The Cult of Xillicha in Friday DnD Game | World Anvil
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The Cult of Xillicha

Xillicha is the Goddess of Death and decay; commonly depicted as a skeleton with several eye holes coated in a cowl of black feathers, and wielding a double-sided spear. One side of Gold and Bronze, with the other side holding rust and decay. It is said that at the end of someone's life a herald comes down with her weapon and throws it into the air. Depending on what side is sticking up shows whether the creature is going to 9 Hells or Astralium.    

Creed:

  Xillicha's followers are a devout bunch that believe that the dead should typically stay dead. It is unknown whether this was the reason for its banning from Algorath, or the ignorance, believing the worship of her to be akin to necromancy. Due to their steadfast understand of the natural flow of life and death, it is often common for worshippers of Arials to be seen as wolves in sheep clothing - as one group understands death, and the other toys with it to keep people around as long as possible through unconventional means. Such morals lay within areas of gray, however.   Still, there is still plenty of head butting within the secret group; as it seems there is no clear definition in regards towards strange circumstances. The thought of returning someone back from a justified death is abhorrent on the surface, however, justification is cast through careful consideration of the situation, and varies from each follower. One member might see a woman dying of a disease and feel that it's Xillicha's will, while the other might view it as a chance to let someone live a life that is not yet ready to be taken.    

Heralds versus Arbiters

    A long running conflict has been held throughout the years of the two main sects of believers.     Heralds: Heralds believe that Xillicha's will is made manifest through the world around them, and that death is to be accepted. Passing on means it is their job to make sure no corpse is revived; necromantic or otherwise. Often, Heralds will stay for months to make the death as painless as possible, and consecrate the remains in order to keep it safe from any sort of revival for an extended period of time. The time of which varies from Cleric to Cleric, however. Often, Heralds will travel the realm with a list of those they need to return to in order to consecrate, or to do so from a list belonging to fallen brothers or sisters.     Arbiters: Arbiters see the world as cruel and harsh reality, where Death is the eternal grasp waiting for them. They believe that the will of Xillicha is made manifest through themselves, and that they are put there to save those who are ready to meet an undeserved end. Arbiters also engage in lengthy ceremonies to aid those who are passing in order to help guide them towards a path away from the 9 Hells, if they feel this person is worthy of it. Much like the Heralds, the Arbiters consecrate the graves of the dead, but do not make revival through the power of Arials an impossibility. Arbiters often believe that to bring someone back wholly from death is part of her grand plan for them.    

Traditions:

  Meditation: Often followers of Xillicha will meditate with a skull or other object that reminds them of death. Doing so keeps them grounded, and understands the fragility of life, as well as coming to terms with their own mortality.   Consecration: Consecration is a lengthy process which can keep a body from coming back for an extended period of time. To do so, you must devote time and resources towards the spot you wish to make sacred, and gauge the amount of resources required by the creature's strength of will.  
  1. Meek (Simple Human, or animal)
  2. Headstrong (A hardy farmer, or a Guard)
  3. Determined (A Knight, or a Noble)
  4. Extreme (A high general in an army, or a hero)
  5. Almighty (A demi-god, or a legendary hero)
Gauging the strength of will is not simply about their accomplishments, but their mental fortitude in their original life. Once understood, you will need resources that is 50 GP x the rank of the creature's strength of will, as well as 2 hours per rank. The creature will then be unable to be revived as an undead, as well as giving you the option to choose to make it unable to be revived by anything other than a wish spell. The amount of time is 10 months x your proficiency bonus.   Offerings: Offerings to Xillicha are typically mementos or last wills being fulfilled. Typically, doing so will grant a temporary benefit of some type such as one use of "favored by the Gods", or a +1 to all damage rolls.

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