CCSF 2012 Day 14: Frozen in Time

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

Our only chance was a frozen planet in the same star system: The institute had always had a great deal of interest in one like this, since ancient life could have been perfectly preserved. I quickly jumped into action, and told the Shee of this possible discovery. Though they kept control of the spaceship, they were eager to not miss out on this world. I jumped to action, guiding everyone into the emergency vehicle. It was a tight squeeze, and some of the Grendels were ready to eat the nearest Norns. If this plan was to work, I had little time left. And one shot. One very long shot... I returned to brew my best cup of tea since the voyage had begun. I sipped it slowly, as a lone tear trickled to my lips and offered a salty note to the otherwise perfect cup of tea. I took a deep breath as we drew closer.

I passed by the group of Norns, Grendels, and Ettins jammed into the tiny ship. There was enough room for a good amount of food, and lots of seeds. My assistants looked at me with a mix of fear and anticipation. I gave them my usual stern look, but followed it up with a genuine smile. Again, we needed no words to communicate our thoughts and feelings. They knew what had to be done, whether or not I made it in time. As I boarded the exploratory vessel, I started my timer. Though this vessel was more of an enemy, I needed it for this final journey. The Shee Intergalactic Research Institute would be watching closely, but I was confident. I had to be.

Everything was rather surreal as I approached this mysterious frozen world. Ice and snow swirled far into its atmosphere, and I was immediately blinded. Perfect. Fortunately, this was not a world with any life. No chance of the vessel collecting any samples, which was better than I expected. As the ground finally came into view, I spotted exactly what I was looking for: A small mountain range. I glanced at my timer: It was just about time. With a flick of my fingers, I input a complex sequence I had known by heart from the start of this journey. It was the manual override for a collision course. Only I had modified it, ever so slightly. The vessel would never know.

I transmitted a signal back to the institute warning of hostile enemies who were in full pursuit. With a wry smile, I set the course and headed to the back of the vessel. In a moment, the escape hatch opened, though it did so unwittingly. The Shee who were listening merely heard a recording of my voice, which would transmit until the crash. This had to work... I checked the timer just as it finished its countdown. Almost in slow motion, I jumped. The icy air was a muddle of bright pain, but I met it with excitement. I knew the emergency ship was on its way: There was no way the institute could turn it back from a rescue mission. Only they had no idea what it was rescuing...

In the distance, I watched the vessel turn into a glowing ball of fire for little more than a few seconds. Its demise was the end of its treachery. I could scarcely breath the freezing air, though, and I disappeared into the blackness of unconsciousness long before I could know if my assistants had located me. No matter what happened to me, these Creatures would forever be safe from the prying hands of the Shee from the institute. Research was what this journey was based upon, but I discovered something much more important than anything that could be found in a lab. I had found life: Not just new life, but my own life, as well. And that was worth it all.

From Jessica: "Can you believe it? Today marks the final day of the CCSF 2012! This has been an amazing two weeks, and we finish off with a frozen world. The main storyline has now come full circle... Or is it really finished? Check back throughout the day for the final releases, along with the announcement of the activity winners! Thank you again to everyone who has made this year's CCSF a wonderful one!"

CCSF 2012 Day 13: A Way Home in the Desert

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

Fuzzy outlines and blurred images made me wonder if I was stuck in a dream. Or perhaps I had crossed over to the other side... The pain across my head told me otherwise, and I let out a short cry of pain. I was alive: Possibly the luckiest Shee at the moment. I pulled myself into a sitting position, and found that the vessel was upside-down. Wonderful. The on-board communicator chattered, and I recognized the voices of my assistants. With a shaky hand, I touched the button to respond. The screen came alive not only with their familiar faces, but also with the concerned eyes of the Creatures. After a systems check, it appeared that the vessel had simply gone off course and crashed itself. I knew I couldn't trust the devious thing. Yet it had saved my life in the way it crashed into the sand.

