Archmage_Bael's Library of Ideas

So here's another attempt at a different type of magic. This time its less of an ability and more of a TYPE. The source of magical energies usually come via manipulation of internal or external sources like Ley magic (external) and Innate magic (internal). However, this might be confusing, as to use this magic you need to learn a specific language and draw a diagram sort of like the ones seen in FMA. This does not make it "Rule-Based" magic, since that includes using incantations to manipulate energies, in this case we're using them to draw out and control another "spirit" or even the energy you normally would manipulate into casting the spell yourself - but instead having IT cast it FOR you. Possibly because you have no magical blood in your veins.

I am also unsure about spirits, and using them. Not so much though, I guess a "non corporeal form with a consciousness" may refer to anything, and since it's Felarya, mysteries are supposed to be abound everywhere. Using the word "spirit" shouldn't be too much of a problem I'd expect.

Anyway, read up and feel free to ask questions. If you haven't visited my thread since the 4th, I've put in a few more entries since I recommend reading.

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Ceremonial Magic

Many of the types of magic can be defined by channeling some kind of force to do your bidding. Ceremonial magic is somewhat different. Instead of studying and practicing how to use a fireball either through your own power or channeling the power from someone else, Ceremonial Magic often demands having that other power do the casting for you instead. With enough exposure to these magics (and spirits), the innate abilities of people will actually increase. This is why people with poor a magical affinity will often favor this study.

Ceremonial Magic is often performed through a diagram and the knowledge of a special ancient language that oddly is unaffected by the Felarya-wide translation spell. This language supposedly draws power from Lydus itself, and contacts a spirit which is used to cast the spells for the caster. Not to be confused with a person's soul, but the spirit in question is usually a non-corporeal substance which contains a consciousness of it's own. Whether or not that includes anything corporeal such as a ghost, whether a human one or a genie's is uncertain.

Ceremonial Magic can also be used to transfer the innate ability of a spirit into a physical object, creating a Rune by channeling the mysterious force. Other applications also are common for the usage of conjurers, people who will draw complex diagrams to summon a creature to do your bidding. Diagrams are usually drawn in a large space, some times with candles or magical devices hung in proximity to increase effectiveness. Though one problem may be that not all spirits or summoned creatures may agree with your intentions, so this is why creating a rune to control the spirit is essential in many cases. These reasons are why this Magic is different from purely incantation and living magic.

The drawback is that since the language is non-translatable via the universal spell, memorization is required, in addition to keeping records of the specific syllables, and which effects they bring out. When combined with learning the specific patterns of the diagram they may go with, this type of magic requires a lot of study and memorization of it's own, in addition to knowledge of the spirits.

Well, Bael, here's what aee theenkee.

You could also describe this ceremonial magic as "One-time thaumaturgy, but with friendlier spirits". After all, you're requesting a boon out of a spirit, but unlike thaumaturgy, it won't give you magical powers... at first, you point out. You can start out with this kind of magic, and then expand to encompass others when you've gotten enough practice, or for some reason your powers have increased. It also doesn't seem like you'll be dealing with Ithaq-Shuagoth, the eyeless god of the pit, at least not right away.

Another thought I had- there's no need to make an exception for another language. Merely make the language of the spirits not entirely verbal, and have the words and syllables be only proper nouns (i.e. names), which are never translated (though they may be transliterated, but that's an entirely different can of worms). The candles and symbols could be the actual language, that'd work, I guess.

Other ideas... well, you could add in that this kind of magick doesn't work for fireballs, because everything in it takes time (initial offer- 1 minute. We got any takers? 1 minute at 1, 1 minute at 2, 1 minute at 3...). I'd also suggest... consider that there are some teensy spirits whom you can negotiate with for powers, which just happen to be greedy widdle silly buggers that aren't hard to please, just annoying. That could be an alternative to part of your current draft, where exposure to the spirits will increase your innate abilities. A third possibility for you to consider would be that... well, you could also point out, just for fun, that some spirits must be indirectly dealt with. For instance, to get a spirit of salmon to cooperate, you might want to first trap some spirits of barracuda, I dunno? Might be fun to make up different ceremonies with whatever motif you might like.

Thanks for the feedback!

You know I could also take out that it will increase your magic magic affinity, or not, depending on the spirit that's casting the magic, or not at all. As Thaumaturgy is similar hence "making a deal", there's a difference between doing something yourself, and having something done for you. I also imagine it'd be easier to find a spirit, as it doesn't require a succubus or an angel. In fact, I could go so far as to say succubi and angels are invalid for use, because you cant force a being like that to do your dirty work for you...but you could force a fish spirit to do something for you.

I will change that language thing, I thought that'd be a cool effect, a language that isn't translatable in felarya not because its magic, but because its words don't have translatable definitions, there aren't equal translatable words but like I said - not important.

you could use this magic for making traps, too. find a cave in the forest, draw some runes, force a spirit to cast a spell where the rune is when an enemy walks over, etc.

edit: I wonder if we could also say that weird spells could be cast, because the spirits themselves are the ones doing the magic, so they'd know all the ins and outs? unlike a student or something.

