The Curse of Knowledge; The Legacy of Meirong

It is not uncommon for the studious to become the victims of their own success or their arrogance. The children of Meirong looked for answers for her untimely death, yet their search only brought questions of their mortality and the truth of our world. Furthering their search, poring over ancient tomes, and combining multiple practices of astrology made them realize the futility of the flesh. Their own flesh seemed offensive. A conclusion was made. The heavens were like a ladder, debasing itself for mankind to easily ascend. Their gods, the heavenly princes of man-made concepts, were subservient to more powerful, worshipful deities. The ladder, or rather, the stepping stones between the heavenly courts, were meant to hold them back, keeping them unfocused. Mankind was still so far from its potential. So it was that the children of Meirong turned their backs on their gods, denouncing their faith, spurning the teachings that had failed their mother.

Rather, they sought out even the gods that preceded the Elder Races' divinities. The Lords of Wind, and Living Stone, the Daughters of Fire, and the Master of the Seas were the closest thing to true godhood that they could serve. With occult precision, Gemstones were hammered into their skulls, the pain becoming their focus. With needle and blessed ink, they carved holy symbols, primordial wonders, into their flesh. Yet, for all their studies and the pride they held, they were fools. As the twin moons met, the gates of magic opened, and the heavens aligned, but for a moment. The gemstones, reacting to their faith and the spells, many of which were cast in ignorance, transformed them into beings akin to living elements. Endless water poured from mouth and nose, joints locked, turning to stone. Those that claimed to follow the paths of fire were caught within flame, their heads alight with wonder and pain. Though they have abandoned their path, the curse remains, coming upon them when the moons meet in unison..