The Witnesses Of Kekla Va
A relatively new religion, The Witnesses Of Kekla Va are a small following of true believers who worship their deity known as Kekla Va, god of the blue lava pool. Despite this Pool being situated in the The Bos Magara, they have managed to gain supporters from not only the Rau Zlo dark dwarves of Barlang Varos, but also a few of the resident dark elves of Hellaborg, and some of the surviving humans and half elves from the ruins of Pitharcos.
Structure
There are three main levels to the hierarchy of this religion. The first level is known as the "Witnesses". This is the largest group and consists of the newest members who have seen the swirling signs and now worship Kekla Va. The second level is known as the "Watchers". This is a smaller group who has interpreted the signs with help from the experienced members and have completed a task set forth by Kekla Va. They also watch over and recruit new members. The third and smallest level is known as the "Seers". These are the leaderships roles of the group and oversee all interpretations of the signs and symbols observed by the "Watchers". They organize meetings, schedule events, distribute tasks, and carry out the orders of their leader.
Above all other levels and members is the individual known as the "Grand Visionary". This person is said to have direct communication with Kekla Va through divine visions and has the distinct ability to not only read the swirling signs and symbols in the churning blue lava, but also to see the future and interpret the will of their new god.
Culture
The worshipers try to keep a careful balance between secrecy and seeking out new recruits for their new religion. They are quick to accept new members and help out members who need it, yet they have become increasingly swift and deadly toward failed recruits and those who know to much about them.
Public Agenda
This group seeks to understand the strange symbols and signs displayed in the lava pool. Many believe that they are given both personal and group tasks to accomplish. Leadership wants the members to remain hidden from society but begin to blend into all of the various parts and professions of their civilizations. Then when membership is strong enough it can open up to the masses and spread their message and recruit more followers and perhaps even take over the ruling positions of their society.
Assets
This secretive group has few assets outside of the personal possessions of its members.
History
The origins of The Witnesses Of Kekla Va begin with the discovery of a mysterious blue lava pool deep in the Bos Magara. Thought to have erupted in 587 A.S. it wasn’t until 598 A.S. that it was first discovered by the Rau Zlo dwarves of Barlang Varos. Due to its strange blue color, it slowly became a site of curiosity and several dwarves began making the arduous trip to see it.
While many enjoyed its swirling blue, black, and orange color patterns, a few claimed to have seen patterns and symbols in the cooling lava before quickly melting away. While most of those who saw these patterns easily dismissed them as a trick of the imagination, a small few began to believe that there was something more to them. As the believers returned time and time again, they saw more and more forms in the lava and believed that these were signs meant only for them to see and bear witness to.
By 618 A.S. small gatherings of likeminded individuals began to grow and organize into a following of true believers. Under the leadership of Granis Stonethrow, they established a new religion dedicated to Kekla Va, the god of the blue lava pool. With Stonebrows visions leading them, he and his witnesses are determined to spread their newfound faith, grow the influence of their followers, strengthen their deity, and prepare for the day when Kekla Va reemerges and retakes his rightful position among the deities.
Mythology & Lore
It is said that Kekla Va was a powerful god that was betrayed and forced to take the form of molten rock and was then imprisoned deep within the planet. After the Sundering and the Binding cracked the world, Kekla Va was able to slowly journey through the fissures up towards the surface. Here it stopped at The Bos Magara to inspire new worshipers, teach devoted followers, and grow large enough and strong enough to break its bonds, finally reach the surface, and righteously reclaim its place among the deities.
Cosmological Views
According to the Witnesses Of Kekla Va, their ancient god is the all powerful deity that created the world and allowed the other minor deities to populate it with their lesser followers and creations. Only through the grace of Kekla Va are they allowed to remain, a quick shake is all it would take for them to be thrown from the world into oblivion.
Tenets of Faith
Little is know of the tenets of The Witnesses Of Kekla Va. What has been discovered is:
- Remain hidden until the time is right.
- Keep vigilant for the signs of Kekla Va.
- Read the signs and carry out their commands.
- Free the faithful.
- Sacrifice the unworthy.
Granted Divine Powers
There have been no actual powers granted to any of the religious leaders or members. The Grand Visionary claims that there are not enough true believers for them to gain their powers yet.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Members of this organization constantly try to remain hidden from mainstream society as they were believed to be suffering from a mental disorder and were initially hospitalized when discovered by both the dark dwarf and dark elf governments. Later these governments resorted to jailing those that they found and now they are quickly put to death.
Holy Sites:
Founding Date
618 A.S.
Type
Religious, Cult
Location
Comments