Lycanious
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The Crossroads
The Crossroads is a ‘Realm between Realms’ that has gone by many other names since the dawn of humanity. Regarded as largely a place of in-betweens, it is a little-understood location that seems to serve mostly as a passage between the physical, mortal realm and various spiritual realms related to the afterlife. As a location it is constantly shifting and changing, and in its distant past it was reportedly little more than a scrambled rabbit-warren of passages between these realms with confused, lost souls wandering through. Since then however The Crossroads have expanded and morphed to resemble a bustling town and has many ‘permanent’ residents within its confines.
Time is said to be of a peculiar nature in The Crossroads, and is claimed by some to work in a non-linear fashion or, even, simply not exist within the realm at all. While most Souls that pass through seem to correspond with the ‘present’ timeline for when they arrive there is a significant portion that do not, and reference long-past events as if they happened yesterday. Someone whose life and death is recorded as occurring during the Middle Ages, for instance, may arrive much later than someone who reportedly died within the last few decades. Most residents and long-term visitors will agree that it’s best not to think too much about the nature of Time within The Crossroads at any rate, as attempting to do-so has resulted in many a headache.
Mortal necessities, such as food, drink, or sleep, are not required in The Crossroads, though it is possible to both bring such resources from the mortal plane or, alternatively, conjure them up to be enjoyed. Some souls will therefore still eat and drink, with the matter being converted into some form of energy, or otherwise still engage in similar ‘mortal’ behaviours such as sleeping out of habit. Generally speaking the older a soul is the less of these habits they retain.
Damage to beings within The Crossroads seems to be largely superficial, with most being healed back to their default state within minutes of sustaining it. Pain seems likewise to be largely dependent on how long someone has lingered in the location. New souls often still report ‘echoes’ from their bodies, feeling such things as phantom pains or lingering aches in joints. As they acclimatise to The Crossroads though these echoes generally become less prominent, and for some even fade completely if they have lingered for long enough. Those that have stronger ‘echoes’ are often believed to have some kind of physical, mental, or emotional tie with the mortal realm still, and may require longer exposure to The Crossroads or, alternatively, closure through the work of a Resolver for these echoes to fade.
Visitors & Residents
Fate / The Fates
An enigmatic entity, or perhaps multiple entities, that are believed to run the show for all that pass through The Crossroads. Often referred to as simply Fate or The Fates interchangeably, they are said to be responsible for maintaining a very specific plan for the universe and every being, both living, dead, or otherwise, that has ever graced it. The Fates are said to be the ones responsible for creating The Crossroads in the first place, or at least the first to arrive and begin to shape it into what it is today.
They are never seen directly in The Crossroads but typically communicate this plan through Oracles, providing them with information on how major events are meant to play out upon the mortal plane and, most importantly, when it is time for a soul to be claimed for The Crossroads. They also are responsible for declaring when it is time for a soul to move through to an afterlife realm, though their methods as to when or why are not well understood.
The Fates have no confirmed appearance, but they have several symbols that have been used to represent their influence in the past. One of the most common associations is that with spindles and threads, where an individual’s lifespan is depicted as a string of red and Fate as scissors or a blade set to cut the string at any moment. Another symbol is that of the spider and the web that it weaves. The spider is often used to represent transformations and change, just as a spider sheds its old exoskeleton to make way for the new, while its web is used to symbolise how everything interweaves and connects back to Fate in the end. Fate is also often depicted as communicating in The Royal We.
They are never seen directly in The Crossroads but typically communicate this plan through Oracles, providing them with information on how major events are meant to play out upon the mortal plane and, most importantly, when it is time for a soul to be claimed for The Crossroads. They also are responsible for declaring when it is time for a soul to move through to an afterlife realm, though their methods as to when or why are not well understood.
