Role
Aurion, titled Herald of the Stars, is the king of Soltheris and a level nine cosmic mage. He rules from the Luminary Halls in Zeydrith, leads his kingdom's defense against the Land of Darkness, and commissioned Thalvian to build the orreries. He seeks enough power to protect Xalmyrra without exhausting Soltheris's people and resources.
Appearance
Aurion has bronze skin, brown hair streaked with silver, and gray eyes. Cosmic glyphs cover his arms and chest, glowing when he uses magic.
Clothing & Attire
Aurion wears navy cloaks and robes embroidered with silver threads. He removes his ceremonial clothing for duels and fights in practical tunics and trousers.
Personality
Aurion believes he is destined to surpass mortal limits and protect Xalmyrra. He wants to match Arcanis's power and expects his achievements to convince the other nations to support him. He regards the orreries as a means to achieve the strength Soltheris needs.
He enjoys public demonstrations, grand speeches, and challenging other powerful mages. He takes pride in his people's work: after the first successful orrery demonstration, he told Thalvian to bow to no one.
He insists on fighting personally and continues casting even when the cost alarms Kaelric and Daryas. He argues that Soltheris cannot survive without stronger weapons and more help from its neighbors.
Abilities, Skills & Magic
Aurion casts starfield barriers, celestial beams, cosmic missiles, and meteors. His glyphs enhance his body, and he uses solid barriers to stand on or imprison opponents. He defeated Brynor by pinning him between barriers and replacing them faster than Brynor could break free.
Background & History
Soltheris and the orreries
Aurion succeeded his father, King Therion, after Therion disappeared in a celestial beam and was presumed dead. Therion had instead been summoned to Xolterra by Xoh’Tenol and became Emperor Tazarin of Thalcoris. Astheron and Isrynn mentored Aurion after his early accession.
A golden being appeared to Aurion after his father's disappearance and told him to ascend. Aurion pursued the power described in the legends of Arcanis, committing Soltheris's resources to Thalvian's work at the Artisan Guild.
At Dravemir, Aurion destroyed an attacking swarm with a starfield barrier and meteors, draining enough essence to age the defenders. He again drained the land while defending the southern villages against harbingers. Kaelric and Daryas challenged the cost of his methods.
When Brynor investigated, Aurion showed him the devastated borderlands and challenged him to a wagered duel. Aurion's victory secured Brynor's agreement to remain in Soltheris, support its defense, and seek assistance from Keldara and the council.
The first celestial orrery demonstration gave Aurion enough power to cast an enormous barrier without draining those around him. The Cataclysm followed, killing Seralyth and devastating Xalmyrra. Xarion blamed the machine and marched on Soltheris to force Aurion's surrender.
Aurion had more orreries built and brought Eira to the negotiations, expecting her to use their power to restore the land. She could not draw on them. At the Teryndal-Soltheris Battle, Aurion refused to surrender his kingdom, and Eira lost control of her magic as the argument continued. Her darkness killed tens of thousands. When Xol'Zahir's disciples attacked afterward, Aurion shielded Xarion from a meteor and fought beside him.
Aurion later invited the other leaders to Zeydrith and offered orreries to their nations. He asked them to share information in return, presenting the offer as an act of goodwill and a reason to put their differences aside.
Relationships
- Kaelric: Aurion's oldest friend, bodyguard, and frequent sparring partner. Kaelric openly challenges his decisions while continuing to protect him.
- Daryas: His commander and close friend. Daryas challenges the cost of Aurion's magic and takes charge of military planning.
- Brynor: Their wager began a friendship sustained through arguments, teasing, and fighting together. Brynor challenges Aurion's draining, while Aurion relies on his strength and support for Soltheris.
- Kaelion: His half-brother and former advisor. Kaelion opposed Aurion's methods before learning that they shared a father.
- Seralyth: His wife and Soltheris's queen, killed in the Cataclysm. She supported his defense of the kingdom, healed its people, and warned him against exhausting himself.
- Thalvian: The engineer Aurion entrusted with the orreries. Aurion supplied resources for his work, promoted his inventions, and publicly praised his achievement after the first successful demonstration.
