littlecornercreature said:Took me this long to realize it but... You have a general history for the Prophetics, could you do a history post on the D.D?
Darkness demons have a history that is both fascinating and cruel. I’ve mentioned in another post that they tend to pick their mates with the thought of how their future heirs will grow and what attributes they will acquire that would be considered useful. This is typically a trait found amongst the nobility. The ultimate desire being having a child born who would be close to physical perfection.
Most of the common Darkness Demons will have adapted mostly to the whatever their regions require of them. Those near the coast might have more aquatic features such as gills and fins to help them survive the waters and the dangers that lurk within them etc.
The only ones that are not noble but still are allowed to actively keep trying to adapt their children are the knighthoods and those directly sponsored by the nobility. The Knighthoods are a stand alone military force that works directly under the Emperor, but otherwise has no other nobility standing over them. As the nobility often stands as their own domain’s standing forces for defense and control over their domains the Knighthoods act as a roaming police and occasionally a back-up for weaker, but affluent nobility. Such as orphaned children forced to take up the mantel of their dead parents or those who focus more on intellectual pursuits rather than the martial ones.
Unfortunately for those unable to afford the costs of the Knighthood, or have good enough relations with other nobles who would be willing to offer support the idea is that those who are not fit to rule will die and a new family line will be installed to pick up the slack should the previous one be killed off entirely or deemed no longer worthy.
The reason why their is such a strictness in terms of fighting prowess that is demanded of the Nobility comes from the innate nature of darkness demons as a whole. Their powers, especially their magical abilities fluctuate Wildly with their emotions. This applies to the whole species so the nobility must have the strength in one way or another to keep control over the masses who, at any point have some kind of breakdown emotionally, will be temporarily transformed by their rampant and unchecked magic forcibly adapting their form to suit whatever their desire is at the time. this is another reason why their is an outside force beyond the nobility that is allowed to have a similar strength, because they must be able to subdue the nobility should they be the ones to suffer a breakdown and go wild.
Nobles must have the strength to subdue those individuals and if it gets to a point where they cannot then they would either be deemed unworthy or must be given sufficient time to train to a point where they can do it. Usually the only people who are allowed to take time to train are those who were forced to pick up the mantel before they were ready.
I hope that answered your question. Sorry for taking so long to get to it.
Yeah this got long as fuck so i cut it down into some parts...probably 2
When i could finally return myself to the astral, I was half expecting to end up in the Boneyard again. Fortunately and unfortunately I did not. I am eager to learn more of that place and continue talking to the Boneburner I met there, perhaps even get a name to call her by, but instead I was set somewhere in Darkness Demon lands.
The moon was full like always and illuminated my surroundings. I was naked, lying in the dirt as if I had just taken a nap for a time and finally woken up, but I was nowhere near where I had been before my time in the Boneyard. I pulled the shadows into clothes and looked down at myself. I suddenly had a penchant for traditional Darkness Demon clothing. I smirked and stood. I felt the Darkness from the underground still firmly settled into my back whisper and nudge me in a direction. I decided to leisurely follow it's direction and began to walk. After I began walking I noticed the little gourd I had been given was on my belt and banging lightly against my hip with each step..
I was still curious as to what they were, but I was warned not to awaken them. They were sleeping and only when I had something to feed them with should I wake them. I huffed in disappointment, but decided not to do it. Eventually I found myself nearing a town. I walked inside without any trouble. I saw people drinking publicly and there was a big circle in town from the sounds alone I could tell it was a fighting ring. I walked to the ring and looked inside. There were two people fighting, but there was an obvious winner in my eyes. The smaller one looked far more exhausted and while he was fighting valiantly it was clear he didn't understand that his opponent was purposely letting him get close to tire him out. Any hits he got were grazes, but they were allowed enough to keep the youth on the attack. He was going to tire himself out soon and then it would be his downfall.
'Wanna try your luck in the ring?"
I turned to the voice and saw a darkness demon with a little notepad in his hand as well as a pen in the other. "'You look like you're pretty capable. C'mon why not give it a shot?"
