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Post by wolfrysk on May 13, 2013 22:22:57 GMT -5
 "Care to know more about my home? Ask me anything!"This is the third long running contest for the first Shadownyrr events and will also just serve as a general FAQ about the Shadowlands and the Sphinxes from them. I have found that one of the easiest ways to flesh out world building or even character building is to open up opportunities for those interested in it to ask you questions about it. It makes you think of little details that you might not have considered during the creation process. Even the most complete of worlds and characters will always have something that makes the creator go 'huh...' and think about it. So that's what I'm going to do! And give you incentive with shiny Sphinx things of course. For this contest, everyone should submit a question related to the current Shadownyrr event. This can be about the land, the people, Kerrigan/Ashra, customs... anything you can think of. your question will earn you a spot on a list which will of course be randomized and out will pop pretty prizes! I will randomize this list sporadically and once I do, you will be able to ask another question. I will announce in the main thread when the question tally has been reset. So for example:Question from a user: How did the Shadownyrr and Shadowborn get into Khemet? The user is now put on the random list! Answer: They came through a Sebauduat portal. Please don't post the same question as another person!
Current list of questioners:
Round 3:NinjaWoo tierasa Chao Operetta tsukiclowes tbiris springacres MidnightPhantom Raenia Kleptozaniac Rainami Ayaka ErianaMoon Cameron --- Round 4: |
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Post by wolfrysk on May 13, 2013 22:23:21 GMT -5
Q: What is the difference between shadownyrr and shadowborn?
A: A very simple answer is this; Shadowborn are true blood natives of the Shadowlands. They are often imbued with some sort of power or natural affinity to darkness/shadows and sometimes rarely with the moon and sun. Shadowborn are much rarer than Shadownyrr due to nearly four centuries of civil war in the land. Most have been wiped out.
Shadownyrr are those who have migrated into the Shadowlands but have stayed there long enough to become influenced by the environment. The name "Shadownyrr" literally means "shadow touched" in the old tongue of the lands. It is slowly being recovered, but this term has remained. Shadownyrr are always subservient to Shadowborn.
Q: What is the relationship between Kerrigan and Ashra?
A: Kerrigan and Ashra are sisters. Kerrigan is the elder by a year.
Q: Are Kerrigan and Ashra against one another like rivals? Do the sisters hate each each other and why?
A: Rivals... it depends on their mood. Usually yes, sometimes no. More often than not they want to quietly remove the other from the throne and take ruling on themselves. Hate for each other might be a strong word, but it might grow with the birth of Kerrigan's daughter.
Q: How are Shadownyrr different than the normal Egyptian Sphinxes?
A: While in the Sphinx realm, they aren't all that different. They tend to be much darker and have unusual shadow traits about them. And well... they're from the Shadowlands, not your lands! Hehe.
Q: What are your lands like?/How big are the Shadowlands?/Is it always dark where you come from?
A: The Shadowlands are around 1500sq mi (about the size of Rhode Island for the states people, 4000ish sqkm for our metric peoples). We aren't a large land, but we are proud. As for darkness all around - it would depend on where you are, but most of the land has been permanently scarred by shadow. The areas of Blackmarsh, Darkwater, and the area around the Stygian Keep are always bathed in darkness. Sunlight never seems to fully shine in the Shadowlands, though. We do have a variety of landscapes. Mountains and mires, lush fields and thick forests, barren wastelands and a giant scar canyon nearly splitting our home in two.
Q: How can you tell which of the areas (Crag, Blackmarsh, Darkwater, Bone Mire, Oasis of the Moon, or Silent Fields) a Shadownyrr is from?
A: Different areas of origin will be manifested by certain colors, markings, and sometimes traits. For example, those from the Oasis of the Moon will usually have the marking of a moon on them. Those from the Blackmarsh may have hints of green or brown. Darkwater may have blue... you'll have to meet more of us and see for yourself!
Q: Do shadowland Sphinxes have a language different from "normal" Sphinxes?
A: The Shadowlands has its own language, but the Shadowborn are the only ones who speak it and even they are in the process of recovering it. Shadownyrr don't know it unless we are taught. (The language is still in the process of being created)
Q: Are the Shadownyrr only limited to Sphinxes? What about Netjers?
A: I don't know what a Netjer is... we have all been these cat like creatures though. (Right now, Shadownyrr are only available as Egyptian sphinxes)
Q: Are there any drawbacks when the Shadowmyrr enter Khemet? (sensitive skin, light sensitivity, etc.)
A: Extended exposure to light makes us uncomfortable, and I can't say we enjoy the heat much. I'm sure we will adjust in time, but until then we will try to stay inside and travel at night as much as we can.
Q: Are all from your world bound to shadow or are there other beings of the light?
A: Beings of the light don't thrive in the Shadowlands and those bound by shadow are willingly done so. There are the rare Shadowborn who can command the light of the moon or the sun, though.
Q: Do the Shadowland inhabitants have any special abilities or powers that are unlike those of other Sphinxes?
