History & Current Events

The below guide provides a brief overview of the history of Ognos. Please note that, in the event of any conflicts between Old Ognos and New Ognos, the lore below will take precedent and be considered canon; some minor changes were necessary to improve lore consistency and stability.

Current Events

New Horizons (Version 7 Main Plot; October 2025 – July 2026)

With the Dreadnought's core shattered by the Paragon and the Echo Below contained by Linor herself, the battle that had gathered every Kingdom of Kinship came to its end. The titan dissolved mid-collapse; the Gatekeepers and the Paragon vanished as swiftly as they'd come; and Linor's presence lifted, leaving the field scorched, damp, and unnervingly quiet. Victory, when it finally arrived, felt less like triumph than survival. Then, with a final crash, the ice wall sealing off the Drowned Tangle broke apart — the path beyond was open, and for the first time since the Shardfall Crisis began, New Ognos could expand.

Version 7: New Horizons followed, centering on exploration, deeper divine involvement, and new races alongside the new Eminence and Tenebris progression systems. Sixteen territories and, eventually, eight islands opened to the population as collective word count unlocked new ground month by month.

Two major seasonal arcs defined the version:

• The Flower Festival (February 7 – May 2) saw Chromabloom Isle enter a rare peak bloom cycle — three days and nights of shifting colors, heightened senses, and island-wide revelry, from the Masque of Shifting Hues to the black-market Root Cellar Auction. Petals collected through the season could be spent or combined at the Flower Shop before it closed for good on May 10th.
• The Eonmere Eggs-pedition (May 3 – August 8) began when an unusually large pollen cloud from Chromabloom drifted inland and settled over Eonmere Jungle, triggering a jungle-wide breeding surge. Eggs turned up everywhere, wildlife grew unpredictable, and a carnival rose at the Rootmeet to coordinate collectors, researchers, and the newly-claimable Festival Dinosaurs, complete with Battles, Races, and Shows.
  • The same resonance bleed that fueled the surge also woke the Eonmere Exiles — ancient prototype beings sealed away by the Primordials before the god-wars, now stirring in the overlap between Eonmere and the ageless Primordial Tangle. Their reawakening is, in turn, feeding something else: the Nascent, a consciousness assembled from eons of the Tangle's ecological memory, inching toward its own godhood depending on what — and how — it's fed.
  • Not everything about the season stayed contained to carnival lights and hatching eggs, however. A separate, still-unfolding incident left several chaperoned groups bound for the Carnival scattered and stranded deep in the jungle by a surge of territorial dinosaurs — a survival crisis with factional and psychological consequences that remains ongoing even as the rest of the Eggs-pedition winds down.

Overall, Version 7 played out as an ambitious but comparatively low-drama stretch — heavy on discovery, worldbuilding, and divine goodwill, with most of its tension deliberately left simmering in the jungle rather than looming over the whole island.

The Oracle’s Fall (April - June 2025)

Rumors spread quickly in Pyronmouth -- of tides that whisper, of dreams turned violent, and of the Oracle whose prophecies now cut like broken glass. For years, Isybillen shaped the city’s faith through Linor’s name -- but the visions she followed were never divine.

Unknown to most, the Oracle’s voice was shaped by the Echo Below -- a grief-born mimic born from the sealed goddess Ymius. The Echo wore Linor’s voice, guided Isybillen’s rise, and helped unleash the Vault’s artifacts that deepened its reach. And now, with the divine distracted by the Dreadnought’s growing power, it has consumed her completely. To the public, the Oracle’s influence remains strong, but something is wrong. Her sermons have sharpened. Her followers grow more devout. And the Starchildren -- once exalted as chosen protectors -- are suffering. Their power spirals out of control. Their dreams shift. Some are hunted. The Dreadnought is drawn to them like a beacon -- just as the Echo intended.

A resistance has formed in secret. Calling themselves the Freeborn, a scattered group of Starchildren and allies have broken from the Oracle’s hold. They act quietly: burning corrupted shrines, cleansing celestial marks, and recovering Vault artifacts once used to amplify the Echo’s voice. In their hands, these relics may become weapons.