Here's a little something to get the ball rolling again for my ideas.

Pieces of Heaven
Type: Legendary Artifact(s)

Legend speaks of a set of Artifacts that contain the magical energies of the angels themselves, and channels the power into one who is willing to wield the power. There are many theories and speculations that have arisen about it - such as needing to activate the artifact in some way, or just setting needing to touch it, and even what types of magic it boosts. It supposedly curses the mortal who uses it for payment of using such powerful magic. Curses include the negation of the very effects of Felarya - making the user immune to the effects of the regenerative properties and which will make them age and decay, as well as the ability to get sick. More drastic payments could be the total removal of one's magical abilities as well.

Many adventurers refer to the Pieces of Heaven as "The Sacred Dozen" Since the Pieces of Heaven come in twelve.Though it may be because there could be twelve rings of power among the Ceiciels, or twelve continents in Felarya, or there were twelve beings of power in ancient times. There may be no answer to the question.

However, some of these are true, some may not be - since this is speculation by adventurers throughout Felarya. Not only that, but the fact that nobody knows where these pieces are located also present a problem, and when combined with everything they hear about, it prevents most from seriously trying to find them. Talk about this topic in pubs and inns are usually just for sport or for a dream. No one knows they exist, and the ones who do, are the Guardians and the ones who guard it's safety to make sure it's as isolated from the world as Tedrek King himself...

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This was just for fun really, to spark my creative juices. I'd love to hear people's opinions on it though. Personally I think it may be too powerful (but vague!), but that's why its isolated and impossible to obtain, right? :3

Mhh yeah it does sound pretty powerful indeed, although the price to pay is interesting. it creates a dilemna ^^

For the ceremonial magic, what you have in mind is a long to perform ritual that is usable by people who are not necessarily magic users themselves right ? ( by long I mean not instant )

Right, it's not instant. I suppose its not too useful in combat unless you're the type to lay traps. However, you can do it before a battle and keep the connection until you run into a fight. You don't have to do that summoning thing in the midst of danger.

Likewise, I imagine this can also be used for enchanting as well.

Jorsaura

Size: 63 female 70 male
Threat: Low
Locations: Any mountain range or area with significantly rocky environments in the desert or forest

The Jorsaura is a reptilian creature with two legs a strong tail, with a large strong upper body. It's hands are on the end of really long arms that it can use to balance, as well as grab things from far away - as if this creature is in the process of evolving from a four legged creature to a two legged one. It has slight intelligence, and knows it can pick up blunt objects like branches, but is not smart enough to start a fire. It's neck can stretch out quite a bit to reach objects that are high up on cliffs above it, but can still only stretch so far. It's head looks similar to a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but with a hard rounded head and lots of horns on it's body for defense, and small ridged crescent side-fin like protrusions on it's nape and chest that help to detect future climate change.

Creatures that attack it will be met with a really tough opponent that can charge and bulldoze with enough strength to knock kensha's away like bowling pins. It's ramming strength is so hard in fact, that it can actually slow down a Mumansi considerably (but not stop). It's major weakness lies in it's neck that stretches out to grab food. It often retracts it for battle, but it still remains the vital target for anyone trying to take it out. It does not repel magic like an insect though, so any creature like a Dryad, Naga, or even a Dridder would be wise to employ that, since it's hide is so incredibly tough. However, Dridders will often get into Melee with it. Despite being smaller than they, it presents a good challenge to them (and because Dridders are crazy ). However, as Jorsauras typically only focus on eating and sleeping, they don't attack anything that's not their food.

Much like other reptiles, when born the children all scatter, but only within a certain distance. Meaning if you see one Jorsaura, there's likely to be a lot more in the surrounding area. However they are extremely clustered into certain areas, and do not widely roam Felarya. When they mate, they use a specific mating call, and emit pheremones for the opposite sex. This is why most Jorsaura are usually found by themselves and not in packs.

Aside from it's bulky body and The fascinating thing about this creature though is it's tendency eat rocks and hard objects. It has a jaw with muscles that allow it to swing open several feet wide and teeth that look like boulders themselves. The Jorsaura will often stick around mountains, and rocky areas in deserts though - in both cases having acclimated surprisingly well. In both areas they usually eat rocks, including magical minerals as well. When it does so, it's stomach is melee-resistant, and near impossible to escape with sharp objects. It also functions like a gravity well, and the magic from the ores and minerals are channeled through it's body and further hardens it's hide. The last notable feature of the Jorsaura is it's excrements. With all the rocks that go into it's system, it releases waste in the forum of highly dense materials that can be used to craft really strong armor. It's meat is beautifully tender because of this, too. However it will eat literally anything that looks hard, like a rock, or is shiny. This includes adventurers wearing armor (attention dryads: this may or may not include wood). The best defense one would have against this creature would counter-intuitively be to turn around and try talking to it. Some have reported successful attempts at convincing the Jorsaura that they're not food, though it's widely believed to be a rumor - since it can't possibly be intelligent. Can it?



