Avishraa Reloaded

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amberworld:start [2020/02/27 19:54] – shyriathamberworld:start [2024/02/29 13:59] (current) – shyriath
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 +====== Amberworld ======
 ===== Background ===== ===== Background =====
-The emergence of [[avishraa:|Avishraa]] resulted from a conjunction of two factors. One was the existence of free, ad-supported messageboard provider InsideTheWeb (ITW), which operated from 1997 to 2001, and which made it disturbingly easy for anyone to create, customize (in a basic way) and post on a messageboard, or even many messageboards. The second was Shyriath, Avishraa's creator, first obtaining Internet access toward the earlier end of the same timeframe, while he was in high school.+The emergence of [[universe:mikurmiya:Avishraa]] resulted from a conjunction of two factors. One was the existence of free, ad-supported messageboard provider InsideTheWeb (ITW), which operated from 1997 to 2001, and which made it disturbingly easy for anyone to create, customize (in a basic way) and post on a messageboard, or even many messageboards. The second was [[user:Shyriath]], Avishraa's creator, first obtaining Internet access toward the earlier end of the same timeframe, while he was in high school.
  
 Shyriath vaguely recalls searching for promising locations for fantasy roleplaying, and hitting upon, as one of them, an ITW board called Amber's Place. Shyriath never did become fully aware of its history before his arrival, but at that time, being a spot for peacefully roleplaying any of a variety of fantasy creatures - particularly dragons - it had begun to develop into a kind of hub for other, less-active boards that functioned as various characters' private realms. Shyriath vaguely recalls searching for promising locations for fantasy roleplaying, and hitting upon, as one of them, an ITW board called Amber's Place. Shyriath never did become fully aware of its history before his arrival, but at that time, being a spot for peacefully roleplaying any of a variety of fantasy creatures - particularly dragons - it had begun to develop into a kind of hub for other, less-active boards that functioned as various characters' private realms.
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 Shyriath's character was a magically-powerful but physically-pathetic dragon, also named Shyriath; the name, in fact, was created for the character, since up to that point the person behind him had not previously required any kind of username. Those powers that the character had were mostly telepathic, but the details were not consistent and shifted in accordance with the player's needs and/or whims. However, feeling a need to give the character some background, Shyriath gradually built up a picture of where he was from and why he'd come to Amber's Place, and the result was the Avishraa setting. Shyriath's character was a magically-powerful but physically-pathetic dragon, also named Shyriath; the name, in fact, was created for the character, since up to that point the person behind him had not previously required any kind of username. Those powers that the character had were mostly telepathic, but the details were not consistent and shifted in accordance with the player's needs and/or whims. However, feeling a need to give the character some background, Shyriath gradually built up a picture of where he was from and why he'd come to Amber's Place, and the result was the Avishraa setting.
  
-Avishraa consisted mostly of background information, and very little if any of the world was ever directly seen in any of the continuity, though it remained a persistent influence. Shyriath's ITW board, title Citadel of Life, was set in a kind of living building complex that had been magically transported from Avishraa to the same world (or plane, or reality, or whatever it was) that Amber's Place, as well as the private domains of the other players that Shyriath had become familiar with, all resided in. Several of the threats the character faced throughout the character's career emerged, directly or indirectly, from there, especially Zadireth, his eternal nemesis.+Avishraa consisted mostly of background information, and very little if any of the world was ever directly seen in any of the continuity, though it remained a persistent influence. Shyriath's ITW board, titled Citadel of Life, was set in a kind of living building complex that had been magically transported from Avishraa to the same world (or plane, or reality, or whatever it was) that Amber's Place, as well as the private domains of the other players that Shyriath had become familiar with, all resided in. Several of the threats the character faced throughout the character's career emerged, directly or indirectly, from there, especially Zadireth, his eternal nemesis.
  
 Shyriath's participation in ITW, however, declined as 2000 approached, and so did that of much of the rest of the community. In Shyriath's case, this had much to do with the end of high school, applying to colleges, and getting a part-time job. Given that many of the other players were in a similar age bracket, this may have been the case for them as well, though Shyriath had noticed, on wider-ranging sojourns throughout ITW boards, that many other communities seemed to be suffering from a similar problem. Certainly, a drop in ad revenue was cited by ITW as the main reason for shutting down in 2001, and may have been linked to the rise of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezboard|EZBoard]] at about the same time. Shyriath's participation in ITW, however, declined as 2000 approached, and so did that of much of the rest of the community. In Shyriath's case, this had much to do with the end of high school, applying to colleges, and getting a part-time job. Given that many of the other players were in a similar age bracket, this may have been the case for them as well, though Shyriath had noticed, on wider-ranging sojourns throughout ITW boards, that many other communities seemed to be suffering from a similar problem. Certainly, a drop in ad revenue was cited by ITW as the main reason for shutting down in 2001, and may have been linked to the rise of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezboard|EZBoard]] at about the same time.
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 ==== Avishraa ==== ==== Avishraa ====
 {{ :avishraa_system.jpg?200|A depiction of Avishraa's original solar system}} {{ :avishraa_system.jpg?200|A depiction of Avishraa's original solar system}}
-Avishraa is, then and now, the large, habitable moon of a gas giant, previously called Telvahr (the equivalent of current [[place:kastun|Kastun]]). At the time, the implications of this for day length had not been thought through, though the effects of tides had, and there were instances where Avishraan characters, introduced to worlds where tidal pull was not so strong, felt this as a curious absence.+Avishraa is, then and now, the large, habitable moon of a gas giant, previously called Telvahr (the equivalent of current [[universe:mikurmiya:Kastun]]). At the time, the implications of this for day length had not been thought through, though the effects of tides had, and there were instances where Avishraan characters, introduced to worlds where tidal pull was not so strong, felt this as a curious absence.
  
