[✗] Shepherds of Aeriel [Magic Lore]

[Qizu 4038]

A Shepherd on their way to guide a lost soul.
 

Souls, an ephemeral component of all realms. Phasing in and out of the living to coalesce themselves into a woven network that has been tethered with their pure firmaments. This webwork of an unceasing agony, one endured by each damned soul, is deemed as the Ebriates, the Soul Stream.

Condemned souls are sentenced away in this realm of the ‘after-life’, the Stream of Souls bears an allure of anguish and dark; one in which the rays of light may not pierce through. Shadows lay awake, stirring themselves throughout to persist over illumination itself. Mundane, or tainted, every soul that has walked upon the living coil is inherently drawn to the Ebriates; to abide by its judgment and flow along an everlasting eternity. Some may find tricky venues in order to “pass on”; flee the Stream once and for all - whereas others are not as fortunate, instead doomed to preserve themselves as foregone remnants lost to the confines of time.

 

Caretaker of Souls, Aeriel, serves as the ‘operating’ Aengul of this very Soul Stream. The Aengul of Ambition and Faith has diverted a fraction of her influence over the ephemeral realm itself; to guide those souls worthy of receiving her Grand Guidance. Her doctrines are not those of extreme violence or destruction, but ones of caretaking and protection, as she seeks to guide the lost (and worthy) to her domain. 

 

As the Grand Shepherd herself was tricky and meticulous enough to interfere with the realm of the ‘dead’ - so had others plotted along to accomplish such a feat. Some of these blighted, darkened souls dare challenge the very judgment of the Caretaker as so by forcing their domain over the rest of weakling spirits to bring doom upon the Aengul, and so escape the Stream to wreak havoc within the mortal realm anew.

 

It is for this very reason that Aeriel no longer retains the strength and indomitable power that she once thrived with. Due to this weakened state, the Caretaker of Souls may only hope to meddle with the living and retrieve those fugitive souls through ushering Her power to machinate mortal bounds, through imbuing fragments of her very essence within vessels of flesh; descendants, and them alone. Those who find themselves making this ‘connection’ with Aeriel are formally known as Her Shepherds.

—

“Olden ages, since those of the revered Ascended, departed the mortal realm; recusing themselves within the towering walls of Aeriel’s citadel. Chaos and decay were cast upon the land, swiftly plaguing throughout by means of Infernal conquest, among a many others.  Voidal phenomena tainted the mortal coil, propagating its venomous essence through the employment of foul beasts - bringing so despair. The lands of Arcas succumbed to the destructive power of these wretched creatures, tearing villages and cities asunder effortlessly; and ultimately forcing the world of Descendants to migrate elsewhere, Almaris. Though the risks and dangers that their souls endure are yet persisting - for this realm too bears monstrosities of Undeath, Hell-ish, and Spectral nature who wish to spread their malicious influence.

As the obliteration of soul-bearing creatures continued to ensue, Aeriel wept. For it was Her sacred tears that flared the sky alit; with dashing stars above the lands of Almaris, as the ephemeral bounds of the Soul Stream kept losing their grasp upon the mortal realm - and its inhabitants - daily. Alas, it was time for Her to intervene; for no longer could She allow Her influence to drift away from the world of the living. It is in this very realm that Her gifts are weakest, yet it is here where She must retain control. Such sorrow engulfed the Aengul, leading to the creation of the Shepherd; for the Ascended are foregone from existence.
 

Aeriel mourned for many suns, and many nights, as the starry-sky veiled a countless amount of drifting stars - but alas, one had strived farther away, befalling upon the soil below and so landing in a system of rivulets amidst the lands of Almaris. Its current was swiftly affected by the impact, and its following traits, such waters gleaming as holy frequencies remit from each wave’s clash. These events were glimpsed by a man, a common-folk, wounded as he crawled in its direction. He had been recently struck down in an act of warfare; his wounds so severe that he was left in the wavering forest to perish; his body later harvested.”



The eyes of Ezekiel, the wounded soldier, caught sight of such a mysterious feature - thus deciding to venture closer. Curiosity overcame the man as he slowly waded into the glowing, melodious water. It began to embrace his flesh, his wounds - searing as if it were akin to starlight. The gleaming liquid induced a burning sensation into Ezekiel, forcing him to usher screams of pain and anguish. Such a trauma rendered the man unconscious as his body traveled across the riverbed, drifting down to the coast.
 

—
 

“Is this death?” He thought to himself. “Where am I?” He yelled within the walls of his mind, for alas, he had entered a different Stream, one unlikely to be found within his realm,  Ebrietæs. Before him loomed a hill with an ethereal tree - much like that of the water he found himself entering.

 

“Who are you?” She called onto him.

