Many eons ago, there existed a race of elf-like beings known as the Altiora. They were descendants of Jonah, one half of a pair of godly brothers, Jonah and Nifeem. The Altiora were youthful men and women of great beauty, residing on their continent of Agrobonds, a land brimming with lush forests rich in flora and fauna. Their home was the city of Arvandor, situated at the continent's heart. As descendants of a god, the Altiora held themselves in high regard, looking down on the other races of Venonda. However, they maintained friendly relations with the Sapients, often engaging in trade. The Sapients shared some physical resemblance to the Altiora, save for the lack of pointed ears and their significantly shorter lifespans, living only 170 to 180 years.
The Altiora had witnessed the evolution of the Sapients, watching as they transformed from primitive, survival-driven beings into the more intelligent and aristocratic race they had become. Yet despite their advancements, the Sapients remained violent and savage, directing their aggression toward themselves and other races. It seemed that while they had aged, they had not gained the wisdom to temper their more barbaric tendencies. Still, the Altiora mingled with Sapient aristocrats, often appearing in their elite circles.
When young adult Altiora reached a certain age, they embarked on a pilgrimage, a journey to acquire new knowledge and experiences. The Altiora were far from defenseless; their magic and quick thinking were enough to overcome any obstacle. Yet they viewed this pilgrimage as an opportunity to display their superiority to the world. On one such pilgrimage, Aeliana, an illustrious and highly esteemed princess, accompanied a group of distinguished Altiora, all of whom were female. Aeliana was not just any Altiora-she was royalty, the princess of Arvandor and daughter of the respected King Ardyn.
This group of around 80 set out on an exhilarating expedition, leaving behind their home to discover the wonders of the world. Their journey led them to experience a vibrant array of cultures, interacting with races such as the Sapients and the Gatoleone of Venonda. They marveled at ancient ruins that still stood strong and ventured into unexplored territories, uncovering secrets and mysteries long forgotten. Every day was a new adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable memories.
One day, as they trekked through the wilderness, they stumbled upon a dark and foreboding cave. Drawn by their thirst for adventure, the princess and her comrades ventured inside, unaware of the hidden dangers within. After what seemed like hours of navigating the cave's winding passages, they found something strange-two towering obelisks, nine feet apart, standing silently in the shadows.
Aeliana approached the obelisks, noting the ancient script etched onto their surfaces. Though the writing was worn with time, Aeliana's extensive studies of various languages allowed her to decipher the message: "Let our worlds meet, and let their hearts touch, and become one."
As the words were spoken, the obelisks began to glow, vibrating violently as the ground shook beneath them. The group panicked, fearing a cave-in, but the shaking ceased as a portal appeared between the obelisks. Beyond the portal lay a world they had never seen before, one completely foreign to them. Eager to explore, Aeliana and her companions stepped through, driven by their thirst for discovery.
They emerged into a vast desert, unlike any they had encountered. The dunes stretched endlessly, shifting beneath the scorching sun. The air was hot, the sand blistering beneath their feet, and the wind carried the stinging bite of sandstorms. The desert was otherworldly, its silence oppressive and its heat relentless, bearing down on them with a hostility that felt almost alive. Every step forward felt like a monumental effort, the sun baking the ground into a hard, cracked surface beneath their feet.
As they pressed onward, they attempted to summon desert clothing using their magic. But something was wrong-the Arcanum, the source of their magical abilities, was almost nonexistent in this strange land. Their powers faltered, and for the first time, they felt vulnerable. The group quickly agreed that this place was not safe.
But before they could retrace their steps, disaster struck. The portal, their only means of returning home, collapsed in on itself, leaving them stranded in this unforgiving world. The endless expanse of sand stretched out before them, and with no way to return, they were left alone to face the dangers of this harsh, foreign land.
-End-
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The Noxcorium Lore Bible
Historical FictionThis is an encyclopedia entry detailing the enigmatic race known as the Noxcorium, chronicling their origins, existence, and resurgence within the realm of Venonda, spanning from their inception to their eventual rebirth.