-Avishraa was in a star system centered on a close binary star, the Eyes of Avikael (Sharii and Shayel), with the planets orbiting around both of them. Telvahr was one of six planets (and an asteroid belt). At least two other major moons of Telvahr were identified.+Avishraa was in a star system centered on a close binary star, //Shar Avikael//, the Eyes of Avikael, with the planets orbiting around both of them; these were //Sharii//, the Eye of Wisdom, possibly a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-type_main-sequence_star|K-type]] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subgiant|subgiant]] in the early stages of expansion, and //Shayel//, the Eye of Knowledge, probably a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-type_main-sequence_star|G-type main sequence star]]. Telvahr was one of six planets (and an asteroid belt); there was life known to be found in Telvahr's atmosphere. At least two other major moons of Telvahr were identified inside of Avishraa's orbit: Irthruun and Havthruun (the First and Second Moons).
  
-While Avishraa's status as a habitable moon has not changed, much of the rest of the solar system cannot be assumed to be the same. Though most of it has not been determined at all, it is known that the system has only one sun, Mikurmiya. This has a lot to do with Shyriath's desire to ensure that Avishraa would be realistically inhabitable; he felt that having both a binary sun and a habitable moon around a gas giant would introduce too many complicating factors.+While Avishraa's status as a habitable moon has not changed, much of the rest of the solar system cannot be assumed to be the same. Though most of it has not been determined at all, it is known that the system has only one sun, [[universe:Mikurmiya:]]. This has a lot to do with Shyriath's desire to ensure that Avishraa would be realistically inhabitable; he felt that having both a binary sun and a habitable moon around a gas giant would introduce too many complicating factors.
  
 (On a related note, Avishraa is also now far enough away from Kastun that being able to feel tides in one's body is rather unlikely, if indeed there was a point where that wasn't the case. The distance is far enough to avoid getting fried by the planet's radiation belts but close enough to be shielded by its magnetosphere.) (On a related note, Avishraa is also now far enough away from Kastun that being able to feel tides in one's body is rather unlikely, if indeed there was a point where that wasn't the case. The distance is far enough to avoid getting fried by the planet's radiation belts but close enough to be shielded by its magnetosphere.)
  
-Aside from a few specific locales and features, little was known about what Avishraa was like, except that it was warm and mostly tropical. Something like this remains true today; Avishraa is, on average, warmer at sea level than Earth is, and its sapient species all originate, and thrive most easily, in warm climates.+Aside from a few specific locales and features, little was known about what Avishraa was like, except that it was, on average, warmer than Earth and mostly tropical, with little land existing poleward of either 50° line of latitude. Some of this remains true today; Avishraa is, on average, warmer at sea level than Earth is, and its sapient species all originate, and thrive most easily, in warm climates.
  
 === Sahvarr River === === Sahvarr River ===
-The Sahvarr was one of the largest rivers on the planet by volume, and its watershed was the epicenter of Avishraan civilization. It flowed through deserts and canyons in its upper reaches, and jungle and rainforest in its lower reaches, before finally reaching the sea.+The Sah'varr River had the largest watershed of any river on its continent, and was one of the largest (though not the largest) on Avishraa. Most of its tributaries arose in a mountain range running northeast-southwest along the spine of the continent, and flowed generally southward toward the ocean.
  
-While the Sahvarr has been placed in a more detailed context, relatively little about it has actually changed. Though the deserts have been relocated away from it, so that the watershed is almost entirely forest or wetland of one stripe or another, it remains exceptional both in its size and as the region most densely populated by the takmar.+The upper reaches of the valley were dominated by dramatically uneven, even precipitous, terrain. High rainfall resulted in numerous fast-flowing streams and brooks in deep, narrow gorges; although most led to the mighty Sah'varr in the lowlands, there are also numerous enclosed watersheds where the steams feed into high-altitude lakes. The temperatures were cool enough in the upper valley to maintain a temperate, or in some places even alpine, climate, despite the low latitude of the region. The region was considered poor territory by Avishraans, uncomfortably cold and difficult to traverse, and there are relatively few settlements; on the other hand, this same isolation, and the abundance of fish and game in the larger lake valleys, long ago attracted the Chosen to the area, and both Davir Sria and Davir Kaea established themselves there. 
 + 
 +As the tributaries descended from the foothills into the lower valley, the climate turned increasingly warm, dominated by rainforests. The river, swollen from the input of its tributaries, followed a wide, twisting course to the ocean. Though flatter than the upper valley, the lower valley nonetheless remained dotted by numerous [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tepui|table landforms]]; this was particularly true in the western periphery of the watershed, although several particularly erosion-resistant examples lined the river itself, resulting in rather spectacular gorges. Major Avishraan settlements tended to be based around the tablelands, due to their excellence as natural defensive points and their high concentration of caves. 
 + 
 +While the Sahvarr has been placed in a more detailed context, relatively little about it has actually changed; it remains exceptional both in its size and as the region most densely populated by the takmar.
  