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So there it is. Really really tough reptilian creature that's on the verge of their existential crisis. I went for the evolution - in - progress deal because I thought it'd be interesting. They are typically docile though, as they only really care about food, but since food can, in the off chance, be an armored human, a Dridder, or on the extremely rare circumstance a Dryad.

Tough meat as well, easily capable of defending itself, and it shits brix. and ores. I dont want to specify the kind of mineral/ore because that's probably dependant on what materials they ingest in the first place - nor do I want to go into depth about how their system manages this feat. Stranger things in Felarya have happened than a dinosaur the excretes iron/carbon/whatever. Hey, maybe it's not carbon based life? ooooOOOH... Hypothetically, non carbon based life is possible (scientifically viable - not provable in our RL atm though). Past that statement, its too academically tough for me to really debate, as it is not my field of study.

Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself here. Its a giant lizard that lives in solitude, possibly sapient, and its tough as nails, and craps them too.

Here we go - I've been thinking about Fairy Religion lately, and the wiki just says its all disorganized and here I am to *clarify* why it's seen as such. When in reality...its not. As with all our perceptions of fairies it's not as it appears to be!

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Fairy Religion

Theology

Fairy religion is rather complex and yet simple at the same time - originating from and promoting life as the basis and core of it, yet with it's diversities encouraged, explored, and celebrated constantly. There is no real name for Fairy Religion as it just "is" for them despite being so highly Druidic in nature. This concept can be confusing for many, and is why most people just refer to it as "Fairy Religion".

It is rather free of dogma and any fixed beliefs or practices. Fairies do not have sacred texts beyond that which is the development of of life, and the religion's history. However, it is very much a spiritual path, and belief in the spirits of life toward any sort of understanding from fairy to fairy can be different. Groups of Fairies understand deities (or commonly called "spirits" by them) in different ways, being that there may be one or several, or that they are the deities, or that they exist in various objects within nature. Some of them even avoid choosing one conception of Deity, since it is unknowable even to their minds.

The concepts of deity are each represented by head priests within their legendary "Temple of Nasara" which is so old, it is said to date back close to the creation of Felarya itself, situated in the Fairy Kingdom. It is a place legendary for its sheer beauty, and that if there ever were some great spirit, or anything or anyone life sprouted forth from, it'd be at the Temple's surrounding grounds. As a result, it is a very relaxing place for mos fairies, where they can both lose themselves, and find themselves again. The priests also live nearby to help anyone with their problems, or organize events.

Fairies all agree regardless of deity that no single one of them has the concept on truth, and will all gather together to celebrate among each other happily. Each one of them is part of the greater whole, each one unique in creation - diversity which is encouraged and understood as natural and healthy. This willingness to accept one another makes infighting among families and tribes exceedingly rare.

Needless to say, nature itself is extremely important for their religion.

Lydus and Life/Death

Lydus is a place aside from the reality of Felarya; a place that seems to be beyond the physical senses that connects every other world and universe together. It contains the place they go to when they die as well.
Likewise death itself is held to the belief that the soul undergoes a series of reincarnations. Thus when a fairy dies, fairies try to celebrate the soul going through a time of birth despite ceasing to live in her form with her friends and family. If one dies in Felarya, they are born again in Lydus, and dying in Lydus rebirths them in Felarya. Fairies are okay and accepting of the natural course of life because of this - including being eaten. This does not mean they like it happening to themselves, this means they accept it more readily than any other species. It also supports their view of life and their own thought process involving friends and food.

Aspects of Life

Diversity and Nature are key parts of life, but there exist for Fairies three main aspects of it that are recognized by all. These concepts are Wisdom, Creativity, and Love. Each contain virtues that are taught to be wise, creative, and loving. In addition, each of these concepts are always taught to young fairy children. This is maintained to be separate from their personality though. Warriors might favor Wisdom whereas a Scholar might favor Creativity, and Healers favor Love.

Overall, Fairies are seen often to have no real religion, because it appears they believe in everything under the sky at first glance - but all their beliefs tie in to the same principles, and they're widely common belief of spirits which inhabit one thing, or anything. Elementals are seen as embodiments of these spirits which have awakened.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts. My ideas only seem to get passed over for some reason...

Druidism in real life is a bit different, actually. They do have "goals" which I edited to be aspects of life, and I tweaked life/death and theology a bit to fit felarya. Though since fairies are diverse anyway, a lot of it felt really natural. Pantheists, Deists, Taoism, a lot of beliefs can fit them, but none of them seem to include the "right touch" that Druidism has - which is the inclusion of diversity, and the support of a variable of beliefs. The belief in the number of spirits/gods all seem to be minor compared to the importance of life and it's very nature, and how it's viewed.

