Will we be a Pantheon or will the gods be more like RPG deities?
A pantheon is what mortals call a collection of gods that generally act together/have familiar ties. I don't know how the gods in this roleplay will view each other (I will leave that up to the players to decide). The deities will simply awaken on a black shore, in featureless, mannequin-like bodies, each one identical to the next. Through roleplay they will learn of their Domains and forge their appearances, socialize, and maybe(?) forge the material realm, if they want ;)
In general, this goes for all interested and potential players, the gods in this roleplay are neither omniscient (the very fact you 'spawned' in a world without your knowledge attests to this), nor omnipresent (gods, in all their power, still can't be everywhere, all at once. Certain Domains could help facilitate an increased awareness of things, but in general...
Deities are able to sense:
everything within a certain range of their true bodies
any of their followers or sacred relics
any of their temples, and
any other, non-believer, that dares utter their true name out loud).
Additionally, being under the protection of greater deity can shield a mortal or lesser deity from the scrutiny of another greater deity. More on divine ranks later.
They could be said to have limited omnipotence (any action that falls within one of their Domains is infinitely more easier to do than if it wasn't).
God Concept (3-5 sentences): A god of magic, and of the powers of the sky. (The Domains of Magic And Sky) This deity is the provider of Esoteric knowledge and the provider of blessing from the wind and rain. He is a god who is both a caring provider AND wise teacher, and is the divine manifestation of seeking out inspiration and the unknown.
Appearance: His eyes are like stars that shine in the night sky, to some. To others his eyes are a deep glowing blue within blue. He is dressed in a long flowing white robe symbolizing the clouds, and of course he has the stereotypical white beard and moustache. Different mortals see him differently. Motivation:
He is there to gift mortals with the powers of the sky and magic. He wants to ensure people use magic responsibly, and not abuse others for it. He also blesses the earth with his rain. Magic, in Orranoth's ideal world, would only be a source of beauty, blessing and provision for the people. Mortals would prosper and the only difference between the mortals and gods would be that mortals would be just lesser divine beings. Those realms that exalt Orranoth above other gods will have their lands blessed with the wind and rain, and will be a haven for magical knowledge.
Roleplay Example:
Orranoth smiled as his worshipers gave him a sacrifice - A strong adventurer offered him the Lion on the alter. An old man offers him all that he owns, his entire herd of camel. A wise little girl could only offer the divine father a couple of bags of seeds, offering them to the god of skies in her prayers, asking the Wise One to transform them into a forest. The curse of drought over the world was lifted, and he, the Sky Father Orranoth blessed the land, bringing the wet, relieving rains, and the seeds would become his Enchanted Forest.
The seeds were planted, and the soil began to glow. Instead of taking centuries, decades, or years, the massive forest grew in three days. Unicorns made their homes in this hallowed place. Benign and wise witch folk hid here from persecution of the ignorant, and the rarely virtuous dragon, likewise made this their home as well. (Thus guarding the creation of the wise Orranoth.)
Availability: At least three times a week, Probably more.
Experience: I have been role playing for many years, with mixed success, but when I really manage to hit my stride, I'm usually very good at it. I sometimes have trouble keeping up with very indepth role plays but since this is in Casual interest checks I'll probably do well with it.
I had to edit my CS a few times due to the fact I'm so excited to try this.
As soon as I saw this I had to apply. I'm technically in another god game but it's dead.
I appreciate your excitement :) We have time until Friday to get more people in and for players to flesh out their ideas, so take your time, don't rush it and settle on a half-finished idea!
EDIT: I forgot to comment on your deity; I like him and I would like for you to think more on how magic would be portrayed in this roleplay, if you are going to be introducing it. Think on it :)
Ok ignore my last post I just read the last words ahahah
I'll have my concept up later, but I'm thinking a God(s) of some sorts esoteric contrast - Kindness and Cruelty, something like that. Not the most powerful for a creation myth but the world needs conflict, eh?
If need be I can pivot to a god that's a little more central in terms of domain, like sea or earth :B
Don't worry, during Foundation Arc of the roleplay—the times of creation when the world is still in its infancy, when the laws of physics etc. have yet to be fleshed out—any basic, fundamental laws (gravity, time, mortality, etc.), that have not been explicitly changed by one of the existing gods, will be automatically ported over and be assumed to 'act' just like our Universe. Later down the line, there will be ways to alter any 'Cosmic Laws' using Conviction, the divine currency of this roleplay, but there will be consequences in doing so... mainly because the world will have been 'solidified' by that time, making changes like those harder to process for reality.
God Concept: Yzechr is the only god who will reach out to help the lowliest scum, the most wicked, the most unfortunate. When the whole world turns its back on you, they will come, give you sweet words of encouragement; “Let the world burn! It’s your only salvation!”. Yzechr is said to be the creator of perception, making the world see and hear each other for the first time. They have the ability to hear every crying voice in the world and can give respond to them no matter how far away they are. Yzechr is the instinct to protect oneself, the will to survive regardless of who will pay the cost. As such, they are usually worshiped by outlaws, outcasts, artists, rebels, scouts and watchmen, or those with low standing in the community. Appearance: They have numerous forms, often appearing in front of mortals by mirroring their own appearance. However, you can know it is them by the black mists swirling around, giving a mysterious and divine atmosphere. If they do not assume the form of others, the black mist will simply make up all the body parts, usually with hollow eyes and mouth. Motivation: To protect those who should be damned. There is no such thing as the one who doesn’t deserve Yzechr mercy, for Yzechr will surely respond to everyone who called, as long as they are willing to fight with everything they got and abandon their moral principle. Yes, that included those who are targeted by other gods.
Roleplay Example: Yzechr looks at the boy in rag clothes prostrating on the stone-cold floor, he himself wearing the same face with the black mists swirling around his divine body. Those mists slowly envelop the tiny cell they are in, as if to make it disappear from the world. “Your kins are gone, your homeland occupied, and yet you still wish not to dirty your hands?” The voice is young, but the tone is far from innocent.
The boy shivered from the coldness of the god's words, ten times colder than the stone floor below him. Everyone knows Yzechr; the god of mercy, is the cruelest entity in the realm. He who preys on the weak and takes away even their last integrity, their last humanity, until nothing is left.
Unfortunately, he is that perfect victim.
