Exactly so. I would descend yearly as the Archon, but otherwise I was among them without them knowing, a mere consultant. I was able to witness their growth from both sides, and... well, my duty was done. If they need me, I'll be there of course, but they haven't yet.
[ at least, he hopes. ]
Oh, everywhere in Liyue. I've only been to a few of the other nations, and not in some time, but I know Liyue from mountain to mine, ley line to ley line.
I think it's very kind of you to still be there for them. They may not need you now, or even next year, but if the day comes they do you'll be ready. Still, it must be a little strange watching all of these changes while you're still you.
[ watching families grow old and expand, watching the country flourish, the rises and falls of the economy... when people die, they leave those mortal ties behind. so what does a god do when those continue to accumulate? things to consider. ]
... ley line? [ interesting. ] What do your ley lines do?
It is as you say - like a parent with children. But I've enjoyed watching the changes over the years, as mankind is so deeply creative and multifaceted. It allows me to experience along with them, and while some adepti are less inclined towards change... I rather enjoy it, even if at my core I am still the same.
[ a god faces the risk of erosion, standing on the cusp of the beginnings of it as exhaustion and millennia weigh heavily, has long considered the accumulation of experiences and knowledge. ]
Mm, ley lines. They run all throughout Teyvat, and when one dies, their memories are recorded in them, as they're intended to record the memories of the land and spread elemental energy through the world as a sort of... net. They're meant to protect Teyvat from erosion.
Some of mankind is too creative if you ask me. [ some people should really Not. but they let the comment hang, thoughtful for a moment as they think this through. would they feel similarly if they were in a situation like that? living for so long, but experiencing so much. it isn't as if it's only good things either. there's always war, disease, heartache, death, things that people don't always bounce back from.
but again, they let it hang and then let it go with a simple nod. ]
And all of them are connected, then. Where does that elemental energy gather then? How is it used? [ what do these lines do to protect teyvat? ]
Sometimes, yes. [ he's seen the best and worst of the world, whether mankind or godly, and he will put his faith in mankind every time.
he lets the comment hang, as well, considering the followup questions regarding the ley lines. it's not often that he has to explain the function of them, considering he's only encountered the traveler who hasn't had the knowledge already from exposure. ]
In the case of a short answer, condensed elemental energy will create Slimes, largely unintelligent and instinctive monsters with elemental affiliations. But the longer answer...
All ley lines lead back to the world tree Irminsul, so they can be considered a wide net of roots, but the elemental energy and memories travel all throughout Teyvat. Sometimes, impeded flow can cause outcrops to surface as blossoms that can be dispursed to restore regularity of the energy.
Conversely, there are extensions of Irminsul in the form of petrified trees within domains - spaces of peculiarities, used often as challenges for adventurers and a means of gathering resources and treasure hunting, built up whether by man or manifestation around the trees due to the energy surges - that are revitalized and kept regulated when close enough to travel to.
The "net" comes into play against the Abyss, a corroding, corrupting force that poses a devastating risk against Teyvat.
[ sorry to zhongli and zhongli only, they really prefer the long answer because this is something interesting to them. so they keep their eyes (probably) on him as he explains, and they absorb this knowledge quietly and compare it to their own thoughts. ]
Which means that if anyone knows how to, they can track these lines and find the sources of energy and the magic behind them. Are the ley lines set in stone? Or is it possible that someone could alter them themselves and use them for their own doing... ? You said several of the extensions can be used for treasure hunting and resources, but do those resources ever risk drying up? Can the ley lines respond to those who seek it and change based on their own wants?
[ i knew the choice i was making in apping the character that knows fucking everything and will talk at length about it, where contracts permit. it's my doing.
zhongli is having a great time. ]
Unfortunately, there is the Abyss Order that does, in fact, attempt to use the ley lines for their own gains. They hope to bring about the destruction of Teyvat through the Abyss, which of course... [ the ley lines are meant to prevent. ]
It's difficult to reach Irminsul - I've never been there, myself, as it's housed in the neighboring nation of Sumeru and is under the protection of the Dendro Archon - so that is a small comfort, but the ley lines can still be manipulated. The nation of Natlan had theirs completely destroyed, long before I was even alive, and another god had to construct something to replace it with what remained to ensure that they had somewhere for their land's memories to return to.