 

Confused as to where the voice had come from, he noticed a pulsing within the tree before him. “I am Ezekiel - I was recently in a battle I was crawling to find help in the fore-”

                                            “Soldier.” She interrupted him, “You are safe here.”

 

“I do not know where I am - who are you - am I dead?” The man yet questioned, inquiring over and over. Unceasingly.

 

“Silence.” She spoke calmly into his ear, “For you are in my realm, the realm of Aeriel, but I am afraid I cannot keep you long. I have a task for you to complete before your time is truly to come, my friend.”

 

“What do you mean?” He called to her confused, “For I am dead and to go to the afterlife I-”

Cutting him off once more she spoke, “You are to help me retrieve what I have lost - the tainted and destroyed souls of the realm. They have escaped my grasp but I am too weak to regain them myself  - they are a danger to all those who seek a future in this realm in which we are now. Go forth and spread my mission, and when your task is complete I will reclaim your soul and you will reside with me for eternity.”

 

It was also here that Aeriel bestowed onto the Shepherd her Mission & Tenants, leaving him to keep those who he employs in check.

 

  —

 

The man awoke at the edge of the water - confused at this “fever dream” in which he had just endured. He glanced down to see his wounded and destroyed body but he only found himself staring at freshly healed scars and a glowing hue in his chest. Scrambling to his feet he would look upstream where he had just witnessed the glowing water yet he found nothing.

 

It was at this moment that the man had realized that such a thing was most likely not a dream. Scanning his body more in-depth he would realize that the dagger that he kept with him was glowing the same color within his chest - a bright angelic white.

  —

 

“You will renounce your first-born name, your lineage, and be reborn as a Shepherd of Aeriel. My mission, the Mission of the Shepherd, is to employ all of my forces to protect the mortal world and reclaim the twisted, fugitive souls that have tricked their way out of the Soul Stream. You are tasked with seeking out these wretched spirits, and offering them a chance to cleanse their wicked ailments; otherwise, immediate retrieval of their damned soul is mandated so that they may withstand my Grand Judgment. You serve me, and only me, in the realm where I have the least power. Let my power guide you through your ways; for I have bestowed upon you a second chance with my light, and disregarding such will lead to its removal - along with the claim of your soul.”

 

Spoiler

Descendants who have just been taken under the ‘wing’ the Aengul, Aeriel, by turning themselves into Shepherds are inherently drawn to follow the doctrines and long-term goal of the Caretaker; Her Mission of retrieving lost, fugitive souls.

A Shepherd of Aeriel is a descendent who has been selected to do the bidding of the Caretaker of Souls to help Her maintain her grip upon the realm of Ebrietæs. With the rupture of the Veil, and the countless appearances of nether-spawn (among darkspawn), Shepherds are tasked with the endeavor of ensuring that such souls are to be judged by Aeriel - and the retrieval of those who have escaped the fate of the  stream. Alongside this Shepherds are tasked with protecting future souls from harm through the removal of those who wish to taint or destroy them.

 

Mentality


 

 As an aspiring Shepherd is ultimately reborn, their mindset and long-term actionable goals align with that of their respective Aengul’s - succumbing to a likely-minded will over the course of time that one perdures as a Shepherd.

In its early stages, Shepherds are inclined to fulfill Aeriel’s duties with fervor. Their behavior or way of thinking is barely afflicted until an intermediate period of connection with the Aengul is achieved; the forsaken burden of wishing to reclaim those lost and damned souls, and shielding the worthy spirits from such, embedding itself unto the overall existence of the Shepherd.

For the process of soul-retrieval is exceedingly grim, and devious, the Shepherd takes upon a toll. Their mentality abides by the guidance provided to those spirits, kindred or not, transferring emotions such as wrath, woe, pain, torment, etc., to the Shepherd for each soul that they enlighten into passing completely.

 

Shepherds lack the lust for blood, though as they develop a truthful empathy in relation to the Grand Duty of their Aengul, they may opt to release the souls of those on the brink of death, instead of nursing them back to health, should they be willing. This process ensures a comforting, and warm transition for the wounded and their soul; harmlessly peaceful.
 

Spoiler

Shepherds are quickly overflowed with the whispers of the fallen, and those of their comrades. The gleaming light of Aeriel unites all of them; serving as a ‘motherboard’ betwixt each and everyone one of them.

 

As they harvest more souls for their Aengul to deliberately judge, the foremost feelings that such a spirit may have endured throughout their perilous existence will be slightly shared with the Shepherd; effectively entailing that as one collects more souls, their mentality deteriorates.

Shepherds will never kill haphazardly, instead opting to request for one’s permission prior to freeing their soul. They may never feel an attraction to such, or develop a liking, lest it is directed toward darkspawn among others.

