- Intent: To create a mystic alternate homeworld for my character’s species
- Image Credit:
- Canon: No
- Links:
- Planet Name: Islimore
- Demonym: Islimorian
- Region: Wild Space
- System Name: Wodan
- System Features:
- [WIP]
- Planets:
- Theila
- Sarnor
- Islimore
- Evaria
- Caelestos
- Moons:
- Vars
- Suns:
- Ventos
- Nebula:
- The Prima Veil
- The Prima Veil is a rosette shaped Nebula that resides behind Ventos. The nebula is nearly impossible for travelers to cross through, filled with comet debris aHnd asteroid fields, requiring visitors that wish to reach the planet to take a long detour around. Every thousand years the entire Wodan system will pass through the veil, effectively hiding them from the rest of the Galaxy.
- Orbital Position:
- Theila [1]
- Sarnor [2]
- Islimore and Evaria [3]
- Islimore and Evaria are twin worlds that orbit their sun Ventos at exactly the same orbital distance, residing 60 degrees ahead and 60 degrees behind a group of asteroids that are locked between them.
- Caelestos [4]
- Orbital Period:
- Theila [30 Days]
- Sarnor [112 Days]
- Islimore and Evaria [260 Days]
- Caelestos [340 Days]
- Location:
- [ This can be coordinates based on the old map, a screen shot of the hex on the map, or 'in X planet's hex' where X is an existing planet on the map. ]
- Major Imports:
- High Technology
- Bacta and Medicines
- Luxury Goods
- Major Exports:
- Wine
- Metals
- Textiles
- Foodstuffs
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
- Gravity: Standard
- Climate: Temperate
- Primary Terrain:
- Oceans
- Forests
- Mountains
- Grassland
- Tundras
- Deserts
- Atmosphere: Type 1
- Capital City: Blackbrook
- Planetary Features:
Blackbrook
Blackbrook is a sovereign city and the capital of Islimore, once ruled by the Blackmoore family before the Sabathian conquest over eight hundred years ago. The Blackbrook mainland is bordered to the west and east almost entirely by the sea; the Eternal Bay to the east and the Winter Sea to the west. The rivers that run through the flatlands, provide the country with fertile soil and enough rain and snow to keep the capital lush and green. Being the largest city of the planet, it makes up for the highest population and well over half of Islimore’s economy, with most agriculture and trade done locally. When Blackbrook suffers, Islimore suffers.
Ivlyndawn
Meadowgard
Bloodraven Hall
Named for the Lupine Goddess of divination and prophecy, Xæiar's Ring is what most in the Galaxy would consider a phenomenon of the Force, while the locals think of it as magic. In the middle of standing circles, the 'ring' draws in the energy of everything around it into its vortex. Many Lupine come here searching to receive visions of the future and prophecies from deceased ancestors.
Ruins of Aldra
Aldra is a ruined castle that sits high in the Abolase Mountains just north of Blackbrook. It is overgrown with vines and forestry and barely standing. This seat once belonged to the Woudstra family whom was massacred by a rival house. Their enemies came posing as friendly visitors before attacking their hosts, in one of the bloodiest moments of Islimore’s recent history. It is said that only the Lord's daughter survived by fleeing into the mountains, but was assumed to have died of exposure in the cold landscape and never found. People who go to see the castle claim that an apparition haunts the area, particularly around the anniversary of the massacre.
The Stoneshade Dessert, known for short as ‘Stoneshade’, is a peculiar location on Islimore. Giant stone guardians sit littering the vast expanse of red sands and look to be frozen in motion. They are from another age and early folk religion, some of which is still largely practiced amongst the more common folk. The current priesthood are believed to be holdovers from the very ‘battle shamans’ that gave life to these stone giants. Early shamans were thought to be comprised of powerful mentalists from the Lupine species that once dominated the planet, though over time as faith shifted and new practices were implemented, the ability to waken the stones was entirely lost.
The mystic Corasin Temples reside on top of a spring at the base of the Abolase Mountains. No one can explain how the Temples float, or how the falls were created to flow through the structures, as the technology was forgotten when the original designers vanished. Once home to the same telekinetic shamans who could make stone men walk, the Corasin Temples are filled with indecipherable ruins carved into the walls from these early men. Rumor has it, that these may be key to the discovery of an ancient relic that was buried beneath the temple from centuries before, but, explorer beware...many who have attempted to crack the code have gone insane.
