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[Codex] Raywalls
Posted 6 years agoOrigin Point
The world before the Raywalls was peaceful..for the most part. Mankind was largely nomadic, every able body was required for survival so disputes between different tribes were often approached in a diplomatic attempt first. When the Raywalls first appeared, many creatures died like a mass exodus. There was widespread fear and panic that entire species were gone in the blink of an eye.
What are Raywalls
Raywall Forests, Boreal Walls, Ray Walls, a phenomenon that comes in many names. Raywall are believed to be the sudden, explosive manifestation of magic within the world. Many zones were "lost" to the Raywalls, currently uninhabitable by anything not borne upon them or Aether-touched. They appear similar to borealis - bright, ethereal, luminous. Even the smallest amount of exposure to the Raywall's zone of influence causes Aether poisoning for creatures that have not adapted. Many have learned to avoid it, as dying to Aether poisoning is a fast, but excruciatingly painful way to die where the body becomes overloaded with magic and explodes into pure Aether, causing a new Raywall zone to spawn.
The true nature of Raywalls is unknown, but it IS known that their zone of influence expands like a parasite - killing victims creates Aether clusters, and Aether by nature will attempt to reconnect with itself thus expanding a zone.
What lives beyond the veil
Largely untouchable, Raywall Forests have become warped, mutated, they are looked on with envy and awe - large, winding trees stripped of color, their bark is now smooth, glossy in appearance with an opalescent sheen. Aether Trees bear no fruit, but every once in a while they do sprout large, translucent flowers - condensed Aether. Shining brilliantly, thus far it has shown to be completely inert and safe for non-Aether creatures to touch. Humans have found a use for this in both research and craft. Because of high demand, anyone who is able to present one of these highly coveted flowers is paid a king's random, and some have dared to find other uses for them.
Flexible and strong, the flower petals can be molded and shaped, and have proven to be as strong as steel - a strange, but useful weapon alternative. There are few, small clans of scavengers who seek to take back the lands from these mysterious Raywalls, forging weapons and armor from the petals and hunting the creatures within the forests.
The current Mutations
Records show there are few species that were strong enough to withstand the sudden poison of the Raywall's magic, enthusiasts have taken great length to catalog these beasts to the best of their abilities over the centuries.
Raywall Deer "Sunbreather"
The most stable of the documented species as far as recorded mutations and temperament, the deer were marked as "Sunbreather" after studies showed certain..changes to their biology from the deer that they originated from. Sunbreathers are completely mute, a mask-like structure borne of bone replaces their face, emotionless eyes glow within the holes like glowing coals. Their method of communication seems to be through stamping their hooves in a similar fashion to morse code and scent, emanating from the flower-like fungi that grow on their hindquarters. These fungi have proven to be beneficial, to both them and those around them with a variety of uses ranging from various medicinal practices to a substitute food source.
Sunbreathers have a biology that seems to have deviated from everything else - while humans refer to them as "male" and "female" their true division is by which one bears the offspring. The ones that bear the pregnancy have since been referred to as Matron. Matrons have female genitals while Lords have male genitals. There does exist a fairly common in-between, a specimen that can both sire offspring and carry offspring. They seem to be more highly regarded by the other Deer, often referred to as Deux
Dietary: Photosynthesis
Reproductive: Year-round- Males secrete a viscous liquid compared to honey, believed to be semen. Matrons become receptive during full moons and will fight other Deer for virile mates. Sunbreathers bear 1-3 offspring with a 21 days gestation period where the Matron is closely guarded by the other parent.
Size: Large - range from 6'3" - 8'9" in height
Distribution: Found in Northern + Eastern Raywall zones
Trivia:
- They are 98% inedible due to Aether poisoning. The only parts of their body safe to eat are the flower-shaped fungi
- Humans have created a hobby out of hunting solitary deer and wearing their faces as decorative masks - literally death masks
Raywall Hawk "Skystealer"
These creatures, believed to be the amalgam of multiple original avian species is a strange anomaly. These birds, nicknamed Skystealer by humans, feed on the pure aether magic of the Raywalls themselves. They are highly volatile and war with one another almost religiously. Highly prolific breeders, this is both a boon and a bane as the high concentration of Raywall magic within their bodies causes extreme mutations and an incredibly short lifespan. Their incredibly short lifespan is rivaled only by their bloodlust in destroying one another - even the young and the (rare) elderly.
