In a universe called Astralis, the flow of destiny is governed by the Sphere of Cycles, a cosmic entity that creates and unmakes the ages, weaving intertwined realities where each life is a thread, each era an ephemeral pattern. The Sphere spins endlessly, embodying the dreams and nightmares of the peoples of Astralis, but its balance is fragile. In the shadows of this eternal cycle, a forgotten force, the Hand of the Abyss, seeks to corrupt the Sphere into a state of endless stagnation, where the cycle would be broken, and with it, any possibility of renewal.
With each cycle, a being called the Emissary of the Ways is born to restore harmony. These Emissaries are the only ones capable of manipulating the Primordial Ways, mystical currents that influence the past, present, and future. They hold the power to restore or destroy the balance of Astralis, but are cursed with a tragic destiny: at the end of each cycle, their memories are erased and they become mere mortals again, unaware of their past power.
< In the vast and ancient cosmos of Astralis, the breath of destiny wraps itself around souls, weaving threads of stories and legends through cycles, where light and darkness dance eternally, shaping eras. >
The forest, dense and vibrant, stretches as far as the eye can see, its immense trees with gnarled trunks reaching towards the sky, their brilliant foliage filtering the sunlight in a thousand shades of green. Rivers, like silver serpents, wind through the land, their soothing murmur accompanying the song of the brightly feathered birds dancing among the branches.
Here, wildlife roams freely, majestic creatures with piercing eyes overlooking the clearings. Luminescent deer, their antlers twinkling like stars, move silently, while giant eagles soar above, scanning the ground with deadly precision. In the shadows of the undergrowth, fearsome predators like griffins and manticores prowl, testifying to the beauty and brutality of this untamed land.
In the distance, the mountains rise up, proud and implacable, their snow-capped peaks teasing the skies. They shelter age-old secrets, forgotten ruins and portals to other dimensions, silent witnesses to the history that has been written within them. The rivers, whose crystal-clear waters shine under the light of the stars, carry ancient legends, stories of heroes and mythical creatures, their flows telling the echoes of the past.
The lands are dotted with misty swamps and arid deserts, each hiding unexplored mysteries. These territories, populated by enigmatic entities and strange natural phenomena, seem to vibrate with a primitive magic. Legends speak of the soul of the earth, of invisible forces that watch over this fragile and complex ecosystem.
Within this wild immensity, ancestral communities live in harmony with their environment. These tribes, heirs to ancient traditions, honor the spirits of nature and the Ways that connect all things. Their rituals, imbued with wisdom, underline their respect for the fragile balance of life.
In this wild, primitive and dangerous world, in a vast and mysterious land, lives a small tribe of individuals known as the Yukhox. Composed of about thirty souls, this tribe is united by an unbreakable bond, nourished by ancient traditions and a deep respect for the nature that surrounds them.
The Yukhox are hunters and gatherers, adapted to the rigors of their environment. Their way of life is based on an intimate knowledge of the resources of their land. Each member of the tribe knows the edible and medicinal plants, the habits of the animals and the secrets of the rivers that meander around their camp. They have learned to read the signs of nature, to anticipate storms and to guess the migrations of wild creatures
Dressed in animal skins and adorned with bone and stone necklaces, the Yukhox bear the marks of their connection to the land. Their faces are often painted with symbolic designs, representing their history, their protective spirit, and their dreams. These painting rituals are performed during important ceremonies, reinforcing their identity and solidarity.
Yukhox has chosen to settle on a majestic mountain, whose steep walls and dizzying cliffs offer both a refuge and a breathtaking view of the surrounding lands. The mountain, monumental and full of mysteries, is divided into three distinct walls, each sheltering about ten individuals of the tribe. This strategic choice allows them to take advantage of the varied resources offered by each level and to ensure their safety.