Over six square miles of deep elder wood whose trees defy belief. The trees have pale ivory bark with golden leaves, while bushes of blood red scatter the floor, making everything appear to be washed in blood. This holy site has deep ties to the Lupine of Islimore and it is said that anywhere the Lupine thrive, so too will follow a Wolfswood, as long as the gods give their blessing.
- Native Species: Lupine
- Immigrated Species: Humans
- Population: Moderate
- Demographics:
80% Human
20% Lupine
- Primary Languages:
Galactic Basic, Ismorian
- Culture:
Focus on Family, religion, somewhat oppressed, men hold all major roles of importance, strong discrimination against non-human species, wealth trickles down like a pyramid.
Superstitions:
Spotting a raven while the sun sets is an omen of death.
Amulets that have been blessed by royalty, are thought to bring healing.
Killing a Monarch is the darkest of all sins, those who do so, curse themselves to a fate far worse than death.
The People:
Fashions:
Religions:
There are two different types of religion on Islimore. The most prominent is the religion of The Fayth - a bastardized version of the Pagan Lupine religion, practiced by the followers of the prophet Olinae. The Fayth is largely responsible for the eradication of the planet’s native species.
The Fayth
Beliefs:
- Practitioners believe in, and worship many gods. In this case, they worship seven major gods and countless lesser. The seven major gods represent different aspects of life and morality, and are constantly in conflict, even though they were all once one being called the Great Spirit. It is thought that the Great Spirit brought their worlds out of chaos. Night and day. The heaven, and earth. Afterward, the Great Spirit chose to separate into several different gods, dividing power among them, but giving the most to the Father and Mother, who protect the realm of mortals.
- The Father:
Represents Justice, Truth, and Authority. The Father serves as ruler of the gods, and is said to be the one who dispenses true justice in life. Each circumstance is simply his will and ruling for sins committed and should be welcomed as right ruling.
- The Mother:
Represents Compassion, Passion, and Abundance. Where The Father seeks to make right judgments, The Mother embodies compassion and mercy. Those who do not get what they do not deserve praise The Mother for turning away the wrath and justice of The Father. She also gives birth to a person’s passions and promotes pursuing them no matter the cost.
- The Daughter:
Embodies Love, Innocence, and Beauty. Untouched and unknowing of physical intimacy, her love is an innocent love, the kind that makes lovers love for a lifetime. Those who are blessed with beauty have been touched by her. She is often depicted by an innocent child.
- The Son:
Wisdom, Intellect, and Intuition are the gifts of The Son. His aim is not only to see that his father’s will is carried out, but that it is tempered by wisdom. The wisest of men and women learn from the sayings of The Son, his teachings being both practical and philosophical in nature. He embodies the practice of wisdom and academics and is often portrayed by an owl.
- The Shadow:
Represents all things dark in the world. Death, Loss, and Destruction are her realm. There are few who pay tribute to her, but she is a seductress and had trapped the hearts of a few. She commands an army of the dead, and they do her bidding. As the younger sister of the Father, those who are out of favor with him when they cross over belong to The Shadow. She thrives off the destructive nature of mankind. The more war and death, the more powerful she is.
- The Builder:
Ambition wealth and success are the traits of the builder. Every great society is full of those whose ambition has led the way in some great part. There are those who worship the builder by doing good, and those who worship by doing wicked. The builder has no sense of morality, any kind of ambition comes from him. His image is a man wearing a golden leafed crown.
- Warrior:
The Warrior represents War, Safety, and Security. His symbol is the spear and shield. His worship takes form in many ways, games of war are his way. His worshipers see him as a grand General that is ready to defeat and defend their kingdoms and livelihood. His temples are the grand arenas of each kingdom where the games are fought.
Practices Worship
Practitioners attend morning worship each week in the Temple, they are told that the Gods dwell temporarily among them during this time. Ceremonies are carried out through Monks. Some of these may include the pouring of oils on altars in accompaniment of prayers and rites. Members believe this builds a divine connection between them and the Gods, helping them to achieve certain goals and live better after-lives.
