Children of Danu
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Y'know, that's probably the reason behind all this
weird stuff that's been going on throughout history:
An Acanthus Archmage in Atlantis looked around and said

"This place is dull" - Hermes

Nature: Mage organization; a group of allied mages which existed in the far distant past

Names: Danava, Tuatha Dé Danann, both of which just mean "children of the goddess Danu"; Grigori, Îrin, both of which means "watcher", or potentially "those who are/have awakened"; Sons of God; Said to have been "Among the ranks of the Asuras", which could also be Ahuras or even Æsura; Amesha Spenta, though the latter were supposedly only their "inner council"

Oh everyone takes turns
Now it's yours to play the part
And they're sitting all around you
Holding copies of your chart
And the misery inside their eyes
Is synchronized and reflected
into yours


You thought by now you'd be
So much better than you are
You thought by now they'd see
That you had come so far
And the pride inside their eyes
Would synchronize into
a love you've never know
So much more than you've
been shown


Hold on
One more time with feeling
Try it again
Breathing's just a rhythm
Say it in your mind
Until you know that
the words are right:
This is

why we

fight
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Sanctum: Originally the Temple of the Seven Towers/Pillars (also known as "the seventh heaven). After they fled from Seers to another part of the world, they lived at Asgartha.
Soundtrack: One more time with feeling - Regina Spektor

Info: Current theory postulates that the group referred to as the 'Children of Danu' were the ones behind the creation of the Kalakin Engine, though their ultimate purpose in doing so is still highly speculative. The exact nature of these ''Tuatha'', like most things about them, is also up for debate: They may or may not all have been the direct descendants of Danu, her apprentices, allies, extended family, or simply a group of people following her teachings. One source states there were 200 of them, but only names their leaders, and claims they were angelic beings residing in the "Seventh Heaven".

There are strong indications that the members of the Eye of the Storm are in fact the reincarnations of the original Danavas, similar to how they were all members of the Condiments some 80 years ago, and again 800 years ago.

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Members

Original Archetype Medieval Condiments Current
1 Shemyaza Worker/Smith (m) Galahad Mordred Hermes
2 Ba'al / Mahabali Warrior/Soldier (m) Al-Kahina Spice Skaði
3 Adar/Donar/Thor Wise One/Leader (m) ??? ??? Chimera
4 It-Zam-nad Maiden (f) Lancelot Pepper Nobel
5 Dānu Mother (f) ??? ??? ???
6 Ameretat Crone (f) Tyet Rosemary Dorian Gray
7 Dagksha/Dagda Stranger Medusa Vinegar Rui Shi

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Dalai Lama's Exposé

As of plot 6.6, And Eternity in an Hour, most if not all of this was confirmed by one of the few who knew the original 'Danavas' and who is still alive (well, sort of…): The Dalai Lama.

He explained what many other sources had implied, namely that this group of people had been known under different names during different periods of their existence, as certain life-changing tragedies led them to re-define their purpose and long-term goals. Sadly, the Lama himself had been rather young at the time, and the past had been too traumatic for the Danavas to talk much about it, so much detail of the time predating Asgartha is uncertain. But the timeline seems to have been something like this:
●The group built their Temple of Seven Pillars somewhere "in the distant lands to the west of our valley"

●At this point they were known as the "Îrîn" or "Watchers" (the biblical "Grigori"), either in the meaning of "Those who observe/analyze/study/scrutinize", or "Those who are [always watchful / not sleeping / awake / Awakened]". Or both, potentially.

●At some point Shemyaza convinces all the others that they really should share some of their knowledge and learning with the poor humans who live in the region, who didn't have writing or smithing or math or ploughs for their fields. The motive isn't stated explicitly, it seems to be because he thinks it would simply be wrong to not help others in need.

●Shemyaza then states that he's worried some of the other Grigori won't actually follow through with this project, and just stay in their "seventh heaven" and keep on being passive, just sit there and observe stuff. The other leaders put this fear to rest by suggesting "Let us all swear an Oath, and bind ourselves by mutual imprecations not to abandon this plan, but to do this thing"

●The Grigori (supposedly about 200 people, but the group of leaders was much smaller) then went to the neighborhood tribes and taught them stuff like medicine, cosmetics, art, efficient agriculture, and so on. But also stuff they saw as more vital: Laws, justice and Wisdom.

