TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ch. 1 ............................................................................................................................................................................. general
Ch. 2 ............................................................................................................................................................................. fire clan
Ch. 3 ............................................................................................................................................................................. storm clan
Ch. 4 ............................................................................................................................................................................. earth clan
Ch. 5 ............................................................................................................................................................................. water clan
Ch. 6 ............................................................................................................................................................................. healer clan
Ch. 7 ............................................................................................................................................................................. politics
Ch. 8 ............................................................................................................................................................................. bonding
Ch. 9 ............................................................................................................................................................................. the war
Ch. 10 ........................................................................................................................................................................... other information

General World Information:

ALTERIA

The "world beyond the trees"...

To humans, living on the world known as "Earth," that's what Alteria could be referred to as. In all reality, this place is three thousand years into their future.

By this point in time, humanity is long lost. People have evolved into beings that are divided into clans. The clan you're born into, determines your abilities...as well as some key personality and physical traits.

THE BET

Once upon a time, a small group of gods and goddesses were having a chat. The god of fire, Kreyos, decided to make a bet with the others: Yinari's futuresight could be altered and changed, so long as strong enough free-will was involved. Yinari, being the goddess of time (and with full control over all matters regarding time), already knew that this was a terrible bet to be going through with. Kreyos basically laughed that off, saying it would be a fun game to remedy their boredom.

Seuyal, god of weather, agreed with his friend; Kreyos' ideas were always the best, clearly. Nevermind that Yinari was in the middle of saying something about disrupting the general nature of things. They even ignored it when she said that she foresaw a large-scale rip in time and space, due to their interference with things. It was also very funny when she said they would be aiding the birth of a powerful being, who would be a major aid in killing many of their own kind...and then some.

Kreyos suggested that they choose someone within the Fire Clan to be a pawn of the biggest game of chess the universe would ever see. They decided to choose whichever boy died at midnight of the day exactly ten years from that point. So when a boy within the Fire Clan died of the very curse inflicted on him, that was a direct cause of the gods' meddling in Alterian affairs, he - unknowingly, of course - became a tool to be used by the gods.

Kurakai wouldn't find out until nearly five hundred years later...

SPECIES

Fire Clan: An inhuman species of beings who control fire.

general appearance and outer traits

They normally have ears that range from two to four inches long, canines that range from a fourth of an inch to an inch long, crimson eyes, and red hair. Those that are considered natural-born leaders, are those born with silver hair.

Red marks appear on their bodies, with each person that they kill. The marks will usually appear on their chest, over their heart, but have been known to appear on their hands or back. Speaking of their bodies, they are built sturdy. Put simply, they're incredibly powerful, which is something they tend to take advantage of (they're known as "brutes" by the other clans).

As for aging, it's one year for every two human years, meaning that they age at half the speed humans do. That is, until they reach the age of fifty. After that, their aging is halted for about three hundred years. Then, after that, it's one year for every three human years.

general abilities

They generally have the abilities to produce and withstand heat up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, produce flames, and control any flame within their sight.

They are known for being hunters. They tend to have fearsome tempers and are known for violent outbursts. If ever on the receiving end of their wrath, be wary. Not to say there aren't a select few who do not follow this trend. On a good note, though, they tend to calm down as quickly as they are angered. They are very passionate people, known for always fighting for what they believe in. They will fight to the death for most anything they feel strongly about. Of course, if the passion dies down, it takes quite a bit to bring it back. It is not impossible, just difficult.

the moon phases

During the day of the golden (formerly known as the "full") moon, the Fire Clan enters their mating season. They're overtaken by all of their most aggressive desires, especially including those of the sexual nature. All members of this clan begin to emit a sweet-smelling pheromone - it's intended to draw them to one another, seeing as it doesn't work on those of other species.

A dark (formerly "new") moon brings different effects; all male members of the clan's abilities are lessened. Fire control is diminished to basically nothing, and their physical strength is reduced to less than half. Female members are generally just fine, though most take advantage of being stronger for a day......

coming of age

In this clan, it is vital for young men and women to undergo a "Coming of Age Ceremony" by the age of fourteen. If this is not performed by a member of their family, it is considered void. If it is not performed in time, it is considered void.

A witness will be present to ensure that all rules and standards are followed.

The ceremony itself consists of them performing a hunt - they must kill a criminal in a very brutal way, which serves as proof of their blood lust and killing desires. AKA this serves to prove that they're worthy members of a powerful clan of killers.

the mark

A Fire Clansman is able to leave a mark on their lover, regardless of gender, age, or even race (meaning they could leave it on - say - an Earth Clansman).