Holy Days
Holy days are important holidays and celebrated by the people of Islimore everywhere. Religious rites are performed on these days, and business is suspended. The most important holidays are contained in the Arion Feralia. One of the most important Holy Days is Percalia, which is celebrated by offering a ritual sacrifice and praying to the Father and Mother to avert any evil and ill intent of the Shadow.
The Arion Feralia
The Arion Feralia is an eight-book poem written by a Caelestal prophet, Olinar, sometime in 2 BBY. The Arion Feralia is a series of eye-witness accounts and interviews by the prophet with faith deities, who explain the origins of their holidays and customs - often with multiple etiologies. Though Arion mentioned that he had written eight books, four of them went missing during the fall of Caelestos, with several of the known books missing verses.
Trial by Ordeal
Prophets play a small role in regular judicial verdicts, simply there to offer prayers and swear in the accused under the truth of the Gods.
Trial by ordeal is considered the judgment of the Gods and is based on the premise that the Gods will help the accused innocent by performing a miracle on the accused's behalf. For those who ask for trial by ordeal, it is the responsibility of the High Prophets to take the accused and subject them to painful and unpleasant tests, that may result in death, to prove their innocence. Those of Noble birth can ask for 'Champions' to act on their behalf. If a champion loses, then the party of the losing champion is sentenced to death either through beheading or hanging.
Wager of Battle
Like trial by ordeal, wager of battle is also considered the judgment of the Gods and is presided over by two High Prophets. Wager of battle is a fight to the death, and if the accuser wins, they are declared innocent in the eyes of Gods and men. Like trial by ordeal, those of Noble birth can ask for a 'champion', but the participant must be willing. Buying champions, is not allowed.
The Primary Order
The Primary Order defines proper belief and ritual, and appoints local prophets and monks, seeing to their education. Monks can marry, but prophets cannot. Occasionally, women are chosen to serve in the Order, but under a strict set of circumstances and laws. Each local community has one prophet from The Primary Order, and usually one monk. Prophets have taken monastic oaths and often listen to problems, act as mediators for conflicts between the Gods and men, and give help to the needy. Monks lead practitioners in meditation and prayer. Both types of clergy answer to the wider Prophet Council, whose twenty-one members are elected.
Prophets
The prophets are thought to be Godly spirits, or children of the Gods, who have chosen human vessels of the most devout to host them while they walk amongst the men of Islimore. Prophets are generally Force Sensitive and known to dress in long, white robes with red and gold accouterments.
High Prophets
These are the chief prophets among The Primary Order and hold the most important position in the fayth. Members are elected to office to become part of the twenty-one members of the Council. High Prophets do not get a vote in the matter.
Responsibilities In Society
- Ensure the peace of the Gods, overseeing the consecration of all temples, sacred places, and objects dedicated to the Gods.
- Administer laws relating to marriage, burials, and the worship of the Gods.
- Regulate public morals and punish offending parties.
Betrothals
Men and Women are considered eligible for marriage anytime after the age of eighteen, but may be betrothed or promised before then. A Father typically chooses and make arrangements for his daughter's marriage, including the size of the dowry. It is rare that someone marries for love, as family bloodlines and wealth are usually considered more important, especially among nobility.
Marriage Ceremony
Marriages are religious ceremonies that typically take place in the temple of the Daughter, and are presided over by the high prophet who prays over the would be husband and wife to invoke the blessings of the Gods. This is followed by a handfasting ceremony with vows and oaths, which would typically be some variance of the following:
‘In accordance to the Gods holy ordinance,
I bind myself to you of my own free will and desire, with a bond that cannot be broken.
I posses you and you posses me, wholly and completely.
In this life and beyond.’
I bind myself to you of my own free will and desire, with a bond that cannot be broken.
I posses you and you posses me, wholly and completely.
In this life and beyond.’
The ceremony is followed by a feast with friends and family.
