The lowest domain as dictated in Somnolence, also sometimes colloquially known as Hell. It is the home of demons, and is characterized by intense pressure resembling that of the bottom of the Earth's oceans. Its extreme makeup makes it nearly impossible for any other than demons to survive within it. It can be divided into six 'layers', and the Progenitors are said to reside in its deepest part.

A domain that resides outside of all existence, as dictated in Somnolence. It is said to be the birthplace of the Sleeping Gods, as well as their final resting place.

Angels are the lowest and most common caste in angel society, making up most of the population. Born with two wings and deemed to have little to no aptitude for other roles, they are the 'worker bees' of their people and have no say in how their society functions.

Also known as the "first children", angels are a species that reside in the Heavenly Domain and are known for their beautiful, pristine wings. They have a strict and traditional caste society where angels are organized into roles based on their aptitude and number of wings, which develop as they age.

Archangels are a 3rd Order angel caste who are currently tasked with living among humans and reporting back on their evolution and beliefs. Archangels are often unallowed to return to their Domain until a certain time period is up, but have to be careful to not let humanity brush off on them too much, or else they face the danger of persecution from their superiors.

A moment told in Somnolent legend where (often humans) manage to enter Aether and commune with the Sleeping Gods. The Somnolae preach that this will be the moment where the Gods return to their children, and is the ultimate goal.

An illegal manipulation of magic wherein the ability to use magic is gifted to one who couldn't use it prior to the procedure. This is usually done through a special kind of tattooing, and is an unsafe practice, so many avoid it despite the benefits it can offer.

The name of one of the two Sleeping Gods, clad in white. Bezalel was the one who created life from Oneiros’s dreams, and is said to have birthed the universe through their will and love.

A branch of Somnolence that worships the White God, Bezalel, and is considered blasphemous by the Somnolent Church. They believe that Bezalel's physical creation of all life warrants undivided faith, and see art as the highest form of devotion to their God. Some also believe that Bezalel created everyone differently in order to encourage strife, and seek violence as a means of serving them.

A Somnolent position wherein the sole appointed Bishop is one of two of the Eminent’s advisors. Bishops also inherit control of “The Right Hand”. The role of a Bishop lies in learning and managing information, upholding the Somnolence’s dogma, and guiding the current Eminent to a prosperous future.

A holiday in which demons from all Domains will gather, often on Earth, under a blood moon and commemorate the day that they first waged war on the angels. It is one of the few occasions that demons intentionally gather in any number, and although they often stick to their own communities, it’s a dangerous day for humans who aren’t careful. Festivities include storytelling, art & music, drinking, an impromptu parade, and chaos.

Cherubim are a 1st Order angel caste who used to be tasked with communing with the Gods before their departure. They are now often bookkeepers, tacticians, or are charged with transcribing all events in the universe.

The “heart” of an angel. A core is said to be made of hardened stardust and been blessed by the Gods with a soul. This soul manifests into a living being using the core’s energy, forming flesh and blood that is of a higher functionality than most organisms. When the body takes enough damage or loses enough energy, the soul will retreat into the core to recover. Only by directly harming the exposed core afterwards can one do any real damage to an angel. If a core is shattered, it’s said that the soul will eventually die, as it is unable to recover or be supplied with mana.

A process in which demons use magic to change the biology of a human, transforming them into a creature made of ichor, like themselves. This allows them access to the Abyssal Domain and acceptance as a demon, but for some, the cost is too high. The process is painful and difficult, and only some demons are capable of doing it.

An angel-specific illness wherein an afflicted angel becomes feverish and unresponsive due to excessive stress, whether mental or physical. The angels often wrap themselves in their wings, forming a 'cradle', until they are able to recover. If it progresses too far, the angel might lose their physical form until they can regain their strength properly.

Taking place every June 20th, it is a holiday celebrated regularly by the Somnolae and angels alike. It is supposedly the day that the Sleeping Gods brought the first angels into existence, and is practiced by attending a large group Mass, drinking, and spending extra time with loved ones.

The continent in which Lex Talionis takes place, characterized by an oceanic climate and mild weather, aside from its near-constant rainy season. It is isolated and surrounded by the ocean on all sides, and has only recently opened up to foreign influence.

A byproduct of the first angel rebellion in Heaven. As punishment for their insolence, any who fought in the rebellion were cast down to the Abyssal Domain, where the intense environment morphed their biology and created the first demons. Alhough they are categorized under one species name, demons are exceptionally diverse and seem to be bound by precious few natural laws.

The planes of existence, or dimensions, that make up the universe as dictated by Somnolence. They can be divided into four groups: The Abyssal Domain, where demons live- the Terrestrial Domain, where humans live- the Heavenly Domain, where angels live- and Aether, where the Sleeping Gods are said to reside.

Dominions are a 2nd Order angel caste who are tasked with spywork, governance and reconnaissance of all threats to the Sleeping Gods' universe, regardless of which Domain it may be. Their job is usually to infiltrate a perceived threat and gather intelligence, and sometimes involves the immediate disposal of that threat if required by the Thrones.