The Fates have no confirmed appearance, but they have several symbols that have been used to represent their influence in the past. One of the most common associations is that with spindles and threads, where an individual’s lifespan is depicted as a string of red and Fate as scissors or a blade set to cut the string at any moment. Another symbol is that of the spider and the web that it weaves. The spider is often used to represent transformations and change, just as a spider sheds its old exoskeleton to make way for the new, while its web is used to symbolise how everything interweaves and connects back to Fate in the end. Fate is also often depicted as communicating in The Royal We.
Passing Souls
Passing Souls are those that are waiting for passage to realms beyond the Mortal Plane. Nearly every soul that enters The Soul Keep is human, but there have been a few notable exceptions such as for animals that have somehow gained sentience (animals souls are, reportedly, processed in a different place from The Soul Keep and rarely seen). Some souls leave within what reportedly feels like mere hours to them after arriving, while others state that they have been waiting for centuries. Many theories exist as to why some souls appear to take longer than others to be granted passage, ranging from complexities with the judgement of their life, unfinished business and ties in the mortal realm, or the desire to wait for others to join them first.
Unprocessed Souls are those that have freshly arrived from the mortal realm, and are yet to have received their ticket number. They are expected to queue patiently in the Waiting Room of The Soul Keep for said ticket, but after processing they are permitted to roam about The Crossroads as they wish. Some Keepers, or even older souls that are still waiting, will typically help them come to terms with what has happened to them and fill them in on the rules and expectations of The Crossroads in the meantime.
Many souls will undergo a physical metamorphosis in their appearance upon entering The Crossroads, or shortly afterwards. For some this is merely a small tweak to an already familiar appearance, taking on a form that they had when they were younger, or a more idealised/corrupted version of themself. Others undergo a more dramatic transformation, taking on an otherworldly appearance or that of an animal/supernatural creature. It is common, but not guaranteed, that the appearance of souls will also reflect the manner in which they died in some way. This can manifest in many ways, such as markings along the skin from fatal wounds or an appearance that reflects the atmosphere of the environment that they perished in (i.e. wet hair for the drowned, a scent of charcoal for the burned, etc).
Generally Passing Souls will remember significant details of their life upon arrival, even those who may have suffered memory loss in their living years, and at least some details of their death. They may however not have the full context for what happened to them, especially in sudden, shocking final moments. The Reapers assigned to them can usually fill in the gaps if needed, but mysterious circumstances do sometimes occur where a Reaper is either impeded from witnessing the event, they do not properly report the event, or there is otherwise reason not to trust said report. Those who linger within The Crossroads for a long period of time however do tend to have their memories start to grow fuzzy, and Souls are encouraged to make sure they keep their Soul Ticket and any other paperwork received in a safe location where they can refer back to it at any time. Loss of either can result in delays if a person needs to be issued with a new ticket, or even prevent them from being issued a new one at all. Those who are unable to receive a new Soul Ticket will typically then be redirected to become Soul Keepers.
Unprocessed Souls are those that have freshly arrived from the mortal realm, and are yet to have received their ticket number. They are expected to queue patiently in the Waiting Room of The Soul Keep for said ticket, but after processing they are permitted to roam about The Crossroads as they wish. Some Keepers, or even older souls that are still waiting, will typically help them come to terms with what has happened to them and fill them in on the rules and expectations of The Crossroads in the meantime.
Many souls will undergo a physical metamorphosis in their appearance upon entering The Crossroads, or shortly afterwards. For some this is merely a small tweak to an already familiar appearance, taking on a form that they had when they were younger, or a more idealised/corrupted version of themself. Others undergo a more dramatic transformation, taking on an otherworldly appearance or that of an animal/supernatural creature. It is common, but not guaranteed, that the appearance of souls will also reflect the manner in which they died in some way. This can manifest in many ways, such as markings along the skin from fatal wounds or an appearance that reflects the atmosphere of the environment that they perished in (i.e. wet hair for the drowned, a scent of charcoal for the burned, etc).
