Delay Apologies and Fantasy Info

Hi all!

It's been quite awhile since I last posted, and for the delay, I apologize. It was mostly due to the start of the school year, which has been a rather hectic change from the lazy days of summer. Still, I have returned.

I would also like to apologize for any formatting issues in The Legend of Saint Pelan. Blogger got confused and may have had one too many beers, thus it didn't put my story up entirely right. Oh, well.

Anyway, I am posting also because I have begun working on a fantasy world. This blog is mainly for stories, but I feel it would be cool to share some of my other creative writing projects too. The only thing I will not post is poetry, because I already have a site for that (www.poetrypoem.com/sankai).

Here is all of the work so far on my fantasy world, which I've name Fimbeljun (pronounced, more or less, fihm-bell-ee-uhn or fihm-bell-yuhn):

(Overview of Fimbeljun Cosmology)

Root Realm
This realm is unique in the fact that it isn't disc shaped. Rather, it resembles a sloped pyramid with curved edges that narrows to a point. This point is the focal point which connects all the other realms.

The Root realm is the oldest realm in this world, as it grew first and deepest. It is home to the Eternals, ancestors to the Primals and masters of the force of creation. Some say the oldest Eternal, Shasuka, lives there, though this is unknown.

The Geography of the Root realm resembles a thick forest with green grass and long expanses of undergrowth, known as Archos. The Eternals, however, can shape it to their own whims and desires, thus it occasionally changes. There is a lake in the Root realm whose water brings deep and far reaching wisdom to the drinker.

Abyssal Realm
The Abyssal realm is the home of polarity, duality and opposites. It is divided into two planes: Sejulnir and Oortha. Sejulnir is the emptiness of the abyss, from which the Primals emerged and which consumes all. Oortha is the emptiness of potential, a space waiting to be filled. It is the source of creation's rebirth and bringing about.
Both places appear to be empty spaces of blackness, but Oortha glows faintly. The only point of noticeable light in the Abyssal Realm is the Focal Point, which manifests here as a glowing orb of radiance.

Few creatures live in the Abyssal Realm, with the exception of the Primals. Some of the Primals went on to become Gods or Demons, but those that did not remain in the Abyssal Realm when they're not warring with the forces of order.


Material Realm
The Material realm is the land of ordinary beings and most matter. It is the realm that most living beings encounter on a regular basis. It is divided into four planes: Feygruth, Civarka, Uran and Primori

Feygruth is the home of fairies, mist elves, goblins and other fey creatures, hence the name. The lands within Feygruth are mostly wetland, though there are a few impressive deciduous forests. Travelers to the Feygruth are advised to not drink from the waters there, as they cause forgetfulness to non-fey creatures.

Feygruth is divided into various kingdoms, each ruled by one of the races.

Civarka is the home to the majority of intelligent races, such as stonefolk, trolls, arukai, etc. The lands of Civarka vary immensely in geography, ranging from tropical rainforest to arid desert.

Civarka is technically divided into kingdoms for each of the races, but fights for land and control are common. Civarka is also home to the majority of wizards, with the exception of some of the more powerful ones, who live in Uran.

Primori
Primori is a rather desolate wasteland, and no wonder, for it is a dying land. Primori is home to what are known as the lost races. These were groups of beings who, due to some circumstance, were cursed and are dying out. No one knows how they get there, but some of the races there are among the oldest in the world.

Uran
Uran is a wild and weird place. It is where the force of magic flows most strongly. As such, it is an ever shifting landscape. Sometimes it is rocky and stormy, others dry and sunny. Forests appear and disappear within minutes.

The Tower of Rhon is built here. It is where the most powerful wizards hold council.

Uran has no political divisions, for few ever travel there. The wizards are organized in councils, but they hold no power over the land itself.


Ethereal Realm
The Ethereal Realm is the home of the elementals, and other beings of such composure. It is also where Zhin live. It is divided into six planes: Aeria, Ethalisia, Pyrukan, Aquorulum, Tallicon and Terrek.

Aeria
Aeria is the elemental plane of wind. The only solid ground there is a long chain of rock islands scattered throughout the sky. Everything else is air and clouds. All beings here have wings, though the air elementals simply float. It is a place with strong gales and tornadoes.

Aquorulum
This is the elemental plane of water. It is a great sea, with a single oasis of land. The sea, called the Sea of Tears after an old legend, goes down for miles and miles. Some say at the bottom is a portal to the plane of fire, but this has never been proven.

