Hallowed Veil
Beneath the celestial dance of sun and moon lies a faith wrapped in shadow and mystery—the Cult of the Hallowed Veil. This enigmatic religion venerates darkness not as mere absence of light but as a profound source of power and wisdom. Born from the aftermath of a great cataclysm known as “The Great Obscuration,” which once shrouded the world in prolonged darkness, the Cult has grown both in size and influence, interpreting such celestial events as divine communications from the dark beyond.
Led by the Veiled Oracle and governed by the Nocturnal Council , the Cult commands its followers through layers of spiritual hierarchy, from the enlightened Veilweavers to the devoted lay members known as Nightbreed. Each member, irrespective of rank, participates in rituals and practices designed to deepen their communion with the darkness, embracing it as a purifying force that reveals the hidden truths of existence.
Central to their doctrine is the belief in the sanctity of eclipses and other celestial alignments that dim the skies. These moments are held sacred, seen as times when the veil between reality and the divine is thinnest and most permeable. The Cult’s influence extends beyond the spiritual, weaving into the political tapestry of the world through covert operations, strategic marriages, and even violent conflicts when necessary, all aimed at expanding the dominion of darkness.
In a world where light is often equated with good, the Cult of the Hallowed Veil challenges this notion, proposing instead a cosmos where darkness is the truest path to enlightenment and power.
Structure
The Veiled Oracle
- Role: The supreme leader and highest spiritual authority of the cult. Believed to be the primary communicator with the dark deity and responsible for overarching visions and directives.
- Duties: Guides the cult’s major spiritual decisions, interprets omens and prophecies, and has the final say in doctrinal matters.
- Selection: Chosen from among the most enlightened Veilweavers through a rare and mystical selection process that is believed to be influenced by divine intervention.
- Role: A body consisting of senior priests from each branch of the priesthood. Acts as advisors to the Veiled Oracle and helps to govern the cult’s affairs across different regions.
- Duties: Manages the day-to-day operations, oversees the enforcement of doctrine, and coordinates between various branches.
- Composition: Includes the heads of the Veilweavers, Shadow Scribes, Eclipse Harbingers, Dusk Knights, and Covenant Messengers.
- Role: Senior priests responsible for spiritual guidance, ritual conduct, and theological education.
- Duties: Lead major rituals, train lower-ranking priests, and oversee the spiritual upbringing of the cult’s members.
- Progression: Initiated from among dedicated followers who show deep understanding and commitment to the cult’s tenets.
- Role: Keepers of the cult’s knowledge and historians.
- Duties: Document rituals, maintain historical records, write theological texts, and safeguard the cult’s secret knowledge.
- Selection: Chosen for their wisdom and diligence, often from those who show a great capacity for learning and secrecy.
- Role: Specialists in celestial events and astrological phenomena.
- Duties: Predict significant celestial alignments, plan corresponding rituals, and serve as the cult’s astronomers.
- Selection: Require a background in astronomy or a strong intuitive understanding of celestial patterns.
- Role: Warrior-priests who protect the cult’s sacred sites and enforce its edicts.
- Duties: Guard important events and locations, carry out punitive actions against traitors or enemies, and train in combat and tactical strategies.
- Selection: Chosen from the most physically capable and loyal members who prove themselves in trials of strength and endurance.
- Role: Diplomats and emissaries of the cult.
- Duties: Facilitate communication between different cells of the cult, spread its influence in uncharted territories, and recruit new members.
- Selection: Known for their charisma and discretion, often selected for their ability to navigate complex social landscapes.
- Role: General congregation and lay members who support the cult’s activities.
- Duties: Participate in rituals, provide logistical support, and uphold the cult’s tenets in their daily lives.
- Entry: Open to all who wish to embrace the teachings of the cult and undergo an initiation ritual.
Divine Origins
Mythic Genesis
- The Great Obscuration: in the year 113 of the Divine Age, a cataclysmic event known as “The Great Obscuration” enveloped the world in darkness for a period that lasted three full moons. It was during this unprecedented event that the foundations of the Cult of the Hallowed Veil were laid. The darkness was caused by an unknown celestial body passing between the Earth and the Sun, an event not predicted by any known seers or astronomers of the time, leading many to believe it was a direct intervention by divine forces.
- The First Revelator: Eron Eldrath, a former mageborn elite of the Ethyri Empire living in isolation, experienced visions during this extended eclipse. In his secluded observatory, he witnessed what he described as the “Veil of Eternity” pulling back to reveal the true cosmos—dark, endless, and majestic. The divine entity that revealed itself to him was a forgotten deity of darkness, Arakzul, who commanded him to renew worship and understanding of the dark as a primordial source of wisdom and power.
