Name: Anshumat

Parentage: In the thirty year span since his departure from the alliance with Kalmar, Shengshi quickly realised he would need other allies after all - this led him to experiment with a similar project to the success that was Anu. However, the more the snake researched and tested, the more he began to realise that the circumstances around the accidental creation of Anu had been perfect - too perfect at that, and near impossible to recreate. For that reason, he put the project on ice while he delved deeper and deeper into his research on creation using all his knowledge on life and souls. Meanwhile, he ordered his servants to tend to the project, and while it grew in the background, the project slowly learned and observed the culture of the servile creatures that brought it sustenance. Then, one day, the snake burst in the door with his solution - a piece of his own essence mixed with the essence of the enemy, the barren rock and sand of the deserts. He would turn this creature into a weapon to fight the flames alongside Anu - a warrior without equal. However, as the snake bestowed the power upon the creature, his hopes did not come to pass: What he created was a creature which deemed its life mission to be the control and manipulation of hierarchies. It was without a doubt a result of servant influence. Day after day of listening to a people without a concept of social mobility drove the creature to explore the possibilities of such a system - how it could be formed, and how it could be broken. In true Shengshese rashness, the creature quickly disagreed with its creator’s primitive, strict understanding of hierarchy and instead soared off to learn - to understand.

Portfolio: Hierarchy

Anshumat is a demigod of hierarchy; the social bindings that men and civilizations abide by, governed not largely by the use of force, but the pressure of sociality. This portfolio represents the divine right of kings, the abiding of land ownership, or the social contract. Anshumat is inherently skilled at the creation and manipulation of such hierarchies, to either better or worsen the stability of a civilization.

An example of this would be entering a civilization and proselytising its major thinkers towards creating a warrior state, then letting those thinkers form such a state of their own will. It almost never includes physical dominance, the portfolio of hierarchy covering the social aspects of a society and how to manipulate those beliefs and those morals to produce the desired result.

The time this change takes to be fully enacted depends on the severity of the change; changing a society’s opinion on the color yellow would not take as long as upending a civilization’s core values. The power lies in ensuring that those seeds of reform, assuming no divine counteraction, will always take, whether in a year or a thousand years.

Persona: Anshumat is a mixture of a utilitarian and a moralist -- they are willing to commit atrocities in the name of preventing greater evils or bringing about good; but they are quick to second-guess themself and can easily come to regret actions they have taken. They hold on to impressions passionately, and can stubbornly hold onto a first impression of another person, despite any mounting evidence in the contrary.

They are quick to act and this is not always necessarily for the better. They are more than prone to committing mistakes that would have not been made if one had simply stopped and thought the situation through. They oscillate between too impulsive and too cautious, and find it difficult to find a happy medium between the two that is not entropic.

They are rather neutral: They hope for good, but their willingness to jump to harsh action precludes a pure description of good. They are also not evil, and any inflicted evil is unintentional or pursued as part of a greater goal.

Appearance/Form:
They are a thin-bodied, lithe creature standing at 7 foot 6, their head a shell resembling the horns of a scarab. Their limbs are gangly, ending in points for their feet and a set of thin fingers that number four on each hand.

Their eyes are largely composed of a dark sclera, a small lens set in the middle that is indiscernible from the rest of the eye, sharing the same color. Their head is a far-cry from their blackened carapace body, a pure white shell, inflexible as it is solid. It can take quite a blow, but is large and unwieldy. Their nose and mouth are merged into one, scent and taste receptors stored in the same cavity, a hinged part of their head that does not open far and makes the finer notes of speech difficult to replicate. The mouth is formed in such a way, that when the jaw is fully closed, the shell of the head appears seamless.

Their clothing, while subject to change depending on opportunity or need, tends to be oriental in design. They prefer flowing robes, long sleeves, and loose-fitting pants. Any weapons they carry are doomed to be etched and carved, intricate designs dug into the metal. They are not against headwear, though it is difficult to find any that would fit their unwieldy and inflexible head. Any headwear, as such, tends to be made of loose fabrics rather than any more solid material. They take good care of their clothing, and as such it is not particularly entropic.

