Rise & Ruin History

Chapter 2: Genesis

Varken quickly conjured up a species of dragons that would evolve to become the physically imposing force known as the Ralaks. The Ralaks would share Varken's nobility, as well as his inherent sense of self-worth. They would be Lords in their own right and skilled warriors. Varken was confident his Ralaks would quickly dispose of any species his brothers created, and facilitate his rise to his destined place atop the Temple of Trias.

Snykus had always been frustrated with the predictability of his brothers and was secretly thrilled to gain the chance to employ their weaknesses to his advantage. After spying on Varken's creations, Snykus shaped a class of creature that would take refuge in the great oceans of the Universe. He would call them the jix'Su and they would master the arts of guile and manipulation. Careful not to repeat the mistakes of his father, Snykus would appoint a Queen to unite the jix'Su ranks and deliver precise directives.

For his champions, Adolces crafted the Keldei, great cats that would band together, using violence only in the face of aggression. Adolces had watched far too many species become victims and slaves to their combative natures. Unnecessary wars depleted populations and yielded little in return. Adolces was determined not to create a species foolish enough to cause their downfall. His creatures, however, would be prepared for battle so that when the time came and the universe was in the balance, they would be ready. Adolces had faith the Keldei would allow him to emerge from the shadows of his brothers and rise to a position of wise leadership.

With so much at stake, paranoia consumed The Rulers and delayed the introduction of the new species to the universe. Fear of sabotage and foul play threatened to end the competition before it had begun. With time running out, bickering gave way to necessity and the Keldei, Ralak, and jix'Su were introduced to the world.

Nihilo watched with pride from his seat in the tower of the great temple as his sons put forth their champions. His sons embodied the best and worst in him. Varken's strength could twist to cruelty. Snykus' cunning was often tinged with envy, and Adolces' wisdom led him towards unearned pride. Despite his favour for his children, Nihilo was angered by their callous disregard for the universe he had brought forth. Many of his cherished creations had fallen victim to the Rulers' negligence. While he felt it right that one of his sons ascend to his throne, Nihilo did not plan to relinquish control easily.

Nihilo forged together the souls of his lost creations to craft a champion species of his own. Mystical beings of energy and light, the Vedyn would protect the order and balance of the universe and test his sons' capacity to adapt. Contemplating his creations, he knew they lacked the strength of will to match his sons' champions. In the Vedyn, Nihilo saw writ his fading power and knew he was at his end. Summoning the last of his resolve, he stood and placed the Vedyn on his throne. He roared in anguish as the core of his being drained away and infused the Vedyn with what was left of his power. Near collapse, he looked up and knew he had succeeded. The Vedyn now coursed with energy; more than a match for the species his sons had produced. Staggering from the throne room, Nihilo went to take his seat alongside his sons, condemned by his own hand to watch from the sidelines as fate unfolded.