The Rivals warrant special consideration and discussion, as none of this would matter if not for the Rivals. They are the force that has shaped all of Tranalos. There is no more elegant way to put it than that. There was, perhaps, a time when the Rivals sought nothing more than to protect their homes, or prove something to themselves, maybe even to the world. Now, the Rivals continually escalate the rules of their Grand Struggle, shaping or even destroying the world.

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There were 7 among the Rivals originally, and they were once friends. A group of connected adventurers as you might find in any of the Epochs that I will discuss in this account. However, they pushed boundaries. First to save the world... Then to subjugate it. Then to challenge the gods themselves. And, I really must say that once you've brought about the end of all gods, there's really not a whole lot left to do. So they came up with new challenges. They became Rivals as each sought to one-up the others.

The Original Rivals

Drethe

Originally a sorcerer of some renown, Drethe claims dominion over death itself and designs his armies to be unthinking and unquestionably loyal. He is, I think, the least patient among the Rivals, although to the eyes of your average mortal, his patience must seem paramount, as he often enacts strategies that take generations to bear fruit.
Known For: Undead

Court of the Ageless

I, of course, knew this Rival by another name, but I really must say that this name no longer carries any meaning. If Drethe represents impatience, the Court of the Ageless represents a truly long game. The Court is no longer a single being as she once once, but is now a split floating conscience among many hosts that have been groomed for immortal service. See Brotherhood of Endless Sorrow . The Court's original concept was that these vessels would only continue to gain skill and grow, and would ultimately outstrip all the tools that her Rivals must necessarily throw away as time went on.
Known For: Immortal ... Ninjas(?)

Cifs

The Fence. The Skyrazor. The Shard-drinker (whatever that means). I couldn't begin to tell you what he calls himself these days. The man has given himself dozens of titles over the epochs, and each are as silly and over-the-top as the few I have listed before you today. He revels in what he undoubtedly views as stylish, but to the rest of us, he is just making gratuitous noise. However, what he lacks in class, he more than makes up in effectiveness and a willingness to mingle with the people. More so than any of the Rivals, Cifs wades among the people and interacts with them on a daily basis. So many have cross paths with this pirate and have no idea they've met one of the most powerful forces in Tranalos.
Known For: Magic Shards

Gruum

Gruum is an interesting case. Quite the hunter in his youth, Gruum set his talents towards one think: Creating monsters. I suppose his preoccupation with the beasts led him to relating to them more than his fellow man. The chief of which is, of course the Dragon. I haven't seen him in eons, but I suspect Gruum has even changed his own flesh to resemble that of his creations.
Known For: Monsters

To be Determined.

To be Determined.

Later Additions

The Rivals took on new members as time went on, but it was always a careful dance. The Rivals obviously wanted to build the most potent champions, heroes, and villians they could for their Grand Struggle, but a few gained enough strength to challenge the Rivals themselves and joined their game in some fashion.

Kor

Kor is quite the interesting case. The Smothering took care of most of the Aspects before they could unite and do something about the Rivals, but Kor survived his fate and ultimately threw in his lot with them.
Known For: Temples of Religious Followers

Sorcerer

The Sorcerer is a fascinating case, as my records would indicate there was not one, but two Sorcerers, with each showing the power necessary to number among the Rivals. The Sorcerer is best known for creation of (and of course the ability to manipulate) the Pael.
Known For: The Pael

Former Rivals

Sir Aldrick an Aldancia Yes, I am almost loathe to admit I number among the original Rivals. Unfortunately, I lacked the shall we say, temperment to participate in their games. To me, life is something of an art, and what the Rivals do is a mockery of what life was meant to be. I have been ousted from my place among them, and am relegated to a simple historian, one who captures the history of what they do, but not one who can influence it directly any longer. I only hope this information helps you succeed where I have not.
Known For: Failure!

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