All Old Ones Know the Blast Spell.
"We have not endured the centuries as mere spectators. We have fought. We have bled. And in the silence between battles, we have remembered."
—Elder Kaelith, First of the Hunters
Before the great expansion, before the war that sundered the stars, there were the Old Ones. They are the undying, the first of the Terrans to awaken to Affinity, their lifespans stretched across the epochs like titanic shadows over the lesser-born. Time has weathered their bodies but sharpened their minds, forging them into beings whose wisdom, skill, and ruthlessness are unparalleled in all the galaxy.
Though they appear as men and women of Terran descent, there is a weight in their gaze, an unfathomable depth that lesser mortals cannot comprehend. Each has lived through the fall of worlds, the rise of empires, and the countless betrayals that history weaves into its design. They have seen friends become dust, enemies fade into legend, and entire civilizations crumble into nothingness.
Unlike the common Terrans, who are bound by the fleeting frailty of flesh, the Old Ones do not wither with age. Some say it is their mastery of Affinity that sustains them. Others whisper that the Emperor himself, in his dominion over life and death, has woven their souls into eternity. Whatever the truth, they are immortal, and with that immortality comes both reverence and fear.
In times of war, they are the Imperium’s deadliest weapons—commanders who have waged campaigns across a thousand battlefields, assassins who have ended dynasties with a whisper, and hunters who track those who would dare defy the Emperor’s will.
But even among their own, the Old Ones are divided. Some remain loyal to the Imperium, standing as its unshakable pillars. Others have turned away, wandering the stars as exiles, warlords, or prophets of doom. And there are those who scheme in the shadows, waiting for the moment when the Empire is weak enough to be reforged in their own image.
One thing is certain: as long as the Old Ones walk the stars, history is never set in stone. It is merely waiting to be rewritten.
Personality:
The Old Ones are an ancient and immortal race of humans who have transcended death through a mysterious and forgotten process. They are divided into two distinct groups, each embodying a different aspect of their long existence. Despite their immortality, the loss of one is considered an unparalleled tragedy, as when an Old One falls, they are lost forever—an irreversible fate that is feared by all.
Explorers: The Explorers, who fled the Milky Way long ago, embody the ideals of wisdom, serenity, and harmony. They are the peaceful faction of the Old Ones, resembling the ethereal Elves from ancient lore. Once fleeing the reanimators’ zombie plague, the Explorers retreated into the vast reaches of space to escape the death and corruption spreading across their home galaxy. Their culture revolves around enlightenment, knowledge, and preservation of life. They see themselves as the stewards of the universe, quietly watching over civilizations and guiding the growth of younger species from afar. Their demeanor is calm and contemplative, favoring diplomacy and understanding over conflict. They believe in the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement, acting as peaceful observers and protectors of the cosmos. These Old Ones do not seek war, but rather a quiet and peaceful existence, with the wisdom of millennia to guide their choices.
Soldiers (Zephon’s Legion): In stark contrast, the Soldiers—those who remained behind to serve General Zephon—are hardened warriors who have spent countless centuries waging war. These Old Ones are grim, disciplined, and militaristic, their existence defined by duty and combat. Having stood as the last line of defense against the Reanimators and other threats to humanity, they have become a brutal, unyielding force that values honor, duty, and sacrifice above all else. They wear their immortality as both a blessing and a curse, seeing themselves as guardians of their people, bound to an endless cycle of warfare. Their lives are forged in the crucible of battle, and they are merciless in the pursuit of victory. While their resolve is unshakable, their existence is marked by an unspoken tragedy, for they are soldiers without an end to their war—an eternal fight that never ceases. They are as much a symbol of the cost of immortality as they are the embodiment of resilience and strength.
Physical Description:
The Old Ones appear as near-perfect humans, untouched by the ravages of time. Their features are ageless and their forms are often statuesque, their physical prowess a testament to the advanced biotechnology that granted them their immortality. They stand taller and more refined than typical humans, with long-lived beauty that evokes a sense of grace and dignity.