 

Once a Shepherd sights a fleeting soul, or a tainted creature, the Grand Duty of Aeriel poses its will before their own. They will be greatly inclined to either cleanse the said, or directly retrieve it for the Aengul to punish herself.

 

 

Physiology

Once the revered essence of the Aengul, Aeriel, pours into the mortal vessel of the aspiring Shepherd, they will begin to transmute slightly. Due to the lack of control that Aeriel possesses over the mortal realm, she is incapable of empowering or detriment the overall physique of a Shepherd; such meaning that they remain at their strength prior to the connection, if not at the peak of their race.

 

Their soul, nevertheless, is now tethered with a fragment of the Aengul’s own essence; enacting an ethereal barrier against malicious curses, and the like, that may propagate that evil. Alike, a Shepherd bears some distinct features that singularize them from the rest - some passive tells, present whilst Her Grand Duty is enacted. These ‘tells’ consist of the following;
 

Weeping - The soul of a Shepherd is directly bestowed with Aeriel’s radiant gifts, remitting an unceasing glow at the very core of their bodies, as if it were a scar. It may never fade, and it may always shine a persistent white. Alternatively, once the Grand Duty of the Caretaker is enacted, their eyes overflow with gleaming light with a transpicuous semblance of the Ebriates; one that seemingly liquefies to run down their cheeks, as if they were tear-drops.  

Reverb - Shepherds are too blessed with a unique gift, a vocal reverb which they may employ to layer the voices of current, and past, Shepherds that were under the will of Aeriel instead of the main Shepherd’s own alone; serving as mere reverbs of the said Shepherd’s voice. This is due to the fact that a fragment of the Aengul’s essence dwells in each and every one of them - uniting them all together, in soul.

Wisps - As the art of employing lustrous and ethereal crystal is now foregone from existence, the Shepherds have instead found an alternative in which they may dip lightly into the Soul Stream; and bring forth black spacial-like wisps to float around their presence. These may be willed unto Shepherd unwillingly - such as wielding the Scythe and so enacting the Grand Duty of Aeriel.



Tiers
 

The tiering system is akin to many other magics as Shepherds tier through time. The higher a tier the more audible/visible their active tells are. Along with this the higher tier of a Shepherd the more Aeriel’s Tears they can make giving them access to more abilities. Within the Aeriel’s Tears ability below it goes more in depth into how tiers come into account when creating this essence.
 

 

Spoiler

 

Unable to learn any MA or take up any CA that afflicts the soul. All tells are purely aesthetic to reveal that they are a Shepherd - meaning that they have no combat effectiveness, whatsoever. Wisps cannot be smoke screens; reverb can’t rupture ears; etc. Anyhow, these ‘tells’ may only activate whilst a Shepherd wields their respective Scythe - to the exception of eyes remitting an angelic glow, and their vocalized words holding an ethereal tune. 

 

 

 

Oathing

Oathing a mortal, or descendant, under the Tenets and Grand Duty of the Caretaker is but a guileful process. Firstly, the ritual requires a mastered Shepherd, so his expertise may prove fruitful in diverting a fraction of the fragment of Aeriel’s essence that dwells within them; thus reaching out to the soul of the aspiring Shepherd and allowing for the Aengul’s radiant power to be shared.

 

In order to begin this meticulous process, the mastered Shepherd and their respective student must be near a body of water that has been recently blessed through the ability known as Aeriel’s Tears (see below). Such aspiring Shepherd must then be placed within the waters; the core of their bodies, or chest, revealed before their mentor. The scythe of the mastered Shepherd is to pierce through their very hearts so that a devastating blow is delivered to the depths of their being, forcing their soul to react. As they are later submerged under the blessed waters, they begin pouring unto the wound, enlightening the very spirit of the aspiring Shepherd. 

 

After they awaken, an excessive amount of soul-essence revolves around them. It is their duty to disperse such by the means of forging their Scythe; the sacred blade that they may only wield in the name of Aeriel.

Spoiler

OOC and IRP consent must be made for this to take place. If the character in question has had an affected soul in the past (void mage, mystic, etc.), they will be unable to be a wielder of her light leading them to die by mundane means and sent to the monks. If everything else goes to plan, the blessing of Aeriel through ordainment keeps the one being oathed alive.
 

This Section MUST be taught through roleplay to a tier five shepherd for them to attain a TA.

 

 

The Scythe

After an aspiring Shepherd has undergone through the Oathing abided by their respective elder, and their souls bestowed upon with a fragment of Aeriel’s own essence, they are endorsed with the ability to coalesce soul-essence into their blade; instead transmuting into a blessing in order to forge their sacred tool.