“Until sunrise, this blade will remain unseen by everyone but yourself.” The black blade is revealed among the mists. The steel door suddenly unlocked with a loud click, and yet no one seemed to hear it outside of this tiny room. “Only those who fight have the right to live. So my dear mortal, I hope you choose your future wisely.”
The mists are gone. The god is gone. Only the black blade taunting the boy of his own situation. The blade that is hungry for blood, human blood. Even if he can survive the night, his innocence will forever be gone.
Availability: 3x per week Experience: I usually rp in my own language and just recently tried an English forum (English is not my first language). I like pbp because I can edit my grammar and run it through the spell check program. Yes, this is the already edit version. T_T
(The starting domains are perception and corruption)
Let me know if I have to fix anything!
Edit: Change the pronoun, change one of the domains from deception to perception
As I said earlier, the starting number of Domains will be 2 in this roleplay, so you'll have to drop one of the three for the moment. There are ways to gain another Domain later down the line, but for early game we've got just the 2.
To be clear, are we replying to this post as an application? Or are you waiting for enough interest to make the thread proper and then we apply? I'm definitely interested just wanna know how to move forward.
I've had an idea of a God for a bit now, one with a dual persona - essentially they occupy disparate (but complementary) domains as functionally two different gods. Split personality, in a way, would that be possible here?
You can apply here if you feel like you have a first concept of a character, nothing stops you from pasting it later in OOC thread to continue from there :)
Ariander
God of the hunt
God Concept:
Ariander is the guardian of all those who look to the fruit of lands untilled to thrive—while this usually includes game hunters as shown by his characteristic use of bow and arrow, his domain also embraces that of fishermen, military scouts, falconers, and traveling merchants. Above all, a prayer to Ariander ensures a steady hand, a clear day, and a predictable target on the other side of your weapon. Ariander is also venerated by those seeking safe passage through uncharted areas, or even something as simple as clarity of thought.
Appearance:
Of the few mortals who have seen Ariander in the flesh, fewer still have actually recognized the nondescript hunter in front of them as the god himself. When hunting in the wilderness, Ariander takes the form of a young man armed with a long black bow and garbed in simple earthy tones, intently stalking his next kill. However, it is rumored that from time to time, when this simple hunter finds himself illuminated by the golden rays of sunrise or sunset, his simple rags are momentarily transfigured into brilliant flowing robes of azure and bright orange. Ariander can also be commonly seen riding on his black stallion steed Ussimo (occasionally on top of bodies of water) or with his falcon companion Yaerha perched upon his arm.
Motivation:
Ariander is most revered among those who live life on the periphery–hermits, outcasts, and stragglers from society. In times of want, it is not uncommon for rural revolts to gather around minor cults of Ariander among the peasantry. But Ariander has no particular need for grand temples or elaborate prostrations—he prefers to test the piety of mankind by appearing at the doorsteps of various mortals disguised as a poor and shivering trapper, asking only for a hot meal and a place to stay the night. Their response to such a request usually precedes unexplained good fortune or terrible yet righteous curses befalling the chosen household. Just as Ariander loves hunting the largest of game, he also feels a calling to uplift the small and to bring the mighty low.
Roleplay Example: WIP
Availability: 1-2x a week
Experience: Returning after 7 year long hiatus from forum RPing.
I like him :) Don't forget that you will be starting with 2 Domains from the get go and you guys will understand why when I post the action economy part of this RP. I will be posting a general sample list of Domains that people can get later as well.
You awaken on a shore of black sand, featureless and newborn.
You are a god... though by what right or whose memory, you do not recall. Around you, seven other blank-slate beings rise from the sands, stirring to uncertain consciousness. The world before you is fog-shrouded, half-formed: a land awaiting definition, reshaping itself as you look.
You sense a vast potential in the sky and earth—a hum of forging power yet untapped. You do not know how you came to be, or what hand set this world spinning. All you know is your own awakening, and the presence of others like you.
Your only certainty: something here is strange. Sometimes, it feels as if the world is watching you back.
This is a collaborative worldbuilding roleplay where you and 7 other players act as deities shaping a world from scratch. You will:
Create the world's geography, climate, and laws of physics together
Define your god's nature and Domains (Fire, Death, Dreams, Secrets, etc.)
Birth mortal civilizations and guide their evolution across generations
Form alliances, rivalries, and betrayals with other gods
Investigate mysterious phenomena that hint at the true nature of reality—singing monoliths, faceless entities glimpsed at midnight, lands where sound vanishes or memory fails. Some mysteries predate even your awakening, but the only way to learn is to explore, create, and experiment
Face unexpected chaos as you learn to harness the powers of your domain
Collectively shape the endgame: Will your pantheon triumph, fail, or find something stranger than either?
Some questions will find answers. Others may remain unresolved for centuries, echoing in mortal legends. Your gods, too, will search for their purpose—even as they forge it.
Every god starts with 2 Domains (Fire, War, Death, Dreams, Knowledge, etc.) that define their sphere of influence. (A sample list will be given once sufficient interest has been garnered.)
Divine actions generally fall under four distinct categories:
Lucid (in-Domain): Automatic success, no cost. Your god lights a fire, guides a soul to the afterlife, whatever fits naturally.
Hazy (stretching boundaries): Minor cost. You create underwater flames, or raise a corpse temporarily. Define a consequence (a "Ripple") or collaborate with another god.
Surreal (reality-bending): Significant cost. You create sentient creatures, reverse time, shatter mountains. Spend your god's Conviction (a resource that regenerates through worship and roleplay) and accept the risk of Turbulence—glitches in reality that may spawn unpredictable results.
Nightmare (breaking existence): Catastrophic cost. You attempt to kill another god, erase a civilization, or punch a hole into the very fabric of reality. This ALWAYS triggers Turbulence (ranging from whimsically strange to existentially horrifying).
Divine death isn't permanent: If your god is slain (with your OOC consent), their essence dissolves and reconstitutes as a NEW god—inverted in nature, bearing the scars of how they died. You respawn with fresh roleplay potential.
God Concept (3-5 sentences): What kind of deity are you? What Domains call to you?
Appearance: Describe your god's visual form. What marks them as divine? Are they humanoid, abstract, monstrous, beautiful? Limit character portraits to artistic depictions. No anime images or real life face-claims.