Role
Aurion, titled Herald of the Stars, is the king of Soltheris and a level nine cosmic mage. He commissioned Thalvian to build the orreries and supplies them to the other nations. He supports the Xalmyrran Council's work to open the gate beneath the Imperial Institute and commissioned a passage through the eastern mountains. Renewed attacks from the Land of Darkness have collapsed the tunnel and placed Dravemir under siege.
Appearance
Aurion has bronze skin, brown hair streaked with silver, and gray eyes. Cosmic glyphs cover his arms and chest, glowing when he uses magic.
Clothing & Attire
Aurion wears navy cloaks and robes embroidered with silver threads. He removes his ceremonial clothing for duels and fights in practical tunics and trousers.
Personality
Aurion wants to surpass mortal limits and protect Xalmyrra. He pursued ascension for years, hoping to match Arcanis's power, and committed Soltheris's resources to inventions that could supply the essence his spells required.
He enjoys public demonstrations, grand speeches, and challenging other powerful mages. He takes pride in his people's work: after the first successful orrery demonstration, he told Thalvian to bow to no one.
His failure to open the Irrathis gate shook his conviction that he was uniquely chosen. He questioned his fitness to rule and considered whether Daryas would make a better king.
Abilities, Skills & Magic
Aurion casts starfield barriers, celestial beams, cosmic missiles, and meteors. His glyphs enhance his body, and he uses solid barriers to stand on or imprison opponents. He defeated Brynor by pinning him between barriers and replacing them faster than Brynor could break free.
Background & History
Soltheris and the orreries
Aurion succeeded his father, King Therion, after Therion disappeared in a celestial beam and was presumed dead. Therion had instead been summoned to Xolterra by Xoh’Tenol and became Emperor Tazarin of Thalcoris. Astheron and Isrynn mentored Aurion after his early accession.
A golden being appeared to Aurion after his father's disappearance and told him to ascend. Aurion pursued the power described in the legends of Arcanis, committing Soltheris's resources to Thalvian's work at the Artisan Guild.
At Dravemir, Aurion destroyed an attacking swarm with a starfield barrier and meteors, draining enough essence to age the defenders. He again drained the land while defending the southern villages against harbingers. Kaelric and Daryas challenged the cost of his methods.
When Brynor investigated, Aurion showed him the devastated borderlands and challenged him to a wagered duel. Aurion's victory secured Brynor's agreement to remain in Soltheris, support its defense, and seek assistance from Keldara and the council.
The first celestial orrery demonstration gave Aurion enough power to cast an enormous barrier without draining those around him. The Cataclysm followed, killing Seralyth and devastating Xalmyrra. The disaster came from the previous cycle colliding with the current one, but Xarion blamed the machine and marched on Soltheris to force Aurion's surrender.
Aurion had more orreries built and brought Eira to the negotiations, expecting her to use their power to restore the land. She could not draw on them. At the Teryndal-Soltheris Battle, Aurion refused to surrender his kingdom, and Eira lost control of her magic as the argument continued. Her darkness killed tens of thousands. When Jorhan's disciples attacked afterward, Aurion shielded Xarion from a meteor and fought beside him.
The gate and the eastern passage
Aurion offered orreries to the other nations. He proposed using their power to stabilize Lirien's damaged essence, which Ilyra successfully did. He also supplied orreries for the gate beneath the Imperial Institute in Irrathis.
Aurion and Renneth tried to activate the gate together. Its symbols lit up, but it did not open. The gate accepted Renneth's essence and rejected Aurion's. Aurion left the orreries in Irrathis and sent Thalvian to continue the work.
He ordered Daryas to have mages cut a passage through the eastern Soltheris mountains, seeking another route out of Xalmyrra. When darkness attacked the excavation, the tunnel collapsed and Mirael returned with a group of mages. Aurion sent Rhyzmar to Varentis to seek help for besieged Dravemir, then took an airship with Mirael toward the city.
Relationships
- Kaelric: Aurion's oldest friend, bodyguard, and frequent sparring partner. Kaelric openly challenges his decisions while continuing to protect him.
