Nova Terra
Welcome!
Across the corners of Nova Terra exist a kaleidoscopic smallfolk named “Deva.” Identified by their small stature, pronounced ears and intimate relationship with magic, the Devan people are looked at with mystery and awe by the other races of the world. Devan association with magic is thought to be due to millenias of devotion to the natural world, and their abilities a gift in return by the progenitor god. Unlike any other known race on Nova Terra, almost all Deva are born with an attunement to the magic of their culture’s worship; yet, not all Deva choose to use their abilities, with some even rarely losing their abilities to do so after lengths of time without practice.
In a world of strife between humans and elves, mixed with the mysteries of magic across the realm, the Deva remain a wellspring of knowledge and magical abilities. Yet not all look at Deva as a positive influence, for the twisted workings of the magically inept humankind have started a war writ with blood of harvested Deva for their own monstrous arcane magic. Caught between the humans and the elves, Deva have mastered the art of melding with nature, yet recent beginnings have begun the whispers of change…
Magical Purpose
Most commonly seen types of magic, these elements are some of the most widely worshiped and practiced due to their abundance in the surrounding world: Fire, lightning, water, ice, earth, flora, wind
Rarer kinds of magic, these elements are practiced in less frequency by more specialized groups due to their less-tangible nature: solar, lunar, celestial, umbral, spirit
“Unnatural” magic; these are seen as highly controversial due to the means by which one must go through to harness them: Necromancy is seen as a direct insult to most Devan beliefs, a practice which goes against the natural order of the cycle of life. Deva who wish to gain necromantic abilities must seek out another who has already adopted the practice, and through initiation must sacrifice their most precious belonging, be it literal or metaphorical.
Arcane magic is an artificial amalgamation of man-made magic created by humans. With only a minute amount of humans capable of using magic, arcane devices were created to forcibly contain elements. Captured magic becomes extremely volatile and dangerous. The cores of these devices usually consist of materials such as Devan bones, horns, hair, or vials of blood. Most Deva find arcane magic to be an unethical monstrosity.
Hearth and Home
Due to their faithfulness to their culture’s worshiped magic, many Devan civilizations live in close conjunction with nature. Deva have been known to have carved great cave systems out of the sides of mountains, shaped treehomes within the branches or roots of great forests, or intricate dwellings of ice and snow within even glaciers. The Devan way of life is to live alongside nature, and to do as little to selfishly upset the fine balance they hold with it. It’s thought that halflings were inspired by plains dwelling Deva in the creation of their hillside homes.
Their ability to meld within their surroundings has become a prominent feature lending to the fae-like associations many hold with Deva. This skill has become highly important to Deva in the wake of capturing and poaching at the hands of those desiring Devan magic.
The World Around
Because of the reclusive nature adopted out of safety by many Devan groups, not many Deva are fully aware of the rich diversity and great numbers that exist of their people. Little has been recorded and compiled regarding differing groups of Deva because of their difficulty to locate.
Humans that utilize arcane magics are automatically highly distrusted by Deva, and known groups of humans specialized in hunting Deva for magical reagents are seen as irredeemable by most. Some humans and Deva have been known to have positive relations, a select few even coexisting with one another.
Elves are the closest in relation to Deva due to their magical affiliation, but developed cultural differences have created rifts between the two over time. Some elves have grown a certain amount of prejudice towards Deva, seeing them as wild, “uncivilized” people squandering away their magical abilities amidst their simple lives. In response to these elves, Deva see them as too materialistic, disrespecting their magical gifts and eroding their identities for the sake of “progress”.
Worship and Protection
As Deva are closely associated with nature and the elements, many groups of Deva exist in cooperation with all manner of animals and creatures. Most Devan groups have formed symbiotic relationships with specific kinds of indigenous animals, so much so that they become closely ingrained within their lives. These animals become symbolic to Deva, represented in their daily lives, art, architecture, and culture.
Some Deva civilizations will have specific animal partners or familiars, ones that are bonded to Deva partners for life, while others may have a single animal who has been deified to guardian status. These guardians may be worshiped and tended to by Deva in exchange for protection and prosperity. A select few groups of Deva are protected by especially powerful, enormous guardians whose incredible magical strength is reflected in their stature. These ancient megafauna, despite their gargantuan size, are mysteriously unbeknownst to most outside of the Deva they protect, hidden to the majority of the world sometimes in plain sight. Their magic helps in maintaining the natural balance of Nova Terra, and none have ever been threatened by mere mortals.
While all Deva under a megafauna's watchful eye are free to live alongside them, a few choice priest/priestesses are chosen to maintain and see to the needs of their guardian. While in some cultures this gives a place of power, others simply view it as a blessing and a duty to be seen to. Very few are able to actively communicate with the megafauna, but there are those whose hearts connect deeply with them in times of either need or prosperity.
Moderation
Important Info!
- You must be 18+ to own a Deva.
- As Deva are still in development and we'd like to keep them unique to their world, we ask that you please not use them for D&D or other commercial world-building. This only applies if you are using your Deva under the term “Deva.” Renaming them to a different race with none of the Deva lore is permitted.
- Please don't make your own Deva without permission from Myrthrae first. We are trying to carefully work on them and Nova Terra at a controlled and comfortable pace to better build what we hope can eventually be a fun community for anyone.
- At any point you disagree or dislike the lore of Nova Terra, you are welcome to repurpose your Deva into another setting without the Deva name, i.e. “Retiring.”
- The forced retirement of a Deva may occur for any rulebreaking, hateful content or blacklisting. The same rules for retirement apply: the character can be used freely outside the site and group, but it is no longer eligible for group participation.
- Excessive gossip, public or private drama that disrupts the calm nature of this group will result in repercussions and a potential ban for repeat offenses. While we understand many may find comfort within the community, we ask you keep such conversations within private DMs to prevent discomfort.
- No begging for free art, adopts, money, etc.
- All art/bases/commissions must be credited.
- Before selling any Deva existing within the Nova Terra universe, we ask you reach out to Myrthrae or the moderator team to let us know that you’d like to do so. This is for keeping track of created adopts, and allows Myrthrae to help you with the reselling process.