 

Forging a Scythe requires the aspiring Shepherd to first be drenched in holy waters, such as stated in the section above, so it may absorb nearby soul-essence. Once the blade has gathered a considerable amount, the Shepherd may then call upon the energy of their Aengul in order to endow the tool with the ultimate blessing. 

 

Whatever material is utilized, regardless of pre-existing traits and the like, shifts to adhere to the Scythe and its respective Shepherd; acquiring a faint, glimmering sheen over a crystallized surface of pure soul-essence - evidently sacrificing most of its durability to be worthy of withholding such gifts.

 

Once the weapon has finally channeled the entirety of Aeriel’s gifts, it will become eligible to reckon the melodies of current and past Shepherds; indicating that the holy connection betwixt the aspiring Shepherd and the Caretaker has been forged successfully.

 

This sacred tool now serves as a means to enforce the Grand Duty of Aeriel onto the mortal realm, as the source of its power radiates through the Scythe. In order to perform any ability, the Scythe must have been previously coated in a singular count of Aeriel’s Tears (see below), which is the sole reason that allows a Shepherd to expand the Aengul’s gifts onto another.
 

Spoiler

Without their Scythe, a Shepherd will not be able to use any abilities.

If their Scythe is destroyed and is not repaired within a period of 4 OOC weeks, they lose their connection to the Aengul Aeriel. Destroying such a strong bond to the soul will nearly destroy that of the wielder. Upon destruction, Shepherds will find themselves unable to walk extended distances or do any physical function beyond that of moving mere steps. To regain their abilities Shepherds will need to recreate their Scythe. This recreation process cannot take place again unless their soul is restored to its full potential.

The Scythe of a Shepherd must be signed by the ST, and will occur along with the roleplay in regards to the oathing.

The durability of the blessed crystal is akin to hardened ferrum.

The creation of a scythe removes any magical/physical properties from before.

Scythes cannot be enchanted by other objects.

If a scythe is taken or stolen from a shepherd all properties of it will be rendered useless to the wielder.

A scythe can only be wielded by the shepherd who made it in combat.

 

As well, the roleplay enacted for the creation of a Scythe may be left to the player’s discretion, so long as it adheres to the fundamental concept of Aeriel blessing the tool.

 

Tenants

Aeriel has not only granted these Shepherds with an unique gift to propagate her Grand Duty and will, but a concise amount of doctrines to ensure her power is not misused.

“1. Do not partake in the worship of or use the power of other deities.
 

2. To use any artifact or magic that affects the soul upon someone, is to disregard the blessing of Aeriel. 

 

3. Do not work with others to harm souls.”

 

Spoiler

These are reasons as to why a Shepherd can be severed, however they can still be broken without OOC repercussion. Examples may be such as employing the use of enchanted (transfiguration) items, mysticism hexes, Naztherak boons, etc. It may also be expanded upon scavenging for souls with Mystics, or aiding a Necromancer in the retrieval of another’s life-force.

[Aeriel's Blessing] - Combative (Passive)
[0 Tear(s)]

The Scythe of a Shepherd has been blessed by Aeriel, and is able to harness her blessing against those with corrupted souls. When dealing damage with a Scythe to those who bear twisted souls, they will find that each inflicted wound is actively dealing more power against the corruption within them. This ability only comes into effect when the blade makes a direct and effective hit onto someone's flesh (meaning that glancing blows or scratches don't qualify) with a soul tainted being;inferi, voidal mage, mystic, etc.. As for mechanics they work as the following.

 

Spoiler

Regardless of just making use of its power, Void Mages, among tainted soul-bearing creatures, will effectively succumb to the detrimental effects that this revered weapon inflicts upon them.

 

One Strike	Upon initial contact with the blade of a scythe, beings with a tainted soul feel an initial pull against their core - as if they had skipped a breath. Throughout their limbs they would feel a slight fuzziness.
Two Strikes	At the second strike of a scythe, a slight ringing noise will become persistent in their ear - however - not enough to affect combat, save for annoyance. This will not block casting.  As for their ligaments, the further away phalanges will go numb (fingers and toes, etc.).
Three Strikes	At the third strike of a scythe - it will feel as if the air had been knocked out of them. Their grip upon weapons or other objects will falter slightly making them more susceptible to being knocked from their hand. The ringing will stop however the voice of the wielding shepherd will amplify in regards to their existing tell: reverb.
Four Strikes	At the fourth strike the affected being will find that their arms and legs have gone numb incapacitating them. At this stage they will begin to see black spots within their vision and are susceptible to unconsciousness.
Five Strikes	At the fifth and final strike from a scythe the damage caused to one's powers will incapacitate them from any further actions for the end of the roleplay encounter.

