Lore and Storyline

The Foundations of Power

Heyday: Rise of Empires invites players into the fractured world of Aetheris, blending ancient mysticism, lost technology, and interwoven science. The game is set on Covenant, a continent scarred by The Great Sundering, and explores the aftermath of a catastrophic collapse, where leaders must reclaim forgotten power and knowledge to rebuild civilization. This inaugural installment introduces Aetheris, once part of a vast multiversal network linked by Celestial Gates crafted by the Architects of Creation. The Veil of Unmaking severed Aetheris, isolating it and plunging civilizations into cycles of rise and ruin. A millennium ago, the Great Sundering shattered Covenant, leaving it divided into kingdoms battling famine, disease, and endless warfare. The empire's advanced magic and technology, capable of shaping worlds, lie scattered as relics.

Now, as rulers rediscover Aetheris' lost past, ancient ruins hint at ties to the Shattered Realms, alternate dimensions faintly connected to this world. Some seek universal truths, others domination. Amid this awakening, players lead fledgling realms, forging alliances, unearthing relics, and mastering forgotten powers.

The world of Covenant is dominated by powerful factions, each vying for control over the fractured lands. These factions are not just groups of warriors but represent ideologies, cultures, and strengths that have evolved over time following the Great Sundering. The choice of faction is one of the most important decisions a player will make, as it defines their strategy, playstyle, and alliances. Factions shape the battlefield, offering unique abilities and synergies that can give players the upper hand in combat, resource management, or political influence.

As a commander, aligning yourself with a faction means inheriting its strengths and overcoming its weaknesses. Whether you prefer advanced technology, raw military power, or a more subtle approach through manipulation and stealth, the factions of Covenant offer diverse ways to build, defend, and conquer.

Factions and Lords Introduction

In Heyday, the factions represent the cornerstone of the gameplay experience. Each faction comes with its own unique history, heroes, and special abilities, providing players with various playstyles and strategies to explore. Whether you align with a technologically advanced faction or a militaristic powerhouse, the synergy between your chosen faction and its heroes will significantly impact your approach to both conquest and defense.

Heroes are key figures within each faction, offering powerful abilities and bonuses that can change the tide of battle. As you progress in the game, you can unlock and upgrade your heroes, customizing them to fit your strategic goals. The combination of factions and heroes creates endless possibilities for both single-player and multiplayer campaigns.

Factions In Heyday

The Lumix Consortium	Scholars and mages, the Lumix Consortium seeks to rediscover lost knowledge and technology, advancing Aetheris into a new era of enlightenment under the Circle of Luminaries.
The Ironclad Legion	The Ironclad Legion is a military faction led by Marcus Steel, aiming to restore order through authoritarian rule, believing strict discipline and strength are essential to save Aetheris.
The Verdant Clans	The Verdant Clans are protectors of nature, devoted to restoring balance post-Sundering. Deeply spiritual, they focus on rituals and defense against factions exploiting the land.
The Shadow Syndicate	A covert faction controlling information and power behind the scenes. Operating in the shadows, the Syndicate manipulates politics, ensuring no faction grows too dominant.
The Ember Clans	Nomadic warriors of the Ember Desert, valued honor and survival. The Ember Clans protect their lands fiercely, driven by freedom and loyalty, clashing often with other structured factions.
The Tridon Dominion	Maritime power worshipping sea gods, believing in their divine right to rule. Commanding a formidable navy, they aim to expand their influence across the oceans.
The Boom Union	Tinkerers and engineers from the Boom Highlands, the Boom Union thrives on innovation. They constantly push technological boundaries, even if their experiments lead to chaos.
The Void Brotherhood	Secretive cultists seeking to master Void energies for ultimate power. Obsessed with transcending mortality, they wield dark, dangerous magic in their pursuit of reshaping reality.
The Covenant Guardians	An ancient order of knights upholding honor and justice. They protect the weak and restore peace, guided by a strict code of chivalry from their citadel in Silver Peaks.
The Dark Alliance	Exiled necromancers ruling the Ashen Isles, using dark magic and necromancy. They seek revenge and dominance, embracing forbidden arts to gain control over Aetheris.

Lords of the Factions

At the core of each faction are its Lords, the most powerful and influential heroes that drive the narrative and gameplay. Lords play a pivotal role in the player's success, offering not only leadership but also tactical advantages in battle.

➡️ Unique Abilities: Each Lord brings their own set of abilities and skills to the battlefield. These abilities can be enhanced through Talent Points, which players earn by leveling up their Lords through experience gained in combat.
➡️ Progression: Lords can be upgraded in several ways, including skill enhancements, talent point allocation, and star upgrades, making them more formidable as they rise in power.
➡️ Equipment: Lords can be equipped with powerful gear, including weapons, armor, and accessories that provide stat boosts and additional abilities. Players can customize their Lords to suit their preferred playstyle, whether focusing on offense, defense, or support.
➡️ Bloodline: The Bloodline System is a transformative upgrade mechanism that enhances the abilities of Heroes and faction units. Tied to the lore of each faction, these Bloodline Powers are not simple buffs but serve as evolutionary upgrades that unlock new combat abilities, visual enhancements, and strategic advantages.