Cosmology of Adaris: Difference between revisions

The '''cosmology of Adaris''' begins in the [[Primordial Void]], an infinite expanse of chaotic energy known as [[Astram]]. From this boundless sea of potential emerged [[Daathir]], the first [[consciousness]] and primordial [[spirit]], embodying self-awareness and the spark of existence. As Daathir awakened within the void, it gave rise to [[Awenlas]], the spirit of imagination and creativity. Together, Daathir and Awenlas formed a dynamic interplay of thought and dream, which began to shape the formless Astram into the foundation of reality.

From this dance of consciousness and imagination, the [[Primordial Elements]] were born, each embodying a fundamental aspect of existence. These elemental forces, intertwined with the consciousness of Daathir and the dreams of Awenlas, laid the foundation for the world of [[Adaris]]. The chaotic energy of Astram was given form and purpose, creating a reality where belief and consciousness continuously shape existence.

In the beginning, there was only the [[Primordial Void]], an infinite expanse of [[Astram]], raw, chaotic energy that held the potential for all existence. It was a place of absolute nothingness, yet it contained the seeds of all that could ever be, waiting to be ignited into existence.

The Primordial Void is often described in myths as a place of profound mystery and infinite depth. It represents the uncharted potential of the universe, a canvas upon which all of reality could be painted. The void is not empty; it is filled with the chaotic energies of Astram, which are in a constant state of flux, moving and shifting without purpose or form. Many cultures within [[Adaris]] see the Primordial Void as the birthplace of all things and the ultimate source of creation.

From the depths of this chaotic energy, [[Daathir]], consciousness, emerged. Daathir was not merely an entity or a being; it was consciousness itself, the first spark of self-awareness within the void. It was both the observer and the observed, the dreamer and the dream, inseparable from the [[Astram]] that birthed it.

As Daathir stirred within the void, it became aware of its own existence, a solitary point of awareness amidst the boundless chaos. With this awakening came the first act of self-identification: Daathir named itself, a declaration of being that echoed through the emptiness. This marked the birth of the first [[Primordial Spirit]], a beacon of consciousness in the sea of potential. Daathir's awareness gave the Astram a focal point, a center around which the energies could begin to coalesce and form.

[[Daathir]], as consciousness, existed in a state of pure thought. In its infinite solitude, Daathir began to dream. From these dreams, [[Awenlas]] came into being, the boundless realm of imagination and creativity. Together, Daathir and Awenlas formed a duality, a balance of thought and dream, consciousness and imagination. Together they began to weave the fabric of reality.

Awenlas is the embodiment of imagination and creativity. While Daathir represents thought and observation, Awenlas represents vision and inspiration. The dance between Daathir and Awenlas is not a physical one but a metaphysical interplay, where thought meets imagination, and observation meets vision. This interplay created ripples in the [[Astram]], waves of consciousness and creativity that began to shape the void.

With each thought, emotion, and vision, [[Daathir]] and [[Awenlas]] unknowingly began to shape the [[Astram]] around them. From this dance of consciousness and imagination, the [[Primordial Elements]] emerged. These elements are the fundamental forces of Adaris, each representing a different aspect of existence:

'''Dharas''': The [[primordial spirit]] of light, representing illumination, clarity, and enlightenment. Dharas embodies the illuminating power of consciousness, bringing light to the darkness and revealing the hidden truths of the universe.

'''Arafia''': The primordial spirit of darkness, embodying mystery, the unknown, and the hidden depths of existence. Arafia is not merely the absence of light but a presence in its own right, a force that shapes the world just as surely as light. Dharas and Arafia are not oppositional but exist in balance, neither striving for dominance nor fading into passivity.

 

 

 

 

 

Over time, mortals arose from the residual energies of these spirits, infused with the echoes of Daathir's awareness. Everything in Adaris carries a spark of consciousness, shaped by the interplay of the primordial forces. Though Daathir remains an observer, its presence continues to permeate existence, subtly guiding and shaping reality in unseen ways.

The primordial elements are not isolated forces but are interconnected, each influencing and interacting with the others. Light and darkness, earth and water, fire and air—these elements exist in a delicate balance, each contributing to the overall harmony of Adaris. Their interactions shape the physical and metaphysical landscapes of the world, creating a rich tapestry of life and experience.

