And so the gods began to act! Several of their guests looked on with interest, as for it is not every century you see the birth of a new world and the first workings placed upon it. Especially not when the path to such an event is so long, and the time before the molding begins so short. Yet others looked on with greedy eyes, assessing the value of what they see, wondering if they should make a return trip. And for some, they lend their hand in its formation.
All great works are preceded by a foundation. The sculptor his marble, a painter her canvas, and actors, their stage. And so the gods of Mysticism, Life and Decadence did lay a most divine foundation, the base on which more wondrous acts are sure to come. At the center of the world was a massive heart of strange composition. Swirled together, the four different types of acts each laid their touch upon the heart. The golden heart studded with gems of crystallized mystic energy shuddered to life and from it rang four separate beats for each palpitation. The first was a high sound, piercing and violent, but ultimately short. It's ring short and powerful, any who walk these lands will know it's rhythm and come to mimic to mimic it's pace. From its artery, it pumps heat and energy, and begins to warm the underside of the lands of this world, starting in motion the process that would ultimately lead to large cavernous caves for life to populate in some areas. The second beat was that of a singing violin, it's sounds rich and whole, long and lavish. It's sound brought forth a richness that hung heavily upon the ears like golden syrup upon the tongue. Those who catch whispers of this far off tune may find themselves wanting more and more until finally, they are without need. And as it pumps, rich metals of silver, platinum, and gold rise up towards the continents, filling them with rich greedy veins of precious metals and gems. The final sound was one most odd. It was familiar, and comforting, but you could not place it. The instrument is one you've heard once before, but you cannot remember what it is or where you heard it, perhaps in dream. Still, its quiet tune dances at the edge of your mind, and one may even miss it if the other sounds drown it out. Yet those who hear this sweet song, tend to forget the noise of the other two, drinking deeply its silky melody. Up into the worlds this pumped strange lines of energy, which spread out into capillary rivers and deep pools. From these waters, many will find peace, protection, and energy. Lastly was the deep percussion, the song of stone. With it the earth moved and the rocks marched, the gems danced and the caverns sang. Those who drew close would feel this beat in their bones and move as one with the earth. And pump it did, molten rock and stone upwards and outwards, providing spaces for the continents to rest upon as they solidified, becoming part of this world. And so the World Heart began to beat, and it's many veins spread over the continents as they arrived.
Which brings us to our first of the guests to place their sale upon the world, the land vendor of most spuddly parentage. From his ship's hold, he produced a most large dark continent of tar, dotted with mountains. Before the sun shone upon it, it simply appeared as a still spot in the swirling aether winds, held up by the veins and arteries of the World Heart. Yet when the sun did alight the continent, the gods could see what lay underneath. A sprawling continent with six mountain outcrops evenly spaced around it's mostly circular shape, arranged so that they formed a ring. Around them, thin bands of green life could be observed in the foothills before the incline gave way to bare rock, but beneath the foothills and beyond out on the majority of the continent lay an ancient realm. Once dark and dense forests, but have since turned sickly or dead across the blackened continent. Tar bogs of pitch black covered another large swath, mostly in the south. With the exception of the strips of green land near the bases of the mountains, and a few isolated areas throughout the continent, the land had rotted. And while there was land upon it, the Life god Multitudes, did indeed cast so much life upon it, that what remained by the end of their exploit, was indistinguishable from what came before. Not only did they spread the wild seeds upon the land, but also imbued the land with life such to the point that thousands of species arose and only existed for a, admittedly cosmic level, blink of an eye. As life took hold, much of the forest was devoured and eaten by the new species, as such, the black forests of this land shrank considerably, opening up more boglands. Still did it thrive. Though most anything green did not survive, some dark green did make its way into the black forest as wide limbed trees with durable branches did take root in groves among the darker sparser trees. Here one may find the six legged tree bear, which walks upon the canopy like we walk along the ground. As there were many a bird and quite a few snakes, so did the nest snake come to be. A large headed snake which twists itself into the shape of a nest for a strange species of white and teal bird. Their eggs shared their coloration, and did indeed attract many predators. For those laid in a nest snake, they are safe from those lured in by their bright glaring colors, for the nest snake snaps out, devouring any drawn in, as well as eating any unhatched eggs when they rot. And of course flowers began to bloom here, in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes allowing the bird population to diversify, some eating seeds, while others drank nectar or the fruit. Striped Crown Moose and fleet deer spiders roam the forest floor, as well as termites of large size, most feeding on trees, but some parasitic. As the seasons changed, it became clear that this had become a temperate rainforest of sorts. Yet deep within, old life held on, twisted creatures of poison pustule which killed the trees and land, slathering it with the photosynthetic slime they spew, only to be retracted and razed of any sustenance. So to did spiders and flies, of which there used to be plentiful, as well as larger predators.
