King Yama

The King of the Inevitable

O mighty King Yama, guardian of the abyss, we beseech you, hear our humble prayer. In your eternal wisdom, you oversee the cycles of death, and in your hallowed halls, you hold the keys to the great entry of the underworld. We come before you, as mortal souls, seeking the guidance of your celestial court. Grant us the strength to seek the mysteries of death and the lessons of life. Illuminate our paths with your divine insight, that we may embrace the journey of existence, both in the realm of the living and in the seas of the departed. With open hearts and minds, we embrace the truths of mortality, accepting that death is but a natural part of the grand cycle. May your unwavering authority remind us that death is the ultimate equalizer, and no soul, be it mortal or divine, can escape its embrace. As we walk through the tapestry of existence, may we be blessed with your favor, O King Yama. When the time comes for us to cross the threshold into the underworld, may you judge us fairly, and may our souls find their rightful place in the eternal dance of the cosmos. In reverence of your divine power and boundless wisdom, we offer our devotion to you, O great King Death, and we honor your eternal reign over life and death. So it is, and so shall it be.
A Cleric's Prayer to King Yama

In the Pillar Pantheon of Eastrix, King Yama holds a unique and revered position as the guardian of the gates of the underworld and the deity responsible for presiding over the spirits of the deceased. Known for his immense wisdom and fairness in judgement, he is both respected and feared among the mortals of Eastrix, who look to him as the ultimate arbiter of death. His divine domain encompasses the afterlife, souls, and the eternal cycles of existence, and his influence permeates the realms of the living and the dead. As the lord of the underworld, King Yama's teachings shape the tenets of faith followed by those who revere him, guiding them in their quest to seek the truths of death, embrace the inevitability of mortality, and acknowledge the ultimate authority of death itself. In the Pillar Pantheon, King Yama is an embodiment of the divine balance between life and death, reminding all beings that every soul must eventually cross the threshold into the underworld, where he awaits with open arms.

Divine Domains

King Yama is a god of paradoxes - joyous yet overseeing death, whimsical but deeply profound. In Eastrix, many shrines and temples dedicated to him stand as places of both mourning and celebration. The dichotomy of his nature is evident in every ritual, prayer, and offering dedicated to him. While many fear the inevitability of death, followers of King Yama understand that to fear death is to fear life itself. They aim to embrace every moment, chaotic and unpredictable as it may be, in honor of the First God. Death: This is the primary and most evident domain of King Yama. He oversees the natural end of all life, ensuring the eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth remains unbroken. Every soul, after its mortal journey, stands before King Yama for judgment, determining its next path. Judgment: As the one who weighs the deeds of souls, King Yama is also the god of judgment, his decisions often appear erratic or nonsensical to mortals, however to the dedicated followers of Yama, they see a pattern that no others see in his jugdement. Festivity: In a seemingly contradictory domain for a god of death, King Yama is also the patron of festivities. He teaches that to celebrate life, one must also embrace and celebrate death, leading to wild, fervent festivals in his honor. Delirium: King Yama resides as the patron of those who walk the line between sanity and madness, finding clarity in delirium. Secrets: The mysteries of death are many, and King Yama, with his enigmatic nature, is also the keeper of secrets. Those who seek forbidden knowledge might invoke his name, hoping to gain insights that are hidden from the world.

Artifacts

There are two artifacts created by King Yama both himself but also for his followers these are:

Yama's Chariot

Yama's Chariot or The Dark Voyager is a magnificent, shadowy construction made from the remains of ancient celestial beings and reinforced with the bones of long-forgotten deities. It is a two-wheeled chariot, adorned with intricate skeletal motifs and onyx jewels, that shimmer with an otherworldly aura. The wheels of the chariot are said to be forged from obsidian moon fragments, allowing it to glide effortlessly across the waters of the River Styx and the very fabric of the mortal realm. Its spectral horses, sometimes seen as skeletal wraiths, pull the chariot at the speed of thought, making it seem like a dark blur to mortal eyes. Beyond its use as a mode of transportation, the Dark Voyager can summon the deadly ever aging winds of Styx, cloak its rider in shadows, and even transcend the barriers between realms. It is said that wherever the Chariot passes, time stops momentarily, allowing King Yama to observe and judge as he pleases.