Skystealers have no sexual dimorphism, males and females of this species appear the same save for reproductive organs. Males have a long tendril-like penis that has prehensile properties, the shape is similar to that of a dolphin's organ. The skin and sclera of these creatures is pitch black, and adult specimen have glowing iris. Juveniles of this species have white iris.
Given that their food source is the Raywall itself, Skystealers often take on vibrant, almost glowing plumage that resembles the concentrated magic.
Dietary: Aether Magic
Reproductive: Highly active, Skystealers are in season year round and lay clutches of 10-40 eggs with a gestation period of 15 days
Size: Varies by origin bird
Distribution: Found in Southern Raywall zones
Trivia:
- Hawks are completely inedible due to the extreme Aether poisoning that permeates their body
- They kill for enjoyment, often mobbing against other birds, even snakes and deer
Raywall Snake "Rootshiver"
Very little is known on these reptile-like creatures referred to as Rootshivers. They vary in shape resembling the original snakes, geckos, and other various previously known reptiles like iguanas and komodo dragons. The larger ones of this variety seem very peaceful and solitary whereas the smaller varieties have been often seen hunting one another and cannibalizing their own subspecies. Rootshivers seem to be able to grow rapidly with minimal nutrition, the older Titan class creatures being easy meals for carnivorous species.
Rootshivers are noticeable in appearance, dark earthy-black toned scales cover bright, bioluminescent skin that gives off a steady "breathing" glow. Currently the appearance and mating habits of these creatures is unknown as it's believed they perform their mating underground - this applies to all Snakes including the titan class. It should be noted that all eyewitness reports of Rootshivers claim that every single one has one glowing eye of a contrasting color to their other one.
Dietary: Omnivorous, insectivore
Reproductive: Unknown
Size: Varies by origin species (Only documented creature to reach Titan class size, upper bounds 50'3" in height)
Distribution: Found in Eastern + Southern Raywall zones
Raywall Vine "Corpsewhisper"
Walking plants that probably want to eat you.
The only ones recorded have been the more peaceful ones, which appear to have originated from mushrooms and fruit-bearing plants. Similar to succulents, new Corpsewhispers can be cultivated from snipping off buds from a parent plant. These plant-based beasts were named as such because of their eerie, death rattle-like wail during sunset. Corpsewhispers do not have eyes, but are instead reactive to carbon dioxide, light, sound, and touch. Unlike the fauna-based beasts these creatures do not seem to exhibit any glow or patterning that wasn't already present among their originators.
Dietary: Photosynthesis, carnivorous
Reproductive: Asexual, pollination
Size: Varies by origin plant
Distribution: Found in all Raywall zones[index] Trinity & Tallulah
Posted 6 years agoName: Myriad Trinity
Alias: Trinity
Meaning: A countless or extremely great number.
A group of three people or things
Species: Raywall Deer
Origin: Northern Raywall Zone 03
Age: 3855
Height: 13'4" / 406cm (At withers)
Weight: 2634lbs / 1195kg
Name: Laplace Tallulah
Alias: Tallulah
Meaning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laplace_transform , leaping water
Species: Raywall Deer
Origin: Eastern Raywall Zone 67
Age: 172
Height: 7'3" / 221cm (At withers)
Weight: 642lbs / 291kg
A pair of Raywall Deer that inhabit the outer limits of the Northern Raywall, Trinity spends most of the day sunbathing, feeding off the nutrients of the land and allowing other animals to feed off of his medicinal fungi. Due to his sheer mass there's speculation that Trinity is one of the Originators, one of two hundred Deer that came into existence when the Raywalls first appeared. There's no way to confirm this, but there are many, many records dating back to when the phenomena came into existence of humans seeing a massive, white deer guarding Raywall borders with golden markings that glittered like gold. These records also report that the creature had massive, expansive antlers that looked like the forest itself, so the connection is taken with a grain of salt.
