The Blood War

The Blood War is a massive cosmic conflict that began between Good and Evil and expanded to Lawful Evil vs Chaotic Evil. It is the center of a philosophical debate that grips even the mortals of Avestra: Will Good or Evil be the dominating force in the universe. The Celestials of Good, the Devils of Lawful Evil, and the Demons of Chaotic Evil each wish to make their will known and their ideology the dominant one in the universe. Despite the Elders and their machinations, this war shows no signs of stopping until that answer is reached or a greater power puts a stop to it.

The Conflict

Prelude

As the different species of the Outsidersdiscovered each other and came into conflict, some began to speculate of a war between the realms was imminent. The Celestials and Fiends despised each other with a passion due to their connections to Good and Evil respectively. Meanwhile the Fey and Elementals saw opportunities for mischief and profit in such a conflict. But it wasn't this that caused the war.

Across the realms, the Calling began. The Celestials and Fiends were pushed to destroy each other, to wipe out the stain of good and evil that existed in the universe. The Fey and Elementals were able to ignore this calling, not wishing to be personally involved. The two paragons of their natures could not resist, some believing it to be their gods, and others, their innate nature calling out to destroy their enemies. They drew their weapons and the war began.

Deployment

The forces of Good struck first, attacking the planes of Devum and Daestra to bring a swift end to Evil. However, their division made them too weak to mount an successful occupation and the forces of Evil pushed back with technology and magic they had never seen before.

Battlefield

At first, Devum and Daestra were the battlefields but it soon pushed to the Astra and eventually the plans of Good themselves. It was only when the Great Binding occured that the battlefield shifted back to the plains of Evil.

The Engagement

When Good fought Evil, it was loss after loss for Good. Their tactics couldn't hold up against the savagery and trickery Evil employed. When they turned that against the Fiends, it caused a back and forth tide between the two forces of Evil that ended once the Elders came and ravaged both worlds.

Outcome

• The planes of Istrum and Lastra were devastated after the conflict

Aftermath

• The Fiends were divided between Devils and Demons, warring against each other to gain control of Daestra and Devum
• Both sides were left weakened and unable to defend themselves when the X'ith'ila came
• Kitsune were transformed into mortal creatures due to their part in the curse

Historical Significance

For Avestra, the Blood War was a distant battle at first. It did result in the creation of Aasimar and Tiefling but the battles never came to their realm until the fall of the Cosmic Barrier and the beginning of the Eternal Age. However, with the end of the Blood War, all that remains is the vestiges of hatred between Demons and Devils.

Legacy

The Blood War created a conflict that lasted hundreds of thousands of years. It wasn't until the X'ith'ila attacked the different planes and broke the curse that stopped the fiends from being able to destroy the good-aligned planes. This left a deep hatred and split between Devils and Demons that has yet to be repaired. It also gave the Daemons the opening they needed to build up and commit their own agendas.

This also led to a great schism in the forces of good as they began to question their methods and also question the source of all of evil's power. This eventually led to the Celestial Schism and the fall of several groups of Celestials, some falling and following their own goals and others falling to evil.

In Literature

Many stories have been written about the Blood War. Many are tragedies that tell of fallen heroes who succumbed to the temptations of Evil. Others are valiant tales of good people who chose to stand tall against the darkness and keep up the good fight. There have even been romantic tales of lovers on opposing sides who dare to fight against their nature.

Technological Advancement

As battles between Fiends spread across the universe, the dangerous technologies they've created for this war spread as well. There are rumors about weapons that spew waves of fire with ease or giant metal carts that tear across war-torn battlefields. Thankfully, none of this has reached Avestra yet.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Extraplanar

Start Date

500,000 of the Ancient Age

Ending Date

Near the end of the Ancient Age

Conflict Result

The Celestials were Routed and used a curse to force the Fiends of Law and Chaos to Fight Each Other

Belligerents

The Forces of Good

Led by

Strength

Powerful

Casualties

Heavy

Objectives

Destroy the Forces of Evil

The Forces of Devum

Led by

Strength

Overwhelming

Casualties

Heavy

Objectives

Destroy the Forces of Good and Chaos

The Forces of Daestra

Led by

Strength

Overwhelming

Casualties

Heavy

Objectives

Destroy the Forces of Good and Order