses then influence the direction of the realm and play games of politics and intrigue within and without the Crystal Tower. With the dissipation of feudal influence, the Magnates have turned their attention to jockeying for position in their houses. To become Primus of a House allows significant power and the Peers scheme among themselves for who will ascend. The Houses then compete with each other to allow their philosophies and mindsets to become dominant in Arcanan thought. Should a Sovereign be a member of a particular House, that House then has subtle but very real influence over the realm.

History

The history of Arcana is both the history of the native Sidhe people and the Imithean Lords who settled in Arcana. The Sidhe were originally organized into two courts and fought for dominance of their native land for thousands of years in an unending cycle. The Imithean Lords disrupted the status quo with their brutal conquest of the land. The Sidhe rallied the other elder races underneath their rule and allied with the greenskins and nightfolk to take the fight to the Imitheans and their vassals such as the Minotaurs, the Centaurs, and the Cyclopes. The battles were long and bloody and the Imitheans were soon confined to the coast while the natives ruled the hinterlands. Atrocities and crimes were committed on both sides. The Imitheans sought a new homeland after the destruction of the Imperium of Man while the natives only wished to defend their own. For a long time it seemed as if the two sides were headed for mutual destruction.

That all changed when Merlinus the Wizard, founder of the Circle, became Court Sorcerer to Archon Utorial. Utorial achieved great victories with Merlinus at his side and took a Sidhe sympathizer to wife. Merlinus presented Utorial with a sword formed with metal from a fallen star forged in dragonfire and spells. Caliburn was a great weapon that brought Utorial glory and renown. Utorial's son, Artorius, a half-breed then became Merlinus' student. Utorial would eventually fall in battle and his fiefdom broken up between his Archon rivals as they continued to fight the Sidhe and one another. Under Merlinus' protection, Artorius learned to rule in secret. He claimed Caliburn and united the Archons under his rule through force or persuasion before finally making peace with the Sidhe. The Sidhe at this point had been ravaged by war and were betrayed by a rouge Sidhe who sought to overthrow both Courts. The Dragons of Imithea and the Fairies of Arcana came together in a dynastic union before Artorious then defeated the Mad Elf.

The Archons and Sidhe Lords would extensively intermarry, and the Aureate race was born. Arcana entered a long era of ascent, a veritable Golden Age as the nation advanced and spread its influence. Their economy, academic knowledge, and martial mastery soon made them one of the most powerful nations in the world. The Sovereign was a respected and renowned world figure who could influence events all over the civilized world, and they often did. The nation was not without its troubles but its millennia of history was one of continual progress and innovation. Artorius' grandchild sat down with the lords of the realm and signed the Covenant, granting rights and privileges to citizens high and low alike and setting limits on the Sovereign's authority. Arcana was one of the first to embrace democratic elections and gradually enfranchised citizens. Women were given equal rights and representation and soon slavery was abolished, though free citizens could still sell their labor in indentured servitude for a limited period of time. The social welfare network was soon developed and even the poorest had the right to basic necessities. Arcana continued to develop and grow as a nation, becoming a shining example for the world.

Arcana was instrumental in several of the infamous Century Wars, turning the tide of battle or mediating peace accords on several occasions. All of that changed with the last Century War, which saw the Guilds attempt to build an arcane super-weapon the likes of which had never been seen before. The nature of the weapon is unknown, the records having been either destroyed in the disaster that followed or deliberately censored by the Circle of Wizards and made forbidden. Some say that Arcana attempted to tame a high dragon and use powerful magigenetic spells to make it a titanic weapon. Others that Arcana built a crystal weapon that would act as an explosive on a scale never before seen. Still others that necromancy had been used to build a weapon that would drain the very life from living bodies. Whatever the truth, the effects of Arcana's mistake are known to all. The Day of Black Sun is the single greatest disaster in the history of the realm, and it's aftermath is still felt to this day.

For a whole day, the sun over Arcana was blotted out as the countryside was ravaged by extreme weather of every conceivable form. Dormant mountains turned into smoldering volcanoes. Coastal towns were flooded by tsunamis while country hamlets were swept away by tornadoes or swallowed by earthquakes. The veil between the material realm and the worlds beyond was ripped open and spirits, ghosts, and demons of all description were allowed into the world. The dead rose from their graves and plagues that had never been seen before sickened both the land and the people. The turmoil spread throughout the realm, utterly devastating the far provinces and wreaking massive death and destruction. However, the Ecumen was spared. The Ecumenical Wards, shielding spells erected around the capitol province of Arcanapolis, were reinforced by the collective will of the entire Circle of Wizards and all of the living Sorcerers. Many died under the strain, but the city and all of its souls, including refugees from the outer parishes, were saved. No storms, wildfires, or malevolent spirits would touch the city. The island of Avalon off of the coast managed to avoid the disasters as well.

The days that followed were known as the Dark Age and they lived up to the name. The Black Sun had both withered the farmlands and caused wild growth to overtake much of the countryside. The disaster had even killed many of the fish and sealife off of the coast save for what was in the immediate domain of Cerulean Bay. With overcrowding, Arcana experienced famine on an unprecedented scale. Even Magnates worried about their next meal as commoners hoarded bread like gold. To make matters worse, late-coming refugees spread supernatural diseases and caused outbreaks in the poorer quarters. Riots, bold bandit attacks, and famine became even more dangerous as demons sneaked through the wards by whispering in dreams or through mirrors. The years that followed the Day of Black Sun were even more deadly than the event itself. Villages in what were now called the Outlands were cut off from the Ecumen as the far provinces were overthrown by Orc Hordes or Witch Queens. Sovereigns rose and fell and civil strife made corpses of both the mighty and the humble. But somehow Arcana survived.

Slowly, order would return to the city and then to the rest of the Ecumen, before contact was re-established with the Outlands. The Black Sun had overrun the farms with wild growth and monsters infested the countryside. But the sea healed faster and it proved to be Arcana's salvation. The Sorcerers soon developed advanced desalination techniques that allowed water to be given to all regardless of station. The city had a way to clean itself, to drink, to grow once more. With the magic came riches in salt and in ice. Bit by bit, Arcana began to regain its vitality though there were false starts there and again. Tyrants rose before being overthrown. Hordes and Night Covens clashed the Arcane Knights and the Crown's Legions. But eventually Arcana was able to return to a state of normalcy. Now with a much more conservationist and politically neutral stance. Under King Hector, the Realm experienced the longest era of peace it ever had before the Black Sun. But his mysterious death has placed his brother and widow in control of the Regency Council and many in the nation fear global events will take a turn for the worse. For now, Arcana is still at peace but there are those, the Circle in particular, who recognize the portents of death and destruction.

Territorial Claims

Arcana used to have extensive colonial possessions, but these were all lost either during the Black Sun or in the periods following. As a result of their influence, nearly all of their neighbors share cultural ties such as religion. The glimmering cities of Arcana were also largely lost in the Black Sun, reduced to shadows of their former selves. But the crown jewel, Arcanapolis, remains and is even more wondrous than ever before. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and among the largest, home to nearly two million citizens within and without its immediate vicinity. The city is one of architectural wonders and marvels of engineering, combining high art, modern technology, and magical craftsmanship in one. The Ecumenical Guard is the city watch. They are not simple guards however and are professionals with extensive training and sophisticated equipment. They keep the peace between swaggering duelists of noble families and the worst of the Thieves Guild's criminal enterprise. The Guardians often end situations as peacefully as possible and will serve as the City's defense force in the event of invasion.