As of now, there's not been any sign of the resources drying up - they aren't vital ones, at least, but there's no harm in returning resin to these outcrops of the ley lines and revitalizing them.
And, as for the idea of the ley lines responding... it depends largely on the domain. Some domains don't have these petrified trees, as they are produced by different phenomena or the influence of outside forces, but oftentimes the elemental energy surging forth will alter the environment. Sometimes in response to an individual in the moment, sometimes as an afterimage to an individual who might have been there previously and influenced it in some way. It is not unusual for one to enter a domain and find oneself reliving ghosts because of the power of memories being warped by the energy.
[ yeah this doesn't seem to surprise them too terribly much, and their silence seems to indicate they are actively listening and making their own mental comparisons. they mirror his posture as they walk, arms folded behind the back and head up as they go, and after a moment they speak again. ]
With as powerful as residual energy can be, it doesn't surprise me it would gather at a place where the point is at its most strong. You travel further from the point, the line is weaker. But it's still there and connected, even if it becomes interrupted by a building or a landmark. And it means they can still be poisoned if they fall into the wrong hands.
[ great. ]
Why does the Abyss Order want to destroy Teyvat so badly?
Exactly so. [ zuriel doesn't need him to explain that, it seems, and he doesn't sound surprised - if anything, just quietly pleased by an intellectual discussion. ] There is a world beyond Teyvat, the continent, one that few return from venturing out into, and I am uncertain how far the ley lines reach out into it. But there are many places that are weaker and need bolstered in our own lands.
[ but, then, the question of the abyss order comes up... he looks out in silence for a long, solid beat. ]
Due to a contract, I cannot speak at length about some aspects of this topic. As the God of Contracts, I take them seriously, even in death - a breach of them is unforgivable. But I will answer what I can.
Many of the Abyss Order are individuals that are seeking revenge for the fall of a nation, one whose destruction came about 500 years ago. Regardless of who was involved, or who was at fault, they see Teyvat as a whole as something to be destroyed in retribution, and are wholly corrupted by the powers of the Abyss as it feeds on their ambitions and anger.
[ this also makes sense to them, a small nod to everything he says. there are no arguments, just them quietly drawing comparisons and listening to him talk. ]
Like the overarching universe. If the ley lines are the energy and memories of Teyvat, you would think they'd stretch that far as well.
But I understand. [ they are fine with him keeping secrets. everyone is entitled to those, and contracts are important enough. some things you are bound to for life no matter what circumstances change. ]
Of course it's a revenge story though. [ a little scoff. ] The Abyss sounds like the root of evil. But it wasn't just the fault of Teyvat, was it? [ a rhetorical question. ] Do you think there's a way to change their minds?
It's likely, but it's also possible that the lines in the Dark Sea have been eroded due to the energies and dangers there. Gods that fled or were expelled from Teyvat during the Archon War became corrupted, and there are monsters the likes of which haunt folktales.
[ there's a rueful look in response to the scoff, because - of course it is. his feelings regarding what happened to khaenri'ah are complicated, but he thinks of the countless innocent people of the nation that fell or found themselves changed and tortured. ]
Perhaps. Many that I've encountered have been unswayable, having succumbed to the darkness that has taken root in their hearts. But that can't be all of them - or others might have their own agenda.
It sounds very complicated, knowing there isn't a way to easily change their minds or save them from that darkness because it's become so entangled. [ what a mess. ] Is that a thing you do too, then? Fight back those monsters and try to find people who may still be swayed.
Where I can, yes, though I've not left Liyue in some few hundred years before now. Should I cross paths with them, I will do what I can - but sometimes they're so far gone that there's little else to do, when they pose such a threat to Teyvat as a whole.
