Actions and reactions

[Dorganath]

In the two months that followed the first movement of stars, the fact that there was movement was a very popular topic of conversation. As weeks passed, word began to circle around that shipping is taking a hit. Major harbors are seeing a greater number of ships staying moored or anchored within. Only the most experienced (some might say desperate) captains and crews are braving the oceanic routes. Everyone else is either sticking to coastal runs or staying in port, claiming a change in the stars used for guidance and uncertainty about the oceans themselves.In more rural communities, speculation and fear about this year's harvests trend decidedly negative, though no outward signs of anything of the sort seem to be manifesting. In a few places, and particularly those with a town square where such scenes are common, doom-sayers and so-called prophets are beginning to draw larger crowds with their apocalyptic predictions. They frequently point upward, particularly at night, to the "proof" in the Heavens that dark times are upon the world.And slowly, a few people are starting to listen.

[Dorganath]

The sights and sounds of prophets and doomsayers become more common. Often they can be heard debating with with each other as to the exact form the "doom" will take...anything from famines to great machines of war raining fire and death down from the Heavens. The extreme ones, at least, are easy for most to discount, and a sport of sorts crops up with people in the crowds heckling these sorts and providing some much-needed entertainment.

But then there are the others...those who speak with passion and conviction but without the crazed edge of some, whose words are believable...reasonable even. These individuals begin to draw crowds, and heads are often seen nodding in response. 

And there is a sense that more is being said outside of the town squares and public places.

[Dorganath]

In the days, weeks and months since the last of seven constellations settled into place, speculation and debates continue, though for the most part, life in the lands gets back to normal. The sky is frequently the topic of conversation among scholars and common folk alike.  Conversations in temples, particularly those of seven involved deities, are colored by faith and philosophy. Eventually, the faithful of these seven deities find strength and guidance in these same philosophies.  They find their ways forward in faith, secure (for now, at least) in the understanding that things are as they were, but for what is in the skies.  There is no feeling of crisis. There is no feeling of weakness or distress.  It is the same...only different.

The prevalence of prophesy and sayings of doom seem to abate somewhat. Only the most dedicated (and perhaps insane...or perhaps prescient) continue with their efforts. Few listen or take heed, though some do, whether for entertainment or genuine curiosity.  Superstitions see a bit of an increase, or perhaps they are simply redirected. A few small cults and communes appear, here and there. As yet, they seem harmless, more resembling a group of people who have become convinced of the need for a global disaster that is perhaps more likely than not. Some have names, some do not. Most pay them no care. Slowly their numbers increase, but none numbers very high.

Prunillans tend their fields, families and flocks with greater care and reverence. Dorandites, after several months of inactivity where forges were cold and hammers were silent, go back to work, paying reverence through their craft. Lucindites are curious as anyone but otherwise seem to take things in stride, perhaps better than anyone else.  Shindalerians, as always, put their faith in the seas. For Deliarites, it is literally business as usual, and Goranites seem pleased there is a new puzzle to solve and new research to be done.  As for the Aragenites, if it were possible for them to seem even more studious and even more dedicated to the minutiae of life, they seem to have found a way.

And because people in general are what they are, whether faithful or not, they seek some meaning in the pattern and in its symmetry. They seek meaning in the pattern and in the arrangement of the deities. The hexagon divided along its lines of symmetry becomes a common design, and there is a new fascination with the number seven.