Shadow - Revision history

Admiralbenbo: /* The Other Layers */

2022-04-04T01:56:06Z

The Other Layers

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:56, 4 April 2022
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	In many places around Quartus, the the Borderlands is very thin and most who step through the Shadow Veil (whether in dream or in the flesh) find themselves seamlessly in one of the layers. Which layer depends on both the location (some areas are more attuned to one layer) and on the person’s own heart. This is especially true of the dead, who are drawn through the Veil and usually find themselves in the layer that best fits how their hearts and souls were attuned. This is not heaven or hell, not reward or punishment. Merely the attraction of like with like. The layers are not good or evil, merely different reflections of the Mortal plane and mortal hearts onto the other planes.		In many places around Quartus, the the Borderlands is very thin and most who step through the Shadow Veil (whether in dream or in the flesh) find themselves seamlessly in one of the layers. Which layer depends on both the location (some areas are more attuned to one layer) and on the person’s own heart. This is especially true of the dead, who are drawn through the Veil and usually find themselves in the layer that best fits how their hearts and souls were attuned. This is not heaven or hell, not reward or punishment. Merely the attraction of like with like. The layers are not good or evil, merely different reflections of the Mortal plane and mortal hearts onto the other planes.

	Each of the layers has a landmark location, a hub, if you will. This center of the layer contains what government exists (although none of them are dominant across the layer) and is the epitome of the nature of the planar layer. Each layer also is home to one or more of the Cysgor fortresses, some of which stand abandoned.		Each of the layers has a landmark location, a hub, if you will. This center of the layer contains what government exists (although none of them are dominant across the layer) and is the epitome of the nature of the planar layer. Each layer also is home to one or more of the [[Cysgoroesi\|Cysgor]] fortresses, some of which stand abandoned.

	=== Mirrorhaven ===		=== Mirrorhaven ===

Admiralbenbo: /* Psychopomps */

2022-04-04T01:54:46Z

Psychopomps

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:54, 4 April 2022
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	=== Psychopomps ===		=== Psychopomps ===

	The spirits of the departed generally pass into the Borderlands within minutes after the death of the physical body. The original design was that guides called ''psychopomps'' would meet them in the Borderlands and guide them into a suitable location in one of the other two layers (the Waste not being a thing in that design). These psychopomps would be liminal beings, mortal but touched by Shadow and able to move freely between the realms to accomplish their duties. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way most of the psychopomps lost their way, and new ones were not trained to replace them. None really know why, although there are theories. Even the existence of these original psychopomps and their organization has been forgotten.		The spirits of the departed generally pass into the Borderlands within minutes after the death of the physical body. The original design was that guides called ''psychopomps'' would meet them in the Borderlands and guide them into a suitable location in one of the other two layers (the Waste not being a thing in that design). These psychopomps would be liminal beings, mortal but touched by Shadow and able to move freely between the realms to accomplish their duties. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way most of the psychopomps lost their way, and new ones were not trained to replace them. None really know why, although there are theories. Even the existence of these original psychopomps and their organization has been forgotten. Post 250 AC: The [[Catocracy]] (and cats generally) serve in this role under the [[Watcher]].

	~~Since the dawn of the 3rd age and the rise of the gods, divine servants~~ (~~both astral~~ and ~~mortal spirits~~) ~~have taken~~ this role~~. Unlike the original psychopomps, they cannot move freely to~~ the ~~Mortal, so many souls drift betwixt and between. The Waste also swallows many whole~~.

	=== Divine Enclaves ===		=== Divine Enclaves ===

Admiralbenbo: /* The Dreamlands */

2022-04-04T01:53:18Z

The Dreamlands

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:53, 4 April 2022
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	=== The Dreamlands ===		=== The Dreamlands ===
			''Main article: [[Dreamlands]]''

