This article is a WIP created during World Anvil Summer Camp 2022 and contains incomplete sections. Please stay tuned!
The Ardalu are one of two species in Luridity Galaxy which did not originate there. They are also the only people who have not been subjected to the
Overlords' genetic experiments. With lifespans of thousands of years, they are the third longest-lived sentient species in the galaxy, following the Overlords and Owners.
Refugees
Not everyone likes the idea that their energy might suddenly be sapped and leave them unable to move. Despite the fact that the Ardalu had strict rules to only feed on either others of their kind or consenting adults of other species, society began to suspect they did otherwise. No one knows when it truly began, but eventually, any time someone grew tired, fatigued, or overslept, whispers blamed the Ardalu. Soon they were marked a threat to the well-being of all. The Ardalu were hunted to near extinction in their home galaxy, forcing them to stock their spaceships, expand their passenger space for survivors, and flee before their oppressors succeeded. During the evacuations from multiple worlds, a number of Ardalu were detained and only a third of those living were able to make their flights offworld and out of the galaxy.
Upon entering Luridity Galaxy, nearly 100 thousand years ago, they were intercepted by overpowering entities. There were beings with no names and no individuality by which the Ardalu could recognize them, so they gave the collective group of entities the impressive title of Overlords. A pact was sealed that allowed the fleeing Ardalu to reside in the Ehjing Zone, and they did so with haste, happy to once more have ground under their feet. For tens of thousands of years, they were able to call this place theirs alone.
More Coming Soon
Hinata
A few years after settling in the Ehjing Zone, a few Ardalu began experiencing strange dreams of an ethereal woman who appeared to be silently screaming for help. They described these visions as set in a dreamscape high-tech city, and the woman as caught between multiple realities.
Appearance
Power House
The only sentient species the Overlord allowed to visit the galaxy for some time was the Ardalu. Their numbers expanded greatly, and they thrived. Many years later, after constructing cities of walled castles, reinventing local currency, building farms and factories and trade routes, and solidly establishing a way of life to fit their new home, the Ardalu became aware that the Overlords were conducting genetic testing on new beings.
Kynd were introduced slowly to Telluria, one pack at a time, growing across the planet. However, the Kynd numbers remained small, and the disparities between packs kept them separate enough that they would not rise against the Ardalu who already were protected by massive stone walls. The Kynd accepted Ardalu rule, both following their lead and working beside them to create Kynd-friendly settlements and work the land.
Oracles came next. They feared being used for their magic, and discovered that due to their close genetic link to the Overlords, their magic was unable to affect an Ardalu. Shortly after settling in the Zone, they accepted Ardalu advice, though they still considered themselves equals as the Ardalu continued to assist others.
During the Reset which the Overlords insisted on performing in order to add humanity to the blend of galactic species, the Ardalu were untouched. They retained their knowledge and memories, and took the opportunity to establish themselves as the ancient, powerful ruling class. Once the Overlords reintroduced the other sentient species to the Zone the Ardalu called home, they decided to rewrite their own story, embracing a dramatic shift. No longer would they be mere survivors and assistants to others; they were beings in charge of their own destiny. Early in the Reset and resettlement time, public displays of their ability were made which would cause one or more people around them to fall unconscious, and this made many Kynd, Oracles, and Humans fear them, even as they respected the Ardalu sense of fairness and skill in city management.
Today the Ardalu maintain castles in a number of locations. Many call the planet of
Telluria home. Two specific bloodlines are known to be blending in among human populations on other worlds, and others have made themselves unique by expanding to the stars as explorers. A notable amount of Ardalu on Telluria have settled in the city of Maliçade, and maintain their place as respected leaders in a highly divided place of crime and secrets.
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