The Lighting of the Shadow

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The Lighting of the Shadow is a two hour ceremony that occurs every last day of the month to initiate Orfiens into servitude. Shadows are born with the ability to shape shift when needed, but they never leave the realm of the dead. Their creature selves wear visibly human disguises so that can speak with a potential flock of followers, but they never breach the veil or the flare. They are dead and corrupt. Orfiens, a clan of gullible seekers were human at birth, but die while suffering; usually after intentioned freezing or starving. The shadows protect and constrain the Orfiens, who can't abide by affliction and fancy returning to the world where they lost their sanity in turn for security, wealth and eternity.

The The Order of Shadows realize they can force the Orfiens to do their bidding.

Order of the Shadow Ritual by ROD w/Midjourney

Order of the Shadows Ritual

Ritual Shadows by ROD w/Midjourney

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Before encountering the The Order of Shadows on the Isle of Perimeter Sink, they independently mastered rituals. They were open to impostors who advised them to veil themselves in secrecy, enigmatic knowledge they didn't fully grasp, concealed symbols and incantations they believed were safe to employ.
In the beginning, they distanced themselves from family and friends, hiding secrets in trunks, boxes, closets, or keeps. The older members of the group started referring to the 30 or so seekers as a congregation seeking everlasting life. When they didn't absorb their stories, they shared an even more terrifying tale to hold their focus. The elders created amulets and beaded necklaces to remind and distinguish the loyal members. The objects were declared by the elders to possess magical powers and special energies.

Orfiens

Kneeling Orfiens by ROD w/Midjourney

The Ofriens used meditation, chanting, and plants or psychoactive flowers to induce altered states of consciousness or trance states. The followers were exposed to incorporeal phantasies through a typical ritual performed by their Taskmasters.

• Divination and foretelling.
• Healing by petition.
• Warding off evil spirits and misfortune.
• Controlling Events natural forces.
• Contacting spirits beyond the veil.
• Spiritual growth, enlightenment, or mystical experiences.

Orfien Taskmaster

Orfien Taskmaster by ROD w/Midjourney

The Orfiens distinguished themselves by deliberately isolating from the community and declining to partake in sacred events. Besides resembling threatening strangers, they were also held accountable for all weather-related disasters, crimes, or moral impurities. Although the village refrained from labeling them as witches, the Orfiens were still deemed worthy of hanging. Their escape, which ultimately led to their painful brush with death on a Crusthoulian covered island, further worsened their situation. They wanted a response to their lament.
When the Shadows came, the Orfiens were ready to do whatever it took to get an answer. However, what they got was an unexpected state between life and death.

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Orfien Submission Ceremony

The room is dimly lit and adorned with symbols of shadows, such as withered orchids and the Crusthoulian. Candela Ward Wards fill the room. Near the altar, kneeling Orfiens dependents are overseen by Black-robed Shadows, white-robed Orfien Taskmasters, and Crusthoulian gods as they await their transformations.
To start the ritual, Nellwyn Tatee, the Designated Superior, invokes the divine and seeks guidance from the masters of the Order of the Shadow. A chant glorifying the divine and Crusthoulians gods is sung or recited. Apart from the Cirsea Crusthoulians, participants engage in meditation, focus on the candela light, and strive for spiritual connection. Following the execution of a specific Order of the Shadow principle or teaching, the Crusthoulians express their testimonies and grunts.

Crusthoulians

Crushoulians, the Imposter gods by ROD w/Midjourney

A wilted orchid, symbolizing deception, is passed around the circle of superiors. Incense is burned, representing the smell of decay, while Crusthoulian parasite eggs are hatched into the open mouths of an Orfien sacrifice. The throat clutching and choking Orfien is placed on the altar. Superior Tatee's leader offers a final edict, expressing gratitude and reaffirming commitment to the Order of the Shadows and their gods, the Crusthoulians. The ritual concludes with a chant and the extinguishing of light. The Crusthoulians leave the ziggurat, followed by the Shadows. Orfiens silently leave the building after being flogged by Shadow guards, who remind them to follow Shadow's demands.