 

Any damage done by a Scythe will do the same amount of damage as if it was not a blessed weapon. For example if a shepherd wields a dagger scythe and you are cut open with it; whether your soul is tainted or not, it will inflict the same mechanical damage as if it was a normal dagger. Striking someone with a tainted soul will NOT reveal that they have one - they will merely a slight warning inside them that they should leave the interaction or dread moving forwards.

 

Spoiler

Once a Scythe has run out of counts that they are able to withhold at a time, it becomes mundane once more. Its strikes may no longer afflict those additional, blessed effects and instead deliver mortal blows akin to a normal weapon.

[Aeriel's Tears] - Non-Combative (Three+ Emotes)
[0 Tear(s)]
(TL;DR) Tears are employed by Shepherds as a way to fuel their abilities - however, they have their own standalone effects. Each ability is listed with how many tears they require to be used to accomplish. For example; if an ability required one tear, a Shepherd would need to make one/use a stored one by applying it in whatever means necessary according to the ability. Below is the listed creation for tears, and how they are applied when healing. At the bottom of this ability is the “tiering” system for Shepherds. You can only use your own tears.

 

A Shepherd is capable of blessing a body of water with their Scythe based upon that of their tier. This ability is also used for the creation of a Scythe in the aforementioned sections. This does not require pre-existing tears to make as the scythe itself has a small amount of soul essence surrounding their blade, therefore you are merely adding more onto it to use.

To create such an essence one must first find a body of water to bless (1st emote). Secondly, they must then place their weapon within the desired amount of water before saying a desired prayer that reflects on the mission Aeriel revealed to them, making up the portion of the second emote. In the third emote and any after that - the water will begin to glow a vibrant, colorful hue as if it was a bottle taken straight from the stars above.  For every body of water bigger than the max three counts ( for example; tier 4 & 5 blessings), a Shepherd will need to accommodate one emote for every 5x5x5 that they are blessing.



Water blessed with that of Aeriel’s radiant gifts will find itself possessing healing properties made for the use of repairing or helping souls, and mending flesh wounds. For individuals that have fallen victim to scavenging via mysticism; soul-feeding via a False Prince; and other soul-afflicting abilities; they can find themselves able to replenish their soul’s essence by drinking this blessed water known as Aeriel’s Tears. Should this essence be poured into that of any exposed wound magical or non-magical (THAT IS NON-FATAL) - it will slowly cleanse the effects over a course of three+ emotes, leaving behind a white searing scar with a very slight angelic glow. This will not repair detached ligaments, bones or sickness/disease (save for magical-soul affecting sicknesses). Wounds must be fully submerged into the water.

One count is equivalent to one liter of liquid. A Shepherd can only store the number counts that they are able to make daily at a time; as their powers are not strong enough to make an infinite storage of it. However, if one is consumed, spilled out and dispersed, or destroyed, they are able to refill that slot with another stored count of Aeriel’s tear. Should their bottle be given away, it’s prolonged distance from the shepherd will render it’s abilities useless and it will revert back to normal water. This means no selling on the auction house, or giving away to others to store.

 

Spoiler

One may not be revived through this ability, and some creatures, such as Siliti or Fjarriagua, may not be freed from their accursed ailment for their malice knows no bounds.

 

Tier One 2 Weeks	In a Shepherd's first tier, they will only be able to make one count of this essence every 24 IRL hours. One count of essence will heal a pure soul back to its normal state - and it will heal wounds akin to that of a slight laceration or wound.
Tier Two +2 Weeks (1 Month)	In a Shepherd's second tier, they will only be able to make two counts of this essence every 24 IRL hours. Two counts  of essence will heal wounds akin to that of a single flesh tear, an axe or sword cut.
Tier Three +4 Weeks (2 Months)	In a Shepherd's third tier, they will only be able to make three counts of this essence every 24 IRL hours. Three counts of this will heal a single large flesh wound for example a large cut down the back etc.
Tier Four +4 Weeks (3 Months)	At tier four, a Shepherd will find that they can bless larger areas of water at a time alongside a new four count’s daily. By following the above ritual, a Shepherd will be able to bless a body of water akin to a 5x5x5 space. Should one find themselves with 2-3 medium wounds they will need to soak within a larger amount of this essence akin to a bath; taking up the three required emotes to create the water, the three to activate the healing, and one emote for each large wound. These pools of water only last for a total of 15 emotes before dispersing.
Tier Five +4 Weeks (4 Months)	At tier five, a Shepherd will find that they can bless larger areas of water at a time with now five count’s daily. By following the above ritual a shepherd will be able to bless a body of water akin to a 10x10x10 space. In a dire attempt to save multiple people, a Shepherd will find themselves able to create a larger space in which they can heal crowds. As for emote counts, it requires the three needed to bless the water - the three to activate the water’s healing upon the wounds - and one emote for each individual within it. These pools of water only last for a total of 15 emotes before dispersing.