Consummation Ceremony
The consummation ceremony is perhaps one of the most important traditions on the night of a wedding. First, the priest prays over and sanctifies the wedding bed to bless them with many children, while the newlywed couple might prepare themselves by drinking a spiced wine. The King or Lord will then escort the bride and groom to their chambers along with the other Lords to witness the consummation, drawing the curtains to give them some privacy but, ensuring the validity of the marriage contract. Women are expected to be virgins on their first wedding night, for the sake of legitimacy of the children she will eventually bare for her husband.
Legality, Divorce, and Annulment
Without the consummation of a wedding, a union can be annulled and the bride is considered to be no man's wife, making her free to remarry. Other grounds for divorce include previous wedding contracts of one or both parties, or using force and fear to obtain consent. Divorce is a very rare occurrence, mostly due to a lack of sufficient evidence to prove their case. In some instances, man and wife may choose to live separately, rather than go through the legalities of obtaining a divorce. Kings, however, hold the legal right to set aside their wives, or even choose to marry multiple wives, and polygamy has been a common practice in the Blackmoore dynasty. If for nothing more than to secure the loyalty of their subjects.
Death Rites
Islimore funerals signify the passage between the states of death and life. Tradition and ceremony are very important in the burial process, to keep malicious spirits from the netherworld from being sent into the world by The Shadow. Generally, there are five parts to a funeral: Preparation, burial, vigil, feast, and commemoration.
Preparation
When someone from a noble family dies, they are washed, put in their finest clothes, and crowned if they are were a member of the royal family in the line of succession. The bodies are then laid out on an ornate table and prayed over while incense is burned. They remain on the table for eight days, to ensure the spirit has had time to leave the body and cross over to the afterlife. If not left for the full eight days, the spirit is thrown into the Netherworld and cursed to wander.
Vigil
At the vigil, members of the faith will keep watch over the family, praying to the Warrior and Mother to give surviving relatives strength, and mercy. During this time, the deceased might be remembered through songs and stories of great deeds and a eulogy is typically read.
Burial and Procession
The conclusion of the funeral rite and final act in caring for the deceased. If part of a noble family, they are taken to a catacomb and buried with their ancestors - while peasants are typically burned on a pyre or thrown into a burial pit outside the city walls.
Feast
The feast that follows the burial and procession is a way to bring the family back together as a comfort. Cultural foods, wine, and the deceased's favorite dishes may be served.
Commemoration
Once a body is buried or burned, the deceased must continue to be remembered, and certain days are set apart each year to remember loved ones and honor ancestors.
Lupine Paganism
The Lupine religion has no official name. It is polythestic in nature and seeks balance in all things.
Ruling Deities
Aerðs
God of death, war, and revenge. He is the supreme ruler of the spiritual realm of Freann.
V́atyn
Goddess of light, inspiration, and Fire. She is the benefactress of inner healing and vital energy.
Xæiar
Goddess of divination and prophecy.
Rænör
Wild God of abundance, life, and the hunt. The ‘Rikki Faðir’
Cérmæ
Goddess of wisdom, strength, and protection. The ‘Rikki Moðir’.
Naé
God of water, poetry, and illusion.
Lesser Deities:
Arwen
Spirit of summer
Druanit
Spirit of autumn
Bibe
Spirit of spring
Nuaed
Spirit of Winter
Beliefs
- Belief in immortality and reincarnation. Bodies must be burnt entirely so the spirit can be reborn.
- All life is sacred - animals, rocks, rivers, trees - they all have spirits and are all connected. If mistreated, the spirits may bring bad fortune on the offender.
- They follow the 10 Noble Virtues
The 10 Noble Virtues
1. Exercise fortitude and act bravely in war - for our souls are deathless, and there is future reward in Freann.
2. Worship the Gods who gave us life, for we are the sparks of their flames.
3. Seek the truth, hold it against the world, its echos will guide you.
4. Seek the mate of one's heart, for we are the delight of their eyes.
5. Bear future generations and tell them all laws and tales, for they are the joy of both parent and god.
6. Live with honor and intent, keeping all oaths. For without honor, we are bereft of dignity and truth.
Freann
The spirit realm. It is believed that when a deceased Lupine is burned, if they have not finished their 10 Noble Virtues during their life, then they wait in Freann to be reborn so they can continue performing their virtues in the next. It is believed that some souls travel together through time. Sometimes referred to as the ‘twin flames of Aerðs’, each part uniting to make one whole. These share a history stretching several lives, reaching unexplored heights of enlightenment in each new existence. But, like all souls, at the end of their spiritual journey they will end the reincarnation process to eventually be reunited with their ancestors and feast with them at the table of the Gods.