- Daryas: His commander and close friend. Daryas challenges the cost of Aurion's magic and takes charge of military planning. Aurion leaves him to govern during his absences, though Daryas continues to support him as king.
- Brynor: Their wager began a friendship sustained through arguments, teasing, and fighting together. Brynor challenges Aurion's draining, while Aurion relies on his strength and support for Soltheris.
- Kaelion: His half-brother and former advisor. Kaelion opposed Aurion's methods before learning that they shared a father.
- Seralyth: His wife and Soltheris's queen, killed in the Cataclysm. She supported his defense of the kingdom, healed its people, and warned him against exhausting himself.
- Thalvian: The engineer Aurion entrusted with the orreries. Aurion supplied resources for his work, promoted his inventions, and publicly praised his achievement after the first successful demonstration.
Role
Aurion, titled Herald of the Stars, is the former king of Soltheris and a level nine cosmic mage. He commissioned Thalvian to build the orreries and defended Soltheris against the Land of Darkness. He abdicated in favor of Daryas, joined the Xalmyrran Council, and accepted a mission with Lirien under Aldar's direction.
Appearance
Aurion has bronze skin, brown hair streaked with silver, and gray eyes. Cosmic glyphs cover his arms and chest, glowing when he uses magic.
Clothing & Attire
Aurion wears navy cloaks and robes embroidered with silver threads. He removes his ceremonial clothing for duels and fights in practical tunics and trousers.
Personality
Aurion wants to surpass mortal limits and protect Xalmyrra. He pursued ascension for years, hoping to match Arcanis's power, and committed Soltheris's resources to inventions that could supply the essence his spells required.
He enjoys public demonstrations, grand speeches, and challenging other powerful mages. He takes pride in his people's work: after the first successful orrery demonstration, he told Thalvian to bow to no one.
His failure to open the Irrathis gate shook his conviction that he was uniquely chosen. He questioned his fitness to rule and considered whether Daryas would make a better king. He entrusted Daryas with the crown and asked to remain his advisor and friend.
Abilities, Skills & Magic
Aurion casts starfield barriers, celestial beams, cosmic missiles, and meteors. His glyphs enhance his body, and he uses solid barriers to stand on or imprison opponents. He defeated Brynor by pinning him between barriers and replacing them faster than Brynor could break free.
Background & History
Soltheris and the orreries
Aurion succeeded his father, King Therion, after Therion disappeared in a celestial beam and was presumed dead. Therion had instead been summoned to Xolterra by Xoh’Tenol and became Emperor Tazarin of Thalcoris. Astheron and Isrynn mentored Aurion after his early accession.
Hrzai appeared to him as a golden being after his father's disappearance and told him to ascend. Aurion pursued the power described in the legends of Arcanis, committing Soltheris's resources to Thalvian's work at the Artisan Guild.
At Dravemir, Aurion destroyed an attacking swarm with a starfield barrier and meteors, draining enough essence to age the defenders. He again drained the land while defending the southern villages against harbingers. Kaelric and Daryas challenged the cost of his methods.
When Brynor investigated, Aurion showed him the devastated borderlands and challenged him to a wagered duel. Aurion's victory secured Brynor's agreement to remain in Soltheris, support its defense, and seek assistance from Keldara and the council.
The first celestial orrery demonstration gave Aurion enough power to cast an enormous barrier without draining those around him. The Cataclysm followed, killing Seralyth and devastating Xalmyrra. The disaster came from the previous cycle colliding with the current one, but Xarion blamed the machine and marched on Soltheris to force Aurion's surrender.
Aurion had more orreries built and brought Eira to the negotiations, expecting her to use their power to restore the land. She could not draw on them. At the Teryndal-Soltheris Battle, Aurion refused to surrender his kingdom, and Eira lost control of her magic as the argument continued. Her darkness killed tens of thousands. When Jorhan's disciples attacked afterward, Aurion shielded Xarion from a meteor and fought beside him.
Abdication and the council
Aurion offered orreries to the other nations. He proposed using their power to stabilize Lirien's damaged essence, which Ilyra successfully did. He also supplied orreries for the gate beneath the Imperial Institute in Irrathis.