The mark is something that represents total affection and devotion; it's only left on someone that they have the strongest feelings for, and want nobody else to have. Basically, once the mark is on that person, they're connected for life. They're a part of one another's lives, regardless of the time passed or distance separating them.

This is not to be confused with "bonding" (see below Politics).

miscellaneous

They will almost always be loyal to family, no matter what the case. Unfortunately, they can be very quickly swayed from their loyalty to friends or other sorts of allies. So, put simply, blood is always thicker than water, with them. When it comes down to it, they're raised to believe that family will always be there for them, while allies and friendships can die quicker. There's also the matter of instincts drawing them toward this mindset.

They're known for quickly forming crushes or even random, mild attractions. Essentially, the crushes die quick; once entirely attracted to someone, however, it takes quite a bit for that to go away. They are "fiery," so to speak, in the bedroom. They can be borderline nymphomaniacs - it likely helps that they're known for being excellent lovers. As far as romantic relationships go, the flame can die just as quickly as it was spawned. Most people from this clan tend to be very open-minded regarding sexuality, making it very common to find Fire Clansmen in polyamorous relationships.

They tend to get along best with Storm Clan members, hold dominance over Earth Clan members, and they tend to listen to Water Clan members. Unless family, they are indifferent to other Fire Clan members.

NOTE: They used to be known for keeping order and bringing other clans to justice. THEY ARE A DYING CLAN. Approximately one hundred fifty years ago, they went to war with the Water Clan. They killed fifty Water Clan "Hybrids" (half Water Clansmen, half humans). Afterwards, a curse was placed on them by the Water Clan's leader. The curse stated that the Fire Clan would "die out in one hundred fifty years". The clan is currently down by ninety percent.

Storm Clan:

Wielders of wind and lightning, with the abilities to bring down bolts of lightning, summon up gusts of wind, or create force fields of protection. They normally have smooth ears and lightly sharp canines, but most born in this clan are exceptionally tall, normally even their women are no shorter than six-feet-tall. They are born with either white or black hair, with either golden or silver/gray eyes.

They are not known for picking specific jobs. They tend to cause “more trouble than they're worth”. Some in this clan prefer to avoid trouble, but each and every one of them have one thing in common: they are followed by either excitement and fun--or trouble.

Their bodies are built to be swift, as opposed to strong. They're known for their speed and heightened agility.

As for aging, it's one year for every three human years, meaning that they age at a third of the speed humans do. That is, until they reach the age of fifty. After that, their aging process is halted for about four hundred years. Then, once that time is up, they age one year for every four human years.

No matter the case, they tend to be incredibly loyal, regarding friends. Once someone from this clan considers a person to be a friend, they will stick by them, even if it means going against the law--or even blood. They are not quite as passionate as those from the fire clan. In bed, they tend to always require a “spark”, to get things going. In relationships, they tend to always keep things fun and exciting. They are usually forever loyal to anyone they are with. Most people from this clan can be fairly uptight regarding sexuality.

They tend to get along best with Fire Clan members, hold dominance over Water Clan members, and they tend to be indifferent towards Earth and other Storm Clan members.

NOTE: A legend in this clan states that should twins ever be born into this clan, one twin would absorb the powers of the other twin. That twin would come to be the ruler of the land.

Earth Clan:

Wielders of all things directly connected to the Earth (dirt, rock, or plants), with the abilities to lift and toss dirt and rock of varying sizes with their minds, and some with the ability to shape shift (into their designated animal, only after extreme training and meditation), and control the growth of plants (and it is more than possible for each of these things to be used as a weapon). Some are born with an ear and tail combination that matches their “spirit animal”, along with fangs that range from a half of an inch to an inch in length. They usually are born with red or reddish brown hair and green or hazel eyes. Once someone obtains the ability to transform, they will gain a permanent green or yellow marking on their body in a place visible to everyone else (ex. line on face, under eye, on hand, on neck, etc). Those with a mark are deemed someone of great importance, worthy of respect and admiration.

These calm and carefree people prefer to avoid conflict. They are known for being farmers. They are very difficult to anger. Once angered, however, it is nearly impossible to calm them down. They do not forget things, easily. They are very much known for having the best memories throughout the land. Once you have wronged them, they remember it. As such, once someone does something good for them, they never forget that, either.

They are always deep and meaningful lovers. They prefer to find a “happy medium” regarding their lover, and they are always aware of whether, or not, the one they are with is happy. On the flip side, they do not tend to enjoy anything too wild or crazy, in the bedroom.