Sand, indeed. There was nothing visible outside the window but a great expanse of sand. I was told to stay put and await the emergency rescue vehicle, but I couldn't risk another vehicle. This vessel merely needed to right itself with the push of a button... I failed to negotiate the barrel roll, and ended up in an untidy heap on the floor. My head still ached like it never had before, yet nothing was broken. It was a curious thing the vessel had done. Before I could guide it back to the spacecraft, it jetted off at a perilous speed to pick up something it had been vastly interested in collecting. This had to have a mind of its own. I was convinced of it all, and a little frightened.

Yet the desert world was soon a small marble behind us as we returned to the spacecraft. Though I had only been gone for about a day, it was the most heartwarming reunion I had ever experienced. There was even a cup of tea waiting for me, and I could honestly say that the Norn who brewed it had done a great job. Just as we started to go through the objects brought back by the vessel, an incoming transmission came in. It was the institute. The vessel's crash had initiated an emergency beacon that had traveled back home. It was simply assumed that our off-course position was due to a problem, and that our journey would have to come to an end.

They knew we had found the Creatures they so desperately wanted to study. The exploratory vessel had been sending information back to them covertly this entire time. I knew there was something traitorous about it. Under section 728 of the Shee Intergalactic Research Institute's code, the automatic guide was initiated from home. We had no way of controlling it, and I felt a nauseous wave fall over me. Our plan to keep these Norns, Grendels, and Ettins from the grasp of greedy researchers was doomed. I would be welcomed as a hero: The best of the Shee. It meant nothing to me. I could not abandon these Creatures as my ancestors had. My hands were tied. Unless...

From Jessica: "Amazingly, the Creatures Community Spirit Festival has almost reached its conclusion! However, the storyline still has a number of twists in it. The Shee survived the crash, but what will happen next? Today's theme continues with the desert world, though don't expect to be bored with the same monotonous sand! Expect some excellent releases today and tomorrow! Also, don't forget to read Ask Laura, and send in your questions!"

CCSF 2012 Day 12: The Desert Sands

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

Days of staring at star maps and endlessly hailing our home world had led to absolutely nothing. We were lost, and it was time to decide what to do. This journey had to continue, yet we had two paths before us. One was to try to return home with all of the Creatures and findings. My youngest assistant was certain he recognized a small star system, which might bring us home. The other option was the more extreme... I had grown attached to these Norns, Grendels, and Ettins. They were thousands, perhaps even millions, of miles from their homes. What would become of them if we brought them back? I had the distinct feeling that the institute would treat them more as research subjects than actual living beings. Fortunately, my assistants seemed to agree. We headed off into the unknown...

Naturally, my tea brewing had suffered from my stress. I spent the better part of one morning crafting a special cup of the delicious beverage for myself, and I even found a few Creatures who seemed to appreciate its warm flavor. My serious exterior had melted away, and I found myself less drawn to my research notes than to the simple activities of interacting with these Creatures. However, the ship alerted us all to the presence of a nearby planet. With no idea where we were, I knew we had to stop. I cringed, for this was a desert planet. I remembered the ordeal with the sand, and resigned myself to put up with it a second time.

The vessel easily could have reached the surface on its own, but I secretly enjoyed these planetary visits. I bid farewell to everyone aboard, and promised a quick return. There was very little I expected to find in such a dry, arid world. Indeed, the yellows and browns quickly blurred into one boring image outside the window. I actually spotted what looked like a colony of Creatures, which brought unexpected surprise to me. In such a bland place seemingly devoid of life, how could life exist? I let the vessel guide itself so I could get a closer look. I only had a split second to register the collision alert before the world went black...

From Jessica: "After the ordeal with the black hole, one may have assumed that the Shee would not endure any more problems. On this desert world, it seems that we may have lost our main character... Stay tuned for the last few chapters! The twelfth day of the CCSF is set on a desert world. What does a desert hold? Beneath all that sand, one never knows! Check back throughout the day for more!"

CCSF 2012 Day 11: A Familiar Piece of the Past

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

None of us could believe what was staring back at us from one of the spacecraft's windows. The history books had made several mentions of this ancient Shee world, but most of the details were shrouded in mystery. Our biggest embarrassment still brought dangerously red blushes to our cheeks, and made even the best scholar lose his or her mind for a moment. Albia. Just the name sent shudders down my back, and made me drop a second cup of tea. My assistants paid no attention to the shattered glass, though I felt a pang of guilt for wasting even more tea. This was an amazing discovery. The coordinates of Albia were supposedly known, but had been locked away for centuries. For us to stumble across this old world was a one in a million chance. I hardly could contain myself: Scans showed lifeforms.

