Muse

*Weavers of aetera, nurturers of Gaiast, and enchantresses of divine harmony, Muses are revered embodiments of societal progress and inspiration.*

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### Traits

Only Women, Cerulean Eyes, Blue Hair

The Muses are ethereal beings, celestial servants, and divine midwives intricately tied to the mystical life force known as aetera. Born from the essence of Gaiast and the divine will of the celestial Goddess, these enchantresses serve as conduits between the mortal realm, the cosmic symphony, the tapestry, and the resonating forces of nature throughout the world. Their purpose, deeply rooted in ancient lore and cosmic design, goes beyond mere inspiration; it is a sacred duty that weaves the very fabric of existence itself.

These ethereal entities, renowned for their timeless beauty and profound influence, manifest sequentially across the annals of time. Each Muse heralds a new era, leaving an indelible mark on the world and ushering in epochs of enlightenment, creativity, and resilience. Their impact extends far beyond their temporal existence, shaping the course of history and infusing the world with the essence of their divine presence.

## Purpose

The Muses are bound by a purpose—to guide humanity in the progress of civilization. This mission is centered around nurturing the world, referred to as "Gaiast," and assisting in the incubation of the celestial child dormant at its core. The Muses function as midwives, and life, particularly humanity, acts as the microbiome that shapes, defends, and vitalizes the celestial child. The Muses play a pivotal role in guiding and nurturing the womb of the goddess until the eventual birth of Gaiast. The Muses utilize distinct methods of aetera manipulation to inspire and catalyze civilizations in various realms such as technology, literature, art, and music.

Before the rapid advancement of technology around the year 1920, the diminishing connection of Muse's and humanity, and the siphoning of aetera, the purpose of the 11th Muse, Valerie Olivier, born in 1926, was to restore the balance of aetera, preventing its misuse in technological advancements. Once this balance was achieved, Valerie dedicated the remaining time as a Muse to continuing the nurturing of humanity, with the ultimate goal of preparing it to venture beyond Gaiast and settle amongst the stars.

## Selection

Muses are exclusively female. The first Muse, Lilith, faced scorn and expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Touched by celestial compassion, the celestial mother granted Lilith the powers of a Muse. This origin story offers one explanation for why Muses are women. Another rationale draws from historical precedent where midwives and traditional muses were often women. Additionally, the notion that women were favored by the goddess as caretakers, nurturers, and wellsprings of inspiration provides another layer of understanding behind the exclusive female identity of Muses.

## Powers

Each Muse possesses the ability to manipulate aetera using three distinct methods. The first technique is the sewing method, drawing its source from the tapestry. This method emulates the creation of clothing for purposes of modesty and comfort, enabling the Muse to craft objects, modify existing constructs, or, in rare instances, alter reality itself. However, this technique is relatively uncommon among Muses, as they are cautious not to disrupt the natural flow of invention and discovery. Muses typically use this method to create abstracts and prototypes, inspiring civilizations to replicate them. Only a few Muses have employed this technique offensively, as exemplified by Valerie, who used it to permanently transform Sygolgeth into a human.

The second method is composing, allowing the Muse to create an instrument relevant to their culture or use their hands to compose a special piece of celestial music. This method taps into the cosmic symphony itself, as Muses have the ability to create a subset of that symphony. Additionally, composing enables the music to repair, heal, and restore both biological life and inanimate objects. Muses utilize this method to emphasize the profound power of music as a source of inspiration. Composing is also employed by Muses to heal individuals affected by sickness or wounds deemed inhumane or unnatural. Additionally, Muses use this method to repair nature when it has been tarnished, demonstrating the versatile and rejuvenating aspects of their celestial abilities.

The third method is dancing, considered the sword and shield technique of aetera and the most raw form of aetera manipulation. This method allows the Muse to perform a variety of dances, unknown to any culture, creating protective barriers against forces that threaten the civilization the Muse is part of. Additionally, dancing serves as a means for the Muse to protect themselves directly from any imminent threat. The offensive capabilities of this method include dances that can summon flames, weapons, or even plagues. Certain dances are crafted to inspire humanity into a trance of beauty, leading them to prefer non-violent solutions or to be fortified in defending their loved ones. This showcases the profound influence that the Muses wield over both the aesthetic and defensive aspects of cosmic forces.

## Muses' Awakening

For Muses, the awakening of their extraordinary abilities is a momentous rite of passage that occurs with a sense of cosmic synchronicity. As they reach the age of 12, Muses undergo a profound metamorphosis, unlocking the dormant aetera within them and becoming conduits of celestial energies bestowed upon them by Gaiast. This divine infusion of aetera empowers them to shape and influence the incubation of Gaiast, playing a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of the universe. This transformative event marks the commencement of their divine responsibilities and manifests a visible alteration in their physical appearance. In addition, Muses undergo a cessation of aging at 35, marking their transition into eternal youth. This age milestone becomes a permanent emblem of their adulthood, allowing them to retain a timeless and youthful essence throughout their celestial existence.

