the-constant-project

[the-constant-project]

Oh right, you need my name? Elle Rich. Its the name I chose before My Ikō-ki bestowed this strange power onto me. 'tis a bit on the nose now, don't you think?

Interview with a Magical Girl

What was my childhood like?

I don’t remember much of my childhood. Not due to it being bad or something overtly traumatic, it was just average (Upon discussing stuff with my therapist, I have since learnt this is not true in the slightest.). I was neither particularly skilled academically or physically, though I soon learnt later in life that this was due to how my brain worked. A smart little awkward cookie who just couldn’t handle the pre-packaged Baked Goods that was expected of all younglings. I was bright, devoured what I read and caught my interest, but it didn’t suit what the Adults expected, and thus I was branded an outcast. The interest in cephalopods definitely didn’t help with my peers either, atleast not until my 20s. Eventually the growth hormones kicked in (Fuck being a teenager. Those who miss those days are either incredibly delusional, or they lucked out during their teenage years. Lucky sods.), and changes wracked my form. Some grew interested in the other sex, others were interested in the same but kept quiet about it. Whereas I……just wasn’t interested. There were times when desire would flood my body, but I was lucky that I had read about what hormones could do to me, so I understood what I was feeling would only be temporary. The few who truly did spark something, recoiled from me upon learning so, due to either them having only been faking friendship with my for whatever reason teenagers do so, or preferred us being friends. I was fine with the latter, it was nice knowing how I could interact with them. It was the former that started the process of breaking me, of learning the difference between being a person, and being an object. And it was the loss of all of them at the end of my final high school year that started the cracks in my psyche. I had spent my formative years making myself into someone they all liked, actively avoiding the things that, upon reflection, would define my adult life. The realization I had wasted my formative years on people who had been happy to drop me once they didn’t have to deal with me………….hurt. I had denied myself, and torn myself into the wrong shapes, and it had not been enough for them. I don’t remember the couple of years between High School ending, and starting my stagnant job. I just remember the hate, the rage, the pain and the anguish. Its still there, buried deep. I have long since accepted those parts of me. Those parts of me help when something tries to break me again.

You may have noticed I haven’t mentioned my family. My mother is a good woman, who has had the world repeatedly try and beat her down and break her. It succeeded, but she refused what it gave her and fought her way back to something resembling normalcy. Atleast, as close as she can manage. My siblings…..I resent them for how they were growing up, but I’ve since come to terms with them and we enjoy a nice peace between us. Not living in the same house helps a lot. We won’t speak of the man who put me in a hospital. He’s lucky my mother and I still, for some unknown and most likely fucking stupid reason, allow him to stay in our lives.

My stagnant job was just that…..stagnant. I was one of their better employees. But I was neither Good Enough™, nor did I perform the needlessly complicated social rituals needed to bypass the Good Enough™ necessity required for getting promoted.

I was secluded, but it helped me start healing. But it stagnated at some point, and I became stuck in a rut, unable to leave.

It wasn’t until my Ikō-ki came that my life truly started.

************ Whats an Ikō-ki, you ask? I’m not sure myself, to be honest. I was alone in my tiny apartment, my own little stagnant marble of reality, when it just appeared with a flickering of the light, a strange dark metallic rod, eldritch tendrils of energy keeping it afloat. The ‘head’ of rod is vaguely bulbous, with 8 undulating bands forming the patterns along its length. Heh, it just occurs to me, but it kind of looks like someone had attached a small octopus to a rod (This is how I knew it was mine.) It called itself an Ikō-ki. The strange mind voice it uses to talk to me is a strange blend of my masculine voice and a Japanese accent I’ve never had, and if it weren’t for the fact I hated how the words sound when they come out of my mouth, I would call it a soothing voice.

They seem to help transition small pools of stagnation, based on the stories it has shown me. My Ikō-ki (I can’t help but claim it as Mine) has shown me multiple stories: a princess become a prince and bring ruin to their prosperous yet corrupt state; a young boy became the Belle of the town and helped reunite the warring clans within falling in love with each of their heirs and tying their futures to one another; an adult who claimed bloody retribution on those who had claimed their body against their will. But those are the Phantasmal stories, the ones meant to bring hope to those who have fallen to despair, to give them the motivation to rise above the masses or to sink deep into their minds and bring forth a new dawn for those who follow their darker paths.

But that was not meant to be my Story, atleast, that is my hope. I want my story to be a stopover, like the smaller stories of local heroes and vigilantes, of those who guard the dreams and become the nightmare that nightmares fear within the dreamscape, those who sleep the wakeless dream and help heal the minds of their peers, of those whose only job is to look after their Ikō-ki until it comes time for it to move on. I’m getting off track. My mind can’t help but wander when I think about my Ikō-ki.

My Ikō-ki is a strange magical artefact that most likely either originates from Japan, or spent enough time there that it has permanently affected its…..mind? I’m still not sure how its ‘mind’ works. My Ikō-ki definitely has its own mind, since while we share tastes and opinions; it has since developed its own opinions and tastes, which I find fascinating. The small few others we’ve encountered have ranged from nothing more than inanimate magical objects, to semi-autonomous drone-like constructs, to full-fledged sentient beings. They seem to specifically be attracted to women, since I have yet to see any we’ve encountered with a masculine form. But considering they make us physically transform when we use them, I can’t trust what I see, I can only take the words of the strangers who are in similar situations to me. ……..did I not mention I can transform? From the sounds of it, My Ikō-ki was surprised at how accepting I was of the concept. I had grown up watching cartoons of girls being able to transform into magical warriors, so this was just my childhood dream coming true.

My new form…….is too much for my liking. Don’t get me wrong, I love the design of my outfit. The cephalopodan dress is the stuff of eldritch nightmares, all dark blues, greens and browns, endless flowing in non-existent currents, the great red Mantle headpiece towering above me, 4 larges tendrils wrapped together like hair, ready to flare up and be used if needed.. The ammonoid shield stands tall and impassable, its eternal spiral unyielding to any. The strange spraying creature on my right wrist, at time filled with a viscous ink that flows through air as if underwater, yet capable of delivering a highly venomous bite to anyone who isn’t me if they venture to close (This strange symbiote seems to share a link with me, since I’ve recently learnt that, if threatened outside of my magical girl form, my bite can be just as venomous). But as with the strange curves of all cephalopods, my own body becomes much fuller, curves appearing where I typically lacked them. While gorgeous, it’s not my thing. I prefer being on the ‘less filled out’ side of the body spectrum. Though if the only downside to my form is that its curvier than I like, and I get a awesome cephalopod aesthetic as the positive, I’ll take that deal. I’ve seen some of the lingerie others have been saddled with. What do I do with this form?

…….just watch it move and react. Its more cephalopodan than human, and its fascinating watching the eldritch form just…..move. There are times I go exploring the city, and stopping some of the worse crimes if I stumble upon them. But exploring the dreamscape is what I mainly do. Redirecting the mental eddies and currents around me, helping keep their lives just that little bit less miserable. …….I once tried to probe into That Man’s thoughts, to see why he put me into the hospital. I couldn’t handle what I found, and now I fear to dive into anyone else’s mind. If I’m a Magical Girl, who do I fight? Thats a hard question. In theory, The Decline. The literal concept of humanity falling into entropy. But as My Ikō-ki has shown me, The Decline just haven’t been active lately. My Ikō-ki is of the belief that we’ll see a resurgence in the next few years, given the state of the world’s political climate. But at the moment, I’ve mainly been ‘fighting’ other Magical Girls I’ve encountered. Not to the death or anything. Only some of the newer girls try that, due to a rise in darker media. But those of us with experience quickly weeded out those thoughts. At most, We spar and train. As I said, supposedly The Decline is coming, and someone needs to be ready. I’m hoping my shift will be over by then, but it can’t hurt to keep the others who have an active interest in protecting the world on their toes. Also helps keep me fit and in top form, when some of the more ‘morally straight laced’ Girls come and ‘hunt me’.

Why do I get hunted?

Because I have the Power, yet I don’t do anything obvious with it. Plus, as you can tell from looking at me, they ‘normal’ girls consider me an aberration. I once asked My Ikō-ki if Magical Girls were inherently good. He told me that each magical Girl is different, and we all walk different paths. Most walk the lighter paths, and some are consumed by that light. I walk one of the newer paths. Because it is new-ish, and isn’t inclined towards ‘The Light’, they get it into their heads that theres something wrong with me, and I should be purged to allow my Ikō-ki to pass on. Its not their fault. Society has taught them to fear the alien and the unknown, and one of our baser instincts is to fear what hide in the Dark. But thats why I walk the Darker path. I shall shield those outside of the Dark from their own fears. Luckily, I haven’t had to kill any of them. I almost did once, when I learnt my symbiotic sprayer could bite. The problem with young creatures with venomous bites, is that they don’t know how to regulate their venom. That girl was lucky the Medical Girl was nearby. Five more minutes and her lungs would’ve been paralyzed. *************

#Magical girl character is named Elle D. Rich #coz my bestise gave me the perfect name for them

[the-constant-project]

A new pantheon gathers. They are here for the prophecies that will foreshadow their birth, lives and downfalls.