Although this was the unmistakable planet of my past, Albia had morphed a bit. It was still rather disc-shaped, though the damage to the surface indicated possible meteors and a definite volcanic pattern. I nearly jumped into the exploratory vessel. Another uncharacteristic Shee thing to do, yet this surpassed any sort of research we could do. This was where everything had begun: The beginning of Norns, Grendels, and Ettins. Even the beginning of the Shee, to a certain degree. Without Albia, our ancestors may never have created the same beings, nor evolved in the way they did. The vessel blasted forth, ready to explore every inch of the planet.

I was in awe at the amazing structure of Albia. It was still mostly intact, and even from the clouds I could see groups of Norns across the land. They had survived, against all odds. I was careful to keep a low profile, since my species had virtually abandoned them. The few who approached the vessel had nothing but joy, and a good bit of curiosity. I spotted a most peculiar Creature among them, which made me nearly jump. It was so strange, so dangerous looking, yet the Norns treated it as an equal. I hardly wanted to return to the ship, so thrilling was my newest discovery. The vessel opened to take back some samples for further study...

When I was back in orbit again, my assistants raced to find out what the vessel had brought back. The portal opened and they found... Nothing. I expected them to chastise me and tell me all about the importance of Shee research, and how these Creatures were the most important. These were the originals: The beginning of it all. I slowly raised my eyes to theirs, ready to defend my position. They met my gaze, and suddenly, that gaze was all that was needed. We were in complete agreement, without needing to speak a word. To see Albia overrun with the Shee would destroy it, and all of its mysteries. It would remain as it was, forever a piece of our past.

From Jessuca: "Today marks the 16th anniversary of the release of Creatures 1, so it is most fitting that our journey takes us back to Albia, where it all began! Don't miss out on some of the releases today! Although there is a decidedly Creatures 1 feel to today's theme, there is one very long post that may intrigue many fans of the Creatures series. Enjoy celebrating C1, the very first Creatures game!"

CCSF 2012 Day 10: The Dark Forest

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

Even with a few new additions, I could hardly rest assured that everything was well. There was no sign of any communication from home, and it seemed like we would be lost in space. Yet apart from the anxiety of not knowing where we were, I almost felt a rush of excitement. This exploration had turned into more than a dull journey, and I was becoming a different sort of Shee. Not too different, though: My tea still tasted delicious, and I could never kick the habit of sipping it throughout the day. Short range radar showed us that there was a world not too far from where we had escaped from the black hole, and I had set the navigation controls to take us there. What appeared outside the window was a strange picture, though, and I wondered if it was actually a planet at all. I scrunched my face in confusion.

The oddly oblong object below was certainly made of substance, though it seemed exceptionally strange. I pointed it out to the Norns, Grendels, and Ettins, for we had let them out of the cage room. It was supposed to be temporary, but my assistants enjoyed their company. I kept a close eye on the Grendels, who seemed to have some aggressive moments, though they were careful to stay in check when I was around. That serious stare came in handy. For the time being, though, I had to leave them while I made another voyage to the surface. The exploratory vessel was actually rather comfortable, and had not malfunctioned the day before. I felt I could trust it.

After I zipped through the atmosphere, this world appeared to be a gigantic forest, with scarcely an opening to reach the ground. I searched for a long time, simply trying to find a way to penetrate the thick layer of leaves and branches. The vessel quickly darted into a clearing through its auto-pilot feature, though it moved a little too erratically. It was plotting something... All of a sudden, it came to a dead halt in a very dark spot of the forest. Something was out there. Many somethings, in fact. Only the glow of the vessel's interior lights could be seen. Something leaped against the window at the same moment that the vessel captured something else...

From Jessica: "Welcome to the tenth day of the CCSF! Can anyone believe how quickly the festival is flying by? Today's theme is that of a forest, where virtually anything could be hiding beneath the shadows of the giant trees. Will the Shee bring back a critter or two? Or perhaps we'll see some Norns, Grendels, or Ettins? Or maybe the oblong shape indicates a formerly disc-shaped world... It all will become clear as the day progresses on!"