Formation of The Pack
When two mates join, they form a new pack. When the alpha pair of that pack has children, the eldest is automatically in line as the next alpha. Other children of the alpha union may also challenge for that position. Likewise, siblings may choose to defer to another for the position of alpha.
Remaining brothers in the alpha’s family will stay by the alpha pair’s side, but will not take a mate. If brothers of the alpha have children outside of the pack, those children are taken from their non-Lupine mothers and integrated with the rest of their family. Female members of the pack, however, are free to leave their birth pack to go and mate with an alpha from another pack. After the alpha couple of a pack begin having pups, the remaining brothers may choose to challenge the children of that union when they come of age. If the challenging Lupine wins against the alpha couple’s child, that Lupine will take the child’s place and their mate. In the case of desperate circumstances, the brother of the alpha may challenge for the position of alpha.
Traditions and Holidays
Summerlight Gathering
In the times before the gods left their mortal children the god Rænör and the spirit Arwen would throw a day of celebration to herald in the summer solstice. In that time Xæiar would help young women divine signs to help them choose a mate or find out if the one they choose has a path that aligns with theirs.
However, after the great parting that created the Wolfswoods, such fell to their kin to do. The gods and spirits took pity on them and would lend their help as they could, but they couldn’t do so unchallenged. There were other spirits, some mischievous, but others malicious and angry that try to interfere because they still blamed the Lupine for the foolishness that left the gods so unhappy.
Summerlight Gathering is a day of sacrifices, feasting, merriment and the next step along one’s path. Flowers are gathered and set on small boats down a river with the names of their intended or the one who they hope is their intended. Then on the morning of the next day the young woman or young couple see if their boats survived the journey or if they arrived safely.
A boat that arrives, but had damage, is said to be an omen that this choice could be fraught with much hardship. However the union has the chance of great strength because despite that hardship they remained together.
A boat that did not survive has many reasons, perhaps the boat was never strong enough. Perhaps an angry spirit was able to wrest it from the water. All agree however that a boat never to find safe on a shore is a sign that this path will always end up unhappily.
A boat that survives unscathed is not considered to not have it’s shares of perils like the other two signs. It is seen as a sign that everything will follow the path it is meant to follow. It is a sign that trying this path is neither good or bad, but solid enough to consider and in harmony with the river ahead.
Jumping a bonfire on the last night of the two day celebration after your boat survives is said to be telling the gods and the spirits you acknowledge the risks and you will leap forward through them.
Charms and rituals are performed on homes to protect those that share the hearth within. The night between the first day and the second is a giddy one for it is a night that all Lupine do not sleep. Sleeping leaves one vulnerable to not just their enemies, but also the spirits whose anger and ill intent would cause a sleeping Lupine harm on this day when the distance between is weaker. Contact with water of any kind, like swimming or bathing, is also considered to be dangerous for it is a medium the spirits can use to bring harm. Children however, because of their purity are protected till they come of age, but do not come in contact with water just to be safe. However they can dream without fear if they find themselves doing so.
The Pilgrimage Rite
When a Lupine child comes of age and survives his or her first change, this is the day they claim their heritage and their blood is immortalized with that of their clan’s.
One of the Kühn shows up at their doorstep and asks if there was a child of age ready for their pilgrimage and given them the location for them to come when it was convenient.
Back in times where the Lupine thrived, they would have walked to the Wolfswood, a place of ivory barked trees whose leaves were ever gold like sunlight. Bushes of red flowers line the path whose leaves fall and make a carpet like blood mingled with fallen gold as light leaves upon the ground. A solemn walk where the father would tell his child the importance of where they walked and speak of the gods having their eyes upon them in this moment.
A ceremony would be held, a lamb sacrificed and it’s blood marking the face of the Lupine child. From there the child splits their skin so their blood wells up and smears it on the tree. The Kühn performing the ceremony would then later take that blood and see it archived.