They stand around a small, elderly figure.

“You are…sure,” asks a crackling voice owned by the figure.

The gods nod and murmur ascent. Some much more confident than others.

“Fine then.”

But a figure separates from the pantheon and cuts down the Prophet of the Universe before any can react.

“You are all fools,” the trickster growls, clutching the bloody dagger.

“You willingly hand over your fate, your neighbors fate and our world’s fate.”

There was silence for several beats.

“I will not allow you to condemn yourselves to your own stupidity without even allowing the chance for growth.”

The trickster left, to welcome their world without the burden of an already written story.

#reblogging this via my writing account so I have my part of this little story official recorded on it XD

[the-constant-project]

Interview with a Magical Girl

What was my childhood like?

I don’t remember much of my childhood. Not due to it being bad or something overtly traumatic, it was just average (Upon discussing stuff with my therapist, I have since learnt this is not true in the slightest.). I was neither particularly skilled academically or physically, though I soon learnt later in life that this was due to how my brain worked. A smart little awkward cookie who just couldn’t handle the pre-packaged Baked Goods that was expected of all younglings. I was bright, devoured what I read and caught my interest, but it didn’t suit what the Adults expected, and thus I was branded an outcast. The interest in cephalopods definitely didn’t help with my peers either, atleast not until my 20s. Eventually the growth hormones kicked in (Fuck being a teenager. Those who miss those days are either incredibly delusional, or they lucked out during their teenage years. Lucky sods.), and changes wracked my form. Some grew interested in the other sex, others were interested in the same but kept quiet about it. Whereas I......just wasn’t interested. There were times when desire would flood my body, but I was lucky that I had read about what hormones could do to me, so I understood what I was feeling would only be temporary. The few who truly did spark something, recoiled from me upon learning so, due to either them having only been faking friendship with my for whatever reason teenagers do so, or preferred us being friends. I was fine with the latter, it was nice knowing how I could interact with them. It was the former that started the process of breaking me, of learning the difference between being a person, and being an object. And it was the loss of all of them at the end of my final high school year that started the cracks in my psyche. I had spent my formative years making myself into someone they all liked, actively avoiding the things that, upon reflection, would define my adult life. The realization I had wasted my formative years on people who had been happy to drop me once they didn’t have to deal with me.............hurt. I had denied myself, and torn myself into the wrong shapes, and it had not been enough for them. I don’t remember the couple of years between High School ending, and starting my stagnant job. I just remember the hate, the rage, the pain and the anguish. Its still there, buried deep. I have long since accepted those parts of me. Those parts of me help when something tries to break me again.

 You may have noticed I haven’t mentioned my family. My mother is a good woman, who has had the world repeatedly try and beat her down and break her. It succeeded, but she refused what it gave her and fought her way back to something resembling normalcy. Atleast, as close as she can manage. My siblings.....I resent them for how they were growing up, but I’ve since come to terms with them and we enjoy a nice peace between us. Not living in the same house helps a lot. We won’t speak of the man who put me in a hospital. He’s lucky my mother and I still, for some unknown and most likely fucking stupid reason, allow him to stay in our lives.

  My stagnant job was just that.....stagnant. I was one of their better employees. But I was neither Good Enough(tm), nor did I perform the needlessly complicated social rituals needed to bypass the Good Enough(tm) necessity required for getting promoted.

 I was secluded, but it helped me start healing. But it stagnated at some point, and I became stuck in a rut, unable to leave.

It wasn’t until my Ikō-ki came that my life truly started.

************ Whats an Ikō-ki, you ask? I’m not sure myself, to be honest. I was alone in my tiny apartment, my own little stagnant marble of reality, when it just appeared with a flickering of the light, a strange dark metallic rod, eldritch tendrils of energy keeping it afloat. The ‘head’ of rod is vaguely bulbous, with 8 undulating bands forming the patterns along its length. Heh, it just occurs to me, but it kind of looks like someone had attached a small octopus to a rod (This is how I knew it was mine.) It called itself an Ikō-ki. The strange mind voice it uses to talk to me is a strange blend of my masculine voice and a Japanese accent I’ve never had, and if it weren’t for the fact I hated how the words sound when they come out of my mouth, I would call it a soothing voice.

They seem to help transition small pools of stagnation, based on the stories it has shown me. My Ikō-ki (I can’t help but claim it as Mine) has shown me multiple stories: a princess become a prince and bring ruin to their prosperous yet corrupt state; a young boy became the Belle of the town and helped reunite the warring clans within falling in love with each of their heirs and tying their futures to one another; an adult who claimed bloody retribution on those who had claimed their body against their will. But those are the Phantasmal stories, the ones meant to bring hope to those who have fallen to despair, to give them the motivation to rise above the masses or to sink deep into their minds and bring forth a new dawn for those who follow their darker paths.

 But that was not meant to be my Story, atleast, that is my hope. I want my story to be a stopover, like the smaller stories of local heroes and vigilantes, of those who guard the dreams and become the nightmare that nightmares fear within the dreamscape, those who sleep the wakeless dream and help heal the minds of their peers, of those whose only job is to look after their Ikō-ki until it comes time for it to move on. I’m getting off track. My mind can’t help but wander when I think about my Ikō-ki.

My Ikō-ki is a strange magical artefact that most likely either originates from Japan, or spent enough time there that it has permanently affected its.....mind? I’m still not sure how its ‘mind’ works. My Ikō-ki definitely has its own mind, since while we share tastes and opinions; it has since developed its own opinions and tastes, which I find fascinating. The small few others we’ve encountered have ranged from nothing more than inanimate magical objects, to semi-autonomous drone-like constructs, to full-fledged sentient beings. They seem to specifically be attracted to women, since I have yet to see any we’ve encountered with a masculine form. But considering they make us physically transform when we use them, I can’t trust what I see, I can only take the words of the strangers who are in similar situations to me. ........did I not mention I can transform? From the sounds of it, My Ikō-ki was surprised at how accepting I was of the concept. I had grown up watching cartoons of girls being able to transform into magical warriors, so this was just my childhood dream coming true.

 My new form.......is too much for my liking. Don’t get me wrong, I love the design of my outfit. The cephalopodan dress is the stuff of eldritch nightmares, all dark blues, greens and browns, endless flowing in non-existent currents, the great red Mantle headpiece towering above me, 4 larges tendrils wrapped together like hair, ready to flare up and be used if needed.. The ammonoid shield stands tall and impassable, its eternal spiral unyielding to any. The strange spraying creature on my right wrist, at time filled with a viscous ink that flows through air as if underwater, yet capable of delivering a highly venomous bite to anyone who isn’t me if they venture to close (This strange symbiote seems to share a link with me, since I’ve recently learnt that, if threatened outside of my magical girl form, my bite can be just as venomous). But as with the strange curves of all cephalopods, my own body becomes much fuller, curves appearing where I typically lacked them. While gorgeous, it’s not my thing. I prefer being on the ‘less filled out’ side of the body spectrum. Though if the only downside to my form is that its curvier than I like, and I get a awesome cephalopod aesthetic as the positive, I’ll take that deal. I’ve seen some of the lingerie others have been saddled with. What do I do with this form?

.......just watch it move and react. Its more cephalopodan than human, and its fascinating watching the eldritch form just.....move. There are times I go exploring the city, and stopping some of the worse crimes if I stumble upon them. But exploring the dreamscape is what I mainly do. Redirecting the mental eddies and currents around me, helping keep their lives just that little bit less miserable. .......I once tried to probe into That Man’s thoughts, to see why he put me into the hospital. I couldn’t handle what I found, and now I fear to dive into anyone else’s mind. If I’m a Magical Girl, who do I fight? Thats a hard question. In theory, The Decline. The literal concept of humanity falling into entropy. But as My Ikō-ki has shown me, The Decline just haven’t been active lately. My Ikō-ki is of the belief that we’ll see a resurgence in the next few years, given the state of the world’s political climate. But at the moment, I’ve mainly been ‘fighting’ other Magical Girls I’ve encountered. Not to the death or anything. Only some of the newer girls try that, due to a rise in darker media. But those of us with experience quickly weeded out those thoughts. At most, We spar and train. As I said, supposedly The Decline is coming, and someone needs to be ready. I’m hoping my shift will be over by then, but it can’t hurt to keep the others who have an active interest in protecting the world on their toes. Also helps keep me fit and in top form, when some of the more ‘morally straight laced’ Girls come and ‘hunt me’.