 === Udunshraa === === Udunshraa ===
 {{ :udunshraa_plan.jpg?200|Plan view of Udunshraa}} {{ :udunshraa_plan.jpg?200|Plan view of Udunshraa}}
-Udunshraa, the Citadel of Life, was the home of the Davir Sria. It was, in effect, a small city, built around a kind of source of pure order that manifested as an orb of white light, shimmering in innumerable patterns. Udunshraa housed only [[chosen:srian|Srians]] because [[chosen:kaean|Kaeans]] found it to be repulsive; the reverse was true of Udunneyaa. When Davir Sria and Davir Kaea had to meet, it was generally outside the walls of either.+Udunshraa, the Citadel of Life, was the home of the Davir Sria. It was, in effect, a small city, built around a kind of source of pure order that manifested as an orb of white light, shimmering in innumerable patterns. Udunshraa housed only [[chosen:#Srians]] because [[chosen:#Kaeans]] found it to be repulsive; the reverse was true of Udunneyaa. When Davir Sria and Davir Kaea had to meet, it was generally outside the walls of either.
  
 {{:citadel_landscape.jpg?200 |The town by the lake}} {{:citadel_landscape.jpg?200 |The town by the lake}}
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 On Avishraa, it was originally in the highlands, away from the Sahvarr River, but was magically transported to the world containing Amber's Place. Shyriath then made his home there for a while, but eventually abandoned it before ending up in what was, on the Amberworld board, called A Nice, Green Place. On Avishraa, it was originally in the highlands, away from the Sahvarr River, but was magically transported to the world containing Amber's Place. Shyriath then made his home there for a while, but eventually abandoned it before ending up in what was, on the Amberworld board, called A Nice, Green Place.
  
-Udunshraa has no precise equivalent in the worldbuilding project; though the [[avishraa:community:citadel|Citadel]] exists as a home for all [[chosen:|Chosen]] separate from the world, there are no Srian-specific locations (though there is a tendency for Srians and Kaeans to cluster together in certain areas).+Udunshraa has no precise equivalent in the worldbuilding project; though the [[geopolitical:Citadel:]] exists as a home for all [[Chosen:]] separate from the world, there are no Srian-specific locations (though there is a tendency for Srians and Kaeans to cluster together in certain areas).
  
 === Udunneyaa === === Udunneyaa ===
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 {{:mek_tarae_map.jpg?200 |It's an impact crater.}} {{:mek_tarae_map.jpg?200 |It's an impact crater.}}
-While the planet was habitable, with ample water and an oxygenated atmosphere, the life native to it was strange to Avishraan eyes, and while edible was unpleasant-tasting. It didn't help that the region the HK arrived in was an archipelago that wasn't particularly biologically rich to begin with; it was cold and rocky, and the Avishraan predilection for living underground was reinforced by this environment, since away from the surface they could live in warmer and more visually pleasing surroundings.+While the planet was habitable, with ample water and an oxygenated atmosphere, the life native to it was strange to Avishraan eyes, and while edible was small and unpleasant-tasting. It didn't help that the region the HK arrived in was an archipelago that wasn't particularly biologically rich to begin with; it was cold and rocky, and the Avishraan predilection for living underground was reinforced by this environment, since away from the surface they could live in warmer and more visually pleasing surroundings.
  
 The HK had built a civilization of sorts across the archipelago, consisting mostly of widely spaced estates or homesteads; there were a few local capitals, mostly trade hubs or favorable sites, as well as the Great Citadel carved into Mt. Aduruth; this was their major population center and the seat of their rulers. The HK had built a civilization of sorts across the archipelago, consisting mostly of widely spaced estates or homesteads; there were a few local capitals, mostly trade hubs or favorable sites, as well as the Great Citadel carved into Mt. Aduruth; this was their major population center and the seat of their rulers.
  
-While mek'Tarae has not reappeared within the worldbuilding project, its influence continues to be felt. The name of the Citadel, its general organization, and the nature of its center in [[avishraa:community:citadel:oldstone|Oldstone]] are all heavily inspired by mek'Tarae. As for the [[culture:organization:hzataalar|Friends of the Future]] - the forerunners of the Hzataalar of the worldbuilding setting - they may yet find it convenient to have a world to be used as their private meeting place.+While mek'Tarae does not exist as it did in Amberworld within the worldbuilding project, the [[organization:hzataalar|Friends of the Future]] - the forerunners of the Hzataalar of the worldbuilding setting - too have acquired a [[universe:oghiras|world]] to use as a private meeting place, which bears more than a passing resemblance to mek'Tarae's landscape. Additionally, the name of the Citadel, its general organization, and the nature of its center in [[geopolitical:citadel:Oldstone]] are all heavily inspired by mek'Tarae.
  
