Tales of Alcyone - The Origin of the World

Hello everyone! Baku here, which means today we’ll be diving into something lore-related and, hopefully, interesting! 👍

So, I thought it would be nice to introduce you all to the world of Alcyone and show what I’m working on besides drawing and all sorts of other things.

Note: if you don’t want spoilers, you might want to skip reading this text, BUT!! not the whole story will be revealed in the game itself. So it’s kind of a 50/50 situation. This text only relates indirectly to the game’s main plot, since it’s focused more on the depth and richness of the world.

Just to be clear, I don’t claim to be some amazing narrative designer with tons of experience. I simply create the way I enjoy, in the way that’s interesting to me. Suggestions for improvement are always welcome!

The Origin of the World

It all began 4,300 years ago with what is now called The Great Rupture. Thousands of years had passed since the last mention of dragons, but the ancient Song of the Seven awakened the great dragon Akardius, and the earth trembled. A massive seismic shock triggered a chain of cataclysms: tectonic plates split apart within just a couple of centuries, continents reshaped, the climate grew harsher. In these new, unforgiving conditions, the original human-like race changed and split — giving rise to two main lineages, each with its own progenitor: Kornar and Verden.

According to legend, both progenitors made a pact with the Seven, who granted them unique powers: Kornar received strength and agility, while Verden gained cunning and endurance. Their views on power differed, and they decided to part ways — some followed Verden westward, others went east with Kornar. Other branches of humanity, deprived of unity and civilization, eventually mutated into what people came to call the “monster-races.”

Thus, two mighty peoples were born — the Kornari and the Verdani.

The History of the Kornari

Eight hundred years after the Rupture, the prosperous Kornari Empire faced a severe crisis: a prolonged drought and food shortages deeply shook the morale of the people. King Thalorion introduced a rationing law, which created the “not-nobles” class — those who received the smallest portions. Society fractured: resentment and class conflict grew, eventually leading to civil war, in which Thalorion and his entire family were killed.

Without a ruler and with its capital in ruins, the Kornari split into groups. Most moved westward in search of fertile lands, but they couldn’t cross the Kisherah Desert and were forced to take the northern route across the continent. Some ventured east into the dense forests. Those who traveled north sheltered in caves and underground tunnels from the endless snow. A portion of them began mining the riches of the deep — and, according to legend, were cursed to remain in darkness forever.

Those who finally reached the western plains managed to found a new, smaller kingdom — thus the Rogons were born. Their journey through the North forged them into hardened warriors: the Rogons excelled at conquest and subdued many neighboring lands, including beastfolk territories. The strategic brilliance of these campaigns is often credited to King Karatek II.

The History of the Verdani

The Verdani, thanks to their natural cleverness and resilience, managed to settle in the most unlikely environments. They are highly sensitive to magic and mutations, while also having an innate resistance to foreign, dark magic. (It’s worth noting that magic in Alcyone exists, but it’s not widespread — rather, it flows within all living beings and only manifests outward through specific rituals and sacrifices.)

As a result, different Verdani groups adapted to entirely different locations: some settled on the volcanic island of Eldrarok, some in the Kisherah Desert, others in the North, while many became scattered throughout the world, assimilating into other nations.

The Verdani have remarkable adaptability, which gives them distinct appearances depending on their homeland. One such group, the Kisheri, even learned how to survive in the desert without water, and their land became the most vital trade hub among the kingdoms.

And that’s all for now — you’ll learn more about these races in future posts, if, of course, you like this format. 😶