A: The Shadownyrr seem to lose any abilities they have upon passing through the portal to this land. Shadowborn seem to retain their power. We Shadownyrr still remain very sneaky in the shadows, though!
Q: What are the major differences between Kerrigan and Ashra's followers?
A: *snorts* Those that follow Ashra are traitorous, foolish creatures who should be banished when Favored Queen Kerrigan takes over! (The difference between the sects will become more apparent as time goes on, but it's something I want players to discover on their own!)
Q: What kind of plant and animal life is there in the Shadowland?
A: There isn't much out of the ordinary from out neighboring lands, all our plants and animals have adapted to function in the Shadowlands though. I personally have yet to encounter anything strange, but I have never went down deep into the Scar before. Who knows what's down there.
Q: How can there be lush fields and thick forests if the sunlight is not very strong in their lands?
A: How can plants grow in a desert? They adapt. The trees tower above the clouds, reaching their branches up and drink greedily of the little sunlight they receive. The fields don't need much sunlight to flourish. It's been this way for centuries.
Q: What is the Oasis of the Moon like?
A: The Oasis of the Moon is located near the eastern edge of the Blackmarsh. It represents its name well, for it is touched by the light of the moon and seems to glow amidst the marshlands that threaten to engulf it. It is hard to get there and even harder to leave once you enter, but some manage to depart its splendor and peace.
Q: Why did Kerrigan want to keep the princess a secret for a while? what is she afraid will happen?
A: I can't speak for my Queen, but I imagine she just didn't want her sister to meddle.
Q: Can any of our own Sphinxes migrate into the Shadowlands and become a Shadownyrr ? Inherit Shadownyr traits?
A: We don't know you well enough to invite you back into our lands. In theory if it ever happened though, after a long while in our lands, you may start to exhibit Shadownyrr traits, yes.
Q: How did the shadows take on such great power to influence your lands when the shadows do not seem to have the same influence in our world?
A: It has always been this way in the Shadowlands but over the last century or so, the power of the shadows has multiplied and is currently the strongest it has ever been with Ashra and Kerrigan on their thrones.
Q: What are some of the things Shadownyrrs do in their free time?
A: Hunting and gathering are actually some of the favorite pastimes of those in the Shadowlands. We do it for survival yes, but it is enjoyable. Some brave souls descend into The Scar as well, but the danger in that usually puts people off. Outside of that... I guess we enjoy the same things most people do.
Q: How long have these lands existed?
A: As the Shadowlands? Maybe a thousand years as a kingdom of its own. That's what the general consensus seems to be.
Q: How does a Shadownyrr choose their favored Queen?
A: The same as one chooses anyone as their leader. Some don't have a Favored Queen, some do.
Q: What kinds of other creatures come from the Shadowlands?
A: The Shadowlands will take in all who prove themselves, so you can find many, many things. Elves, Drow, Dwarves, Halflings, Giants, Orcs, Humans, Ogres... the list goes on. Of course there are standard animals as well.
Q: What do shadowborn and shadownyrr look like when not in Khemet?
A: For Shadownyrr, we retain the traits of our species, though our skin tends to become pale and sometimes even grey depending on where we choose to take as our home. The Shadowborn seem to vary greatly, I'm not sure why, but they are very tall, on average at least 6'7". Pale skin and usually dual toned hair... and some sort of magical affinity.
Q: Do the shadownyrr follow their mother's line or father's line?
A: It depends who is in power. If a male is in power, we look to the males of our lines. If females are in power, we look to the females.
Q: Would you refer to either shadowborn or shadowyrr as evil?
A: Not inherently, no. But after centuries of strife in their lands, some of the Shadowborn are a bit... unstable?
Q: What foods or drinks are often found on your tables? Are they different from ours?
A: We have fresh game and sometimes even harvest on our tables usually, but meats and fungi are our primary foods due to the difficulty of growing crops with regularity.
Q: When you win a shadownyrr sphinx, are you told where they are from? (Darkmarsh, Blackwater, Silent Fields, etc)
A: Yes, if you ask. But if you don't... well we generally don't offer up information about ourselves.
Q: Does the region they are from really have any influence on them?
A: In this world, it seems to only effect us cosmetically and mentally. In our world it goes much deeper.
Q: How common are dragons there, seeming as Kerrigan seems to be descended from one?
A: True dragons no longer exist in the Shadowlands. They were driven out around a century ago. Those that did not leave were destroyed by the previous rulers. There are of course still dragons in general, but they no longer enter the Shadowlands.
Q: Would you say the shadowyrr are inferior to the shadowborn?
A: Yes, we are. And we graciously accept this.
Q: What are typical modes of transport in the Shadowlands to get from area to area?
Usually ridden animals or carts pulled by beasts of burden. Some of our brightest minds are working on new modes of transportation though.
Q: Whats Kerrigans favourite colour?
A: Gold.
Q: What sort of lifespan do the Shadowborn have (when dying of old age rather than war)?