I raised an eyebrow. "What's the prize for winning?"
The demon smiled a greedy smile. "Money of course. Win a nice hefty purse full of money. Treat from the nobles who set up these games."
I smirked. "What makes you think i want money?"
The man smirked and shook his head. "You ain't got any." He pointed at the gourd. "That thing is hollow and empty. Ain't a single coin to jingle 'round in there. Wouldn't it be better to fill it up with something shinier than plain water?"
He's a crafty one, I'll give him that. "Sure."
just then the crowd shouted their cheers and jeers as the fight ended. "Well then. I guess you'd better step in the ring."
I looked between the demon standing in front of me and the one still standing in the ring and smirked. They were making side bets to make money. it didn't even matter if they won in the ring. They had already won plenty outside of it.
I step into the ring with a smile. I had to practice sometime with my new found strength. Why not make some money along the way? The demon in the ring was covered in a thin layer of sweat, but he still looked full of energy. "What's your name kid?"
i sighed and shook my head. "Don't have one."
The crowd went silent for a short time, Then it came like the explosion of a bomb. Laughter. All of them. Roaring with laughter. I waited patiently. I didn't mind their laughter. It was expected. "No Name!? You've got no name!? How old are you and you've still got no name!?" The fighter asked between laughs.
I merely smiled at him. His face finally turned into an angry frown as he moved to look me in the eyes. "What kind of joke do you think this is? Get out of here before you get killed."
I looked up at him with a calm smile. The bell was rung for the fight, but he didn't move. "Didn't you hear me? Leave!"
I placed my hand on the center of his torso and pushed hard. I was expecting to push him back a few feet. Instead he was launched into the air and smacked into the second floor of the building behind him. The crowd went silent after that as I looked down and flexed my hand. I had a Lot more power than I did before the Boneyard. I was going to need to train to control it. The demon I launched was by no means knocked out. He landed on his hands and feet, but he was more shocked than hurt. I looked over to the guy who held the notepad. "Hey. Do i win if he's out of the ring?"
The guy blinked at me and shook his head. "N-no...you don't."
I smirked at him. "Why so shocked? I thought you said I looked capable?"
The demon's face turned into a sly smirk mixed with gritted teeth. He was annoyed, but he figured he still made out well. If he lost the main prize he still had the bet money to comfort him.
I ended spending several minutes tossing my opponent around. I didn't really try hitting him for fear that i would put a hole through him. Slowly, but surely i began getting used to my power and finally got to a point where I felt comfortable hitting the person in front of me. I lifted my fist and he moved his arms to block so I kicked at his leg. I swept him off of his feet and chopped downward and slammed him into the ground. The ground cracked and i'm sure I did the same to some of his bones, but this time he didn't get up. He tried, but he ended up flopping back down into the ground.
"The fight is over! Does anyone else want to try testing their mettle!?" the crowd was silent. There wasn't even applause for my fight. Just silent and fearful stares. I chuckled. The greedy demon with the notepad raised his hand to me. "Then i have your victor!" he said with a bitterness in his tone that he couldn't hide within his proclamation.
I smiled contently and made my way over to the demon with the notepad. He glared at me and pointed his pen over his shoulder to someone else. I turned and saw the crowd had parted and a pair of Darkness demons were approaching me. The first was younger, and wearing fanciful clothes. Embroidered carefully with crests and runes. The second was slightly less decorated and stood slightly behind and to the side of the youth. A noble and his guard. I sighed. Of course the second i get back there is a noble for me to end up disrespecting someway and get in trouble with.
I bowed my head respectfully as he neared and then raised my head to him. "That was an impressive victory. For one with no name you do seem to hold a great deal of power."
I nodded courteously instead of making any remark that could be taken the wrong way. I'd rather not get in trouble.
"Here is your money." The noble said while motioning to the guard behind him. I was expecting a small purse, something that would fit easily into the palm of my hand. Instead the purse is about the size of a melon and I blink in surprise before it is handed to me. Well i just hit the jackpot. "Now come. We have work to do."
