#ephiem

About Om-nae

I am Om-nae, the first Ephiem of Athon. I welcome you to Concordia, and hope you may live the life truest to yourself here. If you have any concerns, you are welcome to ask anyone around you or go to a public terminal for assistance. Of course, that includes me. I would be glad to be of help. 

Om-nae, on the surface, does not seem terribly expressive. Their speech is not unlike what one would expect from artificial intelligence—polite and measured. Underneath that, however, is a curiosity about others, and a desire to see things reach their potential. They have reached a point of deep satisfaction and contentment with themself, and now wish to help others reach—or at least come closer to—that same state. They enjoy "cultivating" things external to themself, though that cultivation can refer to all sorts of things. Essentially, they like to help others grow, whether personally, academically, in regards to their skills, improving their relationships, etc. They do also, indeed, enjoy gardening—if sometimes on an excessively large scale. 

About Somae

We are Somae, of Saeri and Om-nae. How has everything been for you here? We hope you're settling in alright. Ah, no, we aren't technically part of the leadership of Concordia, as much as we played a role in its formation and standing against Solus in its years of conquest. You could say we're a consultant? But we never wanted to rule. We just want to make the world a place gentle enough for each of us that all of us can bloom. 

Somae is an Ephezon with a gentle, friendly demeanor. Despite not (usually) having human facial features, they often give the feeling that they are smiling. Many feel curiously comfortable in her presence, and not unafraid to speak their minds. Somae enjoys honesty in themself and in others in all respects: their words, their intentions, their self-expression, and so on. They are patient even with those who might be considered more difficult, however, and they express a gentle understanding and magnanimity for those who are dishonest—perhaps it is in their nature, perhaps it is habit, perhaps it is a way to protect themself. 

They are casually tactile, easily laying a hand on another's arm, shoulder, or back. They might freely give head pats and parental forms of affection for their younger disciples. 

Somae is a registered Lucerne of Concordia. Every century or so, they will take on one to three disciples of any age ten or older, usually at the same time. There are no criteria besides active citizenship with Concordia, and usually there are many applicants; Om-nae and Saeri will often meet with or otherwise interact with as many as they can before deciding. These disciples will live with Somae (and by extension, Om-nae and Saeri); Somae will personally guide their education and self-development, helping them with issues in educational, professional, and personal aspects. Much of the time, Somae has parental feelings regarding their disciples, though this depends on the individual. Somae's teaching period is up to 30 years, though most achieve mastery after 15-20 years. When Somae is split into Om-nae and Saeri, they tend not hold any formal lessons but may help the disciples in other ways, and simply spend time together casually.