 ===== Species and factions ===== ===== Species and factions =====
 ==== Avishraans ==== ==== Avishraans ====
 +//See also [[amberworld:avishraan|this article]] for more details.//
 +
 The primary inhabitants of Avishraa were, imaginatively enough, called Avishraans. They were dragons, because the author liked dragons, and this broadly remains the case, because he still likes dragons. After some internal debate about the possibly clichéd nature of this choice, he has long since come to terms with it and graciously invites any others with similar concerns to insert them into their posterior. //The dergs shall not be questioned.// The primary inhabitants of Avishraa were, imaginatively enough, called Avishraans. They were dragons, because the author liked dragons, and this broadly remains the case, because he still likes dragons. After some internal debate about the possibly clichéd nature of this choice, he has long since come to terms with it and graciously invites any others with similar concerns to insert them into their posterior. //The dergs shall not be questioned.//
  
 Anyway. Anyway.
  
-Avishraans broadly resembled western dragons, but they had a few traits grafted onto them from other sources. They were (mostly) bipedal, in a fashion similar to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromaeosauridae|dromaeosaurids]], though they frequently rested their weight on all fours. A trait of theirs that appeared to be at least somewhat original was an elongated limb segment on the forelimbs and wings; these were an attempt to "even out" all the limbs, since it vaguely bothered the author that digitigrade legs, with their lengthened [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metatarsal_bones|metatarsal bones]], were not matched by similarly lengthened [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacarpal_bones|metacarpals]] in the arms and wings. When the time came to turn the Avishraans into the two [[species:clade:takmin|takmin]] species, the [[takma:takmar]] and the [[xtauh:|xtauh]], Shyriath had decided that the lengthened metacarpals looked silly and removed them. The takmins are now quadrupedal when traveling quickly or for substantial periods, though they will stand and walk on their hind legs if carrying or wielding something with their forelimbs (this is particularly true in combat).+Avishraans broadly resembled western dragons, but they had a few traits grafted onto them from other sources. They were (mostly) bipedal, in a fashion similar to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromaeosauridae|dromaeosaurids]], though they frequently rested their weight on all fours. A trait of theirs that appeared to be at least somewhat original was an elongated limb segment on the forelimbs and wings; these were an attempt to "even out" all the limbs, since it vaguely bothered the author that digitigrade legs, with their lengthened [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metatarsal_bones|metatarsal bones]], were not matched by similarly lengthened [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metacarpal_bones|metacarpals]] in the arms and wings. When the time came to turn the Avishraans into the two [[species:clade:takmin|takmin]] species, the [[takma:|takmar]] and the [[xtauh:]], Shyriath had decided that the lengthened metacarpals looked silly and removed them. The takmins are now quadrupedal when traveling quickly or for substantial periods, though they will stand and walk on their hind legs if carrying or wielding something with their forelimbs (this is particularly true in combat).
  
 Some traits appear to have been influenced by [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragons_(Pern)#Physiology|Pernese dragons]], including multifaceted, color-changing eyes, names ending in -th, and antennae, replacing external ears, visually derived from Pernese headknobs; possibly also falling into this category was the idea that Avishraans were by nature at least somewhat telepathic. The word "appear' is used in the previous sentence because the author honestly does not remember consciously thinking about Pernese dragons at the time, but for there to be that many parallels purely by chance beggars belief. This is especially true since he had read most of the books and had fond memories of them; since the similarities struck him as obvious when, much later, he finally noticed them, he could not honestly expect anyone else to believe they were coincidence. The faceted eyes were later dropped in favor of more catlike, vertical-slit pupil eyes, but the antennae remained, and so did the -th ending, at least in one language family. Most members of the species were downgraded from 'telepath' to 'empath'. Some traits appear to have been influenced by [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragons_(Pern)#Physiology|Pernese dragons]], including multifaceted, color-changing eyes, names ending in -th, and antennae, replacing external ears, visually derived from Pernese headknobs; possibly also falling into this category was the idea that Avishraans were by nature at least somewhat telepathic. The word "appear' is used in the previous sentence because the author honestly does not remember consciously thinking about Pernese dragons at the time, but for there to be that many parallels purely by chance beggars belief. This is especially true since he had read most of the books and had fond memories of them; since the similarities struck him as obvious when, much later, he finally noticed them, he could not honestly expect anyone else to believe they were coincidence. The faceted eyes were later dropped in favor of more catlike, vertical-slit pupil eyes, but the antennae remained, and so did the -th ending, at least in one language family. Most members of the species were downgraded from 'telepath' to 'empath'.
  
