The Four Horsemen's Mythic Legions spinoff, Cosmic Legions, is ramping up, so here's the story of the world these characters inhabit:
Cosmerrium - The birthplace of planets, stars, and even life itself. Created by cosmic gods of old, the Aurrian Authors and their Khronnen offspring, it is a system divided into five rings centered around a fiery sun named Zol - the first star. Each circle of this system performs a specific role:
- Thropos: The innermost circle and home of Aurrus - the first planet and home to the Aurrian Author gods.
- Z'tratos: The second circle and the heart of military power in the Phaerrox kingdom. As the last of the original Khronnen races, the Phaerrox enforce the will of Aurrus.
- Mmessos: The third circle is the most populated of the rings, and the busiest hub of civilian activity in the system.
- Thyrimos: The fourth and fastest growing of the circles. Rapidly expanding access to the tech created in Thyrimos has been providing unprecedented independence and power to the citizens of Cosmerrium.
- Exxos: The fifth ring is the largest, furthest, and least charted ring of Cosmerrium. The dense and mysterious nature of this sector has aided in forging it into a haven for outcasts, scavengers, and criminals looking to escape the reach of Phaerrox power.
The Aurrian vision of a harmonious and united system remains seemingly intact under Phaerrox rule. The five rings have known peace and prosperity for ages, but things are not always as they seem. Harmony is fragile, and even the smallest of fissures can transform into a malignant, crumbling chasm. When that chasm opens up, what will be revealed? It could very well be the end of a utopian dream, but it could also be the first glimpse into a brighter Cosmerrium.
Hvalkatar: Book One
Amidst the Fifth Circle of Cosmerrium there lies the dreaded complex known as Hvalkatar. Officially a prison and manufacturing complex, Hvalkatar is run by the Traders Union of the Five Circles of Cosmerrium, or T.U.5.C.C. What truly transpires at this complex, which is run by the tyrannical Highwarden Slogg, goes beyond the official reports. From the manufacturing of the miraculous regenerative formula known as Thryxium, to reports of gladiatorial-style battles taking place in the lowest levels of the prison, Hvalkatar is much more than it seems. It is here that a young Abollex named Olek Thygar finds himself. Captured and dragged to this prison, he is eventually locked in the deepest part of Hvalkatar - Cell Block 5. Known as "the GraveRing," it is here that Thygar is forced to fight to survive - but he is not alone. Forming a bond with other inmates, they vow to protect each other, and fight not for the amusement of the Highwarden and his guards, but to one day break free from Hvalkatar.
Hvalkatar: Book Two, Gravenight
Officially labeled as Cell Block 5 on the complex's schematics, the lowest level of the Hvalkatar prison is known by a more dubious name - the GraveRing. Named after the fighting arena located in the middle of this level, it is here that the most dangerous inmates are housed, and where they are forced to fight for the amusement of the brutal Highwarden Slogg and his honored guests. Horrible circumstance often foster strange alliances, and some of the prisoners of the GraveRing find themselves bonding together to survive the brutal fights. Taking their name from the cellblock itself, the group known as GraveRing has a plan to turn the tables on the T.U.5.C.C. Gravekeepers who guard the exits from this cell block. If they can get past them, they can get into the rest of the complex and find a way to escape with their lives, and with some of the secrets that are going on at the dreaded Hvalkatar.
Outpost Zaxxius
There are many ways to travel between the Circles of Cosmerrium. The routes that are officially sanctioned by the Phaerrox authorities pass through bustling Outposts found in key locations across the Universe. These Outposts host countless travelers each ring cycle, representing the incredible diversity of races and affiliations found throughout Cosmerrium.
To keep the peace and ensure that travel is not impeded by long-standing feuds or new grievances, these hubs, including Outpost Zaxxius, are considered Neutral Zones. Travelers from very different corners of the known Universe, some of whom would normally be across a battlefield from each other, can often be found sitting side by side on their way from one place to another. As these disparate travelers cross paths, they also share stories of the places they have been and the things which they have seen. The official reports coming out of Z'tratos, the second ring of Cosmerrium, do not always tell the whole story, and contradictory information is often carried from one traveler to another at these Outposts. Some of this information would be considered heresy by the Phaerrox, and as such it is whispered quietly and cautiously by those who relate these tales.