	The Dreamlands are the “dark” counterpart to Mirrorhaven. Where Mirrorhaven is attuned to the Astral, the Dreamlands are attuned to the elemental and the primal. This is the home of many of the fey, but especially the Winter Court. If Mirrorhaven is manic, the Dreamlands is soporific. The daily routine, the static sameness, the wilderness. If Mirrorhaven is deceptive, the Dreamlands is forthright in its madness. Here, the risk is depression and apathy. After a while, nothing seems to matter and the soul drifts into sleep. The spirits that find themselves here are those that were attuned to the primal, to the kami or to the elemental planes. They drift into slumber and disintegrate, meld with the layer, or force through to the Elemental and form bodies there.		The Dreamlands are the “dark” counterpart to Mirrorhaven. Where Mirrorhaven is attuned to the Astral, the Dreamlands are attuned to the elemental and the primal. This is the home of many of the fey, but especially the Winter Court. If Mirrorhaven is manic, the Dreamlands is soporific. The daily routine, the static sameness, the wilderness. If Mirrorhaven is deceptive, the Dreamlands is forthright in its madness. Here, the risk is depression and apathy. After a while, nothing seems to matter and the soul drifts into sleep. The spirits that find themselves here are those that were attuned to the primal, to the kami or to the elemental planes. They drift into slumber and disintegrate, meld with the layer, or force through to the Elemental and form bodies there.

Admiralbenbo at 02:13, 14 June 2021

2021-06-14T02:13:35Z

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	These are better termed Fey Courts. Spirits of mortals who stumble into them are often welcomed, although their stay is not without peril. Fey power transforms the mostly-defenseless mortals, shaping their shadow-bodies into new forms. Animals are a frequent favorite--hounds, horses, hawks, and other beasts of hunt and chase are quite common. The Wild Hunt is one particular one, catching those who were guilty of violence and shaping them into prey, while their victims become their hunters.		These are better termed Fey Courts. Spirits of mortals who stumble into them are often welcomed, although their stay is not without peril. Fey power transforms the mostly-defenseless mortals, shaping their shadow-bodies into new forms. Animals are a frequent favorite--hounds, horses, hawks, and other beasts of hunt and chase are quite common. The Wild Hunt is one particular one, catching those who were guilty of violence and shaping them into prey, while their victims become their hunters.

	[[Category:~~Dawn of Hope]]~~		[[Category:Shadow]]
	~~[[Category:Planes~~]]

Admiralbenbo: /* Enclaves of the Gods */

2021-01-25T02:56:06Z

Enclaves of the Gods

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:56, 25 January 2021
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	; Enclaves of the Four: These are primarily sponsored by the [[Seasonal Four]]. They are noted for their similarity to the Mortal Plane and their sheer ''normalcy''. They exist in both Mirrorhaven and the Dreamlands.		; Enclaves of the Four: These are primarily sponsored by the [[Seasonal Four]]. They are noted for their similarity to the Mortal Plane and their sheer ''normalcy''. They exist in both Mirrorhaven and the Dreamlands.
	; Enclaves of Peace: Maintained by [[Peor-fala]] and [[Sakara]], these are found in the Dreamlands. Quiet and calm, these cater to those whose lives were chaos against their wills.		; Enclaves of Peace: Maintained by [[Peor-fala]] and [[Sakara]], these are found in the Dreamlands. Quiet and calm, these cater to those whose lives were chaos against their wills.
	; Enclaves of Hammers and Books: Maintained by [[Lon-ka]] and [[Yogg Maggus]], these are towers of learning for the wise, found mostly in Mirrorhaven.		; Enclaves of Hammers and Books: Maintained by [[Lon-Ka]] and [[Yogg Maggus]], these are towers of learning for the wise, found mostly in Mirrorhaven.
	; Enclaves of Justice and Order: Maintained by [[Roel Kor]], [[Ytra]], the [[Hollow King]], and [[Tor Elan]] dominantly. They exist on the fringes of the Waste and cater to those who wish to risk their (after)life in fighting fiends.		; Enclaves of Justice and Order: Maintained by [[Roel Kor]], [[Ytra]], the [[Hollow King]], and [[Tor Elan]] dominantly. They exist on the fringes of the Waste and cater to those who wish to risk their (after)life in fighting fiends.
	; Enclaves of Bright Colors: Maintained by [[Kela Loran]], [[Aerielara]], and [[Pinwheel]], these carnivals, art schools, casinos, and other such dens of stimulation exist mainly in Mirrorhaven's hub.		; Enclaves of Bright Colors: Maintained by [[Kela Loran]], [[Aerielara]], and [[Pinwheel]], these carnivals, art schools, casinos, and other such dens of stimulation exist mainly in Mirrorhaven's hub.

