Amayonnaise

Amathea is the city, Elvenesse is the Nation. It's the same place, with the same title! I'm not too sure about the Malinor treaty. I imagine its still in place, but two of the Nation Leads got banned, and the third recently passed the crown. The bans kind of shut down Malinor's attempts to "subjugate" the Vale and other locations.

Oh are you talking about modern-day malinor? That was my original comment, god damn it: I'm too lazy to retype. There's your full answer!

@ValannorHas a super cute angel lady you might like

Ignore my comment, I am a dumb dumb who didn't read your post properly.

I only helped with the Genesis and Doxa! All original ideas are yours - I simply helped make the words look pretty. I look forward to seeing the implementation of this culture and hope it gains much interest and love <3

This Mani lore is mostly oriented towards the Elven/Aspectist communities. If humans were to make their own variation, I imagine a Wed Nobleman could conduct whatever the human equivalent of this ritual is with a mistress, and then you'd still have your Bastard avenue of RP! Players would absolutely still be welcome to create NPC wives/husbands as well - this method is purely just for those who wish to add some concrete, religious lore behind their child's creation. It wouldn't prevent others from claiming other methods of conception :) And I agree! I wasn't sure if it was required to go through Lore Mags or not - an ST member suggested I do so just because I added in the Redlines for clarification. At the end of my Purpose, I added a note saying I was happy for it to be moved to the Wild Faith subforum if the ST felt it wasn't required to go through the lore submissions! Forgot to respond to this - My personal intention for this fell under the blood/flesh sacrifice upon the flame. I felt it made sense for the Mani/whomever to create the child through each parent's sacrificed blood/flesh, which would provide the shared genetics upon the child. This would also carry across their heritage/curses, and the infertility of any CA's or aged Elves would make their sacrifice ineligible. I simply didn't add this because I wasn't sure how much explanation was necessary.

That is completely valid - I emphasised in the Purpose that the sole intent isn't to provide the Mani with godlike, child-creating powers, but rather to simple provide an alternative option. I did consider fleshing out how exactly the Mani create these children, but to go into that much depth felt a bit excessive, and I wanted to keep the post short. And you're entirely right, FTB isn't essential for the creation of children. However, I'm not entirely sure if we have any concrete posts that specifically state the guidelines on child-creation and the limits of our claims on how the child came to be. We can most definitely simply state our characters had a child, without any of the accompanying RP, but then what about same-sex couples who cannot physically reproduce? This lore enables people an alternative route to take without even having to mention "doing the deed", and permits same-sex couples to have genetic children of their own, but also provides a fun, religious take on the entire concept where we can do a fun ritual and promote some of the old spooky-wooky tribal prayers that are a little less common nowadays.

I wasn't aware! I'm not entirely sure what krekavae is to be honest, but it's good to know there are other options out there! I forgot about this old boi, oopsie.. But Bolomormaa is the Matron of Motherhood and Mothers, and was highly suggested to me as the Mani to use! Of course, anyone can swap the Mani out to use whomever they'd like instead! Thank you so much! And I'm so glad we share the same perspective - it's a fantasy mineman server.. anything should be possible! This lore is exclusively for Aspectism and the Wild Faith. On the current big FTB post, @Battle Unit provided the idea of stork RP, which then made me realise we don't really have alternative child-creation methods in lore. So I decided to take his idea and run with it - providing a religious method through the Wild Faith in which Aspectists could bring forth children without having to resort to FTB, or due to same-sex relationships. HOWEVER, there is absolutely nothing stopping anyone from making their own variations of non-ftb child creation for their own cultures and religions! I look forward to seeing new methods pop up for each race and their system of faith!

I originally wanted to make a Stork Mani specifically for this purpose... But we don't need to bloat the Mani even further, and I didn't have the energy to pump out that much lore.

❀ Blessing of a Child ❀ Bolomormaa, the Wild Princess of Bears, is revered as the Matron of Mothers and Motherhood. Newly wed couples will often seek the Bear Princess out in prayer and ritual for the blessing of children - and often, she provides. A simple ritual of prayer and the donation of flesh or blood is conducted, though this ritual is often adjusted or redesigned to best reflect the couple. Upon the conclusion of one year, the couple may return to find themselves blessed with a child sharing in their genetics. The basic Bolomormaa ritual runs similar to the Celebration for New Life, with the couple departing the night before on a hunt for a bear. The next morning, Priests and Kin of the couple collect flowers, drums, and candles in preparation, and gather at the shrine of Bolomormaa to light candles of purple, orange, and red, and begin a circle of drumming. In this time, the couple return from their hunt and present their spoils to Bolomormaa before collecting a candle of white beeswax each and leading in the prayer. “Bolomormaa, Haelun'Lentosan erneh kae'leh iheiuhii hiylun'ehya weliera. kae iyl'Malii evar halere il'cerun iyul lentos'ohn.” “Bolomormaa, Mother of bears, May you hear my voice and Spirit. I swear to protect this child, With the strength of a bear.” Upon completion of the prayer, the couple each burn organic matter upon their candle - be it their blood, hair, or flesh. This will conclude the ceremony, and the group is left to celebrate as they wish. The couple should keep a close eye on the altar for the next year, for they may eventually be blessed with a child of their own flesh and blood. However, it should be known that the Mani will not always provide this blessing. Examples of adjustments for this ritual could include praying instead to Amaethon the Prince of Stags, or perhaps Ray’voray the Prince of Ratites, as both are deemed Patrons of Fatherhood and would be willing to provide the blessing of a child due to their nature. As long as flesh or blood is burnt upon a flame, with an offering made to the respective Mani, the ritual and prayer may be adjusted however the participants wish. REDLINES PURPOSE Credit ElNarnsaeAme | Wild Faith @WestCarolina@Your Favorite Impure@Valannor@Drusus@AgentofDeath13 - Feedback + Advice @Battle Unit - Original Idea to make Alternate Child-Creation Methods!