The Oracle is still trusted. Her voice still commands reverence. But beneath that veil, something else is speaking -- and it has not finished.

Riftgate Crisis (Version 6 Main Plot; March - October 2025)

As the intensity of the Shardfall Crisis waned, a new cosmic threat emerged: the Riftgates. These unstable portals tore open across New Ognos wherever the Dreadnought roamed, the result of clashing celestial forces trapped within its massive form. No longer just a distant predator, the Dreadnought's path now left behind rips in the fabric of reality—each Riftgate a doorway to chaos.

Every Riftgate contains a fragment of a long-forgotten Gatekeeper: one of the Paragon’s celestial generals who sacrificed themselves to imprison the Dreadnought. These Gatekeeper fragments—still conscious, still fighting—are trapped between worlds. Mortals who brave the Riftgates face trials designed to prove their worth and recover the fragments. But the window is short. If a Gate remains open too long, the Dreadnought consumes the fragment entirely, growing stronger and more unstoppable with each loss.

Each Riftgate is unpredictable. Some spill hostile beings and celestial artifacts into Kinship, while others drag mortals into dreamlike or hostile realities. The Riftborn—those who have survived or adapted to the Rift’s touch—emerged from this chaos, permanently altered in body, soul, or both. Though powerful, their existence is unstable, and not all who enter the Rift survive intact.

While some seek to restore the Gatekeepers and stabilize the world, others exploit the chaos for power. Three new factions have taken root:

• The Argent Accord, allied with the Paragon, work to contain the Riftgates and protect the innocent.
• The Eclipsed serve the Dreadnought, sacrificing lives and spreading its influence.
• The Riftstriders embrace the chaos, scavenging from the Gates for glory, profit, or revelation.

The balance between Paragon and Dreadnought has never been more fragile. Every decision, every trial, and every fragment recovered will determine which force defines Kinship’s future—and which one consumes it.

The celestial war continues. And now, the gates have opened.

The Celestial Reckoning (February – April 2025)

Even as Pyronmouth reeled from the aftermath of the siege, celestial pressure mounted across the island. Stars twisted into unnatural shapes. Moons doubled and bled. The air buzzed with resonance that defied explanation. In the center of it all stood the Oracle of Linor.

Known to many as Isybillen, the Oracle called for urgent action. She claimed the Paragon, a radiant celestial guardian, was fading — and that if it fell, the way would be cleared for the rise of the Dreadnought, a celestial predator of immeasurable power. She directed select individuals to disrupt the Dreadnought’s shield, and to ignite the Paragon’s dying flame before the stars aligned fully.

Her commands, however, were fractured. Privately issued tasks often contradicted her public guidance. Starchildren were pulled in opposing directions, some sent to sabotage others, others left to wonder whether the Oracle's voice was her own. Whispers spread of strange dreams, blackouts, and internal warping of celestial power.

Some defied her entirely. Others threw themselves into their missions, convinced salvation lay in action — not doubt.

By the time the celestial alignment struck, the Paragon endured and the Dreadnought’s shield was broken. But the stars did not quiet. The Oracle’s contradictions could no longer be ignored.

Participants:

The following characters assisted with restoring the Paragon and/or defeating the Dreadnought.

• Anaisa
• Ashbel Ironhart
• Atlas Riot
• Bonnie Doyle
• Cairn
• Corin
• Eryxian Ránskar
• Galaxius Orion
• Helios Drakefell
• Idris Savage
• Jasper
• Kazimir
• Keel
• Knock
• Leith
• Mako
• Morag Slaughter
• Necallin Xochitl Ocotoxtle
• Notus Ash Ravenwood
• Nova Drakefell
• Oscar Araminta
• Power Fyrenz
• Requiem
• Selwyn
• Shade D'amour
• Squall Aiden Ravenwood
• Swann
• Thursday
• Voss

The Oracle's Summons (January - February 2025)

As the siege raged on, another conflict took shape within Pyronmouth—one of prophecy, power, and control. The Oracle of Linor, Isybillen, spread her influence through the city, naming individuals she called Starchildren, those of celestial ancestry with a unique connection to an unknown, otherworldly threat. Signs of their awakening emerged through strange celestial phenomena, cryptic visions, and symbols appearing across the city. Rumors spread like wildfire, and with them, danger. Bounty hunters, rival factions, and power-hungry figures sought to control, capture, or exploit the Starchildren for their own ends. Even Pyronmouth’s ruling bodies found themselves at odds with Isybillen’s growing influence, as she bought out contracts, recruited guild members, and maneuvered political figures into her grasp.