Another quarter of a million citizens live in the Ecumenical Parishes surrounding the Arcanapolitan area, the vineyards and hillside estates that help manage much of the country's lucrative trades. The borders of the Ecumen are denoted by the Kingswood, the only forest free of monstrous beasts in Arcana and populated by the ancient, sage Dryads. The Dryadic woods are considered sacrosanct and hunting or forest trade is strictly regulated by the Druid's Guild, whose edicts are enforced by the Wild Hunt. Beyond the Kingswood lie the fortresses of the stern Spartaemons shield the Ecumen from bandits, greenskins, nightfolk, and what other horrors lie in the Outlands.

The Outlands are where the rest of Arcana's citizens live. The Outlands are vital to Arcana's industry, but they are a hard place to live. There are a thousand and more ways to die in the Outlands and the Outlands breed a folk much unlike those in the Ecumen. Rifts to the arcane lands, even the Outer Realms, are still open in the Outlands and life is a constant struggle. Arcanapolis ensures the Outland settlements are provided with everything they need. Mutated Raptors wander the Outlands for monster contracts and Rangers keep the roads as safe as they can. But the Outlanders do not know the luxuries their Ecumenical brethren do. Many Outlanders are indentured peons working off debts to rejoin the citizenry. Some are criminals, sent to pay their debt to society by helping rebuild. Others are those who are given lucrative grants in order to help resettle the countryside. And still some have a spirit of adventure, as the Outlands are home to countless ruins and opportunities for discovery. Slowly the Outlands heal, but for now they remain a dangerous and wild place. Beyond the Outlands are the Twilight Marches, where the men of the Penitent Legion stand watch for another Horde attack or a Witcher rising.

Economy

Arcana is one of the leading economic powerhouses of Takanis, a nation flowing with gold. While it no longer exports agricultural products as it did in days of past, Arcana is still a nation rich in material wealth. The Ecumenical lands cannot support the bumper crops of fertile lands like Surabhumi but Arcanan ingenuity still allows extensive agricultural production within Arcanapolis. Great glass gardens allow for virtually every kind of plant to be cultivated in the city. The Cornucopia within Arcanapolis is a palace-sixed structure with different sections each with a unique orium-glass filter that bends the sunlight in a certain way. With desalinated water and composted fertilizer, the Cornucopia allows Arcana access to plants it can only have otherwise by trade. Arcane weather manipulation and the Cerulean Canal's desalinated flow allow for modest but wealthy plantations, apiaries, and vineyards to provide agricultural treasures for Arcanans and the world at large. These farms produce Arcana's famed nectar and ambrosia, Bacchal wine, Delphic beeswax and honey, and aureal wool among other products.

The country is rife with huge deposits of minerals of every stripe from iron and copper to silver and gold. The quarries provide the main source of industry outside of the Ecumen, but Arcana stringently regulates mining to preserve the natural order and to avoid flooding the market with metals. Arcana also has rich diamond mines, but these are among the most treacherous to access due to beast infestations and orc raids, ironically making Arcanan diamonds even more valuable. Precious metals and gemstones from Arcana fetch high prices in markets all over the world and are a lynchpin of Arcana's material wealth. The Olympus Mountain Range in the Outlands provides a healthy though controlled, market in marble and granite. The other major industry in the Outlands is in pelts and lumber.

Agriculture is nearly impossible in the Outlands, but trees and exotic animals are in abundance. Outlander towns near groves of fruit trees and forest meadows also provide the Ecumen with delectable produce and decorative flowers and herbal supplies. Wild hemp fields allow Outlanders to produce strong hempen rope used in the Ecumen and among royal ships. Apothecaries and Alchemists further refined wild hemp into cannabis that is often used in hookahs by Ecumenical citizens. And fields of poppies and psychedelic lotuses provides the drugs that Arcana ships to other nations at profit. Though a precarious living, unicorn and manticore hides fetch high prices and lumber is in high demand. Arcana's grand fleets are all built with outlander lumber. Ironically, while rich in stone, wood, and metals Arcana's once vast orium reserves were either destroyed or rendered difficult to access by the Black Sun, with the lion's share of the reserves found in a vein under Arcanapolis itself. The residents of Undertown mine and process orium for Arcana's needs but supply of the crystal is heavily regulated, and Arcana is a net importer of a resource that was once as abundant as its gold.

The Cerulean Sea is another major source of Arcana's prosperity. The ocean is bursting with fish and the ocean bed is riddled with pearls. Both industries, like nigh every Arcanan trade, is overseen by the guilds and consortiums in order to ensure no depletion of Arcana's natural bounty. But even under such regulation, maritime products bring in as much wealth as Arcana's metals, stone, and lumber. The sea also provides much of the food that feeds Arcanapolis, the Ecumenical citizens having long been accustomed to a seafood diet. Kelp, fish sauce, and clam sauce feature heavily in Arcanan cuisine as well and are also major exports. Arcana's merchant fleets are the pride of the nation and ships with star-painted hulls and crossed sword and staff sails are a constant in any port from west to east and north to south. Arcana's famed Endless Market never closes and traders from around the world take ship to Arcana to buy and sell goods. Arcana's modest taxes and affluent consumer base make it both a lucrative market for foreign traders and a massive moneymaker for the royal coffers.

Army

The Black Sun coupled with the 12th Horde Invasion, the Second Witch Rebellion, and the Dragon's War along with the subsequent plague, famine, natural disasters, economic depression, and monster attacks had a catastrophic effect on the Arcanan standing army, the Crownsown, once as formidable and numerous an army as any in Takanis. Entire Legions were wiped out in battle and insurrection, succumbed to hunger and disease, were possessed by demons or fell victim to lycans, and deserted to the wilds to become bandits and raiders. The King of Arcana and his leal Paladins instituted a draft and offered incentives for volunteers in order to keep the crown's armies staffed over the century of conflict.

Once the last of the invaders, rebels, and traitors had been put to the sword and the worst of the Cataclysm's effects passed, Arcana was a realm thoroughly tired of bloodshed. Commoners no longer wished to fight and die in endless battle, but to live peaceful and prosperous lives. As the need for a large standing army dissipated, volunteerism declined and the Lords of Arcana became wary of displeasing the commons or losing valuable workers to pointless conflict. The Arcane Knights never lost their prestige but soon became one of the only desirable militant paths for Arcanan citizens. As the need for a domestic army eroded, so too did the quality of Crownsown outside of the Crownsguard. The standing Legions were largely disbanded or reorganized into into the Rangers, the Guardians, and the Royal Marines with the rest joining the Zodiacal forces or retiring completely. The only remaining standing Legion are the Penitents. The Penitents are made up of peons, poor immigrants, Outlanders, lower-class Warders, nightfolk, greenskins, fourthborn sons, bastards, dishonored gentry, and even outright criminals. They are the lowest of the low in Arcana and are stationed far in the Outlands, a bulwark against barbarian invasion. In effect, being in the "army" is looked down on and respectable Arcanan citizens often avoid them entirely. The Penitents also receive the scrapings of equipment rather than the advanced technology Arcane Knights have access too. The Penitents have demonstrated valor and cunning but they are often treated as the stepchild of the nation. An ugly dog kept in the basement that is only brought out to scare off neighbors.

