Cosmology

The cosmos of Archaios is a vast pattern of light and shadow, where divine will and mortal struggles converge. At its heart lies Asa, the eternal source from which all existence flows. Through Asa’s emanations—the greater aionani, the lesser aionkilani, and the faithful kisūnarkani—the balance of creation is upheld, even amidst the echoes of The Reckoning that severed the divine from the mortal realm.

I. Asa

Asa is The One, the source and sustainer of all existence. Asa embodies the ultimate Good and the unity of the cosmos, serving as the prime mover of creation. From Asa emanates all that exists, forming the foundation of being and the interconnected tapestry of reality.

II. Aionani and Aionkilani

The aionani and aionkilani are divine emanations of Asa, each embodying distinct aspects of divine essence and power. The aionani are the greater gods, masters of their own realms, who wield profound authority and influence over their domains. These beings, such as Vikaldr—an aion renowned for his unmatched power and foresight—stand as the most profound manifestations of divine will. In contrast, the aionkilani are the lesser gods, functioning primarily within the realms of the aionani. An aionkil often oversees a specific aspect or function. Despite their narrower roles, the aionkilani are vital to the harmonious operation of the divine order, and their shared essence with the aionani underscores the unity flowing from Asa.

III. Kisūnarkani

The kisūnarkani are lesser divine beings created to serve as intermediaries between the transcendent and mortal realms. Once tasked with maintaining balance and executing the will of the aionani, their roles have been profoundly disrupted since The Reckoning. Originally organized into a hierarchy of ten ranks, their duties ranged from celestial guidance to managing natural phenomena. This structure reflected a great chain of being, with higher ranks handling complex tasks while lower ranks focused on specialized roles. However, the severance of the pathway between realms during The Reckoning left many kisūnarkani stranded in limbo. Despite their diminished capacity, they remain committed to their purpose, even as some grapple with despair or succumb to the void. The fractured state of the kisūnarkani makes them vulnerable to corruption, yet their perseverance underscores the enduring nature of divine will in the face of profound challenges.