Daedalus

Daedalus

Daedalus is the name given to the celestial body orbiting New Britannia. The shattered moon completes a full orbit every 7 days.

Overview

In the ancient past, New Britannia had two moons. However during the Cataclysm 400 years ago the two orbiting bodies collided, creating the shattered remnant that from hence forth was known as Daedalus. The shattered pieces that fell to the planet, however, ended up disrupting the flow of magic, making the old system of magic completely unusable. Supposedly, Daedalus would have an effect on the Lunar Rifts throughout New Britannia as well.

Founder Symbol: Daedalus eclipsing the Sun

As a Symbol

While Daedalus itself is no doubt a symbol of dread to the native inhabitants of New Britannia, several Avatars will end up using it as their symbol. (Specifically, Early Founder-Tier Players) Whether this has any significant effect or meaning in the Lore of the game has yet to be revealed.

The symbol of Daedalus is used to represent Lunar Magic and, in Heraldry, represents calamity and rebirth. In poetic verse, Daedalus is male and the fragments that follow him are forever changing.

Lore

"They speak of a cataclysm long ago, when the sky burned and the ground tore itself apart, and the long years afterward, the cold, dark famine."

"Since the great Cataclysm 400 years ago the world has slowly recovered but much was lost."

Ultima Connection

The twin moons that collided and formed Daedalus no doubt refer to Trammel and Felucca, the twin moons from the Ultima Series, to which Shroud of the Avatar is a spiritual successor.

Etymology

Daedalus is an ancient greek word meaning "clever worker". It is also the name of a prominent figure in Greek Mythology; the father of Icarus who created his son's famed wings as well as the labyrinth that trapped the minotaur.

Media

Stephen Daniele discuss a symbol representing Daedalus (5:40)