World Building: “Nature”

Happenings in nature are carried on the wings of small beings tasked with maintaining balance. Constantly flitting to and fro, every aspect of fauna and flora grow familiar with their touch. During seasonal shifts, duties are split with some aiding in preparation while others bring about the change. Bound to specific biomes they vary in appearance.

On the rare occasion nature reveals itself- these small beings join to form a single, larger being. Its appearance varies, depending on biome and season, resulting in countless perceptions.

Nature views Winter not as a time of frigidity or death, but of hibernation during which much can rest. In the same vein, Summer is a time of vibrant activity.

World Building: The Sybil

Sister to Numen of Dreams, she manifests physically, able to navigate this plane without hindrance. As a sybil she foresees actions yet to pass, making her well sought after and funding a lavish lifestyle. Seemingly neutral yet tricky in her delivery, she teeters between letting things run their course and adding a touch of spice to the fray.

Willingness to entertain any and all beings has facilitated an elaborate network with her often serving as liaison between those seeking something and those who prefer to go undisturbed. Numen of Dreams visits frequently, both when she is alone and in the midst of company. While others are blind to their presence, she can see her sibling and others like them clearly. Telepathically linked to Numen of Dreams, she is not burdened with attempting to make sense of her sibling’s illusions, instead understanding with little effort.

A cyclical immortal, she can die- often at the hands of disgruntled clients. When this occurs she is plunged beneath the sea of lotuses where Numen of Dreams envelops her in a warm shroud. Each time she is sent into the depths she must rest for longer before awakening in her last home unchanged.

Appearance

Teal hair fastened in ornate styles to accentuate her daily outfit of choice. Eyes of a dull, lapis blue.

Today Is…

Debunking Day!

An entire day dedicated to fact checking old wives’ tales and common misconceptions? Sign me up!

I don’t know why, but I find it so amusing when something I’ve casually accepted as ‘common sense’ turns out to be dead wrong- especially if it’s something I can link back to learning in school or from a relative. Do I then pay it forward? Of course! I can’t even count how many times I’ve laid in bed and randomly mentioned a fact I learned (my partner is usually already aware, but that’s neither here nor there).

Below are a few I found particularly interesting:

i. The Great Wall of China is not visible with the naked eye from space.

ii. Bananas do not grow on trees, but very large herbs (that look very similar to trees).

iii. Earth does not orbit the Sun, instead orbiting the barycenter (common center of mass between the two).

iv. Absinthe does not cause hallucinations, there simply isn’t enough thujone.

v. SOS in Morse Code does not stand for anything.

SIDE NOTE: I ran through this list with my partner and they were visibly annoyed by the third one.

Photo by Max Chen on Unsplash

11 March

World Building: Numen of Dreams

For every creature who dreams there exists an opportunity to be visited by a boundless spirit. Neither male or female, they fill the mold of whatever marks their fancy. On a whim they can fill your dreams with bliss, creating paradise or just as well plunge you into an illusion of terror. Never one to utter a sound, they prefer to show intentions leaving you to discern their meaning. Your mind is their playing field and if you dream of memories, they can pluck them like a prized trinket- either returning it in due time or keeping it forever.

Welcome Screen Pins: Chittorgarh Fort

After a pretty long hiatus, was I hoping to get one of these posted last week? Yes, but none my Welcome Pins spoke to me…no matter though. I am happy to say I’m getting back in the groove! And where better to start than the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort!

Country: India

State: Rajasthan

District: Chittorgarh

City: Chittorgarh

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Visiting Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Ticket Price: ₹100 INR ≈ $1.21 USD

When to Visit: October to July

Things to See

Temples

  • Kumbha Shyam Temple: Hindu, private place of worship for Meera Bai
  • Samadhishvara Temple: Hindu, dedicated to Shiva
  • Satbis Deori Temple: Jain, dedicated to the Tirthankaras

Other

  • Gaumukh Kund: an ancient reservoir where you can feed the fishes
  • Kirti Stambha: a tower, Jain, dedicated to Rishabhanatha
  • Ratan Singh Palace

Places to Eat

Places to Stay

  • Rang Mahal: In Chittorgarh Fort Village, Rajput architecture, only two rooms, rooftop courtyard, terrace garden

Photo by sanket patel on Unsplash

World Building: Rituals of Esse

When an individual completes their cycle, a number of steps are carried out (typically by those closest to said individual).

  1. The body is washed and dressed before being laid out in the home.
  2. Others sit with the body for several hours or days to be present in the presence of completion.
  3. The body is buried in a fungi cocoon which breaks down the remains while enriching the soil.

In regions where soil will not benefit from the above method, the body is laid out to sustain scavenging fauna with the bones later cremated.

World Building: Keepers of Esse

Deep beneath the tallest peak lies an endless sea of lotuses, each giving off a glow illuminating a number of beings perched upon low lying, flat stone fixtures. Draped in fine robes, these beings oversee the blossoms drifting along soft currents.

Varying Luminescence

  • When a blossom’s light goes out, it signifies completion of a soul’s cycle, with petals closing before descending to dark depths.
  • When a blossom’s light dims lightly, a soul has begun the end of its cycle.
  • When a blossom’s light dims darkly, a soul is nearing the end of its cycle.
  • When a blossom’s light flashes violently, a soul is meeting an excruciating end.

In the final case, if a being can reach such a blossom they will close the petals before placing it back to sink below. If a being cannot reach, however, the soul must wait until its physical body gives out.

Steady steam flows across the surface from which new buds arise, signaling a new cycle has begun.