Generally Passing Souls will remember significant details of their life upon arrival, even those who may have suffered memory loss in their living years, and at least some details of their death. They may however not have the full context for what happened to them, especially in sudden, shocking final moments. The Reapers assigned to them can usually fill in the gaps if needed, but mysterious circumstances do sometimes occur where a Reaper is either impeded from witnessing the event, they do not properly report the event, or there is otherwise reason not to trust said report. Those who linger within The Crossroads for a long period of time however do tend to have their memories start to grow fuzzy, and Souls are encouraged to make sure they keep their Soul Ticket and any other paperwork received in a safe location where they can refer back to it at any time. Loss of either can result in delays if a person needs to be issued with a new ticket, or even prevent them from being issued a new one at all. Those who are unable to receive a new Soul Ticket will typically then be redirected to become Soul Keepers.
Soul Keepers
A term for anyone who currently resides and works within The Crossroads, regardless of whether they work directly for The Soul Keep or surrounding locations. They may also be referred to by other names such as ‘The Ticketless’ or ‘Liminals’.
Keepers are chosen by Fate, and this is signalled by them receiving no ticket when they are processed. Some Keepers are alternatively Passing Souls that have lost their ticket number, and can no longer remember enough details about their mortal life to file for a new one nor have anyone able to represent them instead. Some however, would argue that this is still part of the plan of The Fates.
Like Passing Souls, many Keepers will find themselves undergoing a metamorphosis upon arriving for the first time at The Crossroads, or otherwise shortly afterwards. Keepers however unlock an additional set of abilities related to their jobs, including but not limited to shapeshifting, extrasensory powers, teleportation, or manipulation of choice elements and forces. New Keepers typically only have the initial energy and know-how to start with one such ability, but will grow in power the more they adapt to The Crossroads and serve its purposes. Those that are considered very powerful are, invariably, very old as well.
Soul Keepers have an unfortunate tendency to forget their mortal names, especially those who have been in The Crossroads for a long time. Many go by a nickname or one they invented post-mortem for themselves as a result.
Keepers are chosen by Fate, and this is signalled by them receiving no ticket when they are processed. Some Keepers are alternatively Passing Souls that have lost their ticket number, and can no longer remember enough details about their mortal life to file for a new one nor have anyone able to represent them instead. Some however, would argue that this is still part of the plan of The Fates.
Like Passing Souls, many Keepers will find themselves undergoing a metamorphosis upon arriving for the first time at The Crossroads, or otherwise shortly afterwards. Keepers however unlock an additional set of abilities related to their jobs, including but not limited to shapeshifting, extrasensory powers, teleportation, or manipulation of choice elements and forces. New Keepers typically only have the initial energy and know-how to start with one such ability, but will grow in power the more they adapt to The Crossroads and serve its purposes. Those that are considered very powerful are, invariably, very old as well.
Soul Keepers have an unfortunate tendency to forget their mortal names, especially those who have been in The Crossroads for a long time. Many go by a nickname or one they invented post-mortem for themselves as a result.
Realm Representatives
A catch-all term to refer to any visitors from The Beyond Realms. Considered to be an extremely rare sighting, to the point where their mere existence is often one of heavy debate amongst newer residence of The Soul Keep. Furthermore, many seem to prefer to move about undetected amongst the souls, and will often claim an alternative identity if confronted on the matter. Their exact nature and reasons for visiting are often likewise shrouded in mystery, with information about them kept on a ‘need to know’ basis.
The Soul Keep
Of particular note is The Soul Keep (sometimes shortened to just ‘Soulkeep’ and similar variations), which is said to be located at the very heart of The Crossroads. Situated around a series of doorway-like passageways that lead to other realms, known as ‘The Gateways’, this location has taken on many forms over the years but its current iteration is that of an enormous building with an office-like structure, where souls will be greeted and processed upon their arrival.
The Gateways
Referring to both the door-like portals themselves and the hub from which they are all situated, The Gateways serve as the passage between The Crossroads, The Mortal Realm, and places beyond. They are closely guarded, with Passing Souls only being allowed entrance upon arrival and exit when called unless they are, in rare circumstances, granted access otherwise. Some Keepers are allowed to travel between them at will, though this is generally for job-related purposes only. Though heavily guarded, it is not unknown for Passing Souls to occasionally manage to sneak back through to the Mortal realm and have Reapers sent after them for retrieval once found-out. Some souls have even managed to enter the portals to The Beyond without their ticket being called, though no one in The Crossroads reportedly knows what has happened to them since their disappearance.