As for aging, it's one year for every three human years, meaning that they age at a third of the speed humans do. That is, until they reach the age of fifty. After that, their aging process is halted for about eight hundred years. Then, once that time is up, they age one year for every two human years.

They are one-hundred percent loyal to anyone they are with, and tend to stay very grounded. Most people from this clan are open-minded regarding sexuality.

They usually get along best with Water and other Earth Clan members, listen to Fire clan members, and are indifferent towards Storm Clan members.

Water Clan:

Wielders of water, in any form, with the abilities to produce and manipulate water, freeze water, control said frozen water, and heal even the most severe of wounds. They are normally born with smooth ears and no fangs. As they get older, their ears and fangs show up if they obtain the true power of a healer (though, even without the ears and fangs, they will almost always have the ability to control their element). As healers, markings on their body-that determine the level of strength behind their spells-will appear at random (the bigger, more elaborate, or greater the numbers of mark(s), the stronger the healer is). Markings on the face are a sign of the greatest possible strength to ever possibly be obtained, though someone with those particular markings has not been seen for centuries.

They tend to focus primarily on sharing wisdom and performing healing rituals. They prefer to bring pleasure, over pain. They are known for being doctors or teachers. In spite of their vast knowledge, they will sometimes forget things that do not directly involve history (such as spells), over time, and continuously need the help of a journal to remember those things.

As for aging, it's one year for every three human years, meaning that they age at a third of the speed humans do. That is, until they reach the age of fifty. After that, their aging is halted for about five hundred years. Then, it's one year for every five human years.

As far as friends go, they are loyal. Family-wise, they do not usually keep up with them. They rarely ever get into relationships, but they certainly never seem to have trouble seeking out someone to keep them company, at night. As such, they are usually called “whores”. They are quick to find someone to have children with, but men of this clan rarely ever stick around to raise their children. They are very open-minded sexually.

They tend to get along best with those from the Earth Clan, listen to those from the Storm Clan, and hold dominance over those from the Fire Clan. They tend to be indifferent towards other members of the Water Clan.

NOTE: One of the members of this clan, approximately seventy years ago, created a portal that led into the "world of humans". They fell in love with a woman, there. After bringing her back, they had children together. This was the start of the "hybrids". This is also what led to the war between this clan and the Fire Clan. After losing the war, they placed a curse on the Fire Clan.

So who's to say the Fire Clan really won that war?

Healer Clan:

The most recently created clan, formed by Kurakai's sister, Selestia. This clan is not classified by certain traits, because anyone from any clan may join this one. This clan was formed when it was discovered that people from other clans can have the ability to heal. This clan focuses primarily on sending its trained members out to villages, to permanently reside, and act as that village's doctor.



POLITICS

Most laws are set by individual clans. As each clan is different, so are their views and beliefs of what is right and wrong.

The Fire Clan is seen as the most barbaric and ruthless groups of people. This is namely due to the fact that they don't even have an active leader. Most people listen to the one named Kurakai, and he does occassionally act as the one in charge. He doesn't want to lead anyone, however. The clan acts accordingly when it comes to punishments. Killing is an everyday thing -- and, so, is something that, typically, goes unpunished. Things such as taking someone, sexually, against their will, is only forgiven when the moon is full. Thieves and robbers are placed on a list of people that are hunted down for a "trial" (typically, they're killed by most people of this clan).

Seen as the more "refined" of clans, the Storm Clan is the richest group of people. They tend to take breaking their laws very seriously. Unfortunately, they have quite a few laws in place. There are laws on everything from worshipping the gods, appropriately, to murder. The leader of this clan is named Shea, who happens to be a childhood friend of Kurakai -- as well as the twin sister of his best friend. There is a written contract that declares the Fire and Storm clans to be allies.

Filled with the more humble of beings, the Earth Clan contains the more relaxed and laid-back of people. They've implemented quite a few laws, but it doesn't seem they have much to worry about, in terms of law-breakers. They are allies of the Fire Clan, however, and have no hesitation to fight alongside them. Their strongest allies, however, are those of the Water Clan.

Water Clansmen are, surprisingly, the ones who are the most ruthless. Layamon doesn't believe in this sort of thing. He's formed a group of people who live by the "common sense" policy. This simply entails one thing: if it seems wrong, punish them for doing it. Somehow, this lifestyle has proven to be rather successful, for this clan. They are the largest one; currently, they hold the most power.



BONDING

This is what used to be known as "marriage" by the humans.