His attempt to activate the gate with Renneth failed; it accepted Renneth's essence and rejected his. He left the orreries in Irrathis and sent Thalvian to continue the work.
He also ordered Daryas to have mages cut a passage through the eastern Soltheris mountains, seeking another route out of Xalmyrra.
When Brynor ordered the soldiers to retreat from Soltheris's southern front, Aurion refused to leave him. They went to the gate outside Dravemir, where Brynor attacked Jorhan as he emerged and Aurion tried to destroy the gate. Aurion then fought Jorhan alongside Kaelion, his half-brother, before Arcanis intervened.
After learning that Arcanis was Thalena, Aurion acknowledged that Daryas had kept Soltheris running. He abdicated, named Daryas his successor, and asked to remain his advisor and friend. He joined the council and accepted Aldar's mission with Lirien.
Relationships
- Kaelric: Aurion's oldest friend, bodyguard, and frequent sparring partner. Kaelric openly challenges his decisions while continuing to protect him.
- Daryas: His close friend and successor. Daryas managed Soltheris during Aurion's absences and challenged his decisions. Aurion trusted him with the crown and asked to remain his advisor and friend.
- Brynor: Their wager began a friendship sustained through arguments, teasing, and fighting together. Brynor challenges Aurion's draining, while Aurion relies on his strength and support for Soltheris.
- Kaelion: His half-brother and former advisor. Kaelion opposed Aurion's methods before learning that they shared a father. The two later fought Jorhan together.
- Seralyth: His wife and Soltheris's queen, killed in the Cataclysm. She supported his defense of the kingdom, healed its people, and warned him against exhausting himself.
Role
Aurion, titled Herald of the Stars, is the former king of Soltheris, a level nine cosmic mage, and a member of the Xalmyrran Council. He commissioned Thalvian to build the orreries and abdicated in favor of Daryas. After accompanying Jorhan as he cleared darkness from Durakarn, Aurion took his spiral shard.
Appearance
Aurion has bronze skin, brown hair streaked with silver, and gray eyes flecked with silver. Cosmic glyphs cover his arms and chest, glowing when he uses magic. The spiral shard is embedded in his palm.
Clothing & Attire
Aurion wears navy cloaks and robes embroidered with silver threads. He removes his ceremonial clothing for duels and fights in practical tunics and trousers.
Personality
Aurion wants to surpass mortal limits and protect Xalmyrra. He pursued ascension for years, hoping to match Arcanis's power, and committed Soltheris's resources to inventions that could supply the essence his spells required.
He enjoys public demonstrations, grand speeches, and challenging other powerful mages. He takes pride in his people's work: after the first successful orrery demonstration, he told Thalvian to bow to no one.
His failure to open the Irrathis gate made him question whether he was uniquely chosen. Taking Jorhan's shard gave him the purpose he had sought; he defended the decision as his own choice.
Abilities, Skills & Magic
Aurion casts starfield barriers, celestial beams, cosmic missiles, and meteors. His glyphs enhance his body, and he uses solid barriers to stand on or imprison opponents. He defeated Brynor by pinning him between barriers and replacing them faster than Brynor could break free.
He now carries Jorhan's spiral shard, an artifact containing a vast store of essence.
Background & History
Soltheris and the orreries
Aurion succeeded his father, King Therion, after Therion disappeared in a celestial beam and was presumed dead. Therion had instead been summoned to Xolterra by Xoh’Tenol and became Emperor Tazarin of Thalcoris. Astheron and Isrynn mentored Aurion after his early accession.
Hrzai appeared to him as a golden being after his father's disappearance and told him to ascend. Aurion pursued the power described in the legends of Arcanis, committing Soltheris's resources to Thalvian's work at the Artisan Guild.
At Dravemir, Aurion destroyed an attacking swarm with a starfield barrier and meteors, draining enough essence to age the defenders. He again drained the land while defending the southern villages against harbingers. Kaelric and Daryas challenged the cost of his methods.
When Brynor investigated, Aurion showed him the devastated borderlands and challenged him to a wagered duel. Aurion's victory secured Brynor's agreement to remain in Soltheris, support its defense, and seek assistance from Keldara and the council.