A Somnolent position in which the chosen individual becomes the next sovereign of Somnolence, and is tasked with guiding the religion into peace and prosperity throughout the rest of their lifespan. As someone with great political power in Gaelen, where the religion was founded, they are capable of changing laws, guiding armies, furthering research, and much more.

An old structure on a cliff overlooking the ocean to the far west of Cynefin, said to date back to the first days of human life. It resembles an astrolabe or sundial, but it is neither. Studies suggest it may have been a way for the first humans to interact with their former angel companions, but how it is used is still up to individual speculation.

A small town located just south of the Sanctum of Dreams. Many salesmen set up here, as they’re paid handsomely by the Somnolae to give their goods to the poor living within the monastery walls. As such, the town is bustling with trade and crafts of all kinds, and is also under the heavy protection of the Holy Order.

An angel who was persecuted for insubordination or otherwise being a threat to the safety of angel society. Most fallen angels are judged at a trial, then undergo a ceremony in which they have their wings permanently removed before being cast out of Heaven. Those that survive are often bitter or hateful, and are dangerous to be around.

The war in which an angel rebellion, spearheaded by Lucifer, started an uprising in angel society. It ended with the rebellion being sent to the Abyssal Domain as punishment, and the remaining angels now look back on this day with both pride and sadness.

A military base held by the Holy Order. It was a remnant left over from an old war that the Somnolae have since claimed as their own. It’s often used simply for a bunker for soldiers who patrol the nearby Port Horizon.

"Portals" which can be used to move between Domains. The easiest gates are created between the Terrestrial and Abyssal Domains, which is why there are many demons prowling Earth. To date, no human has been able to open a gate to the Heavenly Domain.

The country that serves as the setting of Lex Talionis. It is very traditional and resistant to change, due to being isolated from the world for so long, but it has recently opened its borders to outside influence and is becoming divided in its beliefs. The Gaelen government is almost a ghost, as it is the Somnolent Church which dictates its laws.

The language used by the first angels, which has carried through angel society even today. Some traces of it exist on Earth, and is sometimes still spoken by ancient demons.

A moderate-sized city on the southeastern coast of Gaelen. It is decorated with many art pieces depicting a fearsome sea serpent, and the local hero who slayed it, Cadfael. It is home to many users of magic and is also well-known for its many outdoor cafes.

A classification of demon denoting one of half demon, half human blood. Half-demons are born through demon/human intercourse and grow like any other human children, but they often show signs of their demon heritage in the embodiment of ichor-armor, horns, or the ability to wield abyssal magic. Their biology makes it impossible for them to live in the Abyssal Domain, so many find themselves stranded on Earth, where they are sometimes hunted by those afraid of demons.

The highest domain as dictated in Somnolence. It is the home of angels, and is characterized by low gravity, intense heat and bright lights, and very minimalist architecture traditional to angelkind. It is said that the only gate to Aether resides within this Domain, and the angels protect it fiercely.

A human classification that denotes one's ability to use magic, usually found only amongst nobles. Over the course of Gaelen's history, magic- said to be all that remains from the first humans- has dwindled, and became something precious to humanity, as well as a way of enforcing class divide. Nobles nearly always try to keep high-born amongst themselves, but that hasn't stopped the decrease in magic users over the years, only made it worse.

A military force composed of knights who all follow the teachings of Somnolence, and who directly serve the Eminent. For the most part, their job is to patrol Gaelen and protect its citizens from demons or other threats, but they are easily weaponized if deemed necessary.

Descendents of angels who, after the end of the First War, were said to have grown weary of conflict and who decided to abandon their wings in favor of living honestly on the land their Gods had provided. Although they all used to be able to use magic, that has been fading lately, giving them a reputation of being 'lesser' than their supernatural counterparts. Their ingenuity and ability to adapt has served them well, though, and they harbor the capacity for ambition and tendency to unite that neither demons nor angels are capable of.

A black, slime-like substance that makes up most of a demon's biology. It is malleable, allowing for easy shapeshifting, and can be hardened to serve as armor for some demons. Its genetic makeup is still something of a mystery, but humans are already starting to find uses for harvested ichor, such as in creating weapons or even some medicines.

A faction within the Somnolent Church that focuses on worldwide intel gathering and protection against dangerous threats. Although it might sound like an army, The Left Hand is actually an extensive spy network that reports back to the Rook, and few know anything more than that they exist. Although they preach global safety, some of their members are less like spies and more like trained assassins; they will resort to whatever means necessary to accomplish their goals discreetly.

A human classification that denotes one's inability to use magic, and is often seen as a lesser alternative to being high-born, despite taking up the vast majority of the human species today. Although they can't use magic, many of them still become intimately familiar with it, either through research, or - if one's desperate enough - through augmentation.

Generalized, magic is the makeup of the universe, and can be found in all things. Different magic is found in different Domains, and only some have the aptitude to manipulate or control it. In humans, those born with magical capabilities can only manifest it in one specific way; a high-born who can use fire, for example, will never be able to read minds or heal wounds. Some believe it carries memories of the past, or is what souls are made of.

