Greetings Vazzards!
We embark on another captivating journey into the enchanting world of AETHERIS, with an enthralling new tribe story that explores the mysteries of The Augurs tribe.
The Augurs - Origins
Many moons ago, a group of refugees known as the Augurs settled near an ancient Aether mine. Its insidious influence gradually isolated them from the Spirits to the extent that the Augurs began to mistake it for one single Great Spirit. In their misguided reverence, they began to warp their beliefs around the vast and potent influence emanating from the sprawling power of the Aether.
The Aether bestows innate gifts, such as exceptional strength and powers, but its “blessings” come at a cost. Infused with it from birth, Augurs have a shorter lifespan than other Vazzards. While the Aether keeps them alive, prolonged separation from it not only weakens them but can also lead to fatal consequences. They are, therefore, entirely bound to it.
This is why the legend of the Oracle has become a fundamental truth for them, as has the prophecy of his return. He is the one who will be worthy enough of the Great Spirit to make him hear his will and become one with it. This is something the Augurs, subject to the Aether by nature, are unable to do.
For them, the spread of the Aether is a sign that the Great Spirit is growing impatient, searching for his chosen one. Eager to please him and fulfill the prophecy, the Augurs see themselves as the bearers of his will and have found a rare opportunity in the eternal conflict between the villages.
They send vengeance-seeking adventurers who cross their path on the trail of this famous “great power” to the source of the Aether in the hope of seeing a new Oracle emerge.
Tribe leader - Elioch
Elioch is a mysterious character.
Blind but once the bearer of great visions, covered in veils and fabrics with only their snout and claws showing, everything about them reinforces the aura of mystical greatness that surrounds them.
In his youth, Elioch was the Augurs' greatest hope, a possible reincarnation of the Oracle among them. More resistant to the effects of the Aether than his siblings, he enjoyed its benefits for a long time, suffering few consequences. Additionally, he experienced visions and heard voices surrounding him that only he could perceive. Recognizing these as signs from the Great Spirit, both the Augurs and Elioch himself became convinced that he was the long-awaited chosen one.
So Elioch dove into the Shade in search of the Great Spirit's "heart" but barely made it back.
The Aether concentration there was so intense that its influence eventually caught up with him. Between monsters and dazzling corruption, Elioch literally lost his scales and barely made it back to his family. He had never heard a voice since.
Elioch saw their failure as a punishment for the undeserving who impersonated the Oracle, a misinterpretation of the will of the Great Spirit, who wanted to make Elioch his herald instead of his chosen one, the guide who would enable the Oracle to reveal themselves.
Although Elioch lost his scales and later his sight, his power, and longevity relative to their peers remain intact. A great spiritual guide to the Augurs, and tests potential candidates and trains them to enter the Shade to retrieve the Great Spirit’s heart.
See you soon with our second Vazzards story, "The Arboreals." Stay tuned and follow us on social media so you don't miss a thing.
Catch you in the Wilderness soon!✌️
~WILD WITS Team