Pyrukan
Pyrukan is the elemental plane of fire. It is a vast desert, with jets of flame that shoot up from the ground. The only lakes it has are lakes of lava. The Fire Elementals tend to make their homes in this lake. Heat Zhin are known to live here as well.

Ethalisia
This is the elemental plane of light. No features can be seen except a vast white expanse. There are 16 suns here, though they burn cold, and thus do not scorch he life there.

Terrek
This is the elemental plane of earth. It is a tall mountain, the peak of which unites with the focal point. There is water here, but not much.

Tallicon
Tallicon is a vast, magnetic lake of iron. This is the elemental plane of metal. It is unadvisable to go here, for the metal softens and becomes hard without warning. Thus many who enter become trapped when it solidifies. Only metal elementals and Cool Zhin, who live here, are able to consistently permeate the substance.


Astral Realm
The Astral Realm is the realm of energy. Each of its planes corresponds to a different type of energy that flows through the world. Most magic users and other similar beings utilize some form of astral energy.

Protus
Protus is the source of the magical energy that most wizards use. It is uninhabited, like all the other Astral planes. Were a being to go there, it would resemble an ocean of violet light. For this reason, Protus is sometimes called the Astral Sea. Protus resembles a sea because its energy resembles water in its distribution and properties. It flows and rushes from its source to points within the Material realm.

Psalinar
Psalinar is the source of psychic energy, utilized by psimages and warriors of kor. It resembles a vast expanse of glowing blue sky. Energy from Psalinar resembles air in its properties. It mostly floats throughout existence, inert unless it is called upon and channelled. This is why spells are easier than psychic abilities to use. Energy from Protus flows naturally, while energy from Psalinar must be focused, channelled and shaped.

Illurian
Illurian is the source of light energy, which is used by beings of Feygruth and other magic users who focus on enchantment. Illurian is the warmest Astral plane, because energy here resembles fire in its properties. It resembles a large island, wreathed in golden flame, on a sea of white.

Lalrenai
Lalrenai is the source of what is known as Illumined energy. It is utilized by monks and wandering sages. It resembles a pinkish-blue plane of ice. This is because the energy of Lalrenai resembles ice in that it crystallizes and can be used only when it has done so.

Rish
Rish is the source of mystic energy. It is utilized by wandering sages, mystics and some wizards. It resembles a cave of sapphire blue crystal, with vibrations emanating from it. The energy of Rish resembles stone. It is accessed by vibrating one's own consciousness through it.

Athelor
Athelor is the source of minor energy. It is utilized by small enchanters and practitioners. It is also the source of alchemist's energy. This plane is hard to reach, so no reports have been given on its appearance.

Arthanor
Arthanor is the source of order energy. It is used by those who fight for the forces of order, and it is used by most of the celestial beings. It resembles a great oak tree made of clear wood. order energy resembles wood in its properties. It is absorbent, but hard.

Chatha
Chatha is the source of chaos energy, after it is transferred from Sejulnir. This is the only dark plane in the Astral Realm. It is a field of blackness, lit by pale orange globes of light. Chatha is the source of the Primals' power.


Outer Realm
The Outer Realm, otherwise known as the radiant realm, is the home of gods, demons and devils. It is the top realm of the treelike cosmic universe. It is divided into 10 planes, five of which are heavens and five of which are hells.

Shiraksa
Shiraksa is perhaps the most obvious hell. It is reserved for those of pure evil bent and those who have committed mass genocide or great destruction. Shiraksa alternates between being freezing cold and unbearably hot. It has fire, frost, disease and acid rain of the most biting kind. Though home to many demons and the Archdevil Marok, it is a place of punishment for such beings more than a home. The demons have stabilized an area of it as their headquarters, however, which no one has found.

Nahosh
Nahosh is a more subtle hell. It is a cold plane, and darker than space. It is designed for those of chaotic evil alignment. Few demons live here, as most demons are beings of flame. The two exceptions are the Frost Birds and the Shades. Those in Nahosh are overwhelmed by a never-ending sense of loneliness and hunger, now that they cannot satisfy their desire for destruction and are separated from all contact. Though many individuals may be there, none of them know of others, and each believes that he or she is alone.

Chulumnos
Chulumnos is not exactly a hell, but it is a realm of darkness. It serves as a prison, both for any Primals captured by the gods, and also for rogue gods and beings as old as the Eternals that once ravaged the cosmos. These beings are little spoken of, for naming them gives them power, but they are referred to collectively as the Blight.
Being in Chulumnos resembles falling through an endless void. Since the fall is constant, prisoners become too disoriented to escape, thus making it a perfect prison. Legend says that one of the rogue gods took power there and became known as the Lord of Chulumnos, but no proof has been found of this.