Admiralbenbo: /* The Departed and Afterlives */

2021-01-25T02:55:35Z

The Departed and Afterlives

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 The sparks of the dead carry with them the nimbus that once mediated with their physical bodies. Upon arrival in Shadow, this nimbus begins to accrete a body of shadow-stuff. For many, this is an unconscious process that results in a body that matches the soul's self-conception. A few retain enough presence of mind to influence the process. While this accretion process gives them a body with which they can manipulate shadow-stuff and interact physically with visitors and other residents of the plane, this body is both volatile and more limited than the physical body they once inhabited. Severe emotional disturbances, afflictions, or even sensory overstimulation such as sexual climax can disrupt the hold of the nimbus on the shadow body, resulting in leakage and partial dissipation. Predators (sapient or not) can draw off portions of one's "flesh" with a touch. Large influxes of energy (such as a mana geyser in Mirrorhaven) can blast it apart, even though they would only injure a physical body. They are more limited in that they do not have the same capabilities for growth or development, as well as for magical manipulation. Those who were skilled with mortal magic find themselves capable of manipulating shadow stuff as if it were magic, but their magic is only a limited mimicry of their former capabilities. A few individuals avert this and retain much of their power--these individuals often find themselves ascending to the other planes as a result.
 [[Category:Dawn of Hope]]
 [[Category:Planes]]

Admiralbenbo at 20:32, 12 April 2020

2020-04-12T20:32:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:32, 12 April 2020
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	The sparks of the dead carry with them the nimbus that once mediated with their physical bodies. Upon arrival in Shadow, this nimbus begins to accrete a body of shadow-stuff. For many, this is an unconscious process that results in a body that matches the soul's self-conception. A few retain enough presence of mind to influence the process. While this accretion process gives them a body with which they can manipulate shadow-stuff and interact physically with visitors and other residents of the plane, this body is both volatile and more limited than the physical body they once inhabited. Severe emotional disturbances, afflictions, or even sensory overstimulation such as sexual climax can disrupt the hold of the nimbus on the shadow body, resulting in leakage and partial dissipation. Predators (sapient or not) can draw off portions of one's "flesh" with a touch. Large influxes of energy (such as a mana geyser in Mirrorhaven) can blast it apart, even though they would only injure a physical body. They are more limited in that they do not have the same capabilities for growth or development, as well as for magical manipulation. Those who were skilled with mortal magic find themselves capable of manipulating shadow stuff as if it were magic, but their magic is only a limited mimicry of their former capabilities. A few individuals avert this and retain much of their power--these individuals often find themselves ascending to the other planes as a result.		The sparks of the dead carry with them the nimbus that once mediated with their physical bodies. Upon arrival in Shadow, this nimbus begins to accrete a body of shadow-stuff. For many, this is an unconscious process that results in a body that matches the soul's self-conception. A few retain enough presence of mind to influence the process. While this accretion process gives them a body with which they can manipulate shadow-stuff and interact physically with visitors and other residents of the plane, this body is both volatile and more limited than the physical body they once inhabited. Severe emotional disturbances, afflictions, or even sensory overstimulation such as sexual climax can disrupt the hold of the nimbus on the shadow body, resulting in leakage and partial dissipation. Predators (sapient or not) can draw off portions of one's "flesh" with a touch. Large influxes of energy (such as a mana geyser in Mirrorhaven) can blast it apart, even though they would only injure a physical body. They are more limited in that they do not have the same capabilities for growth or development, as well as for magical manipulation. Those who were skilled with mortal magic find themselves capable of manipulating shadow stuff as if it were magic, but their magic is only a limited mimicry of their former capabilities. A few individuals avert this and retain much of their power--these individuals often find themselves ascending to the other planes as a result.