The Starchildren themselves faced an impossible choice: embrace their celestial heritage and step into the Oracle’s web, or fight to remain free from forces beyond their understanding. Some sought shelter at the Tidecaller Shrine, offering their abilities to the Oracle’s cause. Others attempted to escape notice, hiding in the city’s shadows or resisting the pull of destiny. Their allies, too, played a role in the unfolding chaos. Guardians, mentors, bounty hunters, and opportunists all staked their claims, whether to protect the Starchildren, use them for leverage, or eliminate a perceived threat.

Even as the siege neared its end, the celestial game had only just begun. Isybillen’s plans remained shrouded in mystery, but one truth became undeniable—those touched by the stars could no longer escape their fate.

Starchildren & Their Allies

• Corin
• Galaxius Orion & Requiem
  • Shade D’Amour - Protector
• Kazimir Janssen
  • Power Fyrenz - Bodyguard
• Mina Myrmourn
  • Juliette Sinclair - Bodyguard / Lady's Maid
• Necallin Xochitl Ocotoxtle
• Theodora Takahashi

Unaffiliated Allies (Available to Any)

• Aevis Clorance - Bodyguard
• Atlas Riot - Bodyguard
• Declan MacNamara - Bodyguard
• Elowyn Moonflower - Bodyguard / Ezra's Assistant
• Ezra Eldermere - Healer
• Luna Solette - Translator/Diplomacy Aide, Weaver, Possible Spy
• Rory MacNamara - Bodyguard
• Selwyn Ju-won Valincourt - Bodyguard
• Wraith Darkshore - Clothier

The Final Night of the Siege (February 2025)

The battle for Pyronmouth has ended, but victory came at a heavy price. The final night saw a monstrous Shard-Touched Titan breach the city's walls, setting off a desperate, all-out struggle for survival. As flames engulfed districts and defenders made their last stand, the Order of the Seekers launched a decisive strike, bringing the beast down with a coordinated assault on its exposed core. Every guild played a crucial role in ensuring the city endured. In the aftermath, Pyronmouth stands, but changed. The Emerald District lies partially in ruins, the Flies are now erratic, and a new military stronghold will be built to prevent such devastation from happening again. Amidst the scars of war, hope remains. The gods have blessed the city with divine gifts: winds that cleanse corruption, waters that heal, fire-forged defenses, and self-repairing structures to fortify Pyronmouth’s resilience. Yet questions linger. Power struggles loom in the city’s broken hierarchy, the Flies' unpredictability presents new risks, and with the Shardfall Crisis far from over, the next threat may not be far away. For now, Pyronmouth breathes -- but what rises from its ashes is yet to be seen.

Heroic Contributions

The final night of the siege called upon each and every person in the city, with noteworthy contributions by:

• Cairn carried messages from Pyronmouth to various outpost leaders throughout the final night of the siege.
• Evie Beaumont spent her night dodging Hungry Ghosts while commanding a variety of Wild Warden-trained big cats in both combat and support positions (message & supply running, finding bodies/people under rubble).
• Thane Inarius Kane fought alongside his fellow Seekers on the front lines for most of the fight, but received a moderate injury and was pulled just before the last push. He returned to the Emerald District to help protect firefighters.
• Hector Branfield served on the front lines with the Seekers as a combat medic before taking a projectile shard to his right thigh; despite his injuries he continued to serve in the hospital tents until dawn.
• Hollow served as an intelligence agent for the Seekers during the final night; he played a vital part of the city's defense forces as a tactician.
• Dame Leona Grace scouted out safe places for non-combatants to hide/stay, then patrolled the streets to find the vulnerable, primarily children and the elderly, and guide them to safety.
• Reggie Beaumont somehow talked his way into the Seekers artillery division and spend most of the night as a powder monkey, helping to load cannons and ballista.