CCSF 2012 Day 9: Into a Nightmarish Dream

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

The alarms droned on, while my assistants and I raced from one control panel to another. We were desperate to alter our course, but the sudden appearance of what could only be a black hole had startled everyone. The Norns, Grendels, and Ettins had been hastily locked away, while I gave them words of encouragement. Wide eyed, I knew there was no way to avoid this. Our course had been perfectly clear, though, and the spacecraft had drifted away. The institute would hear plenty about this, provided we survived. Even with the engines whirring away at their highest speed, we were slowly being pulled towards the deep blackness. I gulped down the last of my tea... This could be the end. Completely out of character, I smiled at my assistants. If this was the end, I could not have imagined a better pair of friends.

An odd tingling sensation was all I was aware of for what seemed like hours. Days? There was no way to know. Yet suddenly, I could open my eyes. Everything snapped back to reality, only it all seemed slightly different. My assistants were next to me, also blinking away the daze. Without pause, I turned and eloquently raced for the cage room. As the door opened, I closed my eyes with fear. I could only hope... And then I heard the sounds my ears had been desperate to hear: The Creatures called out to me bewilderingly. Fright had frozen some faces, but all was well. No one had even been injured. Then, it hit me: We were alive, but where were we?

All communication was down, though I told my assistants to keep trying to get back in touch with our home world. I secretly held the one piece of bone chilling evidence: Our coordinates made absolutely no sense. None. It looked like we were in an area of uncharted space, with no way of returning to the areas close to home. Yet I nearly toppled over when I peeked out the window: There was a planet nearby. It was like nothing I had ever seen, and its surface changed each time I looked at it. There was no other option: Perhaps we would find help here, though it was equally likely that we would be met with hostility. What else could I do?

For the first time, I made the decision to ride inside the exploratory vessel. Although I still had trust issues with the blasted thing, I couldn't send it off into an absolutely unknown region. As much as I had despised it and thought it had a mind of its own, there was no other choice. My assistants stayed with the Creatures, while I nervously set forth on my first surface visit. What I found there was hardly much help, yet my mind was set at ease. I even drifted off to sleep on the long voyage... Although I ended up bringing back several specimens, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had completely dreamed it all. Perhaps it was just the strange properties of the planet below.

From Jessica: "Oh dear! Our CCSF voyage seems to have gone off course, thanks to a black hole. Never fear: The dream theme of the day promises to offer a number of interesting releases. The nightmare of day nine seems to have been confined to the black hole incident! Prepare yourself for some fun downloads... And don't forget about the Activities, whose deadlines are approaching very quickly!"

CCSF 2012 Day 8: Under the Sea

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

My first encounter with the Grendels from the previous day had been rather frightening, and my tea still sloshed over the sides of my mug from time to time. Despite my fear, these were some of the more interesting research subjects. They were so similar to the Norns that were so beloved, yet the ancient Shee must have written them off as a genetic mistake and decided to label them as the enemy. I slipped quietly into the cage room when my assistants were preoccupied. The Grendels were sleeping soundly, eyes twitching with dreams and mouths letting little sighs and snores escape. Our planetary approach forced me to return to my post, yet that moment gave me a glimpse into the future of these Grendels: They would be studied and destroyed, without a second thought. Such a pity.

The beautiful sapphire color shining from beyond the spacecraft brought a feeling of renewed joy. There had to be a way to convince the Shee Intergalactic Research Institute to understand that these Norns, Grendels, and Ettins were far more important than to be used as a means to an end. They appeared to have survived for hundreds of years without the aid of the Shee, and they were scattered throughout the planets. Wasn't that proof enough that there was something special about them? Wasn't the feeling of attachment I had unintentionally developed worth fighting for? Before I could resolve these questions, the vessel started off.

I read through the data reports as they came in. This was an interesting world, consisting almost entirely of endless oceans. The water was hardly devoid of life, and the vessel had a difficult time photographing anything without having its lens obstructed with some aquatic critter or another. I quickly denied its request to send a low level electric shock through the water: I saw no value in it for a simple picture. Suffice to say that the vessel sent back "accidentally" blurry shots before collecting several interesting discoveries. The fact that its indicator panel recommended a water tank told me everything. I wanted a close look at these new additions.

