Races

 

NPC's
Elyos - Asmodians - Balaur Mau - Shugo - Krall

 

       
     
  The Elyos are one of the central races embroiled in Aion’s endless struggle for power. Although they bear similarities to what we would refer to as angels, the background and history behind the Elyos is fundamentally different. Sharing the same origins with the Asmodians, the Elyos evolved into their current form, now prevalent as the superior race in Aion.

In the beginning, the Elyos and Asmodians were both a part of a sacred race in charge of protecting the Tower of Eternity. During the Millennium Wars the protectors were divided into two factions. Following the tragic destruction of the Tower in the Great Cataclysm, the two sides turned on one another, each blaming the other for the Tower’s demise, and became bitter enemies. The two races are now sworn to eternal retribution, consumed by a burning hatred and desire to exact revenge.

  
  On one hand, the Elyos can be comforting, with a warm, friendly manner. Against foes however, all traces of warmth or benevolence disappear. Beneath their beautiful, angelic wings, they carry great strength that belies their graceful facade.

Under the control of Azariel, the inhabitants of the Elyos kingdom of Elysea, whilst resolute in their crusade against the Asmodians, must also remain alert against the Balaur who watch vigilantly for a chance to attack.

 

       
     
  The Asmodian are one of the central races embroiled in Aion’s endless struggle for power. Although they bear similarities to what we would refer to as demons, the background and history behind the Asmodians is fundamentally different. Sharing the same origins with the Elyos, the Asmodian evolved into their current form, now reduced as the lesser race in Aion, due to being thrust into the darker half of the planet. Without receiving the light and warmth of the sun, they naturally adapted, growing darker in complexion and adapting talons and claws able to rip and tear, along with black wings and a mane that grows from between their shoulders and runs down their backs.
  
  In the beginning, the Elyos and Asmodians were both a part of a sacred race in charge of protecting the Tower of Eternity. During the Millennium Wars the protectors were divided into two factions. Following the tragic destruction of the Tower in the Great Cataclysm, the two sides turned on one another, each blaming the other for the Tower’s demise, and became bitter enemies. The two races are now sworn to eternal retribution, consumed by a burning hatred and desire to exact revenge.

Under the control of Asphel, the lord of darkness, the inhabitants of the Asmodian kingdom of Asmodae, whilst resolute in their crusade against the Elyos, must also remain alert against the Balaur who watch vigilantly for a chance to attack.

 

       
     
  Before the Great Cataclysm that divided the planet, Aion created the race of Balaur to rule the world of Atriea. However, they became complacent and hungry for power. Aion was forced to create the Empyrean Lords in retaliation to the aggressive nature of the dragon race. So began the war and the events leading to the world's ultimate division.
  
 

The Balaur are one of three factions involved in Aion's unique PvPvE system. The Balaur are a server-controlled race of NPCs. The Balaur, as a whole, represent the most formidable non-player characters in the world of Atreia, a threat second only to the players of the opposing faction. Their defeat in battle also results in, or is tied directly to, the most desirable items in the game.

These NPCs are found almost exclusively in the Abyss, and will attack players of both factions on sight. The Balaur control castles and other locations of interest in the Abyss and may also seek to conquer areas that are held by the Asmodian or Elyos. In addition to stationary troops and sentries found defending castles and artifacts, the dragons also control massive flying airships known as "Dreadgions."

These airships are the most awesome weapon in the Balaur arsenal; able to fire powerful beams of light, drop shock-troops, and possibly do other terrible things not yet observed. They make for the quick death of single players or even small groups lacking a full raid force.

 
 
     
  Official Information
The Producer of Aion, Ju-hyun Jang, about the Balaur:

"The Balaur are a server-controlled NPC faction, so players cannot choose to play them.
However, just because they are controlled by the server doesn't mean they are stupid; they can make choices, and players will never quite know what they are going to do.
For example, imagine a castle siege-style scenario, where one of the player factions, the Asmodians, is attacking the Elyos faction's castle. In the middle of this siege, the Balaur may appear.

