Cult of Menkish

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

One never announces they are a Menkish worshipper, given the worshipper would be killed. There are several hidden ways the cult identifies its members. For example, a man may wear his Clearstones in a specific pattern to denote their faith to the Ruler of Shadow, or rings with gemstones set in a particular design. A woman, for example, might wear a brooch pinned through cloth three times. These three times symbolize the first battle between Menkish and the other gods, his continuous struggle to obtain justice against those who wronged the Ruler of Shadow, and the end when Menkish takes over the world.

Shared customary codes and values

Menkish, the genderless Void, master of change, chaos, and uncertainty, is the reviled villain of many Kalu myths and legends. The gods of all creation are said to combat his influence. According to the Kalu priesthood, its curse tainted all that is good in the world. The cult of Menkish believes there can be no happiness with grief, nor prosperity without suffering. As such, they worship the Void above all others. Because all the gods are needed to combat his influence on the plane of mortal existence, the cult believes Menkish is the only deity who deserved to be worshipped.

Common Dress code

One never announces they are a Menkish worshipper, given the worshipper would be killed. There are several hidden ways the cult identifies its members. For example, a man may wear his Clearstones in a specific pattern to denote their faith to the Ruler of Shadow, or rings with gemstones set in a particular design. A woman, for example, might wear a brooch pinned through cloth three times. These three times symbolize the first battle between Menkish and the other gods, his continuous struggle to obtain justice against those who wronged the Ruler of Shadow, and the end when Menkish takes over the world.

Art & Architecture

There are no temples of Menkish or symbols painted anywhere since its followers don’t want to reveal their worship sites. As such, they meet in fields, caves, abandoned areas, and in their homes. The most common symbol of Menkish is a filled-in circle surrounded by another, depicting the Void.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Common traditions include sacrifices to honor the Endless Void. Much like the other gods with temples, they offer gold, food, water, and wine to the Lord of Shadow.

Common Myths and Legends

In the most common Kalu myths, Menkish was either jealous that the other deities excluded them from helping to create the world, or the gods denied their input. After the First Battle, Menkish became the deity of the Void surrounding all creation. The most powerful gods became the wanderers - the first line of defense against Menkish’s return. The majority of the Kalu believe that Menkish was rightfully denied the right to participate. The Cult of Menkish, meanwhile, thought Menkish should have involved and wrongfully rejected them. Should the other gods have not barred him, Menkish would not have felt he needed to alter the world in the way they did. Upon returning to the world, the Ruler of Shadow will remake the world in his image and grant its loyal servants immortality.