"No." i said while feeling the weight of the coins in my hand. The noble stops and his guard tenses. I realize what i said and put the purse into my shadow. "What did you say?"
I think about it for a moment and shook my head. "You're right. i shouldn't just outright refuse. Let me at least hear you out before I make my decision."
The guard steps forward. "You insolent boy! You are not being given a choi-" i lift my hand towards him and as i do the thought of one of my embodied emotions comes to mind and my darkness turns into smoke and enters the guards mouth and fills his lungs and lifts him off the ground. The crowd collectively gasped and look at the guard for a moment. "Wow. Didn't mean to fill your lungs. Just meant to hold you back." I pull my hand back and the smoke rushes out of him and drops him. I turned back to the noble and return my darkness to my body. "Like i said. I'll at least hear you out and then make my decision."
The noble swallowed nervously and then steeled himself. "The purpose of this competition was to find someone who was suitable to become guard of mine. The money was an incentive to join."
I nodded in understanding. "Well i'm not interested in being your guard, but i believe that my opponent would be better suited anyway. His resiliency is amazing. I was trying to restrain myself but he still managed to take several attacks from a much stronger opponent before finally being beaten."
The noble looked at me quietly. I could tell he felt embarrassed because i declined his offer. "I apologize, but I have much to do still. I must take my leave now."
I took a step back and bowed my head politely before I turned and left.
Astral Ask: Knighthoods in the Darkness Demon Domain
midnightfortis said:How do knighthoods work in D.D. territories? How do you work on getting into one? Are there any other groups in the territories? Where do people train? Do they have a required syllabus throughout life?
To answer your first question the Knighthoods work in orders. To my knowledge there are about 5-7 orders in total. The Lord knight is the most powerful and in charge of everything the Order does. When someone wants to borrow the power of the knights it goes through the Lord Knight. Gender, or lack thereof, isn't even considered an issue.
Darkness demons are not the only ones allowed in the Orders. If someone from the order recognizes the talent inside a being, they swear their allegiance (not blind allegiance mind you), and can make an oath to darkness they can be accepted. There is a hierarchy of power and control. The stronger, more skillful, and more intelligent rule the others and pass on that knowledge and skill. it is up to each individual to take the knowledge, put forth the effort to become strong and practice their skills to rise among the hierarchy.there are plenty that are taught directly by knights and general knights. The training isn't easy. sometimes squires are put in situations that require them to fight equal or lesser opponents, other times they are required to be able to best better opponents using their wits to survive. it isn't uncommon for people in the Orders to die. The higher you go, the more responsibility you have and more difficult missions you are expected to complete.
As for working into getting into an Order, you just have to catch the eye of someone who believes you are ready to enter an order. Sometimes this happens in a tavern brawl with a knight, other times it's being able to fend of feral spirits and survive while everyone else around you does not. There are a number of reasons why someone can get picked u, but ultimately the decision is theirs. People can refuse, but most don't because there are perks to being in an order.
There are other groups, but they are not as well known, spread out, or hold nearly as much sway as the Orders do. The Lord Knights of each Order, and there is only one per Order, have about the same power as a noble in Any D.D. land.They are the enforcers of the laws, even more so than the guards of any city, village, or town.
The beings in the Order train wherever they go. If they are being mentored they have structured training according to whatever the mentor feels is required for their growth at any given moment. If they are not being mentored directly they can train at the order with group instructors for combat, magic, knowledge or whatever else they might need to survive and thrive on their own.
The only syllabus that i know can be broken down into about three things.
1. Don't die. Can't move up if your dead.
2. Control yourself. Do not let your power control you. Without enough control over your power they will keep you where you are or even demote you.
3. Grow. Continue to grow no matter how strong you think you are. If nothing is impeding your growth you should never stop growing. If something is impeding you, consider why. If it is unreasonable or doing so for some reason that is not for your benefit cut it down and continue to grow again. If it is for good reason you are being held back grow in a different direction. Do not become reliant on one strength. Be strong in all things.
