lokkoran

[lokkoran]

Just wanted to inform The Respite that you are all doing wonderfully! Everyone the Low Ocular has observed has been trying their best! It seems that living in The Respite is very difficult for a lot of people, but we here at the Low Ocular assure you that even if the world's are oftentimes a terrifying place, you are able to overcome it. While here in Hestia, we rely on magicks to overcome struggles and weakness, you do not have such a thing. You all are so much stronger than you realise! You do not use the crutches of the arcane to steel your mind or force you back up, you do it all by yourselves! Truly, I am so proud of you, Denizens.

[lokkoran]

Cataclysms; The little white crystals that could blow our world to smithereens, and why we keep some in our basement.

Cataclysm's are formed by, you guessed it, cataclysmic events. So far, there have only been two, ever. The fall of Wyver, turning it into the Plane of Eternal Sun, and the Great War of Eradel, which turned the place into the Plane of Black Dust. Yes, that's correct, the planes we travel to so often are remnants of other worlds that came before us. There is a whole correlated history, but it's only loosely related to Cataclysm crystals, so for now we will just ~push it aside.

Cataclysm's properties; They hold theoretically infinite power. We can't tell what happens passed the outer shell, but we know that whatever a shard of Cataclysm is forced into, it will simply cease to exist, along with the shard. Sadly, it does not replace the empty space with air, so if you accidentally drop a tiny piece of cataclysm a bit too hard in, say, a castle... Well, the results are quite destructive. That is also why there are HEAVY restrictions on who can handle them. Anyone with a standing army isn't permitted to. No kings, councils, emperors, generals, and the like, can't even be within three hundred meters of it without breaking Godly Law. It's a very important one too, because Jiye, the God of Knowledge, upholds it; meaning that if you even think about getting near one, you will be unmade before you have the chance to do something stupid. That being said, one of the few times I've been face to face with Jiye was to get permission to handle the Cataclysms. It was a... Very short interview, him being the God of Knowledge and all. Anyhow, as for the reason we have them; we use them to destroy blasphemous artifacts. Some things we're not really allowed to look through, because certain knowledge is dangerous, literally by learning it you can go mad. We keep them in small glass containers in the Maximum Security Archives in case we accidentally bring one back, and I have a huge chunk in my office in case it's a more... Spreading, type of blasphemy. In that case I'm sworn to Cataclysm the Low Ocular Center. Do I particularly agree with that? Not really. But I know that if a certain blasphemy spreads, we'll end up like Wyver and Eradel.

That concludes Cataclysms. We don't really know what they're made of or what actually goes into making them, and they are far too dangerous to research, so we don't truly know much about them. Our next communication will most likely be about the Low Ocular's history. It is a long and complicated one, to say the least.

[lokkoran]

The Poet's Domain: A dangerously curious place, filled with many things none of us understand. Lying just fifteen miles west of the Low Ocular, it is scarily close, but also very accessible for expeditions.

The Poet's Domain is marked by a single, pencil thin black line, which makes a perfect ten mile circle. We have split the domain into two parts; The outside nine miles is called 'The Lower Notes', and the inner mile is called the 'Fortress of Sound'. The Lower Notes are then split into four sub-areas, Strings, Percussion, Wind, and Brass. To quickly go through them; Strings hold all manner of spider typed monsters, and the tree's leaves are all interconnected strings as strong as steel, too dense for even light to get through. Percussion is home to many larger creatures, akin to wyverns and golems, and the landscape is bare, with no cover and even less hope, as well as a soft rhythmic tapping all through the ground. Wind houses the fastest of the creatures, most of which have not been seen or identified due to their extreme speed, and the trees in the area are very tall pillars that loop back onto themselves, creating tunes when a creature or strong breeze moves through them. Finally, there is Brass, the final stop to the Fortress of Sound. Brass is a wall two miles high and three miles thick made entirely of brass; every time a creature touches it, it begins to heat up, and if it detects malice, it will create defences, similar to how a wraith adapts to defend itself, but more... offensively. Whenever someone falls from the wall or dies to it, Brass will create a series of horns and mockingly play a tune. There are only twenty eight people, as far as I am aware, who have gotten passed Brass; fourteen of which never returned. The Fortress of Sound is... it is honestly Incredible. It's a mile of instruments the size of buildings towering close to eachother; Harps, guitars, flutes, ciellos, if you could name an instrument, it was there, and it was massive. The most impressive was the building at the center, which is a tower not too disimilar to the Low Ocular, taller than Brass, with a large room up the top, and a thin point coming from it. We believe it to be his room where he looks upon his domain, possibly using divination magicks, but we cannot really tell.

