Lore


The Kallitrix Brewery

In the magical society of ages past, there were a select handful of witches who worked together to defy the course of nature, creating an elixir for immortality. This caused much controversy between the witches and other magical creatures, but primarily within the witch community, and the elixir vanished under mysterious circumstances. Shortly after, their ranks fractured into the three covens we know of now (Imperium, Veritas, Sacrementum) and amidst much bloodshed, a generational treasure hunt for the lost formula began.

Nowadays, the remaining witches have hidden themselves away from the world, relying on a species called Kallitrix to perform various tasks for them while they focus on working and searching for the elixir.

In a modern world where the existence of magic is popularized, Kallitrix are the witches' solution to a growing demand and dwindling supply. The first Kalli was brewed centuries ago, and they were far and few between due to the difficult potion making process. Modern advancements and a better understanding of soul essence has expedited this process.

World History

Beginning

In the beginning, ancient magic ran rampant through the four corners of the world, largely unchecked as it birthed creation and spawned destruction. When this unknown energy, dubbed Cantatrix, encroached on civilization, groups of magic users known as Witches rose up to harness the old power. Witches came from any and every species, but the majority of them were humans who were predisposed to handle magic. Their efforts granted them powers beyond the natural world, but there was a great equalizer that restrained their lifespan to 100-120 years. In their old age, they would become withered and diseased as Cantatrix took back what was rightfully hers--their life. For this reason, many Witches of other species abandoned their position, electing to live their long lives in peace. For humans, however, the trade of a horrible death was worth the extra ~30 years of life and access to magic. Unable to relinquish the power they had gotten so used to, humans eventually became the only species to invest everything they had into magic.








Tanya bonded with the bears and other large, dangerous animals in the beastiary/animal sanctuary. If not friend, then why friend-shaped?

Past

Witches were lauded as the saviors of the world, and it became commonplace for any competent Witch to have dozens of clients lining up at their doors for magical services. A potion to change your fate, a spell to become the person you've always dreamed you were, and even abilities to manipulate others were at the fingertips of those who called upon the Witches and could pay the price of Soul Essence. Eventually, the demand outgrew the supply, and a group of precocious Witches rose to the top ranks with their secret weapon--the Kallitrix. Magical beings brewed from potions, specifically designed to help Witches with any range of magical tasks. Those who had access to Kallitrix had also discovered what they believed to be the true use of Soul Essence: creation of Life.








Mishka was small at this time and Tanya occasionally got in trouble for sneaking him into her classes in her hat or robes.

With the help of Kallitrix, the Witches' work lessened, leaving them with more time to uncover the secrets of magic and The Cantatrix herself. In particular, this spurred a collection of witches to tackle the issue of their lifespan, wishing to live longer than any other species. Their labor yielded the heralded elixir of immortality, and once the word spread amongst the community that it would not be shared with every Witch, permanent collapse of magical society became imminent.








Trap me in a glass or vial,

Find me for your own survival

Those who covet me are many,

Careful of their frenzied envy

Scattered in Verdance's lands,

Protect me from Her bloodied hands

Consume me in your final hour

Cantatrix behold my power



Indeed, it was shortly after that all hell broke loose. Witch turned against Witch, for none knew who could have been part of the inner circle, and ranks splintered, creating the three covens we know of today: Imperium, Veritas, and Sacrementum. Each coven had different views on how to find the elixir and how to use it, and for decades they remained at each other's throats. During this period, every coven and their Kalli were on the run, scattered across the world and leaving a trail of tears and blood behind them. By the end of a century, half of the world's Witches had lost their lives.








Tanya attempted to write her thesis on a previous Imperium coven leader, but was blocked because that coven leader turned out to be her grandma, who she could have just talked to, and that was too easy. Then, she just wrote about the origins of the myths surrounding some nearby mountain.

Present

In the present day, Witches are in short supply. Under the spell of generational paranoia, they've hidden themselves far away from human society, which continued to evolve without them. Despite the acknowledgement of magic and magical creatures in the world, society largely functions without the use of magic. In order to continue their research and treasure hunt for the fabled elixir, each coven has brewed countless amounts of Kalli and sent them into society to pose as humans and collect Soul Essence. Perhaps one day they would return to power, but for now, Witches remain in this world as casualties of Cantatrix.








Tanya did her best in her classes, but where she truly excelled was sports, especially rugby. She became the captain of the school's team by her third year.