The early primordial realms of [[Adaris]] unfolded over eons, a process beyond the comprehension of linear time, happening both instantly and not at all. Fearing a return to chaos, the concept of time was brought into being as the first [[Ascendant Spirit]], who named themselves [[Kairos]]. The creation of time stabilized Adaris, ensuring that change occurred at a manageable pace and preventing a reversion to primordial chaos.  

From this point, the formation of the physical planes of Adaris, began. Each elemental spirit developed its own realm. [[Orethil]], the infinite expanse of earth came first. Underneath, Tejas formed Anarik, a sea of neverending flame. Shasae claimed the air above forming [[Caelum]]. Each in their own space with no overlap. Jala, however had no plane over their own to exist so forced themselves into Orethil. This shattered the barriers between realms and the [[Great Erosion]] Wars began.The Primordial Spirits created powerful beings that inhabited their realms and could help ensure their preservation. After eons of chaos, Daathir took notice. Their consciousness created new beings, the  Enarei who put an end to the war stabilizing the realms. Each element agreed to maintain its own form while still allowing for the slow merging, change, destruction, and creation of new elements.

As the world of Adaris continued to take shape, new spirits formed from the merging of existing elements, who in turn dreamed up realms of their own, creating the rich tapestry we know today.

When the barriers between realms were shattered by Jala, the separation of Dharas and Arafia also broke. While not fought on the physical plane, Dharas and Arafia created their own beings to try and conquer the other. Unlike the Great Erosion War, which eventually ended in a stablized physical realm, the War of Light and Dark continues, the ebb and flow of battle creating the cycle of day and night and marking seasonal changes on the world below.  

With the creation of [[Kairos]], the concept of time was introduced to the world of [[Adaris]]. This marked the birth of one of the first Ascendant Spirits. The advent of time and merging of the spirits, brought forth great change to Adaris. The interactions of the primordial elements and Time created new concepts who became Ascendant Spirits who in turn merged forming new concepts and spirits. Like the [[Primordial Spirits]], Ascendant Spirits possess consciousness imbued in their nature. However, unlike the Primordial Spirits, they were not born from the void but rather from the evolving interactions within Adaris.  

The newly formed Ascendant Spirits quickly dispersed throughout the physical planes. Most taking refuge in Orethil, creating realms of their own, where their influence is paramount and their consciousness free.  

While the Primordial Spirits fought, Awenlas dreamed. Inspired by the creation of the elemental beings, and Enarei, they created their own being. Not to fight, but to imagine. These were the first humans existing in the dream realm of [[Kalpanas]]. After the realm stabilized, Awenlas sent the humans down to the island of [[Awenelir]]. It was here the humans flourished creating a society of imagination and creativity.  

The same creativity and imagination that allowed the humans to prosper eventually drove them to expand. To explore the wider world. The humans left their island home and a great migration occured with humans expanding to all corners of the physical realms. It was here that the influence of other spirits began to change the humans for one of their great traits was their adaptability. Over time the humans adapted to their new home and became different races, each with their own culture, history and in some cases biology.  

[[Ancestral Spirit|Ancestral Spirits]] differ from [[Primordial Spirit|Primordial]] and Ascendant Spirits in that they are born from the consciousness and collective beliefs of societies. These spirits are formed through shared belief, tradition, and language, gaining significance only after the core concepts of the world have been established. They embody the cultural values, myths, and ancestral memories of the people who believe in them.

Ancestral Spirits come into being when a belief is strong enough and widely held, giving it form and consciousness. Unlike the primordial and ascendant spirits, Ancestral Spirits are post-time entities, emerging after the creation of time. They are deeply connected to the societies that create them, often acting as guardians, guides, or symbols of cultural identity.

As societies evolve, new beliefs and traditions can give rise to new Ancestral Spirits, while old ones may fade or become diffuse. A spirit might start as a simple embodiment of a local legend, such as a monster believed to inhabit a cave. If this belief persists over time, the spirit associated with that monster grows in power, becoming more tangible and influential within its realm.  

* [[Nascent spirit|Nascent Spirits]]: Young spirits are simple and malleable, existing in a state of pure potential. [[Nascent spirits]] are akin to the "single-cell organisms" of the spiritual realm. They lack full consciousness and are easily influenced by the beliefs, actions, and environmental changes around them. Nascent spirits are often perceived as minor environmental phenomena, such as flickering lights, gusts of wind, or small creatures barely distinguishable from the natural elements they inhabit. At this stage, their form and function are fluid, often changing based on local myths, seasonal changes, or the presence of stronger spirits.These spirits can often be manipulated by skilled practitioners.

