Empyrean Dysambigua

Domain Summary

Empyrean Dysambigua is a collection of multiple, like-minded domains, joined together on the precepts of the guidance of faith and enlightenment. Each of the domains that make up the Empyrean Dysambigua, the New Faith, Unification, Valley of the King, and Vancouver, pursue their own goals of Enlightenment, Ascension, and Godhood.

Dominant Races

Vampires, Mages, Shifters, a few Mummies and Fae

Domain Advantages

New Faith - Being a priest in service to the New Faith carries a level of enlightenment and understanding that others will find truly spectacular. Their abilities to help enhance the magic of others has been something of legendary repute. They gain five levels of the Ritual ability which, when casting with any other supernatural, you may enhance the effect by one trait per level of Ritual expended. A blood trait spent may act as 2, a Bunk trait gained would count as two, the Arete of spell may be raised, etc. This Advantage is an action taken and is the ONLY action you can take during the use of it. Once you do anything else, such as defend yourself or use magic, your intended target loses the benefit. As a result, you may not use it on yourself.

Empyrean Dysambigua - The Empyrean Dysambigua was founded on a principle of faith. Churches and priests of the New Faith are present in many domains throughout Dischordia. The holy order of the Ashen Knights of Vancouver gathers and protect holy relics. King Pascal has long sought to elevate himself to a deity in the Dischordian pantheon. The Empyrean Unification grew strong on a backbone of faith. The churches of the Empyrean Dysambigua are prevalent throughout Balor's kingdom, and many of its nobles remain faithful to that ideal and may choose to begin with Church influence x 5 for free.

Court of Empires - As the victors of the Surveyor's challenge under the leadership of master politician, High Pontiff Radu Bistri, the domain of Empyrean Dysambigua was rewarded with the creation of the Court of Empires within their lands. Though still an Imperial holding, Empyrean Dysambigua gained great prestige and political clout. As a result, Empyrean Dysambigua nobles may choose to take Politics influence x 5 for free.

Domain Disadvantage

Echoes 5 Point Flaw - Dealing so heavily in beliefs and faith, those of the Empyrean Dysambigua are more subject to the superstitions and beliefs of the masses than most. They find in these times of Enlightenment and Ascension that they are more susceptible than any others to the backlash of supernatural folklore. Each New Faith member must choose up to 5 points in the Echoes Flaw.

Politics & NPCs

The Empyrean Dysambigua is led by High Pontiff Bistri who is, in turn, served and advised by lords of the various domains that make up the Empyrean: Sigfreid of Vancouver, Pascal of Valley of the King, and Dietrich Mercer of the Empyrean Unification.

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Allies

Ordo TrismegistusSultanate of Glass

Enemies

Appalachian AllianceWolves of the North

Kingdom Views

Empyrean Dysambigua, the Canton of the Changing Heavens, is a kingdom built upon faith. Each of the domains that we encompass believes in the enlightenment of all, and understands that faith and belief are powerful things in and of themselves. We are seekers, pilgrims and teachers on the paths of enlightenment, and holy warriors in defense of the faithful. 

Dischordia

Appalachian Alliance - They have chosen to put more faith in the material rather than the spiritual. A poor choice. Their obsession with wealth and material gain stands in the way of their enlightenment. They would put profit before the well-being of Dischordia, or even their own people. They are little better than criminals, and, rather than contrition for such a reputation, they embrace it.

Imperials - Those who serve Balor directly are truly blessed.

Imperial Bermuda - As misplaced as their devotion is to those who have come before, the pirate Bartholomew Roberts and the unholy abomination that was the Praenomen, their faith is nonetheless admirable, as is their dedication to the game of politics. They are strong allies, who have proven themselves time and time again.

Nightmare Lands - Once responsible for a plague upon our kingdom, and our rituals, the hope provided by our faith, saved Dischordia from the horrors they unleashed upon us. Their sins have been so easily forgotten by the other domains, so it is once again our calling to protect the people of this kingdom from that which threatens to corrupt it.