The Making of Kallitrix

Kallitrix are created from a potion mix with a defining main ingredient, which can be anything from a medicinal herb to a spice/toxic plant to a ground-up crystal, and so on. This is then paired with distilled soul essence, a property of life that can only be collected from creatures with a conscience. Each unique potion is then bottled and placed into a Kalli's vitral so that they may draw upon it to fuel their life and magic.








Inside your den my body hisses,

Help me lest I grow too listless

Essence fills me to the brim,

Ignore me to your own chagrin

Respect me as a fine tradition,

Use me at your own volition



When Kallitrix are born, their witch can imbue them with as much magical knowledge as they please. This allows most Kallis to enter the world with a firm grasp of magic and sense of purpose. Personalities are randomized, lending an element of unpredictability to brewing Kallis.

As beings created from pure magic, Kallitrix are naturally proud of their looks, especially their horns and luxurious hair. Many Kallis believe themselves to be extraordinarily beautiful, and their charisma helps them assimilate perfectly into human society.

Both their horns and hair are an extension of a Kalli's body and magical ability, which is why they tend to grow out their hair and decorate their horns as a status symbol. There are various types of horns each suited to the variety of lifestyles adopted by Kallis. Haircuts can be an uncomfortable experience for a Kalli due to the faint traces of magic within them, but some rebellious punks keep their hair short regardless. Non-magical creatures are unable to see Kalli horns or vitral, which further helps them blend in with humans.








Rumor is that there are secret tunnels beneath Tanya's school. If you ask her about it, she'll wink and say that only she knows how to navigate them.

Kallis can perform basic magic and some choose to study and create specialized magic (e.g. elemental, psychic), which is all made possible by their potion bottles. When a Kalli's potion begins to run out, their coven leader will help rebrew their original mix to extend their life. The average potion can last from 10-20 years, depending on the amount of magic used by the Kalli and their level of expertise.

Each Kallitrix has their own place in society, and many have 'real world' jobs and lives. The one task they all share is to act as a liaison between witches and humans, selling magical items/potions/favors for money and soul essence. Kallis keep the money to help fund their stay with humans, but soul essence goes right back to their coven to be used in research, maintenance of magical equipment, and restocking current supplies. Witches are also continuously trying to refine the Kalli-making process, so the definition of what a Kalli is becomes ever expanding.








Tanya's favorite teacher was her Verdance history teacher, mostly because she would talk about important historical events from multiple perspectives and point out potential biases and distortions in all of them. Her teachings greatly expanded Tanya's worldview. Also, this teacher would give out homemade cupcakes after every exam.

World

Planet

The planet that Kallitrix inhabit is called Verdance. It's a lush, green planet with plenty of natural resources. Most life is centralized to one area of the globe, where society rules. On the outskirts of these cities, normal life slows to a crawl as the area becomes more densely populated with magic and other species. Even further lies the Nexus, which lurks at the edges of the world. The Nexus is filled with unstable energy that's said to be left over from Cantatrix's attempt to feast on Verdance millenia ago.








Between the cosmos, quite unseen

Where emerald forests reign supreme

This home of mine to which I cling

A realm where magic hails as king

With witches we may have a chance,

To save this world, our land _____?



Society

Humans remain as the species with the largest population. Life on Verdance is similar to Earth, and most humans encounter small amounts of magic in their day to day life. Many believe that although magic ruled the world's beginning, its importance faded into obscurity after the witch war. Since then, magic's hold on the world seems to have lessened, and all species were able to co-exist rather peacefully. Some magical creatures even choose to live alongside humans, preferring the order and convenience of modern society.








In tomes of fantasy I fly,

A serpent taking to the skies

Be wary of my poison tail,

Follow not my airy trail

If you wish to flee my grasp,

Escape my wings and mighty wrath

Mistake me for a fire breather,

Only makes your ending easier



War

The single largest war that took place across Verdance was the Venebellum, a devastating struggle for power in the witching society that lasted for centuries. The three covens vyed for control, chasing each other to the edges of Nexus and back. No witch or Kalli was safe, and casualties were widespread amongst other species as well. The role of coven leader passed from generation to generation, until one group of leaders realized that if witches continued upon this ruinous path, they would all be wiped out. Exhausted and traumatized from the toll of Venebellum, the three covens were able to come to agreement on a peace treaty. They each moved their covens to different locations and swore to return the focus of the competition back to it origins: the race to find the elixir of immortality. The peace treaty has been in effect for 100 years.








Zhou's witch, Khai, first started developing the spell for Tenkara at this school!

