Chapter Two

The People of Tikor

Nine cultures share the planet. None of them are a backdrop. Each one has a deity, a covenant, a region, and a voice of its own.

The Karu

Nature-focused architects of central Garuda, seat of the Divine Order of the Phoenix, and keepers of the Emerald Land.

A secretive mountain culture of northern Garuda — seers, diviners, and the true strength of the Divine Order of the Phoenix.

Warrior-guardians of the Deep Forest — the first line of defense against what still leaks from Xavian's old wounds.

Children of Ryuujin the former Wretched One — the dragon-blooded people who made the desert bloom.

Semi-nomadic seekers of the lost city of Efai — the people the Orisha raised, then scattered.

A nomadic trading culture with no homeland — because the whole planet is their backyard.

The God-King's chosen people — hak-ori, born in his image, carriers of the Cobalt Mutation.

The godless nation — pirates, ancestor-worshippers, and the only people on Tikor who answered to no deity.

The people behind the Walls of Ptah — children of Temu, star-readers, builders of pyramids.