First came the Dwarves: union between spirit and land. Then, the Elves: those that aspired to soar with the currents. Then, the Gnomes: their creative spark at the cost of longevity. When the first Gnome passed, both Mother and Father were confused at the feelings they had over them. It’s said that when the Daughter came into being as an embodiment of what would be known as “sorrow”, rains covered the whole of #Matea for a month without halting.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 1/4/24
While the Daughter set about her work handling the passage of those who had died, Mother and Father were pleased with how well she was doing. They decided to bring the Sister into existence, confident that she would also do well and find a place. Sadly, without focus, Sister found herself without a role to fulfil, and her feelings turned to anger and futility.
Meanwhile, those elves who loved the skies more than their earthly ties became the Aarakocra.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 2/4/24
Desperate for purpose, and frustrated with not being heard, Sister tears open a hole in the planar boundary, connecting #Matea to Ta’terra, striking a deal with Maag for her assistance to fight against her family. The devils within would find a new home, their Mistress gaining a whole new plane to torment, and Sister would stand as the sole deity of their worship. As the army spread across the land, the family had no choice but to defend their creations.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 3/4/24
Rather than intervening personally, the family chose to create a representative. Enlisting a party of heroes, they were tasked with capturing one of Sister’s army alive. Transformed according to the family’s wishes, this was the first angel, who also brought with it the creation of a heaven for those who served. With a blueprint written, more were created and commanded to fight back.
Meanwhile, seeing the need for defense, the Gnomes build the Warforged.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 4/4/24
Overconfident, a family of Aarakocra taunts Sister, showing off their speed and aerial skills. Angered by the war, Sister uses her powers to curse them and their lineage, making the first Kenku to walk the grounds of #Matea.
Gnomish innovations progress as the accelerated generational passage asks more to ensure a legacy. Tula Blomwhith perfects the procedure to divide a Warforged soul, so it can forego the armoured shell, creating the first Plasmoid.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 5/4/24
While devilish and angelic forces clashed, the besieged forces of mortals opted to alter and adapt the traditional birth process in favour of getting battalions of shock troops to hold the front line. Thus, goblins with thier insectoid bodies, and their Genasi commanders were created, splitting the difference between elemental and living spirits.
Though not satisfied with their power, a contingent of goblin forces sought to remove the insect influence…
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 6/4/24
In exchange for their servitude, a battalion of goblins receive the rituals from Sister to transmute their bodies and those of their descendants. No longer a byproduct of a rushed circumstance, the insect within gave way to the dragon, leading the first Kobolds to take their place on #Matea. Even within this splinter group, arguments continue. Some are dissatisfied with the deal, and want to return, while others feel they didn’t receive enough.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 7/4/24
While the war rages still, the three-way split between Kobold factions leads to one alteration of the birthing process to reject the draconic influence, and embrace the land once more, as Centaurs take their first steps upon the land. And though a second faction is satisfied as they are, the third party argue they deserve more. They corrupt the ritual, and incorporate more of the draconic spirit. Dragonborn warriors soon take prime position in the army.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 8/4/24
With the war threatening to tear reality apart as the Divinities push for more power, either in defence or to attack, some Dragonborn listen to the whispers of their patrons and reforge themselves in order to gain more strength, emerging from the shadows of war as Orcs.
Eventually, both parties are brought to the metaphorical table to broker peace by the Brother, newly made to adjudicate as a neutral party, and representative of the mortal victims.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 9/4/24
Boundaries weakened, the pathways to the Elemental Planes are forged, the Endless Asylum opens, and the first Tabaxi dreams themselves into existence with energy flowing from the Brightfields, inadvertently leaving the door open for the Eladrin and Fairy folk to walk alongside the extant people of #Matea
Meanwhile, Brother finally brings peace to the Family. Sister receives domains of worship to watch over, and the war ends. But, the armies remain.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 10/4/24
The Family separate their forces, to ensure that the war does not continue. While the rest set their charges up for a chance of a good life, Sister tricks the devils under her command; forcing them to settle not far from the lingering remnants of the Great Rift where she and Maag tore the boundary asunder, as a reminder.