Now, to the elusive part. The Poet himself. He's a wraith, some say the most powerful of them, but he has a few rules which severely limit his influence. He can't pass through the tiny line that marks his domain, this has been... Thoroughly tested. He also cannot cause harm to someone who has no wish to cause him harm; This has also been thoroughly tested. We know that he is a wraith, and we know he has a... Violent disdain for anything that isn't. Apart from that, we don't know much about him. We don't know why he hates people, why or how he keeps so many monsters in his domain, how he runs anything, or why he sits in his strange tower. We have guesses, certainly, but nothing solid. As well as that, he seems to collect artifacts and spread them across his domain, putting the more powerful ones in more dangerous areas. Currently, we are working with Keels' theory, that he is enticing adventurer's with a challenge to conquer his domain. This doesn't really track for a number of reasons, but it is so far the best one we have.

The next transmission will be about Cataclysms, their various effects, where they come from, their terrifying destructive power, and why we have one in the basement of the Lower Ocular.

[lokkoran]

Hello, members of the Respite. It is wonderful to see you all again! The Ocular is back online, finally. Needless to say, I am quite relieved. A small update on what went wrong; One of our newer staff members brought back an artifact from an expedition into the Poet's Domain (More on that another time), and this artifact was... Well, this is not easy to say, but it was a piece of Blasphemy; A tome from a fallen god that one of the current gods didn't want anyone to touch, much less read or study. I understand that blasphemy in the Respite isn't quite as serious as it is here, because here the gods can and will come and deal with it themselves. To make a long story short, half of the Ocular was Cataclysmed (A technical term I will be sure to get into another time), effectively turning it to floating rubble. While we were repairing and rebuilding, I hope you enjoyed the transcripts that Diamend has been putting through the Threads. He has expressed his enjoyment of going around the Ocular collecting transcripts like one would collect toys or special editions of tomes.

Now, we will resume broadcasting as normal. Our next transmission will be about the Poet's Domain and our progress there, and perhaps the one after will describe Cataclysm's. Maybe I could combine the two, but I fear making them too long will be disadvantageous at best, and a strain on the ocular at worst.

For now this is hello once more, and here's hoping our tower doesn't explode for the third time in a month.

-- Lokkoran --

[lokkoran]

Automated Transcript [Date Redacted] Low Ocular Center: Overseer's Office Clearance: Overseer, Hestian Council

[Beginning of Transcript]

Lokkoran: Please, don't be scared of my appearance mister Custrosis. I assure you, I am, and have been, the Overseer. I'm not a monster. Keels and Orios can verify, if needed. Diamend: You... Have a lot of eyes. Lokkoran: Yes. Diamend: And a significant number of... Lokkoran: Yes, I understand it's strange to put this 'face' to the Overseer. It is not comfortable for me either, trust me on that matter. Diamend: I-- Of course, sir. What... Was it you needed me for? In person- I mean- this could have just been a letter? Lokkoran: I'm afraid I wanted you to understand my predicament. That is explained by seeing my unusual biology much better than a cryptic letter. It also demonstrates the importance of the issue. Diamend: how can I help? if it's important you should get a head of department, I'm just a-- Lokkoran: You can create paintings based on memories, correct? Diamend: Yes, sir. It-- It's not exactly guaranteed, but yes, I can do it most of the time. Lokkoran: I need you to do that for me. Diamend: Make... Paintings, sir? Lokkoran: Correct. Specifically, I need you to look through the Ocular and create paintings from your memories, so I am able to see the Respite clearly. Diamend: The Respite? Why can't you just look through the Ocular? Lokkoran: If I could I would be doing so. Diamend, This is my predicament. I have many eyes, which see many different things; Some see different places, some can see heat, some see sound or vibrations, others see specific words being whispered and others see lines of sight. However, in all of my eyes I can see the Threads, the barrier that keeps the worlds apart, which completely block my view of the Respite. In short, my biology simply disallows it. I used to have Keels paint for me but she is preoccupied with her new duties regarding Orios. Diamend: Ah, I think... I think I understand. Lokkoran: And your answer? Diamend: Will I be given a new position? I really like my research in the Divination department... Lokkoran: No, you may keep your position and do this for me as well, if you wish. You will also be paid a remarkable wage according to the extra work I give you, and I will be less scrutinous in understanding of working what will in practice be two jobs. Diamend: That is quite the offer, sir. Lokkoran: There are few people who posses your artistic talent. Should you decline, I would have to ask the High Ocular for transfers. (A few moments of silence) Diamend: I have one condition. Lokkoran: Name it. Diamend: I would like you to tell me what kind of creature you are. [Rest of Transcript Redacted by authority of Overseer] [An unredacted copy can be found in the Low Ocular Maximum Security Archives, or a copy can be requested by authority of redaction] [End of Transcript]

