[h1][center]Truth and Tragedy[/center][/h1]

The god of Tragedy was once more on the move, he had a tendency to wander aimlessly when he wished for ideas to come to him. He had found himself once more in that great meeting place of the gods, he could see the various portals of all the gods, he recognized some, knew of others, and there were still some he had yet to meet, but yet, he didn’t quite feel like meeting those who he saw, none of them, popped out to the playwright. 

Of course, this always changed, and changed it did when he found one portal, he found it, enticing, its surface seemed to reflect like a mirror, oh this could be interesting. Only problem, he had no clue of how to pass into it, or if the god within even wished for visitors. 

He slowly walked up to the reflective pane, his curiosity driving him ever forward, that was when he noticed the, being? If one could call it that, in the reflection, it was strange looking, silvery and reflective much like the mirror it was in, yet it possessed wicked claws and sharp horns, Yamat took a liking to it quickly. 

[color=DAA250]”Greetings.”[/color] He spoke to the mirror, not caring how weird it may make him look [color=DAA250]”Are you the guardian of this gate?”[/color]

The wicked thing of glass and claws trapped behind the reflective surface of Fìrinn’s portal took an equal interest in the God of Tragedy. It pressed the tips of those claws into what seemed to be the surface of the mirror, trailing them down it in careful and measured strokes, before flourishing with a bow as if to reciprocate the greeting. Though it lacked a face the sparkle of silver and golden lights across its form gave the distinct impression of thought and careful scrutiny, and after a moment of this eerily still prognostication it stepped to the side, gesturing inwards with its claws, and exiting stage left (as one might say).

The mirror retained some of the unnatural sheen from the lights that had danced across it, and somehow seemed to be more alive, more solid--and clearly, given that it was a portal, ready to be entered.

Yamat’s curiosity was most certainly peaked, and befitting of it, he pushed forward, entering into the portal. He entered into a long hallway, reflective mirror like surfaces surrounded him on all sides, in each one he could see the scenes of tragedy and suffering, even those not of his handiwork, which was surprising to say the least. He could see the massacre of Solaria by his Iskrill, the troll wars between human and troll, the destruction of a far off moon full of insects, plagues and famines, war, conflict, death, the lowest points of mortalkind for what seemed like ages. 

Yamat himself took each one in, often criticizing the scenes under his breath, pointing out their flaws if they were not his make, or how he could do better if they were, yet his curiosity for the realm itself had never diminished, what kind of god lived in a realm like this? He just had to know. Yet, he could see no other god, he looked at every reflection, trying to find any outliers, until his gaze was drawn downward, where his reflection was, instead there stood another being, they seemed to walk upon water, dressed in beautiful clothing and lacking a face much like the guardian outside, Yamat believed he had found the god. 

[color=DAA250]”Why, hello there.”[/color] he bent down a bit, trying to get himself a bit closer of a look at the god, [color=DAA250]”You must be the god of this realm, I, am Yamat”[/color] He bowed as he always does, though this one felt more awkward due to their positioning. 

[color=#DFB624]”Ah, yes--the playwright. Greetings. I am Fìrinn, God of Truth. It is curious that you happen to stumble upon my realm now, of all times, when tragedies are being composed all ‘cross the worlds.”[/color]

Fìrinn did not speak, as such, but the meaning of its words and thoughts were impressed upon Yamat’s consciousness in a brief moment of what could only be described as intense lucidity--the sensation of epiphany, and opening one’s eyes to a greater truth than could have been perceived before. Then, as quickly as it had struck, it was gone--and only the echoes of those words remained within his essence. It was a cold, and almost clinical experience, completely devoid of the emotion so common in mortalkind and in the other deities--but in the absence of that emotive component was a deep sense of understanding that proved to be quite uncommon.

It looked up at the God of Tragedy from beneath its glassine perch and appeared to vanish, before re-emerging within one of the infinite panels of mirrors lining the hall and now seeming to walk alongside Yamat instead of beneath him.

[color=#DFB624]”I have watched your handiwork from afar. You have brought tragic, cruel endings to many mortals--and in so doing, have altered their Truths irrevocably. Many might chide you for what is ostensibly an evil thing, but without tragedy there is no joy. All must be balanced ‘fore the scales of Truth, and to give new perspective and purpose is a goal of the highest order--it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”[/color]

Fìrinn reached its mantle-claws out, passing through the mirrors as if they did not exist, and touching upon a particular image in the Hall of a Thousand Mirrors. It seemed to grasp the immaterial essence of that scene and tear it apart, suffusing the realm with the memories and feelings contained therein, and all of a sudden the argent glare of mirrors was gone, replaced by an immersive view of that scene. It depicted Acadia and the Iskrill, waging a bloody war against one another. Scenes of brutality and tragedy flitted through the air and lodged themselves within the God of Tragedy’s mind, replaying them from the perspective of those who had directly experienced them. A pair of lovers, back-to-back, surrounded by a mountain of half-chewed bones and shredded viscera wielding sorcery and sword against the almost-inhuman horrors closing in upon them. Their last moments together, one tragically falling in battle, and the primal agony and horror of losing one’s love before succumbing to the cold embrace of death. Then, the scene was over, and Fìrinn stood in front of Yamat.