-They came in a wide variety of colors, which were loosely based on those of the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)#Metallic_dragons|metallic]] and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)#Chromatic_dragons|chromatic]] dragons of D&D; these were essentially treated as racial groups and individuals tended to find those of their own color more attractive and trustworthy. Mixed-color pairings were known, but children of such parents would be either one parent's color or the other (or more rarely a grandparent's color, if multiple generations of mixed couples were involved); there were no mixed-color individuals. The takmins still come in a wide variety of colors, but the [[takma:coloration|genetics of color inheritance]] are more complex; not only can a child turn out to be a color between those of its parents, but even startlingly different than either of its parents. While both species have racial groupings, they are only loosely affiliated with scale color and are more strongly identified with body shape.+They came in a wide variety of colors, which were loosely based on those of the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)#Metallic_dragons|metallic]] and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_(Dungeons_%26_Dragons)#Chromatic_dragons|chromatic]] dragons of D&D; these were essentially treated as racial groups and individuals tended to find those of their own color more attractive and trustworthy. Mixed-color pairings were known, but children of such parents would be either one parent's color or the other (or more rarely a grandparent's color, if multiple generations of mixed couples were involved); there were no mixed-color individuals. The takmins still come in a wide variety of colors, but the [[takma:scales_and_coloration|genetics of color inheritance]] are more complex; not only can a child turn out to be a color between those of its parents, but even startlingly different than either of its parents. While both species have racial groupings, they are only loosely affiliated with scale color and are more strongly identified with body shape.
  
-Avishraans originally had a slight tendency toward matriarchy, but on the whole the sexes were still fairly balanced, and kings and other male leaders were known - see Kalnath, the title character of the [[amberworld:kalnassai|Kalnassai]]. Couples tended to be long-term and monogamous. This was one of the more radical changes for the takmins, as both species became strongly matriarchal and tending toward [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyandry_in_nature#Paternity_sharing|polyandry]] - indeed, there were many more males than females to be had. Mostly this was because the author found it interesting to experiment with and work out its consequences.+Avishraans originally had a slight tendency toward matriarchy, but on the whole the sexes were still fairly balanced, and kings and other male leaders were known - see Kalnath, the title character of the [[amberworld:Kalnassai]]. Couples tended to be long-term and monogamous. This was one of the more radical changes for the takmins, as both species became strongly matriarchal and tending toward [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyandry_in_nature#Paternity_sharing|polyandry]] - indeed, there were many more males than females to be had. Mostly this was because the author found it interesting to experiment with and work out its consequences. 
 + 
 +The [[amberworld:ancient_tongue|language]] they spoke will have no direct parallel in the worldbuilding project, but its vocabulary has been, and probably will continue to be, pilfered for contributions to the [[language:imperial:start|Imperial language]] and its predecessors.
  
 Avishraans were social beings and tool-users, and were capable of technological civilization; Shyriath wanted his dragons to be a bit more than the clever savages traditionally presented in fantasy works. They had advanced far enough to form what were essentially medieval city-states, each dominated by a particular color, and frequently and with some enthusiasm warred against their neighbors. Though color-dominance is no longer a factor, in most other respects this picture has only been expanded upon rather than substantially changed; both takmin species have a stronger sense of territoriality and aversion to clustering together than humans do, which makes centralized organization above a given size relatively difficult. In the present day of the project, medieval city-states remain the norm, at least for the takmar; the xtauh are less technologically advanced, less willing to submit to hierarchical authority, and generally live in more marginal environments, and so are more of a mix of agricultural city-states, transhumant ethnic groups, and raiders, most somewhere between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age. Avishraans were social beings and tool-users, and were capable of technological civilization; Shyriath wanted his dragons to be a bit more than the clever savages traditionally presented in fantasy works. They had advanced far enough to form what were essentially medieval city-states, each dominated by a particular color, and frequently and with some enthusiasm warred against their neighbors. Though color-dominance is no longer a factor, in most other respects this picture has only been expanded upon rather than substantially changed; both takmin species have a stronger sense of territoriality and aversion to clustering together than humans do, which makes centralized organization above a given size relatively difficult. In the present day of the project, medieval city-states remain the norm, at least for the takmar; the xtauh are less technologically advanced, less willing to submit to hierarchical authority, and generally live in more marginal environments, and so are more of a mix of agricultural city-states, transhumant ethnic groups, and raiders, most somewhere between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age.
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 The Chosen were, from their beginning, divided into two kinds: those aligned with Order, and those aligned with Chaos. The former were the Davir Sria: approximately, the "Brotherhood of Order", though the noun //davir// could also be translated as "community" or "league"; the sense is that of a group banded together for mutual support. Though originally applied only to the group, the term also came to be used for individuals as well. The Chosen were, from their beginning, divided into two kinds: those aligned with Order, and those aligned with Chaos. The former were the Davir Sria: approximately, the "Brotherhood of Order", though the noun //davir// could also be translated as "community" or "league"; the sense is that of a group banded together for mutual support. Though originally applied only to the group, the term also came to be used for individuals as well.
  