Oragia
Oragia is somewhat the opposite of Nahosh. It is for those of lawful evil alignment. It is a hot plane, and victims there are bound and chained over pits of lava, as a reminder of their desire for order, even dark order. Oragia is home to many demons, but few devils, as devils are considered too powerful to be kept in Oragia, thus they are consigned to Shiraksa or Krastus. Unlike Nahosh, where the emphasis is on loneliness, here the dense packing of beings is often overbearing.

Krastus
Krastus is the counterpart to Chulumnos. It is used, however, to imprison beings who were evil from the beginning, rather than corrupted beings or ones too bizarre to comprehend. Krastus is where most of the devils reside, with the exception of Marok, who is consigned to Shiraksa. There are a few Archdevils here, but they are kept far as possible from their comrades. Unlike Chulumnos, Krastus resembles an endless red expanse. Inhabitants are condemned to wander eternally

Himmelia
Moving from the hells into the heavens, Himmelia is a home both for gods and beings of lawful good alignment. Most gods reside in Zalo, however the greater ones live in Himmelia. Angelic beings and Celestials reside here. Himmelia resembles a luxurious palace, with all sorts of wondrous sights and sustenance. It is rather stately, but the natural world surrounding the palace is filled with mysterious and rare beasts, and forces of nature perform wondrous displays for the inhabitants. There is an ocean there, of a pale grayish blue color, whose water brings about a state of peace to all who bathe in it.

Aoru
Aoru is perhaps the most bizarre heaven. It is for sages and mystics who have achieved transcendence from ordinary experience. It resembles a mist covered mountain. At first glance, it appears deserted, but each member manifests as a mote of light. They also control wind and rain, thus they can be everywhere and one place all at once. They rarely converse with visitors, but an attentive traveler can hear them engaged in long thought talks with each other.

Vanarkey
Vanarkey is the heaven for those of chaotic good alignment. Sentinels also reside here. It resembles a field of richly green grass. Houses are hewed out of the rock, and much of the time is spent outdoors. There's a continual music which plays through the air, which is different for each listener. There are many wild dances with bonfires in the evenings.

Benesoth
Benesoth is a rather quiet heaven, since few are of the type to go there. If Aoru is for those who have achieved transcendence to the level of the divine, Benesoth is for those who have come to such a level through devotion. It is also a heaven for those slain in battle. It is a forest with rivers running to a central lake. The whole place has a feeling of peace and contentment. Many of the gods visit there and converse with the faithful. The stars shine the brightest here at night, brighter even than the stars of Zalo. Many inhabitants gather for devotions and song. It is a realm of quiet and sometimes jubilant joy.

Zalo
Zalo is the realm of the majority of the gods. It is a great tower that glows brighter than the sun. From here, members of Zalo can look across the entire cosmos, which they often do to watch over affairs in the lower realms. The tower sits upon a lake which is strewn with everblooming white flowers on its surface. Beneath the lake is a celebration hall where great feasts are held.

(Info on the divine Pantheons)

Pantheons of Fimbeljun

Categorizing gods and devils, angels and demons of Fimbeljun is tricky. These beings are real, but their grouping is an issue, due to the many different religious faiths which categorize them differently.

Ranking of Transcendent Beings
From the World Book: "There are many different legends of how the various beings beyond the mortal realm came to be. Some say they all achieved transcendence in different ways through long years of contemplation. Others say they were delegated to maintain creation by the Eternals, who were the true originators. Still others say that they always were, are and will be. An agreement will perhaps never be reached"

This ranking order goes from weakest to strongest

Elemental
Elementals are beings of the Ethereal realm that control the various elements, unsurprisingly. They technically do not die, but they can be dissipated by powerful magic, and they can starve if they cannot feed on their native element. They are usually neutral, but, if fighting, can be fierce. They pose a threat to common life but are easily bested by even minor wizards.

Angel
Angels are a relatively large classification group, being by general definition all good transcendent beings below the gods. However, within this larger category are other names for the majority of such beings. Thus only 3 types of being are technically considered angels: Celestials, Illuminai and Hasurim. Celestials are guardians and watchers of the Outer Realm. They range in power from little more than elementals to demigod levels. Illuminai are messengers, sent to deliver news and commands to mortal beings. They are less powerful than the Celestials, but still relatively strong. The Hasurim are powerful angelic warriors. They guard the gates of the hells, keeping the dark things trapped within. They also make up the bulk of the armies of the gods. These beings can be very powerful, but they are all of lesser might than gods, Archdevils and Archdemons.