In some ways, yes. They were once people, changed into monstrous beings, warped and contaminated by the Abyss, to such a way that surely they must be in physical pain just as much as mental anguish.
There are ways to treat Abyssal corrosion, but that is for those that have not been exposed to it for hundreds of years. For those that have not embraced it, and used it to harm innocent people and Teyvat itself.
But... they were once people. For all that they have done, since the fall of Khaenri'ah, I cannot forget their origins.
[ they seem to agree with that sentiment. you can't forget the origins, but you can't excuse the behavior either. ]
I think it's a difficult question, too. But I like your answer. I don't think it's fair to forget where they came from, even if that does make it harder to let them go and free them from themselves sometimes.
[ he gives them a wan, appreciative smile. this has been a good insight into the kind of person zuriel is. ]
The crimes of the guilty, just as much as the suffering of the innocent - sometimes, they echo into the future from the past, and become irrevocably entangled.
But where many forget, or have never known the knowledge, it is my willing duty to remember for them. Many things happened, during the Cataclysm, much that I can't even speak of lest I break my contract, but...
I don't disagree. Even if the guilty don't feel guilt, their actions will reflect those in the future. It may even urge them to try again, but... they weren't always this way.
I think it's very... noble, isn't quite the word I want, but close. It's admirable of you to remember. But then again I imagine someone like you couldn't forget even if you tried.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ at least, he hopes. ]
Oh, everywhere in Liyue. I've only been to a few of the other nations, and not in some time, but I know Liyue from mountain to mine, ley line to ley line.
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[ watching families grow old and expand, watching the country flourish, the rises and falls of the economy... when people die, they leave those mortal ties behind. so what does a god do when those continue to accumulate? things to consider. ]
... ley line? [ interesting. ] What do your ley lines do?
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[ a god faces the risk of erosion, standing on the cusp of the beginnings of it as exhaustion and millennia weigh heavily, has long considered the accumulation of experiences and knowledge. ]
Mm, ley lines. They run all throughout Teyvat, and when one dies, their memories are recorded in them, as they're intended to record the memories of the land and spread elemental energy through the world as a sort of... net. They're meant to protect Teyvat from erosion.
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but again, they let it hang and then let it go with a simple nod. ]
And all of them are connected, then. Where does that elemental energy gather then? How is it used? [ what do these lines do to protect teyvat? ]
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he lets the comment hang, as well, considering the followup questions regarding the ley lines. it's not often that he has to explain the function of them, considering he's only encountered the traveler who hasn't had the knowledge already from exposure. ]
In the case of a short answer, condensed elemental energy will create Slimes, largely unintelligent and instinctive monsters with elemental affiliations. But the longer answer...
All ley lines lead back to the world tree Irminsul, so they can be considered a wide net of roots, but the elemental energy and memories travel all throughout Teyvat. Sometimes, impeded flow can cause outcrops to surface as blossoms that can be dispursed to restore regularity of the energy.
Conversely, there are extensions of Irminsul in the form of petrified trees within domains - spaces of peculiarities, used often as challenges for adventurers and a means of gathering resources and treasure hunting, built up whether by man or manifestation around the trees due to the energy surges - that are revitalized and kept regulated when close enough to travel to.
The "net" comes into play against the Abyss, a corroding, corrupting force that poses a devastating risk against Teyvat.
[ still pretty sure this is ty, so sorry ty. ]
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Which means that if anyone knows how to, they can track these lines and find the sources of energy and the magic behind them. Are the ley lines set in stone? Or is it possible that someone could alter them themselves and use them for their own doing... ? You said several of the extensions can be used for treasure hunting and resources, but do those resources ever risk drying up? Can the ley lines respond to those who seek it and change based on their own wants?