Motivation: Why does your god exist? What do they want? What's their moral code (if any)?
Roleplay Example: Post a brief scene (1-2 paragraphs long) showing how your god interacts with the world or another character. Let me see your writing style.
Availability: How many times per week can you realistically post?
Experience: Have you been a part of a play-by-post roleplay before? What did you like/dislike about it? This is more so for my curiosity than anything else, so feel free to ignore this if you don't want to say.
Player Limit: 8 gods (if 9th+ apply, I'll waitlist you; first person on waitlist joins if anyone drops)
GM Style: Collaborative improvisation. I provide structure and adjudication, you provide the magic. Your brilliant ideas become canon.
Content: Violence, death, existential horror, moral ambiguity all welcome. I'll give content warnings for major events. Sexual content fades to black (or goes to DMs, whatever suits your needs), but romantic tension/desire is fine.
Communication: OOC chat for coordination, plot discussion, and real-talk if pacing/tone issues arise. I am amenable to making a discord server for OOC talk if the majority wants it.
You are not becoming a god of an existing world. You are becoming the god who creates it. The blank canvas is terrifyingly wonderful...
The other gods will surprise you. The world will surprise you. Your characters will surprise themselves.
This is a game about imagination made manifest, about creation and consequence. The world holds more than it shows; the origins of divinity, mortality, and existence itself are for you to discover. Questions without preset answers are part of play :) Embrace the unknown!
If that calls to you, reply with your concept, appearance, motivation, example scene, availability, and experience as outlined above. Feel free to inundate me with your questions in this thread.
In the ethereal expanse where the Astral and Material Realms converge, there existed a Luminary of unparalleled grace – an astral entity shaped like a rhino, but one that bore the resplendence of sunfire. It roamed the celestial pathways, a guardian of its corner of the cosmos. Though nothing but a relatively medium sized star back in the Material Realm, the form of its astral consciousness wore a hide shimmering like a sun-drenched ocean; with eyes that held the depth of galaxies, it was the first to witness the anomaly. Deep in the Astral Realm, a stick of light, thin as a reed but radiant as a star, emerged, piercing the fabric of existence. This stick of light, unknown and unheralded, was a harbinger of chaos yet unseen.
The Luminary approached the phenomenon with a blend of curiosity and caution. Its massive form, usually so imposing, seemed to tread lightly, as if aware of the delicate balance it was about to disrupt. As it neared the stick of light, the air around it shimmered with an unnatural frequency, and a sense of foreboding washed over the astral guardian. Suddenly and without warning, the stick started vibrating, sending out waves that the Luminary discovered to be disrupting space - a split second later, the cosmos ruptured. From the fissures around the stick of light, a horde of outer beings, akin to a swarm of locusts, burst forth. These creatures, neither fully astral nor material, were like shadows given form – insatiable, relentless, and utterly destructive. They descended upon the Luminary in a frenzied storm, overwhelming it with their sheer number and ferocity. The Luminary, though mighty in its power, was nevertheless taken by surprise, with the relentless onslaught of the horde being unlike anything it had ever encountered before.
It fought valiantly, its astral horn goring through the shadowy masses and, occasionally, firing rays of searing light that pierced through the dark tide, leaving disintegrating ashes in their wake. All the while, Its sunfire hide torched those that came too close, protecting it in the process. But it was like trying to hold back a flood with a single hand. The outer beings were relentless, relying on quantity over quality as they tore away at the Luminary’s form, shredding its astral essence piece by piece. Very quickly, the battered, screaming and fragmented consciousness of the Luminary was dragged through the portals created by the stick of light, pulling it out of the universe it had sworn to protect.
From afar, other Luminaries watched in horror. They had sensed the disturbance, but none could have foreseen the ferocity and speed of the attack. These celestial guardians, each a master of their domain, now faced an enemy that defied their understanding. With urgency born of desperation, they united, forming a coalition unlike any before. Luminaries of all shapes and forms – Lyrissa, a leopard whose starry spots flickered with ancient wisdom; Cygnor, a celestial hawk with wings spanning the width of nebulae; and Serpegor, a serpent that slithered through the voids of space – came together. Their collective light, usually a beacon of hope and guidance, now shone as a warning signal.
They clashed with the invading hordes, their astral powers crashing against the dark tide. Through this maelstrom of light and shadow, each Luminary rose as a beacon of resistance against the encroaching darkness. Lyrissa, agile and fierce, leapt into the heart of the fray, using her claws, imbued with the essence of starlight, to slice through whole platoons of dark entities. "We must hold them back!" she roared, her voice a rallying cry amidst the chaos. Cygnor, soaring above, dived through the swarms with a majestic grace; each beat of his cosmic wings harnessed the surrounding Lumen to send out ripples across the battlefield, disintegrating outer beings by the masses. "They are endless," he called out, his keen eyes surveying the onslaught. "We need a strategy, or we shall be overwhelmed!"
Serpegor, weaving between the astral currents, struck with precision. His ethereal fangs sank into the very essence of the invaders, sapping their strength and life-force. "Our might alone is not enough," he hissed, his voice resonating with an ancient power. "We mussst reach beyond ourssselvesss…”
As they fought, their emotions ebbed and flowed like the tides of the universe. Anger at the violation of their realms, fear for the fate of all they protected, and a deep-seated determination to stand against this strange and unknown foe. Yet, beneath it all, there was a growing sense of desperation – with each passing moment, the Luminaries found themselves pushed back, their efforts seeming more like a delay of the inevitable rather than a path to victory. The outer beings were not just numerous; they were unyielding, a tide of darkness that sought to engulf everything in its path.
Amidst the tumult of battle, a silent communion unfolded between the three Luminaries, their minds intertwining across the astral expanse. Lyrissa, her spirit a beacon of resilience even as her form battled tirelessly, reached out with a thought tinged with urgency. "I agree, our valor alone cannot hold back this relentless tide. We must beseech Him. It is only through the creator's intervention that this assault may be quelled." Cygnor, gliding through the cosmic maelstrom, his essence dimming with each exertion, resonated with her sentiment in the shared mental space. "Our entreaty must be both immediate and unequivocal. The very fabric of the cosmos is fraying, and without divine intervention, we edge ever closer to oblivion." Serpegor, his serpentine form weaving through the chaos, his scales less luminous yet still defiant, added his voice to their collective plea. "Our call must resonate as one, a singular cry for deliverance. In His wisdom lies our sole refuge from this engulfing darkness."