Later after the Faythe started hunting the Lupine people towards extinction, the Kühn moved the end location of the pilgrimage to a moon they had claimed as theirs. This moon was about two weeks ship flight from the Lupine planetary system, the coordinates only known to the Kühn. They didn’t move their clan there, in case so many coming and going more than just for pilgrimage caught the attention of their enemies.
Over time, less and less grew up to be taken, but the Kühn still did their best to take those of age. To keep this tradition alive and to keep up with the bloodlines. However, to the present day, the Kühn bring the dead to this place to burn them and to at least see that the dead get a place within even if their name is never known.
Always however, alive or deceased, the Lupine are charted and their Rite given.
Lupine Lore and Legends
Creation of The Wolfswood
The story goes that the First clan the Gods blessed upon the land of Islimor were gifted with a holy land upon to thrive. That they grew in a golden time of radiance and light, but that through a disagreement one feast day, that radiance was shattered.
Some say it was over a woman. Others say, which most agree with, it started over the foolishness of a man. The feast day was in honor of the leader of the gods. In those days the gods feasted with them, were close to their children. It was proposed that if one lucky man could rise above the rest at the feast, he may ask a boon of the gods.
The Lord of all gods, a bit too drunk upon the mead that flowed, agreed with a hearty laugh to let it be so.
However, what started off as a drunken game turned to a war most foul. What was first one clan, became several clans and the sacred place they once shared tainted with the life’s blood of countless men and women. By the time one man rose to the top, the gods were disgusted. The light and laughter of days past a memory. They honored the pact made, offering the man his boon.
The wolf looked down at the carnage beneath him and wept. He begged the gods to not abandon them, to forgive them their foolishness and not cast them from their sacred lands.
The gods, honorbound, agreed they would not turn their backs fully from them, but instead would not walk amongst them so freely ever again.
It was upon that day the Wolfswood was borne. However sacred bushes and flowers of red were to be planted every time a grove was planted, to serve as a reminded the cost of the folly of that tragic day. From then on the only time the Gods could be felt, were when walking in this sacred place. A Lupine could only come to these places in times of inner or outer troubles, on the day their spirits leave their bodies and after a Lupine survives first change so that the Gods can look at their new child.
Xæiar's Noble Sacrifice
After the creation of the Wolfsfwood, the Gods had put their children at a distance and watched their children struggle to adjust. Always they came to her seeking guidance, but now she was not there to aid them. So she cut her palm and let her blood flow downward creating a place for a small seed of her power to blossom. She sent a vision to a priest of erecting stones and of men and women from each clan giving themselves to the stones to make a bridge between herself and her power so that from that point forth this place could act like a compass for those that come seeking. It was her hope that her children would no longer feel so lost or worried for their futures.
Names of the Month
- Abadius
- Calistril
- Pharsat
- Gozran
- Desnus
- Sarenith
- Erastus
- Arodus
- Rova
- Lamashan
- Neth
- Kuthona
Days of the Week
- Moonday
- Toliday
- Wealday
- Oathday
- Fireday
- Starday
- Sunday
- Government: Absolute Monarchy
- Affiliation: N/A
- Wealth: High
- Stability: Medium
- [ Low, Medium, High. Are there major issues causing unrest? Is this a planet of chaos or one of peaceful law abiding citizens? Is it dangerous for travelers to visit or are you safe as an outsider? Describe the general feel and theme of any overarching government or rulers/leaders in this city. ]
- Freedom & Oppression: Oppressive rule.
- Military: [ Describe the military capabilities of this planet. Is it completely demilitarized? A fortress world complete with heavy defenses? A space-faring world with a substantial navy? Is it a hive of scum and villainy with no discernible defense structure other than what it's inhabitants have to offer? Or maybe due to low tech the people here are still in the bronze age. ]
- Technology: [ A description of how technologically advanced the planet is relative to the galaxy. If there is nothing of note, simply put ‘Galactic Standard’. ]
[ Include a history of the planet here. Be sure to cover the following information:
How was the planet discovered? How was planet settled? When was it settled? Why was it settled? What major events specific to the planet helped shape its inhabitants to what they are today? If there is a Nexus, how did it come about and how did it influence the history of the planet?
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