Tallulah on the other hand, is considered near infantile compared to Trinity, hailing from the Eastern Raywall where the Deer there are notable more aggressive, she ritualistically lays claim to an area of territory and will make rounds once a week to re-mark the boundaries much to the chagrin of Trinity.
She's slowly learning the more peaceful method of the Northern forest, but it's a very slow learning process.
Alias: Trinity
Meaning: A countless or extremely great number.
A group of three people or things
Species: Raywall Deer
Origin: Northern Raywall Zone 03
Age: 3855
Height: 13'4" / 406cm (At withers)
Weight: 2634lbs / 1195kg
Name: Laplace Tallulah
Alias: Tallulah
Meaning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laplace_transform , leaping water
Species: Raywall Deer
Origin: Eastern Raywall Zone 67
Age: 172
Height: 7'3" / 221cm (At withers)
Weight: 642lbs / 291kg
A pair of Raywall Deer that inhabit the outer limits of the Northern Raywall, Trinity spends most of the day sunbathing, feeding off the nutrients of the land and allowing other animals to feed off of his medicinal fungi. Due to his sheer mass there's speculation that Trinity is one of the Originators, one of two hundred Deer that came into existence when the Raywalls first appeared. There's no way to confirm this, but there are many, many records dating back to when the phenomena came into existence of humans seeing a massive, white deer guarding Raywall borders with golden markings that glittered like gold. These records also report that the creature had massive, expansive antlers that looked like the forest itself, so the connection is taken with a grain of salt.
Tallulah on the other hand, is considered near infantile compared to Trinity, hailing from the Eastern Raywall where the Deer there are notable more aggressive, she ritualistically lays claim to an area of territory and will make rounds once a week to re-mark the boundaries much to the chagrin of Trinity.
She's slowly learning the more peaceful method of the Northern forest, but it's a very slow learning process.
[Index] Rite
Posted 6 years agoName: Rite
Alias:
Meaning: A religious or other solemn ceremony or act
Species: Earthbound Ophani
Origin: Babylon, Iraq
Age: Unknown
Height: 5'10" / 173cm
Weight: Unknown
edthdet
Alias:
Meaning: A religious or other solemn ceremony or act
Species: Earthbound Ophani
Origin: Babylon, Iraq
Age: Unknown
Height: 5'10" / 173cm
Weight: Unknown
edthdet
[Index] Gloam
Posted 6 years agoName: Gloam
Alias: Gloom, Gloomy
Meaning: The time of day immediately following sunset
Species: Harpuia / Proto-Harpy
Origin: Corinth, Greece
Age: Unknown
Height: 6'10" / 508cm
Weight: Unknown
Harpuia are alive, thriving within the aether. They are the blood ancestors of Harpies, larger, stronger, but much slower than their modern day cousin. Often referred to by keepers as "Old world harpies", Harpuia are even more fickle and dangerous to keep due to their size, temperament, and strength.
Gloam is one of many who have learned the tongue of man, making their roost as part of many - a harpuia zone where only the brave and foolish dare tread. They spend their days sunbathing, star gazing, with no care, no ambition. They have no need - no desire to be stronger, to survive is good enough.
That isn't to say Gloam isn't a curious creature. Sparingly, they enter human settlements, for entertainment, to scare the locals. They mean no harm though, simply killing time, simply finding some way to deviate from the norm.
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Alias: Gloom, Gloomy
Meaning: The time of day immediately following sunset
Species: Harpuia / Proto-Harpy
Origin: Corinth, Greece
Age: Unknown
Height: 6'10" / 508cm
Weight: Unknown
Harpuia are alive, thriving within the aether. They are the blood ancestors of Harpies, larger, stronger, but much slower than their modern day cousin. Often referred to by keepers as "Old world harpies", Harpuia are even more fickle and dangerous to keep due to their size, temperament, and strength.