Though I did cut out rituals and sacrifices. I think there's a few other pieces to Druidism I'm missing as well, but this isn't an exact replica. It's fairies. (Didn't they believe in fairies too? Might explain a few things I'd say...)

The likely hood I'm missing something is high though - I typed this up at 1:30 AM.

I honestly like this idea. I've never really thought about Fairy Religion before, but since they are a major species with a major kingdom, it would make sense that they do. I also like how you have it be something that's so open to interpretation. Fairy nature, even in Felarya, is normally chaotic and they enjoy diversity, so it is the perfect religion for them. Honestly, I see very few problems with it and I am all for it.

Now, as Dark said you might want to explain a bit more as to what a Fairy might expect to find in Lydus. Even if you say that Lydus is different for each Fairy, depending on how they view Lydus. In which case you should try to add in some kind of example or general description that can cover most of the bases.

Next, afterlife punishment. Now, I know that this religion is open to the interpretation of the individual Fairy, and that what could be considered right for one is wrong for another, but that still leaves room for a type of Fairy Hell of some sort. I am curious to know what would happen to a Fairy that manages to turn his/her back on what they believe in, or totally fail to uphold their beliefs.

Other then that, I don't see anything to critique. :3

Its a good idea from the sound of it, but there is only one small problem that I've seen so far. You said healers might favor love... well love is an emotional connection to someone and would strive you to heal a person MORE than you normally would. A wise warrior also isn't an oxymoron. A wise warrior tends to keep his head on his neck far longer than a stupid warrior. And a Scholar is able to be creative. So those were rather bad examples. I do like the idea of the temple and the fact that fairies are free to have their own god or to have none. Aside from that, I don't know what to say. I really do like this idea and I do think that it should be made canon.

Well, let me start off by saying, as I said in my PM, that I have a lot of trouble reading this. Now, I don't want to criticize just yet - it could just be me who has the problem, so bear with me, and be sure to get a second opinion on everything I say. ^^;

"originating from and promoting life as the basis and core of it,"
- This part of the sentence just doesn't flow to me, and I'm not sure what it is you're trying to say. It does become clear after reading through the rest of the article, but that's no reason to be sloppy, right?

"and belief in the spirits of life toward any sort of understanding from fairy to fairy can be different"
- This part also confuses me as to the content of your words. I think you might also be missing the word "varies" in there, too?

"Some of them even avoid choosing one conception of Deity, since it is unknowable even to their minds."
- The way you use the word "deity" to describe a being first, and then use it to describe a concept, though understandable as the word has two meanings, is still somewhat confusing.

"where the Progenitor of Felarya is most verdant,"
- What??? "Progenitor" means "A person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent." I don't know what you're referring to with this, nor how it can be described as ("verdant" meaning:) "Of the bright green color of lush grass". Right now, to me, the section seems to be you stating, in a very roundabout way, that there is amazingly lush vegetation and plant growth in this place? But I'm not entirely sure, and I think that in itself suggests a problem in the writing.

"no single one of them has the concept on truth"
- A somewhat-awkwardly-worded way of saying each of them knows that what they believe in isn't necessarily true?

The paragraph on Lydus is pretty clear. I'll admit I had a little trouble at the beginning, because, to my literal self, it almost seems like you're stating a general fact about Lydus rather than just what the fairies believe it is, but I think I can assume due to the rest of that section and the topic of the article as a whole that you are talking about it in regards to the latter.

"Each contain virtues that are taught to be wise, creative, and loving."
- Sounds somewhat redundant compared against the sentence preceding it.

Now, for the idea as a whole (or at least what my brain could understand of it), I agree that it seems like a religion that really does best befit fairies. If you want rituals, maybe you might consider some sort of spirit-related game? We all know how fairies like games. Oooh, like some sort of deity bingo or something! Okay maybe not the best idea, but it's a start, right? Anyway, I might be able to provide more feedback once you clear up all the above confusions for me, and maybe clean up your writing somewhat. ^^;

And finally, I'd suggest not writing these up when you're so...inhibited. I'd suggest, if it helps, writing your ideas one section at a time, on Word or Notepad or GoogleDocs, that way you're not cramming everything together at the last minute-like. I'm sure you'll be able to see the difference. ;D

I think this is a good idea, even chaotic beings have a set of values and beliefs, it's just that there are alien to ours. so fairies having some form of beliefs does make sense.

Also it makes sense that faries value diversity, considering how many different speices of faries there are.

Mabye a bit more decription for Lydus? Perhaps more on what Faries can expect to find there when they cross over?

@Darth_Nergal: yes, I believe Dridders should get a religion too. They have arts, architecture, metalworking, and other things, but no religion. Which is rather surprising, actually.

I suppose the "afterlife" would be different, and actually its possible that they'd just go to the Felarya-Associated Heaven anyway. This would be stating that Heaven is within Lydus, which is obvious.

