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Last week, our Character Codex series kicked off with a closer look at the Augencore collective. This week, we’re focusing on the Earthen character base. You can view the Series “disclaimers” at the bottom of this post, otherwise let’s get right to it!
If you’d like a full-scale version of this infographic (or the Augencore one), just reach out to @ParallelLore on X!
From the depths of the Shaymak caves to the lofty halls of Shoshanna’s Suite, Earthen lore is slowly unfolding in the Parallel universe. Like the other Parallels, most of what we know about their lineage over the past 10,000 years comes from the comics and cards.
Beyond those main wellsprings, we also have things like the Earthen Mycelial Network Remote Terminal (MNRT), the Paragon skins (see below), other Cosmetics, and a few spicy Cinematics.
Earthen Ambush
The Vault
Both of these videos, metaphorically speaking, stand at the pinnacle of “lore and art” in the Parallel universe, so we had to include them in this simple codex for the Earthen. While the character featured in The Vault is unnamed and has not yet appeared in the game, we can only wonder if he’s hidden in the Avatar collection somewhere or destined to appear in a future expansion set or comic.
We also caught this glimpse of the Earthen Native Language, a neat little easter egg for the community.
Sure enough, honorary lore goblin leader Dave the Beard came through with a quick translation:
Now that we’re done gawking at the cinematics, let’s focus on characters that have been named.
On a most basic level, the Earthen are comprised of a variety of subgroups. So far, eight have been named: Aleshan, Arrisah, Horahi, Kamuy, Makka, Meev’Tsar, Primean, and Shaymak. Each one inherently brings their own leaders, history, and traditions, adding to the depth of their lore.
In terms of lineage, the three Paragons – Gaffar, Nehemiah, and Shoshanna – stand at the top. Same as last week’s codex, we’ve included their titles and skins below.
While it hasn’t been explicitly stated, each Paragon appears to be a long-time leader of a different subgroup, bringing their own collection of disciples, acolytes, and faithful along for the ride. This further enriches the Earthen character base, one that extends well beyond the groves of Primea, the sacred airspace of Arrisah, and the subterranean realms of the Shaymak.
After the Paragons, we look to the comics for the next set of featured Earthen characters. The five issues include more Earthen crossover and character development than any other Parallel, so let’s shift our focus exploration within the beautiful pages of The Priming.
The very first panel in Issue 1 is an iconic piece of Parallel lore.
Just like Tanakh, we suddenly find ourselves on a tiny foreign corner of Earth 10,000 years in the future. As Tanakh’s journey with his new Earthen friends starts to unfold, we quickly see how a few of the various subgroups interact with each other.
Soon enough, we meet Gaffar, Arbiter of Earth. Right away he reeks of big “badassery” and instantly becomes a pivotal character in the comic series. He’s also the only character to appear on two covers from two different issues (Issue 1 – Prime Edition and Issue 5 – Collectors Edition).
Throughout the series, Gaffar carries a strong sense of omnipotence and diplomacy. Equal parts sage and savage, his role as a leader is never questioned or compromised. Even when he’s on Shoshanna’s home turf, his aura and calming influence is on full display. This is seen in Issue 5 when he’s quick to negate Asef’s claims and swift to act against the Augencore attack.
His disciple, Soleia, also springs into the spotlight early. The camaraderie between her, Orban, Tanakh, and Gaffar proves that despite being from different subgroups, they can quickly bond and cooperate over a much bigger threat. It endears us as readers and gets us hyped about their new discovery.
While we don’t want to spoil how Soleia and Orban’s relationship evolves, we can say that it comes with multiple layers. Both are Horahi, so they share a bond with a history. Still, their differences bring a nice dynamic to the story’s development; one tries to preach patience while the other is just waiting to throw down.
As events unfold we learn in many ways that, in order to control a special power, you first have to understand it. We get a taste of this when Soleia’s vision takes place, revealing her immense potential. But she’s still unaware of how to fully harness it.
Tanakh’s pursuit is somewhat similar. He may seem “normal” on the surface (pun intended), but he’s clearly motivated to understand the Prime shard. At the same time, his desire to control the shard also jeopardizes his life — and that of his heroic Earthen comrades.
And as we saw at the end of Issue 5, it was this perfect marriage of strength and heroism that left us admiring one of Earthen’s bravest.
There’s so much more to explore regarding the Earthen characters, and there’s even more to look forward to when Aftermath drops. But this should give you a starting point for the story arc that unfolds in the series.
For anyone who heeds the call to defend Earth, you’re in luck. You not only have all of the cards to explore, you have five fantastic issues of The Priming.
Take advantage of all that they have to offer and buckle up for whatever Aftermath and Issue 6 may bring.
Below we’ve listed just a handful intriguing revelations and references regarding Earthen lore. We can’t wait to see how the entire Aftermath set enhances the current character base and the Green deck archetypes.
Gaffar, Arbiter of Earth
Nehemiah, Defender of Earth
Shoshanna, Rebuilder of Earth
Ahmad Mawaan
Alesha
Ardent Negotiator
Arrisah Skyscout
Battle Hardened Warrior
Char Mahal
Dauntless Axeman
Doctor’s Assistant
Emissary of Gaffar
Ephrath of the Seven
Ephrath’s Attendant
Fungal Grenadier
Gaffar’s Peacekeeper
Gideon of the Moonlit Star
Gilded Healer
Gilded Makka
Grove Attendant [TK]
Grove Guardian
Grove Sentry [TK]
Ilana, Keeper of the Vault
Infused Shaman
Jonah the Undecided
Kamuy Protectors
Lilah, 5th Lunar Guard
Malachi, Primean Guard
Meev’Tsar Valiant
Merciless Bulwark
Mizra Loyalist
Nehemiah’s Faithful
Rainsoaked Mourner
Reluctant Berserker
Rhetorician
Shaymak Stone-Eyes
Shoshanna’s Acolytes
Solarium Stalwart
Steward of the Garden
Student of Shoshanna
Tane, Shield of Meev’Tsar
Terra, Verdant Mentor
Uma
Venerated Invoker
Wisened Elder
Yunuen, Aleshan Elder
For this Character Codex series, I’ve included some disclaimers to help clear up any ambiguities.
If you’re new to Parallel and haven’t explored the game’s basic lore, below is a series I wrote for Prime.Wiki a few years ago. Disclaimer: Always refer to Parallel’s official website for the latest version of the lore.
Inside the Lines is a program dedicated to Parallel lore. If you are interested in contributing, please reach out at @Goldy_TGG. Don’t forget to follow @PrimeWiki so you don’t miss future posts from Inside the Lines. If you’d like to play Parallel, use our referral link!