United in their resolve, the three Luminaries focused their energies, sending a plea across the astral plane. Their message, borne of desperation and hope, traversed the cosmos, seeking the attention of the very deity whose hands had sculpted their home. As they awaited a response, the Luminaries steeled themselves, ready to defend their own realms to the last, against the encroaching darkness that threatened to consume all.
"To Ull'yang, creator and custodian, we send our plea," they roared, their voices echoing through the cosmos. "The fringes of our universe are torn, and we falter against this unknown foe. Grant us your wisdom, your strength, or we shall be no more."Somewhere in the Material Realm, there stood a castle atop a nondescript volcano. One particular spire, overlooking the mouth of said volcano, housed two individuals currently engaged in a strategic staring contest. Of relatively short stature and bipedal in nature, with spherical torsos made of rock, these beings sat on a table facing each other. On the table in-front of them, a grid-like stone board laid, with various pieces akin to mini sculptures placed in seemingly random positions on the grid. The two used their stubby fingers to move said pieces around with thoughtful precision and surprising dexterity. The game - should it be called one - they played involved the tactical movement of various uniquely powered pieces across the board, each move a silent battle of wits and foresight. The aim was to corner the primary piece of the opponent, rendering it unable to escape without being captured.
Amidst their game, the beings conversed in deep, philosophical tones. One argued fervently for autocratic rule, a singular, unchallenged authority to guide and decide. "In the hands of one, decisions are swift and absolute," it proclaimed, moving a piece forward with a clack. The other being, advocating for egalitarianism, countered with a serene voice, "True strength lies in the many. A ruler must listen, and power must be shared for a kingdom to truly thrive." It advanced its piece, setting a subtle trap.
As the game progressed, the egalitarian being skillfully maneuvered its pieces, eventually declaring a decisive victory. It opened its mouth, perhaps to jest about its triumph, but suddenly its expression shifted. Its eyes glazed over, staring into a distance unseen, its body going rigid with a sense of profound realization. The autocratic being, initially irked by another loss, began a dismissive retort, but it stopped short, noticing its companion's distant gaze. It waved its arms frantically, trying to snap the winner out of the trance. "What now? You've won, no need for dramatics," it grumbled.
Abruptly returning to the moment, the winner stood, its demeanor solemn. "My apologies, I must attend to something of great urgency," it said, its voice carrying a weight that belied its small form. It walked away, leaving the room, and as the door closed behind it, the being vanished from the hallway, as if it had never been.
Meanwhile, in the Astral Realm, the scene was one of chaos and desperation. Suddenly, the being made of rock materialized amidst the turmoil. It stood still for a moment, an aura of contained power surrounding it. Then, with a burst of divine energy, the rocky exterior shattered, revealing the immense and awe-inspiring form of Ull'yang. Surveying the battlefield with a divine gaze, the deity quickly assessed the situation, recognizing three main important points: The erratic stick of light, ripping through reality; the, worrying, absence of the Luminaries that had collectively informed him of the events that were transpiring; and the sheer number of invaders that had managed to claw their way into his realm, challenging his, evidently unfounded, belief that the Astral Realm would be of lesser interest to a potential invading force.
Without hesitation, Ull'yang sprang into action. Raising a hand, he harnessed the power of Lumen from his surroundings and, enhanced by his own divine essence, created imprisoning bubbles around each portal and tear in reality. The invading armies, emerging from these portals, found themselves trapped, crashing against the unyielding barriers. Wasting no time, the deity then swiftly teleported next to the stick of light. Erratically as it had been moving, it was beyond the capacity and reach of a Luminary. Ull'yang, however, faced no such issues; the deity brought both his hands around it, clasping it firmly in between, his divine power conjuring ropes to bind the bizarre object. “What do we have here…” he mused, bringing the struggling stick of light closer in order to take a look.
An action that soon proved to have been quite the mistake, as a rip in space appeared right in front of the deity’s ethereal visage. Immediately a chilling sensation like no other suffused Ull’yang’s whole being, a feeling of utter dread and despair unlike anything he had ever felt. “What… is… this?” He thought, perplexed and somewhat caught by surprise at the sudden surge of emotions. In fact, he had been so absorbed, once again, that he’d failed to notice the subtle flecks of divine power breaking off from his form and being sucked straight into the portal. By the time he’d snapped out of it, numerous small black holes had been torn open across the length of both his arms. More akin to gaps than wounds, neither divine ichor flowed from the holes, nor flesh showed through.
Ull’yang quickly teleported backwards, away from the portal and, with a flash of his eyes, willed another bubble around the new addition. “Ugh, things are moving quite quickly. Surprising that my power failed to stop a new one from popping up…” Despite its unknown and, seemingly, powerful origin, Ull'yang found himself wanting to experiment with the bound stick of light. However, he would not exactly be able to do so with it creating portals to who knows where without any warning. So, in the end - and much to his displeasure - decided to use brute force. “Hmm… if you won’t cooperate willingly, maybe you will after a few… modifications.”
The deity clutched the bound object within his hands more tightly, eventually covering it completely. And then he went a step further and pushed with all his might, pushed until an audible crack was heard. His hands, akin to celestial grindstones, crushed the stick, its power merging with the divine essence in its bonds, taming it.
Ull’yang put more bubbles around the stick itself, protecting his hands from any potential new portals, inadvertently causing the essence in those barrier bubbles to also leak into the crushed object. No further vibrating sensation coming from between his hands was the sign Ull’yang sought, and very soon after the cracking sound had reverberated outwards, he got what he wanted.
“Oof, there we go,” the deity sighed. “Half the work is done. Now to get rid of these peeping holes…” Ull’yang thought, turning his attention towards all the bubbled-up portals brimming with outer beasts. It was the first time his realm had invaders barging in, however he witnessed their destructiveness first-hand - and his creations had probably felt it too, even more intimately. “How about you atone for your deeds, little spark?” He mused at his - still clasped together - hands.
