K - o - k - o - f - o - n - i - i
Intro-
- Once upon a time, in the farthest reaches of dimensions beyond our own, there were two cities. These twin cities were called Kokofonii and Urithmetik. In the cities lived the Personifications, representations of Music and Numerology, respectfully. These two were locked in battle, for each has forever been the opposite of the other. Numbers are ordered, set in their ways, unyielding and fair. Songs are variable, quarrelsome, ever changing and universal. And yet, these two races which for the most part are so opposed, marry so well together. For what could music be without time and rhythm, two features of mathematics? And how could new, mind-boggling applications of maths be discovered without the creative genius that derives inspiration from music?
Still the battle continues in the form of skirmishes and free-for-alls, riots and tension. Conceivably the fighting could continue forever; neither side's forces die easily. Peace may be established, for however long a time. But whatever the future holds, Numbers and Songs will continue to fight and flee and fall in love. They are the product of Human ingenuity, and so embody the traits that make us gloriously human.
Songs & Numbers-
- Songs are Personifications, the representations of all melodies ever imagined by the human race. They embody the essence of the tune and/or lyrics. Though usually humanoid, they can take a number of shapes or variations on this form, depending on the tune. They are born when a human begins to imagine a song and emerge fully-formed from their cocoons upon completion. Songs live as long as their tune is remembered on earth. This process works in reverse; if a Song is killed violently, they disappear from human memory. If humans are reminded of the song, they will be reborn. This is the usual course of action, due to advances such as digital libraries and musical notation.
Numbers too are Personifications, though they represent numerals and mathematical concepts. Everything from Zero to Infinity to Google to Quadratic Equations has a Personification living in Urithmetic. Numbers, unlike songs, can't be simply forgotten, nor are they born. They spend their eternities fulfilling their duties, which usually entail inspiring mathematicians until they understand their concept. Once humans understand them, however, they have very little to do. Numbers that are killed violently are reborn when humans utilize their concept, which is almost instantaneously for most known Numbers. However, if Humans have yet to understand a number's concept, it may take a very long time for a mathematician to learn the concept without inspiration, and the rebirth will be postponed until such a time.
The Conflict-
- The disagreements between Songs and Numbers are both complicated and quantative. Some would say that they stem from an ancient legend.
Long ago, when Humans were new to Earth and few Personifications existed, the first Numbers and Songs began to learn about their purpose. The Songs grew more quickly, as man was more adept to create music than to understand math. But as the first Numbers imparted their concepts onto humans, they were free to observe their whimsical, melodious counterparts. What they saw worried them. As the Songs grew evermore numerous, those first Numbers believed foolishly that they might soon turn on Urithmetic when Kokofonii became too crowded. Believing that they could control the Songs' population, the Numbers armed themselves and attacked Kokofonii. In the aftermath of that first attack, the Songs became vengeful, and in the names of their forgotten bretheren, stormed the city of Urithmetic. Since these first battles much has become clear; Songs will never need to raid Urithmetic because the twin cities are designed to produce as much sustenance and shelter as their inhabitants could ever need. However, unforgivable losses were sustained in the early fighting. Songs were forgotten before they could be recorded. Numbers were destroyed before they could impart their learning on humans. Many say that as long as neither side is willing to forgive these atrocities, the fighting will continue.
