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 Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 7:05 pm
The Shrine of the Heavens
Walking the great bridge Ama no Uki Hashi.
The time was the year 2006, the Autumn season. A great demon had left their presence, taking with them a great pest to their Shrine life. The snow had begun to fall in the mountains, no doubt the song of the Yuki-Onna of Takamagahara, who allowed the mortal sky to cry for the death of a Fujin youth.
On the outside, they were happy he was gone. A pest, nothing more, nothing less. A thorn in their side who constantly caused problems for the August Star branch - and yet.. He made their life exciting. Some new form of chaos always awaiting around the next corner.
The snow continued to fall..
What happened next was astonishing. The Shrine of Four Paths was destroyed, or rather.. They chose to seperate themselves, the old priests and priestesses became bitter with resentment for the other branches. The August Star branch was the first to show it, they claimed it was the fault of those who followed Izanagi that their high priest died.
The Shrine of the Blessed was the first to seperate from the group - becoming the Shrine of the Heavens which stood over the lake of the faries of Takamagahara.
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Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 7:49 pm
Layout of the Shrine
That which has become a palace above the water.
The Location
The Shrine of the Heavens moved away from the main building just as the lake froze over. It was the coldest Autumn for them, as for the longest time they were forced to sleep outside, as they worked hard day and night to build a shrine of their own. However, the recieved help from the Kitsune clan, as well as the faries of the lake. It took them but a month to build a shrine, and yet a few young children had perished to be with Izanagi due to the vicious cold.
Finally, what now appears to be a palace sits over the lake of the Tennin and Tennyo. They occupy the southern section of the mountain valley, their shrine backed up against the mountains. Day in and day out they prey to the great Goddess of Earth - Konohana - to save their Shrine from rock slides, and as if a dome surrounds it rocks that fall always land near the shrine - yet never crushing the wooden building. Thus, the large stones are deemed sacred.
The Shrine
The Shrine itself has the appearance of a grand palace, thanks to the beautiful wood workings of the Tennin and Tennyo. Great golden designs detail the edge of the roof, and beautiful red tiles sit atop the roof. The doors, although fragile rice papaer, also depict pictures of the Seventh Generation Grand Kami of Takamagahara themselves, in water color.
The Shrine is a building with five smaller sections, and one large central building. It would also be worthy to note that between the walk ways, peeking above the water, are large rocks which act as walk ways above the lake, and can take one from walk way to walk way.
Inside the Shrine
The first building one will enter is the Central Shrine - and this is where all the sacred items of the Grand Kami of Takamagahara are held and guarded closely by Kirin sent from Takamagahara, dressed in their elegant golden armor with their single horn shining elegantly.
It is this shrine which is dimly lit, and yet within it has a very calming air and vibe oozing from every plank of wood. The scent within this shine also soothes the nerve, as it carries the scent of the highlands. Delicate floral scents, moss, and rain. These are the things which one will think of upon entering the Central Shrine.
From left to right, the sacred items held within this shrin are: A ruby, a sapphire, red sand stone, iron, and gold.
From this Central Shrine five doors can be found, each one leading to a different sub-shrine. It would be more accurate to call them sleeping quarters, actually. For this is where the many different students and priests of the Shrine of the Heavens reside. Many different personal belongings can be found, belonging to different students and so on.
These sub-shrines are, from left to right: The Shrine of Izanagi, the shrine of Susanoo, the shrine of Konohana, the shrine of Aizen'myoo, the shrine of Amaterasu.
The Garden
Being completly seperated from the Main Shrine, the Shrine of the Blessed were forced to construct a garden for them to eat from. However, luckily for them, they had the power of Konohana on their side. As such they were able to bless their soil, and cause many fruits and flowers to appear, not to mention herbs. Anything the heart desires can be found within this garden, and when it isn't being watched by the students of Kenrojijin the Kitsune tend to the fruits, and the Kappa tend of the flowers.
The garden can be found near the enterance of the Central Shrine, to the right side of the lake.
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Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:09 pm
Surrounding Creatures
Allies of the HeavensAbura-Akago: One of the spirits of the children who have died in the rain and snow. Likely to have died hungry, this young child spirit is unable to rest for it has an hunger in their core which cannot be satisfied. Likely to question deep down "Why did I die?" it is one of many who wander around the Shrine at night seeking food. They are known to drink the oil out of the lamps, and because of this their skin has turned red like the flames.Amefuri-kozo: Yet another child spirit who died in the rain. A healthy youth, constantly running around. They are known to come out not at night, but in the rain to run about with what appears to be a broken umbrella hugged to their body. When confronted, they even doubt that they are dead. They died in the cold, and thusly their skin appears blue.Kappa <&> Kashambo: Little turtle humanoids, the kappa - although they are short are the adults of the group. This of course leaves the children, the Kashambo. They are polite creatures, and yet they are not shy to eating a young child. However, because they are so polite, if you return their kindness they will not bring harm to you. If all else fails, if one has a cucumber you can easily give that to them instead. It's their favorite food.Kitsune: Perhaps the most intelligent of the creatures surrounding the shrine, even above the humans. They are known for their mastery over magic, and their love for fried food. They, also, are the most civilized amongs their beastly brethren, living within organized clans in burrows under the mountains.Tennin and Tennyo: Faries, said to be creatures who hail from Takamagahara, they are most well known for their feathered robes, and are perhaps a higher evolved state of the Tengu - yet the Tennin and Tennyo have ties with Takamagahara rather than the grotesque August Star. Although they are not human, they are highly humanoid and their facial features are more beautiful than that of the most attractive human.