A: No one is really sure. It's been thought upwards of three centuries or so, but most Shadowborn die before that can be tested.
Q: Do the people of the Shadowlands have any sort of religion or deities they have an affinity for? If polytheistic, does it vary by region?/What would you say is the dominant religion in the Shadowlands, and what are some of its tenets?
A: The Shadowlands is generally very open to any sort of religious beliefs due to how varied the Shadownyrr are in their heritages. The Shadowborn believe in the power of darkness, the sun, and the moon and name great Shadowborn as the "denesha" which roughly translates into one above the others in your common tongue.
Q: What is music like in the shadowlands? What kinds of instruments do you have?
A: Our lands have very finely crafted woodwind and string instruments, but the area of the Crag produces a very interesting instrument that I have yet to see anywhere else. We call them "eshta lyaes" - singing stones. These are stones of varying sizes (though most commonly are sold as something the size of a palm) that when touched and caressed, respond by making sounds that are very akin to someone singing. They seem to reflect the melody of the mind at that time. They are extremely rare.
Q: Who are there mother and Father?
A: No one knows and no one asks. It seems their mother had the dragon blood in her, however.
Q: Do those of your realm marry or do they seek out those they believe sufficient when it comes to relationships and children?
A: That's generally a personal preference, but some types of unions are more common in certain areas. For example; those from the Silent Fields often simply choose sufficient mates to suit their needs while those that live in the Oasis of the Moon are often part of large, polygamist marriages.
Q: Assuming it is a matriarchal society, are men and women equal?
A: The gender of the ruler in power decides if it is a matriarchal or patriarchal society. Whatever gender is not in power is usually considered lesser, but not to the degree of slavery or any such. They are still respected and valued, just less so.
Q: What types of art are popular? Be it Dance, Song? or even painting?
A: Dance and song are probably our most popular and even sacred types of art. Anything other than that seems to inevitably get destroyed, though a few brave souls are trying to return tangible art forms to the Shadowlands. You may or may not consider it art, but I'll answer it here anyways; we are great jewelcrafters and weaponsmiths.
Q: What type of currency is used in the Shadowlands?
A: We usually barter among ourselves and use gold to fashion jewelry and weapons. Gold, when used, is usually done in bartering as well. Instead of 'I'll give you five gold pieces" it is more "I'll give you enough gold to fashion five gold bracelets." Of course we also use gold if we deal with foreigners or other lands outside our borders.
Q: How is the family system structured? Is it more traditional? Or do close families even form in the Shadowlands?
A: Again this is something very dependent on what area you are in. For example, we from the Blackmarsh are a very tribal like people. We settle in groups which becomes something like a communal family. Everyone takes care of everyone. In contrast, those from the Silent Fields are extremely solitary and you'd be hard pressed to find more than maybe five of them in a group at any point, but usually that group consists entirely of people from the same family lineage.
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Post by tierasa on May 13, 2013 22:29:37 GMT -5
What is the difference between shadownyrr and shadowborn?
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Post by Chao on May 13, 2013 22:33:20 GMT -5
What is the relationship between Kerrigan and Ashra?
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Post by NinjaWoo on May 13, 2013 22:33:55 GMT -5
Are Kerrigan and Ashra against one another like rivels?
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Post by PonyMama on May 13, 2013 22:34:02 GMT -5
How are Shadownyrr different than the normal Egyptian Sphinxes?
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Post by melodysangel on May 13, 2013 22:35:08 GMT -5
Is it always dark where you come from?
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Post by firemoon on May 13, 2013 22:36:16 GMT -5
What are your lands like? [<-- this is the main question, the others are just to help you know the direction I was thinking with it o.O]
Are they dark and shadowy like what the names lead to believe? or are they just like our lands? with many different land types?
[fixed a bit of grammer.]
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Ori
Scribe
The Lurking Dragon
Posts: 75
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Post by Ori on May 13, 2013 22:36:51 GMT -5
How can you tell which of the areas (Crag, Blackmarsh, Darkwater, Bone Mire, Oasis of the Moon, or Silent Fields) a Shadownyrr is from?
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rainami
Magician
Makes things go 'BOOM'!
Posts: 180
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Post by rainami on May 13, 2013 22:36:56 GMT -5
do the sisters hate each each other and why?
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Post by myrrhmaid on May 13, 2013 22:40:41 GMT -5
Do shadowland Sphinxes have a language different from "normal" Sphinxes?
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Post by Siopilos on May 13, 2013 22:41:58 GMT -5
Are the Shadownyrr only limited to Sphinxes? What about Netjers?
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Post by tbiris on May 13, 2013 22:47:49 GMT -5
Are there any drawbacks when the Shadowmyrr enter Khemet? (sensitive skin, light sensitivity, etc.)
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Post by ErianaMoon on May 13, 2013 22:48:05 GMT -5
Are all from your world bound to shadow or are there other beings of the light?
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Post by Kalypsi on May 13, 2013 22:48:24 GMT -5
How big are the shadowlands?
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