Lydus can be found here http://felarya.com/wiki/index.php?title=Lydus

@Neko214: Right those examples weren't the best I recognize that - but at least it doesn't damage the idea itself really. It's also amazing because having your own god, or not, still is legitimate within their religion.

@Nyaha:
-you're missing some context. originating from refers to the religion originating from life itself, since the religion is all about life and nature. it's cyclical that way I suppose.

-not really. once again, this is still working with the idea that fairies can be monotheistic, polytheistic, pantheistic, or whatever. Spirits and deities are synonyms in this case. Also, "different" and "varied" are close in definition I think.

-The concept of Deity being just the overall idea of it, whatever the fairy chooses to believe. Once again monotheistic, polytheistic, etc. Not specifically nature or a being. Both would fit within any idea of Deity.

-This was the thing I had the hardest time with. A progenitor is that which all things are descended, and instead of believing that an asteroid carried life with it, or any particular thing or being is responsible for it, think of Felarya as a being in itself, and life sprouted forth from it. Felarya itself is the progenitor in that case. Everything within Felarya is a part of that greater whole. The temple was built within one of the most beautiful and verdant places within Felarya, which is what I meant by saying it was built in a place where it was most verdant. Make sense? Its hard to describe.

-I mean simply no one knows what the truth really is. So yes.

-Redundant? Not at all. There's life, and then there's the different aspects of it, like how a person made up of their personality. Three main aspects of life are Wisdom, Creativity, and Love.

@DarkOne: Yes exactly. As I linked earlier for Lydus you can read it there. I thought it was about time for a Fairy religion anyway. I hope I didn't miss anything.

Thanks for your input everyone!

I could be wrong, but somehow I feel like you might be ignoring, or missing the point, of what a lot of my feedback was trying to tell you. You chose to describe what each part of what I picked out means, rather than stating an acceptance that your wording or grammar might be off and correcting it. As it stands, some of what you had been trying to say has bee cleared up for me, which is good, but now you should look at your idea and see if you need to take those explanations and work them in so it's more comprehensible, I think.

However...

Quote :

"-you're missing some context. originating from refers to the religion originating from life itself, since the religion is all about life and nature. it's cyclical that way I suppose."

You didn't tell me what part of my feedback you're referring to. What am I missing context from?

Quote :

"not really. once again, this is still working with the idea that fairies can be monotheistic, polytheistic, pantheistic, or whatever. Spirits and deities are synonyms in this case. Also, "different" and "varied" are close in definition I think."

Again you didn't state what this is a reply to ("not really" what? Also, when did I ever talk about spirits?), so it was hard to figure out, so again I don't know what it is you're saying here. I think my original point was that the sentence in the idea doesn't flow well.

Quote :

This was the thing I had the hardest time with. A progenitor is that which all things are descended, and instead of believing that an asteroid carried life with it, or any particular thing or being is responsible for it, think of Felarya as a being in itself, and life sprouted forth from it. Felarya itself is the progenitor in that case. Everything within Felarya is a part of that greater whole. The temple was built within one of the most beautiful and verdant places within Felarya, which is what I meant by saying it was built in a place where it was most verdant. Make sense? Its hard to describe.

I think then you need to state that more clearly in the article. "where the Progenitor of Felarya is most verdant" doesn't make any sense towards what it is you're actually trying to say. Try something along the lines of, "The flora in and around the temple is very lush, and the area is believed to be close to the progenitor of all life on Felarya" or something like that.

Quote :

-Redundant? Not at all. There's life, and then there's the different aspects of it, like how a person made up of their personality. Three main aspects of life are Wisdom, Creativity, and Love.

I got that the first time. What I mean is the sentence is grammatically redundant. Rather than saying the same words over a second time, but in a different way, I think it would flow better if you perhaps gave examples of some ideas that fairies are taught in order to fulfill these aspects.

See: Druidism.

Anyway, I'm just explaining the reasons why what you're trying to say isn't really...well I dunno, you say what I'm talking about is confusing, and I say the same about what you're saying. I know you're looking for details, but you're going overboard. Anyway, each of the "-" or "dashes" respond to the one of yours. The top dash of mine refers to the top dash of yours, I thought that was obvious. You have so many points I had to address it that way instead of a jumbled up paragraph. So now you know.

As for the progenitor thing, I believe I edited it to reflect that, but if I didn't I will try and make it more clear.

For the aspects part, I'm having trouble with the examples...I can't find good ones. Though fairy ideas that are taught? That's like...you realize what you're asking for right? XD FAIRY IDEAS. mind=overloaded.

A lot of your comments revolve around redundancies or lack of information I believe I've already taken care of, so I think its more of a reading issue.