Astral Ask: Reincarnation, love, and Racial issues with Darkness Demons.
midnightfortis said: Can darkness demons reincarnate? Do you believe that mates to darkness demons can reunite with their mate in their next life (if they aren't demons)? Are there certain races that are looked down on if a darkness demon were to have a relationship with them?
Darkness is an entity that would say is like conscious power with no particular will. Darkness demons were born of this power somehow and managed to find their own will. Now while they are completely independent they are also a part of this entity. Darkness demons that become strong enough and make a deep enough bond with their own personal darkness, they make an oath to darkness and become something that is called a "favored child of darkness." Once this happens they can tap into the full entity of darkness for short periods of time and gain access to knowledge and power that would be other wise impossible or take and incredibly long time to acquire. When these 'favored children' die some of their will can be left behind in the form of a shade or in some extremely rare cases their will and mind will remain inside darkness in a sort of slumber. When someone they love or deeply care for connects to darkness they may be awakened for a short time and reveal what they know, grant some of their power, or offer some help in whatever way they can. as for if they can physically reincarnate...i honestly don't know.
i do believe that it is possible that beings can reincarnate in the astral, because it isn't unheard of for people to have memories and such brought back from past lives, but i wasn't sure if Darkness demons would get back with old mates that were reincarnated, or not. Turns out the answer is yes. If they can find the person they once knew and loved in reborn in another form they will not care and still embrace the person they love just as deeply as they did before. perhaps more so after having dealt with the loss of that loved one in the first place. To Darkness demons love isn't something that fades away with time. it is immortalized within their hearts. The good and the bad and if the mates are worth being around again they will renew the relationship. Still that's a rare thing to happen, but Methorim, my guard, has recently found someone he deeply loved again and he quickly renewed the love between the two of them.
to end this section of questions, the answer is yes. For the most part Darkness demon society couldn't give a single fuck if they collectively tried to about who a demon's partner is, unless it's with a being of light based origins. Now this is mainly because light magic is extremely painful and dangerous for darkness demons. Not to mention the animosity they have with most light based beings because of the constant fighting that has gone on. other than the beings made of light there are those who are considered weak. Darkness demons are all about person strength and worth. They want to know if someone is being included into the family if they are strong enough to protect them self, their lover, their children, etc. Personal strength is the basis of their system of nobility. The stronger the demon the higher up the noble is and their strength can be passed down genetically. The main reason why they don't give a single fuck about whatever species of being a darkness demon mates with is because they can pretty much impregnate and be impregnated by anyone. Darkness demons have a low conception rate, but they have an high compatibility rate with almost everything. Everything just becomes and darkness demonic version of whatever the other parent was. (ex: Darkness demon + werewolf = dark werewolf.) in this regard it is quite acceptable to bring some variety into the race of darkness demons because it means chances of breeding stronger children.
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hope that answers everything well enough. Hope you enjoy!
midnightfortis said: So you’ve had the option to ask several of your companions questions (which is a generous opportunity). How did you meet them though?
This is really behind, I’m sorry for that, but i’m here now! this will tap into a bit of my personal life here in the human realm. Trigger warning: Suicide and Cancer
I went to sleep with these feelings and desires stuck in my mind and when i woke i found myself in a labyrinth of hedges. I didn't know where i was or how i had gotten there, but i knew i was almost out. I walked directly ahead and made a left and i saw a huge tower, that i hadn't noticed because of the hedges. I took a step out of the hedge maze and finally noticed there was a huge doorway in front of me, but there was also a person. They were completely clad in black armor and they stood several feet taller than i was. I was only 12, but the person in front of me did not care.