Just swap his soul with his twin. Their genetics are compatible dude

-= A Portrait of Anya Calithil =- Flickers of memories wisped through her mind as she struggled to recall where she was. What had happened. A giant Osprey had approached the bridge. Her new Mother snatched, nearly swallowed once. Rescued by herself, only to be snatched and gulped again. She had been successful in throwing Eretria out of the creature’s maw, but Anya had only sunk further within. She recalled pure agony from then on, her blood boiling and racing as she stabbed and jabbed in pure hysteria, seeking to escape the creature’s acidic depths. With the aid of her Father, Nedai, and Arcelia, the beast was eventually tortured into heaving the elfess forth - but by then, her clothes had already melded with her melting, disfigured flesh. Her breathing drew forth in raspy, ragged breaths, and she was incapable of remaining conscious for more than a few moments at a time. She recalled further pain as she was lifted and moved. By then, her very life itself had been on the cusp of fleeting. However, she was lucky. Moments before she was granted the mercy of induced sleep, she witnessed something.. Beautiful. A wisteria, leaning over her. Was it her Mother? As she drifted off, her mind began to wander in momentary thought. 'Mother? Has she visited me? Has she saved me? She can’t have - she’s not alive.. Father said she wasn’t. That her sapling withered. Does this mean I’m dead, then? Oh, Tara…' When the elfess awoke, she found herself lodged in a tub of curious liquid, bound in an obscene amount of bandages. She felt lethargic, struggling to regain sense and motion in her limbs at first. To even move her neck was a near impossible task, though eventually her hand rose to rub some gunk out of her right eye. It took her some time to process what had transpired, and where she now rested. As her memories gradually resurfaced, she recalled Eretria’s own acidic burns and lurched forth - only to cry out at the sudden agony. Her focus shifted, peering down at her frame. Catching a glimpse of her fingers. The marred, disfigured, melted flesh upon those spindly fingers. Slowly, she turned about, seeking a nearby mirror. Her eyes shut, scrunching them for a few brief moments. Eventually, she looked. Flesh, melted and marred. Twisting and coiling upon her muscle and bones. Her wondrous, magnificent mane of sunset coils reduced to thin, frail fragments barely clinging to her warped scalp. Puffy tissue engulfing most of her left eye, and the side of her nose. She sat there in silence, examining this… this creature before her. The movement of its eyes caught her focus - soon realising, soon.. Processing.. 'Is that… me?' A rush of emotions drove forth, flooding her every fibre of being. Shock, soon followed by despair. Shame then, and guilt - for she did not regret saving Eretria’s life by any means, but.. She could not help but despise her own reflection. But how could she feel such a way? For not looking like.. Like this would mean she left Eretria to perish. Anger, then. An immense rage surging forth like a crashing wave. 'Am I being cursed? You abandoned me. I did my duties. I did everything I could - I do them still, now. You abandoned us, and yet you curse us? You curse us with immense impurity? Without a single inch of unblemished flesh? **** you, Tah.' And then.. Grief. For how could she ever hope to wed the most beautiful, most elegant woman imaginable, if she were to look like this? No.. She would have to call it off. She could not have Alatáriel gaze upon her in such a state. No, she couldn’t.. She couldn’t have anyone look upon her. She had been reduced to a writhing mass of flesh and bone. Scarcely more than an undead. Perhaps she already was one. Perhaps her tissue had already begun decomposing... She could not bear the thought. She slowly staggered to her feet, collecting a nearby, thin gown that covered most of her horrific form, and slunk away. To move across the Vale took perhaps hours - one foot at a time. One agonising step, as if she were walking on a bed of nails. But her desire to remain unseen drove her forth, and eventually the once-Cleric vanished within her home, and bolted the locks.

Can we rename Helios to Harrold?

Some years beyond, a lone, crippled figure would approach the Crypt within which the Kortrevich rested. The greying, wrinkled woman would sit beside it for some time in silence, refreshing herself with water from her canteen and some berries she had gathered on the way. Eventually, she straggled to her feet and hobbled off once more - leaving a dried, preserved flower in her place.