The Sovereign of Arcana is the commander-in-chief of the crown's armed forces as Protector of the Realm, and all final decisions related to military operations rest with the reigning King or Queen. Many Arcanan Monarchs have led the armies in battles personally as Arthur Dragonheart had but there have been exceptions, particularly when the monarch is underage, ill, or otherwise infirm. In such cases the crown imbues a Lord Protector with the authority to fly the crown's banner into battle and oversee military strategy. The Lord Protector is a temporary office and often distinct from that of the Chancellor but this is not always the case, and the Chancellor like all Crown Councillor positions has been known to lead hosts in battle. When it comes to daily military affairs however, the Knight Paragon and Lord Admiral exercise the most direct influence on the army and navy respectively and defer only to whoever holds the title of Protector of the Realm. The Paragon Knight and Lord Admiral have a clear chain of command beneath them from generals and admirals down to troopers and ensigns, but enlisted men in Arcana have a much more collaborative relationship with their officers than in many other militaries due to their experience and training. However, while the Protector and his Councillors can directly control the King's Own, they must coordinate with with Lord Commanders of special orders if they wish to use their forces for operations. This can lead to as much political maneuvering as can be found in the Circle of Wizards or in the Throne room itself.

Arcane Knights are the premier warriors of the nation. Trained with both sword and staff, they are capable of performing magic and are skilled warriors. They are both wizards and anointed knights and are the epitome of Arcanan training. Arcane Knights often specialize in their disciplines and many Arcane Knights are members of the legendary martial orders, all of them unique with their own traditions. Some such as the Wild Hunt are not technically knights but are often considered as such by commoners. The Janissary Order are made up of peons or immigrants who gain Ecumenical citizenship for themselves and their families with their service while the Immortals are Knights who pass down their titled names generation after generation. The Kingsguard are the Sovereign's personal guard and serve the royal dynasty. Despite the general ambivalence towards the military, Arcane Knights are looked up to by wizards and commoners alike. The greatest of the Arcane Knights are the Paladins, who swear their oaths to the Covenant and advise the Sovereign. They are influential and powerful. All put together, there are 10,000 full Arcane Knights with thrice that number training as neophytes in both the royal forces and the independent martial orders.

The Royal Auxiliary serve part-time, drawing recruits from the professional Arcane Guilds. They provide siege engines, create weapons, heal wounds, and every other function an army needs. They have basic training but are not professional soldiers as they have other careers and are largely only called upon in times of great need. And in addition to the regular cavalry the Crown has its own elephant corps, imported by Ark Ships from distant lands. The Sovereign has a century of elephants and weapons and towers for them but they mainly provide service as draft animals or in parade. There have also been experiments into training beasts such as chimeras and manticores to fight for the army.

The War Golems, are large automatons brought to life by crystal. They are twice as tall as any mortal and are covered in steel plate but are slow and lumbering. They can be crippled by severing of the Golem's artificial skeletal structure and can be destroyed entirely with strikes to the crystal core in their chests. The Sovereign has two cohorts of War Golems but the Circle of Wizards can construct their own easily. The final innovation are the Myrmidons, Arcana's foray into artificially birthed soldiers. Their genes are extracted from healthy donors and are trained to be the warriors Arcana's citizenry does not want to be. Their lives are immersed in training and they are meant to be utterly disciplined with no fear of death and complete loyalty to the Sovereign. They are only one Legion's worth in number and the first generation is just now reaching puberty. Time will tell if they will be effective but a few have already been noted as being prospective Arcane Knights and they are meant to be officers to the Legions who will follow.

Navy

Arcana possesses one of the strongest fleets in the world and is the dominant naval power in the eastern seas. Ever since the early days of Arcanapolis, Arcana has been a naval power and their ships have proven to be their savior time and time again. In more than one Century War, Arcana has stood off with Sangharan ships or sailed with them to historic results. Arcanapolis is home to the Arcanan Arsenal, a marvel of industry. The Arsenal uses secret modular designs and synchronous building to float a warship within a day. Cerulean Bay is also defended by the Sunburst. It uses a complicated array of crystal-infused mirrors to launch a beam of light at a warship and incinerate it. The Sunburst sits near the Colossus of Arcanapolis, a massive metal Arcane Knight with staff and sword in hand. The Colossus' fiery eyes can help navigate ships to harbor but it also prevents any ships from moving on Arcanapolis undetected. Ships must pass under the Colossus to enter the city's waters and it features numerous artillery defenses as well as murder holes, vantage points for archers, and spigots that can fire burning pitch. No enemy has ever breached Arcanapolis' naval defenses. The Royal Fleet is organized into several Armadas.

The Scepter Armada defends Arcana's home waters and is the largest of the Arcanan armadas, comprising a third of all warships. The Sword Armada is the second largest and is responsible for patrolling the eastern sea and rooting out pirates and slavers and occasionally hunting the boldest sea monsters. The Cerulean Armada is the private armada of the Sea Lord of the gens Tritoni and advances his commercial interests across Takanis. The Faerish Armada is operated by the Brethren Court of the Sidhe and is sworn to the Prince of Avalon, and is often sent on diplomatic missions. The Scale Armada protects the merchant vessels of Arcana, who can be drafted as an auxiliary force in times of war. Finally, there are the Corsairs, who are privateers given letters of marque to serve the Sovereign. Often the Corsairs will hire themselves out as sellsails and will give a portion of the proceeds to the royal treasury.

Arcanan ships themselves are among the finest in the world. They are sleek, sturdy, and swift. Arcanan vessels use light but firm ironwood from the Outlands for their hulls and spider-silk for their sails. They are all beautiful vessels, as much works of art as weapons. Shipwrights are expert nautical engineers and artisans and use special tools and enchantments to shape Arcanan warships. The ships are often staffed by a Wizard, who can use spells to help summon winds to propel the ship if more speed is needed. The largest warships, Dreadnoughts, are titanic vessels that both dwarf and outgun any but the mightiest of Sangharan ships. Ark Ships are even larger craft that help transport a dragon's hoard worth of goods, even animals such as elephants. In war time, they can house an entire Legion's worth of soldiers and war material, though they have not been used for this purpose in quite some time and especially in light of Arcana's demilitarization.

Though the infantry has declined in size, this has not been the case with the Royal Marine Corps. The Marines are as numerous as before, and every one of Arcana's thousands of warships has a contingent of naval warriors. Many of these are from the poorer Wards of Arcanapolis and the smaller fishing villages of the coast, leaving their homes for opportunity. These can range from a lance on a patrol skiff to a cohort on the larger war galleys. They are trained, skilled, and experienced. Larger galleys have space for warhorses so that Knights Mariner can ride after an amphibian assault. The Marines may not be as large a force as some of the massive empires of Takanis, but they are professional and dedicated. The real secret weapon in Arcana's navy is banefire. Crafted by Alchemists using an extremely classified recipe, banefire is a synthetic concoction that burns hotter and faster than any natural flame. Entire fleets have been destroyed by Arcanan banefire and cities have been burned to the ground after a naval fusillade.

