Aephotora (Ay-foe-tor-ruh)
Aephotora is the realm of wisdom.
A dense asteroid belt orbits a mysterious object shrouded in a thick fog. The fog seemingly originates from this object clouded in mystery. The fog thins as it reaches the outer edge of the belt. Where some of the natives developed settlements on some of the larger asteroid clusters. The many settlements along this shrouded bank form the Clouded Shore. Where Aephotorans can grow and learn their abilities. These Aephotorans are immortal and have magic imbued into their very being. Allowing them to traverse and survive in this unforgiving environment. On the Shore, people need to worry about little other than sailing off the rock into the vast open expanse of space. However as one traverses the Cloud, they encounter strange and deadly events.
Magical storms crackle and clash within the dense fog. Sending torrential flames, hurricanes of stone, air fissures and more all naturally occur. Not to mention the strange creatures that make their way through the fog. As well, doors to Shometrian worlds occasionally form. These doors give ambitious Aephotorans an opportunity to grow their power. Those that pass through these doors are often met with mortals attempting to thrive. Gods are these Aephotorans. The ones that aided mortals, and in turn the ones mortals believed in. This belief strengthened Aephotorans and improved their magical prowess.
As their following grew so did they. Eventually with a concentrated and powerful enough belief, a star forms. The star starts small, but grows larger and burns brighter as the Aephotoran's following does. Once powerful enough to carry their star, they ascend to godhood. Launching their star to soar above the Clouded Shore. Additionally, the god is usually strong enough to manifest a kingdom orbiting their star. Giving them a domain to preside over and a destination for their followers to arrive after their death.
These stars can be seen deep in the night skies of other realms. The mortals often gaze upon the stars of gods, looking for aid and answers to their troubles. Some stars in the night sky form constellations where multiple Aephotorans unite under one religion. Many of the gods tend to the mortals, coming to their support in times of need. While few others' primary motivations are driven by greed and increasing their strength.
A great deal of Aephotora is uncharted as much of the natives stick to the Shore or their godly kingdoms. However few venture deep within the fog. Evading creatures and storms and passing by doors. These individuals search for Judgement. Legends tell that the recluse of a governor, Khroma, The Beacon of Guidance, has a powerful object locked away in a fortress at the center of Aephotora. An object that supposedly gives clear verdicts and insight on any desirable question. The few that venture that far deep into the fog hardly ever return. Those that do often lie of their findings, but later confess the truth in their failures.
Constellations
The Council of EightGeography
Aephotora is a galaxy-sized asteroid belt orbiting around an enormous star known as Vao. Emanating off of Vao is a dense fog enshrouding the majority of the belt. The light from Vao reflects throughout the dense fog. Illuminating the realm and bathing it in a celestial light. The fog's density lessens as it reaches the belt's edges. Revealing small planetoids and huge chunks of floating rocks. Many of the local inhabitants make their homes on some of the larger asteroids and planetoids. Residing on the edge of the fogbank, the Aephotorans dubbed their lands The Clouded Shore. The Aephotorans divided the shore into domains and would often venture further into the fog. Many attempts at mapping deeper into the asteroid belt failed due to the dense fog. However the few that succeeded jumped from asteroid to asteroid and discovered many fascinating creatures and locales. Gemstone waterfalls, lava ponds, energized ore deposits, fog-lakes, rivers of liquid metal, and more have been claimed to be found by ambitious aephotorans who have returned.
Alternative Name(s)
The Clouded Shore
Type
Plane of Existence
Included Organizations
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
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