 

[Bloom of Ebrietæs] - Non-Combative (2+ Emotes)
[1 Tear(s)]
This ability is an extension of the wisps tell. By consuming one count of Aeriel’s tears one can amplify the wisps around their body to create a purely aesthetic display that has no combative advantages whatsoever. They can change the colors of these wisps, and create semi-detailed shapes within them. This cannot expand outside of a 3x3 area. To begin this one must consume a count taking up the first emote - then as many emotes as your heart desires to create pretty sceneries which accuracy varies on the Shepherd’s tier.
 

Spoiler

Upon engaging in a combat interaction with another soul-bearing creature, these wisps are immediately washed away from the Shepherd’s vicinity.

 

Their accuracy to contort these wisps into shapes and the like progressively evolves with time’s passing, and the continuation of their tiers, reaching a state in which they may employ these wisps to immaculate perfection upon achieving Tier 5.

[Shepherd’s Calling] - Combative (3 Emotes)
[1 Tear(s)]
By consuming one count of Aeriel’s tears one can use this to expel their reverb tell in a combative fashion. This ability simply amplifies their many voices into a disorienting scream that may shake the very firmaments of nearby soul-bearing creatures. If one is caught in this line of fire they will damage their ears causing them to bleed slightly, however, this is simple to avoid if precaution is made. To start this ability one must drink their count of essence taking up the first emote. In the second emote small particles will begin to disperse in a 1x3 area before them as small wisps of the essence begin to seep out like smoke. In the third and final emote the shepherd can disperse a soundwave of their vocal revered onto a directed 1x5 area before them. This ominous audible display lasts for a total of two emotes, allowing it to be redirected in the direction of 1 block for the second emote. After performing such an act the Shepherd will lack their voice for a mere 2 emotes, leading every emote for the rest of the encounter for them to have a harsh & raspy voice.

If caught in this ability's effective area - for the duration of the screams and one emote afterwards you will find yourself feeling light-headed and nauseous; there will also be ringing in your ears preventing further casting. After this interaction you will have a ringing in your ear leaving you to be hard of hearing for the following 24 hours, but nothing inhibiting combat.

 

Spoiler

This will not destroy anyone’s eardrums. It will not make their head explode, or any other obscene thing. 1x5 means one block wide and 5 blocks forwards. This can be in any direction they can face their mouth.

[Starlit Lantern] - Non-Combative (2 Emotes)
[1 Tear(s)]
With this ability a shepherd can consume a single count of Aeriel’s Tears to amplify their glowing tell. This cannot be used in combat encounters to benefit anything - save for using it in dark places in an event. In the first emote a Shepherd drinks the essence and in the second their already existing glow becomes more apparent as it lights a 5x5 area around them for a duration of 10 emotes.
 

Spoiler

This lights up a 5x5 area of light around them for 10 emotes. It is more of a soft glow and will not blind or hurt anyone ever.

[Purging] - Combative (6+ Emotes.)
[4 Tear(s)] 

(TL;DR) When performing purging it is important that both players work together to follow their respected lore guidelines in regards to severance. This method is similar to how a shepherd is created, and is only usable by tier four shepherds.

There will come a time in which a Shepherd’s preaching about one’s soul reaches those who possess a tainted one, leading them to want to seek out their help. Aerial has granted Shepherds an ability to remove “stains” or “marks” from one’s soul in regards to taint whether it be infernal, voidal, or even ectoplasmic. This can ONLY ever be done on self-wishing beings; meaning a shepherd cannot forcefully purge someone’s soul of darkness.

To begin this process one will need to utilize that of Aeriel’s Tears by creating a large enough pool to fit the individual inside of it, however only three emotes will be needed for a maximum of a 5x5x5 space. Following this, the one that wishes to have their soul cleansed will need to submerge themselves into the water, and expose a piece of their flesh. After this takes place the scythe can then create a laceration upon their core where the water will begin to soak into their body; as the purging process begins.

Once this begins to take place the one being purged will feel all of their senses enhance and their body will begin to feel warmer. The pool itself will begin to shine bright as the waters begin to fight the taint among the individual's soul. After this initial contact the pain will begin to set in as a battlefield is erupting within them. A tense tugging feeling will be apparent and the pain will feel like nothing else they have endured before. Once this process begins a shepherd can take as many emotes as they wish for appeal - however only two more are needed after fully submerging their recently made wound.

Upon completion of this ability the following effects may take place. Any soul affecting MA will be removed from the character and they will suffect any disconnection processes/impairments linked to their existing lore pieces. Should this ability be done upon an inferi - such an act will only kill their soul in the process sending the infernal one back to that of Moz-Strimoza and their initial one into the soulstream, killing the character permanently as such a bodily transformation cannot be undone even by that of Aeriel. As for voidal mages they will find themselves being unable to anchor from the void entirely.

