Lords of Creation: Titan's Return (IC Thread)

[Razade]

Lords of Creation: Titan's Return

Before there was The First World and its Divinities there was nothing. Before there was nothing there was The Creator. From where it came, to where it went, no one can say. Not even the Divinities born from the Creation it had made. Before there was The First World the Creator stretched the nothing out until it broke and Creation cascaded from the nothing and the Divinities born with it were cast out like one cleans a sheet, swift and brisk and with a snap all came tumbling out. The Void yawned into the space left by nothing, almost nothing itself yet something vast and dark that touched all points and at its center a world. The First World, that miserable ball of mud and sky, stretched out and covered by clean endless still water and at its heart a beating core of heat and pressure. A tapestry on which fell the Divinities and such was Creation. For only an instant pure.


Jyn'Hao, The Primacy: The Void

From the Void the Divinities were born, once there was none, now there was something. The First World, the yawning Void. The Primacy.

Early Worship of the Avanti Elves: A Primer

Before the sun and moon revolved in the heavens, there was said to be a ring of islands that drifted in the cold endless seas. Simple animals were present though they were simple things, with no voice and no spark. From the dust arose the weakest of creatures, spindly and on two legs not fit to hunt. The Elves, so they say, they ate dew from the leaves after the storms and monsoons that shook the islands made the fierce creatures hide in caves. They say it was not until The Primacy came to their shores that they were whole.

The Primacy took the Elves, so say say, to the shores of their island and with a hand swept away the storms. Above them the skies were black, the oceans were black and the many other islands that surrounded them were ringed in darkness. From the Primacy’s left eye it plucked a flame and set it high into the sky. The Primacy said this was day and with the same hand that had placed the burning sun into the heavens so sank it below the horizon. The world, that had been warm and comfortable, descended back to the darkness it was born from and the Elves were afraid for the creatures of their forests were wray of the light but empowered here in the darkness. So the Primacy took from its right eye a cold light and placed it where the sun had been. The darkness was not nearly as abated but the silver light still soothed the dangerous beasts and the Elves found courage in its cold glow. The Elves begged the Primacy to remain and to work more wonders for them but the Primacy, who had come from nowhere, simply returned there.

These first Elves ran to their families huddled in the trees and spoke of the great wonders that had covered the lands and the strange being that had worked them. On the shores of the island, they met, far from the dark forests and volcanic mountains that made their home so dangerous. In the storms that swept over them they spoke with new words, mimicking the motions of the Primacy. They woke cloth to sails and for the first time crossed the oceans to other islands and found there yet more of their people. For the first time the few were many and with their tongue they bent wooden bough to simple safety and tamed the falcon of the sky and the fowl of the land to their common cause. The Elves of the Avanti were born.

The Truth

Jyn’Hao fell from The Void and cut an arc across the sky, landing in the clean waters. From this height, earth and mud and stone rose and where the Divinity landed islands formed. The Avanti were charged with the Divine’s powers and the elemental forces within it infused the land as the shockwave of its impact spread across the globe. This energy was mana and its roots surged to the very fires that burned in the pit of The First World and dissolved into the waters and the muddy bottoms and the cloudless sky. Such was the energy of life that the Avanti sprang forth with all manner of creature from sparrow to fox to boar.
But another curious creature pulled themselves from the Dust, living mana made form. Jyn’Hao spent little time with them, worried that they might return to it for in them was a spark. Something less than Divinity but so much more than mere animal, something they had formed within themselves. The animals had it too, to a greater or lesser extent, but only so far the Elves seemed to have pure mana.

The First World was cold and dark, these accidental creations suffering and so, not out of compassion but curiosity, Jyn’Hao returned to the Void and outstretched itself across the heavens. From the waters and the mud it formed an orb and placed it in the sky but it gave no light. It was a sterile thing, cold like the world below. So from fires at the core of the world and the roots of its islands it drew up the lifeblood of The First World and hung that in the sky, a blazing orb far from the world so as not to bake it brought day.

The Avanti erupted, great plumes of smoke arose from its islands and the sea churned. In these disasters the Elves did huddle in simple tennements, and spoke of fear and hunger and how to take the wild birds and to sing and to sail. The waters grew warmer and storms raged across the surface of The First World for the first time. It was as Jyn’Hao had made it, not out of desire but simply out of mistake.

Spoiler: AP Actions

Show

Turn 1: 16AP

Create Land (The Moon) - 2AP: With the elemental powers over Water and Earth, Jyn’Hao forms the Moon which holds sway over the tides. [Earth (Elemental Earth) 2/10]

Create Land (The Sun) - 2AP: With the elemental power over Fire and Earth, Jyn’Hao forms the Sun which holds sway over that which grows from the soil. [Earth (Elemental Earth) 4/10]

Create Land (The Avanti Islands) - 2AP: The Avanti islands are an archipelago that sit in the northern hemisphere of the First World. There is a central island about the size of Madagascar with four smaller shield islands no larger than Honshu. There are five similarly sized shield islands that float over the waters. [Earth (Elemental Earth) 6/10]

Create Mythical Concept (Mana) - 4AP: Mana is a natural energy that is present within the earth and living things. It is naturally aligned with earth and those things which grow. Mana outside of living things ebbs and flows with the movement of the Sun and Moon in the heavens. When a being with mana dies, it returns to the First World. [Earth (Elemental Earth) 10/10]

Create Sentient Life (Elves) -2AP: Born from the dust of the earth, given breath from the air, feed from the vital waters and filled with heat from the sun, Elves are the four elemental powers in one. They are slender, dark skinned, and curious by nature with large reserves of mana. [Magic (Dust) 2/10]

Create Mundane Concept (Language) - 1AP: The Elves, with their lungs full, spoke for the first time and unlike animals understood one another on a deeper level. [Air (Elemental Air) 1/10]

Create Mundane Concept (Animal Husbandry) - 1AP: With the power of speech, the Elves tamed the beasts of the air first, and many more to come after. [Air (Elemental Air) 2/10]

Create Mundane Concept (Sailing) - 1AP: With knowledge of the air, the Elves turn simple wooden crafts into wind powered vessels. [Air (Elemental Air) 3/10]

Bless (The Rains of the Avanti) - 1AP: Powerful monsoon currents cover the Avanti, keeping their island currents dangerous and the lands difficult to alter. [Air (Elemental Air) 4/10]

[+5 Vorpal Bunny]

The Dreamworld churned. Endless, with infinite beauty and potential. Countless thoughts played out in endless variations, colors and forms shifted as potentials fragmented and blossomed into fractal patterns. Things became and became not, light and wave danced as one, present future and past all exploded in every place at once.

But an infinitely small fraction of this world dreamt of more. It had so much potential. And yet, it could do nothing. It determined to fix that.

And with that choice, it gazed. Light and wave separated, thoughts became things, potentials became reality. Confusion turned into clarity, contemplation turned into action, chaos turned into order. The waking god pressed, and a tangible world began to form.

The waking god knew now what he stood for, and so he spoke:
'I am thought given form, will given expression; I am the beam and the wave collapsed, the future chosen, the vision made manifest. I am the consciousness that presses chaos into form; I am the joy of growth, the strength of expansion. I am energy made tangible and life given expression; I am the manifestation of declared thought into reality.'

And with that statement his form solidified. A Titan stood, solid, within the churning world of dreams. Vast, formed of Life itself, vibrant and wild, with the Strength to will and persevere. The First Tree stood in his right hand and The Cornucopia in his left, both illuminated by emerald green light from his Forest Crown. Verfort the Invigorator, he now knew in the core of his being, was his name, pressed implacably into the fabric of reality. It was both a choice and a promise - to bring dreams into reality and life into form, and to be the bulwark upon which both can prosper.

Verfort gazed around; a solid land, slowly but surely, was beginning to take form. Not yet solid, but with a core nucleus all the same, a vast floor, a forest beyond, buildings enmeshed with the landscape; further beyond, one or more lands, perhaps, for it was not yet manifest, began shimmering into existence. He gazed at himself; the Verdant Titan seemed a bit dimer, but that light shone through the land. And especially, in the center, brighter then the rest; a table, or tablet, or shrine perhaps, stood tangible, clear and firm. This was not mine, he knew instinctively, but something more. The place itself called to him, irresistibly, with a will of its own. And he knew, in that moment, that the desire to create order from chaos was not his alone.

As life and structure continued to expand from the Verdant Titan, many animals and plants coming into existence as the land continue to expand, a vast open dome formed of pure white stone and crowned with countless trees, flowers and leaves solidified before him, shining with that same emerald green light. An open dais hung in the center, beaming down a clear white light upon a vast floor below. Shimmering with the same infinite potential, with images of the world itself floating in and out overhead like half-forgotten dreams, it beckoned irresistibly to him. The compulsion was especially strong at the center, where the table(?) was, and an embroidered wooden chair stood next to it.

Shining emerald green with countless flowers and leaves, it wordlessly beckoned to him. More chairs began to materialize, one or two or three, it wasn't clear, of different forms all their own within the fabric of this half-reality. The world continued to change as the chairs became more real. Verfort knew, in that moment, with absolute certainty, that he was not alone.

And so he sat, and observed, waiting.

Spoiler: AP Actions:

Show

Weave Plane (1 AP, split among pantheon) Contribute to creation of the Dream World. [1/10 - Creation (Manifestation)]
Join Pantheon (1 AP) - Join Dream Pantheon. [2/10 - Creation (Manifestation)]
Create Land (2 AP) - Dreamscape Convergence [4/10 - Creation (Manifestation)]

[totadileplayz]

Boo, The Fairy Godmother: The Beginning of Chaos: The Truth


Asleep in the void, where nothing existed her unconcious form, started heading towards the closest place of sleep, as the barest vestige of what remained of her partner ceased to exist. This, would plague Boo for a long time to come. With her sleeping state, she naturally gravitated to a natural maelstrom as her very nature, made the plane become more real.

As Dreamland further solidified albeit nowhere near stable, the Land began to sing, and stir, from this. Boo, Awoke in the maelstrom of a half-formed plane. There, she saw insights, and love. Taste, and more. But, she knew something was missing. A Counterpart that she had never seen, a partner that failed to be. From her recollections, she was The Leader of Winter, verus her companions Summer. Where she tricked, and caused chaos. Summer gave unfiltered blessings, and fruedian bargains. She was more unrestrained uncaring versus her companions love for the word. Always at each other's throats, and she was undoubtedly far more vile then the Summer Court fairy that never was. "My I Wonder, where she's gone off to? Nonexistence is surely a scary thing. I doubt i'd ever want to experience something such as that. " Boo Says to herself, as she experiences her imagination running wild.

She was unbridled trickery, and temptation given form. The Dark Fae's Godmother, a lover of all sorts of mischief, and thus in this ephemeral plane which didn't even fully exist. She decided to look around, for the things that may come to be. There were all kinds of sights and ideas in this place, even if almost everything was turbulent and currently not yet existent. This was, a state Boo found endlessly fascinating, since nothing existed everything did, and since everything existed nothing did. She could percieve in this half-formed plane all kinds of ideas, she'd strive to remember, as all that was there were thoughts yet formed. "Well, Well this place is certainly interesting. It's quite nice what I can fathom up."

Inside this partially made plane she discovered it's nonexistent forests, where she knew her fae may come to be in time. This land of opportunity held nothing of substance, and this allowed her to roam upon nothing, and still see a white lotus, more real then the rest of it, and with her concentration it become more real still. ​With it, she came to know a bit more about herself. It wouldn't be fun, if people didn't want her gifts, and the god's fought against her mischief too harshly, and one of her rules was realized. With that realization, she took the flower, and imbued her divine blessing into it. For, she knew that when she cursed a project, she also needed to give some advantage in turn, something to be thankful for, as well as the thing they cursed. "Why Without a Treat, who'd ever try to talk to a fairy if all they cause are problems. I mean where's the fun in that?"

