This is the storyline so far of kukuri-arpg.
If youve just joined us, are a returning player, or just want a quick refresher, this is where to look. Please read on and see the trials weve faced... but look forward to whats to come as well. Theres much more out there and this is only the tip of the iceberg!
This great story starts with the two sisters... Life and Death. Knowing their story is key. The legend of the two sisters can be found in the Folklore page!
The Fungal Contamination
The Fungal Contamination event journal
The land of Kukuris was suddenly invaded by black gooey creatures attacking Kukuris and frankly anything in their sight. Glowing mushrooms were growing from these creatures' backs, and as Kukuris were fighting them it turned out this disease can spread to Kukuris. Curiously enough, it seemed harmless to other living beings. Luckily people were also able to find a cure for it if a Kukuri got it.
As people continued to fight these creatures back from important outposts, it was discovered that deep in the forest they came from laid an Aquatic - or at least grotesque image of one. The glowing mushrooms had invaded it's whole body, seemingly being the only thing keeping it alive anymore. The black creatures affectionately named "Shroomies" were increasingly protective for this creature, and based on how the amount of them and the mushroom spreading to nearby landscape, this creature was dubbed as "Mother."
Despite how Mother looked, it was not easy task to lay the creature to rest from it's pain. The hyper aggressive Shroomies and the devastating attacks of the Mother gave challenge even for the best fighters. Yet, when the sun set, the final wheezing breath escaped from the Mother's throat, the remaining Shroomies scattered to the shadows. The victory was on our side, but what was that? Why was there an aquatic in middle of a forest, species not seen in centuries? What was that spreading infection which, asides from the area Mother was infecting, spread only to Kukuris?
Could... Life herself be behind this?
The First Festival
Festival of Death (2017)
Spring is the season we celebrate Death, the Kukuri God of fertility and rebirth. Held at the bottom of the highest and steepest mountain reaching well above the clouds, a lighthearted festival was what people needed after their battle and following rebuilding after Shroomies.
As per tradition, the celebrations of the two Gods were times when both wilds and tames were easily seen in one place at once. No-one would harm each other, and likewise humans were not allowed to interfere with the wilds who wanted to participate in the celebration. After all, no-one would like to offend the God who took care of your soul when it was time to go, and have her send it back as a toad out of spite.
The place was filled with stalls selling everything from food to trinkets, and people were gathering the orange flowers notorious for blooming early in the year around the mountain as offerings for Death. Yet people were quickly noticing that something was happening to the statue they were giving the flowers to, it almost felt... warm to touch.
And then, in graceful motion no-one could expect, Death descended upon them.
Death's Arrival
No-one knew how to act in before the massive Aerial, which didn't seem to need to flap it's wings to stay afloat. The youngest of Kukuris seemed almost excited, almost like meeting your favorite aunt you haven't seen in a while. Yet her very presence seemed to calm everyone, and her voice echoed in people's minds in language they did not know yet understood.
As Death spoke, she revealed of her own reasons for appearing before them. In mourning for the rift in between her and her sister Life, she had preserved the only remaining subspecies of Kukuris that still hold the remnants of genetics of Aquatics - Prairies. However, as she is not the God of living, it is not in her skills to preserve such either. To save the remaining Prairies, she is now asking you to welcome them in your hands and show them what the outside world is, and help to revive their ever thinning population.
The Discovery of Prairies
The Prairie Event
Kuku | Attack!! Zagrial and Vincent vs Quill (Literature) On the scheduled day Death came back to lead people to the Prairies. After long travel they appear in front of a massive mountain, in a place where people could swear was supposed to be just a meadow. With a single swipe Death crumbled part of the mountain wall to reveal a valley.
The area was clearly drying up, and only eatable thing left was the shrubbery struggling to stay alive. And in middle of that was a small pack of Prairies, cautious of this sudden intrusion. They would not listen to Death, and certainly would not listen to people trying to capture them. But, as she assured, in her care they will not survive for much longer. It was time to tame the Prairies back into the bloodlines.