Musical Theme: youtube.com/watch?v=EtBTTU6aoSw

Apologies for the wait. BBeast and I had to sync up before getting our opinions down. However, tou certain did end up saving time in the end by getting our feedback in private drafts. You have a good prospect in Anshumat.

I'm glad to see that you've sorted out the parentage since I last read the sheet. BBeast and I are both satisfied with it and look forward to seeing how it turns out IC.

For the sake of informing readers-on, I'll reiterate that I had some initial concern with the Hierarchy portfolio. At first glance, it appears to have strong overlap with Anu's Dominance and the leadership theme of Ikarus' Mana. However, on closer inspection and with the good, clear information about its mechanical bounds, BBeast and me both agree that it distinguishes itself from its overlapping neighbours enough to work on its own. Mana is already heavily invested in its magical side and tends to focus more heavily on leaders rather than social systems, while Dominance is very much about slaves, masters, servitude, and conquest. Hierarchy is more subtle and flexible in its interaction with societies. This is of course without mentioning that multiple demigods in competition over societal control will be ripe for drama and collaboration.

It should be noted that Anshumat will have plenty of mortal societies to play with in this coming age, if all goes as projected. But, even without that, the immediate conflict with Shengshi should keep you busy enough for a little while.

As for the persona, this is a rare case where I would say Anshumat's persona is a good fit for their portfolio. A lot of character sheets follow a basic theme for persona relating to portfolios, which at best depends on a lot of creativity to make good stories, and at worst can form an inflexible stereotype. Anshumat's, while simple, fits the portfolio because they're more likely to make impactful mistakes and victories out of their powers. They'll be changing their actions through lessons learnt and find out where they actually fit in the world. It's a state of flux that will collapse and expand as you go. There is a lot of potential energy for stories there, and that's why it synergises so well. That said, BBeast did lament the lack of details as to how they behave in person, but this was hardly a deal breaker and you can flesh out mannerisms and such IC.

The appearance is a little creepy for a social influencer, but that will be interesting to work around, if you don't don disguises or something of that nature to make up for it. They won't be the strangest looking thing to have interacted with mortals before.

All told, you've got a complete character sheet and a good character ready to jump in. Go ahead when you're ready, WrongEnd. Anshumat is accepted.

Take your starting 2 MP and 4 Age of Lords FP when you make your first IC post. Also don't forget to make a page on the wiki for them and add them to the demigods table in the Deities page.

Name: Yullian

ENTROPY ENTROPY ENTROPY ENTROPIC ENTROPIC ENTROPIC ENTROPY YOU SONS OF BITCHES

Portfolio: Mischief. Yullian has mastery over the contradicting, tricking, and the overall hampering for the amusement of the prankster. This portfolio manifests as the power to curse/bless/create/alter afflictions, creatures and objects in such a way that while never directly lethal or (at times) even openly harmful, will pose as a hindrance at someone or something’s expense. A flowery example may be turning all the drinking water of an area into wine, only for the river system to die out due to the alcohol, or perhaps cursing an individual to always hear “yes” instead of “no”s. A more direct and sinister example could be creating shoes that once worn, cannot be taken off and cause the wearer to dance without end, or creating a sword that always bounces off the target harmlessly only to collide with the wielder.

Persona: Yullian lives to disrupt and have fun. They despise things that are too serious, and work to break up order and peace (and sow chaos). Yullian is self serving, self-obsessed, and all to quick to victimize all in their sights for a quick laugh or long, drawn out prank.

While naturally clever, Yullian is not an intellectual or one for planning too far ahead and can be rather short sighted about things beyond mischief making and long term frauds. Their greatest desire is to be amused by their own hijinks and in tandem, to keep Galbar as interesting as possible, at its own expense.

Appearance: Yullian is a mess of physical particles almost similar to individual grains of clay. These particles can change their color and texture at will and can rearrange to allow Yullian to take most forms so long as it is not outside the quantity of their particles, giving them the range of most humanoid creatures and medium sized animals, but barring them from the size or might of great beasts.

Full disclosure, the bulk of discussion around Yullian was done behind the scenes, so there are ironed out details that we're on the same page on.

The Mischief portfolio is defined well enough and has plenty of potential for the kinds of things Yullian would apparently be drawn to do. That's all fine by me. A trickster god is certainly welcome.

