Some more lore (Patreon)

There's times where I can't work at my computer and therefor can't do 3D, so I like to do some writing and figuring out lore ideas. Here's two snipets I'm working on. First is the venturians, the fourth sentient race in Nova's world, and a section on dragon religion, including their creation myth with Aethyros the Eternal Mother.

Note that the image above was AI generated by me, as a placeholder. I have hired an artist to make the real concept :>

Venturians :
The Venturians are an intelligent, amphibious race that inhabits the coastal regions of the world. They possess a unique combination of features that allow them to thrive both in water and on land. Physically, they are reminiscent of orcas, with a streamlined, hydrodynamic body shape, a large tail, and a dorsal fin. They have webbed hands and feet, which facilitate swimming, and prehensile fingers, which enable tool use. Their skin is adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial environments, with an oily layer that protects against UV radiation and keeps the skin moist while on land. As they age, the glands responsible for producing this oil become less efficient, prompting older individuals to spend more time in the water.

The Venturians possess a range of communication methods that are well-suited to their dual existence in water and on land. Underwater, they utilize complex songs and long-distance calls to communicate with one another. These vocalizations can travel great distances through the water, allowing them to maintain contact even when separated by vast expanses of ocean. In addition to their vocalizations, Venturians also employ bioluminescence as a means of communication. By emitting and manipulating patterns of light, they can convey a wide array of messages and emotions to their kin. Echolocation is another vital aspect of the Venturians' sensory repertoire, particularly when navigating their underwater environment. By emitting a series of clicks and interpreting the returning echoes, they can create detailed mental maps of their surroundings, detect obstacles and prey, and avoid potential predators.

Venturians are skilled hunters, both in the sea and on land. In the ocean, they may work together in coordinated groups to corral schools of fish or other prey, using their powerful tails and agile bodies to outmaneuver their quarry. On land, they employ their dexterity and tool use to hunt a variety of prey. Venturians may fashion spears or other simple weapons to catch fish, small mammals, or birds. Their prehensile hands and keen intellect make them adept at crafting and utilizing these tools to great effect.

Venturians have a complex life cycle that includes several distinct stages. They begin their lives as eggs, laid by adult females in freshwater rivers and lakes. These eggs hatch into feral, aquatic juveniles, which are more focused on survival than anything else. Cannibalism is common among these young Venturians, and only a small fraction of them will make it to the next stage of life. As the juveniles grow and reach a critical size, they undergo a metamorphosis similar to that of a tadpole transforming into a frog. During this transformation, their limbs elongate, their intelligence and sentience rapidly develop, and they lose a body part that stores energy for this process.

Following their metamorphosis from juvenile to adolescent, Venturians develop unique markings that set them apart from one another. As juveniles, their appearance is virtually identical, making it challenging to distinguish individuals within their group. However, as they transition into adulthood, each Venturian acquires a distinct pattern of black and white markings across their body. These patterns are as unique as fingerprints, allowing them to be easily recognized by their fellow Venturians.

In addition to their striking black and white markings, adult Venturians also exhibit individual variations in their bioluminescence. The colors and patterns of their glowing displays may differ from one Venturian to another, adding another layer of complexity to their visual communication. These unique bioluminescent signatures serve not only as a means of identification but also as an expression of each individual's personality and emotions.

Once transformed, the Venturians emerge from the water as adolescents, ready to integrate into the adult society. A welcoming ceremony is held to incorporate them into the wider social groups, helping them adjust to their new lives and learn the necessary skills to thrive as adults. Venturians place a strong emphasis on community and learning, ensuring that the newly transformed adolescents are well-supported during this critical period.

The attitude of adult Venturians toward their still-feral, juvenile counterparts is one of detachment, as they understand the harsh reality of their species' high mortality rate during this stage. They acknowledge the role that this stage plays in the development of the few individuals who will make it to adulthood and contribute to their society.

Venturians' evolution toward tool use and intelligence can be traced back to their need to travel inland for breeding. The ability to use tools provided a significant advantage for those making the dangerous trip to spawn, allowing them to better navigate the landscape, protect themselves against predators, and find suitable locations for laying eggs. This selection pressure led to the development of their intellect and dexterity.

As Venturians age, their reliance on the sea increases. The glands responsible for producing the oil that keeps their skin moist become less efficient, causing older individuals to spend more time in the water to maintain their skin's health. Eventually, these elders become almost entirely aquatic, living out the remainder of their lives in the sea.

On Religion:

-Creation myth:

In the beginning, before time itself had taken shape, there was naught but the Great Horizon, an endless void, barren and devoid of life. Within this immeasurable emptiness, a wisp of celestial essence stirred, bearing the potential to birth life and existence.

From the swirling essence, there arose a mighty dragon, Aethyros the Eternal Mother. She unfurled her wings, and with each sweep, the stars found their place in the heavens, and the lands and seas came into being below. Her magnificent horns carved the mountains, her talons shaped the plains, and her formidable tail forged the depths of the seas.