So too did the bogs of tar and muck truly thrive. Amphibians of elephantine sizes, as well as elderly carp alligators, lurked beneath the wide dark lakes, which were also populated with slitherfish, spiderbeetle larva, jellyfish, and a wide variety of smaller unremarkable fish. These large beings served as excellent hosts for parasites, and many were eaten from the inside as a result of these infestations. Still, some species of crayfish capitalize on this, and form mutualistic relationships, eating parasites from off the creatures. One species is even indigestible to the elphantoads, and take up residence inside their bodies, consuming parasites that may feat within. Further out from the lakes, the swamps too hold much life. Many smaller jellyfish are found here, where the water and tar mingle. They prey on frogs. A red and a black variety of herons have taken up residence here, eating the small swimming creatures. Juvenile carpgators are born here, finding ponds to feast in before migrating to larger ponds as they grow. Hardy reeds and mosses grow where they can find purchase here, and giant lilies form paths across the dreary bogs. Yet among them, some of the old life did survive too, twisted raptors of wide foot and hooked jaws. They stood atop the food chain, prying carpgators from the water with unrivaled strength and malice. And yet smaller old life remained too, strange crabs and long black flatworms
Next were the lands so stricken with rot, that only the fungus could grow. Tall branching fungus, among wide capped traditional ones, make up the newfound mushroom forests. Two grow in separate parts of the continent, one in the southeast, and the other in the west. Here a variety of fungi grow from the land, held together with mycelium as one might expect the roots of a forest to clench the soil. Here many bioluminescent flying jellyfish flew through the air, gently stirring up the spores lingering in the air. For many, the spore dense forest would be death, as many of the spores are poisonous or parasitic. Yet many species have adapted to live here. Salamanders as long as a tree is tall, and just as thick, roam the lands, chewing upon mushroom stalks. Across their backs two rows of blue lights. Fungolps survive here, mobile litchen which lawnmower the soil of fallen spores. Lampets and slugs are also common here. So too do tusked cats of about an arms length, which have developed mucus filters on their lungs, which filter their air and are then regurgitated and replaced.
Oddly enough, little new grew upon the mountains. Two species of mountain goat, one bearing twisting horns, and the other flat and wide like platters. A few rock nesting birds took root here, though they don't fare well. Beyond that, the only thing of note is a species of large spider beetle which is born as a larva in the bog only to pupate and finally metamorphosize into their final flying form. High among the mountaintops, they fly inwards to hunt, returning their prey to their nests upon the mountains.
Next was the magnificent seascape, placed upon the world by the god of beauty, Ytlili. The majority of the region consisted of a shallow sea, interspaced with rocky archipelagos and equally stoney islands. Yet lurking beneath the shallow waves, hotspots of volcanic activity bubbled, shifting the water aside for new lands, or forming bubbling areas within the waters.
Here in the wider sections, grouper-whales and huge turtles, islands unto themselves, roamed. They fed on dense schools of fish which huddled together, finding safety in numbers, and giant photosynthetic jellyfish, perhaps a distant relative of those found in the bogs of the first land. There are a few deep pits as well, which host their own ecosystems of lurker sharks and mantis shrimps.
Perhaps more impressive were the reefs which clung to the rocky footholds provided by the islands and undersea volcanoes. Fields of anemones would lazily wave their tentacles in the undersea waves, catching plankton as it drifts by. Other reefs are dominated by corals as stony as the rocks they were built upon, forming huge undersea forests and plateaus. And among them swam species after species of fish, crab, shrimp and cephalopod. Of note were the armor snails, which produced shells strong enough to resist most any predators, giant reef crab, and frogsharks.
Upon the islands the vegetation was at times sparse. On more volcanic islands, rich soil creates tropical jungles in miniature, filled with bugs and birds of all kinds. Truly flying creatures have the advantage here, and thus, are more plentiful. Still mammals exist here. Armadillos are common, drifting upon the waves like coconuts, they travel from island to island. And small mice with wide tails and webbed feet for swimming can be found in small numbers. Though the most intriguing are the ottermonkies. These long armed otter-like creatures have dexterous hands and feet, as well as an affinity for swimming, being able to hold their breath for long periods. They eat both of the shellfish of the sea, and of the fruit trees. Yet dangers lurked here for these land dwelling creatures, daggerfish, swalloweels, and leaping anemones hunted these pristine waters.
