The Legend of the Daevas
Backstory
This is the backstory to a commission that my friend mrant zainis requested. While he did write this intro, I'm working on the main story. Please enjoy.
The Daeva or ascended as other races call them are known to be the chosen of the gods. The legends are diverse but a common re-occurring trait is found. This immortal race had the ability to summon wings. The wings granted the power of flight, immense strength or intellect, and many of the Daeva had unique abilities that are found in one of the families. Even though immortal, the Daeva can only stay on the mortal's realm for a short time in their life spans. To the mortals this time is multiple hundreds of years.
A Daeva's wings are rumored to be their power source, though no one is quite certain. The power of flight is an inherent trait in Daevas, though fallen Daevas cannot fly. The attribute that is enhanced in a Daeva is caused by outside stimulus, the interactions can cause the Daeva to be a very diverse individual. There are of course the simple magics that is available to a Daeva are the use of natural elements. The more advanced magic requires an understanding in the artificial elements, such as fear and bravery. The family abilities are inherited abilities that have been passed down through generations. Every member of the family is capable of performing this technique, though their own limitations might stop them. And while the technique is the same per member, there might be slight variations.
The truth about Daevas is not known in this day and age, though ancient texts that are kept locked away in unknown locations are known to tell the secrets, these however have never been proven to exist.
The discovery of gunpowder has helped the three empires, Vaal, Zine, and Cor, to conquer the smaller nations to create empires. Vaal is the empire surrounded by desert sands. The living conditions are harsh due to sandstorms and tornadoes. This fact is probably the reason why their army is the top out of the three empires. Zine is situated in the most fertile areas. This has caused this empire to be the main trading point. Their army is composed of mercenaries and loyalists. Cor is the poorest empire, barely able to scrape together a permanent army. Most of the 'armies' that fight for Cor are normal citizens fighting off invaders. The locations of this empire's nations circle a volcano, the ashes of past eruptions still rain from the sky every new moon.