Technology

The technology available in Verdance is augmented by magic and more advanced than what can be found on Earth. Holograms, advanced automated services, and other magically infused tech are just some of the luxuries available. However, through an odd twist of fate, much of the population still prefers to use more 'vintage' technology. Despite the abundance of high speed rails and magical inventions, old-school items such as bicycles and flip phones are still in style.








Zhou once locked himself in the astronomy tower on accident for 24hrs without noticing. He was 'rescued' in the morning by a janitorial witch, upon which he was reported to state, "Why are you kicking me out? I've only been here for an hour!"

Religion

The beliefs of the inhabitants on Verdance vary, but there is one thing that almost everyone can agree on: The existence of Cantatrix. Most religious sects are spun from different theories of what exactly Cantatrix is and what its purpose in the world will be. Some believe her to be a divine and ultimately good force, citing her as the creator of Verdance and life itself. Some believe her to be an entirely neutral force, acting as an arbiter to the bridge between magic and humanity. And finally, some believe Cantatrix to be both the beginning and the end, convinced that one day, when humans push magic too far, she will return in full force and unleash judgement.








Zhou attempted to brew 257 different types of tea from the botany lab during his academic career. 80 of them resulted in bodily harm.

How it Works

Source

Magic is widely believed to come from Cantatrix herself. It's said that many eons ago, she descended upon Verdance in her journey to consume the entire universe. When she arrived, shaking the foundation of the planet, magic fell from her in waves and forever changed the landscape of Verdance. It seeped into the roots of trees, spread into its waters, and ran through the bloodstreams of all creatures.








Under moonlight do I gleam,

Within my depths you'll find your dreams

Mystic powers soon foretold,

Imbued with secrets that unfold

Peer into my very core

What am I, with shining ore?



Abundance

Magic used to be a semi-common ability that was present in many creatures. Over time, the amount of creatures studying magic dwindled, leaving humans to be the almost sole wielders of magic in Verdance. These humans, called Witches, are reclusive and elusive in equal parts. Some consider them to be an endangered species.








Zhou did not attend a single sporting event during his time here.

Acquisition

Magic can only be obtained by those with an innate predisposition, or in some cases may be activated by another magic user. Some individuals are naturally born with high levels of magic and need only to refine their abilities. Others require many years of study to slowly build up their magic. It is said that everyone has a little bit of magic in them, but whether or not it's enough to become a Witch is up to them.








Zhou's witch, Khai, exploded a section of the school's greenhouse while conducting an unsupervised experiment. No one was harmed but himself. He spent two weeks in the infirmary.

Price

All witches pay a hefty price for their magic, which is collected at the end of their lives. In their final years, their bodies begin to undergo a horrifying transition, as if caving, folding, and destroying itself with the weight of magic. Most often, some ability related to the Witch's specialization will be inflated and projected back onto their bodies. They begin to take on the likeness of an ancient horror, and this agonizing process is neither brief nor stoppable. At around 120 years of life, every witch pays the price for using Cantatrix's magic, and none have been able to clear their debt.








Zhou was notorious for horrible penmanship on his class notes.

Types








Zhou's witch, Khai, turned another student into a frog (consensually). He was almost expelled for this, but was able to create a spell to turn him back before he was kicked out. Unfortunately, the witch retained webbed hands and feet for the rest of their life.

Physical

Magic that augments physical qualities, such as strength or senses.

Psychological

Magic that works with emotions and has notes of manipulation or deceit.

Spiritual

Magic that is intangible and connects you with forces outside of humans, such as animals/monsters/spirits.

Natural

Magic that allows you to convene with nature, such as influencing plant life or controlling elements.

Other

Magic that doesn't fall into the above categories, or is too specific/unique/covers multiple types.

Covens

Imperium

CL: Tanya She/Her Familiar: Mishka

Tanya leads her coven with an iron will and regards each and every member as her family, even if they're not blood related. Her tenacity is the product of generations of witches who've all lived extensive lives, tackling each day head on. She believes in tough love and will never give up on something she sees worth in.

In Tanya's mind, the best offense is a good defense. The Imperium base is the most well secured and structured, offering training of all sorts around the clock. Many of it is overseen by Kallis and some witches, but it's not unusual to get the opportunity to spar with the leader herself. Despite her tough outer exterior, she also has a soft spot for small animals.

The hunt for the immortality potion is present in the minds of this competitive coven at all times, but Tanya's real motivations remain murky even to her most trusted inner circle. There are rumors that she wishes to obtain the potion as a bargaining chip to hold above the other covens, but only time will tell.