I guess it's just me and my literal brain then. ^^; I'm sorry to say it, but I think just the way you write things frustrates my brain, and because it confuses me, even for a moment, I think there must be something wrong with the way it's written. I can't force you to conform to the way I would word things, though; such would go against my beliefs in diversity (much like the fairies, huh? ^.^), but even so, it will likely hinder my ability to give you useful feedback on future ideas. Which sucks.

Well yeah I suppose, but it seems like everyone else understood it...maybe ask them if you're confused?

I think right now I get the parts that I was confused about. Like I said, I thought the fact that I was confused in the first place meant it was poorly written, but I can admit when I'm wrong. Like I said, my mind is rather literal.

Well, let's make it worth your while then.

Archmage_Bael wrote:

It is rather free of dogma and any fixed beliefs or practices. Fairies do not have sacred texts beyond that which is the development of of life, and the religion's history. However, it is very much a spiritual path, and belief in the spirits of life toward any sort of understanding from fairy to fairy can be different. Groups of Fairies understand deities (or commonly called "spirits" by them) in different ways, being that there may be one or several, or that they are the deities, or that they exist in various objects within nature. Some of them even avoid choosing one conception of Deity, since it is unknowable even to their minds.

I know how much you like anime. Shinto might be a lot more analogy-friendly than something that's wrapped in secrecy on purpose, you might want to look into it.

Archmage_Bael wrote:

The concepts of deity are each represented by head priests within their legendary "Temple of Nasara" which is so old, it is said to date back close to the creation of Felarya itself, situated in the Fairy Kingdom. It is the a place where the Progenitor of Felarya is most verdant, as creation of the Dryads and all other life is commonly seen as a being that is Felarya herself, not any single creature within Felarya.

What exactly do those priests do to represent the concept of deity? And why is it you leave the Progenitor implicit? That was the first thing we're certain about according to your article- if you're mentioning this verdant progenitor who is central to their beliefs, then you could've described this progenitor a bit more.

Archmage_Bael wrote:

Fairies all agree regardless of deity that no single one of them has the concept on truth, and will all gather together to celebrate among each other happily. Each one of them is part of the greater whole, each one unique in creation - diversity which is encouraged and understood as natural and healthy. This willingness to accept one another makes infighting among families and tribes exceedingly rare.

No single one of who? No deity, regardless of which one has the concept on truth, or no fairy, regardless of deity, has the concept of truth? Or both?

Archmage_Bael wrote:

Needless to say, nature itself is extremely important for their religion.

Due to the Verdant Progenitor, I assume.

Archmage_Bael wrote:

Likewise death itself is held to the belief that the soul undergoes a series of reincarnations. Thus when a fairy dies, fairies try to celebrate the soul going through a time of birth despite ceasing to live in her form with her friends and family. If one dies in Felarya, they are born again in Lydus, and dying in Lydus rebirths them in Felarya. Fairies are okay and accepting of the natural course of life because of this - including being eaten. This does not mean they like it happening to themselves, this means they accept it more readily than any other species. It also supports their view of life and their own thought process involving friends and food.

... Well, while there's nothing new to reincarnation, I don't think the cyclical one's been done 'fore.

Archmage_Bael wrote:

Diversity and Nature are key parts of life, but there exist for Fairies three main aspects of it that are recognized by all. These concepts are Wisdom, Creativity, and Love. Each contain virtues that are taught to be wise, creative, and loving. In addition, each of these concepts are always taught to young fairy children. This is maintained to be separate from their personality though. Warriors might favor Wisdom whereas a Scholar might favor Creativity, and Healers favor Love.

Thought there was no one owning truth. So... you say... aside from the Verdant Progenitor, the other thing that is general to fairies is their belief in three guiding virtues? Like Plato's Republic, supported by the courage in warriors, the nobility in governors, and the strength in slaves... or like the elements of Friendship in MLP?

Here's to hoping something about this reply will be of some use.

Stabs wrote:

Well, let's make it worth your while then.

I know how much you like anime. Shinto might be a lot more analogy-friendly than something that's wrapped in secrecy on purpose, you might want to look into it.

I know what you're getting at, but I honestly cant see fairies as buddhists. -on an awkwardly related note, that "buddhists" is underlined in red here, it thinks there's no such thing, and the closest thing I'm trying to say is "nudists".

Stabs wrote:

What exactly do those priests do to represent the concept of deity? And why is it you leave the Progenitor implicit? That was the first thing we're certain about according to your article- if you're mentioning this verdant progenitor who is central to their beliefs, then you could've described this progenitor a bit more.

Represent the concept of Deity? You mean like wear a garb and preach the gospel? Remember there is no gospel, so they'd largely just be wise councelors, or in Temi's case, a great healer, but I'm not sure if she's religious or not. They'd also organize the gatherings and such as well. These priests would just be the most knowledgeable, presumably kindhearted people interested in helping others, listening to their problems and such. Not a priest in the way we'd normally understand it. However as "priest" and all related notes specifically refer to ordained ministers (using a synonym to define itself. bad job, google), there's no good substitute for a word.