-All Chosen had the capability to perform magic, and were the only Avishraans who did. This was accessible in four kinds, labeled Body (the ability to affect physical matter; most usually living things, but very rarely the inorganic); Mind (telekinesis and any telepathic abilities more invasive than simple communication); Energy (the ability to affect and direct energy such as heat, light, etc.); and, most rarely, Dimension (the ability to manipulate the fabric of spacetime - teleportation and related abilities). In theory each individual was limited to no more than two (and usually only one) of these, but in practice this rule was bent significantly in RP.+All Chosen had the capability to perform magic, and were the only Avishraans who did. This was accessible in four kinds, labeled Body (the ability to affect physical matter; most usually living things, but very rarely the inorganic); Mind (telekinesis and any telepathic abilities more invasive than simple communication); Energy (the ability to affect and direct energy such as heat, light, etc.); and, most rarely, Dimension (the ability to manipulate the fabric of spacetime - teleportation and related abilities). In theory each individual was limited to no more than two (and usually only one) of these, but in practice this rule was bent significantly in RP. Chosen gained some of their abilities in childhood, but did not become fully empowered until experiencing a physiological event called Second Manifestation. This almost always occurred during adolescence, though its exact timing depended on a number of psychological and environmental factors. The results, especially when experience under stress, could be spectacular: 
 + 
 +<blockquote>It felt as if something had slammed into Shyriath's mind. Blood roared in his ears, red clouded his vision. He felt as though part of his brain had been ripped away, taking his memories, his personality, his very life with it. He felt sick, so horribly sick. He wanted to die, he was so miserable. Shyriath knew, without even looking, that Kyprath was dead, the deeply entrenched mindlink they'd shared gone, and bits and pieces of Shyriath himself with it. And he knew also that all the others felt exactly as he did. 
 +Time seemed to speed up in Shyriath's perception. He felt two more wrenches as Navrinath and Shemrath died, though he could no longer see or hear anything but his pain. And yet, though he thought his torture had reached its limits, with each wrench his pain only increased. And then, there was one final jerk as Haazrath was torn away, though Shyriath thought he could hears two words come from him before the mindlink was uprooted... "...the jewel..." 
 + 
 +And then he was alone. Emotionally, mentally, he was alone, without the support that all of his kind wanted and needed to remain alive. The realization suddenly brought anger to him. Suddenly, power seemed to flow through him, power that he had never felt before. He remembered what he had been told about his second manifestation, realized what he was capable of, then as never before, and uttered a single cry, with his mind as well as his voice, even as he sensed his captors coming to kill him, as they'd done to the rest... 
 + 
 +"IT IS YOU WHO SHALL DIE THIS DAY!" He felt the power rush out of him, felt an immense heat blast away at his seemingly distant physical body... and then silence...</blockquote>
  
 The magical ability of a Chosen, however, came at the price of physical deformities. They were smaller than standard Avishraans, and suffered frequently from cancers, abnormalities of organs and metabolism, and chronic illnesses. Black, growth-like patches appeared on their hides, and appeared to replace their scales; receiving a surface cut in one of these areas resulted in a black liquid, though if the cut was deep enough it would be mixed with blood. The magical ability of a Chosen, however, came at the price of physical deformities. They were smaller than standard Avishraans, and suffered frequently from cancers, abnormalities of organs and metabolism, and chronic illnesses. Black, growth-like patches appeared on their hides, and appeared to replace their scales; receiving a surface cut in one of these areas resulted in a black liquid, though if the cut was deep enough it would be mixed with blood.
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 The secret meeting place of the earliest Hzataalar had been on a world they had named mek'Tarae. Disdaining Udunneyaa as a relic of an inferior past, the HK migrated to the new world, which in any case offered far more sorely-needed elbow room; with longer lives and far more offspring, their population expanded dramatically. There, they cobbled together a civilization based on heavily fortified compounds, homesteads, and estates, from which neighbor warily watched neighbor and the ambitious plotted against their rivals. They had rulers, who derived their authority from a combination of respect for lineage, cunning, and sheer bloody-mindedness, but in practice the position of Lord of the Hzataalar Kaea was one mostly of prestige and the right to have killed anyone they fancied; they did not involve themselves in the everyday affairs of their people, for they had no interest in doing so and would have faced revolt if they'd tried. The secret meeting place of the earliest Hzataalar had been on a world they had named mek'Tarae. Disdaining Udunneyaa as a relic of an inferior past, the HK migrated to the new world, which in any case offered far more sorely-needed elbow room; with longer lives and far more offspring, their population expanded dramatically. There, they cobbled together a civilization based on heavily fortified compounds, homesteads, and estates, from which neighbor warily watched neighbor and the ambitious plotted against their rivals. They had rulers, who derived their authority from a combination of respect for lineage, cunning, and sheer bloody-mindedness, but in practice the position of Lord of the Hzataalar Kaea was one mostly of prestige and the right to have killed anyone they fancied; they did not involve themselves in the everyday affairs of their people, for they had no interest in doing so and would have faced revolt if they'd tried.
  
-Their civilization on mek'Tarae operated, after a fashion, but its existence depended on the avoidance of power vacuums, the constant availability of unsettled land for hordes of young adults, and a steady supply of resources. The second two, after several generations, had already begun to run out. The HK had begun to reach the limits of the archipelago; and mek'Tarae had never been rich in food sources, and the most ready source, fish, was ruthlessly overexploited. As for the first, small power vaccums had begun to appear at the far edges of settlement, where it proved impossible for the Lords to extract even token respect.+Their civilization on mek'Tarae operated, after a fashion, but its existence depended on the avoidance of power vacuums, the constant availability of unsettled land for hordes of young adults, and a steady supply of resources. The second two, after several generations, had already begun to run out. The HK had begun to reach the limits of the archipelago; and mek'Tarae had never been rich in food sources, and the most ready source, fish, was ruthlessly overexploited. As for the first, small power vacuums had begun to appear at the far edges of settlement, where it proved impossible for the Lords to extract even token respect.
  