 Why do I get hunted?

Because I have the Power, yet I don’t do anything obvious with it. Plus, as you can tell from looking at me, they ‘normal’ girls consider me an aberration. I once asked My Ikō-ki if Magical Girls were inherently good. He told me that each magical Girl is different, and we all walk different paths. Most walk the lighter paths, and some are consumed by that light. I walk one of the newer paths. Because it is new-ish, and isn’t inclined towards ‘The Light’, they get it into their heads that theres something wrong with me, and I should be purged to allow my Ikō-ki to pass on. Its not their fault. Society has taught them to fear the alien and the unknown, and one of our baser instincts is to fear what hide in the Dark. But thats why I walk the Darker path. I shall shield those outside of the Dark from their own fears. Luckily, I haven’t had to kill any of them. I almost did once, when I learnt my symbiotic sprayer could bite. The problem with young creatures with venomous bites, is that they don’t know how to regulate their venom. That girl was lucky the Medical Girl was nearby. Five more minutes and her lungs would’ve been paralyzed. *************

#magical girl #Its been a while since I wrote anything #This also hasn't been well edited since I wanted to just release it before heading to bed #I miss being able to write like this

[the-constant-project]

Unnamed story draft

Chapter 1 - Calm

Alarm’s sucked.

Groaing, I rolled over and pulled myself out of bed. The base’s AI, Ever Vigiliant, or Evi as she was called among the various teams of researchers, mercenaries and soldiers, would end the alarm only once it was apparent I was in my lousy excuse of a uniform.

The standard issue jumpsuit had long since been abandoned, since mercenaries weren’t expected to follow the uniform regulations. So long as we had our I.D.s and our Group Insignias on, the few brass who were stationed here would tolerate most behaviour, even if it set some bad examples for their subordinates. Ids were for when individuals needed discipline (as well as allowing us into our respective bunk rooms)

The brass weren’t happy to spend 10 years here, since check ins were rare once the Higher Ups made the base self reliant. But the Mercenaries and the Soldiers typically enjoyed the work, since it paid ridiculously well due to its remoteness in a strange xenosphere and gave us mercs a roof over our heads for a while. Obviously for all the perks there were some negatives, like the local xeno-flora and fauna and the incredible boredom. But we had a stable Relay connection and a one-time use escape portal in the off chance of a necessary evacuation, so unlike some of the other bases in our situation, we had it much better.

 “Evi, love, as its quite apparent I’m awake, could you tone it down a notch?” I asked, hoping I was the first awake, since Evi was more inclined to be generous to first responders. As I slipped into my customised Skimmer jumpsuit, the Alarm outside my bunkroom kept blaring at its incessant volume, it was now at a tolerable yet annoying pitch in the room.

 “Remind me to buy you a drink during my next off recreational shift.” A message flashed across the small mirror above the alarm.

 Sweetie, you owe me several. I laughed. ‘Sweetie’ was the nickname she gave to those she planned on favouring for the day. The few times I managed it was during my Birthday, or on the days where I’m the only merc not making a fool of themself. Wasn’t often, since I was one of the few Polys on board who had a really fast regenerative rate.

“Too true. Well, you are able to influence scheduling, and you have eyes all over, so why not arrange for us to have a drink together?”

 The lights on the mirror cycled a few colours, one of the ways she expressed a groan when not in one of her android or gynoid bodies.

 A new message scrawled along the mirror.

Because its no fun that way. You are one of the few buggers who I can never track down in my ‘droid body, so its become quite the vexing challenge, one which I’m determined to win.

I smirked, before finally getting ready. I still hadn’t lost my curves since that bender that required my body to be more feminine, so a bra was also required, my smirk quickly fading. As enjoyable as the bags of fat on my chest could be in the right hands (and mouths and other appendages), I had a subconscious like of bigger sizes.

Which made my job as Skimmer pilot much harder, since high speed jumps and corkscrews through the air, despite being a bloody good time, also gave gravity the bad habit of treating these things as their playtoy, but my job as a merc much easier.

Plus it made me a popular choice with the male crew, if I needed things.

Hey, if you’ve got it, use it so long as you aren’t screwing anyone over.

 Plus size to the bigger bra my chest required today meant I was also allowed a knife sheathe or two. Brass wouldn’t be happy, but my Bosses always preferred me to have a knife or ten on hand.

 Evi colour-groaned again, but I didn’t receive a demerit message, so she didn’t report it. I also checked myself out, to see how my regen rate was going.

I’m whats called a ‘Poly’, or ‘Polymoprh’. Its a bad term, since it doesn’t describe us well at all, but its the only term that gets the ‘Oh I understand’ lights to flicker in most people’s mind, so I’m stuck with it until we get back to Constant space. I’m human, technically. Somewhere in my ancestry is some Great Old One genetics. I’m inclined to believe I’m of the Chaotic Crawler’s lineage, since theres rumor it once appeared as a silver haired girl and courted some dude. Considering my own silvery hair that I can control to a minor degree, and the fact that a lot of my features are determined by what I want them to be, it makes a lot more sense I’m of the Crawler’s line than some of the others. Basically, Polymorphic Humanoids are humans who, for all genetic purposes, are human, but display some heteromoprhic or even polymorphic traits.

Most Polys are outright shapeshifters, who can feed on any form of biological material. Makes us popular on these sort of missions, since we can be fed on sexual fluids if needed, though its outright rude to expect us to only sate ourselves that way. However, if that is listed as part of our job, we expect to be paid handsomely.

 I’m not so lucky. My body can store sexual fluid to aid in my transitions, but I get no sustenance from it. I did luck out on having a fast regen rate, which enables me to transition back to my preferred form quicker than the other Ploys like me. Also meant I could survive a lot of fatal damage so long as my body tissue was connected, in theory.

I stocked a few extra ration bars into the bum bag attached to the skimmer jumpsuit. I needed to put on more weight to help my regen rate burn through this transition.

 It looked like I was being feminine for the next few days.

I sighed, before coercing my hair into a short ponytail. I was tempted for an anime-styled tech savvy look, but skimmer duty tended to ruin any look I might’ve wanted to try, so a ponytail would suffice.

 Donning the SKIM-EXO rig, I checked my diagnostics to make sure I synced up with both Evi’s systems and the Lab Ship I’d end up doing guard and recon work for today.

[the-constant-project]

Understanding the Elements, Part 2: The Philosophy of Light and Dark elementalmagy (WIP)

1)      The inherent flaws of the Light/Dark binary present in Humanoid history

The issue with most of the Humanoid races, is that due to their evolutionary paths which typically have them relying predominantly on their visual sense, give them an innate fear of the dark, which then skews their beliefs between the two elements.

Light, to most Humanoids, represents Good, creation, hope, freedom, order, warmth, and the known world. Whereas Dark, to most Humanoids, represents Evil, destruction, despair, fear, chaos, cold, and the unknown. Of course, there are always those who are born already inclined to the Dark, and they typically understand the flaw in the Light/Dark binary, but rarely attempt to fix this error in the cultural zeitgeist that seems to be an inherent part of most Humanoid history, typically due to just how deeply ingrained this fear of the Dark and the need for Light is.

 It is because of this inherent flaw in how Humanoids perceive Light and Dark, that most are blind to the truth behind the matter.

 2)      Same side of a single coin

What most Humanoids struggle to understand about the Light and Dark elements, is that they are basically the same element, but manifested differently based on the intentions of the wielder.

 Light is often the selfless act of using the element for the good of all involved, regardless of the Mage’s wellbeing. Whereas Dark is the act that reflects the self, the desire to either overcome a specific obstacles in the Mage’s path or to help those the Mage would consider their ilk. In simplest terms, Light is for the selfless, whereas Dark is for those of the self.

 A good example of why Light and Dark are the same element expressed differently would be the ‘greater good’ fallacy of the Light when faced with a difficult choice. The ‘greater good’ fallacy is that, when a situation is presented where there is no feasible way to choose a solution where all involve benefit, those of the light choose the Selfish choice under the guise of ‘doing it for the greater good of all’.

 3)      Other Mage skills taught alongside Dark and Light philosophy

Lumenmagy is typically taught to those interested in Light magery, as well as Chromamagy. Lumenmagy is often the physical mage skills to counter the more mental skills that come from chromamagy.

