Codex of Oblivion 4
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Codex of Oblivion 4
Author: Izrem Verin'Vlos
The Convergence-----
"I am what came before and what shall come. I stand at the point where all passes through and in my wake flows the endless sea of Oblivion." -Lich Lord Darrien Church
If Entropy is the rising
action of the story that
is reality and Oblivion is
the resolution and final
scene, the Convergence is
the climax. It is that
most sacred and holy
moment where reality
crosses over into
non-existence and all that
is imperfect and prone to
stagnation is forever
purged of its weakness
and cast into the endless
ocean of purity. The
Convergence is the focus
of the Order of the
Ebon Skull and its
primary drive. It is the
last breath of an ending
life, the final flicker of
a dying light. It is the
moment of translation
from the rough and
regrettable taint of
failure in life, to the
enduring peace of Oblivion.
There is no moment more
blissful or divine than the
passing. That perfect
moment of release.
1) Arcane Element-------- The Convergence is not a process or a state of being so much as a sudden and distinctive moment of time. As the final work of Entropy breaks down the last of a substance to its final form and flings it into Oblivion's embrace it reaches a sudden moment of Unmaking the unweaves the very fabric of reality and dispels it into nothingness as it enters into the Void. Yet this final unmaking is not a mild nor inauspicious event. The release of energy from the final destruction of matter is nigh incalculable as the substance experiences its last fleeting moment of actuality. And it is from this power that so much of the strength of the Ebon Skull is pulled. While it is certainly a prevailing artifact of chaos, more than anything else, the Ebon Skull represents that cross over and can channel that impossibly massive power to the ends of those who wield it. Unlike the directed and chaotic power of Entropy, the energy released by the Convergence is not aspected towards a particular end. It has no focus, as its purpose is already finished. Therefore it can be wielded in any number of ways to great affect, though there is a theoretical limit. Again, the Convergence is a moment of time, not a state of existence. As of such, that power remains only with the moment before it is swallowed by Oblivion and is no more.
Therefore using it to maintain fields or wards becomes extremely difficult as that wisp of incredible power soon passes away as quickly as it came. While there are some methods to channel each new spark of energy released in each Convergent action, such projects require an immense undertaking of skill, resource and time that can tie up the wealth of even the most developed of nations. Be that as it may, many a mage within the Order turn to the Covergence as their Central Draw. The casting of spells requires only a moments focus and the limitless power provided never fails to grant the petioner their due.
However, the ability to even perceive this power falls behind mortal comprehension. Indeed it often requires interaction with an incredibly powerful scion or artifact of Oblivion in order to have ones eyes opened.
Indeed it was by baptism in the stygian flame of the Ebon Skull that some of the Order have received the seed of understanding required to wield the power of the Convergence.
Perhaps one of the most interesting facets of this moment of release are the messages sent into reality by Oblivion. Like every sudden release of energy their is a shockwave. The "boom" from an Explosion spell or the revolt of the earth beneath ones foot in the Earthquake incantation are examples of this shockwave. Yet to those trained to listen there is more to the moment of Convergence than a simple release of energy. There is a message. It is hypothesized that it is through these "messages" that Oblivion chooses its Lich Lords and communicates through the Ebon Skull. The echoes of that which is cast into the Convergence is more than the the deathknell of the subject. It is Oblivion's moment to speak with those who know how to hear it. There is no sound within Oblivion itself, but there are moments of understanding present in that instant where existence ceases to be and nothingness takes hold. It often fell to the eldritch capacity of the "Nameless One" to hear such calls, though his or her mortal senses were shattered. In time, other forms of prophets have emerged. And it is through these moments and these prophets, lich lords and artifacts that the Order holds a connection to Oblivion. A connection that binds us to its will and to completing the work begun at the beginning.
2) Theology--------------- The Convergence is that perfect moment of cleansing that takes the stuff of our souls and transforms it into a flame that burns hotter than any time before. Where Entropy is existence and Oblivion is the hope for tomorrow, the Convergence is the moment where the cleansing, fluidity and purpose of Entropy gives way to the eternal peace, equality and freedom of Oblivion. It is a sudden and instant change that cannot be compared to anything ever experienced in the mere and limited scope of mortality. Whereas the unmaking of Entropy seeks to constantly tear down the firmaments produced by mortal hands the Convergence is an act of unmaking that permanently and irrevocably ends that which is brought into its moment. It must do so as there can be no return from that which does not exist.
The Convergence is as far reaching as Entropy and as certain as Oblivion on both a cosmic as well as personal level. It is the natural Order that all things be sent to Oblivion in time. And it is only through the Convergence that reality can pass into nothingness.
We would be fools as to believe that this process could be halted or undone. It was a divergence, of sorts, that brought about the shards and Sosoria. It is the Convergence that shall unify it all once more. And into that role steps the Order of the Ebon Skull. Purveyors of unity, that seek to shepherd all into their place in the proper order of things. Not for the sake of personal gain or pride, but to grant all their much deserved rest from the otherwise neverending cycle of pain that existence offers.
The Convergence is release. The gate that all pass through on their way to Oblivion's Peace. It is that moment that frees you and the moment that washes away all the iniquity of a life now gone.
Furthermore, the Convergence is necessary. It is a moment of keen understanding that prepares the mind and soul to accept what is to come next. What Oblivion has to offer is far too much for mortal discernment to grasp a hold of. It is only by reaching this moment that many can come to see the necessity of Oblivion.
It is the servants of the Ebon Skull that have been given this realization before their time to pass through the veil has come. Though it is an imperfect knowledge, it is a working knowledge. Last, the Convergence is final. There is no stepping back from what has been learned. There is no undoing what has been seen. Forevermore does knowledge change us. So too are we forever changed by our understanding of the Convergence. Because we understand this finality, we approach it with reverence and willingness to accept what is to come.
-Continued in Volume 5-