Smaller maps definitely. I'm unsure of how 4kx4k would go, as I'd need some sort of comparison to earlier maps we've had that have been smaller, but anything a fair cry from our current map. The return of Fast Travel was amazing in aiding a lot of our travelling issues between Nations, as while I understand the desire for road-side rp, it's basically a rarity that you'll be stopped on the road unless some group is in the middle of travelling to a Nation to raid. However, a new issue has arisen with the return of fast travel, and I see it primarily in Oren (Where I believe the only fast-travel hub exists). Players make too many sub-regions that require fast travel. I spent the other day just hopping between the various human settlements each with their own carriage, and it was kind of ridiculous. If fast travel is continued next map, PLEASE make it something only established settlements and nations can utilise. Only a settlement that has pasted their build and retained a set amount of activity, thus proving they will stick around, should be given fast travel. But that's just my opinion, ofc. In regards to biomes, I'd love to see some more creative regions. In Vailor we had that giant flora biome, which was pretty awesome but I believe it went entirely unused unfortunately. But it would make a fantastic region for the Druids to reside in come next map. A simple search for 'fantasy biomes' on google brings forth ideas for giant mushroom trees, huge waterfalls (Which I would LOVE to see), interesting valleys. What about a voidally afflicted plains with trees and earth that float and grow corrupted flora? Would make for good eventlines and almost any character, regardless of their background, could interact with it! Something we can freely explore and request a planned event if we'd like! - unlike this map's Voidal area which was unnaturally caused and immediately became a semi-pk zone (I think?) and was basically unable to explore without a group. Something more player-friendly!

[ Amayonnaise ] Tāmatsu | Kalii’mari The Caer’duin primarily worship two Mani of the Seas: Tāmatsu the Crab Princess of debris and new reefs, and Kalii’mari, the Squid Prince of companionships and hope. In their honour, the Caer’duin strive to aid in the restoration of nature and creation of unbreakable bonds. Caer’duin are known for their skill in artisanry, as their Patron Mani possess a profound appreciation for handcrafted, colourful, and shimmering offerings. These can include simple shells, wood carvings, handcrafted trinkets, jewellery, or even intricately carved rowboats or entire ships; sunken to the seabed to aid in Tāmatsu’s endless work. [ Various Pinterest Art ] An old, wrinkled woman separates fish from net upon a short pier; barely glancing at the approaching stranger. She didn’t need to, she knew why they had come. Why they all come. “So, you wish to learn of the Formidable Fools? Aye, alright.. Here’s how the story goes” In honour of their Patron Mani, Caer’duin often craft a multitude of items in preparation for rituals and rites, ceremonies and festivals, and general day-to-day offerings and prayers. These crafts can vary from basic wood carvings to jewellery and gems, or to engraved and intricate rowboats. As Kalii’mari blesses and watches over unions, companionships and friendships alike, Caer’duin take great care in forging new relationships. As most Caer’duin begin to form their own crews to voyage the Great Realm together, they seek to collect their own kin as opposed to favouring blood ties. They believe in the combination of varied experiences to build strength and fortune, rather than growing from the same branch and falling from the same tree. As Tāmatsu aids in the construction of new reefs to decorate and mend the ocean’s seabed, Caer’duin uphold a similar duty in the restoration of blighted, corrupted, damaged, or otherwise unnaturally affected earth and sea. In the same vein, Caer’duin are often not overly violent individuals, unless the sanctity of nature is being threatened. It should be noted that Caer’duin are not generally known for their talents in mundane medicines, as their work is more oriented towards the restoration of earth and flora. True to their Origin, Caer’duin are a seafaring Seed at heart. All are encouraged to form crews, no matter how big or small, and explore the Great Realm to deepen their bonds and find afflicted nature to restore. Any true Caer’duin are most at ease upon the waves, and are capable of embracing their fears of the depths to bolden their bravery, much like the Formidable Five during their maiden voyage. [ Amayonnaise ] The Caer’duin Ilmyumier, rather than being a single symbol, depicts numerous images in a singular sleeve situated upon one or both arms or legs. The sleeve can almost be read like a story; the mountainous seabeds around the base rising into dreadful seas that give way to crashing waves and bountiful flora. Within the sky above rests numerous clouds and a compass to guide the Caer’duin’s paths. This Ilmyumier can be inked in one or more colours of the Caer'duin's Crest; deep blue, aqua, orange, yellow, or white. [ looji ] The Caer’duin typically dress in an assortment of bright, patterned fabrics decorated with shells, ribbons, or jewellery. Their hair is often decorated with similar items beaded or woven within, though when voyaging the Caer’duin tend to lift their hair into an assortment of braids and dreadlocks to better preserve it against the salty sea air. The colours of their clothing range from deep blues and aquas to bright yellows, oranges, and whites; to reflect the beaches and oceans where their Seed originates, and their Patron Mani. Caer’duin Rites and Traditions are often hosted and led by the Seed’s Farseers, due to their experience as Green Priests. However, any Caer’duin is welcome to host, and may either conduct the rites themselves or ask a Farseer to step in for the ceremonial portion of the rites. The Trial of Craftsmanship challenges the recruit’s ability to craft and tinker, creating an item to depict not only their path thus far in life, but also the key events that define their reasons for joining the Caer’duin. A journal is required to be kept throughout this trial, reflecting on their initial ideas and inspirations, and how they developed into the final item created and what its features represent. The Trial of Companionship challenges the recruit’s ability to develop bonds of trust and loyalty with those around them, both Descendant and Fauna. The recruit must keep a journal to write about their interactions with at least three strangers. One of these strangers must be a wild animal. They must write each new thing they learn and discover about their newfound companions, and how their relationship changes from stranger to friend over time. At the completion of this trial, they must bring these newfound friends to their Chieftain. The Descendant Companions will be asked for a small, brief interview about their experience, and the animal companion will be inspected for signs of distress or anxiety. The Trial of the Shipwright challenges the recruit’s craftsmanship once more, though this time in the form of large-scale crafting. They are required to construct a small sailboat with an ornate figurehead. This boat must be completely seaworthy, though it can be designed however the recruit wishes - though they will be required to explain their choices to their Chieftain. The sailboat must be larger than a rowboat, and fit a max crew of five. The Trial of the Seafarer is the final task for a Caer’duin recruit, compiling everything they’ve learnt from their previous trials on a much grander scale. The recruit is required to form a crew of three to five people, themselves included, and sail around the Great Realm for a year in discovery of new lands, unnatural afflictions needing intervention, damaged nature requiring restoration, and generalised new experiences to broaden their perspective. They must utilise the sailboat constructed in their Shipwright Task, and may bring along their companions from the Companionship Task. The day before the recruit embarks on their voyage, the Rite of Embarking may take place to celebrate their final Caer’duin Trial. The recruit can opt to host and lead these festivities themselves, to display their prowess as a potential Caer’duin, though it isn’t required. [[ It is highly encouraged to seek out an ET to host a small event or eventline of some kind for the group, however a small story is also acceptable as long as it is written with the input of the other players, and their permission to use their characters. ]] [[If you’re interested in the Caer’duin Seed, please find me IRP (Amayonnaise) or on Discord (Bree#0895)]] Author: Amayonnaise Advice & Feedback: LatzMomo | WestCarolina