 4)      The aforementioned Mage skills in depth

 4a) Lumenmagy, Lumemagy is often taught with a defensive focus, but most high level students quickly discover how quickly the powerful defensive skills can be used aggressively.

In simplest terms, Lumenmagy is the ability to manipulate physical light.

Unlike Chromamagy, which breaks the Light spectrum into a vast array of different abilities, Lumenmagy allows the Mage to create ‘Hard Light’ in a limited, yet effective, capacity. Typically, this is taught in the form of temporary wall and shield building, as a quick defence to stop attacks that would otherwise be potentially fatal, since the current inherent truth of Light is that in a physical form, Light is impassable and therefore impenetrable.

There are stories or specific elements being able to bypass the Hardlight barrier spells currently in circulation, however said stories currently have yet to be replicated in a controlled environment.

4b) Chromamagy,

Chromamagy is heavily dependent on the Mage’s own views and their ability to perceive the colour spectrum of light. In simplest terms, Chromamagy is the ability to manipulate colours, typically of the visible light spectrum. For most humanoids, this ranges from infrareds all the way up to ultraviolet light.

But other races, depending on their understanding of reality, have shown the ability to manipulate other forms of the electromagnetic spectrum like gamma rays.

Due to being a more mental based ability, what the colours can do is dependent on what the colours have been taught to have meant to the Mage in question.

Typically, infrareds and most forms of red light are associated with heat, and aggression, and as such often involve the ability to affect heat and to make others more or less aggressive as well as being the easiest to manipulate due to its abundance on most worlds humandoids comfortably inhabit, whereas Ultraviolet are associated with that which is hidden or hard to perceive, so is often used in the hiding or revealing of objects.

For further details on Chromamagy, please check out the indepth ‘Lighting the Way: A Guide to manipulating physical and mental Light’.

 4c) Umbramagy,

Umbramagy is the workhorse of those interested in the Dark, due to its heavy versatility. In simplest terms, Umbramagy is the ability to shape perceivable darkness. ‘Perceivable darkness’ means that a source of Light is giving contrast so that the shadows being manipulated are able to be perceivably manipulated. It is plausible to manipulate ‘non-perceivable darkness’, but it is rarely attempted, due to the Abyss totemic interpretation in that, by attempting to manipulate that which you cannot see, you risk touching the Abyss.

 5)      The concept of the Eternal and the Abyss

5a) The Eternal is a concept realm of endless Light. There is little that can be agreed on the concept, where some consider it akin to a light filled Abyss, whereas others consider it an ‘Eternal paradise’ where Dark cannot exist. It is currently considered an impossibility by most Light Mages, but there seems to be a wistful need for it to be true, so the concept of the Eternal hasn’t died out yet.

 5b) The Abyss

Related terms: the Void, the Endless Dark. The Abyss is a concept realm of endless darkness. We have some vague proof that the Abyss exists, since the Courts have formed prison realms that aren’t connected to any realm but Constant (Note: Please read the Constant Abyss theory for the basic understanding needed to understand why this is considered proof). It is also the only plausible way for the Great Old Ones to still exist, yet not reside in our reality.

  6)      Light and Dark in relation to the 4 Primary Elements

6a) Light/Dark and Fire

Fire, and its relation to Light and Dark, is the strongest example of why the two elements are actually the same element. When you create a flame, you create a source of light and warmth within a certain boundary. However, you also make a zone of darkness and cold. To create what you need, you make a boundary of exactly what you were escaping from.| By creating warmth and hope, you strengthen the darkness surrounding you, giving more definitive form.

 6b) Light/Dark and Water

Water is a great example of why Light and Dark are the same, just different ends of the same spectrum. The oceans on worlds with large amounts of water show the difference almost seemless: the surface encompasses all within it, yet differs from the dark abyss much further down because visibility is

                 6c) Dark and Earth

Earth is the best example of what it would be like to exist within the Abyss: Already full of something, but you cannot fathom what without somehow bringing the

 6d) Light and Air

Air is the best example of what it is like to exist within the theoretical Eternal realm. Air encompasses all within its domain

#the constant project #elemental magic #light and dark

[the-constant-project]

(Annie from the Constant Project) 1, 6, 12, 15

Annette ‘Annie’ Fenric is a WIP character from my writiing project, “The Constant Project”.

1: Origins! How did you come up with the concept for your OC?

I wanted my main cast of characters to be not male (because the basic premise of my Universe is kind bland and generic if the main cast is largely male/[insert generic cast thats 60+% male/hetero-normative), and Annette was gonna be the character who experiences everything on behalf of the reader.She was essentially gonna be a nerd who was either asexual or demi (I never got far into her design), and out of all her friends, the ‘magic’ she got was ‘Total Comprehension’ (i.e. She can figure anything out, given enough time).What made her special, was her connection to The Mantle, and the Courts.But I’ve since changed stuff, and I don’t know what I wanna do with her, since a new character of mine works better for me than Annie does XD

6: What is your OC’s family situation? Do they get along? Do they fight? Or are they alone?

She loves her family, but she’s since drifted out of contact with them just due to her nature.

12: What scent calms them? Reminds them of home or something soothing?

That smell when you open a book. She’s a nerd who loves and enjoys books.(Of all people to ask a smell question XD)

15: Does your OC have any awful fears? Do they get paralyzed with fear or can they work through their fears?

I never developed her enough to have fears XDI think the closest she got to having a fear of something, was for others to have an obsessive desire of her.

(Pls ask me about other characters XD)

[the-constant-project]

OK how about Leah 4, 10, 11, 16

Oh thank god. Leah’s a much more stably designed character XD

4: How do you get into your OC’s mindset to write for them? How do you find the muse for them?

Leah is technically easiest to write when I’m channeling my rage XDIt’s not that she’s an angry character, its just she’s a vengeful character, and her first major story arc is a cathartic reinterpreted version of something that causes me some very toxic feelings (and still do, if I see a specific person).I’m not sure if I’ll release that story arc without some heavy revisions to make it hard to know things about it.But yeah, typically when I’m angry/raging, its easiest for me to channel her into my writing XD

10: How do they deal with strangers?

It honestly depends. Typically, she’ll tunnel vision and ignore people that aren’t related to what she’s doing/going to go do.However, if you catch her at an event of some sort, she’ll either totally ignore you in favor of the event, or she’ll force herself into a conversation she find interesting.

11: Is there a place they go to in order to escape the world, the stresses of life? What’s their favourite place?

Any place that has free Coca-cola. Coke relieves all stress XD

16: What are concepts they value? Virtues? What do they look down upon?

Loyalty, being treated fairly (i.e. I’ve put in this amount of work, so I expect you to do the same), honesty.She loathes hypocrisy, especially in those who have power and/or influence over others.

[the-constant-project]

Determination is a neutral force

They don’t get it.

They didn’t know what had convinced them to start on this route, and if Kara was being honest, they didn’t want to keep doing it. But something was driving them forward, and they couldn’t help what their body was doing, as if guided by an unseen hand. Due to their reluctance, Kara’s body was impaled within moments, the first attack overwhelming the poor child. The old being standing at the far end sighing in relief, hoping this death would convince Kara to stop.

They more they kill you, the stronger I become.

Within moments of returning back to life, Kara is already on the move, knowing what the first attack is. However, they did expect to be quickly picked up by a massive force and thrown into a wall, with large spikes materializing in their body. A look of pity and catharsis was forming on the being’s face. He didn’t want to kill Kara, he knew there was something worth saving within them, but that didn’t change the fact that Kara had killed everyone, and he took little joy in stalling them here. But oh it felt right to kill his friends’ killer.

The stronger I become, the closer I come to ending those who stand before us.

Again, Kara is ready. They last a little longer, managing to find a pause in the being’s attacks, striking with all their terrible might, the First Child’s Knife having done them well so far. What she didn’t account for, was the being to dodge. This was unexpected, and threw Kara off long enough for the being to strike another killing blow.

This isn’t the first time we’ve come through this timeline, and it won’t be the last, as you can see by how desperately this lazy old relic is stalling us.

Kara makes it further into his attack pattern. She strikes again and again, missing as the being dodges and teleports away in ways none of the other creatures and beings of this lower world had done before. This time, the attacks aren’t quite killing them, but each strike affects their soul, as if each blow is making their body feel the karmic weight of the sins they inflicted upon the poor denizens of this lower world.

With each death, your beloved little Kara fades further away, their determination to see this through slowly but surely being replaced with my own. And if there is one thing that I am, I am very determined to end this timeline.