The persona is a bit leaner than I usually approve of, but after further discussions on motive and narrative direction, it's a good enough foundation to build from when you jump into the IC. Just heed my previous warning to you about the dangers of writer's block with such an open-ended character. After the short-term kicks are gotten, it can quickly become difficult to keep things fresh. Planning a couple of steps ahead should make this fine, though.

I know you mentioned to us that the form may be a controversial, what with the free disguises and such, but given the portfolio, I'm willing to give it a pass this time. It's thematic, well bounded, and suitable without putting a tax on you starting off your stories.

It's clear that you've got your parentage sorted out from your activity with Slime, so I think you're good to go.

The GMs grant Yullian acceptance.

Name: Arya

Parentage: Orvus

Portfolio: Compassion; Arya has taken upon herself the mantle of compassion. From her earliest days, the girl has cared deeply for everyone and everything she has ever met, save a few individuals. She’s struggled, and learned many lessons as she’s lived her life and throughout it, she’s remained the same, caring person. With her new divinity, she has the power to help the world unlike ever before. Her concern and care for the wellbeing of others has become utmost paramount.

As such, she can influence and control the compassion within others, by granting blessings or curses in special cases. She can prevent wars, calm disputes, and share empathy through species. She can even bestow compassion on those heartless and cruel, usually showing them the error of their ways as they feel nothing but remorse for their actions. She can grant charity and warmth to those that require it, healing the wounds of the soul or counseling those that need a shoulder to cry on.

It is Arya’s own desire, to alleviate the distress and suffering of all others.

Persona: After spending a lifetime caring for the world and its inhabitants, Arya has become the living embodiment of Compassion. However, not much has changed. She is still very much the same as she was, just more inclined to help those in need, wherever and whoever they might be.

Appearance/Form: Her appearance has not changed.

Musical Theme: youtube.com/watch?v=fpREVjKmpds

Also: Entropic

Name: Laurien

Parentage: Orvus

Portfolio: Desire. Laurien has complete mastery over desire. Starting from her earliest days and heavily influenced by Shengshi, Laurien has transcended to be the ultimate want. Every fiber of her new divine body drips with carnal delight, from the way she talks, to the way she looks, all of her to be craved deliciously. She wants to be yearned, by any and all, no matter what or who they might be and she will do anything to get them when she wants to.

She’s been around mortals and even immortals, long enough to know that sentience comes with the need for more. Goals to complete, ambitions to triumph over, lust of the flesh, and emotional needs fulfilled. There is always a desire to be used for her own purposes so she can fulfill her ultimate goal of being wanted by all.

This portfolio manifests by being able to enhance the existing desires that lie in the heart, to extreme levels of obsession, or by suppressing those desires. She also instinctively knows what deepest, darkest desires exist within mortal hearts and how best to fulfill them. She rewards those who serve her with blessings and gifts to quench their burning appetites, but in the end, there is always an itch for more.

Persona: Most of Laurien’s personality has remained the same, though one noticeable difference is that her darker traits have come to the surface. Most people she sees as objects that should desire her, but to those she actually cares about, she regards higher.

Appearance/Form: The Divinity that ran through her veins, warping her into desire, altered the form she was born into. As such, she can appear before an observant eye in the form of their greatest desire. Whether it be a loved one, a deceased friend, the perfect sexual partner or anything in between. As long as they desire something, she can become it. But, she can only take humanoid shapes and forms that exceed her in height, are a no go. If one has no desire, she is seen in her original form.

Her appearance changes are not truly there, in the physical sense of the word, but they can be interacted with through sight, smell, touch, taste and sound, relaying to the mind whatever they want their own senses to feel.

Musical Theme: youtube.com/watch?v=xsRWESIlfMM

Also: Entropic

We've gone through the Portfolios in considerable detail in private correspondence, and we're happy with how they came out. Compassion is verging on being a vague emotional Portfolio, but it passes.

The detail I like the most with Arya and Laurien is the stark dichotomy between the two. This strong contrast between these two inextricably connected people will undoubtedly lead to much drama.

We've seen these two characters in action before their apotheosis. We have no doubt that they'll continue on their current character arcs and find new ways to develop.