"Stop Intruder! State your purpose!" the man said.
i looked at him for a few moments, and shook my head. "I'm here to talk to someone. It's not you though." and i began walking towards the door behind him. He pulled out a sword and got into a threatening stance, but i kinda just ignored him and kept walking. Something inside me knew he would not attack unless he was attacked first and it was right. I made sure to keep a bit of distance between us, but he didn't try to stop me or move from his spot. finally i got to the doorway and opened it. He just looked at me surprised that i didn't stop or bother fighting with him, but i just turned back to him and asked "Are you coming or what?"
he seemed surprised at first, but sheathed his weapon and followed me. Together we slowly climbed up the tower past all of the traps and puzzles, most of which i don't really remember how i got past. i only remember that occasionally i would be at the beginning of a hallway and then blink and be at the end and see the the person following me was still somewhere near the middle of the traps. Eventually we made it to the top of the tower and i heard two people talking. I didn't bother with waiting instead i just stepped into the room and looked at the two people inside. The first was a old man that gave me a curious, but otherwise undisturbed look. the other was a young looking woman who looked annoyed that i had entered. Instantaneously i knew who i wanted to talk to was the old man. I don't really remember what happened, but the young woman got in my way and started yelling at me and i blacked out for what felt like a few moments, and when i woke up the room looked like a storm had just gone through it. I then made a deal with each of them the young woman made a deal to help me not remember it as often, because she couldn't strip away the memories completely because they held such powerful meaning to me, and in exchange i would have a poor memory in general. The man that had blocked my way introduced himself as Methorim and made a deal to protect me and my friends and family so long as i never got asked him to leave, and the old man promised to help me leave my mortal shell and being fully pulled into the astral, on the condition that i kill myself when the time was right and my soul had matured enough for the transition. I had agreed to all of those deals, and would later break them all save for the one with Methorim for a better life here in the human realm.
I woke in the darkness or a closed room. I knew i had been taken from my companions, though i did not remember how or where i was. The fools had left me inside a room full of darkness so i made sure to lock them out of their own dungeon while i rested. Now that i had awoken i was going to find out who had dared to steal me. "We can't open the door! The barrier is too well fortified. Even in his slumber he supplied ample energy to the barrier to keep us out. However he is still trapped inside. We know that for-" His words were cut short when i broke the door off it's hinges and let it slam into the wall on the opposite side of the hall. The crunch of bones and splatter of blood let me know someone was currently between the door and the wall. Or at least their corpse was. "You've awoken. Your presence is required by my master." I turn to face the one who spoke to me. He was a fair faced man with shoulder length hair. He was wearing simple clothes embroidered with the symbols of the house he belonged to. I lunged at him and struck at him with my claws. He nimbly dodged backwards while throwing out a kick which i side-stepped. "Please don't assume i'm a lower class of servant. I was told to bring you to my lord when you awoke. I don't wish to fight you." I didn't care. He was one of those responsible for holding me against my will. He would pay. I opened my hand and summoned my spear only to find nothing. I was confused, but the servant helped me. "I must apologize, but we took your spear from you. It was much to dangerous to leave with you. Please, talk to my lord and we will be happy to return it." I grew livid. My spear was not a simple weapon. Not something they could take from me. I called to my spear and flared my energy. I would not be denied. "I have not given you a name yet, but return to your wielder." Immediately my spear formed in my hand, it's vaporous darkness hissing for vengeance in the back of my mind. The servant looked astonished until i sped up to him and split him in half with my spear. The living weapon enhanced my skills beyond what most with little training could handle. As his body fell i stabbed him through his face to ensure the kill. "devour those who dared to touch you." The body remained untouched so i pulled the blade free. "So he lied about being one who took you from me. Then we shall find the one who is responsible." I flicked the blood off of my blade and hear a slow applause from behind me. I turn and see a well dressed noble. Presumably the one who ordered my capture."Well, well. I see you're awoken. I must say i was surprised to see that spear disappear. Not even all the bindings on that case could contain it. I guess that's what makes shadowsteel so precious." The spear in my hands hisses in anger at the recognition of the one who taunted and imprisoned it. It's anger becomes a portion of my own and i turn to face him completely. "Name yourself and tell me why you had me brought here." I send out a pulse of darkness