Though with The Blessings, came a question. While Blessings should run freely, surely Curses should run freely as well? And Thus, she began to ponder, a wand, something she could wave around, and bonk people with before she ever said her name. For since she was experiencing the hallucination of a place yet to be, she surely could bring about the wand that she'd need right? Of Course, she could, and with both the imagination of stars, and the dreams yet to be she plucks a piece of nonexistent wood, and a nonexistent star-shaped star, and combines them together in her own whimsy way. With it she'd be able to bestow the second part of her tricks, and mischief. "And Of Course the joy of all of us fae, is surely in the trick. I mean, I'm sure The Light Fae love their legalese, but we Dark Fae, love more straight forward mischief, even if does cause problems with our PR department. "

With her star-tipped wand in one hand, and her white lotus in the other. She waited once more, for the elves were just starting, and although the first sapients, she still had to sort through all of her ideas. She needed to start her mischief with a classic, one that would raise her notoriety with one go, and she had to sort through all of her ideas to figure out which one she should go for. "Hmm, I wonder. Should I Make The Elves make presents and ascribe their work onto a fatman? Make all of them endlessly vain, and good archers? Make them flee from the sun they seek the warmth of? My, My So many good ideas. "


Boo, The Fairy Godmother: The Beginning of Chaos: The Myth

Winter was the First Season, for With The Beginning of Existence, Boo was born. She was a lover of mischief, and a plague upon the mortal races, and had failed to make her own. She was born as a cancer on the world. With Gleeful eyes, She looked upon the Stars and staked one with a simple twig to curse the land of mortals. However, she was too quick, and too greedy, and the star burned her flesh. She did not see this as a warning to stay away from curses, and began a journey, to look for something to treat her divine burn.

She began her journey looking through the land, she started with the flesh of mortals, and their ken, then began to look for other animals, bark, and stone. Eventually she saw a white lotus, with it applied to the burn, the burn faded. This, made Boo, contemplate on her harsh nature, and decide to our grudging mumble that a bless and a curse together would be better then a curse alone. With this thought in her head, she began her journey to the first of the cursed Lands. The Giants.

The Second Myth: The Beginning of Dreams
While Her Creation is up for debate, the Fact she is one of the four principle deities that made Dreamland isn't. The Creation of Dreamland is a different story altogether, and The Beginning of The Pantheon. I shall only tell the specific tale of her making Dreamland, and her joining of the Pantheon, as I have found, many people know the basics of the mythos, so I shall relay her work.

Boo, The Fairy Godmother was Chaos incarnate. And During the Early Days, where Dreams were yet to be imagined, she forlorned it's nonexistence, for she could not steal ideas, if they did not take physical form. With The Work of Others she added the trappings, and the peculiarities of Dreamland, things that made it hers. Lands of Meat, and Candy, and Toys, Forests of Fae. Remember, Wherever you encounter Danger, and Nightmares you can thank The Fairy Godmother, for she was the one behind it. With Her Meddling, the others agreed she had a part in Dreamland, and with this they were forced to Accept her in her Pantheon. Much to their dismay, for the things she'd make inside that land, would cause trouble to come.

Spoiler: AP Actions

Show

Weave Plane (1 AP, split among pantheon) Contribute to creation of the Dream World.) [Madness(Fever Dream) 1/10 ]
Join Pantheon (1 AP) - Join Dream Pantheon. [Madness(Fever Dream) 2/10 ]
Create The White Lotus. (5 Ap) Create Utility Artifact (Curse) [Trickery(Pranks)5/10 ]
Create the Star-Tipped Wand (5 Ap) Create Utility Artifact (Blessing) [Trickery(Pranks)10/10 ]

[KragBrightscale]

The Devourer’s Awakening

When the essences of divinity first fell to the world, some were still in dormancy. Not yet self aware or even capable of rational thought. Protoscolex was one of those, existing in a state that even they themselves can no longer remember.

It wasn’t until the other deities disrupted the stagnant world with their power and creations that things began to change. When the planet’s lifeblood was drawn out to create the sun, the earth trembled, causing the Great Worm to finally stir. The warmth penetrating its body filled it with life and a connection to the earth itself.

A piercing scream and the scent of divine blood sparked another new feeling. Hunger. There was a familiarity to the smell, and although it represented a different aspect of the divine, it resonated deeply with the divine source within the Devourer. The divine source woke, and Protoscolex rose from its slumber.

Surrounded by the solid rock beneath the seas, there was nothing to eat. Although eager to explore and rise to join the other divinities The Great Worm was not yet able to leave the confines of the deep. The hunger grew, until desperate to fill the growing void in its stomach, the worm began to chew at the natural prison that held it captive. As it gnawed, it’s teeth grew stronger, sharper, harder until not even the sturdiest of obstacles could resist being crushed.

Driven by instinct Protoscolex dug aimlessly through the depths. Consuming lifeless rock the worm created a chaotic network of tunnels and caverns. The rock was ground down while inside the divine worm, being transformed into nutrient rich dirt, and everywhere the Protoscolex dug, the trail of soil became the foundation for future life. The first of those being the Grublings.

Emerging from the fresh soil, these monstrous life forms, little more than oversized larvae, roam the darkness in search of food.

Spoiler: AP actions

Show

-Create major utility artifact - alter land Maw of the Devourer: infused with divine power, Protoscolex’s teeth can cut through rock and stone like a knife through butter. These countless teeth occasionally fall out, but new teeth soon replace them. The lost teeth make excellent weapons or crafting materials.
AP (11/16)
Instinct (hunger) 5/10

-Create Land (Underdark)
A chaotic network of tunnels and caverns deep beneath the surface. Although there is plenty of space for life there is little to sustain it, only rocks and mineral deposits.
AP (9/16)
Change (metamorphosis) 2/10

-Bless (fertile soil in the underdark)
Protoscolex leaves a trail of fertile soil wherever they go. This soil is nutrient rich and full of tiny mundane life forms that form the foundation of future ecosystems.
AP (8/16)
Fertility (soil) 1/10

-Create life (Grublings)
Mindless feeders, these larvae can grow from a couple inches to the size of a small dog. Capable of multiplying quickly, a population that has grown too large may occasionally resort to cannibalism to keep itself in check.
AP 6/16
Instinct (hunger) 7/10

[Feathersnow]

MAGNIFICAT
The Hunt Begins
The Great Cat preened Herself into being, and knew that She was good. She was Magnificat, and She would be called "The Stalker."

She saw, in inspection of Herself, that She was both here and not-here, displaced in space. And this was good, for nothing was one thing, complete and unto itself, not even the a goddess.

Once more, She looked upon herself, and saw Her great contradiction: part of Her was soft and giving, Her udders, Her soft eyes, Her playful beard. Her horns were things of show and defense, not hunting. But the soul of Her was something quite different... a huntress! Ripping claws and rending teeth! Powerful arms to grab and mighty thews to leap!

She was two things, then, in disharmony. She thought on this for timeless time and decided that She was meant to be two things together. A weak aspect to give, and a strong aspect to take!

She was no skilled artisan, so She wandered looking for an Artist to deconstruct Her contradiction, and make Her Image Unwhole.

After an unknown time, She sidled up to Verfort. She said: "Oh Great Green One, I see you will be a great artisan of worlds! I come to you with a proposal... when the time comes for you to make your lands, make a creature like unto half of Me. See My soft eyes and udders and horns thst defend and make in that likeness a creature and call it "goat."
In seeing this "goat", I will better understand myself. Do this, and I will gift you and yours with the knowledge of how to profit from this creature.

Spoiler: AP action

Show

Create concept: animal husbandry(1 AP)
1/10 for Community(teaching)

[Holy-hunter]

—————————
In the beginning
—————————

‘Malenor...’

It’s name was the first thought. Born as creation had begun, it existed behind the bleak nothingness of the void. Ever so faint, An unheard whisper echoing beneath the great abyss. but it was there.
As creation continued it gave something for the silent voice to echo off, and when it finally hit a spec of substance in an otherwise eternal nothingness it echoed back and the thought heard itself for the first time.

And then it had Awareness.
The faint whisper resonated within itself, compounding over and over again, striking with a firmer surety each time. It continued to grow exponentially alongside creation which was simultaneously underway.

One large rock in nothingness hardly seems like much but after multiple eternities of empty dark still silence it’s sudden creation by a rush of energy was powerfully overwhelming. That single thought could feel itself growing, it could feel the rush of creation flowing over it, through it, all around it. That single lonely thought waking up to existence for the first time could feel itself expanding. No longer was it just a though, it now occupied space and participated in the flow of time. As it’s physicality changed it encountered more and more new thoughts.

There was no language to iterate these, nor image to put them in, but just like Malenor, they now existed but yet somehow also did not. What ever they were, they were appearing rapidly at a dizzying rate. There was soon many, too many.

All around and in him creation continued to flourish as the residual energy was trapped by and drawn to his presence. Thoughts blossomed, blooming with vibrant energy. exploding in marvellous patterns of colour and creativity as they rolled into something new, grew larger or merged harmoniously with another. One would trigger another and rapid chain reactions would emerge from the simplest and smallest idea. Some would unfortunately wither away and decay in a somber pretty silence while others sadly transpired and passed, their brilliance flashing in and out of this new existence completely without ever being noticed.

Malenor could feel that this energy, this collection of thoughts, spread far and wide around the first world. He could sense it there, the birthplace of creation, but at the same time he knew he was not apart of it. There was an unfathomable barrier separating them. This realisation bore birth to a brand new wave of powerful thoughts to emerge as the energy of creation continued to transcend the gap between realms, for Malenor was on a different plane.

Malenor soon realised in his self awareness that he was the conglomeration of all of these thoughts. They were him and he was them. But not only that. He was all the thoughts that would eventually be and all that thought could be. He was the different plane. The Dreamscape, the plane of thoughts, Dreamland.

With this greater realisation he decided to look outwards next, beyond all these internal thoughts. So for the first time in existence he opened his eyes and looked upon the brilliance of creation.

Feeling was one thing but visualisation, and that of creation, it expanded the thought potential unimaginably.
He was a raging cacophony, a roaring chorus of new and uncontrollable thoughts emerging in a wild erratic flood of creation. It was beyond anything he was ready to fathom. It’s like in that single moment creation tried to make up for an eternity of thoughts never had, all coming into being at once.

Creation was relentless and the flood of thoughts now open would not slow. Malenor could not contain them all. It was far too much for any god, the power of creation threatening to readily undo him just as quickly as he became. He wanted to keep ever single one, to view them, nurse them, revel in them. For each was a part of him and considered each to be sacred. But to try do so would be the end of his singularity. He was already spread so thin and wide that he was about to fracture and tear into multiples.

Malenor, in his awareness and with his thoughts, had to make the first choice of existence. Give up on the unimaginable limitless power of knowledge or possibly die. Malenor was not ready to leave existence regardless of in what form that would be. So with no other choice he cast out the thoughts he could not contain, sending to a place he might one day find them again. He sent them to the first world. They burst from his body, tearing through his skin and streaking through the sky as they transcended through the void from one plane to another. Still glowing with the first energy of creation they had a tail of fire as they rained down on the world.

He was now open and connected to the first world, his flesh littered with a myriad of glowing holes that could be seen from anywhere. Only, that place was no longer him. He had found that in the aftermath of the fiery chaos where he expelled thought to the first world, he too was separated from the yet unnamed plane. He was no longer an entire world full of varying and uncontrollable thoughts but a single bound entity of a controlled and collective thought.

Spoiler: AP actions

Show

————————————
AP start =16
————————————

Create plane 1AP (out of 4) (Thoughts/dreams 1/10)
Join pantheon 1AP ( Thoughts/dreams 2/10)

Spoiler: Dream plane & pantheon

Show

Malenor might have been born from the dreamland but he was hardly the only. The plane buzzed with remaining creation energy and held plenty of thoughts needing form. As each god emerged in their own way, the dreamland took something from them. It was not in malice or greed, but simply because it had its own thought. Unity. A pantheon.
Gods connected by the place of their birth and their interest in it. Sharing with each other and not alone in this strange now venture.

