Aerenda

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== Overview ==

The universe of '''Aerenda''' is a captivating fusion of cyberpunk technology, ancient magic, and cosmic mythology. Forged by the divine beings '''Ontea''' and '''Medriel''', Aerenda is a multiverse of interconnected realms, where the struggle between light and shadow shapes the fate of gods and mortals alike. From the radiant halls of Celestia to the shadowy depths of Drekoria, Aerenda’s landscapes are as diverse as its stories.

The universe of '''Aerenda''' is a captivating fusion of cyberpunk technology, ancient magic, and cosmic mythology. Forged by the divine beings '''[[Ontea]]''' and '''[[Medriel]]''', Aerenda is a multiverse of interconnected realms, where the struggle between light and shadow shapes the fate of gods and mortals alike. From the radiant halls of Celestia to the shadowy depths of [[Drekoria]], Aerenda’s landscapes are as diverse as its stories.

A cornerstone of Aerenda’s science-fantasy identity is the blend of futuristic advancements and mystical forces. The '''Elfia''', masters of stellar magic and star-spanning technology, govern an intergalactic empire, while the '''Anthria''' balance tribal spirituality with industrial ingenuity. In Aerenda, laser rifles coexist with enchanted swords, and cosmic starships harness energy from the magical realm of Aetheria. This duality defines both its civilizations and its conflicts.

A cornerstone of Aerenda’s science-fantasy identity is the blend of futuristic advancements and mystical forces. The '''Elfia''', masters of stellar magic and star-spanning technology, govern an intergalactic empire, while the '''Anthria''' balance tribal spirituality with industrial ingenuity. In Aerenda, laser rifles coexist with enchanted swords, and cosmic starships harness energy from the magical realm of [[Aetheria]]. This duality defines both its civilizations and its conflicts.

At the heart of Aerenda is its Cycle of Rebirth, a divine law guiding all mortal souls through three lives to prove their worth. The choices of its inhabitants ripple across its realms, as champions rise, artifacts are forged, and factions vie for dominance. In this universe, every thread of magic and machine weaves into the grand tapestry of Aerenda’s ever-evolving destiny.

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==The Three Divine Guardians==

Fearing imbalance, Ontea and Medriel sent three Benevolent Gods to Mortus, tasked with safeguarding the world and its natural harmony.

*Elarin, the Verdant Shepherd – Guardian of forests and wildlife, protector of the Faunia.

*[[Elarin]], the Verdant Shepherd – Guardian of forests and wildlife, protector of the Faunia.

*Solmara, the Blooming Flame – Keeper of the Floria, nurturing life and healing the wounded land.

*[[Solmara]], the Blooming Flame – Keeper of the Floria, nurturing life and healing the wounded land.

*Vardros, the Stone Sentinel – A stalwart guardian of balance, ensuring that nature and civilization coexist.

*[[Vardros]], the Stone Sentinel – A stalwart guardian of balance, ensuring that nature and civilization coexist.

These gods became revered by mortals, worshiped as bridges between the divine and the mundane. Yet even their presence could not fully suppress the growing shadow.

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== Major Species of Aerenda ==

=== '''Humans''' – ''The Exiled Innovators'' ===

=== '''[[Human (Aerenda)|Humans]] ([[Mania]])''' – ''The Exiled Innovators'' ===

Once believed to be natives of '''Mideria''', humanity’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Ancient ruins scattered across distant worlds suggest that humans once warred against the '''Elfia''' and, after their defeat, were exiled to Mideria.

Once believed to be natives of '''[[Mideria]]''', humanity’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Ancient ruins scattered across distant worlds suggest that humans once warred against the '''[[Elfia]]''' and, after their defeat, were exiled to [[Mideria]].

* '''Culture''': Diverse and adaptable, ranging from corporate elites in neon-lit megacities to tribal communities in remote regions.

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* '''Legacy''': Ruins on other planets hint that fragments of humanity’s once-great empire still linger, waiting to be rediscovered.