Gloam is one of many who have learned the tongue of man, making their roost as part of many - a harpuia zone where only the brave and foolish dare tread. They spend their days sunbathing, star gazing, with no care, no ambition. They have no need - no desire to be stronger, to survive is good enough.
That isn't to say Gloam isn't a curious creature. Sparingly, they enter human settlements, for entertainment, to scare the locals. They mean no harm though, simply killing time, simply finding some way to deviate from the norm.
Add more later
[Index] Senxian
Posted 6 years agoName: Senxian
Alias: Sen, Tiger
Meaning: The immortal of the woods
Species: Byakko (Corrupt)
Vessel: Self (South China Tiger (Golden))
Origin: Jiangxi, China
Age: Unknown
Height: 6'8" / 203cm
Weight: Unknown
Tyger Tyger, burning bright, in the forests of the night
Once upon a time, he was a wild tiger, inhabiting a dense forest in china bordering a village. He thought they had an understanding. He had no need to hunt them, no animosity, so long as they respected him as an entity. He thought he'd be able to live a peaceful life.
People had been disappearing from the village every once in a while. One or two never being seen again - within the span of two or three months. It wasn't him, but this was acceptable, wasn't it? He'd seen the tiger hunting, tracking prey. She was injured. There was no way she'd be able to catch their normal diet, and she had to survive just like everything else. Years passed with this back and forth. It was unfortunate, sure, but survival was a merciless contest.
The day came, she was sloppy. The village leader's son was taken this time. She left traces behind. The humans found remains. He was accused as the murderer. It wasn't him. He was innocent. He hadn't so much as touched their livestock, much less them. It didn't matter, for three days and three nights it was a war. Humans came, surrounded him, tried to capture him. They were unsuccessful. There was no way they could overpower a tiger, not a big strong male in his prime.
But they did. Human tenacity is a scary thing. He was captured, caged like a common beast. He was slain. "Forgive us senxian. We need to survive too, senxian" The name they'd given him left a sour note in his ears.
His blood painted the earth red, but it didn't stop the killing. No, for he was not the one responsible for them. He was bitter, angry, hurt, vengeful. His beautiful pelt torn from his body, blood and bone consumed by the greedy.
He was a strong, noble soul. Reborn unto a subspecies of cat spirit, the Byakko. But he was broken. He wanted his killers to hurt as much as he had. He became corrupt, a vengeful spirit shackled to this mortal realm.
Alias: Sen, Tiger
Meaning: The immortal of the woods
Species: Byakko (Corrupt)
Vessel: Self (South China Tiger (Golden))
Origin: Jiangxi, China
Age: Unknown
Height: 6'8" / 203cm
Weight: Unknown
Tyger Tyger, burning bright, in the forests of the night
Once upon a time, he was a wild tiger, inhabiting a dense forest in china bordering a village. He thought they had an understanding. He had no need to hunt them, no animosity, so long as they respected him as an entity. He thought he'd be able to live a peaceful life.
People had been disappearing from the village every once in a while. One or two never being seen again - within the span of two or three months. It wasn't him, but this was acceptable, wasn't it? He'd seen the tiger hunting, tracking prey. She was injured. There was no way she'd be able to catch their normal diet, and she had to survive just like everything else. Years passed with this back and forth. It was unfortunate, sure, but survival was a merciless contest.
The day came, she was sloppy. The village leader's son was taken this time. She left traces behind. The humans found remains. He was accused as the murderer. It wasn't him. He was innocent. He hadn't so much as touched their livestock, much less them. It didn't matter, for three days and three nights it was a war. Humans came, surrounded him, tried to capture him. They were unsuccessful. There was no way they could overpower a tiger, not a big strong male in his prime.
But they did. Human tenacity is a scary thing. He was captured, caged like a common beast. He was slain. "Forgive us senxian. We need to survive too, senxian" The name they'd given him left a sour note in his ears.
