Behold The Children Of Stars

“Ageless and ancient, I have existed since time immemorial. I have lived many lifetimes and dwelled in countless bodies. Born of the stars, I shall return to the stars. My mind has transcended life itself, and death shall not ever find me.”

– Heliorán Starstrider, Starseer

The Lánaraï are a race of extreme contrasts, and it is perhaps they more than any other who epitomise the notion that there is truly no such thing as good – merely varying degrees of evil. A first glance at their shining, fluted armour, at their proud white wings, their rich adornments and featherlike decorations might lead the foolish to wonder at their iridescent beauty, their shining purity, their benevolent nobility. But that impression could not be further from the truth, for their souls are far more tarnished than their armour.

When Rhïarrh – alternately known as the Fire-In-Heaven or the Tyrant-God – raised his might against the dissident Aëdr, the Lánaraï marched to war behind Him. A war that they waged against their own. Their step never faltered, even as they razed planet after planet and butchered the countless billions who dared to oppose their uncompromising master.

There is some nobility to them though. Even after the end of a war that also marked the tragic end of their once great and galaxy-spanning race, they never strayed from their mission. Even after Rhïarrh was cast into the Void and they were left stranded on a remote planet with no hope of returning to their home among the stars, they remained loyal. Even as years became decades, decades became centuries and centuries became millennia, they never faltered. To this day they remain, intent on putting each and every one of their rebellious former kin to the executioner's sword. Only once their appointed task is done, when none remain to rally against the Fire-In-Heaven, they will fulfill their burning desire to acquire the ancient knowledge that is their birthright. Then, they will raise the shattered hulls of their great ships from the depths of the earth, and upon bright columns of fire they will put the hated world of Vónekh VII forever behind them.

A glimmer of this ancient technology already surrounds them. The iridescent colours of their armour boast of a strange and otherworldly material, much harder and tougher than any known earthly metal. Likewise, their weaponry hints at a strange and arcane technology.

This faded technology and many aspects of their angelic appearance hearken directly back to the days of their ancient forebears. Yet for all it appears to be, it is but a far cry from the ancient and powerful technology that the Aëdr once had at their disposal. Like the Lánaraï themselves, it is merely the palest shadow of a former glory that is long forgotten and perhaps also forever lost. But it is not in the nature of the Lánaraï to be forlorn or to mourn their loss, however profound. Nor will they allow their loss to become a weakness, or to compromise their purpose.

Brutal, unceasing and methodical, their blades rise and fall to the beat of a song that only they can hear. A grim rhythm that pulses from the depths of the Void. One look at their cold, emotionless and unflinching gaze is enough to tell anyone that loyalty and honour are distant worlds apart.