《Ranger of the North》Interlude 3: Ereshkigal, The Goddess of Death
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Death has many names but Ereshkigal is the one chosen by the inhabitants of the Nox Isles and so is the most widespread. Each race, each culture have their own way of referring to Her.
Ereshkigal is the Goddess of the Dead, the Queen who rules the underworld. The hooded specter, all mortal races have revered and feared death since time immemorial. With even the Immortals having a healthy respect for Her power. Her cult is the most secretive of all. No knowledge exists of the true visage under the hood, no idols represent Her, no paintings depict Her, no poems worship Her. She is said to be the most beautiful... or the most hideous depending on which tale you choose to believe.
But all tales feature one common identifier, the Raven perched on her shoulder. The Raven is said to be the eyes of Ereshkigal. It ferries the souls of the deceased to the underworld where they are judged. Ravens are also considered to carry messages to the deceased, which is why they are fed during Ereshkigal’s feast when the night is the longest and the underworld the closest to our realm. The Raven is revered by the people of the North, their shamans put great stock in the advice of these mystical birds.
Her Blind priests operate in every city providing charity to the poor, medicine to the sick and, rites to the dead. They do not judge one by their wealth, their race, their creed, or their religion for Death comes to all equally.
Ereshkigal abhors the perversion of the natural order. Liches, Draugr, and all manner of undead creatures and monsters that pervert the natural order are hunted down by the Reapers. This order of secretive warriors is only ever heard of in rumour. No person has ever caught a glimpse of a Reaper in action or choose not to divulge if they have. But they do exist for no undead threat ever remains one for too long.
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Even those Blessed with her powers, the Necromancer, the Blood-Mage, and the Death Knight are not allowed to command the dead without a price. They must provide appropriate sacrifices and bargain with the departed souls for their assistance. Often these sacrifices are of blood or life, of oneself or one’s enemies. When prepared her Blessed are a terrifying foe to face on the battlefield.
The Obsidian tower located in the Nox Isles contains the Trials of Ereshkigal. It provides a permanent conduit to her Dominion allowing easier access to Death Magic which prevents most races from living there. As such the isles are populated primarily by the races of the Underdark; the Vampires, the Drow, the Duergar, and the Svirfneblin.
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The Jianghu
Authors note: I appreciate feedback! Part of the reason I am releasing my chapters here is to benefit from reader feedback. If you have the time, please leave a review! Brian has lost everything he has ever held dear. Everyone who cared for him has died, in the most tragic manner possible. He no longer knows what to do. He sees no hope for the future in a world where anyone he loves will die. What is the point in trying in this reality if it all leads to sadness?And then along came the Ingenium, the worlds first true Virtual Reality device. And The Jianghu, a Wuxia-themed Virtual Reality MMO, came with it. Brian doesn't understand it yet, but he feels that both are connected with his dead parents and Uncle Jie. With the intent of figuring out what that connection is, or at least forgetting about his tragedy, he enters The Jianghu.
8 132Magical Cosmic
Victor Petard Asterisk was just an explorer, like many others. Roaming unknown parts of the galaxy, seeking the answers to Humanity’s greatest mysteries among the stars. One day, he chanced upon an unnatural wormhole that brings him to another Universe. A Universe filled with magic and wonder! “Hah! With my advanced technology, who would dare challenge me?” “You there, savages! Still using bows and swords? Better go back to farming in the countryside!” "And you! What's with that backward magic staff? Use mine instead and witness its power." Filled with determination and experience, from years of exploring, Victor will seek out the unknown and unravel the deep mysteries held within this strange Universe. Follow Victor’s journey, as he lays down a legend that will echo throughout the Multiverse and last for eternity. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a Science Fantasy story where technology will eventually change the civilization. The first few chapters might contain a bit explanation but it get better overtime. Kingdom Building is starting around 20s chapter. Although there is Comedy and Romance here and there, it wasn't the main focus of the story. The length of every chapter is around 1500++ words, might be longer but rarely shorter. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: English is my second language! I will be trying to improve over time but it takes time. So please bear with me... Also, if you're going to point out any grammar mistake in the story. Thanks in advance.... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- New chapter will be released every two days. This time the art cover wasn't mine so if the owner want to take it down, just tell me. For anyone that want to join me on Discord: Magical Cosmic
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