The Oni Commonwealth

The Oni Commonwealth, once a formidable force, now navigates the tumultuous waters of political upheaval within the Nocturnam Dominion. What was once a mighty faction anchored in the astral plane is now but ruins, and its legacy is fading fast. This faction, renowned for its unique blend of technological and mystical prowess, now teeters on the edge of a fragile alliance with the Drows.

Origins and Ascension

In the annals of history, the Onis emerged as powerful beings in Vesper—the first of their kind, created by the gods. Abiding and intrepid craftsmen, they laid the foundations of society for other species, cultivating diplomatic hegemony over 'The Old Continent.' As masters of technology and invention, they often sought assistance from other realms for their martial endeavors. United with the Drows during the Thundarian Plague epidemic, the Onis showcased unparalleled technological prowess. With advanced machinery and magicka-infused innovations, they effortlessly subdued rival factions, claiming dominion over the realms of men and elves.

In this era of turmoil, Vitiate, chosen by the gods, rose to prominence as a charismatic and ambitious leader. However, as Vitiate ascended, the Gods convened in assembly. The Onis, with the strongest claim to ascension, faced fierce opposition due to the heinous crimes committed by their allies—the Drow-led genocide of dwarves. In the ensuing conflict, Vitiate discovered the divine origins of the Thundarian Plague. He realized the necessity for cooperation among the Pantheon, but gods bickering over rights and wrongs hindered any such cooperation. Faced with this, Vitiate made a fateful decision. Utilizing newfound powers, he cast his race into the Hall of Echoes, a timeless plane, bringing the Drows with them to serve as eternal servants in exchange for their survival.

The Titan and a Promise

To enforce their dominion over the terrestrial plane, the Gods erected a Titan at the entrance to the astral plane—a guardian to regulate Oni and Drow influence. The once-unrivaled power of the Oni Commonwealth dwindled overnight, prompting a coalition of mortal realms to rise and rebuild. The Federation, formed to counterbalance the Oni and Drow influence, crumbled within three years, giving birth to contemporary countries: 'The Kingdom of Swadia,' 'The High Dhunmar State,' the 'Merchant Congregation,' and 'The Menawi Lands.'

Amidst the shifting landscape, the Onis maintained their hold on the Drows, using them as a workforce to develop advanced technologies in anticipation of their return. The Drows, however, harbored notions of rebellion, restrained only by the promise of security and wealth offered by the Onis. The delicate balance held, but the seeds of discontent germinated beneath the surface.

The Breach and Conquest

In an unexpected turn, Vitiate seized control of the Magicka strand related to the Thumbarian plague, intensifying it. For those living outside the Hall of Echoes, another epidemic arose, more infectious and lethal than the first strand. However, even Vitiate couldn't predict the gods, the supposed source of the magicka, being afflicted and debilitated. They were unable to respond to the threat adequately, leading to Vitiate's cunning design: spread rumors of a cure inside the Hall of Echoes and pit existing countries against each other. A war broke out between Swadia and Dhunmar, allowing the Congregation space to maneuver the return of their masters. Vitiate rallied the Oni forces and orchestrated the breach of the astral plane gates, enabling the Onis and Drows to march through the gates and set foot on the terrestrial realm once more. Their first conquest was Legasa, the Swadian Capital. The city fell swiftly, its defenses ill-prepared for an assault while engaged in a distant conflict. The Onis, driven by vengeance and conquest, expanded their dominion, enslaving and ravaging cities with little divine retribution. The Gods remained silent, seemingly indifferent to the carnage wrought by their once-loyal allies.

The Second Assembly and Catastrophe

The Second Assembly, a gathering of the Gods and Godwokens, unfolded with the Drows taking a stand outside The Academy. Simultaneously, a special detachment of Vitiate's guard and Vitiate himself entered The Academy. Once inside, he witnessed how all the attending god-woken chose to ascend the Chosen of the Horned Rat, The God of Decay. As the chosen walked towards the Magicka Pools, the Gods betrayed their chosen, disagreeing with their decision. Vitiate intervened in favor of the chosen, but it was too late; the distracted Gods, afflicted by the Plague, couldn't contain a lumbering threat; 'The Ancient One.' He broke loose and destroyed the Magicka pools, killing the Gods and Vitiate himself. Only Rothward, chosen of Purity, was said to have survived the ordeal. The catastrophic consequences reverberated through the realms. The Ancient One, a colossal entity, and the subsequent Vortex reshaped the landscape. The Onis, struggling to adapt to the new battlefield that was once the Academy, faced the ruins of their accomplishments and were pushed to retreat, while the Drows were long gone, abandoning them to their fate.

Aftermath and Betrayal

The Onis, resentful of Drow retreat and subsequent interference in their laws and traditions on the fiefs the Drow were holding in their name, found their power waning. The years of campaigning took a toll, and the Oni leadership faced internal struggles. Meanwhile, the Drows, asserting themselves, made changes in pursuit of redemption. Despite strained alliances, the Onis clung to their vengeance-driven war, while the Drows contemplated abandoning the surface for the safety of the underground.

In response to the Drows taking a friendlier solution towards the issue of the conquered countries, several militia-like remnants started to prop up on the lands they still held. The Drows never came to their support despite their alliance, and slowly the Oni numbers were dwindling until a man came to Pornum. Lord Rolar Daymoose presented himself and offered the Oni a tempting solution to their manpower issue: Project Progenitor.

With their numbers suddenly increasing and having successfully quelled all militias, the Onis were able to look back unto their allies and demanded a meeting. The Frozen Maiden Peaks summit, intended for alliance discussions, turned into a betrayal. The Oni leadership demanded the Drows to pay reparations for failing to support the Oni and requested the return of the Caste Law on their fiefs; when they refused, the Oni leaders manipulated and charmed Drow representatives, resulting in a massacre. Hence sparking the conflict between The Oni Commonwealth and the Nocturnam Dominion.