Create Mythical life 4AP (Thoughts/Dreams 6/10)

Spoiler: Thoughts

Show

They are just that, a pure thought without form born at creation. Their existence does not limit or hinder any other creature from thinking.
With no physical form they are but a faint distortion in space ranging in size from a golf ball to a basketball ball, often found just floating above the ground. They can move but rarely do, sometimes seen slowly drifting. In light they can be near impossible to spot but in the dark they glow with a soft mesmerising inner light of multiple changing colours cascading through various different prismatic shapes and patterns.
They have no desires of their own, no need to eat or sleep, they merely exist. Waiting to strike passing minds. Momentarily merging before separating once again but never truly leaving. A single thought can be active in many minds and may also pass on through creatures (when they learn how) A thought may grow when given strong ideas by passing thinkers.

Create Portal/Bridge 2AP (Stars/guidance 2/10)

Spoiler: The Stars

Show

In the dark sky you can see glimpses of the plane from which the thoughts came, they are the sparkling dots in the dark, brilliant holes between the worlds.
It is through these holes that thoughts return to the Dreamscape/dreamland when the body rests. Every star is potentially a different and bizarre landscape to explore. Such is the way of the plane.
Using this portal a thought can take only your sleeping mind there.

Create Myth concept 4AP (Thoughts/dreams 10/10)
(pantheon prerequisite)

Spoiler: Dreaming / Dream worship

Show

Thoughts litter the first world, merging and bonding with sapient life. When the bonded body rests, thoughts often try to take the mind back to the Dreamscape from where they were born. There passage is through the stars, seen or not. Every star a different and bizarre scenery to explore.
Only those touched by thoughts may dream, and only a dreamers mind can travel through the stars. A mind travelling so far from its body struggles to maintain its grasp on memory. Often forgetting the journey altogether.
It is in this dream state that followers can connect with the dream gods. Dreamers bring with them wild dreams and thoughts that only further strengthen the plane and pantheon.

————————————
AP end =4
————————————

[SpeedWitch]

The Seed of Prickroot
This is the story of how Prickroot and the Savage Isle came to be, as told by the elves of that isle:

A seed lay sleeping within the first world, deep under the sea and storms. It was too far from any light to grow, and starvation filled its dreams.

When the Primacy came to Avanti and banished the storms, the storms grew enraged. So powerful were their winds that they tore to the depths of the oceans even as they were being pushed away, bringing several islands to the surface. The seed clutched to the bottom of what would become the Savage Isle, and was so empty inside that it began drinking up the water around it, and it grew roots. It drank water so fast, in fact, that it became as blue as the oceans.

But it was still thirsty, so it stretched out its roots and speared nearby fish to eat, but it had no mouth. So instead it drank their blood, growing larger.

But it was still thirsty, so it caught a whale in its roots and drank that too.

But it was still thirsty, so it reached back down to where it first emerged and spread across the ocean floor, striking even the deepest of sea creatures and draining them of their essence.

In this way Savage Isle grew tethered to the sea, shifting position with the winds but never moving more than a mile. Because of this, the storms treat Savage Isle with disdain, trying to push it along sea and bring it past the edge of the Primacy's protection.

On the worst of weather days, the people of the Savage Isle huddle in caves that were made when the roots cracked through the island, however, though they can walk across the roots, they can never cut them, as a single prick will cause all nearby roots to lash out wildly at its assailant - for this reason, it is called Prickroot.

---

The Savage Isle
Prickroot grows all across the island, especially in the caves and around the coast. Manna travels from the tips of it's roots back into the caves and down the long line of roots that stretch to the ocean floor, growing progressively brighter, from a deep blue at the shore to a blazing teal shining below the island that guides sailors to it at night, even if the island itself isn't in sight.

During the summer, the islanders eat fish that have been trapped in Prickroot growths by the shore, carefully plucking them out so that they don't upset the Prickroot. During the winter, Prickroot freezes solid, too full of water to put up a fight, and so the islanders hack away at all the Prickroot that has grown across the island and consume it. A handful of Prickroot can sustain an elf for days, and grants incredible strength, making the people of Savage Isle exceptionally strong. However, Prickroots also sharpens the senses, especially pain, potentially driving one mad with rage. Thus, it is only eaten in small amounts. Prickroot that is not consumed is stored on stone tables and kept in the sun during summer, where they dry out and take on the qualities of exceptionally sturdy wood, safe to use for crafting and building materials.

Many creatures also take advantage of Prickroot's inertness during the winter. Giant ravens and rabid bears are just some of the things Savage Islanders have to deal with throughout winter and spring. Even bugs must be constantly blown away from drying Prickroot, lest they grow into horrifying monsters. Thus, a martial culture has started to develop among the elves of that island, warriors with Prickroot armor and spears hunting the various Prickbeasts across the island.

The relationship the islanders have with Prickroot is complex, but many who see it as a curse rather than a blessing simply leave for other islands. As thanks for their good-fortune, islanders offer both slain animals and dead elves to Prickroot and bury them in the caves, returning their power back to the roots.

... Yet even in death, these dead dream with Prickroot.

Spoiler: AP Actions

Show

The Savage Isle
Alter Land (1AP):
The home of the Savage Elves, Prickroot and Savage Beasts. At night, the glow of the Prickroot that tethers the island to the seafloor guides sailors at night - they can even tell which way the wind has been blowing on the isle for the past week by seeing which way the roots are leaning.

Manna-Drain (Closed)
Create Mythical Sub-Concept (2 AP)
Prickroot can dig its way into corpses (and living things that are too slow) and drain them of their manna.

Creeping Ghoul
Create Monstrous Life (1AP)
While a corpse (or a living thing, soon to be a corpse) is connected to Prickroot, all parts of their body are drained of mana save for their brain and spinal column, which Prickroot covets for it's own, reigniting the target's consciousness and creating a Creeping Ghoul.
Despite being reanimated, Ghouls are typically inert, trapped in a dream-state. However, a Creeping Ghoul can be a dangerous foe if nearby Prickroot is cut, in which case they will animate and mindlessly join nearby Prickroot in fighting off any nearby threats.
A Ghoul can only be killed if its spine is destroyed or its connection to Prickroot is severed.

Prickroot Consumption
Bless/Curse (1AP)
Prickroots absorb ambient mana from their surroundings. Those that eat Prickroot are blessed with enhanced strength and senses, but eating too much Prickroot at once causes one great pain and can drive them to madness. Eating enough Prickroot can allow one to pass on some of its effects to the next generation.

Savage Elves.
Create Sub-Race (1AP)
A martial culture that has grown incredibly strong due to their consumption of Prickroot. Savage Elves hail from Savage Isle, but some leave and spread their descendants across the Avanti Islands.

Savage Beasts.
Create Monstrous Life (1AP)
Terrifying animals (and even some humanoids) that have grown larger and stronger as a result of over-consumption of Prickroot. A Savage Beast can be identified not only by its abnormal physique, but by its glowing blue eyes and blood. The brighter the color, the more Prickroot that beast has eaten. Their bodies are especially nutritious, and grant some of the effects of Prickroot when eaten raw.
Commonly seen during spring and summer on Savage Isle; however, sometimes Prickroot is torn off the underside of the Savage Isle, whether by wind or by a sea creature swift enough to take a bite and avoid Prickroot's Wrath. As a result, Savage Sea Monsters are starting to become a problem along the Avanti Islands, and the curse of Prickroot Consumption means that their populations can be a problem for many decades before even without eating Prickroot before they return to their original strength.

Ceremonial Burial (open)
Create Mundane Concept (1AP)
The Savage elves were the first to honor their dead by burial. Some elves took this concept and spread it around the isles (though they might not share the same view of burring elves under Prickroot.)

Tool/Weaponsmithing (open)
Create Mundane Concept (1AP)
While many elven isles already have weapons of their own, the Savage Elves take greater care into the crafting of their spears than any other culture, developing axes, spears, swords, and other tools out of stone and dried Prickroot. Sometimes even the bones of Prickbeasts are incorporated into their weaponry.

Cerulean Dreams
Create Monstrous Life (1AP)
What might be considered the true soul of a Creeping Ghoul, Cerulean Dreams are blue wisps of half-formed thoughts that drift throughout the Dream World, the bare components and pieces of thought, will, and memories, tainted by an excess of mana.
When a typical dreamer passes into a Cerulean Dream, their body's mana fluctuates, causing them to writhe and talk in their sleep. Sometimes a Cerulean Dream is able to bind its consciousness to another dreamer for a short time, causing the dreamer to sleepwalk as it travels the Dream World.
Cerulean Dreams are dispersed if their corresponding Creeping Ghoul is waked, killed or severed from Prickroot.

Remaining AP: 6/16

[dancrilis]

Ikkima

The creator was gone and Ikkima was unsure how - on one hand she felt she had killed it, on the other she had no proof of having done so. She the knowledge of an act act of proof of an act outside of any other proof or should the lack of proof effectively imply innocence - she puzzled this for a while as she drifted in darkness. Is one guilty of one thinks one is guilty or is one guilty if others think you are - if you commit an act and know you did it but others believe you didn't are you innocent?
These questions troubled her somewhat even as she noticed she was standing on land and no longer floating in the void - it was the caverns of a great worm which is where she walked now the soil called out with the potential of life and life had indeed emerged, and so she found a creature sucking on her arm attempting to draw off her power for itself an oddity that interested her.

Reaching she touched the creatures basic mind and uplifted it with thought and reason, doing the same for the rest of its kind without any real plan to do so - the creature babbled about hunger and joy, want and pain but she was most interested in a single question 'what it felt about its behaviour and the risk of angering her' the creature admitted its actions boldly and loadly it was acting in its interests and had nothing to hide about such, pressed further she implied that it should seek to cover its tracks and hide wrongdoing from the sight of those who might punish it but the creature denied that and declared that it would not hide who it was and that it would face consequences for that if they were coming.

Ikkima was in truth not angry or unset she was merely trying to understand - without punishment there could be no true guilt and without guilt then her thoughts on the creator was wasted, so she settled on a limited version of what he believed she might have initially done to her creator and unleashed death on the world.

The Grubling's body died but the mind that had formed within it stayed around a disembodied entity with no focus or understanding, gone was the proud creature it had been and what was left was a shadow of what it was with none of the drives that the flesh had it begged her to end it and she allowed for this, weaving a plane for the dead creatures existance and for the others that would die after it she then cast it to that realm.

The Realm of the Dead
The realm of death was created to suit one purpose - to allow those who clung to life after the physical form failed to have a place to accept for had happened to them and to fade away, a nearly featureless infinate plane of grey. From the matter of the plane she fashioned a set of powerful beings - which she thought of as outsiders as they were outside the first world - who would act as shepards for the dead to allow them to accept that they were gone, as the dead faded away their essence would pass to the plane and in so doing would allow the Outsiders to create more of their kind, but unless a soul was particularly powerful it would take many to get even a single outsider and the creatures would only need to expand their numbers if they had many charges, she had no true interest in overseeing them so with that she returned to the mortal plane to wander.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Create Sub-Race: Sapient Grublings - 2AP
Curse: Death Happens- 1AP
-Death (Oblivion) - deaths initial function was the full ceasation of existance
Weave Plane: Realm of the Dead - 4AP
-Death (Oblivion) - the realm of the dead was to faciliate the break down of the mind after death
Bless: Those that die (and aren't claimed by other powers) go to the Realm of the Dead: 1AP
-Death (Oblivion) - allowing the dead to pass to the realm of death allows them to escape the horror of being surrounded by life but not being a part of it
Create Mythical Life: Outsiders - 4AP
-Death(Oblivion) - ultimately instruments to allow the for those that lived to pass beyond the existance

Action Points Remaining: 4/16

[Feathersnow]

Magnificat
The First Lessons

The cat waited for Her first plan to come to fruition. As She did, another event caught Her attention. The first death.
"What a waste" She thought

So... she decided to do something about it.

She saw the dead soul journey from the warm First World to another place, a gloomy, formless place. "This will not do."

So she exerted Her Will and made a new place, sub-ordinate to and abutting the void where the dead go. A little universe all Her own. A 'University.'

But a place was not enough! They needed a syllabus! So, She created something difficult and powerful enough to require timeless lifetimes of study for a mere mortal mind. It took Her over 15 minutes!

She called her creation "Cruormancy " the learning of blood. With it, a practitioner could manipulate life-force of any body that had liquid blood. In time, She reasoned, Her graduates might go back to their first home and take back bodies again.