I'll clarify for the benefit of everyone else: Arya and Laurien mechanically function as one demigoddess (with one Might pool), with the two girls effectively (but not quite literally) being Avatars of each other. Also note that Zee was owed a favour for spending MP so prolifically.

In case it wasn't clear, we approve these new demigoddesses.

Name: Karamir.

Portfolio: Mana. The rules regarding mana function very much the same as they had under Ikarus. As a refresher, each element has its own form of mana, and then there is raw mana which is the most versatile but also the most unstable. The Silent Code also still applies.



Where Karamir differs from Ikarus, is he does not believe that there is any link between mana and leadership. In Karamir’s eyes, mana is meant to serve mortals, not lord over them. Being able to shoot fire from your hands may make you special, but it does not mean you have what it takes to be a leader. That doesn’t mean those with mana are forbidden from leading at all; simply that they must offer something other than their powers.

Karamir also does not subscribe to Ikarus’s notion of a ‘Great Balance of Power.’ Those who would use their mana for evil when they could instead aid and uplift others are nothing short of a disgrace. He will not condone their actions, nor will he allow them to continue wielding mana should he ever meet such evildoers in person. However, Karamir is not going to personally police every individual manner wielder, so some will inevitably get away with it.

Persona: Karamir lived a troubled life, having been subjected to some of the worst cruelties that could be inflicted upon someone, and having spent most of his life drifting aimlessly without a clear purpose.

However, he had also encountered genuine warmth. People and gods who helped him, even when they had no reason to. Arya, Abanoc, Chopstick Eyes. It was these encounters which showed him there was good in the world, prevented him from becoming jaded, and pulled him back from the brink.

Karamir wants nothing more than to uplift the mortals of Galbar. To help them better themselves. To see them not only advance their understanding of mana, but also their knowledge of other areas of study as well. His own personal lust for knowledge has not subsided, either: he remains curious. There is still much out there he does not know.

Karamir abhors those who take pleasure in cruelty, or tear down others out of spite. But e will come to understand that morality is not black and white. He knows his own persona has changed over time, and as he continues to age he will see the same happen in other mortals. A soul is nothing more than one’s personality and intellect, which are shaped by one’s memories and experiences. Nobody is born good or evil; they are shaped by their circumstances. Those who become good may eventually be corrupted to evil, and those who succumb to evil may eventually be redeemed. Despite this, good must still be rewarded, and evil must still be punished.

Appearance/Form: Karamir’s form is unchanged. A seven foot tall well-built Vallamir, with brown hair streaked with white, and dark blue eyes. For attire, he tends to favour loose clothing such as robes.

Parentage: Karamir’s first and most obvious parent is Kalmar. It was Kalmar who created him, and it was Kalmar who, while dying, chose to gift him the last of his essence.

Kalmar’s reasoning for doing so had been rather straightforward. The Hunter had lived longer than most creatures had any right to, and he felt tired. He had been mortally wounded, and while he could have tried to seek out someone like Asceal for recovery, or simply hope his wounds would heal over time, what would come next? Most of the gods that Kalmar once believed threatened all of creation had disappeared, died, or been subdued. Likewise, most of those whom Kalmar had once considered friends and allies had also withdrawn from the world. Who was left to fight? Who was left to aid?

And so, Kalmar’s thoughts had inevitably shifted to the mortals of Galbar. Kalmar had created them, and he had led them, but… was he truly the best man to do so? He had allowed thousands to die in the first winter. After seeing the fate that befell some of those Vallamir in Veradax, he now had cause to regret that. The mortals needed guidance, but could that guidance come from him? He, who had once been nothing more than a beast, only to be suddenly elevated into something far beyond that?

No, if the gods were going to guide mortals, then perhaps it would be best if some of those gods actually knew what it was like to be mortal. Deliberately or no, Orvus had passed a portion of his divinity onto Arya, and so, Kalmar decided to do the same for Karamir. And with that final action, the Hunter passed from this world.

However, although Kalmar was the primary cause, another deity had also influenced Karamir’s ascension. It is not clear what became of the first Mana God, but while he was ascending, Karamir had a vision in which he glimpsed an odd-looking dragon. And somehow, Karamir ended up with the mana portfolio. Perhaps Ikarus died. Perhaps he passed it on. Who can say?