One cost to this ability that those who remove such forces from themselves is the inability to learn any other soul affecting magic; preventing them from going back to their old habits and ways in regards to magic and so fourth. This is done due to the fact that such a cleansing leaves one’s soul pure, but fragile. This can be compared to the equivalent of a stain being bleached repeatedly. This means that while yes, they are prohibited from taking up soul affecting magics, they are still susceptible to taking damage from it like everyone else.

 

Spoiler

Requires OOC consent to cleanse any tainting, blight, etc., that persists on a character's soul. If it is not given, then the character will be affected as if they were normally cut accompanied by a black scar at the site of the wound .If at any point the character is forcefully removed from the water, the cleansing fails. Once this is done the MA or CA in mention must be presented to an ST so that it can be nullified. AGAIN, THIS REQUIRES EXPLICIT OOC CONSENT.

[Swan Song] - Combative (4 Emotes)
[3 Tear(s)]
There will come a time when a shepherd has reached the end of their journey; and wishes to face the Aengul Aeriel once more. This does not send someone to the same place as the Ascended, merely onto their destined afterlife. To do this a Scythe must first douse their blade in three counts of tears to empower it. Doing so will make it a bright white light as they prepare for the next step; this takes up one emote. Afterwards they will then need to drive their empowered scythe into their chest where it can make contact with their soul. Such two forces combined will immediately start the ascension of their soul back onto the realm of the soulstream.  As the soul of a shepherd cannot be affected it will create an immense build up of pressure. In the third emote a loud vibrating noise will become audible as a sign of the building pressure. Within the fourth emote, the soul of the Shepherd will be disbursed to Ebrietæs, and the scythe will explode in a concussive blast of soul essence in a 10x10 range around the shepherd. This will create a very bright flash of light akin to that of a flashbang temporarily disorientating anyone who views it for one emote. This expelled light will immediately do the same damage unto tainted souls as would 5 counts of damage in the ability Aeriel's Blessing. This will permanently kill the player who enacted such a task.

 

Spoiler

Redlines : This ability PK’s the player who performs it. Refer to the ability Aeriel’s Blessing in regards to its effects on tainted souls.

[Severance] - Combative (4+Emotes)
[10 Tear(s)]
Severance is the most destructive thing that can happen to a Scythe. This ritual takes 10 tears, meaning only two Tier 5 shepherds may do it. To begin this both shepherds must imbue their scythe with that of 5 tears. After doing such it will glow an extremely white, vibrant glow alongside that of humming; consisting of the first emote. After such a Shepherd must recite the following aloud to the soon-to-be-removed Shepherd;

“For the Tenants of Aeriel are the most sacred of gifts one can receive; but you have challenged her light and  brought darkness upon it. Therefore you must perish by it.”

Once this has been done, the Shepherds in question must successfully drive their scythe into the core of the tenant breaker. Upon doing so - it will enact the Swan’s Song, permanently killing the player.

 

Spoiler

 

Redlines : Taking up this MA requires that you acknowledge the PK clause associated with this lore. For this ritual to be enacted two tier 5 Shepherds must work together to bring justice to someone that they KNOW THROUGH ROLEPLAY has broken a tenant. This must be proven oocly to prevent that of “he said she said '' drama, or else Aeriel will not bless the Shepherd’s scythes to enact such an action with her power.

 

 

 

The general redlines of the lore goes as follows:
 

Spoiler

-Shepherds of Aeriel is a deific magic, branched directly under the Aengul Aeriel.
-They are not Ascended, they are separate beings.
-They are allowed to partake in any other magic, feat, CA, etc. that does not affect their soul. HOWEVER, this does not mean that any creature may become acquainted with the light of Aeriel; for she only reaches to full-blooded descendants.
-Scythes must be signed by ST to signify that they are sacred tools and you can only have one.
-Becoming a Shepherd does not permit any additional knowledge of Aeriel save for her mission and tenants and the fact that she appeared as a speaking tree in unknown lands.
-At death, they return back to Aeriel as their purpose has been served.
-If they are ever disconnected - they also return to her meaning death.
-As for abilities, you must use the required Tear’s for each ability, and no you cannot use other’s you must use your own. Meaning that if you are tier one, you can only make one tear per day and only store one, that means you cannot do something like Swan Song that takes three. This is my way of combining the tiering system, ability exhaustion, etc. into one mechanic.
-Don’t use abilities you aren’t told about and taught by someone without a  VALID TA.
-Knowledge of Severance must be marked on the MA.
-Abilties only work on Voidal Mages that have a TAINTED SOUL from separate voidal feats, casual void mages do not have a tainted soul.