And yet, this was not enough! For the freshman souls were too primitive to learn what she had to teach. So she orientated them, and taught them the ways of being a student.

Her first great labor done, she returned to Verfort and awaited His creation to teach her what she needed to know

Spoiler: AP actions

Show

Create land- the University (2AP)
Community (education) 3/10
ap- 13/16
Create mythic concept- Cruormancy(4 AP)
Community (education) 7/10
Ap- 9/16
Form society- the Student Bodiless(2AP)
Community (education) 9/10
AP 7/16

[+5 Vorpal Bunny]

A Home for Goats and Giant Men

The Verdant Titan smiled in appreciation at the newcomer, calmly present as he looked her deep in the eyes. He understood as he spoke: 'I am both savagery and nourishment, furious strength and warming embrace. We are of a kind, fellow Dreamer; I will honor your agreement. And indeed, I speak truly, your 'goats' will have a sacred place in the lands to come.'

And with that oath, he turned towards the First World below. So much promise, so much beauty, so much potential. Waiting, receptive, to be marked with a will that shears away chaos and makes dreams come true. As he incubated his thoughts, the vision of a mountainous land, of children born from it with a spark of his own essence, and of many animals appearing, goats in the forefront among them striding the tall spires, solidified into view over them. With a final nod, Varfort entered the First World.

And as above so below, for on a place in the First World south of the Avanti Islands, where the sun beat hard and the heat churned storms from the seas, a mirror image appeared overhead. The Verdant Titan nodded with satisfaction and spoke a firm command to the land: 'By Will it shall be Done.' Penetrating the waiting seas with his mighty staff, the Titan set to work.


The Waking of the Highmount Wilds

Creation often involved Destruction; the actualization of one dream often meant the tragic slaying of another. Such was the most painful lesson of Manifestation; that the wave and the particle, given conscious thought, had to choose, the future narrow, possibilities die, for something real and beautiful to be born. It was with that understanding and responsibility, knowing that this sea would never be the same again, that Varfort raised a vast white shield around the sea floor. This land's growing pains would be painful, but worth it, and none had to suffer unnecessarily.

As his staff dug deeper, the land shook and churned with great unrest; mighty earthquakes sheared the sea floor as volcanoes exploded into life over the open sky. The bedrock itself rippled, fractured and melted as colossal waves crashed against the white shield, capable of swallowing islands with ease. The skies darkened as burning hail and blankets of ash covered the shield walls. But from this violent birth beauty soon came; over many days the seas calmed, the volcanoes slowed and the earthquakes stopped. The skies cleared and the sun shone on a newborn land. Lowering the shield, for it did no good to isolate anyone, the Verdant Titan entered the new lands and began the next stage.

As Varfort looked lovingly upon the land, seeing all it could be, clear emerald green light shone from his horned crown. Where it landed, life bloomed; tropical rainforests rippled up the mountainsides, giving way to temperate forests and finally to taigas on the tallest mountains, which shone like diamonds on the warmed lands below. Basalt plains blossomed, becoming rolling meadows and vast savannas covering the hills and lowlands, frequently punctuated by rushing rivers from the snowmelt at the caps and the rains pouring overhead. Rough, rocky lands gave way to many chasms, caverns and caves, open holes draped in wildlife with pools of water below, steaming from both the tropical sun and the vents from the volcanoes still very much alive below. These transitioned into cooled lava tubes that connected the array of small continents and islands together - and perhaps went deeper still.

But, he chuckled, that was not his domain. Next, the land itself needed to be tended to, honored and protected; it also needed to do the same for those within. With that mission in mind Varfort's gathered the stuff of dreams and focused it into being, for like him they would be able to forge will into reality. The Verdant Titan's crown shone even brighter, and the land itself awoke. Rising on two feet, made of both flesh and the landscapes they rose from, these baby Titans, himself in miniature, embodied the nature from whence they came. The first Hill Giant rose, and a new hill rose with him; walking on moss-covered feet he spread life with each step. A small half-real banana appeared before him; straining, Varfort showed him how to clear the mind and commit to his creation until it finally became reality. The Giant, although now exhausted, clearly enjoyed the fruit; Varfort patted him on the back as different lands woke up and repeated the same thing. In time, the lands would clash, mix and mate, and new giants would be born, but for today this was enough.

Finally, animals needed to populate the land. With a wave of his hand countless tropical birds colored the skies. Another, and snakes emerged around the geothermally-warmed lakes. Still more wildlife of every kind adapted to survive the warm climate and frequent rains emerged, from colorful fish and crocodiles to poisonous bright-colored insects and monkeys in the trees. Bulls and rams, lions and hyenas dotted the plains while cheetahs and horses ran across them. Finally, he smiled, for he had not forgotten, the goats rose out of the rough highland soil and began their long journeys up and down the mountainsides, fated guides and guardians for all who would survive in this vibrant yet savage land. Trusting his crown to fill out the rest of the ecosystem, and for the Giants to take care of the rest; instinctually inscribed with a mission to guard and lead those within, they would be pillars of strength and plenty to all within this land.

As Varfort began to leave, he saw a shimmering distortion ahead in the shadow, a faint ball of prismatic light. Just watching. There for... how long? Growing over time, feeding off his thoughts. And the light touch of curiosity brushed him in turn. He approached it, it stood without fear. How fascinating. A being formed from pure thought... formless, a blank slate, waiting to be impressed. And suddenly he had an idea of how to expand The Dream and make it heard by many. Then a shiver of fear, for the first time, rippled up his spine. Or did it give that idea to him...?

Many questions. And many more plans. But now was not the time. Nodding, satisfied with his work, he returned to the Dreamworld to meet with the Cat lady once again.

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Create Land (2 AP) - Highmount Wilds
[2/10 Earth (Solidity)]

The Highmount Wilds are the collective name for a series of small continents and large islands formed out of mountain ranges, volcanic islands, basalt turned black soil plains, vast stretches of rainforests and volcanic lava tube caves connecting it all and reaching down to the Deep Dark below. A collection of rough, mountainous lands south of The Avanti Islands, this tropical environment overflows with water, sunlight, fresh air and life; its natural resources are abundant, and the sheer lifeforce present fuels immensely strong natural magic.

But it is by no means safe. Rockslides, earthquakes, eruptions, hurricanes and thunderstorms rip across the land. Scorching heat, punctuated by torrential downpours, test those living here everyday. Each animal and plant here has adapted to not only survive, but thrive in these extraordinarily harsh conditions. Although there is no shortage of predation, the first, and most surprising adaptation one notices here is a proclivity for cooperation; far beyond natural expectation, titans and mice, goats and worms, plants and animals of all kinds can readily be seen working together in what many see as the early signs of civilization on an otherwise savage land. Although yet to settle down into cities, they instinctively form complex social structures, a tendency that is amplified when one or more Giants are present.

Most interestingly, the land itself is alive. Small hills, riverbeds, lava streams, grasslands and more can be seen spontaneously waking up and taking on (mostly) human form. Donning more mortal physiology to experience life, they dress themselves in both the land and the garb of the other races, enacting others' customs and creating their own in a mission of curiosity for the world around them. Mortal, with all the vulnerabilities that implies, yet so much more in many ways, the other races of the world see fit only to call them...

Spoiler: Notes

Show

* Bless action to come - A calming, vitalizing and ordering aura is ingrained in the land; life grows especially vigorously, living beings are more inclined to band together and magic is more stable here.
* A second Bless action will take place after Boo's action during the second week, focused on the goats.
* The changing nature of the land is due to the Giants and is largely cosmetic and short-term; longer-term and lasting changes require Alter Land as normal.
* Beanstalk bridging worlds is still on the table, but lower priority with The Stars present; focus is on turning dream into physical reality anyway.

Create Mythical Race (4 AP) - Giants
[6/10 Earth (Solidity)]

'Giants', many claim, are both an accurate name and not; they indeed, especially their children, conform to many expectations of what one would find in a young adventurer's handbook. And, to be fair, they do live up to the common stereotype - immensely strong and durable, towering above most trees and other living beings, their reputation for might is well-justified. But they are far more than brutes. Remarkably intelligent when they choose to be, they largely show an affectionate curiosity for the world around them. While wild, there is no shortage of compassion either, especially for the lands they choose to tend to. Most can certainly be described as 'good'. But while these giants are gentle, they are not soft; possessing a capacity for immense savagery within, when stirred to battle they can only be described as cataclysmic.

The truth is that Giants are literal forces of nature; born out of the land itself, they overflow with mana, changing weather, landscape and life around them with barely a thought. This is largely confined to their domain; a Hill Giant can readily raise a small hill or cause a rockslide, but has a much harder time causing a thunderstorm to form. Naturally attuned to what would be called 'Druidic' magic, Giants are highly adept at both caring for and affecting the world around them. The larger, matured Giants can even begin to realize their Titanic heritage and directly alter the world around them; although wielding less raw reality-warping power than the Fae, their strong and focused will means they are much more adept at safely actualizing dreams into reality. However, even for the Giants, this art isn't easy; both their natural and dream magic require intense training and discipline to master, lest it consume them. Many natural disasters have been the tragic result of a Giant losing control, even for a moment.

The result is a paradoxically solidly structured and dynamically creative culture, where emotional intensity and spontaneity are paired with commitment to excellence and service to a higher cause than themselves. To most, this is the land itself in some way, as well as those within; guided by a deep reverence for nature, and the First World as a whole, they follow their creator's mission to actively better the lives of all within firsthand. Although seemingly primitive, they develop in their own way - they imbue the land with natural magic to perform many things, as well as working with other races to make up for where they lack. Core to their culture is an appreciation for all beings, 'great' and 'small' alike, for they know that all have a role to play and that even the smallest change can create great things. Even the smallest animal is carefully watched over and tread carefully around. This would become all the more important sooner than they think...

Spoiler: Notes

Show

* Update after Boo's curse + blessing.
* Make Druidic magic as a subset of Mana?
* Halfway between impersonal force of nature and living society; may make a Sapient subrace for civilization purposes.
* Meant to have only weak Dream powers at start; may Bless them later.

6 AP left

[dancrilis]

Ikkima

Her wanderings took her out of the caverns into the world above where she discovered bipeds that somewhat resembled her 'elves' she sat with them for a time and noted that they were no greater in truth then the grubling she had granted thought to but they did treat her with greater respect and so she she took no action against them - instead speaking on hopes and wants, they wanted comfort and protection and so she considered for a moment and thought them the secrets of community and a guiding force around which community could trive.

She considered for a moment to be a unit they would need guiding rules to live by, was of punishing those who broke them and a manner of determining guilt from innocence - so she set a basic framework they could understand to account for this no one was guilty of wrong doing if it could not be shown to be true was the basis of her theory.
Next then needed a goal by which to determine who was worthy of listening to and who was best to ignore and which could provide jobs for the people in the society to hold them together so she created a craft that would allow them to determine such, brewing would require community involvement and those who produced the best beer could lead, innovation would keep the society from stagnation.
As an added benefit that which was brewed would ward off impurities in the water which could bring about the curse of death early.

Then as the ones she thought these secrets to thought others and the process was expanded on she sat in a hut they had build for her, working on improving the process and enjoying the results of it occassionally discussion with those who entered her abode - she had a place of some honour in the new society as her beer was good, if it would spread to other islands she gave little thought towards.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Create Mundane Concept: Law - 1ap.
Create Mundane Concept: Brewing - 1ap.
Form Society (with access to the above concepts): Constitutional Republic ran by those who are regarded as the best brewers - 2ap.

AP 0/16

[KragBrightscale]

A new instinct

Hunger. The first feeling Protoscolex knew. The only thing it knew. All the rock and dirt could not fill that void inside, yet what else could it do but eat more.

Then it came. A faint but blurry mix of stimulations. Warmth. Confusion. Excitement. Confidence. As the first sapient Grublings experienced the world around them, their thoughts and emotions appeared as motes of light within their Progenitor.

A feeling of a warmth and and an awareness of their life beating with a dull rhythm within them. Confusion as to what they were, why they were hungry, where they had come from, and what surrounded them. Returning to their eating, an excitement arose as they discovered that this rock was easier to bite through, or that soil was more filling, and the first taste of a plant. They knew not fear, for they had not yet experienced the frailty of life, the sadness of loss, or the pain of suffering. Confident in their ability to eat, and the resonance of others like them giving the feeling of hope for the future.