Demon
Demons are often confused with devils, though there are large differences. Demons are of a power level lower than devils, and demons are far more warlike. While devils band together into armies, demons lay waste to whatever they see, with no organization or strategy. The majority of demons are aligned with the element of fire, though there are a few cold demons. Demons have powers greater than all but the most powerful Celestials, but they are not nearly as powerful as Hasurim. Archdemons are perhaps an exception to this, as they can often overcome Hasurim in small numbers.

Devil
Devils are perhaps the most powerful evil being, although the Blight are supposedly greater in power. Most devils are aligned with the element of ice, though there are fire devils. Devils are more powerful than angels, but cannot often defeat gods. There are several Archdevils, the most dangerous of which is probably Marok, who is often the chief instigator in wars of the Outer Realm.

Sentinel
Sentinels are an odd race. They are born from the souls of murdered beings, and those who die an untimely death. Such beings go to Benesoth, where they are given a mission to protect a mortal or a group of mortals. While in the Material Realm, they take on the form of white cabbage moths. They are capable of shape shifting into other forms, but they prefer not to fight. They mainly protect their charges by warding off evil with their light. Since they are direct servants of the gods, they don't usually fight in the armies. Sentinels have been sent at various times, however, to fight the dark beings. They can dispatch demons with ease, and in groups they can overwhelm devils, though not Archdevils.

Radiant One
The Radiant Ones are those mystics, sages and thinkers who have achieved transcendence of the world through long contemplation. They are the inhabitants of Aoru. They have little fighting power, but they project a presence of good equal to that of a Sentinel or god. This makes them nearly untouchable by begins of evil, with the exception of Archdevils and the Blight. Even Archdevils, however, are harmed by their presence.

God
gods are the highest transcendent being. Alone, a god can destroy an Archdemon with a mere thought, kill a devil in battle and wound an Archdevil. Unfortunately, being purely good, gods cannot always understand the plans of dark beings, which leaves them vulnerable to being outwitted. This is why they maintain the aid of various other celestial beings, and almost always fight in groups. Gods are classed into different types, each maintaining a different aspect of the world. These are:

Imperial Gods: These gods rule over the pantheons and generally maintain order in creation. Many believe they are creator gods, which is unknown but may be true.

Discipline Gods: These gods are patrons and muses of the various masters of study. Each one is the guide to those who study a certain field or discipline.

Trickster Gods: These gods are perhaps the divine secret weapon against the demons. Being mischievous, but not evil, they are able to play against the enemy in the celestial wars and outwit them. They are not always trusted by the other gods, as most rogue gods were once tricksters, but the best of them are some of good's greatest allies.

Metaphysical gods: These gods deal with the realms between life and death and watch over mortal souls.

Messianic Gods: These gods watch over the races of Fimbeljun more directly and continue to guide them towards the light.

Unclassifiable

Though the majority of transcendent beings have been listed above, there are a few groups that are difficult to place on the hierarchy of power because they are so little known or otherwise defy classification. They're listed in no particular order:

Primordial
The Primordials are older than the gods, if legend is to be believed, but younger than the Eternals. The Primordials come from the depths of the Abyssal Realm, and for many eons supposedly ruled Fimbeljun and made it an empty void. When the gods came to be, they warred with the Primordials and eventually consigned most of them to Chulumnos. They are difficult to classify because very little is known about them.

The Blight
The Blight is a collective term for the various ancient aberrations and manifestations of chaos that tried at various times to destroy the cosmos. They are known as the Blight because it is a descriptive name that avoids speaking any of their names directly. Supposedly, the Eternals imprisoned and weakened the Blight as their last known act within Fimbeljun. The Blight are hard to classify because they vary in power from being weaker than an elemental to being stronger than the gods.

Eternal
The Eternals are perhaps the most mysterious of all. There are many different legends and myths about them. The general consensus is that they live in the Root Realm. Some say they created the universe and are thus the true divinities, others say they are beings outside of limited ideas of order and creation. No one knows. All legends say they are immensely powerful, but they have never left the Root Realm in recorded history, and no visitor there has ever returned. The only knowledge of the Root Realm comes from the 12 Legend Scrolls.


Hope you enjoyed this. More is still to come.