Just wanted to send out a reminder for folks that the Q&A is this Sunday. I reckon we will stream on YouTube and connect it through Launch Party. StellalunaTV will ask a number of broad, basic questions I think people are interested in having answers for during the first half, after which we'll hand it over to the audience. We figure it'll be no longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes, but we can keep time flexible without issue.
Campaign starts 9/2, 7AM Pacific!!
It's just around the corner, folks!! Less than 2 weeks left. If you haven't yet, please do consider making a reservation for your free Gyuki pin with any order! We have early bird bonuses too with free stickers with each order. We also intend to livestream during the start of the crowdfunding campaign! More details on that forthcoming.
Set the date, folks, it's coming!
Poll Results
So the poll results thus far shows as follows: 1) for the content question, people are most interested in ancestries/heritages/species and worldbuilding/lore. We'll keep that under advisement as we put together the book! Subclasses and bestiary about came in second which isn't too much of a surprise either.
2) for the soundtrack question, it's a healthy mix, but people seem a little more interested in having songs reflecting moments of tension and mystery unfolding. I'll pass that message along to the composer!
The Four Heavenly Kings of Moksaka
So a bit of preview into our worldbuilding! Here are some additional major deities across national boundaries.
The Four Heavenly Kings are major deities in Moksaka's pantheon (Buddhist inspired)! They were originally Primordial Beasts, the strongest exemplars of modern day animals and monsters, born from the flesh of their mother, Golden IMA. Each of the Four Heavenly Kings at one point or another became students of Moksaka or their incarnations. Being slaves to impulse or desires, their teacher liberated them and they repay their gratitude by protecting all those seeking enlightenment in the cardinal directions.
Birupa, the One-Eyed Master: Guardian of the West, representative of the element of Metal. Birupa, the Primordial Tiger, was born with the ability to see hidden truths including the evil hidden inside the hearts of creatures. Despising an ugly world, Birupa resolved to hide away and starve, only to be met by Moksaka in the middle of their travels. The sight of Moksaka, a being with unparalleled peace in his heart, made Birupa weep at seeing beauty for the first time. Learning that the hearts of all beings are mutable and can be bettered with good acts, Birupa opened his eyes to the everlasting love present in the spirit of the world. With brush in hand, Birupa resolved to become a teacher to all beings searching enlightenment, painting mandalas that reveal the sublime truths of the world.
Chigoku, the Minstrel of Mercy: Guardian of the East, representative of the element of Wood. Chigoku, the Primordial Dragon, built a magnificent palace underwater and subjugated the seas with fear. Falling ill, bereft of even the glory of battle, Chigoku realized how alone she was and how eager people were for her death. Before she died, she would shake the seas with her fury, luring an incarnation of Moksaka to solve the problem. She demanded an answer from the sage why, despite having become peerless among all in the seas, she was unhappy and alone. It was in her vanity, they responded, that she herself feared those she sought adoration from. Merciful Moksaka healed the dragon, an act that calmed and inspired her to repent for her past deeds. Unfit to rule again, she devoted herself to pacifism, playing a melody of redemption wherever she travels.
Jambhala, the Black General: Guardian of the North, representative of the element of water. Jambhala, in reality a union of two beings, a Primordial Serpent and a Primordial Tortoise, both ate and hoarded, never to their hearts' content as no amount of food or treasure would be enough. The gods who couldn't abide by their abominable existence sent servants after them, all of whom they would either consume or ensnare. An incarnation of Moksaka met them and revealed to them that despite their great might, they were merely slaves to hunger and greed. Defeated and remorseful, the serpent and tortoise learned at the master's feet, joined as one, and became Jambhala, the invincible warrior that would never submit to their base desires. As a deity, they wield two domains: war and wealth. One hand punishes evil while the other freely shares treasures to those that need it, both protecting the innocent seeking the truth of the world.
Vaivaruka, the Blazing Diva: Guardian of the South, representative of the element of fire. Vaivaruka, the Primordial Phoenix, became determined to soar past the world's firmament and above the heavens, to look down upon all of existence. The heavens took umbrage at her trespass and would constantly strike her back to the earth. Persistent, she continued, dying again and again, refusing to give up. A stranger crossing the clouds, Moksaka, simply inquired what she was doing, revealing to her that she had already reached the ends of the world. The gods have long given up on their resistance and she had simply reached her limits, unable to physically cross the final threshold. In accomplishing her goal, Vaivaruka only felt empty, realizing that her efforts in attempting her dream gave her purpose. Moksaka taught her that personal growth will always reach a limit, but she still has more room to grow if she would accept wisdom from beyond herself. Inspired, Vaivaruka became a Heavenly King, determined to serve as light for anyone wishing to transcend the cages they create for themselves.