 Overpopulation and rising food prices had already begun to cause unrest by the end, but the sudden decapitation of the civilization's power structure pushed the whole into dreadful and magical civil war. Cliques and alliances fought each other over power, then broke apart into families desperately fighting for food. The death toll, both direct and indirect, was enormous; and when the HK remnants were suddenly set upon by a sect of crypto-Davir Kaea, their fall was essentially completed. Overpopulation and rising food prices had already begun to cause unrest by the end, but the sudden decapitation of the civilization's power structure pushed the whole into dreadful and magical civil war. Cliques and alliances fought each other over power, then broke apart into families desperately fighting for food. The death toll, both direct and indirect, was enormous; and when the HK remnants were suddenly set upon by a sect of crypto-Davir Kaea, their fall was essentially completed.
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 In the Amberworld continuity, there either never were Hzataalar Sria - Orderly counterparts to the HK - or they were killed off before they could get a good start, which was a pity, because they would have been terrifying in their own way. This oversight was later corrected in the [[thuban:|Thuban continuity]]. In the Amberworld continuity, there either never were Hzataalar Sria - Orderly counterparts to the HK - or they were killed off before they could get a good start, which was a pity, because they would have been terrifying in their own way. This oversight was later corrected in the [[thuban:|Thuban continuity]].
  
-Nothing like the HK have happened in the worldbuilding project. However, the oracle [[person:dlyss|Dlyss]], who has a significant following among the Chosen, does have some plans for "improving" her people, which may or may not involve the alchemist/lifegiver [[person:einriss|Einriss]]. Where those plans lead, only the future may tell.+Nothing like the HK have happened in the worldbuilding project. However, the oracle [[person:Dlyss]], who has a significant following among the Chosen, does have some plans for "improving" her people, which may or may not involve the alchemist/lifegiver [[person:Einriss]]. Where those plans lead, only the future may tell.
  
 ===== Characters ===== ===== Characters =====
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 In the timeskip represented by the gap between ITW's closing and joining Amberworld, Shyriath became separated from Ilirith, Udunshraa, and most of his friends, by an unspoken calamity, and wandered into A Nice Green Place a disoriented amnesiac. Settling in with the dragon Shiloh, her demon-fathered child Kaliko, and Shiloh's human friend Gilead Githby, he joined with them in defense against the alliance of Zadireth with Gilead's mother, Amanda. Shyriath and Shiloh eventually became mates. In the timeskip represented by the gap between ITW's closing and joining Amberworld, Shyriath became separated from Ilirith, Udunshraa, and most of his friends, by an unspoken calamity, and wandered into A Nice Green Place a disoriented amnesiac. Settling in with the dragon Shiloh, her demon-fathered child Kaliko, and Shiloh's human friend Gilead Githby, he joined with them in defense against the alliance of Zadireth with Gilead's mother, Amanda. Shyriath and Shiloh eventually became mates.
  
-Despite his pivotal role in the establishment of Avishraa as a setting, he made his reappearance in the worldbuilding project at a relatively late stage. While parts of his history echo those of the original, his personality is considerably changed. The original was relatively inoffensive, even timid, while the new [[person:shyriath|Shyriath]] is a harsher personality, and though averse to danger, expresses it through suspicion verging on paranoia. While both incarnations had psionic abilities, the current Shyriath trades off some telepathic prowess for the ability to control stone and rock.+Despite his pivotal role in the establishment of Avishraa as a setting, he made his reappearance in the worldbuilding project at a relatively late stage. While parts of his history echo those of the original, his personality is considerably changed. The original was relatively inoffensive, even timid, while the new [[person:Shyriath]] is a harsher personality, and though averse to danger, expresses it through suspicion verging on paranoia. While both incarnations had psionic abilities, the current Shyriath trades off some telepathic prowess for the ability to control stone and rock.
  
 ==== Zadireth ==== ==== Zadireth ====
-{{ :zadireth_original.jpg?200|}}+{{ :zadireth_original.jpg?200|Oh lawd he comin'}}
 The original Zadireth was made to connect Shyriath more strongly to his history on Avishraa - if he wasn't present there, it would come to him. The original Zadireth was made to connect Shyriath more strongly to his history on Avishraa - if he wasn't present there, it would come to him.
  
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 ==== Ilirith ==== ==== Ilirith ====
-{{ :ilirith.jpg?200|}}+{{ :ilirith.jpg?200|D'AAAAAWWWWW}}
 Ilirith was, originally, the adopted daughter of Shyriath. Her precise origin is not known, except that Avikael caused her to be in a spot where Shyriath could come across her; whether Avikael //created// her out of whole cloth, or transported her through time to spare her from the massacre of the Davir Sria, is unclear, and Ilirith herself was too young at the time to coherently explain where she'd come from (or, later on, to remember any of it). She played a relatively minor supporting role through the course of the continuity, demonstrating the ability to "convince" rocks to move; this ability was, in the worldbuilding continuity, assigned to Shyriath instead. Ilirith was, originally, the adopted daughter of Shyriath. Her precise origin is not known, except that Avikael caused her to be in a spot where Shyriath could come across her; whether Avikael //created// her out of whole cloth, or transported her through time to spare her from the massacre of the Davir Sria, is unclear, and Ilirith herself was too young at the time to coherently explain where she'd come from (or, later on, to remember any of it). She played a relatively minor supporting role through the course of the continuity, demonstrating the ability to "convince" rocks to move; this ability was, in the worldbuilding continuity, assigned to Shyriath instead.
  