[ again sorry to zhongli and zhongli only. ]
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zhongli is having a great time. ]
Unfortunately, there is the Abyss Order that does, in fact, attempt to use the ley lines for their own gains. They hope to bring about the destruction of Teyvat through the Abyss, which of course... [ the ley lines are meant to prevent. ]
It's difficult to reach Irminsul - I've never been there, myself, as it's housed in the neighboring nation of Sumeru and is under the protection of the Dendro Archon - so that is a small comfort, but the ley lines can still be manipulated. The nation of Natlan had theirs completely destroyed, long before I was even alive, and another god had to construct something to replace it with what remained to ensure that they had somewhere for their land's memories to return to.
As of now, there's not been any sign of the resources drying up - they aren't vital ones, at least, but there's no harm in returning resin to these outcrops of the ley lines and revitalizing them.
And, as for the idea of the ley lines responding... it depends largely on the domain. Some domains don't have these petrified trees, as they are produced by different phenomena or the influence of outside forces, but oftentimes the elemental energy surging forth will alter the environment. Sometimes in response to an individual in the moment, sometimes as an afterimage to an individual who might have been there previously and influenced it in some way. It is not unusual for one to enter a domain and find oneself reliving ghosts because of the power of memories being warped by the energy.
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With as powerful as residual energy can be, it doesn't surprise me it would gather at a place where the point is at its most strong. You travel further from the point, the line is weaker. But it's still there and connected, even if it becomes interrupted by a building or a landmark. And it means they can still be poisoned if they fall into the wrong hands.
[ great. ]
Why does the Abyss Order want to destroy Teyvat so badly?
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[ but, then, the question of the abyss order comes up... he looks out in silence for a long, solid beat. ]
Due to a contract, I cannot speak at length about some aspects of this topic. As the God of Contracts, I take them seriously, even in death - a breach of them is unforgivable. But I will answer what I can.
Many of the Abyss Order are individuals that are seeking revenge for the fall of a nation, one whose destruction came about 500 years ago. Regardless of who was involved, or who was at fault, they see Teyvat as a whole as something to be destroyed in retribution, and are wholly corrupted by the powers of the Abyss as it feeds on their ambitions and anger.
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Like the overarching universe. If the ley lines are the energy and memories of Teyvat, you would think they'd stretch that far as well.
But I understand. [ they are fine with him keeping secrets. everyone is entitled to those, and contracts are important enough. some things you are bound to for life no matter what circumstances change. ]
Of course it's a revenge story though. [ a little scoff. ] The Abyss sounds like the root of evil. But it wasn't just the fault of Teyvat, was it? [ a rhetorical question. ] Do you think there's a way to change their minds?
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[ there's a rueful look in response to the scoff, because - of course it is. his feelings regarding what happened to khaenri'ah are complicated, but he thinks of the countless innocent people of the nation that fell or found themselves changed and tortured. ]
Perhaps. Many that I've encountered have been unswayable, having succumbed to the darkness that has taken root in their hearts. But that can't be all of them - or others might have their own agenda.
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[ it is a mess. ]
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Do you think of it as a kindness then to release them when they're that far gone? [ instead of trying to reason with them, or save them. ]
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In some ways, yes. They were once people, changed into monstrous beings, warped and contaminated by the Abyss, to such a way that surely they must be in physical pain just as much as mental anguish.
There are ways to treat Abyssal corrosion, but that is for those that have not been exposed to it for hundreds of years. For those that have not embraced it, and used it to harm innocent people and Teyvat itself.
But... they were once people. For all that they have done, since the fall of Khaenri'ah, I cannot forget their origins.
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I think it's a difficult question, too. But I like your answer. I don't think it's fair to forget where they came from, even if that does make it harder to let them go and free them from themselves sometimes.
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The crimes of the guilty, just as much as the suffering of the innocent - sometimes, they echo into the future from the past, and become irrevocably entangled.
But where many forget, or have never known the knowledge, it is my willing duty to remember for them. Many things happened, during the Cataclysm, much that I can't even speak of lest I break my contract, but...
I will not forget it.
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I think it's very... noble, isn't quite the word I want, but close. It's admirable of you to remember. But then again I imagine someone like you couldn't forget even if you tried.