WATER VS FIRE

This is a conversation that takes place between Kurakai, his sister (half Fire Clansmans/half Storm Clansman), his best friend (Storm Clansman), and Layamon (Water Clansman). They're discussing a war that happened over two hundred years prior to the conversation.

“Now, then,” Layamon slams the book shut, “...have any of you heard about the world of those called 'humans'? Or how there was a war between the supposed short-lived 'halflings' and the Fire Clan?”

“Um...yes,” Selestia slowly lifts her hand, before allowing it to fall back to her lap, “you told me the story, just last year.”

“I heard about it from my father.” Dousuke quietly states, his eyes resting on his still-folded hands.

After a short pause, everyone's eyes lift to rest on Kurakai. Crimson eyes remain fixated on the ground, even as he gives a quick shake of his head, answering the silent question. Layamon allows a chuckle to escape, before he moves the conversation along:

“Well, about a hundred years ago a Water Clansman created a portal that leads to a world of, mostly, non-magic beings that call themselves humans. They, supposedly, have these things called machines to make up for their weaknesses -- but, anyway, that's not important. The important part is that this Water Clansman fell in love with someone from that world. He brought her back here and, soon after, had a child with her. He told his sister -- in confidence, mind you -- about the portal and she (much to her brother's disapproval) went and brought back a human man. As you have probably already guessed--”

He glances at Kurakai, who is listening with obvious intent, in spite of his eyes remaining on the ground, “...Another child was born," his lips quirk as the redhead slowly glances up, "This was the start of those called halflings. It went pretty far, before anyone opened up about their problem with it. In fact, I believe... at least a hundred and fifty were born.”

“That many?” Dousuke is unable to prevent his quiet outburst.

The Storm Clansman gives an apologetic look, to which Layamon smirks and shakes his head, casually continuing, “The halflings grew at a phenomenal rate -- much faster than we grow, see? They were also just as powerful as any other member of the Water Clan.”

“Wow, really?” Selestia's eyes widen, “And they grow faster than us... How is that even possible?” She glances at Kurakai, who shakes his head in disbelief.

“Grew faster.” He looks down with an unreadable expression, before continuing, “But- mm, now, where was I? ...Oh, yes. There was a matter of their temper problems, among... other mental issues.”

“Like what?” Selestia tilts her head.

“Well, frankly... I would much rather not go into that, if you don't mind.”

“O-...oh, okay.” She nods, brow tensing, softly.

The gray-haired man gives a sigh and leans back in his chair, glancing upward as though having to search his memories, “... They managed to cause quite an uproar. At the time, the Fire Clan was in charge of keeping things running smoothly around here. Apparently that's something similar to how... human soldiers work. So, anyway,” He lets out a sigh, “The Fire Clan came to the decision to contain the problem, before it became even worse. They began rounding them up, left and right... and executing them, without so much as a trial. Despite their efforts, things still managed to get out of hand. These halflings were strong, see... To make matters worse, however, they were very angry about how nobody seemed to accept them. Long story short, the Fire Clan managed to kill all of them.”

He pauses for a moment, allowing the silence to take over for a moment, until Dousuke chimes in, “Well... that is rather... strange. The Fire Clan won that war, yet they have slowly begun to dwindle away. The fire clan has managed to become the smallest clan, over a period of one hundred fifty years.”

“Y-yeah... My tutor mentioned that, as well. They're dying out, rather quickly.” The white-haired woman sighs and glances at Kurakai, with a worried expression.

“Well, obviously, we're all being murdered," a calm voice breaks the sudden moment of silence, and everyone appears surprised at the redhead's voice (though he pointedly manages to ignore this fact), “We're all either dying of mysterious illnesses, or vanishing without a trace. I can't think of any other explanation for one of the strongest clans to suddenly become the smallest.”

“You do have a point, but who would want that to happen?” Dousuke frowns, before taking a sip of his tea and appearing to ponder the words.

“You seriously can't think of anyone?” Kurakai asks that with a smirk, before ignoring Dousuke's frown and turning to speak to Layamon, “Whatever happened to the parents of the halflings?”



Other:

For things such as months, colors, numbers, etc. everything has been put into symbols. The human language, English, has been long lost. The language that the symbols look most similar to, is Korean. Which could be considered strange, due to Alteria's spoken language sounding most similar to French. As such, most everyone in that place speaks with an accent that could be considered a French one.

Translated into English, the months would come out to:

Farhoan - January
Dairlanze - February
Meinanze - March
Veihoan - April
Beisanze - May
Poizanze - June
Jeirpanze - July
Kririoan - August
Dnatoan - September
Yeoianze - October
Frerianze - November
Troan - December