While their eye color remains cerulean from birth, a tangible manifestation of their newfound abilities is the transformation of their hair. The color changes to a shade of blue, diverging from their original color and symbolizing their profound connection to the aetera coursing through them. This iconic change serves as a visual testament to their birthright and the celestial legacy they carry within.

### Valeries Unique Path

In a departure from the norm, Valerie's journey takes an unconventional turn. Hindered by the fading aetera energies, the lingering presence of Luna, and the relentless siphoning of aetera for technological advancements, Valerie's full powers and distinctive blue hair manifest later in life. At the age of 34, she finally embraces the totality of her Muse abilities, navigating a world where the sacred essence of aetera is both a source of her strength and a dwindling font of celestial power.

### Lilith the First

Lilith stands as a unique figure among the Muses, having lived a long lifetime before being declared a Muse by the celestial goddess. Unlike others, she did not possess blue eyes initially. The infusion of aetera brought forth a transformative change, granting her blue hair and cerulean eyes, distinctive markers of her newfound status as a Muse. Upon becoming a Muse, Lilith's 500-year tenure commenced, signifying the start of her celestial service.

## Garments

Muses typically wear what is available to them, but many are drawn to blue and white robes that hold cultural significance. Some Muses may choose to adorn themselves with culturally relevant headpieces, jewelry, and other accessories. However, there are exceptions, and a few Muses embrace a more individualistic style. For instance, Valerie incorporates her love for polka dots into her Muse garments, while Ronia opts for a unique hybrid battle armor style dress, showcasing the diversity of personal expression among the Muses.

## Pantheon of Muses

### First Muse - Lilith (3574 BCE - 3074 BCE)

The exact birth or creation of the first woman and Muse, Lilith, remains shrouded in mystery. Unlike other Muses, Lilith was not born but blessed as a Muse. This unique circumstance is attributed, in part, to the first woman being scorned. It may offer an explanation as to why Muses are exclusively women, with Lilith's unconventional origin setting the precedent for the celestial lineage that followed. It is assumed that Lilith used her powers to fabricate the Lilit (Nocturni) from the Tapestry to assist her in her affairs.

### Second Muse - Amunet (3074 BCE - 2574 BCE)

Born in Ancient Egypt, Amunet's era witnessed the flourishing civilization of Ancient Egypt, where her Muse powers guided and inspired the people.

### Third Muse - Ninsumun (2074 BCE - 1574 BCE)

Born amidst the heart of the Akkadian Empire, Ninsumun's Muse powers left an indelible mark on Mesopotamian history.

### Fourth Muse - Gula (1574 BCE - 1074 BCE)

Born in Ancient Babylonia, Gula's time was marked by her healing abilities, offering solace and well-being to the people of Babylon.

### Fifth Muse - Xin Yan (1074 BCE - 574 BCE)

Born in Ancient china right before the Zhou dynasty, Xin Yan's Muse powers resonated with the ancient philosophy of balance and harmony, influencing the rich culture of Ancient China.

### Sixth Muse - Fionnuala de Sidh (574 BCE - 74 BCE)

Born in Celtic regions, Fionnuala brought the magic of the Sidh to the Celtic lands, weaving enchantment into the lives of her people.

### Seventh Muse - Adi Parashakti (74 BCE - 426 AD)

Born in Ancient India, Adi Parashakti's influence spanned across ancient Indian civilizations, embodying the divine mother and nurturing the spiritual essence within.

### Eight Muse - Ixchel (426 AD - 926 AD )

Born in the Mayan Empire, Ixchel's time was marked by her wisdom, guiding the people through an era of cultural flourishing.

### Ninth Muse - Chinue Ganiru (926 AD - 1426 AD)

Born in Nigeria, Chinue's Muse powers wove through the rich cultural fabric of all of Africa, leaving an enduring legacy.

### Tenth Muse - Hikari "Luna" Okamoto (1426 AD - 1960 AD)

Born in Japan, Hikari's influence illuminated the path of Japan through centuries, embodying the eternal light of inspiration. Later becoming disillusioned with humanity, and the loss of connection to Gaiast, she went into isolation and changed to her name to "Luna". Luna was kept alive by artificial means, and did not fade until 1960. She is the only muse to live past her tenure.

### Eleventh Muse - Valerie Olivier (1926 AD - 2426 AD)

Born in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. Valerie's journey unfolded in the United States, navigating through the complexities of the modern world and contributing to the evolving cosmic incubation.

### Twelfth ~~and final~~ muse - Ronia Je'Dunne (2426 AD - 2926 AD)

Born during the infancy of the United Federation~~, Ronia Je'Dunne's existence witnessed the culmination of celestial energies, preparing for the birth of Gaiast and closing the chapter of the Muses' divine lineage.~~

*Needs rewrite, celestials might incubate for longer*