Traits

- Masters of Magic: Arcana is world's most magically advanced nation. Every School of Magic is studied in Arcana, even the Forbidden Arts. Arcana's dominance in the arcane realm is absolute. Arcanan Wizards are more knowledgeable about a greater array of topics than mages in other nations, Arcana is more creative with their applications of magic, and Arcana is able to use magic much more efficiently than others. (+4 to Magical Sophistication)



- Fertile and Hostile: Arcana is far from a blighted desert. The opposite is true. The countryside is so overgrown by wild forests and fields that agriculture is vastly difficult. This problem is exacerbated by extreme weather conditions and monster infestations. The Outlanders can extract lumber, pelts, spider silk, and other natural products for the Ecumen. But they cannot grow any bumper crops of their own and must rely on the Ecumen, who in turn must carefully manage their food supply.

- Crystal in the Rough: Arcana's orium supplies are in reality far greater than present. However, the Black Sun has made any of the reserves outside of the Ecumen incredibly difficult to extract. The deposits are hidden in deep forests or in treacherous mountains and in the blighted ground zero of the Black Sun catastrophe. Other crystal reserves are less difficult to access but are also of inferior purity and stability. Refinement of these tainted crystals is much more labor intensive than pure crystal. And using tainted crystals without the refinement process is dangerous and can result in botched spells or destructive effects.

- Divided Arms: There are more warriors in Arcana who will fight in it's interests besides the royal forces. There are several autonomous martial orders who ride with Arcana in war but do not swear direct allegiance to the Sovereign and have their own agenda, often influenced by the Zodiacal Houses or the Circle of Wizards. These skilled and well-armed knights and soldiers will break ranks with the Arcanan government if it goes against their orders' ethos. Additionally the Rangers of the Outlands and the Ecumenical Guard are law enforcement organizations with military equipment and training but they have no role in offensive wars. The Apostate Brotherhood also takes no part in any Arcanan wars unless it directly involves acting against the Outer Realms.

- Illuminati: Arcana has one of the most extensive intelligence apparatuses in the world. Arcana's traditions of spycraft extend back to the earliest days of the Sidhe Courts and to the Wizards of Imithea. Arcanan magic allows spies to pose as members of any race. Arcana is often aware of events in foreign countries before the high and mighty of those nations. However, the power of the Arcanan espionage and intelligence community is neither united or completely controlled by the Crown. The Zodiacal Houses, the Circle of Wizards, the Apostates, and the Crown all have their own networks of spies that often crossover. The Shadow Lord, an agent responsible for being the Sovereign's left hand and one of the Lords Nemesis imbued with immense influence, is supposed to answer to the Sovereign and their Council but is practically largely unchecked. This has been for the good sometimes, as the spies have helped overthrow dictators and tyrants in the past. But they have also acted unilaterally without the knowledge of legitimate government and have worked against some of Arcana's most noble monarchs in eras where the spies had selfish and nefarious goals.

Foreign Relations

Surabhumi: A one-time ally and occasional trading partner. There are parties in Arcana interested in deepening the relationship and several Arcanan parties have spies in the nation. The Marble Bank of Arcana is trying to open a branch.

Sanghara: Like Surabhumi, they have been allies and enemies by turn but are now largely just partners in trade. Some see Sanghara as a great potential friend, others a rival.

Regnum: Once, Arcana had deeper relations with another inheritor of the Imperium of Man. But Arcana has come to regard the Regnum as largely backward and unstable. Some see great potential in an alliance however.

The Steel Legion: A semi-autonomous vassal state. The Steel Legion will answer the commands of the Arcanan Sovereign but decides internal matters and is not involved in courtly politics. The Legion and Arcana have good relations and mutual respect.

Drakon: Arcana has nothing but enmity for Drakon, both because it is one of their greatest foes in trade and due to their endorsement of slavery.

Rolls

Land Area: 6 (15-10) (+1)
Land Fertility: 2
Development: 20 (19+1)
Land Power: 5 (Swapped with Magical Sophistication) (20) (+2)
Naval Power: 20 (12+8)
Economy: 20 (19+1)
Magical Reserves: 9 (7+2)
Magical Sophistication: 20 (Swapped with Land Power) (3)

Other:

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

@Draven Sounds good! You don't have to include Cain as a Vampire, since his original interpretation in the comics was as a servant of Morpheus. But the rest should be fine and Dracula definitely exists in the universe.

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

@Draven No problem, I'm always happy to offer my input if you want it. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with later.

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

@Draven Very interesting idea. I think that for Draven in particular, being a young vampire (relatively) he shouldn't be as powerful as older Vampires. Perhaps bullets, blades, and blunt damage won't kill him but logically him taking a shotgun blast to the kneecaps or getting an arm lopped off should impede him at least. I'd also think that it wouldn't necessarily take a stake to the heart to get him if his heart was destroyed some other way.

I'm fine with all the standard Vampire powers but for your PC, in the interest of balance, he should have only one alternate form and I'd probably take out phasing entirely for vampires. He can keep the hypnosis but he shouldn't be as strong in it as Vamps who've been around much longer and I wouldn't want him to have any psionic powers beyond that.

Finally, I'd expand on Draven's character a little bit. You don't have to do too much, but I'd like a good idea of his upbringing and what led him to become an assassin for the government. If he had any dealings with figures like Amanda Waller. Or if he interacted at all with Andrew Bennett or other supernatural DC characters later on. I'd like some insight on his motivations for being a hitman and later a rebel vampire, and just a little bit on his personality and how he ticks as a character. What does he think of the current Cold War?

But you have a very good base for a CS. Once this is all explained a little more, you should be good to go.

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

@Mistress Dizzy Well I hope you start feeling better soon.

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

@Abefroeman Awesome sheet, approved!

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

@Polyphemus Great post Poly. If you want me to collab with you on a follow-up let me know.

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

Update posted! Mostly a wrap-up to the ongoing arcs, a bit of a continuation to the overarching plot, and giving some down-time to the characters.

Justice League: Shadow of the Gods (Always Open)

"It is estimated that 15% of the Earth's humans are metagene carriers, but only a fraction of these have active superpowers, just over 2 million individuals. Over 99% of these individuals barely rank on the Superhuman Ability Index, and can only bend spoons or glow in the dark. Half of a percent are Gamma to Alpha on the index and are considered to have significant powers, over 100,000 individuals, more when considering other superhuman variants who are commonly lumped in with metahumans. But regardless, only a fraction of a percent of the world's total population have any kind of superpower. And yet almost 40% of the world's governments are controlled by superpowered beings. The population of those ranked Gamma and above on the SAI will triple within a generation or two. And the average superhuman has every evolutionary advantage over the average person, with greater intelligence, athleticism, and health. Most appreciate the heroes of the Justice League and their humanitarian and philanthropic acts, but more and more people are scared that metahumans and those like them will replace non-supers. And they're not wrong. History has vindicated the fearful Neanderthal." - Professor Emil Hamilton, retired STAR Labs Director, interview with James Olson

---

ARGONAUT

Bangkok, Thailand

---

^{January 2st, 2052 | 12:15am | Government House of Thailand}

There was an explosion of frost as Origami's rounds hit home, the woman's head bursting in a blast that flash-froze several nearby aides and security guards. The betrayal caught her one-time compatriots by surprise and when some of the exo-soldiers turned their guns to bear on the double agent, Gunsmith's railgun launched a shot right in their midst, blowing them apart and across the room. His team advanced forward, efficiently dealing with the exo-soldiers and allowing Origami to mop up the stragglers. One of Gunsmith's teammates gurgled wetly as a sword materialized through his neck from an assassin who came into view. They disappeared out of view once more, jumping for Gunsmith himself, only to be gunned down by the astute mercenary. Cheshire's team of shadow killers traded blows with their former allies, defending themselves as the General's bodyguards slashed and stabbed at them invisibly. Cheshire herself saw right through their technology, her mask's visor cutting through the cloaking fields. One assassin found this out too late as he jumped at Cheshire only to be impaled by her blades. Her smiling cat mask, stained with his blood, was the last thing he saw. The rest of his team didn't last much longer.