Kara now knows to dodge as many attacks as possible, and succeeds in 6 attempts on the being’s life. However, a new attack spawns in: A giant, draconic skull. The Skull lazily aims at her, and annihilates her, shattering their soul. The being notes that changes are starting to occur on Kara’s body. Their blue shirt with the dual purple vertical stripes is both changing colour, and altering its design; the two purple stripes merging into one solid colour, going a dark and lifeless muddy brown compared to its formerly vibrant purple, with the rest of the shirt becoming lighter in tone, as if trying to become some sort of green. Kara’s boots, formerly designed for hiking, were smaller, but seemed to be elongating into a design better suited for combat. The heart shaped pendant, which had hung oddly on Kara before, was starting to feel as if it was sitting where it belonged.

Soon, I will be reborn, and no one will be left standing in my way. Not that insipid woman who found me at the start of all of this. Not that poor excuse of a guard you called family. Not that waste of determination you called a heroine. Not even you, you poor little puppet of fate, doomed to stall until the one who is called arrives.

Kara tried a new approach. They dropped their weapon, and held their arms open, as if trying to say ‘We don’t need to keep doing this’. It was a tactic that had worked before on the old lady, and considered how the two had been close; they hoped it would work here. And it seemed as if it would, the old being stopping its attack and reluctantly approaching them, as if to return a long overdue hug. A sudden sharp pain in their chest proved them wrong, as the being savagely ripped out their heart. “you don’t need this. Only humans are allowed one of these.”

Hahahahaha. Did you honestly think that approach would work? This timeline is only vaguely aware of the good you’ve done in previous timelines. I’m sorry, where was I in my little monologue?

Kara made it even further, their attacks getting closer and closer to the being, who was starting to sweat with the exhaustion of having to dodge Kara’s savage blows. Before a killing blow could be struck, Kara spoke. It was not their voice, but yet they spoke, “Your friends and family couldn’t stop me. The demon pulling the strings of this world has found out his partner is crime wants to kill everything, him included. What makes you think you could stop? Especially given how easily your pathetic brother fell to my bla-“ The mental anguish being issued through Kara’s lips was cut short as the being’s power flared uncontrollably, as he used it to pick them up and repeatedly pound them into the walls, floor and ceiling, trying to force Kara to experience the pain they were causing in him. Their arms, legs and spine shattered, Kara crumpled into a heap, and a single fiery tear dripped down from the being’s socket, it’s strange skull like mask barely being able to contain the power dwelling within it. The being noted some physical changes were starting to occur, with the just past shoulder length hair retreating to something resembling a bowl cut, and the child’s eyes sinking into their face, giving the appearance of the young child who had shadows for eyes.

Oh yes. My name is Lorne, and you are not prepared for my arrival. And I will kill you all. And once I’ve done that, I’ll reset it all and do it again, this time with me being the one in control.

“How about I make you a deal? You survive this, and I’ll show you my secret move?” The being taunted, seeing how effortlessly Kara was now avoiding his relentless strikes. They were getting close to getting the killing blow, so the being took Kara’s smirk as an affirmation. However, during the attack that was now beating Kara senseless, the being watched in shock as Kara’s body seemed to alternate between two forms. The form the being had known as Kara, and the form that the being knew was actually in control of the poor child. Knowing that whatever strange transformation had over taken the child who felt like a friend was not finished, it filled the being with determination to try and save the poor child.

My name is Lorne, AND I AM REBORN!

The being knew that this child who stood before him was not Kara. Before the being could launch into a flourish of attacks, the child spoke.

“My name is Lorne, and I’m stronger than you.” The child named Lorne effortlessly dodged all of the being’s attacks. Only during the onslaught that was the being’s secret move, did he finally managed to strike this new form of the child. He unleashed as much karmic retribution onto the new child as he could, but unlike the young Kara, the young Lorne refused to die. Every bone that the being broke, would slowly reset itself back into place, all while Lorne had a creepy vacant smile hung upon their rosy cheeked face.

“See, I told you so.” Lorne stated, as the child brought their original weapon down across the being’s chest, bright red liquid splashing across Lorne’s face. As the being collapsed, and seemingly disappeared, Lorne kept moving, sensing they still had the old man and his former partner in crime.

Lorne doesn’t get it. Lorne thinks their determination is stronger. And Lorne isn’t wrong. They’re own determination is stronger than any one being’s determination.

Lorne cut down the old man, who both grieved at the loss of all life in the lower world, and was filled with a bittersweet joy at seeing his adopted child seemingly reborn out of nowhere. A single tear hit the floor as the old man dissipated into dust, before Lorne turned to a small grieving figure inside the flower bed the old man had been standing over.

But unlike Lorne, I don’t just have my own determination. Lorne hasn’t figured it out yet, but because they forced themselves out into the world, Lorne carved a path out of our soul. One of which, Lorne’s hate and malice could flow out through.

Lorne drove their blade through the young form hiding in the flowerbed, the once proud and powerful demonic killer of this world. The once emotionless monster having seemingly reverted to its previous form, upon discovering it could still feel fear upon figuring out Lorne had no need of it, and that it was only just another name Lorne wanted erased. That vacant and eerie smile, which the young form had once considered humorous, was the last terrifying sight it witnessed before it dissipated into dust, unknowingly guaranteeing the cycle of death and rebirth it had unintentionally created would continue onwards.

But paths work both ways. Out of what one may flow, in may flow others. To counteract Lorn’s hatred and malice, the love and hope of those Lorne has killed, those who I love and hope a happy future for, will flow into me, and together, with our combined determination, we will alter the fate Lorne wants of us.

Lorne used all the power they had gathered, and shattered the magical blockade that had both sheltered and stopped the lower world denizens from the human world above them.

“I am free.” Lorne stated.

“I will be free.” Kara sighed, as they were forced to watch Lorne’s unending rampage, until it all began anew.

[the-constant-project]

Perception is reality

In the untamed by time and reality lands of the Constant Realm, things must be perceived to be defined, to be granted the birthrights they are entitled to by existence. So when a god is born in an unknown land to an ignorant people, are they still a god? Will she still be granted what is hers, or will he be bound, never to know what has been denied to him? Will she still be an important figure who'll rule as her mantle dictates, or will he be ignored and forgotten, another lost soul denied by the ignorant and the potential fed back into the Void? In the realms where perception is a key part of your reality, gods must be witnessed by their people, so their power is contained. But a god has been born, but not witnessed. What have the ignorant unleashed?

[the-constant-project]

Excerpt from The Faction Wars.

(Much later on, towards the end of the match which Leah convinced The lady Fenrir to support, once Leah has Catalyn pinned and has all but secured herself victory) Leah savoured the sight, Catalyn’s arms and legs pinned down by Leah’s very own hatred of her, manifested as giant wings of nebulous black liquid, as if she has been crucified in mid-air.

“Do you know why I’m putting you through this?” Leah asked, circling Catalyn, *Pure Lady of the Wild Hunters

“Do you know why I put in so much effort to get this match? Why my most powerful aspects are the darker ones that you purposefully try to weed out of your followers? Why I am winning in this match, beyond the fact that you DON’T have the skill or power to back your position up?”

Catalyn just stared at the ground, refusing yet failing to give Leah the satisfaction she craved. Oh, your poor deluded fool. The pure fact you are trying to be defiant will satisfy me to know end, especially once I break you.

“It’s because you robbed me of everything I had in this new life. I had friends, a noticeable influence in my peer groups, and the respect of my rivals and of the newly Signed.”

Leah turned to face Catalyn, dark anger spreading across her features. “Then you signed in, and the people flocked to you. You were kind, supposedly good looking in the eyes of your followers, and seemed to be every bit the leader this Forum could’ve wanted, except for the sheer fact you refused two very key parts: You refused to accept your darker aspects, and you refused to earn your place.”

She turned her back to Catalyn, and spread her arms wide, indicating the space around her, where the formless micro-viewers were recording this scene. One reason Leah loved the Hero v Villain match type, was because the Villain always had a monologue, when they gained complete control of the match. And considering how she still had 2 hidden abilities left, whereas Catalyn had already revealed all of hers, there was no way Catalyn would break out or turn the tide. The *Pure Lady was finished.

“You see all those poor fools out there? They are the broken, the downtrodden, the outcasts, the ones who have practically nothing to offer to the physical realm, and so they escaped here, where everyone can earn their place fairly, no matter who or what they are, no matter what might’ve caused them issues in the physical world. And then you came, and thought, in your arrogance, that you didn’t need to put the effort in, and that you could leech off of those infinitely your superior, and their efforts. Bu thank the Courts, because there were a enough of us to realize what you had done, and that you would bring the inevitable downfall of what makes us Gamers.”

