First War in Heaven (Aerenda)
Overview
The First War in Heaven was a cataclysmic conflict in the universe of Aerenda, marking the first large-scale war between the Elfia Dominion and the Human Stellar Confederation. This war spanned stars and dimensions, leaving scars on the very fabric of reality. It resulted in the near-extinction of humanity and their forced exile to the isolated world of Mideria. The war's bitter legacy sowed mistrust and deep-seated enmity that persists in the current age.
This war was not fought merely for territory but was a battle of ideals, pride, and betrayal. It was driven by mortal ambitions and subtle divine manipulations, as dark gods from Drekoria sowed discord to shatter the balance of Aerenda.
Origins of the Conflict
The Age of Unity
Aerenda was once a world of peace where tribes coexisted harmoniously under the watch of gods Ontea and Medriel. The Elfia, masters of magic, ascended to the stars first, crafting ethereal civilizations. The Humans, brilliant engineers, expanded rapidly with technological prowess. Their rapid growth brought them into conflict with the Elfia.
Seeds of Discord
Competition over resources and territories led to mistrust. The Elfia saw the Humans as reckless, while Humans viewed the Elfia's reliance on magic as arrogance. The dark gods of Drekoria whispered promises of power to ambitious leaders on both sides, fanning the flames of war.
The Catalyst
Discovery of the ancient Aetherian Vault, a repository of pure magic, on a distant world ignited the conflict. Diplomatic talks failed, and a massacre—its origin disputed—sparked the First War in Heaven.
The Warring Powers
Elfia Dominion
- Strengths: Stellar ley-line mastery, enchanted starships, powerful sorcery.
- Leadership: The Council of Silver Stars, led by Queen Velyara the Radiant.
- Allies: Mania explorers and a faction of the Morphia.
Human Stellar Confederation
- Strengths: Advanced technology, mechanized warfleets, planet-cracking weaponry.
- Leadership: High Marshal Kael Varyn, famed for his strategic brilliance.
- Allies: Select Goria clans drawn by promises of wealth.
The Shadowed Hands (Drekoria's Influence)
Agents of Drekoria manipulated both sides, aiming to collapse Aerenda into chaos.
Key Battles and Events
- The Shattering of Astra'Vel – The Elfia stronghold, Astra'Vel, was annihilated by the Human superweapon Solus Lance. This act unified the Elfia for total war.
- Siege of Arkanis Prime – Arkanis Prime, the industrial hub of humanity, endured a century-long siege by Elfia forces. The siege ended only after Morphia operatives sabotaged Elfia supply chains.
- The Betrayal at the Aether Gate – A peace summit at the Aether Gate was shattered when an unknown assassin murdered High Marshal Kael Varyn, dissolving any chance of peace.
- The Sundering of Stars – The Elfia unleashed the Starbind Ritual, collapsing a Human star system into a black hole. In retaliation, Humans fired Voidpiercer Torpedoes, tearing rifts into Aetheria and spreading chaotic magic.
- The Exile of Humanity – The Elfia banished humanity to Mideria, severing their access to the stars with celestial wards. This reverted them back to a feudal society.
Notable Figures
Legendary Lost Artifacts
- Aetherian Vault Keys: Fragments of the ancient vault that could restore or destroy Aerenda’s balance.
- Solus Lance Core: The power source of the weapon that destroyed Astra'Vel, rumored to still exist.
- Starforged Crown: A relic once worn by Queen Velyara, believed to enhance control over stellar Ley-Lines.
- Voidpiercer Shard: A remnant of the torpedoes used to breach Aetheria, seeping chaotic energy.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Broken Peace
Victory for the Elfia was hollow. Celestial Wardens forbade their further expansion, and humanity regressed into fragmented kingdoms on Mideria.
Lingering Hatred
Humans remember the Elfia as oppressors; the Elfia view humans as dangerous. Trust was shattered, and ancient weapons lie dormant, awaiting discovery.
The Dark Gods Stir
The war served the dark gods' designs, planting seeds for future strife. Whispers of a second war echo through Aerenda.
Prophecies
Prophecy of the Shattered Sky:
“When the stars bleed and the gates crack, the exiled shall rise, and the heavens will burn anew.”[[Prophet Noloran Dax]][[The Quillion]]