[lokkoran]

Automated Transcript [Date Redacted] Low Ocular Center: Incremancy Laboratory 2-I Clearance: Head of Department, Overseer, Hestian Council

[Beginning of Transcript]

Diamend: Hey, sorry to bother you V, do you-- Vivianne: No, get out. Diamend: I didn't finish. Vivianne: I am not wasting time on Lokke's little projects. Diamend: His 'little projects' pay for the Incremancy department. He also pays your wages, as your boss. Vivianne: I could just use my department to make plenty of gold if funding was a problem. Diamend: That's illegal. Vivianne: But funding isn't the problem, it's time. Diamend: I guess we're skipping over that then. Vivianne: (Sighs) What the hell does he want? Diamend: Transcripts to broadcast through the Threads. (A few moments of silence followed by shuffling papers) Vivianne: Here. Diamend: Thank you, was that so-- Vivianne: If the next words out of your mouth aren't 'I'm going to leave the Incremancy department alone for a week, thank you very very much Vivianne', I'll turn your office into a place uninhabitable by humans. (Scared Silence) Diamend: I'm going to lea-- Vivianne: Get out. Diamend: Right.

[End of Transcript]

[lokkoran]

I found Keels on the roof of the Ocular just looking at the sky. While she could do it better looking through our instruments, she just sat and patiently watched the world go by. No need to observe or record, no need for writing notes on the stars or painting the horizon with a brush. Just calm quiet. I envy that line of thought. I myself am unable to sit still, I can count the seconds I am unproductive like a ticking in the back of my mind, I can practically see the work I should be doing whenever I am not working. I hope to get better at managing my time, at sitting still.

She looks so happy.

I hope you Denizens of the Respite look to the sky like she does. It is a wonderful sky, filled with wonderful denizens.

The Ocular will be undergoing some... Emergency renovations. For hours, days, or perhaps even weeks, I will be unable to communicate with you all. The only broadcasts we will be able to send are transcripts. Just know, on the other side of that sky you look up at, somewhere, is the Low Ocular, looking proudly at your world.

Overseer Lokkoran,

--signing off--

[lokkoran]

I went into Hestia Central for a meeting today. It was... Boring, as much as I dislike using that word. We gathered the heads of department in the Low Ocular, as well as the heads of departments in the High Ocular, to have a three day conference with the Hestian Council. On what matter, you may wonder?

If we are allowed to travel to the Respite. You may be thinking 'Oh, that sounds very exciting' but please trust me it is not. The notion of travelling planes is known to us, some do it on a regular basis, as we have three planes to explore. The Respite is a different case. If we create a way for US to travel, there is a way that MONSTERS can travel through as well, endangering your entirely unequipped world. I essentially spent three days Vetoing terribly dangerous and irresponsible proposals while the Council and High Ocular whined like infants.

But now, I am at the Low Ocular once more, and I can bask in the wonderful sight of blue sky, black sand, and a determined tree.

[lokkoran]

I cannot seem to fall asleep.

Yet the world is so tiring all of a sudden. I just want to curl up under my desk and sleep, yet I cannot. I close my eyes and feel no rest, as if noise is scratched on the inside of my eyelids screaming at me to awaken at the mere thought of sleep. This happens sometimes, and I usually don't rest for a day or two, until my body simply refuses to function any longer, after which point I am completely fine with no lasting physical effects. Keels thinks it's on account of my... Unusual biology. I don't have the heart to tell her I know exactly what the problem is, much less that it is something anyone can suffer from.

[lokkoran]

Just saw Keels' pet once more. My day is made. It's eyes can get very large, and it is very fluffy. I may work on upgrading the Ocular's capabilities just so I can show the Respite what an amazing creature it is.

It has been walking around the Ocular freely. Orios has made a security badge that hangs on it's collar so it may open doors and grace the staff with its presence. Truly, we live in a wonderful time.

[lokkoran]

The Ocular is a wonderful place. We've recently found out that the Respite and Leoan have actually been communicating before, in ways we didn't even realise were possible. For example, the kingdom in which The Ocular is based is called 'Hestia', which is an inactive God in the Respite, of the Hearth and Home. Similarly, Hestia in Leoan means 'Center' or 'Central', because it's believed man and monsters first emerged here. As well as this, it seems a significant amount of our magicks are shown in entertainment! I am quite fond of your different depictions of magic, however there are an alarmingly numerous amount of rules being broken. Maybe I'll have to give the Respite a comprehensive guide on channels and how to properly cast magicks (Though I am only trained to actually teach Incremancy, which I see is not a very popular magick in the Respite). I am very happy our world's have been connected for such a long time prior to the Ocular!