The first celestial orrery demonstration gave Aurion enough power to cast an enormous barrier without draining those around him. The Cataclysm followed, killing Seralyth and devastating Xalmyrra. The disaster came from the previous cycle colliding with the current one, but Xarion blamed the machine and marched on Soltheris to force Aurion's surrender.
Aurion had more orreries built and brought Eira to the negotiations, expecting her to use their power to restore the land. She could not draw on them. At the Teryndal-Soltheris Battle, Aurion refused to surrender his kingdom, and Eira lost control of her magic as the argument continued. Her darkness killed tens of thousands. When Jorhan's disciples attacked afterward, Aurion shielded Xarion from a meteor and fought beside him.
Abdication and the council
Aurion offered orreries to the other nations. He proposed using their power to stabilize Lirien's damaged essence, which Ilyra successfully did. He also supplied orreries for the gate beneath the Imperial Institute in Irrathis.
His attempt to activate the gate with Renneth failed; it accepted Renneth's essence and rejected his. He left the orreries in Irrathis and sent Thalvian to continue the work.
He also ordered Daryas to have mages cut a passage through the eastern Soltheris mountains, seeking another route out of Xalmyrra.
When Brynor ordered the soldiers to retreat from Soltheris's southern front, Aurion refused to leave him. They went to the gate outside Dravemir, where Brynor attacked Jorhan as he emerged and Aurion tried to destroy the gate. Aurion then fought Jorhan alongside Kaelion, his half-brother, before Arcanis intervened.
After learning that Arcanis was Thalena, Aurion acknowledged that Daryas had kept Soltheris running. He abdicated, named Daryas his successor, and asked to remain his advisor and friend. He joined the council and accepted Aldar's mission with Lirien.
Jorhan and the spiral shard
Aurion and Lirien found Brynor and accompanied Jorhan while he cleared darkness from Durakarn. Aurion became friendly with Jorhan during their years of traveling together, exchanging jokes with the man he had fought as the god of darkness.
After Jorhan died clearing a town in southern Durakarn, Aurion rushed to take his spiral shard. Brynor tried to stop him, but Aurion pressed it into his palm. The resulting shockwaves forced Brynor and the approaching Durakarn mages back. Aurion told Brynor that he had finally found a purpose and had made the choice himself.
Relationships
- Kaelric: Aurion's oldest friend, bodyguard, and frequent sparring partner. Kaelric openly challenges his decisions while continuing to protect him.
- Daryas: His close friend and successor. Daryas managed Soltheris during Aurion's absences and challenged his decisions. Aurion trusted him with the crown and asked to remain his advisor and friend.
- Brynor: Their wager began a friendship sustained through arguments, teasing, and fighting together. Brynor challenges Aurion's draining and tried to prevent him from taking Jorhan's shard.
- Kaelion: His half-brother and former advisor. Kaelion opposed Aurion's methods before learning that they shared a father. The two later fought Jorhan together.
- Seralyth: His wife and Soltheris's queen, killed in the Cataclysm. She supported his defense of the kingdom, healed its people, and warned him against exhausting himself.
- Jorhan: His former enemy and later traveling companion. Jorhan apologized for the harm he had caused, and the two became friends while crossing Durakarn.
Role
Aurion, titled Herald of the Stars, is the former king of Soltheris, a level nine cosmic mage, and a member of the Xalmyrran Council. He commissioned Thalvian to build the orreries and abdicated in favor of Daryas. He wields Jorhan's spiral shard, trains under Aldar, and has joined Garrik's forces against Blackcrag.
Appearance
Aurion has a muscular build, bronze skin, brown hair streaked with silver, and gray eyes flecked with silver. Cosmic glyphs cover his arms and chest, glowing when he uses magic. The spiral shard is embedded in his palm.
Clothing & Attire
Aurion wears cosmic-blue robes and navy cloaks embroidered with silver threads and constellations. He removes his ceremonial clothing for duels and fights in practical tunics and trousers.