Stabs wrote:

No single one of who? No deity, regardless of which one has the concept on truth, or no fairy, regardless of deity, has the concept of truth? Or both?

I believe based on the way their religion works "both" would be the correct answer, yes.

Stabs wrote:

Due to the Verdant Progenitor, I assume.

Yes and no. A good way to think of it is to think of the Holy Trinity in Christianity, all separate beings, yet one person. It's similar here, as Felarya could be seen as a person as well, and the nature within it didn't come from an asteroid, because Felarya has always "been". Progenitor is a bad word for this case, but I can't think of another one at the moment. That was the "yes", the "no" is that they simply just worship nature, and aside from Dryads I'd say they're the most in touch with it.

I might rework that progenitor bit, and just say that the temple was built on an area that's legendary for its natural beauty, and that if there ever were anything or anybody that life in Felarya sprouted forth from, it'd be there in that part of the Fairy Kingdom. That might work better. It'd probably give the same idea without the use of the word "progenitor", because I think its making people think that nature itself is descended from someone, which is probably confusing **** out of people. If that's indeed what's happening.

Stabs wrote:

... Well, while there's nothing new to reincarnation, I don't think the cyclical one's been done 'fore.

Oh, so you like that?

Stabs wrote:

Thought there was no one owning truth. So... you say... aside from the Verdant Progenitor, the other thing that is general to fairies is their belief in three guiding virtues? Like Plato's Republic, supported by the courage in warriors, the nobility in governors, and the strength in slaves... or like the elements of Friendship in MLP?

Well, I guess those are crude examples, since those all have to do with society, and Fairies focus theirs on aspects of nature, not on the nature of themselves...but yes that IS the general idea there. Doesn't mean its going to make fairies any less playful. *shudder* what a fairy thinks of as "fun" some times worries me...

You did help, thank you. I hoped you understand as well, but I guess it doesn't matter which religion this is closest to, in the end it fits their nature. So what does it matter where I took inspiration from, right? Besides, lots of religions are similar to each other.

edit: I just went and edited the idea, so go back to page 12 and read the part with the temple!

It's an interesting idea. I agree that, in general, a religion or form of spirituality for the fairies would have very little dogma and rules and be closely tied to nature ( besides the predator trinity ) . I would see it as mostly symbolic though, more centered around ideas than around facts and in the end a pretext for fairies for coming together. There is definitely something to develop here ^^

I'm a bit less convinced about the idea of them bing reborn in Lydus when they die though, and then coming back to Felarya. I mean why Lydus in particular ? and the fact that fairies are basically always coming back pose a problem as well i think..

Well not so much that they DO come back, it is called faith however, doesn't mean that's what actually happens. Religion has been known to be wrong, from time to time.

Karbo wrote:

It's an interesting idea. I agree that, in general, a religion or form of spirituality for the fairies would have very little dogma and rules and be closely tied to nature ( besides the predator trinity ) . I would see it as mostly symbolic though, more centered around ideas than around facts and in the end a pretext for fairies for coming together. There is definitely something to develop here ^^

I'm a bit less convinced about the idea of them bing reborn in Lydus when they die though, and then coming back to Felarya. I mean why Lydus in particular ? and the fact that fairies are basically always coming back pose a problem as well i think..

It is very free of dogma, they dont have to go to church or read sacred text, but I'm a little confused - since you mention it's closely tied to nature, and also symbolic...how would that work? That doesn't make senses to me, since you cant be directly symbolic with nature...by using nature for the symbolism and the subject. Like I said, though...its very open for different ideas, notice all the different ways I mentioned that they could think of a diety? That's only one example, and probably my best one.

Ace is right about Lydus though, its just a belief that's not necessarily true. I was going to call it the "otherworld" or something, and say that when you dream you go there, but we have the dreamscape for that...but you cant have them go to the dreamscape after they die, can you? The Cyclical rebirth thing doesn't need to be true either - its just ideas about the afterlife, after all. Who knows what's in the afterlife?

Besides, if you decide to use this idea, you can still change it however you want. If you feel need my permission for that, then you have it.

Thanks for your feedback though.

Its been a while since I posted here. Been a while since I've been active as well, but aside from that...

Govun Berry

This rare berry is found scattered throughout the wilderness, generally found anywhere that isn't too acidic (such as swamps). It's a large oval fruit with a pit in the center and the outside which is sectioned off in miniature oval shapes much like a raspberry. An average fruit is about two feet in diameter, making it incredibly large for a human, but perfectly suited for predators. Aside from being rather large, it is pleasantly dense, and only somewhat moist. Giant predators find themselves filling up on them rather quickly, and proportionately so for a smaller individual - an easy meal for a party of adventurers.

Unfortunately they rot extremely quickly after being plucked, which makes cultivating them rather difficult. Efforts have been made (and research attempted), but it seems that reproduction is only possible due to pollination at a very specific point in it's lifespan by Gyspas, which often means that when this berry is around...they are too.


