On Survival

Survival is a biological imperative. Virtually every living creature strives to survive.

Cornelians are exceptionally good at survival. We typically possess superhuman strength, will, reflexes, and constitution. Many of us can shapeshift at least enough to heal wounds. More than a few of us possess other powers, which we can use to protect ourselves. We all possess the potential for exceptionally long lives and some of us have the potential to live forever.

Shadows often seek a kind of immortality by having children so that a part of them will continue beyond death. Cornelians frequently reproduce, but parent and child both have the potential for endless life. Inheritance becomes an infrequent thing among Cornelians. It can also provide a powerful temptation for the potential heirs.

Although we cling to survival, death is manifestly not the end. Afterlives exist. Reincarnation happens. Some rare circumstances, such as True Love can persist beyond death.

Although becoming a demon can preserve one’s existence the price is steep. Demon souls burn away sooner or later unless the demon in question can preserve their soul with a spikard. Trading an immortal soul for a brief flash of power and survival seems like an exceptionally bad deal to me.

Ultimately even Cycles of Existence eventually perish. Remnants can and do survive, but most will perish in such a cataclysm. Cycles can only withstand so much. Excessive creation can weaken existence. Conflict can grow to the level of threatening all reality. True peace among beings of power seems impossible and yet in the long run it may be the only path to survival.

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