 

* [[Mature Spirit|Mature Spirits]]: Over time, as belief in them strengthens and their stories become more widespread, spirits grow more distinct and powerful. They begin to develop a sense of self, awareness of their surroundings, and purpose. Mature spirits can interact meaningfully with humans, forming intentions and even forging alliances or rivalries with other spirits. They might take on more defined forms, such as humanoid figures, animals, or elemental beings, and are capable of communicating with Shamans and influencing the physical world in more noticeable ways. At this stage, their powers become more focused, and they often play active roles in the myths, rituals, and daily lives of their believers.

* Ancestral Spirits: Spirits that have existed for centuries and have been continuously believed in become extremely powerful and wise. These spirits possess consciousness that has evolved far beyond that of younger spirits, often acquiring intelligence and knowledge that surpasses human understanding. Ancient spirits are frequently seen as gods, elemental lords, or great protectors and are deeply integrated into the culture, religion, and mythology of those who believe in them. Some ancient spirits outlast the cultures that created them, becoming enigmatic forces of nature, driven by their own ancient purposes. They may no longer need active worship to maintain their existence, having become fundamental parts of the world itself, often guiding or manipulating events from behind the scenes to maintain balance or fulfill their ancient agendas.

== The Role of Osia and Osiari ==

Within the cosmological framework of Adaris, the practice of [[Osia]]—the manipulation of the fundamental spirits and essences—plays a vital role. Practitioners known as [[Osiari]] delve into the mysteries of the primordial spirits, seeking to align their consciousness with the forces that shaped the universe. Unlike conventional magic that relies on external spells or incantations, Osia focuses on the internal [[attunement]] and manipulation of consciousness, reflecting the interconnected nature of all existence in Adaris.

 

Osiari believe that by understanding and harmonizing with the spirits like [[Daathir]] and [[Awenlas]], they can influence reality itself, drawing upon the same forces that forged the cosmos. This practice is not merely a means of wielding power but is seen as a path to enlightenment and a deeper comprehension of the universe's fundamental truths.

The cosmology of [[Adaris]] is not just a creation myth; it is a framework that shapes the worldview of its inhabitants. The balance of elements, the interplay of light and darkness, and the dance of consciousness and imagination are central to the philosophy and culture of Adaris. Various schools of thought have emerged based on these concepts, ranging from viewing the spirits as divine beings to perceiving the world as a chaotic system of elemental forces.  

The cosmological beliefs of [[Adaris]] deeply influence its societies and governance structures. Leaders and scholars often seek guidance from the [[Osiari]], whose understanding of the primordial spirits and elements provides insight into both spiritual and worldly matters. Many cultures base their legal systems, ethical frameworks, and societal norms on the balance of elements and the interplay of spirits.

 

For instance, in regions where the worship of [[Dharas]] and [[Arafia]] is prominent, laws may emphasize balance and moderation, reflecting the harmony between light and darkness. In contrast, areas influenced by [[Tejas]] may value transformation and change, encouraging innovation and dynamic governance.

Throughout [[Adaris]], various cultural practices, rituals, and festivals celebrate the primordial forces and their influence on the world. These rituals often involve offerings, prayers, and symbolic acts that honor the elements and the spirits that govern them.

* Ceremonies of Light and Darkness: Dedicated to [[Dharas]] and [[Arafia]], these ceremonies mark the transition between day and night, celebrating the balance between light and dark. Participants often use candles or torches to represent light and dark spaces or blindfolds to symbolize the unseen aspects of darkness.

* Earth and Stone Festivals: Celebrated in honor of [[Oras]], these festivals involve building stone structures, crafting with earth materials, and giving thanks for the stability and strength provided by the earth.  

* Fire and Water Rituals: Honoring [[Tejas]]** and [[Jala]], these rituals often involve fire dancing, water offerings, and rituals that focus on transformation and renewal.

* Wind and Sky Celebrations: These events are dedicated to [[Shasae]] and involve activities like kite flying, wind chime construction, and sky gazing, all meant to honor the air and the breath of life.

These cultural practices reflect the deep connection between the people of Adaris and the elemental forces that shape their world.