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The Omen of Ulendreaism
Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 7:30 pm
by Tyranny
The Omen
Introduction
The Omen is one of Atharen's largest religions, second only to worship of the Living Gods. Between Daravin, Lorien and other followers world-wide, the Omen boasts nearly a hundred million souls within its flock and is Atharen's only major monotheistic religion. More than just that; it is a religion on the rise, and as time passes on, more and more people have joined the Omen's flock. Discontent with the inaction of the Living Gods, the violent insanity of the Eldashan and the terrifying encroachment of the Corrupted Ones has led millions to seek hope in a religion that offers it frequently. The Omen accepts the pain that is mundane life, but whispers of the greater things that can be. For this reason, it continues to inspire many, with any slight against it viewed as persecution and denial.
The Omen is different to other religions in that it is aggressive in its proselytization. It offers community and purpose, alms and outreach; it has also acquired a global presence spawning from monasteries planted across Atharen. In its attempt to challenge the current order, the Omen has begun to see the old monuments of traditional religions deposed, punishing what it calls 'paganism' and frequently challenging the simplistic rhetoric of the Living Gods and their priests.
Influence
The Pontifex is perhaps the one political figure that lies immune to the political effects of the Candor. In fact, Ratheran does not participate in the Candor at all; the position of the church and its members never falls under question, and all such affairs are left to the arbitration of the Pontifex. In many ways, Ulendris - the region of the Empire ruled directly by the Pontifex - is something like an independent Kingdom, though small in scale. The Omen wields a large army of its own and is absurdly wealthy; the tithe given by the Entente and population to the Pontifex each year is enough to decorate Carine in utter opulence. Instead, these funds are invested into forts, technological and arcane research, trade and infrastructure... the Omen is, administratively, run very efficiently and wields its power effectively. For this reason, even on paper the Pontifex is one of Daravin's most powerful Lords.
But it goes beyond that. While the Omen does not match the rulers of the Trenorant in sheer numbers or might, their cultural and symbolic influence is undeniable. The Pontifex is often called the 'Kingmaker'; his endorsements legitimize Lords, and it is often after his censure that a dynasty of the Entente will fall to ruin and massacre. The Pontifex's word is known to have an instant and galvanizing effect on the consensus of the populace, and the Omen obviously holds great cultural significance within Daravin. For this reason, it can be said that all regions of Daravin have a considerable amount of Omen influence; while some are more pious than others, the culture of the Empire leans towards zealotry, and so Ulendreaism holds great significance within its borders.
While the Pontifex is the supreme religious figure of the Omen of Ulendreaism, it is important to note that the followers of the Kindred's sect of the Omen pay no deference to him; they are taught to believe that he is a heretic, a false consort to the Returning King. As such, Daravin's Omen has no influence over Lorien; in fact, these two sects are as bitter rivals as their nations are, and hold very few similarities.
Operations
Below are the ranks of the Omen, as well as their general duties, privileges and requirements. However, like with most things concerning power in Daravin, things can be somewhat flexible.
Sisters/Brothers: Sisters and Brothers are the general devotees of the faith, often acting as liaisons between the true clergy and the general public. There are often many Sisters and Brothers in temples and monasteries of the Omen, acting as laborers, farmers, nurses, nannies and generally fulfilling the roles necessary for a religious establishment's maintenance. They also often teach children the tenets of the faith in school-like settings, and if there is any education system for commoners in Daravin, it is one provided by Sisters and Brothers. As such, these individuals make up a somewhat significant portion of Daravin's population, and are well-respected among their community. Generally, the only true requirements in becoming one are literacy in Common and the local language (Gentevarese or Raillen), and adequate understanding of the Oaths.
Tribunes: Tribunes are priests of the Omen. Effectively, the only difference between a Tribune and a regular member of the populace is the ability for a Tribune to publicly hold sermon and call for activities dedicated to Ulen or one of the Achra. They are allowed to bless marriages, speak the final rites of the dead, and host public prayers. Many of them run their own humble priories and churches, receiving their livelihood from donations and the produce of their monastery. The requirements of becoming a Tribune are similar to that of being a Brother or Sister, but require either that the Tribune is a member of the Entente or Valran, or has served in the military for an unspecified amount of time; so long as they are decorated veterans, they are generally given permittance by the Omen to serve as a Tribune. Considering the Omen believes that world conquest is the only path towards their ultimate goal, this link between the military and faith is a common trend among the Omen's members.
Some Tribunes are specifically dedicated to particular Achra, along with Ulen. These Tribunes are often most active during religious holidays, and often act as members of particular religious orders, dedicated to fulfilling the practices of individual Achra.