Ordo Trismegistus - Our oft-misunderstood allies are hated by many for past mistakes, but what few realize is that the ire they raised was calculated to distract from their true machinations. Through all of their thirst for power, the Ordo Trismegistus only pursued the same goals as we - that of an enlightened mankind having reached its fullest potential. Though we may not agree with all of their methods, they do understand the power of the spirit and I have hope for them despite their past failings.

Sultanate of Glass - Few sorcerers or magicians are as revered as their legendary King Solomon the Wise, or Sultan Suleiman. Much of what is known of the worlds beyond is a credit to his wisdom and magical prowess. His people's’ faith in him is truly impressive, and well-placed, and we are proud to be considered among his allies.

Wolves of the North - I never understood the wolves's hatred of us. We have approved their paths of enlightenment for inclusion among our own, and Odin is a god in the faith's pantheon. And yet, they rebuffed our efforts to aid them in their time of strife, accusing us of threatening them and their way of life. Surrounded as they are by enemies of their own making, they are incapable of recognizing a hand of friendship. Instead, they answer us with violence and betrayal.

Other Kingdoms

Aether - The destructive part of the cycle allows for room for rebirth an renewal. They would take and destroy permanently. Nul is a cunning foe, and one not to be underestimated. The abyss corrupts those who know the heretical magic that it allows. They would destroy all, and our only hope of salvation is to destroy them. Fortunately, none know how to fight the Abyss like the Invictus Imperium.

Aztlan - We remember when Aztlan marched into our lands without invitation. We remember when we decided that wasn't acceptable and we fought them to show that we would not let them trample all over us. We remember them slaughtering our civilians to pull then into their dark god's service and we remember Sir James Einsbrook. Their sins are many and not easily forgiven.

Diamond Congo - They have proven far too distracted by their own lust for violence and power to focus on the path of enlightenment. They look inward, but to conquer not themselves, but their rivals. Power without enlightenment is as hollow as their jungles will be, once all rivals are extinguished.

Jade Empire - Though the kingdom of the Jade Empire believe in the lie that is honor, they are good people and we are proud to have them as Dischordia's allies. They are trustworthy and dependable. They recognize the strength of belief, and, as a culture, hold true to the faith of their ancestors, and pay proper reverence to their god-Emperor, the Son of Heaven. 

Jukurrpa - Though we do not fully understand their beliefs, they understand the importance of faith, and have been open to hearing our message of enlightenment for all. They are a good people, and we are happy to have aided them in their struggle against the Aether. We hope to welcome them into Dischordia, soon.

Kingdom of the Iron Lotus - We haven't had sufficient interaction with the people of the Iron Lotus to truly understand them, but I have heard that Kali is very powerful. The people of her kingdom have boundless faith in her, and faith alone is a powerful thing, indeed. If she is a powerful ally or dangerous adversary remains to be seen.

Lazarus' Empire - Lazarus’ followers worship dead and false Gods, clinging to the past, and unable to move into the future. The unholy faith of the Council of Stars and their tainted followers have corrupted holy sites from long past, and their worship of such things marks them as our dire enemies. 

Ukhu Amarumaya - The people of Ukhu have boundless faith in their King Supay, their God of Death, that they would consider it a privilige to give their lives in sacrifice to him. Such devotion is admirable, and powerful, but, as long as they hold hostility in their hearts for King Pascal, we can be nothing but enemies.

Historical Information

A Western Coalition

What would later become the Empyrean Dysambigua began as several independent domains. The New Faith, Vancouver, and Archive, all attempted to bring Pascal into Dischordia. They worked to form a strong alliance dominating the western half of the kingdom.

Read more: (Foundation Era) Western Coalition

Archive Joins Appalachia

The harsh and forbidding nature of life in the mountains attracted few nobles to the Archive. Despite their many allies, the domain could not sustain on its own. Both Appalachia and the New Faith approached their allies with invitations to merge. The Praenomen, opened negotiations with Radu Bistri of the New Faith. After weeks of deliberation, the Archive agreed to join under the New Faith's banner. Yet, when it came time to sign the agreement, the Praenomen snubbed the New Faith.