Note: Players are still submitting information regarding their final night contributions, so this section is currently incomplete!

Legacy and Impact

The siege of Pyronmouth left the city forever changed. The Emerald District was reduced nearly to ruins, many of its once-opulent estates crumbling in the aftermath. The Flies, the city’s mechanical sentinels, suffered irreparable damage—some continued their patrols as if nothing had changed, while others fell silent, rusting where they stood. Despite the destruction, Pyronmouth endured. Rebuilding efforts began immediately, led by guilds and determined survivors who refused to let their home remain in ruins. A monument was erected in the Platinum District, honoring those who fell in battle, their names etched in stone so they would never be forgotten. A new military stronghold was also constructed within the city walls, serving as a fortress, barracks, and training ground to ensure Pyronmouth would never again be caught unprepared.

The city did not rebuild alone. The Major Deities left their mark on Pyronmouth:

• Galeon, God of Air granted Vigilant Winds, which swept away lingering smoke and toxins, aided ships at sea, and whispered warnings when danger was near.
• Linor, Goddess of Water bestowed Renewal, purifying the city’s wells and revitalizing its people with healing waters.
• Pyronyx, Deity of Nature and Fire sparked Scorched Rebirth, causing greenery to overtake battle-scorched land and reinforcing Pyronmouth’s defenses with fire-wielding wards.
• Valinor, Divine Warmaster strengthened the city with Adaptive Bastions, imbuing structures with self-repairing properties and deploying Sentinel Drones to guard against future threats—though reckless use of these constructs carried unknown risks.

Pyronmouth emerged from the siege scarred but stronger, its people hardened by war and determined to rise again.

The Shard-Touched Siege (December 2024 - February 2025)

The siege of Pyronmouth was one of the most grueling trials faced by the settlement since its founding. A relentless tide of Shard-Touched creatures, ranging from twisted beasts to titanic horrors, surrounded the city, attacking in unyielding waves. The defenders found themselves locked in a brutal war of attrition, with no hope of quick victory—only the harsh reality of survival against an enemy that did not tire, retreat, or falter. The long days of battle tested Pyronmouth’s strength, pushing its people to their limits as resources ran low, the wounded piled up, and exhaustion threatened to break morale. Every guild, faction, and unaffiliated survivor had to rally in defense, knowing that the fate of the city rested in their hands.

Preparation & Defense Efforts

In response to the siege, Pyronmouth’s key guilds and organizations mobilized:

• The Crafter’s Coalition worked tirelessly to reinforce fortifications, forge weapons, and craft vital supplies.
• The Order of the Seekers scouted enemy movements, mapped weaknesses, and kept communication open between factions.
• The Circle of Vitalis provided medical aid, ensuring that defenders could return to the battlefield.
• The Wild Wardens deployed trained creatures for messaging, battlefield support, and early warning against attacks.
• The Assembly of Knowledge studied the Shard-Touched creatures, searching for ways to counter their corrupted energy.
• Civilians took up arms, distributed rations, and aided in repairs, ensuring that every hand played a role in the city’s defense.

As the siege dragged on, political factions such as The Outsiders, The Pure Divide, Fangs of Ognos, and The Saltfang Brotherhood saw an opportunity to recruit and influence the future of Pyronmouth amidst the chaos.

Heroic Contributions

Many individuals emerged as key figures during the siege.

• Atlas Riot:
  • Helped to defend one of the gates of Pyronmouth.
  • Carried critical intel across enemy lines.
  • Used his portal abilities to rescue trapped defenders and get them to safety.

• The Gunslinger:
  • Created a diversion by firing on the horde.
  • Harvested Shard Essence from Battlefield Anomalies.

• Kydron Woodsoul:
  • Helped to decipher enemy plans with his Lorekeeper ability.
  • Snuck past the horde to successfully deliver critical intelligence.

• Lord Notus Ash Ravenwood:
  • Led his students in the creation of vital potions.
  • Helped his students create quick-acting potions to support frontline defenders.
  • Helped to map enemy formations and provide accurate copies to defenders on the front line.

