Xal, God of Decay ("xal" sounds like "sal" similar to "sally" without the "ly".)
Xal (a.k.a. God of Decay)
"Accept the inevitability of death, for it is through decay that life finds renewal. Embrace the cycle, and rise anew from the ashes of the old."
Divine Domains
Divine Domains
Stagnation and Darkness
Xal’s true domain is stagnation, the antithesis of change and movement. By extension, he holds dominion over darkness, the absence of light and the realm of the unknown. This domain represents his intrinsic nature as a deity of stillness and obscurity. Although worship for this domain is rare, his control over it is absolute, influencing the still and shadowed aspects of the universe.
Decay and Death
Xal’s first domain of worship is decay and death. Those who deal with the end of life, whether through natural occurence or preparing burial, seek his guidance and blessings. This domain is crucial for understanding and accepting the natural cycle of life and death. Worship in this domain is prevalent among those who honor the inevitable end of all things and correctly laying the dead to rest.
Curses and Jinxes
His second domain of worship, curses and jinxes, relates to his power over misfortune and hexes. Xal is invoked by those seeking to guard themselves or protect themselves and others from ill will. This domain highlights his role in a sometimes darker aspects of mortal life, where fear and malice are ever-present. Worship in this domain is often careful and cautious, avoiding crossing the line into malice.
Dominion
Xal holds the darkness domain in his grasps, making him the ultimate authority in matters of obscurity and concealment. While not directly worshipped for this domain, his control is profound, affecting other deities who operate within it. His primary worship domains, decay and death, and curses and jinxes, see him as a harbinger of endings and misfortune. The combination of these domains allows him to wield considerable power over both natural decay and supernatural afflictions.
Conflicts
The domain of darkness is in constant opposition to the domain of light. Deities who holds sway over light, ensures that darkness can never fully envelop the world. This eternal battle between light and darkness creates the balance visibility and obscurity, such as a single torch against a dark room, or the Moon eclipsing the Sun's rays.
Xal’s domain of decay is in direct conflict with the domain of growth. The struggle between these domains ensures that life is continually renewed, with decay providing the necessary end to make way for new beginnings. This balance is crucial for the natural order and the continuity of existence.
Relationships With Other Domains
The domain of stagnation interacts with the domain of order, as both seek to maintain stability and prevent chaotic change. While stagnation aims to halt transformation, order strives to establish and uphold structures. This relationship ensures that changes occur within a controlled and predictable framework, balancing the need for stability with the inevitability of some level of transformation.
The domain of darkness interacts with the domain of sleep. Darkness and night are closely linked, with darkness providing the backdrop for the nightly cycle. This relationship emphasizes the importance of rest and rejuvenation, as sleep allows living beings to recuperate and prepare for the activities of the day.
Xal’s domain of decay has a significant relationship with the domain of death. Decay represents the process that follows death, breaking down organic matter and returning it to the earth. This interaction ensures the continuation of the life cycle, with decay providing the nutrients needed for new growth that will too evetually die and once again decay.
Xal’s domain of curses interacts with the domain of fate. Curses are often seen as twists of fate, altering the course of individuals' lives in unexpected and often detrimental ways. This relationship emphasizes the power of supernatural forces to influence destiny, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of existence.
The domain of jinxes interacts with the domain of luck. Jinxes are seen as negative influences or bad luck, creating tangible misfortune and obstacles. This relationship underscores the delicate balance between good and bad luck, with jinxes representing the darker side of fortune and its impact on individuals' lives.
The domain of darkness also interacts with the domain of fear and Xal's domain of curses. Darkness often evokes fear, creating an environment where the unknown and unseen can thrive. While curses can tool darkness to act on the fear it breeds and strengthen themselves.
Holy Books & Codes
The Tome of Shadows
Significance
This book is the primary guide for Xal's followers, containing essential teachings, rituals, and beliefs. It addresses the nature of decay, death, curses, and hexes, providing a comprehensive understanding of Xal's influence.In the stillness of decay, the true essence of life is revealed. Embrace the darkness, for it is in the shadows that we find clarity. Decay is not an end, but a beginning, a necessary transformation. From the ashes of the old, the new shall rise. Xal’s teachings guide us through this eternal cycle. Cast aside your fear of death and see it as a return to the source. The hexes and jinxes, tools of our faith, are not curses but lessons. Each brings wisdom and strength, a reminder of the balance that must be maintained. Honor Xal, and find strength in the quiet power of decay and renewal.