When they arrive, no-one will know what they are going to do. They may have previously helped the Asmodians, but that doesn't matter; in the siege, they might betray them and help the Elyos. Or they might help the Asmodians to siege the Elyos' castle. Or... they might try and take the castle for themselves, fighting against both the Elyos and the Asmodians.

The important thing to realize is that the Balaur are not typical NPCs. They are the third faction in the game, and they have free will, which makes them very unpredictable." 		 
     
  Etymology
Balaur is a creature from Romanian folklore, similar to a dragon. A balaur is quite large, has fins, feet, and is polycephalous (it usually has three, sometimes seven, or even twelve serpent heads). As a traditional character which is found in most Romanian fairy tales, it represents Evil and must be defeated by Făt-Frumos (a knight hero in Romanian folklore) in order to release the Princess. 		 

 

 

       
     
  The Mau, or Lycans, are a race of feline humanoids who dwell in Asmodian territories. They are quick and agile fighters, born with an instinct for battle. Their intelligent, yet ferocious nature poses a real danger to the Asmodians in Pandaemonium.
 		 
  Warfare is common amongst the small Mau tribes, and their war-like disposition is the origin of constant conflicts. Despite their intelligence and physical strength, disorganized internal warfare prevents the Mau from fully dominating Asmodian territories. However, the courageous Mau will not hesitate in leaping to combat when their own kind is threatened.

Mau weaponry consist mainly of light, sharp projectiles flung from a distance best suited to their agile fighting style. While lacking in melee abilities, they have the ability of tame nearby beasts. In close combat, the Mau can call upon surrounding wildlife and unleash them on their enemies.

Existing in harmony with nature, the Mau are well-adapted to their surroundings. Mau culture outside of warfare reflects elements of shamanism and totemic icons are seen on their dress and architecture.
 

 

 

       
     
  The Shugo are friendly to both the Elyos and the Asmodians, and they are considered a neutral merchant race within Atreia. Smaller in size to most other races of the world, they tend to use their clever negotiating skills to avoid most skirmishes.
 
  They also have the ability to “play dead” to quite a believable degree. Most races understand the importance of the Shugo to their society and commerce and would likely protect them from invaders when given the chance. And what’s not to like? The Shugo are extremely friendly and generally have a happy disposition.

During the Millennium Wars, the Shugo used their cunning to take control of trade and commerce within the cities. As time grew on, a division of Shugo traders began to smuggle items through the Abyss and between both worlds. These Shugo are known as “The Dark Cloud.” Be wary and do not expect The Dark Cloud to be as friendly as their cousins.

Within Shugo society exist many merchants, bankers, and vendors. They also seem to congregate around workshops and other crafting areas.
 

 

 

       
     
  The Krall are one of many barbaric races found throughout the lands of Atreia. They are characterised by their overwhelming physical strength for which the Daeva can offer no significant match.
  
  This savage race is empowered by a belligerent recklessness, and many neighbouring races have been brought under submission through their fierce conquests with any survivors being forced to serve the Krall as slaves. The Krall now control a large portion of Velderon and continue to make their presence known wherever they go.

Allied with the Krall are the Kobolds, a servile race found in the lands of the Elyos. In their typically beggarly manner they have grown comfortable in their subservient position, eagerly coming to the Krall’s aid when prompted. It is not in battle where they are most needed, but rather, in the Krall mining pits.
  Fuelled by a constant desire for Aetherium, a crystallised form of ancient energy found deep underground, the Krall invest as much man power as they can into excavating the land. Aetherium has consumed them in their thirst for power.

Although Krall culture - if one could call it that - is pitifully primitive in comparison to that of the Daeva, it is not entirely without structure. Within their military ranks there exists an impressive level of organisation, with soldiers ranking from Slave Wardens, to Scouts, Warriors and Shamans.