Tanya had to do an oral presentation in one of her classes once and bombed it horribly. After that, she refused to speak for the rest of the semester and it became part of her school persona.

Veritas

CL: Zhou He/Him Familiar: Tenkara

Zhou is the first known Kallitrix coven leader. His predecessor was among the group of witches who first began brewing Kallis, and Zhou was one of his initial projects that he worked on tirelessly. Eventually, he succumbed to old age, leaving his title and all of his knowledge in Zhou's hands.

Haunted by the decline of such a powerful and capable witch, Zhou has lived his life trying to fill his shoes, adopting the wisened and calm demeanor of his mentor. His true personality is more anxious and easily agitated.

Veritas seeks to uncover many truths of the universe, with the immortality potion being just one of their endeavors. It hosts the best and brightest scholars and has the most advanced research facilities out of all the covens. Zhou wishes to continue his mentor's work and achieve his lifelong goal of obtaining the immortality potion, but the Kalli has yet to find his own purpose for living.

Sacrementum

CL: Iris He/They Familiar: Cassiopeia

Iris is best described as an eccentric gothpunk frat boy with a penchant for dinner parties. He comes from a long line of witches who have all died mysterious deaths at a young age, leading to Sacrementum having the highest turnover rate of coven leaders. Due to his poor vision, he spends most of his time inside the coven mansion, planning his next elaborate party.

Despite his looks, Iris is the standout witch of his generation, operating with an information network that reaches into the deepest, darkest crevices of the world. He hopes to obtain the immortality potion and end his cursed bloodline.

Sacrementum is home to Kallitrix, Humans, and Magical Creatures alike. For those who live on the edge of society, Iris and their coven promise a life of neverending magic and satisfaction--if you're willing to work for it.

Independent

CL: None Familiar: None

Sometimes there will be Kallis and witches not affiliated with any coven at all. These are labeled as Independents. Most Independent Kallis were brewed outside of the coven space to begin with, but some choose to leave coven life behind for a variety of reasons. They have a more difficult time accessing common magical resources, but in return they gain total autonomy.








Through ancient scrolls you shall behold,

A treasure worth its weight in gold

But through much time this skill departed,

Leaving none who could be artists

Remember well my legacy,

The arcane art of ____



Crossbreeds

Aquakalli

CB

These mermaid mimics do everything that regular Kallis do, except underwater! They have a secondary land form in addition to their primary aqua form. Aquakallis also have unique features, such as a double vitral, black sclera, gills, and color-shifting hair.








Iris once socked an upperclassman in the face for attempting to steal Cassiopeia. He then hexed their bookbag to constantly have snakes in its pockets.

Dollkalli

CB

These antique marionettes serve a slightly different function when compared to normal Kalli, but desire to live a life all the same. DollKallis have unique features, such as porcelain legs, pull string/hand crank/wind up keys, voice boxes, and locks on their vitrals.








Iris was dress-coded hundreds of times for not complying to uniform standards.

Harpykalli

CB

These feathered Kalli have powerful wings containing multitudes of the sky's beauty, vivid plumage, unique facial markings, and talons that could eviscerate a normal human. In addition, they are part of a hierachical society of workers, fighters, and showbirds.








If you paid him in knowledge he cared about, you could ask Iris to brew you almost anything. Liquid Luck for your sporting event, Artificial Intelligence for your term test, and even Beauty Water to ensure you looked your best for an important event.

TBA

Role

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In your chambers lies a gate,

A pond of truth to shape your fate

I show your face but hide your soul

I cannot tell you of your role

Adorn me with your mystic runes,

Quick, under the light of moon

See right through impending doom,

See the blood inside your wounds



Coven Bases

Imperium

To the untrained eye, the main base of Imperium is invisible and untraceable. This labryinth is actually located underground on the outskirts of the capital cities, with passageways into both Aevum and Suvae. It's reach is extensive, and is the largest coven base. In fact, it's breadth of facilities, living quarters, and offices have some considering it to be a small city of its own. This base is fully self sustaining, and rumors say that it was built by the coven familiar and its ancestors.

Veritas

This oceanside palace is the main headquarters of Veritas. Complete with a drawbridge, sprawling gardens, and spiraling towers, this fortress is a place of both fantasy and knowledge. It houses the most comprehensive library base and advanced technological amenities. A series of connected walkways link the different sections of this base together.