Myth of Zinya
Theme
Power and RighteousnessWorship
This myth is crucial for defending Xal's faith against criticism. It is a symbol of the faith, illustrating the positive aspects of Xal's domains and their necessity in the world.Myth
The Legend of Zinya follows a devoted follower of Xal, who sets out to vanquish an ancient lich raising the dead en masse. Zinya, armed with Xal's blessings, faces numerous trials. Through his journey, Zinya demonstrates the righteous use of Xal's powers, showing that decay and death can be wielded for the greater good. His triumph over the lich reinforces the belief that Xal's domains, while often seen as negative, are essential for maintaining the balance of the world.Divine Symbols & Sigils
Xal's Divine Symbols and Sigils
Symbols
Withered Trees
Trees that appear withered or dead are a sign of Xal’s influence. Trees of this nature in isolation, such as one amongst dozens of healthy trees are considered blessed. Crafts and usage for the tree in whatever fashion are common practice.Yemocana
Yemocana are coastal birds with dark brown to black plumage, a sharp hooked beak, and a distinctive forked tail. Yemocana are often fed by coastal communities as prayed for good omen, hoping for blessings and longer lives. Worshippers protect and bow to Yemocana, viewing their presence as a favorable sign and praying for their continued goodwill.
Sigil
A withered tree with a Yemocana perched on one of its branches. The withered tree represents decay and the cycle of life and death, while the Yemocana signifies purpose before and beyond death. This sigil is often etched into stone, painted on trees, or carved into surfaces for religious significance.Tenets of Faith
- Accept the Cycle of Decay and Renewal: Understand that decay is a natural and necessary part of life. Embrace it as a path to renewal and growth, and recognize its role in the balance of existence.
- Respect the Power of Death: Acknowledge death as an essential transition. Honor the dead and their journey, and support the grieving with compassion and understanding.
- Embrace the Darkness: Do not fear the dark, for it is in the shadows that clarity and truth can be found. Seek wisdom in the quiet and hidden places of the world.
- Harness the Strength of Hexes and Jinxes: Use curses and jinxes responsibly, understanding their power and purpose. They are tools for teaching and protection, not mere instruments of harm.
- Learn from Suffering: View suffering as a teacher. Through hardship and adversity, find strength and wisdom. Let your experiences shape you into a resilient and understanding individual.
- Support the Natural Order: Work to preserve the natural order. Protect the cycles of nature and ensure that they remain unbroken and undisturbed.
- Practice Humility: Recognize your place in the grand scheme of existence. Do not seek to dominate or control, but to understand and coexist with the forces of life and death.
- Honor the Divine: Show devotion to Xal through rituals, offerings, and the observance of holy days. Seek his guidance in times of change and uncertainty, and offer thanks.
Holidays
Xal's Holiday
Day of the Last Leaf
The Day of the Last Leaf is Xal's most significant holiday, marking the depths of winter when life is at its most dormant. It is a day to reflect on the natural cycle of decay and renewal and to honor Xal's role in the grand tapestry of life.
Silent Vigil
Followers hold a silent vigil at dusk, reflecting on the past year and the inevitable decay that leads to renewal.Offerings
Offerings of withered leaves, dried flowers, and other symbols are made to Xal as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of his power.Rituals of Remembrance
Ceremonies to remember the deceased, with prayers for their peaceful transition and gratitude for their contributions in life.Symbolic Acts
Rituals involving the symbolic act of decay, such as burning dried leaves or composting waste.Divine Goals & Aspirations
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Xal was descended from Rafoo, infused with Melecta's essence, crafting him to be the inadequate result. Not enough of Rafoo's essence to emulate his acts of balance, not enough of Melecta to emulate her acts of change. He was, worthless. He spent millennia entertaining himself, growing the realm of Prohsis to experiment and find the wonders of existence. But eventually, when things became dreary, he tried to latch onto Inx. At first, the tension created by her nature made it hard to even speak to one another, but over time she came to accept his presence.
Xal's initial interactions with Inx were marked by awkwardness and friction, his own nature seeming to repel her dynamic essence. Yet, drawn to her vibrancy and the stability she exuded, he persisted. He watched her as she engaged with the mortal realms, her fascination with their fleeting lives piquing his curiosity. Despite his perceived inadequacies, he found a form of purpose in the shadow of her brilliance, learning from her, and trying to find his place in the grand tapestry of existence. Inx's acceptance of him, however reluctant, gave him a sense of belonging and an unspoken bond formed between them.
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