Still, separated from their respective planes, each adapt to the energies of #Matea, creating Tieflings and Aasimar from their legacy.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 11/4/24
A famous poet once said that humanity was “the place where the fallen angel meets the rising ape”. That poet should revisit basic biology, as it is well documented that the first humans of #Matea came from the union of tiefling and aasimar. For what other method could create the capacity for evil, tempered by morality, and the capacity for good, tainted by selfishness?
But, humans were not the only creations to come of outside settlement…
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 12/4/24
Once people had started to rebuild and work past the war, tieflings and aasimar alike start to mingle outside their communities, leading to the ancestors of Halflings, Half Orcs, and Half Elves to begin their lives.
Humans, with a penchant for aspirations beyond easy reach find their abilities limiting their work, so some petition the Divinities for the strength to create works in their names. Surprisingly, Brother answers, and Goliaths enter #Matea.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 13/4/24
Though the Goliaths’ strength of arms proved pivotal to the establishment of many settlements, they were still unhappy. When Mother asked what she could do, they mentioned an unease about the previous war, and if it could happen again to tear it all down. Consulting with the other Family members, they agreed that this would be the last time such a boon would be granted. Trading strength for defense, the newly made Tortles took to #Matea’s shores.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 14/4/24
The Divinities step back from their involvement in the world, under mutual agreement, agreeing to only involve themselves again under the specific rules of worship that came about from the peace treaty. Each of the ancestries start to spread and intermingle. The wandering Tabaxi find their jungle homes, the Elves take to the mountain peaks, and the Tortles prove their prowess atop the waves. Gnomish ingenuity establishes Danis as the capital of Nodoye.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 15/4/24
In the course of their sailing journeys, Tortles establish a number of port towns, chiefly among them Port Pinako in Butang and Chidabo in Gojaam. Curious about their new neighbours, the dolphinfolk of Gomun make contact and exhibit some of their magical prowess. In short order, a number of people attempt to form an alliance with them in trade for studying magic.
Meanwhile, one Tortle vessel encounters the island of Lym, and discovers an odd metal…
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 16/4/24
An unmanned ship wrecks itself just off the coast of Wichi. The logs tell a chilling story of those aboard who discovered a metal they named manasteel amidst the obsidian barrier surround the island of Lym. Before they could return to port, one by one, the crew started falling ill. With resources running low, they were forced to the terrible decision of cannibalism. Worse still, to a man, they agreed that Tortle meat was near irresistible, and mutinied.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 17/4/24
Nations around #Matea pass around the sample of manasteel for study, and start to discover more veins around the world, ready for mining.
An undocumented surge of power from the Elemental Plane of Fire causes a global warming and drought. Communities suffer. Word passes around from Wichi about the condition of Tortles and the tragic comes to pass as a genocide occurs to guarantee the survival of the rest of the world as the surge eventually subsides.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 18/4/24
Manasteel construction kicks into overdrive as all walks of life find ways to use it for ingenious purposes. Complex machines with manasteel circuits. Crabless wagons with manasteel engines. Manasteel weaponry channeling magic within. A new age was signified when the first Citadel of Silwa’na took to the skies from its former home of Danis, leaving a manasteel port in its wake to which it could return to refuel and repopulate if desired.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 19/4/24
Philin Rakhada, Gnomish engineer pioneers a new method of forging manasteel to form incredibly light gears by incorporating most of the elements of magic into its construction. The new version of manasteel is immediately incorporated into the new engines to lift the other Citadels from the ground, and Silwa’na’s engines are retrofitted on its next docking. “The Rakhada Process” supersedes the conventional manasteel design across #Matea.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 20/4/24
A long time after Rakhada passes on, the engineering crew of Bul-Ji-Ma are the first to report odd occurrences near the engines. Nothing major, and nothing consistent to form a pattern. When communicating with other Citadel crew, they learn that the same mysterious issues are happening there too. Reports are ignored from the Citadel leaders as the problems are nothing to be concerned about.
It’s only when the first engine melts do they finally listen.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 21/4/24
Fire, blood, and chaos as manasteel unweaves itself, melting. Personal devices, structural elements, vehicles, and of course the great floating Citadels; decaying before people’s eyes.
