Andlosheim

Andlosheim (Endlesshome) is the fictional universe the Andlosheim video game series is set in. It is a seemingly endless world, split into two realms: the upper realm belonging to the gods called the Heavens, and the lower realm inhabited by the lesser races known to them known as the World. The lesser races also call it "Andlosheim" as it seems to have no physical limits—the land and sea stretches on despite how far one wanders—while the gods call it "Creation", referring to its status as the product of Ljost's efforts.

The exact age of the world is unknown, though the oldest civilization—the Shin—can trace itself back for several thousand years.

History

No single Andlosheim civilization knows the full history of their world—and neither do their records always match those of others. However, several facts have been confirmed, usually indirectly, with the help of the gods. It is known the world was created by Ljost, the All-father, and that he eventually entered a long rest, leaving his greatest child, Lag in control of Creation. Lag is believed to enforce the universal laws of Andlosheim, preventing both gods and magic from destroying Andlosheim—as they nearly during the Great War of the Gods prior to Ljost's sleep.

Geography

Andlosheim's geography does not seem to be influenced by geology, though it is affected by weather over the centuries. Its continents are massive, though ultimately insular. Large oceans separate the larger continents, which make it quite difficult for inter-sphere (Sidgardian sphere, Shine sphere, etc.) relations.

The four cardinal directions are difficult to determine, though not impossible. In the Sidgardian sphere, at least, mages have created magic compasses that point towards the Pristine Fountain, as it is the point with the largest pool of magical energy.

Inhabitants

Deities

Main article: Andlosheim deities

Ultra-powerful gods exist in the Heavens, one of Andlosheim's two known realms. Though their power is awesome compared to the lesser races, they are prevented from exercising it liberally by Lag, who limited their abilities and prohibited them from physically descending into the World following the Great War of the Gods—where Andlosheim was ravaged by the gods and their hosts.

Gods can and do share their power with their followers, however, who in return pay worship to the deity—thereby expanding its power.

Lesser races

Main article: Andlosheim races

The World is inhabited by numerous races. Humans are by far the largest, though elves and dwarves are also fairly common. "Lesser races" is used by the gods and most humans to describe the inhabitants of Andlosheim—though humans tend to exclude themselves from it, instead applying it to everyone else.

Blackspawn

The Blackspawn are not native to Andlosheim. Instead, they are creatures that enter the World via black holes, seemingly dimensionless bodies of darkness that can appear anywhere, instantly. A large incursion of Blackspawn is called an infestation and usually causes great damage and loss of life. The Blackspawn ravage the area around their black hole before being defeated by mortal armies. They spread decay—being in their presence for too long ("any at all" for lesser plant-life) causes one to wither, eventually becoming a black mass of unknown material. More sentient creatures undergo mutation, becoming corrupt and losing their sanity.

Little is known about them as they are difficult to study. Their home is inaccessible to the lesser races, as no-one who has entered a black-hole has returned. Great infestations are happening nearly around the clock—though have never been successively in the same location. Indeed, they are usually so far apart the different lesser races and countries aren't aware of the fact. The region around Sidgard, for example, sees an infestation only once every few hundred years.

Natural landmarks

Pristine Fountain

A large, clear fountain with seemingly no bottom. It is home to Siora and protected by the Kallayadeva, who have built their headquarters around it and its guardian, their muse. The location consequently attracts significant tourism from Sidgard and its surroundings.

Interestingly, Siora permits no one—not even the Kallayadeva to touch the fountain. The most stunning case is when he annihilated High Lich Gurva's army when he attempted to capture the fountain. Though the village around the fountain was eradicated by the High Lich's minions, Gurva was forced to withdraw when his army was defeated by Siora. How is unknown, as there were no other witnesses. However, it was recorded that a signifgicant storm raged over the area for days after the fact.

Miklaskr

The Miklaskr (Great Elk Tree) is a tree believed to exist somewhere in the World. It was created by Jor, the earth, and is the father of all plant-life. Some worship it as a god, though it does not communicate—but does lend its power to those who are good to its children. Its exact relationship with Gaea is unknown, though it is speculated to pre-date her, with Gaea forming as a result of its existence. Its form and location is known; some speculate the World is built on it, while others believe it to be somewhere else in the World. Others believe it is in the Heavens, with the gods eating from its branches to replenish themselves.

Civilizations

There exist an uncountable number of civilizations in Andlosheim—many of significant size and military power. However, the vasts distances involved largely prevent heavy conflict between them—indeed, most don't even know the others exist. The largest civilization near the heart of Andlosheim is Sidgard, though it is dwarfed in size and power by the Shin.

Longing Heart

Longing Heart is the name of a heart-shaped stone given to persons of interest by Siora. Their existence is unknown to most inhabitants of Andlosheim, including the gods. It is suspected they are granted to those with a passionate yearning or who are otherwise in a position to influence Andlosheim's fate. Many main characters in Andlosheim games are known to possess a Longing Heart. Elke Korraidhin is the most well-known.

Over time, Longing Hearts improve the health, senses, and magical affinity of the wearer. They also provide protection against the Blackspawn and life-threatening poisons. Wearer seem to have clearer heads, becoming more in tune with the world around them and what they should do to take in their chosen direction. At least one holder of a Longing Heart is known (by Andlosheim players) to have disappeared from the World.

Longing Hearts are usually contained or held by a mineral or metal body. Their sizes can vary. Elke's Heart is relatively large and decorated with black onyx bands forming a barrier around the heart. It is worn as a pendant, though most tend to be earrings.