The Soulweaver Scythe

This is the divine artifact for the chosen champion of King Yama. Fashioned from the spine of the first fallen angel and bound with chains made of lost souls, the blade of this scythe ripples with a deep, ethereal blue glow, looking almost liquid in its form. The handle, blacker than the darkest night, is adorned with soul crystals that shimmer with the memories of those it has reaped.

The Soulweaver Scythe allows its wielder to harness and manipulate souls. It can trap the souls of its victims, either to be released or utilized. With each soul it captures, the scythe grows in power. The wielder can summon ethereal warriors from the captured souls, harness their memories, or even use the souls as a source of energy for devastating attacks. However, misusing the souls or using them recklessly can have dire consequences, with the souls potentially rebelling against the wielder or King Yama intervening himself. The scythe also acts as a conduit for the champion to communicate directly with King Yama, seeking his guidance or reporting back on their deeds. Both artifacts, while immensely powerful, come with their own sets of challenges and responsibilities. King Yama, in his whimsical nature, might often change the rules of their usage or add unexpected quirks, ensuring that only the truly worthy or those in line with his chaotic philosophy can wield them effectively.

Holy Books & Codes

King Yama, the deity of duality and unpredictability, has long communicated to his followers the ineffable nature of death and the afterlife. To him, the rigid structure of written texts and the potential for dogma was contrary to the fluidity and ever-changing essence of death. Words on paper or stone could become outdated, misinterpreted, or used for control, all of which he saw as limiting the true understanding of his domain. Instead, he wished for his teachings to be as fluid and unbounded as the souls that cross the River Styx, ever-evolving and adapting. By endorsing songs and dances, King Yama ensured that his teachings would be experienced emotionally and spiritually, not just intellectually. The ephemeral nature of music and dance, where one cannot hold onto a note or a move but only experience it in the moment, was his chosen method to convey the transient nature of life itself. Thereby here is some of the most prominant holy rituals and communications of King Yamas word: The Symphony of the Styx Type: Song Description: A hauntingly beautiful melody that captures the ebb and flow of the River Styx, evoking images of lost souls and the ethereal realm of the dead. It's said that those who hear it can glimpse the other side momentarily. Usage: This song is often performed during funerals and memorial ceremonies to honor the dead and hope for their safe passage under King Yama's gaze.

"Whispered secrets, lost and found,
On the Styx, they're spirit-bound.
Ebbing, flowing, waters deep,
Carry souls in endless sweep."
Excerpt from The Symphony of the Styx

The Dance of Midnight Veil Type: Dance Description: An intricate dance that involves swirling fabrics of deep purples and blacks. Dancers mimic the movements of spirits and shadows, moving with a grace and elegance that's both mesmerizing and eerie. Usage: Performed during the festival of the dead, this dance celebrates the transition between life and death and the eternal cycle overseen by King Yama. Verses of the Void Type: Book (Songbook) Description: A compilation of dirges and laments written by the most devoted followers of King Yama. These songs often speak of the inevitable nature of death and the fleeting essence of life. Usage: Priests and followers of King Yama often sing these verses during rituals, both to mourn the dead and to celebrate the mysteries of the afterlife. Echoes of Eternity Type: Dance Description: A slow, mesmerizing dance where performers move in synchronized harmony, almost as if they are floating. The dance tells the story of souls journeying through the afterlife, facing trials, and eventually finding peace. Usage: Often performed in King Yama's temples as a daily ritual to showcase the continuous journey of souls.

