The Devarim

The Devarim are elemental spirits that embody the raw, primal forces of Ayinel. Revered and feared in equal measure, they are not mere forces of nature but semi-sentient entities that interact with the world through their elements. Widely known only by The Tribes of Borealis, who see them as sacred guardians, and by scholars within the major factions such as the Solaris Sanctum and Arktalas, the Devarim remain a mystery to most of Ayinel.
However, their influence extends subtly beyond Borealis, with occasional worship and recognition in the independent nations of the Rising, where they are sometimes regarded as primal deities tied to the natural world. Outside of Borealis, minor Devarim are thought to manifest around certain elemental occurrences, both natural and arcane. These manifestations are less powerful and often go unnoticed by many.

Nature and Essence

The Devarim exist as living embodiments of their respective elements, each reflecting the characteristics and temperament of their domain:

• Pyra-Devarim: Fierce and volatile, these spirits manifest as roaring infernos or gentle, sustaining hearths. They are symbols of both destruction and renewal.


• Aquili-Devarim: Fluid and adaptable, water Devarim bring life and cleansing rains but can also unleash devastating floods.


• Sylvak-Devarim: Steadfast and enduring, they embody the stability of stone and soil but can become destructive through landslides or quakes.


• Vaelai-Devarim: Elusive and ever-changing, air Devarim carry whispers of guidance but also gale-force tempests.

The Devarim’s intelligence is alien yet profound, their motives often inscrutable to mortals. They communicate through environmental changes, visions, or cryptic whispers heard under the Auroras

Shared Interest: Sanctum, League, and Arktalas

The Devarim are not only a source of reverence for The Tribes of Borealis but also a point of fascination and contention for Ayinel’s major powers.
The Theocracy of Solaris Aeternum: The Sanctum views the Devarim as uncontrolled chaos, a dangerous threat to the light of the Suns rather than fragments of divine will. Their scholars study the Devarim with caution, seeking ways to contain or neutralize their influence, fearing that unchecked, the Devarim could disrupt the celestial harmony they revere. Expeditions into The Verdant Expanse have been fraught with peril, as the Auroras and the Devarim themselves seem to repel the Sanctum’s attempts at control, leaving few answers and many losses.
The League of Free Cities: Ever opportunistic, the League sees the Devarim as untapped resources. The League's interest lies in extracting the elemental power of the Devarim for trade, weaponry, and technological advancements. They fund adventurers and mercenaries to venture into Borealis, seeking artifacts and secrets tied to the Devarim, despite the inherent risks.
Arktalas: The enigmatic magocracy of Arktalas regards the Devarim as ancient elemental forces that predate even the gods. To their arcanists, the Devarim represent a path to unlocking primal magic untainted by divine influence. Their research is meticulous but shrouded in secrecy, and there are whispers of Arktalas mages attempting to bind Devarim to their will, with catastrophic results.

The Devarim and the Sundering of the Suns

Some tribes believe the Devarim were born during the Sundering of the Suns, fragments of Ayin and Yesh’s shattered unity given form. This belief ties them intimately to the Auroras, which are seen as both their home and their voice.

Devarim in Tribal Lore

The Devarim are central to Borealis folklore, often depicted as heroes, guardians, or tricksters. Some notable tales include:
The Flame’s Betrayal: A story of a flame Devar that punished a tribe for overharvesting wood, teaching the value of restraint.
The Weeping River: A water Devar saved a village from drought by creating a spring, but its wrath destroyed those who disrespected the source.
The Stone Sentinel: An earth Devar protected a sacred site from invaders, turning them to stone to guard the land for eternity.