Leah used her Hatred to grasp the white angel-like wings Catalyn had chosen to represent her grave and kind-heartedness by where they joined her back, and began to pull slowly, letting the pain build until it was apparent the pain was strong, but not enough to cause damage.

“You took my friends.” Leah pulled harder on the right wing, causing a white liquid to start leaking from the breaks in Catalyn’s skin near and along the wing joints.

“You took my credibility.” Leah pulled harder on the right wing, a small pool of the angelic white fluid starting to trail off into the emptiness of the void they were in.

“You took everything I had earned fairly, and had the gall to say I deserved to lose it all, when all I did was call you out on the bullshit you were feeding your followers.”

With a wet and sickly -Pop-, Catalyn’s wings were torn from her back, white fluid spraying out around her, as her wings were consumed by Leah’s hatred. To Catalyn’s credit, she didn’t scream in pain, or cry out, but Leah finally had her attention, because Catalyn was looking her in the eyes with the same level of hatred Leah was using against her.

She then moved her Hatred to hold her in 8 different spots, two per arm and leg, in a spread eagle position. Two tendrils of the nebulous fluid had her arms gripped just above the wrist and just below the elbows on both arms, while the Hatred on Catalyn’s calves held her just above her ankles and just below her knees. “I was finally starting to come out of my shell, and learning to accept others as they were, and finally feeling as if I had found a place where I could be myself. Then you sicked your followers on me, and reduced my existence to constantly having to watch my back in the only safe place I had left.” Leah snapped Catalyn’s left calf in half, and finally succeeded in making her scream in pain.

“It was because of your quick ascension into power, and the fact that, publically, you always made yourself out to be a kind and caring person, that made my former friends trust your judgement more than mine.” Leah snapped her right calf, tears streaming down Catalyn’s face.

“SO WHAT?” Catalyn screamed at Leah, finally getting the strength to say something. “Just look at what you’ve done, what you’ve become. You brought this all on yourself.”

Leah Snapped Catalyn’s right forearm, silencing her. “You miserable and short-sighted FOOL! I am merely the worst by product of your actions. Everything that I am, that I have used against you today, was all caused by you and your actions.” Leah snapped her left forearm, and severed her arm shortly after the pain coursed through Catalyn’s mind with the Sickle blade that represented her sense of Justice, one of the aspects she hadn’t shown off yet.

“You showed me no kindness, yet I was expected to treat all your words as if they were holy gospel. You showed me no mercy, yet I was expected to relent when you started to feel pressured. You showed me no empathy, yet I was expected to show it to you when I called you out. You showed me nothing but the ugliest aspects of yourself in your refusal to take responsibility for your actions. You said I was a monster, and all your minions took it as to mean my life was essentially forfeit, and once you learnt of that fact, you did nothing. You never once reeled in those who were overzealous of their defence of you, yet when someone stood up for me, they were effectively made outcaste from this Forum.”

Leah aligned Catalyn with the planet in the background, and slowly moved both of them towards it with her wings of Hatred, once Leah had herself straddled on Catalyn’s stomach, her Justice sickle aimed at Catalyn’s heart. Leah let go of Catalyn, her body useless and not able to do anything but flail and lie motionless. Of all things, Leah sang a verse from a song of Leah’s long forgotten physical life.

“Right from the moment I heard of you, I’ve been needing to bring you down to earth. Lost up in your atmosphere of privilege, Those broken wings of yours are hardly heaven sent.”

Leah’s Hatred began to beat faster, accelerating them towards the planet in the background, with Leah holding her Justice ready, to strike the match ending blow at the most rewarding moment. They soon entered the atmosphere and gravity of the planet, gaining ungodly levels of acceleration, fire raging over Catalyn’s body as Leah brought up a protective aura to surround her body.

Her last aspect: her Stubbornness, in the form of a full body shield. This won’t fully protect me from the impact, but atleast it should grant me enough protection that my life counter will exhaust after Catalyn’s.......

Just before they hit the ground, and as Leah pierced Catalyn’s breast and heart, Leah sang the final part of the song that was most appropriate, and would guarantee her the victory.

“It won’t matter how far you’ve climbed, Once the rules of gravity apply. Won’t matter how much effort you’ve tried, Once your ego and earth collide.”

And Leah knew no more as their crash into the planet wiped them both out, back into their respective preparation areas.

The last thought Leah had, was that due to the unique nature of the circumstances of the match, The Lady Fenrir would be deciding the victor, which left her feeling satisfied.

#The Constant Project #Annette Fenris #Leah Malka #The Faction Wars

[the-constant-project]

Emblems I made for devilmaycrye's story project.

Seriously though, I am in love with that last fox emblem.

I seriously want that printed on shit. 

I can say “Yeah, its something from my boyfriends story!” And it’ll be great.

But really, I just like that fucking emblem. XD

[the-constant-project]

Startling Revelation on Plutis

“I don’t think you understand the implications of both being an Aethling, and being a Servant of the Æther.” Tantalon directed at Annie, once their camp had been set up. It had been rather quite during their trek, having changed into a floating orb for their trip, only changing back into the androgynous humanoid form once the camp was ready. “What’s hard to understand about it? Out of all the science/magic/whatever you want to call it, I have the potential to be powerful, strong enough to rival most Court Members, if their abilities are to be underestimated.” Annie said casually, focused more on the notes she was writing into another field journal, for her research into the Witches of Plutis. Besides the usual ‘Civilised’ ways of researching, as Tantalon had put it, he’d suggested exploring some of the surrounding forest areas, so she’d have some hand’s on experience with the wildlife and flora, as they were vastly different to what she’d been expecting. She still incinerated the little frog-mosquito creatures if they came anywhere close to the camp, as she seemed to have developed quite a knack for detecting the little pests. “There is your ignorance. You are only new to this system, and yet you’ve already drawn the attention of atleast 2 Courts, one of which you now serve, had your natural powers unlocked prematurely, and had an Aurator bind herself to your service, and spoken to both a Prince of the Courts, and dealt directly with the Ruling Clans of the Witches, one of the Æthereal’s ‘offspring’ races.” Tantalon paused, letting it’s words sink in, before continuing. “You, not including what your team mates have done, have already done more in 3 weeks, then what most Earth Strains in 30 years. You don’t realize the danger you are putting yourself in. May the Æthereal Curse me, I wish I had your sort of ignorance when I’d been chosen as an Heir, maybe I would’ve actually gone through with the task my Ruler had assign me........” Tantalon trailed off, obviously lost in memory, which was a rare sight to Annie, since the Court Guide was often very quick to hide details about it’s origin. Annie knew that being an Heir was something important to the Courts, but she couldn’t quite remember what it implied. She wished she had paid more attention during her quick briefing on the Ruling Powers of Constant. “You were an Heir? That means you were going to be chosen for a Court position, doesn’t it?” Annie said vaguely, her notes forgotten as she tried piecing together what she remembered. Tantalon made a sarcastic noise. “Chosen? No, I was a Member of the Court. I was a Prince, one of the few to naturally bear the Aspect of Hunger, yet not be devoured by it.” He looked off deep into the forest. “It’s my fault Our Ruler interfered on this planet. I was supposed to scour this sector of Corruption, so that Our Ruler’s precious offspring would full develop without needing his touch. I feasted on most of the sector’s Corruption, but I ignored Plutis, due to how its power called to me and encouraged the uncontrollable parts of me. Little did I know that the Corruption was living in the men of this world.” Tantalon continued, lost in thought.

  “The Witches were originally a sexually dimorphic humanoid race?” Annie said, curiosity peaked, a fresh notebook ready to go. “Oh yes. You know how the Æthereal loves the woman of this universe? He saw something special on this world, and planted his Magical Seeds into the women. They quickly came into Dark Power, but were not controlled by it, as how the Sinners are controlled by the Primordial Dragons. The majority of the men, brutish barbarians from the long wiped out city of Hah-rul, seeked to control them, torturing them at a young enough age that they’d still grow strong in their powers, yet old enough that they would learn subservience to them. This went on for two Generations, under my watch, without me knowing.” Tantalon stopped, pausing to what would be considered a tear for a normal humanoid.

“Luckily for the Witches, the shapeshifting class of males had long since escaped their brutish brethren, and were building a strong culture based on equality, where the Witches they freed became powerful, yet kind natured. Then the men of Hah-rul learned of the shapeshifters of Ter-ral, and a potentially planet shattering war started, with control/freedom of the Witches being the sole reason.” “Depsite the fact that the planet is obviously still here, why do you say it was potentially planet shattering?” Annie inquired, her hands quickly writing down enough of the information that she’d be able to write out a proper article at a later time.

