Haiyta, Goddess of Infernals
In halls of shadowed glass where silence takes its throne, she mourns for what she's lost and claims what's never shown. Her tears are not for sorrow but for dreams the light betrayed, and in her wake, the darkness blooms where even gods have strayed. Ten chains dangle heavy, each a name she cannot bear, while four great sinners whisper truths the stars would never dare. Her children call her mother though her blood runs not through their veins, and infernals bow before her, drawn by freedom in her chains. She is not the wicked fire that consumes and leaves no trace; she is the steady ember, a balm for every broken place. They scorn her somber visage, call her wrathful in their fear, but her calm, unyielding presence whispers truths the heart holds near. The seas of Awmyu mirror her, sleek black in quiet calm, though beneath the surface lingers storms that hold both curse and balm. To her children she is solace, to her foes a feared reprieve, but her heart holds no destruction—only the will to let them leave. She does not crave the war or strife the heavens long to seek; she only craves the stillness where the weary find their peak. The mother of ten evils does not revel in their plight, though each bears marks of shadows cast from twisted, hollow light. She sees the flaws in mortals, gods, and sinners all the same; a cradle for their failures, though she never shares their shame. Six children sit beneath her wings, unjudged, untouched by scorn, while four sins lie entwined with her, their secrets bound and sworn. Queen of Infernals, goddess bound to Awmyu's eerie tide, a lover of the darkness where the broken find their guide. The somber face watches, never cruel, never kind, with wisdom born of silence and a heart forever blind. For she does not seek to conquer nor to smite with reckless glee; her power is in knowing that her chains can set them free. A mother, not by birthing but by gathering the lost, she is the quiet tide that soothes no matter what the cost. So do not scorn her silence or the shadowed depths she keeps; for in the end, the somber face is where the restless weep.
Divine Domains
Divine Domains
Infernals and Evil
Haiyta reigns as the singular authority over infernals, shaping and commanding their existence with an iron will. The domain of infernals is not rooted in their creation but in their manipulation, governance, and purpose. Through Haiyta, infernals find their place, however cruel or grim, in a structured hierarchy that both exploits and defines their existence. She presides over the labyrinthine interplay of order and chaos within Awmyu, understanding and exploiting its volatile balance to maintain control over the plane's infernal denizens. Contracts, intentions, and dominions pass through her unseen grasp, making her the arbiter of the infernal machine. To cross her influence is to stand against the unrelenting tide of her authority, an endeavor that only ends in servitude or ruin.
Evil, as governed by Haiyta, is a raw and visceral force—not necessarily power, but a selfish and grim manifestation of self-preservation. Evil thrives in isolation, feeding on the frailties and fears of others while remaining an undeniable constant in the tapestry of existence. Haiyta does not wield evil as a weapon but embodies its essence: the natural state of survival stripped of morality, a shadow that follows wherever light dares tread. Her evil is not mindless destruction but the cold, calculated acceptance of its place in the universe. In her eyes, evil perseveres because it is necessary, a balance to good’s fleeting nature, and an eternal reminder of the struggle inherent in all living things.
Darkness and Fear
Darkness, in Haiyta’s dominion, is not inherently evil but a canvas upon which truths are revealed. Stripped of light, darkness unveils the barest essence of existence, removing distraction and pretense. It does not judge but encompasses, enveloping all equally in its stillness. To accept darkness is to embrace the unknown, to stand in humility before the vastness of what cannot be seen or understood. It is the foundation upon which light is painted, the immutable constant that frames existence itself. Even in the presence of light, darkness persists in corners and crevices, a silent witness to all that transpires.
Fear, too, is not inherently evil but an instinctual tool of survival. Under Haiyta’s guidance, fear teaches caution, humility, and restraint, urging creatures to respect their limitations and grow within them. Yet, fear is also a double-edged blade; when misunderstood or wielded improperly, it becomes a source of malice, chaos, and destruction. Haiyta’s dominion over fear reveals its necessity and balance, coexisting with good and light as a counterweight. Without fear, there is arrogance and recklessness; with too much, paralysis and despair. She neither condemns nor glorifies it but ensures it remains an integral part of the natural order.
