Astari are totally brainless

Hmmm... not sure how to quote pictures, but for the post here:
godus.boards.net/post/16695
It looks as if the Astari are standing on each others shoulders.


And here:
godus.boards.net/post/16756
Makes me think of female conga line~!

Update, 02/25/2015: Scientific Notes-

As Lord Ba'al and I have observed, the Astari are clearly capable of morphing from one gender to the other. This strange attribute has been observed in certain fish, Gastropoda and plants but never before in a semi-sentient species. As luck would have it I have observed this highly unusual ability in my tame Astari as well. This may explain in some measure the origin of constant mask wearing among these hominids.

From Wikipedia:

Some species exhibit sequential hermaphroditism. In these species, such as many species of coral reef fishes, sex change is a normal anatomical process.[1] Clownfish, wrasses, moray eels, gobies[2] and other fish species are known to change sex, including reproductive functions. A school of clownfish is always built into a hierarchy with a female fish at the top. When she dies, the most dominant male changes sex and takes her place.

Sequential hermaphroditism (called dichogamy in botany) is a type of hermaphroditismthat occurs in many fish, gastropoda and plants. Sequential hermaphroditism occurs when the individual changes sex at some point in its life. They can change from a male to female (protandry), or from female to male (protogyny)[1] or from female to hermaphrodite (protogynous hermaphroditism).

Update, 02/25/2015: The Festival, Part One-

One hour after the end of the "festival" all the remaining Astari are still lost in the swamp. As I mentioned earlier, the swamp gases and mists are extremely dense today. There also seem to be a growing number of pitfalls and areas of quicksand in the swamp. I did witness something very strange and as far as I'm aware heretofore unrecorded. One Astari bowed down repeatedly before another particularly robust Astari. I was very fortunate to get an excellent snapshot of this bizarre ceremony in the swamp. I can only speculate as to the meaning of this display. Perhaps the robust Astari is the designated "priest" representing death or the apocalypse. Perhaps this is the rumored ceremony of extinction! It could be that knowing their imminent doom is approaching, this is their manner of celebration!! We may never know.

In all fairness Lord Ba'al they are probably dying. There's a lot to abhor about the Astari but I won't begrudge them a few moments of pleasure before the reaper cuts them down.

Update, 02/26/2015: Weather Report-

SWAMP WARNING: Heavy squalls of deadly, toxic gases expected over The Swamp Of Misery today. Visibility near zero. Heavy protective gear and respirators advised.

Better yet, stay indoors.

The Astari do not die by sinking into the swamp like they used to on IOS. If the swamp is large enough and dense enough they become hopelessly lost and starve to death. If there is a "clear" area near their city entrance they will find it and go inside. If the swamp is continuous and unbroken many become hopelessly lost and perish. My goal, from the beginning, was to find a way to eliminate them without directly killing them. I wanted them to die by their own hand so to speak; to die as a result of their own stupidity and limitations. In this it would seem I have succeeded. The problem from the beginning is that they inevitably become happier and happier for no reason at all as time goes by. And if they begin to perish they become happier still. The end result is that, left unchecked, they will eventually lure my Followers to join them. If, for example, I cannot boost my Follower's happiness one day due to intrusions from the "real" world, some will join the Astari in their ungodly and reprobate society. This I cannot allow!!

It is also amusing, which is supposed to be the point of a game. And it is more challenging than simply dropping meteors on them. It is also more godly in my view. Thanks for the comment.

Long story short, IOS did get that "upgrade," I just found a creative way around it.

One more thought which may clarify my intentions a bit more: the existence of the swamp is an "act of god." The death of the Astari is not an "act of god." Some may quibble with my explanation, but I feel it is philosophically sound. Someone has to make these decisions. It may as well be god.

Final Update, 01/26/2015- The End

The last three Astari came out into the swamp today. Today was different. After the "festival" ended they perished in mere minutes. It was as if they died from despair. I have never seen an Astari perish in the swamp in less than an hour before today. Poignant in an odd way.

Lo, do I see their fathers and their mothers, and those of indeterminate and changing sex, back to the mists of the beginning. Lo, do I see the drunkeness, debauchery and idiocy never ending. Lo, do I see the wine filled belly never more to quiver or quaver. Lo, do I see a people who have marched with great mirth and happiness into oblivion.

Those who wish to leave a memorial posting are welcomed. Perhaps you have an anecdote of the carefree high jinks of the Astari. Maybe you have a bone to pick with them. Any memories or thoughts left in memoriam will be deeply appreciated.

Their fountain makes a magnificent tombstone.

And so, the epic ends. Thanks for the support of the gods.

*bows down*
A beautiful ending to a most inspiring tale. It seems most befitting how they died quickly. I have praised the way you describe your efforts before, but I must mention again that your style is worthy of admiration.

Let us not forget that not only did you conquer the Astari without violence, you have also saved many that have been converted. May they live happily under your rule, forgiven and safe from misguidance!

Thank you Iris I am humbled by your kind words.

Why Lord Ba'al do I need the swamp in my world now? Not only does it drain my world happiness but I may send the faithful to dwell there. My world is at peace (at least for now).