From Jessica: "The CCSF may have already featured a somewhat aquatic world, but today has an even more watery theme! Hopefully worlds have taken shape and been filled with many of the new downloads. For those looking for a few more truly aquatic-themed releases, look no further than the eighth day of the CCSF! Who knows what we will discover beneath the depths of the oceans?"

CCSF 2012 Day 7: Unnatural Formations

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

It was a welcome surprise when the ship picked up a mass amount of activity originating from a planet in a nearby star system. I had to keep the Norns from getting too close to the controls: They seemed fascinated with the buttons and dials, yet one wrong move could send us hurtling off into uncharted space. Surprisingly, both the Ettins and Norns had adapted to life aboard the spacecraft. Yet those cages almost ate away their very essence when my assistants locked them away. I even had misgivings about some of the tests: A young one cried out when I picked him up roughly, and my heart felt like it was breaking. I was careful to keep these thoughts out of my reports. The institute would have been very upset if its prime researcher was showing signs of anything more than analytical curiosity.

The tea bubbled ever so gently as I sipped its warm contents. The exploratory vessel took off, almost with a grin. It was sure to return with something interesting from this planet. Atmospheric scans indicated that this was not such an organic planet: Industrial smoke filled some parts of the world, and it all was rather advanced. Up until this point, my voyage had taken me to very natural habitats. I anxiously awaited the opening of the portal. It could have been minutes or hours that I sat lost in thought, but even before the vessel could communicate back its findings, there was an unsettling feeling in the Norns. They seemed afraid of something... Very afraid.

From Jessica: "The CCSF has been going on for nearly a week now, and our journey is far from over! Today features an industrial world that seems to hold a dangerous mystery. One may be able to deduce just what that danger is from the reaction of the Norns, though it may be worth checking back to learn more. Have another wonderful day enjoying the past downloads, and looking forward to the new posts!"

CCSF 2012 Day 6: In the Land of the Jungle

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

I found it difficult to focus on the spacecraft's computers: This next planet would take us further from home than ever, and it should have felt like a true step for advancement. It was impossible to keep a decent sleep schedule, yet my glossy eyes were a clear sign that I had experienced troubled sleep. I glanced forlornly at my cup of tea, which had cooled to a dangerously low temperature. My assistants had the courtesy to leave me in peace... I could hardly tell them that I thought our cargo hold held more than mere research specimens. With a ragged sigh, I peered out into the great empty expanse of space. The outline of a planet was just coming into view. I almost felt a pang of guilt, as if taking any more Norns, Grendels, and Ettins would be cruel. I brushed aside the strange thoughts quickly.

This planet was one that the Shee Intergalactic Research Institute had warned me against. Most of it was a deep, dark jungle with questionable forms of life. I was only too glad to send the exploratory vessel into the green murkiness... Better it than me. There was the fleeting moment when it seemed like it had become lost near a tangled canopy of trees. My heart fluttered, for this would give me extra time to spend with the Norns and Ettins. Research subjects, of course. This was all in the name of Shee research. Nothing more. Yet the vessel reappeared on the radar screen, and seemed to defiantly sneer at me from the planet's surface. Cheeky.

From Jessica: "Welcome to the jungle! Danger and death are often associated with the jungles from the Creatures series, though they offer much more... If one is willing to take the chance! The sixth day of the CCSF will be full of surprises, just as the Shee from the main storyline seems to have a surprise or two. Thanks to everyone for making the CCSF 2012 such an interactive experience! Keep on commenting, rating, and downloading!"

CCSF 2012 Day 5: Shee Religion Excerpt

Written by Sam999

The mountainous world featured as today's theme contains multiple data caches, including an excerpt about Shee religion! Although we have seen some glimpses into the culture behind this mysterious species, the interpretation of who they are and how they act is still up for debate. This excerpt provides insight into some possible information behind the Shee religion. Read more about this interesting side of the Shee!

