1. The Two Realms
A. The Mortal Realm: Aeralis
The physical, human world where nations rise, wars are fought, and people lived unaware (or only partially aware) of the divine realm's full scale.
After the Godfall, divine fragments fell into Aeralis, giving rise to Markbearers humans granted power from shattered gods.
Magic exists, but only the Marked can truly wield it with any potency, drawn from the divine residue embedded within their souls.
B. The Divine Realm: Vezenor
A plane above Aeralis not a physical heaven, but a dimensional echo where gods, forgotten spirits, and primordial truths dwell.
Once directly connected to Aeralis via the Veins of Light, divine conflict shattered most bridges. Only Markbearers or sacred rituals can breach the border.
It's fractured, with areas ruled by fragments of dead gods, divine echoes, or living survivors of the clash.
THE MORTAL CONTINENT: ALVYR
The largest landmass in Aeralis, fractured by history and touched by godfire.
1. Lilvia (The Pale Flame Kingdom)
Where the protagonist Cael was born and where the Bright God died.
A kingdom of white stone cities, shifting deserts,luscious forest and once-glorious holy orders.
After the Godfall, Lilvia became unstable Seers now rule much of the land, hunting uncontrolled Markbearers and enforcing divine "purity."
Known for cradle-magic relics and altars that respond to divine marks.
2. Velharad (The Iron Pact Dominion)
A militarized, cold empire in the north, ruled by a trinity of warlords who forged an alliance with a surviving minor god of steel and storms.
Markbearers here are conscripted early and trained as weapons in massive "Crucible Bastions."
Home to the Trial Arks, artificial ruins used to simulate divine challenge.
3. Thalassira ( the water kingdom )
Thalassira is an ancient ocean kingdom hidden between deep waters and drifting sanctuaries.
Known for its glowing underwater cities and tidal magic, it was once blessed by a Sea God. Its people, the Thalassene, are graceful and secretive, attuned to the currents and rain. Though peaceful in appearance, Thalassira guards powerful sea-forged defenses and has a lot of deep secrets
THE PATH OF ASCENT: SEVEN STAGES OF THE MARKED
Markbearers are individuals "chosen" or scarred by divine fragments. Their growth isn't linear it requires enduring the Seven Divine Trials, each unlocking a deeper layer of power.
Stage 1: Emberborn
The mark awakens raw, unstable power.
Traits: Burning pulse, elemental surges, fragmented visions.
Most die or stagnate at this stage.
Stage 2: Ashwalked
Survive your first Trial usually a test of the body or a brush with death.
Power stabilizes, and you gain a Vessel Trait (a unique ability tied to the god's fragment).
Stage 3: Kindled Soul
Trial of Choice faced with a moral or spiritual dilemma that shapes your mark's path.
Divine resonance increases. Some can access Echoes of Vezenor.
Stage 4: Fireveined
Trial of Burden carry someone else's pain, history, or legacy into yourself without breaking.
Power becomes partially externalized (summoned weapon, aura, or divine limb).
Stage 5: Blazeheart
Trial of nature one must become one with the world, and the world must become one with them without losing themselves in the process
Stage 6: Godmarked
Trial of Origin one must return to where their mark was born or where their god fragment fell and face a trial left by the god.
Can fully manifest a Divine Avatar for a short time (a physical expression of their mark's power).
Stage 7: Flame Beyond Flame
Final trial unknown
Results unknown