-Comparisons with her worldbuilding counterpart are limited, since the latter is a young adult while the former was a child. [[person:ilirith|Ilirith]] has essentially kept her Amberworld coloration; her prominent hips were borrowed from Shiloh, who was after all her adopted mother in Amberworld. There is little resemblance in personality; Amberworld-Ilirith was a relatively optimistic child, while the current one has had caution and planning beaten into her. Her powers have largely switched places with Shyriath's, in that the current Ilirith is now entirely a mentalist.+Comparisons with her worldbuilding counterpart are limited, since the latter is a young adult while the former was a child. [[person:Ilirith]] has essentially kept her Amberworld coloration; her prominent hips were borrowed from Shiloh, who was after all her adopted mother in Amberworld. There is little resemblance in personality; Amberworld-Ilirith was a relatively optimistic child, while the current one has had caution and planning beaten into her. Her powers have largely switched places with Shyriath's, in that the current Ilirith is now entirely a mentalist.
  
 ==== Aveshinoth ==== ==== Aveshinoth ====
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 Alas, the cosmic apartments no longer have a place, as such. That said, the essential ideas behind the above cosmology remain intact: beings outside our universe, the [[extrinsic:|Extrinsics]], control, or at least affect, it at their whim; they inhabit realms that reflect their own nature; they are less limited than the gods. (I haven't yet decided whether gods truly exist or what their nature is if they do, but they would be bound within a particular universe, rather than being outside it.) Alas, the cosmic apartments no longer have a place, as such. That said, the essential ideas behind the above cosmology remain intact: beings outside our universe, the [[extrinsic:|Extrinsics]], control, or at least affect, it at their whim; they inhabit realms that reflect their own nature; they are less limited than the gods. (I haven't yet decided whether gods truly exist or what their nature is if they do, but they would be bound within a particular universe, rather than being outside it.)
  
-The two most powerful Extrinsics are still [[extrinsic:order|Order]] (aka [[culture:mythology:imperial-religion:lamnar:seluurin|Seluurin]]) and [[extrinsic:chaos|Chaos]] (aka culture:mythology:imperial-religion:lamnar:khezri|Khezri]]), though they are far less benevolent than their Amberworld counterparts; not necessarily malicious, either, but not really concerned with how mortals feel about what is done to them, in the same way that a human walking across a field would be hard-pressed to care about whether he or she is stepping on any ants. The Dark Powers, another creation of Wyvr's, are reflected in [[extrinsic:hunger|Hunger]] (aka [[culture:mythology:imperial-religion:lamnar:uvuun|Uvuun]]).+The two most powerful Extrinsics are still [[extrinsic:Order]] (aka [[mythology:imperial_religion:lamnar:Seluurin]]) and [[extrinsic:Chaos]] (aka [[mythology:imperial_religion:lamnar:Khezri]]), though they are far less benevolent than their Amberworld counterparts; not necessarily malicious, either, but not really concerned with how mortals feel about what is done to them, in the same way that a human walking across a field would be hard-pressed to care about whether he or she is stepping on any ants. The Dark Powers, another creation of Wyvr's, are reflected in [[extrinsic:Hunger]] (aka [[mythology:imperial_religion:lamnar:Uvuun]]).
  
 The connection between the Chosen and their supposed patrons is less clear-cut in the worldbuilding project than it was for Amberworld. While it is generally implied that Order and Chaos are at least partially responsible for their creation and that their division into Srians and Kaeans reflects this fact, the question of why they did so remains opaque. Certainly, they have no need for mortal agents to do their work for them - partly because their influence is already pervasive, and partly because they are not as directly antagonistic toward each other - and evidently do not feel any great obligation to protect or aid them. It is possible, should the RPs in the current setting result in a meeting with them, a mortal may be in a position to ask for and receive answers. It is equally possible that the answers, once received, may be heavily biased, misrepresented, even outright falsehoods, or possibly may not even be comprehensible to mortals. The connection between the Chosen and their supposed patrons is less clear-cut in the worldbuilding project than it was for Amberworld. While it is generally implied that Order and Chaos are at least partially responsible for their creation and that their division into Srians and Kaeans reflects this fact, the question of why they did so remains opaque. Certainly, they have no need for mortal agents to do their work for them - partly because their influence is already pervasive, and partly because they are not as directly antagonistic toward each other - and evidently do not feel any great obligation to protect or aid them. It is possible, should the RPs in the current setting result in a meeting with them, a mortal may be in a position to ask for and receive answers. It is equally possible that the answers, once received, may be heavily biased, misrepresented, even outright falsehoods, or possibly may not even be comprehensible to mortals.
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