A tall, red-haired elfess with a silver clump of bangs collected her armour, longsword and glaive, packing a variety of foods and a skin of water. She departed the Vale with a beaming smile, one that soon faded into stoicism. She knew how the Magi of the Dark abused the Savannah's Mother Tree. She couldn't even begin to fathom how they might corrupt a similar tree, though one borne of sacrifice and the direct touch of the Aspects. Anya Calithil, The Lost Cleric, took watch once more.

A younger, red-haired elfess sought her Father out in the Arvellon Homestead, filled with an intense wrath and fury beyond anything she had ever felt before. Upon entering with Lillyana Caerme'onn in tow, she set about unleashing her burning emotions upon her Father, ranting and raving endlessly. She simply could not fathom how Tanila had suffered prior to her eventual sacrifice - a suffering that greatly added to her desire to be the chosen victim. For one of Tahariae's devoted, she believed that such pain and anguish should never have been experienced, and then left to weaken and ail the now deceased woman. The elfess was consumed with resolve this day - her Will empowered by the sacrifice of a woman she had unfortunately not personally met. A woman she would revere for aeons, regardless. @Fireheart@Your Favorite Impure

Year 51 of the Second Age; The First Seed Day 1 Aeres had swiftly departed from the snowy Fennic citadel, informing Vytrek that she would return “in a bit”. The recent corruption of the Wayshrine of Death had drawn forth a surge of determination within her. For too long she had sat idle, putting little effort into completing her Trial - for too long she had remained content; ignorant in the face of numerous attacks upon the people she lurked among. It was time the once-mercenary returned to her primary design. She draped herself in furs to protect against the bitter cold of the tundra, fitting herself with various sheets of ferrum plates upon her torso and arms. At her hip rested her usual mace, shedding her longsword for a buckler shield upon her back. A bola was coiled upon her opposing hip, and two claw-like daggers slept upon her belt, custom forged for her trial with a backwards curve and refined point. Her task was to locate a beastly creature and slay it, returning to the citadel for judgement following. Though she had travelled the tundra enough to know of its more common creatures, the tall, broad elfess knew something as simple as an Ice Bear or Wolf would not be sufficient. Not because her Trial had specific requirements, but due to her need to prove her self-worth. Having left in the later portion of the day, dusk was soon to fall as she travelled North. She continued through the autumnal treeline, pausing to examine a small pack of wolves, before diverting Eastward into a mountainous ridge. It was here she scaled a tree and used a simple rope to secure her to its branch, ensuring she wouldn’t be buried alive in any snowfall during the night. Day 2 In the early morning she rose, when the sun itself was still awakening. She took some time to prepare herself for the coming trek, combing through her bag for salted meat rations and her waterskin. When finally she was ready to begin forth, she curled around the ridge that offered her safety the night before, encountering an abandoned camp with aged corpses. The tent had been torn asunder, presumably to gain access to the victims within, though there was no sign of shredded flesh or a feed. Whatever had caused such grief upon the encampment had not done so out of hunger. Aeres shuddered in realisation that whatever had caused this could still be lurking nearby - the ridge she found solace in the night prior having offered nothing but false protections. She would ensure to properly scout the area during her next rest. She set East once more, identifying a tall Mountain in the distance that could provide a better vantage point for her journey’s progress. As she had begun the day early, when the sun still had yet to fully rise, she hoped she would have enough daylight to climb it before dark. She left the autumn trees behind her, encountering the crystalline shards that promoted the growth of Athins on occasion. In the midst of her trek, a sudden thump would cause her to dip low; hand gripping upon the stem of her mace. She remained still, eyes darting about in search for the cause of the noise, as she had been on her lonesome for the better part of two days. Movement in her left peripheral drew her focus, noting a smaller-sized screowl, a white cat-like creature with the head and wings of an owl, which had apparently found some interest in her activities. Aeres’ brow had knit, grumbling beneath her breath about the creature’s low level of intellect, though she twisted on her heel to continue forth once more. Intrigued by the foreign visitor in its environment, the small screowl seemed to follow her to some degree, often dipping out of view for hours at a time before she caught a glimpse of it once more in the distance. As the sun began its downward curve, the elfess neared the peak of the mountain she’d noted in the early morn. Though she had assumed it to be a solid peak at first, she soon realised the entire natural structure was entirely hollow, forming a deep frozen cavity in the earth. Just within the lip of the mountain was a shallow ledge protected by an extensive overhang - the perfect location for her second night of rest. Aeres circled the peak in her remaining hour, scoping out the surrounding tundra. She noted a series of high-risen valleys leading towards the south, though eventually returned to her ledge for rest. Day 3 On her third morning, she briefly struggled to climb up from the ledge she slept within, eventually throwing her bag over the lip before gaining a running start and hurtling herself upwards. There she would rest for some time, huffing as she sought to gain her composure. Despite her history, Aeres had always held an incredibly deep well of patience - but this Trial had finally begun to test her true limits. She had seen the countless Troll corpses along the Northern roads, and heard of the Pagan foreigners that assaulted the gates of the Fennic capital. It was odd how barren the tundra seemed. Why had she encountered only a single, young screowl? It wasn’t until she felt an odd, ticklish sensation on her cheek that her eyes opened again, lifting her torso with a grunt as her newfound companion bolted from her form and over a nearby cleft of snow. The elfess staggered to her feet, tossing her bag over her shoulder before lumbering after it. She