The Aesir are a noble and ancient race of Elf that were shaped from the essence of water and ocean by the lineage of water dragons known as the Dragon Turtle. These vast and powerful beings, champions of the Primus gods, vanquished the Elementari of Water during The Planar Rapture and established their dominion over the seas. They blessed the Aesir with adaptability, resilience, and a profound connection to the aquatic realms.
The Aesir were created as stewards of the oceans, tasked with preserving balance and harmony in the world's waters. From the depths of the oceans to the flowing rivers and sprawling lakes of The Sea Realm, the Aesir thrived as caretakers of water—the lifeblood of creation. Their enduring connection to their progenitors, the Dragon Turtles, is evident in their mastery of Water-Rifting and their bond with marine life.
Physical Traits
- Aquatic features such as gills, webbed hands, and shimmering scales in hues of blue, green, and silver.
- Mastery of hydromancy allows the Aesir to summon and manipulate water with unparalleled precision.
- Exceptional swimmers, the Aesir can navigate the ocean depths and endure extreme underwater conditions.
Society and Culture
The Aesir inhabit underwater cities and coastal enclaves, the most renowned being Atla, their capital and spiritual heart. Constructed from coral, bioluminescent materials, and treasures of the deep, Atla serves as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Aesir.
Governed by the Eldar Court, a council of hydromancers, scholars, and nobles, Aesir society is a harmonious blend of tradition and progress. Their culture is rich with vibrant festivals, maritime lore, and a deep reverence for the sea and its creatures.
Avatars of the Sea
Among the greatest legacies of the Aesir is the Cycle of the Sea Avatars, a divine role first established by Mythia, eldest of the primordial Dragon Turtles. The cycle began with the ascension of Avatar Atla, the founder of the underwater city of Atla and the first mortal chosen to undertake the Trial of Mythia.
The Trial of Mythia
The Trial of Mythia is a sacred rite undertaken in the Atlan Abyss, a deep and treacherous underwater cavern located within the Abythis Sea Trench. Here, the chosen must gaze upon the Seastone, a primordial artifact imbued with wisdom from the Riftways bound to the Plane of Aquos, the birthplace of all water. The Seastone reveals truths from beyond mortal comprehension, granting the avatar unparalleled insight into the balance of the seas and their role as its protector.
Those who complete the trial ascend as the Avatar of the Sea, imbued with the essence of Aquos and charged with maintaining harmony across the aquatic realms. The cycle renews every 3,000 to 4,000 years, with a new avatar chosen upon the death or passing of their predecessor.
Lineage of the Avatars
Avatar Atla: The first avatar and founder of the underwater city that bears his name. Atla united the once-disparate tribes of the Aesir and established the Eldar Court to govern their civilization. His wisdom and leadership set the standard for all avatars who would follow.
Avatar Vapora: A legendary figure in Aesir history, Vapora rose during the Third Age to confront the World Eater Serpent, a Revenant Titan that threatened to swallow the seas. With the aid of Storm Giant Paramount Thoryn, Vapora led a coalition of Aesir, giant, and marine creatures to hunt the serpent across the oceans. Though Vapora succeeded in defeating the Revenant Titan, the battle came at great cost, leaving scars upon the Sea Realm that lingered for millennia.
Avatar Typhon: The current avatar, Typhon, inherited a world still haunted by the lingering curse of the World Eater Serpent. With the aid of The Sunsations, a heroic band of adventurers, Typhon broke the curse that had tainted the Sea Realm for ages. Typhon is a steadfast protector of the oceans, known for his unyielding resolve and his ability to forge alliances even in the direst circumstances.
Legacy
Unlike many of the other elven civilizations during the Third Age, the Aesir did not participate in the The Riftfire Rebellion or the preceding War of the Wyrmborn. The Aesir hold an enduring reverence for the Dragon Turtles, who not only created their race but also safeguarded the seas during the Planar Rapture. While most Dragon Turtles are believed to have perished or entered eternal slumber, their legacy lives on through the Aesir and the Cycle of the Avatars. Mythia, the last known primordial protector, remains a symbol of hope and guidance for the Aesir.
The Aesir face numerous threats, from surface incursions by rival civilizations to the lingering dangers of the Revenant Titans. The World Eater Serpent, though defeated, left scars upon the seas, and whispers of its spawn haunt the depths. The Aesir remain vigilant, knowing their role as protectors of the aquatic realms is both a sacred duty and an unending battle.
The Aesir stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Dragon Turtles and the Cycle of the Avatars, a race shaped by water and destined to protect its eternal flow. Their story is one of resilience, unity, and a sacred duty to preserve the balance of the world’s seas.