Silwa’na, falling short of returning home.
Gunsul, sentenced to the oceanic depths.
Bul-Ji-Ma, forcing its remaining engine into a catastrophic overdrive.
Weisai, freefalling as a hero stands firm.
Si’dae, forever flying in looping despair.
Countless lives.
Silenced.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 22/4/24
The silence is shortlived, as survivors scramble to put out the literal and metaphorical fires raging the world over. What little remains of the world that was is quickly scavenged and hoarded. Those without almost immediately become the majority, as the remnants of society plan their rebuilding efforts.
Without manasteel to provide the heavy lifting, progress is slow, as people need to metaphorically and literally reinvent the wheel.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 23/4/24
Hundreds return from the underwater city of Gomun, with news that the dolphins have declared themselves a sovereign nation, exiled all the former students, and closed down the borders to isolate themselves. Rumours circulate that they may be responsible for the destruction caused by the unweaving of manasteel and are trying to hide from that fact, or are sequestering themselves to find a solution to the weakening of magic, but nothing can be confirmed.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 24/4/24
The first of the great dragons is rediscovered after they had seemingly gone into hiding just before The Fall. Ibu, the Profane lies dead on the island of Paana-Dûl, as crystals cover the body. Experimentation with the crystals finds that they contain condensed magic within them, with those harvested directly from the body attuned to positive, healing energies, while those merely around the corpse having no affinity. Though weakened, magic returns.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 25/4/24
The trade and commerce of mana crystals grows as the other dragonlords are discovered, similarly consumed by crystalline growth.
Fadia, the Crimson Word; first of the red dragons.
Nesian, Fate’s Claw; first of the green.
Seiser, the Broken; first of the blue.
Copoli, the Sweet; first of the white is unaccounted for, along with the known metallic dragonlords.
Altreta, the Small; first of the silver is rumoured to rest on Lym, but unconfirmable.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 26/4/24
As people start to rebuild and spread from their shelters, the traditional work practices slowly begin to reemerge. After going so long without need, the abilities to sustain healthy life, build civilisation, and even travel minor distances have stagnated. While a handful of scavenged texts and equipment is gathered from the ruins of the Citadels within reach, they are closely guarded, so progress is slow. Generations worth.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 27/4/24
Though they said they would not meddle directly in mortal affairs, the Divinities appear briefly in a number of places around #Matea, taking over the bodies and minds of people close by, to act as their avatars. While wonderous, they do little else but praise the survivors of the Fall for their hard work, and remind people that their efforts can be just as rewarding as a divine gift. On parting, each avatar is gifted a gemstone medallion.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 28/4/24
Though less impactful than Rakhada’s Folly, #Matea is beset by a number of natural disasters. Most major settlements are largely unaffected, though smaller villages and the wilds are altered. Many note and lament that without manasteel, their constructions, be they house, castle, bridge, or other, are more vulnerable than they have been in centuries past. A world council is established between nations to communicate and lend aid if needed.
And still, time moves on.
#Lore24 29/4/24
The southern continent is besieged by a titan of a beast, as it crawls up from a crack in the earth left by one of the recent earthquakes. The United Council dispatches forces to combat the foe. Resembling a hawk, though of towering height, Anilor, the Despair of Wichi gives the assembled army a solid fight; one that lasts a week without rest before its defeat. Those that come into direct contact with its blood ramble about hallucinations they see.
And time moves ever forward.
#Lore24 30/4/24
Saylen that dwell within and along the Gidan River of Nodoye can be dangerous at the best of times, but especially during breeding season before the winter chills set in. Able to charm those who hear their song, they will tear flesh with their claws to feed their young. They also possess rudimentary magic to disguise themselves as elves to the unsuspecting to lure them to their nest. Be aware of the signs: inability to speak, solid green eyes, and talons.
(Welcome to #Mayonster)
#Lore24 1/5/24
The Midasian Mimics of the Umpton Mint are descendants of the original brood discovered in the hoard of the great blue dragon, Seiser. Originally prized by self-important people who valued the Mimics’ ability to produce unmarked gold coins from food they consumed, they were shocked to find that a single bite could confer a disease that would spread from the wound, and turn a person to solid gold. Instead of destroying them, the keepers gifted the Mimics to the Mint.