had only encountered these creatures once before, when Hareven Lorenthus introduced her to his own, and wondered if perhaps it belonged to a pack of some sort. The elfess only managed to skip over the snow bed before she heard it, the low rumbling warning growl - only this was no mere warning. She barely had time to twist on her heel before the beast launched itself at her, colliding with her form and sending the pair tumbling down a minor hill; wolven teeth latching onto the fur lining her shoulders and piercing the flesh beneath. Aeres released an angered roar of pain, her right hand rising to grip onto the wolf’s head in an attempt to pry it off as they came to a sliding halt, her left stump, resting within a ferrum cylinder of her own design, repeatedly bashing down upon the canine’s skull. Eventually it released her, though its heavy paws kicked and lashed out at her large frame, eager to find another vulnerable spot of flesh. She cried out as its claws raked down the side of her features, narrowly avoiding her eye, though the blood spouting from the wound was quick to sting and blur part of her vision. Aeres’ arms flung about in an attempt to shove the mutt from her form, her gaze widened in the struggle to avoid its gnashing jaws. As the wolf whipped its head forth towards her face, her left stump rose to wedge itself horizontally within its maw. Once more, the elfess shrieked in pain as she felt its jaws slowly crunching upon her arm, only barely withheld by the gradually warping metal lining her stump. Her right hand twisted, reaching forth to press her thumb upon the beast’s skull as her fingers plunged within its left eye; blinding it. The wolf howled in agony, immediately releasing her trapped arm as she began to scuffle backwards, struggling to rise. Her breath fell forth in haggard rasps, the mutt slowly circling her; its paws occasionally rising to scratch at its face. She prepared herself, lowering her metallic arm. Eventually, it pounced - lunging forth with its jaws seeking to latch onto her form, desperate for some sort of hold, though the elfess batted her arm forth to smack into the side of the wolf’s head; knocking it off course. It released a loud whine of pain, disoriented and stumbling to rise from the snow, though she descended upon it once more to continue the beating, only halting once the creature lay limp, its skull cracked and caved in from her relentless attacks. Finally, she fell back into the snow, struggling to regain control over her breath. The adrenaline had begun to fade from her form, drawing forth newfound pain. She pried the metal from her handless arm, grimacing at the quickly rising spots of purple and blue; bruises that undoubtedly now lined the majority of her torso as well. Blood was splattered across her form, most of it from the wolf, though she felt the deep punctures upon her right shoulder that had already soaked her fur cape red. Other minor gashes and marks lined her form, though they were near obsolete in comparison to her main injuries. Aeres remained still for some time, watching the sun rise higher into the sky. She glowered at it, grumbling about the mere start of her day, before recalling the valleys within the high peaks of the mountains from the evening before. The elfess slowly pushed herself to rise, packing snow under her cape in some assumption it would relieve her pain - which it eventually did. She opted to follow the Valley’s natural inclines due South, presenting her middle finger to the screowl as it fluttered over a nearby rock, tilting its head. In the later portions of the day, she noted specks of green leaves poking through the thinning blankets of snow, scuffing her boot along the earth to better reveal the undergrowth. The further she travelled, the thinner the snow got, revealing more complete patches of grass and shrubbery. After an hour more, over one final ridge of rocky snow, Aeres found herself overlooking a shallow lake. The opposing bank was entirely void of snow, instead with tall, dense trees that reminded her of the Haenseni Capital. Had she truely travelled that far South? She shrugged her assumptions aside, electing to follow along the river that split off from the lake, forming a sort of border between the snowy tundra and icy greenland. As the sky began to shift into hues of gold and pink, Aeres found herself growing more desperate for a safe shelter to spend the night. Her feet were practically dragging through grass and snow, her eyes already beginning to lid before dark had truly arrived. But then it appeared in the distance; an abandoned tower, with small portions of rubble lining its base, though it still stood nearly as sturdy as the day it was built. As she settled within the tower’s heights, she began to sift through her bag for the scarce amount of medical supplies she’d actually brought with her - a single jar of tippens’, and a small roll of bandages. Enough to prevent her from bleeding out, at least. Though it was far too late to apply the tippens’ to her shoulder and face, she smeared the foul-smelling salve upon her wounds regardless; struggling to wrap the bandages around her shoulder and secure them in place with only one hand. As she finally hunkered down for the night, she noted a moving, brighter patch of colour and sighed in defeat. The screowl cautiously paced closer to sniff at her feet, before freezing as it lifted its head to examine her entirely. Content in its findings, the smaller critter hopped across to her bag, curling atop it for a shared night of rest. Day 4 In comparison to her previous three days of exploring, hiking, mountain-climbing and combat, Aeres opted for a more relaxed day of rest; sticking close to the tower she’d decided to call her temporary home. She woke up well into the middle of the day, having needed the longer rest to regain her energy and begin mending the various injuries across her form. She set to exploring the shores just in front of the tower, removing her boots to pace through the icy water - unwilling to bathe herself due to the salt that would undoubtedly irritate her wounds. The snow-white screowl bounded along behind her as she wandered about, pausing to chase butterflies or the odd beetle, before fluttering back to her proximity. Eventually, the elfess gave in - tugging free one of her daggers and standing within the salty water for near an hour before a fish finally found its way to her. She snapped her blade out, managing to pin its tail and snatched it out of the water in triumph. Turning to the screowl, she addressed it directly for the first time, "YOU SEE THIS? I AM A