Argonaut slammed the strongman into the ceiling of the bunker, jarring him. The meta headbutted Argonaut's helmet, but he cried out as he painfully bounced off of Argonaut's shield. Argonaut didn't know how tough the man was, so he didn't waste time by trying to blast his undoubtedly durable torso. Instead Argonaut shoved his gauntlet into the meta's open mouth, cracking his teeth. The man shouted in alarm, muffled by the gauntlet, before Argonaut fired up his solar projector in the man's mouth. The muffled screams were ragged and desperate, the meta's eyes bulging out inhumanly until they ran down from his face like candlewax. Argonaut watched intently until the screams died. He released the corpse, its blackened mouth gaping, where it fell to the floor and crushed a cowering woman beneath its bulk, like a boot crushing a bug. Now to crush the General.

Vortex's sudden appearance caught the General off guard, his own guards also momentarily startled. When the Legionary unleashed his barrage, one of them was too slow to move and withered away under the assault. Her compatriot was quicker however and rolled out of the way of the projectiles in time. She cloaked and jumped at Vortex, managing to slash one of his guns. She stabbed at his chest, trying for his heart. Jammed it in his armor instead. That sealed her fate. She died, but then several of the remaining exo-soldiers came to the General's aid. Chainguns whirled and flamethrowers roared, one soldier launching round after round from his grenade launcher. The General took this distraction to run away, frantically pulling out a pistol and firing it behind him as he desperately tried to distance himself.

Argonaut watched the spectacle, debating the merits of waiting to see if the Thai soldiers would kill Vortex. He dismissed it after a few seconds. Vortex was certainly hurt but would likely kill the guards and claim the bonus. No, better to disappoint him. And he didn't need a death on his post-mission review. Argonaut keyed his radio, "Clean up for us." No more than a few seconds after that, a blue haze streaked into the room, electricity sparking. One moment, several guards were fighting Vortex. The next, the sound of bullets were replaced by screams and exo-suited men turned into so much viscera and debris. Some had snapped necks. Others had holes where vital organs had been. Some had their bones broken until they were unrecognizable as people. The soldier with the grenade launcher had his weapon blow up in his hands, shrapnel coating his face while his arms ended as stumps past the elbow. Flamethrower packs had detonated, their bearers frantically running around in panic while aflame if they hadn't already been burnt to a crisp.

Speed Demon appeared, absolutely drenched in blood and gore. He looked at Vortex, "Out of the way tin man." The General tried to reload his pistol. He barely got to eject the magazine when Speed Demon was on him. The pistol fell apart in the man's hands, Speed Demon dismantling it in a second. The General gaped up at Speed Demon, begging him not to kill him. The Legionary held up his fingers against his temple, cocked an imaginary pistol. Speed Demon's mask grinned hellishly at the General as he said, "Sorry. I've got my eye on a Buggati." Speed Demon's fingers vibrated, phased through the General's head, into his brain. Re-materialized for a brief second. He pulled his bloody hand from the General's lifeless carcass, a blank expression etched on the dead man's face, before Speed Demon let him fall and blew on his fingers as if clearing away gun smoke. He looked at Vortex again, "Better luck next time." He turned back to the corpse, vibrated his hand once more. Speed Demon vanished, the General's head with him.

Lexos' voice filtered over Argonaut's suit comms, "Argonaut. Communications indicate that Angela Mannheim succeeded in her mission. She was unharmed, her followers sustained light casualties, and they took over the refining operation. Our sources report she threatened China White. So is Sin Tzu."

"She lived? A shame. Oh well. We'll deal with it later. No need to trouble ourselves with the affairs of pirate queens and drug kingpins when we have a coup to celebrate. Inform father, he'll tell the Council."

The fight had ended as soon as the General died, what remained of his followers dropping their weapons and holding up their arms in defeat. Argonaut surveyed the broken survivors, "Let them go. Let them tell people what happens when they come up against the Legion. Go, before I change my mind." The survivors scattered and Argonaut said, "Good job team. Sin Tzu should be receiving the General's head shortly. Not bad for a day's work. Your fees will show up in your accounts shortly. Report to the transports. We'll rendezvous with the other teams and report back to the Fortress. Our work here is done."

Thailand's boy king would be surrendering to his uncle Sin Tzu now. The upstart would be throwing the General's head at his feet. He would order to boy taken into custody. Would sit on the throne himself. His banners would be flying over the palace, over Parliament, over what remained of Bangkok shortly. Soon almost all of the country would follow. He would soon address the world and declare his new monarchy. Within a few months, he would pledge his allegiance to the Shiruta Pact. But Argonaut wouldn't remain there to witness any of that. He had other things to attend to. People to kill. Societies to topple. And he needed to speak to his father. He was sure, Lex Luthor would be pleased.

---

PERSEUS

Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico

---

^{January 1st, 2052 | 6:00pm | Miralco Lab}

The civilians, helped along by Toxin and Vigilante and covered by Therma and Green Arrow, crowded out of the blazing room as the mechs tried to stop them from leaving. Unconscious newly-turned metas, wounded, and children were held by their family members. The Peacekeepers escorted the captured enemy soldiers and lab workers by gunpoint. Green Lantern shielded the crowd from bullets as they hurried along the corridors. Sprinklers had been activated by the fires, drenching the survivors as they came to the elevator shaft. Green Lantern bared his ring and a lift of green energy materialized in the vent. The red alien was a fearsome visage to many of the civilians, his appearance making him seem like a demon to the devout Catholics. But Vigilante urged them on and Green Lantern ferried the first tightly packed group up to the surface.

He shot out of the elevator shaft, his construct trailing beneath him, into a firefight. The shack was in shambles, the Peacekeepers trading fire with what remained of the Federal police. They had detonated the dormant mines, blowing up several vehicles while Velocity took down the majority of their ground troops. Green Lantern brought up the lift, then shot a green burst of energy into the air, an artificial flare. Within moments, the Javelin arrived, firing its laser turrets while a door popped open on the side. Out leaned the tattooed figure of El Diablo, pumping his fist and sending lances of fire at the remaining targets. Within moments, the reinforcements were disabled or eliminated and the evacuation continued unimpeded.

Down beneath in the lab, Green Arrow fired his arrows at the mechs, covering Therma as she cut a swath through them. Not that she really needed it. The super-charged meta was too much for the mindless drones to handle, and most of them were destroyed before they could really do anything about it. Within about a minute, they were all wiped out by the two heroes. Most of Therma's reserves were burned up in the fight. Green Arrow whistled, twirling an arrow in hand as he surveyed the damage, "Impressive. Though, the bigwigs aren't going to be too hot about the collateral barbecue."

