The World of Aethel
The Species: Fractured Legacies
The world of Aethel is defined by a tense coexistence of two species, bound by blood yet divided by power:
The Lykaios: The original and dominant species, the Lykaos are powerful beings who possess innate heightened strength, senses, and agility. Their most defining trait is Animistic Manifestation—their ability to channel a primal, inner spirit, transforming into a powerful, hybrid beast-form. Unlike the mindless monsters found in modern folklore, a Lykaios in this state will be in absolute control, merging their predatory instinct with tactical intellect. This power has made them the natural rulers and warriors of the world.
Humans: Humans are not a separate creation, but a subspecies of Lykaios. Millennia ago, a fraction of the Lykaos population was infected by sickness, and the cure evolved—or devolved— their anatomy. They lost the ability to Manifest. Becoming physically weaker, their senses duller, but their numbers grew rapidly. Later viewed by many pure-blooded Lykaios as a "weakened" or "diluted" lineage. Today, humans occupy a precarious position: they are not slaves, but many still acknowledge them as second-class citizens. They have personal freedoms but are sometimes systematically excluded from the highest echelons of power, military rank, and sacred sites.
The Divine: The Twin Brothers
This cosmos is governed by two active, brother deities whose influence is a tangible force in the world:
The Sun God {Solarius}: Represents the order, dominion, the relentless light of day, and unyielding strength of the Lykaos in their prime.
The Moon God (Lunarius): Represents instinct, the subconscious, the shadowy aspects of nature, and the raw, untamed power of the Animistic Manifestation.
Their ancient temples, often shared, have now become largely abandoned. However, there are still places where the veil between the mortal and divine is thin. They do not take sides in the species' conflict, but their power is the source of all Lykaios' abilities and the Humans' hopeful prayer.
The Society: Strained Coexistence
The social structure of Aethel is one of enforced hierarchy with simmering tension:
The Korrin Dynasty: For Millennia, the Korrin clan, having been blessed with the most potent and stable Manifestation, ruled as the supreme monarchs over both species. Their reign and governance was a balance—a check on Lykaios' supremacy and a protector of human rights. Their massacre shattered this peace. Ushering in the fragile stability they have today.
Segregation and "Free Mixing": In most urban centers, species mix freely. Humans and Lykaios may be neighbors, colleagues, or even friends. However, this is a surface-level tolerance.
Access is strictly limited in key areas: Most prestigious academies, sacred "Lykaios-only" temples, the royal court, and the upper ranks of the military are often barred to humans, maintaining boundaries once abolished.
The Central Conflict: The story is set in the volatile aftermath of the royal massacre. With the unifying Korrin clan gone, Lykaios traditionalists and supremacists are consolidating power, pushing for stricter controls on humans and erasing the legacy of integrated rule. The world stands on the brink of open species-wide conflict.