			[[Category:Dawn of Hope]]
			[[Category:Planes]]

Admiralbenbo: /* The Borderlands */

2020-04-06T01:21:23Z

The Borderlands

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 6 April 2020
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	== The Borderlands ==		== The Borderlands ==
	The first part of Shadow experienced by travelers or departed spirits is the Borderlands. This is the “true” plane of Shadow. It extends throughout the Crystal Sphere and the knowledgeable can use it to transition easily between the planes. In the Borderlands, time does not move the same as it does in the other planes. In this silvery void, bereft of any physical object except the predators and prey that call this strange place home and the solitary [[Colorfields Fortress]] of the Cysgoroesi, time and space flow in tides and currents. Get caught in the wrong one and you might come out thinking a few seconds had elapsed but finding yourself a decade later, in an entirely different part of the Dream. Or the reverse—you may spend a lifetime in the course of a few seconds and travel thousands of miles, only to find yourself where you began.		The first part of Shadow experienced by travelers or departed spirits is the Borderlands. This is the “true” plane of Shadow. It extends throughout the Crystal Sphere and the knowledgeable can use it to transition easily between the planes. In the Borderlands, time does not move the same as it does in the other planes. In this silvery void, bereft of any physical object except the predators and prey that call this strange place home and the solitary [[Colorfields Fortress]] of the [[Cysgoroesi]], time and space flow in tides and currents. Get caught in the wrong one and you might come out thinking a few seconds had elapsed but finding yourself a decade later, in an entirely different part of the Dream. Or the reverse—you may spend a lifetime in the course of a few seconds and travel thousands of miles, only to find yourself where you began.

	Physical egress from the Borderlands happens via color pools. These shimmering portals range in size from a few feet across to many dozen yards. While the color patterns tell experienced Shadow travelers what plane they exit to, the exit destination within that plane is uncertain. Color pools are transitory in nature—both the destination plane and the location within the Borderlands are subject to change. The only partial exception is the [[Color-fields]], a region where there are dozens of quasi-stable portals overlooked by the largest of the Cysgoroesi fortress monasteries.		Physical egress from the Borderlands happens via color pools. These shimmering portals range in size from a few feet across to many dozen yards. While the color patterns tell experienced Shadow travelers what plane they exit to, the exit destination within that plane is uncertain. Color pools are transitory in nature—both the destination plane and the location within the Borderlands are subject to change. The only partial exception is the [[Color-fields]], a region where there are dozens of quasi-stable portals overlooked by the largest of the [[Cysgoroesi]] fortress monasteries.

	Travel through the Borderlands happens by conscious thought—you do not walk, instead you will yourself into motion. Beware of distraction, because the entire space is sensitive to your thoughts and you might find yourself facing your most carefully-hidden fear, made flesh by your unconscious mind.		Travel through the Borderlands happens by conscious thought—you do not walk, instead you will yourself into motion. Beware of distraction, because the entire space is sensitive to your thoughts and you might find yourself facing your most carefully-hidden fear, made flesh by your unconscious mind.

Admiralbenbo: /* Matter and Spirit in Shadow */

2020-04-06T01:21:02Z

Matter and Spirit in Shadow

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 6 April 2020
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	== Matter and Spirit in Shadow ==		== Matter and Spirit in Shadow ==
	Unlike the [[Astral]] or [[Abyss]]al, where physical, condensed-[[anima[[ bodies are difficult to maintain, physical existence in Shadow is normal. Unlike the Mortal or Elemental planes, where aethereal bodies of diffuse anima held together by will are difficult to maintain, aethereal bodies are functional in Shadow and can interact normally with physical bodies by accreting a layer of shadow anima as an interface.		Unlike the [[Astral]] or [[Abyss]]al, where physical, condensed-[[anima]] bodies are difficult to maintain, physical existence in Shadow is normal. Unlike the Mortal or Elemental planes, where aethereal bodies of diffuse anima held together by will are difficult to maintain, aethereal bodies are functional in Shadow and can interact normally with physical bodies by accreting a layer of shadow anima as an interface.

	Shadow anima is the basic material building blocks of the Shadows. It responds to the conscious (and unconscious!) desires and will of sentient beings and takes physical form, forming bodies, buildings, rivers, and everything else on the plane. Shadow anima is much more fragile than the more elementally-aspected anima native to the Mortal and Elemental planes—without constant attention from a Spark (a mind), it reverts back to formless amorphia.		Shadow anima is the basic material building blocks of the Shadows. It responds to the conscious (and unconscious!) desires and will of sentient beings and takes physical form, forming bodies, buildings, rivers, and everything else on the plane. Shadow anima is much more fragile than the more elementally-aspected anima native to the Mortal and Elemental planes—without constant attention from a Spark (a mind), it reverts back to formless amorphia.