From Sam999: "This is a guide about the three religions of the Albian Shee (Cyberlifogenis Genoformattis):

Entry - Wikipedia Galactica
Sentient Species - Shee
Culture - Religion

Shee have three primarily practiced religions, not counting the now-extinct Caos Mages, following their summoning of the Borland, which drove all those present insane¹.

• The Church of the Grand Stvye, which worships a relatively typical monotheistic entity who "wrote²" the universe into being with the aid of the Cybreoulyth³, a race of demigod-like entities. The primary commandment of the Grand Stvye is to continue to improve upon his/her/its creation.
• Eggism, believing the universe has yet to truly be born, or rather hatched, and that its egg can be found hovering above the eastern sea⁴ of Albia.
• The Menders have the idea that any gods, if they exist, are at fault for poorly designing the universe, and are therefore not to be worshiped as much as blamed. They separate this viewpoint primarily due to the inexplicably disc-shaped nature of Albia⁵, which has historically limited the Shee living area.

SEE ALSO
Sentient Species - Shee - Primary Page
Sentient Species - Shee - Culture
Sentient Species - Shee - Biotechnology and Biology
Semi-Sentient Species - Norn - Primary Page⁶
Planet - Albia - Primary Page
Planet - Sphericus - Primary Page

¹ Or possibly more insane, considering they had just attempted to summon an eldritch abomination via the ritualistic sacrifice of a Doozer.
² Some documents refer to this process as having “coded” the world.
³ Some documents refer to them as the Creatauri-Labeth.
⁴ A gigantic statue of an Eggist priest in full ceremonial egg-tooth mask has been erected below its location.
⁵ For further information on the intriguing phenomenon of Albia’s flatness we have absolutely no credible idea.
⁶ WARNING – Said page has been known to trigger cuteness overload. Do not view if you or your species is vulnerable to said hazard.

CCSF 2012 Day 5: A Mountain Path

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

My mind was abuzz with information, now that we had our first real Norns aboard. The genetic testing was fascinating, with clear indications that the original Shee creations had adapted to survive. I was so caught up in running another set of data, that I nearly jumped when my assistants tapped me to point out the window. The spacecraft had found another planet, and my hyper-focused mind had completely tuned out the notices. With a trusted cup of tea in hand, I watched the vessel slowly disappear as it hurtled toward the world below. Preliminary scans indicated enormous mountain ranges, which all seemed too steep to support any ground dwelling critters. I drummed my fingers on the console board, and then stopped. I was excited. My serious demeanor was somehow drifting away out here in space.

It was a rather disappointing homecoming when the exploratory vessel indicated no signs of life. Surprisingly, it had discovered several caches of data scattered around the planet. I deduced that this had been the home of an advanced species long ago, or it was simply a world where ships often crashed. As if thinking the same thing, my assistants jumped to the controls and decided to bid the mountainous planet farewell. I had so longed for another great discovery, yet the Ettins and Norns we had already brought aboard were thrilled to be the center of attention. I wondered just how they would be treated once they were brought to my home world.

From Jessica: "The space journey continues on with an interesting planet dotted with enormous mountain ranges. Many may remember the purple mountains from the original Creatures 1! Today will feature a few different sorts of releases, so be sure to stop by for news and updates! The data caches referenced by the Shee may just hold some important information about Creatures and related topics."

CCSF 2012 Day 4: A Bouquet of a World

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

Nervous tension had worked its way into my thoughts, and I felt rather strained. I could tell the Shee Intergalactic Research Institute was not entirely convinced that I would find anything... The Ettins were virtually ignored, and I got the distinct feeling that there would be no use for them back on my home planet. My tension was everywhere: Even my usually perfect cup of tea had a decidedly acidic taste to it, and my assistants were careful to avoid contact with me. As we approached the next planet on our journey, I felt weary. It was only a few days, yet a Shee loses hope rather quickly. Embarrassment was something that never went over exceptionally well. Still, I sent the vessel on its way with a glimmer of hope. This planet was teeming with life. Surely some being was living on the surface.