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Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:20 pm
Those who follow Izanagi
Those who posess the Ruby.
Izanagi, a great and powerful Kami who was created with the mother of creation, Izanami. He is known as the creator, the Male who Greets, and the father of the Seventh Generation Grand Kami. He is the Kami of purity, and the positive properties of life.
Those who follow Izanagi do the very same. They believe in the purity of the spirit, and thusly meditate daily to maintain a balanced and stable conciousness - free of anything that might weigh them down. One may be able to view them as Buddhist monks.
The students and priests of Izanagi command positive magics whih influence the pure aspects of life. They are able to heal, and cast away darkness. Because of this, many of the shrine people were able to be saved at their hand - at Izanagi's hand. However, they could only do so much. Since they have moved to their own shrine, their meditation has increased - not only that but many priests have stepped down from their rank and began their studies once more. Punishment for going failing the lives they lost.
The students of Izanagi recieve a crimson robe with golden detail. They are welcome to wear the clothes they wish, however the robe is a symbol of their alliance. The robe itself is made of fine silks, thusly it carries with it a beatiful sheen.
The priests, upon reaching their rank, recieve meditation beads crafted from ruby gems, thus they make beautiful orbs.
______________________________________________________________
Priests of Izanagi
______________________________________________________________
Students of Izanagi
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Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 8:28 pm
Those who follow Amaterasu
Those who posess the Gold.
Amaterasu, a compassionate Grand Kami who is known for shining healing lights upon the earth and with her presence comes a new day. Indeed, she is the Goddess of the Sun - direct daughter of Izanagi. However, like the sun, she carries power with her - power of infinate brightness.
Those who follow Amaterasu are the very same. They try their best to remain warm to those around them. They keep a delicate smile on their face, even if sorrow is within their eyes, and are always there to lend a helping hand. They are even there to calm the spirits of the young children who have faced death unprepared.
The students and priests(ess) of Amaterasu command the solar powers of their goddess. Able to do things such as cast a storm away, to more complex feats such as burning away anyone who stands against their justice with a beam of solar power. Together with those who follow Konohana, they maintain the garden.
The students of Amaterasu, like Izanagi, recieve a robe as a sign of their alliance. Golden, beautiful. Constructed by the very same silks as the crimson robe, this one has off white details.
The priests, upon reaching such a rank, recieve golden meditation beads. Weighy, and smooth, they have more functionality than the ruby beads.
______________________________________________________________
Priests of Amaterasu
______________________________________________________________
Students of Amaterasu
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 4:59 pm
Those who follow Konohana
Those who posess the sand stone.
Konohana, a brash and buxom woman, and a glutton for booze to boot. She is like the earth, tempermental and strong. She can crush people within a single mood swing, like a rock slide. Yet it is her beauty which can captivate people like a wide meadow.
Much like Konohana, those who follow her are gluttons for life in general. If the land provided it, they'll use it. One can view them as hippies, however they have a strong belief in 'live and let live.' In the event that someone does something they do not agree with, they will not protest. Their views are their own, and not someone else's. As such, they do not judge. They view that as being the work of the Death Gods.
Those who follow Konohana command the magic of the earth. Like Izanagi, they can heal with herbs and yet they can almost command the crushing strength of a rockslide or earth quake.
The students of Konohana, rather than a robe, recieve a Kameosa. (See: Takamagahara) The content, sake of course, an endless supply for them to drink from.
The priests of Konohana recieve meditation beads crafted from sand stone. Smoothed, and rounded and yet it continues to have the rough texture that is common with sandstone. Fragile, however, they are prone to break if not cared for properly.
______________________________________________________________
Priests of Konohana
______________________________________________________________
Students of Konohana
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:09 pm
Those who follow Susanoo
Those who posess the sapphire.Susanoo. He is the rage of the ocean of Takamagahara, the King of the ocean depths and wrath of the sea. At one point in time, he was exiled from Takamagahara for wanting to see his mother, Izanami. Because of this, following Susanoo is even discouraged within the Shrine of the Heavens, for he turned away from Takamagahara to search for his impure mother.
Much like Susanoo, those who follow him are rebels. Those who do not wholely agree with what the Seventh Generation Grand Kami of Takamagahara do. They are more often than not tempermental people who behave like the 'big' waters, or the sea and the ocean.