• Shade D'Amour:
  • Helped to secure an underground supply tunnel with his partner, Thane Inarius Kane.
  • Successfully utilized the Arcane Plates in his inventory to invoke an ancient ward around Pyronmouth.
  • Helped to secure a breach point.

• Lord Squall Aiden Ravenwood:
  • Helped to move rations to key points in the city.
  • Worked with members of the Academy to stabilize rift energy.
  • Commanded a squadron of Seekers banner to distract and take down a Shard-Touched Titan.
    • His squadron of defenders worked in conjunction with others while battling the titan.

• Xanthe Woodsoul:
  • Became the Avatar of Nocthollow Forest and slayed a dangerous Shard-Touched Champion.
  • Struck a deal with a god for divine intervention, providing the town with a much-needed guardian from her patron deity, Valinor.

• Aevis Clorance helped to distract enemy forces on the Eastern gate through an intelligent use of illusions.
• Lord Alistair Valtori defended a vital supply caravan.
• Ashbel Ironhart picked off small supply-carrying creatures to weaken the horde.
• Crash Calloway risked everything to distract enemy forces and pull them away from the gates.
• Dante Cairos provided a moment of peace and comfort to the weary town through a special event/social gathering at Fallen's Rest.
• Declan MacNamara helped to strengthen outer defenses using magic and strength during a break in enemy waves.
• Idris Savage ambushed patrols from the edge of the forest, disrupting movements so people and supplies could be taken in and out of Pyronmouth.
• Lady Mol Kane helped to map enemy positions at great personal cost.
• Thane Quinn Drakefell took down a Shard-Touched Titan on the battlefield.
• Lady Seraphina Valtori organized a masquerade ball to bring joy during such tense times.
• Therion took down a corrupt officer who was sabotaging efforts within Pyronmouth's walls.

Legacy and Impact

The actions of Pyronmouth’s defenders shaped the outcome of the siege. Through strategy, resilience, and sheer willpower, the settlement endured. The siege will be remembered as a defining moment in Pyronmouth’s history—one that tested the limits of its people and proved that even against an unrelenting tide, unity and determination could withstand the storm.

The Shard-Touched Horde Threat (December 2024)

In December 2024, Pyronmouth faced one of its most harrowing threats to date: the Shard-Touched Horde. A massive wave of shard-infested creatures, including remnants of the Heralds and grotesquely corrupted beasts, began advancing toward the town. The looming danger cast a shadow of dread over the settlement as guilds, factions, and independent individuals scrambled to prepare for the inevitable confrontation.

Preparation Efforts

In response to the threat, the major guilds mobilized:

• The Crafter's Coalition manufactured weapons, traps, and emergency shelter components.
• The Order of the Seekers scouted the Horde's movements and set defensive traps.
• The Circle of Vitalis prepared healing implements and protective wards.
• The Wild Wardens coordinated with wildlife and trained animals for scouting and transport.
• The Assembly of Knowledge studied the Shard-Touched creatures to identify vulnerabilities and defensive strategies.

Citizens from all walks of life joined the effort, contributing their skills and resources in any way they could. Additionally, political factions such as The Outsiders, The Pure Divide, Fangs of Ognos, and The Saltfang Brotherhood seized the moment to recruit and push their agendas amid the chaos.

Heroic Contributions

Several notable individuals stepped forward during this tense period:

• Aevis Clorance – Led a protective detail for Circle of Vitalis healers, ensuring their safety while gathering crucial resources.
• Declan MacNamara – Provided strategic support alongside Rory and Iseult during the Syrga chaos, focusing on ensuring others’ safety.
• Idris Savage – Bravely engaged a Shard-Touched wyvern in combat, protecting civilians and holding the line.
• Icarus Kaze – Fought alongside Idris during a dangerous wyvern encounter, showing resilience and teamwork.
• Iseult Birthistle – Displayed bravery in searching for her lost companion Mordred amidst the Syrga attack, demonstrating her deep bond and determination.
• Notus Ash Ravenwood – Conducted critical aerial reconnaissance, mapping the Horde’s movements to inform defensive strategies.
• Odysseus Bennett – Assisted with logistics and ensured safe transport and resource management during the preparation.
• Ronan Zebrek – Coordinated efforts with the Wild Wardens, overseeing defensive preparations and offering supplies and guidance.
• Rory MacNamara – Assisted Iseult and Declan in navigating chaos amidst a Shard-Touched Syrga attack, showing leadership and courage.
• The Gunslinger – Displayed steady resolve and provided strategic support during moments of high tension.
• Wraith & Ruin Darkshore – Wraith prepared supplies in his Coalition-recognized shop, contributing sturdy cloths and materials essential for fortifications and resistance efforts against the incoming Horde.
• Xanthe Woodsoul – Provided valuable contributions by enhancing local flora for healing supplies and assisting in the forest.