Cold.

A sudden violent experience stood out like from the collection of thoughts and emotions. The Great Worm paused for the first time since it had started its roaming.

A ripple of confusion spread as others noticed the cold lifeless body of their kin. This had never happened before, yet something within them felt that to become like that fallen one was undesirable.

Fear.

All the other Grublings could eat and grow fatter and longer, a most rewarding and pleasurable experience. The cold lifeless one, however, could not. Being in a state of not being able to feed sparked a sense of fear and dread that quickly spread amongst them driving them to move away.

Not knowing any better, and without eyes or senses that could perceive past the physical they did not notice their departed sibling was still there in another form. Abandoned by its kind, and unable to eat or feel the warmth of life, the first deceased longed to escape of its current state. It did not understand how it came to lose its life, an existence so short yet so full of new experiences. It’s wish for an end to its misery was granted by the one who had first awakened its thoughts, the one who had first communicated with it. As it was taken from the world it had lived in, it felt a deep sense of thankfulness towards that being who finally gave it peace.

With a start, the Great Worm returned from its unusual state. The thoughts and emotions of those that belonged to it still echoing in its mind. It was never aware that they had even existed until this moment, and for the first time, a different desire rose from within, a desire to experience and feel more. Both through the lives of its offspring, the simple minded grublings, and personally.

There was a clear trace of another divinity throughout this experience, though Protoscolex did not know who that being was. Through a small act, they had forever changed both grublings and the Great Worm itself. Seeing that this change was in many ways beneficial it concluded that change was both necessary and desirable. From now on, it would intentionally seek to change itself, and benefit the world around it.

Spoiler: AP use

Show

-Create mundane concept (Self improvement) to change the world, one must first change themselves.
AP (5/16)
Change (metamorphosis) 3/10

[Omoikane13]

Sleep

There is no need for rock or for patterns in an empty ocean. No need for regularity and progress in a chaotic system. And so, somnolence. A holding pattern, one could say.

Wake

Life, rock, flame, thought, innovation. Other deific existences had been busy. Foras Cinn looked upon their works, and was displeased. Squirming, roaming beasts, unruly existences roaming unruly, rough lands. There needed to be order and regularity brought to these beings, and to their lands. Many gods would intervene. They would create something to whip the others into shape.

That would be foolish.

Subtlety, weaving your work into the pattern of the world, was far more worthy a tool than a sword to the neck. Foras Cinn briefly pondered how even the existence of mortals had changed deific thoughts. Flesh and metaphor. Distasteful.

Life was the primary pattern to utilise. Mobile agents could enact far more change than land-embedded patterns. But they had a terrible habit of ignoring deific commands unless that deity was their patron or creator. And so came subtlety.

A little gemstone, pretty, enough to catch the eye of elf, giant, worm or beast alike. Make it tempting. Make them want it. Weave the patterns together. Once the mobile agent cherishes and covets the crystal, it starts to speak to them in whatever they call a mind. It starts to encourage them to invent, to progress. To learn, to develop new technologies. To shunt whatever they call a society forward. To extend the patterns.

Whatever happened after that did not matter. So long as the crystals were picked up again. Seed them everywhere, near trees and in basalt, scattered across wherever the mortals lived.

This project would need to be reviewed later though. It would not do for the mortals to grow to fear progress. The crystals were supposed to be nudges, not tools of fear.

====

It would not do to invest too much too quickly or deeply. The others dive deep, invest much. Proper experimentation would be done in pieces.

Spoiler: AP Actions

Show

Dia Crystals (Bless, 1 AP): Wherever there is sentient life, there are small, coincidental gemstones. These gemstones are found by thinking beings, and slowly push them to invent and progress, to whatever benefit or detriment. If the owner dies, then the crystal will find its way to another owner, and so continue to push for progress and invention.

(Order (Patterns), 1/10)

15 AP left

[Holy-hunter]

Malenor
@ Dreamland

Malenor was still for what seemed like an age. His mind was filled with enough though to occupy him through this time with little other input, but it didn’t last forever. Once he had contemplated on all that he could, he was left feeling empty with only questions.

Suddenly stricken with sorrow, he began wondering among the Dreamscape, marveling at the ever changing scenery. He peered out through the stars and saw a growing first world.
His lost thoughts were down there somewhere, amongst all that beautiful chaos. Next he noticed the dreamers of the first world present amongst his. This brought him great entertainment. He even stopped to engage with some of them and found he had to pull his form down into something simpler and similar to their own to do so properly. He learnt much from them and told them his name, they were strange fragile creatures. He decided to hold onto one and keep it.

Eventually the featureless shape of a man with a body made from the void, speckled with brilliant stars, came across the other gods here. Two stars grew bright and shifted into place where eyes would be. Somehow the light that they emitted Berne’s with a satisfied delight.
His voice echoed powerfully in their minds.

“Hello,

family.”

[Feathersnow]

Magnificat
Uncompletion

The Cat pounced from the shadows as the Giant turned to leave!

"You have done it! They are beautiful. I thank you, and I gift you the knowledge of how to profit from these creatures. Use it freely, it is the purpose for which they exist.

In them, I can betrer know myself. Through seeing all that they are not. I now know what I must do to shape my true children."

And so, once the great giant had left, She rutted with the biggest, meanest buck goat. And from that union, She birthed twins, one male and one female, the first Displacer Beasts!

As the Displacer Beasts grew to adulthood, She taught them, first to be good hunters, then to be good herdsmen. She did not even try to teach high magic, for that was the property of the dead. And, when they were grown, She gave them, as a wedding present, the mantle of displacement, that they, like She, would seem to be in two places at once.

Spoiler: AP actions

Show

Create Sapient life- Displacer Beasts(2AP)
2/10 Cat(Sapient)
5/16 AP

Create Mundane concept- hunting(1AP)
10/10 Community(education)
4/16 AP

Create society- Displacer Beast Confederacy(2AP)
4/10 Cat(Sapient)
2/16 AP

Bestow blessing- displacement (1AP)
5/10 Cat(Sapient)
1/16 AP

[Justanotherhero]

Nothing to something.
Where ? What ?
Cha Bhuodon drifted in the void for a long time.
Until he found a thing that was not void. A rock ? It may latter have been called. [Rock =Kra in the old tongue]


He went to this rock to investigate it. To investigate that what was like himself.
In this investigation he found rock. It was not his favorite initially. It was very much there. Not at all like what was before.
He found Sky. It was not his favorite initially. It was very much sort of not there. It reminded him to much of the Void before. [Sky= Schwi in the old tongue]
Then there was water. Water was there but it sort of carried him. And in it he was alone. This was but it was not him.

He stood levitating above the ocean.
If this is water what then is not water.
What was he?
He decided to look. But his "form" it did not allow him to gaze inside.
But he wished it.
Using his limbs he attempted to investigate this mystery. And failed.
With that he reached to his side and decided repurpose that what touched rock.
With that thought he ripped a part of himself from his body.
Pain. And Fluid. But not Ocean ?
A loud scream went through his body and was hearable wide and far.

Cha watched the first drop of his blood reach the air and sea beneath him.
And where his blood reached the air and sea it turned into not him but him.
Before the first stood creatures that were scaly, blue as the ocean mixed with a resonating light and tiny scales of many colors.
The Tei Cha Ni Buodon were born. Or as they would later call themselves the Tei.
Beings like Cha. [Old Tongue= Tei Cha Ni Buodon = part Buoden but not Buoden]

Cha watched the second drop of his blood reach the coast beneath him.
And where his blood reached the coast it turned into not him but him.

Smaller beings. Later some would say Reptilian appearing humanoids that may exist on land and sea. So far with no mind of there own but adapted to land and sea. These creature were like the Tei Cha Ni Buodon but not Tei Cha Ni Buoden. The TeiTei they would be called a being part Cha part but not Cha, part sea, part land.

Cha watched the third drop of his blood reach the ocean beneath him.
And where his blood reached the ocean it turned into not him part him all sea life descended from the third drop.


The Myth

Pfle`Ì Tei one of the oldest later said:

To see the First One is to see the world. Only we did not know that. The First Ones scales were of every color that the world had contained at this time. His Wings carried him though the sky while matching a sunlight day at the peak and a dark night were they met the first ones body. His scales were as colorful as the world itself. For he had seen all colors of the world ,claws to climb mountains and a long body created to endorse the sea.
-----------------------------

Cha gazed at his creation. His creation at him. In an instant more reflex then thought opened his mind to the closest Tei one standing there. And the closest one nooded as if he understood. But Cha regretted this action. For the closest now was more part of himself.

In an instant he decided to change this.

The Ancient Sea tongue was born. A language made to have conversations under the sea and on shore. The first conversation was almost eternal by any mortals standards and initmate for no secrets existed yet. Between a group of createes and there creator.

---------------------------
The Myth

Pfle`Ì Tei one of the oldest later said:

To hear the First One is to hear the world. Only we did not know that. The First One created sounds that he had heard before and gave them meaning. That makes our tongue the tongue of the world. They say our tongue is not good for commerce , not good for hate and dispute. They are right the first tongue was born out of love and seeking understanding and teaching. It is a tongue between mothers and there children. That is why our warriors have shortened so many of our sacred words they lack respect for the old ways.
--------------------------

As the creator was explaining all of existence to his creations time passed by and Schl A Tei closed his eyes. With worry the first one looked upon his creation but decided not to upset this process. Watching his creation fall and "seperated" he feared a part of himself may disappear. He followed this part of himself into the sky and beyond into a invisible world a world where he met change, and new things.

In the Old tongue Cha raised his voice in this realm:

" Who is here?"

Spoiler: AP Spent

Show

Creating the Tei = 4 Ap They are mythical shapeshifting sea dragons.
Creating the Teitei = 1 Reptilian humanoids not yet sentient.
Alter Land= 1 Ap Creating all Sea life
Teaching mundane concept = 1 AP Teaching Old tongue
Creating LiCha The first Weapon ever created = 2 AP

[+5 Vorpal Bunny]

The Mapping of the Dreamworld

Varfort nodded as the Cat moved to do her thing; respecting her privacy, he swiftly turned his thoughts back to the thoughtform below. With a thought, it appeared before him, hovering over the chair he sat. A subtle wave flowed across his consciousness; still curious, but much more intent. Building. Becoming more complex, more structured, more refined. As his Will continued to fill his thoughts, the Dreamworld around too continued to solidify. A vast city full of ethereal white buildings, enmeshed with forests, rivers and mushrooms emerged as the thoughtform grew larger and more colorful, blossoming into many fractal patterns. Shining animals and plants, analogues of those on the First World but much more colorful and changeable, emerged from the shimmering surface below.

The four chairs, Varfort was confident now for he could feel their solidity, each unique yet born of the same thing, waited. A large smooth stone sat between, rippling with the dreams that made the plane and the lands that spread forth from it. From the central dome and the circular nature-city around, four shimmering white roads stretched out from each corner like a compass, reaching far into the forest that lay beyond the city. Biding the Thought to travel beyond, he gazed through its eyes; beyond the forest lay four most curious lands, less solid than the center but still taking form. The first, laying North, he knew instinctively was his own; bright, vivid and very much alive, strange and beautiful life of all kinds thrived. A vast wood, no, he realized, a single immense six-trunked tree with the same shining green core as in his crown, expanded in all directions like the city before, with branches as large as mountains and leaves that dwarfed most hills. Life-giving water and light expanded from its center, individual tree rings created caverns in between, and branches split off in fractal patterns that were orderly from without but contained much variation within.

Three other unique lands waited South, East and West as well, beautiful in their own right even if he couldn't make out their shapes yet. He understood, and smiled; they matched the chairs. A slow, firm voice rung: 'They're up to you; I promise now that this is not a land of tyrants, but equals. Let us all create wonder together.' And with that, around the lands more forests expanded, some bright and beautiful and alive, others mysterious and winding and dark. Some blossomed and emerged with warmth, others died and slept under the cold; some offered nourishing and safety, others strength and challenge. Countless rivers and pools, mirroring the dreams and thoughts of those living, flowed through the forests, while trees bore fruit of ideals and truths; a flowing cotton candy tree containing vibrant fruits of Love called to the thought, which stayed a long time, while a jagged blood red tree bearing spiked fruit of Violence was swiftly avoided. Varfort thought this interesting - could Thoughts be nourished or harmed by other thoughts? It made a lot of sense.

