A Brief History of Carcosa

 

"Glowing Swirl Frame" by Starline (resized) is a design by Magnific

Many aeons ago, the universe of Carcosa was set in motion by its creator, Hastur. And for sentient life, he had some particular goals: He would provide real opportunities for such beings to become their best selves, but he would not keep them from destroying one another. They would have chances to make the most of themselves and their worlds, but he would not save them from self-destruction, either. At no point would Hastur make their choices for them; he would only assist in choices they made. To do so, he created eleven Avatars to work behind the scenes, facilitating instead of leading.

Hastur's people had the freedom to show him what they wished to be and how far they could go, and they did. Through exploration and negotiation, species met and cooperated. By valuing community, deeds, and freedom, they avoided strict hierarchies and war. They encouraged indulgence without corruption, carnality without avarice, and charity through celebration. Technology leapt forward as interstellar communication improved. Together, Carcosans did more than admire the stars: they began traveling between them, terraforming planets, and mastering control of black holes. Eventually, their singularity engines powered a great, if decadent, society on and off-world.

Transcending the Flesh

Suddenly, the people of Carcosa began to evolve beyond a purely physical state into an intangible new form of life. This was not entirely expected but led to curiosity more than fear. First, they discovered a telepathic language that provided the complete experience of a statement, not just sounds that inspire imagination. Then, they worked with those who still had flesh to create bespoke bodies they could wear and enjoy like carnival masks. All of this led to a true golden age: technology provided the basic needs for all, reducing or completely eliminating the need for simple labor. The curious were encouraged to discover, the artistic were encouraged to create, and the hopeful were encouraged to dream.

Realizing Resonance

One of their greatest discoveries was Resonance, powerful cosmic harmonics that coursed through everything. For many years, it was only a concept based on theories and dreams, with little physical backing. But once they became energy, they discovered first-hand how real it was and even when they took on Masks, they could still sense it. On each planet, in their own ways, Carcosans explored this new frontier and were shaped by what they learned. By understanding it, they understood others. Through actions, they adjusted vibrations that shifted their lives. And as Resonance affected their core values, Carcosan society achieved a new level of harmony.

The End is the Beginning

Inevitably, the time of Hastur's aeon began to run out. Through Resonance and technology - and no small amount of luck - the Carcosans noticed the stars began to die without being replaced. And since they understood the signs, they chose to survive somehow, some way. After gathering their remaining planets and stars into a new system, they bent all their skills toward a solution. It was then that the Avatars first revealed themselves to the sister queens, Camilla and Cassilda. And with their aid, Carcosans perfected the technology needed to encase the last of their universe in a great gravitational shield known as The Shell, open a great gate, and slip into the nothingness between what was and what will be.

Carcosa found safety from the end of their universe outside of time, reality, and death. Without time, however, Carcosa could only be as it had been. Science could not advance without experimentation, which required materials they did not have or could not spare. Carcosans could not multiply, for this required time to gestate. Their worlds sank towards despair, the greatest sin of their aeon, for despair was a sign of failure, not of the individual, but of the community and civilization.

So the Carcosans did what they always did in the face of a challenge: they innovated. They waited until the next universe could provide what they needed and entered through the first black hole that formed. Deep among the stars, they lay hidden and secretly explored new lands. That made it even more surprising when alien souls found their way to Carcosa, not just by accident but because they belonged there. Resonance drew strangers across the stars after their deaths and since they were already in tune, they were welcome inside to begin new lives.

By the time Carcosa escaped the death of the next universe, it was even more powerful and developed than before. This has become a cycle within the greater cycle of the cosmos and nothing has been able to stop it yet. With each advancement and breakthrough, Carcosa assures its ability to continue defying the cosmic order. And through the Avatars' tireless service, Carcosa continues to flourish beneath the glow of its alien stars.

<< Carcosa Index The War with Alar >>