=== '''Elves (Elfia)''' – ''The Starlight Seekers'' ===

=== '''[[Elf (Aerenda)|Elves]] ([[Elfia]])''' – ''The Starlight Seekers'' ===

The '''Elfia''' hail from distant star-faring civilizations, gifted with natural magical affinity and longevity. Once rivals of humanity in the '''First War in Heaven''', the Elfia now tread carefully, burdened by ancient scars.

The '''[[Elfia]]''' hail from distant star-faring civilizations, gifted with natural magical affinity and longevity. Once rivals of humanity in the '''[[First War in Heaven]]''', the Elfia now tread carefully, burdened by ancient scars.

* '''Culture''': Stratified societies valuing knowledge, beauty, and tradition. Noble houses hold vast power.

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* '''Magic & Technology''': Masters of blending arcane forces with stellar technology.

=== '''Anthria ~~(Beastfolk~~)''' – ''Children of the Wild'' ===

=== '''Beastfolk ([[Anthria]])''' – ''Children of the Wild'' ===

Anthropomorphic beings embodying various animal traits, the '''Anthria''' are native to '''Mideria'''. They range from feline hunters to avian scholars, deeply connected to the natural world.

Anthropomorphic beings embodying various animal traits, the '''[[Anthria]]''' are native to '''[[Mideria]]'''. They range from feline hunters to avian scholars, deeply connected to the natural world.

* '''Culture''': Tribally organized but widely integrated into modern society. Many work in industrial sectors or serve as mercenaries.

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* '''Appearance''': Diverse forms reflecting countless animal species.

=== '''Fell Folk (Drekia)''' – ''The Darkened Kin'' ===

=== '''Fell Folk ([[Drekia]])''' – ''The Darkened Kin'' ===

The '''Fell Folk'''~~—orcs~~, trolls, ogres, and ~~goblins—descend~~ from the '''Drekia''', the repentant children of the '''Dark Gods'''. Historically feared and the cause of many wars, they are now largely integrated into society.

The '''Fell Folk'''—[[Orc (Aerenda)|orcs]], [[Troll (Aerenda|trolls]], [[Ogre (Aerenda)|ogres]], and [[Goblin (Aerenda)|goblins]]—descend from the '''[[Drekia]]''', the repentant children of the '''Dark Gods'''. Historically feared and the cause of many wars, they are now largely integrated into society.

* '''Culture''': A blend of ancient war traditions and modern lifestyles. Many serve as laborers, soldiers, or gladiators.

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* '''Feral Tribes''': Wild, untamed clans still cling to ancient ways in remote regions.

=== '''Littlefolk''' – ''The Deep Dwellers'' ===

=== '''Littlefolk ([[Goria]])''' – ''The Deep Dwellers'' ===

Comparable to dwarves, gnomes, and halflings, the '''Littlefolk''' emerged from beneath '''Mideria''', bringing with them advanced subterranean technologies.

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=== Lesser and Spirit Tribes ===

==== '''Faunia''' – ''Spirits of Beasts'' ====

==== '''[[Faunia]]''' – ''Spirits of Beasts'' ====

Pure spirits embodying the wild and untamed aspects of nature.

* '''Nature''': Instinctive and primal.

* '''Allies''': Protected by the '''Anthria'''.

* '''Allies''': Protected by the '''[[Anthria]]'''.

==== '''Floria''' – ''Spirits of Flora'' ====

==== '''[[Floria]]''' – ''Spirits of Flora'' ====

Gentle spirits tied to growth, fertility, and the natural world.

* '''Nature''': Nurturing and serene.

* '''Allies''': Tend to forests and gardens, guided by the '''Anthria'''.

* '''Allies''': Tend to forests and gardens, guided by the '''[[Anthria]]'''.