Praetors: Praetors are the truly influential members of the faith, and tend to run large cathedrals within the capital cities of the Empire, including the capitals of the Montiens. They are capable of mobilizing the Tribunes local to their domain, and have the authority to collect religious tithe from local Nobility to fund their operations. Praetors also organize city-wide and even regional religious events, with not all Praetors being equal: those commanding the cathedrals of Arlain, Genteven, Rathrouen and other such large cities hold much more prominence. Praetors are frequently involved in noble politics, and are generally involved in their local Candor from a fairly safe distance. They tend to hold large information networks and they receive patronage from the Entente in exchange for their knowledge, with some even directly endorsing Veir and Montese for greater roles within their region, if they feel it is prudent to do so. Some Praetors are in fact members of the Entente, but there is nothing barring them from colluding with their relatives, or even becoming powerful Lords themselves.
The Achra Mitra: The Achra Mitra are the council of the Omen. They determine, along with the Pontifex, what direction the faith will go and what the current objectives of the Omen are. They are the enforcers of the faith and lead the Achra's religious orders, acting as the 'Voice' of the religious entity they are dedicated to. There are, as a result, ten of them -- one for each of the Achra.
Most often, these councilors are simply referred to as the Mitra, or Mitras. Each of them wield one rarely seen beast known as Avatars: the physical manifestations of the Achra, who place some semblance of their likeness and power unto these creatures, according to the Omen. Avatars are legendary creatures, though not much is known about them aside from the fact that they are incredibly dangerous, generally large and undoubtedly terrifying. Despite serving as the councilors of the Omen, the Mitra rarely make public speeches and are often only seen accompanying the Pontifex during religious events. Otherwise, their work occurs behind the scenes, where they clean the nation of heresy... acting as the Empire's greatest inquisitors. The Mitra are sometimes even dispatched beyond the Empire's borders, intent on ensuring the Omen's growth to Atharen's four corners.
The Pontifex: The Pontifex is the leader of the Omen, and is truly unregulated by any other power. He commands the Omen with total authority, with even the Mitra subservient to his will. The Pontifex is believed to be the voice of Ulen, the Returning King, and therefore even the Emperor struggles to challenge or debate him. Despite this, the Pontifex's power is somewhat limited within the Empire -- Daravin is not a theocracy, and it is widely believed that the Emperor is the one who must determine policy, command the military and physically carve the way to world domination, while the Pontifex provides spiritual guidance.
Ratheran, in his regalia
The Pontifex, Ratheran
Ratheran was not the first Pontifex of the Omen, despite many believing him to be... as tied as he is with the Empire's religious doctrine. In fact, he was the third, being coronated fifty eight years after the founding of the religion.
Ratheran was found in a desert, in the Imperial Badlands, surrounded by the ravaging winds of a Dust Storm. He was found by two men: Moreno and Ghislaine, who entered the Dust Storm despite the madness and near-certainty that they were to die. Both of them recounted, upon being asked of the purpose of their deeds, that the Storm seemed to be calling to them. That a deep longing compelled them to wander towards its core, and before they had even seen Ratheran they were well acquainted with how he looked. What they found at the center of that storm was a nude man sleeping within the sand, and once they touched him the storm subsided. It was not long after that they learned, free of corruption, that the Dust Storm was no natural disaster... it was a result of Ratheran and his powerful aether. Each of the two men already knew what great change their discovery would bring.
This is the official story on the moment of Ratheran's induction into the Omen; in mere days following this discovery, he is said to have joined the Faith and to have quickly escalated through its hierarchy until no one but Ulen was above him. It is important to note however that Ratheran, like his stories, is clouded in mystery and uncertainty and many of his grandiose tales are not believed wholly by the Entente. While it is said that Ratheran was gifted immortality by God as a taste of Paradise, so as to show mortals what they may become, the majority of Entente believe that he is a Lich that has transcended life through divine intervention of the sort well outside of Ulen's sphere of influence.
In fact, it is rumored by some in the Entente that it was not a man that Moreno and Ghislaine discovered buried by sand, but a calcified essence desperately hoping to defend itself as it recovered from the Bleeding and its ails. Whatever the case, Ratheran is one of the most powerful mages in the world, similar in strength to Brilan Ald. He is by far the most popular of all of Daravin's leaders, loved by the common man with undying temerity. An Ascended, or Voice of Mentalism, Ratheran is very powerful and has mastered a number of Marks of Control.
