1. Races

Nal’kyr

The Nal'Kyr are a race of beings that claim to bear traces of celestial blood. They are limited in number and largely isolated, with only a few scattered communities existing in the world.The Nal’kyr are a rare and mysterious race, with a celestial heritage that is evident in their physical appearances. They are known for their striking beauty, with high cheekbones and sharp features that give them a regal and otherworldly appearance. They have a natural grace and poise that draws the eye, and their skin is often a shade of blue or purple, hinting at their connection to the heavens. They are frequently tall, with a lean and athletic build. They possess a pointed chin and high cheekbones, and their eyes are often a deep, piercing blue. Their hair is often silver or white and in certain occasions may emit a natural glow that makes them appear ethereal.


Despite their celestial heritage, the Nal’kyr are able to blend in with common races, thanks to their ability to conceal their otherworldly traits. They are able to pass unnoticed among humans and elves in particular, making them excellent spies and negotiators. They possess a natural charm and charisma, and are skilled at reading people and playing them to their advantage. They are also highly intelligent and strategic, always looking for ways to gain an edge and secure their place in the world. They are limited in number and largely isolated, but those who are fortunate enough to encounter them are often forever changed by the experience.

Society

The Nal'kyr are a highly organized and structured society with a clear hierarchy of three castes, each with its own specific duties and responsibilities. The highest caste is the Astralaphim (the noble caste), which is made up of the High Priestess, the Council of Elders, and the members of the Seraphic Order. The second highest caste is the Luminaries (the scholar caste), which is made up of the scholars, sages and star-seers. The third and final caste is the Starborn (the commoner caste), which is made up of the commoners, skilled workers, and the priests and priestesses.


At the top of this hierarchy is the High Priestess, who serves as the leader and spiritual guide for the Nal'kyr people. The High Priestess is chosen by the Council of Elders, a group of the most senior and respected members of the Nal'kyr community. This council is responsible for the overall governance of the Nal'kyr, making decisions on matters of law, religion, and diplomacy.

 

Beneath the High Priestess and the Council of Elders is the Seraphican Order, the elite warriors and protectors of the Nal'kyr. They are responsible for the defence of the Nal'kyr community, and are often sent on missions to protect and aid other celestial beings or support their agents in this plane. They are highly trained in both combat and healing magic, and are considered the most outrightly powerful members of the Nal'kyr society.


The Nal'kyr  have a strong tradition of scholarship and knowledge, and the scholars and sages play a vital role in their society. They are responsible for the preservation and study of both Nal'kyr and world history, and are often called upon to advise the Council of Elders on matters of law and religion. They also serve as teachers, training the next generation of Nal'kyr in the ways of their people.


Beneath the Seraphican Order and the scholars are the commoners, who make up the majority of the Nal'kyr population. They are responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Nal'kyr society, working as farmers, craftsmen, and merchants. They are also responsible for the maintenance of the Nal'kyr's sacred temples and shrines, and they often serve as the priests and priestesses who tend to the needs of the celestial beings who visit their community.


Despite the clear hierarchy and defined roles within the Nal'kyr society, they are a close-knit and harmonious community. They place great importance on family and community, and they are fiercely loyal to their people. They are also deeply spiritual, with a strong connection to the celestial beings and the divine. This connection is reflected in their daily lives, with many Nal'kyr dedicating themselves to religious devotion and service. 

City of Aurielle

The Nal'kyr call the ancient, mystical forests of Faleaneth their home. Here, they have constructed a society that seamlessly blends into the natural environment, using the trees and rocks to create an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere. The most prominent feature of Nal'kyr settlements are the towering ziggurat structures, built with finely placed stones. These pyramids serve as both religious and government centers, with the highest levels reserved for the ruling caste and the lower levels open to the public.


The Nal'kyr also make use of open-air amphitheaters, where they gather to hear wise words from their scholars and sages, or to partake in sacred rituals. The architecture of the Nal'kyr is designed to be in harmony with the natural landscape, and their buildings are often built into rocky cliffs or nestled among the trees. The Nal'kyr are skilled at using natural materials such as wood and stone, and their structures blend seamlessly into their surroundings.


The Nal'kyr have a deep reverence for nature, and their settlements reflect this. Gardens and parks are common features, and the Nal'kyr take great care to preserve the natural beauty of the forest. They use natural light to illuminate their buildings, and their streets are often lined with lanterns made of woven branches and leaves. The Nal'kyr believe that living in harmony with nature brings them closer to the celestial realm, and their settlements are a reflection of this belief.


The Nal'kyr society is closely knit, and their settlements are designed to foster a sense of community. Public spaces such as plazas and marketplaces are bustling with activity, and the Nal'kyr often gather to share news, trade goods, and share stories. The Nal'kyr are a peaceful people, and their settlements are designed to be safe and secure, with patrols of paladins and guards keeping watch over the community. The Nal'kyr are a proud people, and their settlements are a reflection of their celestial heritage, and the harmony they have achieved with nature