=== Cultural and Religious Alignments ===

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! Species !! Primary Alignments !! Religious Affinity

|-

| '''~~Humans~~''' || Adaptable, fractured || Light Gods, Dark Gods (minor cults)

| '''[[Mania]]''' || Adaptable, fractured || Light Gods, Dark Gods (minor cults)

|-

| '''Elfia''' || Hierarchical, mystical || Light Gods (majority), fringe Dark God sects

| '''[[Elfia]]''' || Hierarchical, mystical || Light Gods (majority), fringe Dark God sects

|-

| '''Anthria''' || Tribal, spiritual || Nature spirits, Light Gods

| '''[[Anthria]]''' || Tribal, spiritual || Nature spirits, Light Gods

|-

| '''~~Fell Folk~~''' || Divided, conflict-prone || Light and Dark Gods

| '''[[Drekia]]''' || Divided, conflict-prone || Light and Dark Gods

|-

| '''~~Littlefolk~~''' || Communal, inventive || Crafting deities, some underworld gods

| '''[[Goria]]''' || Communal, inventive || Crafting deities, some underworld gods

|-

| '''Faunia''' || Wild, instinctive || Nature spirits

| '''[[Faunia]]''' || Wild, instinctive || Nature spirits

|-

| '''Floria''' || Gentle, nurturing || Nature spirits

| '''[[Floria]]''' || Gentle, nurturing || Nature spirits

|}

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* '''The Lost Human Kings''': Stories tell of human kings who escaped exile, hiding in forgotten corners of Aerenda.

* '''The Exiled Elven House''': A noble house of the '''Elfia''' that turned to the '''Dark Gods''', now erased from history.

* '''The Anthria's Forgotten Pact''': Ancient oaths sworn between the '''Anthria''' and the spirits of '''Aetheria'''.

* '''The [[Anthria]]'s Forgotten Pact''': Ancient oaths sworn between the '''[[Anthria]]''' and the spirits of '''[[Aetheria]]'''.

* '''The Great Stoneheart of the Goria''': A mythical artifact said to awaken the deep forges of the '''Littlefolk'''.

* '''The Great Stoneheart of the [[Goria]]''': A mythical artifact said to awaken the deep forges of the '''Littlefolk'''.

==Creation Myth of the Aerenda Universe==

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Before stars, before time, before thought—there was only the void.

In that endless emptiness, two mortal souls dreamed. Ontea, the Weaver of Light, and Medriel, the Shaper of Forms, were visionaries in a forgotten world. In their mortal lives, they spun tales of distant stars, gods, and worlds, their imaginations unknowingly giving shape to a fragile glimmer in the void—a drop of cosmic dew.

In that endless emptiness, two mortal souls dreamed. [[Ontea]], the Weaver of Light, and [[Medriel]], the Shaper of Forms, were visionaries in a forgotten world. In their mortal lives, they spun tales of distant stars, gods, and worlds, their imaginations unknowingly giving shape to a fragile glimmer in the void—a drop of cosmic dew.

This drop was Aerenda, a nascent universe, flickering at the edge of existence.

Upon their ascension to divinity, gifted by [[God]], Ontea and Medriel beheld this fragile spark—their own forgotten creation. Now with limitless power, they nurtured the drop into a vast and vibrant cosmos. They wove Aerenda from the threads of their mortal stories, birthing realms, gods, and mortal beings alike.

Upon their ascension to divinity, gifted by [[God]], [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] beheld this fragile spark—their own forgotten creation. Now with limitless power, they nurtured the drop into a vast and vibrant cosmos. They wove Aerenda from the threads of their mortal stories, birthing realms, gods, and mortal beings alike.

===The Realms of Aerenda===

From their combined will, Ontea and Medriel forged four great realms within Aerenda, each with purpose and balance.

From their combined will, [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] forged four great realms within Aerenda, each with purpose and balance.

===Celestia – The Realm of Light===

===[[Celestia]] – The Realm of Light===

A radiant plane, shimmering with endless starlight and ethereal palaces. Here, Ontea and Medriel birthed their Spirit Children—pure, radiant souls destined to populate the universe. To guide them, the creators forged the Lesser Benevolent Gods, entrusted with nurturing the spirits and maintaining order.

A radiant plane, shimmering with endless starlight and ethereal palaces. Here, [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] birthed their Spirit Children—pure, radiant souls destined to populate the universe. To guide them, the creators forged the Lesser Benevolent Gods, entrusted with nurturing the spirits and maintaining order.