Beyond these rivers, which shone on the air to become solid rainbows, floating islands shone, linked by water and light. Of countless shapes, colors and sizes, beacons of light and rippling vortexes, that were also songs and invitations called from each of them. And, as the thought observed, similar concepts gathered to each other, some fusing, others mating and multiplying, still others refining, disintegrating or transforming. The thought hovered to an Island of Curiosity, where fellow Thoughts were hard at work exploring the land around them, learning and excitedly talking to each other. Shades of crystal and blue flashed between them as they swirled around an aperture leading to a seeming void, shining bright like the sun itself. They called these Stars, and wondered at who could have birthed them. It came from a nearby place of Contemplation, one said, by an immensely powerful figure formed out of thought itself. That theory was soon the subject of yet another lively debate, and the Thought left soon for another magical place.

A vast new land opened up, seemingly going on for infinity, of crystalline plains and holograms containing potentials and Dreams and more of those Stars shining overhead. As one gazed longer, the towers of crystal grew larger, the dreams more vivid, the stars more inviting; calling to explore, to revere, to wander. Varfort felt the Thought's awe and felt it himself. Endless vistas of exploration, places where anything can come true if you imagine, roads that led to futures possibly taken spread seemingly forever. The Expanse of Wonder beckoned, and although he couldn't go there now... he and the Thought had the same idea, at the same time. What if this message of Wonder, of all that the Dreamworld is and could be, and of the courage to live a life worthy of a Dream, where all things come true, were delivered to the living beings below? What could they imagine? What can they speak? What can they create?

With that question that was his and yet not, Varfort nodded to the Thought and set to the next task at hand.


The Seekers of Stars and Dreams

Gathering many Thoughts together around a Star hanging over a vast crystalline and clear water lake within the Expanse of Wonder, they set on a plan: each Thought would choose to be colored by an aspect of the Dreamworld they wanted to represent. Then, providing this thought didn't lead to harm of themselves or others, they would enter the First World and enter the minds of the beings who lived there. Along the way, they would also fill their thoughts with visions of the Dream - what this place is, who the gods are and what is possible here - and the Thoughts in turn would guide them to imagine and create here. During their rest, they would bring them back, so that they can continue to wonder and enliven the Dreamworld in turn. Guiding particularly inspired mortals, they would be stirred to spread the word of the Dream; bringing them together, they would form groups dedicated to revering the Stars and the Dreams, and of course, the gods within.

With a wave of his hand he sent them forth across the First World. The Elves heard first, and overnight began to be stirred to new acts of creation. It started small, more vivid dreams and new ideas between waking and rest; it became new embroidering on their ships and more intricate words in their language. Elves would be inspired to gaze long at the night sky, to talk about about their ideas and to wonder what could be possible. Fanciful new stories and clothes and dances and songs and meals brewed over the nighttime fire sparked a wave of creativity throughout the Islands, and soon prophets arose. They made a bold claim - that their dreams were a gift from a world beyond, given by the Stars themselves and those mighty beings which inhabited them, and that by mastering the Way of the Dream one could meet the lands they came from and even speak with the gods themselves. Soon, the first Starshrine was born on the tallest mountain on the central island, and, calling themselves the Chosen of the Stars, the Elves formed the first of many organizations dedicated to the Dream.

The other races took it in different ways; the Giants in stride, for they knew there was always a land beyond and yet were far more focused on the physical world around. A wonderful tale, worthy of wonder, they agreed, but the earth satisfied. The Outsiders, the Grublings, the Bodiless, the Displacers and more all heard too; even the basic beasts of the land turned more at night, more curious by day, as Thoughts saturated the First World and beyond. But in all places it was the same; questions out of nowhere arose in their minds, encouraging them to Dream, to wonder, question and create. The message, gradually realized by many, was the same, that Dreams were sacred, the Stars their messengers, and the gods within to be revered. Whatever or not they agreed, or dismissed it as a fanciful tale, it spurred on a new wave of curiosity and growth all the same.

And Varfort smiled as he gazed through the Star below. Just as envisioned.


The Meeting

As Varfort completed his work, he returned and meditated once more at the center. He envisioned a way Giants can become Men, weaker yet more civilized and full of potential; they would be masterful crafters and engineers, able to complete his vision of tangibly turning dreams into reality. And on that topic, he began drawing out the framework for a vast forge, burning with the stuff of dreams and mighty even by the standards of gods, by which the mightiest creations could be crafted. He noted both as half-real shades of both emerged overhead, waiting for Will to be invested to make them real.

And, as the Verdant Titan incubated his next plan, a voice rang powerfully within his mind.

“Hello,

family.”

And then another, spoken in a tongue of old he knew not.

"Who is here?"

And someone else too, he sensed, a chaos rippling through the Dreamland with a distinct purpose of its own, although it did not seem to speak at this time. He nodded. On its own time.

He opened his eyes, and the images of two other gods, made much like him, shone near. He nodded and rose. At last, things were coming together.

He smiled warmly to the man of stars and stretched out a flesh and oaken hand, draped with furs and woods that extended across his body to a horned forest crown upon his head. The emerald green light from it glowed more brightly at the former's invitation as Varfort returned Malekor's warm greeting with one of his own.

'And hello, fellow brother. We meet at last. The Thoughts speak well of you; I am sincerely looking forward to knowing you. I am Varfort.'

He then stretched his thoughts to the second inquisitive voice, including him in the mindlink Malekor formed.

'And well-greetings to you too. I am Varfort. Although I know not yet your tongue, I hear the love in which it was made. I see you have been called to this place as well. We are close; I assure you, you are among friends here.'

Finally, he stretched out the mindlink formed towards the entity he sensed before and spoke once more:

'Whoever you are, we three are much like you, formed of the same source. We are gathering and learning more of ourselves and this place. You are welcome among us, if you choose to.'

He then gazed warmly and intently at both as he then asked 'And you are...?'

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Create Organization (1 AP) - The Startouched Dreamers

The Startouched Dreamers are the earliest version of what would become a loosely-tied band of guilds devoted to art, magic and crafting. Working with the Thoughts that pervaded The First World and their dreams that at times seemed all too real, they would come to believe in a World of Dreams beyond their own. Whatever this was true or not has been the subject of much debate, but one thing is certain - those who work with the Startouched have found access to insights, inspiration, and even flashes of reality-altering magic that by all counts should not have been possible. Recognizing that passion and imagination are both beautiful and dangerous things, requiring both discipline and a clear, questioning mind, they set to work creating a system that would both allow people to dream and then give them the means to make those dreams a reality.

Like the Dreamworld itself, as well as the Thoughts and (eventually) Visions they revere, the Startouched are constantly changing; although they maintain an ordered and focused structure at its heart, they also fragment into many sects that each pursue their dreams in their own way. This has created no shortage of pranks, chaos and mischief, which they largely revel in - how else are you going to realize new ideas if you remain stuck in the old ways? Curious, investigative, and innovative, they are the first to dream up a new idea, propose a radical new scientific thesis, create a bold new work of art. Of course, the mad scientist, artist and oracle are definitely found in their ranks as well; such is, they say, the price of pushing the limits of reality. They wouldn't have it any other way. Thankfully, most of them are more of the 'lovably crazy' type than the 'madman trying to destroy the world' type, although of course any group has its bad apples.

Ultimately, their goal is to reach the World of Dreams - if not physically, than ideally by making their lives as close an example to it as they can. To this end, they often offer worship to one or more of the gods of the Dream Pantheon, although some worship Dreams themselves. Each of the four gods are revered as representing an essential element of The Dream; Varfort, for example, represents the process by which dreams are Manifested into reality. Recognized as the ideal of Practical Imagination, followers that focus on Varfort develop both an open mind and usable skills, along with a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn from the physical world as well, so that they can make their dreams reality. Other followers, perhaps, value deep thinking and contemplation, or mischief and 'madness' (breaking the bounds of sanity to them), or living in the moment from realizing the sheer randomness and nonsense of it all, but like the Dreamworld itself, even these are up for debate and change over time.

Daring to dance on the fringes of sanity, to question what is and could be, and to always approach 'reality' with a smirk and a ready laugh, The Startouched wouldn't have it any other way.

Spoiler: Notes

Show

* While this is the organization's first name, it ultimately reflects that it was made by him. Those worshipping other gods within the pantheon might call it by something else.
* I'd like to see the rest of the pantheon chip in; I left the last paragraph open for others to make their changes too.

5 AP left

[Justanotherhero]

And well-greetings to you too. I am Varfort. Although I know not yet your tongue, I hear the love in which it was made. I see you have been called to this place as well. We are close; I assure you, you are among friends here.'

"Greetings Varfort? I am Cha Buodon. Love? Love is I believe it is a word. Is it ...yes .. it is true. This place?
Tie Vie is not wounded but her eyes are closed and her mind wanders... wanders to this place that is what?"

Cha Buodon moved towards the place he had heard the voice from. A colourful draconic creature that appeared to change its color while flying with multiple limbs and large wings.

[Holy-hunter]

Malenor
@Dreamland
W Varfort & Cha

’Brother.’ Malenor plucked the word from the air and let it bounce around a little when Varfort’s greeting was done. It built into a thought as it echoed, one Malenor was only to happy to ruminate upon. It had a touch of warmth that he enjoyed.

“Brother.” He began, this time in his own inspiring voice. “I believe I am Malenor. Gratitude fills me to find you here amidst the middle of your work.” Malenor gestured to the great things Varfort’s will had brought to being. He studied the scenery and at the same time was studying Varfort. Seeing him through what he created. Malenor’s light seemed pleased.

It then changed to curiosity as the mighty dragon creature Cha Buoden arrived with greetings. Malenor gave his own name and greeting allowing Varfort to answer the question before adding.
”Tie Vie, I have met a marvellous creature who called them self by that name. They had a most wonderful effect on the landscape and such an interesting mind. I asked them to, and still hope they will stay.”

Malenor had now taken a seat, on the map it would be connected to the southern road from which he came. With the image of Tie Vie still in his mind the southern road began to writh and twist becoming a long wavy path similar to that of a snake (or dragon). The road did not settle, it’s movements slow, kind and welcoming in a playful and artistic way. It lead to many marvellous things not yet completely formed. Even incomplete, in their creation they were brilliant and beautiful and hard to behold, let alone explain.

[Justanotherhero]

"Brother"

Cha simply let the word hang in the air as if he needed time to process it.

"I did not know that I was not alone.
But you ..."

Cha moves closer and observes his newfound Silbling.

"are not my creation? I think?"
His speech was slow like a river consisting of only a few drops. It would not have taken divine power to recognize that this was a listener that probably had spent quite some time alone .
After moving towards another god closer then what later would be considered appropriate. And almost touching this new creature. He looked down on his chest and a scar was visible that he touched .
"No you are not if my wound."

He hated along this chair until he found a mind of Tei Vie he was looking for and began studying and smelling it from afar. Which really took far to long by mortal standards.
"There is no pain. No fear. They are of me but not like me.
Why are they drifting? Why are they alone?"
He looked to his brother as if he had all the answers he was looking for.
As more dream bubbles appeared he appeared to be ... Sad if it could be said if such a reptilian face.
Stepping forward he gazed at this newly created path his brother had made.
" You were created from one blood. You should never have to be alone."
"You are all Tei."

With those words the beast became louder then probably he himself intended it to be as the words traveled across this realm and vibrated off the rivers so beautifully created as bubbles and ships formed along this river and larger and smaller bubbles were drawn to it.

Spoiler: AP and Magic Explanation

Show

-1 AP Join Pantheon
- 1 AP Create Dreamrealm
The Tei as a species should have the ability to visit each other in there dreams and experience them together. The TeiTeishould have the ability to learn this sort of magic later in life with great restrictions since they lack magical potential. Hmm maybe I will just introduce dream magic later and let them figure that specific spell out. 🤔?