Personality
Aurion wants to surpass mortal limits and protect Xalmyrra. He pursued ascension for years, hoping to match Arcanis's power, and committed Soltheris's resources to inventions that could supply the essence his spells required.
He enjoys public demonstrations, grand speeches, and challenging other powerful mages. He takes pride in his people's work: after the first successful orrery demonstration, he told Thalvian to bow to no one.
His failure to open the Irrathis gate made him question whether he was uniquely chosen. Taking Jorhan's shard gave him the purpose he had sought; he defended the decision as his own choice. He wants to use its remaining power to protect the world and dismisses warnings that he could become like Jorhan.
Abilities, Skills & Magic
Aurion casts starfield barriers, celestial beams, cosmic missiles, and meteors. His glyphs enhance his body, and he uses solid barriers to stand on or imprison opponents. He defeated Brynor by pinning him between barriers and replacing them faster than Brynor could break free.
The spiral shard powers attacks far beyond his normal reserves. He used it to blast through an enchanted wall, but the spell scorched his hand and left him unconscious. Its remaining essence is limited.
Background & History
Soltheris and the orreries
Aurion succeeded his father, King Therion, after Therion disappeared in a celestial beam and was presumed dead. Therion had instead been summoned to Xolterra by Xoh’Tenol and became Emperor Tazarin of Thalcoris. Astheron and Isrynn mentored Aurion after his early accession.
Hrzai appeared to him as a golden being after his father's disappearance and told him to ascend. Aurion pursued the power described in the legends of Arcanis, committing Soltheris's resources to Thalvian's work at the Artisan Guild.
At Dravemir, Aurion destroyed an attacking swarm with a starfield barrier and meteors, draining enough essence to age the defenders. He again drained the land while defending the southern villages against harbingers. Kaelric and Daryas challenged the cost of his methods.
When Brynor investigated, Aurion showed him the devastated borderlands and challenged him to a wagered duel. Aurion's victory secured Brynor's agreement to remain in Soltheris, support its defense, and seek assistance from Keldara and the council.
The first celestial orrery demonstration gave Aurion enough power to cast an enormous barrier without draining those around him. The Cataclysm followed, killing Seralyth and devastating Xalmyrra. The disaster came from the previous cycle colliding with the current one, but Xarion blamed the machine and marched on Soltheris to force Aurion's surrender.
Aurion had more orreries built and brought Eira to the negotiations, expecting her to use their power to restore the land. She could not draw on them. At the Teryndal-Soltheris Battle, Aurion refused to surrender his kingdom, and Eira lost control of her magic as the argument continued. Her darkness killed tens of thousands. When Jorhan's disciples attacked afterward, Aurion shielded Xarion from a meteor and fought beside him.
Abdication and the council
Aurion offered orreries to the other nations. He proposed using their power to stabilize Lirien's damaged essence, which Ilyra successfully did. He also supplied orreries for the gate beneath the Imperial Institute in Irrathis.
His attempt to activate the gate with Renneth failed; it accepted Renneth's essence and rejected his. He left the orreries in Irrathis and sent Thalvian to continue the work.
He also ordered Daryas to have mages cut a passage through the eastern Soltheris mountains, seeking another route out of Xalmyrra.
When Brynor ordered the soldiers to retreat from Soltheris's southern front, Aurion refused to leave him. They went to the gate outside Dravemir, where Brynor attacked Jorhan as he emerged and Aurion tried to destroy the gate. Aurion then fought Jorhan alongside Kaelion, his half-brother, before Arcanis intervened.
After learning that Arcanis was Thalena, Aurion acknowledged that Daryas had kept Soltheris running. He abdicated, named Daryas his successor, and asked to remain his advisor and friend. He joined the council and accepted Aldar's mission with Lirien.
Jorhan and the spiral shard
Aurion and Lirien found Brynor and accompanied Jorhan while he cleared darkness from Durakarn. Aurion became friendly with Jorhan during nearly three years of traveling together, exchanging jokes with the man he had fought as the god of darkness.