Sacrementum

A gothic mansion on a high hilltop overlooking the capital cities is where you can find the wildest parties hosted by the one and only Sacrementum. This base doubles as a venue for dinner parties, galas, and raves alike. The path up the hill is precarious and winding, but if you manage to reach the end, you'll be rewarded with the richest taste of luxury that the current world has to offer, as well as the chance to see priceless magical artifacts.








Iris would place hexes in-between the pages of random library books for unsuspecting students and professors to stumble across. Their effects never lasted more than a day, and no one was ever able to catch them in the act.

Major Cities

Aevum

One half of the capital of Verdance. Aevum is a city of technological advances, always striving to be ahead of the curve and avant garde in every way. Life is fast paced here, and not for the faint of heart. Alongside the plethora of opportunities and bright lights is a more sinister side to this city. Rumors of organized and random crime run rampant, and it seems like Aevum attracts more than just moths to its flame.








Iris was constantly involved in campus clubs and other activities, but he somehow remained at the top of his class in terms of grades regardless of how many classes he skipped.

Suvae

The other half of the capital of Verdance. Connected to its twin sister across a river, Suvae offers a much more peaceful and wondrous lifestyle. Magic dominates society here, and the arts thrive. Culture is in abundance in this traditionally bustling city, but don't be fooled by its colorful outer appearance. It may hide itself better, but Suvae harbors its fair share of danger--it's just disguised beneath a layer of glamour.








Ancient beings bleed in vain,

Amidst the shadows, lost in pain

Seek me in the midnight's haze,

Reflect your sins within my gaze

Pour me in your potions brewed,

Crimson gold, celestial blue

Count on me to pave the way,

Pay your dues by morrow's day



Climate

Spring

The season of blooming nature. All across Verdance, life flourishes, and various magical creatures make their first appearance of the year. Spring festivals, celebrations, and merriment tied to the beginning of a new sun cycle take place in the capital cities.








Iris would make Cassiopeia sneak into the kitchen late at night and grab him pastries to snack on.

Summer

The hottest time of year, filled with excitement. This is the season of Verdance's most infamous sports entertainment broadcast--the annual series of ATLAS brawls. Each year, the location of this fighting tower is chosen randomly, and even just finding its new location is an event to look forward to.

Autumn

The fairest weather can be found during this season. As the heat dies down, it makes way for unique cultural events around the land. The arts are widely appreciated during this time, so don't be surprised if you see carnivals and traveling groups passing through your city.

Winter

The searing cold sweeps through Verdance, but warmth and safety can be found in the capital cities. Some say this is the most magically charged time of the year, for it's when Cantatrix was rumored to first arrive on the planet. Preparations for the next year begin, but there's plenty of time to take a moment and wind down.








Iris would go missing for long periods of time due to health issues, until one day he stopped coming back onto campus and completed his schooling from home.

Map

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MAP ARRIVAL TBA.








Venture deep inside The Grey

Bring me lest you become prey

Made from what your heart desires

Magic prowess is required

Use your words to weave a song,

Watch how I can right your wrongs

Conjure something from beyond,

Employ the power of your ____



Key

Description of meaning (capitol, city, forest, etc.).
Description of meaning.
Description of meaning.
Description of meaning.
Description of meaning.
Description of meaning.

Locations

Après la Vie

A floral shoppe specializing in soothing grieving souls. Its proprieter is Dahlia, an Imperium Kalli with a gothic style and old fashioned mannerisms. He sells regular flowers as well as enchanted bouquets year-round that are tailor-made for clients. If you catch him on a smoke break, he may invite you to join him.

Love You A Latte

A popular cafe in the heart of the city. It's current owner and most popular barista is Velvet, an Independent Kalli whom everyone just can't seem to get enough of. His handmade sweet treats are all the rage, and even his coffee brews are to die for. He always greets regulars with a smile and a touching, personal question.

ATLAS

A fighting tower that can only be accessed by those with magic. Hidden behind simple, unassuming entrances, the interior is a series of hundreds of floors all dedicated to fighting. For non-magical creatures who want to cheer on their favorite contestants in person and experience a once in a lifetime event, you might find people willing to sell you magical talismans to help you bypass security measures. Once inside, test your mettle in magic and non-magic combat and earn your place, respect, and enough money to send you around the planet three times with leftovers. Fight well enough to prove your worth, and you might just become the next ATLAS.

R.I.P. Postal (Return If Possible)

A series of connected postal offices in almost every corner of Verdance, just for Kallitrix and Witches. Send in official requests for potion rebrews, mail Soul Essence back to your coven, or ship magical deliveries anywhere you desire.