GOD, AND YOU'RE EATING FISH TONIGHT!" Sure enough, Aeres set to building a small fire - skewering the fish and setting it atop the flames to roast. Her new companion danced beside her while it cooked, eager for the bountiful meal. Only once the fish was baked throughout, split open to remove any hazardous bones, and cooled so as to not burn the screowl’s mouth as it ate, did the elfess finally feed herself. The pair returned to their tower for their final night of rest not long after. Day 5 Aeres awoke with a solemn expression, staring at the decaying roof above. She had finally begun to regret setting off on this trial, though she knew it would have to come to its conclusion soon enough. She’d technically already completed it - killing a lone wolf with technically nothing but her bare hand.. And stump, but the elfess’ need to prove herself carried her forth still; packing her bag and rising to her feet. She blinked in surprise as the screowl nestled itself upon the top of her bag, its paws resting over her shoulder to cradle its head; peering forth. Surprise turned into acceptance as she departed the tower and carried forth East. She followed the icy shore, venturing through an aged battlefield with weapons seemingly forged by giants now rusting within the earth. She skirted around large, crumbling buildings, taking a momentary break to examine a distant ship banked upon a shallow shore. The water began to darken the further she travelled, growing dense with sea grass, shrubbery, and aquatic life. A brief distance out, islands were risen from the water in small groups, teeming with wildlife and drooping trees. The Northern Swamps Aeres cast the distant shores a studious glare, uncomfortable with the seemingly unnatural abundance of life, following the shore as it curved North. The sand and grass rapidly vanished beneath a thin spread of snow once more, with crystalline spires dotting the earth further inland. The occasional snow hare darted across the base of a mountainous ridge beyond the spires, though otherwise the landscape, as she was now used to, was void of life. Aeres came to a steady halt, slowly lifting her bag over her shoulder to drop it upon the ground, ensuring the screowl had enough time to clamber across to her other shoulder. She squatted in the snow, rifling through her supplies in search of some parchment and ink. Her focus skimmed across to the screowl as it hopped off her shoulder, plodding through the snow that rose halfway up its legs. “..Don’t imagine you know Vytrek, mm? Might have to see if I can train you to deliver letters for me. Let’s hope you understand directions, for now.. WEST. GO WEST” Aeres would lift a hand to point at the mountain ridge, arcing her arm. The screowl chirped up at her, tilting its head in absolute lack of understanding, though its feathers suddenly stood up; whipping about to peer off into the distance. The elfess’ gaze rose also, examining the distant swamps in confusion, “What on Almaris has you so flustered? Listen to me, WES-” She froze. A rumbling, thunderous roar echoed through the skies from the distant swamp isles, causing her eyes to widen and heart to race. Whatever it belonged to was far larger than a wolf, and she could only hope it was land-bound. She quickly scrawled her note, withdrawing a length of ribbon to attach it to the screowl’s front left paw, lifting it within her hands as the distant creature released another echoing bellow. “Alright. Even if it’s just to save yourself, please go West. Find someone, anyone - whatever that thing is, it’s getting closer. West, alright?” Aeres pointed once more at the mountain range, before raising the screowl into the air, briefly dipping her hands to encourage it to take flight. The creature chirped at her as it began its departure, soaring off and out of the view of a darkened shadow that began to rise from the distant isles. It looped through the air momentarily, and then redirected its course directly towards her, rapidly growing in size as it grew closer and closer. Aeres began to curse under her breath. She wasn’t entirely sure what had awakened the creature - perhaps it simply arose to begin hunting, and often preyed upon the hares along the shore? Or maybe it was the dried blood caking her form, the wind carrying such a scent over to its nest. Regardless, the creature was awake, flying, and apparently quite large in size. The elfess remained still for some time, watching its approach in order to better assess what exactly she would be up against. Her hands shifted about her frame, as if deciding which weapon to wield first, though finally drew the buckler shield from her back. The flying creature appeared much like a dragon as it grew closer - green in hue, though its body was far more sleek and thin, missing the upwards-curved snout and prominent horns. It appeared to be nearly 16 feet in length - a little more than double Aeres’ height, and weighing far more than she. The Crackadonk Aeres drew forth her buckler shield as the creature ascended slightly, fitting the shield upon her stump with its specialised strap. An odd, sharp clacking noise began to sound in the air above as the elfess lifted her focus, only to raise her shield as a torrent of bright flame was expelled upon her. Whilst this creature certainly didn’t look like a real Dragon, it most certainly had the same capabilities, it would seem. She turned on her heel after the first torrent; the creature skimming past her in the sky before completing a loop. Her shield rose again as she began to sprint towards the crystalline spires further inland, flame lashing down upon her and licking at her shins and feet - heating her steel boots quite rapidly. As the creature completed its second pass and prepared its third, the elfess dove for the safety of the ice, her hand whipping about to pry the steaming boots from her legs. Upon settling her layered feet within the snow, she would sigh from the relief of the cold upon her roasted flesh, though tensed once more at the oncoming clacking. As the creature neared, it paused to rain flames over the top of the extensive ice structure, causing droplets of water to drip down around Aeres. She stumbled to her feet once its attack was concluded, huffing in an attempt to draw upon whatever courage she had left, freeing her mace and sprinting out from under the ice; battering the center of her shield to draw its ire. Rather than speed towards her aggravating sound, the beast began to climb higher in the sky before abruptly folding its wings and dropping towards her. Aeres paused in utter confusion, pondering whether the