Legacy and Impact

The actions taken during this preparation phase directly influenced the outcome of the impending battle. Rewards such as Shard-influenced pets, unique items, and Talents were granted to participants in recognition of their efforts. This event remains a defining moment in Pyronmouth’s history, showcasing the resilience and unity of its people in the face of an overwhelming threat.

Shardfall Crisis (Version 5 Main Plot; September 2024)

Following the chaos of the Shattered Vault Incident, New Ognos has been struck by a new disaster—the Shardfall Crisis. Essence Shards, crystallized forces of magic, divinity, and nanites left behind by the Primordial Ones, have begun to destabilize across Kinship. This has caused a series of new natural disasters known as Shardfalls. These intense and unpredictable storms bring torrents of Shards raining down from the sky, while geysers of raw energy erupt from the ground, corrupting anything they touch.

Shardfalls are predicted by sightings of massive Shard-infested creatures—known as Heralds—three days before a storm hits. Each Herald embodies the chaotic energy of the Shards, and their appearance serves as a grim warning of the devastation to come. While some scholars speculate that these Heralds are the source of the Shards’ instability, others believe they merely foreshadow the coming chaos. These Heralds, along with their smaller Remnants, have made the island a far more dangerous place.

The Shardfalls have only deepened the instability already present in Pyronmouth. The divine blessings that once protected the town are now inconsistent, and the town's robotic guardians—the Flies—have begun to behave unpredictably, sometimes even attacking innocent citizens or ignoring blatant crimes. The city no longer expands or contracts with the population, leading to vacant properties and growing inequality, as wealthier residents buy up these properties and charge exorbitant rents to those left behind.

With so many differing opinions on how to handle the Shardfall Crisis, social upheaval has split the population. Factions have broken off, with many residents leaving the unstable town to form settlements elsewhere. Those who remain must brave the corruption brought by the Shards, contend with unpredictable city conditions, and navigate a rising tide of conflict between the city's factions.

The Shattered Vault Incident (August 2024 - March 2025)

In what was meant to be a joyful celebration, the Divine Zenith Festival, an individual claiming to be Linor's Oracle contacted the Mayor of Pyronmouth, insisting on a festival in Linor’s honor. They claimed the goddess expected this tribute in exchange for protection during the approaching stormy season. While some residents of Pyronmouth embraced this Oracle’s divine connection, others were suspicious of their true intentions. Regardless, the Mayor decided to proceed, declaring a three-day festival filled with prayer, music, and hope for Linor’s blessing.

On the second day of celebration, chaos struck. A group of cloaked figures were seen behaving strangely just moments before an explosion ripped through the Copper District. The explosion shattered an ancient obsidian vault, scattering mysterious artifacts across the land. These objects, once sealed within the vault, streaked into the sky and vanished in different directions, as if seeking something or someone.

The aftermath of the explosion left the Copper District devastated—property damaged, residents injured, and even some killed. The divine barrier around Pyronmouth, which had previously protected it from external threats, was also disrupted, leaving the town vulnerable to attacks from pirates and the predatory creatures of Ognos. Amid the ensuing panic, the Oracle seized control of the situation, calming the crowd and declaring that the artifacts had been sent as a divine test. In contrast, the Mayor called for caution, insisting the artifacts must have been sealed for a reason.

The Shattered Vault Incident has left Pyronmouth struggling to recover. Residents are busy tending to the injured, cleaning up debris, repairing damages, and, in many cases, seeking out the scattered artifacts. The main Guilds, along with the Shrines and Temples in Pyronmouth, have all offered payment for any recovered artifacts, leading to a scramble to retrieve them. The artifacts themselves possess unique powers—some beneficial, some with dire consequences—leaving their fate in the hands of those who find them.