"In one particularly evocative segment of the Echoes of Eternity dance, performers embody the journey of a soul's transition from life to the beyond. Dancers begin in a tight cluster, representing the confined nature of mortal life. As the dance progresses, they begin to move outwards in expanding spirals, symbolizing the release of the soul. The most notable part is the "Fractured Mirror" sequence: Dancers form pairs, standing face-to-face. One dancer portrays the soul preparing to depart, while their counterpart acts as the reflection, the residual essence left behind. With every beat, the departing soul moves in an erratic, transcendent pattern while the reflection attempts to mimic, but always falls just a fraction behind. This powerful imagery demonstrates the imperfect nature of memories and the residual energy that remains after one's passing. The sequence culminates with the departing souls reaching the dance's outermost circle, gracefully falling into a series of ground rolls, symbolizing their final descent into the River Styx, while the reflections converge back to the center, collapsing into a somber huddle, representing the collective grief and memory left in the wake of the departed."
Excerpt from the Echoes of Eternity

Ballad of the Black Rider Type: Song Description: A powerful song that chronicles King Yama's role in the grand scheme of things. It speaks of his joy, his madness, his love for chaos, and his eternal duty as the harbinger of death. The chorus is known to be especially moving, with lyrics that evoke both fear and respect for the mighty deity. Usage: This ballad is sung during major festivals dedicated to King Yama and is also a popular tune in many parts of Eastrix.

"On a chariot dark and grand,
The Black Rider takes a stand.
Joy and chaos, life's last breath,
All bow before the King of Death."
Excerpt from the Ballad of the Black Rider

The Lament of Lost Souls Type: Dance Description: A poignant dance performed solo. It represents a soul lost in the void, seeking solace, and ultimately acceptance under King Yama's rule. The dancer often wears a mask, symbolizing the anonymity of death and the universality of the experience. Usage: This dance is performed to remember those who passed away without a proper farewell, ensuring their souls find peace. The beauty of King Yama's teachings being passed down through dances and songs is that they are both mournful and celebratory. It's a reflection of the deity's own nature: a complex interplay of joy, chaos, and the inevitable cycle of life and death. As a result, his followers embrace the totality of existence, marking every moment with both reverence and jubilation.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Here are four divine symbols and sigils associated with King Yama:

The Chariot of Shadows

Symbol: A shadowy chariot with two spectral horses, wheels resembling crescent moons, and adorned with skeletal motifs.

Significance: Represents King Yama's swift and unyielding authority over death, as well as his ability to traverse realms with ease. It is a reminder of the inevitability of mortality and the cyclical nature of existence.

Usage: Often inscribed on the walls of temples and shrines dedicated to King Yama, or engraved on the hilts of weapons used by his chosen champions. The symbol may also appear on tombstones or funeral artifacts, signifying a soul's journey to the afterlife.

The Soulweaver Scythe

Symbol: A dark, ethereal scythe with a blade resembling flowing water and a shaft adorned with soul crystals. Significance: Represents King Yama's dominion over souls, as well as the champion's ability to harvest and manipulate souls. It signifies the power to bring closure to the living and guide the departed on their journey. Usage: This sigil is often seen on the robes of King Yama's priests and priestesses, and on the banners carried during funeral processions. It also appears as tattoos or talismans among his followers, as a mark of devotion.

The Whispering Skull

Symbol: A hollow, partially shattered skull with ethereal wisps of blue mist escaping from its eyes and mouth. Significance: Represents the hidden mysteries of death and the afterlife, as well as King Yama's role as the keeper of secrets. It is a reminder that death holds untold truths, only revealed to those who seek them. Usage: Often used as a clandestine symbol among King Yama's followers who explore forbidden knowledge and the mysteries of death. It is discreetly etched onto scrolls, books, and other items used by these seekers, marking them as part of this secret group.

The Duet of Souls

Symbol: Two silhouettes, one bright and one dark, swirling around each other in an intricate dance pattern. Significance: Represents the dual nature of King Yama and his teachings. It signifies the connection between life and death, joy and mourning, and the importance of embracing both aspects. It is also a nod to the sacred dances and songs performed by his followers. Usage: This symbol is often depicted in King Yama's temples as wall frescoes or mosaics. It is also sewn into the garments worn by performers during the holy dances, highlighting the sacredness of the rituals and their connection to the god of death and celebration.