Inside the Gateways themselves can depend on the gateway in question, but many form the appearance of a river, sea passage, or road connecting the two points depending on the form of transport of the psychopomp maintaining it. A seemingly endless void exists a short distant beyond these pathways, and those who pass through are warned that venturing into the void will result in them being lost for, at best, a very long time floating about within it.
Inside the Gateways themselves can depend on the gateway in question, but many form the appearance of a river, sea passage, or road connecting the two points depending on the form of transport of the psychopomp maintaining it. A seemingly endless void exists a short distant beyond these pathways, and those who pass through are warned that venturing into the void will result in them being lost for, at best, a very long time floating about within it.
The Library
With an entire floor dedicated to it and a seemingly infinite amount of space, The Library is otherwise known as the repository of all knowledge to be found across both the Mortal Realm and that of The Crossroads. It is said to be a place where souls can seek out the answers to any remaining questions they have, whether it be facts about life and the world around them, or deeply personal and introspective insights that no one else should rightfully know. Each section is maintained by an archivist, or multiple archivists, who are usually happy to help visitors find their answers amongst the shelves.
The Haunted Hollow
The most-frequented tavern of The Crossroads, on account of it being the only one open to visitors and keepers alike. The Haunted Hollow is situated at the base of The Soul Keep by its entrance, and is often one of the first locations that new arrivals will glimpse as they are guided into the building for processing. As a result it has served many a newly-processed soul’s first point of interest to visit, and frequent patrons are encouraged to keep this in mind. It is often considered to be the go-to point for socialising for many and warmly welcomes all who enter, but there are also rumours of a more exclusive, secretive section somewhere within its walls if you know how to access it.
The Waiting Room
Souls that need to be processed are required to queue within The Waiting Room. Its current incarnation is similar in appearance to that of an office lobby, which seemingly shifts and morphs in size and shape to match however many visitors it needs to accommodate. Once souls have been processed they are given their ticket number and permitted to explore the rest of The Crossroads, though some may choose to forever-linger here instead until they are called.
Other Notable Locations
Outside of The Soul Keep are structures that largely revolve around shelter and resources or entertainment for those that currently reside in The Crossroads, or potentially any souls that may be stuck in the space for a long time alongside them. Older residents have carved out a small but almost town-like atmosphere outside of Soul Keep, though newer souls wandering through often report that there is an ‘uncanny’ or ‘off putting’ sort of vibe to the place until they grow accustomed to it.
While Time is a loose suggestion at best within The Crossroads, its residents do still work in shifts and are permitted both time off for relaxation and a living space to call their own. Soul Keepers often find their home in one of the many surrounding apartment buildings of The Soul Keep, which they can decorate at their leisure.
While Time is a loose suggestion at best within The Crossroads, its residents do still work in shifts and are permitted both time off for relaxation and a living space to call their own. Soul Keepers often find their home in one of the many surrounding apartment buildings of The Soul Keep, which they can decorate at their leisure.
The Morningstar Theatre
A theatre situated a short distance from The Soul Keep, where shows are put on for the entertainment of passing souls and keepers alike. Multiple stages exist and rotate between a variety of shows and acts, with visitors generally permitted to wander into the audience or out of it as they wish. Reportedly the theatre is always looking for new performers or staff to run it.
The Mortal Realm
The realm that all Souls are expected to pass from. The Mortal Realm is essentially the World of the Living, defined by its tangible nature and strict adherence to both time and physics. It is inhabited naturally by humans and animals alike. Otherworldly creatures also do exist within the realm, but they are typically either beings that originally passed from The Crossroads into the world, or, occasionally, a construction of one.
