Darvin

The Prince of Dread

Darvin, the Nightmare Sovereign, is a Chaotic Evil deity who commands the divine domains of Domination, Blood, Darkness, and Fear. Once a powerful vampire, Darvin ascended to godhood, becoming The Prince of Dread, The Shadowmaster, and The Lord of Whispers. His dark essence permeates the realm of Cryptis, a nightmarish landscape where oppressive darkness reigns and terror is a constant companion. In Cryptis, reality is twisted by fear, and the deepest horrors of the mind come to life, making it an ideal domain for Darvin's sinister influence.
Darvin thrives on the terror that cloaks the night, using cunning and shadows to manipulate and dominate. His followers, including nocturnal predators, schemers, and those who seek power through fear, revere him as a master of manipulation. They worship Darvin in hidden shrines veiled in darkness, where they perform rites celebrating the dominion of night and the strategic advantages of fear.
Temples dedicated to Darvin are nightmares made manifest, designed to disorient and disturb all who enter. These temples serve as places of worship and as hubs for sinister plots and dark rituals. Darvin's ultimate goal is to spread fear and chaos throughout the world of Arathos, using his divine power to dominate and control through the ever-present shadow of dread.

Divine Domains

Darvin embodies his domains through his mastery of fear, manipulation, and darkness. As a former vampire, he wields the power of bloodshed and cunning to dominate and control. His presence in Cryptis spreads an oppressive darkness, filling the realm with nightmares and terror. Followers of Darvin thrive on fear, using it as a tool to achieve their goals and honor their deity's sinister influence.

• Domination
• Blood
• Darkness
• Fear

Artifacts

The Bloodstone Dagger

@The Bloodstone Dagger  is a feared artifact attributed to Darvin, embodying his domains of Blood and Domination. Forged in the darkest depths of Cryptis, this dagger is crafted from obsidian and infused with the essence of spilled blood. Its blade is eternally sharp and glows with a sinister red hue. The Bloodstone Dagger has the power to drain the life force from its victims, transferring their vitality to the wielder. It is said that the dagger can also instill an overwhelming sense of fear in those who are struck, paralyzing them with dread. This artifact is often used in sacrificial rites and dark rituals, cementing its place as a symbol of Darvin's dark influence.

The Cloak of Shadows

The Cloak of Shadows is another legendary artifact associated with Darvin, representing his control over Darkness and Fear. This cloak, woven from the very shadows of Cryptis, allows the wearer to become one with the darkness. When donned, the cloak shrouds the wearer in an impenetrable veil of shadows, rendering them nearly invisible in dim light. Additionally, the Cloak of Shadows grants the ability to instill fear in those who gaze upon the wearer, their minds filled with nightmarish visions. This artifact is highly prized among Darvin's followers, especially those who specialize in stealth and subterfuge. It serves as a powerful tool for spreading fear and chaos, aligning perfectly with the sinister goals of Darvin and his cult.

Holy Books & Codes

Followers of Darvin have penned numerous dark texts and tomes in his name, with the most notorious being the Tome of Eternal Night. This grim manuscript is filled with rituals, incantations, and dark prayers dedicated to the Nightmare Sovereign. It provides detailed instructions for invoking Darvin’s power, performing blood sacrifices, and manipulating shadows to instill fear. The Tome of Eternal Night is bound in blackened leather, with pages that seem to absorb light, making it a prized possession among the Nightbound.
Another significant text is the Codex of Whispers, a collection of secretive writings and encrypted messages used to communicate covertly among cult members. This codex contains strategies for subterfuge, assassination, and spreading discord, aligning with Darvin's domains of Cunning and Fear. The Codex of Whispers is often kept hidden and passed down through generations of cultists, ensuring the continuity of Darvin’s sinister influence.
Lastly, the Scroll of Shadows is revered for its dark prophecies and visions. Written by Darvin’s most devoted seers, these scrolls detail future events shaped by the god’s malevolent will, guiding the Nightbound in their dark missions. Each scroll is a testament to Darvin’s pervasive control over the fears and nightmares of mortals, further cementing his followers' loyalty and fearsome reputation.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The Blood Crescent

The Blood Crescent is a sinister symbol that embodies Darvin’s dominion over Blood and Domination. This sigil features a crescent moon dripping with blood, often depicted in dark crimson hues. It symbolizes the perpetual cycle of bloodshed and the power that Darvin’s followers derive from it. The Blood Crescent is commonly engraved on weapons, altars, and ritualistic items, serving as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in Darvin’s name. In secret, the symbol is used to mark hidden shrines and meeting places, signaling to followers that they are among allies. The Blood Crescent also appears in tattoos and jewelry worn by cult members, reinforcing their loyalty and connection to the dark god.