===Drekoria – The Realm of Shadow===

===[[Drekoria]] – The Realm of Shadow===

A plane of darkness and chaos, created as a necessary counterbalance to Celestia. When some of the Benevolent Gods grew prideful and defied their creators, Ontea and Medriel cast them into Drekoria. Twisted by the realm's oppressive shadows, these fallen gods became the Dark Gods, ruling over a realm of malice and decay.

===Aetheria – The Realm of Magic===

===[[Aetheria]] – The Realm of Magic===

A boundless dimension of raw magic and swirling energy, Aetheria serves as the wellspring of all magical forces in Aerenda. Visible in the skies of mortal worlds as glowing nebulae and auroras, Aetheria is both wondrous and perilous. It is from here that Arcanewear—magitech infused with pure magic—is drawn.

===Mortus – The Mortal Plane===

===[[Mortus]] – The Mortal Plane===

The material plane where physical life thrives. Mideria, the most prominent world in Mortus, was sculpted to house Ontea and ~~Medriel’s~~ Spirit Children in mortal form. Mortus is a realm of life, death, and rebirth, where souls are tested and shaped by their experiences.

The material plane where physical life thrives. [[Mideria]], the most prominent world in [[Mortus]], was sculpted to house [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]]’s Spirit Children in mortal form. [[Mortus]] is a realm of life, death, and rebirth, where souls are tested and shaped by their experiences.

===The Spirit Tribes of Creation===

Ontea and Medriel divided their Spirit Children into five great tribes, each crafted with unique roles and destinies.

[[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] divided their Spirit Children into five great tribes, each crafted with unique roles and destinies.

===Elfia – The Starlight Seekers===

===[[Elfia]] – The Starlight Seekers===

Graceful and wise, the Elfia were attuned to the stars and magic. They were the first sent forth, given dominion over the stars themselves. From distant worlds, they forged civilizations of knowledge and power.

Graceful and wise, the [[Elfia]] were attuned to the stars and magic. They were the first sent forth, given dominion over the stars themselves. From distant worlds, they forged civilizations of knowledge and power.

===Mania – The Bold Explorers===

===[[Mania]] – The Bold Explorers===

Adventurous and innovative, the Mania embraced change and exploration. They roamed the stars beside the Elfia but were ever driven to reshape and conquer.

Adventurous and innovative, the [[Mania]] embraced change and exploration. They roamed the stars beside the [[Elfia]] but were ever driven to reshape and conquer.

===Goria – The Stoneborn===

===[[Goria]] – The Stoneborn===

Hardy and steadfast, the Goria turned away from the stars. Drawn to the depths, they carved great halls beneath the worlds, hoarding the secrets and treasures of stone and metal.

Hardy and steadfast, the [[Goria]] turned away from the stars. Drawn to the depths, they carved great halls beneath the worlds, hoarding the secrets and treasures of stone and metal.

===Anthria – The Wildborn===

===[[Anthria]] – The Wildborn===

Compassionate and adaptable, the Anthria were sent to Mideria to protect and guide the lesser spirits of Faunia (beasts) and Floria (flora). They took forms reflecting the wild and natural world, becoming its silent guardians.

Compassionate and adaptable, the [[Anthria]] were sent to [[Mideria]] to protect and guide the lesser spirits of [[Faunia]] (beasts) and [[Floria]] (flora). They took forms reflecting the wild and natural world, becoming its silent guardians.

===Drekia – The Darkened Kin===

===[[Drekia]] – The Darkened Kin===

Born from the gods exiled to Drekoria, the Drekia were forged in shadow. When they repented, Ontea and Medriel granted them freedom to choose their path. Yet, the darkness of their origin remained, and in Mortus, they became beings of great contention—often distrusted, yet undeniably powerful.

Born from the gods exiled to [[Drekoria]], the [[Drekia]] were forged in shadow. When they repented, [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] granted them freedom to choose their path. Yet, the darkness of their origin remained, and in [[Mortus]], they became beings of great contention—often distrusted, yet undeniably powerful.

===The Lesser Tribes of Celestia===

Faunia – Spirits of Beasts, embodiments of instinct and the wild.