The confirmed existence of The Crossroads being obscured to the Mortal Realm is a rule that often sees debate amongst its residents, but the overall consensus is that Fate prefers humans to have no concrete proof. Questions as to why have gone unanswered, though some theorise it is to reduce the chances of beings trying to visit The Crossroads before their time or, alternatively, attempt to avoid being brought to it.
Keepers that travel to The Mortal Realm range from being completely invisible and tangible to indistinguishable as living humans, depending on their abilities and their role.
The confirmed existence of The Crossroads being obscured to the Mortal Realm is a rule that often sees debate amongst its residents, but the overall consensus is that Fate prefers humans to have no concrete proof. Questions as to why have gone unanswered, though some theorise it is to reduce the chances of beings trying to visit The Crossroads before their time or, alternatively, attempt to avoid being brought to it.
Keepers that travel to The Mortal Realm range from being completely invisible and tangible to indistinguishable as living humans, depending on their abilities and their role.
Lost Souls
On the rare occasion that a Soul returns to the mortal plane, authorised or otherwise, it usually takes on an altered or otherworldly form. Some have been known to manifest as ghosts or similar spirit-like entities, while others are able to attach themselves to more physical forms and become zombies or reanimated skeletons. Some further still may even opt to possess the still-living body of a human, though this is a condemned action by The Crossroads and swift punishment awaits anyone known to have attempted it without express permission of the host beforehand. Animals and items have also served as temporary vessels for Lost Souls, though the morality around whether this is acceptable or not is a lot more varied for the former.
Sometimes, through little or no fault of their own, Souls have been unwillingly dragged from The Crossroads by other forces upon the Mortal Plane. A select few individuals throughout history have either naturally developed or invented the ability to summon souls back to the Mortal Plane, in one form or another, and upset the plans of The Fates in the process. Unlike the occasional escaped soul that has snuck its way through the Gateways, these incidences are often treated with far more severity and all Keepers are expected to do their part in either reporting or preventing any further tampering with Fate's plan from happening.
Souls that wander the mortal plane are considered Lost Souls, and concerns over their wellbeing are largely dependent on the reasons behind why they wander. Those that have been misplaced either during death or due to interfering actions are generally searched for and the hope is to eventually bring them to The Crossroads to be processed. Those who defied authorities and snuck out, however, can expect a hefty punishment if captured and returned.
Sometimes, through little or no fault of their own, Souls have been unwillingly dragged from The Crossroads by other forces upon the Mortal Plane. A select few individuals throughout history have either naturally developed or invented the ability to summon souls back to the Mortal Plane, in one form or another, and upset the plans of The Fates in the process. Unlike the occasional escaped soul that has snuck its way through the Gateways, these incidences are often treated with far more severity and all Keepers are expected to do their part in either reporting or preventing any further tampering with Fate's plan from happening.
Souls that wander the mortal plane are considered Lost Souls, and concerns over their wellbeing are largely dependent on the reasons behind why they wander. Those that have been misplaced either during death or due to interfering actions are generally searched for and the hope is to eventually bring them to The Crossroads to be processed. Those who defied authorities and snuck out, however, can expect a hefty punishment if captured and returned.
Mediums
Mediums are a loosely-defined term that refers to any living human with an unnaturally strong link to The Crossroads. They are characterised by being able to see and/or interact with the spirit world in some manner in ways that regular humans can not, and may even occasionally demonstrate supernatural powers such as mind-projection, clairvoyance, or telepathy. While mediums are, generally, left alone by The Crossroad authorities, those that draw too much attention to themselves or threaten to reveal the existence of the realm too well may face consequences to this.
Though not always the case, most Mediums seem to have developed their abilities due to narrowly escaping a near-death experience, where it is suspected that their soul briefly was called from the body before returning to it. On rare occasions the ability has shown to be a hereditary one from past mediums.
Though not always the case, most Mediums seem to have developed their abilities due to narrowly escaping a near-death experience, where it is suspected that their soul briefly was called from the body before returning to it. On rare occasions the ability has shown to be a hereditary one from past mediums.