Lastly there is the stonelands created by Argonbagh. Composed mostly of the beating magma blood of the World Heart, this land was incredibly mountainous. Though in size, it was smaller than the other two, one purchase and the other spread wide, instead this continent was stacked tall with mountains and peaks. Yet beneath the mountainous exterior, spacious caverns and winding tunnels hollowed out much of the continent, creating a natural labyrinth dotted with all sorts of geological features like rivers, pools, and pits, but also grew nearest to the world heart, which further increased the number of caverns and resources available so that life might take root here. Deep within these caverns, the world heart can be heard most clearly by those attuned to it's slow slow beat. And as a result, it's boons are strongest here.
And life did take root in those dark dank caverns. By Argonbaugh's hand, much life was drawn forth from the rocks. First came the mushrooms, of which there were many species and varieties growing dense and tall in the wetter caverns. Fields of hairlike mushrooms stand eerily still in some areas, forming plains for larger beasts to hide within. Trilobite dogs roamed the caverns in packs, eating what mushrooms and meat they may find. Cave birds also take nest here, flying in and out of the caves as their hearts desire. Some larger species take up full residence, the cave kiwi, which nibbles whatever subsistence it can find. Poisonous moss, as well as several species of slimes, are the favored food of these birds, which makes them absolutely poisonous to predators. There are several species of bat which also dwell here, one which eats insects, the other grazes on fungi. Several hearty species grow near the magma pools. The rock potato, the deep banana, and the ubiquitous lava eel.
The gods looked on proud at their world as it began to come together. The three continents are connected only by the world heart, which draws them comfortably together so that the second's land sea may spread between the three, finalizing the locations of the continents. The aether begins to recede and the world hardens, yet remains pliable so that more may be added in the future.
Next the mortals were placed upon the world. To the surprise of all in attendance, with the exception of a pair of vendors, some mortals already existed upon the world. In the green foothills of the purchased continent, a race of creatures eked out simple lives among the hills, which shielded them from tar bogs and their more dangerous denizens. These people were gold of skin and either red or blonde of hair. They wore simple garb of mountain cotton and lived agricultural village lives. Though it appears each mountain once had its own village, in the ages since it was uprooted, only two have survived on the largest of the mountains in the north of the continent. They lived in clay houses with thatch roofs, and seemed satisfied and quiet in their simple lives. They were soon surprised to see smoke among the nearest mountaintop, for suddenly they were not alone.
The mysterious snake people were placed down upon the continent, but it quickly became clear they were unsuited for the bogs or fungal forests. Instead, they took up residence around one of the mountains, the one in the northeast which was surrounded by bogs, like the majority of the mountains. They were odd creatures, but did indeed match up with the description somewhat. They were almost elven in body, but instead of arms, each had a pair of snakes growing from their torso. They quickly set about working their environment, having a merciless approach, felling soggy trees with stone tools and hunting beasts with rock tipped spears. They rarely ventured deep into the bogs, mostly trimming the edges for what they needed. Those who did head deeper, rarely returned. They built wooden stake lined encampments, with tents of animal skin suspended with branches. They did not live the agricultural lifestyle of their neighbors across the bog upon the mountains, and were entirely carnivores in nature. Life was difficult for them, as they quickly found the meats of this place would fight tooth and nail to keep from becoming prey of the snake people. As such, their numbers quickly dwindled.
Next was the fungaloids. Stout mushmen of various colorations and shapes. They were far from the most clever of mortals, lacking any proper mind, but instead have many smaller minds scattered throughout their bodies. This made information processing rather difficult. Yet what they lacked in intelligence, they made up with sheer tenacity. One may be torn asunder, only to grow into several smaller mushpeople. As such, they often survived being preyed upon by the predators of this area. They lived very simple lives, only slightly above that of the animals around them. They spoke a simple language and lived in hovels of mushrooms that they've scooped out with their hands. Beyond that, their only culture they could be said to have is that they love frivolity. Dances and song are common. Thanks to the workings of Aiei, a second group of the mushroom folk did find themselves upon the mountainous continent, and did thrive there deep within the caverns. A single one is carried off by Synith to learn the secrets of necromancy. The Synith, a mushfolk of powerful abilities to instill rot and decay, as well as growth of fungi and raising of the bones. They grow shriveled and wise, for a mushfolk, but do not appear as though they can die of old age, living on to practice their craft long after their kin have passed. While many ventured to learn the secrets of necromancy, few returned and only the Synith carried away great knowledge. Still, both tribes of mushfolk still learned some minor elements of necromancy, and their descendants were ever changed by it. In the mushroom forests of the first land, the Synith quickly rose to power and gained a following of acolytes which viewed them as a powerful wizard. Though in reality, this mostly amounted to gifts of food and pretty stones to appease the necromancer, for the normal mushfolk were more primitive than most mortals.