Slowly, the deity made a small opening, right where his thumbs joined together, took a huge breath in - an action that sucked in an enormous amount of Lumen - and then blew right into the small opening, releasing all the Lumen he’d inhaled back out. In the moment between exiting Ull’yang’s mouth and entering the opening between his thumbs, the exhaled Lumen-divine essence mix immediately lit up the surrounding Astral Realm in white, hot radiance, akin to a solar flare given liquid form and jettisoned right out of a geothermal vent.
“Whew, that was something alright. You better turn out as I hoped…”
Just as he thought that, he opened his hands and a small, rectangular object emerged from within, spinning around slowly but seemingly in a deliberate manner. Sometimes it spun faster, sometimes slower, and sometimes it reversed its rotation.
Ull’yang watched it spin around for a few moments - almost as if it was trying to get the hang of moving in this manner, something which it very quickly succeeded in - and then followed it with his gaze as it whizzed towards the various bubbled up portals. Upon reaching one such portal, the object stopped and started spinning on its axis, a new type of spin. Ull’yang moved closer and waited for a few seconds, yet nothing happened, apart from the object spinning, of course. “Hmm…”
With a wave of his hand, the Lumen within the bubble imploded, immediately crunching up every outer beast inside into gorey paste. Upon this happening, something clicked within the object; detecting the absence of nuisances, the object moved closer to the bubble, touched it and was immediately sucked into it.
As if having finally found its purpose, the object moved in a straight line towards the rip in the fabric of the Astral Realm, coming to a stop right in front of it. The object had neither thoughts nor emotions, nothing but the singular purpose of mending. Fixing that which had been broken, patching up that which had been torn. Returning something, in this case the Astral boundary, back to its original form.
Eight small appendages emerged from the perimeter of the object, four from its corners and another four from the centers of its sides. Atop said appendages, and depending on which appendage it was, were located specific tools. For the ones sprouting from the corners of the object: a thin, fine needle - made from sheer divine essence given form - capable of omnidirectional movement as well as piercing through the astral barrier.
As for the appendages emerging from the sides of the object: small pincers, equally capable of omnidirectional movement, and sporting a spout right in the middle. Said spout had the, much needed, ability to expel strands of light capable of withholding the fabric of the Astral Realm together - Ull’yang had turned that very same power, previously ripping holes in the Astral, into a tool through which said holes would be mended back together.
Moving methodically, he eradicated the outer beings trapped in the bubbles, then waited for the object to do its job, weaving reality back into place and closing the portals one by one. As he approached the final portal, however, the chilling sensation from before washed over him once again. There, on the other side, was a giant, bloodshot, golden eye, staring straight at Ull'yang, freezing him and the rectangle in place momentarily.
A decidedly feminine voice whispered from beyond the portal, its tone laced with cryptic intent. "Congratulations on solving your little problem," it cooed, the voice echoing in the vastness of the Astral Realm. "And thank you for the gift of divine essence. It was... most nourishing."
Ull'yang, taken aback, focused intently on the eye. "Who are you?" he demanded after a while, his voice resonating with the authority of a deity, yet laced with a hint of curiosity.
The voice chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to reverberate through the fabric of reality. "We are many, and yet, we are one. You have managed to close these gateways, but do not fool yourself into complacency, starry one. There will be more incursions. You would do well to fortify your realm for the next time."
The eye then slowly closed, its golden hue dimming into the darkness, and the presence of the stranger faded away as the portal closed on its own, leaving no trace of the encounter, just an echoing silence in the Astral Realm.
Ull'yang floated there for a moment, contemplating the cryptic message and the fleeting presence of the outsider. He realized the gravity of the situation; the invasion was not just a random occurrence but a prelude to something far greater. He knew he needed to prepare, to strengthen his realm against future threats. The rectangle floated along with him as well. Now having lost its final target, it moved its little appendages around randomly in a futile attempt to close a portal that didn’t exist anymore.
The deity could do nothing but chuckle at his little creation, before willing it to shut down, then storing it away. With the immediate danger averted and the portals sealed, Ull'yang's form began to fade, his task in the Astral Realm completed for now. As he disappeared, his thoughts lingered on the mysterious warning, the implications of which would require careful consideration.
In the Astral Realm, a Luminary, a guardian astral entity resembling a rhino with the brilliance of sunfire, encounters a mysterious and chaotic anomaly in the form of a stick of light. This anomaly unleashes a horde of shadowy outer beings that overwhelm the Luminary and other celestial guardians. In desperation, the Luminaries unite to form a coalition to combat the invaders. They send a plea to their creator, the deity Ull'yang, for assistance.
Change scene and we are in the Material Realm, where two beings engage in a strategic game of intellect and philosophy. One advocates for autocratic rule, while the other champions egalitarianism. After the egalitarian being wins the game, it abruptly leaves, revealing its divine nature as it disappears. This being later appears in the Astral Realm as Ull'yang, the deity.
Ull'yang takes action to address the threat in the Astral Realm, using his powers to mend the tears in the fabric of existence caused by the anomaly. He also confronts the stick of light, which he binds and attempts to control. However, the anomaly resists, and Ull'yang inadvertently lets it create more portals. He eventually manages to subdue the anomaly and begins using it to repair the damage, after first grinding it down and creating a tool out of it.
In the climax of the post, a giant, bloodshot, golden eye appears through the final portal, delivering a cryptic message and warning Ull'yang of future incursions. The presence behind the eye seems enigmatic and powerful, leaving Ull'yang to contemplate the ominous message.
-1 MP to create barrier bubbles that imprisoned the invading hordes of outer beasts just as they left their portals. (1/8 MP towards Domain of Boundaries) -1 MP to bind the stick of light in place using divine chains/rope. (1/8 MP towards Domain of Bondage) -5 MP to crush, merge with divine essence and forge an Artifact from the remains of the stick. -1 MP got succ succ by the lady behind the veil.
Final tally: -8 MP / Remaining MP: 5 MP
PS: I will write up a cs for the thing, I am just dead from lack of sleep rn can't...
Among a myriad of twinkling stars, a deity drifted, his silhouette framed against the vast, inky expanse of the Material Realm. His gaze was fixed upon a far-off solar system where a star, its life extinguished in a brilliant burst of supernova, sprinkled stardust across the void.
"Ah… beautiful, yet bittersweet…” The deity murmured soft words, a blend of reverence and remembrance, as he witnessed the celestial dance of destruction and creation—the very essence of existence. The explosion echoed through the vast silence, a lonely yet magnificent spectacle; it was the divine paradox of endings paving the way for beginnings. The deity’s heart trembled with a sweet melancholy that resonated with the rhythm of the cosmos.