Manipulation and Degradation
Haiyta’s power extends into the art of manipulation, a domain where she excels in felling the mighty from their pedestals. From gods to mortals, from celestial beings to infernal creations, none are immune to her machinations. She revels in the delicate undoing of power—turning wealth into ruin, virtue into vice, and devotion into betrayal. She whispers truths that corrode faith, weaves lies that unravel trust, and bends the strongest wills to her design. To encounter Haiyta is to risk the loss of oneself, a descent into a shadow of what one once was.
Degradation is the inevitable result of Haiyta’s manipulations, and she holds no bias in whom she targets. Celestials have fallen to her whispers, shedding their purity to don horns and fangs. Paladins have broken their oaths under her gaze, their fall a testament to her ability to reveal the fragility of even the most steadfast. Her domain is not simply the destruction of goodness or power but the gradual erosion of the very ideals that hold them aloft. She does not merely destroy; she transforms, leaving behind creatures and entities reshaped by her will, scarred by their descent from grace.
Dominion
Haiyta’s dominion is absolute within the infernal plane of Awmyu, where she wields unparalleled control over its infernal denizens. Her grasp extends beyond mere governance; she embodies the structure, intent, and manipulation of infernal existence. In her domain of Infernals, Haiyta maintains a delicate yet ruthless balance between order and chaos, ensuring that each infernal being fulfills its purpose within the plane’s intricate hierarchy. In the sphere of Evil, Haiyta defines and enforces its philosophical essence, ensuring its survival as a counterbalance to good. Evil is not merely a tool but a state of existence she preserves with unwavering resolve, rooting it deeply in the natural inclination of self-preservation and the grim reality of isolation.
In the domains of Darkness and Fear, Haiyta’s presence is felt not as a force of destruction but as a fundamental and inescapable truth. Darkness in her dominion is the absence of distraction, the raw clarity of what remains when all else is stripped away. It is not inherently malevolent but a canvas for understanding the unknown. Fear, similarly, serves not as a weapon of terror but as a necessary balance, urging humility, caution, and survival in the face of overwhelming forces. Her dominion does not seek to banish fear but to temper it, allowing it to coexist harmoniously with concepts such as courage and hope.
Conflicts
Haiyta’s dominion over the infernal plane creates natural tensions with other forces of the cosmos. Her control of infernal beings, contracts, and the intricate interplay of order and chaos often clashes with deities who value freedom or seek to unseat the infernal hierarchy. Those who champion the destruction of infernals, such as Ichurxis, God of Judgement find her manipulations antithetical to their ideals. The presence of free-willed Schalklings—creatures who consume demon hearts to challenge the infernal order—creates an ongoing friction within her domain, as their existence threatens the rigid structures she enforces.
Relationships With Other Domains
Haiyta’s domains intersect with others in both harmonious and adversarial ways. Her mastery over Darkness positions her as a counterpart to deities of Light. While these domains do not directly clash, the interplay between light and darkness forms a cyclical balance that neither can escape.
In the realm of manipulation and degradation, Haiyta’s influence stretches far beyond Awmyu. Her ability to turn celestial beings into infernal creatures, to erode oaths and virtues, brings her into conflict with gods of law and morality. Yet, her influence does not always manifest as outright opposition. Deities who value duality, like Alteria, God of Equipoise, may see her as a necessary force in maintaining balance, acknowledging that her dominion ensures the existence of choice, change, and consequence. Haiyta’s reach is expansive, weaving into the fabric of the cosmos, touching every corner where darkness, fear, and corruption can take root.