to see if there are any others nearby. There are few servants, a beast, and one other i didn't expect to see again for a while. "I am Kelius (Kel-lee-oos), a noble by birthright and someone you should show the proper respect Squire." He spit out my title like it was an insult, a way to demean me. I shot forward spear aimed at his chest. He draws a sword, curved blade similar to a scimitar, but the blade was thinner than what i'm familiar with. Sturdy material because it repels my strike and throws me back without visible damage to itself. "My, my...so reckless. Just like i had heard." His voice carries the arrogance of a noble and my weapon compels me to spill his blood despite his title. Despite his arrogance i can tell he is not without skill with his weapon. His stance is one without flaw. I could probably overpower him, but that would take time and with time he could summon his servants as well as the one i wasn't expecting to see. I turn to leave, despite my weapon's insistence to stay and fight. I mentally apologize to my spear and feel it's reluctance. "Leaving so soon? I wouldn't suggest that. Afterall, i acquired you once. I can always do so again. Perhaps the next time someone will get more injured than a simple chokehold." I stop and feel my weapon both enraged and gratified that the noble gave us an excuse to continue fighting. I turn back him and take a stance with my weapon. I didn't wish for any further words between us. Only bloodshed. He threatened my friends, his blood was the only payment i desired for such an action. "Sheath your spear Squire." I feel a strong compulsion run through me and my weapon grudgingly returns to my shadow. From the hallway beside the noble steps out another darkness demon. One i am familiar with. "Lord knight Juraksool. Why are you here with him?" "I have some business with lord Kelius. Finding you here was...unexpected, but i cannot allow you kill him. I still have much i need to discuss with him." "This man threatens the lives of other nobles, whom i am familiar with. He overstepped his boundaries with his open assaults in their own territory. He even went so far as to have me...acquired." A mix of anger and shame burns within me. I want to tear into the bastard standing in front of me, but i can't with Juraksool protecting him. Kelius's smile doesn't falter. "Please keep such accusations to yourself until you have proof. You were merely attacked by some rabble and captured due to your own lack of skill. The only thing i'm guilty of is purchasing your freedom from said rabble and giving you shelter until you awoke. We took your arms in hopes of explaining the situation to you before something like this happened." He lets out a theatrical sigh, but i still feel the smugness of his words. He means to insult me while protecting himself from accusations about how his money ended up in the hands of 'rabble.' "As for the brazen attacks on your 'noble' friends...well perhaps they are simply too weak to control the people in their own lands. If they cannot bear the burden of leadership then perhaps they should relieve themselves of it and give it to someone more qualified." I turn to leave, and take a few steps before i hear the snap of fingers and sense the beast charging at me. It leaped into the air to pounce, but my instincts and desire for bloodshed were too quick. My spear shot out of my shadow and impaled the beast, some kind of monstrous canine as large as a small car. My hand wrapped around the haft and guided the hound over my head and into the wall opposite to where it pounced from. Once it was grounded i pulled my blade vertically through it's body and cleanly split it's head in half. I turned to glare at the noble. "I assume that your hound was only trying to attack for my benefit as well." I say sarcastically, but the smile on Kelius's face has faded. I probably killed his favored pet. It makes me feel better. "The Lord Knight told you to sheathe your weapon and you have the nerve to draw it again in his presence?" He said repremandingly, but i merely smirk. "He never said I could not unsheathe it again or for how long i had to sheathe my weapon." I see a small smirk on Juraksool's lips before it fades as soon as it had formed. Kelius glares at me, but I've grown tired of his smugness and my weapons still clings to vengeance. He deserves punishment. "Eyes that have gleaned forbidden sights are stripped of their purpose and only see that which you would turn away from." Kelius gasps as my curse sears itself into his eyes. Juraksool eyes widen in surprise as he hears me continue. He knows the words are not truly my own, but instead flow through me from darkness seeking to fulfill my vengeance. "Hands that have stolen the cursed treasure have lost their pleasure and fail to protect that which is important. Tongue which speaks heretical lies-" Juraksool's hand covers my mouth breaking my incantation and releasing the darkness's grip on me. "I still require him to answer my questions. Let what you have done be punishment enough." I look at Kelius and see his hands have turned sickly and decrepit. I nod and he releases me. "Be more careful on your travels and more diligent in your training. That is the only advice i can offer to you and your comapnions." I nod once more and thank him for his advice before i leave the domain of the noble i just cursed. I know not whether my curse was permanent or not, but i believe it was well deserved.