Ratheran is known to be dutiful, shrewd and non-expressive. He is a zealous and commanding figure, statuesque and firm. His devotion to the Faith appears to go beyond ambition for power, even the most cynical of aristocrats lauding his authenticity. For this reason, those who believe in the Omen tend to view him as a peerless enforcer of Ulen's gospel, while those leery of the Omen's ultimate intentions only view his authenticity as a source of anxiety. While it is unknown whether the Omen truly speaks of prophecies that are to come, it is known that Ratheran believes that they will, without a shadow of a doubt. For this reason, he is dangerous, and Daravin's aristocrats tend to avoid his ire.
It is also important to mention that the Pontifex wields a Relic that is said to, quite convincingly, be Ulen's eye: a third eye upon the center of his forehead that Ulen looks through to judge the current state of the world. Ratheran has stated that it has given him the ability to see all ether, as well as to manipulate it remotely by conjuring Ulen's will to harness and transform clusters of ambient aether, improving upon Ratheran's arcane stamina greatly.
Re: The Omen
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2020 8:44 pm
by Tyranny
Ulen's Surveying Eye
Theology
Beliefs
The core, fundamental belief of Ulendreaism is that of the 'Returning King'; Ulen, the God who has left the world due to its unworthiness. It is the heavy obligation of the Omen to bring forth the necessary conditions for his return; to crowd the streets of every city with his chants, to tie the banner of Ulen's Surveying Eye (or the Eye of Ulen, the symbol of Ulendreaism) to the pillars of every temple in every city. Once this occurs, Ulen will break through the Outlands at an unforeseeable pace.
The world will reverberate, the air will shimmer bleeding colors and light will reflect painfully from the skies. People will begin to feel a sensation only comparable to wicked dread; a mourning for their misdeeds, an anticipation of death. Ulen will then emerge upon the world to cleanse all evil and ill, consuming Atharen with an impact of aether. The world will face devastation on a par far beyond even what was unleashed by the Bleeding; it will be razed and remade, with the worthy and true followers of Ulen alive to roam the paradise created thereafter.
The Omen is an apocalyptic religion. The followers of the Omen believe that in the First Age, before the corrupting influence of mortal ambitions began to ravage the lands, the world was cloaked with a gilded eminence; the lands were bountiful and fertile, the skies were clearer, the water was purer and the food from every bush or tree was always ripe to eat. This period, mythical or not, appears to borrow from Hyr'norai tales of Elven peace, where nature and mankind were perfectly aligned. Unlike in the stories spoken to the followers of the Eldashan, however, Ulendreaism does not blame urbanization, or the growth of the younger races, for the end of this period of serenity. It blames heresy, including that of the worship of the Elven Gods.
Most of the tenets of Ulendreaism focus on striving towards self-perfection, in order to be worthy enough to live in the paradise that is to come. Even those who have died before its emergence coalesce with Ulen; they are carried by him and they are returned to the living when Paradise emerges, and all are made immortal as their reward. But the Omen does not believe that one achieves perfection through mere benevolence or charity. In large parts, the Faith focuses on control, repression and self-punishment; it is a religion about damnation and pain so much as it is about anything else; followers of the faith are known to flagellate, rebuke their sexual urges, follow strict codes of modesty and behavior and they are bound to precepts that promote warmongering and rage. Self-enacted harm is as common as collective punishment. Blood is called 'The Tears of Sin' from a theological standpoint -- those who sin must bleed, harmed not by the Faith but by themselves. As a result, the punishment for religious infractions tends to be torturous and severe.
From the standpoint of Ulendreaism (and a major differentiating factor from Lorien's sect of the Omen), magic is a gift from God; it is a line of divinity tapped into by spiritual purity. It is this belief that fundamentally justifies the Entente, despite their decadence and megalomania. It is for this reason that they initiate all of their children and only offer the mantle of rulership to the greatest mage of their dynasty. By being a powerful mage, one transcends the boundaries of the law and of mortal judgment. They are justified by God, and that alone is enough. This belief is so deeply ingrained into Daravinic society that it surpasses all other boundaries: race, gender, nationality, goodness, behavior, intention, authenticity. While these things may matter, nothing matters more to the common man than the demonstration of arcane might. By being a powerful mage, one becomes something like an enforcer of God's will. Magic, or so it is believed, draws one closer to the very aspect of divinity. In some way, an Ascendant mage is something like a scion of the faith.