A small, anti-Somnolence group, led loosely by Engel Wicker. They claim to be the church's "Nemesis", and devote their every action to undermining its efforts and plans, even through violence.

Spoken of only in legends, nephilim are the supposed offspring of an angel and a demon, and are said to be able to wield both Holy and Abyssal magic. As angels do not typically produce offspring through copulation, however, the chances of nephilim being born are nigh impossible. Commonly seen in human media, as humans are fascinated by the idea of nephilim existing at all.

A branch of Somnolence that worships the Black God, Oneiros, and is considered blasphemous by the Somnolent Church. They believe that Oneiros's initial conception of the universe was intended to be flawless and peaceful, but that Bezalel stole their dreams and ruined them, creating a world of war and chaos. They see angelkind as being the true inheritors of the universe, and will use and sacrifice themselves to assist angels in everything they can.

The name of one of the two Sleeping Gods, clad in black. Oneiros was the one who envisioned how the world should be, and is said to have birthed the universe through their hopes and dreams.

The caste classification system used by angels. The 1st Order is signified by angels who have six wings, and is made up of Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. The 2nd Order is assigned to those who have four wings, and is made up of Dominions, Virtues, and Powers. The 3rd Order is the lowest caste, belonging to angels who have only two wings, and is composed of Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

An empty core which can be imbued with a soul in order to give life to an angel or seradem. While extremely rare, orphan cores can be found across the universe. Angels, who can only reproduce by finding new cores, are constantly on the lookout so as to sustain their numbers. Orphan cores also have another use, however; an existing angel soul can be transferred into one, thereby allowing injured angels to have new, healthy bodies. As a result, they are in very high demand.

A large, bustling city located at the southernmost edge of Cynefin. Boats are commonly seen coming in and out with trade from other countries here, and although its inhabitants are crowded and busy, they have access to many goods that the rest of the country does not.

Powers are a 2nd Order angel caste who are regularly tasked with hunting and exterminating demons and fallen angels, but who also sometimes are ordered to eliminate any threats found by the Dominions. They're the most common warriors of angel society, and often take orders from their superiors, the seraphim.

A social activity wherein angels pair up and preen one another’s wings. Preening is also sometimes done in greater numbers, where an entire community gathers in a circle and preens. It is known to be one of their favorite bonding activities, so much so that there are entire days set aside for it.

Principalities are a 3rd Order angel caste who are tasked with simply obeying the commands of the Thrones, usually regarding management of their own society or the protection or destruction of certain factions of humanity. They never act without an order and serve as a sort of clean-up force.

A term which denotes the very first demons to exist, who were formerly angels who partook in the rebellion. Although there used to be many, they have been hunted by angels after their reemergence from the Abyssal Domain, and now only six of them remain. They still retain their cores and wings that they had as angels, but have adapted to live in Hell.

A core that once belonged to an angel, but has been “wiped clean” of its previous inhabitant, rendering it nothing more than a slightly-energized crystal. Although useless on its own, new research suggests that angels can be introduced to these new cores in a way that allows for outside magical suppression and control, like a 'puppet'.

A more recent event in which a group of fallen angels, having been scorned by the heavens, rallied in an attempt at overtaking the Heavenly Domain. Although it isn't uncommon for fallen angels to attempt such a thing, it was particularly noteworthy because of how many angels joined their cause, especially those from the 3rd Order. It was a bloody moment in angel history, and ended with the mass killings of the participants of the revolution.

A faction within the Somnolent Church that focuses on theological research, finding lost artifacts of their religion or the supernatural, and giving sermons across churches worldwide. They report to the Bishop and have become influential in the sciences, and have made several recent breakthroughs in the studies of demon and angel physiologies.

A Somnolent position wherein the sole appointed Rook is one of two of the Eminent’s advisors. Rooks also inherit control of “The Left Hand”. The role of a Rook lies in protecting all Somnolae against threats, both natural and supernatural, as well as being informed of all global occurrences and guiding the current Eminent to a victorious future.

A grand monastery located in Eastern Cynefin, and the headquarters for all of Somnolence. The Eminent, Bishop, and Rook all live here, but it is also home to many of the poor or injured. The monastery expands into a large collection of towns protected by an imposing wall, and at the center is the church.

A classification of demon denoting a demon which was created by imbuing a core with a soul, the same creation method which gives birth to angels. Seradem appear roughly the same as angels, except they always have horns and their wings are black instead of white. Many find conflict in their creation, but they are unwelcome among angel society and so often stay aligned with demons.

Seraphim are a 1st Order angel caste who are known as the Gods' elite warriors, unrivaled in power by any being in the universe. They often act alone and seek to enact the will of their Gods through their power.

A sword crafted by the Right Hand, and is currently in the possession of Caim Ardgall. It is a magical weapon said to be able to harvest the souls of angels.

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The essence of a living being, which contains memories and thoughts. It is a magical substance that can be picked out if one knows what to look for, but transference is incredibly difficult and has only been managed by angels who transfer their souls to an orphan core.

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Description

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