[color=#DFB624]”There is an artistry to these scenes, cruel as they are. Many of our kith and kin have no great love of cruelty, and I cannot say that I am [i]cruel[/i] myself--but nor am I merciful, and nor do I judge those who act in accordance with their nature.”[/color]

[color=DAA250]”Well, you are most certainly one of the few, I am always glad to meet another who can respect my great works, to me they are very important, as you’ve said, without tragedy one can not know true joy.”[/color] Yamat looked all across the scenes and mirrors once more, before once more turning to Fìrinn [color=DAA250]”So you are the god of truth? Must be quite the work to maintain something like that.”[/color]

[color=#DFB624]”It is…”[/color] Fìrinn paused, taking a moment to compose itself, before resuming.

[color=#DFB624]”No more difficult to me than creating Tragedy is to you. It is a function of my existence, and one that I am happy to do. It does, however, require much of me in the way of focus--so perhaps you are right. It does require much to maintain. Still, the rewards of my maintenance are there for all to feel--when one’s lover meets a tragic end, it is the Subtle Weave that allows their partner to sense that distant tragedy and feel its pain keenly within their mind. This is a fact that you are no doubt appreciative of.”[/color]

Fìrinn did not quite smile, but lights danced across and through its body to suggest a sense of mirth and amusement--a happiness, perhaps, in the fulfilment of its and another’s Truth. A sense of completion.

[color=#DFB624]”Now that we are introduced, is there anything in particular I may help you with?”[/color]

Yamat chuckled at both the god’s question and his answer to his[color=DAA250]”hmm, that is quite the question, I tend to just find myself with other gods and the plans form as we talk. Perhaps, you may be able to help me, have you heard of the Reshut in your watching of Galbar?”[/color] 

Fìrinn nodded--or, at least, gave the impression of nodding.

[color=#DFB624]”I see all that every mortal sees. Within this realm is contained all sights, all thoughts, all feelings--all that mortalkind perceives, all that they are, is within my demesne. I am familiar, yes.”[/color]

[color=DAA250]”Then i am sure you know they are quite important to me, as i am to them, but i must admit that i have not been as focused on them as i should be, so, i was perhaps thinking you may be able to aid them, give them a bit more of an edge compared to the continental races, of course in exchange, i am more than willing to aid you in anything.”[/color] 

Fìrinn took yet another pause to mull over what it was that Yamat had said, its mantle gently tapping the tips of its claws against one another. Each beat of the impromptu rhythm caused new images to flood the mirrors lining the God of Truth’s realm before quickly being replaced by another, as if they were directing their attention to a river of images flooding by and perusing them at great speed. The only consistent theme among them, it seemed, was the Reshut--various individuals, various points in time, all coming together as Fìrinn mused upon their nature and what it would require to, as Yamat had said, aid them. Then, breaking that moment of silence, was a peal of gentle laughter.

[color=#DFB624]”Hah. Is this how the other gods barter their divinity? An exchange of bartering, one expenditure of our divine power for another? Very curious indeed. I do not require anything of you to help the Reshut fulfil their Truths, Yamat--it is my design and my purpose. It is my sole motivation to align the Truth of all beings with their respective realities, and to safeguard that grand design from destruction. It is my purpose to remember all that has happened, so that the future might move towards its goals, even as those goals shift and change around us. I am happy to help you, without witness, without hope, without reward. You need not reciprocate, only do as your Truth demands of you.”[/color]

Fìrinn began to pluck individual images from the ether with its mantle-claws and true hands both, an aureate hue enveloping its form as it summoned forth its power to influence Galbar and the Reshut.

[color=#DFB624]”Ah. The three clans, each ruling their own little spits of land without concern for the greater whole. With unity, they could be greater than the sum of their parts. They value privacy, and others shun them for their perceived lack of openness--this I can remedy, and keep their Truths intact. Through the Collective Unconscious, all mortals are linked to one another. Most remain closed to the possibilities and existence of this fact, unaware that within the depths of their minds lurks a spark which may be ignited if it is nurtured and cared for--and they might use it to divine and transmit meaning without the physical tells that mortals so often rely upon. Is this agreeable to you?”[/color]

Yamat thought to himself for a second, he knew his children did value their privacy, to be able to do what Fìrinn had offered would be a great boon to them, they could still function while retaining their beliefs. He nodded to the god of truth [color=DAA250]”I can agree to that yes, they would most certainly appreciate that.”[/color]

[color=#DFB624]”Consider it done. Is there aught else I might do for them?”[/color]

The reply was simple and swift, as while the meaning of what it had said made its way to Yamat the God of Truth was busy at work. It would not deign to make an anchor near the Reshut, for they had obstinately refused to worship any but their creator. Worship, Fìrinn had found, was not a necessary component for it to succeed in its task--mortalkind often entreated its aid without meaning to, through meditation and thought, through the Worldsong, or through the Endless Dream--those druids who had dedicated themselves to Fìrinn had helped anchor the God ofTruth as one friendly to mortals, at least in the periphery, and the nature of the Collective Unconscious was such that those sorts of ideas tended to compound upon themselves. 