After Jorhan died clearing a town in southern Durakarn, Aurion rushed to take his spiral shard. Brynor tried to stop him, but Aurion pressed it into his palm. The resulting shockwaves forced Brynor and the approaching Durakarn mages back. Aurion told Brynor that he had finally found a purpose and had made the choice himself.
Return to Irrathis and Blackcrag
Aurion returned to Irrathis with Brynor and Lirien and reunited with his father, Tazarin. He began accompanying Aldar to learn how to use the shard. Both Aldar and Brynor warned him that little essence remained in it.
He traveled with Brynor and Mirael to Maraveth and joined Garrik's forces against Blackcrag. During their advance, Aurion fired a shard-powered beam at an enchanted wall. Garrik raised the ground beneath him to correct its trajectory, and the blast destroyed a large section of the wall and several enemy skyships. Aurion collapsed, and Mirael tended him while the army resumed its advance.
Relationships
- Kaelric: Aurion's oldest friend, bodyguard, and frequent sparring partner. Kaelric openly challenges his decisions while continuing to protect him.
- Daryas: His close friend and successor. Daryas managed Soltheris during Aurion's absences and challenged his decisions. Aurion trusted him with the crown and asked to remain his advisor and friend.
- Brynor: Their wager began a friendship sustained through arguments, teasing, and fighting together. Brynor challenges Aurion's draining and tried to prevent him from taking Jorhan's shard.
- Kaelion: His half-brother and former advisor. Kaelion opposed Aurion's methods before learning that they shared a father. The two later fought Jorhan together.
- Seralyth: His wife and Soltheris's queen, killed in the Cataclysm. She supported his defense of the kingdom, healed its people, and warned him against exhausting himself.
Role
Aurion, titled Herald of the Stars, was the king of Soltheris and a level nine cosmic mage. He commissioned Thalvian to build the orreries, defended Soltheris against the Land of Darkness, and later abdicated in favor of Daryas to join the Xalmyrran Council. He became a spiral shard wielder after Jorhan's death and died from darkness poisoning after using its power to protect Garrik's army and recreate Seralyth.
Appearance
Aurion had a muscular build, bronze skin, brown hair streaked with silver, and gray eyes flecked with silver. Cosmic glyphs covered his arms and chest, glowing when he used magic. After the Siege of Omberion, parts of his arms remained blackened by corruption that healers could not remove.
Clothing & Attire
Aurion wore cosmic-blue robes and navy cloaks embroidered with silver threads and constellations. He removed his ceremonial clothing for duels and fought in practical tunics and trousers.
Personality
Aurion believed he was destined to surpass mortal limits and protect Xalmyrra. He interpreted the growing darkness as a response to his inventions and insisted that his enemies feared what he was building. He wanted to match Arcanis's power and expected his achievements to convince the other nations to support him.
He enjoyed public demonstrations, grand speeches, and challenging other powerful mages. He repeatedly wanted to duel Xarion and show him his latest achievements. He also took pride in his people's work: after the first successful orrery demonstration, he told Thalvian to bow to no one.
Abilities, Skills & Magic
Aurion cast starfield barriers, celestial beams, cosmic missiles, and meteors. His glyphs enhanced his body, and he used solid barriers to stand on or imprison opponents. He defeated Brynor by pinning him between barriers and replacing them faster than Brynor could break free.
The spiral shard later powered his largest barriers and the spell he used to recreate Seralyth, consuming its remaining reserves.
Background & History
Soltheris and the orreries
Aurion succeeded his father, King Therion, after Therion disappeared in a celestial beam and was presumed dead. Astheron and Isrynn mentored the young king. Hrzai appeared to him as a golden being and told him to ascend, setting him on his pursuit of enlightenment. He committed Soltheris's resources to Thalvian's work at the Artisan Guild, seeking a means to wield power beyond his own reserves.
At Dravemir, Aurion destroyed an attacking swarm with a starfield barrier and meteors, draining enough essence to age the defenders. He again drained the land while defending the southern villages against harbingers. Kaelric and Daryas challenged the cost of his methods, while Aurion argued that Soltheris would fall without stronger weapons and more help from the other nations.
When Brynor investigated, Aurion showed him the devastated borderlands and challenged him to a wagered duel. Aurion's victory secured Brynor's agreement to remain in Soltheris, support its defense, and seek assistance from Keldara and the council.