Artifacts
Artifacts of Haiyta
Shard of Darkness
The Shard of Darkness is a towering monolithic rectangle of glass that seems to have risen straight from the Abyss itself. Long ago, it was moved from its original place of emergence, though its current location remains unknown. The artifact is infamous for its reflective properties, showing those who gaze into it their most twisted, vile form—not necessarily malformed physically, though for some, this was true. Instead, the reflection reveals the self at its lowest point, embodying who the observer could become if they fail to improve their lives. For many, this ominous vision became prophecy, as countless individuals were later seen resembling the horrific image shown to them in the shard. This phenomenon of “rock bottom” gave rise to the infamous phrase: *“If thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee.”*
Twin Claw
The Twin Claw is a cursed artifact believed to be fashioned from the bone of an unknowable creature that resides in the seventh layer of Haiyta's domain, Awmyu. Matte black and unnaturally sharp, this claw affixes to a wearer’s finger and then replicates itself onto the opposite hand, creating a pair. When used to harm another, the claws inflict a withering curse upon the victim—a slow and insidious death that culminates without warning, often weeks after the initial injury. The victim simply collapses, lifeless, as though struck down by the hand of death itself. The current location of the Twin Claw is unknown, and its existence remains a subject of great wariness for holy institutions across the planes.
Symphony of Slaughter
The Symphony of Slaughter is a haunting ballad said to have been sung by Haiyta herself to her progeny, a song of discord and violence. This chilling melody, recorded and carried to the mortal plane, is a weapon of unparalleled chaos. When played, those who hear it—aside from the performer—are overwhelmed by an uncontrollable urge to commit heinous, vile acts upon the nearest individual. These urges frequently culminate in rampant acts of murder, leading to concert halls and gatherings devolving into blood-soaked chaos. The Symphony is currently safeguarded by the Holy Inquisition, locked away in one of their most secure institutions to prevent its catastrophic influence from spreading.
Tome of Malice
The Tome of Malice is a forbidden text chronicling the childhood of Hoaslien, Haiyta’s daughter and the embodiment of mortal malice. Those who dare to open the tome often descend into madness, plagued by visions beyond mortal comprehension. The contents of the book are said to include horrors so vile and disturbing that readers are filled with an existential dread so profound it often leads to self-destruction. The tome, heavily chained and locked, has been hidden away for centuries, with its precise location lost to time. Only fragmented records in the annals of a few ancient institutions even acknowledge its existence, and those who know of it fear its rediscovery.
Corpse of Volgoz; Gibborath Yisurim (Corpse of the Titan)
The Corpse of Volgoz, known as *Gibborath Yisurim*, is a massive and ancient entity whose ruined body has shaped an entire mountain range. Though time has buried much of it beneath the landscape, the outline of the titan's destroyed form can still be discerned across the topography. First documented in *Chaimior's Recollections Vol. 3*, the Corpse of Volgoz has since become the subject of religious texts and apocalyptic prophecies. Despite its name, the “corpse” is not truly dead but in a state of deep, unnatural slumber. It is feared that one day, the titan will rise again to fulfill Haiyta’s will, reshaping the land and bringing cataclysm upon the world once more.
Holy Books & Codes
The Codex of Darkness
Significance
The "Codex of Darkness" serves as the foundational scripture for a sect of Haiyta's followers who focus on her domains of Darkness and Fear, but not in their traditional wicked connotations. This sect views darkness not as a force of malevolence but as a veil of truth, humility, and self-reflection. The Codex teaches its adherents to embrace the unknown and to temper their fears by understanding and integrating them into their lives. Followers of this doctrine believe that through this practice, they can conquer their own darkness and fears, guiding themselves toward brighter horizons without rejecting the inherent challenges of their nature.
Content
The "Codex of Darkness" is divided into meditative verses and philosophical musings on the nature of darkness and fear. It portrays darkness as a teacher and fear as a necessary force for survival and growth. Passages within the Codex describe practices for self-discipline and introspection, often encouraging followers to embrace moments of solitude, stillness, and silence. The text rejects the chaos often associated with fear, instead emphasizing its role in cultivating humility, caution, and strength. Followers are guided to perform rituals under moonless skies or in absolute darkness, fostering a connection to Haiyta’s quiet, somber aspect. The Codex remains a text of private reflection rather than public evangelism, as its adherents keep to themselves and distance their faith from the more destructive interpretations of Haiyta's domains.
