SEASON 8 — Awakening of the First Light
The findings
After the roaring flames of the bonfire had died down and the votes had been cast, the Seekers — each a brave representative of our community — dispersed back to their corners of the world. With the theme for Season 8 decided, their task was clear: to discover and document the creatures that would embody this new chapter of our story. Thus began a grand adventure, one that would span continents, test their resolve, and unearth beings that had long remained hidden in shadow.
A Journey Across the Realms
Each Seeker ventured forth into the unknown, guided only by the newly chosen theme, “Awakening of the First Light”. From the frost-bitten peaks of the North to the sun-drenched deserts of the South, through the ancient forests of the East and the untamed wilderness of the West, they journeyed on. Some traveled by foot through treacherous terrain; others braved storm-tossed seas; a few even dared to traverse the hidden pathways of the spirit world.
For many days and nights, they searched — tracing the faint whispers of myth and following clues buried deep in ancient texts. But these beings, elusive and wary, had long faded from the mortal eye, slipping into legend and dream. It was only through great patience, courage, and an unyielding sense of purpose that the Seekers began to draw closer to their quarry.
The Sightings: Eleven Beings Revealed
After long and wearying trials, one by one, the creatures revealed themselves. A total of twelve beings were sighted, each unique and mysterious, embodying the essence of awakening and rebirth in their own way. Some emerged from forgotten groves where the sunlight never strays, others stirred from their earthen slumbers, shaking off the dust of centuries.
The Seekers returned, each bearing tales of what they had witnessed:
- The Curupira, a guardian spirit of the Guarani forests, known to twist the paths of those who enter its woods without respect, embodying the untamed renewal of nature.
- The Teju Jagua, a creature with seven dog-like heads also from the Guarani people, rising from the underground caves, embodying strength and the primal force of the earth.
- El Lobisón, a werewolf-like creature born also in the Guarani culture, whose transformation at every full moon reminds us that rebirth is not always gentle but often feral and untamed.
- The Bakunawa, a serpentine sea creature from the Philippines, said to swallow moons and cause tides to rise — its awakening marks the rebirth of power from the depths of chaos.
- Yhi, the Sun Goddess of the Gamilaroi, who brings light and life to the barren land each dawn, symbolizing the eternal cycle of death and rebirth.
- The Rollibock, a mysterious alpine creature from the Swiss mountains, covered in shaggy fur and ice, whose awakening heralds the return of spring’s thaw and new life.
- The Simurgh, a majestic bird from Persian myth, symbolizing wisdom and healing, whose awakening brings forgotten knowledge to the surface once more.
- Maukuk, One of the stone giants who sacrificed their lives to create with their bodies the islands and reefs where life took refuge after a great flood, according to the mythology of the Micronesian island of Pohnpei.
- Hah-nu-nah, the turtle that in Lenape mythology offered to support all beings on its back after a great flood, becoming the foundation of the Earth, known as Turtle Island.
- Olapa, the Moon Goddess from Masai people, whose cycles guide the rhythm of the world, symbolizing renewal and the passage of time.
- The Garuda, a divine bird-like creature from Hindu and Buddhist mythology, who soars across the heavens, representing freedom and transcendence.
These beings, each distinct in form and spirit, will shape the foundation of Season 8, bringing to life the cycle of renewal and awakening in their own unique ways.
A Story Yet to Be Told
These eleven beings, discovered through trials of endurance and courage, will form the cornerstone of Season 8. Their stories, shapes, and powers will be revealed in full during the upcoming phases. For now, we can only glimpse fragments of what they might become. They are the embodiment of our theme, symbols of the rebirth that follows the storm — the new life that springs from ruin.
As we move forward, these creatures will be brought to life by Ana Santiso, our masterful creator. Her art shall capture their essence, immortalizing their rebirths in a way that only she can.
But for now, dear reader, know this: Season 8 is upon us, and with it comes a tale of courage, of resilience, and of beings awakening to a world remade.
The Seekers have returned, and the creatures have been revealed. Soon, their stories will unfold before us.
…Now, it is time to vote: one creature from each continent will be chosen to represent this new chapter. Europe and Africa already have their creatures, as only one specimen has been sighted on each continent. However, in the case of Asia, Oceania and America, the assembly of explorers must choose their target in order to concentrate their efforts on a single myth. What will they choose? Here are the voting links for each continent. Hurry up! The assembly ends this Sunday 11, and each vote draws 2500 GEM among the voters!