- The Sacred Texts: Following the The Great Obscuration, Eldrath wrote the “Veiled Scriptures,” texts that combined his visions with older apocryphal writings and oral traditions that revered celestial phenomena and darkness. These scriptures laid out the cosmology of the Cult, explaining the universe as an eternal conflict between the blinding deception of light and the truthful shadows of darkness.
- The Spread of the Cult: The teachings of Eldrath slowly attracted followers from various walks of life—those disenfranchised by the mainstream religious orders, scholars seeking hidden knowledge, and mystics drawn to the esoteric nature of his revelations. Over decades, these teachings spread covertly across the land, forming a loose network of cells that practiced their rituals in secret, each waiting for the next Great Obscuration to reveal further divine truths.
- The Second Darkening: Several generations later, in the year 542 of the Divine Age, a similar celestial event occurred, reinforcing the beliefs of the Cult and energizing its propagation. This event, known as “The Second Darkening,” brought forth new prophecies and expanded the Cult’s doctrines, introducing the concept of the “Cycle of Veiling,” a recurring cosmic phenomenon that they believed brought the world closer to a final state of eternal night.
- Sanctification of Sites: The Cult of the Hallowed Veil established hidden sanctuaries in places where the celestial darkness was believed to be strongest—deep caves, dense forests, and ruins aligned with astrological events. These sanctified sites became centers of learning, ritual, and power for the Cult, further embedding its practices into the fabric of the surrounding societies.
- Integration into Society: Despite its secretive nature, the Cult managed to weave itself into the fabric of societies through influential members who were covertly part of the clergy, nobility, or scholarly circles. This integration allowed the Cult to subtly influence political and cultural developments, steering societies in ways that favored their esoteric agenda.
- Legendary Figures: Over time, legendary figures emerged within the Cult—prophets, warriors, and martyrs who had advanced the cause of the Veil, often at great personal cost. Their stories, embellished and passed down through generations, serve as both inspirational tales and cautionary tales about the price of true enlightenment.
Tenets of Faith
- Embrace of Darkness as the True Path to Enlightenment: Followers believe that true wisdom and knowledge come from understanding and embracing the darkness, both literally and metaphorically. They see darkness as a purifying force that strips away illusions and reveals the deeper truths of the cosmos.
- Reverence for Celestial Shadows: Solar and lunar eclipses, as well as other astronomical events that obscure light, are sacred. These events are believed to be moments when the veil between the mundane world and the divine is thinnest, allowing for greater communication and communion with dark entities.
- Pursuit of Hidden Knowledge: The seeking of arcane and forbidden knowledge is a moral duty. The cult holds that secrets kept from the majority are often keys to greater power and deeper understanding, and thus, pursuing such hidden truths is considered a sacred quest.
- Distrust of Light and Its Bearers: Light is considered deceptive, hiding the world’s true form and leading followers astray with its allure. Those who propagate the supremacy of light, like priests of Khalikryst or the followers of the Holy Flame, are viewed with suspicion and considered enemies of true enlightenment.
- Transformation Through Sacrifice: Personal sacrifice, especially involving enduring or embracing physical or emotional darkness, is essential for spiritual growth. This might include practices like meditating in complete darkness, fasting during daylight hours, or participating in rituals that symbolically ‘extinguish’ light.
- Spreading the Veil: Followers are encouraged to spread the influence and acceptance of darkness, whether through conversion, subterfuge, or cultural infiltration. This tenet often puts the cult at odds with other religious and political institutions, driving much of its underground and secretive nature.
- Protection of Sacred Darkness: Sacred sites and artifacts that are linked to the cult’s beliefs, especially those associated with historical eclipses or celestial events, must be protected and preserved against desecration by the uninitiated or the misguided.
- Cyclical Nature of Existence: The belief in a cyclical cosmology where periods of light are inevitably followed by necessary and cleansing periods of darkness. This cycle is considered natural and righteous, and efforts must be made to ensure its continuation and dominance.
- Communion with Dark Entities: Engaging with entities, spirits, or deities associated with darkness or the night is not only allowed but encouraged. These entities are considered allies or manifestations of the divine dark, offering guidance, power, or protection to devout followers.
- Endurance of Persecution: The path of true faith is often fraught with misunderstanding and persecution from those who fear or reject the dark. Followers must remain steadfast and resilient in the face of such challenges, viewing their struggles as tests of faith and dedication.
Worship
Daily Practices
- Meditations in Darkness: Members begin and end their day with meditations in complete darkness, symbolizing their connection to and reverence for the dark. These meditations focus on personal reflection, seeking guidance from the darkness, and preparing oneself for the challenges of the day.
- Chanting of the Veiled Verses: Specific verses from the cult’s sacred texts are chanted at designated times throughout the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, to honor the transition from light to dark.
