Tag: World Building

World Building: Immortalized Beings

When a mortal soul completes its cycle, there exists a chance to become Immortalized. Some believe deities select the soul, some believe nature itself decides, some believe an Immortalized must self sacrifice for another to take their place, and others believe it’s all left to chance. 

If one were to ask The Sybil, she will explain there can never be more than 354 Immortalized in existence- one for each day in a standard year. Each Immortalized has a date of esse denoting their death with no two sharing the same date. Only beings who have surpassed their twenty-first year can become Immortalized. They are unable to procreate.  

Once Rituals of Esse have been performed, twenty-nine nights must pass before a being may reawaken. While in their dormant state: lingering wounds or ailments heal, permanent markings adorn their skin reflecting their month of esse, and their hair or eyes take on an unnatural hue.

Within moments of their first breath, an animal is at their side waiting to lead them to The Sybil who serves as a guide into their new existence.

Their animal companion will never stray too far nor will its cycle complete unless the Immortalized chooses to complete their own cycle for a final time. If an Immortalized should choose to complete their cycle, they can seek out The Sybil who will perform the ritual. 

World Building: Calendar System

Beginning in Spring, a single year consists of twelve, thirty-day (approx.) months with a thirteenth month added every two to three years.

OrderFigureequivalent
𒐕HareMarch/April
𒐖IbisApril/May
𒐗Humpback DolphinMay/June
𒐘CrocodileJune/July
𒐙OnagerJuly/August
𒐚ElephantAugust/September
𒐛Fallow DeerSeptember/October
𒐜Striped HyenaOctober/November
𒐝Water BuffaloNovember/December
𒌋CamelDecember/January
𒌋𒐕LeopardJanuary/February
𒌋𒐖FalconFebruary/March
𒌋𒐗Long-Eared Bat…

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.

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.

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.