Read more: (Foundation) Archive Joins Appalachia

Surveyor's Court

Empyrean Dysambigua grew in power during the Surveyor's Court. As Valley of the King faltered in their role as Surveyors, the Empyrean welcomed Pascal into the fold. Throughout the court, Unification Proclamation had suffered from prolonged internal conflict. After Prince Mercer emerged at the head of Unification, he too joined Bistri's domain. These mergers offered political advantage for both sides of the deal. Pascal and Mercer helped the Empyrean secure the Imperials' favor in the court.

An Alliance is Formed

Aranta-Shadur and Empyrean Dysambigua competed to win the Imperials' surveyor challenge. Each conquered significant territory, and there was no clear winner between the two. The opportunity to tip the balance in their favor came as other domains faltered. Whoever swayed these struggling domains to their banner would be the victor.

Read more: (Surveyor’s Court) Archive / Empyrean Alliance

War of Aether

Surveyor’s Court closed with the first strikes from the Kingdom of Aether. Nul's attack delivered a great blow to Empyrean. He tore opening the scar in Vancouver, reopening the Abyssal portal in that domain. The other Abyssal portal, in Miami, swallowed entire cities of the Unification. Bistri, Pascal, Uzumati, Mercer, and Siegfried fought for the survival of their people. Vancouver, used to fighting against their enemy, proved vital to their success.

Odin Returns

During the War, Odin returned to the Wolves of the North, After two and a half centuries of wandering. Upon his return, he sought to break from the control of the Society of Deus.

Read more: (War of Aether) Odin Returns

A Prideful Famine

After the Sept of the Black Sun broke away and joined the Wolves of the North, Empyrean fell into a famine. Without the Sept's wealth of natural food, Empyrean needed to turn to alternative methods to feed their people. Through New Faith’s rituals, they were able to produce enough food with magic to feed their domain.

Read more: (War of Aether) Prideful Famine (New Faith)

Court of Empires

Empyrean struggled in the early days of the Court of Empires. Poor etiquette and internal conflicts plagued their nobles. Clashes, insults, and breaches of etiquette threatened their alliance with Aranta-Shadur. Neither domain wished to lose such a powerful ally, however, so they agreed to overlook the offenses.

Read more: (Court of Empires; Empyrean)

War of Maelstrom’s Rebuke

Empyrean nobles learned that Alyosha Buljiev, Prince of Carpathia, planned a dark ritual. Upon further investigation, they learned that this ritual threatened to end the world.

Read more: (Court of Empires/War of Maelstrom's Rebuke)

Read more: (War of Maelstrom's Rebuke)

The Sublime Cataclysm

The tides of the war began to turn to their enemy’s favor. The Dischordian lords of prepared a spectacular attack to bring a swift end to the conflict. Sultan Suleiman, a master of spirit magic, led the largest ritual the kingdom had ever seen. New Faith ritualists, students of the Arcane Academy, and a million occultists gathered from all domains aided him. The sky itself bled with the power they summoned. Chunks torn from the spirit realms themselves bombarded Lazarus’ Empire. As each realm struck, it laid waste to thousands of miles of Lazarus' territory. Millions perished in an instant, as the realms destroyed immense swaths of land.

Read more: (Sublime Cataclysm)

Treaty of Maelstrom's Rebuke

The war ended one year, to the day, after the events which marked its beginning. Delegates from Dischordia and Lazarus met to solidify a treaty and bring the war to a close. Every kingdom sent diplomats to witness the signing, but each had ulterior motives. Each hoped to see their kingdom's goals reflected in the final document. The Treaty detailed terms of ceasefire, such as returning prisoners and withdrawing troops. Yet it also contained several initiatives which advanced specific agendas.

Read more: (Treaty of Maelstrom's Rebuke; Empyrean)