In the realm she had fashioned, Aethyros laid the first clutch of eggs, each holding a spark of her boundless might. Gently breathing life into them, she beheld her firstborn children, each bearing a fragment of her divine essence.

We, her children, entrusted with the care and guidance of the world, grew haughty and turned upon our mother, covetous of her power. With a heavy heart, Aethyros defended herself and her creation, her breath of fire birthing volcanoes as it scorched the earth. A stray ember birthed the sun.

Recognizing the depth of her love for us, Aethyros chose to depart rather than destroy us. As she ascended, her mighty wings tore asunder the sky, forming the moon. In the throes of their conflict, she had shed both scales and blood, which fell upon the world, spawning all other living beings. From the most minuscule insects to the mightiest beasts, life blossomed, purposed to serve and aid us.

Her heart laden with love and sorrow, Aethyros retreated to the very edge of the heavens, beyond the Great Horizon, where she could watch over us with eyes that see all, her love for us unwavering. She continues to beat her wings, maintaining the eternal dance of the celestial sphere. We know that she may one day return, and until that day, we seek to grow mighty, either to make her proud or to face her once more in glorious combat.

-Ritual

The ritual, performed alone or with a mate, showcases the dragons' strength, loyalty, and readiness to both impress and challenge their creator.

The ritual begins at the break of dawn, when the first rays of sunlight pierce the horizon. The dragon, be it alone or accompanied by a mate, stands atop a high peak or any elevated location, where they can be closer to the sky and be seen by Aethyros. The wings are spread wide, reflecting the grandeur of the Eternal Mother, and the dragon roars a deep, resonant call, announcing its presence and devotion.

As the ritual proceeds, the dragon performs a series of acrobatic feats and maneuvers, displaying its power, agility, and grace. These acts include soaring high into the sky, making intricate aerial patterns, and diving at tremendous speeds only to pull up just before touching the ground. This part of the ritual demonstrates the dragon's mastery over its own body and its ability to harness its immense strength.

To signify their readiness for battle, the dragon releases a controlled burst of its napalm-like breath, igniting the sky in a fiery display. This act serves as both an offering and a symbol of the dragon's willingness to face Aethyros in combat, should the need arise.

The ritual culminates in a moment of quiet reflection and submission. The dragon lowers its head and folds its wings, an act of humility in the face of Aethyros' divine power. In this moment, the dragon acknowledges both its origins and its place within the greater scheme of creation. When performed by a couple, the ritual reaches its peak with the dragons landing and engaging in a passionate act of copulation, signifying the continuation of their lineage and the strength of their bond.

-Daily ritual

Within the confines of their lair, dragons often engage in a more intimate, daily ritual to honor Aethyros, the Eternal Mother. At the heart of this practice lies a small shrine, typically located in a prominent place within the dragon's dwelling. This shrine houses an idol, carefully crafted from precious metals and adorned with gems, representing Aethyros in her majestic form.

The daily ritual, usually at dawn, commences with the dragon approaching the shrine and kneeling before it, lowering its head in reverence. The dragon then offers a low, melodic hum, akin to a chant, that reverberates throughout the lair. This chant encapsulates the dragon's devotion and gratitude, echoing the divine connection between the dragon and its creator. As the hum reaches its peak, the dragon extends its wings slightly, a symbolic gesture of embracing the guidance and protection of Aethyros. The ritual concludes with a moment of silent contemplation, as the dragon internalizes the lessons and wisdom it seeks to draw from the Eternal Mother, ready to face another day in her honor. The ritual is usually 5 to 10 minutes long. Children do it a lot more regularly than adults.

- The pantheon of lesser gods

All dragons, despite their formidable intellect, possess a limited memory capacity. Their memories, though sharp, fade over time, allowing them to remember only the most significant events and individuals. The fear of being forgotten is one of the greatest anxieties that haunt dragons, and thus, to be remembered is considered a supreme honor.

The pantheon of lesser gods revered by dragons is a collection of legendary figures, each embodying the pinnacle of various characteristics and virtues held in high esteem among dragonkind. These lesser gods were once real dragons who lived and soared through the skies in ages past. Over time, the deeds and exploits of these extraordinary dragons have been passed down orally through generations, becoming mythologized and intertwined with the divine.

One such figure was known for its unmatched speed and agility, and in the annals of dragon history, it became immortalized as Cairus the Silver Winged god. The finer details of these dragons' lives may have faded from memory, but their legends endure, inspiring awe and reverence. Dragons beseech these lesser gods in prayer, hoping to inherit their exceptional traits and abilities. As the pantheon comprises the most remarkable dragons from history, it serves as a reminder to all that they too could potentially ascend to such divine status. However, the path to godhood is fraught with challenges, for a dragon's name and story must withstand the test of time and be remembered for generations.

Regional variations in the pantheon exist as different communities of dragons have their own local legends and heroes who embody specific values and characteristics. These regional gods may be venerated in specific territories but may not be widely recognized outside of their local areas.

The lesser gods, though long dead, continue to inspire and guide the dragons through their myths and legends, preserving their memories and immortalizing them as symbols of greatness and aspiration for dragonkind.