The next of new races is that of the stonelings. They are short creatures, stout of body and mind, and covered in crystals across their head and occasionally down their back. Upon their body is a stone shell, forming an armor around them from minerals they digest. Of course, they gain no sustenance from their rocky meals and eat well the meats and mushrooms of the deep. They have two sets of arms and are rather sensitive to the vibrations around them. They are an industrious people, quick to learn and having ply minds. They were natural problem solvers, tending towards straightforward solutions to complex problems, which was both a blessing and a curse, for they tended towards simplicity and utility over intricacy and the ornate. They were mostly migratory, moving through the caverns and tunnels in search of food, staying still only long enough to gather what bounty they might.
The final race is one of merpeople, who live among the rocky outcroppings of Ytila's land. These fishy humanoids either had a fishtail, or biped legs with webbed feet. They are beautiful to look upon, and are covetous of nature. Appearances quickly become incredibly important to these mortals, and shortly after, so does possessions. Quickly they are upon eachother, forming tribalistic societies, each one hostile to the next. They oft raid and pillage each other stealing whatever of value they can find, and killing the members of the other tribes to get it. Beautiful queens quickly come to rule these tribes, their beauty a commodity and their princesses, beings of high value to would be courtesans. Yet one tribe did come to grow larger than the rest. Shortly after being placed upon this world, a meteor stuck the sea and sent massive waves across the ocean. This tribe, being the closest, was nearly devastated and those who survived sought out the object. They found a twisting whirlpool around the orb filled with vibrant life as filter feeders grew around in its swirling waters, feeding upon the plankton drawn in. It was an area that had quickly grown rich in life as the ever industrious waters affected the area around Py. Soon this tribe had rebuilt itself, and has come to dominate the other nearby tribes. The area here becomes strange as the reef and islands tend to rearrange themselves, and often fog covers the choppy waters.
The final element of this world was that of a grafted spirit realm. The gaseous giant very carefully grafted a small seed, comparatively, onto the world. Quickly it ballooned outwards, then twisted inwards until it occupied the same space as the physical world. Here the world looked similar but different, the land of the spirits prone to shifting and reforming itself, by its own accord and through the actions of those on the material plane. Spirits of all natures began to evolve from this primordial soup, though this area was much obscured from the gods, like cloudcover which only provided glimpses into the realms beneath. Though many remained simplistic, the spiritual equivalent of amoebas and thoughtless insects, quickly some areas came to develop their own spiritual counterparts. The quickest of which were the six mountains of the first lands, a pool filled with mystical energy deep within the mountainous continent, and of course, the world heart. These each developed their own powerful spirit which came to rule these lands of the spirit realms. Still other spirits arose. Spirits of wild places were the most common, especially old trees, for example may gain a spiritual foothold. And in the tar bogs, spirits of the ancient dead who's bones have long sunk do rise again, and even the earth gains spirits, mountains and hills, and even the occasional cavern does begin to develop more robust spirits of a variety of types. One mortal even manages to visit the spirit realm, despite its infancy, and bring back what once was physical, but no longer, into the mushroom forests of the first continent. As time progresses, the spirit world will become as rich and vibrant as the physical, if albeit somewhat lesser a place to do divine works.
While the world seemed to be coming together nicely, it was now time for the final act of this new world. A hunter had been promised monsters, and thus monsters born of this world they shall receive. Four aether eggs are placed upon the world, to soak up it's energies and become part of it, if only for a time. The first is the egg of the sky, wrapped in a dense cloud, it hatches into a flying wyrm, who's wings ridge the length of its body and who rides the winds like waves upon the ocean. It's blue scales are sharp and rear facing, while it's mouth is long and full of wicked teeth. It's undulating body takes it far across the continents and even close to the gods on occasion. The second is the egg of the earth. From it is born a massive worm, whos skin is tough as iron and whos ever gnashing maw chews the earth. It digs among the deepest reaches of the world, driving the stonelings upwards. Often it can be found wrapped around the World Heart, constricting it's beating and diminishing it's rhythm. The third is the egg of the sea. A massive brittle star, which walks across the shallow sea. It's ravenous hunger strips both sea and island bare of life and whose body releases a paralytic toxin into the waters all around it. It's color is purple and it has many writhing legs. The last egg falls not in the sea, nor the land, nor the air, but instead plummets into the spirit realm. Little can be seen as whatever hatches darts deep into the depths of the realm, hiding from prying eyes.
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Topic: Gods of Creation 2020 IC (Read 8031 times)