  “The Æthereal stepped in. Because he couldn’t just wipe them out, being one of his favourites, he did something worse. He specifically erased all the unwilling males on the planet.” Annie stopped writing, slightly concerned, but not truly understanding the scope of what she had just been told.

“You mean wiping out all knowledge of them?” Annie asked. “No, absolute and utter extinction of the male sex of Plutis. However, Our Ruler gave the males a choice: become female and serve your new sisters, become a shapeshifter and serve the liberated Witches, or perish. Most perished, with the sisters beyond saving quickly joining them. But the original shapeshifters, and a few of the more caring Hah-rul men, chose to serve, relinquishing the ability to form a humanoid male body. The Shapeshifters have long since become one with their sisters, with only a few small clans being of the original blood line. In fact, you’ve met a few of them on your journey, without you knowing.” Tantalon said, the old smile returning, it’s memory firmly locked back in its cage.

Annie looked guiltily at the frog-mosquitoes. Tantalon laughed. “No, not those little blighters. The smallest a shapeshifter is willing to become is roughly the size of one of those ‘Gecko’ creatures I read about, from your Home Strain. Most typically prefer mammals, like the Wolf-esque beasts you’ve heard calling through the night, or those grazing beasts you saw at the start.” Annie blew a sigh of relief. Then upon remembering what Tantalon had just told her, and her mind automatically picking up the dirty line of thinking, turned a deep shade of red.

“Ummm, if the Witches lost whatever the males brought genetically to the species when they were wiped out, how did they...... erm......reproduce?” Annie stammered out, her face turning a particularly deep scarlet as her mind raced at theories that were considered ‘morally disgusting’ in her culture. “Simple: Until the travelled to Constant, they used the shapeshifters to provide genetic material. There’s a very good reason why sex is a major component of a Witch’s friendship.” Tantalon smiled knowingly, forming eyebrow-esque shapes in a suggestive pose.

#Tantalon #Anette Fenric #The Constant Project #The Witches of Plutis

[the-constant-project]

Awakening

“Where are we?” Annie inquired softly, her head throbbing, her sight returning to normal, and noticing how featureless the room they were now in was. She could make out shapes, some moving, but couldn’t quite focus on them.

 It went dark, and then all of a sudden, we turn up here, in this strange room, at the exact moment that strange woman snapped her fingers...... Annie thought, as the mental fog started to fade.

  Her sight had cleared up as well, because she could see the apparently unconscious forms of Ava, Davy, Sadie and the others she had said she was going to bring with her, lying prone yet securely bound on slightly tilted tables. While she was still bound, her restraints were obviously relaxed enough so that they were meant to keep her from moving about, instead of keeping her in place. She also noticed that her table had arranged itself into something that resembled a chair, so she could sit up.

  “You people of Earth are so predictable. You and your ilk are the thirteenth strain we’ve found acceptable, and yet, despite the vast differences in each culture and temporal zone, you always ask the same questions. I wish the Courts would have chosen a more interesting strain for the long awaited thirteenth strain.” A voice sounded to her right, as a body slowly formed. It didn’t sound sarcastic or malicious, merely amused, as if trying to goad some attitude from her. It wasn’t going to get it, since she’d learnt to rein in her tongue early into her somewhat short-lived career. The form that was slowly coalescing in front of her was.....strange. It wasn’t male, yet it obviously wasn’t female, and seemed to be both masculine and feminine at once. And power, pure unadulterated power exuded from the stark naked (yet also featureless) body.

Oh, its wearing a full body jumpsuit Annie realised, as the new body came into focus, and she noticed the small details which gave hints to the fact that it could be removed.

  “Where are we? And who, or what, are you?”Annie asked, feeling confident, despite being shackled and in the presence of something else that was beyond what she understood.

This is starting to become a habit, Annie mused, as she thought went through all that had happened in the last 24 hours, while she waited for the figure to answer. “Where: Adjustment Room Designation Æ, Embassy Earth-13, Constant. Once the other 4 members of the team are here, excluding present company, we’ll proceed to examine you, and see if your minds and bodies can handle exploring the Constant system.” The soft yet powerful voice explained, as it browsed a strange, translucent piece of paper.

“As to who, or what I am, that would be Spoilers, young one.” The being said, a smile similar to the one she often saw on Sadie’s face formed on its face. “However, Anette, what does your name mean? And before you ask ‘why’, it is because, unlike in your world, names have both a meaning, and power here.” It paused, before adding, “ And before you ask, I know your name because of the file I’m reading, from one of my subordinates.” Seeing that she didn’t have much in the way of options, and holding back answers didn’t seem worth the effort.

“It depends on which language and culture you use. Anette can mean either ‘Favored by God’ in the Hebrew Language, or ‘Full of Grace’ in Norwegian; and Fenric is a reference to the Giant Wolf Fenris, who had the power to take on the gods. Since my family is of Scandinavian heritage, my name is more likely to have meaning in languages from those regions.” Annie stated, rather proud of her name.

While not a particularly religious person, Annie felt pride knowing she was named after a being that even the gods feared. And she never put much stock into what her first name meant anyway. She wasn’t exactly known for being graceful.

  The sadistic smile quickly faded, replaced by a look of intrigue. The being began tapping away at the piece of paper, as if entering information into it. “What about your friends here?” The being asked, gesturing first to the still form of Davena, as Annie’s table/chair swivelled to give her a better view

  “From what I understand, Davena means ‘Beloved’, and Alvarita roughly means ‘Elf Pearl’.” Annie said, worrying about the hungry look in the beings strange eyes.

  “Good. This one has great potential, and her name gives me an idea of what shape it will take.” The being said, moving on from Davena to Sadie, who seemed to be having rather strong dreams, since her body seemed to be the only one moving noticeably, yet still asleep.

  “Haddyr means ‘Heather’, in reference to a flowered plant on Earth; and Sadi doesn’t really have a meaning, since it is the nickname of a character she likes which she appropriated for herself. I’m under the belief it means Sadist.” Annie explained, muttering the last part.

  “The Witches will definitely welcome her. I’ve never seen an Earthborn so obviously not meant to be an Earthborn. I’ll have to notify them once this one is ready.” The being muttered, tapping away on the piece of translucent paper. I don’t believe it. It’s kind of similar to the tablet computers we use, except its paper thin, and you can see right through it, Annie mused, surprised she hadn’t realised it sooner.

  “Keep an eye on her. She also has great potential, but her psyche is brittle. She will need you before your journey is over.” The being said cryptically, before moving on to the still form of Calliope, its movements slow, more careful. Unlike with the others, where it had been quick and eager, the being was hesitating, trying its best to avoid direct contact with Calliope’s body.

  “Calliope means ‘beautiful voice’, and Khourt is a variant of Court.” Annie stated, confused about the new behaviour the being was displaying. “Ahhhh, finally, we come to the rotten apple of this promising bunch.” The being sneered, before asking, “What about her third name, the nickname?” “Echo?” Annie asked, confused as to why it wanted to Calliope’s nickname, and none of the others. She saw it nod its head in affirmation.

“It‘s the name of a Nymph, who is cursed to repeat the last thing said to her.” “The Voice of the Courts, in the same group as a Witch’s Daughter and an Æthling. I wonder if the other groups are this interesting........” The being muttered as it entered more data into its wafer thin tablet.

  “That’ll be enough for now. I’m putting you back under, before your friends wake up.” The being said, as it put Annie’s table/chair back into a prone position. Annie could hear dials being turned, and her lids started to become heavy. She saw the being start to fade away.

  “Before you go, what is your name?” Annie murmured, as sleep quickly overwhelmed her. Before she completely lost consciousness, she thought she heard the voice sound again, but she it would not register what it said. “My name is Talanton. The Æther Court will be watching you, most assuredly.....” The voice whispered, as its body faded away.

#I got inspired to write some stroy stuff #The Constant Project #Say hello to offical characters too

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The Bladebeasts of geru and Rla (Incomplete)

Creatures of all shapes and sizes, whose fur/feathers/bones are composed of an organic metal, which they can have some control over. Most of the beasts have bodies and/or limbs that resemble blades of any degree, whether it be the Whiptails of Rla, or the Blabows of Geru, to the Spear Sharks that prowl the deep.

  Whiptails – native to Rla, they are Wolf-like beasts with a human level intellect; that are known for their long, blade like tail. They are quite proud beasts, who have a habit of choosing those few warriors who are ‘just, and proud’ like themselves. Its often considered an honour to be chosen.