Suddenly a klaxon started blaring, "Facility cleanse countdown initiated. Cleanse commencement T-minus 90 seconds." Evidently all the chaos triggered some kind of automatic failsafe the Legion had installed to destroy the evidence. Green Arrow said, "Concerns for another time. Let's book it." All of the computer terminals had been damaged in the fight, but some samples of the meta-drugs remained along with some holo-tablets. Green Arrow collected what vials and devices he could and the two heroes ran down the corridor as the timer counted down.

In the escape tunnel Perseus dodged out of the way of Blockbuster's charging form, though that proved redundant when Nova slammed into the villain like a missile. As tough as Blockbuster was, he felt the hit keenly. The breath was driven out of him, and his superhuman ribs had been cracked. He was dazed, hurt, and confused. Perseus nodded at Nova thankfully, using the distraction to retrieve his shield and spear. Perseus picked up the spear and twirled it around, the taser attachment sparking at maximum voltage. Blockbuster struggled to recover, trying to rise from the space he made in the tunnel wall. Perseus said, "Goodnight doctor." With that, he thrust the butt end of the spear forward right at Blockbuster's temple, making the mutated strongman cry out, his hair standing on end. Blockbuster fell unconscious, his body gradually reverting to its original form, his blue skin lightening.

Perseus turned to Nova, to thank her properly when the klaxon reached them in the tunnel. Instead Perseus said, "Grab hold of Desmond. I'll get on your back, get us out of here Nova."

He raised the rest of the team on the radio, as he climbed on Nova, "Team, target is secure. All points evac immediately. Get as far away from the lab as possible and brace. Perseus Out.

After a few harrowing moments, Nova's reactors were fully charged and she rocketed down the tunnel, Perseus holding on with a white-knuckle grip as the clock approached zero. Green Arrow and Therma reached the lift with the last of the evacuees, Green Lantern pulling them up swiftly. The civilians, prisoners, and Justice League cleared the shack putting as much distance between them and the lab as they could. In the nearby hills, Nova and her passengers burst of the secret tunnel just as the countdown ended. There was a great thundering roar and the lab fell in on itself, the ground around the shack sinking inward as the lab was buried under so much dirt and rock, the team looking on.

Several moments later, Nova appeared near the rest of the team with the captive Blockbuster in her arms and Perseus hopping off of her back. Perseus took off his helmet, wiped away some sweat from his brow, "It wasn't perfect, but we saved the civilians and stopped the Legion with minimal loss of life. You all did well, for the most part." Perseus cast a sideways glance at Therma.

"Regardless, mission was accomplished. We'll head back to the Watchtower for a debrief and to turn over the prisoners. The council needs to know what happened immediately." Already, other Javelins and boxy lifters were visibly closing in the distance, their own having called for reinforcements once Green Lantern's flare had been spotted. They would come with Peacekeepers to round up the rest of the prisoners and emergency personnel to attend to the civilians and evacuate them back to the Hall of Justice.

"We'll let them handle it from here. Let's get on the Javelin. Velocity, Nova, you'll come with us." Just then Perseus' commlink buzzed in his helmet. He replaced the helm and said, "Perseus. Situation is contained. Blockbuster and Bloodsport in custody. Will require excavation and containment crews once the civilians are casevac'd and prisoners taken in."

The Leaguer on Monitor duty, Mr. Terrific replied, "Confirmed, Perseus. But I have some bad news."

"Thailand has fallen?" Perseus had known the Legion to be ruthlessly efficient but the speed and totality of their operation still surprised him.

"Not only that but their Ambassador to the UN was killed. Along with most of his staff and security team." That was a shock. Wonder Woman had been on duty. She had never failed a protection mission. Immediately, he was concerned.

"And our team?"

"Superficial injuries. A few Peackeepers are in the medbay. But... Deathstroke and Ravager were there. We're keeping the rest of the details close to chest for the moment. We'll brief you when the time comes." Mr. Terrific sounded troubled, and that didn't bode well at all.

Perseus frowned, "Very well. There's something else isn't there?"

Mr. Terrific sighed, "Yeah. This one isn't confidential. We're gonna start calling everyone we can back to the Watchtower. The roster will be gathered within the week."

It was rare for the whole roster to be called to the Watchtower outside of the scheduled meetings or some celebration. Whatever it was for, it wasn't pleasant. Perseus kept silent, letting his colleague continue, trying to brace himself for the worst.

"Wesley Dodds was murdered."

He hadn't braced himself enough.

---

"We will return with more coverage as the story surrounding the Thailand coup develops and details emerge in the investigation in the death of Ambassador Demir, a case with no civilian witnesses and where no official has offered comment. Sources inform us that Demir's body remains in the JLU's custody. We will also provide more details soon on the latest chapter of the War on Drugs amid preliminary reports that members of the Federal Police fired on JLU agents during an operation, the latest in a series of scandals rocking the Mexican government as they battle the narco-terrorist cartels to little effect and struggle with systemic internal corruption. Lastly, Wesley Dodds, former member of US Army Special Forces and the first Sandman, has died. Dodds, 85 years old, was a noted philanthropist and surrealist artist whose heroics inspired cartoon and comic-book adventurers that charmed millions. The JLU has not released the cause of death and he is survived by an adopted son and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The only official comment has come from Alan Scott, retired hero and current Intendant of Astrapolis who expressed the sorrow of the entire superhero community at Dodds' death and his own personal hope that his longtime friend and comrade was in a better place." - CNN News Bulletin

---

NICHOLAS

Adirondack Park, New York

---

^{January 8th, 2052 | 12:00pm | Valhalla Cemetery}

A week had passed since Thailand had been overrun by the Legion of Doom. Since the Justice League had discovered the Legion's meta-trafficking operation in Mexico. Since Sanderson Hawkins had discovered the body of the man he called his father. The death of one of the first costumed heroes, one of the community's premier figures, a man he had considered a mentor and friend, gnawed at Nick. He had known Wesley since he was a child. He had watched all the shows, read the comics and pulp novels. When Nick had joined the Titans, Wesley had helped guide him through his training. Forge him into the crime-fighter he was now. And now he was gone.

Too many friends and comrades had already passed, and the sudden absence of yet another fixture in his life left Nick shaken. He couldn't imagine how Sandy felt or Kieran, Sandy's son and the current Sandman. Nick remembered his own father's brush with cancer, the feeling of desperation and hopelessness, the dread of death hanging over head. Thankfully the League's advanced medicine saved him. No doubt, Wesley's family wished someone could have done the same. Sandy, Kieran, and the rest of their family had their grief written plain on their faces though some were more stoic than others. Kieran's young son Wes, a few years from starting in Titans Academy, wept openly.

The service itself was relatively small, a few hundred close family and friends, those who knew and fought alongside Wesley or his son and grandson. Still there were enough that the modest space was almost full to bursting. Wesley had a Catholic father and a Jewish mother, but while he had been spiritual he wasn't discerning about either and the memorial hall was purposefully simple and austere to serve for those of all faiths. Nick sat with Mary and the kids, the rest of their family including each of their parents, close by. All talk was a hushed murmuring as Jesse Quick played mournful songs upon the piano. Wesley had been known to all of them, had even fought alongside his parents on a few occasions. Vic Sage was a quiet man at the best of times but today he was particularly silent. And Nick's mother Helena, a fiery and vivacious woman, was solemn and forlorn. The loss was felt enormously to every person in the room. Wesley hadn't just been a friend, comrade, and mentor. He had been family to all of them. Nick still couldn't believe he was gone. Murdered.