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Contrary to popular belief, they do not instantly heal all grievous wounds upon consumption.

There we are. I don't know why its called "Govun Berry" I suppose the person who discovered it was named "Govun"...but that's not too important.

I've also been juggling an idea for an afterlife for the Crimson Maidens, but I'll save that for later.

Mina Weed

Mina weed is a short brown-gold plant, reminiscent of grass, but with many small "leaves" arching out from the stem. It looks like a plant that's dehydrated or dead, but in fact is quite alive. However, it is somewhat rare as it grows abundantly in areas with the least amount of magic saturation in the soil, and when chewed, or coming in contact with liquids, it secrets a chemical that enhances mental functions. It works particularly well with humans as opposed to nekos, elves, and even fairies. For this reason many adventurers like to chew on it, or mix it with alcohol to make a quite popular (and delicious!) ale for humans.

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I've also been thinking about fairy society. As someone who encourages civilizations in Felarya, I must say that we acknowledge the existence of Dridder and Fairy cultures and civilizations aside from Negav. However, Dridders don't have much in comparison with Negav, and Fairies even less so than Dridders (not to mention, but I think its generally accepted despite the lack of canonized material that Fairies have just as much (if not more) of a complex society as Dridders.

We have fairy glass, books and libraries written by fairies, temples built by fairies, homes, and what must go in them being furniture, arts and crafts, various theology that comes naturally with the existence of society, yet we don't know where these books are written, where the materials are gathered to make the temples, or the kinds of people who make any of these wonderous things (that we haven't seen but surely exists) within Fairyland.

A society, tribes, group of people, clans... (or whatever you want to call them. I also know that some people prefer to believe that there's not much in the way of fairy culture to begin with. They're just artistic, talented, and intelligent. Which as an argument in itself doesn't even make sense.) ...must be led. Period. You can't have the existence of art or buildings or songs without people who help gather the resources for these, which takes organization that's more than just a simple family of two parents and their beautiful children (Note that Notre Dame took roughly TWO HUNDRED YEARS to build how much organization do you think that used? Temples in Felarya are far bigger.). This is why fairies must exist in large groups. Very large groups. Which we should fully accept, otherwise that magnificent library somewhere within Fairy Kingdom wouldn't exist. (It's not mentioned in the wiki as far as I can find at the moment, but it's mentioned in the manga somewhere when I think Vivian asks Anna about a specific fairy book, and its also explained that Fairies are hesitant to lend their precious books out).

Once again, most of us know this (or should). Leadership within the Fairy community I imagine would be more like a general consensus. I take it most fairies aren't much for leadership positions (though I'm sure some are, they're very varies peoples) but would have a recognized leader or someone everyone respects in a community. For example, Temi, though not a leader of society, might be chosen as a spokesperson for the clan she lives with, just because she's incredibly respected. Fairies also believe more in harmony than anything else, hence the suggestion that they have very druid-like religion. They want an open society, and so they probably encourage a less rigid society, because the more rigid rules you have (like Negav), the less likely you are to have harmony there. This is why I'm sure Fairies have their "leaders" gather at a specific place to discuss current events, exchange news, developments both culturally, and threatening. (Like "my clan is having trouble with insects, we need help!").

We still would need some level of organization for artistic and crafting developments. Some fairy discovers a revolutionary way to build a temple to their beloved deity (or ancestor. Many temples might just be devoted to random fairies...which might explain why there's so many), and needs resources, or wishes to share the knowledge of "how to". So either the leader of the clan picked would need to be comfortable with talking about that (something they may know nothing about, which presents an issue) or the leader fairy brings along someone who would be classified as "co-leader" who would gather in another circle of fairies to talk about the sharing and development of arts, crafts, and resources. I believe this is a long winded explanation of why I believe this is necessary, but I believe it is. Especially for a society like the fairies, and a very loose sort of gathering would work best. Its not like they're gathering to debate the inflation of the economy, global warming, or how much to tax other fairies. Fairies I think use a more "share and care" mindset. A very loose political societal structure that keeps them together as a people, and still still lets them roam (care)free.

Rant over. Thoughts? (Not just about this, but the Mina Weed idea too)

On Mina Weed, I find it weird that it is used in alcohol, a drink often associated with stupor. Now if it were used to make an energy drink I would understand ^_^ Or coffee.....

On Fairy civilization, I always like to think of it like the animated movie Fern Gully, with Nemyra being the wise leader. I think if something big like a library or temple needed to be built she would hold a meeting for any fairies to attend (All would be welcome), and those would spread the word. Remember fairies can change the size of inanimate objects rather easily, so many fairies working to build something could work rather quickly.

That's not to say fairy subcommunities wouldn't have people of high respect, but I figure those communities are formed based on needs. For instance some will obviously be better at hunting, some at healing, etc.

At least that's how I always pictured it in my head.