WELCOME TO ARIAD'S WORLD

Ariad, the most beautiful and favored Princess of Ancient Crete, was groomed to be the next High Priestess and rule alongside her father, King Minos. Dutifully serving the gods, she was secretly taught witchcraft by her mother, Queen Pasiphae. Unaware of its true power, she believed it to be harmless.

Cursed into the amulet by her father for betrayal, Ariad is now a powerful ancient ghost haunting the Labyrinth, a reminder of betrayal and divine wrath. Over centuries, she became a powerful witch, able to transform into anything. She vows revenge on those who ruined her life and the Divine Order for trapping her, seeking to one day break free and rule Crete with vengeance.

For now, she lures teenage victims to feed the Minotaur by possessing a chosen child with enchantments and prophetic trances, promising fortune and immortality. The child, wearing the amulet, brings victims into the maze to their death.

Ariad’s World is enriched by the powerful Ariad, whose shape-shifting abilities are gifts from the Greek goddesses, including Arachne and Echidna. These divine gifts enable her to transform into creatures that embody the traits and powers of these deities, like spiders and giant snakes enabling her to navigate a perilous world filled with gods, monsters, and mortal conflicts. Ariad’s dual nature as both a deceiver and a monstrous force adds depth to her character and makes her a formidable figure in the labyrinthine world of Knossos, to  overpower those who cross her path. A threat to all, Ariad's shape-shifting abilities are symbolic of her inner complexity and the multifaceted nature of her character. Each transformation represents a different aspect of her personality and her struggle for power and survival. As a spider, she embodies cunning and strategy, weaving webs of influence. As a snake, she represents raw power and the primal instincts that drive her quest for dominance.

Sarah Jay, the Golden Bears' cheerleader leader, excels in her role but battles doubts about her abilities, especially the triple somersault.  Juggling cheerleading, grades, and pleasing her star quarterback boyfriend, Rich Campbell, she's thrust into an unwanted adventure to find an amulet with her brother Kevin. Unconcerned about the amulet or ancient stories, she just wants to go home, until she encounters the Minotaur. Forced to confront her fears, she seeks guidance from the last standing Priest to save her friends. With lives at stake, Sarah Jay must overcomedoubts and fears to become the hero everyone hopes she will be.

Rich, this year's golden boy star quarterback for College football team - the Golden Bears, He exudes confidence on and off the field. Rich has it all, fame, glory, sponsorships, accolades, supportive family, the friends, and the hot cheerleader girlfriend -Sara Jay! By his side, they're the envy of the school. His charisma and athletic prowess make him a natural leader, but his constant need for approval often masks his deeper insecurities.

Mike, the good looking African American, is known for his loud mouth, excessive talkativeness, and strong opinions. He's a devout "Jesus  freak" and loves being in front of the camera. Jealous of his popular  quarterback teammate, Rich, is very competitive and always fighting with him. Mike is quick to judge others. Despite his  bravado, when the spotlight is off and Ariad approaches, he’s the first  to run!

Kevin, the 14-year-old brother of SJ, dreams of becoming a horror film director. A dedicated student of horror movies, he isn't afraid to stand up to the vicious Ariad when she confronts them for the amulet in the  mystical Labyrinth of Doom.

Arkhiereus, the last Priest of The Divine Order, stands as a solitary sentinel, bearing the weight of centuries on his scarred form. Cursed with immortality, his sole purpose is to safeguard the amulet, preventing Ariad's malevolent reign. Burdened by the countless lives lost, he remains determined in his duty to protect humanity. As Sarah Jay emerges, she becomes his greatest ally in the fight against Ariad's tyranny.

The Divine Order is a secret sect of Warrior Priests, sworn to protect Earth from evil  creatures and magicians from entering Earth's realm on behalf of the ancient Church and the Supreme One. Trained in combat and weaponry since Ancient Crete, they guard supernatural gateways, preventing demons from entering our world. Cursed  with semi-immortality, they can live up to 1000 years, their souls bound to the priesthood even after death, strengthening their connection to the supernatural realm.

Archangel Michael, a towering figure of divine authority, emanates  radiance beyond mortal comprehension. His presence commands reverence,  surpassing even the gods of Crete. Clad in righteousness, his mission is  to protect Earth and humanity from the gods' evil reign, ensuring the  preservation of the divine accord safeguarding humanity. However, the  accord has been broken, compelling The Divine Order, his vowed priests,  into action as Ariad threatens. Michael stands as a beacon of hope and  strength, guiding them with divine wisdom and power. Amidst the battle  against Ariad, his unwavering resolve inspires all who uphold justice  and righteousness in the face of adversity.

