White Comet
"It's brighter than any comet has the right to be, and when it is in the sky it reveals things that aren't really meant to be seen. The texture of the future, for one." - Aamanta Taivasvala, Tähtimestari of the Tähtitieteilijä Lighthouse
Once every 84 years, a bright white comet appears in the sky over the Great Ring. Over the course of several nights, it grows steadily brighter, finally becoming brighter than the moon and difficult to look directly at. While it hangs in the sky, it is said to reveal things that are hidden, for those who have the ability to see. During its many appearances in history, it has often been accompanied by prophecies, many of which later came true - although not always in the way people expected.
During its most recent appearance in 3975, the god Llif was moved to give a prophecy to one of his faithful regarding the future of the island of Ynys. In the decade since, this prophecy has had significant impact on the politics of the island, as the rulers of the kingdoms of Ynys have reacted to it in various ways. You can read more about Llif's Prophecy here.
The Gods of the Comet
The appearance of the White Comet is a major event in the Great Ring, and there are many stories and myths associated with it. As with all stories in the Million Islands, the collective force of them has bent reality around the comet to spawn a collection of gods who are bound to it, and can only be met within the Dream. The gods of the White Comet are an eclectic assemblage, derived from cultures all over the Great Ring, and spend most of their time sleeping the farthest parts of the sky. But during the days the comet approaches, these gods begin to reach out to the ground and seek out people to bond with, who can carry out their will. Those who resonate with the comet-gods will be visited in their dreams, and offered power to become Avatars that can spread the knowledge and influence of their patrons while the comet is far away. In a typical pass, a dozen or more people will accept this gift, and take on new roles in their lives and the world. The comet-gods are as varied as the cultures who spawned them, and so are their plans; the final impacts of any particular passage is usually not known until years or decades later.
Yuki Suisei
Unseen Things
The future isn't the only thing the light of the comet can reveal. During the nights when it hangs over the sky, all sorts of hidden and invisible things are revealed. Ghosts appear, and secret doors become obvious. Inks designed to be invisible are suddenly clear as day, and even lies seem to become more obvious. In the Nagari language, the comet is known as Nur-e-Haq - the Light of Truth.
Alchemical Light
The passage of the comet is also a time when certain forms of Alchemy become possible, as the light of the comet can reveal aspects of the universe that otherwise remain hidden. Many alchemists will spread all their materials out under the light of the comet to inspect them, looking for properties that can only be seen by the strange light. Some lucky alchemists are even in possession of Comet-Forged Orichalcum implements, which can gather the power of the comet's light into themselves. This power can be used to fuel unique and powerful formulae unachievable with any other source.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This is so fun. The fact that alchemy is impacted by it is so interesting - I bet some alchemists plan their whole lives leading up to the comet's appearance.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
Oh yeah. And then they ration the ingredients that have special properties for decades, not to mention those who could gather the comet’s light as magical power.