Arcana is Founded

Founding

In the far west of the Abian mainland, the exiled Creator Astralians established the Holy State of Arcana, a sanctuary where they could freely practice their faith without persecution.

1230 BA – The Founding of Arcana

The settlers, largely composed of Nasirian refugees fleeing the Auroran Reformation, sought to distance themselves from their former homeland. Under the guidance of Supreme Pontiff Caius Mehndar, Arcana’s founders abandoned many Nasirian customs, instead adopting the language, architecture, and cultural traditions of their neighboring kingdoms. Among the most significant changes was the evolution of their religious hierarchy and doctrine.

During the Great Astralian Exodus (1256–1253 BA), the clergy of the old faith recognized the need to distinguish themselves from the Auroran sect, which now controlled the Nasir Dominion. The title of High Priest/High Priestess was discarded in favor of Supreme Pontiff, a move intended to reinforce the faith’s unity under a singular, unchallenged leader. The Creator Astralians also formalized their split by adopting a more hierarchical church structure, with regional bishops, a governing council known as the Synod of Light, and an emphasis on divine law. Traditional Nasirian rituals were altered, and new ceremonies were introduced to reinforce the supremacy of the Creator over the Astrals—directly opposing Auroran theology.

To secure Arcana’s future, Supreme Pontiff Mehndar appointed Alexi Primus, a former general of the Nasirian army, to organize and defend the fledgling nation. Though Primus was given the title of King of Arcana, he and his successors wielded limited authority, ceding most power to the Church. Among Arcanaan nationalists, Primus is often regarded as the first Imperator, despite Arcana not officially being considered an empire until its later expansion.

Over the following decades, Arcana transformed into a theocratic state, ruled by the Creator Astralian faith. Though many exiles longed to reclaim their homeland, others saw Arcana as the beginning of something greater—a divine kingdom that would one day rival the Nasir Dominion itself.