Tenets of Faith

Here are the three tenets of faith that reflect the views of King Yama and the beliefs held by his followers: Seek: Followers are encouraged to seek the truths and mysteries of death, as well as the lessons that life has to offer. Seek death, for it is through that we find truth, and it truth that we learn to live, it is through living that we learn to die. Seek the wanted and you shall gain the wanted. Embrace: Followers are encouraged to embrace every aspect of death, with open hearts and minds. Death is a natural part of the cycle of life and should be accepted without fear or resistance. For what is living without death, but a contant and chaotic cascade of meaningless events. Death brings meaning, we fear death and so we act in life and therefor the most holy and most unchanging of all amongst all, is death. Authority: There is no higher authority in this world than that of death, anyone who says otherwise does not realize the looming inescapables true importantance. Whilst you might believe that you are unkillable, undying and immortal; you are wrong. Even the gods themselves know that death comes to all and when the King asks for your soul; you answer.

Holidays

There are only one holiday celebrated in the name of King Yama and that is Festival of Eternal Shadows. The festival occurs on the night of the first new moon after the autumnal month of Equinox. The Festival of Eternal Shadows is a night of remembrance, celebration, and mystery. Families gather to honor the deceased and share stories of their lives, highlighting both their joys and their sorrows. Altars are set up with offerings, including favorite foods and drinks of the departed, as well as flowers, candles, and incense. During the festival, priests and priestesses perform the sacred dances and songs of King Yama, including the Dance of Midnight Veil and the Symphony of the Styx. These performances are believed to open a temporary bridge between the worlds of the living and the dead, allowing spirits to visit their loved ones. The night culminates in a grand procession, where participants dress in dark, ethereal costumes and wear masks representing the duality of life and death. They dance through the streets, carrying lanterns and singing dirges, in a celebration that blurs the lines between the living and the deceased. The Festival of Eternal Shadows is a time of introspection, connection, and jubilation, embodying the essence of King Yama's teachings.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

King Yama's primary divine goal is to teach mortals to celebrate life by embracing death. He wants his followers to understand that death is an inevitable and natural part of existence and should be accepted with joy and reverence. By doing so, he aims to dispel the fear of death and encourage his followers to live every moment to its fullest. This is encapsulated in the following three divine goals:

Seek the Truth of Existence: King Yama encourages his followers to actively seek the truths and mysteries of death, as well as the lessons that life has to offer. By seeking death, they will find truth, and it is through truth that they will learn to live. Through living, they will learn to die. The search for answers is a never-ending cycle of discovery, where seeking the wanted leads to gaining the wanted. By embracing this tenet, King Yama aims to guide his followers toward a deeper understanding of the nature of existence and the significance of death within the grand scheme of life.

Embrace Death with Open Hearts: King Yama's teachings are centered around embracing every aspect of death with open hearts and minds. He believes that death is a natural part of the cycle of life and should be accepted without fear or resistance. For what is living without death, but a constant and chaotic cascade of meaningless events? Death brings meaning to life. By fearing death, individuals are compelled to act in life, making every moment more valuable. In King Yama's eyes, death is the most holy and unchanging force among all things, and by embracing it, his followers can find purpose and significance in their existence.

Acknowledge Death as the Ultimate Authority: In the worldview of King Yama, there is no higher authority than that of death. Anyone who believes otherwise fails to recognize the true importance of the looming, inescapable force that governs all existence. King Yama teaches that while some may believe themselves to be unkillable, undying, and immortal, they are gravely mistaken. Even the gods themselves acknowledge that death comes to all. When King Yama calls for a soul, there is no option but to answer. By accepting death as the ultimate authority, followers of King Yama gain a profound respect for the natural order and an understanding of their place within the greater cycle of life and death.