His blood painted the earth red, but it didn't stop the killing. No, for he was not the one responsible for them. He was bitter, angry, hurt, vengeful. His beautiful pelt torn from his body, blood and bone consumed by the greedy.
He was a strong, noble soul. Reborn unto a subspecies of cat spirit, the Byakko. But he was broken. He wanted his killers to hurt as much as he had. He became corrupt, a vengeful spirit shackled to this mortal realm.
[Index] Yingliao
Posted 6 years agoName: Yingliao
Alias: Yin/g
Meaning: Coiling Wind
Species: Lung Dragon
Vessel: Self
Origin: Xinjiang, China
Age: 2973 (Young adult)
Height: 2.1 km (6890ft)
Weight: Unknown
The wind shows us how close to the edge we are.
A wind elemental dragon, Ying's blood runs deep through the earth itself. They are the aether, they are eternal. He calls home an area called the Godlands, barred off from those within the mortal coil, veiled from those who seek to harm it. The Godlands is both a sanctuary and a prison, for one born unto the lands must always return.
Ying's home zone within the Godlands is the Sterling Forest, a fantastic grove that easily camouflages and protects those with bright or pale patterns from predators and harsh sunlight. Ying himself is a refugee, fled from a house that had long since forgotten its roots, more interested in lording over humans and keeping their blood "pure".
He travels, exploring, he will return to his roots.
Ying's family was not the most forgiving. Or the most welcoming. For godbeasts, they are as dependent upon the lands as it is upon them. The godlands is one of the major origin points for spirit energy, keeping the realm stable and separated from the mortal lands. While Godbeasts protect the lands, they also feed upon it allowing their natural abilities to become stronger, rivaling that of deities.
His family began by gold dragons, younglings who left the Godlands with a silly idea in their head. They would create a lineage of only gold-colored beasts, worshiped by humans, basking in praise.
They became crippled, stunted, defective creatures looked upon with pity, scorn, and humiliation by the native godbeasts that are aware of their existence. He would not be one of them. He refused to be one of them. He couldn't be, anyway. With glistening sterling scales, Ying was an anomaly, a throwback beast that - try as they might, they could not kill.
Alias: Yin/g
Meaning: Coiling Wind
Species: Lung Dragon
Vessel: Self
Origin: Xinjiang, China
Age: 2973 (Young adult)
Height: 2.1 km (6890ft)
Weight: Unknown
The wind shows us how close to the edge we are.
A wind elemental dragon, Ying's blood runs deep through the earth itself. They are the aether, they are eternal. He calls home an area called the Godlands, barred off from those within the mortal coil, veiled from those who seek to harm it. The Godlands is both a sanctuary and a prison, for one born unto the lands must always return.
Ying's home zone within the Godlands is the Sterling Forest, a fantastic grove that easily camouflages and protects those with bright or pale patterns from predators and harsh sunlight. Ying himself is a refugee, fled from a house that had long since forgotten its roots, more interested in lording over humans and keeping their blood "pure".
He travels, exploring, he will return to his roots.
Ying's family was not the most forgiving. Or the most welcoming. For godbeasts, they are as dependent upon the lands as it is upon them. The godlands is one of the major origin points for spirit energy, keeping the realm stable and separated from the mortal lands. While Godbeasts protect the lands, they also feed upon it allowing their natural abilities to become stronger, rivaling that of deities.
His family began by gold dragons, younglings who left the Godlands with a silly idea in their head. They would create a lineage of only gold-colored beasts, worshiped by humans, basking in praise.
They became crippled, stunted, defective creatures looked upon with pity, scorn, and humiliation by the native godbeasts that are aware of their existence. He would not be one of them. He refused to be one of them. He couldn't be, anyway. With glistening sterling scales, Ying was an anomaly, a throwback beast that - try as they might, they could not kill.