Reports immediately began to trickle back, not so much with images, but with smells. This was a world of every type of flower: The air was thick with a delicious perfume that struck a chord with me. I nearly broke out a smile, but again, I held onto my somber demeanor. Though this was the most promising world I had seen, it was still unclear whether there was anything more than fragrant flowers on the surface. Then, the alarms buzzed to life and the ship was awash in warning lights: A Norn. The dejected feeling left my spirit in one breath, and I was immersed in excited wonder. This was it: One of the main goals of my mission. Had I discovered the long lost Norns?

From Jessica: "Judging by the story for today, it looks like we should be expecting an interesting release at some point! The theme of the fourth day centers around a floral world, where beautiful colors and fragrant flowers grow every which way. Creatures is all about creation and growth: Celebrate the CCSF 2012 today by making sure your worlds are fully stocked with flowers, plants, and life of every type!"

CCSF 2012 Day 3: Whispers in the Clouds

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

With most of the sand finally swept up, I made a note that these sandy worlds were not very pleasant. I had to endure sandy, gritty tea for the better part of the day. My tea brewing skills were always my finest point, so I was rather disturbed by this development. Fortunately, the next planet located by the spacecraft appeared to be one giant mass of clouds. The exploration vessel would be unable to bring back another mess. I glared at it as it disengaged and headed off to discover anything it could. I returned to my research on the Ettins: As fascinating as they were, they were not exactly the Norns I expected to find. My scanning tools mysteriously disappeared, only to be located in a pile by one of my assistants. These Ettins were obsessed. At least they showed some devious intelligence, though.

I decided to take a look at some of the images sent back by the vessel. Part of me believed it would make another miscalculation, despite it being in perfect diagnostic condition. As the screen flickered to life, it appeared that this was a world completely crafted of clouds. Wispy ones danced in the sunlight, while giant puffy ones almost formed islands in the sky. Some of the clouds formed strange shapes... I startled myself when I thought I spotted a Grendel. Then, the vessel moved around the supposed shape, and it disappeared into the whiteness. There were indications that a world could exist below these thick clouds... Yet the vessel had plans of its own.

My head was still filled with the strange images from this world. Was it merely my imagination? I shook it off, and brewed myself another delicious cup of tea. The rising steam reminded me of the clouds, and my assistants alerted me that the vessel had brought back something rather interesting. Those wings looked so familiar, and I frantically pulled out a history book detailing some of the early Shee critters. Sure enough, these were listed as extinct. My eyes grew wide: They originated on Albia. Yet this world was light years from those secret coordinates...

From Jessica: "Our journey through the new worlds featured in the CCSF 2012 now turns to a mysterious cloud world. Most Norns, Grendels, and Ettins have kept their feet firmly planted on the ground, though flight has been made possible for numerous breeds! Keep your eyes peeled as these images from the clouds materialize throughout the third day of the Creatures Community Spirit Festival!"

CCSF 2012 Day 2: A Day at the Beach

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

It was actually a lucky break that my first discovery was from the Ettin species: Shee lore held that they were excellent servants, and I was able to put that idea to the test immediately. It was preposterous to imagine anyone else brewing my tea, however. My assistants had a decidedly uneasy appearance when we locked the Ettins away. Their sad eyes gave me a twinge of guilt, yet the journey had only just begun. A much more pressing concern was the speed at which the spacecraft was traveling at. Suffice to say I was unable to enjoy the same amount of tea and biscuits as I had on solid ground. Fortunately, the next planet on the star map was described as an ideal vacation spot. Although I would never actually get near the surface, it was a comforting thought to think of solid ground again.

The initial scans proved rather disconcerting: This was a vastly aquatic world, with a rather sandy atmosphere. The exploration vessel took an uncharacteristic spill into a large sand barrier just beyond the water's surface. No serious damage was done, but I sent a rather strongly worded report back to the Shee Intergalactic Research Institute. I could only hope that the actual spacecraft was free from this sort of miscalculation. My assistants were more curious than worried: They seemed to be treating this mission as a fun excursion, rather than a serious journey. A stern look was all I could manage. More than ever, I needed them focused.

We anxiously awaited the return of the vessel, which reported that it had picked up a strange being that was not quite Norn, Grendel, nor Ettin. I expected to see some sort of hybrid when the portal opened. Instead, I found myself greeted with a pile of sand. I put the Ettins from the previous day to work, with my assistants managing the situation. In the end, I found sand cascading from every crease in my clothing. Another strongly worded report found its way back home. This certainly was not a Shee creation... The banana solidified that fact.