With the constant introduction of dark magics and creatures, I feel that it was only right to add onto the active story affecting such. This is my take on deity magic combined with aspects of the most recent Ascended, however instead of making them killing machines/demi-gods as many seemed to be, I instead decided to make them take more of a toll on storytelling as their abilities are more for those around them within roleplay save for the mere three or so combative ones. The goal/reason of these existing RPLY is that with the absence of the ascended it has left the world to become swiftly filled with that of dark creatures and magics driving Aeriel’s concern for the well-being of souls to be more apparent. Shepherds do not affect the soulstream, only bring people into it who have escaped its judgement and defend it from those who may challenge Aeriel’s claim to such. Aerial is a lawfully good type of Aengul, and I feel like this lore piece represents her in that light effectively.

-Overall writing displayed has been modified, and grammatical errors that had been overlooked fixed. 

-Feedback from a few players taken into consideration and slightly applied onto the lore.

-Formatting has been touched up.

-Removed instances of Arch-Aengul and replaced it with Aengul
-Added more scythe redlines.

Credits

Qizu - Author - Main Author, Concept Design, & Creator
VictoriaMinaj - Author - Grammar, Ideas, & Formatting

Dragoon - Author - Ideas
Kalehart - Author - Technicalities
 

TreeSmoothie - Consultation
Gamma_Byte - Consultation (Lot’s of It in the Early Stages!)
BoyWonderr - Consultation (Hype Man)

Reference Pieces

Souls
https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/160870-%E2%9C%93-lore-clarification-world-lore-animology-a-discourse-on-souls/

Soul Stream
https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/140411-ebriet%C3%A6s-the-soul-stream/

Aeriel Lore

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/141038-aeriel-aengul/


 

 

[Franczhiz 4053]

BASED.

[BoyWonderr 148]

Well- first off, I think it's extremely well-written. But most importantly, ITS UNIQUE. I love the fact that you came up with something that we just haven't seen before on LoTC and I think that's just absolutely fantastic. I can see where you got your inspiration from and I am seriously blown away. Out of all the things I could have imagined being added to the LoTC lore, this was by far one that I would have never seen coming. It beautiful, its interesting, and its unique enough to get the player base interested. This is definitely something I'd see a large player following for.

A massive +1 from me!

[Heero 4078]

Ascended kinda stinky tho

[Qizu 4038]

1 minute ago, Heero said:

Ascended kinda stinky tho

Thats why they are getting a replacement to get the job done :)

[Ryloth 4312]

28 minutes ago, Qizu said:

-They are also allowed to partake in any other magic, feat, CA, and etcetera that does not affect their soul.

 

does this mean kharajyr y/n

[Royal Peasant 445]

Looking over this and reading through bit by bit, I have been filled with a growing view that has filled my mind. Of a paladin. The kind from a fairy-tale, who does acts of good for they ARE good. To protect and aid people for that is their purpose. And to fight the true evils of the world. Of kind hearted men and woman who do what they can to aid everyone in need and spread good to the world. 

I hope it stays to that image if it gets accepted, some truly good paladins trying to protect all would be wonderful to see. And we don't get anyone trying to go 'vengeful reaper of god' with it.  

[BobBox 3211]

1 hour ago, Qizu said:

This means no using transfiguration items / mystic weapons / necromancer weapons, and etc..

I think this would be best as a redline, not as part of the direct tenets, same with the bit about mystics in tenet 3 - I could easily see someone that interprets these as IC information and could lead to meta gaming with how it’s phrased. 

[TheWhiteWolf 1028]

Overall, really enjoy the lore. I've already discussed my concerns with you over PM's.

Keen to see a force that stands in direct opposition to the Mystics.

[Qizu 4038]

12 minutes ago, BobBox said:

I think this would be best as a redline, not as part of the direct tenets, same with the bit about mystics in tenet 3 - I could easily see someone that interprets these as IC information and could lead to meta gaming with how it’s phrased. 

Edit : Discussed in PMs and fixed on the lore!

[Radzig 546]

Feel like this needs a lot of reworking to read like proper magic lore, can't really tell what the intent is

[Qizu 4038]

9 minutes ago, Radzig said:

Feel like this needs a lot of reworking to read like proper magic lore, can't really tell what the intent is

Not too sure what you mean but if you can go in-depth that would be splendid! I tried to make sure to follow the standard format for magic submissions and the only difference is I included my tiers within an ability.

[tgrt 744]

This really feels like a rich and well developed piece for not only a magic, but a culture around its lore and the teaching of it.
I can see a lot of roleplay possibilities, and this is a solid base that shows a lottt of potential for community growth around it.

[Guzr 2049]

+1 supremely based and kinda cute ngl

[Werew0lf 12022]

you’re just shepherds

 

I run the farm