As the remnants of the star dispersed, his focus gently swiveled, drawn towards the core of another, yet equally fascinating, solar system—the very same realm where the other deities had chosen to cast their essence first. Among them, the sun god Itzala, whose brilliance lit the marbled spheres above, reigned luminous over one particular planet. Itzala’s presence within the host star of this system had not gone unnoticed by the deity, yet the radiance of The Sun failed to capture his attention at that very moment; the deity’s eyes narrowed as he beheld the peculiar desert planet the gods had chosen to seed with life, its orbit a slow dance between itself and Itzala’s radiant star.
With a thought, his vision tunneled through the cold void, descending through the veil of atmosphere that cloaked the nascent world. His sight pierced through swirling sands and rocky bedrock as though they were but mist, plunging into the depths to observe a peculiar mycelium lifeform extending its tendrils through the underworld in a quest for sustenance. At the sight, a slight smile of satisfaction softly etched itself across his ethereal features. “It is coming along nicely now.”
Then, with a slow exhale, his focus widened once again, soaring upwards through the crust and over the stark landscape. His gaze was drawn to a massive crater nestled at the planet’s equator, its heart filled with the crystal-clear essence of life—water. Amidst the serene liquid mirror, an island held dominion, crowned by a majestic tree of apparent divine origin. Its leaves whispered divine truths to the winds that caressed its boughs, its roots delved deep, merging with the very soul of the previously barren world. This same tree was something his gaze could not pierce through, yet the deity could feel a familiar resonance coming from deep within its bowels—the Khodex of Creation was hiding somewhere inside.
“I should take a closer look at this at some point,” he thought, making a mental note to visit Allianthe’s grove later. “However it is good to see others prioritizing the safety of the Khodex.” As the deity’s eyes traced the land, they followed a divine river that encircled the equator with purposeful grace; the flow of life-giving waters embraced the cradle of life in the middle with a tender caress, splitting to circle around the serene pool before reuniting in harmony on the other side. Two peculiar statues helped with this separation, undoubtedly an intervention of one of the other deities. “I wonder where this river originates from,” the deity thought, before promptly acting on said thought, sizing down and teleporting right on the planet’s surface.
As the deity materialized upon the arid lands, a swirl of dust heralded his arrival. The sky overhead was a tapestry of daylight, the Sun's rays casting long shadows over the dusty terrain. It was a quiet realm, the stillness only interrupted by the occasional whisper of the wind carrying the scent of a bountiful future. This place, though barren, bore a silent promise of vitality and potential—a canvas awaiting the divine stroke of creation.
With a gentle levitation, he ascended from the gritty sand, his form gliding smoothly over the calm, reflective surface of the river stretching out from the crater. The deity allowed himself to be drawn towards the river’s origin, his form casting a long, slender shadow over the water as he moved effortlessly against the wind, tracing the river's course as it meandered through the desolate landscape. The riverbanks were like veins of hope in an otherwise lifeless body, hosting a modest array of plant life that clung to the essence of existence the waters provided. The stark contrast of barren desert and the verdant banks was a testament to the transformative touch of divine essence.
The deity’s voyage led him across the face of the barren world, the sun god’s light diminishing as he approached the other hemisphere. The sight that awaited him was a stark contrast to the desolate landscape he had traversed. Here, upon the horizon, seven magnificent waterfalls cascaded from ethereal wounds in the atmosphere, their waters plunging into the world with a grace that seemed to defy the laws of the Material Realm. Above, sky islands floated with a gentle serenity, cradling rivers of their own that connected one fall to another. Below, whimsical blooms adorned the entirety of the riverland, banks and wetland alike, dancing flowers swaying to the divine rhythm of creation. Their petals seemed to narrate the lore of the land, a symphony of colors in a stark desert.
He descended amidst the blooms, their gentle swaying a silent greeting to the deity. The flowers, sentient in their divine essence, fluttered with a soft giggle, their whispers a playful melody.
"O traveler of the stars, bearer of ancient scars~" one began, its voice a tender ripple across the water.
"Our birth from celestial showers, in Tuuni’s tender hours~” another chimed in, its voice a melodious echo.
Amused and intrigued, the deity inquired, "Tell me, blooms of wonder, what name bears this land, where rivers from heaven meander?”
In a playful cadence, they sang, “Shangshi La, a realm so grand, where rivers by Tuuni’s hand, carve through desert’s golden sand~”
“And of these rivers, numbered seven, what names bear the breaths of heaven?”
With a graceful sway, they narrated the names, each flower taking a turn in a playful game, “Hermes, Xiaoli, Shangshi, they flow, K'nell, Apostate, with Lorelei in tow, and Benea’s gentle whisper, a celestial glow~"
It was then that the deity, aglow in the subtle, ethereal light his divine aura emitted, began to notice a fading color in the blooms around him. His presence held an, undoubtedly, corrosive effect, wilting the effervescent souls of the blossoms. Yet their song of Shangshi La carried on, their voices braiding through the air with a mystical charm.
Observing the withering petals, the deity spoke with a voice tinged with melancholy, "Oh blooms of innocence, my essence seems to corrode your tender being. Why don't you retreat to a safer haven?”
The flowers, in a symphony of harmonies, continued their lyrical tale, each note a blend of joy and eerie acceptance, “Shangshi La, a kingdom where dreams take flight, amidst the cosmic night~”
Intrigued yet troubled, the deity pressed further, "I see your sacrifice, yet why do you linger in my poisonous wake? Flee, and save our essence for the morrow.”
A blossom, its color almost drained yet voice clear as the heavenly river, replied, “O divine entity, we were birthed by Tuuni’s decree, to narrate the grace of Shangshi La to thee. Our existence is but a fleeting whisper, a ripple in the world river’s gleam~”
“And fear not,” another added, its petals drooping in humble submission, “For we are but few of the myriad blooms that line the banks of the world river, our voices will carry forth in a boundless quiver~”
“And though we wither in your midst,” a third chimed, its voice a ghostly mist, “Our duty we have not dismissed. The tale of Shangshi La, through ages will persist~”
With a soft hum of gratitude, the deity whispered to the blooms, “Your tale is a gentle stroke on the vast canvas of existence, yet your sacrifice makes your lives a poignant note in the symphony of the cosmos.” With those final words, he vanished from the face of Shangshi La, a faint trail of cosmic dust marking his departure.