#Mayonster #Lore24 2/5/24
Despite the name, the Blightserpents of the Weeping Bayou are more akin to a lizard, scuttling on six legs, its three eyes keeping a nervous watch for a shift in the storms. A life of such conditions has granted them a bite that transfers a cursing sickness to its targets. Those of strong fortitude can fight it off, but others who aren’t as lucky suffer an incurable exhaustion that thankfully fades with time. It can be a cascading effect though, with more bites.
#Mayonster #Lore24 3/5/24
The Grove Guardians of Nasè are deceptive foes to be wary of. Using their camouflage abilities, they can blend in with surrounding plant life, until the need for protection presents itself. Due to the druidic practices of shaping plants as they grow with an artificial spiral, the Guardians use this technique to combat advantage; bewildering opponents with fluid movements and a broad area of influence. People who challenge without knowing their full potential, beware!
#Mayonster #Lore24 4/5/24
The common crab. Despite their fearsome looks, their adorable nature makes them an excellent addition to a family household or workplace willing to show a caring heart. With the signature sideways, scuttling gait befitting their kind, crabs can be found in a number of forms. The Queensclaw warcrabs, with their enlarged battering arm. The Broadshell, for speed and transport. The Bridgeforge, known for sheer raw strength.
Crabs: truly a friend for all.
#Mayonster #Lore24 5/5/24
The Whengian Ape, AKA: the “Revenge Ape”, is a truly unique, and terrifying beast. Alone, they are nothing much to worry about, boasting mediocre combat abilities. It’s only when one is killed do the horrors begin. In their death throes, they scream at a deafening volume. This marks their killer, and alerts every other of its kin to march. Once this happens, they will not stop until either they, or you, are dead. They will even sacrifice themselves to ensure victory.
#Mayonster #Lore24 6/5/24
Making their home around Mt. Sanmaya, the Stoneclods are a type of construct in the rough shape of a humanoid, but can explode their component parts into a flurry of whirling wind and stone. Believed to be attracted by the elemental energy attached to the outer planes, Stoneclods share an affinity with the element of air. Despite their small stature, they can carry a surprising amount of weight, and can reach decent speeds in their whirlwind forms.
#Mayonster #Lore24 7/5/24
Like everything else on and around Cinera, the Basilisks that live there are a pure monochromatic grey. Known for their ability to petrify their prey with a stare, they subsist on rocks and stone, digesting it with a powerful acid. Though their single eye can only transform living matter over time, they can cause an internal haemorrhage to instantly transform a smaller area that can start to spread. A cure can be created from their blood, should the worst happen.
#Mayonster #Lore24 8/5/24
The riding dinosaurs of Gylead are a largely passive beast. Despite their owners refusing to train them for war, they can still be capable combatants. Using the razor sharp claws on their hands and feet, they can tear flesh with ease. In addition, the retractable tongue makes it possible for them to trap and restrain potential prey, or more realistically, provided meat from livestock. Their agility is much admired among the working families.
#Mayonster #Lore24 9/5/24
If one should happen to take a bite out of you, their teeth will harmlessly pass through. But every time they attack, they eat a part of your past. You still remember things, but to the rest of the world, it will be like that part of your life never happened. This includes things being taught, or experiences lived. You will remember, but it will no longer be true. Eventually, it will be as if you suddenly appeared into existence, with no connection to anything. (2/2)
#Mayonster #Lore24 10/5/24
Beolaeg Bees can be found around the world, and can be a danger in a swarm. Farmers know the ways to avoid angering the nest, thus attracting their ire, but unpracticed individuals would be better served to stay away. Rather than an expected stinger from their abdomens, they possess an ability to expel a burst of acid at high speed. This can kill or disable creatures much larger than themselves, if they continue to be a threat.
Their honey is delicious and spicy.