Admiralbenbo: /* The Departed and Afterlives */

2020-04-06T01:19:27Z

The Departed and Afterlives

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:19, 6 April 2020
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	The hub here is the [[Demesnes of the Mad Queen]]. This fortress was once a Cysgor monastery before it was abandoned due to the corruption of the area around it. From here, the [[Blightguard]] conduct raids against the surrounding corruption. Despite the name, the people here are as sane as any. The leader changes regularly as souls burn out—the average Blightguard only lasts 1-2 years.		The hub here is the [[Demesnes of the Mad Queen]]. This fortress was once a Cysgor monastery before it was abandoned due to the corruption of the area around it. From here, the [[Blightguard]] conduct raids against the surrounding corruption. Despite the name, the people here are as sane as any. The leader changes regularly as souls burn out—the average Blightguard only lasts 1-2 years.

	=== The Departed and Afterlives ===		== The Departed and Afterlives ==
	All that lived must die. This is a fundamental fact of the Mortal plane. Nothing, once mortal, can be eternal without cost. Loss, forgetting, oblivion are the inescapable fate of those that die and pass into Shadow. Thus, the soul lives out a span, and then "dies" again. This happens in many different ways, but the general term for this second death is dissipation or dissolution. But in what state are they before they dissipate?		All that lived must die. This is a fundamental fact of the Mortal plane. Nothing, once mortal, can be eternal without cost. Loss, forgetting, oblivion are the inescapable fate of those that die and pass into Shadow. Thus, the soul lives out a span, and then "dies" again. This happens in many different ways, but the general term for this second death is dissipation or dissolution. But in what state are they before they dissipate?

	The sparks of the dead carry with them the nimbus that once mediated with their physical bodies. Upon arrival in Shadow, this nimbus begins to accrete a body of shadow-stuff. For many, this is an unconscious process that results in a body that matches the soul's self-conception. A few retain enough presence of mind to influence the process. While this accretion process gives them a body with which they can manipulate shadow-stuff and interact physically with visitors and other residents of the plane, this body is both volatile and more limited than the physical body they once inhabited. Severe emotional disturbances, afflictions, or even sensory overstimulation such as sexual climax can disrupt the hold of the nimbus on the shadow body, resulting in leakage and partial dissipation. Predators (sapient or not) can draw off portions of one's "flesh" with a touch. Large influxes of energy (such as a mana geyser in Mirrorhaven) can blast it apart, even though they would only injure a physical body. They are more limited in that they do not have the same capabilities for growth or development, as well as for magical manipulation. Those who were skilled with mortal magic find themselves capable of manipulating shadow stuff as if it were magic, but their magic is only a limited mimicry of their former capabilities. A few individuals avert this and retain much of their power--these individuals often find themselves ascending to the other planes as a result.		The sparks of the dead carry with them the nimbus that once mediated with their physical bodies. Upon arrival in Shadow, this nimbus begins to accrete a body of shadow-stuff. For many, this is an unconscious process that results in a body that matches the soul's self-conception. A few retain enough presence of mind to influence the process. While this accretion process gives them a body with which they can manipulate shadow-stuff and interact physically with visitors and other residents of the plane, this body is both volatile and more limited than the physical body they once inhabited. Severe emotional disturbances, afflictions, or even sensory overstimulation such as sexual climax can disrupt the hold of the nimbus on the shadow body, resulting in leakage and partial dissipation. Predators (sapient or not) can draw off portions of one's "flesh" with a touch. Large influxes of energy (such as a mana geyser in Mirrorhaven) can blast it apart, even though they would only injure a physical body. They are more limited in that they do not have the same capabilities for growth or development, as well as for magical manipulation. Those who were skilled with mortal magic find themselves capable of manipulating shadow stuff as if it were magic, but their magic is only a limited mimicry of their former capabilities. A few individuals avert this and retain much of their power--these individuals often find themselves ascending to the other planes as a result.