The first celestial orrery demonstration gave Aurion enough power to cast an enormous barrier without draining those around him. The Cataclysm followed, killing Seralyth and devastating Xalmyrra. The disaster came from the previous cycle colliding with the current one, but Xarion blamed the machine and marched on Soltheris to force Aurion's surrender.
Aurion had more orreries built and brought Eira to the negotiations, expecting her to use their power to restore the land. She could not draw on them. At the Teryndal-Soltheris Battle, Aurion refused to surrender his kingdom, and Eira lost control of her magic as the argument continued. Her darkness killed tens of thousands. When Jorhan's disciples attacked afterward, Aurion shielded Xarion from a meteor and fought beside him.
Abdication and the council
Aurion offered orreries to the other nations. He proposed using their power to stabilize Lirien's damaged essence, which Ilyra successfully did. He supplied orreries and sent Thalvian to help open the gate beneath the Imperial Institute in Irrathis. He also ordered Daryas to cut a passage through the eastern Soltheris mountains, seeking a route out of Xalmyrra.
When Brynor ordered the soldiers to retreat from Soltheris's southern front, Aurion refused to leave him. They went to the gate outside Dravemir, where Brynor attacked Jorhan as he emerged and Aurion tried to destroy the gate. Aurion then fought Jorhan alongside Kaelion, his half-brother, before Arcanis intervened. After learning that Arcanis was Thalena, Aurion acknowledged that Daryas had kept Soltheris running. He abdicated, named Daryas his successor, and asked to remain his advisor and friend.
Aurion joined the council and traveled with Lirien on Aldar's mission. They found Brynor and accompanied Jorhan while he cleared darkness from Durakarn. During nearly three years together, Jorhan taught Aurion about the cycles and the shard's spells. After Jorhan's final act cleared the town, Aurion took his spiral shard despite Brynor's attempt to stop him. He returned to Irrathis and reunited with Therion, who had survived and become Emperor Tazarin of Thalcoris.
Omberion and Seralyth
Aurion joined Garrik's forces against Blackcrag. During their advance, he blasted through an enchanted wall with a shard-powered beam, opening the way for the army. At the Siege of Omberion, Kjeldan's forces sent explosive skyships toward the city and Garrik's troops. Aurion stayed behind with Garrik, raising successive starfield barriers while the army retreated. Garrik healed and shielded him throughout the explosions, then carried him out when he fell unconscious. Aurion saved many lives, nearly exhausted the shard, and suffered lasting corruption.
Back in the Luminary Halls, Aurion used the shard's final spell on Seralyth's preserved body. He reconstructed her as he remembered her and gave her darkness magic to help cleanse Xalmyrra. The shard shattered, and the recreated Seralyth began clearing patches of darkness. She retained Seralyth's memories but did not consider herself Aurion's wife. Aurion shared his knowledge of the spells with Aldar.
The darkness Aurion had absorbed poisoned him. After collapsing during a meeting in the Luminary Halls, he spent his final days among his family and friends. Thalena ruled out divine magic and a Malverand heart as ways to save him. He died with Seralyth, Kaelric, and Daryas beside him.
Relationships
- Kaelric: Aurion's oldest friend, bodyguard, and frequent sparring partner. Kaelric openly challenged his decisions while continuing to protect him.
- Daryas: His commander, close friend, and successor. Daryas challenged Aurion's decisions and managed the kingdom during his absences. Aurion trusted him to lead Soltheris and remained his advisor after abdicating. At Aurion's deathbed, Daryas promised to ensure he was remembered as a great king.
- Brynor: Their wager began a friendship sustained through arguments, teasing, and fighting together. Brynor challenged Aurion's draining and tried to prevent him from taking Jorhan's shard.
- Kaelion: His half-brother and former advisor. Kaelion opposed his methods before learning they shared a father; the two later fought Jorhan together.
- Seralyth: His wife and Soltheris's queen. She supported his defense of the kingdom, healed its people, and warned him against exhausting himself. Her death drove his determination to recreate her.