Explore the Universe

Necromancy is a Wholesome Science

Shane and Jake
Shane and Jake Lawrence by Astron
"What happened that day on Loxira, Grim? We all thought you were dead."   His father stiffened, only relaxing when Jake buried his face in his coveralls. "I..." He faltered, but only for a moment. "I killed them all, Alanis. Shattered. Caroline was dying. They were going to kill Jake. I... I couldn't let that happen. I still see them at night. I trained half of them. I..."   "You saved me." Jake squeezed his father tighter, nuzzling his chest with his cheek. He remembered the stranger in the uniform of the enemy – his father – who'd broken ranks to wreak sudden and terrible destruction upon the others. His mother's cries of relief. His father's growing frustration when he couldn't save her, too, and all the energy he'd spent trying. The following months hiding in that bunker deep beneath the ground, waiting for the SAF fleet to give up their search. "You always save me." Jake's practiced eye watched his father hold back the threat of tears.   Alanis' voice was soft. "Where's Caroline now?"   Jake answered for his father, earning the necromancer's gratitude. "The Legion believes we were only meant to live this life once. Dad offered to resurrect her, but she said no. So he taught me Soul Call instead."   "You've changed, Grim." Her words carried kindness. "And not just on the outside."

What is Vazdimet?

Vazdimet is a universe at war, its patchwork of alliances fracturing under the strain of political maneuvering and distrust of those unknown and different. Within this landscape an assortment of factions wrestle for power over their neighbors, or peace for their allies. The limits of magical technological knowledge are pushed relentlessly by those seeking an edge in the neverending wars, while scavengers lurk in the shadows eager to tear through the aftermath for personal profit. Heroes and rivals rise and fall in the ebbs and flows of battles across the void of space and the hearts and minds of their people, each seeking their own version of immortality.  

Impacts of Magic

Magic is a crucial component of the universe, serving as the backbone of countless advances in technology. As the needs of the population change so too do the applications of magic to fulfill daily needs.   With the ready availability of magic comes large impacts upon society. Death is merely the beginning of a new phase of life as souls are harnessed to craft intelligent devices and computronics. Travel between the stars relies upon magical portals or even travel through the Afterlife itself, and spacecraft are designed around housing the items and biomes necessary for generating the magical fields to power their desired magics within the voids of space.  

Life, Death, and Survival

The populace has divided into various factions centered around their core values, needs, and beliefs. Most of these remain at odds with each other over competition for key resources and discoveries, or merely the drive for power. Some strive to form mutually beneficial alliances with those around them, while others thrive on the thrill of subjugating those who cannot withstand their power.
 

Mordena Dawn

Grand Navarch Shane Lawrence by Astron
Much of Vazdimet is rooted in its characters and their interactions with the technology, politics, and people surrounding them. The emotions and motivations of individuals therefore serve as the heart of Vazdimet, with histories and discoveries unfolding based upon their collective choices.  
Razick Kane
Razick Kane by Astron
Current novelizations center around the Lawrence Family, beginning with enigmatic necromancer Shane Lawrence and his efforts to keep his son, Jake, safe from the constant conflicts vying for control over planets and the Void of space itself.   When the war comes to claim the planet on which he built their home, Shane finds himself faced with yet another choice – one that will alter the universe forever. But this time he has an unlikely band of allies, a cause worth fighting for, and everything to lose.

Origins of Vazdimet

Vazdimet is the manifestation of the science fiction world that has graced Morgan Biscup's notebooks since elementary school. While the characters have remained similar through the years the setting itself has not, constantly shifting in name and details until growing into its present manifestation of Vazdimet, the spacefaring science fantasy future of Fillimet. The results of this evolution are presented here for your reading pleasure.  

About the Authors

Morgan Biscup
Character | Sep 28, 2024

PRIMARY AUTHOR: Morgan is the creator and primary author of the Vazdimet universe.

E V Turnbull
Character | May 8, 2022

COAUTHOR: Dr. Emily Vair-Turnbull coauthors the Vazdimet universe.


World Ember 2023


World Ember 2023


In an effort to work the core worldbuilding articles of Vazdimet, December 2023 is focused on the Magic of Vazdimet, as I work to flesh out my magic stubs.
 
I'll be working on them in related chunks, starting with Nature Magic, although I'll likely be writing additional stubs as well, as the muse desires. Take a look:
 



 

Themes of Vazdimet

Vazdimet explores similar themes as in Fillimet, but in different ways. Time moves relentlessly forward, and the universe progresses with it. Truths from the past twist and adapt to better fit the present. Vazdimet dives into the impact of time on the people and technologies of the past.
 

