Cycle of Light and Dark #

The Cycle of Light and Dark is one of several competing cosmologies among the inhabitants of Elyra. It refers to the ebb and flow of the two most prominent forces in the universe - the Cosmic Nighttime and the Cosmic Daytime. These two forces push and pull, not in competition but rather in conjunction, with each turn of the cycle lasting billions of years. Where one expands, the other recedes. Where one recedes, the other expands. One never takes that which the other requires, and the other always gives that which the first needs. In this way the two forces maintain a constant, perfect harmony even as they sway back and forth throughout the cosmos.

These two forces are the primary tools of creation and destruction used by the two prime deities, Aone, the Day, and Caelia, The Night. Their stewardship of the Universe is known as the Cycle of Light and Dark, and is comprised of two phases: The Cosmic Daytime and the Cosmic Nighttime.

The Cosmic Daytime #

The Cosmic Daytime is the force controlled by Aone. When the Cosmic Daytime is the dominant force, the universe experiences effects which promote life and growth, and cause complex forces to drift towards imbalance.

• Where conditions create an optimal balance, and if the components of life are present, new life can bloom. It may not always do so, even if conditions are perfect.
• The cycle of evolution moves forward, with natural development occurring in the species of the universe in accordance with their local ecosystems.
• Living creatures grow and age.
• Various competing forces may fall out of balance, with one overtaking the other.

The Cosmic Nighttime #

The Cosmic Nighttime is the force controlled by Caelia, the Night. When the Cosmic Nighttime is the dominant force, the universe experiences effects which reduce life and growth, and promote balance.

• Various apocalyptic events may occur in centers of life in the universe.
• Events, encounters, and accidents which may not normally be life-threatening can become deadly.
• The birth of new life becomes impossible.
• The cycle of evolution is broken. Development occurs at random, often preferring disadvantageous mutations (fish may lose the ability to breath underwater, for example) or not at all.
• The regenerative ability of natural ecosystems is lost, and they are destroyed.
• Physical worlds are created and destroyed where required to create balance.
• Competing forces are subdued and forced into balance with one another.
• Before Caelia begins her work to re-order the universe, all life is eradicated.

Followers #

Believers in the Cycle of Light and Dark have differing theories on the current state of the cycle. They also report numerous sightings of Aone and Caelia, and may interpret events in accordance with their beliefs in the prophetic or apocalyptic nature of the cycle. They do not worship Aone or Caelia directly, but rather worship the harmony promised by the cycle. They seek to mimic this harmony in their daily lives.