Honoring Life Through Blood
Carnival of Life (2017)
CoL: Crested fights
Though still wary about the sudden intrusion of Shroomies last year at the time of Carnival of Life, people still decided to hold the celebration. Not only to pray for strength to survive the winter, but it also serves an opportunity for people with all sorts of problem to ask that little bit of more power to get through. Through poverty, through hardships, it's Life's strength that brings people and Kukuri alike together.
The carnival was kept in the old coliseum, used for the same purposes ever since the time anyone could remember. After wrestling with Prairies, everyone was excited to test out their strengths against each other.
Uncertainty and a new Threat
Festival of Death (2018)
Since Death made her appearance with the Prairies, people were excited to see her again. Those believing in Her had their hopes up to see their deity again, the young pups wanted to see their aunt again. But Death did not come, no matter how people prayed and offered offerings.
Yet, something more terrifying appeared. Another shroom Mother was found, this time it seemed like helpless Aerial covered in mushrooms and mycelium, with wounds so severe that it shouldn't be alive, yet was denied of death. Clearly a spit in the face from Life, yet a threat to everyone around it. One would imagine that such sight would trigger Death to appear... yet nothing. The people and kukuris were left on their own devices to slay this Mother, and were left with air and uncertainty. Where was She?
The Darkest Day
Carnival of Life (2018)
Despite people fearing that Death would repay for what Life did to her festival, people still decided to hold the carnival - if one of the gods had to be angered, they would rather keep the war-thirsty Life pacified. Blood was shed in her name, as kukuris were not afraid to pull punches against each other. Yet it felt like every week the weather just kept getting darker and darker.
And then, something no-one was expecting. Life herself rose from the seas, silencing every battle with her roar. Her own carnival had gathered a lot of kukuri and people alike, and it was time to test has this "evolved" version of their creations earned their right for survival against all odds - even those made by hers. Icicles formed by ice and dark matter resembling the one of shroomies filled the sky, leaving no-one time or space to escape from it.
Yet, she alone can not decide the fate of kukuris. From nothing Death flew over the coliseum, spreading her tattered wings and wounded body over it as the icicles started to fall, taking every hit on herself as the people in the coliseum watched in horror. And just as fast as it had started, it was over.
The light enclosed the God of Death, and she slowly dissolved with it.
Death had died.
The Return of Death
Festival of Death 2019Everybody felt the oppressive atmosphere when the next Festival of Death rolled around. Should they even celebrate? Death is gone and now the festival felt hollow... this would be a funeral for the goddess more then any festival. Flowers, skulls, feathers and more were offered at Death's statue in remembrance... but festival goers hardly had time to mourn the loss of Death, when something disrupted the quiet.
Wingbeats, followed by the shadows of eight newcomers... with a graceful landing, the Aerials had arrived.
Everyone was shocked, Aerials hadnt been seen in ages, but the truth was before them. The Aerials brought with them a plan to bring back the lost goddess... for her physical form was shattered, but her energy still lingered in the world. With the help of the aerials, kukuri gathered the fragments of Death, forming them into an egg. With baited breath, everyone waited... and just as promised by the aerials, the egg hatched to reveal a small, weakened Death.
She was weak on her feet at first, gaining her power back slowly, but sure enough, the goddess has been reborn. She had the childlike happiness of a puppy, the goddess acted exactly how a newly hatched kukuri might; which lead to one request from the aerials: teach her. Now it was time to celebrate... to show the newly reborn goddess the beauty of the festival and life.
Cerberus Awakens
Carnival of Life (2019)
Hesitation passed over everyone when the Carnival of Life once more arrived, after all previous years didnt have the best final outcomes... however the still young Death stepped forward. She insisted to put on the event in spite of previous actions of her sister. So once more... the Carnival would be held and blood would be shed in the name of Life!
The battles within the coliseum walls awakened someone however, and he was displeased by what he saw... weakness. The great Champion of Life, Cerberus has made his appearance! Death herself recognized him... someone who refused to rest after death; and Cerberus in exchange recognized the goddess.
Challenging everyone to face him in battle, to weed out the weak... the real battle began. Kukuri teamed up against the three headed giant prairie, hoping to take him down against all odds. He proved to be a near impossible opponent to defeat in battle, showing the strength of Life.