He felt his sorrow tempered with an edge of rage at the thought. Looking around he saw it in many others, the firmness of Sandy's jaw, the clenching of Kieran's fists. And as Nick gazed at the flowers placed around the ceremonial coffin with Wesley's logo emblazoned upon it, at the portrait of a matured but handsome and smiling Wesley Dodds, he felt the ember of anger grow. He sat silently, holding Mary's hand while speakers came to the podium to deliver their eulogies. All of the surviving members of the JSA and other veteran heroes who knew Wesley best spoke. Alan Scott uttered a prayer, bade his friend be at peace. Jay Garrick told a lighthearted story, a sad smile upon his face. Joan Dale recited a poem. Ted Grant was on the verge of tears. Rex Tyler reminisced of old missions. Sandra Knight solemnly said goodbye. Many others came and went, though not as many as there would be in years past. These veterans who had gone to battle as little more than children had lived their lives together. Some died peacefully. Others didn't. All of them had memorials here in Valhalla Cemetery, the shrine to the memory of the world's first heroes.

More came to speak. Diana, whose mother had fought alongside both Wesley's grandfather and father in different conflicts. Clark, who had met with Wesley on many occasions and even interviewed him once. Bruce, who had sought out Wesley and the other members of the JSA to train under. When it was Sandy's turn, he talked of his time as Wesley's sidekick, how he had been orphaned and taken in as his son. How he hoped that Wesley was with his beloved Dian now. When Kieran came, he almost didn't finish his speech. As soon as he left the stage, he wept. By the end of the service, two hours of stories and speeches, there was hardly a dry eye in the hall. The time came to bear the ceremonial coffin to Wesley's monument.

Wesley's actual body was still being kept in cryogenics while the investigation was ongoing. Wesley had wished for his ashes to be scattered in space, to become stardust and join his beloved in the heavens. But he had still wanted a site alongside his oldest friends, his brothers and sisters in arms. Inside the coffin was instead Wesley's first costume, the iconic gas-mask and trench coat ensemble that was as much a part of his identity as anything else. But where there was no body, the coffin still hung heavily on the shoulders of the pallbearers. Sandy and Kieran took two positions. The other four were Alan Scott, Jay Garrick, Ted Grant, and Rex Tyler. The mourners followed behind as the pallbearers marched and bagpipers played a dirge. The sky was grey and shrouded by clouds, rain pattering the procession. Those who didn't wear suits or dresses had arrived in funerary versions of their costumes. Alan wore a black cape, Jay a black helmet. Instead of being comical, there was a regal dignity to the group as they marched forward. The coffin was draped by an American flag, as Wesley had been a veteran like most of his generation.

They passed the memorials and resting places of other old heroes. The first Commander Steel. The first Black Canary. The first and second Blue Beetle. Too many others. Valhalla Cemetery was a private resting place, hidden in one of North America's largest forests on a privately owned plot. An enchantment laid by Giovanni Zatara kept the trees shielding the cemetery fertile all year, the nearby lake blue and calm, even as the forest around them was shrouded in snow. A different enchantment kept Valhalla out of notice by passersby. In life, heroes had everything bared to the world. Here they could finally find some manner of privacy.

Nick took some small solace in that as they reached Wesley's memorial. It was a relatively simple, understated affair. A guardian angel looked down on Wesley and Dian's headstones. The pall-bearers removed their gloves. Placed them on the coffin.

Wesley's read, "Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, hero. Child of Dreams, at rest."

The military had designated an honor guard to perform the rifle salute. Among them was Jason Trevor, son of Diana. They performed their duty flawlessly, even as Nick thought he caught a tear in Jason's eye. Hal Jordan wrapped up the flag draping Wesley's coffin and handed it to Dian Hawkins, Sandy's daughter. Her tears were obvious, even mixed with the rain. Kent Nelson recited the final eulogy, the former Dr. Fate speaking somberly but strongly as his friend was lowered to the ground. Nick bowed his head in respect. They all did. Kept them there until the coffin was at rest. Many of the mourners held flowers, quite a few were mauve carnations symbols of dreams. They floated down to the coffin and they all said one last goodbye before turning back.

As Nick turned around, he saw his friend Kieran grasp a handful of dirt and pour it onto the coffin. Then he left without a word. As Kieran left, Nick caught a figure standing beyond the cemetery in the snow. A white wraith whose presence was ethereal and all to substantial. An emerald cloak flowed regardless of the breeze. The Spectre nodded at Nick.

Nick nodded back.

He understood.

---

ALBERT

The Watchtower, Astrapolis

---

^{January 8th, 2052 | 5:00pm | Bridge}

Albert stood close to the massive view-port on the earthward side of the Watchtower. America's eastern seaboard was in view. He could see his home, the bright lights of the City of Tomorrow. He could see the forest where the Justice League had put their memorial to Wesley Dodds. He hadn't been there to see it himself. Lara had wanted him to go and Albert wished to attend. But he couldn't have withstood the stares, the sneers, the silences as he walked past. Albert had many friends but many others despised him. His name played a large part in that. Ever since the Legion attacked, half of his comrades expected him to betray them any day now. No, he mourned for Wesley alone. Albert wouldn't taint his funeral.

Indeed, the whole week was mostly devoid of reasons for him to smile. He had to dress down Therma, a woman he respected and trusted, for acting foolhardy in the field. He had to go to sleep with images of screaming innocents and horrific experiments. He had to cope with the violent loss of one of the only veteran heroes who had accepted him. He lived with the knowledge that his brother massacred a city. The footage had been horrifying. It reminded him of E-Day. His brother had caused that. Someone he had once loved. And Alex did it on their father's order. The thought made him furious. Albert had called his father New Year's Eve. Despite all that happened, Albert was courteous. His father had smiled at him. Smiled. Even when he knew what was going to happen next. Truly there was no end to his lies. His ruthlessness. But the world didn't know it. And there was a very real chance that the architect of so much suffering would soon become the leader of the Free World.

No, there was nothing to smile about at all. And they still hadn't told him what happened to Demir. He had tried talking to Lyta. To Mar'i. They had refused to speak of it. The secrecy galled him. The interrogations of Blockbuster and Bloodsport were ongoing. They had mental blocks in place that prevented telepathic examination. But the League knew the Legion was planning something big and suspected that the Legion of Doom was building an army. If that was the case, the League would have to shore up their own numbers. He had recommended Nova and Velocity for membership. They were rookies. But they had their hearts in the right place. They just needed training. They weren't yet full members, but for now they could accompany veteran Leaguers in missions. Likely, Command would stick them with him most of the time.

Though they weren't in his hair for the moment. They were allowed the run of the station. They were under constant surveillance at any rate, even after the extensive psychic, mystical, and mundane examination that had been done to make sure they weren't up to any trouble. He wondered where they were now. There was a flash of light and a burst of sound as yet another team arrived from Earth onto the teleporter pads. The League had been activating reservists, recalling Leaguers into active duty, moving retired or isolated allies onto the station or into secure areas. Ostensibly it was to discuss strategy and gather people for Wesley's memorial. The funeral had been private but a statue had been dedicated to him in the Hall of Heroes and there was a quiet reception going on now in banquet hall. No the truth was that it was for safety. Everyone's. Wesley's murder had spooked them all. Especially the state of the crime scene.