  Blabows – native to Geru, they are Raptoresque birds, who are known for their bow-like wing span, and the ability to fire quills at targets while gliding. They are cunning birds, and are remarkable hunters. There’ve been reports of some birds actively hunting Elementalists for weeks at a time, studying the behaviour and habits of the ones they hunt.

  Spear Sharks – native to both Geru and Rla, these dangerous sea dwellers have the nasty habit of ramming deep into food sources, such as the Klamoria Whales, where they can feast on the deeper layers of fat and meat. Small groups are known to consecutively feed on one Klamoria for weeks at a time, devouring it while it’s alive. It’s advised to never swim in Areas that haven’t been declared safe by nearby Elementalists, due to their habit of spearing anything they think is living and edible, which while not much of an issue for the small species and the young, is almost certainly  fatal with the larger ones.

  Klamoria Whales – native to both Geru and Rla, these Narwhalesque behemoths have a notorious habit of accidentally sinking the larger water vessels, often mistaking them for younger Klamoria Katatsune – Unique in the fact they aren’t actually found on Geru or Rla natively, these fox-like beats are native to Megitsune shrines, and typically show just how well a Shrine is handling their situation. Unlike other Bladebeasts that have blade like appendages, Katatsune can generate long and sharp blades in localised spots, by focusing their hair into one shape, as well as turning their whiskers razor sharp.

Katatsune possess a frightening level of intellect and cunning, but are known to be very gentle and caring to those who show respect to their lands, and to the Megitsune.

#The Constant Project #The Blade Beasts of Geru and Rla

[the-constant-project]

The Bellringer's of Abb: The Bells (Incomplete)

-          Lirial, the Revealer: one of the strongest Bells, and one of the hardest to forge, due to needing a willing Witch to die. Used to dispel illusions caused by the dead/undead/Death constructs, and to glean info from them, but can cost its User its memory if used incorrectly.

-          Kyral, the Purifier: One of the weaker bells, but is often considered a necessary Bell, due to its nature, and the calmness it can bring to one’s mind during use under intense stress. Used to cleanses spirits of their pain and lets them rest, can also dispel or weaken evil to a degree, but has a habit of causing a feeling of powerful serenity in its user, to which inexperienced users will find heavily distracting. When used in conjunction with Lirial, can help dispel more powerful illusions in the vicinity, but has chances of stealing memories, and can cause powerful amnesia if wielded improperly

-          , the Reaper: The Strongest of the Bells, and is typically always kept in three pieces, so it doesn’t accidentally sound. [Name] is said to be forged from the living soul of the previous Prince of Death, and can only be wielded with the permission of the current Prince of Death, to which only Abb himself has ever successfully managed. It is the darkest Bell used by the Bellringers, and is only used in the darkest hours, when the Bellringers need to go to war with opponents that the other Bells have no effect on

-          Izabeth, the Queen: One of the stronger Bells. It is used to 'rule' over the will and mind of the dead, although the degree of what they will do without question depends on the power and experience of the user. If one has enough experience, spirits under their control will have a habit of calling the wielder ‘M’lord’, or ‘M’lady’

However, great caution should be used, as the inexperience and those not diligent in keeping their control in check find themselves overtaken by the very beings they wished to have influence over.

  The Abhorrent Bell: [Redacted], the [Redacted], a perverse bell designed to be wielded against the living. It rips the very essence of Life from living beings, and fills them with potent Death energies, creating a true ‘living’ Dead being.

#The Constant Project #The Bellringer's of Abb #The Bells

[the-constant-project]

The Angels of Doom, and the Warriors of the Cycle (Rumour)

Some of the few beings to have existed before the Courts, these two closely related being types (Each representing strong ties to Conceptual Elements, and are believed to be the First Avatars of said elements) can appear on any Sentient World, where Faith and Physic Magic are the controlling magics.

They represent the great Cycle, which the Rulers of Life and Death are constantly enacting, and have repeated the Cycle ad infinitum. But, since the  Warriors have recently started gaining control of how the Cycle is enacted more and more (since the Warriors seem to have actually gained a new member within the last few Cycles, which was thought to be impossible), there have been rumours, and even some voices of concern, that the Courts will actually need to interfere soon.

However, since these beings came from before The Rulers, it is unknown what will happen if the Courts interfere. The Æthereal is content to let them re-enact their cycle, and with how dedicated it has been to keeping the Balance balanced, most of the voices have been silenced. But, there have been rumours that he keeps them under constant watch.........

#Angels of Doom #Warriors of the Cycle #The Constant Project

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The Bellringers of Abb (Incomplete)

Effectively, good Necromancers, who use various bells to contain and assuage rampaging Dead Spirits and Beings. Stronger Bellringers, known as the ‘Children of Abb’, are also said to gain some form of control over Undead beings.

 Origin Story: The Story of Abb, the Whore’s Son Rough idea for the story: a powerful witch who went by the title of the Seductress, due to being trained in the art of seduction and lustful magic, lives in a region strong with users of Ectomancy, and was one of the main women in the village’s brothel.

 She is led to a cave strong with Ecto-Energy (unbeknownst to her or her attackers), where she is brutally raped by ectomancers by a few of the ruling nobles whose advances she had spurned, and is left for dead. The strong and dark emotions felt by both the Seductress and her assailants; gave them energy shape, form and purpose, and forged them into the first sentient Dead Spirits of that world. Days pass, and she awakens to find her injuries gone, but knowing she was definitely seeded with a child. Before she could use her darker magic to purge her body of the unwanted child, the Spirits of the Dead appeared to her

 They wanted to offer her a deal, in which they will take away the memories of shame, doubt and horror she experienced, if she brings the child back when they are of age, and they will make the child strong in both the Magic of her people, and in the Magic of the Dead. Knowing her life would be ruined by those who had done the foul deed, she grudgingly accepts. A surprisingly uneventful year passes, with the Seductress finding a home in a small village, and being able to enjoy a somewhat peaceful life, unknowingly being guarded by the Dead Spirits who she had made the deal with. She earned her keep by helping young Ectomancers control their darker sides, and by training the few Witches who would pass through (most never staying more than a month, typically turned away by her particular style of magic) Hurtful rumors start spreading through the town from neighboring towns, of the Seductress having gone missing, and townsfolk making the natural connections to the newcomer, causing much stress for her, during the final few weeks, causing her to write down all the knowledge she possessed of her magic, and of the deal she struck, into a grimoire, and entrusted it to her apprentice Luxuria, with orders not to read it, until after she had given birth, and was committed whole-heartedly to raising the child, since the book was for the child when it would be of age, not her.

Luxuria agreed, and helped her mentor prepare for what would prove to be a difficult birth. By the end of the ordeal, the Seductress, weakened by the struggle giving birth to her child, gazed upon her newly born son, and realized with despair what she had brought into the world. When Luxuria asked for the child’s name, the Seductress merely said ‘Abb........’ before passing away, her heart giving out from the stress of both the last few months and of giving birth.

‘Then you shall be called Abb.’ Luxuria stated matter-of-factly, as she eased the young boy out of his dead mother’s embrace. Browsing her new grimoire, she noticed that a few of the spells towards the start of the book were designed to help the young child out, such as providing a woman who was not able to wet nurse a child, with the means to do so, as well as a few persuasion spells, which had obviously been designed to give them a roof over their heads. Using the spells to provide herself with food and a means of transport, she took the child to the far away town of Agn.

Raising the child as her own, Luxuria spent the child’s earlier years looking after him, while practicing the spells of lust and seduction to keep herself entertained, oblivious to the fact that he was seeing things that were not there, and always was quiet, never needing her presence to reassure him when he was scared.

Once Abb was old enough to look after himself, Luxuria became enamored with the grimoire, and seized control of a failing brothel, so she could use the powerful lust magic for her gain. [skipping some stuff because I haven;t thought this particular stuff out yet]

At the age of 17, Abb journeyed, unknowingly, back to the town where his true mother had originally lived, and was drawn to the dark cave that the locals whispered fearfully about. Entering the cave, Abb's mind was quickly assaulted by the Dead Spirits, until they realized who had come so brazenly into their lair. The Prodigal Sssssson returnsssssss.......... they whispered in his mind. Come, we have much to ssssssshow and teach you...........

Following the crude facsimiles of human forms the Spirits were using, Abb discovered a set of beautifully carved bells of various shapes and sizes, made from various materials, ranging from a simple stone one, to an intricately designed crystal one. With thessssssse bellssssss, you and your future brood will rule over all the dead. The Dead whispered excitedly, Will you sssssstrike a bargain with ussssss, in exchange for the usssssse of these bellssssss? Abb merely nodded his head in agreement, and began his training with the dead.

#The Constant Project #The Bellringers of Abb