sound had straight up knocked the creature out, before its wings shifted - guiding its fall. It was planned. She turned on her heel to sprint out of the way once more, alas her right leg was caught in the creature’s snapping jaw. As it hit the ground, the elfess’ leg gripped within its maw, it began to rapidly thrash its body about to roll through the snow - dragging her with it. Aeres’ shield was lost in the midst of the struggle, tumbling on occasion to prevent her leg from being completely ripped from her torso. Her mace swung forth over and over, bashing repeatedly against the hardened scales of the creature’s scalp, though the bludgeoning did nothing to rend flesh. However, the false-dragon’s grip upon her leg loosened, eventually releasing her entirely as it grew disoriented from the combined rolling and her attacks. Now tossed to the side, Aeres dropped her mace to collect the bola firmly attached to her hip, drawing it forth and idly swinging it in preparation. Her leg sparked with immense pain with each step she took, though the elfess’ sole focus was on her success; her survival. The creature’s throat began to clack once more, its jaw slightly opened to encourage the spark of a flame. The elfess lunged forth with this, releasing the bola to send it hurtling towards the creature’s snout, curling under and around before entangling together at their weighted ends. Aeres’ arm flung out to latch onto the rope as she landed against the creature, tugging on it to pull it taut, ensuring the creature was unable to release another torrent of flame - though its throat brightened as smoke seeped forth from its nostrils, and heat expelled from the gaps between its jagged teeth. The creature grew agitated with this new limitation, suddenly digging through the snow to loft itself sideways; rolling along the shore once more to remove her grasp upon the binding rope. Tossed to the side for a second time, Aeres tugged forth one of her two daggers, the blades curved and narrowed at their point. She observed the creature as it staggered about with a winged limb rising to claw at its snout, struggling to remove the tightened ropes. Rising slowly this time, she seethed between her teeth at the burning, near intolerable pain racing through her injured leg. Her adrenaline was certainly starting to fade, her gaze briefly shifting to the nearby mountain range to search for her long-gone companion, though she found no familiar faces nor critters. Returning her focus to the false-dragon, Aeres tensed her form and lunged forth once more to close the gap; her arm swinging outwards to dig the tip of her dagger into the side of its head. The blade clattered against close-knit scale, dragging along the side of its skull before meeting the ridge of its eye and plunging into the vulnerable organ beyond. The creature hissed in pain, spitting bile and gas across the snow as it whipped its head back and forth - eager to dislodge the embedded blade. Aeres simply drew her second dagger as she stood still, struggling to focus her breathing as the exhaustion of the past week’s events gradually caught up to her. The creature continued to thrash about in front of her, though she lifted the blade and slunk forth against it, repeatedly thrusting it down atop its scalp. The blade initially struck against flattened, impenetrable scales, though she began to flick her wrist to prompt it to hook between the slabs and into soft tissue beneath. The more she worked to wedge the blade into its scalp, the slower the creature staggered about, before eventually slumping into the snow with the elfess strewn atop it. Aeres lay there for some time, initially warming herself against the heat rising from the creature’s mouth and throat, though the cold was quick to overwhelm its corpse. The sun had begun its descent not long after the conclusion of their battle, though the elfess had found herself unable to move. Her leg was undoubtedly crushed, with mild burns and moderate gashes scattered along her limbs. Perhaps the cold would take her before any wolves or bears came upon her, putting her out of her misery painlessly. She thought back to the screowl she had sent off earlier in the day, managing to release a croak of laughter at its prolonged absence. It felt as if she had been abandoned by everything as of late - first her cousin’s demise in the Ando Alur explosion, followed by his grieving widow who took to the wilds. Her friend, who turned on her with no mercy, banishing her from Elvenesse, and the monks, whom the realm sought fit to steal their gifts. She had very little expectations left, closing her eyes and awaiting her inevitable end. After what seemed like an eternity of awaiting her fate, she began to hear it; chitters, in the distance... followed by distant grumbles. The sound of someone trudging through the snow, growing closer to her. Perhaps it was the remainder of that wolf’s pack, come to tear her apart. Or a large snow bear, hunting for its evening meal with its cubs. Whatever it was, she knew she could do nothing to prevent it. As the sounds grew closer, she heard a deep voice calling out to her - though it sounded heavily distorted. She was unable to understand it until the figure grew closer, leaning over her form to examine her thoroughly, “..Aeres” She released a wispy breath, her eyelids slowly cranking open as her blurred vision struggled to make out the figure before her. The sky had already gone dark, though he wielded a torch to combat the freezing temperatures and limited vision. Darker skin, with long hair and shimmering yellow eyes. “Khel” She struggled to voice his name, sounding more akin to crackle in her throat. A weight landed upon her left arm, causing her to numbly drag her head over to peer at the familiar sight of her small companion. The screowl tilted its head, as if mocking her for ever doubting its capabilities. A huff of air flooded forth from her maw, “Better.. Late.. than never” Khel simply shook his head in dismay at her ability to find humour in the situation, stepping back to examine the moderately sized corpse she was laid upon. He briefly lifted one of its wings; his gaze flicking about in utter bewilderment, “What the hell did you get up to? Are you insane, woman?” He stepped over at this, laying his torch on the beast’s hide before gently lifting Aeres to rest her along his shoulders. She would grunt gently, though fell relatively limp upon his form, her eyelids settling once more. Khel collected his torch, whistling briefly at the screowl before twisting on his heel to set back West, beginning the trek home. Source OOC Notes