Once more amidst the cosmos, the deity found himself drifting in the silent expanse, the desert planet a distant gleam against the backdrop of the stars. In his mind, the fleetingness of the blooms’ existence, their ephemeral dance with destiny, mirrored the fragile yet resilient spirit of mortality. The deity mused upon the grand tapestry of existence, where each thread of life, however frail, contributed to the cosmic narrative. He found a strange kinship with the fleeting blossoms, their essence a brief, beautiful note in the timeless melody of the Universe.
As the deity’s thoughts entwined with the stars’ distant glow, a profound realization blossomed within his ethereal heart. Each life held a spark of the divine, a soft glimmer in the endless night, and yet, the vastness of creation often left them adrift in the cosmic seas. It was then that his heart swayed with a newfound resolve; a guiding light was essential, a shepherd amidst the stars to lead the way in a potential divine absence. And what better luminous entities to assume this role than the stars themselves—the suns that illuminated the realms of existence.
It was perfect, really; a network of guardians to watch over said realms, to nurture, guide, teach, and maybe even punish. The stars, the suns of myriad solar systems, appeared as the perfect sentinels. They were the constant companions of planets, the silent witnesses to the unfolding array of life. He stood still and silent for a few moments, his mind racing through a myriad calculations, making sure every aspect of this vision, slowly crystallizing within his divine mind, could be brought into reality without any mistakes. Then, with a breath imbued with divine intent, the deity extended his essence into the Astral Realm, his will weaving through the celestial veil. As his thoughts resonated through the boundless expanse, the astral fabric quivered, ready to embrace change.
His will flowed like a silken thread, weaving through the very foundation of the Astral, embroidering the laws of—what he would eventually come to call—the Luminary System into the cosmic expanse. The deity meticulously crafted the pathways of awakening; each stroke of intent detailed the process through which a star, with its passive interaction with the Astral Realm’s own energy, could transcend its physical existence, birthing a consciousness that resonated with the lives it nurtured. Painting the astral with delicate strokes, he went on to establish the symbiotic bond that would exist between the so-called Luminary and the beings of its domain. He envisioned a grand network, an astral web through which Luminaries could share wisdom, experiences, and perhaps even the whispers of love that bloomed on the planets they safeguarded. This network would echo with the collective aspirations, hopes, and fears of the Universe, a grand narrative shared amongst the stars.
The deity did not forget to include ways through which Luminaries could communicate with the beings of their domains, such as dreams, visions, or perhaps the gentle caress of a breeze carrying whispers of guidance. He saw Luminaries altering planetary conditions, orchestrating favorable environments for life to flourish, their consciousness a gentle tide that could sway the destinies of worlds. He also intricately wove the mechanism of a Luminary’s rebirth. As he threaded this rule into the astral fabric, he envisioned the Luminary's consciousness, upon the physical star’s demise, ascending within the Astral Realm, embarking on a cosmic voyage to infuse its essence into a dormant seed—that of a star hosting life within its system—and thus birthing a fresh cycle of guardianship.
With a flourish of cosmic intent, the deity laid down the final strokes of this new edict into the astral weave. Each rule, each amendment, had been meticulously crafted, a testament to his divine foresight. As the last filaments of his new design intertwined with the astral fabric, a profound stillness enveloped the Astral Realm—a moment of silent anticipation, as if the cosmos held its breath, awaiting the dawn of a new order. Then, like the gentle beat of a cosmic heart, a powerful ripple emanated from the core of his being, cascading through the boundless expanse of the Astral Realm. It was a pulse of divine essence, a herald of change that reverberated through the very core of the Astral. As the ripple coursed through the astral fabric, a profound transformation unfolded.
Amidst the shadowy veils of the Astral Realm, nascent stars began to manifest, appearing like tender buds in a celestial garden awaiting the dawn. Each star was but an echo, a silent promise of the luminous guardians that would one day emerge. Yet, for now, they remained dormant, their light a soft whisper in the parallel void. These astral echoes were the silent testament to the deity's vision—a network of guardians ready to awaken with the stir of consciousness.
The deity gazed upon the ethereal stars, a soft glow of satisfaction radiating from his visage. The Luminary System was now sewn into the fabric of existence, its potential a silent hum in the cosmic harmony. As the deity beheld the slowly forming astral constellations before him, he knew that a grand chapter in the cosmic narrative had been forever etched.
This post, once again, centers around Ull'yang, who is captivated by the cyclic nature of creation and destruction in the universe, particularly on Galbar with all the other gods' various creations. Ull'yang appreciates the transient, delicate nature of life, especially witnessed through the ephemeral existence of blooms on Shangshi La. Intrigued by the resilience and promise of life, Ull'yang envisions a system to shepherd and protect the realms of existence in a potential deific absence.
This vision leads to the inception of the Luminary System, where stars transcend their physical existence to become guardians, termed Luminaries, for their respective realms. Ull'yang meticulously crafts the astral laws governing this system, ensuring a symbiotic relationship between the Luminaries and the beings in their domains. Luminaries, through an astral network, would share wisdom and experiences, and communicate with beings in their domains through dreams, visions, or natural phenomena. Ull'yang also outlines the mechanism of rebirth for a Luminary, ensuring continuity in guardianship across cosmic cycles.
Upon completing the design of the Luminary System, a profound transformation unfolds in the Astral Realm, signifying the inception of a new cosmic order. This change manifests as nascent stars, the potential future Luminaries, awaiting their awakening in the Astral Realm. Ull'yang, satisfied, perceives this as a significant addition to the cosmic narrative, foreseeing a network of guardians ready to protect and guide the realms of existence.
-7 MP Transcedental Action - Introduce the Luminary System into the Astral Realm, and by extension the Universe as a whole. Details on how the system works can be found in the Google Doc link on my repo, in Discord. P.S. As the Action essentially grants the stars potential sentience, I was allowed to count 3 out of 7 MP towards obtaining the Mind Domain. 4/8 MP currently spent towards this goal.
-4 MP towards locking in the Mind Domain for Ull'yang. 8/8 MP currently spent towards this goal.