Explorers: These Old Ones have an almost ethereal, otherworldly appearance. Their skin, smooth and often pale, carries a subtle, radiant glow. They move with a fluid grace, their presence calm and serene, like beings who have transcended the mortal world. Their eyes often shimmer with wisdom, reflecting their centuries of experience and vast knowledge. The Explorers typically wear simple, elegant clothing, favoring flowing robes or attire made of advanced materials that speak of their quiet, non-aggressive nature. Their gear is often unassuming, crafted more for functionality and comfort during long voyages through space.
Soldiers (Zephon’s Legion): The Soldiers are imposing and muscular, a testament to the brutal training they have endured for centuries. Their armor is formidable and crafted for battle—heavily adorned, with intricate designs that symbolize their military history and loyalty to General Zephon. The Soldiers’ faces are stern, and their eyes burn with unyielding purpose. They are physically intimidating, designed to withstand the rigors of endless combat. Their armor is often decorated with symbols of their rank and achievements, the most elite adorned with markings that indicate their position within Zephon’s hierarchy. They wear battle scars proudly, for they are the living embodiment of strength and sacrifice.
Relations:
The Old Ones’ relations with other races are shaped by their immortality and their long history. While they do not seek to impose their will on others, their presence often carries a sense of awe and reverence, especially among younger species.
Explorers: The Explorers are seen as the quiet guardians and protectors of the cosmos, often revered by those who encounter them. Their peaceful nature allows them to form alliances with other races, offering their wisdom and guidance when necessary. They are not quick to judge or interfere in the affairs of others, preferring to observe and advise from the sidelines. However, their history of fleeing from the Reanimators is seen by some as cowardice, though this view is often dismissed by the Explorers themselves, who believe survival is a form of wisdom. They keep their distance from military conflicts and prefer to act as diplomats, healers, and intellectuals. Despite this, they are fiercely protective of the universe’s fragile peace and will act if the balance is threatened.
Soldiers (Zephon’s Legion): The Soldiers, on the other hand, are a force to be reckoned with. Their militaristic nature and their endless struggle against the Reanimators have made them both feared and respected. They see their immortality as a burden they must carry for the greater good, often viewed as tragic heroes in the eyes of those who encounter them. Their alliances are born of necessity—those who value strength and courage often find kinship with them, while those who fear their power tend to keep their distance. Though they are deeply loyal to General Zephon and their fellow soldiers, they are often misunderstood by younger, less experienced races. Their unwavering dedication to their cause sometimes alienates them from others who do not understand the sacrifice required for eternal war.
Morality:
The morality of the Old Ones is shaped by their long existence, with each faction viewing their immortality and purpose through different lenses.
Explorers: The Explorers adhere to a philosophy of peace, preservation, and understanding. They view immortality as a gift, one that must be used to safeguard the knowledge of the universe and the prosperity of those who will come after. Their morality is based on wisdom, restraint, and the belief that life is to be cherished in all its forms. However, their detachment from the struggles of other species sometimes leads to accusations of aloofness or indifference. They are reluctant to intervene in conflicts, preferring instead to offer counsel and aid in ways that do not disrupt the natural course of things.
Soldiers (Zephon’s Legion): The Soldiers’ morality is shaped by the harsh realities of eternal warfare. They believe that their existence is one of sacrifice, and they view their endless battle as a necessary duty to protect the galaxy. To them, immortality is both a blessing and a curse, as it has bound them to a lifetime of conflict. They value strength, honor, and loyalty above all else, and their sense of duty to General Zephon and their fellow soldiers runs deep. Their morality is built on the belief that their struggle is justified, that their sacrifice is necessary to preserve order and defeat the Reanimators. They are unyielding in their resolve, and their loyalty to their cause is absolute. Their approach to justice is often harsh, believing that the ends justify the means when it comes to preserving their people and their way of life.