Each wall of the mountain is a small world in itself. The members of the tribe live in dwellings built into the rock, using natural materials to camouflage their presence. Their shelters are designed to withstand the elements, while being integrated into the environment, making them almost invisible to an outside observer. Each group of ten individuals shares not only the living space, but also daily tasks, from hunting to preparing meals to spiritual rituals.
The Yukhox are skilled and resourceful, with impressive proficiency in hunting with crude but effective weapons. They use sharpened rocks attached to weights to create devastating projectiles. These tools allow them to hunt the creatures that roam the valleys below. The Yukhox are also adept at using slingshots, which they carefully craft from flexible branches and sturdy ropes, allowing them to hurl their projectiles with great accuracy.
The Yukhox have developed a unique tradition of telling their stories through drawings carved into the walls of their habitat. These shapes and symbols, drawn with natural pigments, represent hunting tales, unusual encounters, and significant events in their collective history. Each image tells a story, preserving the tribe's memory and passing on lessons to future generations.
Excellent climbers, the Yukhox move with ease among the majestic trees that surround their mountain. They are able to climb with agility, moving from one tree to another thanks to their knowledge of branches and their sense of balance. This ability allows them to explore their environment freely, to hunt prey at heights and to escape potential predators.
The immense leaves of the trees, stretching as far as the eye can see, create a roof of greenery that filters the sunlight, forming patterns of shadow and light on the ground. However, from their mountaintop, the Yukhox have an extraordinary view of the wildlife below. They can observe the movements of animals, spotting grazing herds and prowling predators, allowing them to plan their hunts with care and precision. This panoramic view strengthens their connection to nature and their understanding of the life cycles around them.
The Yukhox tribe is always awake before dawn, when the world is still in darkness, and the sun has not yet begun its course across the sky. In the stillness of the night, the powerful voice of Arax echoes, a robust man of imposing stature. His long black hair flows gently in the gentle breeze, and his back is adorned with symbolic designs that tell of his great achievements and the trials he has overcome in his life. These markings are a testament to his journey and a reminder of the values he upholds for his tribe.
Arax then sings an ancestral melody, a song of their own, filled with strength and hope. His voice carries far in the cool morning air, awakening each member of the tribe with a comforting warmth. Little by little, the Yukhox emerge from their dwellings, their eyes still hazy with sleep, but their minds already awake, ready to welcome a new day.
Arax's melody is more than a simple call; it is a sacred ritual that unites the tribe in one breath. Each knows the words by heart and joins in, forming a harmonious chorus that echoes through the valley. The song is a promise of solidarity, a reminder of their common strength in the face of the challenges that await them in the wilderness.
With daybreak, light begins to peek through the leaves of the trees, casting dancing shadows on the ground. The Yukhox gather around Arax, their faces lighting up in anticipation of the adventures that await them. This morning communion is essential to their culture, a time of spiritual connection and preparation for the day's tasks, whether hunting, gathering, or the rituals of the tribe.
The three walls of the mountain, rising majestically towards the sky, are connected by a huge rock that stands like a natural balcony. This great rock, with its rough contours and smooth surface, is the gathering point of the Yukhox at daybreak. When dawn breaks, tinting the sky with shades of gold and orange, all the members of the tribe come together there, forming a solid and united assembly.
As Arax stands atop this balcony, his silhouette silhouetted against the dawning light, his words resonate with force. The Yukhox, gathered around him, listen attentively, their faces lit by the morning glow. It is a sacred moment for the tribe, when the magic of dawn and the song of the chief combine to create an atmosphere of communion and hope.
This great rock, symbol of their unity, is much more than a simple meeting point. It is a place of memory, where each generation of Yukhox has shared their dreams, fears, and aspirations. Children, fascinated, crowd around their elders, listening to tales of past hunts, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Elders, proud and wise, recall the exploits of Arax and other members of the tribe, their stories etched in the minds of the younger ones.