●As a natural consequence of humans hanging out with each other, some people from the different groups fell in love with each other, and had babies. The bloodlines of the Grigori (who were probably refugees from Atlantis) began to enter the human gene pool. The children were apparently inherently magical, and became known as the Nephilim, though different kids apparently had very different nature, depending on who their parents were.

●At some point the "Devas" show up (an ancient group of Exarch-supporters, thousands of years before the modern Ministries were formed), apparently on a mission to wipe out all the 'problems' the Grigori have caused.

●First, the Devas somehow imprisoned the Grigori within their own home base, the Temple. Then they manipulated the newly made Nephillim societies to go to war with each other, and then pushed that conflict into being as gruesome and genocidal as possible. While the containment-magic of the Devas made it so the parents could only receive the transmissions begging for help, but not send any answers.

●Eventually the entire region was hit by a storm of cataclysmic proportions, washing entire countries into the sea and whole mountains being shattered into pieces. It's never made entirely certain who or what was the cause of this.

●Those Grigori who manage to flee end up in the hidden sanctuary-valley of Asgartha, which was apparently settled by "cousins", or distant relatives of some sort. After this they never call themselves "Watchers" again, and change into being the "Danavas" or "Tuatha de Danann", both of which mean "The children of (the goddess) Danu".

●Here they spend years being cared for by the locals (the "Asuras"), as they suffer intense grief and post-traumatic stress.

●For several years things are peaceful and pleasant, with Asuras and Danavas becoming good friends, many eventually seeing each other as beloved family members (f.ex. the Dalai Lama grew up with It-Zam-Nad as his ''cool older sister'', and Amrtatva as "granny").

●Their "inner council", or leadership, had by now been reduced to just 7 (those listed above), who took the name/title "Those who [cleave to/seek/uphold/act according to/follow] wisdom".

●While the Danavas had named themselves after Danu, she was apparently NOT their authority or leader-person, nor did she tell people what to do. She was, according to the Dalai Lama, the one person who could make everyone else get along, who mediated and made sure arguments were resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

●Eventually the Danavas feel they can't just stay there in paradise and enjoy themselves when they know there are so many people in the outside world who suffer and need help.

●While the Asuras have never felt the need to meddle before, this is mostly because they've been entirely isolated. Now they are given first-hand accounts of how truly horrible life is for the rest of humanity, with the result that many of them also feel bad about selfishly staying passive. They argue for a need to ACT compassionate, not just talk about the philosophy of it.

●This leads to the Danavas starting their "Kalakin Project", which the Asuras permitted, and many even volunteered to help with. As part of this, the Danavas used their much more advanced skills to enhance the valley's security even more, and also linked it with their "secure off-site backup file storage", so they could have full access to all their research and lore for this new project.

●One day Danu disappeared, under confusing circumstances. It seems that this upset people so much that it made pre-existing resentment, suspicion and dislike to flare up, and since (ironically) Danu herself wasn't there to calm people down, this led to accusations and dissent. As a result of emotions getting out of hand it's impossible to be certain of what actually happened to her, as the facts are drowned out in opinions and bitchyness.

●The Kalakin Project continued, but now went much more slowly, especially since the different designers more and more often got stuck arguing for days or weeks about how the work and design should be done.

●Eventually the hidden sanctuary was discovered by the Devas. Many believe this to be categorically impossible, unless someone inside betrayed them all and told the enemy about this location.

●Another siege ensues, and though the superior defenses hold off the genocidal army flying army of doom, they all know it won't last forever.

●The exact details are sketchy, but some sort of final evacuation is performed. The Asuras and Danavas flee in different directions, and never saw each other again (in that life, at least). The Danavas helped to "sink" Shamballah (the "soul of Asgartha") into planet's core, becoming the Inner Earth, while they themselves used ancient and untraceable "escape routes" in order to prevent the Devas from capturing the unfinished components of their Engine. Or just to keep themselves alive. Or both.

Hold on
One more time with feeling
Try it again…

●This seems to have (mostly) worked…..but an escape which is genuinely impossible to track becomes a problem should you be separated from each other……

●It takes ca 10'000 to 15'000 years before the Eye of the Storm cabal is founded.

