Rituals Of Oblivion I
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Rituals of Oblivion I
Author: Izrem Verin'Vlos
Foreword:
The words here in are designed as directions for those that are seeking to learn more about Oblivion. They are not intended to be acts to take part in "just for fun", as they will not impart the proper lesson and may, in some cases, appear disturbing to those that do not understand their meaning.
Furthermore, many of these rituals were designed by and for the Order of the Ebon Skull. As a result some of the rituals may not prove ideal or even necessary for one who seeks Oblivion, but not its cult.
While changes to the rituals should be minimal, some might be needed for those who fall into the above category. I shall endeavor to make these rituals reflect that possibility.
Introduction:
In accordance with the path to Peace, as it outlined in the teachings of Oblivion, there is a path that one takes down their road on the way to enlightenment. As the rituals correspond with a certain aspect of enlightenment, they are divided into sections by which aspect they are closely related to.
1st Path: Entropy
The teachings of Entropy tells us that all things we put our pride in will eventually fail, fade and be burned away.
The rituals of Entropy:
Pyre of Release
The affects of Entropy are sometimes hard to see at a quick enough pace to be observed by most. This ritual gives all who take part a chance to see how their worldly ambitions can burn away with ease.
1) A pyre is constructed of wood and kindling. The meat and hides of animals can be added as a burnt offering, though this isn't required. The pyre is then lit aflame.
2) The ceremony head gathers the participants and stands between them and the fire.
3) The ceremony head addresses those gathered saying, "With pride we build up ourselves and our possessions."
"With pride we exalt ourselves in what we have accomplished."
"It is only once we see what we destroyed to make what we take pride in, do we see our pride for the arrogance that is really is."
"Too soon, what someone else has made, has another torn down."
"We must remind ourselves that things we build are destined to fail. In time, all shall fall victim to Entropy and shall rot."
"Let this flame be a signal, to our very souls, of how what we have gained, at the cost of another, is just as easily lost."
4) After speaking these words, the ceremony head shows an item that is of some level of importance to him or her. It need not be a family heirloom or something of incalculable value, but still of some worth to the holder. The head describes what it is and why it is important to him or her. The ceremony head then tosses the item into the flames to be burned and destroyed (or at very least deeply tarnished).
5) At this time, the ceremony head offers others to observe this action and to do likewise, if they do not understand the words spoken. The ceremony head should explain words can just be words, therefore only in action will they see Entropy for themselves.
Note: While it is recommended that a cleric of Oblivion carries out this ritual, any who are true in their desire to teach others may perform it.
Pilgrimage to a Path's End
An overt act of Entropy is not always enough to convince some that decay is forever occuring.
(Un)Fortunately, our history is replete with examples of this fall. This ritual requires the teacher/ceremonial head to have some knowledge of the place they seek to bring their gatherers.
The teacher of this ritual brings his or her group to the ruins of a fallen nation or empire. An often-used favorite is Stormhaven. Once one of the most powerful and influential nations in Sosoria, it is now little more than a burnt out husk, with the delapidated remains of the Hungry Halfling nearby. This ritual is useful when the teacher/ceremony head lacks either time and/or the resources to construct a pyre. It is also a chance to put the history of Sosoria to good use. Something that is done very rarely in this day and age.
2nd Path: Equalization Many harbor the belief that their station in life makes them somehow better than others and traps them in an arrogance that strangles enlightenment from their souls.
To recognize the true value of others and their wisdom, it becomes necessary to lower yourself to the lowest level, that you may learn what they have to say.
While you will find many have little to say to you that is of any value, you will learn that there was more to the world than you had thought.
The rituals of Equality:
A Slaves Journey
The classic expression of this step was to become a literal slave of the Order of the Ebon Skull or one of its subsidiary cults. In that time you speak when spoken to, do as you are told and, most important, listen to the words that you are given. This is the time where you soak up the sum total knowledge of those who have come before you. Your fellow slaves may be elf, drow, human, orc or other creatures. Some may have been rich others poor. They will have come from everywhere, yet now they will stand beside you, learn with you and work with you. You will tread the path of Oblivion together.
For those outside the cult, it is unwise to enslave yourself to one who is uninitiated in the ways of Oblivion, as they will teach you nothing, but require everything of you. Instead, commit yourself wholly to a single idea and serve it completely. Even the virtue of Humility will function as a surrogate, as it will require you to lower yourself below others. If you choose a worldly cause, then give your all to it, assisting others before yourself and paying attention to their needs and worries first, then your own. In this way, you can learn that your heart is not the only one that beats to the tune that permeates all of Sosoria.
You will learn that we are all stuck together.
In Memoriam
This ritual is often best carried out in Felucca or some other places that has the scent of death upon it.
There is often the impression in this world that "He who dies with the most things, wins." Whether these "things" be assets, virtues, or personal glory. But there is a saying that counters that one. "He who dies with the most things, is still dead."
Find a lone gravestone and watch it. Watch and see if anyone comes to visit it.
Go up to that gravestone and see if the name can still be read. Does that name mean anything to you?
This ritual is designed to show one thing and one thing only. We all die.
One day, we shall cease to be. Even if you leave a large statue as proof of your existance, it shall fall, just as empires do.
If that does not matter to you, then you are consumed by the shallowness of your nature.
Looks upon the gravestone and imagine your name upon it. If you died now, 10 years from now, would anyone visit your grave? The sum total of life is zero in a world governed by Entropy. Once one understands this, they have understood Equality in its truest form.