The Shadowed Eye

The Shadowed Eye is a haunting sigil representing Darvin’s mastery over Darkness and Fear. This symbol features an eye veiled in shadows, with tendrils of darkness extending from it. The eye is often depicted with a piercing, malevolent gaze that instills unease in those who see it. The Shadowed Eye is used in both common and secret iconography among Darvin’s followers. It adorns the entrances of hidden sanctuaries, warding off intruders with its unsettling presence. In rituals, the Shadowed Eye is drawn with dark ink or blood, invoking Darvin’s protection and favor. Followers may also wear amulets or cloaks emblazoned with the Shadowed Eye, using it as a tool to harness the power of shadows and spread fear. This sigil is a potent emblem of Darvin’s omnipresent gaze and the pervasive dread he commands.

Tenets of Faith

One of the main principles of Darvin's faith is Fear as Power. Followers of Darvin, the Nightmare Sovereign, believe that fear is the ultimate tool for domination and control. They hold that by mastering the art of instilling fear, they can manipulate and dominate others, bending them to their will. This principle drives the cult's actions, as they use terror and psychological manipulation to achieve their ends. Followers of Darvin see fear not just as a weapon, but as a form of worship, believing that spreading dread honors their deity and strengthens his influence. This belief underpins their rituals, sacrifices, and everyday actions, making fear both a means and an end in their pursuit of power and reverence for Darvin.

Core Tenets of the Faith:

• Fear as Power: Mastering fear is key to domination and control.
• Shadows and Secrecy: Operate in darkness, using shadows to manipulate and conceal.
• Blood Sacrifice: Offerings of blood are essential to honor Darvin and gain his favor.
• Cunning and Deception: Use subterfuge and deceit to achieve goals and spread chaos.
• Perpetual Dread: Maintain an atmosphere of fear to keep control and influence strong.

Holidays

Night of Whispers

Evernight 13

• This night is dedicated to secretive rituals and whispering prayers to Darvin. Followers gather in hidden locations, sharing dark secrets and invoking the god's favor for their clandestine activities. It is a night of plotting and scheming under the cover of darkness.

Bloodmoon Sacrifice

Bloodmoon 28

• Description: On this day, the cult performs blood sacrifices to honor Darvin. Followers believe that the blood spilled strengthens their connection to the god and amplifies his power. Rituals are held in shadowed sanctuaries, where offerings of blood are made to appease and please the Nightmare Sovereign.

Shadefall Ascendancy

Shadefall 15

• This observance celebrates the dominance of darkness and fear. Followers of Darvin engage in acts of terror, spreading fear in the name of their deity. The day is marked by symbolic acts of power and control, reinforcing the cult’s influence and Darvin’s reach.

Eclipse of Dread

Darkfrost 30

• Occurring on the last day of Darkfrost, this holiday is centered around a total eclipse, symbolizing the peak of Darvin’s power. Followers participate in grand ceremonies, invoking nightmarish visions and spreading dread. It is a time for the cult to demonstrate their unwavering loyalty and the extent of Darvin’s dominion over fear and darkness.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Darvin’s divine goals revolve around spreading fear and chaos throughout Arathos. He seeks to dominate through the manipulation of darkness and terror, aiming to subjugate mortals and deities alike under his shadowy rule. Darvin aspires to create a world where fear reigns supreme, using his followers to destabilize societies and sow discord. He desires to turn the night into his domain, filled with nightmares that plague the minds of all beings. By amplifying his influence through acts of bloodshed and cunning, Darvin intends to expand his realm, Cryptis, further into the material world, ensuring his presence is felt in every corner of Arathos. His ultimate goal is to establish an unchallenged reign of terror, where his name invokes dread and submission.

Divine Classification

GOD

Alignment

Chaotic Evil

Current Location

Cryptis

Realm

Cryptis

Church/Cult

Covenant of Shadows

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Darvin is known as The Prince of Dread, The Shadowmaster, The Lord of Whispers, The Nightmare Sovereign

A dark mass held in honor of Darvin in The Shadowed Sanctum.

Followers

Followers of Darvin, drawn from various races, are united by their reverence for fear and darkness, seeking to spread terror.

• Tiefling 
• Goblin 
• Human 
• Half-Orc 
• Elf