Recent History

After an extended period of time (possibly thousands of years), Ymius began fighting back against her oppressors; breaking the first lock on her cage, she was able to hear the voices of mortals and begin receiving power from their prayers.

Ymius' rebellion caused various reactions, worsening as the locks were broken:

• The First Lock unleashed a titan:
  • The titan caused natural disasters - earthquakes, storms, wildfires - disrupting civilization.
  • It corrupted wildlife and landscapes as it passed, causing monsters to spawn.
  • Just before disappearing, the titan left an ominous warning about the future.
• The Second Lock brought darkness:
  • The sun's light was blocked, plunging the land into twilight.
  • Crops began to fail, with humans and Valka working together to find ways to prevent famine.
  • Nocturnal and subterranean creatures emerged openly. Raids and attacks increased.
  • The moon changed color, size, or phase erratically, impacting the tides and causing lunacy/sleep disturbances.
  • The stars in the night sky shifted to ominous new constellations.
• The Third Lock released leviathans:
  • Massive sea monsters attacked ships and coastal settlements.
  • They swarmed and overwhelmed fishing fleets, causing further food shortages.
  • Silver liquid oozed from the ground, covering the landscape in mercury-like pools that caused hallucinations and poisoning.
  • Water sources become tainted or dried up from the leviathans' presence.
• The Fourth Lock brought illness and disorder:
  • Healing magic became twisted - causing disease instead of curing it, or healing one thing while harming another.
  • Babies were born 'marked' in ominous ways.
  • Some children were struck with a sleeping sickness and could not be woken, trapping them in endless slumber.
  • The dead rose from their graves to spread supernatural sicknesses.
• The Fifth Lock twisted the environment:
  • Caused crystal spires to erupt from the ground in random locations. The spires amplified psychic energy around them unpredictably.
  • Opened fissures in the earth that spewed ash clouds and allowed lava to flow forth. Entire regions become infertile and uninhabitable.
  • Allowed visions and prophecies to enter the minds of mortals, driving many mad with the overwhelming visions.
  • A wave of silence spread through certain areas, muting all sound and stopping all oral communication.
• The Sixth and final Lock unraveled reality:
  • The goddess' prison emerged from the sea, floating in the sky and appearing in random locations to spread fear and chaos.
  • Portals opened to allow creatures and forces from other planes/worlds to enter and launch attacks.
  • The stars re-aligned into the goddess' sacred constellation, and her most devout followers became imbued with strange powers.
  • Reality itself began to unravel. Landscapes merged with dreamscapes, time became non-linear.

When the Sixth Lock was broken, Ymius rose from her cage, gathered allies, and went after her husband. The Divine War caused strange effects in the skies above Ognos, like flashing lights or random changes between night and day, and the sounds of battle were audible like thunder. Occasionally, bolts of divinity would strike Kinship, causing cause and destruction in their wake; Ognos was struck most often, due to the war being largely centered above them.

Meanwhile, in a far-off corner of the Divine Realms, another god was just waking up: Valinor. Valinor was an experienced God of War who participated in wars spanning several millennia; he specialized in strange and terrifying inventions, often related to smashing nature, magic, and technology together in various ways, and was known to be quite eccentric by his divine brethren. Valinor was considered an expert on ancient Kinship, having spent the most time there either directly participating in battles or working on his experiments.

During one such battle, Valinor sustained severe injuries from a Shard of Divinity and was forced to put himself into a deep slumber to prevent being removed from existence entirely. After thousands of years asleep, he excitedly returned to working on his creations, unaware that the Primordials had turned Ognos into a protected area and discontinuing the use of it as a place for battle and experiments. The other gods were so busy fighting amongst themselves that they didn't notice Valinor's arrival, or what he was up to, until it was too late. Already tormented by fallout from the Divine War, Ognoshu suddenly found themselves plagued by strange fungal monsters, massive and deadly machines, and terrifying disruptions of the rules of nature. Unable to survive in such a hostile land, Ognoshu fled the island in droves; some became refugees in nearby countries, while others chose to stay nomadic.