Those who follow Susanoo command the water, and the sea life. It is said that even the highest ranking priest(ess) can summon forth the armies of Ryujin, the dragon of the sea. The magics of Susanoo are perhaps magics which are the most flexible, as water can also be turned to ice.
The students of Susanoo recieve a deep blue winter robe, the material of which velvet rather than silk. As such, it carries a certain plushness to it.
The priests of Susanoo (You guessed it!) recieve meditation beads constructed from sapphire.
______________________________________________________________
Priests of Susanoo______________________________________________________________
Students of SusanooKuroki, Yamisa
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:28 pm
Those who follow Aizen'myoo
Those who posess the iron.
Aizen'myoo, a very obscure Kami. One who was thought not to exist for the longest time, until ancient scrolls were finally uncovered. Aizen'myoo is the female of love, passion, and lust. She is the kami that is looked up to be house wives and protitutes alike. She has what seems like infinate compassion, and love for all beings. However she is known to be a strong free willed woman like that of Konohana.
Much like Aizen'myoo, those who follow her are strong women. Meaning that Aizen's subshrine is one of only women who are strong enough mentally to be charmers, and things of the like.
The magics of Aizen'myoo are different, because they don't have a specific element to them. Instead they focus more on charming techniques to draw in men, and hopefully find the one of their dreams. (Or a one night stand.) However what magics they do have, have strong roots in magnetism.
The students of Aizen'myoo, rather than a robe, recieve perfume which carries the scent of the rain, of the flowers, with a certain fruity charm to it which has the ability - when used correctly - to have men on their knees.
Priestesses of Aizen'myoo recieve a pair of meditation sphere, which are magnetized.
______________________________________________________________
Priestesses of Aizen'myoo
______________________________________________________________
Students of Aizen'myoo
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:49 pm
The Plot Thus Far
Gather 'round, kiddies!
The Shrine of the Heavens was once tied to one, grand Shrine which had been hidden away from modern civilization for hundreds of years. There were rumors of it's existence, and yet whenever a team was sent out to find out - they never returned. This is because outsiders weren't the most welcome within the Shrine, it had been made a rule since 'they' who invaded tried to convert them to the One True God.
That shrine was the Shrine of Four Paths, a shrine which dedicated itself to the four walks of life, the cycle of life, and the four resting places for the spirit. Takamagahara, Yomi, The Inner Realm, and the August Star.
The Shrine of Takamagahara was the first to be removed from the main Shrine, they were played for the long past death of the High Priest of Mikaboshi. The second, the Shrine of the Mind - they were banned from the mountains ecause their deities were said not to exist in the first place.
This Shrine, the Shrine of the Mind, worshipped the Sandman, Niji, Omo'sei, Tai'sei, Chi'sei, Yo'sei, and the fox god of death, Kitsune. They held within them the magics of the mind. Psionic abilities, control over sound, colors, science itself. However, because they were the most obscure of Kami, said to hail from the First Generation, they were banned as "Fools who worshipped fake gods."
After the Shrine of the Mind was burnt down, and the relis hidden, it was next the Shrine of Yomi that was removed by the paranoia of the chaotic shrine. It is those who follow Amatsu Mikaboshi who reside in the main shrine now.
These events unfolded after a youth who followed the grand wind Kami, Fujin, was slain at the hands of a Ki'mei demon - Satsuya. The Ki'mei, of course, Kyari. At first his death was welcomed, he was nothing but trouble. However, slowly the shrine began to fell. The younger shrine members took their leave, wanting to go to the modern world. Slowly but surely it all crumbled until the shrines were warring with eachother.
In the end, the once great Shrine of Four Paths had been reduced to three. The Shrine of the Heavens, the Shrine of the Underworld, and the Shrine of the August Star.
Sub-Plots The Return of his Autumnness the Cloud of Black Winds! He who was High Priest of Benzaiten at the ripe age of 27.
He who can manipulate the wind to make it form music, and make smoke dance like a snake drawn to the wind's melody.
He who was the first to be exiled for following the false deities of creation and the imaginative works of the mind has returned for unknown reasons. Muroze is nearly impossible to find however as he comes and goes with the music of the wind and an eloquent word. Presently he can be speaking with a student of Amatsu Mikaboshi just outside of the Shrine of the Heavens, where the lush grass of the blessed meets the dead grass of the chaotic. The Mysterious Woman Recently there have been rumors of a woman showing up around the shrine dressed in strange garb during the twilight hours, and luring men into areas where eyes are unable to pry into their affairs. However, whenever those men are found they can often be seen beaten to a pulp. Who exactly this female is, is unknown. Whether she is a monster, or not, is unknown.
The one thing that is certain is that she is not nessicarily human, due to the towering black ears which sit atop her head. Those who have been able to catch a glimpse of her have stated that they resemble the ears of a bat.
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:51 pm
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:54 pm
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:55 pm
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:58 pm
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 6:00 pm
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Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 6:05 pm
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