- Shadow Adornments: Followers wear specific garments or symbols that signify their devotion, often incorporating elements that react to the absence of light, such as materials that glow in the dark or shift colors in low light.
- Eclipse Ceremonies: Major rituals are conducted during solar and lunar eclipses, believed to be powerful moments when the veil between worlds is thinnest. These ceremonies might involve complex sacrifices, offerings to dark entities, and communal meditations that seek to draw power or knowledge from these celestial events.
- The Rite of the Dark Moon: On new moon nights, the cult gathers for a ritual that celebrates the complete absence of moonlight. This rite includes a series of confessions where members share their fears and doubts, which are symbolically “swallowed” by the darkness, reinforcing their commitment to the cult.
- Festival of the Longest Night: Celebrated during the winter solstice, this festival marks the longest night of the year. It includes a night-long vigil, storytelling about the cult’s myths and legends, and renewing oaths of allegiance under the cover of darkness.
- Confession of Shadows: Members are encouraged to confess their “illuminations” — moments where they felt drawn to or tempted by the light. These confessions are made in private to a Veilweaver who provides guidance and penance.
- Communion of the Darkened Veil: A monthly communion ritual where members partake of a sacrament made from darkened waters — water that has been left to absorb the darkness of the new moon. This sacrament symbolizes ingesting the purity of darkness to cleanse the soul.
- Bindings of the Veil: Special ceremonies to initiate new members or to mark significant personal milestones, such as marriages or the assumption of new roles within the cult. These bindings often involve oaths taken in complete darkness, emphasizing trust and commitment without the influence of sight.
- Public Demonstrations: Occasionally, the cult may organize public demonstrations of their power and faith, particularly in regions where they are trying to expand their influence. These might include public healings, divinations, or displays of dark magic.
- Educational Outreach: The cult may run schools or educational programs that subtly integrate their teachings with more general education, especially targeting areas where they seek to grow their influence.
Priesthood
Roles and Responsibilities
- Veilweaver: Primary spiritual leaders and ritual conductors. Responsible for interpreting the sacred texts and celestial events. Guide the spiritual development of the cult’s members through teachings and personal counseling. Perform rituals that harness the energies of darkness, such as eclipses and new moons.
- Shadow Scribes: Keepers of the cult’s history and secret knowledge. Maintain and protect the sacred texts, writings, and prophetic decrees. Tasked with writing new scripture as revelations are received from divine dark entities or during significant celestial events.
- Eclipse Harbingers: Specialists in astronomy and celestial events. Predict and prepare the cult for upcoming eclipses and other important astronomical occurrences. Conduct special rituals during these events to commune with dark deities and channel cosmic energies.
- Dusk Knights: Warrior-priests tasked with protecting the cult’s sanctuaries and sacred gatherings. Often act as enforcers of the cult’s will, dealing with threats both internal and external. Train in both combat and esoteric arts, embodying the cult’s teachings of strength through darkness.
- Covenant Messengers: Serve as liaisons between different cells or sects of the cult, ensuring coherence and unity of practice and doctrine. Spread the cult’s influence by covertly disseminating teachings and recruiting potential new members in non-dominated areas.
- Path of Shadows: An extensive training program for all priesthood candidates, focusing on mastery of the cult’s doctrines, dark meditation practices, and the interpretation of celestial signs. Includes trials that test candidates’ resilience, faith, and ability to endure and harness darkness.
- Veil of Secrecy: A rite of passage that marks the final initiation into the priesthood, where candidates undergo a period of complete isolation in darkness, emerging with a deeper spiritual connection to the divine dark.
- Oath of the Obscured Path: A solemn vow taken by all members of the priesthood to protect the secrets of the cult, propagate its doctrines, and live by the tenets of faith.
- Intermediaries of the Divine Dark: Priests are viewed as direct intermediaries between the mundane world and the divine entities of darkness. Their role is both a spiritual guide and a conduit for divine power.
- Guardians of the Veil: Tasked with maintaining the boundary between the known and the unknown, the seen and the unseen, thereby preserving the mystery and sanctity of their faith.
- The Veiled Council: The highest governing body of the priesthood, composed of the most experienced and powerful members of each priestly role. Makes decisions regarding the cult’s direction, new doctrines, and responses to external threats.
- Guidance and Oversight: Regular meetings and public rituals where the priesthood interacts with lay followers, offering guidance, blessings, and teachings. Responsible for the spiritual health and doctrinal purity of the general membership.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Covert Operations
- Infiltration: The cult plants its members within royal courts, governmental bodies, and other influential institutions. These planted members work to subtly influence decisions, push the cult’s agendas, or destabilize regimes seen as hostile to their beliefs.
