Noctis, The Dark Sovereign

Noctis, The Dark Sovereign
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Symbol: A half-moon surrounded by swirling darkness
Portfolio: Darkness, Change, The Unknown
Overview:
Noctis, the former God of Shadows and Change, ruled over the unseen and the mysterious forces of transformation, veiling his followers in secrecy and the power to evolve. He embodied the unpredictable, often feared aspects of existence: the necessity of change, the allure of the unknown, and the inevitability of shadows. Revered as a figure of transformation, Noctis was a paradox—a deity who wielded darkness to reveal truth, guiding mortals through hidden paths to self-discovery and growth.
In a moment of hubris, Noctis accepted Mara’s challenge, seeking to test her against his arcane prowess. To his shock, she outmaneuvered him in a battle of wits and power, ultimately ascending to the throne he once held as the master of shadows. Defeated, Noctis’ influence waned, yet his essence lingers in the whispers of shadow and the unknowable depths of night. Some say he retreated to the far reaches of the cosmos, biding his time, while others believe he watches Mara’s reign from the fringes, waiting for the day his followers call upon him once more.
Key Aspects:
Darkness: Noctis saw darkness as a place of protection and introspection, shrouding truths until they were ready to be seen and acting as a veil over the deeper mysteries of life.
Change: Change is Noctis’ core tenet, as he held that transformation—though often painful—was the path to true strength. His followers embrace cycles of death and rebirth, shedding old selves to awaken anew.
The Unknown: Noctis champions the unexplored and the hidden, urging his followers to pierce through their fears, venture into the void, and discover wisdom that lies beyond the boundaries of common understanding.
Divine Interaction:
Rituals: Devotees of Noctis conduct ceremonies in pitch darkness, where they meditate upon the fears and limitations they wish to overcome, often burning symbolic items to signify release and transformation.
Worship and Followers: Noctis’ faithful are often rogues, seekers of wisdom, and those who walk untrodden paths. His secluded shrines are hidden in shadowy recesses—caves, forest hollows, and abandoned ruins—where his followers can safely confront their inner darkness.
Mythology: Legends tell of Noctis as a god who maintained the balance between darkness and revelation, wielding his powers to guard mortals from knowledge too potent to bear. In the lore of his defeat, it is said Noctis recognized Mara’s spirit as a reflection of his own, granting her his blessing even as he fell. The stories of Noctis now serve as cautionary tales and a beacon for those who would seek strength in their own transformation, for he reminds mortals that even the darkest night holds the potential for a new dawn.