Cathal
The realm above realms—a sanctuary for the forces of good, a tranquil haven where the sacred and the serene coalesce into perfect harmony. It is the pinnacle of celestial majesty, a testament to the balance and beauty that Neie embodies.
Geography
Cathal unfurls as an expansive realm with a topography as diverse as the aspirations of its creator. At its core, the realm is bathed in perpetual, gentle radiance akin to the soft glow of dawn, casting a warm and inviting light over the entire expanse. The central feature of Cathal is the Luminous Plains — vast fields of golden grasses that ripple like liquid light under the celestial winds, dotted with Mist Flowers whose petals emanate a soft luminescence.
Surrounding the plains are the Resplendent Hills, rolling mounds that gleam with a spectrum of hues, reflecting the light of Cathal in myriad colors. These hills are home to groves of life-giving trees with leaves of silver and bark that glows faintly, their roots delving deep into the sacred soil of the realm.
Toward one horizon, the Serenity Peaks rise — a range of majestic, snow-capped mountains that pierce the sky, their summits crowned with auras of iridescent light. Melting snow from these peaks feeds into the Crystal Vein Rivers, networks of clear, sparkling waterways that crisscross Cathal, nourishing the land and providing sustenance to its divine inhabitants.
Several lakes, the Wellsprings of Clarity, dot the landscape, their waters clear as glass and filled with the essence of Neie’s wisdom. These lakes are often sought by those seeking reflection and insight, their shores lined with contemplative gardens where divine beings meditate.
At the edge of Cathal, the Elysian Forest stands, its trees towering and ancient, leaves shimmering with a celestial dust that floats in the air, creating a dreamscape of peace and tranquility. The forest serves as a natural border, separating Cathal from the less orderly realms that lie beyond.
In the distance, the Horizon’s Embrace is visible — an ocean that represents the infinite possibilities of the cosmos, its waters a deeper shade of azure, reflecting the sky above in perfect harmony. The ocean’s gentle waves whisper of journeys yet to come and shores yet to be discovered.
From every vantage point, the views of Cathal are breathtaking, designed to inspire and elevate the soul. The natural beauty of the location is unmatched, with every sunrise and sunset painting the sky with divine artistry. Cathal is not merely a location but an embodiment of Neie’s domain — a serene and life-affirming sanctuary for the gods of good and neutrality who reside within its borders.
Ecosystem
The environment of Cathal is one of perpetual harmony, where the divine will of Neie ensures that life is sustained through an intricate dance of energy and light. Here, the creatures do not compete for resources as in mortal realms; instead, they coexist, their very presences contributing to the cycle of divine energy that sustains the realm. The atmosphere is one of serene beauty and profound peace, where every breath and movement is an act of divine significance, and the ecosystem reflects the sacred balance of the celestial order.
History
The realm of Cathal has its roots deeply intertwined with the cosmic dance of balance between chaos and order, a celestial narrative that spans the age of the gods themselves. In the beginning, there was a time of tumultuous upheaval when Melecta, the Goddess of Change and Progress, descended upon the mortal plane. Her presence, while intended to inspire and interact with her creations, inadvertently plunged the world into a period of instability known as the Age of Cataclysm. This era was marked by the unfettered magic of Melecta, which threatened to unravel the very fabric of existence.
In response to this divine crisis, Rafoo, the God of Stability and Stasis, set into motion a grand project to restore equilibrium. He envisioned two realms that would embody the polar forces of absolute good and evil, thus creating a counterbalance to the influence of Melecta's interventions. From this vision emerged Neie and Haiyta, deities born from the essence of Rafoo's desire for balance, with Neie becoming the personification of good and the sovereign of the celestial plane, Cathal.
Cathal was conceived as a bastion of light and life, a plane above the mortal realm where the embodiment of all that is pure and benevolent could reside. Neie, as its ruler, cultivated Cathal into a reflection of his own virtues — an expanse of harmony and tranquility, a sanctuary for deities of good and neutrality. It became a celestial tapestry upon which the narratives of divine and mortal aspirations could be woven, sheltered from the chaos of the lower planes.
As the celestial and demonic planes took form, the mortal world experienced the Final Cataclysm — a devastating conflict between the nascent forces of good and evil. The prolonged war saw the realms of humans and other beings become collateral damage in the clash between celestials and demons. It was only with the love between Neie and Haiyta, an unexpected union that embodied the possibility of harmony between opposites, that the incessant conflict ceased. Their love heralded the withdrawal of divine forces back to their respective domains and allowed the mortal plane to slowly heal and rebuild from the ashes of the cataclysm.
In the aftermath, Cathal solidified as a realm of peace and enlightenment, standing as a testament to Neie's governance and the enduring hope for balance. It is within this divine canvas that the deities aligned with Neie find a place to express their virtues, guiding their followers towards a future of light and life, forever under the watchful and loving gaze of the Father of Light.
Tourism
Reaction to Neutral Gods' Energies
Selective Permeability: Cathal's reaction to the energies of neutral gods is like a selective membrane, allowing entry only to those aspects that do not disrupt the realm's harmony. It resonates with neutrality that serves the greater good or maintains the balance Neie cherishes.
Conditional Acceptance: Neutral gods may be allowed within Cathal at Neie's behest, particularly when their presence serves a purpose that aligns with Cathal's overarching principles of growth and enlightenment.
Harmonious Integration: There are pockets within Cathal where the energies of neutral gods are not just tolerated but enjoyed. These areas serve as meeting grounds for dialogue and exchange between different divine beings, facilitating a complex interplay of ideas and energies.
Resistance and Adaptation: Cathal will inherently resist energies that lean towards chaos or disorder, but it is not a rigid rejection. The realm can adapt and accommodate neutral energies, weaving them into the tapestry of Cathal's ecosystem without compromising its core values.
Stance on Evil Gods
Strong Resistance: As a rule, Cathal actively blocks the entrance of evil gods to preserve its sanctity. The vibrational mismatch between the malevolent intents of evil entities and Cathal's life-affirming essence creates a natural barrier.
Exceptional Entry: Evil gods may only be permitted under extraordinary circumstances, likely involving matters that threaten the balance of the entire cosmos. Such rare permissions would come with strict limitations and oversight by Neie himself.
Haiyta's Unique Position: Despite being an embodiment of evil, Haiyta is unaffected by Cathal's resistances due to her intimate connection with Neie. Their love transcends the dichotomy of good and evil, allowing her to traverse Cathal without facing the barriers that other evil entities confront. This exception is a testament to the power of their bond and the complex nature of their co-existence.
