About
Main Plot
The world was once ruled by powerful gods. After they disappeared, the god’s children rose to power and became known as the Descended. This new line of offspring were gifted with magic, long lifespans, and wealth. Over time, the Descended came to rule over humans with little regard for their well-being. This power imbalance led to a growing unrest and rebellion within the human districts. When Diem’s mother suddenly disappears, Diem begins searching for answers. During her search, she uncovers long-hidden secrets about her family. She learns that she is one of the Descended, and her own magic begins to awaken. As she is drawn deeper into a world of power and politics, she is forced to navigate dangerous alliances and expectations. Her journey eventually leads her to claim a position of power as queen, where she must decide how she will rule.
Diem’s Identity
At the beginning of the story, Diem is worried for the future and focused on protecting the life she knows. As she is exposed to different types of people and lifestyles, she begins to question her beliefs and morals. This forces her to confront the full truth about humans and the Descended. As the story progresses, Diem learns more and more about her identity and abilities. Her experiences push her to grow more confident and self-aware, and she begins to think more critically about leadership and responsibility. Instead of accepting the existing system, she starts to form her own ideas about justice and change. By the time she steps into a position of power, she is no longer reacting to the world around her. She is actively shaping the kind of leader she wants to be.
Old gods vs Kindred & the everflame
The Everflame is an ancient and powerful source of life that represents balance, warmth, and the natural cycle of existence. Often depicted as a sacred tree, its flame is said to sustain life and connect all living things. The Everflame is closely tied to the Old Gods, the original deities of Emarion who were worshipped by mortals. The Old Gods and the Everflame are part of the same natural force, known as the physical or symbolic expression of their power, representing a time of balance, freedom, and protection. While the fate of the Old Gods is unknown, many mortals believe that they simply faded away or became lost over time. It is, however, widely believed that their disappearance is strongly tied to the arrival of the Kindred, an event known as the Forging. With the Kindred’s rise to power, the practice of worshipping the Old Gods was suppressed. Some mortals believe that this suppression led to the collapse of the Old Gods and possibly severed their connection to the world.
The Kindred came to power when the nine siblings arrived in Emarion and reshaped it to their design. During the Forging, they divided the land among themselves and created a system of magic tied to their unique powers. Using this immense power and control, they established themselves as rulers of Emarion and were eventually revered as god-like figures. This shift almost completely erased the memory of the Old Gods. The descendants of the Kindred inherited their power and became known as the Descended. This inherited power allowed them to maintain the existing hierarchy and rule over humans.
Unlike the Old Gods, the Kindred are not connected to the Everflame as part of its natural force. Instead, their power exists separately and is defined by control and division across the nine realms. This shift is still reflected in culture and language. Humans often say “thank the gods,” preserving the memory of the Old Gods and the Everflame, while the Descended say “thank the Kindred,” reinforcing loyalty to the current ruling power. Together, these differences highlight the ongoing tension between a natural, shared power and one that is structured and controlled.
how powers work
Power is inherited through lineage from the Kindred. Each Descended’s power is tied to one of the nine realms, reflecting the domain of the Kindred they descend from. While powers share a general theme within each realm, they vary from person to person in strength, control, and expression. Some individuals may have limited or highly specialized abilities, while others possess stronger, more versatile magic. This creates clear differences in power levels, which directly influence status and opportunity within Descended society. Those with stronger or more refined abilities are often given more influence, reinforcing a structured hierarchy.
In contrast, humans are entirely powerless. They do not inherit magic and are excluded from the systems that grant authority and privilege. As a result, they are often pushed into lower social and economic positions, living with fewer resources and limited rights. Many Descended view humans as inferior, which contributes to their mistreatment. At the same time, humans often see the Descended as oppressive rulers, leading to resentment and resistance. This power imbalance is a central force that shapes both the social structure and ongoing conflict within Emarion.