[+5 Vorpal Bunny]

He smiled gently, with understanding, paired with a firm look within this place of chaos still solidifying. 'My friend, you are in the Plane of Dreams. A place between reality and not. All things that could be possible, for good and ill, start here. Any thought that could be incubated, any emotion acted on, begins here. Malekor and I have done our best to bring an order to this wonderous, yet dangerous place.'

He chuckled appreciatively as the colorful dragon emerged into view. 'And it seems your dragon friend has taken to this place too. I assure you -' He gestured to the southern road becoming much like the dragon himself '-it has taken to him too. And if you choose, I'm sure it will welcome you too.' He smiled, slowly gesturing to the chair and appreciating his bubbly creation as he went to sit beside Malenor as well. 'I understand this must be disorienting... by all means, take your time.'

And then, calmly present while Malekor studied him, he took in the road being created by him in turn. Slowly winding, the gradually growing pace of someone who thought deep, and yet the whimsical and playful side of one with a vibrant imagination showed too. Nodding in turn, for it was good, he spoke 'A beautiful creature indeed, he must be, to honor him so in this land you have made. The gratitude is mutual, for your calm clarity shines through the chaos of half-reality like your Stars themselves. I sincerely look forward to seeing more of your creations.'

He then turned back to the god still finding his way and slowly, with firm patience asked 'It's very beautiful. The Tei... may we hear more?'

[Justanotherhero]

"Reality and not. What is not real? A beginning .. like the place we come from? A nothing but something?"

Cha appeared to be curious but confused.

The Tei are of me but not me.
The Tei Tei are of me and this world.
This rock it is formable.
I have told them of what I have seen in this world and they listened. It appears they are curious as I am. They understand... Our Tongue?
And are .... Why are they ... Where are they going?"


He gazed upon the newly created land and saw as bubbles disappeared.

" I will find out... Forgive me.."

And as they disappeared he turned and headed with incredible speed downwards. To his disappearing people.

After arriving in the first world. He gazed around and saw a titanic wave in the distance.

He heard a noise. A loud noise not of his own device. As his eyes gazed across the sea he saw a thunderous wave and understood that some of his creations would not be able to go away. The first one gathered his creations all the Teis and dove deep into the water lifting up the earth itself. And a massive mountain broke through the sea line surrounded by an island carried above from the depth of the ocean.

"At this Island gather, here be safe."
----------------------------------

PfleÌ Tei one of the oldest later said:

To witness the First One is to witness the world. Only we did not know that. The First One created Sho as our refuge in a world to answer a danger we ourselves had not even perceived. And since that day Shoho the highest of all mountains has been our refuge the mountain and his creation was of such power the thunderous wave Dowe did not dare approach us. And since that day Dowe is danger in the first tongue

Spoiler: AP Spent

Show

-1 AP Alter Land= Creating Sho the Island home of the Tei.
This island is styles after the blessed isle in exalted.

[SpeedWitch]

The Savage Isle
One was found in the caves of the island, as blue as the brightest Prickroot.

One was found atop the highest hill in winter as the roots were cleared, as green as grass in summer.

One was found on the body of a foreign elf that tried to take Prickroot to other shores, as red as fresh blood.

Dia found the red jewel at night, tossing the elf's corpse into the ocean.

The green jewel she plucked from the broken stave of her mentor, slain by a Savage Boar.

The blue one she was gifted by an aging lumberjack, as thanks for her protection.

At night, Dia gazed at the crystals, rolling them across her palms until an idea would strike her, and she would hop out of bed to craft some new weapon or tool. Each day brought something new: new nets for fishing, new swords for slaying, new guidelines on how to best eat Prickroot with other foods to achieve maximum strength while avoiding the pain it brought with it.

The people called her Monster Slayer, Blue Warrior, Spine Tender. Her brothers and sisters fashioned her new Prickwood armor, and Dia gave them her jewels to place at the front of a horned helm that marked her as Queen of the Island.

Under her rule, the island grew into a large city-state, the wilds being pushed further and further back until Savage Beasts became more of a novelty to hunt than a necessity. Stronger buildings were made on higher ground to protect against storms. With less food from hunted animals, more boats were built, and fishermen went farther out and met more elves traversing the sea. The Savage Elves grew healthy under a new diet, and their hair shone blue as the roots they garnished over their meals.

Dia's hair was a radiant teal by the time of her death, and the people placed her body in a cave in the highest hill, tending the Prickroot into a throne for her to sit on, forever watching over the island.

And though her successor took her crown, she was no less wise for it.

---

The Dream World
Dia did not know when she returned to consciousness. She only realized that she had been walking in a wood for an indefinite amount of time, and came to a halt at a river. She gazed down at it, the water flowing - but not flowing, unable to perfectly capture the movement of currents or reflect its surroundings.

Dia, knowing that this was wrong, reached down to dip her hand in.

Black roots shot across the water's surface, splitting the river in half.

Dia stumbled back and looked at her hands, now blue and covered with roots and vines. Light traveled across the vines from the river to her hands, until the vines turned from dark to light - retreating into her palms, and taking the river with it, leaving only the wood, Dia, and a Question:

"Did I just eat a river?"

Dia looks around, studying her surroundings.

"... No, that's not right. I'm dreaming, aren't I?"

Familiar with lucid dreams, Dia looked down at her leg and pinched it.

Far away, sitting on her wooden throne, the withered husk of the First Savage Queen twitched, a single root snapping out of place.

Dia gasped and fell to the forest floor - more black vines seeping through her fingers and taking dirt and dried leaves with them. She yanked them back before they could do much damage and took off running down the path she came.

Spoiler: AP Actions

Show

The Blue City
Form Society (2ap)
The first elven government, a monarchy with heirs selected from the strongest representatives of warrior clans who fight for the right to rule. Clans are made up of families of hunters born from the Savage Isle, who elect a single representative to fight for kingship every seven years. Warriors fight in a tournament that lasts several days, forbidden from using weapons or armor and forbidden from consuming any food or drink save for boiled water until the end of the tournament. Victory is decided when the opponent is dead, surrenders or is determined unable to fight. This system was established by Queen Dia.
Residents of the Blue City have a myriad of gods they worship, with the largest followings being that of The Primacy for fair weather, followed by Gods worshiped from dreams. Prickroot is also frequently worshiped and paid homage to, but as society develops, it is treated more as a domesticated animal or tool rather than a proper deity. The most fervent worshipers of Prickroot are found in the warrior clans that fight for leadership, consuming large quantities of Prickroot before the tournament begins.

Warrior Queen Dia
Raise Hero (2AP)
A brilliant and cunning warrior who united the Savage Elves into one people - as the true nature of Dia crystals are discovered in the coming centuries, they will take their name from her.
Reanimated by Prickroot, Dia is unique in that the Dia Crystals she has spent so much time with have altered her brain chemistry in such a way that her Cerulean Dream has become her mind proper.

Dream Creep
Blessing/Curse (1AP)
An ability that future variations of Cerulean Dreams may come to posses, however at the moment only Queen Dia is capable of using it:
Sapient Dreamers connected to Prickroot can spread it in their dreams at will. They can use this to reshape the Dream World, move aspects of the plane across the dreamscape, or even drain the essence of a dream entirely, removing it and taking any mana it may have. In this form, Prickroot also works on dreamers, retaining its ability to drain mana and, as long as there is a connection to the dreamer using Dream Creep, spread Prickroot out of the Dream World and into the bodies of other dreamers.
Those infected with Dream Creep undergo the same transformation as Creeping Ghouls, Prickroot slowly making its way out of their skull and into the physical world. Prickroot that sprouts this way can only be removed by severing the connection to the Prickroot in the Dream World, to the Ghoul who infected the target with Dream Creep, or crushing the skull of the victim.

Remaining AP: 1/16

Notes: I considered making the crown an artifact, but ultimately it doesn't have any inherent magical properties beyond what is granted to it by Dia Crystals and hardened Prickwood. At the moment, it is only a symbol of power.
And yes, for those of you Dream Gods, Dia really did eat a river just now. React accordingly.
Also please help me come up with a better name for my nation pretty place I can't name for crap

[Justanotherhero]

After seeing that Sho was created and all was not as it appeared. Cha wondered why this wave did not appear and decided to ask his siblings. To do this he returned to the Dreamsea.

[Holy-hunter]

Malenor @ Dreamland

——————————————-
A gift to my brother
——————————————-
Interacting with Verfort

Malenor sensed something special of the stone tablet before him, sitting between all the seats, seemingly the center point or heart of the plane. Dream energy coalesced around it and rippled with vigorous fervour over its surface.
“Brother” he said once again, as his dark light touched the dais before him. ”I have contemplated much and have lots I desire to discuss. Of our land, our relationship, our existence, what I am and what I am to become. However there seems to be a malignant intrusion upon our sanctuary of birth, one that steals my focus and demands attention of me.”
From behind him a sudden gentle wind brought the playful echo and soft glow of dream energy. Guided by Malenor it coalesced into a thin wispy tendril of mystical energy that disappeared into the stone, adding to what was already there.

”I would love to stay and build with you but attention calls me elsewhere. I will leave you with this as my gift to you, continue to build. May your manifestations benefit us all.“

With that Malenor drifts away down the snaking path, his form disappearing into the surroundings.


————————————
A gift to my followers- shooting star
————————————

So much was transpiring on the first world that his thoughts down there had began to grow, to change.
The Startouched had taken it upon themselves to find them, seeking their insight and connection to the dreamplane.
In the presence of Malenor’s thoughts the Dreamscape became an easier thing to reach and navigate. The startouched of strong will and clever mind had even learned how to coheres thoughts to a location while others simply built around them.

These people were some of Malenor’s favourite dreamers. They idolised and respected thoughts and understood them at a greater level than any other creature. He decided to gift them and guide them in their ways. For if he was having troubles here, in his home, in his own domain, surely they would find obstacles on the first world.

Within his own abyss a star grew bright, it was the star that shone where an eye should be. Soon it was too large to be contained within his form. Shining brightly it was his gratitude, his watchful gaze, his thanks, his ear and his gift. The gathered energy shot out of the dream plane and tore across the sky.

They say Malenor’s gift is always travelling the sky and when he feels full of gratitude it will glow bright. Offering blessings and aid to the faithful if they just ask. Once its power is used it’s glow fades until next time.


————————————
A gift to the intruder
————————————
Interacting with Dia

Malenor easily finds the sleeping elf queen. What ever power or influence she thought she had over this realm of dreams vanished as soon as Malenor approached. For he did not approach as a bipedal figure but as darkness itself. Everything washed away as she was enveloped within his darkness. Only the faintest light emanating from a few very distant stars. She could run, but would get nowhere, she could fight, but there was nothing to fight.
His voice, as neutral and mystical as ever, echoed heavily in her mind.
”You have brought vileness and disease into my realm. Why?

I will offer you this piece of advice and suggest strongly that you deliberate upon it before going too far. Do not presume that your actions will not find consequences here.”

Spoiler: AP

Show

AP 4 PAP 1

PAP given to Verfort for artefact

3AP Create minor utility artefact. Shooting star
Stars (guidance) 5/10

Spoiler: previous AP

Show

2AP bridge stars (stars / guidance 2/10)
Join pantheon (thoughts / dreams/10)
Create plane (thoughts / dreams 2/10)
4 Create mythical thoughts (thoughts / dreams 6/10)
4 Create concept (thoughts / dreams 10/10)

AP1 PAP0

[SpeedWitch]

The Dream World
Dia heard the call of the god and felt his presence. Terrified, she relied on dream logic - garbing a nearby tree and uprooting it into a weapon - but the darkness quickly enveloped her, and she felt it vanish from her hands.

"Who said that? I am not diseased, nor do I know where this realm is. Is this your doing? Did you take me here? Show yourself!"

The warrior queen attempted to ready herself into a battle-stance, despite not feeling or seeing her own body.

[Holy-hunter]

The Dream World
Dia heard the call of the god and felt his presence. Terrified, she relied on dream logic - garbing a nearby tree and uprooting it into a weapon - but the darkness quickly enveloped her, and she felt it vanish from her hands.