Kalii’mari Mani Squid Prince of Laughter, Festivities, and Companionship The joyful Prince of Squid is well renowned for his amusement and liveliness, a Mani often held in less regard compared to the others - yet a wondrous creature all the same. His flexibility in form reflects upon his flexibility in persona, a delightful and entertaining Mani capable of exuding a more regal posture when required. His gifts lay in his desire to bring joy and laughter to others - often being held in high regard when his subjects decide to plan some form of entertaining event. When one seeks blessings of fortunate events and new friendships, they may turn to Kalii’mari and pray to him. Origin / Backstory: Upon the shores of the ancients, laughter could often be heard echoing through the caverns and across the waves lining the shallow beaches. It was once well-known that those who basked in the sun and twirled through the shimmering waters were to be good friends to all, and some of the most fortunate. For it was they who worshipped the Prince of Squid - he who was quite opposite to the others that stalked the depths. Taking up month-long festivities at a time in which they would celebrate their companionship's and happiness, the Wood Elven Seeds who worshipped this Mani would often create handmade gifts for one another and to sink to Kalii’mari in hopes for good fortune and new friendships. Patron Purpose: As most of the well-known Mani represent the necessities for survival, hunting, and protection, Kalii’mari serves as a reminder to gaze upon the world with a warmer perspective. Quite different to the other, more serious and regal Mani, the Prince of Squid watches over those of his faith with a friendlier demeanour, more hopeful for their good fortune and new companionship's. Abilities: As explained in the ‘Demi-Gods of the Wilds Clarifications’ post [Linked in the ‘References’ spoiler below], Kalii’mari is able to be summoned in both an Ethereal form, and a Corporeal form. However, some points regarding these abilities & summoning will be clarified in the case of Kalii’mari: Ethereal Form In regards to summoning other squid of any size, it would be unheard of for Kalii’mari to use these squid in any form of combat or ill intent - aside from in the case of self-defence. In regards to inducing visions & illusions, it would be unheard of for Kalii’mari to invoke fear, wrath, or any other form of mental/emotional harm or distress onto a person In regards to Ethereal Form Summoning, only large bodies of water may be used to summon the Mani, such as a deep lake connected to the ocean, or the ocean itself. Rivers and ponds cannot be used, nor freshwater lakes Summoning Prayer Example “Joyful Kalii’mari, Prince of Squid. Whose laughter and happiness echoes through the depths, We give to you our devotion. We show to you our respect for your kind. Oh Kalii’mari, honourable friend to all, grace us with good fortune.” Offering Examples Coral, Seashells, Seaweed, Woven Bracelets, Ribbons Corporeal Form In regards to encounters, it would be unheard of for Kalii’mari to provide any form of dangerous/harmful encounter. In regards to Druidic Transcendence encounters, it would be unheard of for Kalii’mari to bring any danger/harm to the Druid in question - instead seeking to provide safe passage back to the Mortal Realm Blessings / Boons In regards to The Call of Nature, it would be unheard of for a squid of any size to fight alongside the party, as Kalii’mari’s kin are not known to be harmful unless in self-defence Current Location Despite being the Mani Prince of laughter and companionship's, Kalii’mari remains true to the reclusive nature of the Mani as a whole. Preferring to instead watch over and observe his followers from afar, the Mani will only step forth to interact when he deems guidance is truly necessary to bring someone back onto a more balanced path. As all Mani are, the Squid Prince resides within the Eternal Forest until he is drawn forth for any worthy reason. Lore Purpose As previously stated, in comparison to the other currently existing Mani, Kalii’mari serves as almost an opposite to the more serious Mani residing over protection, survival, hunting, and so forth. Instead, he serves as a provider for more flavorful roleplay - bringing the chance for more entertaining events to occur revolving around festivities / dances, etc. He also provides a flip side to prayers and worship - providing people with the ability to conduct roleplay prior to an event for good fortune with the planning and conducting of an event, along with providing the chance for character development through reconciling with any foes during the ritual of worship. Overall, his purpose remains mostly cultural, but grants the community a friendlier and more entertaining Mani to interact with. References