Politics and Conflict

My father doesn't lie, but I'm a politician. I don't have that luxury.
Spurred by the The War for Enlightenment which ended the Age of Fillimet and unleashed long-hidden magical secrets upon the world, Vazdimet is a universe torn asunder by squabbles over power, territory, and control. Sometimes the strong prey on the weak, sometimes the powerful defend the defenseless, and sometimes the helpless discover things are not as hopeless as they appear. The narratives of Vazdimet explore the different facets of these conflicts, from the motivations behind them to how each group reacts and interacts with themselves and others.  
Hydell Order adherents strive to join the divinely chosen Ordained Ascended. Afterlife Intelligence formed outside these sanctions , however, must be destroyed.
Join the Hydell Order
The Space Defense Legion holds the forefront of non-magical technology. They lead an insular existence, defending their territory from unauthorized incursion.
Join the Space Defense Legion
The Sparnell Confederation rewards loyalty, patriotism, and merit - in that order. Citizens begin their careers in the military before earning professions.
Join the Sparnell Confederation
An expensive and ferocious band of mercenaries, the Mordena have earned equal parts respect and fear throughout Vazdimet. Few outsiders understand their true motives.
Join the Mordena
The Freehold Planets value freedom and individual identity. Freeholders take great pride in maintaining their independence from each other and the rest of the universe.
Join the Freeholds
The nomadic space-dwelling Vardan control the paths of commerce across the universe. Their neutrality is hard earned through trade agreements and economic embargos.
Join the Vardan
 

Personal and Organizational Motivations

Those who defy the Natural Order deserve the cleansing flames for their blasphemy. I wouldn't expect a heathen like you to understand the necessity of my work.
Knight Commander Hallick
Vazdimet explores the motivations of individuals and how these core drives and beliefs can change and be changed by a person and their experiences over time. Hubris, redemption, corruption, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of... something are just a sampling of the topics that come into play. Vazdimet is also a universe of conflict and alliances, where people cling tighter to what and who they know even while continuing to pushing the boundaries of exploration and science.  

Magic as Technology

It's true, we haven't mastered the technology of the Hyperjump. But why would we rely on costly Necromancy when our portal drives have proven themselves superior?
Technology remains a core of Vazdimet's worldbuilding. New discoveries in magic and technology alter the way they are used, while beliefs and culture dictate their place in society. Vazdimet uses these changes to show how the Magic of Fillimet has been adapted, applied, and reclassified now that even the vast expanse of space has begun to yield its secrets, revealing the long term impacts of these changes on expectations and societal norms.  

The Meaning of Death

Not even the dead have seen the end of war.
Admiral Selkirk Tallinah
Due to the prevalence of Necromancy, many cultures view the Afterlife as little more than another state of being. When death itself is considered nothing more than a doorway between possibilities, the value of life versus death changes and adapts. Afterlife Planners work to assist in fulfilling goals and dreams in the next life, while work as an Afterlife Intelligence has become a common career path for the deceased. Vazdimet questions the true meaning of existence when life itself is a renewable resource.
 


Cover image: Time-lapse Photo by Casey Horner

Comments

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Apr 7, 2021 18:06 by R. Dylon Elder

Omg it's all connected. Oooo I like the theme! Excellent css. So many shiny things. I shall enjoy this world I think. The ships cultivate biomes so magic can be used!? That's pretty cool.

Apr 8, 2021 02:38 by Morgan Biscup

I am really looking forward to exploring how magic works in space versus not in space. Going to be making myself a chart to map things out after I finish Fillimet's magic. (8 to go!) So excited to see you here. <3

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
Apr 8, 2021 02:51 by R. Dylon Elder

Excited to be here! Cant wait.

Aug 28, 2022 07:42 by Ademal

This is an incredible starting out page. I'm hooked!

CSS Whisperer • Community Admin • Author of Ethnis
Aug 28, 2022 17:10 by Morgan Biscup

Thanks so much! Aside from the novels, this might be my favorite page.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
Apr 6, 2023 19:04 by Ellysium

This is amazing! It really expresses the theme of the setting so well. And the glowy boxes *chef's kiss*

Summer Camp 2024 is upon us! Check out my pledge and progresshere!
Apr 6, 2023 19:47 by Morgan Biscup

Thank you! Oneriwien did an amazing job on the CSS. I went through so many iterations on how I wanted to present my overview but I'm really happy with it now. Good luck with yours, it'll be awesome I'm sure. <3

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
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