The No, the thirst for water!

THE 11th Airdrop of the Season 3 of Rift of Cross The Ages,  introduces a rare special card of a different style. It tells the haunting and strange story of a very particular character, The No.

This name designates a legendary creature and feared, which is the living embodiment of water, both fascinating and deadly.

In the imagination of nomads of the Rift, this entity represents an ultimate threat, it sucks the water from its victims to feed itself. The No literally dries them up, both literally and figuratively. It deprives them of all water and therefore of their existence.

Between fear, ancient belief and admiration, The No comes to life in these two versions (standard and alternative) to tell us the story of this creature that oscillates between beauty, sensuality and absolute danger.

These SR cards, reveal a tale that is both intimate and universal, in which water, a vital element, becomes a source of threat and fear for small children. Let's dive into the depths of the story of The No, and explore these two captivating representations.

In the standard version From this SR card, we discover The No in a scene that is dominated by a feeling of confusion. What kind of hug can be so brutal that it takes life? Does this creature, made of water in its most living form, give this woman love or death?

This young woman, with dark hair and a horrified expression, is the victim of the water's rage and its power. The No threw himself at her neck to suck up her water, her vital essence. His sharp fangs, made of condensed water, pierced the tender skin of his young victim, without any qualms, without making waves.

The tension is palpable, the fatal bite, visible on her neck, she has definitely given in to this aquatic entity. A visual metaphor that insidiously illustrates the comparison with vampirism.

What does The No represent? Why does he act this way towards humans? How does it feel to absorb water when he is made of it?

The No's body, translucent and constantly changing, is a fascinating spectacle.

Within it, an aquatic microcosm is stirring which is visible due to its transparency. 

An orange-gold octopus moves gently among swaying seaweed, and other fish swim in a silent ballet in its depths.

Is The No a simple predator, or a natural force regulating a balance we do not yet understand?

The background of this SR card leaves us in doubt, is it a sky dotted with shining constellations, witnesses of this fatal embrace?

Or does this scene take place in the depths of the water, plunging the spectators into a dreamlike, enchanted atmosphere?

The No transcends worlds, existing in both reality and the imagination of the Rift nomads.

This version highlights the predatory aspect of The No, reminding us that this creature is a threat, to which we must pay attention.

In the alternative version, The No reveals itself in its most gentle and tranquil form. A more soothing side, which captivates us. We cannot think for a moment of any danger, watching it dance so peacefully. The No, this graceful creature, launched into a ballet of water as if in a lively courtship, cannot have bad intentions.

Her slender, transparent silhouette, made of pure water, seems to float, carried away by the magic of this ballet. The No's arms undulate with an unreal elegance, and command the aquatic currents all around the creature.

Its beauty hypnotizes and holds attention, so much so that it is impossible to realize the danger involved. The beauty of this dance, inevitably attracts us, but it would be better if it were not the last…

The translucent body of The No always reveals its small ecosystem: the orange-gold octopus, the lush algae and the colorful fish can move harmoniously within it.

This show shows us the richness of life, but also reminds us how ephemeral this life is and depends on very little. This body can only exist at the expense of those on whom it feeds.

The underwater environment of this alternate version contrasts with the land-based background of the standard version.

Light rays filter gently through the water, illuminating the rock walls that frame the scene. This soothing backdrop masks a sneaky threat.

The No is just as dangerous in its calm as in its agitation.

Its graceful movements are not innocent, but rather a deceptive invitation to approach… to better capture its prey.

The No is more than a legendary creature, it is a living embodiment of human fears and fascinations with water, this vital element that can in certain circumstances become destructive.

In the standard version of this SR card of The No, water dons its predatory mask and shows itself in its most terrifying, implacable light. The No sucks water and therefore the life of its victims.

In the alternate version, The No becomes an aquatic dancer, seductive, charming and hypnotic, but just as deadly.

This duality exposes the very nature of water: apparently soothing, but capable of awakening uncontrollable forces. The expression "You have to be wary of still waters, even more so of living waters." takes on its full meaning in these cards.

No is the water that sleeps, which is better not to wake up, because it is also the water that lives, constantly changing, elusive and devouring.

Water is life, but it can bring death.

The No reminds us that appearances are often deceptive, and that the most beautiful things can also turn into great threats.

So, don't forget our recommendations when you come across this creature on a Rift path, because living water is elusive.