- Secret Alliances: The cult forms alliances with powerful figures, such as nobles, military leaders, or other religious groups, to gain protection, resources, or shared influence over regions.
- Ideological Spread: The cult uses a variety of methods to spread their ideology among the populace, such as through charismatic preachers, covert literature, or exploiting societal unrest.
- Psychological Warfare: The cult uses fear, superstitions, and prophecies to manipulate public opinion or control the masses, especially around celestial events seen as ominous or significant by the cult.
- Strategic Marriages: The cult uses marriages within its ranks to forge alliances with powerful families or other influential groups.
- Resource Control: The cult seeks to control critical resources—such as mineral mines, strategic locations, or mystical sites—to increase their leverage in political dealings.
- Government Counteractions: Local and regional governments react to the growing power of the cult in a variety of ways, often forming task forces or alliances to check its influence sometimes even openly combating its spread.
- Schisms and Heresies: Occasionally internal conflicts within the cult spill over into political arenas, such as disputes over doctrine or leadership that lead to splits or power struggles visible to the outside world.
- Peaceful Expansion: Show how Contradictory to most public opinion, the cult sometimes engages in diplomacy to peacefully expand its influence or secure its interests, negotiating with rulers or other factions.
- Espionage and Sabotage: The cult employs a network of spies and saboteurs to undermine enemies or gather critical information for its strategies.
- Image Management: The the cult leaves management of its public image to the regional cells, allowing such cells the autonomy of presenting itself as a benign or reformist group to gain public sympathy or support.
- Charitable Works: The cult is known to occasionally engage in or sponsor charitable works or public services to improve its standing with the populace, masking its more sinister activities.
- Exploiting Crises: The cult takes advantage of natural disasters, wars, or other crises to strengthen its position or implement its agendas.
- Ceremonial Influence: The cult performs both public, though usually private, rituals or ceremonies, especially during eclipses or other significant events, to solidify their influence or make political statements.
Sects
The Eclipse Seekers
- Beliefs: The Eclipse Seekers are obsessed with celestial phenomena, particularly solar and lunar eclipses. They believe these events hold the key to ultimate power and enlightenment.
- Practices: This sect is known for their meticulous planning and execution of rituals that coincide with eclipses. They use these occasions for major magical undertakings, attempting to harness celestial energies.
- Goals: Their ultimate goal is to induce a permanent eclipse that will cast the world into eternal darkness, which they believe will usher in a new era of power for the cult.
- Beliefs: The Shadowed Path focuses on personal enlightenment through the embrace of literal and metaphorical darkness. They seek understanding by meditating in the deepest shadows.
- Practices: Members often live in secluded, darkened environments, shunning any form of natural light. They are known for their rigorous discipline and ascetic lifestyle.
- Goals: Their main objective is the cultivation of inner darkness, achieving a state they call “The Void,” where all personal desires and worldly attachments are extinguished.
- Beliefs: The Veilguard are militant defenders of the cult’s teachings and protectors of its secrets. They believe in aggressive expansion and protection of the cult’s influence.
- Practices: This sect is trained in combat and espionage, often acting as the cult’s enforcers or as guards for high-ranking members and sacred sites.
- Goals: They aim to safeguard the cult from external threats and internal betrayals, often taking preemptive strikes against perceived enemies.
- Beliefs: This sect holds that the truest expressions of faith occur under the cover of midnight. They are particularly focused on the symbolism of midnight as a moment of balance between days, representing the balance between light and dark.
- Practices: Rituals and important meetings are held strictly at midnight. They have a unique ritual calendar that emphasizes nights of the new moon.
- Goals: Their primary aim is to spread the belief that darkness is not to be feared but embraced as a natural and necessary part of life.
- Beliefs: The Whispering Dark focuses on communion with dark spirits and entities from other planes of existence. They believe these beings offer forbidden knowledge and power.
- Practices: They are known for their séances and summoning rituals, conducted in secret. They use a variety of esoteric artifacts to aid in these rituals.
- Goals: Their goal is to form pacts with these entities, gaining allies and power that can be used to influence the physical and spiritual worlds.
- Internal Dynamics: These sects provide a dynamic interplay of alliances and rivalries within the cult. While they all share the overarching goal of venerating darkness, their methods and specific beliefs might cause friction, which can be a rich source of stories.
- Narrative Opportunities: Character-driven narratives can explore members moving between sects, rising to power within a sect, or handling conflicts that threaten to split the cult. Major events in the cult could involve alliances between sects to achieve a common goal or conflicts that erupt into open confrontation.
Embrace the Night, Awaken the Sight
Founding Date
142nd year of the Divine Age
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Founders
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
Divines
Official Languages
Related Professions
Notable Members
Related Myths
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