The World of Starlight

Pre-Darkness

Post-Darkness

While the heroines of Starlight are from the northern kingdom of Lux, their travels lead them to the hostile kingdom of Areks, known for its brutality and violent takeovers of surrounding nations.

Lux

A typically peaceful nation, but not without its troubles. A caste system is strong in the society. It is difficult to move up, but easy to fall down. The higher societies enjoy a rich lifestyle and are in control of the government, while the poor communities often struggle, working in trades and farming. The societies live mostly in neutrality with each other, separated into districts within the larger towns. Luxians pay a tax/trade of goods to support the higher classes, but then are mostly left alone.

Luxian culture incorporates dance into all life celebrations, losses, and milestone events. Some of the dances for these occasions are not taught, but inherent in the blood of the people, while others have specific choreographed steps passed on through the generations. Some dances include a dance of life, dance for the dead, proposal and wedding dances, dances for the hunt, coming of age, and for planting/harvest times.

Areks

Once a smaller nation, the kings of Areks annexed surrounding lands through brute force in war after war. The ruling family of Jordan is infamous for their brutality. Rumors of a hidden, terrible magic are credited for the Jordan family’s ability to speedily overpower other nations, but no one dares confirm these tales.

King Tynan Jordan, the reigning monarch, leads most of the warring campaigns himself. His son, Luke Jordan, is said to be training under the direction of the king.

Luxian men of high rank typically sport a shorter hair style and clean-shaven appearance as a statement of their status.

Areksian culture prides itself in its exceptional art and music. Those who have the gift and are lucky enough to be noticed are often celebrated and elevated in society. The dream of many artists and musicians is to be invited to the the capital, Areks City, and display their talents for the royal family.

Areks towns and notable places mentioned in Starlight:

• Jenesis
• Arborus
• Jalindra
• Landow
• First Great War Ruins
• Fighter camps

Shadows VS Equitas

The Shadows are a vicious group formed under the direction of Kyran and Marek, antagonists in the world of Starlight. They raid towns and capture who they can to place in their own gladiator-style camps for their entertainment between pillages. Their ultimate goal is to overthrow the monarchy and establish a new king. They gain much support from the people who have suffered under the tyrannical rule of the Jordan family, but they are as morally low as those they seek to overthrow.

The Equitas is a rebel group fighting against the Shadows. They seek to protect the people of Areks from the violence and abuse that has become common in the land. They are said to support the Jordan prince, Luke, believing he is the key to change in the nation. The leader of the Equitas is the retired general Fallon, an old friend of Prince Luke’s.

Magic in Starlight

Magic was pivotal in the formation of the world, particularly the powers of Light and Dark, but diluted through time until it was said to have disappeared completely. In the kingdom of Lux, the history of magic and its existence is only a myth. Those with magical abilities in Areks hide their power for fear of losing it. Those in political power, including the royal family, gained influence and authority through the use of magic. In order to fight back, the people of Venzor created a dart called the angaza dart that would strip magical abilities from its user. Because of this, magic buried itself deep within the people, only surfacing at great risks of exposure.

The ability to wield magic cannot be learned. It is either in the blood, or it is not. And specific magics are inherited, like the ability to wield fire, see visions, heal, manipulate time, teleportation, etc. Many go through life without realizing they have magic. It is said that emotional triggers can reveal a hidden power. When the lasting darkness descends over the land, magical abilities surface across Areks. Most people with magical powers possess only one ability, but those with stronger wills can uncover more than one.

The Lasting Darkness

When tremendous earthquakes tear apart the land and volcanoes erupt in giant clouds of fire and ash, the skies darken and a black mist infests the surface. Many hope after the ash settles, the sun will shine its light again. But the darkness remains. Neither sun, nor moon, nor stars shine their light. This phenomena outlasts all expectations of time, and is rumored to be a consequence of magic. What or who could be the cause of the lasting darkness? And who has the courage to search for the answers that will heal the land? 

  Protagonists’ Family Line

       Grandfather 

            l

        Freya – William Rainer

         /       l       \

   Lera    Haylia    Aiden

Rainer family portrait: William, Haylia, Lera, Aiden, Freya