In the mythical realm of Ariad's World, ancient Greek legends intertwine with a haunting fantasy narrative. 

The central setting is the Minoan Labyrinth, a vast and treacherous maze constructed by Daedalus under the orders of King Minos. This labyrinth is not just a physical structure  but a symbol of entrapment and the battleground for divine and mortal conflicts.

Crete: The island of Crete serves as the expansive and mystical backdrop for Ariad's World. Known as the cradle of Minoan civilization, Crete is rich with ancient ruins, bustling markets, and serene landscapes that hide dark secrets. Its diverse geography ranges from rugged mountains to lush valleys, offering a vivid setting for the epic adventures and conflicts that unfold.

Knossos: At the heart of Crete lies the ancient city of Knossos, the capital and cultural hub of the Minoan civilization. Knossos is depicted as a grand and complex city, filled with majestic palaces, intricate frescoes, and bustling agorae. The city is known for its advanced architecture and elaborate infrastructure, which includes sophisticated water management systems and storied temples.

Ariad: 

At the heart of Ariad’s World is Ariad, the shape-shifting princess and half-sister to the Minotaur. Cursed to live within the labyrinth by her father, King Minos, for betraying his trust by sharing the secrets of the Labyrinth with Theseus, Ariad wields the power to transform into various fearsome beasts. Her ability to shape-shift is driven by a deep thirst for revenge against humanity, whom she blames for her eternal imprisonment. As the undisputed Queen of the Labyrinth, even against the God's, Ariad's transformations are a reflection of her inner turmoil and desire for retribution.

Asterion, the Minotaur:

The demi-god half-man half-beast with immense strength and an insatiable hunger, the Minotaur is both Ariad’s ally and her greatest challenge. His existence within the labyrinth is a constant threat to those who dare to enter. The Minotaur embodies the labyrinth’s deadly nature, serving as its fiercest guardian. Ariad has befriended the Minotaur and feels compelled to serve him by  luring victims into the labyrinth. These victims, enchanted by Ariad,  are brought in to feed the Minotaur’s insatiable hunger. This dark partnership underscores the twisted dynamics within the labyrinth, where  survival often means aligning with monstrous forces. Ariad's actions  are driven by a blend of loyalty to her half-brother and her own desire  for revenge against those who imprisoned her.

Arkhiereus: 

The last priest of an ancient order, Arkhiereus provides guidance to those brave enough to venture into the labyrinth. He represents the remnants of divine wisdom and offers a glimmer of hope in the otherwise dark and perilous world.

Ariad’s World is steeped in the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, blending well-known legends with original horror elements. The labyrinth is not only a physical maze but a metaphysical journey into the psyche of its inhabitants and intruders. 

The gods, though distant, play a crucial role in shaping the destinies of the characters, with their influences felt in the mystical traps and relics scattered throughout the maze.

The labyrinth, influenced by Ariad's newfound powers, becomes even more perilous. It is a living entity, reflecting the innermost fears and desires of those who enter, continuously shifting and presenting new supernatural challenges. This dynamic environment ensures that players and readers remain on edge, navigating through treacherous corridors and facing the enhanced threats posed by Ariad and her brother, the Minotaur.

At its core, Ariad’s World explores themes of entrapment, revenge, and  the struggle for immortality. 

The characters are driven by their  desires—whether it’s Ariad’s quest for vengeance, the Minotaur’s need to  dominate, or the humans’ pursuit of eternal life. These motivations  lead to intense conflicts and dramatic encounters, making for a  compelling narrative.

The story invites readers and players to step into the shoes of the protagonists, experiencing the labyrinth’s horrors firsthand. As they delve deeper, they uncover the complex relationships between gods, mortals, and mythical creatures. 

Each encounter and revelation brings them closer to the ultimate question: Can they survive the labyrinth and achieve their goals, or will they succumb to its malevolent forces?

Ariad’s World offers a richly detailed universe that blends the grandeur of Greek mythology with the suspense and terror of a horror story. It promises an unforgettable journey through a land where the line between heroism and monstrosity is blurred, and the stakes are nothing less than life and death.

Ariad's World is a richly detailed and dynamic realm where ancient mythology meets fantasy horror. 

The island of Crete, with its majestic city of Knossos and the foreboding Minoan Labyrinth, provides a vivid and immersive setting for an epic saga of magic, conflict, and divine intrigue. 

As players and readers explore this world, they will uncover its secrets, face its challenges, and become part of a timeless struggle between gods and mortals.