[Index] Kouensha
Posted 6 years agoName: Kouensha
Alias: Kou, Kouen, Mutt, Stone Puppet
Meaning: Speaker, Lecturer
Species: Shishi (Shisa / Stone Lion / Lion Dog / Guardian Lion)
Vessel: Pomeranian (Chocolate & Tan)
Origin: Shanxi, China
Age: Unknown
Height: 4'9" / 145cm
Weight: Unknown
A guardian lion carved during the Tang Dynasty, a pair set in place to guard the entrance of a temple, Kou and his partner - nameless at the time, were visible to the spiritual, children, and those that still harbored innocence. Due to children fearing their natural appearance, the two were requested by the monks to take on the appearance of pekingese, and so they did.
Life was peaceful, playing with children, worshipped by those who could no longer see them, protecting the temple and nearby area. Nothing is meant to last forever and before they knew it, the rebellion broke out. The village was raided, everything left dead, broken, or stolen. Kou was shattered during this time.
When he awoke, he was in Japan. His partner was missing. He was surrounded by ayakashi from all walks of life. More importantly, he was repaired. From what he was told, it was a unique method called 金繕い - Kintsukuroi they called it. He was gilded, glistening and polished now, his worn down stone was polished and shined like marble.
The priest that had him repaired gave him a name as well. 講演者 - he would become a tool of the gods, a herald of their prophecies. The native ayakashi sneered. It was his birthright to be strong, sure, but he was an old relic from an era long passed. An outdated mutt who didn't have a use anymore, as far as they were concerned.
Kou soon returned to China, more interested in finding his partner. She was missing, but he knew he'd be able to find her. If her body was broken, he could repair the parts. If her body was destroyed he just had to find her pearl...
Finding the pearl was the hard part.
Even after all this time, though he still seeks out his other half, he takes it easy. Original purpose overthrown, he no longer has anything to guard - and so, he wanders.
The zones he protects become sacred land while he's present, spending his days drinking baijiu, reconnecting with the other spirits, collecting wandering souls for the next time a heibai wuchang passes through the area.
Alias: Kou, Kouen, Mutt, Stone Puppet
Meaning: Speaker, Lecturer
Species: Shishi (Shisa / Stone Lion / Lion Dog / Guardian Lion)
Vessel: Pomeranian (Chocolate & Tan)
Origin: Shanxi, China
Age: Unknown
Height: 4'9" / 145cm
Weight: Unknown
A guardian lion carved during the Tang Dynasty, a pair set in place to guard the entrance of a temple, Kou and his partner - nameless at the time, were visible to the spiritual, children, and those that still harbored innocence. Due to children fearing their natural appearance, the two were requested by the monks to take on the appearance of pekingese, and so they did.
Life was peaceful, playing with children, worshipped by those who could no longer see them, protecting the temple and nearby area. Nothing is meant to last forever and before they knew it, the rebellion broke out. The village was raided, everything left dead, broken, or stolen. Kou was shattered during this time.
When he awoke, he was in Japan. His partner was missing. He was surrounded by ayakashi from all walks of life. More importantly, he was repaired. From what he was told, it was a unique method called 金繕い - Kintsukuroi they called it. He was gilded, glistening and polished now, his worn down stone was polished and shined like marble.
The priest that had him repaired gave him a name as well. 講演者 - he would become a tool of the gods, a herald of their prophecies. The native ayakashi sneered. It was his birthright to be strong, sure, but he was an old relic from an era long passed. An outdated mutt who didn't have a use anymore, as far as they were concerned.
Kou soon returned to China, more interested in finding his partner. She was missing, but he knew he'd be able to find her. If her body was broken, he could repair the parts. If her body was destroyed he just had to find her pearl...
Finding the pearl was the hard part.
Even after all this time, though he still seeks out his other half, he takes it easy. Original purpose overthrown, he no longer has anything to guard - and so, he wanders.
The zones he protects become sacred land while he's present, spending his days drinking baijiu, reconnecting with the other spirits, collecting wandering souls for the next time a heibai wuchang passes through the area.