#Mayonster #Lore24 11/5/24
Kidafil have been observed in the deeper parts of the ocean, where scholars say the Citadel of Gunsul went down during the Fall. Resembling a segmented eel, or aquatic centipede, their bite can paralyse the body and organs of those who encounter them. Ultimately, they flee from danger, but will fight if pressed into a corner. Though their bodies are too small to be effective on people, the kidafil have also been seen wrapping themselves around prey to strangle them.
#Mayonster #Lore24 12/5/24
For those who dwell under the sands of the Pobari Desert, sheltering from the lethal heat, Sandcrawlers are just another danger to be aware of, as much as a lack of water, or isolation. With a fierce horn on their heads to break through rock and stone, these giant worms also boast 7 eyes (6 on one side, 1 on the other) to aid with their ability to never need sleep. They remain constantly alert, sensing vibrations through the ground, for a wayward traveller or animal.
#Mayonster #Lore24 13/5/24
Denizens act as emissaries and familiars for The One Below and those that serve its power. Without someone specific to serve, they resemble a child-sized humanoid with grey skin and no recognisable features. Once they make a pact, they take on an appearance resembling those they serve and watch over, though as if drowned. Channeling The One Below’s power, they can fire a number of beams with a variety of effects; from inducing sleep, to altering time, to decay.
#Mayonster #Lore24 14/5/24
Screechers roam the halls of the Endless Asylum. Despite their intimidating size, they are carrion feeders, waiting until the strong have already had their fill of what- or whoever was unlucky enough to cross their path. Accustomed to the maddening environment, their exhibit little intelligence, but can mimic a concerning amount of noises designed to fool and lure unsuspecting creatures to their doom at the hands of things far more dangerous than them.
#Mayonster #Lore24 15/5/24
Seeker Hounds serve Maag, and are usually exclusively residents of Ta’terra. Should any happen to escape, they are dispatched to retrieve their quarry with an unshakable sense of where they are at all times. They are persistence hunters in the extreme; not as fast as other creatures, but they can withstand exertion that would exhaust others, and they lack a need to sleep. Once a Seeker Hound is on your trail, they will not stop.
#Mayonster #Lore24 16/5/24
Travellers tell stories of the creatures that roam the wastelands around the ruins of Bul-Ji-Ma, but none as terrifying as those of the Crystal Beast. Estimated at 15 feet tall, it wanders aimlessly until it encounters another creature, unable to identify friend from foe. With a mindless frenzy, it attacks with wild, clubbing blows, projectile crystals, and great speed. The only saving grace is that it does not stray far from the ruins, and will not chase escapees.
#Mayonster #Lore24 17/5/24
Brightfield Sentinals resemble rams, though more humanoid. Standing on two legs, with four arms, they act as peacekeepers across the realm while the sun is up. The blades they wield glow with a shifting light reminiscent of the plane, adding extra damage with every slash. They also possess the ability to temporarily absorb this light into their own bodies, making them a vision of terror to behold. A number of adventurers have been sent screaming at the sight alone.
#Mayonster #Lore24 18/5/24
Referred to as Miasma, elemental creatures roam the Weeping Bayou. As if the swamplands themselves stood up and walk around, a Miasma is one of many dangerous entities in the cursed land. Lashing out with barbed vines, it prefers to maintain a short distance to its prey, as its size makes close combat tricky. The vines can transfer a deadly poison on contact. Additionally, a Miasma can disintegrate into poisonous, and paralytic mist as an escape or as an attack.
#Mayonster #Lore24 19/5/24
Mites are a danger to the miners of Nuvain’s manasteel veins, whether they’re locals or outsiders. They crawl through the tunnels, burrowing shallowly into the walls and support structures, causing damage with the risk of collapse. Despite the shine to their scaled hides, they are not actually made of the precious metal, but they can trick those not paying attention. Easy to handle, unless scared by flowing air; they can drive themselves into a fear frenzy.
#Mayonster #Lore24 20/5/24
Nightwings are a common nuisance across #Matea. At rest, they resemble a loose ball of hair, but they also have a pair of leathery wings hidden behind the fur. Nocturnal creatures, they like to feed on stray fruits and small insects. But nightwings are timid beasts; if cornered, they can shake vigorously to emit a small dust cloud to aid their escape as the potential predator chokes briefly or is momentarily blinded.