The Abyssal Reflection
Significance
The "Abyssal Reflection" is revered among Haiyta’s most heretical worshippers, who embrace her domains of Evil, Manipulation, and Degradation with zeal. This scripture is a justification and glorification of wickedness, teaching its followers to employ deceit, sacrifice, and manipulation as acts of devotion to Haiyta. It serves as a manual for those seeking to honor her most malevolent aspects, positioning cruelty, dominance, and selfishness as virtues in a world they view as inherently chaotic and unjust. This text is deeply feared and reviled by holy institutions, often banned and condemned wherever it is discovered.
Content
The "Abyssal Reflection" is written as a collection of dark parables, rituals, and instructions on how to wield evil as a means of achieving power and influence. It preaches that to rise, one must first destroy, whether through physical, emotional, or societal means. The Reflection encourages its adherents to craft intricate webs of manipulation, breaking the spirits of their rivals and reshaping them into tools for their own gain. Sacrificial rites, often involving acts of degradation and suffering, are described in grim detail, meant to invoke Haiyta’s favor and grant the participant a fraction of her power. Central to the text is the belief that suffering—both given and endured—creates the strongest connections to Haiyta's will. The Abyssal Reflection is viewed not only as a guide but as a sacred weapon, its very possession marking the owner as one of Haiyta's chosen, albeit at a great moral and spiritual cost.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Symbols
Disjointed Links are a symbol prominently used by the heretical sects of Haiyta worshippers. These slightly offset chain links represent the disconnection from broader society and the freedom that these cultists claim as their guiding principle. This symbol is often seen in their rituals, adorning their clothing, or used in carved effigies. The fractured nature of the links symbolizes the rejection of unity and the embrace of individual will, even at the cost of others.
Black Whispy Ink Trails are used by followers of Haiyta’s somber aspect, representing her domains of Darkness and Fear. Strikes of black paint, ink, or other materials are applied in a disjointed manner, with each stroke beginning at one of two heights but never the same as the last. This intentional disconnection creates a pattern that reflects symmetry within chaos. These trails are not just aesthetic; they are used during rituals as visual conduits to attune oneself to Haiyta’s presence, particularly in meditative or introspective practices.
Shadowy Corners are an omen attributed to Haiyta’s gaze. When a room or space has illuminated areas but remains cloaked in shadows at its corners, it is believed to be a pocket of her influence. In religious spaces dedicated to other deities, corners are often lit to prevent this phenomenon. However, in places devoted to Haiyta, shadowy corners are deliberately cultivated as sacred spaces where her essence is thought to linger and observe.
Silent Nights are considered a symbolic event tied to Haiyta, where all sound seems to vanish, leaving an eerie stillness. This phenomenon is interpreted as Haiyta’s hand stripping away the noise and distractions of the world, leaving only the void of her influence. For her worshippers, this can be a sign of reverence and reflection. For others, it is a bad omen, signifying her displeasure or impending turmoil.
Blazed Stone is a key element in rituals dedicated to Haiyta. Stones blackened and scorched by intense flames are used as a medium to connect with her infernal domains. These stones are often placed on altars or carried as talismans by her devout, symbolizing the eternal fire of Awmyu and the transformative power of destruction.
Blood Sigils are intricate symbols drawn using the blood of living creatures, often during heretical rituals. These sigils are believed to invoke Haiyta’s darkest blessings, channeling her power into the ritual’s purpose. While uncommon, they are highly feared and condemned by other religious institutions. Blood sigils are used sparingly, as they require the utmost precision and carry significant risk for those performing the rites.
Shadow Sigils are created using stencils during noon, casting shadows that overlap to form specific symbols on the ground. These are employed in rituals by worshippers of Haiyta’s somber aspect, aligning with her domains of Darkness and Fear. The symbols vary based on the ritual’s intent, from blessings of protection to curses upon enemies. The creation of shadow sigils is a sacred practice requiring great care, as errors are seen as disrespectful and can invite misfortune.
