Spiderfall

"Of all the phenomena that prove our past, is this not the grandest? A display of our Architect's brood and protection before our very eyes: before the eyes of the world.

-Einor Valwin, Priest of the Ohfjuren

Spiderfalls are an irregular event which sees the eggs of Ornjack, humanity's sire, crash upon the land of Laminarum. When a storm of these eggs falls from the sky, it is sure to attract any in the area for a night of celebration, as it provides hope that their divine protector still fights actively against forces of malevolent desire. Few of these eggs have ever been recovered, with the largest tending to fall far beyond the ocean's horizon while most others shattering upon impact with the ground.

Ornjack and the Cosmic Web

Ornjack, as the myth goes, is part of a larger order known as the Ohkinate. These beings organize the universe on a cosmic scale, holding the planes and more together in a continuous web. While these beings are intended to be impartial, Ornjack himself grew to cherish Laminarum and its beauty. He made the decision to spin his web around the land and sire a brood upon it, which would eventually lead to the birth of humanity. After an encounter in the tale known as "Ornjack and the Serpent," a poisoned offspring would arise, which became the elves and reptile-folk, though this perception is somewhat outdated in all places aside from the Snow Rock Isles. Following the harsh encounter with the serpent, Ornjack would clip the threads that attached Laminarum to the greater universe so that no others could follow and find his pride and joy.

Recovered Samples

While most eggs are destroyed in the process, there has been one recovered sample. Shriveled in appearance, its outside was charred and rough. Upon transfer to Fjordstrond, several rembrandts investigated the extraterrestrial object. The egg's outside was shaved until a smooth, white surface was discovered deeper within. Lacking any cavity, it was presumed that the egg sack was either entirely compacted on impact, or it was nothing but a node of clumped webbing. The only other sample to be recovered was just off the coast of the Snow Rock Isles, where it is displayed and worshiped. While researchers from Saint's Maar have pleaded with Snow Rock authorities to gain access, all attempts have been rejected.

More on Ornjack

Relation to Heien

Heien, the moon of Laminarum, is theorized to be of similar origin to spiderfall eggs. This widespread interpretation has given rise to bombastic festivals as the eggs fall, as it means the enemies of Laminarum are falling to their demise, just as Heien himself was constricted into submission. The world can only consider itself lucky that Heien doesn't fall to the ground as the eggs do, especially given Ornjack's threat to Bailum.

Disaster Falls

Unfortunately, there have been dangerous spiderfalls in the past. Hen H'car, a village on the northern sandy coasts of Mot D'nir, was destroyed immediately following a renovation. Individuals traveled for miles to reach the village as the eggs slowly rained down, but upon striking the village, there were no survivors.

Nature of Celebration

Research tends to come far after the celebrations of nearby viewers, as there is no way of predicting when a spiderfall will occur (at present). Those that view a spiderfall will often stay up all night, taking part in arts and crafts that depict webs and Ornjack himself. No bit of appreciation is spared, as those that subscribe to the religion of the Ohdaufeen thank Ornjack for his dedication and mercy to this world.

The Final Spiderfall

The final spiderfall is an event of prophecy, one in which Heien will hatch. An aberrant brood of light that has gorged itself upon the flesh of the greedy Uthuquate shall rain upon the world as the moon collapses from the great hatching. As was stated in Ornjack's age-old oath to Bailum, the brood shall fall upon the world, destroying it as punishment for any further crimes of the Ohdaufeen against him and his own.

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All images made with Midjourney*

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