[[Faunia]] – Spirits of Beasts, embodiments of instinct and the wild.

Floria – Spirits of Plants, nurturing forces of growth and renewal.

[[Floria]] – Spirits of Plants, nurturing forces of growth and renewal.

The Anthria aligned with these spirits, adopting their forms to maintain the natural balance of Mideria.

The [[Anthria]] aligned with these spirits, adopting their forms to maintain the natural balance of [[Mideria]].

==The Cycle of Rebirth==

To guide their mortal children toward growth, Ontea and Medriel established the Cycle of Rebirth:

To guide their mortal children toward growth, [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] established the Cycle of Rebirth:

Each soul is granted three mortal lives in Mortus.

Each soul is granted three mortal lives in [[Mortus]].

If they live virtuously in all three, they ascend to Celestia to dwell among the gods on Judgement Day.

Those who falter are either reborn or face judgment by the gods, with some cast into Drekoria to wander its shadows.

Those who falter are either reborn or face judgment by the gods, with some cast into [[Drekoria]] to wander its shadows.

However, this gift of free will proved dangerous. The Drekia, with their complex nature, often strayed, and their darker impulses seeded conflict throughout Mortus.

However, this gift of free will proved dangerous. The [[Drekia]], with their complex nature, often strayed, and their darker impulses seeded conflict throughout [[Mortus]].

==The First War of Aerenda==

As the Drekia’s darker kin grew restless, ancient resentments stirred. Whispers from Drekoria reached Mortus, twisting the hearts of mortals. Divisions among the tribes deepened.

The Elfia and Mania grew wary of the Drekia, blaming them for the creeping darkness.

The [[Elfia]] and [[Mania]] grew wary of the [[Drekia]], blaming them for the creeping darkness.

The Goria withdrew into their mountain halls, distrustful of the surface wars.

The [[Goria]] withdrew into their mountain halls, distrustful of the surface wars.

The Anthria struggled to mediate, caught between duty and survival.

The [[Anthria]] struggled to mediate, caught between duty and survival.

The Fell Folk—orcs, trolls, ogres, and goblins—emerged from the bloodlines of the Drekia. Though many sought peace, old prejudices painted them as threats. Tribal wars scarred Mortus.

The Fell Folk—orcs, trolls, ogres, and goblins—emerged from the bloodlines of the [[Drekia]]. Though many sought peace, old prejudices painted them as threats. Tribal wars scarred [[Mortus]].

The once-peaceful world of Aerenda braced for an age of conflict, as gods and mortals alike vied for control.

===Prophecy of the End===

It is said that when Judgement Day comes, the souls of Aerenda will gather before Ontea and Medriel. The righteous shall ascend, the wicked cast into Drekoria.

It is said that when [[Judgement Day (Aerenda)|Judgement Day]] comes, the souls of Aerenda will gather before [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]]. The righteous shall ascend, the wicked cast into [[Drekoria]].

But there is a forgotten prophecy:

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===The Benevolent Gods===

The benevolent gods of Celestia often aid mortals on their journey, offering guidance and protection. They manifest through dreams, omens, or through chosen champions.

The benevolent gods of [[Celestia]] often aid mortals on their journey, offering guidance and protection. They manifest through dreams, omens, or through chosen champions.

===The Dark Gods===

From Drekoria, the Dark Gods seek to break the Cycle. They offer shortcuts to power and false promises of ascension, ensnaring mortals in endless damnation. To them, Judgement Day is an opportunity to seize Aerenda itself.

From [[Drekoria]], the Dark Gods seek to break the Cycle. They offer shortcuts to power and false promises of ascension, ensnaring mortals in endless damnation. To them, [[Judgement Day (Aerenda|Judgement Day]] is an opportunity to seize Aerenda itself.

===The Unfinished Tapestry===

Aerenda is a universe forever in flux, shaped by the actions of mortals and gods alike. The Cycle of Rebirth stands as both a mercy and a challenge—a path to divine ascension or eternal wandering.

As the cycles turn and Judgement Day approaches, every choice becomes a thread in the grand tapestry of Aerenda.

