Ruidus

Lore & Background

The modern era has brought new understanding through the rise of the Ruby Vanguard and the revelations surrounding the god Asmodeus and the entity known as 'The Darkness.' It is now widely understood that Ruidus is not merely a rock, but a vessel containing an immense concentration of power and perhaps consciousness. The moon's gravity and magical resonance have been shown to influence events on the ground, drawing in those with dark ambitions or those seeking to unlock its secrets. Its existence challenges the very fabric of Exandrian cosmology, suggesting that forces far older and more dangerous than the current pantheon are at play.

In Their Own Story

The night sky over Emon was usually a tapestry of silver stars, but tonight, Ruidus loomed large, bleeding crimson light across the cobblestones. A young mage stood on the balcony, her breath hitching as she felt the familiar hum in her bones—a vibration that had no source but the moon itself. It wasn't just watching; it was waiting. The red glow seemed to pulse in time with a heartbeat she could feel deep within her chest, whispering promises of power and endings. She knew the legends were true: the moon was not dead stone, but a sleeping giant, and something had just begun to wake.

Reader's Guide

Ruidus itself is not a physical region one can travel to via standard means; it remains in orbit above Exandria. However, its influence permeates specific locations on the ground where its red light falls most heavily or where magical ley lines converge toward it. The most significant terrestrial connection is the city of Aeor, which was destroyed during the Calamity and later revealed to be intimately tied to Ruidus's arrival. Ruins associated with the Ruby Vanguard often feature architecture designed to channel energy from the moon, creating zones of intense magical radiation. Environmental features linked to Ruidus include 'Ruidian storms,' where the sky turns a sickly red and gravity fluctuates unpredictably. In these areas, flora may mutate into dark, crystalline forms that feed on the moon's ambient magic. Travelers report that compasses spin wildly near strong Ruidian influence, as the magnetic pull of the moon overrides local magnetic fields.

Did You Know?

• Ruidus is often referred to as the 'Red Moon' and is distinct from Exandria's other natural moons, which are white or blue.
• The arrival of Ruidus in Exandria's sky coincided exactly with the start of the Calamity over 1,500 years ago.
• Certain cults, most notably the Ruby Vanguard, worship Ruidus as a deity or a savior rather than a threat.
• The moon is believed to contain a massive amount of magical energy that can corrupt or empower those who seek it.