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In the Black Book

Page 107
And in those days it came to pass that the reclusive Watchers, Sons of God, estranged brethren of the Elohim named Deva, gathered together on the summit of Mount Hermon, there to decide whether to bring Enlightenment to the Humans they lived amongst.

Up spoke Samyaza, who was of their leader's blood, saying that he feared the Devas would strike him down if he did this alone, that he alone would have to pay the penalty for this act. He feared his fellow Watchers would Fail to involve themselves, hiding away in the seventh heaven from which they Observed.

(…)

By them was taught metalcraft, forging ore, smithing tools and armor, medicine, the lore of all plants, the movements of the planets and the stars also, the art of pigment and paints, and Enchantment as well. But most importantly they taught Wisdom, and gave laws and justice, to show the right way to walk the Paths.

(…)

And yet did none of them who shared in that inheritance know what befell of the Sons of God, for those Elohim pursued them across the lands and the firmament both, seeking ever to smite them with the wrath of the Dyeus Phter, and to cast them into the bottomless depths of the oceans, scattering them for ever.
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Page 131
Among the ranks of the Asuras there walked those who called themselves Danava, who had once been îrîn before they came here to dwell. Amesha Spenta were their inner council called, 'Those Who Cleave to Aša', and they it was who made that final refuge place.

● Oldest among that generation there was Ameretat, after whom was named the Amrita, for hers was that blessing.
● Assisting her often was It-Zam-Nad, she who saw the changes in the heavens, youngest of the Spentas.
● In matters of war was Ba'al their leader, whom the locals called Mahabali, and under his guidance was it that they revolted against the Gods.
● Also on the council was Perqunos, great leader, champion, priest and Father.

These and others beside them toiled long and hard together (…)

Divided were they often, but united in their hearts by the strong vision set by head of all Danavas.
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Page 140
The Watchers, Grigori of Seventh Heaven, named Danavas, taught magic to Enmeduranki, seventh patriarch after Adam, who carved some of it onto 2 pillars at Sais

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Page 158
Danu brought her treasures old,
with ships across the oceans cold,
coins of silver, crowns of gold,
heaps of gifts with value untold.


In land of west her hammer rang,
outside her gate an army sang,
awaiting sound of weapon clang.


But torq she made instead, and crown,
a key, a coin, of great renown,
a chain to keep the weapons down.


Yet Danu came not to our shores,
her children came, in scores and scores,
who loved her to their very cores.

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gapSilvarnis Yaru open gap Artifex

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Page 35
It is too late now. They know our position, the heavens above know how, and they are coming. Our wards could hold them for a long time, but they would eventually fail, and in the meanwhile the Devas would have ample time to surround us, cutting off all escape routes. I have therefore opted for another course of action: We'll take the power crystals from the wards and use them for weaponry powering instead. This way, the protections should fall within minutes of their arrival, and when they are taken aback by the surprising turn of events we can hit them with all our might. By overwhelming their front line fighters like this I hope that the rest will have a good chance to flee, so that our legacy does not die with us. My one regret is that I did not train more of them, but they seemed to believe that such a thing as this could never happen. Fool as I was, I believed them. I helped to hide this place, erasing our every trace. How, then, is it that their shining chariots of fire are soaring across the sky as I write this, aiming for our refuge as unerringly as a hawk diving after its prey. It is terrible to consider it, for I know and trust every soul here, but I can only imagine one reason: Treachery. But who? And why? We all know why we fight, why there is no hope in surrender or pacifism. We fight for the truth, we know this to a man. We are brethren, kin by blood and by spirit, joined in bonds of love and mutual respect. What could bring one of us to ignore all this, and make contact with the outside world? For that matter, how? The valley is well protected. There are only a handful of places where one can reach the surrounding lands, or the ones beyond. Yet none seem to have noticed anyone sneaking off to make contact. It matters not. They are nearly here. I must prepare my troops. This is most likely my last entry. P1040883.jpg
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Annotations: Believed by Skadi to be a journal entry of 'Mahaba'ali' describing some of the events experienced by the Watchers/Grigori/Tuatha as covered on Page 107, in the hidden mountain valley sanctuary of Asgartha, with the illustration provided by the Ananke showing what was about to happen shortly thereafter.