#Mayonster #Lore24 21/5/24
Despite the name, Jagged Crabs are nothing like their friendlier, helpful counterparts. Dwelling deep beneath the waves, they are spiteful creatures with attitudes to match their name. They seem to have a preternatural sense of manufactured material, and go out of their way to make themselves a nuisance by trying to harm what they can find with their elongated pincers, and acidic bile. Many nations had, at the height of sea travel, bounties out for their destruction.
#Mayonster #Lore24 22/5/24
Dolyns resemble snails, though they come up to the average person’s knees, and if their shell was instead replaced with a collection of loose stones. Able to camouflage themselves in rocky environments, they can present a hazard to prepared adventurers as easily as ordinary citizens. Using their inherent magnetism, they make attacking with metal weaponry a risky move. By inverting the field, they can emit an electrical blast. Least of all, they can also eat metal.
#Mayonster #Lore24 23/5/24
When civilisation gathers, so does its various leavings. Left long enough, this can collect into a Refuse Elemental. Leaving a trail of burning sewage in its wake, the smell alone is enough to kill the frail and weak. If that wasn’t enough, it can also fling scraps and other leavings from its body as a weapon, bombarding hunters with the remains of their own lifestyle. The trails it leaves are acidic and adhesive, but pose no problem to the Elemental’s traversal.
#Mayonster #Lore24 24/5/24
Maelstrom. A term for a particularly strong whirlpool. But also, a name given to a powerful creature that crosses all forms of natural water. Seemingly comprised of lightning and glass, it has claimed many a life of those unsuspecting its travel plans. Simply being too close is enough for energy to flow, and debris to slice, but it can also focus raw elemental force into a powerful blast. Survivors also claim it can hypnotise victims with the flying shards within.
#Mayonster #Lore24 25/5/24
With as many fans as detractors, sporefish are a common sight in the homes of people with room in their hearts. Yes, according to research, the harmless aquatic creatures DO emit a mild euphoria inducing gas as part of their respiratory system, and yes, that DOES indoctrinate people to care for them; but as they really only thrive in captivity, and small isolated areas of waterways, there really isn’t that much to be worried about. They make a good gift for children.
#Mayonster #Lore24 26/5/24
Roaming the landscape of Cinera, Grey Giants are humanoid type monsters with one eye. Though they exhibit low levels of intelligence, they are wary of the Basilisks that also stalk their home, having no resistance to their petrification. But they’ve also used that to their advantage; by shielding themselves from the stony glare with ordinary material, they gain a petrified weapon or armour to use for their own purposes. Their monocular vision is vulnerable to light.
#Mayonster #Lore24 27/5/24
A popular ghost story told to couples who visit Wichi is of the Maiden of Ice; a beautiful lady who can enchant people to follow into the snowy wastes. There is a kernel of truth in the story that doesn’t get told: A monster does live out beyond the safety of the walls; one which can temporarily mimic the form of a lost traveller, and read the minds of people to emulate the voices of their loved ones. Once lured, the Maiden can bite them in half with a single blow.
#Mayonster #Lore24 28/5/24
If not for chance, Dun would have been a normal, boring town. But with Silwa’na falling, they were in prime position to benefit from scavenging. One prize was the rescue of the Sentinels: Constructs that bridge the gap between manasteel heavy armaments and the sentient Warforged and Autognomes. Needing orders to do anything more than standing guard, they make impressive forces of security and labour for the now capital. They boast an impressive collection of weapons.
#Mayonster #Lore24 29/5/24
Beware the dreaded Samucha,
A beast that loves to bite.
Can swallow almost anything,
With jaws of awesome might.
They’ll find you in the forests,
They’ll find you in the trees.
They can smell you from afar,
With but a simple breeze.
With skin like armour on its back,
It rolls up to defend.
Beware a burning counterstrike,
Lest you meet your end.
So watch for deadly Samucha,
A beast that loves to bite.
Prepare candles with ocean’s scent,
To turn them with a fright.
#Mayonster #Lore24 30/5/24
Shards System