[color=#DFB624]”I am not sure what, precisely, you had in mind for the Reshut--or if you gave thought to their eventual purpose at all. Mortalkind often finds a way to create its own purpose, I have found. What is it, precisely, you wish for them to accomplish--other than parity with the other civilisations?”[/color]

[color=DAA250]”I have given them thought, as of the plan for them right now, i merely wish for those three clans to gain some more power, eventually i wish for them to unite under one of them, and of course for them to survive, they will surely play importance in the great play, at least, if i have anything to say about it.”[/color]

[color=#DFB624]”Perhaps, then, an awakening of a boon that might display their innate talents and proclivities? I see that the Kinoshita fancy themselves architects, and worship you with particular fervor… For them, I could offer a fragment of my influence over memory--a means by which their grand designs and rituals might always be remembered, even in the face of untimely demise? The Hashimoto swear by the way of the blade--perhaps, then, they might use the Collective Unconscious to divine the moments and intentions of their opponents in combat that their aim be more true and their dodges more swift? As for the Ohta, perhaps they would benefit from access to the panoply of magics I offer my druids and those awakened in the Collective Unconscious? They could use the Great Weave to determine the desires of those interested in business, to avoid duplicitous dealings, and to scry for particular objects that they or their clients might desire? All these are simple enough, and will allow for the Reshut to thrive as the upcoming centuries turn.”[/color]

Yamat nodded once more [color=DAA250]”Yes, that would be more than perfect, each clan more attuned to its chosen path, that will be more than perfect for their place amongst the great play. I must thank you Fìrinn, many are not so willing to aid a god such as myself without some sort of deal.”[/color]

[color=#DFB624]”Many,”[/color] the God of Truth began, sweeping its mantle-claws through the air and grazing against the mirrors as its true arms pressed against them and the divine power that would influence the Reshut flowed through them and into Galbar proper.

[color=#DFB624]”Are too insularly self-involved to see that there is more to our existence and purpose than ourselves. It is interesting that you should use the word ‘perfect’, however, as there is one word of warning I will give to thee: The so-called Lord of Perfection is not to be trusted. See for yourself, and decide where it fits in your Truth.”[/color]

With that, the God of Truth called to the forefront another recollection of memory--Cadien’s interaction with Aicheil, the feeling of horror (and a grim reminder of the scream of madness and rage he would no doubt have felt), and the maelstrom of emotion in which he had enveloped Fìrinn itself in. All of these events, the feelings, the thoughts--Yamat’s to understand and to cherish, exactly as the Two-as-One had perceived them. When it ended, Fìrinn was gone once again--returned to its initial position as Yamat’s reflection.

[color=#DFB624]”I will guide you out of my realm, if there is nothing else you wish to discuss?”[/color]

[color=DAA250]”Yes, i have heard of him, i will keep my eye out for him, and i do not believe i have anything else to discuss, of course if you desire anything, my realm is always open.”[/color]

[hider=Summary] Yamat is walking through antiquity once more, trying to find another god that interests him, this leads him to the mirror-like portal to the realm of Fìrinn, who’s avatar lets Yamat in after a brief interaction. Yamat finds himself in Fìrinn’s realm and witnesses countless scenes of tragedy and suffering, after watching them for a while he discovers Fìrinn. The two introduce themselves and begin to talk, Fìrinn noting his respect for Yamat’s craft and Yamat inquiring a bit further into Fìrinn’s domain. Eventually Yamat takes up Fìrinn’s offer of assistance and asks him to aid his children the Reshut, which Fìrinn does without asking for something in return beyond Yamat keepin to his truth. The two talk a bit about the details of the blessing and once that’s done Fìrinn offers some advice to Yamat about the god of perfection, Yamat acknowledges that and says his realm is open to the god of truth before departing.[/hider]

[hider=Fìrinn Might]
-1DP (Discounted via Perception Portfolio) - Grant the Reshut increased attunement to the Collective Unconscious, granting the entire race inborn proficiency with it. This allows the Reshut to express their thoughts and feelings more strongly without the need to remove any of their clothing or their masks.

This is particularly manifested within the Hashimoto as the ability to read an opponent’s movements and thoughts to enhance their skill in martial combat, and within the Ohto as proficiency with reading the desires of those they interact with and detecting falsehoods in trade deals, as well as unrestricted access to Scrying magic. Those not affiliated with a primary clan will gain access to those abilities should they join the clan, but otherwise only get the initial benefits.

-1DP (Discounted via Memory Portfolio) - Grant the Kinoshita clan of the Reshut access to a shared dreamspace in which all memories relating to their architecture, plans, and religious beliefs/rituals  are stored that can be accessed either through a specific ritual (of their choosing) or dreaming.

Start: 2MP/5DP / End: 2MP/3DP[/hider]