Abyssal Creed
From Harthorns-Reverie
The Abyssal Creed
The Abyssal Creed worships The Eternal Depths, an enigmatic force believed to embody the primordial void from which all existence emerged. Followers see darkness and water as symbols of life’s cyclical nature, the hidden truths of the soul, and the duality of creation and destruction.
Core Beliefs
- The Eternal Depths:
- The Eternal Depths represent both the origin and the end of all things, encompassing life, death, and rebirth.
- Darkness is not seen as evil but as a necessary counterpart to light, symbolizing mystery, potential, and the unseen forces that shape existence.
- The Flow of Life:
- Like water, life is ever-changing and cannot be controlled. The Abyssal Creed teaches acceptance of life's ebbs and flows, emphasizing adaptation over resistance.
- Stillness and stagnation are viewed as the only true evils, for they go against the natural order of motion and transformation.
- The Duality of the Abyss:
- The Creed acknowledges that the depths can be nurturing or destructive, offering salvation to the humble and consuming the arrogant.
- Followers are taught to approach the unknown with both reverence and caution.
- Illumination Through Darkness:
- True understanding comes not from denying darkness but from embracing it. Followers believe that only by facing their fears, doubts, and imperfections can they achieve enlightenment.
Sacred Text: The Depthsong
The Depthsong serves as the Abyssal Creed's holy book, a collection of poetic verses, parables, and philosophical discourses. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, humility, and the pursuit of balance.
Key Sections of the Depthsong:
- The Whispering Waves (Genesis):
- Details the creation of the world, where the Eternal Depths birthed both light and shadow, land and sea.
- “From the first ripple came the tides, and from the tides, the world was born.”
- The Flooded Paths (Teachings):
- A guide to navigating life’s trials, focusing on adaptability, humility, and self-discovery.
- “The river does not curse the stone for its obstruction; it flows around, carving its path.”
- The Abyssal Trials (Moral Tales):
- Stories of individuals who ventured into the depths, either to seek wisdom or to face their inner darkness.
- These tales highlight the dangers of hubris and the rewards of self-acceptance.
- The Song of Shadows (Prophecies):
- Describes a future where the balance of light and dark will be restored, warning against those who seek to dominate or destroy either force.
- “Beware the blinding flame, for it fears the shadows it cannot consume.”
- The Still Waters (Reflections):
- Meditative hymns and prayers designed to help followers attune themselves to the Eternal Depths.
- “In the quiet of the abyss, all truths are revealed.”
Practices and Rituals
- The Tidewalk:
- A ritual of self-reflection performed by walking into a body of water, symbolizing a journey into the unknown.
- The participant emerges cleansed and renewed, leaving behind their fears and doubts.
- The Offering of Ripples:
- Followers cast small, weighted tokens into water, symbolizing their burdens or desires.
- It is believed that the Depths will return guidance through dreams or intuition.
- The Eclipse Vigils:
- During eclipses, followers gather to meditate on the balance of light and dark, seeking insights into their lives.
- The Abyssal Oath:
- Taken by those who devote themselves fully to the Creed, vowing to protect the balance of the world.
- Oathkeepers, as they are called, often serve as mediators, healers, or guardians of sacred sites.
Symbols and Aesthetics
- Sacred Symbols:
- The Tidal Circle: A swirling emblem representing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
- The Black Pearl: A rare and revered object symbolizing hidden beauty and the rewards of introspection.
- Aesthetic:
- Followers wear flowing garments in shades of deep blue, black, and silver, resembling the shifting hues of the ocean.
- Their temples are often built near water, incorporating reflective surfaces and dim lighting to create an atmosphere of tranquility.
Role in Society
- Healers and Mediators:
- Abyssal priests and priestesses often serve as healers, using rituals and herbal remedies inspired by their connection to water and renewal.
- They also mediate disputes, emphasizing balance and understanding over conflict.
- Scholars of the Unknown:
- The Creed values knowledge and exploration, encouraging followers to study history, science, and magic to uncover the truths hidden in the depths of the world.
- Guardians of Balance:
- While not inherently aggressive, the Creed opposes those who disrupt the natural order, such as unchecked industrialization or the overreach of light-based faiths like the Radiant Creed.
Interpretation of Goodness
The Abyssal Creed’s concept of goodness lies in acceptance and balance rather than domination or rejection. Followers believe that:
- To deny the shadow is to deny half of oneself.
- True goodness is found in humility, empathy, and the willingness to face life’s uncertainties.
- Strength comes from flowing with life’s currents rather than fighting against them.
Contrasts with the Radiant Creed
- Eternal Flame: Seeks to eradicate darkness, emphasizing purity and light.
- Eternal Depths: Seeks to embrace darkness, finding wisdom and strength in the unknown.
- Radiant Knights: Act as warriors of justice and protection.
- Abyssal Oathkeepers: Act as mediators and guardians of balance.
- The Tome of Flame: Speaks of divine conquest and moral absolutes.
- The Depthsong: Speaks of introspection, duality, and the fluid nature of existence.
Famous Figures
- Liora the First Ripple:
- A prophet who claimed to hear the voice of the Eternal Depths in the crashing waves.
- Known for her teachings on facing fear and accepting one’s flaws.
- Kael the Silent Current:
- A warrior-turned-priest who brought peace to warring tribes by convincing them to embrace the flow of change.
- Nyssa, Keeper of Shadows:
- An Oathkeeper who defended an ancient abyssal temple from destruction by crusaders of the Radiant Creed.