Prophecies
The foundational prophecies of the Omen are written in the 'Oaths of Carine', or 'The Oaths' as they are commonly referred to. This text, being the Holy Book of the Omen, was written in the 48th year of the Fifth Age after the Conventions of Carine, a nearly season-long period in which the highest ranking authorities of the fledgling Omen came together to 'transcribe the gospel of Ulen'. The Pontifex of the time and his followers rigorously debated the fundamentals of the faith; they determined its founding stories and myths, wrote of its ideology and restrictions, and both wrote of past events and spoke of future ones. The Conventions led to a centrally-focused interpretation of the Omen's tenets and beliefs, including the prophecies that foretell of Ulen's preparations and his eventual re-emergence. Primarily, the faith centers around 'Five Prophecies', of which the citizenry is reminded each time a member of the Faith knocks on their door. Five knocks, with Ulen's light coming at the end.
Prophecy One: The Rise of the New Unbroken Empire
This prophecy has already been fulfilled. At the time this prophecy was written, the Province of Ectahl-Prior was a fragmented land ruled by a plethora of old Unbroken aristocratic families. Shortly after the first Conventions, the Pontifex crowned House Blancéford as the de jure rulers of the Daravinic Empire, heralding back to the region's original Elven name: Daravin. Shortly thereafter, the vast majority of the Empire's modern day borders were unified, and a true Imperial state was declared. Rather than identifying as the 'New Unbroken Empire', the Pontifex and Emperant of the time declared Daravin the 'Empire of Rust', signaling distance from the failed and catastrophic legacy of the Unbroken regime.
Prophecy Two: The Joining of Mornoth
This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. Simply put, it states that the successor to the Unbroken Empire - Daravin - will reunite Mornoth. Considering Lorien was never conquered by the Unbroken Empire, the prophecy does not mention Lorien's necessary acquiescence. In fact, considering Lorien already follows the practices of the Omen, many believe that Lorien's conquest is unnecessary. Instead, the Oaths mention the conquest of Larissa and Sil-Elaine, as well as the colonization of the areas surrounding Ectahl or, in modern terms, the Straits of Adena. By doing so, Ulen's Eye will once again look upon the Empire hopefully, and so the next stage of his return will begin.
Prophecy Three: Ulen's Preparations
This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. It is said that Ulen, upon noticing the New Unbroken Empire's successes and acquisition of Mornoth, will turn His gaze to the Empire as the worthy inheritor of His will. From this point onward, Ulen will begin to directly speak to the Pontifex of the Omen, guiding him towards his next objectives.
Prophecy Four: The Casting of the Heresies
This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. With the Pontifex receiving the direct word of God, and Mornoth united under the banner of the Empire, the Empire is supposedly certain to wash over the other realms of mortals. It will quickly bleed into the lands outside, taking over the neighboring realm of Elves - Vendigad - followed by Rokhan, and Tyrclaid. Khadai will come next, then Radenor, and then ultimately the Grisith Empire. During the time of occupation of each of these realms, the Pontifex will be guided to ensure stability. Religious persecution will be minimal; each of the new realms will be treated as fully-fledged Provinces of this new Empire. However, upon the unification of the continent, the Pontifex will be commanded to cast down all heresies in order to make way for Ulen's true return.
The time of peace will recede, and in its place the Empire will enter a period of mass persecution, torture and blood. All followers of any religion other than the Omen will be ruthlessly slain by the masses. Children will be brought to city centers to be mass converted, and the less fervent of even those new believers will be slain. Temples and cathedrals of false Gods will be struck down, their symbols and banners destroyed, and upon their ruins effigies dedicated to the Returning King will be dedicated for the world to see.
Prophecy Five: The Return
This prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. With Atharen's heresies cast down, its people submissive to Ulen and His will, and with the world being worn down by war... the Returning King, Ulen, will finally emerge from the Outlands. The instant this occurs, the world will be braced for total devastation. As stated previously, it is said that the air will reverberate, the skies will reflect light in a painful distortion of colors... shortly after, an impact will be made at the heart of Ectahl that will quickly wash over the world. The blast will consume all of the Straits of Adena and will be able to be seen from anywhere on Atharen; the kinetic force of it will expand outward and knock even mountains to the ground, causing cataclysmic devastation to every city and all ecosystems. The air will become super-heated and will begin to immolate, killing all remaining survivors as the same fires consume the planet. The fire will rage for days, consuming every stalk of grass and every branch. Atharen will be left a burnt wasteland, only for Ulen to reimagine its true splendor and revive all of those worthy to walk upon it.
He will build a city, Caia-Dheon, where His followers may come to live. The rest of the world will be open to them, as well, if they so wish; all of Atharen will become the playground of His followers. The world will become more beautiful, and it will be connected by doorways that will allow those who step through them to traverse through any amount of space. No loved ones will ever die, and neither will love itself. Everyone will be beautiful, and will remain young; all will share in Ulen's affections for they are all loved by Him, and all manner of corruption, decadence and societal rot will be stamped out before it is allowed to consume the world yet again. This world, and this period, is simply referred to as 'Paradise'. No prophecies come after, as it is said that Atharen will remain in this state for all eternity once it comes.
The Achra
Though the Achra are not often mentioned in The Oaths, ten of the book's fifteen chapters are named after them, and follow after their themes. For example, in Gevurah's chapter the concept of judgment and purity is spoken of with relentless focus, precisely stating the Omen's position on matters of sin and absolution. There will, occasionally, be mentions within said chapter of the actions of Gevurah himself; these mentions are almost written in a way that may fool the reader into believing that Ulen is simply being called by another name.
Instead, these chapters speak of one of Ulen's 'Achra', the living emanations of Ulen's most core philosophies. They are his aspirations and equally the enforcers of his will: in truth, they are all extensions of himself. The Achra are depicted as God-like beings that ultimately emerge from the Returning King, though their characteristics are saturated in parallels to Living Gods and Corrupted Ones. At the time of the Omen's founding, the vast majority of people in Ectahl-Prior worshiped the Living Gods, and so the rise of a monotheistic faith directly challenged stability in the region. As a method of proselytizing traditional believers, the Living Gods and Corrupted Ones were adapted into Ulendreaism and were given new names and purposes. They were made into the Achra, and were allotted core roles within the faith. Further, the role of Achra Mitra was created in order to ensure the Achra's purposes were fulfilled upon society. The clergy given the role of 'Achra Mitra' became the de facto council of the Omen.
Gevurah: Gevurah is the Achra of Judgement. In Ulendraism's sacred canon, he's the one closest to UIen's will and essence. Gevurah judges the souls of all mortality. His role is that of a warden to Ulen's land: if a mortal or evil spirit is deemed a sinner that opposes Ulen, trying to further corrupt the imperfect world, Gevurah's divine punishment will befall them in one shape or another. Gevurah will also judge upon Ulen's glorious Return. That day, Gevurah will finally stand before all souls gathered by Nydden, and, aided by Shayle, he will judge. The souls he spares will be allowed to populate the new paradise created by Ulen; the ones he deems tainted, he will smite with his sword and deliver to Astarohd to be tormented for eternity.
Gevurah is depicted as an obscure figure; wearing a large hood, his face never shows. Under it, he's covered in armor of exquisite craft, showing barely any amount of skin; his statues hold a large runeforged greatsword with both hands, used to smite those opposed to Ulen's will. Strange draconic features sprout from the openings of his armor; large wings with shriveled tips stick to his back, and a dragon tail coils around his left leg. Although his facial features are indistinguishable, Gevurah looks like he's looking under him, towards the simple mortals he judges.
An emanation of Ulen and thus unique to Ulendraeism and Daravin, Gevurah has been investigated by foreign researchers and historians, trying to understand the Achra, not mentioned in any other place. Investigations show clear similarities between Venadak and Gevurah as supposedly draconic figures and protectors of the world, and also as the most prominent deities in their pantheon. However, his dark demeanor, his veiled bloodlust and Gevurah's clear effort to oppose any mortal not kneeling and devoted to Ulen also shows ties to one of the obscure Corrupted Ones: the conquest-bent Jaxkael. It's been theorized that the Achra and Gevurah himself could be amalgamations of Living Gods and Corrupted Ones, gray divinities resulting from the worship of both Adac and Dregs in the times before the Omen.
Beolash: Beolash is the Achra of Annihilation. He is a punishing Achra, focused on the grim enactment of purity; while Voshkaan is the patron of inquisitors and conquerors, Beolash is who they look to when they expunge their captured heretics or raze conquered states. Unlike many other Achra who are depicted with tragedy and conflict, Beolash is a righteous flail of Ulendreaism, carving through evil with no reservations, nor emotions at all. Only purpose. For this reason, he is the inspiration of every soldier among the Halamire, and the aspiration of the Empire's Valran.
According to mythos, Beolash wields a hammer constructed of Ulen's mangled flesh upon its back, built from His bones. Across its mallet are lungs - small holes - that breath out red aether in a haze, empowering the hammer's strike by tempering it in heat and raw aether. When the time for Ulen's return comes, this hammer will strike upon the base of Atharen and with its impact, the surface of the world will be utterly razed. It is Beolash who will channel Ulen's power to herald the apocalypse, and for this reason, religious scholars claim that he is Ulen's emanation. Beolash stands upon a mound of skulls in nearly all depictions, the many dead that will compile upon the world's end. He has a sash of organs draped over his chest, but otherwise appears to look like an almost angelic man, wielding some facsimile of Ulen's perfect beauty. He has long, wavy hair, supposedly colored a dirty blond. His attire is generally militant; sometimes it is depicted as barbaric, while other times he adorns radiant plate.
Beolash is, likely, the amalgam of the Living God of Death, Malek and the Living God of Destruction, Maztyx.
Shayle: Shayle is the Achra of Secrets. Shayle is Ulen's divine perception, the clairvoyant emanation that gathers all knowledge onto herself to understand the world. However, the teachings in the Oaths make it clear: the corruption of the world make all that information unbearable and disheartening for her partial mind, bombarding the Achra with appalling thoughts. This has made Shayle into a tragic figure, a martyr of Ulen's commandments. Frantically, Shayle releases her most horrific realizations by transmitting them to Gevurah, so he can cleanse their sources and ease her suffering. In the last days, it is said that she will rejoin Ulen to heal. After doing so, she will inform Gevurah one last time, letting go of all her anguish, and he'll damn the ones that pained her heart.
Shayle is depicted as a very young woman, or appears to look like one. Her pain consumes her, her body being little more than skin and bones, and she wears very plain and unfitting robes that end up showing unnecessary amounts of her pale skin. Her skin is completely tattooed with the teachings in her book, written in lines that cover every single corner of her body in blood red. Her face isn't visible; it's wrapped in a paper roll from her book as well that covers everything from the neck up. In her hand, she holds a mirror. All mortals see themselves in mirrors, but Shayle can see all mortals in her own.
As a knowledge entity, Shayle is theorized to be formed by the amalgam of the Adac God of Truth, Courlan, and the Adac God of Fear, Quarae.
Nymantea: Nymantea is the Achra of Infatuation. She represents Ulen's undying love, his selfless goal to appreciate and protect all life no matter how. She's the emanation of Ulen that rules creation and cherishes it as both mother and lover. She tends to make no differences; however, the world she now watches over is corrupted and undeserving of love, which troubles Nymantea terribly. Heartbroken, she strives to love the most pure, undying and untainted essence: divinity. Her presence reminds Ulen's followers that there's no true or unblemished pleasure that can be found in worldly carnal affairs; the greatest passion from mortals should be directed towards Ulen himself, strive to love him first and foremost as Nymantea does. When Ulen Returns, Nymantea will join with his essence, meeting her greatest potential from within him. After the destruction of the World, it will be Nymantea that will give birth to new life and reincarnate mortals into paradise.
Nymantea is represented as a gorgeous woman with a voluptuous body; she wears a traditional, large daravinic dress, with a restrictive corset, puffy sleeves and a long, Victorian skirt that morphs halfway into a steel cage. Her back is tied with heavy chains, however, they're forged into steel wings. With the cage, this represents the concept of the trap of the tainted world and the need to push towards the divine in spite of it. This is further exemplified by even more details; Nymantea tries to fly upwards, reaching for the heavens with a copy of the Oaths in her left hand; however, her barefoot feet and her dress are grabbed by several hands that depict temptation, some of them trying to reach further under her garments and barely touching her upper legs.
Nymantea's sources are most likely pre-corrupted Y'shendra, the once-Living Goddess of life, and Brazim, the Living God of Love that basks in the existence of such life and its wonders, and aims to see it thrive and develop.
Astarohd: Astarohd is the Achra of Torment. He's Ulen's most sadistic and vindictive emanation; the heresy and hubris that tainted the world deserve punishment, and the ones who've caused the most harm will suffer the most in return. Astarohd indulges in mortal pain, as only pain mends damage. Watery tears aren't enough, though; only the Tears of Sin are proof of true contrition and empathy towards a world filled with malice. Astarohd is a reminder that mere existence in such a land is pain; he's behind every unfortunate or damaging consequence to an action. Its followers often engage on self-flagellation; by feeling that humbling pain in life and walking a path of rectitude they will be spared from a whole eternity of torture. In fact, Astarohdwill receive his ultimate reward after the world's destruction; as the part of Ulen's essence that will deliver punishment, he'll receive from Gevurah the souls unfit for paradise, finding ultimate pleasure in their eternal agony, personally tormenting each and every sinner.
Astarohd is depicted as a macabre figure; from the waist down he wears a tattered cleric garment, dyed almost completely with blood. From the waist up, his body is uncovered and badly wounded: his back is bloody and covered in whip cuts and bruises, and the rest of his chest, arms and abdomen show other injuries; burns, cuts, infected wounds, necrotic tissue... all the way to his neck; his head always shows a macabre, monstrous smile, sharp teeth protruding out of ripped lips and cheeks, an unnatural morbid smirk unlikely for a being in so much pain. The rest of his facial features and head are covered by a black hood ripped over his smile, a blindfold that seemingly doesn't stop him from perceiving the world. It has two ripped holes over Astarohd's temples, two large, thorny horns protruding from them and slightly curving upwards, similar to those of an antelope.
His sadistic demeanor, his tendency to pay the price in blood and the fear he inspires are characteristically reminiscent of the dark Corrupted One Valteran, Lord of Blood. It has to be noted that as simple as his worship seems, Astarohd is a complex figure that gives a certain purpose to that suffering within the frame of Ulendraism, a unique characteristic.
Voshkaan: Voshkaan is the Achra of Ruin. He is Ulen's first herald, the iron fist that proves His rule is above all mortal authorities. He represents Ulen's power, and as such he despises insurgence, heresy and rebellion. His chapter in the oaths speaks of obedience and the decadence all mortal governments are fated to; only the teachings of Ulen ensure rectitude and the rest must be toppled. As the Achra of Ruin, Voshkaan is the end of civilization; to prepare for Ulen's arrival, all mortal nations will be ended, conquered by Ulen's might alone; palaces will crumble down and anarchy will be instated in the world. This will be the last test before annihilation.
Voshkaan is depicted with a whip in one hand, frayed and bloodied by the backs of heretics. In his offhand he wields a blade upon which skin still clings to, with a spray of blood across the length, representing the carnage that must occur in Daravin's conquests and wars. He is a tall man often sculpted towering above others, alluding to the importance of war and ruin above all. Unlike Beolash who is depicted somewhat similarly to a human man, albeit grim, Voshkaan appears as a pure manifestation of war and conflict; he is entirely constructed of armor, fragmented with a blend of different segments, some splint, some chain, some plate, furs and so on. Beneath the armor he is hollow, with no physical form, seen from the many wounds dealt to the surface of his armored physique. His helm has no slots for eyes and so he cannot see, a blind manifestation of war that does not judge based on ideology or need, but purely with conquest as a motivation.
He is the amalgam of the Living God Evitrix, Goddess of War, and Saryn, God of Decay.
Ciarith: Ciarith is the Achra of Vice, promised to those who would go on to Paradise after Ulen's return, and the razing of the world. She is forbidden joys; desires left unrequited, fantasies both typical and depraved. Ciarith is said to be intoxicating; she elevates the survivors of Ulen's return with perpetual joy, filling them with positive emotions and removing them of fears and doubt. In many ways, Ciarith is an Achra that represents anticipation and waiting, as well as a motivation to act in a way that pleases Ulen. She represents a form of reciprocation, a need that is given to those who have given Ulen what He needs. Otherwise, Ciarith is restraint; a reminder of temptations, even an active mockery of what fragility mortals bear, entrapped by desires that do not deserve to be liberated.
She is depicted as a beautiful woman, seated sensually upon the ground with her nude form. One of her arms covers her breasts while golden chains wrap around her parts, symbolizing the constraining of pleasure and vice. She is seated in a closed-leg position, with her backside pressed into the floor. Ciarith's face is covered by a black masque, though behind it lies a euphoric expression, wide-eyed and open-lipped. Across her shape grows flowers, joined by thin vines, with many of these flowers said to be addictive, stimulating and hallucinogenic. Her mere scent, twisted by this budding flora, is both mesmerizing and drug-like. Ciarith is often, in contemporary sculptures, depicted with a host of nude men and women surrounding her, all staring desirously in different directions, seeking to catch the attention of a viewer of the work. These are known as her heidra, agents meant to provide the inhabitants of Paradise with a slice of her earthly bliss.
Ciarith is the amalgam of Izonata, the Living God of Chaos and Brazim, the Corrupted One of Debauchery.
Kaelorn: The Achra of Predation is Kaelorn, though while his domain does encompass the hunt and other predatory behaviors, he is uniquely represented by multiple facets of life. As will be explained below, Kaelorn does not overtly represent primitive instincts or the enactment of natural laws. Instead, he represents ambition, and the dominant cultural idea that power presides over all. Interestingly, many Entente consider Kaelorn to be the patron of the Candor, as it is his virtues that inspire the exploitation of weakness, the ruthlessness of one's cause and the will to dominate others. As Kaelorn is largely representative of preying on weakness as a fault in someone's character or spiritual purity, he is also considered to be the one who takes the lives of mages who fail their initiations, dissatisfied by the integrity of their soul. When one's child or companion dies to an initiation, it is Kaelorn that they both thank and blame.
The Hunter is depicted as a tall man with long, wild light-brown hair, set upon his shoulders like a mantle. The upper part of his face is always covered by wolf's furs, with a worn snout extending beyond his nose and a wolf's tail coming from the back of his cowl like a braid. The lower half of his face depicts strong, masculine features, with sharp canines often displayed by an open mouth. One side of Kaelorn's chest tends to be partly revealed, his strong physique displaying, while the other is covered in wolf furs with a pelt draped over one of his shoulders. In the arm accompanying the bare section of his chest, he wields a massive axe. Beside his other arm is often a wolf for a companion, though much larger than other wolves. The rest of Kaelorn's body is covered in furs, though he is often shown to be barefoot. Both his hands and feet bear sharp claws.
Kaelorn is the amalgam of Azunath, Living God of the Hunt and Melphas, the Draedan Lord of Ash. However, while physically he is depicted quite faithfully to be a representative of the two (and particularly Aedrin), the Omen does not perpetuate a belief in instinct or the natural order. They believe that most instincts tend to be undisciplined and impure, and often lead to vices. As such, Kaelorn's focus was changed from his point of reference, physically modeled to act as a faux replacement to Azunath in order to smooth religious conversion.
Nydden: Nydden is the Achra of Respite. He is an idol to pray to for rest, relief, and soothing dreams, though most often he is depicted among a mural of what most would call nightmares. Nydden is perpetually asleep himself, drawn to fantasies predicting the end of the world, and Ulen's return. It is said that she - for Nydden is hermaphroditic - sleeps soundly for this reason, comforted by what she views as her prophecies for the coming destruction. More; Nydden sleeps with all of the world's dead, circled by an infinite chorus of their souls which bleed into his dreams. Even after their death, he reports their vices to Ciarith, though he does not refer them for judgment.
Nydden is depicted as an androgynous being, always leisurely lain upon pillows or upon the ground, suspending her drooping head with dainty hands. She is depicted always with a thick veil that hide her features, though her clothes vary by depiction, either displayed as feminine or masculine, or neither. At the core of Nydden's veil is often inscribed the symbol of Daravin, a sun and a crescent moon with a key betwixt. As this symbol is often adopted to describe liberation, Nydden's representation as a sort of freedom from worldly peril has connected the two often, symbolically.
He appears to be derived from the Nightmare Lord, the Adac Kyrikain, and the Corrupted One Y'shendra, who seems to have inspired Nydden's heavy veil and her association with souls and their wanderings.
Zagryx: Zagryx is the Achra of Hope. He was initially a contented side to Ulen, though this changed the more the world succumbed to rot. Torn off from the original essence of Ulen and left at a disgusting, malevolent land with the other Achra, Zagryx's essence is that of an unfillable void, a longing to join Ulen again and let the world be cleansed by fire and destruction. Empty inside, that is his only function; to wait for the inevitable return of Ulen, too keep up the hope that Atharen will one day destroyed and swallowed by the void within him, just so it can be reborn as a paradise where evil can no longer remain. For now, Zagryx leads by example and prays for Ulen's return, his hope casting away despair inspiring mortals to devote themselves to Ulen, so he can bring divine purification one day. When Ulen returns, Zagryx will get up again, announce his Return, and rejoin Ulen to be complete once again. His void will swallow the world after it's destroyed, until Ulen starts building paradise for mortals.
Zagryx is traditionally represented as a praying figure. He wears a Brother's robes, and prays prostrated on his knees and hands, head always close to the floor. Chains nailed to the floor in both sides keep him in that position, praying until the day Ulen returns; some of them are broken, some also chipped by rust. Under him, in darkness, spread the eldritch appendages of despair that his hopeful prayer keeps sealed; those horrors will be released into the world when the last rusty chain breaks and Zagryx gets up. A reminder of the peaceful paradise that was the world in early times and a symbol of hope for the one that is to come, a crown of beautiful, vibrant flowers grow around his head; the roots directly insert into his scalp, a present memory that the world won't be spiteful for ever.
Zagryx is a confusing figure for researchers, given his paradoxical doctrine of hope as destruction and release. However, there are obscure references to his character that remind of Saryn yet again, the all vigilant God of Time, as Zagryx is the memory of the world and awaits the future with patience. The Outsider - says scholars - is bound to have a certain influence over him. Although the Corrupted One remains a mysterious figure, Zagryx's inner void and the horrors his prayer keeps at bay, metaphorical or literal, are a direct reference to the Outsider.
Re: The Omen of Ulendreaism
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2020 2:02 pm
by Tyranny
The Achra Mitra of Judgement
Power
Methods
When complete, this section will describe how the Omen operate, their activities and presence in society. Stay tuned.
Tools
This section will describe the unique advantages of the Omen; sources from which they draw their power and influence.