Two Celebrations
Festival of Death (2020)
It had been a year since Death had been reborn, and now its time yet again for her Festival.... but this also meant it was her Birthday! Now thats something to celebrate! Of course there was much to do in little time. But the cake would surely be worth it!
All kukuri and the Aerials that had previously aided in reviving Death, all banned together to get everything together. From setting up stalls, to games, and yes of course baking a cake (or several). It was a party to remember and one Death certainly loved.
A Different Challenge
(the floor is lava!)
Carnival of Life (2020)
Everyone anticipated the Carnival as it drew closer, but it seemed like much work was being done to the old coliseum. Its entire structure being changed the closer the carnival drew... and soon everyone knew why. The floor was lava!
At the center of the arena stood a broiling arena with the great, three headed prairie, Cerberus standing; he called his challenge to all that would hear him. It was time to face the elements, and to once more shed blood in the name of Life. The arena's floor now could shift and change to reveal different biome themed arenas, from jungle to tundra. It was a different challenge that saw opponents putting their skills to the test!
One More Round
Festival of Death (2021)
The time of the Festival yet again arrived... but with it, came something uninvited. The small creatures that had accompanied the shroom mothers, shroomies, were back. Attacking and ravaging the festival, they had to be stopped... but this pattern just seemed to repeat itself. There had to be a better solution right?
Rather then kill the small creatures, everyone opted to capture and study them... to learn about them. And in turn the Shroomies learned about the kukuris around them. Their behavior was far from perfect, but these werent mindless beasts. They were smart and willing to work for a few sweets. It seemed some basic training was on the table.
Correcting their bad habits wasnt the easiest task by any means. However, a little work and patience managed to show signs of it working... the shroomies could be tamed! Many worked hard and long hours with the shroomies to connect with them and help them. And it worked.
With the festival almost over, the kukuri were able to celebrate with new friends
Magic
Carnival of Life (2021)
Walking into the coliseum for the carnival yet again... everyone was astounded to see Cerberus standing there quietly, before he moved back to give the stage to someone larger. Death, having grown much larger since her last appearance, stood before the gathered crowd, speaking. She had been shown the complexities of life, the joys it brought, alongside the pain it could inflict. In her eyes, the only way to stop the chaos... was to fight and kill Life. To rebirth her as she once has been.
However no one in the crowd had any chance of such a feat, even together. Not without some tool, and Death knew as such. It was time... to bring forth the magic, the power that ran deep in every kukuri. This Carnival of Life, she would teach everyone how to use it, in the only way befitting of the carnival. She was the opponent this time.
Battling Death was like nothing ever seen at the carnival before, she was not looking to win, rather seeking to teach and mentor. Through her, many kukuri gained an understanding of the power resting within them... the training had begun.
Beauty in Power
Festival of Death (2022)
After introducing the power to kukuris in the carnival, Death once again allowed the power to be used within her own festival... this time for constructive purposes. Magic is a powerful offensive tool, but it is also beautiful when used right, and this Festival of Death was about exploring the beauty within the power.
From magical shows, to using magic in cooking, not a single thing was left out of this festival. The grounds were lit up with colors as kukuris of all shapes and sizes used their magic to turn this festival into one that truly wouldn't be forgotten by anyone.
Show all Youve Learned
Carnival of life (2022)
This Carnival was different, it could be felt on entering the stadium... Death had yet again made an appearance, but this time, Cerberus didnt step aside for her. This time, he stood there, calling out to everyone, pointing out their weaknesses and inability to face challenges as Life wished.
And a Challenge Cerberus would present to everyone. Previously the arenas were locked at certain times of the carnival... but now they all stood exposed. They were to fight anywhere, in any arena, at any time. The three headed prairie wished to make the whole carnival unpredictable to everyone. And even moreover... he had brought more fighters with him. Prairies and Aerials joined the previous common fighters to challenge anyone who dared,
It was time to apply what they had learned previously
A Break
Festival of Death (2023)
After the previous three events, everyone was sure this would be similar... a large use of their magic to train them... instead, Death denied this idea. Instead... she preposed they pause, enjoy the festival and simply play this time. Magic still being permitted by her powers, but far less of a focus from before, everyone was able to slow down and take a breath...
Not all progress would be made by pushing forward all the time afterall...