Creatures
Infernal Beings
As the supreme ruler of the infernal domains, Haiyta’s influence extends over all infernal creatures. Demons, devils, and other fiends within the layers of Awmyu are bound to her will and serve as living extensions of her power. These beings act as her enforcers, emissaries, and tormentors, carrying out her decrees across the planes.
Red Spider Lilies
These vibrant red flowers are sacred to Haiyta’s followers, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of decay. Often planted around her altars or woven into garlands during rituals, Red Spider Lilies serve as a reminder of her dominion over life’s darker truths.
Corpse Flowers
Corpse Flowers, known for their pungent odor, are considered sacred in rituals that seek to invoke Haiyta’s destructive or transformative aspects. These flowers are often found growing in graveyards or battlefields, symbolizing the cycle of death and rebirth under her dominion.
Black Roses
Black Roses are a rare and revered symbol of Haiyta’s somber face, representing loss, mystery, and the beauty found in despair. These roses are cultivated by her most devoted followers and used in rituals to seek her guidance or blessings in times of personal hardship.
Otters
Otters hold a unique place in Haiyta’s mythology. During the Celestial-Infernal War, demons refrained from harming these creatures, granting them a symbolic status as beings pardoned by the underworld. This anomaly has made otters an unexpected symbol of resilience and enigmatic grace among her worshippers, embodying the idea that even in darkness, there can be mercy. But also noted as evil animals but other religions.
Tenets of Faith
The Tenets of the Followers of the Somber Face
Significance
The Followers of the Somber Face are a sect of Haiyta’s worshippers who revere her domains of Darkness and Fear. They believe that by embracing these aspects, they can find clarity and personal growth. This group views Haiyta not as a destructive force, but as a guide who reveals the truths hidden in shadows, helping them overcome their inner turmoil and achieve self-acceptance.
Tenets
- Seek the Stillness of Darkness: Find solace in the absence of light. Darkness is not to be feared but embraced as a place of reflection and understanding. Through darkness, one can strip away distractions and face the self.
- Honor Fear as a Teacher: Fear is a necessary emotion, guiding survival and humility. To conquer fear is not to eradicate it but to coexist with it, using it as a tool to foster growth and balance.
- Reject the Comfort of False Light: Light can deceive, creating illusions of safety and understanding. Only by accepting the darkness can one see the world’s truths and find their own path.
- Tread Humbly in the Shadows: Walk with humility, for the shadows hold the wisdom of generations. They are a repository of history, pain, and growth, offering lessons to those willing to listen.
- Balance Fear and Clarity: Recognize that fear is not inherently evil but becomes dangerous when unbalanced. Strive to temper fear with clarity and purpose, letting it guide but not control.
The Tenets of the Cult of Abyssal Rites
Significance
The Cult of Abyssal Rites represents Haiyta’s most extreme followers, those who revel in her domains of Evil, Manipulation, and Degradation. They see themselves as agents of her will, spreading chaos and subverting order through deceit and destruction. Their practices often involve heinous acts and dark rituals aimed at honoring Haiyta’s power and furthering their own agendas.
Tenets
- Exploit to Exalt: Manipulate others to serve your purpose and, in doing so, honor Haiyta. The weak are tools, and their fall strengthens her dominion.
- Embrace Degradation as a Gift: Degradation is the path to transformation. To tear something down is to create the opportunity for something new to rise in its place, guided by Haiyta’s will.
- Sacrifice Without Hesitation: Offerings of blood, life, and morality are the ultimate tributes to Haiyta. Through these acts, her power grows, and her blessings flow to the faithful.
- Spread Discord and Despair: Chaos and suffering are tools of enlightenment. By sowing discord, one reveals the fragility of order and paves the way for Haiyta’s truth to take hold.
- Evil Is the Natural Order: Recognize that evil is not an aberration but a fundamental aspect of existence. To serve Haiyta is to embrace this truth and wield it without shame.
Relationships
Divine Classification
Major Deity
Realm
Spouses
Neie, God of Celestials
(Husband)
Siblings
Children
Ruled Locations
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments