Religion
A collection of lore and rituals around the pantheon of gods from player lore
Araknavar, the Widowmaker
Name: Araknavar, the Widowmaker (ᚨᚱᚨᚲᚾᚨᚢᚨᚱ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚹᛁᛞᛟᚹᛗᚨᚲᛖᚱ)
Title: Weaver of Shadows, Mistress of Silent Death, Fate Spinner
Domain: Assassination, Pestilence, Treachery, Darkness, Dark Rituals
Symbol: A black widow spider with silver-threaded webs that form an intricate, deadly pattern, representing both the fragility and inevitability of life.
Offerings: Offerings to Araknavar are blood, Stinkhorn, entrails & bones.
Widow's Feast
On certain nights, particularly those with no moon, followers prepare a "Widow's Feast." This is a dark banquet of richly spiced meats and bitter herbs, symbolizing the seductive lure of death and the bitterness of betrayal. During the feast, one place is left empty to honor Araknavar herself, and a portion of each dish is placed upon her altar. Those who partake in the feast do so in silence, reflecting on their loyalty to Araknavar and the skills they wish to hone under her dark guidance. The feast concludes with a vow of secrecy and a reaffirmation of their dedication to the dark arts.
Silent Vigil
Followers of Araknavar gather in shadowed places, often in hidden caverns or abandoned ruins. The ritual begins with absolute silence; no words are spoken as they light black candles made from animal fat. The silence represents the quiet approach of death, a core tenet of Araknavar's teachings. Worshippers meditate on the inevitability of death, reflecting on their own mortality and the frailty of life. During this time, they may wear cloaks made of spider silk or dark fabrics to symbolize their connection to Araknavar's domain.
Blackened Heart
Some whispers speak of a Blackened Heart, a mythical artifact said to contain the essence of lost souls. It pulses with a dark energy, granting its bearer the ability to peer into the shadows of fate. However, to possess a Blackened Heart is to bear a heavy price—an unending connection to the realm of death, forever haunted by the souls that linger in its presence. Some say the only way to acquire a blackened heart is to commit severe atrocities against the innocent, turning their own heart black and cold...
Marking Ceremony
When becoming a follower of Araknavar and being officially recognized by any Order, the individual may become marked. This marking is a sign of dedication to Araknavar & their Order. They must know the ways of Araknavar in order to bear her mark. The mark must also be willingly accepted by the bearer. The required items are spider venom, poison & blood. The leader of any Order / collective OR those who are ordained with such power by their Order / collective leader may preform The Marking Ceremony. To administer the mark you must first be bitten by a spider with a potent venom (anywhere will work but a finger is best) make sure you either have antivenom or another cure to prevent your death… You will then cut open the place you were bitten (just shallow enough to cause light bleeding) then mix the envenomed blood with deadly nightshade extract & draw the sigil of Araknavar on the bearers left forearm, just below the bend of the elbow. This will burn into the bearers flesh, leaving a permanent mark for life. “You are bound to me now, you are a Priestess (or Priest. Can also be higher rank as well) of Araknavar, the Widowmaker. You have chosen to walk this path, so it shall be. May you walk always in the shadows, Nights Blessings upon you (NAME HERE) (Priest OR Priestess) of Araknavar, the Widowmaker.” You should then grab the bearers forearm in a brotherhood handshake or warriors handshake, pressing on their new found mark.
Nights Blessings (ᚾᛁᚷᚺᛏᛊ ᛒᛚᛖᛊᛊᛁᛜᛊ) is a term often used amongst followers of Araknavar, the Widowmaker. It is used for both greetings & farewells as well as endearment.
The church of Araknavar has its own titles that can be earned and climbed. Each Order may promote or demote those within their church of Araknavar as they see fit.
The titles are as follows:
Widowmaker (ᚹᛁᛞᛟᚹᛗᚨᚲᛖᚱ)
High Priest (ᚺᛁᚷᚺ ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏ) / High Priestess (ᚺᛁᚷᚺ ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏᛖᛊᛊ)
Priest (ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏ) / Priestess (ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏᛖᛊᛊ)
Adept (ᚨᛞᛖᛈᛏ)
Disciple (ᛞᛁᛊᚲᛁᛈᛚᛖ)
Initiate (ᛁᚾᛁᛏᛟᛏᛖ)
Freydese, the Badger of Fertility
Name: Freydese, the Badger of Fertility (ᚠᚱᛖᛁᛞᛖᛊᛖ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛒᚨᛞᚷᛖᚱ ᛟᚠ ᚠᛖᚱᛏᛁᛚᛁᛏᛁ)
Title: Bearer of Birth, Bringer of Renewal, Granter of Prosperity
Domain: Spring, Pregnancy and Childbirth, New ideas, Life Paths, and Prosperity
Symbol: A badger with a wreathe of flowers and thorns worn on her head. Coddling her young.
Offerings: Offerings for Freydese is honey & teas made from flowers.
Festival of First Bloom
Celebrating the Spring Equinox and Renewal. Honoring the Goddess, Freydese and have a ceremony representing her. Women who have not been wed wear a flower wreathe on their heads during the festival.
Naethrandi, the Ferryman
Name: The Sister Wolf, Naethrandi, the Ferryman (ᚾᛇᚦᚱᚨᚾᛞᛁ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚠᛖᚱᚱᛁᛗᚨᚾ)
Title: Ferryman, Harbinger of Death, Omen of Revival
Domain: Winter, Unity of Pack, the Road to the Afterlife, When death of a being is near or present, Moonlight
Symbol: A wolf with a split appearance; her right side rotting with death and decay. Her left side is healthy and her fur is as white as the silver moon.
Offerings: Offerings to Naethrandi are Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Stews & Wines. While offering to Veilskarvard are Pasque Flowers, Skullcap Mushrooms & Ethereal Crystal.
Veilgift Exchange
Celebrating the Winter Solstice and Honoring the Sibling Wolves; Harbinger of Death, Naethrandi & Veilwarden, Veilskarvard. During Celebration all would bring a gift to be put in a pile then everyone randomly picks up a gift from the pile. Symbolizing the gift of sustained life through the winter, when the veil between worlds is thin.
The conclave of Veilskarvard & Naethrandi has its own titles that can be earned and climbed. Each Order may promote or demote those within their conclave of Veilskarvard & Naethrandi as they see fit.
The titles are as follows:
Primordial Warden (ᛈᚱᛁᛗᛟᚱᛞᛟᛚ ᚹᚨᚱᛞᛖᚾ)
Warden (ᚹᚨᚱᛞᛖᚾ)
Guardian (ᚷᚢᚨᚱᛞᛟᚾ)
Sentinel (ᛊᛖᚾᛏᛁᚾᛖᛚ)
Noxvar, the Shadowed Raven
Name: Noxvar, the Shadowed Raven (ᚾᛟᚲᛊᚢᚨᚱ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛊᚺᚨᛞᛟᚹᛖᛞ ᚱᚨᚢᛖᚾ)
Title: Whisperer of the Night, Keeper of Secrets, Messenger of the Hidden Realms
Domain: Mystery, Unknown Realms, Hidden Truths, Knowledge
Symbol: A black raven with outstretched wings, he is often depicted with a crescent moon behind him.
Offerings: Offerings to Noxvar are personal items that mean a lot to you, items that are shiny, or things you've made with effort.
Spiritual Guidance: {placeholder}
Olvrida, the Celestial Seer
Name: Olvrida, the Celestial Seer (ᛟᛚᚢᚱᛁᛞᚨ ᚦᛖ ᚲᛖᛚᛖᛊᛏᛟᛚ ᛊᛖᛖᚱ)
Title: Oracle of the Stars, Keeper of Celestial Wisdom, Guide to the Astral Abyss
Domain: Wisdom, Prophecy, Insight, Celestial Guidance, Natural Lore
Symbol: An owl with radiant, silver feathers perched upon a crescent moon. The owl’s eyes are deep and glowing with celestial light. She is surrounded by arcane runic symbols that flicker in and out of existence, representing the link between the celestial and material world.
Offerings: Offerings to Olvrida include personal letters, inscriptions & runes.
Runes of Revelation
Begin by lighting a single candle. Then draw a set of ancient runes from the veiled pouch, placing them onto a cloth laid before a dedicated shrine. A different number of runes is drawn depending on the type of revelation you are seeking. Each rune is then interpreted individually, and each one holding a different meaning depending on the situation and location of the rune. A wide variety of revelations can be revealed this way. But beware, even the most dedicated of seers will have a hard time interpreting the runes. Their cryptic wisdom can be interpreted in a wide variety of ways. It can even change depending on the alignment of the stars.
The church of Olvrida has its own titles that can be earned and climbed. Each Order may promote or demote those within their church of Araknavar as they see fit.
The titles are as follows:
Oracle (ᛟᚱᚨᚲᛚᛖ)
High Celestarch (ᚺᛁᚷᚺ ᚲᛖᛚᛖᛊᛏᚨᚱᚲᚺ)
Luminarch (ᛚᚢᛗᛁᚾᚨᚱᚲᚺ)
Acolyte (ᚨᚲᛟᛚᛁᛏᛖ)
Watcher (ᚹᚨᚱᚲᚺᛖᚱ)
Seeker (ᛊᛖᛖᚲᛖᚱ)
Solhart, the Golden Stag
Name: Solhart, the Golden Stag (ᛊᛟᛚᚺᚨᚱᛏ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚷᛟᛚᛞᛖᚾ ᛊᛏᚨᚷ)
Title: Guardian of the Dawn, Keeper of the Sacred Forest, Bringer of Radiance
Domain: Summer, Sunlight, Protection, Truth
Symbol: A golden stag with his antlers forming a sunburst, encircled by rays of light.
Offerings: Offerings to Solhart include berries, mushrooms, sun-dried herbs, and potions related to vigor.
The Great Hunt
Celebrating the Summer Solstice and Honoring the Golden Stagg, Solhart. During celebration, a great hunt where men and women alike may hunt Staggs and use the Staggs meat as food for a grand feast. The hides are used for clothing for the winter to come.
The church of Solhart has its own titles that can be earned and climbed. Each Order may promote or demote those within their church of Solhart as they see fit.
The titles are as follows:
High Luminarch (ᚺᛁᚷᚺ ᛚᚢᛗᛁᚾᚨᚱᚲᚺ)
Chancellor of Radiance (ᚲᚺᚨᚾᚲᛖᛚᛚᛟᚱ ᛟᚠ ᚱᚨᛞᛟᚾᚲᛖ)
Grand Illuminator (ᚷᚱᚨᚾᛞ ᛁᛚᛚᚢᛗᛁᚾᚨᛏᛟᚱ)
Lightkeeper (ᛚᛁᚷᚺᛏᚲᛖᛖᛈᛖᚱ)
Torbjorn, the Armored Bear
Name: Torbjorn, the Armored Bear (ᛏᛟᚱᛒᛃᛟᚱᚾ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚨᚱᛗᛟᚢᚱᛖᛞ ᛒᛖᚱ)
Title: The War-torn, Warriors Mantle, Spirit of Honor and Courage
Domain: Autumn, War, Honor, Duty, Courage, Strength(Inner and Physical), Autumn and the Harvest
Symbol: A scarred Bear with Armor made from Celestial Metals.
Offerings: Offerings to Torbjorn are, grains, breads, berries, honey & meads. He can also be called upon during battle for Victory and Strength.
Bear's Bloodright
Celebrating the Autumn Equinox and Honoring Torbjorn, the Armored Bear. During Celebration an arena tournament is held. To show a test of strength and honor in battle. For the new warriors, they must bleed their blades in the Name of Torbjorn against the Zebians in their camps.
Umbravix, the Phantom Tail
Name: Umbravix, the Phantom Tail (ᚢᛗᛒᚱᛁᚲᛊ ᛏᚺᛖ ᛈᚺᚨᚾᛏᛟᛗ ᛏᚨᛁᛚ)
Title: Trickster of the Night, Master of Deception, Midnight Marauder, Cloak of Shadows
Domain: Espionage, Stealth, Trickery, Cunning, Illusion, Traps
Symbol: A fox With sharp, glinting eyes, her body cloaked in shadows that ripple like smoke. Her tail curls into a twisted knot, with the ends fraying into tendrils of darkness, symbolizing the entangling nature of deceit and the hidden paths it reveals.
Offerings: Offerings to Umbravix include shiny trinkets, stolen goods, berries, and finely crafted tools of deception.
Trickster's Banquet
On nights when the moon is obscured by clouds, followers of Umbravix hold the Trickster's Banquet. This is a clandestine gathering where participants feast on foods that are either stolen or cleverly acquired through trickery. The meal is held in secret locations, constantly shifting to avoid detection. During the banquet, participants exchange tales of their most cunning deceptions and celebrate the art of outwitting their enemies. At the end of the feast, a symbolic theft is enacted where a chosen item is "stolen" from the feast and offered to Umbravix at a hidden altar, as a sign of respect for her craft.
Silent Infiltration
Under the cover of night, followers perform the Silent Infiltration, a ritual that hones their skills in stealth and spying. Participants gather at a predetermined, secret location and are given a task to retrieve an object from a guarded area, symbolizing a successful heist or infiltration. The ritual begins with a silent vow to Umbravix, asking for her guidance and protection. As they carry out their tasks, they wear cloaks of dark, muted colors, and move in absolute silence, embodying the fox's cunning & stealth. The ritual concludes with a whispered prayer to Umbravix, thanking her for her guidance and promising to continue to sharpen their skills in her name.
Shadow's Bargain
During the new moon, when shadows are deepest, followers of Umbravix engage in the Shadow's Bargain. This ritual involves the exchange of secrets—each participant must share a closely guarded secret with the group, symbolizing trust in their fellow followers and in Umbravix herself. The secrets are whispered into a hidden shrine dedicated to Umbravix. In exchange, the participants ask for Umbravix’s favor in their upcoming endeavors, be it espionage, thievery, or deception. The ritual ends with the sealing of their pact through an offering of stolen trinkets, placed at the shrine as a sign of their commitment to the ways of Umbravix.
Umbravix's Mantra: “The clever rule the unseen world, for truth is a riddle, and we are its keepers.”
The concord of Umbravix has its own titles that can be earned and climbed. Each Order may promote or demote those within their concord of Umbravix as they see fit.
The titles are as follows:
Stygian Archon (ᛊᛏᛁᚷᛟᚾ ᚨᚱᚲᚺᛟᚾ)
Noctis Vicar (ᚾᛟᚲᛏᛁᛊ ᚢᛁᚲᚨᚱ)
Disciple of Shadows (ᛞᛁᛊᚲᛁᛈᛚᛖ ᛟᚠ ᛊᚺᚨᛞᛟᚹᛊ)
Umbral Adept (ᚢᛗᛒᚱᚨᛚ ᚨᛞᛖᛈᛏ)
Acolyte (ᚨᚲᛟᛚᛁᛏᛖ)
Veilskarvard, the Veilwarden
Name: The Brother Dire Wolf, Veilskarvard, the Veilwarden (ᚢᛖᛁᛚᛊᚲᚨᚱᚢᚨᚱᛞ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚢᛖᛁᛚᚹᚨᚱᛞᛖᚾ)
Title: Guardian of the Veil, Herald of the Lycan's Call, Keeper of the Lunar Path
Domain: Winter, Unity of Pack, Blood Moon, Mysticism, Lycanthropy, Protection, Night, Balance between Chaos and Order
Symbol: A dire wolf with a split appearance; his left side is darkened with impenetrable shadows. His other side is illuminated with a pale blue light, representing the balance between chaos and order.
Offerings: Offerings to Naethrandi are Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Stews & Wines. While offering to Veilskarvard are Pasque Flowers, Skullcap Mushrooms & Ethereal Crystal.
Veilgift Exchange
Celebrating the Winter Solstice and Honoring the Sibling Wolves; Harbinger of Death, Naethrandi & Veilwarden, Veilskarvard. During Celebration all would bring a gift to be put in a pile then everyone randomly picks up a gift from the pile. Symbolizing the gift of sustained life through the winter, when the veil between worlds is thin.
Bloodmoon Passage
On nights of the blood moon, the Bloodmoon Rite of Passage is performed. This rite is a ceremony for new followers of Veilskarvard. Participants undertake a journey through a prepared path marked with symbols of Veilskarvard, such as wolf tracks and moon motifs. At the end of the path, they present offerings of Pasque Flowers and Skullcap Mushrooms at a sacred shrine dedicated to Veilskarvard. The ceremony includes a personal vow to uphold the values of balance and protection, with the path symbolizing the harmony of order & chaos.
Twilight Balance Ritual
At dusk, followers perform the Twilight Balance Ritual to honor the equilibrium of Veilskarvard. Participants gather in a sacred grove and arrange offerings of Ethereal Crystals, Pasque Flowers, and Black Trumpet Mushrooms in a symmetrical pattern on the ground. The ritual includes a period of silent meditation, followed by a forest run that symbolizes the balance between chaos and order. The offerings are left as a tribute, and the ritual ends with a communal reflection as a pack.
The Mark
At twilight under a full moon, an individual is chosen amongst the followers of Veilskarvard to become a Warden. They must possess unending loyalty and protection for those around them, much like Veilskarvard has for all the realms. “Veilskarvard, Keeper of the Veil and Warden of the Unseen, hear this Oath. By the light that fades and the shadow that endures, I bind this soul to your eternal watch.” is invoked by a Warden. The chosen who will bear The Mark then recite the Oath of the Warden “I vow to shield the secrets of the Veil, to guard against its misuse, and to honor the balance between shadow and light.” First, a candle who's wax is infused with Veil touched essence is lit. “This flame represents the light of the realms, its light cannot exists without darkness. Light & Shadow MUST be in harmony. This is Veilskarvard's vigilance & soon to be your duty. We seek balance in all things.” The candle is then snuffed with bare fingers, allowing soot to form a layer on flesh. Next, a pouch filled with ash collected from ceremonial fires & ground skullcap mushroom powder is presented. Once the candle is snuffed, a Warden reaches into the pouch, pinching a small amount of the powder. This mixture is inscribed onto the forehead of The chosen who will bear The Mark in the shape of Veilskarvard's Symbol. The chosen who will bear The Mark are then told to kneel, followed by “RISE AS A WARDEN OF VEILSKARVARD. Welcome to the pack… (Brother OR Sister)…”
Due to the sensitive nature of the balance, the Primordial Warden should be kept secret. All those with the titles Warden and above will be referred to as Wardens. Only those who NEED to know will know who the true Primordial Warden is. In order to help keep them hidden, Wardens should follow whatever rank structure their Order / collective have enacted.
The conclave of Veilskarvard & Naethrandi has its own titles that can be earned and climbed. Each Order may promote or demote those within their conclave of Veilskarvard & Naethrandi as they see fit.
The titles are as follows:
Primordial Warden (ᛈᚱᛁᛗᛟᚱᛞᛟᛚ ᚹᚨᚱᛞᛖᚾ)
Warden (ᚹᚨᚱᛞᛖᚾ)
Guardian (ᚷᚢᚨᚱᛞᛟᚾ)
Sentinel (ᛊᛖᚾᛏᛁᚾᛖᛚ)
The Divine
PLACEHOLDER
Name: Araknavar, the Widowmaker (ᚨᚱᚨᚲᚾᚨᚢᚨᚱ ᛏᚺᛖ ᚹᛁᛞᛟᚹᛗᚨᚲᛖᚱ)
Title: Weaver of Shadows, Mistress of Silent Death, Fate Spinner
Domain: Assassination, Pestilence, Treachery, Darkness, Dark Rituals
Symbol: A black widow spider with silver-threaded webs that form an intricate, deadly pattern, representing both the fragility and inevitability of life.
Offerings: Offerings to Araknavar are blood, Stinkhorn, entrails & bones.
Widow's Feast
On certain nights, particularly those with no moon, followers prepare a "Widow's Feast." This is a dark banquet of richly spiced meats and bitter herbs, symbolizing the seductive lure of death and the bitterness of betrayal. During the feast, one place is left empty to honor Araknavar herself, and a portion of each dish is placed upon her altar. Those who partake in the feast do so in silence, reflecting on their loyalty to Araknavar and the skills they wish to hone under her dark guidance. The feast concludes with a vow of secrecy and a reaffirmation of their dedication to the dark arts.
Silent Vigil
Followers of Araknavar gather in shadowed places, often in hidden caverns or abandoned ruins. The ritual begins with absolute silence; no words are spoken as they light black candles made from animal fat. The silence represents the quiet approach of death, a core tenet of Araknavar's teachings. Worshippers meditate on the inevitability of death, reflecting on their own mortality and the frailty of life. During this time, they may wear cloaks made of spider silk or dark fabrics to symbolize their connection to Araknavar's domain.
Blackened Heart
Some whispers speak of a Blackened Heart, a mythical artifact said to contain the essence of lost souls. It pulses with a dark energy, granting its bearer the ability to peer into the shadows of fate. However, to possess a Blackened Heart is to bear a heavy price—an unending connection to the realm of death, forever haunted by the souls that linger in its presence. Some say the only way to acquire a blackened heart is to commit severe atrocities against the innocent, turning their own heart black and cold...
Marking Ceremony
When becoming a follower of Araknavar and being officially recognized by any Order, the individual may become marked. This marking is a sign of dedication to Araknavar & their Order. They must know the ways of Araknavar in order to bear her mark. The mark must also be willingly accepted by the bearer. The required items are spider venom, poison & blood. The leader of any Order / collective OR those who are ordained with such power by their Order / collective leader may preform The Marking Ceremony. To administer the mark you must first be bitten by a spider with a potent venom (anywhere will work but a finger is best) make sure you either have antivenom or another cure to prevent your death… You will then cut open the place you were bitten (just shallow enough to cause light bleeding) then mix the envenomed blood with deadly nightshade extract & draw the sigil of Araknavar on the bearers left forearm, just below the bend of the elbow. This will burn into the bearers flesh, leaving a permanent mark for life. “You are bound to me now, you are a Priestess (or Priest. Can also be higher rank as well) of Araknavar, the Widowmaker. You have chosen to walk this path, so it shall be. May you walk always in the shadows, Nights Blessings upon you (NAME HERE) (Priest OR Priestess) of Araknavar, the Widowmaker.” You should then grab the bearers forearm in a brotherhood handshake or warriors handshake, pressing on their new found mark.
Nights Blessings (ᚾᛁᚷᚺᛏᛊ ᛒᛚᛖᛊᛊᛁᛜᛊ) is a term often used amongst followers of Araknavar, the Widowmaker. It is used for both greetings & farewells as well as endearment.
The church of Araknavar has its own titles that can be earned and climbed. Each Order may promote or demote those within their church of Araknavar as they see fit.
The titles are as follows:
Widowmaker (ᚹᛁᛞᛟᚹᛗᚨᚲᛖᚱ)
High Priest (ᚺᛁᚷᚺ ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏ) / High Priestess (ᚺᛁᚷᚺ ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏᛖᛊᛊ)
Priest (ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏ) / Priestess (ᛈᚱᛁᛖᛊᛏᛖᛊᛊ)
Adept (ᚨᛞᛖᛈᛏ)
Disciple (ᛞᛁᛊᚲᛁᛈᛚᛖ)
Initiate (ᛁᚾᛁᛏᛟᛏᛖ)