As Arax watches the horizon brighten, he knows that the season of plenty is both a gift and a challenge to the tribe. His voice, laced with seriousness, carries high as he informs the Yukhox, "Listen, my brothers and sisters, the season of plenty is upon us. It won't be long before the herds of dorobos are flocking to the watering holes."
Dorobos are four-legged creatures with long horns and thick fur, a favorite target of the Yukhox
As with every hunting expedition, only twenty of the Yukhox venture out of their habitat, leaving behind the other ten members of the tribe. Among them are the elders, women, and young children, who, although not involved in the hunt, play a crucial role in the survival of the tribe. Experienced hunters are also left to watch over the camp and help the most vulnerable.
As the morning light intensifies, the Yukhox descend the mountain walls with disconcerting agility, like shadows slipping through the forest. Their skill at clinging to trees allows for a smooth descent, each movement carefully calculated to avoid the slightest sound. The green leaves of the immense trees envelop them, forming a canopy of green that camouflages them from predators and prey alike.
The sounds of wildlife echo through the air, distant grunts and animal cries, reminding everyone that the wild world is full of dangers. The Yukhox continue their march, their hearts pounding with excitement and adrenaline. They exchange furtive glances, each aware of the responsibility that weighs on their shoulders.
The sounds of the forest intensify as they move deeper into the undergrowth. Leaves crunch beneath their light footsteps, but their progress is measured, each member of the tribe knowing the importance of remaining silent and vigilant. Eyes scan the horizon, searching for movements that might betray the presence of the dorobos.
A young member of the tribe accompanies the Yukhox, and it is the young Kaelen. Recently arrived at an age where he allows him to be part of the hunters, he is the direct child of Arax. In the culture of the Yukhox, men who reach the age of near adulthood are called "Yukah". Kaelen has reached this milestone and is now preparing to live his first expedition beyond his habitat, knowing that this adventure will mark a decisive turning point in his life.
Kaelen, with his dark hair and bright eyes, feels a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He has watched his father and the other hunters for years, learning the skills needed to survive in this wild world. Now, young Yukah must put everything he has learned to the test.
As they continue through the dense forest, an ominous noise interrupts the quiet. Huge hisses echo, filling the air with palpable tension. Instantly, Arax grabs Kaelen's arm, his serious expression betraying the urgency of the situation. With a quick movement, he drags his son and the other Yukhox behind a large boulder, each taking cover, holding their breath.
Kaelen's heart pounds as he presses against the cold stone, his view obstructed by the leaves. He knows danger is imminent. Suddenly, a massive reptile, over twenty feet long and sporting menacing scarlet eyes, bursts out of nowhere. Its hide, impressively hard, gleams in the sunlight filtering through the foliage. The immense four-legged creature advances with fearsome grace, stalking another prey.
As the reptile moves away, slowly disappearing into the undergrowth, a collective sigh of relief escapes the Yukhox. Arax waits a few moments, scanning the landscape to ensure the danger is over, before signaling the tribe to continue on their way.
With renewed caution, the Yukhox emerge from their hiding place, their hearts still pounding but determined to continue their quest. Kaelen, aware of the fragility of their situation, straightens up and grips his slingshot tightly, ready to face the challenges that await them. The adventure that awaits him, though fraught with danger, promises to be the one that will cement his status as a Yukah.
As they advance through the lush vegetation, the morning light pierces the immense leaves of the trees, creating a play of light and shadow on the forest floor. Every crack of twig and whisper of the wind now seems to heighten their vigilance. Kaelen focuses on his father's teachings, ready to apply what he has learned.
The Yukhox move with agility, exploiting every corner of nature to remain inconspicuous. They know that their goal is not only to hunt, but to ensure the safety of their tribe. Each step brings them closer to the rivers where the dorobos flow, but also to the unexpected that the wilderness can hold.
The hunt continues, and with it, Kaelen's burning desire to prove his worth and demonstrate that he is ready to become a true hunter among his own kind.