Domain: Mind
The Mind Domain reigns over the intricate pathways of consciousness, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and memories. A deity who commands this domain isn't just an observer of these mental processes but a sculptor, capable of molding the mind's very fabric, potentially even infusing sentience into previously non-sentient beings.
Imagine having the ability to amplify someone's senses, making the mundane seem magical or the painful become invisible - a deity of the Mind Domain can do just that. They can dip into the streams of thought, subtly planting ideas or reshaping emotions, acting not with overwhelming force but with the deftness of an artist. Memories, too, are within their grasp; they can bring forgotten ones to the forefront or let painful recollections fade away.
Beyond these interventions, the Mind Domain can allow one to stand as a guardian against external threats. In a world where one's thoughts might be vulnerable, the deity acts as a bulwark against psychic invasions or manipulative mind control. Their voice doesn't need to be heard aloud, for they can easily communicate with a silent clarity, unhindered by distance or language, a whisper in the minds of those they address.
And it's not just about influencing individuals; the Mind Domain can make a deity's touch ripple through entire cultures, inspiring thinkers to innovate or leading them to momentous epiphanies. The Mind Domain isn't just a force of power but of potential, guiding and shaping the very essence of thought and emotion in the world.
In the expansive blackness of the Astral Realm, the deity floated gracefully. The ebon curtain of Ir-Vaeri’s domain, which usually seemed like a boundless night sky, was now punctuated with streaks of luminous Astralis Lumen. One of his additions to the Khodex of Creation, Lumen moved in harmonious waves, painting the vast expanse with a soft, stary luminescent glow. Everywhere he looked, the deity could sense the undulating, rhythmic ebb and flow of Lumen—vibrant and ethereal, it was a living testament to the connection it held to both himself and the realm.
With a thought, the deity vanished, only to reappear moments later at another location within the Astral Realm. His movements were fluid, a series of rapid blinks through the vastness. One moment he would be in deep space, with nothing in his immediate surroundings, then the next he would be somewhere deep underground—the layer upon layer of rock making up the majority of the unknown planetoid posed no inherent difficulty to his immaterial form. At each stop, he would mark locations with a special, glowing sigil—a tracking mark, shimmering with divine energy. These locations were places of heightened Lumen concentration, areas where the astral energy was most potent. Taking note of these locations could prove to be useful in the long run.
As he moved, a particular location caught his attention, making him pause. Before him stood one of Mae-Alari's unique creations: a Vein of the Cosmos. This Vein had somehow pierced through the protective barrier separating the two realms, creating a true spectacle to behold. Its rich prismatic hue throbbed, the arcane energies cascading outwards, reaching into the Astral Realm, with tendrils of Lumen attempting to breach into the Material.
What intrigued him more, however, was the surrounding area. The deity's astute eyes observed an unusual crystalline ore structure having taken shape around the Vein. He had noticed a different but similar phenomenon elsewhere as well, but never to this extent. Much like dewdrops forming on the tip of a leaf during the cool early morning hours, Lumen, when amassed in significant quantities, naturally began to converge and condense. This transformation, evidently, was particularly strong—and so much more intricate—near the Veins.
Lumen, after having normally condensed into liquid form, intertwined, stitching together glowing patterns that danced with light and energy. Then a shift had seemingly taken place—from a liquid-like state to a solid. Additionally, this solid didn't just sprout as isolated, sporadic crystalline structures. Instead, it bore a striking resemblance to mineral "vines." These vines, resembling root structures, traversed outwards from the Vein, growing and branching organically. As they spread, they integrated seamlessly into the fabric of the Astral Realm, the natural currents of Lumen dictating their growth direction and patterns.
As the deity’s eyes followed one of the branches, he noted special nodes on the vine—places where the concentration of Lumen peaked. These nodes, much larger than their surrounding structures, stored vast quantities of Lumen, acting as reservoirs of this mystical energy. The entirety of the vine was sturdy, withstanding the constant fluctuations of the Lumen currents. Nevertheless, when he approached, touching one of them in the process, the node shattered into pieces, scattering and merging back into the astral currents. It seemed that, as resilient as they were, they weren't immune to strong disturbances, whether from the natural disruptions of the realm or deliberate interventions by powerful entities.
The deity, lost in contemplation, realized that these structures held potential far beyond what met the eye. To tap into one of these vines was to tap into raw power, and to meditate near a node was to embark on profound spiritual journeys. As the Vein of the Cosmos pulsed before him, he could do nothing but guess as to how many more of Mae-Alari’s veins would someday find their way into the Astral Realm—poking holes where they didn’t belong—interacting with Lumen and creating more crystalline structures like the one in front of him.
He knew how power could both help as well as corrupt, mortals and deities alike, and was under no illusions that this material, should it fall in the wrong hands, had the potential to break the careful balance between the Material and Astral Realms. But then, he was reminded of his encounter with one of the first ever astral consciousnesses; allowing the mycelium to remain as it had, had proved to be quite a fruitful decision on his part.
“I should not be hasty, they might prove to be use—”
As he made to fix the hole in the barrier around the Vein, he noticed the structure reacting to his divine essence; absorbing the foreign energy at a rapid pace, the crystal vine very quickly filled in the empty space on its own, forming a faux bush that effectively plugged the hole shut.
“Well, I’ll be damned.”
In the Astral Realm, Ull'yang observes the flowing Astralis Lumen, the inherent energy of the realm, and as he navigates through various locations, he marks areas with high Lumen concentration. Upon encountering a Vein of the Cosmos crafted by Mae-Alari, he's drawn to surrounding crystalline structures that resemble mineral "vines", born from Lumen's unique condensation process. While these structures hold potential, touching one reveals its delicate nature, disintegrating under his touch. As he contemplates their significance and remembers past decisions, Ull'yang hesitates in action; however, when he tries to mend a barrier breach, the crystalline structure unexpectedly self-heals, leaving him in awe.
None spent this post—9 remaining.
PS. The 1 MP used in the creation of The Capped Ones counts towards obtaining the Mind Domain. 1/8 MP currently spent towards this goal.
Just as humans grow and change with time, interests change as well. I wish I had the urge to roleplay like I used to...
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Just as humans grow and change with time, interests change as well. I wish I had the urge to roleplay like I used to...</div>
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