As the cycles turn and [[Judgement Day (Aerenda|Judgement Day]] approaches, every choice becomes a thread in the grand tapestry of Aerenda.

==The Eternal Cycle of Rebirth==

===The Law of the Soul===

At the foundation of Aerenda lies the unbreakable law of the Cycle of Rebirth, established by the creators Ontea and Medriel. Every soul is bound to this cycle, destined to live, die, and be reborn until they fulfill their divine purpose.

At the foundation of Aerenda lies the unbreakable law of the Cycle of Rebirth, established by the creators [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]]. Every soul is bound to this cycle, destined to live, die, and be reborn until they fulfill their divine purpose.

Each soul must complete three virtuous lives to ascend into Ontea and ~~Medriel’s~~ Kingdom in Celestia. There is no limit to how many times a soul may be reborn—be it a fourth, fifth, or even a hundredth life—until they succeed. Only when a soul has lived three good lives will it transcend mortality.

Each soul must complete three virtuous lives to ascend into [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]]’s Kingdom in [[Celestia]]. There is no limit to how many times a soul may be reborn—be it a fourth, fifth, or even a hundredth life—until they succeed. Only when a soul has lived three good lives will it transcend mortality.

But this cycle is not infinite.

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==Judgement Day==

===The Final Reckoning===

It is foretold that one day, Judgement Day will come. The Cycle of Rebirth will end, and every soul will stand before Ontea and Medriel for final judgment.

It is foretold that one day, [[Judgement Day (Aerenda|Judgement Day]] will come. The Cycle of Rebirth will end, and every soul will stand before [[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] for final judgment.

Souls who have completed three good lives will ascend to Celestia, becoming part of the divine kingdom, free from suffering and mortality.

Souls who have completed three good lives will ascend to [[Celestia]], becoming part of the divine kingdom, free from suffering and mortality.

Souls who have failed to complete their three lives will face their ultimate fate:

Some may be cast into Drekoria, enslaved by the Dark Gods.

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The Role of the Gods in the Cycle

Ontea and Medriel – The Silent Watchers

[[Ontea]] and [[Medriel]] – The Silent Watchers

The creators watch over the Cycle but do not intervene. They believe every soul must earn its place in Celestia.

Only on Judgement Day will they reveal their will.

Only on [[Judgement Day (Aerenda|Judgement Day]] will they reveal their will.

The Benevolent Gods – The Guiding Hands

They whisper through dreams, guide through omens, and empower mortal champions to aid others on their path.

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Some souls have been broken by failure, corrupted beyond recognition. They wander Mortus as hollow beings, incapable of goodness, teetering on the brink of becoming servants of Drekoria.

===The Shattered Soul===

A legend tells of a soul that has lived countless lifetimes but has never succeeded in living three virtuous lives. This Shattered Soul is said to be destined to either become a new god of balance or the harbinger of Aerenda's undoing.

A legend tells of a soul that has lived countless lifetimes but has never succeeded in living three virtuous lives. This [[Shattered Soul (Aerenda)|Shattered Soul]] is said to be destined to either become a new god of balance or the harbinger of Aerenda's undoing.

===The Veilwalkers===

Some rare souls are said to remember fragments of their past lives. Known as Veilwalkers, they are believed to be nearing the completion of their third life. These individuals are often gifted—or cursed—with visions of past and future, walking a thin line between salvation and damnation.

Some rare souls are said to remember fragments of their past lives. Known as [[Veilwalker (Aerenda|Veilwalkers]], they are believed to be nearing the completion of their third life. These individuals are often gifted—or cursed—with visions of past and future, walking a thin line between salvation and damnation.

===The Lost Spirits===

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The Cycle of Rebirth defines all mortal existence in Aerenda. Every choice matters. Every life is another thread in the grand tapestry woven by the gods.

As Judgement Day looms ever closer, the mortals of Aerenda must decide:

As [[Judgement Day (Aerenda|Judgement Day]] looms ever closer, the mortals of Aerenda must decide:

Will they strive to fulfill their three good lives?