Binding Structures and Forces of the Cosmos



Saaurithale: the Origin of All

The creation of the universe occurred by the will of Saaurithale. Through a sacrifice of self, Saaurithale's body became the universe's clay while its spirit grew into core facilitating entities. These offspring would eventually go through the same sacrifice, immaculately creating and carving the universe into a hospitable state while breathing their spirits to bring the nonliving to life. These entities are known as Silse, Authile, Guilime, and Melifi. Each of these godlike beings was fundamental to the current shape of the universe and are considered to live vicariously through their creations. Even Melifi, who was unable to immaculately create or breathe life into the universe, is responsible for introducing corruption and decay into the universe by attempting to replicate his siblings' sacrifice.   Given that Saaurithale divided itself into children, who then divided themselves into the universe, it is believed that the universe is their collective consciousness; Melifi remains the exception, as his consciousness is believed to have reduced to void, only allowing for decay and corruption as a possibility. Regardless of each sibling's role in the creation of the universe, many believe that one can achieve a greater connection (or exploit) to the powers of the universe through study, meditation, or discipline. A greater connection to Saaurithale may not be directly referenced as such; for example, a nature cleric may find themselves attuned to the natural world or a monk to the inherent connection between all things. Often, a connection to the natural world and the concept of fate can be associated with Saaurithale. However, any benefit through connection with Saaurithale could also be achieved through several of the other means listed here (as each 'god' is merely another entity within the collective existence of Saaurithale).   Typically, Saaurithale is considered a degree of abstraction that humans often avoid, especially given their devotion to anthropomorphized gods. Primordial beings in such a category as Saaurithale and its children are often only revered by the elves, who worship by devoting their actions and creation to higher beings (acts such as prayer are uncommon, as primordial creators are considered eternally aware of everything occurring in the universe). Thanks to their unique position in cosmology, the primordials are acknowledged by every pantheon in Laminarum and may even be favored by individuals within non-elvish cultures. Melifi is often observed in particular, as his corruption over all things (aside from the elves and their homeland due to Silse's protection) is hypothetically exploitable for good or ill.
Division of the Planes
The children of Saaurithale championed the division of the planes in an attempt to carve structure into the universe before creating its denizens. The first three siblings would create these planes and allow Melifi to alter and change both the land and its inhabitants in the millennia to follow. While specifics regarding the planes are scarce, all known information is listed below

Silse

Silse was responsible for the land within the planes but was most often associated with the elves. After the full creation of the planes and their divisions were solidified, Silse decided to protect the elves and their homeland in Laminarum from the corrupting force of Melifi's Ourithanur. Regardless of its popularity amongst elves, Silse's greater contribution to the land within the planes makes it the closest entity to most living things outside the Waters of Taev.

Authile

Authile is credited with the planar divisions themselves: something that is still scarcely understood in Laminarum. Authile's designation to planar division presumably makes it the prime entity to research for interplanar travel, though how to research the primordials still isn't fully understood. Many also believe Authile to be the fabric through which the Ohkinate originally formed to maintain the structure of the universe in contrast to the corrupting Uthuquate.

Guilime

Guilime is credited with the formation of land between planes. Today, most traversable territory associated with Guilime has been a battleground for the Uthuquate and Ohkinate to shape the universe in their image. Such inhabitants make the land between planes a harrowing obstacle for wayfarers. Most researchers believe that in the universe's infancy, Guilime's creation was intended to be a peaceful territory though this made it prime land for manipulation and domination after Melifi's corruption.

Melifi's Ourithanur

Considered to be the source of all evil, corruption, and decay, Melifi was a jealous soul compared to his siblings. Desiring to create in the same fashion as other primordials, he felt betrayed by their seemingly meaningless existence brought on by Saaurithale's sacrifice. With no guide at the onset of their birth, Melifi remained with the presumed task of altering his siblings' immaculate creations. Following the birth of the planes and first forms of life, Melifi decided he would attempt to create his own universe akin to that of his creator. Melifi planned to be a guiding hand in his new universe, directing its instruction and function down to the smallest particle.   Woefully ignorant (or perhaps in denial) of his role and abilities in the universe, Melifi found himself unable to recreate his predecessor's accomplishments. Instead, he decided to taint all that was. Melifi deconstructed his being to create an Ourithanur (or 'great rain') that bled his spirit into the far reaches of the universe. The Ourithanur stained the universe with decay, corruption, and the advent of evil. In a way, Melifi accomplished a universe born in his own image. As mentioned above, the only aspect of the universe spared from the Ourithanur would be the elves and the lands they originated from.

The coveted Well of Heien

The Well of Heien's origin is unknown, with several tales referencing its existence but few alleging interaction with it. Even its namesake provides little in the way of revelation, as 'Heien' was merely an Uthuquate that had taken to guarding the Well while benefiting from its power. The latest tale of its discovery involved the Ohfjuren brothers (gods of the human pantheon) using its power to give Taopin the domain of reincarnation by drinking from its waters. In this myth, Heien was slain and Ornjack declared his distrust of the human gods for tricking the two titans into combat.   Today, its location is unknown and disputed by researchers. From mortals to gods, many have tried to rediscover the Well's location to no avail. The most popular investigator into the Well's location is Milin Orphi, the ancient Ithitar of depravity, though whether he still searches for it is unknown. The power granted through the Well is divine, as it is the source of power for the human gods (and possibly a slew of other entities). The main subject of debate surrounding the Well is its origin, function, and connection to Saaurithale.   In myth, the Well is often associated with greed due to its ability to ordain power but its purpose for existing remains unknown. Current evidence places its formation sometime after the planar divisions, leaving many to wonder if it may house a broader litany of planes within a greater existence (an idea referred to as the 'dimensions theory'). Other theories claim it was the physical space in which Melifi performed his Ourithanur. Each theory is mere speculation, as substantial research can only occur once its location is determined. Perhaps the greatest concern, however, is those who may visit the well once its location is discovered.

The Waters of Taev and Arrival of the Uthuquate

Following Melifi's corruption of the universe and the Well of Heien's formation, an entity known as Taev arrived in Laminarum. While its goals are unknown, it is considered a semi-corporeal leader of the Uthuquate: forces guiding the universe into disarray and chaos. The Waters of Taev originate from the same entity holding its namesake and constitute the majority of the land between the planes. By the time of the Ohdaufeen's existence, great magical ships were required to traverse between planes.   The means of Taev's 'arrival' are unknown, and whether he is an external entity from Laminarum or formed within it is also obscure knowledge. While Taev is considered the most powerful of the Uthuquate, representing them as a hierarchy can be misleading, as their inherent inclination towards chaos means they fall under no chain of leadership. The Waters of Taev serve as a fountain of conversion, as any who interact with it directly become Uthuquate themselves.   The Waters (or those who have dominion over it) are a source of power for a litany of casters, including warlocks, select sorcerers, or any who align with the fundamental of decay and chaos. Manipulaton of the Waters may even allow for interplanar travel if properly utilized.
The arcane arts may originate from the sources above, but they are hardly categorized by their source. Varieties of techniques, political influences, and research have led to alterations in the "categories" of arcane arts, which are separated by global scholarly communities as follows...

Arcane Exceptions

Not all arcane arts originate from known sources of the cosmos. Certain techniques have fiercely debated sources, while some don't seem to align with any at all. Most are deemed taboo or are too rare to gain notoriety from the general public.
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