From Jessica: "Welcome to the second day of the CCSF 2012! Our theme of the day is all about beaches, and some of the ways to incorporate them in a Creatures world. Although C1, C2, and C3/DS don't exactly have true beaches, they can certainly be found throughout the series! Whether you're getting ready for summer or still bidding it farewell, today's releases should bring everything but the sand to your computer!"

CCSF 2012 Day 1: A Celebration Like No Other

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

There was no turning back: My home transformed into nothing more than a speck of stardust as my journey began. I was assured that I was in no immediate danger, though I suspected that the initial takeoff was one of the most dangerous moments of this maiden voyage. My two trusted assistants were the only companions, yet I was relieved to have such peace and quiet. The cage room, complete with elaborate climate controls, was empty. I could just imagine the sights and sounds that would soon complete it. No Shee had this sort of opportunity, and my firsthand research was something I could hardly resist getting excited about. Yet my trembling fingers could barely hold a cup of tea, which was certainly not a good outcome. Emotions in check, I set course for the nearest exploratory star system.

The communication channels were soon awash with some of the strangest noises. For one brief moment, when the sound waves echoed throughout the corridors, I believed my ship was about to explode. The automatic flight features assured me, as I caught my assistants snickering. A Shee can never be faulted for expecting the worst. I released the exploration vessel, which was designed to explore and gather whatever could be found. We were positioned near a very vibrant planet, which virtually pulsed with its own energy. The images of the surface came back, and nearly invoked a smile. Nearly, but not quite. This was a strange world, indeed.

To describe the surface as colorful was an understatement. The vessel reported how the air was filled with flecks of color, which made me relieved to still be in the clean, sterile air of the ship. It dawned upon me that this world was oozing a sense of celebration and positive energy. Even from my vantage point in space, there was a decidedly joyous aura... My assistants broke into a short dance, which was quickly cut off by my stare. None of that on such a vital mission. Then, the alert sounded: A being had been captured. I nervously gathered myself in the research room, where a portal slowly opened to reveal my first subject. My fingers tingled with anticipation...

From Jessica: "The first day of the CCSF 2012 is, aptly enough, all about celebration! Creatures offers us many reasons to celebrate, from the birth of a Norn to the discovery of a new metaroom. Get the Creatures Community Spirit Festival off to a wonderful start with some fun and colorful ways to celebrate! Keep an eye out throughout the day, as the first set of downloads is released! Remember, something new could be posted at any time..."

CCSF 2012 Day 0: Prequel to a Journey

Written by Jessica as Part of the Shee Journey Series

My life was defined by the Shee Intergalactic Research Institute. Many of my fellow Shee enjoyed a good laugh over tea every now and then, for the idea of intergalactic research was never more than a dream. Until now... My studies were always purely data driven, based on scenarios of our ancestors' creations surviving. Norns were the most prominent, although I also touched upon research about Grendels and Ettins. A final breakthrough in technology provided us with the means to traverse the long forgotten regions where our creations were abandoned. Based on my scientific knowledge and ability to brew the best tea, I was chosen to set off on a course through the stars. My goal would be simple: To gather any surviving beings and bring them back for further research and study at the institute.

None will escape, as it should be. To understand how these Norns, Grendels, and Ettins have survived is paramount to advancing the Shee. It was decided that my crew would consist of only the most vital: The disclaimers and liability forms I signed took days to read through, and even the creators of this spacecraft had some doubts as to its abilities. I will be the proverbial test subject, as I myself gather test subjects. Quite a paradox. The mission will commence tomorrow, with my required daily logs necessary to transmit information back to the Shee Intergalactic Research Institute. The beginning of a new age is at hand. At my hand, truth be told.

From Jessica: "This prequel is the beginning of a short story series that will be released in parts each day. The main goal is to introduce the day with a tie-in to a specific world theme, but there will also be a story woven throughout the CCSF 2012! If it all seems rather mysterious, it should be: The Shee are still very much unknown, and I wanted to make sure that this mystery stayed intact. Enjoy this series!"