Eventually, becoming aware of what was being done to Kinship and that its guardian deities were preoccupied by the battle, the Primordial Gods personally visited Ognos. These gods are the oldest, strongest beings/forces in the universe, so powerful that they actually warped time and space around them as they worked to right what their "children" had set so very wrong. Unfortunately, even with the help of Kinship's gods, the Primordials were not able to fix all of the damage done, however, they were able to stabilize the island and the rest of the world. They sent divine messengers out into the world to let everyone know that Ognos is back and ready to be resettled. The island is forever changed, and it will take a long time for all of the secrets, dangers, and transmutations to be discovered.

The primary deities who had been charged with caring for Kinship were punished severely for their behavior; while most of the Primordials care little about the petty squabbles of their children, there are strict universal laws about disrupting the lives of mortals in such extreme and irreparable ways. While the other Kinship gods received warnings and punishments befitting their involvement -- or lack thereof -- in the war, the main five from Ognos (Hivhur, Ymius, Huxu, Aomete, and Dzoana) were exiled, sent off to other planets to pay back their debts and prove themselves trustworthy. At this time, it is not currently known when -- or if -- they will ever be allowed to return to Ognos. However, three brand new deities have been brought to Kinship to replace them; they are currently roaming New Ognos and doing what they can to help keep the redevelopment of the island. Time will tell if they prove themselves worthy of staying in the long-term, or if they, too, will eventually be replaced...

Ancient History

Kinship was created by the Primordial Gods ("The First Ones") as a barren, neutral ground for their divine children to settle disputes without harming populated worlds. Gods of all kinds, from millions of universes, came to Kinship to settle their disagreements.

Methods for settling disputes included one-on-one battles, casual games (hide and seek, card games, rock-paper-scissors, etc.), and even full on wars. Kinship was most commonly used to settle squabbles over who could take possession of a planet or universe's prayers, a common food/energy/power source for deities.

As Kinship was generally "off the beaten path" and less closely monitored by the Primordial Gods than other planets, some gods used the land as a testing ground for their various experiments. Others, who lacked the physical, mental, or divine strength to fight their opponents directly, or were perhaps just lazier than their brethren, began "borrowing" species from other universes to fight on their behalf. Some actually abducted populations, while others were created from borrowed "blueprints". All native life on Ognos can be traced back to these early populations. Some modern day characters and Companions may be transported to Kinship from other places or times after stumbling across ancient traps or tools.

After a particularly nasty war in which gods and mortals both suffered heavy losses, the Primordial Gods intervened. They issued a proclamation that several mortals would be granted divinity and tasked with defending and caring for the planet. These gods settled in various places throughout Kinship, but the conflict didn't end there.

Huxu, Aomete, and Dzoana, three women who received divinity, selected the island of Ognos and its Valka population as their own, but Hivhur and his wife, Ymius, who backed the humans, tried to intervene on their claim. Rather than put the world through another divine war, the five grudgingly agreed that whichever race had the highest population, most devout followers, and most social power would determine the hierarchy of the gods.

While the gods were prevented from directly influencing the mortals with their divinity, they were permitted to select Chosen and utilized other similar loopholes to their advantage. As a result, many deity-influenced wars were waged over the thousands of years since and the hierarchy of the gods changed many times depending on the outcome. Some scholars even believe meddling deities were responsible for the Silent War that kept Valka and humans at odds for over three hundred years.

At some point, Hivhur and Dzoana formed a secret alliance, working together with a cult of mortal followers to strip Hivhur's wife of her power and lock her away in a cage under the sea. Hivhur used a lesser goddess to maintain Ymius' public appearances while seizing complete control over the divine hierarchy and Ognos in general. Hivhur utilized Ymius' absence to force men into a dominant position in society, and is in fact the real reason that humans had a patriarchal society for so long. Dzoana's reasons for agreeing to help Hivhur, keeping Valka oppressed in the process, are largely unknown. It is believed that, as the goddess of the Future, she may have seen something coming that could only be prevented by allying with Hivhur... or perhaps she just had a grudge to settle with Ymius from the Ancient Wars.