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In the Tales of Iram

Cataclysm
Many gods in conclave had decreed Shuruppak's fall. Jealous of our splendor, fearful of our strength.

Early in the morning at dawn a black cloud arose from the horizon. The weather was frightful. The thunder god Adad rumbled in the cloud and storm gods Shullar and Hanish went over mountains and land. Erragal pulled out the mooring poles and the dikes overflowed. The Annunnaki gods lit up the land with their lightning. There was stunned shock at Adad's deeds which turned everything to blackness. Thousand thunders cracked mountains. The land was shattered like a pot.

All day long the south wind blew rapidly and the water overwhelmed the people like an attack. No one could see his fellows. They could not recognize each other in the torrent. The gods were frightened by the flood, and retreated up to the Anu heaven. They cowered like dogs lying by the outer wall. The rain beat down with the force of whips. The rivers burst their banks, and merged.

Ishtar shrieked like a woman in childbirth. The Mistress of the Gods wailed that the old days had turned to clay because "I said evil things in the Assembly of the Gods, ordering a catastrophe to destroy my people who fill the sea like fish". The other gods were weeping with her and sat sobbing with grief, their lips burning, parched with thirst.

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Hamarthia
We dug up ancient records from the dire days after the deluge, back when the few survivors were scraping together the dregs which in time was transformed into our society.

In their rejection of the corruption and arrogance which had poisoned the Creators the first three generations of our people had expunged as much as they could about their hated progenitors and their teachings from whatever recordings they had managed to scavenge from the ruination outside.

Yet some few remnants were spared, for they pertained to the lore imparted by the Eternal One, and in those days there were many who believed she alone of all the Creators had not forsaken them. That she had not sinned against our people, but that her actions had not been strong enough to count since she had stood alone, or else that she had been forcibly restrained, imprisoned or executed by the petty younger Gods, as punishment for her attempts to disobey, to aid the Sons and Daughters.

In all the ages of man which have passed since those primordial times have we ever sought to grow greater, have we ever advanced without complacency in art and literature and alchemy and artifice. But ever has their greatness loomed over our works, making us to live in the eternal shadow of their remembered glory. We are forever the Sons and the Daughters of the Observers, Children of Those Who Scrutinize, sub-creations of the Passive Analysts, forever their lessers.

By our own hand have we crafted our downfall: Where our ancestors faced extinction from flood, and where religious tracts speak endlessly of an escathon of fire in the Day of Judgement, our end is in the present, and it came to our lands in the nature of relentless sand and earth, covering all.

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In the Bible

Book of Genesis, Chapter 6
2. The sons of God saw that the daughters of other humans were Good. So they married any woman they'd chosen.
4. In those days, and for some time after, giant Nephilim lived on the earth, for whenever the Sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.
5. The lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil.
6. So the lord was sorry he had ever made mankind and put them on the earth. It broke his heart.

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In Trondheim Texts

Part III
Naming themselves then Æsura and their newly crafted fortress-home Asgarða, in accord with the teachings of their kin

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Part IV
And therefore the Odin set out, wanting to learn all that was in this place, for it was new to him. (…)

Son of estranged kin he found and adopted into his household (…)

And in the dead remains of Yimi-r's form there came to be scavengers, as is the nature of things, whom the Aesira came to know as Duergar.

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Part V
Henceforth the Æsura did grow and multiply, though but slowly, and soon their strength was as before: Formidable enough that all things in that region knew of and revered them. Though they were warriors of old, proud and unbending, still all will fear those who count themselves Gods.
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In Soviet Note

In the land of the Aesur did we live on, last heirs of Yimi, called Brimir and Yama. We are Duergar.

Though they seek to wrest our secrets from us we will not divulge knowledge earned through generations of hard work. Yimi prevails.

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See also

- Kalakin Engine
- Ananke
- The tableaux drawn by the Ananke
- Xanadu
- Denavi
- Kherem
- Lalitha Meddha
- Timeline
- Trudvangr
- Midgarðsormen
- Nephilim (dynasty)
- Tuatha Dé Danann (dynasty)
- The Players' Interpretations
- The Ties That Bind
- Thus Sprach (plus some other info there)
- Random speculation

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To list of groups and factions
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