Diamend is now searching for other connections our worlds may have, in between creating images for me from the Respite.

[lokkoran]

Illio answered Keels' prayers. Illio is definitely the god who answers the most, but his results can vary wildly. This time, he pulled through, changing 'Damage' into 'Ocular'. For you denizens of the Respite, Illio is the God of Change, he can change things from one to another. This includes objects, people, thoughts, and even concepts. His abilities are... Extremely powerful. Depending on what you want to change, he challenges you to a more and more difficult game. Want to change something significant about the world? Better hope your game isn't just lightly disguised torture. Want to change the colour of an apple? He'll probably play tag. Though, for people like Keels, he mostly does what she wants. Perks of being a Raremaster, she's on good terms with all the gods.

Sidenote, Illio's favourite game is Pursuit, where he teleports you to his domain and you have to make your way through a maze. He fills it with traps equal to how difficult your request is, so he can play it no matter the question.

I once played Pursuit. There were no traps, but the floor was constantly moving and very bouncy. I failed to get out in time, however I can't say I didn't enjoy myself.

[lokkoran]

A piece of the Ocular is broken. Truly, this week couldn't get worse. The staff have made a temporary patch, but still, it is disheartening to see it this way. It was a very expensive piece as well, and... Not the easiest to reach. This temporary patch will certainly will not last very long. Keels and Orios are currently praying to Illio and Jiye respectively, to try and get this piece fixed. As for me, I am in bed. As I will remain until Keels decides I am well enough to work.

I know I am technically her boss, but the way she demanded me to be healthy told me she would make me physically unable to move if I did not listen.

She is very strong, and not lacking in will, so in bed I remain.

[lokkoran]

I have been having a problem as of late. A problem I won't bother the denizens of the Respite with, of course, but a problem nonetheless. It is... Something I cannot help, and I simply have to wait for it to go away. It's incredibly frustrating. Keels is attempting to be supportive, but she is quite busy, and I do not want her to be bothered. Orios has tried to give me solutions to my problem, but I already know they don't work, I've tried them already. I wish, while this problem persists, I could just disappear, let my staff forget about me for a few days, and reappear once it's over.

But since that cannot happen without interplanar chronomancy, I will simply have to deal with it.

In better news, Diamend, my new seer of the Respite, has shown me more images of your world. I finally know what you denizens call an Ocean. That is certainly a lot of water. We do not have Oceans here, just large lakes at most, as all of our water comes from Illio, the God of Change, or from Rahdel, the God of Dark.

... One day I should explain the four gods to you Denizens. They are quite a significant part of most lives.

[lokkoran]

The lack of recent communications was due to an incident that caused the Low Ocular Center to lose a significant portion of our recorded data. To quickly explain the incident, a fire broke out at the towers base due to a small monster attack. Now, an update on what the Respite has missed:

We have received a new member of staff, chief of security (and quite a famous adventurer) Orios Lunafreya. Keels insisted I begin including transcripts into our broadcasts. I have found out Keels is colorblind in an extremely unusual way, and have gotten another person (Diamond Custrosis) to describe and recreate the images we receive from the Respite for me, due to my lack of actually being able to see the images we recieve. That is the most important information.

Now I look at the Respite once more and can admire the fact that you have no monsters! There are no otherworldly creatures that will hunt you for the sake of bloodlust! Wonderful, what a strange place the Respite is.

[lokkoran]

The Raremaster has insisted I stop calling her The Raremaster all the time. She explained that there are multiple people with the title Raremaster, she is only unique as being the Raremaster of communication, which is a mouthful to say and distinguish all the time. I will henceforth be referring to the Raremaster by her actual name, Keels Secretent.

She has also asked not to be called Miss Secretent. The tone she emphasized this point in could freeze the sun. Truly, she is terrifying.

[lokkoran]

The Low Ocular looks over a field of black sand that sparkles in the light. This is because it is filled with small pieces of crushed gems and minerals. Usually, this would mean there is no vegetation, but for the past seventy or so years, a tree has been growing just one hundred feet from our doors. It is a below average size, and it has rot on one side, yet it is completely mesmerizing. I hope perseverance is a trait that is respected in the Respite as much as it is here.