Meta Freak. Fascist. Killer. Those words spray-painted all over his apartment. Albert put it out of his head. That was a question for the Investigation Division. He had other concerns. Like the meeting that would start in just 30 minutes. The Council would finally brief him on what was going on. But he knew he wouldn't like the answers. He turned away from the window, went to find Lara. Contrary to popular belief, he didn't enjoy being alone very often. Especially not now. She had greeted him when she returned from the funeral, but she had been with the rest of her family. He hadn't had the chance to really be with her. But he knew where she was.

He knew the station by heart. The armory, where one could refit their equipment, manufacture new tools, and even test weapons on holographic or robotic targets. The commissary, which provided food from all corners of the globe and Mars around the clock. The massive gymnasium and its training rooms, where one could spar or challenge their body and powers in every conceivable manner. Where you could fight simulated battles or train in zero-g. There was the common area, which had numerous holographic video screens for movies, shows, and video games. There were simulation pods and rooms where you could place a call to anywhere in the world. The library which had public Extranet terminals and endless archives of books and music. That was only a fraction of the facilities that the Watchtower offered, and this without even considering the city's worth of shopping plazas, theatres, restaurants, museums, and all manner of other buildings that made up Astrapolis. The Justice League had built a shining city in the sky, and one could spend years there and discover something new every day.

He was reminded of the marvel that had been built, the wonder of it all, as he passed by viewports that offered him stunning views of other planets and outer space. But even those sights couldn't raise his spirits. She could. He found her at her usual place, in the massive garden with it's ceiling of stars. A farmer's daughter at heart. She was bent at the waist, tending to several carnations. She heard him step closer, heard his heartbeat. But she acted surprised when he wrapped his arms around her. She leaned back into his chest, looked at him with those beautiful violet eyes.

"Can't a girl get some alone time with her flowers?" She smiled.

"You'll have plenty of that while I'm in there with the Council. It'll be quite unpleasant I'm sure."

Lara Kent, the newest Supergirl, smirked, "Well I'm sure, you'll rise to the challenge. You're adaptable that way. Just like you'll adapt to me turning my attention back to my flowers."

She made a show of trying to untangle from his arms when she could have escaped with a nudge of her pinky and Alfred just kissed her. That actually surprised her, then she leaned into it, turning around to kiss him back before withdrawing for a moment, "You don't usually like public displays of affection. People might see. You hate that kind of attention. You hate them talking."

Albert shook his head, "Let them see. Let them talk. I don't care about any of that right now. I just need you."

Lara stroked his cheek, smiled warmly, and kissed him back.

For a moment, Albert Luthor forgot about everything else. Just a moment.

---

ALEXANDER

The Fortress of Doom, An Unknown World

---

^{January 8th, 2052 | 5:00pm | Trophy Room}

Alexander Luthor stood looking at the marks of his successes. In Bangkok, the head of the General was supposedly still displayed on a spike outside of Parliament. But the real thing has been sent to the Legion by Sin Tzu as tribute. It was now floating in a preservative jar, the latest of the Legion's collective mementos of conquest. True, Alexander hadn't struck the killing blow. No he'd made sure to deny Vortex the pleasure. But he still considered it his success. The culmination of so much meticulous planning and his own strategic vision, no matter how much Sin Tzu tried to claim credit for it. There were hundreds of other such tokens, but this head on a pedestal was his.

He studied the blank eyes for a moment and turned smiling to the window, looking out on the red skies and black forests. It had been a marvelous week for him. Accolades from the Council. One of those arrogant society members had been killed. The dreadfully dull Blockbuster had been taken into custody without the Legion's operation being compromised. Batman's grandson had been turned to their side. The Justice League was on the defensive. And father had personally congratulated him.

Really the occasions called for celebration. And there was much of that. The Fortress had been opened to thousands of the Legion's associate members. The common areas were infested with debauchery and sin. Despite it's ominous skull-like appearance, the Fortress had all the modern amenities one could expect. And yet beyond even gambling, drinking, or dancing, many of his compatriots unsurprisingly preferred the illegal pleasures. All manner of recreational drugs. Fights between monsters from supernatural dimensions, sometimes with an unlucky prisoner thrown in. Brawling in public. And not to mention what went on in the brothels and dungeons. He heard some had become rather fond of testing new weapons on prisoners. Really anything went, so long as another Legionary wasn't slighted. But there were plenty of slights. It was all the local security could do to keep the Legionaries from killing each other or damaging the Fortress' property.

In another time, Alexander might have been amused by the antics. But not now. He preferred more constructive past times, of which there were many in the Fortress. The training center was just as effective as the Justice League's, if a tad more dangerous. The library was just as expansive and with some forbidden volumes to boot. He heard a rumor that the mess hall provided human meat upon request but he'd never found out for sure. Beyond that, the Fortress was a hub of business. Supernatural beings and extraterrestrial travelers often came to the Fortress to trade in black market goods, and there were plenty of hidden rooms to discuss contract killings or smuggling routes. One could venture out into the wilderness if they wanted, but only at their own peril.

No, what interested Alexander was the auditorium. The Council of Light had opened themselves up for petition from their members and both Sin Tzu and China White had complaints to put forth about Angela Mannheim. China had come herself with an impressive armed guard, smart. Sin Tzu had sent a brother or cousin to act as a herald. Smart as well, he was probably a rival somehow. If Vortex wanted to he could put forth a complaint about Alexander denying him his bonus, but he doubted the brute would take such a formal route. No he'd come up with some petty revenge later that Alexander wasn't even worried about. His reasons for coming to the meeting chamber were two-fold. In addition to witnessing the mediation in the poppy field dispute, he also wanted to get the measure of the Princess Mahara. They had never met before but the word on the grapevine was that her father had sent her to the Fortress as an agent of his own interests. Alexander wanted to see if she lived up to the King. She'd likely be in the auditorium, paying witness to the Legion's official business.

Afterward he'd try to seek out some of his other comrades. Their company was sometimes tolerable, though he suspected most of them were training. Just as long as he didn't run into the cybernetic oaf. The doors of the auditorium were manned by a squad of stormtroopers, suited in black armor and matching helmets. They stood at attention and he nodded back, taking his seat in the circular stand that ran around the Council Chamber, the Council themselves seated on a raised dais overlooking the speaker's podiums below. Alexander studied all the faces, though some of them were only present by hologram or had a stand-in speaking for them.

Vandal Savage, the immortal. Queen Bee, mistress of HIVE and the Neo-Persian Empire. The Brain, conqueror of Algeria. Lord Grodd, butcher of the Congo. Duke Xanatos, fortune 500 CEO and black market weapons mogul. Killer Frost, self-made ice queen from the eastern bloc. Klarion the Submissionary, agent of the Lords of Chaos. Lord Naga, of the snake-worshipping Nagaraja. Ocean Master, rebel against Atlantis. Dr. Sivana, ally of Black Adam and enemy of Captain Marvel. Baal Sinestro, standing in for his conqueror father. Talia al Ghul standing in for hers. Alexander's father, who needed no introduction. Thirteen in the Light, the Legion's chosen leaders. There were others who were perhaps more infamous, more powerful. But those thirteen had the influence and support, and the wide resource base to form the initial alliance the Legion had been born in. Lex Luthor did not acknowledge his son beyond a cursory nod, which Alexander expected. This was official business after all.

Alexander leaned back, crossed his arms, and waited for the fun to start.