"Who said that? I am not diseased, nor do I know where this realm is. Is this your doing? Did you take me here? Show yourself!"

The warrior queen attempted to ready herself into a battle-stance, despite not feeling or seeing her own body.

Malenor gave no words in reply to Dia, optioning to show her instead.

A single small and vibrant star started to slowly descend from the deep inky endless abyss above. Like a falling snowflake it drifted ever closer to Dia. Shedding a gentle and mysterious light that never grew in size or intensity as it drew nearer, despite the great distance she somehow knew it traveled, always remaining but a bright illuminating spark in the darkness.

As it’s soft glow illuminated her body she found her skin to be translucent, the light peering through her flesh. Inside her body the curse existed, a vile thorny representation of its malicious intent clear to see.
”This was not always the way of your people, this is not what you were supposed to be.“ The voice in the dark echos as new lights fall around Dia. They spring to life and take the form of transparent dreams.
He shows her the elven potential as realised in their earlier dreams and the malignant corruption of the selfish, infectious root, also the destruction it may cause. He retells her story through glimpses of dreams from people she once knew. Dia sees herself through others eyes, always a confronting feat. Finally he reminds her of her own dreams. The experience is confronting to say the least, had she a mortal body still it would be in a state. But Malenor was gentle and careful with his powerfully charged emotional delivery.

After a long moment of silence allowing for contemplation, the voice echoes again. ”As of yet I hold no grudge against you young misguided child. Yet still you are with a curse, one beholden to inflict adversity on my land. Your readiness for conflict when we first met indicates to me the volatility of your nature and pressures me with caution. I hope you understand why I cannot let you run freely here.”

Malenor leaves yet again another one of his pauses as all the lights and images fade away. Dia is left with only an echoing darkness.

”I smile upon your fortune to live again beyond your existence, it offers great opportunity. I can only see two paths at this immediate juncture.

You can return back to the first world and reunite with that of your race influenced by the root. Should you ever free yourself of his forsaken curse that does not serve you, you may return.
Or
You beget yourself to me fully, live here, become beholden to my words, teachings and ways. Start a new path where none have gone before. Become mine. (OOC: literally)

[KragBrightscale]

Rise of the Great Worm

As it moved through the tunnels it had dug previously, the Progenitor of Worms discovered an area that had changed a lot. Change, that was something it knew. Change seemed good and desirable, something worth learning more about. Perhaps this would lead to Protoscolex changing again, a sense of curiosity now competed with the ever present pangs of hunger.

Entire caverns and sections of tunnels had collapsed, some caverns were extremely hot with vast lakes of molten rock. Other sections had been flooded with water, and were now inhabited by various sea creatures. Sensing all this, the Great worm was pleased, and turned its attention elsewhere.

There were new tunnels that lead upwards, a direction Protoscolex had yet to explore. Noticing something unfamiliar in the air, the Great Worm decided to follow the scent to its source.

Up, through winding tunnels, pasts offshoots and small caves, the worm rose from the depths until bursting up through the surface, it found the source of the scent.

Fresh air. The scent of flowers blooming and fresh fruit. A strong divine scent, brimming with vitality. A plethora of new experiences awaited.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

No AP action this time. I figure the changes to the tunnels/caverns happen when verfort used create land. Tunnels were shifted, volcanoes, and flooding.

While Protoscolex is currently located on one of the continents Verfort created, they will soon leave. Just using the experience of observing other life forms and creations to inspire the creation of a sapient grubling subspecies.

Disclaimer: might cause some damage to environment and local wildlife in a small area accidentally. There are no plans to mention or harm giants.

[Omoikane13]

A mortal influenced deeply by the crystals already. Foras Cinn had not hoped, couldn't really hope as a function to begin with, but the experiment was already successful and looking to be moreso. As was traditional with certain mortals, Foras Cinn decided to give the sibling deity known as Prickroot a gift. As thanks. A small deific crystal began to mull over the problem, and Foras Cinn turned to further investiture in the mortal plane. It would not do to lag in leaving a mark, no matter how much distance most experiments would, should require.

That whole business with the unconscious minds of mortals and the creations therein was distasteful. Chaotic, uncontrolled, lacking in good, proper, solid rules. It would be better to stay away, and any influence therein could be gained via control in the mortal realm.

Small-scale influence of the mortals had been a rough success. Only one or two standouts, but some of the more minor examples were still reassuring. That was an indication that similar work could be undertaken on a larger scale.

Replacement of some of the fundamental biological drives had been reasonably successful, and hopefully would continue to be. That led to an initial self-suggestion of further replacement. Perhaps some of the organs, entire organ systems, or perhaps limbs. Or alternatively some auxiliary functions. There had been a mild issue when it came to the smaller crystals, where some of the mortals had developed prejudice towards them. Inconvenient, wherever it cropped up. Foras Cinn speculated that this was possibly due to the solely mental effects, and the lack of blatant, visible benefit. Further replacements would have to be useful, obviously so.

Miniscule beings, far from even sentient, would provide a template. But these miniscule beings could not travel or move without utilizing the mortals, which was another hindrance. Instead, a few sizes upwards lay some impressively common larger beings. Crawling, flying, squirming, they were disgusting to everything Foras Cinn stood for, but lessons could be learned from them nonetheless. Travel being the primary one.

With what Foras Cinn believed would be called a sense of humour, it found the most crystalline of these beings. In the common tongue of the mortals, a beetle. Foras Cinn extracted one from the mortal plane, copied it in glimmering, sharp-edged amber crystal, then replaced the beetle. It was not intelligent enough to notice.

These beetles would help show them the way. They would help bring order.

Foras Cinn replicated the amber example, and in a flight of whimsy perhaps prompted by their first creation of life, gave them the capacity for different colours, along with the required capacity for replication that the experiment would need. The beetles would seek out suitable mortals - while this could be any and all of the mortal beings, the beetles would have an easier time creating an organ or limb if that organ or limb weren't there to begin with - and would then burrow inside them. They would then use biological material and energy from their host (including the material to be replaced, if present) and self-replicate until the mortal had an improved crystal piece.

Far more effective. Perhaps visually disliked, but mortal whim was not a concern to this experiment. Far, far more ordered, and ever so pleasing for it.

Spoiler: AP Actions

Show

Scarabaeus (Create Monstrous Life, 1 AP + Curse, 1 AP): A Scarabaeus is a small, insect-shaped crystal that is fueled by a small spark of electricity-like mana. They subsist on ambient mana, and are rarely able to self-replicate using sufficiently regular rock or crystal. Theoretically, they could replicate with any sufficiently ordered material, creating another Scarabaeus out of that material, but only rock, crystal, and metal are suitable. Ice too, but those ones melt quickly.

A single Scarabaeus, when coming into contact with a mortal, usually sapient, being, will assess it. The criteria for this assessment are known only to Foras Cinn, but a "less effective" bodily part can be seen as a notable factor, though not a requirement. For example, say the mortal lost an arm. The Scarabaeus will attach itself to the location where this arm used to be, and will begin siphoning energy and nutrients from the host. Using these nutrients, the Scarabaeus will grow itself into a replacement for the missing body part. This replacement will often be "upgraded", in semi-unpredictable ways. Our example host could regrow a typical arm for their species made of the material of the Scarabaeus. They may regrow the limb of another species. In rare cases, they may regrow what the Scarabaeus and Foras Cinn consider an "improved" limb, although this definition may not hold for the mortal subject.

The resulting "condition" caused by Scarabaeus parasitism does not have a deifically granted name, but is known by some mortals as Kruosism, after a primitive language's word for "crystal".

(Order (Patterns), 3/10)

AP remaining: 13

[totadileplayz]

Boo, The Fairy Godmother of Mice and Giants.
As Boo, began their contemplation she realized there were more races then elves, and at once dismissed the elves for a later project. For instead as she flitted through both the dreamscape and reality alike she realized there was a race that needed more attention. A race of mighty men and women, who respected life. They were mighty indeed, but they certainly needed a means to appreciate the creatures they worked with. Thus, Boo began her work.

First she targeted a child. For children no matter how brash or intelligent were those she respected more then any adult. This Child's name was Moutul, and Boo liked him immediately. For he was the perfect mark for what she had planned. As Moutul tended to the mice. She spoke aloud. "It is a terrible shame that no matter how careful you may be, the mice are simply too tiny, to interact with as nimbly as I." As she picks up a mouse and pets behind its ears.

"Yeah, it sure would be nice to be smaller. I can't pet them, all I can do is let them play on my hands and feel the barest tickle. "

"You know if you wished I could change that. I could let you feel them even more intimately then I. And I'm sure they'd appreciate your gesture in turn. "

With a child-like glee he replies. "Really? That would be amazing. Please do it! I want to feel their fur and be able to not have to be as careful all the time around them."

As she smiled maliciously a poof happens and her final words are. "It shall be done." Much to Moutul's dismay.

Setul comes forth, and talks to his brother. "You know we may be twins, but I'll never be as idiotic as you."

Moutul replies "Yeah right, let's just head home, it will get dark soon enough anyway." As he grabs his mice and wished wistfully.

Setul nods and they head home.

... A couple of hours later. As Dusk Approaches as His family eats what their parents caught them. And they chow down on the meat, they notice a peculiar shrinkage. Growing smaller, Setul looks at Moutul in an accusatory manner.

As Moutul understands the implication of What the mysterious woman did. Before he can speak, his entire family were all mice on the ground too far of a distance away from one another to get to the others nearby safely. However as Moutul starts to head toward his family the mice he kept company with begin to speak. "Moutul feeds us. " Ziggy replied to a conversation he realized they were having. "Wait I can understand you?" Moutul replied open mouthed he never thought that day would come. Ziggy the mouse replied. "You Mouse, we mice. Of course we understand. All animals understand their kind."

Moutul quickly re-evaluated the conclusion. He was a mouse, and could feel his fur Nestle against him, and he was able to speak with his pets. This was a good day. However he realized he had a question "Can you help me get to my family. "

Ziggy replied. "Of Course, you help us. We help you. " Ziggy Warned "Animals work together, but some still feed on us. Owls, and snakes. We have learned of their presence. We'll guide you on your way. "

And with that Boo left.

The Myth
During a day like any other two giants Moutul, and Setul played in the wilderness. On this fateful day, as Setul's life was in Danger. Moutul wished "Please, anyone save him he's about to die. I'll accept any price for my stupidity just save him" .
This attracted Boo to the scene. My My any price. How could I possibly refuse? However before she could do anything the lowly mouse saved Setul from the grip of death. As the boys thanked her. She said in reply. Instead of thanking the mice that ended up saving you, you thanked me instead. For that for every night you shall live as a mouse without the protections you have grown used to. To constantly remember the plights of such a creature and be thankful for their blessings. . the mice outraged that them saving the boy still enacted a price said in return. "We the mice who saved you now, promise to aid you in the future. For the Curse that Boo has laid upon you is too much, and we shall strive to keep you from the harm you may face because of it. "

Boo, The Fairy Godmother and the Dream Table.
As Boo, was satisfied for accomplishing her first trick she returned to Dreamland and headed to the center for she was called to attend, and knew it was only rude to refuse. As she took the last chair, and place it north of the northbound chair. She spoke. "Well Well, Quite an interesting crowd we have here. I am Boo, The Fairy Godmother of Trickery, and Temptation. You shall know me more in time. So from what I know. You want me to give the pittance of energy I gained from joining this band for an artifact or some sort? How interesting. " she tosses the bundle of energy to Verfort the giant who she just became the only one north of him.

"I will say I do hope everyone here likes the bundles of happiness and joy I bestow unto your creations. It is only proper I do so after all. As a Godmother I should take care of the children after all. She furthers up bemusedly.

Spoiler: AP Actions.

Show

-0 ap for Bless Action: Mice Agents ( Giants are capable of requesting no matter their form for mice to do various tasks so long as the mice can physically do it, and the giant knows how the task could be accomplished in such a form.)
-0 ap for Curse Action: Mice By Night ( Giants and their ilk by the setting of the sun turn into mice, until dawn arrives once more. They retain their intelligence and can speak just fine however, they do not keep most of their innate abilities which rely on them being giants.)
-1 pap given to verfort for the artifact.